Author's Note

Reminder this crosses over with: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/516800/prisoners-of-war-a-beatrix-belladonna-tale

Planet of the Demi-Humans

Scattered rays of light poured through the endless stream of prismatic clouds, which veiled the vast landscapes and oceans that made up Sacratera’s geography. It looked nigh identical to Earth, yet was equally different.

Any trace of humanity was left in its remnants, countless towns, cities, and civilizations forsaken by the bizarre forestation. An overgrowth of unnatural plant life and fungi layered most of the hollow structures and abandoned vehicles.

Even stranger was the wildlife that flew, swam, and migrated around the globe. All of the animals were prehistoric reimaginings of what their earth-based life forms were. Their biologies were composed of botanic, flesh, and inorganic material, layered with a peculiar set of eyes.

But perhaps the most telling thing about this world was the enormous lifeless giants, whose limbs conformed to the planet’s erratic ecosystem. Tanks, fighter jets, and other military operative vehicles were deserted alongside massive topaz rings, chimeric sentinels, and disembodied wings. It didn’t take much observation to figure out a war had happened. And whoever won ultimately didn’t prevent the overall outcome of the post-apocalyptic world.

None mattered to Zeloph, who was too occupied in cradling his love’s almost weightless form in his arms. The soul reaper’s regenerative abilities had healed any flesh wounds, but Shadow Scythe lost color as her soul bled out from her snout. Trapped in a comatose state, the breaths from her slim bosom were shallow.

His other companions were equally melancholy. Quicksilver Bullet and Julianne didn’t budge from the seraphic angel’s side. Arron and Seb remained on guard by the vile Viscera, who observed the sorrow with a delighted grin despite the pistol against her head.

Eclipsed Heart took in the hauntingly breathtaking beauty of this place while Wispy Willow and Chisana checked inside some of the worn cars, curious to see if any of them worked.

Finally, Moxxi sat atop a crumbled fountain statue, kicking her legs back and forth with her head in her hands. Her magenta gaze locked on her brother, a silent hope that Shadow Scythe would make it.

“I swore I’d never return ter this awful place,” she huffed.

“But why?” The pop diva questioned, concern in Eclipsed Heart’s voice and her soulful pink eyes. “What happened here?!”

The imp-sized demi-human gave a troubled sigh before sarcastically relenting, “Welcome to the aftermath of our mistakes.”

Everyone except Zell within earshot turned their attention to Moxxi as she began elaborating on the downfall of their homeland.

“The Divine Father… Metatron enacted ‘is plan ter destroy aw terran-life after Zelly, and I teamed up ter take ’im aahhht for good. We thought we absorbed aw of ‘is energy… but it turned aahhht the last of ‘is life force was assimilated into the planet’s core, where over the nickle and dime, it would completely transform the planet into wot ya see na. And wif those changes, every ‘uman began ter act on fear and instinct, turnin’ against each ovver if it meant their Jack Jones selfish survival”

The imp shuddered, recalling some of the horrible acts of depravity she had witnessed. Innocent life robbed just to benefit an ephemeral existence.

Her wry gaze turned to her brother as she continued. “Nah wahn was more outraged by this outcome than Zeloph, ‘oo did everythin’’ e could ter stop the bleedin’ madness. But it was crystal’ e couldn’t save them. Then ‘e decided they didn’t deserve ter be saved. And, well…”

Moxxi pointed to the lone giant head that stood out amongst the skyscrapers, tucking her knees into her chest.

“Zell ended up becomin’ the judicator Metatron wanted ’im ter be. Conjured wot remained of the angelic order ter finish the Corn on the Cob. Even after I imprisoned ’im wif the Necronomicon, the devastation was already done.”

Eclipsed Heart sat and listened intently; her ears flattened back. Hearing the explanation of Zeloph’s villainous deeds triggered brief flashes of her counterpart, Cerise’s memories. The sky was alight in a blaze as enormous multi-eyed entities trampled buildings, the outcry of helpless people vaporized by intense light.

A reminder of why Cerise was so distant from the fallen one. That he’d indirectly hurt her, her parents, and everyone who almost shared the same fate as this planet.

She frowned when glancing at the grieving demi-human, unable to help but look at him in a new light. And not exactly a favorable one.

Unbeknownst to her, Zeloph had also been listening to his sister’s retelling of his atrocities. The nightmares of reliving the trauma of his blind righteous rage continue to blister in his soul. He briefly squeezed his eyes shut, and a small tear ran down his cheek. Like his beloved Atalanta, he, too, sought redemption he felt was far beyond his reach. And sensing Eclipse’s judging gaze only solidified his inability to forgive himself.

“One cannot know life without sin,” Julianne reassured, gingerly stroking his back. “We have all done horrible things in one form or another. But no matter how small or great the wounds we make, they will heal if given enough time, acceptance, and forgiveness.”

“Easy for you to say,” scoffed Wispy bitterly. “You grew up to be a saint! Meanwhile, Kitsune and I were forced to be assassins for a power-hungry syndicate. Who are you to speak for us when you practically lived the good life!?”

“Oh, and since when did you start speaking for us, pussycat?” Seb spoke up defensively. “Because last I checked, you and her royal highness have labeled us evil or ignorant!”

“Yeah, not cool, bro,” Arron agreed. “I thought we were on the same side!”

“W-we are,” the nekomata hissed. “But that doesn’t excuse you for—”

“Did I ask you to forgive or even like us?” the card demon interrupted. “No! But this prejudice bullshit’s gotta stop if we wanna make it out of this!”

“Pha!” Viscera snickered. “It’s in their nature to destroy what they don’t understand~!”

She yelped when Seb adjusted his grip, threatening, “Can it, birdbrain!”

“Like hell, I’m going to overlook you guys’ crimes,” snarled Eclipsed Heart. “You both nearly destroyed my city and almost took the lives of my friends and family!”

The pinstriped devil rolled his eyes as he groaned. “Oh, here we fuckin’ go. Little Miss Privileged pulling out the ‘all murder is bad’ card yet again. As if you haven’t thought about killing me a bunch of times!”

Eclipsed clenched her teeth, unable to deny those claims.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. Tell me, does your ass ever get jealous of your mouth, sweetheart? Cause it sure likes to spew a lot of shit!!”

“You miserable prick!!” Wispy snapped, about to pounce the bastard, until Moxxi fluttered in her way.

“Oi! Cool it, kitten! This aint the time ter be tusslin’ wif each ovver!”

“Yes, please,” encouraged Julianne. “We must stand united!!”

“Gospel speech really not ‘elpin’ our case, smiley!!”

But Eclipsed refused to let go, eyes filled with spiteful tears as she confessed, “I just wanna go home! Forget all of this ever happened. But now I can’t, because soon, I won’t have a home! All because of yo—”

The princess yelped as their bickering was cut off by the sound of gunfire. Everyone turned to Quicksilver, a stern scowl on his face as smoke fumed the barrel of his shotgun.

“Ya’ll make me sick,” he spat. “We’re on an unknown planet, licking our wounds after a grueling battle, with our morals gone to shit! My daughter is DYING!! And all you can think about is your egos, your careers, and who lived the harder life. If that’s all it means for you, then quite frankly, you don’t deserve it. None of us deserve it…”

His tired gaze fell to Zeloph, who continued to cradle Shadow Scythe. “I wasted the latter half of my years drowning myself in whiskey and regrets. Mortis didn’t kill me. He just collected what remained and turned it into a tool to quench his thirst for vengeance. But If not for you, kid, I wouldn’t have this bit of clarity.”
The elder stallion returned to glare at the entourage. “So, a little advice from a man already dead. Forgive, forget, it doesn’t matter. It’s what you do with yourself afterward and the company you decide to keep that matters. Question is, can you move forward carrying that hatred in your soul..?”

None of them had an answer, deeply shaken by the old gunslinger’s wisdom. Most they could do was self-reflect on if their present morals and values were warranted. Eclipsed Heart the most conflicted about her grievances with the demi-humans.

A rustle sounded from atop a tree pulled everyone out of their stupor, weapon wielders on high alert while others took up battle stances. Then, rolling down the branches came Demi-Trix, who tumbled to land on her feet with a flourish, her descent slowed by the butterfly wings that adorned the demi-human’s back. “Whoa, calm down! It’s only me!” She beamed at the onlookers.

“Pixie-cheeks!!” Moxxi exclaimed before pulling the tulpa into a warm embrace. “Things’ aven’t been fan wifaht ya!!”

“The feeling’s mutual,” Demi-Trix gasped with shallow breaths, squished between the imp’s breasts.

“Ooh~! Totemo chīsakute kawaī!” Proclaimed Chisana, squishing her round cheeks with her hands.

Zeloph managed to pull away from his dismay to raise his head. With a skeptical brow, he asked. “How did you get here?”

“Well, you see...um...” the miniature mare rubbed her head under her half-bent witch hat, her mind still foggy with static. “I… don’t know? The last thing I remember was being in Oona’s home world, where I ran into Ashen Dunes and Rhenaes! Then I was… er...”

Wispy flicked her twin tails. “Sounds to me like more of the multiverse is unraveling.”

“Maybe,” the false idol said doubtfully. “We’ll have to look into it later. We have other concerns at the moment.”

“B-but wait, there’s more!” Demi-Trix shook her head. “Oona’s people are about to wage war on Tatyana and Alma as Walpurgisnatch approaches! We have to find some way back, or the Isles of Parras could end up wiped out!”

“‘oney… we’re not exactly in the Mae West shape ourselves,” Moxxi told her while pointing to Shadow Scythe’s unconscious form.

Demi-Trix stared in horror, fluttering to get a better look at the softly breathing reaper mare. “Oh no…”

“Yeah. Mortis and his goons did a huge number on us,” Eclipsed Heart began to explain before pausing when a strange sensation came over her. She spotted tiny red drops in her palm, reaching up to realize blood was leaking from her nose.

“H-huh… why am I… aauuch!!”

The princess suddenly waved on her rollerblades and almost took a tumble.

“Eclipsed?” Zeloph gave Shadow Scythe to her father to check on the fallen pop star. “What’s wrong!?”

But the princess only croaked and cried, her vision delirious with psychedelic colors and rippling effects, as if she was on a bad LSD trip. She could even see light stripes pulsating out from her body over the landscape. Was it her visual heartbeat..?!

“Z-Zell..!! H-help me..!!”

Eclipsed’s cheeks puffed up until she vomited more blood, which began to wriggle up like worms in soil. She started wailing with immense pain.

Wispy and Chisana started screaming, their own snouts matted in blood. In fact, the crimson liquid was oozing out of every orifice. Eyes, nostrils, mouth, and private parts.

“Naagh!! I-it feels...like my insides are on fire! Like I’m about to rupture!” The twin-tailed tigress yowled, her fur standing on end.

“Sore wa… itai,” the tanuki cried.

Julianne knelt down, her face completely pale. “What’s happening to them?!”

She and Zeloph were about to attempt their healing magic when a throatful chortle drew their attention to the nephilim, who said, “That’s not going to work~!”

Moxxi growled. “Nasty bitch! Ya poisoned them, didn’t ya!?”

“Alright, fuck face! Cough up the antidote before I match your outsides with your insides,” Arron demanded while Seb pressed his gun deeper into Viscera’s head.

This didn’t falter the bionic devil, who replied, “Couldn’t even if I wanted to! My blight wouldn’t have taken this long to contaminate their organs.”

“What?!”

“Still don’t get it? Take a deep breath!” Viscera’s cruel smile widened as she took a lengthy inhale through the slits on her beak-shaped snout. “It’s the planet’s atmosphere. The air molecules have been altered so much that they became toxic to anything not native!”

A wave of dread washed over the entire group, realizing that if what Viscera claimed was true, they were essentially stranded in a planet-sized glass house.

Seb quickly made calculations. “But… It’s only been twenty minutes! That’s how long we have before we start suffocating?!”

Demi-Trix exclaimed, “No, that can’t be right! I’ve been here way longer than twenty minutes. And I haven’t..!”

“Oh, don’t worry! Tulpas won’t feel the effects since they’re imaginary beings,” Viscera tittered. “Nor will Quicksilver since the effect is so minimal against decaying flesh, I doubt he’s even noticed. But for everyone else? Well…~”

“I take it this means you’re also immune?” Zeloph seethed.

“Right you are, pet! I can breathe this stuff just fine, thanks to my biotechnology. It’s the one thing I’ll give Varys some credit for. But you will suffer all kinds of bodily reactions under the planet’s bizarre properties long before I begin to feel dizzy~!”

Viscera cackled when the rosy-haired nun began to shake and groan. “Ohoho! And did I mention it’s so much worse for regular demi-humans? Instead of imminent death, the alien half of your biology will rampantly mutate to overtake the human side! By the hour’s end, you won’t even recognize who you once were~!”

True to her words, the other demi-humans succumbed to the planet’s overwhelming pressure, their horns, wings, and abnormalities altering drastically. Julianne’s cheeks split apart to form two extra mouths, amplifying her screaming. Moxxi was forced back into her full form before falling on her back howling, her crescent-shaped horns growing out evenly while her tail’s venus flytrap maw developed human-shaped teeth.

Arron and Seb attempted to silence Viscera’s cackling but suffered under their own mutations. The former’s body was layered with crystalline precipitation that instantly hardened and grew, weighing down his bulky physique. The latter’s horns extended through his hat, and his chest conformed into a serpent’s head, which bursted out of his attire.

Zeloph withstood with all his strength as he desperately crawled towards Quicksilver and Shadow Scythe, whose regenerative ability seemed to protect her from the deathly oxygen. The same couldn’t be said for him; his breath strained as he felt scaly feathers sprout from his skin and his plumage dividing into extra limbs.

With her kind writhing on the ground, Viscera took the opportunity to free her tail and spray the crystal encased around her hands with dissolving acid. “It’s futile to resist,” she purred, flexing her talons. “Everything human about you will be gone, along with the rest of the garbage.”

The vile demoness relished watching the bandmates and yokai bandit slowly perish. It was clear Chisana’s mystical protections would soon be rendered useless, with Eclipsed not far behind, and Wispy would expire shortly after them.

Viscera’s mocking laughter ended with a screech when a shotgun blast knocked her to the ground, green blood oozing out of the bullet wound.

“Damn it,” spat Quicksilver as he lost grip of his firearm. “Outta the pan and into the fire!”

Panicking at the sight of her dying friends, Demi-Trix fluttered close to the fallen one, whose body radiated with light and heat. “Zell! The Vorpal Blade! Hurry!!”

Zeloph bristled as he managed to brandish the thin sword, glaring at it with feverish passion. “WHY DID YOU SEND US BACK HERE!? TO PUNISH ME FOR ALL MY SINS?! TO FINISH THEM OFF AFTER MORTIS AND HIS FLUNKIES FAILED TO?! IS THIS YOUR SENSE OF POETIC JUSTICE?! TELL ME WHY!?!”

The saber illuminated and made a melodic sound, moving within his grasp to direct to something obscured by the clouds. Something that was rushing towards them.

Utterly defenseless, Zeloph mustered what strength he had to stand protectively in front of Shadow Scythe. As did Quicksilver, who struggled to wield his rifle. Demi-Trix chewed on her nails anxiously as the seconds ticked away for the rest of them, Eclipsed, Wispy, and Chisana nearing death’s door…

“W-wait… that’s—?!”

Soaring above them was a supposed UFO, which quickly opened its circular mouth and unleashed its tendril-like tractor beams to secure the demi-humans and their companions. They ascended into the illuminating orifice, which closed with a slurp before the saucer-shaped ship resumed its flight toward the abandoned city. There, it would find a skyscraper to roost atop.

Within the Glamorguis, it breathed translucent mist that wrapped around Zeloph and his party, the cool, cloudy particles stabilizing the effects of Sacratera’s poisonous atmosphere.

Steadily, their alienesque mutations shrunk, alleviating the pain and allowing them to breathe. Zeloph took deep breaths, watching the shimmering feathers molt off his arms and torso.

“Naaaugh… that… fucking sucked ass,” Arron groaned, scrapping the crumbling crystals off his forearm.

“Preach,” agreed Ana, tensely rubbing the small side of her horns while her tail spat out the extra dental work.

Julianne massaged her face while Seb overlooked the damage to his luxurious attire, the jacket ruined by the snake head that emerged from his chest. “Aww, man…”

“You’re all lucky to be alive,” grunted Quicksilver, who adjusted his grip on his daughter and checked to ensure she was okay.

B.A.B.E. came to once their breathing regulated and the planet’s effects subsided. The nekomata wiped her bloodied lips. “Uugh… wha-where are we now..?”

“Kemono no haranouchi,” whimpered Chisana, rubbing her head while squirming to get out of her blood and bile-stained gi.

Zeloph hobbled over to Eclipsed, who recoiled slightly when he helped her to her feet. He said with pursed lips, “Are you alright?”

“I’m not dead,” she muttered, unsure what to make of the angelic alien after learning how this planet came to be in depth.

Viscera hissed as she fished for the round lodged in her chest, yanking it out while the vapors cleansed her wound. She sneered when the elderly stallion pressed his shotgun to her face.

“Got another one with your name on it if you try anything funny,” he warned coldly.

(Violence will not be necessary,) a feminine voice resonated around the lit exterior of the UFO, putting everyone on high alert.

Zeloph demanded, “What is this thing? Who are you!? Show yourself!!”

(Patience, Zeloph. You need immediate medical attention. Come. Your friends and I are waiting.)

“H-huh?”

A circular platform, highlighted by a bright ring, lowered from the ceiling and hovered near the ground. Cautiously, he and his comrades climbed over. And once everyone was aboard, it elevated them to the main bridge, where people, both familiar and not, sat around a small pool.

“What magnificence!” Julianne exclaimed, marveling at the colorful, shimmering lights.

Arron whistled. “Yeah, this place is pretty lit!”

“Whoever the interior designer was, they clearly needed a bigger paycheck,” commented Seb.

“Sister!”

A voice called that Wispy and Eclipsed immediately recognized. Her eyes widened with delight to find Kitsune of the Nine-Tails making her way toward them.

“K-Kitsune?!” The cat woman practically bawled as she flung herself into the vixen’s arms. “You’re here!”

Kitsune allowed a rare smile to grace her snout as she nuzzled the sobbing nekomata. “You don’t know how happy I am to see you again, sister… and you, Eclipsed Heart!”

“The band’s finally back together,” the pop icon sniffled before noticing the kunoichi missing one of her tails. “Oh no, what happened?!”

“I lost one in battle,” hastily explained to Kitsune.

Chisana rushed past them, crying out, “ANIKI!!”

“Chisana!” Yelped a flashily dressed vulpine man who scooped the tanuki girl into his arms, hugging her tightly into his chest.

“Nidoto aenai to omotta!” she whined.

“I’m so glad you’re safe,” he told her before sniffing her and recoiling with disgust. “Yugh! You reek! When’s the last time you’ve bathed?”

Chisana gave a sheepish grin and snicker.

The fox bandit sighed as he turned to address the group with a gracious grin. “Thank you for keeping my sister out of harm’s way,” he said, bowing his head. “I am in your debt.”

Eclipsed beamed. “Likewise! Thank you for keeping Kitsune company.”

When she cleared her throat, a muted blush appeared on the vixen’s face. “Wispy, Eclipsed, meet Kyube. He’s helping me reconnect with my yokai roots through this harrowing journey.”

“Is that so,” Wispy said with a suspicious glint in her eye, forked tail whipping about. “And exactly how have you been helping my sister..?”

Kyube’s face heated as he insisted, “N-Nothing like that! We’re still covering the basics. But I believe she’ll blossom into the fox goddess she’s modeled after.”

Kitsune lightly tittered while pulling up her facial covering. Noticing this, the twin-tailed tigress pointed two fingers from her face to his, proclaiming, “I’ve got my eyes on you, twigs…”

The bandit gave an awkward chuckle when Kitsune said, “Nevermind that. There are systems on board that should be able to remove the toxins from your bodies.”

“Ah! Yes! Right this way,” Kyube directed, leading the bandmates and his sister towards the left wing where the infirmary was located.

“I think it’s nice Kitsune finally has someone she can be herself with,” Eclipsed playfully teased, earning a hiss from the nekomata assassin. Looking back to Zeloph and the others, she mustered a warm enough smile and waved at him as the translucent sliding doors closed.

Zell reciprocated with a slow wave back, though doubtful this meant they were back on friendly terms.

“Don’t stress about it, bro,” Ana said reassuringly. “If she can’t look past our ‘istory, she can kiss me fat ass! Aw versions of Cerise’re biased as shite!”

“Yo! Sunspot!”

Their attention was drawn to the familiar voice of Beatrix Belladonna as she, Sir Dion, and Bellatrix ran up to greet them. The wayward witch was about to offer a hug until her face fell when spotting the frail form of Shadow Scythe carried in Quicksilver’s arms. “… N-no..!”

Dion voiced his concerns. “What happened?”

“We weren’t strong enough ter defeat Mortis or ‘is goons,” the neon demon soured. “We managed ter make it off before the world collapsed, but not wifaht Edgie takin’ a grievous wound….”

Even the red-skinned demoness couldn’t hide her dismay. “Don’t tell me she’s..!”

“No,” reaffirmed Zeloph firmly, his shoulders slumped. “N-Not yet. We’ll save her...somehow.”

“Of course, we will!” Beatrix insisted. “We’ve been through worse than this. R-Right..?”

Quicksilver only offered a passing snort as he headed to the infirmary and reluctantly placed his daughter in a bed. Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse were resting in the chairs, as was the withered form of Midnight Blitzer, who lifted their heads with grim expressions.

“Whose that?” Lightning asked while comforting both her twin and the scientist-disgusted changeling Deinos.

“S-Shadow Scythe,” the blue pegasus said before briefly explaining his experience with a ruthless reaper who would eventually become a vital ally against the Vice Lords and the Burning King. He bitterly added, “Man, this bites…”

Bellatrix gently touched the seraphic angel, telling him, “I can see it in your eyes. Blaming yourself isn’t going to make her feel better…”

“I know,” lamented Zeloph, his gaze unbroken from the healing wing. “I just wish there was more I could do..!”

“She’ll pull through, lad,” assured Dion, patting his shoulder. “Shadow Scythe ain’t th’ kind ov lass tae lay down easily.”

Beatrix nodded and added, “There was a time I used to hate you, but you’ve both proven to be some of the noblest heroes I’ve ever known!”

“We’re here for you,” Bellatrix surmised with a sad smile.

“A-And me!” Demi-Trix chimed in.

“So are we,” Ana joined in, turning to her fellow demi-humans sternly. “Right..?”

Julianne smiled and said, “Absolutely!”

Arron hammered his fist into his chest. “I’ve got your back, twink.”

Seb said nothing but gave a nod of sincerity.

More tears welled from Zeloph’s cerulean eyes, and he hung his head in gratitude. “Thank you…”

“Aww, how sentimental,” A nasal voice slithered in their ears. Their eyes narrowed at Viscera, who ran a talon along the corner of her eyelids. She said with a fake sniffle, “I’m choking up with how sickeningly sweet this is~!”

Beatrix shuddered, conjuring her magical aura around her hands and horn. “I-Is that..!?”

“Aye!” Dion glowered, brandishing his claymore. “That’s the one who brought the Pundamilla Empire to its knees. That’s Viscera!”

The nephilim scoffed. “Oh, please. That entire kingdom had it coming when it relied on my predecessor’s tech. And if you think that’s bad, just imagine all the fun ways I can eradicate you fools. In fact, why don’t I show you~!”

Everyone took a defensive stance when the villainous vulture unfurled her dusty wings, spines vibrating, ready to take them all on… only for a levitating dagger to be held at her throat.

“None of that,” said a scruffy-looking unicorn who approached the vile one from behind. “There’s going to be no fighting on this ship. Them’s the rules, and they’ll be enforced.”

Viscera scowled, noting this was the third time she’d been apprehended. “How irksome!”

“Good work, Arcanum,” praised Bellatrix, who, with the assistance of Dion and Arron, directed the avian monstress towards a section that sealed her in a tube-like container. The nephilim was moved next to a similar one that held Autumn Equinox, a thestral marauder who proved too much of a loose cannon to be allowed free.

While the muscular bat mare attempted to punch and kick her way out, Viscera knocked her knuckles on the glass and conceded, realizing it was virtually indestructible. Nonetheless, Equinox yelled and cursed at them the whole time.

“You worthless sacks of shit! You can’t do this to me! Without me, the swarm would’ve done much worse!”

“Without you, I’d be able to get a good night’s sleep,” mused Bellatrix with a flick of her spaded tail.

“She can’t be trusted,” informed Deinos, who relied on a crutch to approach the reflective cells. “She’s a cold-hearted thief who’ll sell you out the moment it’s convenient. You let her go, and she’ll weasel back to Midnight’s world and conspire with Fiery Kickstart.”

Zeloph’s brow furrowed. “Another foe, I presume?”

“A terrible stallion in charge of the whole Crystal Empire,” answered Moonlight River, Midnight’s childhood friend and fellow cadet. Although judging by the look of disdain she gave the withered stallion passing by; they weren’t exactly close now. “After eradicating the changelings, he and Equinox plan to wipe out everything non-Equestrian to establish a new military republic. One where colts are born to be soldiers and mares forced into breeding camps.”

“Not unlike the Fall of Equestria,” added Beatrix, arms crossed beneath her bust.

Moonlight continued. “To do so, he wanted to have Midnight and a protoquen changeling named Marathyssa fornicate, passing his genes to create an army of hyper soldiers.”

“Gross!” Demi-Trix quivered. “Is that why he looks a dozen years older than he should be?!”

“No. That’s because Midnight allowed his baser instincts to dictate his actions,” the purplish gray batmare sneered. “He abandoned Cerise and me to selfishly preserve himself by fucking a baby into any female he can get his hands on.”

“Yeesh! Sounds loike somebody’s got it daahhhn bad,” Ana quipped. “Off ter’ orny jail wif ya, Middy~!”

“Please don’t patronize me, Mox,” the male pegasus groaned. “I know I messed things up. It’s because of me that both Cerise and Penumbra are missing…”

“Yeah, ’cause you’re a stupid himbo beta male who can’t think for himself,” Equinox berated cruelly.

Lightning Spark’s mane frizzled with anger. “You leave him alone! You’re the one who pushed him to follow his hyper instincts!”

“Not to mention attacking Moonlight, Kyube, and myself,” added Deinos. “War Bands have a terrible reputation for a reason. They’re no better than raiders, torturers, rapists, and-”

“Shut the fuck up,” Equinox spat on the tube, the spittle running down the clear interior. “As if you’re an innocent yourself! A mad scientist that infiltrated the Crystal Empire and tried to knock up Sparky here?” The mare in question shrank and blushed under her harsh words. “For all we know, you’re a double agent that’s helped stir up the war between ponies and changelings to claim the hives! So don’t pretend you know jack shit!”

Lightning closed the distance to the tube. “I trust Deinos, or whatever he calls himself! Don’t you get it? Chrysalis and this Cult of the Nemesis are the real threats! We have to put aside our differences and deal with them first!”

“Just so naïve and gullible like your idiot brother,” replied Equinox, who relaxed her tensed muscles, a flash of regret visible in one eye. She turned her back on them and muttered, “Just do me a favor and piss off already. Can’t stand the sight of your twat face anymore.”

The pegasus mare sighed and turned away, realizing that her comradery or friendship with the raider had long since been extinguished.

“She’s not worth it,” Moonlight insisted while pulling her aside.

“Bloody hell,” murmured Arcanum, observing Viscera with a disgruntled look. “I’ve seen some butt-ugly aliens in me life. But this overcooked turkey takes the case!”

“You’re not exactly easy on the eyes either, Folklore,” the fiendish avian said with a knowing grin. “Bloody Merry must have had shallow standards~.”

The drop of her name caused the erenn stallion to bash his fist against the glass, his glare sharp enough to pierce through one’s soul. He uttered with cold fury, “How the fuck do you know that?!”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” muttered Zeloph, matching with a narrow stare. “For someone who was only born moments ago, you know quite a lot.”

Viscera tittered. “I have a knack for reading people’s hearts. A talent, really. Call it my witch’s intuition!”

“W-Witch?!” Beatrix was flabbergasted, marching up to the container. “How dare you insult my title! You are no witch!”

“Oh, but I am,” she rebutted. “Varys stole a sample from you as part of my creation. Through that, I inherit your latent prowess for magic.” To demonstrate, she conjured an orb made from her ghastly aura, much to the unicorn mare’s discomfort.

“Nothing impressive now,” the villainous vulture continued to gloat. “But with enough time, I’ll arguably surpass you in potential alone. And combined with demi-human biology and some augmentations I decided to keep, I’ll eventually become the strongest creature in the multiverse!”

She slyly fluttered her eyes at the fallen one and sultrily added, “It’s not too late to join me, Zeloph. Together, nothing would come to match our power! Plus… with poor Atalanta sadly on her way out, you’ll need someone to carry your—”

“Keep her name out of your fucking mouth!!” Zell barked, eyes alight with vermillion flame.

Arcanum squeezed himself between the glass prison and the demi-human. “Easy, hot wings. I may not know anything about her, but I can tell what game she plays. And you do not want to be a piece on her board.”

The Glamorguis made a string of warbles and melodic beeps, which Bellatrix managed to pick up on during her short time inside the UFO. “We’ve been summoned. Let’s go before she gets under our skin…”

Zell inhaled deeply to cool off before following the red-skinned succubus and the warlock to the center of the bridge. Beatrix hesitated to follow, her eyes locked on Viscera behind that container. The nephilim’s smile sent a shiver up the witch’s spine. It was bad enough that this creature was not only a reincarnation of Varys, but the idea of them sharing DNA made her want to puke!

With a shudder, Beatrix turned on her heel and headed to where nearly everyone else gathered onboard, save for the prisoners and those in the infirmary. Quicksilver Bullet had volunteered to stay behind and look after the patients with Deinos, Kyube, and Kitsune.

The passengers onboard ceased their murmuring as the inner lights dimmed down for the arrival of the mother of all demons, who descended a staircase.

The demi-humans, plus Demi-Trix, were especially mesmerized by the dazzling beauty of the first woman, looking as if the statue from the monument had come to life and color. The underside of her wings and ears displayed a starry night sky; feathers dipped in gold and violet to display her nobility. And adorning each tip we’re eyes that matched the one in her horned halo.

When she reached the center of the hub, Bellatrix positioned herself by her side as she began introductions.

“I… am Layla,” she greeted with a firm yet ethereal tone. “You probably know me better by the myths around Lilith. And I can assure you, part of those tales are based on truth. All will be made clear and brought to light. For you… and my people.”

She walked towards the five demi-humans, smiling brightly at each one as she tenderly stroked the fallen one’s cheek.

“Oh, Zeloph,” the motherly succubus purred, affection written on her face. “So much like my darling Lucifer. From their unraveled beauty to their vigorous passion. It pains me to see your light tarnished by sorrow and grief. Rest assured. I will do everything I can to help you and your lover.”

“I-I… thank you, Lady Layla,” he said, astonished.

“No pleasantries necessary, dear~,” the primordial demoness giggled before moving to the rosy-haired nun. “Why Julianne! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a smile.”

“These are troubling times, M’Lady,” confessed the angelic songstress. “But once we’ve averted this calamity, I’ll be sure to spread joy worldwide once more!”

“That’s the spirit!” Next, she approached Arron. “You’ve certainly kept in shape since starting out. And your strength has only grown. Mmm, such muscles…~”

She reached out to feel them before the bulky demon pulled away uncomfortably. “W-whoa there, Milfimus Prime! I appreciate the admiration, but I don’t swing that way…”

Layla struggled to hold in her laughter. “‘Milfimus Prime?’ That’s the first time anyone’s called me that! Regardless, seeing diversity in men’s interest is nice.”

Then she looked down at Seb, who began sweating bullets when the demon matriarch frowned. “You’ve done many wicked things in the name of money, Sebastian. Can’t say you’re anyone’s favorite.”

“W-what can I say! When you’ve got nothing to lose, you sort of just stop caring what people think of you. Even the ones you do like…”

“Regardless, I always fancy a gambling man. So I encourage you to shuffle the deck until you find that winning hand. And who knows. If you play your cards right, you might get lucky with me one night~.”

Layla gave him a wink, which made him extremely hot under the collar, before finally reaching the neon demon.

“Ahh, and at last, we meet. My dear Analise!”

“Ehh?” The neon succubus shook her head. “Wanna ran that by me again, night mama? ’cause me name isn’t–”

“Anarchia. That was a cruel name Metatron made up to ridicule your existence,” revealed Layla. “Your birth name is Analise, given to you by the lilium, Jezebel. Your mother.”

“M-my mum!?” She turned her startled gaze to Zeloph, who shared in her surprise.

“Hold on,” Seb interrupted. “Pardon the intrusion, but I’ve heard that name before. Isn’t Jezebel that dame who married a noble, tricked him into worshiping a false god, then had thousands of prophets and followers massacred just to tarnish his reputation?”

The primordial woman nodded. “The very same. She was a popular succubus who regularly had flings with wealthy terrans. Quite the nasty temper, though.”

“… huh,” Ana considered, rubbing her chin. “I guess that could explain me deposition for violence. So is she, y’know… still ’round?”

“Yes,” confirmed Layla. “She’s out there...somewhere. Perhaps we’ll be able to find her someday once all this nonsense is behind us?”

“Yeah… I’d fin’ I’d loike that,” admitted the neon demon.

“Speaking of which!” Arcanum clapped his hands together to draw attention. “Glad to hear you all caught up with each other. But could you kindly get to the point? We’re on a tight schedule here!”

Bellatrix raised an eyebrow. “A little rude, don’t you think?”

“No, he’s right,” said Iclyn, who had thus far been hanging in the background. “The rest of existence continues to unravel as the minutes go by. Please spare us the theatrics and just tell us what demi-humans are.”

The voluptuous woman pursed her lips. “I understand your impatience, but this isn’t just for my sake. Nor theirs. I believe this will tie into a solution that may halt whatever is disrupting the ebb and flow of space and time. Still, I will try to keep things brief.”

Once everyone was in accordance, Layla began pacing back and forth, pondering where to begin. When she thought of a good starting point, she directly asked,

“No doubt you’ve heard the biblical tales about Adam and Eve?”

When her audience gave a collective nod, she proceeded. “When his first wife is mentioned, I’ve often been portrayed as a betrayer that refused to submit to my husband and became the mother of all demons. And while that remains true, the course of actions I took was never such. Adam and I were the first humans abducted by higher life forms that would be commonly known as angels. Where they came from remains unknown. Only that they traveled through the far reaches of space until stumbling upon a lonely little planet that just so happened to harbor life.”

“Aliens! I fuckin’ knew it!” Arcanum whispered triumphantly.

“Everything was primitive back then. All there was to understand was survival and hunger. If not for them, humanity would likely never have developed language, gained intelligence, or advanced as a dominant species. And it was all thanks to the clever ploy of the one who would be known as Metatron.”

Just hearing that name sent a wave of unease through the five.

Layla sucked in and released a heavy breath. “Of course, he saw us as misguided monkeys desperate to be controlled. So began the long list of experiments and lessons in how life should be lived. The birth of religion, the stories of god, the promise of heaven, the consequence of hell, the Ten Commandments, and labeling what was natural instinct as deadly sins. All sanctimonious lies the Divine Father spun to keep his grasp on the terrans and angels who followed him. The greatest fear tactic that would pass throughout history for millennia. Now accessible in every book labeled the bible. And even that would be tarnished by scholars and preachers who wanted to push their agendas.”

“So where did you fit in all this?” wondered Bellatrix.

The motherly succubus deepened her frown. “As told, I was arranged to marry Adam and sired his children in hopes of spreading Metatron’s influence to the newer generation. In truth, he was the worst of my husbands. That self-entitled prick... I saw through the bullshit and did everything I could to break free. That wouldn’t happen until I met Lucifer Morningstar, the only angel who saw past Metatron’s deception. He offered me freedom, and I offered him my body in exchange. Through our elopement, I was the first human to be transformed by divinity into the form you see now. The first demi-human. The first succubus. The first queen of hell.”

“Metatron was furious upon discovering this and cast us down, along with anyone who believed Lucifer. He would create my replacement, Eve, through Adam’s rib to continue with his ambitions. But my darling husband would not allow the lies to continue. In our new dominion, we formed a rebellion from the angels that fell with us and our offspring. The war between heaven and hell had begun, with the earth as its battlefield.”

Her hands balled into fists, recalling the memory. “It was an utter bloodbath. There were more terrans, angels, and demons slain than there were victories. My heart was filled with wrath back then, forced to watch my children get butchered and hunted by Metatron’s forces.”

Midnight was next to ask, “What was the outcome?”

“The war was ultimately decided by the battle between Lucifer and his brother Michael,” said Layla. “Contrary to belief, Michael deeply loved his brother and was heartbroken to learn of his ‘betrayal.’ He was valiant yet fiercely loyal to the Divine Father’s cause. I still remember his stoic visage cracking when he held his blade to Lucifer’s throat. And finally realizing where his arrogance brought him, Michael allowed himself to be slain with his own sword.”

Her eyes fell on the weapon in Zell’s hand. “The very sword you wield now.”

His eyes widened before they, too, stared into the prismatic steel that glimmered briefly with refracted light.

Layla continued. “With dying breath, Michael begged Lucifer to avenge their brethren and save mankind from Metatron’s evil. The last of his power and spirit was sealed into the crucible; its use permitted only by those with the most righteous hearts to wield it and slay the wicked.”

“So that’s how it became the Vorpal Blade,” Seb surmised.

“I’ll come to that,” reaffirmed the motherly demoness. “Crestfallen, Lucifer stuck the saber within solid stone, where it would remain unclaimed for eons until the legendary Arthur Pendragon would take it and dub it Excalibur. Throughout tales and fables, the artifact would take on many shapes that best suited its wielder to defeat whatever evil it challenged. The sword was forged with ancient material known as Orichalcum, the topaz-gold substance we often adorn. It’s also what the ophanim are made from, hence their indestructibility.”

Zeloph spoke up. “Wait. So what happened to Lucifer?”

Layla’s eyes welled up with sadness. “Truthfully, I don’t know. Aware that Metatron and his followers would forever hunt him down, Lucifer faked his own death with the sword right before he displaced it. I was the only one with who he concurred the truth. Last I saw, Lucifer took on a female form and disappeared to live amongst the humans. Haven’t heard anything about him or her since.”

“From there, I took a new husband, Asmodeus, and continued the battle on Lucifer’s behalf. Until Metatron stuck us down personally. As a result, I sealed myself in a piece of fiction within the Necronomicon, where I would remain dormant to passively regain my strength. Until now…”

Bellatrix lit up at this. “So… that’s where I came from.”

Layla smiled slightly. “That’s right. And through you, I could observe what had become of my people and descendants during that time. I would not have been able to come back if not for you. For that, you have my eternal thanks, Bellatrix Primadonna.”

“Well, I’ll be,” said Arcanum. “Religion was a conspiracy developed by aliens to put mankind in its place. And yet, it makes more sense than the bible itself! But what about the Necronomicon? How does it tie into all this?”

“Clearly, you haven’t been listening~!”

The room turned to Viscera, who was smiling from ear to ear. “Mikael’s Crucible was forged to destroy all forms of evil. And there is no artifact eviler than the Necronomicon.”

Bellatrix’s brows rose once she put two and two together. “Then that would mean...!”

“N-no!” Beatrix spoke up. “It’s not possible. She’s just lying!”

“She’s out of line, but the bird’s right,” Seb cuts in as he approaches Zeloph. “I’ve read everything there was to know about that sword. And each text supports the same theory. The crucible is fully capable of destroying the Necronomicon. Permanently.”

Zeloph studied the Vorpal Blade. “That… would be extremely helpful if it’s true.”

“But it’s not!” The unicorn witch insisted. “Believe me; I’ve tried to destroy that wretched book many times!”

“Beatrix,” came Iclyn’s chilly tone, adding tension to Beatrix’s shoulders. “I need you to be honest. Are you saying this because you know it can’t be destroyed? Or because you’re scared of having your connection to it severed…?”

The violet mare ground her teeth together while rubbing feverishly at her forearm before relenting, “I mean, obviously! If the Necronomicon goes, so would all my power and artifacts! My Prima Materia...” She clasped the eye-like jewel that held her cape together, imagining that it would fracture and shatter. “… the Demiurge…” Would it perish inside her? “… My immortality? And what about my magical prowess? Will I lose some of that, too? You have to understand; I need that power! In order to take on the Cult of the Nemesis! My mom—”

“Is already lost,” reminded the cyan doe. “You have to accept that, or else we will all pay the price!”

“Not like we haven’t already,” grunted Arcanum. “World’s falling apart; lives have been altered. It’s probably because of the Necronomicon that another anomaly is mucking around!”

“We can’t afford any more selfishness,” Moonlight added, glancing at Midnight. “Is your power and these adventures worth more than your friends? Your family!?”

“Of course not! But—”
“And would losing your immortality really be that bad?” Zeloph questioned, eyes holding contempt for the witch. “Someone once close to me said life shouldn’t be lived under unnecessary complications. You could have a normal life with Oona and Abadonna. Something most of us dream of having..!”

“Zeloph, please..!”

The false idol shook his head. “No. I’m sorry, Beatrix. But we have a chance to fix this. To do what’s right! And I’m taking it the minute I know where the Necronomicon is.”

“Ooh? Is that a fact?” Eyes returned to Viscera, who gave a throatful chuckle before stuffing her hand into her long sleeve. “Well then. I suppose it’s purely coincidence that I happen to have this in my possession~.”

Everyone in the auditorium gasped when the nephilim pulled the forbidden relic from her robes, the leathery flesh cover bound in stitches, concealing the pages with text and spells written in blood.

Zeloph clasped the Vorpal Blade, which vibrated and glowed with brilliant illumination at the book of shadows’ presence.

Beatrix was horrified. “How did you-?!”

“Mortis left this in Varys’ care to ensure no one else would find it,” elaborated Viscera smugly. “He would memorize every page, spell, and incantation it had to offer, hoping its contents would aid him in his quest for a biomechanical utopia. I retain his memories, so it’s not like I have any more use for it.”

Arcanum glowered. “You diabolical...!”

The Vice Lord knocked on the glass container, and the Glamorguis allowed a small section to open up for her to toss the evil tome onto the floor before revealing itself. Flashing a twisted smile at Zeloph, she beckoned, “Go ahead, dear. Destroy it~!”

The fallen one locked all his eyes on his former imprisonment, the Vorpal Blade trembling in his grasp. Blistering heat shot through his veins as his Onoma manifested.

While no one dared to oppose him, Ana voiced her concerns by calling out, “Zelly, wait! I kna you’re mad, but can we talk abaht this for wahn sec—”

But her request fell on deaf ears as Zeloph already flash stepped to the Necronomicon, saber raised at the mummified flesh cover, ready to tear all its contents to shreds… only for a jeweled rapier, wrapped in a black aura to intercept his slash.

All eyes were on Beatrix, who blocked Zeloph’s path to prevent the destruction of the Necronomicon. She wore a guilty expression, feeling the looks of shock and appalment at what her allies saw as an act of supreme selfishness. But no one was more taken with umbrage than the fallen one.

“… What are you doing?!” He demanded with as calm a voice as he could muster. “Get out of my way!”

“Not until I’ve dealt with the Cult of the Nemesis!” The witch pleaded. “I can’t take any chances with what’s at stake!”

“So you’ll risk our lives instead?! All the pain we’ve suffered, the sacrifices we made. And this is how you repay us?!

“Stop it; this isn’t fair!!”

“FAIR?!”

The enraged demi-human unleashed a wave of solar fire that blasted Beatrix to the ground. The violet unicorn yelped, blinded by the sudden brilliance that exploded across her eyes and interrupted her spell. Watery violet eyes stared at fiery vermillion orbs, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“YOU’RE NOT THE ONE WHO HAS TO WATCH EVERYTHING YOU LOVE GET TAKEN AWAY,” Zell shouted in blind fury, light and flames immolating his wings. “THEY DIDN’T HAVE TO LOSE THEIR HOMES! ATALANTA DOESN’T DESERVE TO DIE!! ALL OF THIS IS BECAUSE OF YOU, BEATRIX! YOU’RE KILLING US!!”

The whimpering witch was utterly petrified by her ex-lover’s scathing spiel, not even shaking when the angelic being lifted his multi-dimensional blade. Layla immediately soared in between them, catching the sword barehanded.

“Cease this at once!” the primordial woman commanded, willing herself and Zeloph away into her pocket dimension. Beatrix continued to lay still, chest rising and falling rapidly, trying hard not to have a panic attack.

Bellatrix and Dion quickly came to her side while the rest of the gathered remained stunned by Zeloph’s violent outburst.

Demi-Trix managed to ask, “Where did they go?”

“Layla’s Onoma,” answered the red-skinned succubus. “She’ll likely keep him detained until things have calmed down.”

The warrior ram gingerly stroked the witch’s head. “Lass..?”

“I-I didn’t mean to…” The unicorn witch babbled. “I-I just wanted… oh, what have I done?!”

A throaty titter drew their attention back to Viscera. “Poor Belladonna… struggling to have everything she wants while her friends deal with the outcome.”

A terrible grin stretched her visage as she twisted the knife further. “I wonder what Oona would say If she knew you chose your immortality instead of her and your unborn child~!”

Bellatrix snarled at the chortling demoness and snappily ordered, “Take the prisoners below level and get them out of sight! NOW!”

Arron and Seb acted hastily, moving the glass cells of Equinox and Viscera, the latter continuing to taunt, “Deny me all you’d like. But now, everyone knows who the real monster is!” Her cackles resonated throughout the bridge even after she was sent to the lower parts of the UFO.

“N-No...Abadonna… Oona...I would never! N-Never…” Beatrix tried to shake away both Zeloph’s and Viscera’s words. But she only sank further to her knees and cried into her hands while Dion stroked her back.

Whatever choice the witch made, it always seemed to be the wrong one! But she’d already lost so much due to the Necronomicon! Her father! Most of her world! Close friends! And now, possibly her mother, too? Why not use its power to amend the balance? She didn’t want to think all she’d sacrificed would be rendered pointless with the tome’s loss!

The others were at a loss for what to say or do. Iclyn’s usual icy demeanor softened. Midnight felt more guilty for adding pressure on his half-sister’s shoulders. Moonlight, Lightning Spark, and Deinos could not comfort either side, while Bellatrix and the other demi-humans kept silent.

Arcanum knelt to scoop up the Necronomicon, proclaiming, “I’ll hold onto it until we’ve made an official decision. While Zeloph had no right to take immediate action, It’s hard to say he isn’t justified. This thing needs to be burned. So that no one else may be tempted to use it…”

But the warlock could tell it had already worked its temptations on Beatrix, convincing her she needed it. Just to preserve its ruinous existence.

Emotionally driven flames flashed within the realm of Nyx, where Zeloph unleashed his full anguish over Atalanta’s impending death. Layla observed from a safe distance, the Vorpal Blade levitating by her side so he couldn’t escape.

“LET ME OUT OF HERE!” He screamed. “SHE CAN’T KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS!!”

“Not until you’ve exhausted your anger,” the primordial succubus firmly said. “Yes, Beatrix should be held accountable for her actions. But this is not the path to justice! Your wrath alone could have incinerated the entire ship!”

The mother of all demons had taken notice of the erratic behavior of Zeloph’s Onoma. How intense and brightly it burned the more the fallen one’s sanity declined. It was a burden for any user of fire-based magic, but this seemed especially dangerous.

Layla suspected this was what Viscera sought. Not only to throw the wayward witch into more turmoil but to coax out the destructive potential all demi-humans possessed.

Zeloph was on the verge of exaltation. And she needed to nurture him through it as any good mother should.

Her expression softened when she said, “I understand you’re in a lot of pain. But you know better than to take it out on others. Or have you fallen back into your old ways…?”

Layla’s statement cut through to him, his pupils dilating as he slammed his fist into the rippling water, shouting ‘NO!’ repeatedly.

Eventually, his Onoma died down as the sense of dread crept up in him at his own perceived helplessness. In truth, Beatrix’s actions were merely a fraction of the fury he felt. The real source was the hatred clinging to his heart like a parasite. Hatred of what his kind represented. Hatred of himself.

“NAAAUGHAHAAAAAAaaaa…”

Zeloph cried into the night-filled void, his anger smoldered by sorrow and shame for having lost himself to his dark thoughts. In a fit of madness, he’d almost struck down Beatrix and nearly proved Eclipsed Heart right in fearing him. Perhaps Layla was right to assume some villainous part of him had refused to die.

“I wanted so desperately to believe I was worth redemption,” he lamented, voice hoarse from sobbing. “But I haven’t changed at all! I’ve failed Atalanta… Just like I failed Jonn…”

Layla took slow steps, reflecting liquid splashing under her bare feet as she came behind the defeated seraph and knelt down to touch his shoulder.

“No, Zeloph,” her silky voice said soothingly. “You’ve pushed yourself too hard. Despite your slip-up, you’re far from the judicator Metatron molded you to be. If he were here, Jonn would be proud to see how far you’ve come to defend those you cherish.”

“But I played right into Mortis’ hands! If I hadn’t… A-Atalanta wouldn’t have to—”

“Shhhhhhh… She would not want you to falter like this. You must be strong for her, Zeloph. She needs you.”

Sniveling, Zeloph allowed himself to surrender into the primordial’s embrace, his senses filled by the warmth of her soft flesh and exotic perfume.

Layla began to hum. Then her humming became a song more beautiful than even the one Julianne and Eclipsed had blessed his ears with. The motherly succubus sang about the bond between lovers and that they would always be one no matter what trials they faced. It made him wonder if it represented his relationship… or perhaps her own.

Regardless, the fallen angel felt his tensed muscles relax, his cheeks dotted by tears. By the time the one formally known as Lilith finished, whatever anger remained was but embers, his soul rekindled and calm.

Wiping his eyes clean of tears, Zeloph whispered, “What must I do? How can I save her..?”

A chaste smile spread her painted lips while she brushed his locks. “It starts with acceptance. Being a demi-human doesn’t have to be treated like a curse. To help Atalanta, you must awaken the full extent of your latent abilities properly. Not through vengeful rage, but jubilant compassion!”

“You mean… become exalted?”

Layla nodded. “And I will guide you. Although the process required is rather… intimate.”

His eyebrow furrowed. “What do you mean..?”

The primordial demoness traced a nail over her cleavage that threatened to spill out of the cloth, concealing her impressive breasts. Nibbling her bottom lip, she admitted, “The highest form of jubilation is often through pleasure. Pleasure only a man and woman can experience together.”

Zell swallowed hard, his face blushing heavily. “…I-I have to make love to you?”

“Only if you want. I won’t ever refuse you~,” the mother of demons tittered playfully, subtly swaying her large tits. “But what I meant was you must drink from me.”

“Directly..?”

“Mhmm,” she confirmed. “This mother’s milk loses its potency if not taken directly from the source!”

“I… N-No! I couldn’t do that! I’m loyal to Atalanta! She would never-”

“I know. Normally, I’d ask for her consent, but given her current state, I doubt she would awaken in time.”

“… You’re right. I don’t have much time left with her,” Zeloph said bitterly. Sitting up from her lap, he turned to the night mother. “… is there truly no other way?”

She pursed her lips. “Not unless you want to become a mindless rampaging beast of fire and destruction like the Burning King.”

The false idol heaved a difficult breath. Any man would have instantly flung themselves to the mother of all demons without a second thought. Yet his lack of sexual interest in anyone outside Shadow Scythe gave him better restraint and focus. So to be asked to commit such an act with another woman repulsed him.

Yet the alternative proved even less desirable if Moonlight’s recent statements about Midnight were anything to go by.

“… I’ll consider it,” was his answer. “Later. Right now, I want to be by her side.”

“Understandable,” accepted Layla, who spirited them out of the realm of Nyx, where the other demi-humans (plus Bellatrix) had been waiting by a bar. The jellyfish-like organism prepared Arron an energy drink, to which he replied, “Thanks, little jelly dude… Oh shit, he’s back!”

Spotting that her brother had returned, Ana put her drink away to run up and hug him tightly. “Are you okay..?”

“I think so,” he said while gently hugging her back. Casting a wry glance at the others, Zell admitted, “What I did was… uncalled for.”

“Eh. I’d say it was a pretty reasonable reaction,” Seb said with a shrug, stirring his drink. “At least you didn’t turn this beast into a giant mobile frying pan!”

“At most, you owe my sister an apology for your outburst,” Bellatrix proposed with a neutral expression. “The Necronomicon’s fate is not yours to decide alone. But I won’t fault you, given what you’re going through. As well as what she chose to do…”

“Yeah…”

Julianne traced the rim of her glass. “If anyone is to be blamed for that confrontation, it’s Viscera.”

“Yeah! That f’ugly ass cunt stirred the whole shitpot,” spat Analise, turning to the mother of demons. “What’s ter be done abaht ‘er!?”

“She’ll likely cause more conflict,” noted the red-skinned woman.

Arron proclaimed. “Just say the word, and I’ll make chicken stripes outta that bird!”

“That won’t be necessary,” Layla declined. “I have the Glamorguis keeping her and Equinox monitored. Any unusual activities, and it’ll take care of them swiftly.”

“Bitchin’.”

Noticing Zeloph still seemed on edge, the card demon offered, “Hey… why don’t you come have a seat? I’ll buy you a round, tell you more about the crucible.”

The angelic demi gave a small smile. “I appreciate the thought, but I must get to the infirmary.”

“I get cha. Just know the offer stands.” His slime-green eyes shifted to Julianne, who smiled and petted his bandaged hand.

With a nod, Zeloph departed from the main bridge while Ana and Bellatrix retook their seats to converse with their company. The scarlet succubus, in particular, found this group a lot easier to chat with, given that her origins tied close with theirs.

Layla resumed watch over everyone onboard the saucer-shaped beast, silently hoping the fallen angel wouldn’t take too long to accept her proposal.

A clammy hand now covered the bones of Mortis Saltaire, reaching back up to obsessively stroke his cheek; half of the lich’s complexion healed. While the traitor’s soul bled out, more of his flesh returned.

The undead unicorn was mere steps away from looking like the stallion he once was. Danse Macabre.

However, his attention was more focused on the spacious chasm, filled with distorted madness and entropy before him. Where Shadow Scythe’s world once stood.

His followers, Triad, Penny Dreadful, and Andrei, looked around as well, bewildered as to why their master would summon them in this chaotic mess of scattered realities and perpetual darkness.

“Well, isn’t this place quite quaint!” Hooted the griffoness.

“Odd indeed,” observed the kitasan swordsman, his hair done up in a topknot for solidarity after they lost yet another comrade. “Why are we here, master? Should we not track down the betrayer’s remaining life force?”

“I already have,” affirmed Mortis. “Along with a mass amount of soul energy within a distant planet. One that can further help our cause. With the losses of Natural Selection, Quicksilver Bullet, and my hybrid scorpion army, I must replenish my forces and even the odds. Especially since the spell that ties me to the traitor could render me...vulnerable.”

He floated across the caves, swirling pixelated portals vanishing and reappearing through endless tunnels. “But first, I want to know who’s causing this cosmic disturbance. I sense a similar corruption in their soul that matches Beatrix.”

The mention of her nemesis’ name got Penny excited. “Ohohoho~! Another bloke who thinks they can bend time and space!”

“Precisely. Though they appear much more competent than Belladonna, I cannot allow the existence of someone who has defied their deaths on multiple occasions! The last representative of the soul reaper order must uphold this honor!”

They continued to glide around the liminal space until he found the portal he was looking for. An empty smile formed on his half-face as he reached with a semi-skeletal hand to access the shimmering vortex… only to pull back when a wave of black magic nearly blasted him.

Mortis hovered by his minions, conjuring his guillotine-style scythe. Penny and Triad raised their weapons while Andrei snarled threateningly as two hooded figures came out of the portal, adorned by blood-red robes with almond-shaped eye sigils etched in their clothes.

“Why do you bar my path,” the wraith demanded. “Whose side are you on?”

“I suggest you leave the way you came, soul reaper,” a gruff voice answered while making his approach. “Unless you and your legion want to return to your graves.”

Mortis froze when the cultist spoke, his reformed eye dilating.

“I know that voice… you… you’re..!!”

The robed figure chuckled and pulled back his long hood, revealing himself as an elderly cerulean ram, a large crest of white hair atop his skull between two large curved horns. Crimson eyes took in the almost terrified look the lich and his followers gave, a proud smile on his snout.

“Ahh. It fills my heart with great joy that even the dead tremble at the sight of me! Brings back memories of when I first brought Equestria to its knees~!”

Triad stepped forward, bewildered to see Mortis so shaken to the bone. “Master? You know this old goat.”

“Of course he does,” the ancient caprine mused. “I’m the one who planted the seeds that would bring about his undoing. Go ahead, Danse. Say my name…”

Mortis kept his deathly gaze on the ram before complying with his request.

“… the First Ruler of Equestria. The Father of Monsters. He… is Grogar!”

His smile widened.

“… You’re goddamn right~!”