“I must ask you to trust me,” requested Sombra, lighting his horn to magically lift the slack form of Beatrix Belladonna, alongside the cocooned Bellatrix Primadonna. He opened up the golden laced cover of the white tome, flipping through pages before finding the right one. “I believe there is a method that can potentially save them. But it requires absolute, uninterrupted concentration. So please, leave me be for the moment."

Stepping forward, Sunset Shimmer touched him, her eyes flashing white. “Not a single dishonest bone in your body. I'm impressed! But are you sure, Sombra?” She asked in a concerned tone, brushing through his bleached mane. “If you're not careful, you might not make it through the next spell."

“If I don't try, we're trapped in this dimension. So it's a risk I'll gladly take. I don't think Starlight Glimmer will be coming back this way. She may have redirected the portal Beatrix made with her spellbook but couldn't open one herself.”

That wasn't all. Sombra discovered something he didn't want the others to know just yet. With every spell mastered, the contents of the book would vanish without a trace. Even though he only successfully worked a small few, he hypothesized the words were somehow ingrained to his soul, warping him in ways he knew didn't seek for himself. But for her. He had to keep up the resistance.

Was Sunset aware of all this now that she'd peered into him? If so, she didn't say anything, and so with the blessing of Beatrix's family, he headed towards the caravan.

“Sombra,” called Cadance. “Thank you.”

“We're putting our trust in you,” reminded Shining with some ambivalence. “Don't abuse it.”

Flurry marched up and cut off Sombra's stride, meeting his gaze with those large, warm eyes. “You won't... will you?”

“I'll do whatever I can to save my apprentice,” he assured her solemnly. “She helped me, too. Maybe now I can return the favor. Sunset, keep teaching Cadance and Flurry what you can while we're indisposed.”

Flurry suddenly hugged him, and after a moment's hesitation, he returned the gesture, again recalling when he'd captured her as a babe and nearly eviscerated her on the spot. “I'll keep working on my potion-making some more! Luckily, Aunt Twilight handed me tons of ingredients, and Sunset has lots of things from her world I've never seen! Anyway, the point is to remember when we talk about creating tech similar to the Eldritch without the nasty parts? Maybe I can make us fake horns!”

Sunset nodded. “I've been helping her with the schematics for her prototypes. They're outstanding so far. Not sure if they'll work to channel magic, but if we can manage it, it will mean another edge in our war. Assuming we escape.”

“We will,” he insisted with more optimism than he believed he held.

“Please,” pleaded Trixie, who was hunched up in her cape with pink eyes. “Take care of my little hellspawn!”

“Do not worry. We'll rescue Beatrix. And the soul of your baby.”

Still carrying the pair in his aura, he opened the wagon door with a creak, grains of sand falling from it, and deposited them inside. He placed Beatrix in the bed where Shining and Cadance had been making love earlier, while the cocoon-wrapped Bellatrix was set in a corner, still glowing and blanketed with warmth. With a deep breath, he cracked his knuckles.

He noticed that Beatrix's costume was now blank of its eyes and mouths, stripped rather dull, no longer a living entity but merely a set of clothes. To his mind came a spell of healing discovered in the holy book, but how much more was he willing to give at the risk of losing his will?

Enough, he decided and started to chant the words, more like a prayer, the mantra sounding with a hum from his lips over-and-over; until his jagged crimson horn blazed a blinding, white-hot gold that cloaked the room.

Cracks started to form around the cocoon, which turned brittle and gray, hardening under the onslaught of illumination. Sombra felt himself smoldering, like the shadows inside him were threatening to immolate from within him. But he bit down on his lower lip so as not to lose consciousness, tasting coppery blood. Light rays vanished into Beatrix's attire, but still, she failed to stir.

“I won't let you die, do you hear me? I won't allow it!” Feeling like he was in some fairy tale, he tenderly pressed his lips to hers, offering a long, loving kiss to her. His eyes closed, leaning in, laying a hand on her bosom, and listening for a beat.

Finally, the light went out from his horn, and he pitched forward, only to be caught by weak arms. “Teacher,” she whispered, stirring with wet eyes. “What happened to you?” She held him to her. “Is everybody-”

“They're okay,” he murmured, feeling like his chest would cave in. “I don't understand Bellatrix's condition, but I believe she'll recover, given time. What's important is that you're alive. Can you take us out of here?”

Beatrix sat up, her hand trembling when she pointed an index finger in the air. Slowly she traced a circle like usual, just a small one to practice, dreading that Starlight and the Eldritch would suddenly return, but it was like the dimensional hopping power had abandoned her when that abomination left her. Panic rose from her chest. “I-I can't! O-oh no, what if I can never-”

“Shhhh.... It's okay. Just rest.” He kissed her forehead when she choked back sobs. “The Demiurge, as Starlight called it, is gone.”

Beatrix shook her head, ambivalence on her face once realization dawned upon her. “I'm a normal unicorn now, aren't I? I-I should be happier, right? Now I don't have to deal with the Necronomicon or that I'll become the dark messiah?! And yet, I can't; not when the Demiurge is still out there...” She slumped against the headrest, feeling helpless. “We're stuck here for now. I hope Spike, Somnambula, and the rest can hold out for a while...”

“I wouldn't worry about them. It wouldn't be the first time we've overcome the odds, and the Eldritch backed us into a corner. I'm certain they'll weather the crisis.” He only hoped they wouldn't lose too many in the process; they would need a united front to stop the Eldritch.

“Yeah...I suppose.” She looked to the grayed-out cocoon with a head tilt before turning to him, now noticing his arm resting across his chest. “You're wounded. Why didn't you say anything! Ugh, here, let me...” Gently she undid his armor and set the pieces aside, her eyes dilating while she studied his bared musculature.

Carefully she reached out, as if seeking permission, and slowly traced them, feeling the soft coat of graying fur over them. She sucked in a sharp breath, her breasts heaving and face blushing. Sombra noticed, his arm slowly tracing up to cup her cheek as their eyes met. She slowly shook her head, wiping more tears away from her face. “I-I know this isn't the best of times, but.... But I want to feel like a normal mare, for once in my life. So, please. Make love to me?” He nodded, and she unlaced his loincloth, revealing him fully to her. She set her hat aside, unclasped her cape, and slowly withdrew her gloves and boots, piece-by-piece until she finally veered out of her leotard with a ripple of soft flesh.

She drew him close, parting herself for him, her limbs wrapped around his back. They were both on the verge of exhaustion and would need to take it slow, but neither minded, her snout pressed into his while he slowly pushed himself into her. Her flower parted with every inch spreading her velvety walls until they clamped around him, marinating it in her nectar while she slid up her hips to draw him deeper.

Creaks sounded when he started to push in-and-out of her. Her toes curled, and she nipped and sucked on his neck, leaving a small welt from the force of her need. Wet sounds escaped her slit with each push, their hands aimlessly exploring the other's frame. He groped one of her breasts, and she squeezed his buttock, nails digging into it, leaving a few small scratches.

“S-Sombra... I love you,” she mewled, her eyes starry, and her face thoroughly flushed while she fluttered her lashes.

“As do I, Beatrix...” He cried out with a low grunt, angled so that he fully sheathed himself deep inside her. He used his aura to trace all over her body, tender little strokes that didn't leave an inch untouched, making her squirm and squeal from over-stimulation. Quickly he kissed her to silence her shrill, banshee-like cry, and she creamed herself harder than she could ever remember; while at the same time, he flooded her chambers under the vise-like grip of her marehood, caking her innermost core with his foal-batter.

Even after he'd emptied the last drops into her, she held him there, staring intently into his eyes, like she never wanted to let him go. Finally, she slackened her grip a little but still kept him trapped inside her. Sweaty locks trailed around her, stray hairs sticking to her face, and she panted softly, continuing to knead his back and chiseled bottom with a coy smile.

“I wish we could stay like this forever. But that wouldn't be fair to everyone. My family, Inky, Spike, and the alliance...” She sighed again. “But I think we both needed that. There's no time to despair, though. Soon as we're ready, I want to continue my training! And this time, don't hold back! I want you to whip this big butt into shape, whatever it takes~!”

“Careful, pet. You may tempt me into giving that sweet ass of yours a hefty workout right here, right now~” Sombra growled threateningly, giving said ass a cheeky slap causing her to groan lewdly. Though their growing talks of another round ended as his horn began to light up once more. “What the-”

The cocoon and Belladonna's costume glowed, resonating with it. Another flash of light temporarily blinded them, then vanished just as hastily. When they reopened their eyes, her outfit settled; and now instead of its former look or the dull appearance it had taken, it resembled the coat of an Ursa Minor, shimmering with the cosmos trapped within it.

“W-Wow!” Reluctantly she withdrew him from her and rolled out from under him, pressing her new garbs to her chest. “They're beautiful! I don't understand, though. What sort of spell did you cast...?”

“I'm not entirely certain myself,” he admitted.

Cracks sounded from the cocoon, which had petrified and now started to fall away in chunks. They turned to stare, seeing somethingrise from the plume of smoke, the nude silhouette of a female visible.

But what emerged was only partially the Bellatrix Primadonna they knew. Mentor and apprentice did a double-take, hardly able to believe the evidence before them.

“Wh-what...?” Bellatrix stared down at herself and gasped. “What happened to me?!”

“A botched spell perhaps,” he explained.

Beatrix beamed, wiping herself clean with a cloth and slipping into her costume. “You look awesome!”

“I look ridiculous!” Bellatrix stamped afoot, discovering she couldn't shift herself anymore; the mass she'd temporarily taken had permanently embedded itself to her with the transmutation. Weirdest of all, she was still her usual succubi self on the right side, but on the left, she had become an angel, with pearly white skin, golden locks, and a feathered wing. “I hate it!”

“It's not so bad, sister. Maybe it will settle in time?” She strolled over and caressed the angelic feathers.

“Ugh. I'm so confused!” Primadonna gripped her head. “I don't know who I am anymore!”

“We'll find out...together,” he promised, putting back on his clothes. “You need a lot more training, too — no more lazing about. I'm prepared to push you both to your absolute limits. To the point where you may start hating me once again. But if I succeed, you'll be the best version of yourselves by the end of it. And hopefully, Beatrix will be able to transport us home.”

“I'd better. We only have enough supplies for so long,” Beatrix replied.

Bellatrix puffed with a pout. “Fine, whatever, master. I'll do it for the sake of you two. And Flurry and Wallflower, I guess, since they were nice to me for some reason.” She shrugged. “Plus, I know you want to confront Somnambula after this mess!”

“Indeed. That seer will answer to me, one way or another.” Manipulating him was one thing, and he bristled at it but pushed that aside. No, far worse is that she'd put his apprentice, her family, and a member of his harem at risk. The holy book was trying to mold itself to his soul, and he was tempted to burn the sacred texts but loathed the idea of destroying priceless knowledge for any reason.

He was its carrier now. But he would bend it to his will! He'd seen the way the others had looked on him with pity, even Shining Armor, and ran a hand through his bleached mane. His muscles strained, but he sensed his magic was all still there; he'd have to push himself harder to utilize it.

Exiting the wagon with them, he went to rejoin the others who ran to meet them.

They gathered around them, Trixie openly weeping and Beatrix joining in when they embraced. Shining Armor brushed aside a tear of his own, and Flurry cast a curious smile at Bellatrix. Even he was welcomed into the fold, Sunset pulling him into a friendly hug, which he uncomfortably returned, still not feeling like he'd genuinely earned all this.

With the Demiurge now let loose, Starlight Glimmer wasted no time in planning their next target. The pyramid was well-defended, but she knew the rest of the clan had to have traveled further underground, and knew she needed to root them out at the source. They returned to their underwater lair, droves of Eldritch arriving in clusters, falling in worship before the abomination; an ooze-like oily black mass, covered in a multitude of eyes, mouths, and tendrils.

She reminded herself this nightmare would make them all better, gripping the metal plate embedded in her skull. “Dazzlings,” she called with an echo through the factory, deciding they would serve as the first test subjects.

“No need to shout,” answered Aria who tapped her head. “We can hear you, remember?”

Sonata sidled up to her, both having taken on legs whenever they were inside the lair. “Reporting for duty!” She did a mock salute. “Totally ready to go out and make everyone better! Too bad Dagi isn't with us...”

The headless body of Adagio lazily swished her fishtail nearby, the stump of her neck filled with rows of serrated piranha-like teeth. Despite their most lovely appearances, somewhere between women and fish, they were nightmares given flesh below the sensuous appearance; especially now that the Eldritch had experimented repeatedly upon them.

“You can become one again,” explained Starlight who thumbed through the mock up Necronomicon she had prepared. “Quite literally, actually! How would you like to be closer than ever? With the Demiurge almost anything is possible...”

“Ooh, I'd love that!” Sonata bounced up-and-down, flicking fin-like ears in anticipation.

“Why not?” Aria heaved her shoulders. “But I still want to be in charge! Give me a chance to prove myself!”

“You'll have it. Soon. The Demiurge hungers. It must feed to expand.” Starlight stared at words that would be unfathomable to most; but with all the work the Eldritch did on her over many years it was practically a second language. She had hated to steal the soul of Trixie's baby, who had no awareness to defend itself from the abomination's power. Even worse she had to abandon her once closest friend in a dead dimension. But she hoped when the Demiurge was complete it might return for her.

“The monstrosity opened its mouth wide. “Dazzlings, step into its jaws. Do not hesitate and do not fear. Remember, it will make us complete.” Whatever inner doubts they had, it was easy to direct them after the tampering the Eldritch had done. Adagio, little more than an animated husk, was the first to flop her way inside. Sonata quickly followed with a giggle, vanishing into the gloom, and with another heave Aria made her way in last. Finally, its cavernous maw closed over the trio with a slurp.

Moments passed while its insides churned. Its eyes and mouths shifted about; its tendrils thrashing. Starlight chanted a spell from the grimoire, the symbols lightning up, the air filled with what sounded like unintelligible babble. More Eldritch were surrounding the beast, fawning in worship, ready to throw themselves into its belly if the Demiurge so desired.

Finally it reopened its mouth, and spat out its new creation; birthing it back into the world. The serpent slid out slowly, drenched in oily slime, and sliding across metallic floors. Adagio, Aria, and Sonata had been embedded into the massive sea creature, which smashed through a portion of the factory with its emergence, metal bending with a creak.

“Wow,” gasped out Sonata beaming down at the sea monster they were attached to. “We look great!” She smoothed her hands over her slime-drenched udders, like her sisters attached by their abdomens to the dragon-like sea serpent.

Aria also stared at herself, the gills of the side of her belly expanding and contracting. “What are we?”

“I dub thee Leviathan,” announced Starlight who closed the book with finality. “You will continue to hunt at your leisure around the ocean, and protect it from potential invaders.” Bellatrix had served her purpose. It was a shame their messiah would forever be incomplete; at best the Eldritch had chosen to compromise, hoping to perfect it by devouring all the survivors.

She warned them against needless wanton slaughter. There would be no more needless waste, their army made more efficient than ever.

This was but one dimension; once it was picked clean, those worthy converted to a superior state, the Demiurge would eat its way into the next parallel reality and repeat this process. She only hoped it would decide Trixie worthy to survive.

Despite a cacophony of voices in her head she was terribly lonely, even now...

Knowing time was of the essence, the moment Sombra was rested, he immediately put his students to work. As promised, he let loose a symphony of destructive spells, the area twisting under the conflicting elements he summoned.

Thankfully Beatrix and Bellatrix managed to raise their barriers and evade in time, working in tandem to counter his assault. The air burned hot and cold, rippling, sparks of electricity popping. Dunes exploded into showers of whirled sand.

He'd taken them away from the camp so they could all unleash themselves without fear. Sunset could block his attacks, but the rest of them weren't so blessed. He knew Cadance and Flurry would never reach their full potential after what they'd endured. Shining Armor still had little interest in expanding his magic repertoire, focused solely on swordplay.

However, they paused when Trixie strutted onto the smoky field. “I want in,” she demanded with hands perched on her hips. “The Great and Powerful Trixie wants to be...even greater,” she admitted. A hand rested upon her belly. “And to stop the Eldritch, she must be the best possible version of herself! So please...” She lowered her pride, bowing before him.

“I could indeed expand your abilities beyond comprehension,” he began. “But what happens if you end up slowing us down?”

“I won't,” she practically pleaded with wet eyes. “Please, I don't want to feel so useless!” She balled her fists, shaking all over. “What else can I do? Even my support magic ultimately hasn't been all that useful-”

“Wrong.” He took her hand and helped her stand up. “Without it, the alliance would have suffered far more losses against the Eldritch. And you have continued to improve. I'm impressed by those smoke bombs; without them, Starlight and the Eldritch may have beaten us right there.” She warmed over at his compliments. “Yet, you understand I cannot afford to take it easy on you.”

“Trixie wouldn't want you too,” she noted, recovering herself with a toss of her mane. “She's faced the worst critics!”

“Good,” called in Beatrix. “Because he's about to whip our butts into shape!” She smacked her mother's backside with a loud whack. “Besides, we've always been more Great and Powerful together! Let's show him our stuff!”

“I'll help too,” said Bellatrix with a childish pout. She felt more out-of-place than ever, now that she divided with herself, and unable to shift her body anymore. “Shame, I wanted to look a little more like you two while we worked...”

“You look better as yourself, sister,” assured Beatrix, who wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“Whatever that is.” She wrapped a leather and feathered wing about her.

Sombra remembered how divided the natures of he and his two students were. Did the she-devil have the natural potential to alter her character, or had he infected her with the holy book's magic, much as he'd been changed by his other selves from scattered dimensions when they'd all collapsed into one? At least Beatrix was finally cured of her affliction.

She was nothing more than a unicorn now, albeit a rather talented one. The remnants of the Necronomicon were still tying them together, and probably would until they breathed their last. But he was convinced that once she mastered her craft, she'd be able to call upon her ability to tear holes between realities once more, and with their newfound prowess would turn events around.

Giving his latest addition little time to settle in, he fired off a weaker spell. The trio fell into step, redirecting the bolt of lightning with a synchronized barrier; the flash bounced off with a fizzle and struck the sands, turning a chunk to glass and sizzling in a puff of smoke. He grinned, impressed at how soon Lulamoon stepped up, just as focused as his two students once properly motivated.

“Found them,” said Starlight to herself. With the Demiurge's help it didn't take long to sweep the underground areas, the creature sensing the souls of its would-be prey. For now she was holding back its most extreme excesses with the aid of her grimoire; but how long would it last before the Eldritch decided she as unworthy?

Until then she'd try to convince it as many of her old friends should be spared as she could, that they were far better converted than consumed.

What few tunneling machines they had left were tearing into the earth. Chunks of stone were cast up, the land quaking, filled with clouds of debris.

Vials of blood had been injected into the bone dragons, their sources starting to run dry, as the dwindling ocean life could only supply so much. But if this worked, she gambled there would soon be no more need for them.

Tunnels collapsed while they carved a fresh one. There was no time for the survivors to escape, and merely a little more for them to prepare for the ensuing invasion. “Everyone rally,” called Limestone whose gruff booming voice echoed through the caves. She was rushing to the frontlines with her fellow miners and packs of Diamond Dogs surrounding her.

“Where in blazes did they come from,” asked Octavia o was rushing with the other soldiers to their aid.

“Who cares,” replied Vinyl Scratch. “Let's just take care of these bastards!”

Autumn Blaze galloped beside them. “Somnambula left a formula for a potion that will allow us to summon help. We'd better call on Spike and the rest of our crew for help! Unfortunately, that means will be down a soldier for a while!”

“Allow me,” offered Fleur de Lis who took the bottle from her. “I do have some knowledge of magic, after all.”

“But you're our most skilled soldier,” argued Tavi.

“No time for debate. You'll have to make do without me, I'm afraid.” She tossed back her mane, heading away with potion in hand. Picking an unoccupied cave, she sat down and swallowed the contents. Within moments her body stilled, and she went into a trance, astral projecting herself. Her spirit whipped above her, awkward and difficult to manipulate.

But she assured herself it wasn't so different from guiding her own magic. Soon she slipped through the walls, her spirit casting over the battlefield, where Autumn Blaze had taken her Nirik form and was shooting plumes of hellish flame at the invading Eldritch. Her fellow fighters were busy at choke points, trying to stem the invading horde.

Ember and Smolder were in the lead, flying about and leaving an inferno wherever they tread. If they fell those impregnated by their Lord would be easy pickings, and so they combined their flame breaths, melting the Eldritch that crossed them.

Bodies on both sides were scattered about the bloodied and smoky caves. Starlight Glimmer was towards the back, which made her do a double-take, while a twisted beast of nightmares hung towards the back as if waiting to finally spring.

However there was no time to admire the skills of the armies. She hurtled towards the pyramid, speeding across the deserts in seconds when normally it would have taken days to cross on foot.

With some struggle she slammed to a stop, hovering above the bed where he was currently occupied but unconcerned with such matters. “Spike,” she called. “Please, come to our aid!”

The dragon jumped in his bedding, currently tended to by Twilight and Cozy Glow, who were sucking on his rods while he lounged back. “Whoa, hey! My followers are in trouble? We'll be there as soon as we can!”

“Damn it,” whined Cozy who wiped her slimy lips. “I mean, why now of all times?!”

“Give me a moment to collect everyone,” said Twilight who threw on her clothes in preparation to seek them out.

Yet before they could even start to act the pyramid rocked. Twilight stumbled, and Cozy Glow was thrown from her feet entirely. “Oof,” she cried with a snarl. “Can this day possibly get any worse?!” Again the interior quaked, and Fleur slipped out a moment to see why, while Spike hastily threw on his own armor with the dawning realizing the Eldritch were attacking.

“It's the former Dragon Lord,” gasped out Fleur.

“Great.” Indecision rocked Spike for a moment. Stay and try to defend the pyramid with his new allies? Or abandon it to help his followers who were likely sitting ducks? There was no contest. But maybe there was a compromise? “Twilight, you should take what warriors you can back home and see what you can do. I'll face the former Dragon Lord myself!”

“That's suicide,” warned Twilight.

“Maybe not. I'm not the dragon I once was. Thanks to Flurry and Beatrix I should be able to unlock my full potential!” Not that he entirely knew how yet, but he hoped circumstances would push him to his limits. Reminders that he could burn himself out flooded his thoughts, but he shook them away, determined to save everyone he could whatever the personal costs.

He started to exit the room then stopped. “Twilight, if I don't make it...you're in charge.”

“You will,” she assured on the verge of tears. She'd lost far too much already.

“Yeah. Just in case.” He grinned then headed out.

A short time later he exited the pyramid and surfaced outside, choosing an exit that allowed him a viewpoint near the apex. He paused to take it all in. A small distance away the former Dragon Lord loomed, the massive skeleton partially rebuilt with cybernetics, smashing its bulk upon the invisible barrier which surrounded the pyramid with such force the shield started to crack under the blows.

Its shadow threatened to swallow him. He didn't understand how its bony wings carried it, assuming it was down to the same necromancy that animated it. He could see the blood rushing through its bones to empower it. He was so small in comparison, and yet his face hardened in determination and he parted his own wingspan, rushing up to meet the undead beast.

Rather than waste time with taunts, he instead sucked in a deep breath, his stomach molten like a volcano. He zipped by and unleashed an emerald blaze, searing its side, which smelted with the stink of ash where the blast connected. Jaws opened with a roar, the former Dragon Lord turning to face him, swiping the air while he zoomed out of its reach and continued his barrage.

Its claws rushed closer each time, almost as if it was learning his movement patterns. Worse still it appeared much stronger and faster than last time, its cyber enhancements mixing with the dark magic that powered it. He redoubled his efforts to keep pace, narrowly able to weave away from the lash of a swooping tail, with such force the winds almost bowled him over.

No time for regrets. He focused his will solely on stopping this monstrosity. His blood literally started to boil, but thanks to the strange anatomy of dragons his organs didn't cook. His eyes turned to slits, and he felt his consciousness receding, the animal within taking over.

For once he surrendered to it entirely, even if it meant he wouldn't be able to come back. Otherwise the former Dragon Lord would pry open the pyramid, devour its inhabitants, then proceeded to do the same with his clan.

“It's too soon,” murmured Somnambula who rose in her shrine. “I have seen the portents. Spike's new physiology is too unstable. Even if he beats the former Dragon Lord, it could end in disaster.” She turned to Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow, who listened nearby.

Unable to locate Sunset or many of the others, Twilight had been forced to teleport back home without much aid; but she had asked the sphinx to aid them and after a little debate the guardian had reluctantly agreed.

“What's the problem,” asked Tiara who was swathed in similar attire to her new teacher.

“Better I show you.” Somnambula cast the contents of a potion over the shrine's floor, and in a cloud of colorful smoke they were allowed a window of the immediate area outside. Spike had curled into a fetal-like position temporarily, ball-like when he stopped; then an explosion of brilliance rippled around the drake who shimmered amidst his transmutation.

What emerged was a dragon that matched the invader in size, a pure mass of muscle and armor-like scales. Their clash shook the heavens.

“Gosh, I don't see a problem,” said Cozy who watched wide-eyed while the two duked it out in a flurry of claws, tails, and fire.

“How best to explain it? Spike is akin to a time-bomb. With the more power he exerts the more likely he will meltdown. Remember what happened at the climax of the Eldritch invasion? This could match that, or possibly prove even worse. Even if we survived the initial explosion, the fall out would contaminate Equestria to the point where it becomes uninhabitable.”

“Oh no,” muttered Tiara. “What should we do?!”

“Pray,” replied Cozy dismissively. “I hate to admit it, but I doubt we can contribute much!”

“Perhaps there is a way,” noted Somnambula. “With my magic I may be able to reach him. However, it will require me to travel into his spirit. I may not return. Should that be the case, Diamond Tiara, I leave all my work to you.”

“M-me?! I mean, I should be happy, but I'm not ready-”

“Neither was I when I first took up this position. But I have faith in you.” She squeezed her protege's shoulders with a warm smile. “The sphinx may appear unhappy with the arrangements, but I assure you she is completely loyal. Besides, we know not the results yet. I could be worrying you unnecessarily.” She turned to fetch more of her mysterious mixtures.

“Golly, would that everbe unfortunate. But what about me?” Cozy cupped her hands before her, batting her lashes.

“You came to me hoping to learn my secrets, did you not? I shall have to trust events have made you wiser. Otherwise, you could suffer a fate even worse should the spirits become enraged...” With her warning delivered, the prophetess sat down in her shrine before the altar, surrounded by the heady perfume of incense when she swallowed the mixture.

While she was away her prized student was left in charge, to make certain no harm came to her. A position which made Diamond Tiara visibly pale. Normally she loved to take command, but she'd come to realize the burden of responsibility, and the disastrous consequences that could arrive from foolhardy actions. She didn't envy Spike's role as Dragon Lord, despite all its benefits.

“She'll be fine,” said Cozy with a dismissive wave. “How about we study some more?”

“Yeah, sure.” Diamond Tiara once found religious texts rather boring. But she now saw the wisdom in them, the lack of direction and purpose she'd felt since Equestria fell start to lift.

They opened scrolls and poured over them together, translating and memorizing the symbols one at a time, determined to be the best successor possible should the unthinkable occur.

At the same time Somnambula felt her astral form projected from her body. By now it was second nature, and she immediately shot off to find Spike and the former Dragon Lord engaged in a tangle of limbs. They savagely tumbled in the skies, biting, clawing, and spitting, blood leaking from both as they tore and scratched at the other with wild abandon.

Currently Spike's scales were glowing as if ablaze, closer by the second to his imminent meltdown while he continued to push himself harder, ready to sacrifice himself but not realizing how devastating the results would be.

Without a moment's thought she hurtled into him, bypassing his flesh, seeking to commune with his consciousness which was locked somewhere deep inside; below the primal beast he became...

Starlight's forces continually wormed their way in. The losses were heavy, yet the Eldritch willingly threw their lives away to aid in the Demiurge's advance. She sought out the Dragon Lord's concubines, her soldiers cutting a swath through the packs of Diamond Dogs with the aid of her spells, as she paralyzed them and left them to be gutted by whirring buzzsaws.

Viscera splattered the caves and rolled down stone surfaces in crimson trails. To the invaders these mongrels were useless save for spare parts. The miners who dared raised arms against them were cut down too, until she was practically wading through opened corpses from both sides. She spotted the nursery nearby, and pressed towards it almost casually.

“Whoever you are,” yelled Limestone who barred the way with her pickax readied. “You're not the mare we knew!”

“Get out of the way,” warned Glimmer. “I can't stop it if it decides to-”

“I don't care. I can't let you pass. Sorry old pal,” she snapped back with bared teeth.

Starlight was about to wrap her in her aura and toss her aside, to be collected and altered, but Limestone sprang with surprising speed and a war cry. The pick nearly buried itself in her skull between her eyes; but just before it struck home and tentacle unfurled out from the Demiurge.

It slammed into the Pie sister's midsection, pinning her to a wall in a rush of blood and guts when she was slammed into place. A gurgle escaped a mouth filled with a coppery taste, Limestone's eyes dulled.

“You fool,” muttered Starlight with watery eyes. “Now you've been deemed unworthy. Even I can't save you.”

The Demiurge withdrew its coil and the slack body crumpled, but she didn't even bother to confirm the kill, moving onward to the nursery where the pregnant mares and civilians were huddling.

A shrill, otherworldly howl escaped the beast's jaws; and like before whirls of light were sucked out of their bellies, as it took the souls of the unborn into its being to power itself. The glowing orbs settled into its core, the unborn unable to resist its alien pull unlike the older creatures.

The hive-mind Eldritch voices echoed in her head. The Eldritch knew that she was key to keeping the Demiurge under control and routinely fed before it was completed, and telepathically urged her to feed all of these cowering mares to the abomination. She resisted their pull arguing, “If we capture them and Spike we can breed more fodder for our messiah...”

Whimpers escaped several of them. One picked up a stone and tossed it, but she easily deflected it with her aura, shaking her head. Her thumbs rubbed her temple, pitying them, but continually reminding herself there was no choice.

Before she could reach a resolution with the Eldritch, the air stirred around them, and a blink of light momentarily blinded her. When she blinked it away Twilight Sparkle, Wallflower Blush, and the sphinx stood between her and the mares. “Starlight Glimmer?! So you are alive! “What have they done to you,” she cried seeing the metal plate embedded in Glimmer's pulsing skull.

“Twilight...? I...” The voices filled Starlight's head which she shook, trying to recover herself. “They made me better!"

“Are you trying to convince me, or yourself? They've messed with your head! Wake up, Starlight!”

“She's a lost cause! Let's end her misery!” Without waiting for permission the sphinx pounced forward, jaws wide and ready to bite Starlight's head off, only to be intercepted by the Demiurge which slithered and collided with the guardian, the abomination leaving an oily black trail behind in. They rolled and the sphinx growled, trying to find purchase while she bit and clawed.

Twilight took to the air, horn and hands flaring as she engaged her former student in a magic duel. She was forced to hold back lest she endanger the same mares she was trying to protect; but likewise Starlight's attention was split, having to maintain her slipping hold on the Demiurge. The atmosphere warped under their exchange, a rainbow of colors reflecting off the rocks.

“I've surpassed you,” announced Starlight who unfurled her gleaming, metallic wings, lifting herself up. "I'm the most powerful alicorn ever!"

“I don't care about that,” replied Twilight. “All I want is to return everything to normal!”

The Eldritch moved in, casting about a telepathic attack, trying to render Twilight and the sphinx helpless. Arrows were loosed from Wallflower's bow, picking them off, but more surged in. "I'll run out of ammo at this rate," she muttered.

A scarlet cloud erupted from the chest of one, a white spear shaped like the namesake of its wielder, Fleur de Lis, exiting the freshly made wound. “Let's end this,” she called joined by Octavia and Vinyl who were close behind, soaked in the blood of their foes.

Bones crunched and skin shredded under the alliance. Realizing that they were outmatched and surrounded, and worse the sphinx had ripped chunks from the Demiurge which made it bleed black blood, Starlight closed her eyes and warped away with her allies. “Cowards,” yelled Tavi who huffed and wiped the sweat from her forehead. “Is Limestone-?”

Vinyl knelt outside the entrance and shook her head. “It doesn't look good...”

Limestone was slumped against the wall, trying to hold in her stomach. “Guess I...died for nothing, huh?”

“You're not dead yet,” urged Tavi who choked on her words.

The battlefield was quieting down, Ember and Smolder continuing to scorch the Eldritch left behind. The stink of melted flesh and metal left an acrid stink that lingered. Charred carcasses were scattered about the blood-soaked caves, ash whirling in the breeze. A number of Diamond Dogs and surviving miners collected around the dying Limestone.

“Just hold on,” wheezed Vinyl who helped Tavi staunch the bleeding. “We'll find a way. Somehow.”

“Looks like this is where the Pie line ends,” mumbled Limestone with a laugh while her eyes grew heavier. She slumped in their arms, joining her sisters who'd given their lives to try and stop the Eldritch.

Her friends wept, Fleur turning aside to hide her own pain, while the Diamond Dogs howled, a chorus of echoes which echoed throughout the caverns.

Again, despite the fact that they had repelled the invaders it didn't feel like a victory. The sphinx huffed, her soft belly marred by the Demiurge's coils, leaving black marks upon her.

Twilight and Wallflower immediately stepped into action with Ember, Smolder, and Autumn Blaze, cleaning up the mess and aiding the wounded. As usual, all they could do was pick up the pieces and try to move on.