A few days passed while Spike's followers continued to settle into their new home. He'd chosen a roomy cave for himself, packed it with blankets, and sprawled upon it surrounded by those who chose to remain his lovers. Now that he'd altered the position of Dragon Lord he'd offered them freedom; but to his shock quite a few still wished to continue their relationship, comforted by his presence.

Ember, Smolder, and Twilight weren't much of a surprise, Autumn Blaze, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle a little more so; but Fleur also chose to cling to him, her nude frame draped upon his own while he laid back surrounded by his many loves. He stroked her mane, and she giggled, having cried herself dry before finally finding unexpected contentment in his arms.

“You are the only one left who can keep us safe,” admitted Fleur with smile. “So it's natural we remain with you.”

He shot her a toothy grin, wondering if he could trust her after what she'd pulled with Sombra. But it wasn't like him to be so paranoid, and unlike in that case he'd only done as she'd asked. He traced over the lacerations that marred her otherwise perfect flesh. Thanks to the potions Twilight and Sunset applied she'd eventually heal without scarring, to his relief.

“I hope Beatrix's project is coming along well,” he thought aloud. “At least Flurry and Cadance have partially recovered!”

“They're working together quite well from what Sunset's told me,” said Twilight who beamed, lounging naked at his side. “It helps that we supplied them with all the materials for alchemy we could scrounge up, plus what they've collected here! Kind of makes me wish I'd studied that school of magic more, but I've always been so busy trying to juggle everything else...”

“Always so concerned with study, darling. Classic Twilight,” said Rarity with a giggle as she landed a swat on her hind end.

Luckily he'd picked a place that could comfortably accommodate them all at once. His harem lazed around and upon him, trying to recreate the magic of the Pleasure Gardens; but without Fluttershy and Tree Hugger it could never be remotely the same. He hoped they were doing well, wherever they were. And at the least he hadn't been haunted by the familiar nightmares lately.

“We'll have to prepare for war,” he sighed warily. “The Eldritch have gone quiet lately, which makes me even more worried. We don't have all the stuff needed here to forge tons more weapons and armor, so what we've already crafted will probably have to do. But I know Rarity and Sweetie will craft more runes!” He grinned at them and they smiled back.

“Fleur, why don't you train with Shining Armor? I could always use more lieutenants,” he offered meeting her stare. “Hopefully Octavia and Vinyl will be ready for more action soon, too. I know Limestone and her crew have been busy preparing.”

“You may count on me,” she assured him planting a peck on his snout tip. “I know my beloved would understand.”

“I'm sorry I had to hurt you. Really.”

She pressed her index finger to his lips. “Think nothing of it. Remember, it was my decision. While I can't bring myself to ever forget Sombra's crimes, my actions were dishonorable, and worse, cowardly. Beneath me. To believe I'd lower myself to his level...” She shook her head and curled her lip in disgust, still bristling at how he'd humiliated her before her lover.

“Yeah, well...Sombra claims he wanted to change,” recalled Spike. “Maybe he will. But I know he would've kept causing all kinds of trouble here so he had to go. I just hope everyone who followed him is okay, even if they might not all like me.”

“I really don't understand Diamond Tiara,” said Sweetie with a pout. “How could she betray us like that!”

Spike frowned equally troubled by her decision. “I don't think of her or the rest of them as traitors. I want everyone to make their own choices, you know? I think she's just trying to fit in somewhere and hoping he can provide that. Inky and Pacific, well, they've been tight with Sombra since they met him from what I hear. Tree Hugger's not herself since she's revived, Fluttershy's no doubt there to look after her, and I have no idea what Somnambula's agenda really is. As for Cozy Glow-”

“Maybe I should have tried harder to redeem her a long time ago,” lamented Twilight. “I really let her down.”

“Nah. She made her own choices. Just like Chrysalis and Tirek,” he said drawing her closer. “Doesn't matter much now, I suppose. Compared to what the Eldritch have done all our old enemies seem inconsequential, really.”

It was also a reminder he needed to buff up more, too. He'd kept himself in nearly top shape but knew any slack might make the difference. Fortunately his armor was now lined in runes; his eyes settled upon it displayed in a corner on a stand. Thanks to Rarity's and Sweetie's enchantments it was light-weight and malleable despite its bulky, cumbersome appearance.

Usually a Dragon Lord only wore such for ceremonial purposes, seeing them as a sign of weakness, that their scales were insufficient; a point of pride that had no doubt caused many of his kind to perish.

But he wasn't willing to repeat the mistakes which had nearly led to the extinction of his race when they faced off with the Eldritch; he had no problem accepting his weaknesses, knowing that with his friends he'd be stronger than ever and somehow would ultimately prevail.

“Voila,” announced Flurry Heart who lifted a vial that fizzled and threatened to bubble over. “It's done! Sorry we had to sacrifice pretty much all your reserve potions, sister, but if this works it will be more than worth it!”

Beatrix Belladonna held her free hand. “Nah, that's fine. I knew we could do it.” They'd worked relentlessly over the last few days, determined to whip up a concoction that would awaken Spike's true potential without him having to make any terrible sacrifices. Unfortunately, there was no way to test it; they'd simply have to gamble it would work as intended. Flurry had reworked and studied the equations repeatedly, leaving no room for error; but could even a dragon handle such raw power?

“What has Trixie's little hellspawn been up to?” She cocked an eyebrow with hands on her hips.

“Presto!” Beatrix bowed with a flourish, basking in the praise of her parents and Cadance who smiled and clapped. “It was mostly Flurry's work really,” she admitted humbly with a soft blush. “She's brilliant!”

“Oh, hush.” Nevertheless Flurry beamed. “I'm exhausted after all that nonstop work, though.”

“So...” Shining Armor stared at the brew. “This will let us turn the tide against the Eldritch?”

“Hopefully. No matter how strong Spike becomes,” reminded Flurry. “He's still just one creature. And remember what happened to the last Dragon Lord? We've taken lots of precautions in hopes it will circumvent any attempts to control him, but nothing's perfect! Still, that took tons of Eldritch to pull off, and their numbers have severely dwindled, so I hope it's enough!”

Cadance said, “Either way I'm proud of you both. I wish Celestia and Luna were here to see how far we've come.”

“Well, no time to waste. Let's invite Spike over, shall we?” Belladonna turned to her father who nodded and left to fetch him.

A short time later Shining Armor returned with Spike, Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight Sparkle in tow.

“Thank you for looking after my husband too,” said Cadance with her usual warm and charming smile.

“No problem,” replied Sunset with a light blush, also a little intimidated by the Princess of Love.

“I've been altering the old laws,” reminded Spike. “So you don't have to stay with Shining if you don't want to.”

“I,” began Sunset before Cadance drew her close with a battered wing.

“I'd be honored to welcome you into the family too,” offered Cadance. “Trixie's already accepted my offer. No pressure of course, but time's have changed thanks to the Eldritch, and if we plan to repopulate the planet with herds I'd rather my husband was with mares I could trust and depend on. My sister-in-law speaks quite highly of you.”

“Th-thanks. I wouldn't mind that,” she admitted staring at her feet. “But I want to return to the human world too someday. Maybe that's not possible, though, after the Eldritch destroyed the mirror...”

“I have a few ideas,” cut in Belladonna. “Um, I can hop between dimensions. Can't fully control it, plus if I take someone there's only a slim chance they'll survive the trip, so I don't want to get your hopes up, but...maybe with time and practice I'll find some way to create a nexus that will serve a similar function? Just an idea. 'Course, I'll need lots more practice!”

She decided it best not to share that Sombra might be able to teach her what she needed.

“I appreciate it,” said Sunset whose face warmed up with renewed hope. “Okay. Guess I'll accept your offer then, Princess.”

“Just Cadance, please. Without the Crystal Empire I can hardly call myself royalty anymore. I barely qualify as an alicorn now,” she noted with a somber stroke of her fractured horn nub.

“Maybe we can craft some form of artificial replacement,” said Twilight who frowned.

“What, like the Eldritch? Sorry,” quickly amended Shining who'd spoken without thinking. “I'm sure Twiley could pull it off someday with enough study! Maybe we can turn their research to our advantage, without all the icky parts!”

“Similar technology exists in the human word,” noted Sunset. “Albeit on a lower scale. We'll have to look into it, whenever we have more time. But sorry, I didn't mean to get us off track.” She touched Spike. “Are you ready for this?”

“Ready as I'll ever be! I'll do whatever it takes to save Equestria!” He flexed a muscle with a grin.

“Normally these potions are way too toxic in large doses,” explained Flurry Heart. “Especially when they're all mixed together like this. However, we've prepared them in a way where a dragon should be able to break them down. You wouldn't want to see what would happen to a pony if they drank them.” She shuddered. “There's still a slim chance it could be fatal, though.”

“I'll do it,” he said without a moment's hesitation.

“You're a brave one, I have to admit! Okay.” She handed him the flask. “Just down it all at once if possible.”

Beatrix clasped her mother's hand and whispered, “I hope this works. Truly, I do...”

“It will be fine my little hellspawn,” assured Trixie to assuage her own doubts.

All eyes were upon Spike who uncorked the flask, colorful wisps rising outward and filling the air with an acrid stench. Chances were it tasted even worse, the liquid resembling mercury, thick and shiny when it settled into place. He shrugged and tip it down his open maw in one gulp, nostrils flared as it flowed into his furnace-like belly, neutralizing the most dangerous portions.

It was emptied. He waited expectantly, like they all did, uncertain if anything had even happened. A minute passed and no one dared speak nor made a noise. “Any idea how long it will take,” he finally said. “I don't feel any different-”

The flask slipped from his claw. Glass shattered into countless pieces on contact with stone. His eyes went blank, his limbs impossibly heavy, and he slipped and crumpled into a heap with a thud.

Some were calling his name, rushing to him, but the dragon no longer heard them. Flurry and Beatrix were on the verge of tears, wondering if they'd made a horrible mistake...

Inside the largest compound belonging to the Eldritch, factories prepared their latest creations, which were funneled down assembly lines. Starlight Glimmer watched, impassive, years of their conditioning making certain she could no longer resist them. Their alien voices were a discordant symphony that continually played in her skull, never allowing her to rest.

She sensed their desperation. Acknowledging their limitations, they turned to her for aid, hoping she could craft something that would allow them to break this stalemate with the alliance and finally claim their dark messiah.

She stalked by the conveyer belts, black leather skirt swept behind her, looking over the malformed creations built by machines; fusions of metal, flesh, and bone, their dead enemies and whatever animals they found stitched together into nightmarish creations.

At her sides were Aria and Sonata, barely lucid after their extensive surgery. While they hardly appeared any different on the surface their enhancements would further warp them into living weapons, her personal angels of death in the coming war. Yet when her head ached she reminded herself it was necessary, that she'd make those she loved better than before.

“Trixie, are you lonely? Not for much longer. I'm sorry I couldn't be with you...” She wept empty tears.

Few of their digging machines were left after their last invasion. However the former Dragon Lord loomed at the center, the undead skeletal behemoth rebuilt where Spike and his allies had wounded him. She stroked its skull, feeling it vibrate under her palm as blood pulsed through its hollows like marrow. Around her Eldritch scientists and engineers went about their routines, unnaturally silent as they telepathically shared instructions that reverberated throughout the hive-mind network.

Aria shouted above the noise, “What about Sombra? Since we can track Bellatrix, we could move in and take him out-”

“He's inconsequential for the moment,” answered Starlight with a dismissive wave. “Besides, he's well-fortified in that pyramid, and I'd rather not waste resources needlessly. He'll keep. He and Somnambula could be dangerous in the future, though...”

“Awww...and I wanted to test our new weapons!” Sonata beamed, like her sister modified to accept and obey without question.

“You'll have your fun soon.” Starlight nodded to the corpse of Adagio which she'd recovered in the desert. The exploded head had been removed, but the rest of her remained intact, and a few electric shocks delivered by machinery intertwined in an Eldritch's fist made the siren's corpse twitch and flop. “We'll have this one enhanced and reanimated, too.”

“Hooray! We'll be a happy little family again,” cried Sonata who beamed wide with joyous tears.

“I'll still be in charge though, right?” Aria crossed her well-toned arms. “I don't want to be upstaged by a zombie!”

“Of course. Adagio's hardly in any shape to lead from now on! Too bad Chrysalis wasn't left intact, but if the preparations we made pan out...” Starlight managed a twisted smile for once at the cleverness of their schemes. “Maybe we can use Tirek's carcass, too. Shame he can't eat magic in his current state, or else we might have been able to win this war on the spot.”

If she could still feel pity it would have fallen on the Dazzlings who'd been partially lobotomized, not that she noticed much difference in Sonata's case.

But they were better now, weren't they? Stronger. Happier. At least that's what she was brainwashed to tell herself whenever the slimmest doubt crept in. Knowing there was no going back, all she could do was proceed.

Spike's life flashed before his eyes. The first time they opened and he saw Twilight Sparkle who'd hatched him. A life mostly spent in Ponyville where he'd made close friends and went on numerous adventures. His first encounter with Sombra and the tyrant's defeated, whereupon he'd been hailed as a hero by crystal ponies throughout the Crystal Empire.

Most of all he longed for an Equestria that was no more. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and so many others, lost to enemies they struggled to comprehend. Would he be their latest victim, too?

No...a mere miscalculation from an untested formula was about to do him in. He'd die uselessly, pointlessly, with so much left undone. He hoped Twilight would handle everything, like she always dutifully did, that the Kirin his lovers bore would survive and repopulate a dead world.

Gradually color returned when he blinked awake and discovered himself surrounded by expectant faces. “I'm...not dead?”

“No, silly.” Flurry breathed a sigh of relief. “You did worry us for a second, though!”

“More like a whole hour!” Trixie stamped a heeled boot. “Don't scare us like that!”

“Nice to have so many beauties worried about me.” He chuckled and managed to sit up. “I do feel a little...different.”

Twilight sobbed in relief, palms laid upon his rising and falling muscles. “I was really worried,” she admitted with a sniffle. “I've lost so many already. I'm not sure I can stand to lose another, not so senselessly!”

“Aw...I couldn't leave you behind.” He crushed her to him and she cooed in delight. Despite his good-natured humor he was touched by their concern and hers in particular; they shared a special connection few could understand. Even Shining Armor shed a little liquid pride. He rose to his clawed feet and stretched leather wings. “Wonder what I'm capable of now?”

“You'll have to test and find out,” said Beatrix with a wink.

“Sounds like a plan! Give me some space, will you all?” They backed away and Spike inhaled, his stomach burning like a furnace; however this time it sent an even more pleasant than usual tingle through his insides. He breathed a few small emerald flames, spectral wisps formed of pure magic. “Whoa, that's different. Wonder how effective they are?”

“The Spike I knew managed something similar after my Flurry and I worked on him,” said Beatrix. “It was powerful enough to harm the Smooze I knew after he'd been tampered with by a cult worshiping the Necronomicon, so it should shear right through any magical barriers. Just be careful; that much raw power destroyed him when he went all-out to save his friends.”

Spike nodded. “I'll keep that in mind. I feel stronger, too, like my scales are even harder...”

“There's probably lots more,” admitted Flurry. “We can't fully predict the effects. Just that it unlocks all the magical potential you have in you. Given time, you'll surely become the most powerful Dragon Lord to ever live!”

“Congratulations!” Sunset clapped and others joined in. “No nasty sacrifices now, huh?”

He scratched the back of his neck. “You saw, didn't you? With that power of yours. Glad I don't have to eat Ember's or Smolder's hearts,” he mumbled relieved that it had seemingly worked out. He felt ready to storm the Eldritch lair and torch them all, but quickly reminded himself it was that sort of cockiness that led to the dragons being almost wiped out.

“You were the Crystal Empire's hero,” said Cadance. “I believe you can save us in our hour of need once again.”

“Not alone. We'll be there to support you,” swore Shining who smacked a fist upon his chest.

“Thanks,” said Spike. “I know I can count on you all. Still, I'll need to train some more, practice with what I've gained until I'm comfortable with it.” He flexed a bicep and kissed it, hopeful that it would be second nature in no time.

“I'd better do the same,” said Shining. “But I hate to leave my family alone.”

“I'll be okay.” Cadance touched his face and drew Flurry to her. “I'd like to spend some time with Twilight, anyhow. And to get to know Trixie, Sunset, and Beatrix better. Sometimes it's hard to believe we're still here. Like the Equestria we all knew was a dream.” She sighed in lament, taking what solace she could from the companionship of those still living.

“We'll get it back somehow when magic returns in full-force to Equestria,” swore Flurry. Even if it takes thousands of years!”

While things had looked bleak for quite sometime, Spike shared in their optimism, knowing that he could potentially live long enough to see a fully restored Equestria.

All the more reason he needed to protect them; they'd be instrumental in rebuilding and guiding the planet back to a state of harmony. With a warm laugh he left them to further test his new prowess.

Many days had passed since Somnambula went into deep sleep. Sombra was at her bedside, trying his best to translate what he could of the hieroglyphs carved in the stone. Just as he thought he was making out a sentence, a low yawn pulled him away to see that she was finally awakening. She stirred in the velvet sheets that hid her bare flesh before leaning up to stretch out. Her eyes fluttered open before a smile spread her lips upon seeing her ruler.

"It fills me with such delight, having you be the first in my sight~," she mewled. Sombra offered his own kind smile while taking her hand to place a delicate kiss to her knuckles.

"I am glad that you're awake," he said with a hint of relief present. His attention turned back to the hieroglyphics. "So tell me; where are we to go from here? Do we buckle down and pray that Spike and his followers are able to defeat the threat?"

She shook her head. “It would be an unwise path to take, even for him. We all must unity if we are to stop the Eldritch. For now, we wait until tensions have cooled; thus we can negotiate a position of power and reform our alliance on truly equal terms. This pyramid harbors many secrets for those willing enough to seek them.”

“Then do tell...” Inky Rose and Pacific Glow were also present in the room; linking their arms with him. Ever since settling in, the two had become inseparable; much like Fluttershy and Tree Hugger, the latter continuing to keep watch over the others. Though mostly just the restless Cozy Glow.

“Patience. All will be revealed in due time, I assure you. Now for you next question...” She looked to Sombra, who was about to say something before she held her palm to stop him. “I can commune with the alliance from here. There is one that you're wishing to speak with; perhaps you're also missing her company...”

“With what little time we spent after the attack, there is so much more I want to share with my apprentice...” He confessed, turning away to really unpack his feelings. It was a familiar rush to mold the destiny of another; one born from a mutual partnership rather than crushing another down to suit his whims.

It was like back in his prideful youth when he'd tried to forge the Crystal Empire and his subjects into their better selves, before the shadows had overtaken him, and helped drive him to warp and dominate all unfortunate enough to cross his path.

Yet this wasn't his homeland. To be honest, being here brought him anxiety. This was a place so unfamiliar and mysterious, it boggled his mind to not know anything. But the priestess knew; and that's what had him on edge. She held a level of power within this pyramid; causing him to frantically guess when and where she would decide to overtake him...

The only thing that gave him clarity over her true motives is that it all tied to the survival of Equestria. How far would she go to save the planet? Would she sacrifice him, his followers, herself, maybe even the entire alliance if that was what she believed necessary? Such devotion would make her perhaps far more dangerous than even him.

And yet, he found no other option but to trust in the path she carved. With his foal developing in her stomach, she must hold some sentimental feelings for him, right?

Pacific broke his reverie when she leaned her head on his shoulder. “What do we do now? Just relax?”

“Why not? I believe we've all more than earned it,” said Inky with a light smile. “Perhaps we can please you, master?”

“Maybe later. I actually want to explore this place some more. You're free to join me if you want...” They nodded and the trio left; though he gave the prophet one last concerning look while she smiled back at him and resumed her rest.

His boots echoed off the floor. This place was like a maze and yet proved surprisingly easy to navigating, all paths seemingly leading back upon each other eventually. The torches were enchanted as to apparently never burn out, nor did they emit smoke; like the rest of this mysterious, ancient place somehow preserved for all eternity.

With every passing minute, they descended lower and lower into the deeper chambers. The tunnels slanted and the lights became dimmer; the air thicker and more oppressive. Almost as if it warned not to proceed further lest they anger the spirits.

Yet he simply had to know what secrets this place kept. Whatever treasures lied below were of no interest to him other than knowledge. He promised to otherwise respect the boundaries of the dead pharaohs and kings before him, and not disturb their tombs, hopeful that whatever transgressions he risked would not leave them cursed.

He turned to his future queen and concubine, glancing to the pink mare's belly with concern more written on his face. “On second thought, perhaps it would be best if you two turned back. There's no reason to risk yourselves...”

“Not an option for me. I remain by your side no matter where you go,” Inky insisted with firmly narrowed her eyes in determination. “But if you want to head back, Pacific, I'd understand.” She held her shivering friend who was trying her best to keep on a brave front.

“I...I'll be fine,” she chirped. “Just a little spooked is all, nothing I can't handle!” She watched their silhouettes trail over the walls and trembled some more.

“Only if you're certain. Soon it may prove too late to turn back,” reminded Sombra.

“I wanna help too,” pleaded Pacific. “I wanna be useful, and I don't want to leave Inky alone, either!”

“You've helped mend my wing. It's almost back to its old self.” Inky massaged the soft feathers with fingernails painted in spiderweb patterns. “Come if you truly want, but I won't think less of you if turn back. You're like the sister I never had.”

“All the more reason I should come.” Pacific stuck the pacifier in her mouth and sucked on it for comfort.

Another hour passed while they descended ever deeper into a blackening pit. Eventually they reached the burial chambers, the wall sliding away with a creak when he strained his muscles to move the heavy slab. His insides stung, and he lit his horn, using his aura to help shift it in case he reopened an inner wound he'd hoped would've healed by now.

When the way was finally cleared a brilliant shine of gold almost blinded them. A sea of riches lay before them in the vast chamber that stretched so far they couldn't see the end of it. Inky's breath caught, and Pacific's eyes sparkled, while he too felt a surge of emotion remembering the prizes he'd once accumulated in his country. The coins were minted with an ancient language, almost every jewel imaginable mixed in, the fortune so bountiful it could no doubt buy entire countries.

Around them were perched a number of sarcophagi, nobility mummified and buried with their families and servants. Canopi jars were placed around the elaborate artifacts. “Touch nothing,” he warned them. “Lest we anger the spirits.”

“Right.” Pacific bent over to study the area, hands innocently clasped behind her as she whistled.

“It's a shame. I wish we could make love in these riches,” admitted Inky. “I'd truly feel like your Queen.”

“Perhaps one day we'll have a treasury that eclipses this one.” He scratched the side of her face affectionately, and she leaned into him. His eyes trailed over the hieroglyphics, and he worked a spell with his fingers, beginning the tedious but necessary process to translate them word-by-word; in order to unearth their secrets in hopes of boosting his knowledge of magic.

After all, if he discovered the secrets Somnambula was keeping, he'd no longer need worry about what she was planning. And it was to beat the Eldritch, wasn't it? They shared the same goal. Certainly, a part of him still coveted power, but...

A shadow emerged from the corridor ahead that blanketed the illuminated area. The trio turned as one, hearing the ragged breath of some strange animal which wandered their way.

Instinctively he pushed his lovers behind him and prepared a ball of flame which smoldered purple-and-black. Glowing, slit like eyes and sharp teeth stretched into a grin pierced the darkness.

“What foolish mortal dares tread these sacred grounds?!" She growled before her gaze fell upon Sombra, Inky and Pacific. Her narrowed eyes softened as a wide smile replaced her scowl. "Ohh! Another tasty snack perhaps~" She purred, slowly licking her lips.

The beast slowly padded out on titanic paws, her plume spread, her tail flicking about while she studied her prey. The sphinx was the original guardian of the pyramid, tamed by Somnambula after she'd overcome her riddles too many times, and in her wounded pride offered her servitude to the priestess. Now she toyed with tomb raiders and other villains who'd attempted to plunder or otherwise desecrate her lair. Only Somnambula knew her true name, as no others had ever bested her.

"We mean no harm or intrusion!" Sombra insisted, approaching the chimeric creature with his arms wide to keep her from getting to the two mares behind him. "We only come as explorers; wanting to learn about this sacred place."

"Spare me your excuses, tyrant!" She scoffed. "I know who you are. The many lives you've ruined in your thirst for power and conquest. Inside your heart is nothing but darkness, hatred and fear! Bold of you to assume you are worthy of discovering such knowledge when you are beyond redemption."

Sombra physically remained unwavering, but her words festered under his skin about the truth of his actions. He was far from a good person, and perhaps she was right that he wasn't worthy of the path that offered salvation...

"You're wrong!" Inky yelled back at her. "You know nothing of what lies in his heart. He has protected us and gave us a home! He will become the savour of Equestria and prove to be a better king!"

"Yeah! So stuff it, you overgrown pussycat!" Pacific chipped in, backing her friend and king up.

This caused the sphinx to cackle in amusement. "You mean to tell me the two of you aren't just under his manipulation? You're not just vouching for him because he forced your loyalty? Well then.... Let's test how much of a 'hero' you truly are, Sombra. I'll offer you one chance before I make sport of you all.”

She leaned her giant face in so close her hot breath fell upon them, already salivating. He tried to stifle a swallow but stood his ground. Pacific trembled so violently she wet herself, warm urine dribbling down her legs, while Inky froze, instinctively clinging to him.

“Many options stand before you to prove to your nobility. You can stay and fight me, but only so few have succeed. You could cower and run, yet I fear none have escaped my wrath!” She purred. "And that's only when I want to play with my food~"

Sombra closed his fist to snuff the flame. “And what about your notorious riddle, Sphinx?”

At the mention of that word, she rolled her eyes. "Figures you bring that up.... Yes, If you can solve my riddle, I'll be forced by my nature to allow you safe passage through the rest of these chambers. It's a curse I'm placed under, so no matter how tiresome or boring it is, there isn't much I can say or do to not provide that option. But let me ask you; is wildly mass guessing really proof of a hero?”

The three of them stared at one-another, awkwardly silent.

"Didn't think so.... Although..." Her big eyes once more scanned Sombra before she traced a nail down his armor; removing his breastplate and partially stripping him. "Perhaps there is another path you may take to 'convince' me of your worth as a hero~"

Sombra blinked while staring up at the massive feline monster and the amount of curves she had to offer, his face flustering. "You're not joking, are you..?"

"Look, I've been stuffed in these chambers for millennium and I don't get to get out and socialize a lot. I either eat my prey, which while appealing, can get repetitive. Or I can fuck them and not get so pent up. You just happened to be very handsome and I'm in the mood to be generous. The choice is yours, really,' she bantered, resting her head in her paws.

He turned to look at his concubines, who were all struggling to remain brave in the face of danger. Sombra gave a l sigh before turning back to the sphinx. "Alright. I will relieve you of your...tension."

“We.... We'll help too,” cried Pacific.

“Naturally! You're all very pleasing to my eyes. Though I should I warn you; those who have tried to please me have all left me unsatisfied in the end." Suddenly, her heavy paw slammed down and pinned him to the floor, knocking the wind from him as the sphinx hissed and her fur stood on end, her ancient beauty rather demonic. "I am not so easily manipulated like those harlots over there, Sombra. I only expect the best of someone who proclaims themselves royalty! Prove me wrong, hero~”

Pacific shrieked and Inky cried out when she looked over him, but neither dared make a move to aid him, knowing the guardian could skin them alive within seconds. They were at her mercy. Sombra's head swam when the paw withdrew, and he stumbled back to his feet, considering his approach.

Never had he considered laying with anyone so massive and monstrous like the sphinx. And yet, while their chances looked bleak, there might be a way for him to properly sate her lust...

The halberd shaped like Fleur de Lis' namesake shot out like a flash of white lightning. She giggled, muscles straining below her tight alabaster attire, appearing to dance in a balletic manner with precise movements. Limestone, Octavia, and Vinyl Scratch had given up sparring with her, unable to quite match a lifetime of practice she'd once had to keep secret as her husband's bodyguard.

However with his potion-boosted reflexes Spike showed himself able to dodge her every rapid stroke. The pair danced around one-another with cheer.

“Glad I turned down my chance at a duel,” said Shining with a shake of his head. “Don't want to get rusty, though. Any of you up for a round?”

“You're the second most skilled fighter here,” said Limestone. “Uh, no offense Spike.”

“None taken.” He chuckled and continued to weave around Fleur's strikes, dancing and flirting together while they pushed themselves. “It's kind of a dragon thing. Lots of them rely on brute force over technique. But hey, if I can successfully combine the two? I'll be pretty much unstoppable!” She nimbly leaped back when he took playful swipes at her.

“I shall help temper you to a razor-sharp edge,” said Fleur who's sweaty mane whipped by.

“Don't hold back,” he yelled knowing his armor-like scales could reflect the brunt of most weapons. However the runes implanted on the halberd by Rarity and Sweetie charged the enchanted armament with magic that he knew could pierce even his hide when funneled full-force through it. Still, they couldn't take it easy, not if they hoped to be in shape for the war ahead.

Her eyes wandered to the scant loin cloth which barely concealed him, letting down her guard for the briefest moment; one he capitalized on when his claws raked down the front of her unitard. The fabric shred, her skin untouched, as he opened it between her breasts down to just above her crotch. Her ample cleavage almost spilled out with a bounce.

“Oh my. I do believe I've worked you up too much,” she noted with a lick of her lips and a sly look.

She took the opportunity to hook his garments in her halberd, tearing them away, his dragonhoods excitedly unsheathed and flopping out half mast.

His nails sunk into the sides of her clothing, tearing it apart and denuding her too, a light flush coloring her face as she smirked. Gently he groped breasts topped by pastel pink buds, eyes turned to slits, ready to mate her then-and-there.

“Uh,” cut in Shining. “Should we leave you two alone?”

Limestone shrugged. “Why? Not like we haven't seen it all before in the Pleasure Gardens.”

“Whoo-hoo! Party time~!” Vinyl Scratched discarded her own clothes and did a wild dance.

“Classy,” muttered Octavia with her arms crossed. “Hey!” She jumped when the DJ swatted her backside.

“Come on,” cried Vinyl. “I finally have my voice back and you owe me a real celebration! Let's let our hair down, okay?”

“Fine. I simply prefer some privacy,” noted Tavi who nonetheless relaxed her posture and relented. Pretty soon she could feel her lover's aura upon her, buttons popping on the dress shirt under her neat black suit. Her bra was neatly unlatched by the DJ's magic, and her breasts spilled out from her opened top, with her belt starting to be removed.

“Bet you wish Cadance was here, huh?” Limestone teased Shining with nudge to his ribs.

“Uh, kinda.” He couldn't help but stare when Spike made love to Fleur, pressing her to a wall. Vinyl followed suit when she'd stripped down Tavi, sinking to her knees and hungrily feasting upon her marehood amidst her low moans.

“Heh, too bad you're taken. Wouldn't want to muscle in our her territory anyhow! Just sucks stallions are now almost extinct,” said the Pie sister while she watched them too. “What about Trixie and Sunset? You had to dump them, or-”

“We've made an arrangement that keeps everyone happy.” He grinned. “Sunset hopes she'll be able to return home someday, but she's decided to join our herd for now. Trixie has a baby on the way, so I'm glad I'm not forced to choose between them!”

“Lucky fellow. Don't have too many options, but maybe I'll meet a Diamond Dog that's interested?” She rested her hands in her heavy jacket's pockets. “Anyhow, about that sparring session?” Limestone nodded at her pick axe.

“You're on.” A ring sounded when he slowly unleashed his sheathed blade.

Losing himself to the moment, Spike was relieved to see his lieutenants were having some fun too. Soon they probably wouldn't be able to relax anymore, if ever again. No matter what preparations they made chances were many of them wouldn't return. But he had to believe they could overcome the Eldritch, or else all they'd done would be for nothing!

At least Twilight was busy teaching her fellow mages what she could with a little help from Sunset. With their horns busted Cadance and Flurry would only be able to work limited spells by hand, but they were eager to learn. Trixie and Beatrix were also in training with them; casters were rare and they all strove to do their part. If only he could trust Sombra...

Fleur had similarly found a new purpose in life, taking comfort in his arms. He could never replace Fancy Pants, nor would he want to, but she would serve the alliance well. He bristled with pride at his army, feeling confident in their future.