Chapter 31

Royal Palace Guest Chambers, Megálo Margaritári

Delmira stretched out her limbs from the stiffness of sleep, taking extra care not to disturb her still slumbering mate. She wasn’t surprised at all to find that Ember and Sunset had already vacated their place in bed. They were both morning people and loved to start their days as early as possible. Delmira, however, enjoyed her beauty sleep far more than a training session or breakfast. That and it was a lot more enticing to stay in said bed when you had a big, strong man beside you to cuddle with. A warm smile spread across her lips as she pressed her body up against her mate’s back and wrapped her arms around his stomach.

Spike slowly cracked open his eyes. “Good Morning, Delmira.”

The goddess nuzzled his shoulder and placed a gentle kiss along his neck. “How’d you know it was me?”

“C’mon, Delmira. Give me a little more credit than that. I’ve been with you girls long enough to be able to tell your bodies apart just by the way they feel. Especially you, considering that we’ve been together the longest. And you’re—umm—a lot softer than Ember and Sunset.”

“Are you calling me fat?” Delmira inquired.

“Of course not! You’re just not quite as… chiseled as they are. It’s a difference in muscle density. Trust me; it’s not a bad thing at all! Your body is perfectly fine the way—”

Delmira silenced Spike with a kiss to the lips. “Yes. Yes. I know exactly you mean. There’s no need to get all flustered, Great Dragon Lord. In fact, back when I created this vessel, I specifically designed it to be soft and svelte. Unlike my real body… or this one, I suppose.”

Spike sighed. “Yeah, I can’t say I’m a big fan of being a fish person either. It feels really weird to be missing things… down there.”

“I’ll say! Truth be told: I miss being able to play with your cock and balls whenever I want.”

Spike blushed. “Seriously?! Is that all you ever think about?”

“Relax, Spike. I was only joking. Erm—well, mostly.”

Just as the Dragon Lord was about to further rebuke his mate, he spotted something laying on top of one of the pillows. By the looks of it, the object appeared to be a note of some kind, albeit written on green-colored, kelp-based stationary that the Hydronepitaens were so fond of using. In Sunset’s elegant, flowing script it read:

To: Spike

Ember and I decided to head out early for some training this morning. Maybe later we’ll go see more of the city or hang out with the princess if we feel like it. Point being: we’ll be gone most of the day. Please take this opportunity to spend some personal time alone with Delmira. She may not admit that she needs some R&R with you, but we both agree that she does. Do whatever Delmira asks and make sure that she gets all the affection and attention she deserves.

Love,

Sunset & Ember

After placing the note on top of the table, Spike rolled over and looked straight into Delmira’s eyes. Without saying a word, he cupped her cheeks in his hands and pulled her into a long, passionate kiss. When they finally pulled apart, he ran his fingers through her hair and smiled. She started back at him with a loving, if somewhat confused expression.

“For a while now, I feel as though I haven’t been giving you all the love and attention you so obviously deserve. That doesn’t sit well with me, Delmira. Not as a Dragon Lord, a man, and especially your mate. With that in mind, I want to make it up to you. We’re going to spend the entire day together doing whatever you want. No questions asked. How’s that sound?”

Delmira hugged Spike tightly to her chest and sniffed. “Thank you, Spike. That’s very sweet and considerate of you. As for what I want to do, one thing, above all else comes to mind.”

“Name it.”

Delmira ran her fingers along Spike’s cheek. “I want us to make love this morning. Nice and slow. It doesn’t have to be frantic; it doesn’t have to be intense. Just you, me, and the bed is all that shall exist for however long we please. Will you do that for me, Spike?”

Spike kissed her forehead. “Of course, I will. What would you like me to do first?”

“Nothing. All you need to do is lay back, relax, and allow me to take the lead~”

Delmira squeaked in surprise when Spike laughed aloud and held her down on the bed. “Not this time, you won’t! Now, be a good girl and spread your legs apart for me. I want to make sure you’re nice and wet before we get to the main event!”

Without the slightest hesitation, the goddess did as she was asked, revealing her delicate, pink folds to Spike’s mercy. In turn, the Dragon Lord rewarded his mate by planting a series of butterfly kisses along her neck and stopped until his mouth was positioned just above her chest. Spike used one hand to gently massage the breast opposite of him while he sucked on the nipple closest to his face. He made sure to tug on it a little with his teeth because he knew it always drove Delmira wild when he did.

Just as he predicted, Delmira’s body writhed and contorted while she let out an adorable moan. It was at that point Spike started to become excited as well when he felt his penis begin to slide out of its sheath and stiffen in response. After sucking on her other nipple, the young man used the tip of his tongue to trace little circles along his lover’s stomach, eliciting girlish giggles while he did so.

When he finally placed his face in between her legs, he found Delmira’s sex to be dripping wet. Or that would have been an accurate description had they still been on land. Due to their aquatic physiology, her excitement was more akin to a gel-like substance, not unlike the decorative icing that Pinkie liked to use on her cakes. His curiosity piqued; Spike decided to give it a lick to see if Delmira tasted any different than before.

Even though it didn’t really have an aroma, the flavor of Delmira’s arousal was far more concentrated while she was in her Hydronepitaen form. It tasted strongly of roasted vanilla mixed with rose hips and just a slight of salt at the end. One could even describe it as briny. Spike found that he enjoyed the taste and began wiggling his tongue inside her.

“Annnhhh! Fuck! That’s—ah—I’m gonna cum buckets if you keep that up.” Delmira panted.

Spike didn’t need to be told twice. He redoubled his efforts and picked up the pace, occasionally teasing Delmira’s clit with a quick nibble, and alternating between his tongue and fingers. It wasn’t long before he felt Delmira clamp her thighs around his head and cry out in extasy. What followed was a gooey, honey-colored mess all over his face but one that he was more than lick off. Delmira laid flat on her back for a while, legs askew, while her chest heaved deep breaths.

The goddess grinned wickedly when she saw how hard Spike was. She then proceeded to prod his cock with the tip of her toe. “By the stars above~ I NEED you inside of me…”

In that moment, Spike realized two very crucial details about his new body. While Delmira used her feet to tease and massage his manhood, it became evident that Hydronepitaen penises were not only ribbed but exceedingly more sensitive to the touch than human ones. Not only that, but honey-colored precum oozed out of Spike’s entire length, much to Delmira’s delight. Sensing an opportunity, the goddess grabbed hold of the root and started sucking his cock in earnest.

“O-oh shit! I can’t believe how—UNNGH—Delmira wait! Slow down for a second or I’ll—”

Spike grunted loudly as he squirted a few sticky globs of cum right into Delmira’s mouth. She coughed for a few moments, but eagerly slurped down Spike’s seed as if it was the tastiest thing in the world. When she finally released his cock from her mouth with a slight pop, the goddess continued to lick it from the base all the way up to the tip, in a deliberately sensuous manner. Unable to bear the tickling sensation anymore, Spike shuddered, curled his toes, and let out a throaty loud moan that made Delmira giggle.

“Wow! You really let loose, didn’t you?”

Spike’s cheeks flushed with a mixture of exertion and embarrassment as he looked down at his mate. “Yeah—well, I couldn’t really help it. This new equipment of mine is, like, stupidly sensitive. Sorry if I made you choke, Delmira.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Delmira purred while she ran her fingertip along Spike’s shaft, “I think it’s because of these little bumpy things. By the way, your cum is REALLY tasty~ Not that it wasn’t before, mind you. But I suppose it tastes… more concentrated? Yeah, that’s the word!”

Spike chuckled. “Erm—I’m glad you thought so.”

Delmira kissed the inside of his thigh. “Are you ready for the main event? Or would you like to take a quick break?”

Realizing that his erection hadn’t softened at all, Spike decided to take the initiative. “I’m ok with it so long as you are.”

“Very well, then. Make love to me, Spike. Remember to take it nice and slow~”

The young Dragon Lord was used to his mate requesting more exotic sex positions: such as riding on top or being taken from behind (and sloppily too) so it struck him as a bit unusual for her to ask for such a basic one. Despite this, he didn’t hesitate to fulfill her request. Spike propped himself up onto his knees and grasped the base of his cock.

With practiced ease, he slowly inserted the tip into Delmira’s glistening, salmon-pink folds and pressed forward until his entire penis was enveloped to the root. He heard his mate mewl softly and wrap her arms and legs around his torso. As he began thrusting, Spike immediately realized that taking it slow was really his only option. His cock was still sensitive from her earlier ministrations, and Delmira was significantly slipperier than usual due to the sheer viscosity of their combined arousal. She felt a lot warmer inside as well.

It wasn’t long until the couple found a comfortable pace to make love. Spike made sure to vary the intensity of his thrusts while Delmira would occasionally plant kisses along his chest and neck. Even without his balls dangling in-between his legs, Spike could still feel the familiar tightening sensation of an impending orgasm around the base of his cock.

What wound up pushing him over the edge was when Delmira squeezed his cock like a velvety vice. She cried out, tightened her grip around his torso, and whispered Spike’s name into his ear. Not but a moment later, Spike pushed into her deeply and filled her with several pumps’ worth of his seed. When they finally pulled apart, both were surprised at how much cum had leaked out onto the bedsheets. Delmira and Spike shared a laugh and embraced each other afterwards.

“Mmm~ That was excellent, Spike. I would’ve preferred making love with our regular bodies, but you did an admirable job pleasuring me as always. How about you? Satisfied?”

Spike rubbed his hand along Delmira’s back while she cuddled him. “Of course. I probably won’t be ready to go another round without a break, but if you want to—”

“No, that’s ok. We’ve done enough for now. Let’s just snuggle for a while, ok?”

The young Dragon Lord simply shrugged and continued to hold his mate close to him. He wasn’t entirely sure how much time had passed while they snuggled, but when he heard Delmira begin to sniffle and cry into his chest, he knew that something was wrong. She hugged him even tighter when he leaned over to kiss the top of her forehead.

“Hey. What’s wrong? Why are you so upset all of the sudden?”

“Because I’m going to miss you. Spike, I can’t… I don’t want to—” Delmira croaked.

“Seriously! Please tell me what’s going on. Did I do something to hurt you?”

The goddess only sobbed harder in response. After crying her eyes out for what seemed like an eternity, Delmira tried her best to put on a brave face and collect herself. She didn’t want to burden her wonderful, loving mate with the knowledge weighing on her shoulders, but he deserved to know the truth. Upon taking a deep breath, Delmira kissed his chest.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Spike.”

“Ok. Then… do mind telling me why you’re crying so much?”

Delmira let out a heavy sigh. “It’s just that I’ve—been keeping a terrible secret for a while now. One that I was afraid to tell all of you because it would… cause everyone a lot of pain.”

Spike cupped her cheeks. “It’s ok. I promise I won’t get mad about whatever the secret is.”

“That’s not why I’m worried, Spike.”

“Oh. Umm… well, tell me anyway. I want to help you get through whatever it is you’re struggling with, Delmira. Because I love you and I hate it when you’re so down in the dumps. It might not be easy or fun, but you need to let me know. I can’t help you otherwise…”

“Alright,” Delmira sniffed, “It all started back when we were still aboard the ship. When the wave swept us into the ocean, it knocked everyone unconscious except me. You were all in danger of drowning, so there was only one thing I could do to save your lives. I used my magic to create a giant sphere of air and propelled it towards land.”

“You saved our lives! Why on earth would you keep that a secret from us?”

Delmira’s expression grew somber. “Because you don’t understand how my magic works. In order to perform a spell of that magnitude, I needed to tap into the magic that makes me a goddess. If it had been brief, I might have gotten away with it. But I had to cast that spell for several hours before I was able to find dry land. Spike, this body was never designed to channel that much power for a sustained period of time. It… damaged me.”

“What? I don’t understand…”

Delmira huffed in frustration. “Imagine my mortal body is an electrical cord, and magic as the electricity itself. The cord works fine when the appropriate amount of current travels through it. But too much… and the cord shorts out, melts, or breaks.”

Spike’s face grew pale. “So that means you… burned out your body?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. It is more appropriate to say that I’m suffering from an extreme case of mana exhaustion.”

Spike frowned. “Twilight went through mana exhaustion a couple of times. She always warned me not to push myself too far because when a person’s mana reserves are completely drained, energy is taken directly from the body to replenish the pool. Is that what’s happening to you?”

“I’m afraid so.”

Spike took hold of Delmira’s hands. “Then there’s still hope! If we can get you enough food, rest, and cast some healing spells, you’ll get better in no time!”

“If only it were that simple. You see, the power I used was of a magnitude you cannot even begin to comprehend. If I’d used mortal magic, your suggestions may have worked. I’m sorry, but there’s no sugarcoating it. I’m dying.”

Spike hugged Delmira tightly to his chest and began to sob. “No! You can’t die. Not now!”

“Shh,” Delmira whispered, “a goddess can’t really die. At least, not in the traditional sense. While it’s true that this body will be no more, I can always reform another one once my essence travels back to our homeland. It may take some time but such a feat is well within the realm of my abilities.”

“B-but how long would that take? Days? Months? Decades?!!”

“I honestly don’t know, Spike.” Delmira admitted.

“How can you not know?!!”

“Creating life from nothing but magic energy is an incredibly complex, delicate, and time-consuming process. It cannot be rushed! You, being the brother of a mystical prodigy, should know that better than anyone else.” Delmira answered.

“You mean, it could potentially be years before we see you again?”

Delmira nodded. “In a body like this, yes. My draconic form is another matter.”

“What’ll happen to you? And how long do you have until…”

Delmira gently caressed Spike’s stomach. “The process has already begun in earnest. I feel extremely tired and it hurts to move around sometimes. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say a few days… maybe a week tops until all of my internal organs begin to shut down.”

“Oh. So, it won’t be a quick or painless death.”

A few tears splashed onto Spike’s chest. “No, it won’t. I’d rather not prolong any suffering. For me, you, or the girls. I’d rather be dispatched quickly before it gets to that point.”

Spike closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. “Ok. I’ll do it. Even though I’ll hate myself for a while, I’m willing to end your life if it’ll alleviate your suffering in the long run. Because I—”

Delmira pulled Spike towards her and planted a kiss upon his lips. “You love me. And I couldn’t love you more in this moment if you tried. Taking life is never easy, Spike but I don’t want you to feel guilty about it, ok? I’m not going to be dead permanently. Just away for a while.”

“When should we tell Ember and Sunset?”

Delmira looked outside the window and frowned. “After they get back, I suppose…”

“Just remember: if you ever get scared, I’ll be right there beside you.”

Delmira gripped his hand firmly. “I know you will.”

When Ember and Sunset finally returned from their excursion, they found their chambers completely empty. Upon inquiring their mates’ whereabouts to a palace guard, he informed them that there was a very important meeting taking place in the throne room with the entire royal family in attendance. The guard further added that the Dragon Lord and his albino companion were included in the meeting as well. With a polite bow, he asked the girls to follow him.

Emperor Tidal Wave sat upon his throne with his wife and daughter seated on opposite sides. All in attendance, including Spike and Delmira, had sullen expressions. Not wanting to interrupt some important royal ritual or violate decorum, the two warriors kept their mouths shut and took their place alongside their mates. It wasn’t long before Tidal Wave rose from his seat and started pacing around the room, occasionally stroking his beard while he did so.

“Welcome, esteemed guests. I apologize for the dour atmosphere, but there are several items on the agenda we must discuss together. Lord Spike has requested that he, and by extension, all of you be transported to the shores of Zebrica with the utmost haste. Given the recent attack on my daughter by the Golden Kraken, I am inclined to agree with him.”

Considering that they were present during the attack, Ember and Sunset were still concerned about Adagio’s safety and overall well-being. Both of the girls agreed without hesitation that it was not a good idea to overstay their welcome. They nodded towards the Emperor.

Tidal Wave clapped his hands together. “Excellent! Then we are all in agreement on this matter. Given that none of us know exactly how long it will take an Equestrian vessel to arrive, I am willing provide all of you with water, provisions, and custom to help facilitate your journey into the mainland.”

Adagio stood up and walked over to her father. “I would also like to present Sunset Shimmer with a gift. In recognition for her heroism and saving my life, I bequeath to you a weapon from my own personal armory. Receive it with pride, for it represents the pinnacle of our technology.”

Sunset blinked owlishly when Adagio came over to her and placed a cylindrical object in her hand. It was gold in color, had many intricate engravings etched upon the surface, and a few precious stones placed at various intervals. Yet, when she tested the object’s weight, it felt very well balanced. Unsure of what the weapon actually was, Sunset could only offer the princess a confused expression.

Adagio laughed. “Allow me to demonstrate how it works.”

The princess took the cylinder into the palm of her hand and closed her eyes for a moment. She sang a wordless tune, brining her magic into focus, and concentrated on the weapon. In a flash of viridian-hued light, a blade of plasma materialized out of the end. From that point onward, it became clear that the weapon was some kind of futuristic sword.

“Bear in mind that this is only one of three swords in existence. We have yet to perfect a method of mass production for them. As you may have deduced, the blade is comprised of pure, concentrated mana. The crystal contained within it is similar to the ones we use for our vehicles but of a higher-grade refinement. The blade you see here is my own personal weapon and specifically attuned to only activate when I channel my mana into it.”

“Pardon my ignorance, Princess Adagio but… if you’re the only one who can activate it, then the blade would just be a hunk of metal in my hands.”

Adagio smiled and motioned for one of the guards to come closer. “Ah, you would be correct. If I was giving you this particular blade. However, there is another, just recently finished by the smith, that has yet to be imprinted to a wielder. I merely wanted to demonstrate how it worked.”

Sunset’s eyes widened in surprise when a palace guard presented her with an ornate box. Contained within it was a hilt similar in shape but far more practical looking. Unlike Adagio’s blade, it was bronze-colored and lacked any superficial decorations such as: jewels and engravings. Sunset hesitantly grasped the hilt and waved it around a few times, testing the weight. Unsure of how her hybrid magic would react to the crystal, she looked towards Adagio for guidance.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to try it out?”

Sunset blushed and rubbed the back of her neck. “Ah… well, you see I’m not sure if it’ll work.”

“You needn’t worry, Sunset. The entire weapon is designed to be extremely durable. Just take a deep breath, concentrate, and let the crystal bond with you. If things get out of hand, my father and I can assist you right away. Go ahead.”

Following Adagio’s example, Sunset closed her eyes and concentrated on the hilt. The familiar rising heat and images of a dancing, red flame filled her thoughts. When Sunset finally opened her eyes once more, a humming crimson blade erupted from the end. Unlike an actual sword, the edges flickered every so often, demonstrating the unstable nature of her hybridized magic. Yet, when she ran her fingers along its edge, she felt nothing but warmth.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s… beautiful.”

The princess nodded. “Indeed. And quite deadly. Since the blade is made of pure, concentrated mana, there are very few things in this world that it cannot cut through. It is also controlled by your will. So, if you do not wish it to harm anyone, it shall obey.”

Sunset bowed. “Thank you, your majesty. I’ll treasure it.”

While Adagio took her seat on the throne once more, Tidal Wave motioned for everyone to disperse as the court business had been concluded. It was clear to Ember and Sunset, even from a distance, that Delmira had been crying for quite some time. Her eyes had dark circles underneath them and they were bloodshot. They glanced over at Spike for an explanation, but he merely waved his hand slightly as if to encourage them to head back to the guest room.

By the time the Wyvertii arrived back at their room, a full-course, gourmet dinner had been arranged on one of the tables. Crab, lobster, oysters, and a variety of sea-vegetables all cooked to perfection and suited for the palate of an emperor. Everyone took a seat and began eating slowly, no one quite sure what to say or how to start a conversation. Feeling the unbearable weight of the awkward silence and noisy chewing on her shoulders, Delmira suddenly cleared her throat.

“Ember, Sunset. There’s something important that I need to tell the both of you. I won’t be coming with you to Zebrica.”

Ember’s expression darkened. “Why? Have you suddenly decided that we mortals aren’t good enough company for you? Is it because I haven’t had sex with y—”

Delmira shook her head slowly. “Believe me, Ember. I would give anything in the world to spend more time with all of you. I’m not coming along because… I’m dying.”

“What?! That’s not possible! You’re a goddess!” Ember cried.

“Yes and no. My draconic essence is immortal, but not this body. Suffice to say: when we were washed overboard during the storm, I had to use my powers to save everyone. The effort damaged my human form beyond repair. I’m afraid that I don’t have much longer to live.”

Ember slammed her fists on the table. “There’s no fucking way you’re being serious right now! You can’t die that easily! We can get a healer to take a look at you. Or, you know, just use your powers or something! Anything! Please tell me you aren’t being serious…”

Delmira looked down at her plate and prodded a piece of lobster. “I’m sorry, Ember. I really do wish I was joking about this. But I’m completely serious right now. Unfortunately, my powers don’t quite work that way. I may be a goddess but there are still rules that even I must abide by.”

“Then how long will it be until we see you again?” Ember whispered.

Delmira got up out of her seat and hugged Ember tightly as the young woman began to cry on her shoulder. “I honestly have no idea. I wish I could give you a more specific time frame, but forming a mortal body out of magic is a very complex, and potentially time-consuming process. But I will promise you this: I’ll make another one as quickly as I can.”

The two women shared their embrace for a little while longer, until Ember finally let go and walked over to Spike for another hug. Delmira took a deep breath when she was confronted by Sunset. The goddess readily admitted that she hadn’t gotten to know her newest mate as well as she should have. At the very least, Delmira knew that the fiery-haired huntress would be able to provide much needed emotional support to Spike and Ember once she returned to the cave.

Much to Delmira’s surprise, Sunset wrapped her in a warm embrace. “Hey. I know we aren’t exactly close… but when you do eventually reincarnate or whatever it is that goddesses do, I’d like to get to know you better. In the meantime, I’ll look after those two and make sure they get through this in one piece. I promise you that much, at least.”

Delmira kissed Sunset on the cheek. “I’m certain that they’ll be in good hands.”

Sunset returned the kiss and went over to help comfort a sobbing Ember. The young Dragon Lord took in a deep breath and summoned the Bloodstone Blade into the palm of his hand. It instantly answered his call and materialized within the blink of an eye. Spike walked slowly towards Delmira, the hilt of the blade trembling in his grip. He knew all too well what his mate had asked of him, but it took every ounce of courage Spike had to look her in the eyes without flinching.

Delmira reached out and placed her hand on his chest. “Remember what I told you, Spike. You don’t have to feel sad or guilty. What you do here today is an act of love and compassion.”

Spike tried to lift up the blade but found that he lacked the strength of will. Instead it clattered to the floor as tears filled his eyes. “I can’t do this! It’s not right. You’re asking too much of me, Delmira! What kind of monster kills the woman he loves? Even if… it’s an act of mercy.”

“I realize this won’t be easy for you, Spike,” Delmira soothed, “but I know you’ll go through with it even though it shall weigh heavily upon your heart. Because that’s what a Dragon Lord must do. He must make difficult choices sometimes. For himself, and for his subjects.”

“But w-what if wind up hurting you and—”

Delmira ran her fingers through his hair. “Shhh. I know you’ll make the blade strike true.”

Spike stood up, wiped the snot from his nose, and picked up the Bloodstone Blade. “I promise that I’ll try to make it as painless as possible. I… love you, Delmira.”

The goddess kissed him on the lips. “And I you.”

Before his nerves could get the best of him, Spike gripped the hilt and plunged the Bloodstone Blade through Delmira’s heart in a single, swift motion. She gasped one last time and crumpled onto the floor in a boneless heap, blood trickling from the edges of her mouth. Spike scrambled to her side and grasped her hands. She smiled serenely and drew her final breath.

The essence of a goddess was something few mortals ever got to witness. But from the mouth of Delmira’s body arose a great pink flame, the likes of which could scarcely be described. It consumed her entirely until the flames coalesced into the shape of mighty dragon. The great beast flapped its mighty wings and departed the guest room, bound for whence it came.

Alone, with the Bloodstone Blade on the ground, Spike curled up into a ball on the bed and wailed mournfully. His mates soon joined him underneath the covers. They huddled together, supporting each other, and offered comfort to the one who needed it most.

For a while, they stayed like that, uncaring of the passage of time. Eventually though, they realized that it would not do them any good to dwell on what happened. At least, until they were able to get back to the surface world. Then, there would proper time to mourn Delmira’s passing. After cleaning themselves up, the three Wyvertii ventured forth to Zebrica with grim determination and solace that their mate would not suffer a long, painful death before them.