Author's Note

Reminder this crosses over with:

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/513887/undeath-and-rebirth

Chapter 15

Smoke and ash polluted the blackened sky around the charred remains of the minotaur villa. In light of the recent alien abduction, a temporary truce was called between Moon Hammer’s people and Fiery Kickstart’s troops. Crystal Empire soldiers helped rescue the wounded, put out fires, and collect bodies for burial. But tensions remained high as the heads of both sides met across charred earth.

Moon Hammer kept his war hammer in both hands, snout twisted, and brows furrowed. “You’re lucky I don’t crush your limbs.”

“You’re free to try,” Fiery spat without enthusiasm. “But neither of us is in any shape to continue the battle. Were our armies to exchange blows now, it would end in mutual destruction. Assuming we really aren’t damned already.” He heaved a sigh. “No, best to maintain whatever peace is left. Only until our enemies are annihilated can we properly part ways.”

“Oh, you’ll be parting alright,” the blacksmith snorted, pointing his weapon at various points of the landscape. “Parts of you there… there… and way over there.”

Chezka trotted up, Panna slumped unconscious on the centaur’s horse portion, the fawn’s horn half-eaten by acids before the wound sealed. “We might not be in any shape for that,” she whispered. “We’ve lost hundreds!”

“And the changelings have lost thousands in this suicidal attack,” reminded Fiery.

“Right. But they can just breed more soldiers much faster than we can,” rebutted Chezka, who stomped a hoof and swatted a fly away with her white tail. “Our numbers are far fewer than the swarm! If we retreat home now, we can—”

Her suggestion was bluntly caught off by a slap in the face.

The mustard pegasus sneered at his wife. “Don’t you ever suggest I pull my forces back! While they’re replenishing their ranks, we can press our advantage and strike the hive where it hurts!”

The centauress glared back stubbornly, rubbing her sore cheek. “But we know nothing about the cult that aids them! This changes everything-”

“It changes nothing!” he barked. “Need I remind you of your Amazonian code? You wouldn’t be alive if not for me! Your lives are mine until you draw your last breath! You have your orders! NOW MOVE!” An audible crack sounded when he slapped her muscled horse ass to send her off, like she was some unruly pet that needed to be disciplined. To be reminded of her place when she got too uppity.

For a moment, Chezka fumed and stared him down so fiercely that it appeared she was ready to attack him. But instead, she finally turned with a haughty swish of her wavy white ponytail and cradled her cervine sister close to her back as she trotted away.

His eyes watched her toned horse buttocks shift under damaged armor, his angry red handprint left on a broad cheek. “Women,” he huffed. “Too driven by emotions. Another reason why they have no place on the battlefield...”

Moon Hammer snorted in disgust at how the supreme commander treated his wives. But he didn’t have a say in the matter. A calf cradled the udder of twins, Strawberry and Blue Moon, as they nursed. It swelled the minotaur’s heart, knowing new life and hope could still exist in this maddening world. He dropped his weapon and knelt to hold his wives and children, telling them how much he loved them.

Water filled his eyes. He owed Arcanum much for this one. Hopefully, the warlock was well.

But it was plainly obvious Fiery was losing control. At least some soldiers helped rescue holstaurs and calves trapped in huts that had collapsed, and Shining Armor stayed by Marathyssa’s side, watching over the half-dead’ crystal maid’ as the doctors, nurses, and medicine men and women tended to her and the other wounded the best they were able, under the circumstances.

The minotaur blacksmith-turned-chief didn’t think Beatrix and her friends would abandon him. He could only speculate what that strange organic spacecraft was, be it an ally or an enemy, possibly a tool of the cult? But then, why hadn’t it finished them off when they were so vulnerable?

Deciding it was pointless to worry, Moon Hammer wiped the sweat off his brow and returned to work recovering whatever was left of their village. When it came to his people and family, they were his top priority.

In truth, the village remained unnamed since it was meant to be a temporary settlement until they returned home. But that appeared more unlikely than ever. Tired eyes surveyed the ruins.

And from the ashes of their old home, they would rebuild anew. Bigger, Stronger, with sturdier defenses. A new town he would one day call…

Hammerfall.

*****

On the voyage through the vastness of space, within the space whale-like eldritch beast called a Glamorguis, Beatrix Belladonna continued to lean on a window that revealed the darkness and stars outside. Her troubles were forgotten for a brief moment, violet eyes alight with marvel and awe.

She gasped in wonder upon witnessing a brilliant solar flare whip by in the distance, and a chain of asteroids that the saucer-shaped alien craft deftly maneuvered around.

Oh, how the wayward witch longed for an adventure like this. No existential crisis to avert or reality-breaking threat to stop. Just deep exploration and tranquility.

Yet, Beatrix sensed her taste for adventure had dulled significantly over this agonizingly rough week in Midnight’s world. With the Cult of the Nemesis back in action, there was nowhere safe for her or the people she cared about. Especially Lady Ewe and their unborn child.

The violet mare clutched a hand over her chest, yearning to be with her pregnant lover. But she wouldn’t forgive herself if she led her oldest enemies to the Lost World, where another war would occur on May’s Eve.

And that wasn’t going into the guilt weighing down her shoulders, about everything that transpired with Midnight, Cerise, and the rest of their families.

“What am I supposed to do..?!” She cried with frustration, her heeled boot clicking on the floor when she stormed off to her companions on the ‘bridge.’ Entering through translucent sliding doors, she spotted her sister, Bellatrix Primadonna, and Sir Dion amid a conversation.

When the red-skinned succubus spotted the violet unicorn, she gave a subdued wave and said, “Come, join us. There is much to discuss.”

“Aye. An’ A’d rather not repeat myself,” grunted Dion, his thick arms folded over the ram’s bared, scarred chest.

“Can’t blame you there,” Beatrix noted while strolling over to sit between the two. “So… what did I miss?”

Dion released a heavy exhale. “Honestly, Ah don’t know where tae e’en begin. Didn’t have th’ chance tae relax at all. There was a civil war between Ebony’s tribe an’ th’ Pundamilla Empire, who had apparently allied wit Varys fur his technology.”

The witch mare cringed. “Oh, yikes! Almost forgot that deranged lunatic was running around…”

“Well, yes an’ no,” the caprine warrior said. “See, th’ Emperor’s daughters were transformed intae cybernetic weapons, an’ they led th’ attack on th’ Noble tribe. We managed tae fend them off, but...their chieftain, Noble Savage, was lost in th’ effort. Natural Selection was there, too. But he spent what remained ov his life tae protect his people.”

“You’re kidding!”

“Afraid not, lass. Hundreds ov tribesmen were lost...” Dion bowed his head, crimson eyes drifting to Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse, the half-succubi left in a crippled state until the ship’s miraculous tech helped restore them.

Bellatrix’s face tightened in a shared sense of responsibility with the ram. “Had we arrived sooner-”

“Nah. Villains were e’erywhere. Speakin’ ov which, Varys. Normally, A’d feel happy tae inform ye that th’ vulture-faced bastard finally bit th’ dust! But that’s not th’ case.”

Both Beatrix and Bellatrix looked at him with perplexity as Dion explained, “A new evil has risen tae take his place. Calls herself Viscera. An’ if ye thought Varys was bad? Ah was there when that heinous cunt cast a plague on th’ entire Zebrican empire, then killed th’ emperor in front ov his kin!”

“Why do we always have to deal with such sick freaks,” complained Beatrix, who was at her wit’s end.

“We tend to attract the worst crowds,” Bellatrix stated matter of factly. “So where is this ‘Viscera’?”

Dion grimaced. “She hijacked a portal claimin’ she had a meetin’ with her ‘fellow demi-humans.’”

The witch went pale, realizing the implications. “S-so then that means..!”

“We’ll need to prepare for an ‘uninvited guest’ when we reach our destination,” presumed Bellatrix, eyes narrowed.

“Aye,” nodded the ram. “’Cause despite th’ constant hardships, we gotta do what we can. E’en wit mah Onoma, Ah was only able tae achieve so much. At least Ah saved Ebony Ivory, an’ A’m sure she’ll rebuild what she can…”

“Guess one universe will have the chance to heal,” grumbled Beatrix. She summarized her entourage’s experience with the Crystal Empire, the Changeling Siege, Midnight’s escalating condition, and the Cult of the Nemesis’ resurgence with a weary sigh. With every sentence, the witch struggled to swallow down her urge to sob at how horrible things had turned out. All because of her…

Dion reached to squeeze her hand firmly and reassured, “Ye’re doin’ th’ best ye can, lass.”

Beatrix bitterly said, “Am I really? Then why don’t I feel like I’ve taken a single step in the right direction? Everywhere I go, entropy happens! Even if another anomaly is at large, I’m the reason we’re in this mess! Midnight, Cerise, Shadow Scythe, Zeloph, Moxxi… I’ve ruined their lives!”

“You need to stay strong,” her sister comforted. “You can’t support Oona like this.”

“I can’t support Oona at all!” She finally bawled. “If I go back to the lost world, I risk bringing all the baggage and chaos to her and little Abby. Not to mention Tatyana and Grimmwald are expecting me. I couldn’t beat them on my own!”

“Ye don’t have tae face them alone,” affirmed Dion, who gripped her shoulders gently. “My father an’ his men are already prepared fur war tae defend mah sister an’ niece. As will Iclyn an’ Ah.”

Beatrix briefly pulled away to see the cyan doe gazing into the star-filled vacuum of space, her green eyes glimmering.

“Nae more runnin’ away, Beatrix. Ye’ve gotta take a stand. Life is far too precious an’ short fur fear..”

Sniffling, she nodded before laying her head into his fuzzy muscular chest. “Thank you…”

A warm smile traced the ram’s snout while he held her tightly. “Anytime.”

“That’s far from the only problem, Y’know…”

Their heads turned to Moonlight River, seated next to a gurney where Midnight Blitzer was resting. She had been eavesdropping, her arms folded while she tapped a foot.

“Look, I don’t wanna be that asshole, but we had to leave Cerise and Penumbra behind in the hands of the enemy!”

A neon glow from the ship’s interior and a low hum fell over Deinos and Lightning Spark, the pair reconvening with the others onboard. The changeling had taken his Web Spinner disguise, a band wrapped around his healing arm.

The electric blue pegasus added, “Not to mention the fallout that will surely come between Fiery’s regime, the changelings, and minotaurs. Who knows what’ll happen in our absence?”

“Heh! I’ll tell you what’ll happen,” Equinox said within her glass prison, smirking cruelly. “That pretty princess will probably end up being Queen Chrysalis’ primary broodmare~!”

“Quiet, you.” Iclyn’s cold stare was met by Equinox, but the bat mare stood down. The azure deer skulked across the floor, which echoed her footsteps. “The more time we spend here, the more peril befalls our comrades and loved ones! Can’t this thing move any faster!?”

The ship made a series of beeps and warbles as if to criticize the deighdyr’s impatience.

“What bollocks are you on about? This ‘Glamorguis’ is a living marvel,” praised Arcanum Folklore, who rapped his knuckles on a wall with a whistle. “Haven’t been on a ship that can sail this fast and elegantly! Space travel like this should take many lifetimes!” The warlock took it all in. Like Beatrix, he distracted himself from his own troubles, his focus on Bloody Merry...and the disappearance of the Necronomicon. “If I had to nitpick, it’s that me bloody teleportation spell was rendered obsolete. All that bloody hard work, trouble, and effort for nothing!”

“Maybe not,” murmured Midnight sleepily. “We have to go back! We have to…”

Moonlight soured when she squeezed the stallion’s withered hand, then brushed aside gray locks that fell across his wrinkled, lined face. “I’m still pissed at you, Middy…. But you have to make it. If not for me, then for your wife.”

He nodded with pursed lips while glancing away, unable to look at his childhood friend after everything he unintentionally put her through. Ashamed of what he had become. His golden wedding ring couldn’t fit properly anymore, since his withered fingers were too thin.

The purplish-gray batmare had every right to distance herself and seek something new. Much as she adored Cerise, she constantly reminded her of their lover’s betrayal. A pain which regularly made her heart ache whenever she thought back to what Shining Armor did to her…

She’d spent her entire life in the military, only to see its true face when they all abandoned honor and duty for callous victory. Her sole regret was that she hadn’t taken the time to find her parents while they were there, thankful to know both remained alive and well. Not like the early years in her life, when they’d lived in caves, and she’d dreamed of when she’d join Luna’s elite number.

Attention was pulled to Layla when their hostess made her dazzling entrance. “Our arrival is imminent,” the motherly demoness announced. “Settle in; there may be some turbulence on the horizon!”

The voluptuous woman waited for Bellatrix to walk over to her side, placing a hand on her tight shoulder. A knowing smile spread her darkly painted lips. “You miss her, don’t you? After all Alma’s done to you, you can’t help but harbor love for the Baobhan Sith.”

Bellatrix curled her lips in a pout and lowered her head. “...am I that obvious?”

With a titter, Layla answered, “There’s nothing to be ashamed of! I reckon there’s a slim chance Countess Alma can be returned to what she once was. How she’ll feel about you afterward, I cannot say.”

“I understand.”

Tapping a golden-nailed finger to her chin, the mother of all demons proposed, “I think there might be a way to make your next confrontation a little more favorable.”

Bellatrix lifted her head, an eyebrow raised. “How so…?”

Before Layla could answer, gasps arose around them as everyone was drawn to the window to watch their destination loom closer and closer. The planet’s sheer size proved beyond comprehension, and the atmosphere that constantly whirled around its radius made it appear like innumerable eyes were in constant rotation around its mass. A prismatic sheen highlighted the globe.

“It’s incredible,” Lighting exclaimed with wide eyes, offering her shoulder to support Web Spinner, who adjusted his glasses.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” admitted Beatrix, her violet gaze glued to the swirling eye-shaped nebulous. Even Iclyn couldn’t hide how enthralled she was by the spectacle.

“Sacratera… Sacred Earth,” Arcanum muttered, recalling the planet’s name. “What untold mysteries await us, I wonder...?”

The demon mother’s soft features turned pensive when the Glamorguis descended into the planet’s orbit. The creature clicked and groaned, trembling under the planet’s gravitational pull.

“Brace yourselves,” she warned. “We’re in for a rough landing. Hopefully, the advanced tech on board will have fully restored Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse by then.”

Her eyes fell on Midnight’s frail state, deciding it was best not to remind them that his critical age was beyond its capabilities. At Layla’s mental command, the eldritch beast raised fleshy support rails those onboard seized onto.

Half of the party screamed when the interior rattled, gripping each other for dear life. The Glamorguis breached through the alien world’s exosphere, a barrier of heat forming around its saucer-shaped body.

As they descended into uncharted territory, somewhere in the back of Beatrix’s mind, she wished Oona had been here to witness this exciting and terrifying event.

Layers of prismatic clouds obscured their vision until the UFO eventually popped through. Turbulence stabilized for the passengers, admiring the beautiful, otherworldly yet familiar landscapes beneath the space whale, which sailed over geography nigh identical to Earth.

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.

“Geez. No wonder Zeloph and Moxxi didn’t want to come back here,” murmured Beatrix. “This place is wrecked!”

“And completely uninhabitable,” mentioned Layla. “The atmosphere has been warped to support only native life. If any of you dare to step out, you’d only have under half an hour before the oxygen contaminates your lungs, blood, and senses.”

The witch was taken aback. “Wait, are you serious!?”

“Afraid so...”

“Then how the bloody hell are we supposed to find anyone?” berated Arcanum. “This ain’t some needle in a haystack situation. We have an entire fuckin’ planet to search! I reckon they’ll be total goners before we even-”

The UFO made a high pitch sound, responding to something that made it speed up with urgency. Everyone yelled and lost their footing as it dove between the tall buildings and structures. The window screens zoomed in on a group of dots miles up ahead, which the group instantly recognized as people.

“There they are!”

Swooping down to hover above its targets, the UFO 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.

Layla heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness we found them in time...”

“Let’s hurry them to the infirmary,” suggested Bellatrix. “No doubt they’ve already succumbed to the plant’s hazardous air!”

Kyube and Kitsune were already on the move, eager to reunite with their separated family and friends. Beatrix and Dion nodded as they followed the red-skinned succubus, while the mother of demons informed their guests through her mind link with the Glamorguis. The rest of the allies were relieved that their rocky trip through space had ended for the time being.

A circular platform, highlighted by a bright ring, descended from the floor to carry Zeloph and his group to the spaceship’s bridge.

“What magnificence!” a pink-haired demi-human in nun attire exclaimed, marveling at the colorful, shimmering lights.

A large minotaur-looking demon whistled. “Yeah, this place is pretty lit!”

“Whoever the interior designer was, they clearly needed a bigger paycheck,” commented a pinstriped-devil, whom Beatrix quickly recognized as Seb.

‘Oh, great. This asshat!’

Kitsune’s eyes went wide upon spotting her nekomata sister and their bandmate, Eclipsed Heart. She cried, “Sister!”

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

The vixen allowed a rare smile to grace her snout when 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 equine-turned-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.

A little raccoon dog girl rushed past them, crying out, “ANIKI!!”

“Chisana!” Yelped Kyube, who scooped his lost sister into his arms and hugged 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.

Beatrix had a big smile on her face as she, her sister, and Dion approached the fallen one and his entourage. The witch called out with open arms, “Yo! Sunspot!”

But her smile faded on the spot when they turned their direction, 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, Ana, 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..?”

An old stallion in a duster jacket and hat, Shadow Scythe’s father, Quicksilver Bullet, only offered a passing snort while 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.

“Who's that?” Lightning asked while comforting both her twin and Deinos.

“S-Shadow Scythe,” the blue pegasus explained weakly. “She’s a reaper Beatrix fought frequently. Used to be one of her worst enemies, until we joined forces to take on the Burning King and the Vice Lords. I never thought I’d see her, of all people, in such a terrible state!” 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..?”

They all offered him words of encouragement, which caused the fallen one to hang his head in gratitude. “Thank you…”

“Aww, how sentimental,” a nasally voice slithered in their ears. Their eyes narrowed to a hideous avian-looking demi-human, garbed in a dark magenta robe and dusty wings folded behind her. She ran a talon along the corner of her eyelids and mockingly sniffled, “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.

“Oi, 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. “How irksome!”

“Good work, Arcanum,” praised Bellatrix, who, with the assistance of Dion and the golden demon known as 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. “After eradicating the changelings, he plans 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 on 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, filled with 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 her one good eye. She turned her back on them and muttered, “Just do me a favor and piss off already. Can’t stand the damned sight of your twat face anymore.”

The pegasus mare sighed and turned away, realizing that any 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. “Grizzled private film noir dick? Bloody Merry must've been a dame with 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 sat 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 then back to Beatrix. “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 cosmic balance? She didn’t want to think all she’d sacrificed would be rendered pointless with the black 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 this 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.