"Hurry up, Tirek!" A young but familiar voice called out from above. "We'll miss the ceremony!"

"Not all of us have wings, Scorpan!" The centaur's own voice responded. "And I wasn't born with goat legs!"

The warlock remembered this event. It was a long time ago when he was young; barely old enough to grow his first chin hairs. He and his brother were traversing the rocky, windswept terrain of Ixion, their homeland. The winged gargoyle reached the ridge line first and patiently waited for his sibling to catch up.

"Want me to just carry you next time?" Scorpan offered teasingly.

"Shut up!" A winded Tirek found the strength to sock his brother in the shoulder.

The two hunkered down and looked out over the relatively flat plain peppered with scorch marks stretching out before them. A horde of various Ixionians had gathered in the middle of the field while the beginning of a storm raged above them. Goat-legged satyrs, centaurs like Tirek and more bestial offshoots of minotaurs surrounded a lone figure while gargoyles and harpies circled overhead.

"Good, we haven't missed it." Grogar sighed in relief. "I always wanted to see the lightning grounds in action."

"Same here." The younger Tirek agreed. "As a bonus, we get to see how the new Herald of the Tempest is created."

A rumble of thunder overhead silenced any further conversation. The lightning grounds lived up to their name as forked bolts rained down from the dark heavens, shaking the ground as they touched down. The horde in the field began roaring and snarling in excitement even as a few of their number were smote by the storm. Four figures draped in shamanistic robes emerged from the crowd and began gesticulating and chanting something the brothers were too far away to hear over the storm. The figure in the middle stayed still and raised its hands into the air as if beseeching the skies. Lightning arched across the black clouds and accumulated directly above the chosen Herald. At the climax of the ritual, the witnesses and shamans dropped to the ground as the skies were split apart by a blinding bolt.

*KRAK-BOOM*

The deafening blast of thunder nearly sent the siblings flying as it washed over them. The two quickly scrambled back to their vantage and beheld the birth of their new deity. The lone figure now towered over all, a titanic centaur of drake and muscle bound brute. Raw power streaked across his frame as the surviving horde bowed to the ascended. The two brothers wisely chose that moment to depart as such sacred rituals did not welcome onlookers.

"We might be the first from our herd to ever see a Shaggoth and live." Scorpan whispered excitedly. "They are even bigger than the old stories tell."

"And that power! To call down the heavens and split the very earth..." Tirek concurred as a tiny seed of ambition was planted in his young mind. "One day, that will be me."

"Ha! I can see it now: All hail Tirek the Red! Herald of the Tempest and Master of Ixion!" The gargoyle chuckled lightheartedly. "Whew! There is a lot you would have to do before you even make sorcerer, oh brother of mine."

"Just you wait, Scorpan." The resolute centaur shrugged off his sibling's mockery. "Once I am immortalized, all the world will be our oyster. Gold, fame, infamy, loads of power..."

"Don't forget bitches." The gargoyle added with a pubescent grin.

"Oh yeah." The young Tirek shared his grin as their imaginations ran wind. "They need to look like that one that keeps the bookstore, you know the one? Purple horse half, long mane with that streak of pink?"

"Wait, what? That's not right." The dreaming warlock thought as his fantastical escape from the Pits collapsed and harsh reality reasserted itself.

The centaur groggily awoke from his succubae induced slumber. He was lying on a smooth stone slab in a room illuminated by black candles. The air reeked of sex and the sounds of pain and pleasure echoed in the distance. There was no doubt in his hazy mind that he was in the Carnal Tower; the Capitol of the Circle of Lust. He was not alone either. At the foot of his bed was a buxom purple hued centauress with his length nestled snugly in her cleavage.

“Wha-?.” Tirek rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as his brain tried to catch up. "What in the-?"

"Oh, you're awake." The seductress said in an uncanny impression of Princess Sparkle's voice. "Good. It is much more fun that way."

She released his pride from her voluptuous valley and climbed over him. Once her equine half was straddling his, she leaned down until he could feel her sweet smelling breath on his beard. The warlock had to admit that if she did not resemble a centaur-version of his hated enemy, he would be enjoying this.

"What happened?" Tirek asked as the succubus traced a claw along one of his horns.

“We stitched you up and sucked the venom out of your veins.” The demonette said, her tail wagging behind her invitingly. “We had fun doing that.”

“You didn’t do anything else to me while I was out.” The sorcerer asked cautiously. “Did you?”

“Just teased your eager friend between us for a bit.” The hellion said coyly as she ran a forked tongue over her lips. “I like them awake so that they can scream.”

"And there's the line." The crimson centaur thought as the she-demon bared her needle-like teeth.

Just as she was about to sink her teeth into him, he slammed his forehead into her face. The Sparkle-taur reared back and fell off the bed, her hands clasped over her now bleeding nose. Tirek righted himself and stood at the ready but without any weapons or magic to call upon, the hermit was not as intimidating as he intended to be.

"Ohh~ You like it rough?" The succubus dropped the guise to reveal her svelte true form. "I can work with that."

Just before she could jump his bones, a second lust demon held her in place by her spade-ended tail. The more masculine hellion pulled her away from Tirek and wagged a claw before her nose like a stern father.

“Leave the poor wretch be.” The lanky incubus scolded. “I don’t think he can go twice in one night.”

“Aw, come on!” The demoness whined. “He was about to hate-fuck that purple Princess!”

"No, I wasn't!" The centaur contradicted. "I only intend to smash her one way!"

“And it looks like you have.” The demon said as he passed a bit of cloth to the still bleeding succubus. “Alright, get out of here. You're bleeding on the carpet.”

“You suck.” The smaller hellion pouted as she sulked out the door. “You better make it up to me later.”

“Remember to bring the bottles and nails.” The incubus had the last word as he slapped the demonette on her rear as she left, leaving him alone with the sorcerer. “You'll have to forgive her. Things have been... tense around here lately.”

“Any other day I would not have minded.” The crimson centaur grunted, recalling his earlier plan before Grogar persuaded him otherwise. “Now, why am I here?”

“Her lewdness, Queen Cleo, wants to take a look at you.” The incubus stepped aside and gestured out the door. “I’ll explain more on the way to the throne room.”

"Never turn your back to an incubus." The warning came to the centaur's mind.

“After you.” Tirek returned the gesture insistently.

“Heh, worried I might try something?” His new guide gave him a crooked smile as he walked out of the room with the centaur following a short distance away. “I suppose I can't blame you.”

The vaulted halls of the Carnal Tower were outrageously erotic. The walls were made of petrified creatures locked in various sex positions, none of which looked comfortable. The support columns were made to resemble coiled, hissing serpents emerging from the svelte bodies of all manner of creatures; the profane combination of a phallic body and a vulvic mouth. Outside the massive windows, he could see the ceaseless cyclones of Lust tearing cross the hellscape with almost dance-like grace. As the two moved through the corridors, the incubus explained his queen’s desires.

“Her grace wishes to hold audience with you and your goat friend.” The demon said. “You two have caught her eye with that stunt you pulled on Minos.”

“Word travels fast, I see.” The centaur mused aloud. “Where is the old goat, by the way?”

“He woke up first.” The seducer answered. “My kin are keeping him entertained in the throne room for now.”

“All of them?” Tirek asked as he looked around the noticeably empty hall.

"The few that remain." The incubus said darkly. "Ah, here we are."

The pair came to an impressive set of ornate double doors. Muffled voices and giggling could be heard from the other side. The demon cracked the door open and stuck his head in to announce Tirek’s arrival.

“The other one is here, your highness.” He said. “Your threesome is complete.”

“It is about time.” A sensual voice as smooth as silk replied. “Show him in.”

The incubus opened the door wider and ushered in the centaur. The Tower throne room was a perfect example of the excess and decadence that had led many to spend eternity in this Circle. Succubi and incubi laid about on cushy pillows and elegant blankets in a profane exaggeration of luxury, predatory eyes locked on to the flesh and blood new comer. Incense burners created a thick, sweet smelling miasma that hung low in the air and made his eyes heavy. Draped over the cobra-shaped throne itself like an oversized house cat was a most exotic Somnambulain mare with her ever loyal stallion by her side. Despite her lazy posture and the demons fawning over her well-endowed form, her sharp eyes betrayed a cruel intelligence.

“Tirek, welcome.” Baroness Cleo of the Second Circle greeted with a venomous smile that her succubi shared. “Grogar here was just talking about you.”

The centaur noticed the goat-lord sharing a seat with a twin pair of demonettes who were playing with his bells like giggling school fillies. The ram gave his partner wide, shameless grin as the succubi toyed with him and his trinkets.

“Don’t worry, Red.” The bell-ringer said when Tirek shot him a suspicious glare. “I did nothing but sing your praises.”

“I wouldn’t call provoking the wrath of Minos praise worthy.” Baron Marc, the pillar of sobriety in the sea of indulgence, grunted. “That you survived at all is a testament to your luck.”

"And the fact that I'm a good shot." The warlock mentally added.

“I tried to play nice.” The crimson sorcerer said plainly.

“That will only get you so far.” The sensuous Baroness said smoothly. “So, I doubt you have traveled all this way just to enjoy my delightful company...”

"That only leaves Corona's campaign." Marc finished bluntly.

Judging from the chorus of hisses that arose from the Lust demons at the mention of the Infernal Queen, Tirek deduced that she was not popular in the Second Circle. Then again, few were popular outside their residential Hells.

“We have heard rumors that she plans to escape this hellhole.” Grogar answered for his partner hesitantly, not keen on having two angry succubi so close to his stitched body. “If they are even remotely true, we want to be on that ship when it sails…to use an expression.”

“She said much the same when she was last here.” Marc sneered in clear contempt. “A fool's dream if you ask me.”

“She was here?” Tirek perked up. “When?”

“A few days ago.” Cleo said, her fair features souring in anger. “She made a grand speech about escaping the Pits and taking what is rightfully ours and all the usual hot air.”

"We've heard it hundreds of times before but our servants were enthralled." Her lover added. "That damn bard did not help."

“I thought this place felt understaffed.” The blue wizard said as he managed to ease the agitated demonettes off him and stood up from his seat. “First the crystal equine souls from Limbo and now your minions. Most intriguing.”

“Hmph.” Marc snorted. "It ultimately does not matter. Any attempt to escape Tartarus is doomed to fail."

“I once thought the same” Tirek said knowingly.

“Yes, I am aware of what you and the slaver attempted.” The militant stallion glared at the power leech. “Look at what has become of you both.”

“At the very least, we know that the power of Tartarus is not infallible.” Grogar cut in. “So perhaps there is a chance.”

"But is it worth taking?” Cleo left the question hanging as she adjusted her posture so that she was sitting upright. “May I propose an alternative: You two abandon this hopeless crusade and stay here as my new patricians.”

As the Baroness said this, the demons and demonettes all looked at the pair of travelers with both hungry and expectant smiles. Tirek and Grogar exchanged wary glances. They both suddenly felt like flies surrounded by spiders.

"I understand it is not a decision to be taken lightly." The Baroness said as she slid gracefully off her throne. "I will give you two some time to mull it over. Come, Marc."

The Somnambulain mare draped herself over her lover and allowed him to take her into a side room. Some of the incubi and succubi followed after them, leaving the centaur and ram alone with a few demons who occupied themselves with petty indulgences. Tirek and Grogar put some distance between them and their hosts and found a alcove to speak in.

“Leave Corona to he scheme and live in relative luxury. It’s a tempting offer.” The bell-ringer said as he absently fiddled with a bell. “But I would think twice about accepting an offer from Cleo. Just look at what happened to Marc.”

“I’d rather be a nameless serf tethered to the plow than hold any hollow authority down here.” The centaur admitted as he rubbed his silver beard. "The Barons may rule the Circles but they suffer just the same as any inmate if not more."

“Then we are in agreement.” Grogar looked sidelong at their limited options. “So, I imagine Cleo will not take no as an answer.”

"Trust me, she won't." A smooth voice said from above.

The wizards looked up to see a peculiar sight. Hanging from the ceiling like a chandelier by a series of wires was a zebra stallion. The eavesdropper greeted them with a pained smile as the slightest movement on his part caused his binds to dig into his flesh, particularly a length of wire wrapped around his package that threatened to geld him if it got any tighter.

"How much did you hear?" Tirek regarded the living decoration with suspicion.

"Enough to know that we can help each other, my main centaur." The zebra answered. "None of us want to hang around here any longer but Cleo and her colt toy won't like being dicked and dashed."

"What do you propose?" Grogar asked with a quick glance at the lounging demons.

"I know where the Hellevator to the Third Circle is and the fastest way to get there." The prisoner said slyly. "I can show you how to get there but only if you take me with you."

"That is awfully convenient." The crimson centaur folded his arms.

"Hey, I get it. Trust is at a premium down here." The zebra nodded as best he could. "Let me say this: That 'bard' Marc was complaining about? Yo. I used to entertain Cleo's court for sometime until Corona offered a better gig. All I had to do was charm those horny hoary honeys and I would be on easy street back to the surface."

"I take it you got caught." Gorgar inferred.

"Yeah." The bard deflated. "Marc strung me up with my own guitar strings until he can think of something worse so I have no reason to stick around."

"So it seems." Tirek muttered.

"Believe me or not but make your decision quickly." The zebra urged. "Cleo and Marc won't be busy for long."

The centaur gave the organic ornament a hard look. He was loath to trust anything in Tartarus but the bard's story seemed likely. He also had a point in that they were running out of time to bat the idea around.

"And if he does end up betraying us, I'll just break his legs and leave him for the harpies." The Ixionian sorcerer thought. "He doesn't look like much of a fighter anyway."

Tirek looked to Gorgar and gave him a quick nod.

*Ring-clink*

The bell-ringer flicked one of his smaller bells and then quickly muted it less any of the demons catch on to their plan. The wires binding the zebra loosened and unraveled. The centaur quickly kicked a large pillow under the bard as he was released from his prison and dropped to the floor. He landed with a soft plop and immediately curled into a ball as he nursed his long-suffering extremities.

"Oh, thank you, brothers, thank you!" The liberated bard professed his gratitude between gasps of relief. "Fuck! I thought these were about to fall off!"

"Shh!" Grogar slapped a hoof over his mouth and look to the demons who had stirred but little more. "Quiet! Can you trot?"

"Ah! Shit!" The zebra hissed after her tried to put weight on a foreleg onto to cringe. "Sorry, G. I'm all pins and needles right now."

"Get him on my back, Grogar." Tirek instructed as he lowered himself down.

The ram got his curved horns under the zebra and helped him up onto the centaur's equine half. He adjusted himself until he was securely seated with a good view.

"Sorry about the blood, T." The bard whispered as he noticed the streaks of crimson staining his black and white coat.

"Just lead us out of here and keep quiet." The warlock whispered. “The demons here can drop us with but a single bite.”

"Gotcha." The zebra nodded. "We need to head to the ground level. There should be a stairway down the hall outside the throne room."

"How long do we got until the Barons return?" Grogar whispered as they crept past the dozy demons toward the doors.

"It depends. Marc is the only one who can properly satisfy Cleo but his armor doesn't come off." Their new partner guessed. "They might try for a few minutes or even hours; whenever frustration overcomes the need to bump uglies."

"Damn. Eternal desire paired with eternal chastity." The blue ram shook his head. "The Dark Lord is a cruel one."

"Indeed." Marc's distinctive grunt agreed with him.

The pair and their passenger turned to find the disheveled but clearly unsatisfied Rulers of Lust standing behind them. Their demonic entourage giggled maliciously as they slowly, playfully closed in on their guests. Tirek was considering tossing the zebra into the mob and making a break for it but Grogar trotted forward.

"Forgive our gossiping, oh generous hosts." The ram said with his best politician's smile. "We were discussing your offer and the topic wandered."

"To absconding with that stripped charlatan, it looks like." Cleo sneered as she pointed a hoof at the bard.

"Kiss the blackest part of his ass." The former chandelier shot back as he indicated an increasingly uncomfortable Tirek. "We both know it's all those lips are good for, right Marc?

“While we find your offer most generous, the zebra has provided some helpful perspective.” Grogar cut back in quickly. “We’re afraid we must respectfully decline. Still, you have our sincerest grat-!“

“You REFUSE me!?” The Baroness shrieked loud enough to vibrate the goat’s chimes. “These INSECTS refuse ME?!”

The bell-ringer's smile faltered as he realized that their chances of talking their way out went from slim to null. The lust demons closed in, forcing their soon-to-be victims to back against the doors. Marc placed a calming hoof on his fuming lover's shoulder but he knew only one thing would sate her wrath.

"You could have spared yourself so much pain." The armored stallion said coldly. "Kill them!"

"Time to go!" Tirek thought frantically as he threw together an escape plan.

Just before the demons could descend upon them, the centaur reared up and slapped down one of the incense burners. Whatever was smoldering inside the brazen jar proved volatile as it burst into a wall of multicolored flame. The warlock then bucked the doors open behind him and galloped through.

"Quick thinking, Red." Grogar said as he pushed himself to keep up with the taller centaur. "Where to, bard?"

"Down this hall then hang a left." The zebra indicated the route with a hoof.

Keeping to their new friend's directions, the travelers made their way down the tower. They were harried by maliciously giggling demons the whole way, the succubi and incubi only kept at bay by more of Tirek's environmental obstacles or one of Grogar's bell charms. Yet the denizens of Lust were persistent as if the merry chase only served to excite them.

"I really don't want to be caught by these fiends now!" The patchwork ram bleated. "Please tell me we're close!"

"Uhh...left here!" The zebra hesitated before pointing down a hall. "I think? No, wait, right!"

The centaur rounded the corner and was confronted by a mob of demons. He quickly reversed direction and tried to gallop down the other hall only to find their pursuers had cut them off. Surrounded, the three were backed against a wall of glass. Tirek risked a glanced behind him to see the window was part of a central ventilation shaft that ran the length of the Phallic Tower.

"A bit of a drop." The warlock weighed taking the plunge against fighting through the horny horrors. "Won't be the first one we've taken."

"I thought you knew the way!" Grogar hissed at the bard.

"Hey! It's been awhile since I've been to the lower levels." The zebra said defensively. "All the good stuff is closer to the tip."

"True." Marc concurred as he came within ear shot. "But it's more than I can say for the music."

Once more, the three were encircled by a giggling wall of needle-like teeth and razor claws. Without another incense burner to swat down, the centaur felt that they only had one chance. The zebra on his back and ram noticed his constant checking of the window behind them and put two and two together.

"Up for another fall, Grogar?" The warlock asked as the demons closed in.

"No." The bell-ringer answered as he mentally braced himself. "But what choice do we have?"

The crimson centaur reared back and kicked out the window, inadvertently showering them with glass as a rush of air blew in. The demons and their Baron were stunned for a moment before they realized their prey was about to escape again. They surged forward just as Tirek grabbed Grogar by his horns and carried him and his stripped passenger out into open space. Marc managed to grab the bard by his tail only to be dragged out along with a few succubi who tried to help him.

"Hey! Get off my ass!" The zebra shouted as he tried to kick the armored stallion but still lacked the strength in his limbs.

The Baron pulled himself closer and wrapped his forelegs around the bard's neck, threatening to pull him off. Tirek felt the struggle on his back but with the unforgiving ground rushing up to meet him, he was limited in what he could do. Grogar, however, had an idea.

"Tirek! Reverse your grip on me!" The goat lord shouted out as they went vertical. "I'll get him off of us!"

The centaur complied and spun the ram around so that he was holding on to one of his rear legs. He caught on to what the bell-ringer was planning and did his best to line him up. Grogar used a few precious moments to ensure he would not miss and kicked out of the warlock's grip. His curved horns collided with the armored stallion's face and knocked him away. The zebra used all the strength he could muster to catch the ram and prevent him bouncing off the shaft walls like Marc.

"Nice save, G!" The bard congratulated as the ram joined him on the centaur's back.

"These horns are not just for show!" The bell-ringer tapped his protrusions proudly.

"Good for you now use those bells attached to them!" Tirek cut in. "The floor is not getting any softer!"

The ram hurriedly rang the appropriate bells to slow their descent as he had before. Just like in Limbo, their fall was slowed but the landing was still hard. The air was knocked from the centaur's lungs as he crashed against the hard marble floor. Grogar and the zebra were sent sprawling across the glass strewn ground as hapless demons impacted around them.

"Ow." Tirek grumbled as he picked himself off the floor. "I hope that is the last time we have to do that."

"You know what they say about hope down here." Grogar huffed as he picked bits of glass out of his patchwork body. "You still alive, bard?"

"It's all good." The zebra grunted as he managed with considerable effort to get to all fours. "Nothing broken and I think I can trot now. Thanks for the ride, T."

“Don't thank me until we are in the Third Circle.” The crimson centaur glanced upward where he could see movement in the upper floors. “Cleo and the rest of her slaves are probably on their way.”

“The helevator is in the tower sublevel.” The bard said as he moved toward the center of the atrium. “I know there is a hatch that should lead there near this statue.”

Dominating the ground floor of the capitol tower of Lust was a idealized version of the two Barons in happier times. A far younger Cleo with greatly embellished assets stood beside an equally exaggerated Marc without his armor with a sword held high and proud. None of the three paid too much attention to the monument to the equine's egos as they searched the base for the hatch. Grogar eventually found it concealed as part of the base and waved his partners over. As he wrestled with the rusted release, he noticed something dripping onto his legs. They looked up to find Marc impaled on the end of the stone sword. The ram looked up at their tormentor and grinned.

“I bet that’s the first bit of penetration he’s gotten in decades, eh Red?” He chuckled as he jabbed Tirek in the ribs, earning a annoyed grunt from the centaur.

Tirek was about to think of something witty to say when the skewered stallion hacked up a mouthful of blood and bile at them and sneered. Few things died easily in Tartarus and Marc was no exception.

“You…should have taken…our deal.” Marc said as best he could with a bit of masonry through his lungs. “It might...have spared you.”

“From what?” Grogar cocked his head to the side, curious.

“Ignore him.” Tirek growled. "All he has left are verbal barbs."

“No...a warning.” The legate choked out. “The Silent King…is coming…and you…will be on your knee-ACK! EEARGH!”

Having heard enough from the Baron, the zebra grabbed him by his legs and pulled down as hard as he returning strength allowed. The armored stallion was split open like an upside down banana peel as he was pulled down to the stone hilt. It would not kill him permanently as Cleo would probably just fashion a new body for him but it was very cathartic for the long suffering bard.

"Jive-ass fuckhead." He spat derisively.

"Split-head right now." Tirek said lightly. "Let's get out of here before Cleo gets down here with the rest of her harem."

The centaur returned his attention to the hatch and settled for caving it in rather than continue to struggle with the latch. He waved the ram and zebra in before he followed after them. The low tunnel forced him to hunker down as they steadily progress toward the sound of running water.

“Do you think the Overlord of the Underworld is really coming here?” Grogar asked with a hint of unease. “He could complicate matters.”

"No kidding." The zebra concurred. "From what I've overheard, he makes all the movers, players and shakers down here fall in line with just a glare. Hmm, I wonder if there's room for an out of work bard in his court."

"Don't abandon our quest for rumors and hearsay just yet...uhh..." The centaur trailed off as he realized their new partner had not introduced himself. "I don't believe we caught your name, bard."

"I didn't throw it, T." The zebra grinned cheekily. "Zebulon the Wandering Bard; dashing rogue, breaker of young mare's hearts and part-time storyteller. Most just call me Zeb."

"A pleasure, Zeb." Grogar nodded his head courteously while Tirek just grunted.

Before long, they came out into a large cistern containing dark, brackish filth. The stench alone was enough to make the three gag. Holding their breath, the travelers made their way to their goal in the form of a large and, of course, phallic shaped platform. They climbed on top of the device and Tirek pulled a lever to set them in motion. With a wet squish and very audible moan from something, the oversized phallus moved down the muck-encrusted hole. The smooth stone and polished metals gave way to fatty growth and pulsating flesh walls. Over the squelching, an all to familiar laugh echoed around the three.

"Oh my, you two have found a friend." The primordial voice cackled. "How many more will join you in eternal suffering, I wonder?"

"Friend of yours?" A clearly unnerved Zeb asked.

"More like a spectator." Tirek replied with a shiver. "It's been stalking us since we entered Limbo but seems content to just laugh at us... for now."

"I think I might have a theory." Grogar ventured. "Remember when I said that Tartarus was made from a petrified demon-god? I never said it was dead."

"Oh, fucking lucky us." The zebra sat down and rested his head on a hoof. "Good thing we amuse it otherwise I don't know what to do if something that big wanted to creep on us. Curl up in a ball and cry, I guess."

The topic of their disembodied spectator was left hanging as the meat tunnel opened like a mouth past rows of splintered and rotted teeth. Before them lay the bloody bowls of Gluttony; the Third Circle of Tartarus. Like Lust, the hellscape was wracked with storms but, instead of flesh flaying wind, it was assaulted with a foul rain of cold sewage that collected into a slushy mess in the folds and crevices of the literal living, breathing Hell. Gnashing teeth, pulsating boils, and fetid flesh made up the solid ground of the Third Circle. The indulgent shades condemned here could only huddle together in their cold filth, empty and meaningless as the pleasures they sought in life. Grogar and Zeb visibly turned a sickly green as they fought for control of their stomachs.

“Steel yourself, you two.” Tirek said resolutely despite the bile building in his own throat. “We still have a way to go.”

“Books…trinkets…odds and ends…” The animus mentally checked off each item as he packed his collection back into his nebulous body. “Check…check… double check.”

After spending last night caring for Cadenza, sharing a pleasant dream with Luna and meeting a resurgent Nightmare Moon, the stygian horror wasted no time in prepare for his trip down the mountain. Time was of the essence and he needed to get to Hollow Shades before the cretins in Tartarus made their move and destroyed what was left of his realm. The void escapee just finished stashing the last of his possessions when there was a knock at the door.

“Who’s there?” The caliginous creature asked, slipping into his Merchant Prince way of articulation. “State your intentions.”

“’Tis only I and a trusted officer.” Princess Luna’s distinctive voice said through the keyhole. “May we enter?”

“One moment.” Grey dropped back into his more neutral tones.

He extended a limb and dispelled the anti-magic runes on the doorframe and unlocked the door latch. Only once he had collapsed into his equine shape did he allow entry. A cloaked and hooded Alicorn of the Moon along with Night-Captain Vengeance trotted in.

“Good morning Princess, Captain.” The jet black stallion greeted each in turn. “All is well, I trust.”

“It is.” Luna smiled warmly as she looked around his now sparse room. “I see you have packed already.”

“I didn’t have much.” Grey said neutrally. “Pack light and pack smart.”

“Well, before you depart, I have some items that may aid you on your journey.” The Princess waved the thestral forward. “Captain, if you please?”

The bat-pony trotted forward and produced a box from beneath her leathery wing. Grey took it from her with a nod of thanks and opened it. Inside was a pair of tickets and a softly glowing pendant atop a plain-looking travel cloak.

“That orange one is your ticket to Ponyville.” Luna explained as Grey picked up the one stamped with a railway emblem. “It’s only one-way, I’m afraid.”

“First Class.” The Lord of Shades read the fine print on the pink paper. “Very nice.”

“And this?” The shadow pony dangled the crescent shaped pendant from a hoof.

“A token of my favor.” The Alicorn said proudly. “Dreamstone set in sterling silver."

"Dreamstone?" Grey asked as he inspected the faintly glowing gem in question.

"How to best explain...a crystal that contains energy from the Realm of Dreams." The dream strider explained. "Exceedingly rare. In fact the only deposit I know of is not on Equus but my moon."

“Oh, the things I can do with this.” The esoteric equine's mind churned out several possibilities involving the trinket.

"I am honored you would trust me with such an artifact." Grey said gratefully.

"I only bestow the few I have to those I trust." Luna added with a smile. "It should silence any argument against your connection to me."

“Welcome to the club, Grey.” Vengeance said as she tugged on her chest armor to reveal a similar necklace. "I'll haze you later."

"Hmm, a waning crescent." The shadowy stallion mused. "Is there one for each phase of the moon?"

Filing that question away for later, Grey withdrew the other ticket from the box. It was gold of hue and stamped with the Royal Equestria seal and ‘ADMIT ONE’ in bold letters. He flipped it over and read the text on the back.

“The grand ball celebrating the completion of Canterlot and Equestrian excellence.” The stygian stallion rattled off the piece of trivia. “I though Princess Celestia only mailed these to a select few.”

“Normally yes but I got the tickets along with her mail this year.” Luna said slyly. “I do hope you choose to attend.”

“Ah, I get it.” Grey realized. “She’s giving me incentive to return to Canterlot. I may find use for this down the line.”

“We'll see what the future holds.” He said respectfully. “You are too good to me, Luna.”

“Nonsense!” The Alicorn said regally. “Now, I have duties to attend to and you have a train to catch so I won’t keep you much longer. That cloak should fit you.”

The animus pulled out the last item from the box and slung it over his shoulders. He pulled the hood over his head and checked how he looked in a mirror. After adjusting his height a bit, he resembled a tall earth pony with a dark coat. He would still stick out in a crowd but not as much as an animus composed of voidian darkness. He turned back to Luna to find she had closed the distance between them. The Alicorn nuzzled up against him in a friendly farewell hug. Grey returned the gesture with a gentle fore leg across her withers. She pulled him in a little closer and whispered into his ear.

“I wish you luck in your quest, Dark Lord .” The Princess cooed in a tone that did not belong to Luna. “If you need anything more or simply wish to enjoy more midnight delights, you know how to contact Us.”

The mare pulled away and winked mischievously at him, her blue eyes turning teal for but a moment. Grey maintained a neutral posture as the moon mare turned away from him and trotted toward the door. She paused to speak with Vengeance.

“Escort him to the train station before you retire for the day.” Luna ordered.

“As you command, mistress.” The thestral saluted.

After glancing over her shoulder at the shadow pony one last time, Princess Luna departed in a flash of magic. Left alone with her charge, the Night-Captain narrowed her predatory eyes at him. Grey sensed she had a bone to pick with him and braced for the accusations.

“You sly devil.” Vengeance said in a tone that fell somewhere between accusatory and impressed.

“Excuse me?” The now hooded stallion cocked his head to the side.

“Don’t think I didn’t see that.” The bat-pony gestured toward where her matron had been standing. “How did somepony like you seduce a mare like her?”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d call you jealous.” The animus thought.

“I prefer wooed.” Grey said evenly. “Seduced implies I just want to get under her tail.”

Vengeance scrunched up her nose at that.

“But to answer your question…” The dark horse continued as he trotted out of his quarters with the thestral following behind. “…we started with common interests and hobbies, communicated like civilized ponies, treated each other with respect and-“

“Gah! Okay, okay.” The Night-Captain interrupted. “I get it. You’re a classy gentlestallion. I thought you enthralled her or something.”

“Oh, please.” The Hidden One mentally rolled his eyes. “I’m not Sombra.”

“Your concern for your matron is commendable.” Grey complemented. “Her faith in you is well placed.”

“Damn right, it is.” The thestral said proudly as she overtook the shadow pony to lead.

"But I must ask: how much faith do you place in her?" The animus asked seriously.

"The Hell type of question is that?" Ven scoffed. "She is both matron and benefactor to all us thestrals. I would trust her with my life!"

"Would you have during the Seventh Solstice?" Grey inquired.

"Oh, I see." The bat-mare's incredulity gave way to understanding. "You're thinking 'once a traitor, always a traitor'."

"She was one for well over a thousand years." The hooded horse said neutrally. "As powerful as the Magic of Friendship is, I find it hard to believe it can undo all that-"

"Let me stop you right there." The Night-Captain interrupted. "Princess Luna entrusted us with protecting the night from any and all threats...including those from within. I have no reason to doubt her and nor should you."

"Her devotion is absolute but it blinds her to any of Luna's failings, past or future." The animus realized he was talking to a brick wall. "Loyalty can be a vice as surely as any opiate."

"Perhaps I am being paranoid." Grey backpedaled coolly.

"You are but, again, I understand." Vengeance huffed. "It takes a lot to overcome a reputation."

The two fell silent as they trotted down the quiet halls. Much like in the late hours of the night, the halls of the Canterlot Palace were mercifully vacant for the dark duo during the young hours of the morning. The usual gaggle of nobles and servants were likely trying to squeeze in a few more hours of shut eye before leaving the comfort of their beds. Grey decided to gain some intelligence on his eventual destination while he had the chance.

“You hail from the colony of Hollow Shades, do you not, Captain?” He asked casually.

“Yeah. Both my brother and I grew up there.” Vengeance said with a hint of nostalgia in her rough voice. “We got into all sorts of trouble.”

“What is it like there?” The shadowy stallion pried. “I imagine nothing like Canterlot.”

“Ha! Not even close.” The thestral cackled. “No politicking or ponies who act like their shit doesn’t stink, for one thing.”

She went on to paint a picture of a decent sized community of bat-ponies living within what was once a ghost town deep in the wild Everfree. They made their homes within the stone ruins with the administration occupying a fortified cave. Most residents spent their nights hunting prey and gathering fruits, crafting trinkets to sell, or most commonly, training to join the Night Guard. Vengeance and her brother had flown to Canterlot the year they got their cutie marks; the youngest possible age for aspirants.

“We passed with flying colors and now here we are as co-captains.” The bat-mare finished. “Mom was so proud.”

“Where is your brother?” Grey asked. “You two normally seem inseparable.”

Vengeance narrowed her predatory eyes and bared her fangs in an angry hiss. The shadow stallion could only assume he had touched a nerve. It took the thestral a moment to calm down enough to speak again but she still seethed with rage.

“Our patrol discovered a large diamond dog raiding party.” The bat-pony growled. “We slew their leader and scattered them but Knight was wounded.”

“Not seriously, I hope.” The shadow pony said.

“It was only a flesh wound.” Vengeance clarified. “But he’s confined to a hospital bed until it heals. Damn dogs.”

“I wish him well.” Grey said calmly. “You don’t think that raiding party were remnants of the Legion, do you?”

“Not likely.” The Night-Captain answered after a moment of thought. “The destruction of the Empire drove many of the mountain dogs south and they have been shaking things up with the local clans. That's not to say their may be former Legion among them but without a leader or symbol to rally behind they will remain petty bandits. That's one of the reasons Knight took the Warlord's helm.”

“Clever.” The Dark Lord thought. “And to think Luna has a vault of such trophies.”

The two exited the palace onto the well-kept grounds. Vengeance hunkered down and lowered a wing to invite Grey to climb on.

“It would be faster if we flew.” The thestral explained. “Saddle up.”

“Why not just go directly to Ponyville?” Grey asked as he gingerly climbed onto the bat-mare’s back. “Or better yet, Hollow Shades?”

“I’m nocturnal.” Vengeance huffed in annoyance. “I should be roosting at this time of day and coffee is the only thing keeping me going right now. I’ll pass out by the time we get down the mountain.”

“Apologies.” The white-eyed stallion said as his mount took to the air. “Don’t punish yourself on my account.”

The thestral flew in wide circles, gaining altitude until she leveled off and flew over the palace grounds and into the city’s airspace. In the shadow of the mountain peak, the Hidden One looked down at the metropolis below him. The buildings closest to the palace looked like government offices and military fortifications, including the Royal Guard headquarters, with a sprinkling of noble houses. Marked by a serene stream, the next stretch of the city was mostly made up of domiciles for the not-as-wealthy citizens and some public services such as a hospital. Finally, divided by another stream, were the markets and business plazas.

“I guess the palace came first and the rest just cropped up around it.” The ancient King thought as Vengeance flew over the gatehouse and past the peaceful waterfall that provided clean water for the city. “If Celestia hadn’t found that gem deposit in the mountain, she might have never been able to finance it.”

He had read that there was an abandoned gem mine under the city. It had once provided all the bits and materials needed to make the Solar Alicorn’s dream of a new capital a reality. Said mine once provided a steady source of gems long after the city’s completion but was eventually exhausted, sealed up, and forgotten. At least, until a changeling swarm used the mines in their failed attempt to take the city.

“You better not be planning an invasion up there.” Vengeance called up to him as they flew over the stone path that led to the train station. “I swear, I’ll dump you off this mountain.”

“Not at all.” Grey said defensively. "Just admiring the architecture of the capital."

The bat-mare tauntingly banked closer to open space. She laughed when her passenger held onto her tighter. They descended in a spiral over the station and came to a graceful landing amiss a bunch of unsuspecting early morning travelers. Grey dismounted his lift and composed himself as the equines whispered rumors amongst themselves.

“Thank you for a quick and safe journey, Night-Captain Vengeance.” He said with a respectful salute. “Give my regards to your brother and Mistress.”

“Will do.” The thestral returned the salute with a small but genuine smile. “Oh, when you get to Hollow Shades, give my regards to Dunwich. She’s the Countess in charge.”

Grey nodded and with that, the Night-Captain returned to the sky and flew back to Canterlot. With a few dozen curious eyes on him, the tenebrous traveler trotted toward the impressive steam train. He produced the orange ticket and presented it to the sharply dressed unicorn conductor.

“Pleasant morning, my good mare.” Grey greeted in his Merchant Prince guise. “Nonstop to Ponyville, correct?”

“Yes, sir.” The mare nodded as she inspected and then punched the ticket. “You’re in carriage number seven, compartment E.”

“Thank you.” The stygian stallion took the stub and trotted down the indicated train car.

The interior was as luxurious as he expected a first class car to be with a soft carpet and stained cedar wood paneling. He went down the somewhat narrow corridor to his assigned compartment and slid the door open. Inside were two bunks opposite each other with a fold away table between them just below a small window. A complementary bouquet of flowers had been provided along with a glass decanter of what he assumed was cider. Grey shut the door behind him took a seat.

“This beats hoof-slogging by miles.” The animus though as he made himself comfortable. “Now for some travel reading.”

Grey withdrew a the hefty tome that was Zeal and Fury from his body. He may have found his home but the timeline from the Downfall to the Reign of Discord was still muddled in myth and legend. The Dark Ages seemed to refer to the lack of knowledge and intelligence as well as the absence of light and hope. The studious stallion cracked open the weathered book and picked up where he left off. The author, no doubt an early Equestrian, had gone through and analyzed the various faiths and religions that predated the Alicorn's current dogma. While she was obviously biased, the Lord of Shades had to give her credit for at least realizing that most of the cults arouse out of the desire to find purpose and guidance during a time when logic and reason had failed rather than willful ignorance.

...formed cults around the belief that one could achieve apotheosis through mighty deeds. Key examples include the founder of Gryphondom, Ziz Stormbreaker and the dread Shaggoths of Ixion. These individuals were deified after their deaths and are held in the highest esteem even today...

"I wonder what the author would say about Princess Sparkle's ascension." Grey mused.

The book went of for a bit about how less noble creatures would use the apotheosis belief to claim to be gods without having shed their physical shell first, something the ancient Lord was well aware of even in his time. Then the author got into the almost mimetic tangent of how Celestia and Luna were the only heroines that could make a claim to godhood and that all others were fakes and pretenders. The shadowy horse ignored the drivel and turned to the next chapter, ominously named 'Madness, Darkness, and Death'.

"Charming." Grey thought sardonically.

The chapter was well named as the author covered the notorious followers of Discord, the Silent King, and a few other devilish entities. Most of these cults manifested during the high Dark Ages when the life expectancy was brutally short and monsters all but owned the ravaged world. Some mortals escaped into insanity, which either created the trickster draconequus or called him forth from the wilds. Others decided to find hope in the afterlife and resurrected the Khthonic Mysteries of old. In a world lost to chaos, they hoped to find perfect order in death and thus revered the Master of the Sunless Lands. The Lord of Shades read furthur in hopes of finding out more about this pretender to his throne but the author had chosen not to dwell on death worship.

"Figures that Khthonic worship losses its taboo after I'm gone." The animus thought resentfully as he was about to skip the rest of the chapter when a particular passage caught his eye.

...with promises of peace and supremacy in a dark era. Thus did Suneater the Black Dragon build his marked legions and set forth to conquer the globe. By his vile will, did the great nations of old burn and by his dark design did the world teeter on the brink of annihilation. Only by the noble scarifies of thousands of brave heroes was this foul menace defeated and sealed away. Today, the legend of the Black Dragon is used as a warning to ambitious hatchlings...

“To think young Spike is from the same ilk.” He thought, imaging the purple dragon laying waste to Equestria. “Something about this Suneater strikes me as familiar.”

Before he could delve further, there was a knock at the door. The shadowy stallion quickly marked his place in the book and reabsorbed it.

“Yes?” Grey called out, splitting one of his hooves into talons just in case.

“Sorry for disturbing you.” A feminine and dignified voice said on the other end. “But could you be a dear and open the door for me?”

Grey cursed himself internally for thinking that he would have a compartment to himself. Even first class had to share. Judging by her voice, he would be in the company of a stuffy noblemare. Murmuring ancient curses, the hooded horse stood up and slid open the door only to be greeted with a wall of boxes and suitcases enveloped in light blue aura of magic.

“Oh, thank you.” The unseen mare said as she squeezed her carry-on luggage into the compartment.

“You’re quite welcome.” Grey said as he retook his seat less the wall of boxes crush him.

With a grunt, the mare deposited the load onto her side of the room and sat down with a tired huff. Free from obstruction, the tenebrous traveler beheld a pearl-white unicorn with a deep purple coiffure dressed in fashionable day wear. While they had never met before, there was no mistaking the Element of Generosity.

“Do my eyes deceive me or am I in the presence of the lovely Lady Rarity?” He asked before reminding himself to watch the flattery.

“The one and only.” The fashionista answered with a brilliant smile. “Always a pleasure to meet a fan, mister…?”

“Am I ‘Grey’ or ‘Merchant Prince’ to her?” The stallion pondered. “She's friends with Sparkle so I had best keep my story straight.”

“Grey.” The stallion nodded his hooded head in greeting. “The pleasure is all mine.”

“Are you sure there is not a 'Lord' or 'Sir' before that?” The unicorn teased slightly. “Most stallions go out of their way to make sure I know they have titles.”

“I doubt the Dread Lord of Shades would be appropriate now." Said ancient Lord thought. "Not until I am back on my throne at least."

"No, it's just Grey." The animus said neutrally. "Plain, simple Grey."

"Oh my, a humble stallion in Canterlot." The pearl unicorn held a hoof to her chin in feigned shock. "Lucky me."

“LAST CALL FOR THE SEVEN-OH-FIVE TO PONYVILLE!” The conductor called out along with a high pitched whistle. “ALL ABOARD!”

“Ah, good.” The Element bearer settled into her seat and smoothed out her dress. “As much as I adore the hustle and bustle of the city, it doesn’t hold a candle to the rustic charm of Ponyville.”

“About how long is the trip?” The traveler asked. "I'm on a bit of a tight time table."

“Barring any delays, we should arrive...oh, late in the afternoon.” Rarity answered as she glanced outside. "Business?"

"Something like that, yes." Grey nodded.

The train blew its whistle to announce its departure and began to slowly move forward, the power of steam moving tons of metal, passengers, and cargo. Grey and Rarity lurched in their seats as their carriage began to move. The unicorn had to catch her luggage in her magic as momentum threatened to send it to the floor. Before long, the train pulled out of the station and began its long trip down the mountain.

“So, my dear Rarity.” The shadowy stallion said evenly. “What can you tell me about Ponyville?”