“Well here we are. Might not look like a prize,” noted Limestone in her gruff voice. “But it's well fortified!” She stood ahead of her fellow miners and waved into a dank, moss-ridden cave. Glowing eyes peered out from the shadows, and the pack of Diamond Dogs stalked forward. Suddenly crystals embedded all over the caverns illuminated the area in a prismatic display.

More of their kin were waiting, whining and howling with flicks of their ears and wags of their tails. A few hundred were surviving down here, feeding off plants, bugs, and whatever else they could scavenge. “You've all done so much for us,” continued the Pie sister. “And without askin' for anything in return! Sorry we dragged you all into our war.”

“It's everyone in Equestria's war,” reminded Spike who smiled at them in appreciation. “Because if we don't beat the Eldritch, eventually no place'll be safe!” Sadly he was reminded how many of them had already sacrificed themselves for the cause, when it would have been easier to continue hiding out here in the vain hope this would all eventually blow over.

“Such a lovely place,” said Rarity who's eyes sparkled when she studied the odd geometrical patterns. “Oftentimes, it's easy to forget places of beauty still exist in Equestria.” She basked in a soft warmth radiating off one of the shimmery rocks.

“Very pretty indeed!” Sweetie Belle caressed one jutting out of stone.

“Well settle in,” said Limestone who rested a hand on her hip. “Because this is our new home!”

Slowly the Dragon Lord's followers split from him to look around. The spacious caves even had a stream running through them, and pretty soon several of the mares were taking a dip, giggling and splashing while they played. Grinning with a flash of his sharp teeth, Spike rolled the Bloodstone Scepter between his claws while his entourage strolled with him.

“You decided what to do with Fleur yet,” asked Smolder in her usual blunt manner.

“You should give her what she wants,” said Ember. “Get it over with, so we won't have to watch over her all the time.”

“I am worried about her,” said Sunset. “Last time I touched her, I sensed she was on the verge of collapse. Like if we don't keep guards on her all the time she might turn...suicidal. I felt that way, sometimes, after all the mistakes I made.”

Twilight gripped her shoulders. “We'll just have to show her she's not alone! That people still care about her!”

“I think she wants to be punished,” said Wallflower. “She can't blame Sombra or the Eldritch alone for what happened to Fancy Pants. No, she's turned her griefs inwards. Her pride's so wounded she thinks she's failed as a soldier.”

“That's ridiculous!” Yet Spike had similar feelings every time something went wrong. He'd tried to accept he couldn't control everything, that whatever his responsibilities towards the alliance he'd always done his best, but it didn't make the hard choices any easier. “What she's asking of me.... I mean, sure, she's attractive, but-”

“I've already prepared the stocks,” said Smolder. “Any time you're ready!”

“We'll soften her up for you,” said Ember. “Then you can move in and tame her!”

“Guess I don't have much choice, huh?” Sure he could put his foot down, but he needed to pick-and-choose his battles carefully lest he lost more face; and it was what Fleur apparently wanted, after all. She wouldn't be satisfied until she felt sufficiently punished. He only hoped that after it was done she wouldn't be messed up even worse! “Get her ready, then.”

He watched the dragonesses leave, and again, he was tempted to simply break the scepter and be done with such brutish traditions. Turning to Twilight, she smiled sympathetically at him, pressing close and laying a cheek on his bare chest. In turn his wingspan folded around her, knowing he could always count on her above everyone. He ran his nails through her locks, and she cooed in appreciation, resting her palms upon his scaly pecks and pressing her head to listen to his heart.

On the third night of Somnambula's trance, a localized storm touched down in the desert. However this one didn't touch the camp nearby, but instead swirled around the priestess, who continued to dance naked and chant. She'd started slow but over time worked herself into a frenzy, refusing to rest even if it killed her until the task she'd set out to accomplish was completed. Curtains of sand whipped up and swirled about her, her turquoise bobcut waving about while she channeled the spirits.

The ground started to rumble. Rippling cracks spread across the earth, throwing up rocks as the tip of the pyramid peeked out, Her former home, long buried under the dunes, now arose with the aid of the spirits she called upon for help. Pretty soon it towered before her, the ancient fortress well-preserved, like it patiently awaited a new owner to claim it.

“Wow...” Diamond Tiara stared breathless as the structure settled into place. Cozy Glow took to the air, fluttering her aching wings which could barely support her, while a shivering Pacific Glow clung to Inky Rose for support.

“Far out,” mumbled Tree Hugger who stretched and yawned wide. She squeezed Fluttershy who clung to her.

Eventually the vibrations stopped. Somnambula swayed one last time, then collapsed, caught by Sombra who rushed and held her in his arms. “You did well.” He kissed her forehead. “No...you were magnificent.”

“You flatter me,” she replied sleepily with a subdued bat of her lashes. “But now...I must rest.” She closed her eyes.

Bellatrix Primadonna flapped near him. “Is she dead...?”

“No, however she could be out for quite some time.” He lifted the priestess up and pressed her to him. Discovering the entrance was already open as if welcoming them, he waved his head at his followers, who trailed in after him. They wandered into the darkness, only for torches upon sconces to light up where they passed with emerald flames that weaved in the gloom.

A form of magic lost to Equestria powered the pyramid. The entryway slammed closed behind them. To their surprise the interior was quite comfy; cool and roomy, decorated with priceless items that belonged to long-dead royalty.

“Whoa,” said Tiara who lowered her voice when it echoed through the chambers. “This is amazing.”

Sombra placed Somnambula comfortably in a bed, which was mysteriously clean and prepared. Perhaps this too was the influence of the spirits watching over the pyramid; he pondered if these ghosts were the former royalty. He wasn't how safe they truly were here, no matter how fortified with enchantments it supposedly was, but at least he hoped it could keep the Eldritch at bay for sometime if they chose to lay siege. Until then he decided it was best if they simply rested for the time being.

Inky Rose brushed his cheek. “Shall we check out the throne room?”

“We shall. Tree Hugger, you're in charge while I'm away.” She seemed like the safest choice with Somnambula out and Inky away; he couldn't trust Cozy or Shy too much yet, Bellatrix was too capricious, and Pacific wasn't the brightest.

“Righteous!” She flashed him a peace sign with a lazy smirk.

The duo headed up the stairs, Inky taking his hand and guiding it to her lower back. She smiled wryly with narrowed eyes, and his hand slid lower, over the curve of buttocks barely concealed by thin black silk that hugged them. It was obvious how much his favorite consort missed him, and he in turn was unable to keep his hands off her, another hand manipulating one of her breasts and pinching her nipple. She moaned low, leaning into him and wrapping her one good wing around her master.

After a long walk down the corridors they came upon the throne room. Reminded of his long rule over the Crystal Empire, he took his seat and his would-be Queen settled in her own seat, her hand still locked with him. He was content to simply rest here, taking in the stylized murals on display, but Inky stood and slithered out of her clothes, intending to celebrate in her own way.

“Sorry I haven't been able to give you the proper attention you deserve,” he said studying her.

“I understand. You've been under a terrible amount of stress. Allow me to take the edge off,” she replied removing his clothes and casting them aside. Sinking to her knees, she stared up at him while she took him into her mouth.

Noisily she slurped at his flare, which stiffened to fill her mouth. He ran his fingers through the hair on her scalp, content to simply let her do most of the work. She took him to the base with low, sensual strokes, determined to fully please him.

From the corner of his eye he spotted a pair of mares spying on them. “Come on out,” he commanded. Diamond Tiara sheepishly came around the entrance's corner, and pulled Cozy Glow by the wrist with her. “Since you two seem so eager to watch, why don't you join us? I think it's about time a formally welcomed Cozy into the fold.”

“It was her idea,” said Tiara who smiled devilishly. “Can I punish her?”

“Now wait a moment-” But Cozy's protests were cut off when he nodded, and Tiara suddenly pulled her down while she sat, bending the pegasus over her lap. “H-hey,” she cried with a fierce blush when her pleated skirt was flipped up, exposing her lacy panties which were quickly yanked down to expose her freckled, plush rump. “I'm not a school filly anymore!”

“Oh yeah? Then don't act like such a brat,” cried Tiara who landed a powerful swat on a buttock. Cozy yelped and wiggled her wings, kicking her feet while handprint-marked flesh wobbled, but her captor didn't let up. Repeatedly she swatted Cozy's soon blushing buttocks, making her yelp and squeal and squirm as her freckly face burned all over.

He enjoyed the show while Inky continued to blow him, her tongue tracing around his medial ring. With one hand she massaged his testicles, rolling the sack upon her palm, while her other hand reached between her parted legs and stroked her clit.

“Just need to soften her up for you,” yelled Tiara while she continually beat Cozy's bouncy asscheeks like a drum. “Tenderize that meat before you stick your dick in it!” Loud whacks sounded, the raw rump now nice and red all over.

“Ouch! Okay, okay!” Cozy blinked away a few small tears. “You made your point, and now I'm ready!” She rose and rubbed her bottom with both hands, only to whine when Tiara landed another slap on her ass to send her forward.

Inky slid off his dick, spit trailing from her mouth to his dick. With a bashful look Cozy settled into his lap with a small flutter, and his hands encircled her sore cushions, guiding her down onto hm with a grin. She cupped her hands around his cheeks, unable to restrain her own sly grimace, wincing when he pushed by far the largest cock she'd ever taken into her.

“I've been with a few stallions,” she admitted. “Most of them are easy to manipulate when a moist hole's involved! Tirek wasn't like that, though; he wasn't interested in me like that. He just wanted to be my friend! I thought the old centaur was crazy, but...it did feel good, hanging around with him and Chryssy until she betrayed us!” Adjusting to his girth, she started to bounce atop him, her smaller but well-rounded breasts dotted with freckles slapping upon his bared chest with each thrust.

“I want in,” said Tiara who practically ripped off her clothes then skipped over. However she whined in disappointment when Inky was already busy licking at his wetted stallionhood and Cozy's puckered asshole with relish. “C'mon, what about me?!”

Enveloping Diamond Tiara in an aura, he lifted her up and she squeaked, bending her over and spreading her legs as he deposited her before his face. She whinnied in shameless appreciation when he started to spread her warm holes, using his tongue to hungrily explore them. “Ah...oh yeah. That feels amazing,” she admitted as he cleaned her out.

“Prove your loyalty to my cause,” demanded Sombra to Cozy between licks. “Bear my foal!”

“Y-yes! Give me your seed! Plant it deep in me!” He wasn't certain whether she'd lost control or was simply trying to manipulate him, but he saw no reason to deny her. Slamming her down with sheer brutality, she grimaced when he buried his flare past her cervix and poked the back of her womb, depositing his foalbatter directly into her slippery chambers.

Helped by Inky who was circling her clenched asshole, Cozy creamed upon him; and with a tweak of Tiara's clitoris she quickly followed, emptying herself around and into his muzzle. Unwilling to leave his favorite consort unsatisfied, especially after she'd been so patient, he drew his still erect rod out of Cozy, his aura setting her and Tiara aside while he drew Rose to him.

She clung to him when he pressed into Inky, wrapping around him with her limbs and flapping her one good wing. Their snouts mashed while he took her, and she blissfully met his gaze, thankful to have his company again after so much time apart.

“I love you my master,” she said. “I'm yours, now and forever.”

“You've helped make all this possible,” he replied between grunts. “More than anyone who's served me.”

“Take me...however you wish,” she wheezed. “I want to...serve you.” Momentarily withdrawing, he he flipped her over, leaning her upon his throne. Sensing what he wanted, she scooped up a mixture of secretions left on the seat, and rubbed it into her sphincter until it was sufficiently lubed. Then he shoved himself into her exit hole, driving himself balls deep inside.

Looking over her shoulder she stared at him, flushing and smiling, while he groped a breast with one hand and a buttock with another. Roughly he buttfucked her, her twat winking and running down her legs. “Master...Sombra,” she whinnied when she finally came with a flutter of her lashes. Clenching around him, he in turn emptied himself anew with a groan.

Once he released her she cuddled up to him and pulled him onto her throne. “What's next, my love? We appear to be safe for the moment,” she observed brushing his dark curls. “But what shall we do when the Eldritch come for us?”

“I'm not sure,” he admitted. “For once, I'm at a complete loss.” Would Somnambula have a plan? He once hated to rely on anyone; now he cautiously drew strength from his companions. He wished Beatrix were here, that he could teach her more, but for all he knew she was engaged with helping Spike prepare for another potential Eldritch invasion...

Stocks were set up in the middle of the encampment. By its side stood Ember and Smolder, grim with arms crossed like they were a pair of executioners. And between them was Fleur de Lis; stripped naked and locked in place. Gathered mobs stood in rows to see the ritualistic punishment; she would have to be thoroughly humiliated and broken to become the Dragon Lord's mare. While the unicorn tried to wear a neutral expression, she twitched at those who openly looked down on her.

Spike frowned, barely able to look upon the haughty mare who was now so disgraced. And once they were done it would be far worse. He hesitated to make his presence known, Twilight and Sunset by him to provide support. Wallflower waited in the background, hood and cloak drawn around her, while Autumn Blaze curled her snout with a shake of her head.

“Too bad we have to use the leather whips,” said Smolder who tightened hers.

“Ponies can't take the sort of damage a dragon can,” reminded Ember who snapped her own. “Not even close!”

“Poor Fleur,” said Rarity who stood with the crowd. “She hasn't been the same after Fancy's loss...”

“Wish we could cheer her up,” said Sweetie Belle who danced between staring at the haughty prisoner and guiltily turning aside. However, they'd all been summoned to witness her punishment firsthand and were encouraged not to turn away.

Sunset stepped forward and with a touch of Fleur's cheek asked in a whisper, “Are you absolutely certain?”

“Indeed I am. If I'm to move on with my life, this is the way it must be. Forgive me my love,” she whispered squeezing out tears before she hardened herself for what was to come. You know I speak truly from your touch, do you not? Let us make haste.”

Sunset frowned but nodded once. “We'll proceed, then.” She sidled out of the way.

It started with lashes delivered by Ember and Smolder. Even holding back the whips cracks and seared her delicate skin; Fleur grit her teeth, and eventually cried out, red marks peppering her flesh. Aside from her face they spared no part of her, paying special attention to her back, breasts, and buttocks, which were soon quite tender from repeated strokes that loudly snapped.

“Be thankful the Dragon Lord is merciful,” growled Smolder who yanked the prisoner by her now messy mane.

“But I'm afraid we have to make certain you've learned your lesson,” added Ember whose palm swatted her derriere with such force she would have tumbled if not for the stocks. More whimpers and tears escaped Fleur, whose butt was no doubt bruised.

They took turns whipping, spanking, and insulting the once proud soldier, determined to tame her imperious pride. It was tradition when a Dragon Lord claimed a disobedient lover, making certain she knew her place and would obey from then on.

While this was what she wanted Spike couldn't help but feel nauseous at the display. He'd tried to reach out to her and in her grief she'd rebuffed him. Pretty soon the dragonesses moved aside, cuing him in that it was his turn to finish this public rebuke. Handing the Bloodstone Scepter to Twilight, he marched onward with a stoic expression, knowing all eyes were upon him, judging his every move. Once again he needed to prove himself worthy as the head of a dying alliance.

He removed the scant clothing he wore and stopped behind the heaving unicorn. He wanted to hold and comfort her, to apologize for what he was about to do, but knew it wasn't permitted. In a way he was as much a prisoner as she, confined by the burden of his position. He despised the way his shafts swelled at seeing her so helpless before him, ready to be claimed.

Slowly pressing his tips to her warm orifices, he soon punctured them completely, and she hissed in a mixture of pain and unwanted pleasure. Starting slow, he picked up speed, one claw squeezing a heavy breast and another a shapely buttock. He wanted to get this over quickly, to simply spill his seed as required and be done with the whole distasteful procession, but knew that too would be taken as a sign of weakness. No, he wasn't supposed to show mercy; simply use her for his basest pleasures.

By now she was sobbing even while lubricant dribbled from her and she convulsed around him. His nostrils flared as he grunted between savage thrusts that rocked her supple frame. The dragonesses watched unmoved, while others tried to hide sympathetic looks or distaste; while some of the crowd actually cheered, believing she'd earned his wrath and worse for her disobedience.

He bred her for nearly an hour before he was certain they were satisfied, his eyes turning to slits as his more primal state almost overwhelmed him; one that cared for nothing but to pump her full of Kirin and continue his bloodline. Raising his snout skyward on instinct, he bellowed fire when he came, shooting his seed with such force into her depths she in turn came upon him.

Her belly swelled up from the virile load, more oozing around his lengths from her sore holes. Withdrawing, he loosed more over her backside; then his muscles strained when he smashed the stocks and yanked her by the mane to face him,a claw forcing her mouth open as he emptied the last remnants all over her tongue and face as was Dragon Lord tradition of their latest conquest. She knelt before him in complete submission, swallowing it down as more slathered over her marred curves.

“Now she's one of us,” announced Ember with a nod of satisfaction.

Sanity returned to Spike, and with it a renewed sense of shame. He turned to the crowd. “I'm through with tradition!” He grabbed the Bloodstone Scepter, raised it high above him, and then snapped it in halves to the gasps of onlookers. “This isn't the Equestria we fought so hard for! It's a sick parody! And I'm gonna do what I can to set it right, no matter what anyone thinks!”

He unfurled his wings and huffed, daring anyone to challenge him. Ember and Smolder stared him down, but dared not make a move, still recognizing him as the Dragon Lord despite their doubts. “I should have done this sooner! But now it's time I started setting things right! You want me to lead the alliance? Then I'm going to make my own rules! No matter how long it takes, and how hard I have to struggle, I'll make sure Equestria is somehow returned to a state of harmony!” He breathed a long sigh.

He'd never been much of one for colorful speeches. However, he spoke from the heart. After a few moments of silence Autumn Blaze started to clap. Others soon joined in; Sunset, Twilight, Shining Armor, Rarity, Sweetie. Even Trixie and Beatrix lent him a hand, and Wallflower followed with Limestone, Octavia, and Vinyl, their jubilation proving contagious to the crowds.

Smolder managed a grin. “You win. Guess we'll take a chance on your plans.”

Ember nodded. “We didn't want our culture to die out, but maybe some parts of it still need to be changed!”

Fleur sniffled and wiped her face. “And what about me...?”

He offered a claw and helped her up. “You're free. Please, you're one of the best soldiers we've ever had. Will you fight by our side? I know that with your help, we'll finally be able to avenge Fancy Pants and deal with the Eldritch once-and-for-all!”

With a nod and a sniff she extended her hand, and rose, burying her face in his chest and weeping. He held her close, covering her with his wingspan, knowing she needed to get it all out. He'd seen her in action, knew that she'd been Fancy Pants' bodyguard for years, and skill-wise outclassed anyone else here, able to even take Shining Armor in a fair duel.

However that pride had been wrecked and she'd need time to recover. His hope was that once she was ready, she'd again serve his cause, as he'd need all the greatest warriors he could get when it came time to finally stamp out their foes.

After things settled down Beatrix Belladonna returned to the room where her family stayed. She'd gathered more ingredients growing within the caves and laid them out on her cape which she spread over the rocky floor. The eyes and mouths on her cloak and hat stirred a tad, but she ignored them, mulling over how to recreate one of her greatest concoctions without the magic touch her Flurry Heart had provided when they teamed up. “Face it, Beatrix; you've always been second-rate!”

“Well then I'd better help out!” Flurry Heart beamed, still sleepy when she stalked over and sat across from her. “Huh, looks like you have the basics down, at least.” She rubbed her fuzzy head, trying to concentrate, as she poured over the witch's notes. “Hmm, let's see. I'll make a few adjustments to these equations!” She borrowed her pen and started jotting down notes.

Beatrix hunched over and rapidly moved her eyes left-and-right as she scanned her writings. “You're a genius!”

“Not really,” replied Flurry with a color of her cheeks and a self-deprecating chuckle. “I mean, I've been told many times I'm a prodigy, the potentially most powerful creature Equestria's ever seen, but I don't want to buy into the hype. Nor do I want anyone to treat me like I'm special. I'm just willing to do whatever I can to help Equestria.”

“You will. I know it.” They turned to see Cadance who hobbled over. “I'm sorry I couldn't prevent all this. But it's a miracle we're all still here.” She smiled at Shining Armor and Trixie. “Perhaps now we can all be one big, happy family. Beatrix Belladonna, is it? My husband's told me much about you. Thank you, and you too, Trixie, for looking after him.”

“It...it was nothing,” assured Trixie who couldn't help but feel intimated by her presence no matter how impossibly warm the Princess of Love seemed. “I do care about him. But...Trixie knows when it's time to leave the stage-”

“Nonsense. I wouldn't feel right in casting you aside, and besides, times are different now. Herds weren't exactly unknown even before Equestria's collapse, controversial as they may have been. I'd like to invite you into one with me.” She cupped Trixie's chin with a dainty smile. “You're carrying his foal, aren't you? I can tell.” There was a twinkle in her eye.

“Y-yes. I want to make sure my little hellspawn is born in this timeline,” admitted Trixie who smiled back.

“And I wish to help you with that. I know love when I see it,” noted Cadance who traced Trixie's belly. “Unfortunately, what I can do now is rather limited. There are some unicorns who still worked powerful magic even without an intact horn, Tempest Shadow the most notable one, but I never studied the most advanced spellcraft.” She touched her crack-ridden horn.

“We'll help,” said Beatrix and Trixie in unison.

“Me too!” Flurry rubbed her own broken horn with misty eyes. “Mommy, I'm just happy that you're okay!”

“I think you speak for everyone,” said Shining who hugged and kissed his wife. “Sorry, wish I was a better caster, but I spent most of my time learning swordplay! Plus, I hate to admit it, but I knew as a mage I'd always be in Twiley's shadow...”

“No silly sibling-rivalry here,” promised Beatrix who pulled Flurry close to her and shared a smile. “Although,” she noted as an aside. “We did get up to all kinds of mischief. Most of our best alchemy creations were like a mad scientist's experiment...”

“Sounds fun. I can't wait to see what we whip up!” Flurry fluttered her battered wings, the feathers now partially regrown.

“Good to see you've made a friend,” said Shining with a chuckle.

“Yes, I didn't have many of those. Most people were either intimidated by me or resented me.” Flurry's face fell. “It was so lonely, back in the Crystal Empire. I tried to befriend some of my servants, but that just make things awkward.” She sighed and continued to write down more formulas unbidden; almost like she could somehow tap into the source of magic.

“I'm sorry. We were overprotective,” admitted Cadance. “For all the good it ultimately did.”

“I think she turned out pretty well,” said Beatrix with a laugh. “Let's get cracking, shall we?” She popped her knuckles.

Over the next hours the family settled in. The half-sisters pooled their talents, using whatever materials were on hand. Beatrix wished she could heal their horns, but the ingredients to create her Sunburst's healing elixir were extinct; and were apparently an anomaly to her home dimension since she'd yet to encounter them in anywhere else she'd traveled.

Likewise she struggled to keep up with Flurry, who seemed even more skilled in alchemy than the one she knew, and soon raced past her.

At the same time Cadance continued to welcome Trixie, spending time with her and Shining Armor. The Princess of Love was still shaky, and strained to remain lucid at times, but they were always quick to support her.

Eventually Twilight and Sunset also paid them a surprise visit, the group soon talking and laughing while the sisters continued to experiment in a mix of colorful smoke. She wanted to join in, but knew time was of the essence; Spike needed to boost his prowess as soon as possible.

Again she thought of Sombra while she worked. Was it a mere childish crush, or something more...? It seemed silly, absurd even, but she couldn't deny how drawn she was to him for reasons she didn't entirely understand.

However while she didn't mind sharing him per say, she wanted to be first in his heart, and knew that wouldn't be possibly. She'd have to take Inky Rose's place for that and didn't wish to interfere with what they'd developed; especially since she'd helped make him a better person.

No, with a sad smile she decided she'd content herself with being his understudy. Assuming they were able to meet once more.