Undeath and Rebirth

To any regular observer passing by, the depressed planes of Zebrica appeared barren and uninhabited. Yet faint plumes of smog polluted the cloudless skies from a seemingly undetermined location further away.

But when a lone robotic avian, carrying an unconscious zebra warrior in its talons, hovered closer, a translucent barrier deactivated briefly to allow entrance, revealing Varys’ hidden laboratory hidden from plain sight. Though to call it a simple laboratory was putting it lightly.

It was a mechanized aircraft carrier ship atop ten sections of giant continuous tracks. The main facility resided on the backend, a steel fortress built of spires and exhaust funnels that puffed black smoke. The vehicle’s front split into arms latched onto the ground, keeping the iron behemoth stable. Sentinel cannons steadily turned at their vantage points, ready to blast anything with a heartbeat that may have snuck through.

The see-through dome surrounding it was impenetrable from the outside, with the only opening located at the top to allow the toxic steam to exit. The vulture-esque machine hovered by the base until doors split apart and let it soar through.

Despite the busy machinery, the facility’s interior was much less unsoiled than the bulky muddy exterior. Gears grinding together, pistons pumping. The sound of spinning saw blades slicing through the material with flying sparks added to the drone-like ambiance.

The avian drone released its prey onto a conveyor belt, which carried them along with the other unfortunate captives. If they were lucky, they would be dumped into a pool-sized vat of chemicals, decomposing their bodies and becoming fuel. But with the master’s plan in full effect, most were dropped into the reformatting chamber.

One by one, the victims awaken just in time to witness their organic structures alter upon inhaling the chemical gas filling the room. Their heightened anxiety about the situation would speed up the process, allowing them to do nothing more than scream as biotech mutated their bodies.

Once the transformation was complete, the newly recalibrated droids marched out to make way for later arrivals. They were put to work from there, constructing something far more prominent than the space around them. Their consciousness of who they once were forced to observe in silent synthetic agony. Their bodies were no longer theirs to control. And soon, neither would their minds.

The perpetrator behind this madness watched within a sphere of digital screens, surveying analytics and updates.

“Status report, I.V.O,” commanded Varys.

“Project: Nephilim Phase One completion rate at 45%,” replied the computer. “Current Number of Souls Acquired; 407.”

The cyber demon nodded. “Excellent. Production should be complete within a few days.” He placed the Necronomicon away on a desk before turning his attention to the steel coffins containing Penny Dreadful and Kitasan Black, or ‘Triad’ as he preferred. With the lich and gunslinger out to carry out more duties, the mechanized plague doctor was tasked to repair and supplant them with tech better suited against their enemies.

And Varys was particularly fascinated with what achievements could be accomplished with them. “Wake them.”

The caskets popped open with a hiss. The clockwork griffoness was the first to rise in a seated position, naked as she stretched and yawned her short beak wide. “Bloody hell, what an awful nap,” she groaned. “Would it kill Mortis to offer up a spot of tea every once and a while?” Penny groaned before taking in her surroundings, her iris aperture widening. “Ooh my! Back here again, are we?”

“Indeed,” said Varys, his hands clasped behind his back. “Good to see you, Madame Dreadful.”

Penny gave a coo, flaunting her slender curvature before teasing, “Ohohoho~! I bet you’re thrilled to see me! So what has become of the master?”

“On an important mission,” said Triad, who rose up naked. “Like always.”

“Ooh-la-la~,” the avian huntress purred, taking in the black stallion’s chiseled sculpt of muscles. “Being beside two augmented hotties is getting me all flustered! Don’t suppose you fancy a three-way~?”

Triad scoffed, eying his comrade with mild interest. “Even if I were interested, It would go against our master’s agenda!”

“I am master here,” reminded Varys firmly. “And you shall be in my care until further notice.”

The swordsman stumbled to his feet, eying the beak-faced scientist suspiciously. “For what purpose?”

“To upgrade your cybernetics with anti-Demi human artillery,” the Vice Lord answered.

“Unnecessary,” argued Triad with a shake of his head. “Our master nearly siphoned Zeloph’s soul right from his body!”

“Plus, I easily tussled that tousled-haired harlot,” Penny added, though she was curious about what these ‘additions’ were.

“Yet, when another demi appeared, you failed,” noted Varys. “And what would happen if you encounter others with skills beyond your capabilities?”

When the two undead cyborgs couldn’t come up with a response, he continued. “In your current condition, the next battle will likely destroy you. I understand Mortis values zero attachment to his puppets, but to see such remarkable designs go to waste is unacceptable! Here. Allow me to cut your strings…”

The bionic devil procured a device and clicked a button with his tail. Instantly, it projected a hologram of a middle-aged stallion.

The clockwork assassin let out a shrill scream. “Professor Kilroy!!” Overjoyed, Penny shot up in a splash, the black ooze left to trail over the thin feathers that coated her denuded suppleness.

“Aha! A pleasure it is to see you again, my finest creation,” remarked the bald-headed scientist. “Hmm, it is curious how each dimension alters us. I was a humble human, where we come from.”

Triad gazed at the hologram in astonishment and demanded, “What trickery is this!? You mean to tell me he’s not merely one of her kooky hallucinations...?”

“How rude,” replied Penny, hands left to rest on her plush hips.

“I’m equally as surprised as you, dear boy,” the bearded Doctor Kilroy admitted, turning to study the Vice Lord. “How were you able to detect my presence?”

“My sensors indicated subtle shifts of particles around Penny’s shoulder,” Varys elaborated. “With this, I can make you visible to the naked eye.”

Triad examined the device before narrowing his gaze. “This technology originated from my homeworld! I thought you were unable to access the cyberverse!?”

“Lady Ewe may have banished me from that dimension, but I was able to harness enough equipment to refurbish my laboratory. And so long as I cooperate with Mortis, he can provide me with any required samples. A token of exchange for helping him with his vendetta against Shadow Scythe.”

“My, my! How resourceful,” Doctor Kilroy noted.

“Righty o’ then! Get to the changes!” urged Penny excitedly. “I wanna get out there and make mincemeat out of Beatrix’s pals~!”

But Triad remained resilient. “Only minor repairs will be necessary,” he insisted. “I will not take part in whatever scheme you’re crafting. If you want your kind dead that badly, do it yourself!”

Varys’ pale eyes narrowed within his vectors as he approached the swordsman, his hand unraveling into wires and different tools to tune up his woven cybernetics. “You couldn’t be more wrong,” the plague doctor said while working. “Demi-human blood may flow through my veins, but I assure you; I am nothing like those lesser creatures.” A mute chuckle sounded beneath his avian mask. “No, no, I have become… something more!”

Triad glared, disgruntled by the scientist’s boasting. “And what might that be..?”

“Greater than any man. Stronger than machine. Mightier than a god! I… am an idea. An idea that will bring forth a new age of superior science. Flesh and steel in perfect fusion, creating the ultimate sapient race… with me as its paragon.”

The swordsman could pick distance screams echoing from the deeper levels of the factory. He couldn’t suppress, shuddering at the thought of a universe controlled by Varys and his biomechanical abominations.

“You were right. I was sorely mistaken,” relented Triad. “I foolishly thought Penny was quite the unhinged psychopath…”

The griffoness squawked, “Hey!”

“… but I see now that you’re the most deranged lunatic out of us all! I can’t even fathom a more accurate word to describe the sheer insanity you wrought!”

“Hmph. I believe the word you’re looking for is genius,” the cyber demon scoffed, pulling back once his maintenance was completed. Triad flexed his arms and legs to perform swift jabs and kicks, testing his reflexes. He felt as good as new, shocked to find no foul play from the plague doctor.

Varys reformed his arm back into a hand shape before asking, “I understand you’re not interested in any additional updates to your mainframe. But perhaps you’d care for a live demonstration?”

Penny and Killroy leaned closer with intrigue while the swordsman’s glare hardened. “You’ve already implemented the technology into someone..?!”

The Vice Lord nodded. “Three of my subjects are currently performing preliminary testing outside as we speak. If you follow me, perhaps I can change your mind.”

He offered his hand towards the clockwork assassin, who eagerly took it with a quirky giggle. Triad kept his distance while tailing them, a hand clutching his katana’s sheath protectively.

The morning sun rose over the tallest tower of the monastery. Looking back, Shadow Scythe breathed a sigh, her once icy heart warmed by the sight of her comrades joining to see her off. The pale blue unicorn faced the ruined town before her. The first task of her Trial of Atonement and a constant reminder of what her villainy had wrought.

Shadow Scythe looked to Abbess Julianne, the nuns surrounding her, and most importantly, her friends. In particular, Zeloph, which made her heart flutter when she approached him. They had shared a bath together, allowing them a brief moment of intimacy before the reaper needed to prepare. Swallowing hard, she told them, “I have a lot of work ahead, but I’ll be back. Hopefully soon...” The reaper took her lover’s hands and planted a chaste kiss on his forehead.

” I know you’ll succeed,” encouraged Zeloph, who returned a warm smile. “No matter how long it takes you, I’ll be waiting.”

Shadow Scythe squeezed him tightly in her arms before reluctantly letting him go. She glanced at the cyber ninjas, the fox woman nodding her head while the twin-tailed tigress gave a thumbs up.

Her smile faltered when she moved onto Ana, who crossed her arms under her pronounced chest while staring intently at the reaper. Shadow Scythe detected something was amiss throughout the journey with the female demi-human. This had to be the longest she’d seen her outside her usual imp form. And since then, Ana’s made it abundantly clear she wouldn’t restrain herself nor her feelings for her lover.

It made the neon demon all the more vexing and vicious. Still, despite this change in attitude, she was Zeloph’s sister.

But she wouldn’t stomach the idea of anyone taking the one good thing in her life away… “If I find any smear of lipstick on him, I will murder you,” she warned coldly, her voice a whisper.

Ana’s lip curled smugly, taking the threat as a challenge. “Ooh, I’d loike ter see ya try, lov~.”

Julianne grasped the unicorn mare’s shoulder and politely urged, “Let us not allow bad blood to spoil this most heavenly of mornings!” The rosey-haired demi’s usual optimism quickly turned the lusty devil’s smirk into a scowl. While her stance on Julianna remained uncertain, Shadow Scythe was, at least, thankful for their hostess’ graciousness.

Shadow Scythe gave her friends one last glance before making her way down the monastery steps towards the forsaken villa with only her signature sickle and a sack full of food.

Once she stopped waving, Julianne turned her attention to the entourage and clapped her hands together. “Now, since you’ll be staying here for a little while, I feel I should go over a certain rule everyone chose to ignore.” While she wasn’t naming anyone in particular, her ruby-colored eyes stared directly at Ana and Wispy Willow.

The nekomata drew her own lips. “W-wait! You’re kidding, right? You couldn’t have seen us; the door was-”

“Nothing happens under my roof without my knowledge,” the head nun stated, her stern tone contrasting her wide smile.

Zeloph felt a chill crawl up his spine, realizing she knew about his and Shadow Scythe’s lovemaking the night before. “W-we didn’t mean any harm-”

“Pft! Speak for yourself,” Ana cut off with a sneer. “If ya ask me, these stuck-up prudes need ter learn how to cut loose an-ouch! H-hey!!”

“That’s quite enough lip out of you,” Julianne said, tugging on her pointy ears. “Disrespect shall not be tolerated! If you continue to refuse cooperation, you’ll have to be severely punished!”

“Heh! Fin’ ya can threaten me wif a good time~? YAAOW!!!”

“Final Warning~!”

“Gagh! Fine, alwigh’! I’ll lay off. Na quit tryin’ ter rip at me ear!”

Satisfied, Julianne released her fingers, allowing Ana to slip back beside Wispy, quietly grumbling and sulking.

“It won’t happen again,” promised Wispy. Despite her rebellious streak, the nekomata decided it was best not to disobey since they needed their help. Significantly since the cyber kunoichi sisters were weakened in this foreign land, forced to rely entirely on their martial skills.

“My sister means no harm,” assured Kitsune. “We’re indebted to you, Mother Julianne.” She humbly bowed, thankful that if her absence from the monastery was noticed, it went uncommented on. Her thoughts focused on the fox boy she’d briefly seen on the water, still debating if that was a trick of the moonlight.

“Oh, think nothing of it,” beamed Julianne. “Please, take the time to clean yourselves up. There’s a vast meadow behind the monastery. Feel free to train there and adapt to this world’s magic. No doubt you’ll need it with your ‘cybernetics’ neutered here.”

“Heh. Neutered,” snickered Ana, only to be flicked by Wispy’s split twin tails.

Zell looked outward to watch his lover float away out of sight. With a heavy sigh, he proclaimed, “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to start now. I already had a bath, and Atalanta will need me the next time-”

“-we face Mortis,” cut in Kitsune, who tossed him a wooden practice sword and withdrew her own. “I prepared these for what awaits us. Would you honor me with a friendly duel?”

He smirked at her. “The honor would be mine~!” The pair headed out into a field of grass whipped in the wind while Ana and Wispy were shuffled into the monastery to be cleansed before joining in. Julianne went a different direction, entering a shake that could easily be mistaken for a barn. Inside was a shrine dedicated to two figures. One was of the deity who blessed those worthy with divine blood. But another stood opposite, depicting a nude woman covered with multiple wings, a halo of horns crowning her head.

Julianne lowered to her knees, clasping her beaded rosary, and began to recite a prayer. “Hear me, heavenly father, above. Heed me, unholy mother, below. This humble servant asks that you give unto her your almighty power. I ask that this day shine brightly for my newfound friends. O please, primordial ones! Lend me a sign that the other children of Eden will arrive for the reunion!”

Trees rustled with a mild wind once Zeloph and Kitsune occupied the open field. They stood opposite of each other, bowing before crossing swords. The fallen one was ecstatic with how quickly the fox woman kept up with him, each exchange causing a hard snap sound from their swords. Even when he flashed behind for an opening, Kitsune was able to respond with a deflective blow.

“Haha! I think I found myself a good sparring partner,” complimented Zell, struggling to push back before leaping away. “Your skills are impeccable!”

“Years of self-discipline, enforced training, and practice,” huffed Kitsune, who wore a similarly satisfied grin. “But you’re pretty good on the draw yourself!”

“Thanks,” the angelic demi chuckled. “If anything, this shows you don’t need all that high tech in your body.”

His comment caused Kitsune to draw her snout down, rubbing her forearm. Zell’s eyes widened upon recognizing her discomfort. “O-oh, right! Sensitive subject. I’m sorry…”

“No, it’s just… what I wouldn’t give for that to be true,” she confessed. “The choice for a normal life was taken from my sister and me.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” the demi comforted. “We never asked to be the children of… god.” He spoke the word like it was taboo.

“Even still, it’s our responsibility to use these curses as gifts. So that we may protect the people we love.”

“Got me there. From what I’ve heard, magic is naturally embedded within all yokai. And you were genetically engineered after the nine-tailed fox spirit. Maybe you can tap into it!”

Her frown deepened, her rust-colored hair and nine fluffy tails fluttering in the breeze. “Not once have I considered using magic before. But I recall fire spells being the basics for my species…” Her eyes looked to him when she shyly asked, “... can you teach me?”

Zell smiled and nodded, throwing down his wooden sword. “I’m no yokai, but my Onoma and light-based ability produce a similar source.” With a cast he demonstrated, a flash of radiant illumination shone from his open palm, not unlike Wispy’s plasma orbs.

Kitsune carefully observed, concentrated, and felt a shimmer of power within her, unlike the usual cyber implants she typically relied on to boost her seasoned skills. “I-I feel something. But I can’t-”

“Don’t force it,” he replied, dimming his spell into a small candle-size flame. “Fire requires control over one’s emotions. If you get too frustrated, it’ll lash out, scorching whatever it can touch. And when it’s fueled by intense anger or hatred… well, that’s how the Burning King came to be.”

Kitsune nodded, sweat beads pouring down her brow as she tried to focus on conjuring it. For an instant, a small blue flame flashed. She released a hard breath, staring at her palm as nothing else came out.

“Well, at least we know you can access it,” said Zeloph, snuffing out his own spark. “But it’s okay! No one could be expected to master the arts on the first try!”

“Yeah, I-I know,” mused Kitsune and rubbed her hip, ambivalent about the bruise that started to build from where he struck her. A reminder that she became more fleshy here, oddly filled with a certain warmth in her heart at the sharp bite of pain she usually felt almost deadened to.

“Are you hurt? H-here,” offered Zeloph, lightly pressing his fingers into the bruised area as his healing light rippled and pulsated around her side.

“Th-thank you,” whispered Kitsune meekly, her eyes closed as she felt the warmth envelop the skin. The searing pain died away, replaced by a tranquil euphoria that rolled across the vixen. Her posture turned stiff and submissive under his touch since the former assassin had been conditioned to obey those that used her as a tool for her entire life.

She had only found a level of independence after she and Wispy escaped, and the sisters had been taken in by the pop princess Eclipsed Heart, where they formed the band B.A.B.E. Since then, the fox woman took up the role of their protector, as their popularity soared to the top while battling their friendly rivals, S.L.U.T. Another rival boyband, Sixth Measure, also became their allies through the budding relationship between Eclipsed and Bass.

Of course, they’d also made enemies with the demi-human known as Seb, who steadily made his name known around the black market. The public became blinded by the card demon’s endless ‘generosity,’ donating to many charities and supporting noble causes to improve the city. But they knew that it was all a ruse to maintain his image. Behind the scenes, Seb secretly ran many illegal trades and gambling shows to stock his obsession with wealth and luck. Kitsune could only hope the footage she managed to record would be enough to kickstart the bastard’s downfall while she and Wispy were away.

But the kunoichi wouldn’t hold her experiences with Seb against Zeloph nor Moxxi. While she didn’t know them well yet, both had treated her like a friend. It made her miss Eclipsed Heart, even more, hoping she was fairing well without them in the cyberverse.

Kitsune reassured herself that Eclipse’s boyfriend and his brothers would look after her in their absence. “You have my thanks,” she said once more after he finished touching her up.

“Don’t mention it.” They set aside their practice swords and took a break to recover. The blue skies were clear, the sun gentle on their skin. Zell withdrew the Vorpal Blade and rolled it about his palm. “You wouldn’t happen to know a way to unlock this blade’s hidden secrets, would you..?”

The vixen shook her head. “I have trained with various swords, but an enchanted one is beyond me.”

The fallen angel sighed. “Thought so… If you want, you can focus on unlocking your yokai abilities while I figure out how to call its power.”

Kitsune smiled delicately before nodding, rising back up and returning to her practice, a notable wag from her multiple tails. Zell stood up to pace around, studying the rune-lined white metal. Yet before he could ponder it further, his telecom hummed to life.

“Hello? This is Witch Mother, calling Sunspot. Come in, Sunspot!” Beatrix’s voice echoed through.

Zeloph’s eyebrow rose, bewildered as he replied, “I don’t remember agreeing on using code names...?”

“C’mon, where’s the harm in having a little fun~?”

His frown deepened. “You do realize it’s that attitude that likely resulted in this whole mess, right?”

“Spare me the passive aggressiveness, will you? I already get enough of it from Iclyn. Besides, you’re one to talk after what you’ve done!”

His expression soured when she brought up his crimes. With a deep breath, he unenthusiastically replied, “This is Sunspot. I read you loud and clear, Witch Mother. Over.”

She snickered. “Always knew a part of you wasn’t a total buzzkill~!”

“Will you get on with it already? Have you made it to Midnight’s world or not?”

A brief pause. Then he heard her say, “Yeah, we’ve arrived. It… doesn’t look good. Everything’s been twisted. The sky. The planets. All of it is just… wrong. And that’s not even the worst news!”

“There’s worse news?”

“Oona and the others are in danger! Alma’s got the entire manor under her thumb, thanks to Bellatrix. I-I think she kept her because she wanted to pull a redemption card. But she failed. And now, Esmeralda and Camellia have betrayed us, Demi-Trix and Omen are held hostage, and Grimmwald and Tatyana are likely getting involved. Oh, and remember that three-headed dragon accidentally teleported to Cerise’s world? We learned Andrei can control the experimental scorpions left by the Eldritch! We managed to bury him under a mountain, but who knows how long that’ll last! It’s bad, Zell. Really bad!”

Zell stared at the telecom with a pale expression. It hadn’t been more than two days! How did things unravel so disastrously? The demi-human felt his breathing grow frantic, doing his best to remain calm about the situation.

“That… is a lot to take in,” he managed to say.

“Are you okay?” Beatrix asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” insisted Zell as he went on to tell the wayward witch about their journey thus far. He mentioned their untimely encounter with Mortis and his undead henchmen, nearly losing said battle before Julianne’s intervention. Then, he relaid how they were now taking refuge at rose-haired demi’s establishment, figuring out a plan for their inevitable fight with the lich while Shadow Scythe was away, taking her ‘Trail of Atonement.’

“So you’re stuck there for a while,” Beatrix surmised. “Well, here’s hoping she succeeds. Though personally, I believe it’s unnecessary. She’s already proven herself!”

“It’s a more personal matter for her than anything,” rebutted Zeloph. “Regardless, I won’t abandon her to suffer this alone. She needs me in her corner.”

“Awww… Where was this side of you when we were together~?”

He dryly chuckled. “Buried under a lot of smarm and self-entitlement that helped drive Cerise’s world to extinction.” There was a brief pause before he asked, “Hey.… When you can, tell her that I’m-”

“I’m sure she understands,” replied Beatrix, her voice barely audible on the other end. “But I’m also sure she’d appreciate a personal apology. You did hurt her parents and killed many of her people from her country. I don’t mean to make you feel bad, Zell, but you can’t really blame her.”

“Nor can I take it back…” The fallen one sighed, troubled. “I’ll contact you once I have more news. Here’s hoping Oona and the others can get somewhere safe. Good luck, Beatrix.”

“You too, hun,” she said as the transmission ended, his pendant’s glow dimming.

“Well, that’s just great,” the demi-human bitterly spat, glaring at the worn blade that refused to give him insight. “What is it that I have to do!? Tell me!!” he demanded, shaking the weapon for any response. But alas, it was an inanimate object, and all he was doing was behaving foolishly. Zeloph groaned while rubbing his forehead, half tempted to try his sister’s cheesy suggestion.

“There has to be something that draws its power out… think, Zell! What did you do before..?”

His thoughts returned to the manor as he remembered the hole he’d sliced into reality which sent Ebony Ivory and Natural Selection away. He vividly recalled the sword weaving a motion with him.

Taking a deep inhale, Zeloph sliced the air at the memory… which caused the runes to light up, the saber shimmering with brilliance. His eyes opened wide with shock at the cross-shaped breach in the air, cosmic radiance spilling out the spatial cut.

“Holy shit,” he whispered in astonishment, amazed by the feat he pulled off. “H-holy shit!! Haha!!!”

So overjoyed by his progress, Zeloph failed to notice the sword’s aura dancing around his body, his swan-esque plumage expanding into more wings with eyes. His body was consumed by a fiery atmosphere of pure white energy that surged into a pillar. Kitsune was pulled out of her practice to notice the beam of light reaching the sky, marveling at it for a second before running towards it.

The seraphic angel reached forward to touch the rift, the spatial substance rippling like water. “So this is what it feels like to be Beatrix,” he laughed. “I have to admit, it feels amazing! But I shouldn’t get carried away. I better close it beforeeeEEYAAAHH!?!”

In trying to pull his finger, a great weight pulled Zeloph through the rift before sealing itself shut. By the time Kitsune arrived at the scene, the light had vanished, a pile of leaves whirling over where it once stood.

“Oh no…”

“Such ‘orseshit!”

Ana continued to whine as the demoness and nekomata were forced by the nuns to scrub the monastery clean. “Zeloph and Shadow Scythe were gettin’ freaky on that Friday night just as we were! I bet ‘e sodomized ‘er, too! So why’re we gettin’ singled aahhht!?”

The nuns said nothing, knowing it would feed into her negative attitude.

“Wot, Is it ’cause we’re women? girl-on-girl is against the bloody rules?!” She hefted a couple of water pails in her arms and sneered. “Bunch of 'omophobes, ya 're! Absolutely bafflin’, loike ya don’t scissor each ovver behind closed doors!”

“Quiet you,” warned one of the nuns.

“They’ve been thumb-suckin’ outta wed-lock as well!” Ana continued to rant. “And yet, we’re gettin’ our bums smacked for it? Biased cunts…”

“To be fair, It’s likely those two intend to marry,” hissed Wispy, her striped fur on end when soapy water almost splashed her.

The idea made Ana growl. “Not if I 'ave aahhht ter say abaht it….”

“Gagh! What is with you?” berated the tigress. “He’s your brother, for cryin’ out loud!”

“‘e’s more than that,” defended the lusty demon. “‘e’s been the bloody peanut butter ter me jelly since we butchered the Divine Father. Before ‘e went zealot mode, ‘e ‘elped me get a new lease on the Porridge Knife. Zelly means everything ter me, Wispy. And I ain’t abaht ter St. Martins-Le-Grand ’im ter sum boney ass bizzich..!”

Wispy watched the neon demon scrub her vexations into the floor, biting her lip. Despite the present issues she displayed, Ana was too alluring to pass up. The twin-tailed cat woman loved the night they spent together. Admittedly, far more than she had with Alto. He wasn’t by any means a poor lover. But sex with the neon demon was an almost otherworldly experience. She still had the claw markings decorating her furry body to prove it, invisible in daylight.

In any case, the former assassin sensed her friend required help, even if she said otherwise. And Wispy would take it upon herself to do whatever she could to assist Ana, especially if her new prowess could be expanded upon. Her slit eyes noticed the x marks on demi’s cheeks were fading slightly.

“What was it called again? An Onoma, right?” Wispy began questioning while dipping her rag into the soapy water bucket. “Can it be changed?”

“It can,” answered Ana, who cautiously held a hand to her cheek. “I’ve only seen it ’appen wif Zell before. But that shouldn’t mean I can’t do the same.”

Wispy nodded. “It’s likely already happening. And I think we should use it to help with our predicament.”

“Yeah, shit’s been crazy, ‘asn’t it? Wot wif aw these old foes of Beatrix crawlin’ aahhht of the bleedin’ woodwork loike locusts...” She dipped her venus flytrap tail in the water, sucked up the soapy soup, and spat it all over the stained glass. When none of the nuns were looking, the mischievous succubus yanked down the lower half of her attire, bent over, and pressed her bare bottom to the surface as she rubbed herself on it.

Wispy snickered at the squeaks of Ana’s bare ass as she cleaned it, beckoning the nekomata to help out. “Well,” said Wispy, who noted the nuns had left them alone for a moment, satisfied they would finish the work. “They didn’t specify how we needed to clean the monastery~!”

“Ovver than nah magic,” replied Ana with a wink. “Thankfully, me natural demonic abilities daan’t count!” She yanked off the nekomata’s cheongsam with a snicker as the denuded kunoichi used her furred breasts and buttocks to help rub soap and water all over the pictures.

“A faceful of titties should ‘elp ’em perk up,” the demoness tittered when she discarded the rest of her clothes to help her new pal clean it. Then she whispered, “Wot say we sneak into mother superior’s room? I bet that saucy Berkshire ‘unt ‘as plenty of skeletons in ‘er closet. Nah doubt a few dildos straight from Bad Dragon~!”

The cyber ninja paused. “I dunno...a few pranks are fine, but I don’t want us kicked out!”

“Pft! Relax. When ‘ave I stirred ya the wrong way? Besides, in’cha supposed ter be your band’s ‘bad girl’? Wot wif that studded crimson catsuit and choker ya strut ’round in? I wanna run wif a bitch 'oo knows ’a ter ‘ave fan,” she teased the tigress.

“Grrrr… Fine, we’ll check it out. I’m a bit worried about my sis, and I don’t want her buying into this ‘self-redemption’ crap.” Reluctantly, Wispy picked up her discarded clothes and hastily trailed after the spunky demi-human, who’d darted ahead. It wasn’t like her to be so cautious, but she felt like an alien. Disturbed at how easily Mortis and Triad had overcome the cyber sisters.

A hop-and-a-skip later, the duo arrived at Julianne’s room, separated from the rest of the rooms, at the end of an empty hall. The lock proved simple to pick, as Ana’s flytrap-shaped tail closed around the handle and its elongated tongue pushed into the keyhole with a swish until a click sounded. Quietly, she drew the door open, where the pair entered.

The interior proved bland and mundane, a little different from the rest of the rooms they’d seen here. They immediately started to ransack the drawers and look under the bed.

“Yeesh! Girl needs ter get aahhht more,” Ana commented, the only thing of interest being a piano with a music sheet book. She bent under the bed. “Nah stash of porna magz or anything!”

“No toys either,” noted Wispy as she lifted some clothes from a dresser. “None of her bras or panties look remotely sexy. Not even a hint of frilly designs!”

“Blimey! As much as I’d love ter wipe that rathead smile off ‘er face, I’d prefer ter clock at ‘ow stacked she is underneaf those robes…”

“You said it! Girl’s got quite a figure from what I could tell,” Wipsy said, noting Julianne’s chest looked relatively large, confined in her gown.

Just then, Ana’s elvish ears perked at the almost undetectable sound. “D-did ya ‘ear that?”

“Mhm.” The tigress’ oval-shaped ears flopped. “It sounded pretty… muffled.”

The demoness went to all fours, crawled across the carpet, and felt around until she discovered a thinner part when she pressed her palms down. “Aha! Gotcha~!” Carefully, she peeled the section back.

Together, they drew the rug away, uncovering a suspicious-looking trap door. “I smell a sex dungeon,” Ana giddily said, rubbing her hands together as her tail licked its chops.

“I think we should turn back,” Wipsy suggested nervously. “We don’t want Julianne knowing we’ve been here!”

“And let the poor sap continue ter suffer whatever sexual torture device she’s ‘ooked up? Nah, my fine China plate. We’re garn in raw and ‘ot~!”

Wispy clutched her hands tightly as Ana undid the latch. The duo descended the stairwell that led deep into the dark basement. Once they nearly touched down at the bottom, faint echoes carried that made Wispy’s cat ears flick. The muffled noises definitely sounded like moans in between whip cracks.

“Ohoho~! Wait until the others get a whiff of this! I bet that ‘abit-wearin’ slut got ’em ball gagged, whippin’ them for mis… behavior..?”

Whatever excitement Ana felt died as the duo gazed in shock at the display before them. Inside the BDSM-styled dungeon, many nuns were naked and tied up. But their expressions were anything but lewd. They looked exhausted, eyes struggling to keep open, cheeks dry with tears. Upon further analysis and a closer listen, Wispy realized the mouth gags weren’t muffling their moaning. It was suppressing their laughter!

They spotted a pair of nuns, one prostrated across a wooden horse, arms bound behind her by rope, lips smiling over a ball that dripped with drool from the tiny holes. Her back and buttocks were covered in thin red marks where her friend was lashing, wearing a manic grin.

“Wot fresh Gypsy Nell is this..!?” Ana muttered horrifically.

“Punishment,” a cheery voice answered, causing both women to jump when Julianne unveiled herself from the shadows, her perpetual happy face highlighted by candlelight. “For those who chose to give in to temptation.”

“What have you done to them!?” Wispy demanded.

“I think you should be asking your friend that question,” countered the mother superior, her ruby gaze locked with Ana’s heated magenta. “It’s her fault they’re going through this.”

“Wanna try that again, skank?!”

“It’s true! You’re the one promoting depravity in my monastery. You’ve encouraged these mares to give in to their vices. Vices that will doom them into damnation and a spiraling state of unhappiness. It is my sworn duty to lead my followers toward a good life. A life untainted by terrible thoughts and filled with eternal bliss!”

“You deluded twat,” spat Ana. “So this is ’a ya keep everyone in order? Gettin’ them’ igh on false opium until they’re pukin’ up rainbows and puppies?!”

“I know it seems awfully extreme,” admitted Julianne. “But it is necessary! The world is too cruel to live in these days. That is why I must remind people what it feels to have boundless joy!”

Wispy shook her head defiantly. “But this is wrong! They’ll become too tired and numb if left unchecked!”

“Yeah, that ain’t real ‘appiness!”

Then, for the first time since knowing her, Julianne’s smile disappeared, replaced with a frown. “Ooh? And what do you know about real happiness, hmm? You, who have known only misery all your life.”

“Ya don’t kna tom shite abaht me!” glowered Ana.

“I don’t have to,” responded Julianna, walking around the duo like a shark in blood-soaked water. “I see it in your actions. The way you talk and act towards others, disregarding their outlook on you because, deep down, you know they’re right. Even now, I can sense how tormented you are inside.”

“Shut up!!”

“Incest and Infidelity are heavy sins, y’know,” she continued. “It’s bad enough you lust after your own relative, but to even go so far as to covet him away from the mare he loves? All to selfishly hide that neverending fear of being abandoned once again. You’re not just miserable, dear. You’re unlovable. You, Anarchia, are a sexually depraved monster who will never know real happiness…”

The demoness manifested her dark aura, sharp teeth clenched, the urge to maim the rosey-haired demi on the spot impossible to withhold. She trembled violently, her eyes glowing an angry scarlet red.

“Oh my! Quite a scary face you’re making,” said Julianne, unphased. “You look about ready to tear me apart~!”

“Damn wite, I am,” snarled Ana, who marched up to the mother superior, her demonic energy flaring as she stood taller. Still, it took her mental power to remain in control and not let this bitch rule her emotions, despite the apparent wet pain seeping out her eyes. “But ’a abaht I bla this whole operation wide open and tell our friends ’a ya treat your floozies when they get a bit naughty?”

“Hmm… you could,” considered the mother superior. “But I think it would be more productive if we exorcise this demon. One-on-one. In a duel.”

“A duel?” questioned Wispy.

“If you defeat me, I’ll offer up my purity and let you have me any way you want.”

Ana narrowed her glare. “And if ya win?”

The nun’s smile returned. “Then you will join my covenant. And I will end your addictive tendencies once and for all.”

“You’re on,” the neon demon replied without a second thought, pushing the twin-tailed tigress aside, her blood working up to a boil.

“Holy crap,” muttered Wispy, a step taken back to leave the room. She could feel the raw power radiate from Anarchia, making her striped fur stand on end.

She tailed behind Julianna, stating, “You won’t get away with this! Even if you win, Zeloph won’t allow you to convert his sister! And neither will I or Kitsune!”

Julianne looked at her with unfettered confidence and replied, “Oh, I know you won’t, but trust me, Wispy. This is meant to help balance Anarchia’s demonic nature. I suspect something is causing her mood to influx.”

“W-what?”

“You’ll understand soon,” reassured the head nun. “The plan is already set into motion.”

Wiping sweat from her brow, Shadow Scythe finished repairs to the first building she tackled, the bricks set and sealed by cement that hardened under the sun. Such mundane work would have once been unthinkable to her, who’d spent most of her life before a turn to villainy in stuffy libraries. Yet she couldn’t deny a certain simple satisfaction at work finished by her own hands.

Hard labor proved the easy part. The real work came next.

The pale blue unicorn surveyed the various souls of the civilians slain here, entire families dead by Mortis’ hands. A monster she helped create. The skull-face lich is reduced to a mere vessel of vengeance. A reminder of what she could have become had she continued down a life she chose.

With a shudder, her icy blue eyes turned to the transparent spirits of a slain family.

The specters stared back coldly, resentment clear on their visages. Dread smoldered in the victims, acknowledging that this reaper had inadvertently called her foe’s wrath down on their land. Some even addressed her as a traitor and monster, and she dared not deny their protests.

Shadow Scythe’s head bowed solemnly, her eyes closed as a solitary tear dripped down her cheek.

A cool touch caressed her cheek. She looked to a child who attempted to comfort her. “I...I don’t deserve your kindness,” she whispered. “But I’ll become worthy of it one day!”

The reaper settled into her next task, to ease the souls of the lost, trapped between realms until psychopomp could send them to their destination. Grimly, Mortis had claimed a few souls before Julianne pushed him back, but until she could reclaim them, she would focus on these haunted spirits.

Without a reaper’s aid, they were condemned to wander the mortal plane...forever.

After her suicide, Quiver Bolt was likely trapped somewhere in this world since she’d slain all her fellow reapers, and it was unlikely anyone skilled enough could carry out that sacred task. She needed to find her lost soul before Mortis, or his followers, did.

Perhaps by liberating her mother’s spirit, Atalanta could also save her father, Quicksilver Bullet, from the lich’s mental domination. Even if their relationship couldn’t be salvaged, the female reaper would be content to make simple amends for the heartache she caused her family.

“WELCOME BACK, DOWN TOWN~!” The debonair boy band, Sixth Measure, sang in unison after finishing their opening act, much to the crowd’s massive reaction. Once the sun began to set, the cybernetic land of Equestria came to life with technicolored illumination and surround sound.

Most notably, the brothers made headlines with another protest concert, drawing nearly half of the city’s populace. The gathering crowds danced against each other, trying to get as close to the onstage talent while the bouncers continually pushed them back.

“I wanna thank you all for coming,” continued the lead singer, Bass, who wore a stunning blue jumpsuit and styled his hair into a pompadour to pay tribute to a legendary solo artist. “We’ve got a lot in store for you tonight.”

“Stuff that’ll really knock your socks off, ladies~” flirted the middle brother, Alto, earning a couple hollers from some eager female fans.

“We’re gonna tear up the dance floor with S.L.U.T later on, so you definitely won’t wanna miss that~!” announced Tenor, the youngest. He and Alto wore matching outfits, the only difference being color-coded to each singer.

“That’s right! Because we’ve gotta address the pinstripe-wearing elephant in the room,” Bass added, picking a more serious tone. The crowd then gave a loud boo, half of them aware of who he was referring to. “I know; I just wanna party all night like the rest of you. But we’ve got hard evidence that this chump has been pulling the wool over your eyes for months!”

Alto nodded and said, “All will be revealed in time, friends.”

Then Tenor chimed in. “But for now…”

“Leeeeeets party~♪” they called in unison before putting on a popular performance to get the attendees pumped up.

From backstage, Eclipsed Heart watched her boyfriend play. While this was a world primarily of humans, Beatrix and Oona’s latest adventure introduced back the magic that helped alter citizens into anthropomorphic hybrids. This futuristic Equestria had been changed with the rebirth of the Elements of Harmony, as magic returned and mingled with advanced science. Thus, some people had taken on certain animal traits.

The popstar variation of Cerise, named Eclipsed Heart, retained her human shape, her hot pink hair tied up in a thick ponytail, which matched her wide, soulful eyes. Her skin carried a dark, charcoal hue, and the pop princess dressed in a stylish neon roller derby-style costume and rollerskates. She bounced around in sync with the melody Sixth Measure sang out. “Looking good, honey!” she cheered from the curtain.

Her heart-shaped cellphone filmed the concert live from her social media page, many of her followers flooding the comments with reactions and likes.

“You really got it down bad, princess,” teased Carrion Hellfire, the lead of S.L.U.T. What started as a friendly rivalry to drum up interest for both bands had become a full-on partnership, as they, B.A.B.E., and Sixth Measure united to undo what ex-president Spike and Seb had done.

The thin, athletic woman resembled a harpy, down to metallic wings that were closer to blades on her slender but toned arms, a metal bikini with spikes over her nipples to match, and talons on her fingers and feet. Her short, wild mane was half-shaved.

Eclipsed giggled, turning to her friend. “Can you really blame me? He’s quite the jaw-dropper!”

“Ehh, I don’t see it,” Carrion shrugged, dismissively waving her hand. “But I’ll give those tacky studs this; they sure know how to play! Plus, I can’t complain about all the delicious eye candy~!” She licked her chops at the women that wantonly displayed themselves, her teeth razor-sharp behind stretched lips.

“Mmm, I’ll say~,” hissed Obrya Slithervane, the voluptuous woman akin to a lamia, as her thick snake tail allowed her to slither across the floor. Lime-colored hair fell like a waterfall to frame her delicate features, their resident seductress, the poster girl of S.L.U.T. since she was the most conventionally beautiful. She went naked as few dared question a woman that could easily constrict and crush them. Plus, being a member of the Komodo biker gang gave the serpentine woman certain benefits and protection. “I wish Dillon was here to watch me perform,” she confessed with a sigh.

“Gotta keep up the act, mate,” replied the last band member, Riptide Ruth, her voice deep and rough yet clearly feminine. The shark woman was a mountain of hard muscle in stretched clothes, boxed in by public perception as the stereotypical ‘dumb brute,’ despite the fact she was an ex-engineer that maintained the band’s equipment. She swore to keep them all protected, having years of experience in the military to back it up. “We’re not Sadistic Lesbians United Together for nothing!”

“I know,” pouted Obrya as she sucked on her lower lip. “Nothing wrong with a little dick here and there. You two should try it!”

Her bandmates turned to each other and made a vomiting gesture before laughing it off.

Eclipsed winced a little at the foul-mouthed band, who openly spoke their mind at all times and often cursed up a storm. But it was obvious they were softies at heart! They’d acted as surrogate older sisters to her in the absence of Kitsune and Wispy Willow!

Not to mention Mezzo Soprano, mother of Sixth Measure and acting president of the capital, had accepted her! She’d never felt happier in her entire life!

“C’mere! Let me give ya a better view,” Ruth offered, lifting the tittering diva onto her shoulders. Eclipsed’s hot pink eyes lit up as she marveled at the sight beyond the concert hall, taking in many skyscrapers and tall towers that reached the heavens.

One tower was a high-end restaurant, currently sold out for the presence of the former opera singer herself. Mezzo Soprano stood by the window, viewing the neon concert below, despite a television broadcast playing on a plasma screen in the bartending area. She sipped from her glass of sparkly champagne, adorned in her business suit with silver and gold decorative glitter. The table manager approached the older woman cautiously, informing her, “Miss president? Erm, your guest has arrived…”

She didn’t turn to address him while responding, “Send him in.”

With a nod, the employee was gone. And strutting his way into the luxurious restaurant was the subject of Sixth Measure’s protest. Her eyes drifted up to see his reflection in the glass window, his pale coat and dress pants lined with faint pinstripes, as was his feathered hat. Those glowing slime-yellow eyes shone brightly with integrity, his visage covered by a bandana that depicted a fanged grin.

“Damn. Would you look at that view!” commented Seb, passively flipping a coin in his hand. “Must be nice getting to have dinner here. I hope you haven’t forgotten who helped you acquire such a fortune. I haven’t. And I never forgive unpaid debts…”

“I’m surprised you came alone,” said Mezzo, turning around to take her seat. “I rarely see you without those two fuckbots you stole from Spike.”

Catching the coin and seeing where it landed, he shrugged and tucked it into his pocket. “Is it really stealing when he practically gave them to me? Not my fault the purple bastard didn’t recognize opportunity when running this joint to the ground. They’re overseeing the betting races in my absence. What, did you plan on ambushing me?”

“And ruin this expensive suit? Hardly my style,” the president dryly chuckled, watching him sit opposite her. A waiter asked for any beverages to start with, and Seb ordered red wine. Mezzo requested mozzarella sticks for the appetizer while Seb watched Sixth Measure’s show on the tv.

“Quite a performance your boys are putting on,” admitted the pinstriped devil, his spaded tail opening its eye to watch while they talked. “I wonder who they plan on getting canceled tonight. I bet he’s incredibly handsome~!”

Mezzo’s smile twisted with anger. Of course, Seb would deduce the reason she invited him to a dinner date. For all his sleaziness, he was terrifyingly insightful. According to Lady Ewe, he was a demi-human, an alternative take on classic angels and demons. Each one she and Beatrix faced was compelling, and Seb was no exception. He weaponized his love for gambling, turning any game played into a matter of life and death, be it his card-based magic, gun-based artillery, or ability to read minds. No matter the outcome, the card demon was guaranteed to get what he wanted.

The waiter brought back a basket of mozzarella sticks and wine, and the pair briefly looked through the menu before selecting their choice of entree. Tension held high in the air as they ate while the concert resonated from the plasma screen.

Mezzo ultimately broke the silence. “... Heh. Straight to business, then?” She slid her phone towards Seb, who picked up. On it was footage of him, courtesy of Kitsune, clearly ordering his henchmen to beat a poor patron to a pulp. And when he begged for more time, the video ended right as Seb conjured his signature pistol, unclipping the safety.

“This will be leaked live in the middle of the concert,” she said calmly. “Then everyone in this city will know how despicable you really are. It’s over, Seb. You’ve lost.”

This was the last time Mezzo would resort to using this tactic, as this would significantly jeopardize her position. But once Seb was out of the picture, she could focus on invoking the right changes the cyberverse needed. As well as a future for her children and Eclipsed Heart, whom she already saw as her daughter-in-law.

“But since you did help us dispose of Spike, I’ll do you a kindness,” she offered smugly. “Shut down your operation, surrender everything under your name, and leave my city. Otherwise, my men will be ready to escort you to your cell once news breaks. Leave empty-handed or rot in prison. Your choice.”

But her confidence flattered at the sound of chuckling. Seb slid the phone back to her as he leaned back in his chair. “Wow… I-I mean, really. Wow! I didn’t think you had it in you to stoop this far just to call me out. Miss Soprano, I am impressed! Can’t call this fabricated, deep fake, or anything! You played your cards well! A splendid royal flush!”

After applauding her efforts, he let out a trouble-sounding sigh. “Fuck… Everything under my name, huh? That’s a hefty price to pay! I-I won’t be able to make a living anywhere!”

“I don’t care,” retorted the siren, not fooled by his false remorse. “I want you out by tomorrow morning.”

“Really going for the gonads! I bet it was that attitude that scared your husband away. Or maybe not! Plenty of guys are into a strong, dominant woman who-”

“Enough games, Seb!” Mezzo snarled, slamming her fist into the table. “How do you continue to be so arrogant!?”

“... You mean you haven’t figured it out?” He chortled. “C’mon, Mezzo. I know you’re smarter than this! Surely, you’ve prepared for the repercussions when planning to expose me, right?”

Her eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about..?”

“Well, by handing everything I own, I won’t be able to run my casino anymore… which is where most of the funding for those fancy new hospitals came from. The medical team working there to support the ill and unwealthy won’t want to be associated with a dirty conman, will they?”

Mezzo went pale, the meaning of his words slowly creeping in. “... N-no..!”

“Plus, I’ll have to shut down the food banks I helped open,” he continued. “And the schools. And the construction of the housing market! That’s gonna be a major blow since lots of people need more living space in the slums. And… oh, that’s right! You were very adamant about those changes being implemented! Man, I wonder how the public’s gonna feel about you pulling back on those promises for real change~.”

“Shut your mouth!!” She cried. “You can’t do that! I-I’m in charge here! I-I’ll... I-”

“Hypnotize me into doing it? But then, you’d be abusing your authority! I thought you wanted to prove you were better than Spike~?”

When Mezzo fell silent in disbelief, Seb shook his head and said, “You’re the president now. So, in the end, it’s your call. By all means, go ahead and expose me. Let the people know the truth! But let’s make one thing perfectly clear…” The pinstriped devil leaned closer, his glowing yellow eyes piercing through to her very soul as he maliciously stated, “...I will burn this city into the fuckin’ ground before you bleed a single cent out of me!”

The waiter arrived with their meal, which the card demon thanked and stuffed a twenty-dollar tip into his waistcoat pocket. Mezzo remained speechless, staring blankly at her dinner, wondering where her plan went wrong. All those homeless people still suffering in the slums. Dreading the nights of ongoing turf wars between gangs that would spill innocent blood. Even if she delved into her own pockets and had her boys put on more charity shows, there was no way to financially cover all the changes she swore to make.

A hand grasping her shoulder pulled the former opera singer back to reality. Seb stood behind her, finishing a bite from his premium sirloin steak and patting a napkin down his lips. The bandanna that usually concealed his face lay on the table. Her horrified eyes looked up at the demi-human’s face, a pencil-thin mustache above his upper lift, a triangular patch below his mouth, and a goatee covering his shape chin. A hideous scar splits his cheeks into a glasgow grin, making the chuckle slithering out his throat all the more sinister.

“Believe it or not, Mezzo, it’s not always about the money with me,” the card demon said. “The best part of gambling is seeing your opponent lose their cool composure once they realize how badly they’ve lost. And you were so certain you had me, too! Haha! Priceless~.”

He lowered his mouth near her ear to whisper, “The sad thing is… I would have complied with your obligations if you were just a smidge nicer to me.”

Her gaze shifted into an irate glare. “You lyin’ sack of shit!”

Seb shrugged his shoulders. “I’m serious! I was getting bored of this town and all the disorienting lights! Thought I’d take my winnings and business elsewhere. But since you’ve royally pissed me off, I ain’t gonna stand for that level of disrespect. So here’s what’s actually gonna happen…”

Mezzo’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing the familiar clicking of a safety trigger, feeling the gun’s nozzle press into the side of her head. Visibly, she remained calm, if only to not give Seb the satisfaction of seeing how terrified she was right now.

“Call your boys. Tell them to cancel the protest right now,” demanded Seb. “Or else your future grandkids won’t get to know you outside your songs!”

Mezzo couldn’t force back the tears leaking down her face as she stared at the television, Sixth Measure reaching the end of their number before the scheduled leak would happen next.

“I suggest you think carefully about what’s more valuable. My reputation, or your life? Because the moment that video goes live, I’m gonna…huh?!”

Seb’s threat trailed off when his attention was pulled back to the concert. The boyband had stopped playing altogether and instead pointed towards something off camera. The operator followed to capture light tearing through the sky.

The gambler and president turned to the window, spotting the rift tear more comprehensive above the concert stadium.

“What the hell is that?!” Seb questioned, his pistol shifting back into card form while keeping a hand on Mezzo’s shoulder in case she tried to make a break for it, which she sincerely wanted to do. Though she took solace that the gunslinger was temporarily distracted by the strange portal.

The whole concert was mesmerized by the spectacle. Wind and sound flurried around the stadium, the stage lights flickering from the electromagnetic interference. Eclipsed’s eyes lit up, hoping that Beatrix and Oona were about to come out with her bandmates!

The crowd erupted when something shot out of the closing rift, looking vaguely human-shaped. Bass quickly realized the outsider’s direction and immediately called, “Everyone gets down!!”

The audience took cover, lowering to the ground right and bracing for impact. Fortunately, the winged humanoid found his sense of gravity and angled his angelic wings to seize momentum. He floated down into the stage, where all the spotlights shone on him.

Zeloph shielded his face from the glaring lens before taking in the sight of a large crowd, stunned to silence by his appearance. His blue eyes scanned the boyband cautiously, keeping distance. When his perplexed gaze fell to the Vorpal Blade, he asked the only appropriate question.

“… Where am I?”