A small entourage arrived outside the pyramid, consisting of Dragon Lord Spike, Twilight, Sunset and those closest to them. Beatrix Belladonna felt her heart waver loudly in her chest while staring up at the monolith. The sand clouds rolled in to cover the party before the entrance creaked open to admit them.

From the darkness arrived Somnambula, the wind blowing over her silky dress and accessories. Behind her came Sombra, followed by Inky Rose and Pacific Glow, while Bellatrix Primadonna remained in the shadows to gaze at a distance. Silence and hard stares followed before Somnambula spoke up.

“Welcome, Lord Spike,” she greeted with a gentle wave. “I hope your journey proved safe. Come inside before anyone can detect our presence.”

Before Spike could retort, Beatrix ran flying to her mentor; tackling him down as she hugged him tightly. “Oh, sorry! Might have come off a little excited there!” She straddled him with rosy cheeks, though kept nuzzling into his warm body. “I just...I've missed you!”

A weak chuckle came from Sombra as he patted her head while returning her embrace. “And I you, my apprentice. I hope you haven't fallen behind in your studies. Knowledge is an endless search that can never be sated.” She nodded as she helped him back up while dusting themselves off.

The rest of them entered the pyramid, the entrance closing with a loud thud after everybody was inside.

“I mean, even if I were to slack off, we have time!” She said, sticking close to him, arm in arm while avoiding the envious leer of Inky. Sombra too was avoiding making any eye contact with the Dragon Lord as they marched into a narrow tunnel lit by torches.

“Neat place,” noted Spike who scanned the hieroglyphics. “Anything you can translate, Twilight?”

“Just a few. This isn't my field, but they're certainly fascinating! What about you, Sunset?”

She shook her head. “Sorry, haven't studied this subject at all. Spending so long in the human world really put me behind.” Turning to Wallflower she said, “But believe me, spending time with those I care about is never wasted!”

“Good to know,” said Wallflower who drew closer to her, awkwardly hunched in her tawdry cloak.

Their steps echoed through the corridors, the priestess leading the way, her transparent skirts sweeping around her ankles. Their shadows trailed over stonework adorned with more hieroglyphics, the air cool and dry as it rolled through the maze.

In time they came upon a banquet hall where a feast had been prepared. Tree Hugger and Fluttershy made pace to hug and meet up with their former harem. The sphinx sat in one corner, her eyes following the guests with her expression otherwise neutral. “Do not mind her,” said Somnambula. “Intimidating as she may be, she's merely the guardian of this pyramid. Since this is a discussion of equality, it's only fair everyone be present!”

They nodded, though a few gazed up anxiously while the sphinx licked at her paws with a playful glint in her eyes. Everyone took their seats at the table where various fruits, vegetables, and loaves of bread, many laced in spices and honey were laid out alongside water and wine. “A shame we can't have any meat,” the sphinx pouted. “I know you prey find it distasteful, but didn't dragons used to feast on ponies until it was outlawed by Celestia and Luna?”

“We were carnivores. It was only natural at the time,” Spike insisted, not taking her bait.

Trixie leaned back and kicked her heeled boots up on the table. “Comfy chair, wonderful food, Trixie could get used to this! So when are we all moving in?”

“Don't be such a pig mom,” teased Beatrix.

“Oh hush, my little hellspawn. It's time we all got to taste the good life!” She dismissively waved her away, then tried to reach for some food before Beatrix smacked her hand.

Somnambula chuckled. “Your mother has a point, my friend. This is a time of relaxation and celebration. Please, indulge yourselves.” Shooting her daughter a triumphant look, Trixie stuffed her face with both hands.

Beatrix shook her head before turning to the young pink alicorn. “I'm really glad you tagged along with us, sister. Oh! Or...should I be calling you that?”

Flurry Heart smiled and nodded. “Please do! Wasn't certain father would okay it, but he melts around mother!”

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” she replied sharing a laugh with her before she noticed Bellatrix hovering over them, arms folded under her bust. "Oh! D-Don't think I've forgotten about you, my other sister," she said sheepishly.

The succubus ignored her, gazing over the alicorn before reaching out to offer a hand, her creeping smile showing her fangs. "It's...Flurry Heart, right? Sorry, it's just...you and I didn't exactly get along in the dimension we're from. But I'm hoping we can change that this time around. It's...nice to be here on friendlier terms."

Flurry studied it a moment, uncertain about her approach before she shook. “Well, we can't help what we are. As long as we make it out together! A shame mother and father couldn't come with, though to be fair, it wouldn't be right to leave our home undefended. Plus father didn't want to engage in any contact with Sombra...no offense!”

“None taken,” said Sombra as he turned his attention back to Spike, the two sharing a neutral stare across the table. He wasn't the best when it came to easing tension, but they weren't going to get anywhere glaring at each other. So after sipping from a chalice, he rose and tapped at his drink to grab everyone's attention. “Pardon me for interrupting, but we should probably get started on our 'alliance'. The Eldritch have been rather quiet as of late and I don't think any of us believe that to be a good sign. If anything, they're making preparations as we speak for one final, desperate assault.”

"Agreed,” said Spike, rising up from his seat. “Now It's a generous offer to let us stay here and I really appreciate it. But I can't ignore that by doing so, I'm placing a lot of power and reliance on you and Somnabula. And quite frankly, you haven't earned my trust yet.”

Sombra glared, about to retort back before Somnabula rose and held her hand out to stop him. “That's understandable. But really consider your current position, Dragon Lord. Remember what occurred at the Pleasure Gardens? Rest assured, the outcome of their next attack will be far worse. I've seen glimpses of the disasters that occur in my dreams. And while your forces may far outstrip ours, we have a fortress the Eldritch would struggle to penetrate. Surely, the safety of your people is important, is it not?”

“Of course it is! I just...I..." He struggled, looking before the hardened gaze of the dark unicorn before him and the onlookers at the table. He sat down, picking at his food before sighing. "I need time to come to a concrete decision with my advisors."

“Of course. You're free to stay here for as long as you need it. I've prepared more than enough rooms for everyone. Consider this your sanctuary. And should any harm come to our guests while under this roof, may a thousand plagues fall upon us,” pronounced Somnambula in a fanatical tone.

“Hey now, no need for dramatics! We're just sticking around is all; seeing what we all think. Right guys?” He looked between Twilight and Sunset who nodded in unison. “Good. Now if that's all the business we need to discuss, perhaps we can all relax an-”

“Well, there is one thing,” admitted Sunset who stared down, uncertain whether she should share this as all eyes fell back on her. “The Dragon Lord has found a way to bolster his power. With enough energy stored, we stand a very good chance of wiping the Eldritch clean from Equestria. But to do that requires...w-well, requires him to sleep with a lot of female participants and... ”

"You're asking the other mares here to lay down with him, is that right," said Sombra, unimpressed feelings written on his face as he glanced back at the now flustered drake. "You must realize how bad that sounds, right? How after a bout of mistrust, you kick me out and only come back just so you can fuck the rest of my followers? And you're calling me villainous?"

"Hey! It was more than just a bit of mistrust," reminded Spike.

“Regardless, I refuse,” seethed Inky as she clung to her master's arm while glaring daggers at the dragon. “I am his and his alone!”

“I-I mean, I don't mind...” said Pacific who played with one of her twin-tails. “As long as my master is alright with it.”

“Naturally, I am willing to offer what assistance I may,” said Somnambula who brushed her ankh. “The sphinx makes her own decisions, though I hope she'll aid us in this endeavor."

The guardian merely shrugged with a nod. "Getting laid under two days? I don't see the down side~"

Diamond Tiara huffed at Inky. “If it means a chance in annihilating the Eldritch, I'm on board! We shouldn't let selfish intent keep us from acquiring a victory. I suggest we all accept the offer.”

“Sounds good to me!” said Cozy Glow. “After what the Eldritch did, I can't wait to tear them a new asshole! I'll make them pay for what they did to Tirek!” She slammed a fist upon the table for emphasis, shaking her plate and almost spilling her cup.

“Well, Sombra? Are you okay with this?" Beatrix asked, nervous about his reaction. The dark unicorn was brooding over the idea of sharing his harem with a former enemy, even for a single night. How dare they suggest such a thing to him after the way they treated him! And yet, he couldn't deny that Spike held tremendous power in terms of war. And if he could stockpile more...

Sighing, he narrowed his gaze back at Spike while he looked uneasily at him. "I think it's absolutely ridiculous you're required to sleep with a bunch of people in order to obtain more power.... But, if it's really the only method in doing so, I can't ignore the advantage we would hold. Very well, Spike. You have my blessing in bedding anyone from my followers.... On one condition."

Spike frowned hard. He knew it would come to this. "Name it."

"I think it's only fair I am allowed the same courtesy. If we are to truly trust and rely on one another, we shouldn't let petty squabbles or greed get in the way of what needs to be done. Consider this our first real step in forming a better Equestria for everyone. Deal?" He offered his hand forward.

Spike bit into his lip, glancing at the worried glances of Twilight, Sunset and Wallflower. As a dragon, he was naturally greedy and lustful. But Sombra wasn't in the wrong like he wanted to believe. He was still guilty for casting him out. And it was only fair that both be open to sharing their harems.

"Alright.... No more secrets or mistrust. As long as we're completely open with each other, I'll allow it. I still have to discuss it with my lieutenants to finalize it, of course." And with that, the two shook hands firmly as their respective groups muttered among themselves until they sat down to continue eating.

This would be hard on him, Sombra realized. Much like Spike, he was quite possessive; especially of Inky in particular. And while it pleased him that she resented Spike, judging by her constant glaring at him, it couldn't stand in the way of their common goal; no matter how much sharing Inky left a bitter taste in his mouth... “Your loyalty touches me deeply,” murmured Sombra, drawing her attention to him momentarily. “I understand your sentiment, I don't want to share you with anyone. But if it meant stopping the Eldritch, would you..?”

“I.... Ugh. I can't stand him,” seethed Inky leaning her head to rest on his shoulders as he offered her a strawberry to munch on. “But...I'd do anything to help you succeed...”

“Then let it slide...” He whispered, caressing her cheek as he munched on the fruit she offered him in return.
"Less we forget that this behavior is how Fleur de Les grew crazier after her own beloved passed. And I'm certain you do not want to act like her, yes? For now, let us indulge ourselves.”

He cupped her bottom possessively, barely contained under thin transparent spiderweb-pattern silk. She sat in his lap, arms clasped around his neck; and shot Spike a dark look from the corner of her eye. Placing a cherry between her cleavage, she poured a spicy wine over the spilling out flesh, which he lapped up slowly; a reminder to the Dragon Lord she belonged to her master. Spike merely continued to drink himself, his claw holding Twilight close to him.

With all that cleared up, the rest of the feast proceeded very smoothly.

While everyone had separated to explore and get comfortable in the Pyramid, Beatrix and Sombra went below the lower tombs to continue some much-needed training. While sitting away from him on glittering riches, Beatrix attempted to parse her feelings. She kept staring at the dark stallion then bashfully half-turning when he returned her stare.

What's wrong with me, she wondered? It's like I'm a kid all over again! I can't be in love...can I? I mean, I've never had anything more than a casual relationship and more than a few bouts of causal sex, but why him in particular? He's only really dark...and mysterious...and determined..and handsome, smart, strong and packing a huge di-

“Beatrix, are you listening?” His words snapped her back from her reverie. His brows were narrowed while he was leafing the pages of the holy book. “I understand you've missed me, but you really need to take this more seriously. Spells of this caliber could prove dangerous if done incorrectly!”

“I-I know that!” She giggled sheepishly. “Sorry, I'm easily distracted. Something I probably inherited from my mom. You have to admit though, this place is pretty amazing! I've never seen anything like it!” She laughed nervously, wishing she'd shut up but the words kept spilling out, barely able to concentrate in his presence. Pulling her hat over her face to hide a full-face blush, she sighed.

Sombra rolled his eyes and took her hands into his. “It's hard to be mad at someone with the attention span of a child, though I suppose that's not your fault.” He massaged the tops of her hands. “I find this...and you, to be very important to me as I've never had an apprentice before. Magic is something I can't share with most of my lovers, as Inky can't preform it and Bellatrix would get too impatient for these sessions. No, our bond is a lot more special; far more than just a connection to the Necronomicon.”

“Thanks...” She steadied herself, smiling at him brightly. “Just...let me know if I eat away at your study time!”

“Not to worry, I tend to study very quickly. Besides, teaching you should help me advance in learning all I can from this tome.” The gold and riches around them were almost blinding, so they'd situated themselves near the shadows.

The sphinx watched nearby, head resting on her furry paws while she lounged. Sometimes she'd open a single eye to check on the pair every once in a while.

Beatrix plucked up a shiny coin and stared at it. “Shame we're not allowed to make love here...”

“Heh. Funny, Inky expressed similar sentiments,” he said with a chuckle.

The sphinx flicked an ear. “I suppose I could look the other way, just this once. Consider it a thank you after that most satisfying little session with you and your harlots. Hell, I might still be in a nice mood to give you time and invite them here,” she suggested while returning to licking a paw.

Beatrix recognized she was the capricious sort, like the she-demon, and knew she'd take it as an insult if they refused. “Sure! Oh! But wait.... I'm, well, supposed to sleep with Spike. Just for the war effort, mind you. Maybe a little later?”

“Up to you. I'm sure you can make your own decisions. I don't mind halting my studies for a moment,” said Sombra as he gently closed the tome and pulled Beatrix with him. “Why not tend to him, then return here? I'll also be back soon.”

The sphinx considered it. “Sure, I can afford to be patient.” Digging out a heavy treasure chest that would take several stallions to shift, she batted it between her paws like a giant ball of yarn, staring at it intently.

Unable to help but stare while Sombra disappeared, Beatrix continued to sort conflicting feelings. “Is it true love? Or merely infatuation?” She laid a hand over her heart, listening to it beat. “I'm so confused...” She dug her nails into her knees while sitting cross-legged, rocking back-and-forth on her buttocks while reminding herself how much her father would disapprove. She also couldn't get in between him and Inky, no matter how much she might want to.

“It's not meant to be...” She chided herself with a melancholy smile. She left to seek out Spike and Trixie, in a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

Choosing a spacious room for himself, Spike stretched out on a wide bed, pops sounding while he loosed his knotted muscles. He'd removed his armor and placed it aside, down to merely his loincloth. The area was free of decoration; just polished stonework he could faintly see his reflection in. His eye popped open when clicks of heeled boots approached.

Trixie and Beatrix arrived hand-in-hand. “Welcome to the Great and Powerful mother-and-daughter team's show,” they announced in unison, spinning as one and letting their capes whip about before taking a practiced bow.

He sat up and clapped. “Bravo! You're perfectly in sync!”

“That's merely the start,” assured Trixie. “Ready, my little hellspawn?”

“Ready!” With a hand wave, the duo banished their entire costumes, baring themselves to him. They were well-matched, practically twins in some aspects, but he could see the touches of Twilight Sparkle in Beatrix's features. It was hard for him to wrap his head around her convoluted origins, let-alone the different versions of himself she'd talked about.

But that hardly mattered when they sidled forward, pushing him back into the sheets, and lowering themselves before him with shared grins. Each one took one of his swelling members into a fist, loosening his loincloth until it fell away. They rubbed his slimy lengths upon their cheeks, smearing his pre across them and breathing in his musk. He studied their swaying, hanging breasts, their heart-shaped bottoms when they bent forward, and they opened their lips, taking his tips into them. His tiny bumps made to please females and widen their cervices tickled their throats.

Their wide eyes met his own while they started to noisily suck. His claws rested atop their heads, driving them down, his tail twitching in excitement. They were teasing him, licking around his girth, drinking up his salty, steady release with lewd slurps. Much as he enjoyed them servicing him, he knew he'd have to breed them directly to empower himself; this was mere foreplay to the main event. He breathed a dark plume of smoke, bucking his hips, barely able to contain himself.

Lulamoon popped off his dick, still holding it in a fist. “Think we've teased him enough, little hellspawn?”

Belladonna removed herself too, idly stroking him. “I suppose~” They shared a conspiratorial wink. They crawled forward, and settled atop him, her backside facing Spike while Trixie sat before her, both guiding his twin cocks into him. The mother-and-daughter team started to make out, caressing the other, while he thrust up into their slimy birth canals.

“Ooh, he's nice!” Trixie squirmed and laughed. “Almost worthy of my Great and Powerful ass...”

“Make that two Great and Powerful asses,” chimed in Beatrix with a giggle. She bounced her buns atop him, letting them jiggle and smack. He cupped one of them, sliding his thumb up her warm backdoor, which she clenched around him. "Nice. Don't be afraid to experiment, Dragon Lord, as we may not have another chance at this!"

They slammed down as one, burying himself so deep into them he broke their barriers and bottomed into their wombs. Of course it was all part of their shared plan, the bulges distending their stomachs a tad in their shapes, pressing their bellies together to massage his girth. Whatever pained they felt was almost drowned out by shared pleasure. “F-Fuck,” he cried twitching and ready to blow his load inside them, his balls aching and boiling like a volcano ready to overflow.

Their breasts mashed while they leaned into a kiss, tongues wrestling for dominance. Unable to hold out any longer, he cast his head back and coughed a few small emerald flames, violent spurts shooting up into their cores. Again he pushed another pair of mares over the edge, slathering him in their own juices in a shared climax that echoed through the interior. “Mmm not bad,” whined Trixie when she started to come down, eyes crossing and a stupefied smile on her snout.

“Admit it...it was fantastic,” teased Beatrix who enjoyed the little ridges digging at their insides. "Just like the unstoppable team we make!" Granted she missed a stallion's flare, but she considered this a treat before Sombra was buried once more inside her, making her titter in shameless glee. Casual sex was always nice, but she wanted something...more.

Patting the pair on the butt, the witches finally rose, their cunts oozing onto him when they freed themselves. Figuring it was only fair, and still rather aroused themselves, they once more attacked his half-flaccid cocks, licking them and his testicles clean. As a final treat to him, they gargled a mixture of his and their releases, mixing it between their mouths and passing it between them before they slowly swallowed down the salty spunk which warmly settled into their tummies.

Laying back, he enjoyed the rest of their show put on for his benefit. Already this place almost felt like home. But Spike knew better than to let down his guard too much yet. No matter how well fed and laid he was, he reminded himself his potential allies had the advantage here. Perhaps this was all part of Somnambula's plan to lure him into a false sense of comfort until she could maneuver the alliance into her desired position?

“It's so close to what I've always dreamed,” said Inky excitedly; dropping her gown and wiggled her toes over the cool coins that clinked below. She looked to the sphinx for permission before picking up a jewel-studded tiara and placing it atop her head with a smile. “Now if only you'd claimed me as your Queen already and let me carry your foal in my womb...”

“Don't forget getting rid of those nasty Eldritch,” chirped Pacific who shed her own scant attire while admiring the countless jewels and treasures. "Ooh, how pretty!"

“It's only a matter of time. Everything's coming together,” reassured Sombra as he removed his armor and undergarments. Bellatrix was flapping nearby, already naked like always. Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara had also joined them, similarly denuding themselves and rolling around in the piles of treasure with wanton glee. Fluttershy and Tree Hugger had stayed behind, the latter with quite a bit of reluctance, to meet back up with Spike's crew for the moment. “Again, I must thank you for allowing us the privilege, Sphinx.”

"As long as you come and visit me more often~" She winked at him, curled up on her trove. "Otherwise, I may eat you yet."

“Golly, if only there was a way for you to take us all at once,” said Cozy with a flutter.

“Maybe I can help with that,” called a voice that echoed through the treasury. Beatrix strolled down with Somnambula close on her heels. “How about a little celebration orgy before we seal the alliance? Well, not sealed yet, but I'm sure we're getting there with Spike! I certainly showed him a nice time!” She whistled with a wink, wandering to her teacher.

“I must admit, I was looking forward to seeing this path play out~,” said Somnambula. “As long as no dark magic is cast in these sacred chambers.”

“No worries about that! I'm kinky, not evil!” She snapped her fingers, causing her costume to dematerialize.

“Many of the kinks you have could be considered wicked,” the priestess teased while offering her oils and incense.

“Nah, those are just basic tricks. Time for something a little more advanced! Ta-da!” She seemed to pull a recently brewed potion out of nowhere. “Flurry helped me whip this one up quick! Go on, teach, take a drink!”

“This had better not be one of your juvenile pranks, I swear...” Sombra hesitantly picked the bottle up and scrunched his nose at the bizarre odor. "And don't call me teach." After a moment of debate wither to go through with it or not, he shrugged and took a sip. Immediately his loins started to burn. “What in the-”

Suddenly a second stallionhood sprang from him above the first, making him wince as his groin momentarily burned while his flesh twisted into place. The sensation quickly passed, replaced with a new ache; a new need to desperately breed the menagerie of fertile females close by, his amorous nature doubled with this new tool. He touched it with a sense of wonder, watched the vein-lined rod twitch and shake back into place.

“Don't worry, it's temporary! Now you can take two of us at once! Or stuff both our lower holes, if you prefer.” She shot him a lewd smirk. “Wouldn't suggest trying more than that, though. Don't know what the results might be!”

“Pft, child's play~,” said Bellatrix who collapsed her wings into her back and shift her flesh back to help fill out her physique and crafted her own penis which she stroked. “Mmm, which of you little bitches in heat wants to test it?”

“Oooh, me!” Cozy flitted over. “Come on, Diamond Tiara, don't be shy!”

“Fine, fine.” Tiara walked over to join her. The unclothed pair knelt before the smarmy she-devil, sharing her newly born cock between them. She'd chosen one similar to her master's, her flare already oozing over their snouts and into their mouths. Suckles started to fill the air while they mercilessly worked her over.

“Good little bitches,” taunted Bellatrix in a playful manner. Her heavy breasts heaved, staring down at the submissive mares. "You exist to serve and please me. Now lick up every last drop and don't you dare spill any."

“Ohh, I like her~! Reminds me of me when I was free to move about,” mused the sphinx with a snicker.

Somnambula set up the incense and lit them, perfuming the atmosphere with aphrodisiacs. She made the rounds, rubbing oils into the flesh of his concubines, not sparing any of them including herself until their supple skin glistened in the light. The sphinx nuzzled up to her, and she stroked her fur, rubbing some of the oils into the ancient guardian too.

“Mmm, I don't see why I can't participate,” said the sphinx who stroked her keeper's bared and shimmery skin. She suddenly bowled her over with a paw, spreading her thighs open and taking a sniff of her crotch before she carefully started to lap at her lower portions. “A pussy for a pussy,” she chuckled to herself with half-lidded eyes between laps at her lower orifices.

Inky threw her arms about her master. “Ready to make love in these riches?”

“Indeed my sweet little pet.” She dragged him down with her when she collapsed onto a pile of coins, rattling them when he sunk his cocks into her warm holes. She fluttered her wingspan, moaning when he started to take her. He focused all his attentions on her, to assure her that even after she slept with Spike he wouldn't adore her any less.

“Drat,” mumbled Beatrix with a jerk of her arm across her chest. “Was hoping I could take a turn with him, but it wouldn't be right to get in the way. Guess that leaves us, huh?” She grinned at Pacific. “What's your pleasure?”

“Er, well, having a dick doesn't really appeal to me, even for a short time,” admitted Pacific who seemed similarly disappointed she couldn't jump in with Inky. “But I wouldn't mind you testing a pair of those on me, if you get my drift!”

“That I do!” Beatrix took a small swig of the brew, huffing in satisfaction while she wiped excess from her lips with the back of her hand. Pretty soon her flesh realigned itself, until she sported her own pair of stallionhoods, practically with minds of their own compelled to be buried in the closest moist holes and cut loose. “Oh fuck, I'm horny now! Hee-hee.”

“That's okay!” Pacific lowered herself to all fours. “Rut me like a rabid beast in heat!”

“You asked for it,” called Belladonna who landed a hard swat on her rump. She drove both her shafts into her tunnels, lubed up by the slick oils, kneading a bouncy breast and buttock between her fingers. “Damn, no wonder Sombra and Spike want to fuck every nubile female in sight!” She strained from a rush of pleasure overload, fearing she'd let loose far too soon at this rate, unable to restrain her hips which seemed to almost slam in-and-out on their own.

“Oh yeah! Ride 'em, cowgirl!” Pacific laughed and snorted, waving her ample backside about. “Ever heard of twerking? It was this new dance craze back before, well, you know!” She wiggled her posterior faster, making the flesh loudly clap.

“I love your honesty and enthusiasm,” called back Beatrix while she continued to slam her hips against her bottom.

Meanwhile, Sombra leaned into a kiss with his beloved, contented to see them all so happy, himself included. He wanted to believe it could all work out. That whatever sins he'd committed he'd be able to pay his dues and move on. But still there was the familiar creeping doubt that fate simply wouldn't allow it, that he might end up losing all that he'd come to appreciate; almost like his fortunes had temporarily reversed so they could cruelly be ripped away.

He brushed such gloomy thoughts aside. There was simply the moment he was living in. Screw whatever doom-and-gloom waited around the corner. He'd made the most of his life, no matter what cruelties were tossed his way!

His eyes briefly locked with Beatrix's, now recognizing the feeling of wanting to be where Inky was. And not just physically, but emotionally. It saddened him as he'd come to value all his lovers. His apprentice and future Queen were equally important to him, but he'd made his choice. “I love you,” he confessed to Inky, no longer afraid to open up to her. Completely unlike how he'd treated his first love. “I'll never betray or abandon you... Not like the first mare I ever loved...”

Figuring the trip would last a few days, Beatrix decided she'd done her part, and pulled aside Flurry, Trixie, and Sunset. “Pst! Hey...” She softly cleared her throat. “I have an idea, but...I'm not sure you'll like it.” By now most of the banquet hall had been cleared, messy dishes and half-eaten food left about, as many of the guests had retired sleepily to their rooms.

“Don't worry about it,” said Sunset who laid a hand on her shoulder. “You did take care of my diary, so I trust you.”

Beatrix nodded once. “It's about my family. And Sombra. Ever feel like you never have enough time? Like there's so much you want to do you have to rush it all?" She kicked a booted foot and stared at it pensively. "It's silly, I know, but I have this terrible premonition these days are about to come to an abrupt end.”

“I feel it too,” said Sunset who held her shoulder. “But there's not much we can do about it.”

“I'm still not strong enough,” she replied with a shake of her head. “Not by a long-shot. I'll need a lot more to beat the Eldritch. So, about that. I also want to spend some time with my family, and just maybe I can do both? Daddy.... Er, Shining Armor might not like it, though.”

“Whatever it is,” said Trixie who tapped a foot impatiently with hands on her hips. “Spit it out! It can't be that bad!”

“You see, it's like this...” She rubbed her fingertips together. “When I ran away I traveled to this barren dimension the Eldritch had stripped pretty much clean. It gave me a sense of clarity, and a chance to train with Sombra for a while. I want to return there with my family, let them see Sombra teach me firsthand, let them know he's not all bad, not now!”

“And you want me to take you back to camp to fetch your parents? Sure, I can do that.” Sunset's smile widened.

“Wow, really? Oh, thank you! But I am getting ahead of myself. It's not like I've asked Sombra if he's up for it, either. Still, time passes differently in that other dimension, so if I play my cards right it will be like I've barely been away for any time at all! I can spend extra days with my loved ones, get in some training, and hopefully be fully reset when it's time for war!”

Sunset said, “You have it all planned out, don't you?”

“Sounds like a wonderful idea,” said Flurry who took her sister's hands.

“Trixie would like to spend more time with the herd...” She still felt out of place even now.

“One condition,” broke in Sunset. “I'm part of this, so I want in, too. Hate to leave Wallflower alone, but she'll understand. I hope. Besides, I'm no slouch with magic, either. Maybe I can help teach you a thing or two?”

“Anything at all would help,” answered Beatrix with a wink. “Best we hop to it while we can!”

A short time later a scene she'd once only dreamed of came to fruition. She carved a path from one reality to the next, with her loved ones all in tow, including Bellatrix who'd insisted on tagging along. Not that she minded, hoping that her two sisters would come to love or at least tolerate the other, but thus far they'd remained rather distant and preoccupied.

They stepped through the rift between worlds, some with the same sense of wonder she'd first experienced. At first glance the barren, permanently night time desert was beautiful; until they remembered it was the Eldritch who'd caused this. But the pale moon hung suspended surrounded by a sea of sparkling stars, a cool wind routinely rushing over them.

For a moment nobody spoke, taking it all in. Her own feelings were mixed looking upon it, a constant reminder that death and destruction might potentially follow her everywhere; but she'd done her best to keep smiling, to try and make things right. How responsible was she for this, really? Did she truly deserve their love, even now? She wiped her face, trying not to pity herself. Wherever she looked it was an endless ocean of sand which shimmered under the light.

Around her, they were setting up camp near the downed caravan, which Trixie studied, trembling a little when she saw it half-buried in the dunes. Logs were levitated over, mostly petrified ones as the majority had rotted away, and they seated themselves around a campfire which Sombra lit. “I'm sorry Beatrix,” said Cadance. “It must have been so hard.”

Beatrix shook her head. “It's nothing compared to what you and Flurry endured! Now that had to have been so horrible...”

“At least we have another chance!” Flurry spun her sister to face them and took her hands.

“I mess up a lot,” admitted Beatrix. “But I'm getting better at controlling where I hop between dimensions, at least!”

“So...Trixie is dead in this Equestria...” She visibly paled. “Hope we don't encounter my skeletal remains!”

“That's unlikely,” said Beatrix who'd long buried them but felt it best not to share that. “Sorry, I didn't mean to make this so morbid and melancholy. I wanted to spend some time with those closest to me, and here we all finally are!”

Shining Armor sized up Sombra and said, “I still don't approve of this...but maybe we can make this work out when the time comes.” He offered a hand and the sorcerer accepted it, shaking to seal their reluctant truce.

Cadance walked up beside him and whispered, “You're not sore about Spike I hope...?”

“No, it was necessary. It's a crazy world, especially these days. With everything I've seen, I know better than ever we'll have to put aside our differences if we want to make it through this. The last thing I want is to see this repeat!” The Paladin waved at a landscape that made the one he came from appear lively, moonlight making his full suit of white armor shine. “I don't even want to think about how many those monsters have butchered!”

“Calm down honey,” said Cadance who embraced his midsection from behind and laid her head on his shoulder. By now her plume had almost fully regrown with help from soothing balms provided by her sister-in-law. “You saved us, and we're all here together. Think of this as a chance to start afresh. At least we can relax for a little while longer.”

“True. Sorry. Just hate to feel so helpless.” He kicked up a sand pile with a boot.

“Feeling a little out of place?” Beatrix asked Sombra who she pulled aside. “Don't worry, I'll protect you!”

“Funny,” he replied with a low scoff. “Since we're all being open, I must confide I'm a little envious. The mares in my life are the closest thing I have to a family, and even then, Inky Rose and Pacific Glow are the only ones I can truly trust. Tree Hugger isn't really the mare we knew, and as for the rest of them, they might abandon me at any time for a number of reasons.”

“Well, consider this your chance to bond with me some more! I want you to spend time with my family, to show them you've changed, and maybe teach me a little more if that's okay.” She held his hands, staring at her feet. “Plus, I...I'm scared of what'll happen when we face the Eldritch. Lots of us are going to die, I know it. I want a chance to feel normal for once.”

Tenderly he cupped her face and raised it to meet his unusually warm gaze. “Very well. You've learned a lot in our short time together, but are nowhere near your full potential.” She took his hand and let him back to the camp where the others were chatting and relaxing, Sunset laying out a number of supplies she'd packed which included food, water, and blankets.

Atop the caravan perched Bellatrix like a gargoyle, hunched up and studying them with her strange glowing eyes. Like him, she too felt out of place, despite repeated attempts by Beatrix to wave over her and Sombra into the fold.

They took their own seats, Sombra continuing to linger back a bit like he was unwelcome. At times like these he felt like a wolf among sheep. Beatrix stayed between him and her kin, keeping them as close as she could. He accepted a cup offered by Sunset and took a sizable drink, brooding over past mistakes.

“I've done a lot of terrible things to you all,” he admitted staring into a crackling fire that lighted their features. “I only saw you as unworthy usurpers...” He nodded to Shining and Cadance. “And I attempted to kidnap you when you were but a baby...” His gaze turned to Flurry. “I was tempted to twist your head around, simply to see the pained reactions on your parents' faces. Beatrix and Bellatrix, in particular, have experienced a number of my terrible crimes firsthand.”

Sunset touched his arm, and he forced himself not to flinch away, knowing she was searching for his feelings. “I can tell you're being honest. You truly do regret your actions and want to change. I was there once, too.”

“But my sins are far worse. To the point where even I think I'm beyond redemption. And in most cases, I prove them right.”

“You don't need to confess to us,” said Cadance sympathetically.

“It makes him feel better to air it all out,” said Sunset in a shared understanding. “Doesn't it?”

“...yes.” He stared at his reflection in the wine, wondering if he'd drank too much. But this session had proven rather cathartic. He strained his face, struggling not to shed bitter tears as the weight of his crimes settled upon him. “I've done unspeakable things in pursuit of power. Betrayed and enslaved my people, violated, tortured, and executed them...”

Beatrix trembled, wanting to cover her ears and shut out his words, despite already knowing what he'd done and was capable of. It almost made her feel culpable, to love such a stallion. Tentatively she held him, trembling, and wiped a stray tear that escaped him, the cup slipping from his grasp and blood-red wine spilling across the sands. She quietly sobbed and sniffled, pressing his cheek to her bosom and rocking him, able to accept him as she felt fatally flawed herself.

“Sombra, I...I...” She wanted to confess her own feelings towards him, admit she was in love with him, but bit her tongue for Inky's sake. That would only complicate matters. Being his student and perhaps a close friend would have to be enough. "I'll always be there for you. I promise. I'll help you every step of the way, okay...?"

“This shouldn't be a sad time,” reminded Sunset with a soft smile.

“Agreed,” chimed in Flurry. “I can't stand to see anyone cry, especially my sister!”

“Heh, Indeed. It's not like me to get emotional,” said Sombra who gently pushed Beatrix back. “I'd ask you for permission to teach your daughter, but Beatrix is a full-grown woman, and capable of making her own decisions. Still, I believe she's never really had a chance to live; that most of her life has been filled by strife, some of which has been caused by me.”

“I don't think she'd change any of it though,” called Bellatrix. “Well, maybe aside from the torture and death stuff...”

“It's true. It made me who I am.” Belladonna wiped her misty eyes with a smile and hand on her heart. “All I have to do is look down at my costume and remember I'm, well, a little weird.” At least the eyes and mouths were dormant for the moment. She played with the almond-shaped Prima Materia, another reminder of what she could ultimately become.

“I think it's a wonderful idea to teach her,” said Cadance.

Shining nodded. “I'm okay with it, too. Whatever helps. Plus it's hardly my place to push anything on you, sweetheart. I'm not even your real dad, much as I wish otherwise. Sorry, he wasn't able to stick around for you.”

Belladonna pressed a fingertip over his lips. “You're just as much my daddy so far as I'm concerned! And the one I knew was a champion who laid down his life to save Equestria! I'm sure you'd do the same if necessary, not that I want that!”

Trixie listened in, swaying and almost stumbling, having downed too many drinks herself. Her face was red and her eyes glazed, hiccuping when she said, “Our little hellspawn...makes us proud!” She raised an empty cup. “You wanna teach her, Sombra? Go ahead...” She strained not to slur words, caught by Shining when she nearly took a spill and leaned on him.

“Careful now,” he said holding her in his strong arms.

“H-Hey~.... You should make love with Trixie~” She giggled between hiccups, yanking on her top and letting her breasts fall free. She swayed the soft orbs back-and-forth, topped by wide nipples that stiffened in the breeze.

“Don't think this is the time,” he replied with an uncomfortable smile and a stare.

“Think you've had more than enough,” said Sunset. “Don't forget, you have a baby on the way.” She looked to the others. “Don't worry, I'll prepare a potion that will sober her up and make sure no harm comes to the child!”

“Magic sure is convenient,” noted Flurry.

“Yes... and when you're ready, my apprentice, we'll resume your training.” Sombra looked to the rest of them. “Any of you are free to participate, whether as fellow teachers or students. I've coveted secrets all my life, but that's hardly an option if we wish to deal with the Eldritch. Knowledge must be shared and our power expanded, thus it will multiply exponentially.”

Within the hour they formed a circle around Sombra and Beatrix, who sat facing each other. She suddenly felt self-conscious, all eyes upon her, Trixie now almost back to her normal self after drinking down a remedy Sunset offered. Bellatrix and Sunset decided to aid in helping him teach, as Cadance and Flurry needed help learning to cast by hand and that she specialized in; whereas Shining decided to practice his swordplay instead.

Surrounded by so many comforting presences, and a rare sense of normalcy, Beatrix felt more encouraged than ever to pursue her studies. She tried not to show off too much, which proved difficult when those closest to her were there, and to her embarrassment, she fumbled a few times; fortunately, her teacher was patient and praised her when she excelled.

“Well done! You're coming along quite well” observed Sombra.

“Thanks teach! You too. I always knew you had a softer center somewhere deep down,” she teased.

“You can refrain from calling me that, however,” he replied sternly then softened his expression.

She smiled, aware he enjoyed this as much as her. Fingerless gloves wiggled her digits, sparks of energy rising about them whenever she duplicated his movements. She calculated they could compress a week of training into a day. But would it be enough? She decided it would have to do. A multitude of prismatic colors and odd sounds filled the air while they worked, which reflected off the circle while they tested themselves over the hours.

Rising, she took the lead and her mother followed, perfectly in sync despite the fact that Trixie couldn't quite match her craft. But rather than a point of contention and jealousy, Lulamoon was giddy to see how far her daughter had come, filled with warmth to see how much she'd accomplished. “Let's show them what we're capable of,” said Trixie. “Shall we?”

Belladonna beamed with her, thankful she'd bounced back so quickly and easily from her inebriated state. “You're on!” She was reminded of her childhood, on the road to make ends meet with her mother, who'd taught her tricks and how to survive the mean streets. She'd never had any formal education, but knew her mother had always done her best.

While she'd been born into a hellish world, forced to grow up too fast but never able to emotionally mature at all, she didn't want to regret a moment of it. By now all the others were watching them in awe, doubling her determination to strut her stuff! For a rare moment, she could almost believe it would finally all work out!