Undeath and Rebirth

Noble Savage marched up to the dry plains of the wilderness, where his traitorous prisoner baked under the sun, Natural Selection all but crucified. A brutal punishment reserved for the worst of the tribe. It had been years since he condemned anyone to such a barbaric fate since the tribal chief wished to leave the darker parts of their violent history behind.

He watched the proud, naked warrior intently as vultures circled overhead, ready to pick at flesh. But the moment they detected his foul stench, the large scavengers squawked in repulse and flew away. Bile black blood oozed from the wounds of the reanimated corpse. After the last droplet spilled, the pariah would finally expire.

The elderly zebra stallion glanced at the setting sun. A beautiful canvas of colors painted the sky. He imagined parts of it were blood red because, without bloodshed, his clan wouldn't have survived the wilds.

Natural Selection stirred, locking eyes with Noble Savage. The zebras continued to glare at each other until the hunter broke the silence. "So, you've come to mock me more? Perhaps another lecture on what I’ve lost?"

“Asili,” Noble sighed with a shake of his head. He stood fully naked, having participated in the tribe's ritual orgy, his half-erect cock still slick. "I hold no pity for the dead. Only those who have thrown away their honor out of avarice and-"

"Oh, would you spare me the sermon, old man? I'd rather rot in peace," he spat back. "If you want to talk about losing honor, you should look in a mirror! My crimes can hardly compare to the disrespect our ancestors must feel after you sold our rich tradition for the comforts of a civilization run by machines!"

“I seek the betterment of our tribe,” Noble rebutted. “To build a better future for our kin. You may not believe this, but I wish you were a part of it. You were supposed to be our greatest warrior, next in line to take my mantle! But now…” His glare softened, relishing the memories of their friendship and comradery before looking away. “…you’re only a husk of who you once were, Asili.”

The deathly hunter scoffed, hardening his gaze. “At least I stayed true to myself to the bitter end. Dead or alive, I would want no part of this sullied future. You’ve gone soft, Mshenzi! And you will bring further ruination should you continue to rule our tribe!”

“Then you hold no regrets for your decisions in life?” Their attention turned to Ebony Ivory, who voiced her question when she strolled to Noble’s side. Like him, she stood nude, caked in sweat after a recent romp with a few tribesmen. Natural Selection noted a few stray beads of semen that matted her fur.

“Good,” the female zebra said, holding nothing but contempt for her former mate. “I will not allow scoundrels and deserters to prosper under my reign!”

Natural returned the glare. "Ahh… it’s that time."

Ebony Ivory nodded, rubbing her midsection, which shimmered with a yonic sigil. "It is my responsibility as the next leader to sire strong warriors to succeed after me. Only the most worthy stud's seed will fertilize my womb at the time of my choosing." She shivered, feeling all the packed sperm swim inside her, unable to claim her ovaries until the spell allowed it. "Noble is the last one who hasn't taken me today."

The zebra stallion widened his eyes. “Wait! But then I-"

The tribe chief nodded once more. "Once we’ve bled you of all that tainted blood, you will die, and no part of you will live on. Nyeusi’s children will carry out the tribe's legacy. Consider this your true punishment, Asili.”

Ebony leaned into Noble's hungry kiss, her bare striped flesh pressed to him, one of his palms drifting down to squeeze one of her muscular asscheeks. He wrapped an arm around her neck to hold her close, then aimed his dark stallionhood at her winky, wet entrance. She moaned when he penetrated her.

Noble grunted with each hammering thrust. It was his opportunity, too. To see whether his seed would claim her.

"Damn you," snarled Natural, mocked by the act as his former ruler claimed his ex. "Bad enough, the both of you have betrayed our traditions in a foolish attempt to 'modernize'! Dependence on foreign technology will be the death of our tribe's identity! Mark my words, heretic! The spirits won't be pleased!"

"It's not to mock you," reminded Noble, who huffed as the zebra mare rocked her hips back into his brutish pummeling. "Simply to let 'natural selection' take its course..."

Ebony panted under him; her pierced breasts bounced under each push. She reached back to rub her leader's cheek, clenched around him between wanton moans. His lips caressed her shoulder, his other hand feeling her painted stomach.

Noble’s swollen orbs smacked into her clit. And, with one last ‘plap,’ he buried all his length inside, penetrating past her cervix. He hissed upon climax, firing hot white ropes directly into Ebony’s uterus. The younger huntress screamed out her own pleasure and soaked him. She looked to her belly, slightly rounded with how much of her tribe’s essence she had taken.

But the zebra mare knew she wasn’t done just yet, for she desired one more worthy stud to participate in this ritual…

Noble withdrew with a sated sigh, the last spurts of his cum splattering her buttocks. He'd packed her full, helped her stand with him, and landed a couple soft pats on her striped ass. "Go. Return to the tribe," he whispered. "Have fun while you still can. The seeds of our future are now buried within you."

"Yes," replied Ebony, aware such opportunities would be denied once she took the mantle of the tribe's head warrior. Significantly after her belly swelled with life. The rest of her lifespan would be dedicated to the clan's betterment. Stroking her leader’s cheek, she admitted, “I wish it had not come to this so soon..."

"As do I," Noble agreed, his mind distant. It wasn't like him to be consumed by indecision, but he wondered whether he'd made the best decision. And what had become of the zebra princesses? Had their father, Kifalme Moja, betrayed them to better his nation?

Ebony kissed him, took one last look at Natural Selection, and then headed home. Her hips and tail swayed on the way back to the settlement, hot seed left to leak from her well-used slit.

Wherever she turned, mares and stallions bred to the sounds of drums. The beats mixed with the slap of wet flesh and moans, the children and elderly sent away for the moment. Bone decorations tingled in the wind, suspended from simple yet sturdy huts.

However, they were contrasted by several machines, which included an automated well. They had helped feed their people and provided tools that made their clan less reliant on back-breaking work, not to mention less of their hunters were lost on the plains, thanks to advanced weaponry reserved for those Noble decided were suited to handle them. Best of all, their territories expanded much more rapidly than before since their numbers increased.

How could any of this be bad? No way would their proud people be absorbed into the Emperor’s Zebrican Empire! Surely, Natural Selection was just being stubborn, right?

Ebony cast her doubts towards the ground. While she despised what her ex had become, his concerns were also her own. The rise of technology came with the risk of losing their innate connection to nature. The proud huntress wouldn’t allow that to tarnish. Thus, her hasty decision to begin the fertility ritual early.

She exhaled her woes and approached her hut. The structure rocked, packed full with zebra stallions, who worked over a pair of familiar crystal mare twins from all directions. For half the day, the coral pink siblings had taken dick-after-dick to quench their thirst. The half-succubi stroked and sucked off thick, dark cocks, which repeatedly stretched and filled all their holes.

Spank marks lined their tits, thighs, and buttocks, slammed between the tribesmen, their squishy curves soaked and sticky with cum. "More," demanded Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse when darkened dicks exited their cum-filled mouths, a similar trail mixed with saliva tethered from their luscious lips. "Don’t go limp on us now! How do you keep your mares in line~?"

“G-Gaagh," cried one young warrior when they bit and scratched at them. "These bitches need to settle down!" He hooked the solitary horn of Foal-Bearer, her face drawn into his crotch as he skullfucked her, a blur of hips and muscles each time his stallionhood breached her entire throat.

He yelped as her sharp nails raked minor cuts across his chiseled buttocks. Digits coiled into the facefucked mare's soft pink bob cut as he attempted to choke her on his cock, his muscled hips a blur. "Grr, take it all, you slutty cunt!"

Her eyes glimmered in delight when she gargled his precum, the half-devils able to bring out the more animalistic side of anyone they mated with. Nor did they have to worry about a gag reflex anymore, their strength, stamina, and durability enhanced, able to take the roughest degrading treatment that the virile studs mercilessly dished out to sate their own base, violent passions.

Wet Nurse's lower holes gaped after a pair of stallionhoods barely separated by a thin layer of flesh between her asshole and cunt, exited in a geyser of splooge that cascaded from the wrecked, stretched orifices, so pleasantly sore the twins whorishly moaned from shared joy.

Her pussy winked rapidly, spraying a mixture of squirts and cum, quickly replaced by more zebras that hilted those unfilled canals simultaneously. She shrilly, sensuously shrieked, skewered.

"These harlots are equal parts sadistic and masochistic," yelled another as Wet Nurse wrapped her spaded tail around his testicles and squeezed while he pounded into her asshole. "F-fuck!" The pain spurred him to thrust harder.

"A shame Noble Savage outlawed some of the old ways when he claimed the tribe," said another, his mind on more rough times before he'd even been born. However, oral history made sure it was passed on. "I'd love to keep these two silly sluts as our personal breeding sows!"

Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse tittered around the dicks devilishly shoved down their mouths, rewarded due to their succubi nature with euphoric chemicals induced by the pain, humiliation, and domination inflicted on them returned with fervent, playful sadism as all their holes were stretched wide.

Their devilish eyes shimmered, and stomachs swelled out from a cocktail of mixed loads pumped into them by the train of studs that tried to ride them to exhaustion. Yet after a few rounds, many of the stallions tapped out, while the well-creamed sisters seemed no more sated than before.

Foal-Bearer spat out another spent shaft, and more black horsecocks slapped across her face, cheeks, and body. "C’mon! Scramble our eggs with your hot cream~!" Another zebra pushed her into a mating press, two massive cocks shoved into her slick velvet pussy at once by another impatient stud. Wet Nurse joined her chorus of moans, also double-stuffed to her core by more warriors inspired to swell their bloated bellies more.

Ebony observed for a moment to ensure the twins were safe, but her concern turned more to her tribe, unable to keep up with the half-succubi after they repeatedly screwed them. Driven by demonic instinct, the twins sought worthy studs to tame them. And as their disappointment grew, they turned that fury on the zebras to spur the warrior studs on.

Another cock exited Foal-Bearer's mouth and slapped her across the face, splattered in more spunk as a mouthful oozed from her lips in dollops to splatter on her heavy pastel pink titties. "Was that supposed to be your best," she taunted at the drained stud, rocked between two more entombed in her lower holes under and behind her. "A real stud is supposed to fuck his mares into submission~! So fuck me harder!"

Similarly, Wet Nurse used her one bat wing to draw in a tuckered-out zebra. "Come on," she hissed between sharp teeth as the sisters' intertwined female symbol cutie marks glowed. "Break us! Ravish us! Split us in half! Ruin our holes and fill our wombs, you pathetic whelps~!"

Their mouths were filled with fresh cocks; more spunk fired into them and rained over their skin.

Ebony had never seen this side of the usual kind and demure twins. No doubt an effect of their half-succubi nature and their inability to return to the mansion to recuperate. The huntress hoped that by letting every stallion here fucked them, the twins would finally quench their fire and return to normal, at least for a little while. But what if they wore out all her warriors first...?

Still, Ebony couldn’t deny that the scene was arousing, seeing Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse getting dog piled by virile black-and-white studs. Used solely as pleasure receptacles. Her hand traced her slick lips, cooing softly. When the zebra mare removed her fingers, she stared at the lubrication that webbed her digits. Aware she could do little to help the twins, she retreated from the hut and proceeded along her path.

Everywhere she looked, zebra stallions and mares indulged in their carnal lusts. A couple females, locked in a sweaty tryst, beckoned her over, but Ebony gently reclined to their visible disappointment. Fun as that would be, there was only one she needed to satisfy this peculiar itch.

The huntress also spotted Fleur de Lis among the rowdy groups, naked with all her orifices speared. Beatrix had helped Ebony save this beautiful mare from Natural Selection..and Fleur had become an honorary member of the tribe, offered permission by Fancy Pants to tour here and save herself, while he no doubt had his own fill of the classiest mares back in their country.

The snow-white mare winked, unable to wave back with her hands wrapped around cocks, more buried in her cunt, ass, and throat. Again, the temptation to spend some intimate time with the lovely, model-esque unicorn crept in. Instead, Ebony smiled, waved, and continued her search.

Arriving at the guest hut, Ebony expected the caprine warrior to have a bed full of zebra mares resting after hours of passionate rutting. But to her surprise, she found the ram using a stray branch to do pull-ups for each arm. His muscular body was swathed in sweat, but more likely due to how intensely he had been working out.

Realizing she was getting distracted, she called, "Dion?"

The Ram looked back and gave a strained smile. “Oh, hello there!” He greeted before letting go and landing on the ground with a thump.

Ebony bit her lip as he turned around, taking in the caprine’s barrel torso, sculpted abs, and large arms. Truly, a marvel of masculine beauty. With an awkward cough, the zebra mare said, “I’m surprised you’re not participating in our festivities!”

Dion chuckled. “Aye, normally A'd indulge. But Ah gotta keep on top ov myself fur what's ahead. Retake th' mansion, deal wit this Mortis, his followers, th' Vice Lords, an' anyone else bold enough tae attack mah family!” The burly ram huffed, taking a rag to wipe away the perspiration rolling across his bulk.

His statement earned a warm smile from the zebra huntress, confident in her decision. “I admire your tenacity. But you’re supposed to be relaxing,” reminded Ebony, motioning for him to sit on the bed. He did just that, watching curiously as she bent down to open a drawer, ogling her ample striped posterior. She even gave a tentative wiggle before pulling up with a bottle of body oil.

Ebony hopped onto the bed and knelt behind his back, rubbing the lotion into her palms before massaging the ram’s chiseled back and shoulders. Dion let out gruff groans whenever she loosened stuck knots in his tense muscles.

“Aww, that’s th' spot! Mmmmmm~!”

Ebony’s grin widened, applying the body oil with a stroking technique while purposefully pressing her ample breasts into his back. The caprine warrior quivered, feeling those pierced nipples poke into his hardened flesh.

“Heh. If Ah didn’t know any better, A’d say ye’re tryin' tae butter me up!”

The zebra mare playfully tittered, “Whatever would give you that idea~?”

“Well, Ah can think ov two hefty reasons. Either ye’ve come fur pleasure… or fur purpose.”

“It’s both,” she teased with a breathy whisper. “We are destined to become the future leaders of our respective tribes. I only see it fit that I pamper you for all your hard work~.”

“Nah, Ah get that enough wit th' twins alone,” the ram snickered before rolling his shoulders. With a pleasant sigh, he sat up and turned to face her. “We’ve both been workin' hard fur our right tae rule.”

Ebony’s face lit up, eyes shifting from his handsome mug and the stiff cock growing between his black wooly thighs. When Dion applied lotion to his palms, she nodded and laid flat on her stomach. It was the zebra’s turn to receive some thorough rubbing, cooing, and mewling once he layered her back and buns with the cool liquid until her body sheened under the orange-red glow outside. She continued to moan, head resting on folded arms.

“Sae,” Dion said, releasing a breath. "What are yer immediate plans?"

"I'm not sure," Ebony groaned softly. "Noble plans to modernize our tribe, for he believes our people will perish should we keep purely to our traditions. The world around us continues to ‘evolve’ while we remain tethered to the past."

"Aye, this place is a wee bit static,” concurred Dion, who ground his knuckles along the ridge of her spine. The huntress sang out as relief gave way from the loosened knots in her mid-back. “But ye shouldn't throw out th' old ways either. All this ‘advanced’ tech shite can’t compare tae th' thrill ov battle. Nor th' honor ov comin' home knowin' ye’ve protected yer kin.”

A sad smile crossed her, glancing up at him. "You almost sound like Natural Selection. Make of him what you will; he was an honorable warrior. Once…”

“A true warrior doesn’t weigh the value ov his own pride wit th' ones he loves,” rebutted Dion. “If ye ask me, ye deserve better. Someone ov heart, strength, an' spirit that compliments yer status!”

“… and what if I already found him~?”

The warrior ram paused his massage as his pale cheeks colored with red, much to the zebra huntress’ amusement. Giggling, she said, “Don’t act so surprised, Dion. I can feel how hard you are back there~!” She lifted her hips slightly to wobble her supple ass against his thick red rod, making him groan huskily. “Wet Nurse and Foal-Bearer also told me how you stood up to my former mate when he aimed his spear at me while unconscious. That scored you a couple of brownie points.”

“A-ahhh! Aww, c’mon, Ebony. Anyone would have done th' same,” the flustered ram stammered. “Now out wit it, lass! What’s this all about?”

The zebress laughed. “Okay, I’ll tell you… after I’ve gotten a taste of your cock~.”

Dion’s breathing became heavy, beyond compelled and aroused by the alluring huntress. He shuffled off the bed and went to her front, his member throbbing with anticipation. Smiling coyly, Ebony pressed her snout into the ram’s fat cum tanks, inhaling his intoxicating musk while dragging her tongue along the underbelly.

After a few delicate kisses and suckles, the zebra mare took half her lover’s cock into her maw and began bobbing along in a steady rhythm. All while making messy slurping noises and her best pair of ‘fuck me’ eyes.

“Aaah, f-fuck!” grunted Dion, eyes squeezed tight as he relished the way her mouth and tongue wrapped around his meaty shaft. His ecstasy heightened when the zebress swallowed him whole, snout kissing his scrotum.

“Mmmppphf! Gghhawck! Buuwagh~!!”

Ebony spat him out to take a massive gulp of air before gulping the ram’s wet dick back down her throat. Not to be outdone, Dion stuffed his fingers into his mouth and leaned over the lubed zebra mare, who kept her round rump hiked in the air.

The ram smacked her sweat-sheened buttocks, then rubbed his wet fingers into her equally dripping marehood, stroking her labia. The zebra mare’s moans were muffled by the sizeable pulsating dick lodged down her throat. Her own hands cupped and squeezed his hefty breeding bag, weighing them to estimate the volume of foal batter Dion would give her.

Upon feeling her lover’s shaft twitch inside her mouth, Ebony pulled off Dion’s freshly slobbered knob, tongue lapping up the tasty, salty pre leaking out the tip.

“Awfurfuxake, Ah was close,” he whined, his orgasm slowly subsiding.

Ebony tittered, giving each swollen orb an apologetic kiss while slowly pumping his spit-covered cock. “But I have a better place for you to plant all that delicious seed~.”

Dion cocked an eyebrow as his zebra lover shuffled onto her back, parting her legs and running a hand down the slope of her breasts to her rune-embedded navel.

“You might have noticed this when I walked in,” she elaborated through heavy pants. “I’m currently undergoing a ritual of fertility. For it to complete, my womb must be claimed by a worthy suitor. I’ve taken every male in my tribe… but there’s one more warrior I want to impregnate me~.”

The ram hitched his breath, and his crimson eyes widened. “A-are ye sure? Won’t yer tribe be furious if we-“

“They can take it up with me if they can’t stomach that a lone ram was victorious in concurring my womb,” assured Ebony, her pussy inflamed and winking at the mere thought of her chosen champion accomplishing such a feat. And Dion definitely liked his chances.

The sturdy ram crawled back onto the bed, gazing lovingly down at the beautiful huntress, who offered him her aching hole.

“Ah guess, in a way, this union will strengthen both our clans?” Dion pondered once he climbed atop Ebony, his hot red rod bumping against her juicy marehood.

“Mmmnh~! That too,” she cooed, wiggling down to push his cock into her entrance. “But this is mostly for me. I love my tribe, but I don’t want some random stallion’s cum. I need a true warrior to fertilize my womb. My heart isn't so easily swooned. Not after Natural’s betrayal…”

“Aye, ye’ve got that right,” Dion whispered huskily, taking hold of his shaft to fully sheathe the female warrior, who exhaled in bliss when he sank cervix-deep. “Yer not a prize tae be won, Nyeusi. An' Ah ain’t beddin' no broodmare. Ye will have all th' love Ah can give as a warrior… an' a man.”

Tears rained down the happy huntress’s face, unable to contain her joy as she pulled the ram's face into a kiss. She replied, “So passionate, feverous, and kind..." upon parting lips. "This is why I’ve chosen you. Now… mate with me~!”

Completely enraptured, the virile ram wasted no time getting into sweet baby-making with the proud huntress. His mouth covered her moans, her hands running over his head and shoulder. Ebony could feel those oversized balls ‘plap’ into her ass with each deep thrust, churning with a fresh batch of cum to mix with the rest of the masculine concoction stored deep within her.

But unlike her tribesmen, Dion took ample time in making sure Ebony felt every inch of his thick shaft reshape her love tunnel, trying to make her his woman. An action she would so happily grant should the caprine succeed in fathering her children.

Dion slid his hands down to secure the zebra mare’s hips. Slightly lifting her by the waist, he suddenly changed pace, hammering her with short, quick, bursts that made the bed shake. Ebony arched her back and screamed in delight, her tits wobbling and legs locked in place.

“Yeeeeessss~! Fuck fuck fuck fuck! Beat that pussy into submission~!!”

“Yeah? Whose pussy is this!?” the caprine gruffly said. “C’mon, tell me~!”

“Y-yours,” she wheezed out, eyes half glazed and tongue hanging out her mouth. “A-all of me is yours~!!”

Without skipping a beat, Dion pulled Ebony up to straddle his lap. She bounced atop his muscular hips, which humped to meet her while his hands kneaded and squeezed her jiggling buttocks.

They sloppily locked lips once more as their lovemaking turned into raw, frenzied rutting. Her cunt clenched around him while she rode with wild abandon, trying to milk all the virile cum stored in his fat balls.

On Dion’s part, a certain concern prodded at the back of his mind. Sure, Amarinth and Amethyst gave him permission to freely fuck as many mares as he desired, but would they accept it were he to father another's child?

They had sworn complete loyalty and submission to him. To the point, it sometimes made the caprine warrior uncomfortable. Yet the crystal twins always assured him it was what they wanted, content simply to be by his side.

No matter how often Dion told them not to call him 'master,' they sank back into old habits. Their eagerness to serve disturbed him, despite how much he loved them. Their recent change in behavior as half-succubi only added more concern for their well-being.

Nonetheless, he vowed to give them a life outside servitude. And if it meant breeding them with twice the amount of babies he was about to give Ebony, then Dion would gladly take responsibility. Always did fancy himself a big family man!

Thus, his attention returned to the mewling zebress, who lifted one of his palms to her bouncing breasts. Fixated, the ram groped and squeezed her mammaries together, tucking his head to suckle her wide, pierced nipples.

“A-aaahh~! Yes! That’s it, pull them!” she commanded. With a muffled groan, he obeyed, tugging her tits to distend her nubs. “Fuck! Breed me! Fill me up! Give me your cum~!!“

Ebony slammed down with such force Dion pierced past her cervix, battering the back of her slippery cum-filled womb. She squealed, milked his massive cock, and squirted over his lap while he reeled back and howled, “Fuck!”

Finally, his muscles went taut, and he fired load-after-load into her fertile core. Ebony’s shuddered and cried happily, feeling her caprine lover pump her entire uterus full. Her stomach slightly inflated more, making her look pregnant already.

Dion collapsed on his back, sweating more than he had worked out. Likewise, Ebony laid her exhausted body into his, curling in his strong arms. She listened to his steady heartbeat, a contented smile plastered on her snout.

It would only be a matter of time until Ebony undid the spell and allowed all the packed virile cum to try and inseminate her eggs. But of all the worthy males the huntress slept with, she had the utmost confidence the caprine warrior was her mate to be. And she prayed his seed would claim her fertile womb, against all odds.

The melody of a harp made Oona's ears flick when she stirred from her slumber. Once her eyes fluttered open, the azure sheep found herself back in her old bedroom, safe and sound. She half expected this to be a dream, that the entire rescue was just some vivid fantasy to cope with being Alma’s prisoner.

“Rise an' shine, mah beloved student~,” sang a motherly voice. Oona gasped, her eyes falling on the owner, who had been providing the harmonious ambiance. Plucking the strings of her harp was the Dream Weaver, Minerva. Her silky white hair braid fell behind her back, robes coiling around her thin frame. Her lower body is that of a spider, her front pair of legs aiding in playing her instrument.

Her large unblinking, sapphire blue eyes stared back at the caprine shamaness, a thin smile stretching her face.

“Minerva!” cried the shamaness, throwing off the blankets to waddle up and embrace her old mentor. An airy titter arose from the drider, who placed down her massive harp to return her student’s hug.

“It’s good tae see ye again, Oona,” she whispered softly, patting her shoulder.

“A’d thought A’d never be able tae,” sniffled the pregnant sheep woman, pulling away to get a good look at Minerva. She noticed many wrinkles and spots on her gray skin and dullness in her eight eyes, hinting at blindness.

“Sweet lucid dreams, ye’ve gotten sae old…” she murmured sadly.

“Pft! An' ye’ve gotten sae round,” the drider teased back, dismissing her comment while trailing her hand over Oona’s belly. “Sae warm an' full ov life. Yae could pop at any minute!”

The caprine’s cheeks colored, a twinge of guilt weighing down her heart. “Aye… a-about that-“

“A’m well aware ov who this child is… an' who fathered her,” said Minerva, her kindly smile disappearing. “Ah had hoped ye would have heeded mah warnings about th' Nightmare Stag. He was not tae be trusted!”

Lady Ewe’s ears drooped, pursing her lips. “F-forgive me, Tidsear. Ah didn't mean tae disrespect yer wishes. But Omen is not what he seems! He’s-”

“Yes, Ah know,” Minerva acknowledged. “It was he who alerted me wit one ov his prolific nightmares. Ah traced it back tae that abomination an' gave yer father th' means tae open a portal. It was hazardous, given th' state ov th' universe, thanks tae yer lover.”

“Y-ye know about that too..?”

The dream weaver nodded, her frown deepening. “Ye should have known better than tae meddle wit th' timeline. Enock has yet tae be reborn an' stabilize things! Ye both nearly brought about th' End ov Days by releasin' that infernal Burnin' King!”

“But we won!” countered the dream faun. “We fought against his forces, an' Beatrix tore him asunder wit a black hole! Ah wasn’t about tae lose Abadonna! I-“

Her argument was cut short by a sharp pain in her stomach, forcing Lady Ewe to kneel down and clutch her gravid tummy. Still, she gazed up tearfully at her mentor with steely determination. “We will amend th' chaos we’ve brought, Minerva. But right now, Ah need a moment tae breathe. At any point, Ah could have lost mah child… mah friends..!”

It pained Oona to know that Omen and Bellatrix couldn’t escape with her...but she reminded herself she was in no condition to help them.

Minerva’s scowl faded, realizing putting further stress and woes was not suitable for the unborn child within her womb. With a sigh, she relented, “Ye’re right, mah dear. A'm sorry. We can discuss this at a better time. Right now, let’s get ye cleaned up an' in some nicer threads.”

The elderly spider woman offered a hand, which Oona accepted to lift herself. Minerva guided her to a bath, stripping off the azure sheep’s tattered robes and gently washing away the filth and gory stench.

Lady Ewe mewled as her strain melted away in the heated water, her wooly white hair draped down her face while her mentor washed and rinsed her. Once she was thoroughly clean and dry, the dream weaver handed her a bright pink maternity gown to wear. Translucent fabric sleeves draped down her shoulders, her bountiful bosom comfortably contained while showing plenty of cleavage. The long skirt hung over her balloon-shaped belly. Finally, to complete her appearance, Minerva crowned her head with a wreath of daylilies.

“Beautiful,” the spider woman complimented. “Ye could easily pass as a fertility goddess~!”

Oona sheepishly laughed while admiring her reflection. If anything, she was almost a spitting image of her mother, looking at an old photograph. In it, Lord Haden and his pregnant wife hugged each other while she held a wee baby Dion close to her breasts. Seeing it again made the dream faun smile fondly. Oh, how she wished her brother and her lover were here…

“Ready tae go?” asked Minerva.

"Aye,” Oona nodded, hooking their arms together and stepping out of her cozy little cottage.

It felt like years had passed since Lady Ewe stood in the earthly landscapes of her homeland. The Isles of Parras remained lush with nature and magic, where the unity of factions resided. Dew speckled the floral and grass. A cool mist rolled around her hooves as they crunched the verdant soil. She could see the vast mountains that overlooked the sea under a clear blue sky.

And before the pair of dream mages stood the village settlement filled by the united factions of the Jakobson Clan. Rams, Ewes, Satyrs, Minotaurs, Halstaurs, Orcs, and Alpacas walked, worked, and lived among each other. Younglings played with crafted toys and silly games. The elderly ate at open tables, reminiscing of the golden years.

Upon seeing Oona, many gathered to welcome her home from every direction when making her way in. Their eyes fell in wonder on her swollen stomach.

“Mah mah, ye’ve gotten sae big!”

“When will ye be expectin'?”

“Who's th' lucky stud~?”

“Ah hope Lord Haden approves ov this…”

“Give her some space, ye buzzards,” Minerva firmly stated, swatting away a few nosy folks. “Ye’re overwhelmin' her!”

Lady Ewe tittered, replying to a few comments as they continued on their way. She thought of Dion and hoped the zebra lands matched such pristine beauty. She’d inform him about her safety the next time she took a nap. And Beatrix, if Omen wasn’t able to…

From above, the collection of islands resembled a caprine shape. The main village lay under a cliff that used to be a site for mining before it had been renovated to better sustain the inhabitants. Maybe here, she could start to heal and put all that wickedness behind her.

“Oona is that you!?”

The dream shamaness paused, recognizing that valley girl-esque voice as a female llama and two highland bull men approached. One minotaur was bright orange, the other a matted black. Both had a head of hair hooded over their eyes and a kelt covering their sculpted waists.

The alpaca wore a lavender poncho that contracted her bright blonde wool. Gold rings were fastened through the drapes, which jiggled with each sway of her slender, yet curvy figure. A long neck protruded out the hood, her bouncy mane covering one side of her face. Magenta eyes found honey brown, and her smile brightened, pulling the azure sheep into a tight hug.

“Aoife!” She squeaked, patting her shoulder.

“Oh, em gee! It’s been, like, forever!” The blonde llama stated, releasing her hold. “And look at you, filling out my dress so nicely!”

“Ye made this?”

“Duh! I’m, like, the head seamstress of the islands now!” Aoife flipped her long stylish mane while boasting a smug smile. “All the best fabrics and materials come to my shop. And business has kept me, like, pretty rich~!” She held a hand to highlight the expensively looking earrings that weighed down her ears.

“Ohh, how lovely! A’m happy tae hear ye’ve put yer sense ov fashion tae good use,” Oona tittered. At a young age, Aoife would regularly bully her for being plump. But the blonde alpaca mellowed out over the years and grew into a lavish lady with a vision for clothing. While not close friends, they were on excellent terms.

Lady Ewe gave a friendly wave to the towering minotaurs, who gave a quiet nod and left to continue their work.

“I also sprinkled a few suggestions to the orcs when it came to assembling our armor,” proclaimed the seamstress.

“Aye, that ye did,” came the voice of the boar commander, stomping his way with a piglet in his arm. “A wee bit girly fur mah taste, but marvelous work, lassie.

“Seamus!”

"Ahh, theres th' woman ov th' hour!” the pig man greeted, wrapping an arm around the gravid faun. “Got one cookin' in the oven, do Ye? Portia an' Ah just had our fifth. Say hello, Tomas.”

The baby orc squealed in response, making Oona giggle.

“Awww, such a cutie~!”

Seamus snorted. “Peh! He may be cute now, but he’ll grow tae be big an' burly, just like his old man!”

“Hopefully not too big an' ‘burly,’” Minerva teased, poking the pig man in his rotund gut.

Another pair of familiar faces walked towards Oona, who let out a delighted squee. “Trom! Suela!”

“Bless th' Sea Mither, ye're safe,” the plum-colored walrus captain exclaimed, lightly squeezing the dream faun. His selkie wife did the same, nuzzling her face. “We heard what happened! Ye must be traumatized!”

“A-A’m fine now,” assured the shamaness. “But th' other Mystics…”

"We held a funeral fur Storbjorn an' Gaoth,” Suela sadly stated. “Oh, it was such a splendor! Races from all over th' Lost World came tae attend it!"

“Save th' Deighdyr, understandably,” said Seamus. “Though Teran sent his condolences.”

"No doubt their sacrifice helped save th' multiverse," added Trom, a pipe in his mouth.

Oona solemnly nodded. "Ah wish Ah could have been there…”

“Don’t feel too hung up about it,” insisted Aoife. “New guardians of earth and air will rise to restore balance.” Turning to the sea mystics, the alpaca asked. “So, like, any potential candidates?”

“Nothing concernin' an earth guardian yet,” replied the selkie. “But Fidelma believes Saoirse would make a worthy replacement!”

“Th' golden harpy!?” The boarman harshly whispered, not wanting to wake his sleeping baby. “Th' old goat’s mind went out th' windae if she thinks that murderous raptor will agree tae become a guardian!”

“She’s not murderous, Seamus,” corrected Oona. “She’s just... reclusive an' doesn’t like people. But she’s an impeccable fighter. A’d say it’s worth a shot!”

“Mmm. Best hope she does come through, lad,” Trom concurred, puffing smoke. “A storm’s pickin' up, an' these islands will not know peace forever.”

Oona scrunched her snout. Had their victory risked the doom of every universe? Beatrix had rebooted it with the Prima Materia...but from what she heard from their allies, many universes were disastrously unstable. Not to mention Tatyana’s declaration of war. The vice lords would back her up if the Sovereign Witch came with a battalion of unicorn soldiers.

"There was one strange thing about Storbjorn an' Gaoth, though," said Trom, stroking his mustache. "It feels as if their souls remained tethered tae this here plain. Not like bitter revenants, but rather trapped out ov th' ether?"

"Some sort ov purgatory, we believe," added Suela, mouth curled in a frown.

"Oh no!" Could it be due to the influence of Mortis? Would Shadow Scythe be able to find their lost souls one day and send them to the aether like they deserved...?

“We can discuss this all later,” Minerva surmised. “It won’t be long until Oona goes into labor. An' all this talk ov war an' death is not helpin'!”

“Sorry…” they all said, heads hung low.

“Come, Oona. Yer father is waitin' fur you,” the drider urged, pulling her along towards the cliffside.

Reluctantly, the dream shamaness waved to her friends, thankful for their help. Without the aid of the Mystic Guardians, they could have died to the Burning King and his Vice Lords....or at the least, Beatrix and many of her friends may have sacrificed their lives to eke out a victory.

"Speakin' ov funerals..." Oona paused, relieved to see Demi-Trix was here. However, one of her plushies hadn't been so lucky. Shining (K)night was laid out on a small wooden boat, ready to be sent into the sea by Cherry Poptart, who mutedly sobbed, surrounded by pink cartoon hearts that were broken in half. She was stitched up all over, and the petite dancer plushie was also severely torn up in the middle of the battle by rabid hellhounds.

Lastly came Shade Sickle, her own stitched-up face half hidden by her hood. Cherry summoned a tiny bow and started to light the tip...before Shade planted a felt paw on her shoulder and shook her head. Oona and Demi-Trix watched, fascinated as the plush necromancer did her work. Her horn lit, cartoon skulls surrounded her, and wisps of darkness infused the boy plushie.

Shining (K)night's emerald eyes popped open, and the 'undead' plushie rose. A silent squeal burst from Cherry, who threw her tiny arms around him and Shade, her hearts restored.

"Woohoo," wheezed Demi-Trix as the butterfly-winged demi wiped her forehead. "Come here, you rascals!" She knelt and pulled the plushies that floated over her into her slender arms.

Oona shook her head with bemusement, thankful for some more happy news. Her homeland hadn't changed much. From what she recalled, the inhabitants still loved their fighting, drinking, lovemaking, and work. A place she knew Beatrix would love if she ever decided to settle down…

Of course, everyone had their fair share of work, but besides friendly skirmishes to test one's mettle, it was utterly peaceful here.

On the cliff's edge stood her father, looking out to sea. Minerva helped Oona move closer before skittering back, letting the two caprines have their moment.

Cautiously approaching the mountainous four-horned ram, Oona gently called out, “Athair.”

Lord Haden turned his head, his warm cherry red eyes betraying his stoic mask. “Nighean.”

The two stared longingly at each other as a faint wind brushed through their clothing. The azure sheep gave him a warm smile and started tittering. Then the old ram dropped his stern expression completely, chuckling.

What started as low giggles became full-hearted laughter as the shaman king lumbered towards his daughter and wrapped his muscular arms around her.

Joyous tears filled Oona’s eyes, burying her face into his shoulder. He'd risked so much, simply to take her back home. She had been away for years, barely believing she'd escaped the horrors of the mansion. And even though calamity continued to grow rampantly, her heart swelled with renewed hope in his warm embrace.

“At last, mah precious dream,” whispered Haden. “Ye've come home!”

Shadow Scythe stared at the endless squall cloaking the skies, thunder rolling with brief flashes of cerulean lightning. She and the others took shelter in what remained of the monastery ruins, one hallway and room left intact.

The reaper cast an icy gaze over all the demi-humans reduced to imps and cherubs to conserve power. An enchanted chain ensnared Arron and Seb to a stone buttress, Wispy informing the reaper of how dangerous they were. Zeloph was resting nearby, with Julianna doing routine checkups. The little nun hadn’t spoken or smiled since her fight with Moxxi, who was sulking on a broken ledge by a window.

Shadow Scythe pursed her lips, aware of their bitterness and that they needed a proper discussion. But before she could make her approach, Wispy came in and said, “She’s waking up!”

With a nod, the reaper mare followed her into a room where Eclipsed Heart was stirring on the bed. On a chair beside the frame, the raccoon dog girl that appeared out of nowhere was shivering, wearing a constant frightened expression.

“A-aniki…” she kept sniveling.

“H-hey hey!” The nekomata called, bending down to her level. “Take it easy there, kiddo. You’re safe here! Promise!”

The tanuki lifted her head before giving short nods, rubbing her sniffling snoot.

“Yeah, I’m not exactly good with kids…” Exhaling, Wispy then muttered, “Wish I could say the same about my sister! What ever happened to her?”

“She's likely where the little one was before the storm hit,” theorized Shadow Scythe, who frowned deeply. “My world has fluctuated so much, it’s beginning to merge with other universes. And in the crossfade, Kitsune and this creature were swapped.” Her glare fell to the floor. “I’m starting to doubt Belladonna can even fix this now…”

“Mmmah… Bella..? Beatrix?” Eclipsed rose, stretching her limbs, and took her surroundings with tired eyes. “Where am I..?”

“Princess Butterbuns!” cried the cat woman, throwing herself into a tight hug.

“W-Wispy!” She wheezed. “I’m happy to see you too, but you’re crushing me!”

Wispy grinned apologetically before releasing her hold. Once she could breathe, the pop star looked to the pale unicorn mare, who awkwardly greeted, “H-hi…”

Eclipsed beamed slightly, and replied, “Hi there! You must be one of Beatrix’s friends, right?”

“We’re… acquainted,” huffed the reaper, not yet willing to admit she considers that bimbo her friend. “I’m Shado…” she briefly paused to reconsider her words before trying again. “… Atalanta. I’m Atalanta.”

“Eclipsed Heart! Nice to meet-” She gasped as realization dawned on her. “Wait! Where’s Zell!? What happened to?!”

As Eclipse sprung out of bed, she got a good glimpse of herself. Her skin had become charcoal fur, and her feet were now tipped by hooves. The diva touched her face to feel her snout.

“W-whooa! When did I become a mare?!” She exclaimed, twirling around to look at her tail.

“Reality here is warped,” acknowledged Shadow Scythe. “All beings are anthropomorphized into equines or other races, though strangely, this doesn’t seem to affect the demi-humans.”

She pointed Eclipse towards the statue, sheltering Zell, Seb, and Arron. Julianne momentarily stopped to glance at the other pink-haired singer before proceeding to aid the nuns who had survived her exalted state. Moxxi continued to ignore everyone, deep in her own self-loathing.

“Wha? How did they get so little!?”

The reaper shrugged. “It’s a thing they do to conserve highly spent energy. Still haven’t figured it out myself.”

"They're kind of cute," snickered Wispy, her forked, striped tails waving about behind.

“And potentially still dangerous,” warned Shadow Scythe, who’d taken the telecom from around Zell’s neck. She ran her fingers through his locks, smiling softly.

“Aww, are they a thing?” asked Eclipsed, her soulful pink eyes lighting up. “Please say yes~!”

“Yeah, they’re pretty tight,” confirmed Wispy, smiling. “I heard they used to be pretty evil before hooking up! True black hat supervillains!”

The diva’s smile dropped. “Zell? Evil!? That can’t be right! He defended me and others against those cretins! He gave a whole speech about protecting humanity!”

The reaper mare returned to the cyber pop star and lamented, “It’s the truth. Zeloph and I weren’t morally sound like we are now. Though he fell into wickedness and evil, whereas I leapt…”

Before she could explain further to the greatly confused Eclipsed, the pendent shimmered to life, and a familiar voice called out, “Hello? Sunspot? This is Witch Mother calling Sunspot! Boy, do I have a story for you!"

Shadow Scythe sneered at the telecom. ‘Code names? Seriously!? Juvenile…’. She held the glowing artifact up and replied, “That makes two of us, Belladonna.”

“Shadow Scythe!? Well… this is awkward. What happened to Zell?”

“I’m afraid he can't answer at the moment,” she answered, glancing at her fallen lover. “He’s recovering from his accidental trip to the ‘cyberverse.’ I’m currently looking at two other demi-humans equally roughed up, plus a mare who looks exactly like Cerise.”

Eclipsed perked her ears at the mention of her counterpart. The diva was about to speak up when Wispy whispered, “Now really isn’t the time, Princess!”

The charcoal songstress pouted but nodded and kept quiet. A galactic-size storm wasn’t the ideal place to meet up with Cerise, anyway.

“There wouldn’t happen to be a little raccoon dog with you, is there?”

Chisana ran up from her spot at the mention of her species and made grabby hands. Wispy picked the tanuki girl into an arm and brought her closer to Shadow Scythe. Touching the telecom, she called, “Aniki?”

“Chisana!” A new voice barked. “Are you alright!?”

“Aniki! Watashi wa mukizudesu!”

“Oh, thank goodness.”

Wispy smacked herself upside the head. “…Duh! Aniki! Big brother! I need to brush up on my Japanese,” the twin-tailed tigress admitted sheepishly. “Hey! Is my sister over there!?”

“Imoto!” came the sound of Kitsune’s voice. “Yes, I am here!”

The nekomata gave a relieved sigh. “So you went interdimensional! Good to know! Can you get back?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” the voice of Beatrix said reluctantly. “The multiverse is on the verge of unraveling as it is. The next jump I make could be the breaking point!”

“Rats… Guess we’ll have to make do with this. Don’t worry!” Wispy bounced the raccoon dog to readjust her grip, causing her to giggle. “I’ll keep an eye on Chisana!”

“You have my gratitude,” the deep-voiced male said. “I’m Kyube, by the way!”

“Oh, damn, he sounds hot! Is your brother hot?” She whispered to the raccoon dog, who wore a wide grin. Biting her lip, she replied, “Wispy Willow! And you better keep your hands off my flamin' hot vixen of a sister! Or else I’ll know~!”

“Imoto!” yelped Kitsune.

The devious yokai snickered as Shadow Scythe took back control of the telecom. “So, what’s the next course of action?”

Beatrix spoke up again. “We’re going to be on the hunt for a rogue changeling monster that kidnapped Middy’s sister. Other than that, we’re not any closer to solving this dimensional flux. I’ve gotten better at controlling my magic, but progress has been slow.”

The reaper mare grimaced, “Sounds rough. I’m sorry to hear that. And no word about Oona either?”

“No, not yet… I haven’t gotten the chance to contact Omen.”

Shadow Scythe’s frown deepened, their list of problems never-ending. “I see. Hopefully, she’s alright. We’re going to try and regroup before Mortis attacks again. Though I don’t know how much longer my world can last. The squall here is pretty bad...”

A new gruff voice suddenly spoke up. "So now we’ve got two worlds on the brink of collapse. Glorious! You’ve truly outdone yourself, Beatrix!”

“Hey! This is not the time to antagonize each other,” came the sound of Midnight.

Then a whole argument broke out on the other end of the receiver. This male was chewing Beatrix a new asshole for how badly the multiverse was in flux. And while Shadow Scythe felt her former nemesis deserved partial blame for her constant tampering, was she really the sole cause of all this cosmic destruction?

As pointed out, Mortis and now, Zeloph found conventional ways of traveling through spaces. The Vorpal Blade, whose full capabilities remained a mystery. And the forbidden text of the Necronomicon that the vengeful revenant stole. So what other factors could possibly exist to justify Beatrix of this current conundrum?

The reaper scowled at the heavy dark clouds above, her vexation magnified. No, it didn’t make sense for Belladonna’s actions to conjure this terrible storm! Not unless…

Her icy eyes dilated as a harrowing consideration crept up her spine like a cold chill.

“… unless she’s not the only anomaly.”

“What..?!” came the perplexed response of the scolding male voice. Eclipsed, Wispy, and Chisana looked at the pale unicorn with equal bewilderment. Even Moxxi pulled her head up to gaze at Shadow Scythe questioningly.

“I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve always blamed Belladonna for this calamity,” the reaper elaborated. “But… that’s just it. We assume this is her fault because she’s the only one we’ve known to tamper with interdimensional travel and render themselves unaffected by time. Because of this, why would we ever consider the possibility that someone else has done the same?”

“Because that’s utter bullocks!” The gruff man dejected. “And even if that were true, we wouldn’t know where to look! We’d be wandering around like headless chickens trying to find someone that might not even exist!”

“Well, they’d have to be within one of these dimensions, right?” offered Cerise’s disembodied vocals. “Otherwise, this storm wouldn’t be happening!”

A sharp gasp, then Beatrix spoke again. “W-wait! Web Spinner held an artifact that resembled a tool belonging to the Cult of the Nemesis!”

Shadow Scythe’s brows furrowed. “Those zealots from your home world?”

“Mhm! I thought I was seeing things at first. But now that you bring up the existence of another anomaly…”

There was a pregnant pause, the reaper suspecting the witch was deeply considering her proposition. The thought of someone else using their anomalous status for chaos was not comforting in the slightest!

“… It can’t be a coincidence. If there is another anomaly like me, we’ll have to look for it along the way. But until then, I’ll hold myself responsible for the turmoil in these worlds. I won’t give up until everything is set right!”

A slight smirk stretched the reaper’s snout. “Heh. How very noble. I'll leave it to you then. Hopefully, we can reconvene when all of this is behind us. Farewell, Belladonna. And good luck.”

The transmission ended, the telecom dying down as Shadow Scythe tucked it back into Zeloph’s jacket pocket.

"There’s… another anomaly like Beatrix!?" Eclipsed exclaimed reddish-pink eyes shot wide.

“We don’t know for sure; it’s only a theory. But right now, we can’t overlook any possibilities,” surmised the reaper.

The pop idol fished out her heart-shaped cellphone, wanting to inform Bass, Mezzo, and the others from Sixth Measure of what happened. But, to her dismay, it failed to activate here, rendered little more than a fancy brick.

“Yeah, our tech is next to useless in this zone,” confirmed Wispy bitterly. "We have to rely on our wits and basic combat skills out here.”

“Mahō wanai no?” asked Chisana, tilting her head.

It took the two-tailed assassin a few seconds to process her language before replying, “No magi-Ohh! I mean, maybe? I’m not sure we possess any magic since we were augmented into yokai rather than born…”

The tanuki smiled, her ringed tail wagging as she proposed, “Watashi ga o oshie shimasu!”

“Y-you can?!”

The tanuki girl nodded, opening one palm to summon a spiraling ball of green mystic energy. Wispy’s narrow slits widened in awe.

“Wait, that’s awesome!” clamored Eclipsed. “You won’t have to use your plasma orbs again if you master this!”

“Y-yeah!”

Evaporating her yokai ball, Chisana folded her arms into her chest and gave a smug grin, stating, “Hiyō ga kakarimasu~.”

The nekomata’s smile quickly turned to a scowl. “What do you mean ‘it’ll cost me’!?”

While the trio bantered amongst themselves, Shadow Scythe approached the rosy-haired cherub, finishing pulling a blanket over her unconscious disciples. “How are they holding up?”

Julianne pursed her lips and said, “Better. At the very least, they’re alive.”

The reaper unicorn noted the wound she implemented in the nun’s chest was still healing. She rubbed the back of her neck and said, “Yeah, sorry about that. I got carried away.”

“… we both did,” surmised Julianne, a sad smile on her face. “I didn’t grasp how fragile Terrans were. I thought I was making a great difference in their lives by bringing them unbound joy. But instead, I nearly killed them with overstimulation. I… I will be more careful and delicate from now on.”

“That’s good,” said Shadow Scythe, who turned her gaze to the imp sitting on the window and quietly added, “I wish someone else would take the initiative…”

“Talk to her,” encouraged the abbess demi-human. “We can’t stand against Mortis as we are. You know it. And deep down, so does she. Now is the time to put your dispute to rest.”

With a low growl, she nodded and begrudgingly made her way towards Moxxi, aware the imp would make this extremely difficult. But Julianne was right. If they didn’t patch things up, their discordance would be their downfall.

The imp rose her head to see who was approaching her before gazing out the turmoil outside, drops of rain lightly splattering her face. For a moment, neither of them spoke until the reaper mare cleared her throat. “So…”

"So," replied Moxxi dully, who kicked her feet.

“This… ‘rivalry’ between us. We need to talk about it.”

“Suppose we do,” the imp shrugged with disinterest.

Shadow Scythe groaned. “Will you stop being so difficult? I don’t understand why you have it out for me! I thought you liked that Zeloph and I were together!”

Moxxi bit into her painted bottom lip before twisting her body around to face the unicorn mare properly.

“For a time, I did,” the demonic demi human relented. “But then I saw 'a 'appy you’ve made 'im. 'appiness I could never give due ter our relations. Before we learned abaht them,” she motioned a finger to Julianna and the two chained-up demis. “We thought It 'ad only been us that was cursed by our creator.”

Shadow Scythe nodded. “You wish you were more than half-siblings.”

“Gods have often been depicted ter 'ave nah taboos when it came ter ‘keepin' it in the family,’” rebutted Moxxi. “I mean, yea, it’s weird and complicated. But knowin' you’re doin' summit that is 'ighly frowned upon? That's me kink, lov! Just… ooh~! Gets me aw riled up thinkin' abaht it~!” Her spaded tail wagged excitedly, supple thighs brushing together.

“Hey, hey! Keep it in your pants,” insisted the reaper mare.

“Not wearin' any~!” she pointed out matter-of-factly.

“You know what I mean! For once, can you just be serious with me?!”

The imp’s eyes glowed a hot scarlet as an angry frown. “Alwigh' then… let’s get serious, edgie. I kna you’re quite serious abaht marryin' Zelly. But 're ya truly serious abaht livin' wif 'im and the bloomin' expectations?”

Shadow Scythe narrowed her gaze. “What expectations..?”

A dirty smirk stretched her purple lips. “'e still wants a child of 'is own, y'kna. Can ya even provide that? Wot wif your flat chest and all~?”

The imp rudely poked the mare’s chest, making her flustered. The night they first made love, she detected a bit of sadness when she initially told him about the risk of having children.

With teeth and fists clenched, she admitted, “Due to my spectral healing, my insides must reshape themselves back to their normal state. Meaning any child I carry would be… lost. It’s the main reason I don’t want one. It would cause both him and me severe grief.”

Moxxi softened her heated gaze, realizing she went for a low blow. “O-ohh… a-are ya sure there’s nuffin' ya can..?"

The unicorn gave an affirmative nod. "Pretty positive. Trust me, you’re not the only one who feels cursed." She maneuvered her slim butt so that it was partially exposed, the cutie mark partially visible on her pale blue buttcheeks due to the short shorts the imp lent her. A horse skull over crossed scythes-like bones was revealed.

“I used to feel proud for earning this cutie mark,” Shadow Scythe softly spoke. "It's incredibly rare. My parents were so happy. It's supposed to be an honor to bear this. But I betrayed my cause, blinded by greed, and ruined my family’s reputation… The day I became a reaper was the moment I became a ruthless criminal.”

Her tearful eyes turned to Zeloph‘s slumbering form. “Yet despite my awful reputation, he treated me like his equal. He knew I could betray him at the first sign of weakness, and he still fought by my side. He is the only one who gave my life meaning when I wanted to die. He is my light, my stars..!”

The reaper’s wet gaze returned to the imp, who steadily lost aggression. “… And I’ll be damned if I let anyone take him away from me! If he so desires a family, I will find a way!”

The reaper’s declaration pierced through the demoness’ troubled heart. She foolishly cast doubt on Shadow Scythe’s love and devotion for her brother. Yet she couldn’t deny how hotly her blood boiled at the thought of them living happily ever after while she remained in the dark.

The short-stacked demoness fluttered down, fist clenched tightly as she sobbed, “Graaahh! Fuck! Me head is so donalded!”

“What do you mean?”

“Before we left, I… I drank sum of Alma’s Claret,” confessed Moxxi. “Bizzich continued ter taunt me abaht bein' lonely and offered me 'er neck ter nibble on. And loike a crack addict desperate for their next fix, I took it. It’s prolly why I'm extra rambunctious and Mahatma. And insufferable. And miserable. And a rathead. And-”

“Moxxi, enough!” Shadow Scythe seized the weeping imp by her wrists. “Berating yourself won’t make any of this better!”

“But ya 'ate me!” The neon demon continued to bawl. “I’ve done nuffin' but make your relationship a livin' hell! I deserve this!”

“No one deserves to feel like they don’t matter,” assured the reaper mare, who ran a thumb over Moxxi’s cheek to wipe away her tears. “Yes, I’m frustrated with you for all the bullshit, and I can’t stand your perverted eccentricities. But I could never hate you. Not fully, anyway. You mean more to us than you probably believe.”

Moxxi sniffled, letting out a dry cough. “Sounds loike summit Zelly would say...”

Shadow Scythe nodded, smiling coyly. “He’s a good influence, even if he doesn’t see it in himself yet. But I think it’s kinda fitting, seeing as you and I will be sisters one day.”

“Pft! I ain’t allowin' that until I see a ring,” huffed the imp, who gave her signature mischievous snicker. “And if that ever does 'appen, expect me ter bully ya and your pancake titties for the rest of your life!”

Shadow Scythe smiled wickedly. "In case you’ve forgotten, I nearly conquered this planet! Little is beyond me."

"Ooh~! So scary!" Moxxi tittered before fluttering into the pale unicorn’s arms for a tight embrace.

"You're like a little plushie," Shadow Scythe teased.

“Nah, I’m more of a muppet, love. Need a hand up me bum in order ter make me talk~,” the imp chortled, wiggling against her chest to pull back. Pursed lips drew together; she said, “I’m sorry for everything…”

“I forgive you,” reassured the reaper mare. “So long as you get yourself checked out and suppress those impulses, we’ll be fine.”

Moxxi nodded and hopped over to where her brother slept as a cherub. Shadow Scythe stared off to the bleak horizon, the possibility of potential motherhood inside her head.

Should they defeat the undead wraith and quell the multiverse of strife, would she be comfortable settling down like that?

Surely, there had to be some way the reaper could potentially conceive children without the risk of miscarriage. But that would be a problem for the distant future if they get that far…

Not long after, the other demi-humans returned to consciousness. Zeloph awoke with a gasp. He shot up from his sister’s lap, eyes wide.

“Easy, bro!” soothed Moxxi, petting his dark blue locks. “It’s alwigh'. You're safe and sound.”

“I’m… I’m back?” the cherub surmised, looking around to the familiar surroundings of what once was the monastery. Now all that laid before him was ruin, rain, and darkness. “Wha… what happened here?!”

“It’s a long story that I’ll explain shortly,” Shadow Scythe commented, scooping the tiny cherub into her arms to nuzzle him into her chest. “I’m just glad I didn’t lose you.”

Zell steadily calmed his breathing, happy to be with his soul mate again. But his anxiety returned upon spotting Eclipsed, who sheepishly grinned. “Eclipsed?! I thought I told you to-“

“I tried!” the pop star insisted. “But things got complicated on the way out.”

She moved aside to show off Seb and Arron, still tethered to the buttress by the shadowy ethereal chain. The gambler was next to awake, groaning hoarsely.

“Gugh… Why does my hurt so bad?” He said groggily. “I don’t remember hitting the booze..!”

Shaking off his sleepiness, Seb cast his slime green eyes on the room full of people glaring at him. Realizing he was not in any favorable position, he responded with a dry, “…Oh. Right.”

Arron finally arose from his slumber and, upon finding himself restrained, tried to break out of his bindings. “What the?! Hey, get this shit off me! Let me out of here, you bitch!!”

“Fat chance,” Shadow Scythe said, towering over them with thin arms tucked into her chest. “Those chains are unbreakable. You’re not leaving that statue unless I allow it. And given what Eclipsed Heart has told me about you two, I’m tempted to just leave you here!”

Arron laughed at her threat and boasted, “Pha! Hasn't been a limit I won't break. This is just the next step for me to go even further beyond!”

He let out a battle cry, conjuring a shimmering golden aura… only for it to quickly dissipate with an unflattering deflating sound. The travelers narrowed their gaze, unimpressed.

“… Okay, maybe this will take me a while,” the brawler imp admitted with as straight a face as he could muster.

Seb rolled his eyes, muttering, “Moron.”

“Hey, shut up!”

“You shut up!”

“No, fuck you!!”

“Fuck you!!”

“Fuck the both of you,” shouted Wispy, cutting off their pitiful tantrum. “I mean, did your IQs also shrink down to child size? Yeesh!”

Chisana followed this up by blowing them a raspberry.

“Back off, pussy cat! This got nothing to do with you,” Arron spat, casting his spiteful red eyes on Zeloph. “We still got a score to settle, twink! You. Me. Rematch. Now!!”

The seraphic demi soured. “Do you not see the catastrophe outside!? We don’t have time for this! Besides, I was handing you your ass if I remember correctly!”

“Doesn't count,” denied the golden imp. “You ran interference with princess pop titties over there. Therefore, you’re disqualified, and I’m undefeated~!”

Zeloph smacked his forehead. “Oh, for heaven’s sake…”

“Ignore 'im, Zelly,” urged Moxxi. “Nah way 'e’s comin' daahhhn from 'is blimp-sized ego. 'e ain’t worf it!”

“Hahaha! Hun, have you seen these guns? This bod? I’m on a whole other level of physicality, baby! Wouldn’t you fuck me? I’d fuck me!”

“Enough!” Snapped Shadow Scythe. And she thought the imp was vexing!

Arron quietly finished with, “I’d fuck me so hard…”

“It’s only a matter of time until Mortis and his goons press the assault. And he won’t hesitate to finish us off!”

Eclipsed frowned and asked, “Who's Mortis again?”

“That vengeful revenant I was talking about,” answered Zeloph. “He holds a nasty vendetta against Atalanta for her crimes against him and the other soul reapers. He and his legion of undead won’t rest until she’s been slain, no matter who or what stands in his way…”

“He’s not our only concern,” the reaper grimaced. “The multiverse is on a downward spiral, hence this terrible squall. Beatrix’s frequent use of her spatial ability to travel through dimensions is likely the cause. But I suspect another anomaly is behind the distorting darkness.”

Zell turned to his lover, unnerved by her speculation. “Are you sure?”

“Positive,” nodded Shadow Scythe. “Belladonna isn’t this big of a screw-up.”

“Yeah, things are pretty bad,” added Wispy. “Kitsune got hit by the lightning and was teleported to where this little one was.” She held up Chisana, who shyly waved.

“So what I’m hearing is we got a real shit show going on!” Seb surmised with mild amusement. “Ho-oh boy, what a time to be alive!”

Zell glared down at the card demon. “This isn’t funny! If we don’t figure out how to stop this, none of us will be alive, genius!”

“Easy there, sunshine,” cooed the pinstriped imp. “You and I haven’t been properly introduced, have we? The name’s Seb! I’d offer my hand, but as you can see, I’m a little tied up.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard of you,” grumbled the fallen angel. “I’m also aware that your touch lets you read thoughts. It’s how you were able to swindle your opponents and make shady deals.” He then smiled. “How’s your face feeling? Looks a little bruised, friend~.”

Seb scoffed, infuriated about having his scarred face visible. Still, he wouldn’t let this Boy Scout get under his skin. “I consider this proper penance for misplaying my hand. But make no mistake, amigo. That was just a lucky shot. I won't allow that to happen again…”

“We’ll see abaht that,” proclaimed Moxxi, arms tucked underneath her perky bust. “So what’s your game, Sebby? Don’t imagine you’ll take a blowie and a prostate massage ter get ya ter cooperate. You’re aw abaht dat dosh, correct?”

“Heh! And here I thought you’d be dumb as bricks like Chad Thundercock over here~.”

“Hey!”

“It’s a simple policy,” continued the male imp, ignoring Arron. “I don’t work for free. Not unless you offer me something of value. And I don’t necessarily mean money, although having my pockets full certainly helps me sleep at night.”

Zeloph noted that Seb’s eyes fell on the Vorpal Blade, which levitated at his side. “…you want my sword!”

“Bingo~,” confirmed the card demon. “I can tell you haven’t figured out how to properly wield it. But I do! And I’d be willing to share a few details in exchange for-ack!?!”

He choked on his sentence as a shaded sickle emerged from the shadows, poised at his neck.

“I have a better deal,” intoned Shadow Scythe with a cruel smirk. “Tell us what you know about the Vorpal Blade, and you keep your head. Sound fair~?”

Seb started sweating nervously but defiantly stated, “Y-you think I’m afraid of dying? Haha! Gambling ain’t fun without a little risk! You kill me now, and you’ll never know how the sword works!”

“Mmm, I think you’re bluffing,” the reaper retorted. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re not ready to die. And we’ll find alternative ways to unlock the blade’s hidden secrets. But since you’re saying your life is worthless, allow me to relieve it from you…”

Panicking as the sickle pressed into his jugular, Seb relented, “O-okay, okay! I’ll talk!! I'll talk!!!”

Satisfied, the unicorn lowered her weapon to give the imp a chance to breathe.

“Damn, girl, ya cold~!” Moxxi cooed.

Shadow Scythe tittered. “Part of my charm.”

Eclipsed smiled smugly at Seb, elated to see this once untouchable crook finally taken off his high horse. “Not so powerful without your leverage, huh?”

“Haha! Gotcha begging for your life,” cackled Arron. “Beta!”

“Ugh, shut your mouth!” grumbled Seb, his usual cockiness absent since he couldn't work his Onoma well in this reduced state. He took a moment to stare down Zeloph before exhaling.

“Well, for starters," he began. “That weapon isn’t actually called the Vorpal Blade. That’s just one of its many monikers. What you’re really wielding is Mikael’s Crucible.”

“Mikael's what?” Zell looked to the brilliant blade, which seemed to shine brighter at the mention of its proper name.

“That had better not be a lie,” warned the reaper.

“It’s not, I swear! That thing has played a vital role throughout fiction and history! It’s worth more than anything money can buy!”

Julianne, who had been quiet, suddenly perked upon hearing the weapon’s name. “Mikael… that sounds almost like Michael! As in the archangel?”

“The very same!”

She hovered closer to him, her big ruby eyes wide. “You are familiar with the bible, then?”

“Y-yeah,” Seb said uneasily with how close the rosy cherub was. “I’ve read it a handful of times…”

“Ha! Nerd!” crowed Arron.

“To be fair, most people lay off the bible as just another set of fabricated stories and verses strung together by devoted, inaccurate worshipers,” considered Zell. “So the sword being a part of legendary fiction still checks out!”

“So how does this translate into the Crucible becoming the Vorpal Blade?” demanded Shadow Scythe.

“Well, you’re definitely right about the incoherence of biblical lore,” said Seb. “Mankind likes to put their image onto what they can’t understand. Angels are often depicted as just humans with wings. But in actuality? You’re more akin to aliens than anything else!”

“That also checks out,” Wispy noted, recalling how they nearly went blind from experiencing Julianne’s exalted form.

The card demon continued. “As the stories go, Michael forged the Crucible out of his bones, blood, and righteous soul. It may look like steel, but that’s celestial biology. Anyway, he created this artifact to battle with his twin, Lucifer, during the latter’s rebellion. It was supposed to be the catalyst that decided the war between Heaven and Hell. And, in a way, it did! Though the text never clarifies who was victorious. Some versions say Michael won; others say it was Lucifer. Either way, the sword was thought to be lost during their climactic battle.”

His slime-green eyes fell on the glowing blade. “But that sword has transcended throughout space and time, taking the shape of iconic weapons for many heroes it deems worthy of yielding its might. King Arthur's Excalibur, the Spear of Achilles. Even the woodman’s chopping axe used to rescue Little Red Riding Hood! Currently, it’s the fabled Vorpal Blade from Alice in Wonderland that famously slayed the Jabberwocky. And now, it seems to have chosen you, sunshine.”

Zeloph gawked at the ancient artifact, almost spellbound by its magnificence. This would explain why it manifested into a guitar during the concert! But why an instrument..?

His blue eyes looked back at Seb quizzically. “How do you know so much about this?”

“Because the Divine Father told me,” explained the pinstriped imp. “In exchange for demihood, I’d help him track down the Crucible and return it to him. Course, the bastard bit the dust, and our deal was null and void, but I still wanted to find it. I could become a triple trillionaire with that kind of power!”

“Typical,” huffed Eclipsed.

“Then I found out the blasted thing vaporizes anyone who touches it with ill intentions. Likely has to do with its maker being the most righteous of hearts! Regardless, there’s no way I’d be able to use it,” lamented Seb, casting the false idol a sharp grin. “That’s why I want you to wield it for me!”

Zeloph sneered. “And what makes you think I would ever consider helping you?”

“Aww, c’mon! I might be no saint, but I ain’t that bad of a sinner! You need that power to stop Mortis, don't you? Well, I need it to complete some ‘favors’ I owe a few people. Minor details! I help scratch your back, you scratch mine in return! It’s a reasonable exchange, wouldn’t you say?”

"No!” The pop star exclaimed, getting in between the two male demis. "Don't trust him! He's a mass murderer!"

Zeloph, Shadow Scythe, and Moxxi winced at her protests.

"Normally, I don't believe in capital punishment, but if anyone deserves to be executed, it's him! Please, you must deal with him while he's still small and helpless!"

Seb shot her a side-smirk. “Whoa-ho! When did you get so vicious? Maybe there's hope for you yet, Princess~!"

"Shut up, you turd!" The ponytailed mare fumed. “You're nothing but a criminal! A little monster!" Her bandmates in B.A.B.E., their rivals-turned-allies S.L.U.T., Sixth Measure, not to mention Mezzo Soprano, Beatrix, Oona, and all her other friends...he'd nearly taken them all from her!

“If you won’t, then I’ll do it myself-“

"Cool it, Eclipsed!” said Wispy. "I hate the little fucker too, but come on! This isn’t like you! I've never seen you so bloodthirsty!" She would have been impressed...but were they a bad influence on her?

"...fine!" Eclipsed seethed, attempting to cool down. It wasn't like her to be so vindictive. But Seb nearly ruined all their lives, and she was sure he wouldn't hesitate to do it again! At least Wispy's presence eased her mood, thankful to have one of her bandmates back at her side!

"Good to have you back," said Wispy, who hugged and kissed her on the cheeks. "But I'm worried about my sister! I know she can handle herself physically, but emotionally..."

"She needs our support," reasoned Eclipsed as she returned her hug. "If she's with Beatrix, I'm sure she'll be okay! Cerise is there too, isn't she? My other half will take care of her, too!"

Wispy smirked. "Thanks for the morale boost, princess butterbuns!"

"Sure. Just stop calling me that," she pouted, only to receive a small pat on the butt.

“Gaaagh! I’m sick to my stomach with this mushy bullshit,” Arron gagged in disgust. “Let me out of this already! I wanna rumble!!”

“Not until you cooperate,” said Shadow Scythe.

“Sure thing! Just get your boyfriend to agree to my deal, and we’ll get along just fine,” insisted Seb, trying to weasel out his arm.

“You don’t speak for me! I’m gonna rough him up so bad, it’ll look like a train wreck!”

“Ooh, rough 'im up a lil’, ya say,” Moxxi tittered teasingly. “If I didn’t kna any better, I'd say ya wanted ter do more than wrestlin’~!”

This statement brought a reddish glow to the wrestler’s cheeks. “T-that’s not what I meant! I plan on fucking him up beyond recognition!!”

“Kinky~!!”

“Will you cut that out?!”

Zeloph tugged on his feathery ears in distress. “Ugh, this is getting us nowhere! We are so dead!!”

Suddenly, a flash of illumination forced everyone to cease their arguing and pulled their attention back to Julianne, who had returned to her full figure. "My my, what a ruckus everyone is making!" She said amidst stretching, her signature peppy smile highlighting her face. “Surely there’s a way for us to work together?”

The other demis stared at the head nun, perplexed. “Wha the-How did you recover so quickly!?” Seb demanded.

“While you were all busy barking like mongrels, I took the time to reflect on myself. Once I realized how grateful I was for being given another chance, my heart bloomed with joy! Thus my power has returned~!”

Shadow Scythe perked an eyebrow. "Seriously? After I nearly killed you, broke up your cult, and ruined your monastery? You're an odd one," she noted, the abbess met by similar skeptical or baffled looks from the rest of them. "So, you really don't resent me after what I did?"

Julianne shook her head. "Not at all! If anything, I should thank you! You helped wake me up. Consider this a new leaf turned over! My path towards atonement for my actions! The first steps being..." Her eyes turned to Arron and Seb, her smile stretching. “… the rehabilitation of these two scoundrels~!"

Arron and Seb exchanged a look, then burst into fits of laughter.

“Hahahaha! Ooh, that’s rich!” The card demon cackled.

“Is this bitch for real? Phahahaha~!” snarked the bruiser demi.

Moxxi turned to Julianne and grimaced, “Yeeeeah, 'oney? Love the enthusiasm, but… I just don’t see that 'appenin'!”

"Optimism can only get you so far," added Zeloph, frowning. "What I did in the past at least had noble intentions, terrible as I was...and Atalanta...Shadow Scythe...was a special case." He knew had empathy not been forced on the reaper by one of Beatrix's friends, she would have continued down a dark path.

Julianne tittered with amusement. “I appreciate your concerns. But fear not, my friends. I’m confident my methods will help shed new light on their blackened hearts. Besides! There’s much you all don’t know about our race. About how we came to be~!”

All the demi-humans collectively gave a “Huh!?”

"Follow me," instructed the rosy-haired nun, leading them out of the monastery ruins. Chisana pulled out a green umbrella that was too big to fit inside her sack. Shadow Scythe commanded her chains to phase through the buttress so she could bring Seb and Arron without letting them loose; the two villainous demis dragged into the muck with grunts and growls.

A shrine depicting two heavenly figures loomed outside the valley, miraculously untouched by the chaos and hidden in the forestation. The tallest statue caught the attention of Zeloph and Moxxi, who both tensed up and stared aghast.

Shadow Scythe swallowed a lump in her throat, her hand snaking into her lover's to give a gentle squeeze. “Is that..?”

The fallen one nodded and confirmed, “… the Divine Father.”

The marble replica was that of a towering priest, garbed in royal cathedral robes and unearthly ornaments, posed in an accusing gesture. Beneath his horned mitre headdress was a blank face full of commanding eyes. Behind him were many wings with large eyes that fanned like a peacock’s train.

“Yeesh, everyone’s so spooked,” observed Wispy, who plopped her butt on the nearby bench with the tanuki girl in her lap. Eclipsed nodded with a frown. Even Seb and Arron appeared on edge by their creator’s stoned appearance. She wondered out loud, “Just who is this guy?”

Julianne took her place at the altar and cleared her throat to command their attention. “He,” her hand gestures to the left statue. “… is the reason we exist. Our creator has gone by many names. The Divine Father, Deus, Kama Sutra, and other godly titles. But his true name… was Metatron.”

“Metatron?” Zell said in bewilderment. “That can’t be right! Metatron was only an angel!”

“You should know by now that ‘angel’ is a human misconception,” corrected Julianne. “He was extremely powerful, well respected, and held greater authority over Heaven than even Michael at the time. He often orchestrated cosmic operas and performances to honor the good word of ‘god.’”

The mother superior frowned. “But then things got complicated when they discovered Terrans. Many have believed that humanity was made in God’s image for eons. But then, why do so many mortals look vastly different in shape and species? How can there be so many translations and contradictions if everything was created by one primordial being?”

When everyone looked at each other, deeply puzzled, Julianne answered, “Because, as Seb has said, we tend to give the unknowable a face so that we can recognize and understand. The truth is… there was no ‘god.’ No higher power that gave life meaning. It was a ruse by Metatron to trick Terrans into worshiping his order. For in secret, he despised humanity and its free will.”

“Not much of a secret,” scoffed Moxxi, crossing her arms.

“Now? No. But back then, he didn’t want the other celestials nor Terrans knowing there wasn’t a plausible reason for all of existence. And to cement his ploy, he abducted two of the first humans born to convert into what would become a religion.”

“You mean Adam and Eve?” asked Eclipsed.

“Adam was the first man,” affirmed Julianne. “But scholars have forgotten that Eve was not his first wife. No, that ‘honor’ would go to her…” She lifted her hand towards the other statue of a voluptuous woman, her curtain-length hair cascading around her curvature, covering up her nipples and mound. A crown of horns atop her head, owl-shaped wings unfurled from her back, and an adder-shaped tail coiling her shapely leg. On one palm, she presented an apple made of topaz. “… the first demi-human. The mother of all demons!”

“Lilith..!” it was Moxxi who spoke her name.

“Alongside Adam, she was taken to the sanctuary that would be known as the Garden of Eden. They were gifted with language, educated with intelligence, and taught morality. She was to marry her counterpart and give birth to children that would replenish the world in the grace of 'god.' But that plot was foiled with the Loss of Paradise, an event heralded by Lucifer.”

“For you see, the youngest of the archangels discovered the truth and tried to warn Michael about Metatron’s manipulation. But he dismissed the notion, convinced that his twin was jealous that God now favored mortals. This brought Lucifer great dismay, as he knew he couldn’t stand against the Divine Father alone. So he turned to Lilith, who was proving difficult to convert due to her constant questions and uncomfortably towards Adam.”

“Yikes! Sounds like she preferred other women,” joked Wispy.

“It’s possible,” Julianna considered. “But the results remain the same. She was cast out with Lucifer, adopted the name Morningstar and became the first succubus to roam the earth. She seduced and slept with men and women alike, birthing plenty of demonic offspring who would aid Lucifer in his rebellion against Metatron and his brothers.”

“Hold on,” Arron said, trying to process all this information. “So all this time, the devil was a good guy?”

“Why do you think the bible casts him in such a wicked light?” said Julianna, smiling. “It’s to scare people from indulging with sin and straying away from Metatron’s control.”

“But that doesn’t explain how we came to be,” said Seb. “Why do we look more demonic than you and sunspot if we all share Metatron’s blood?”

“I believe it is a reflection of your soul,” the head nun pondered. “No matter the source, the essence of your inner nature will always be your definitive shape. As a matter of fact, some categories differentiate us demi-humans apart!”

“There are?”

“Mhm!” She pointed to her feather ear, which fluttered slightly. “Zeloph and I are called Alatus demi-humans, while you three are classed as Cornutus.”

“‘Winged’ and ‘Horned,’” noted Shadow Scythe, understanding the Latin phrases. “Huh. Interesting…”

“I’d also like to note that while we,” the rosy nun motioned to Seb, Arron, and herself, “were made into demi-humans, Zeloph and Moxxi were born demi. Which means…” she turned to the imp. “… you, my friend, might be a descendant of Lilith herself!”

Moxxi fluttered back in surprise. “M-me? A Lilium?! But father's lover wasn’t… or was she?”

“The Lilium are purely female demons,” elaborated the mother superior. “True succubi! No matter what species they mate with, they will only produce more Lilium to preserve Lilith’s ancient bloodline.”

“Hey, that might explain your weird void ability!” The nekomata pointed out.

“That… huh.” It was a strong possibility for the neon demon to consider. And if true, ingesting Alma’s blood must have awakened that dormant power!

“Okay, but is there a point to this history lesson?” asked Seb. “What makes you think this changes anything between us!?”

Her smile brightened. “The point I’m trying to make is that regardless of our origins, we should join together to create a healthier environment! Each of us didn’t come from humble beginnings, but our future doesn’t have to be dictated by our past.”

Stepping down the altar, Julianne gently sang a song of unity and love to give to her fellow demi-humans, her Onoma activated. One by one, Zell, Moxxi, Arron, and Seb were rejuvenated to their full shapes by the song's end. Holding the latter’s hand, she fluttered her eyes and asked, “Will you help me build a better foundation~?”

At first, Seb was dismissive, her brows furrowed. “Toots, it’s gonna take more than a pair of goo-goo eyes to.. tooo, uh...”

Yet the more the gambling demon stared, the more he was captivated by her ruby-colored pupils, his dark grey face colored by a blush. And a strange sense of happiness overcame his selfish reasons.

Yanking his arm free, Seb said, “Nnngh… Okay, fine. But I'd better get something good out of this!”

Giggling, the abbess angel said, “Trust me! I’ll make it worth your while~!”

Her serpentine tail mirrored her infatuated expression, gently hissing at the gambler. “E-Ehh?!”

“Holy shit,” Moxxi murmured, her tail tingling. “She’s totally smitten!”

“With that creep? Eewck!” Wispy sneered.

“Pathetic!” Exclaimed Arron, equally repulsed as he made his way out of the forest. “Y’all are fucking lame! I’m done here!”

“Hey, wait!” Zell called out. “Look, as much as I want to say you’re nothing but bark, you got an impeccable bite. We could really use your physical prowess!”

“Eat my ass, twink! Unless you’ve got the balls to fight me man to man, I ain’t wasting my talents on this miserable crumbling rock!”

The fallen one blanked. “… alright!”

Arron paused, reeling his head around with arched eyebrows. “… wait, for real?”

“If that’s the way you wanna do this, then you’re on! No weapons. No interference. Just you and me. Mano a mano!”

The golden demon then pumped his fist in the air, his big cocky grin returning. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! Let’s fucking gooooooo~!!”

“Zeloph!?” Called Eclipsed worryingly. “You can’t be serious! He nearly destroyed the whole stadium. And you’ve hardly had time to recover!”

“Don’t worry, princess,” the false idol assured with a confident smile on his lips. “I think I’ve found a way to get through to him.”

“You better know what you’re doing,” Shadow Scythe said sternly, not wanting to see her beloved severely hurt when Mortis struck again. Still, she had to keep positive that Zell would triumph over the burly demi-human currently flexing his adonis-esque body.

"Grrr! I don’t like this," hissed Eclipsed between her clenched teeth. “They can’t be trusted!”

"We'll keep a close eye on them," assured Wispy with a wink. "Geez, I feel so limited here! It's so primitive! Can't use my tech, ride my motorcycle-" The rest was lost as Eclipsed tuned her out, assuming from what she'd heard the rockets in her skates were equally useless.

Before Beatrix visited the 'cyberverse,' Eclipsed Heart hadn't even existed. The popstar princess had poofed into existence without awareness of her origins, resulting from a whim by the 'Wandering Witch,' who wished to have her old friend Cerise Silhouette with her.

The Prima Materia that Beatrix carried had warped reality. No doubt one of the causes for the dimensional fluxes lately, as the multiversal threads become dangerously unstable. At first, Eclipsed had been heartbroken to learn the truth and questioned if she were even 'real'...

Now? It somehow seemed fitting. Kitsune and Wispy Willow had once been experimented on, turned into living weapons by the same organization Triad had ties to. Their own histories were erased as they were forced to carry out assassinations. No wonder they all formed a tight bond! She'd crossed the escapees, invited them into her band B.A.B.E., and become like sisters!

Her reverie snapped when Chisana pulled on Eclipsed's short shorts. "Anata wa hen'na fuku o kite iru,” the raccoon dog said.

"You like them? That's my roller derby outfit!" Eclipsed beamed at her. "It's a sport in my world and a hobby when I'm not on the stage!" To help comfort the tanuki, she started to croon one of her romantic ballads, one she dedicated to her boyfriend, Bass.

Chisana cradled the heart-shaped phone in her little hands. Eclipsed paused and cried, "Hey! When did you-" She shook her head and smiled. "Ah, you can keep it! Can't use it here, anyhow! Look after it, okay?" Chisana nodded.

“You wouldn’t happen to know a tailor nearby, would you?” Seb asked, pulling over his ruined pinstriped suit. “Could use some new threads.”

“Ooh~! I fin' I can pull off Beatrix’s clothin' spell!” said Ana, who also needed new attire. Her catsuit had been torn to shreds from her last fight, only a few pieces keeping her tits and crotch covered. She followed behind him and Julianne to gather what remained of her followers and resumed work on repairing the monastery and villa.

Shadow Scythe was eager to get back into training, aware their enemy could attack at any moment while the storm raged on. Her icy eyes watched these new Demi-humans that Zeloph and Moxxi had wanted to find so badly.

Would they turn on them at the worst moment? It's what she would've done. But at the very least, she was glad to have her angelic lover and his sister by her side.

Today was progressive, in a way, having learned a little more about the origins of both the Vorpal Blade and this bizarre race of angels and demons.