Outside the battle between former and current Dragon Lord raged; but Somnambula's sole concern was the potential consequences, even if Spike emerged victorious. Her spirit form was nude but otherwise looked exactly like her; but it was only the loss of her ankh which she usually held for comfort which truly made her feel naked. Still, there was no time to worry about that. She had entered the proverbial belly of the dragon, slipping into the behemoth's massive bulk to search.

She found his spirit within the aether, like her denuded, and his musculature curled into a ball. Ignoring the void that surrounded them, she hovered up before him. “Spike, wake up. It's Somnambula.”

Gradually his eyes opened. “Where are we? Last I remember-” His fin-like ears twitched, able to distantly hear the rush of battle, his body moving on its own. “Oh no, I've got to get back, before-”

She shook her head. “You cannot manage on your own. Your more primitive self has shut you out to complete its work. All it cares about is survival of the fittest. Unfortunately, it has no concern with the damage it will due to the environment, or your loved ones. The power that dwells in your flesh is dangerously unstable. Pretty soon, you shall melt down.”

“All the more reason I have to go,” he cried horrified. He tried to fly off and she blocked his path. “Out of my way!”

“Listen. I can help you reconnect your soul with your flesh. Yet it will take time, I fear, so we must begin soon. I will need you to trust me more than ever before. We shall require a spiritual level of intimacy.” She pressed herself to him, and he was surprised at how warm and soft she felt, despite the two of them being ethereal shapes willed up by their minds.

“Are you saying what I think you are? But what about Sombra?”

“He will understand. After all, did Cozy Glow not seduce you already?”

He scratched the back of his neck. “Uh, well she just kind of pounced on me out-of-the-blue while Twilight was there, and I figured we'd went that far already, so why stop then? Besides, I can tell she's not loyal to him, or anyone really.”

Somnambula nodded. “She's seeking out anyone that will help her regain power. I don't think she's foolish enough to side with the Eldritch, but neither can we trust her. Still, if we do not act quickly, what Sombra feels shall hardly matter.”

“Point taken. So we have to do a quickie-”

“No, we must achieve proper intimacy, and connect on a spiritual level. I know it may sound contradictory, but believe me, you will come to understand.” Gently she pushed him back and clambered atop him. Lowering herself with wings fully divided, she took his members into her lower openings, fingers linked with his claws and a soft cry escaping her pursed maw.

She moved atop him with a certain tenderness that soothed him; a purr-like growl escaped him. Half-lidded eyes gazed into his own, her breasts heaving and her hips rocking. Somehow, the priestess was taming the monster inside him; this carried on to his physical body, the glow from his scales going all the way from nuclear neon to a subdued pastel.

His spirit went into a trance with their slow lovemaking, his consciousness returning to his flesh. While his power was still there, he found himself able to control it, and calmly turned it upon the undead Dragon Lord. “Sorry old friend,” he said while they grappled. “But you're long overdue for a well-earned rest!” His claws seized the sides of its skull, muscles straining and covered in veins that threatened to pop when he twisted. Cracks sounded and a roar escaped when he dislodged its head.

Blood which powered it erupted in a gusher that painted the pyramid. Its body toppled from the sky, crashing and lost in the dunes, which erupted into a sandstorm that whirled for sometime after. “We did it,” said Somnambula as they became one, unified momentarily by a shared, transcendent ecstasy as all rational thought abandoned them with a shared howl.

With a flash Spike's body returned to normal, his much smaller frame drifting to perch on the pyramid's side. He huffed in satisfaction, sensing that Somnambula had returned to her own body, and knowing that while the threat of his body becoming a weapon of mass destruction had passed, he had paid quite a price in the process. “My lifespan's been cut short, huh?”

He didn't need the prophetess to confirm it; he instinctively sensed it was true. Such raw power was too much for any normal creature to maintain for so long. But how much time did he have left?

He smiled toothily, deciding it didn't matter. They had saved the day despite the odds. Taking a moment to look upon his handiwork, he headed back inside to check on his allies.

Over the next few hours Twilight Sparkle transported her allies into the safety of the pyramid. The tunnels had been compromised, and morale was low with the latest losses. With some reluctance Wallflower Blush shared what she knew about Sunset Shimmer's whereabouts, unable to take talk from anyone that she might have abandoned them in their hour of need.

“At least we know they're okay then,” said Twilight to herself. “But I still wish she'd told me!”

Wallflower huddled in her tattered cloak. “She was supposed to be back soon. Maybe something happened...”

Spike stood in a corridor with them. “You think Sombra-?”

Wallflower shook her head. “I'm still not sure what to make of Beatrix and Bellatrix, but Trixie, Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flurry Heart are with him, so I doubt he'd be able to spring a trap even if he wanted to between all of them.”

“Yeah, Sombra's a jerk, but he's not stupid.” Spike sighed. “Still, what bad timing!”

“I'm sure they had good reasons,” murmured Wallflower who kicked a booted foot. “And that they're working hard.”

“I'm sure they are,” replied Twilight. “Hopefully, they'll be back soon. I've already teleported in all the survivors and our belongings, but we still haven't formalized this alliance. I'm not entirely...comfortable with what we have to do.”

“You mean sleeping with Sombra,” noted Spike with a frown.

“Yes. He makes my skin crawl. Giving him another chance is one thing, but that level of contact? Celestia and Luna showed me evidence of his terrible crimes.” Her face darkened at the memories. “He was a complete monster!”

Spike placed a claw on her shoulder. “I'm sorry. We have another problem, too. Helping all these new people fit in here.”

“Yes...especially when they're still in mourning. I feel like I've lost Pinkie all over again...” Twilight wiped her eyes, the moment of Limestone's passing replaying in her mind's eye. “I've lost so many already, and I know there will be more.”

“Maybe it's a bad time to share this, but...” He fidgeted. “I almost burned myself out unleashing my true power. As a result, not only is most of it gone, but...well...I traded who knows how much of my life in the process.”

“What?! How much longer do you have?!” She burst into tears and hit his chest. “No! I don't want you to-”

“Easy now.” He gripped her arms. “Come on, it's not that bad! I could have another twenty years left, maybe?”

“No...” She sunk her face into his chest. “You're supposed to stay with me forever! I don't want to end up alone...”

“I'm not dead yet,” he reminded her. “Besides, maybe Cadance and Flurry Heart will still be around? Not sure how the rules of alicorns work, but I hope the loss of their horns didn't shave off centuries from them, too.” He stroked her mane, pressing him to her. “That's enough depressing talk, I think. It could've been much worse. Somnambula saved my life; no, all of us!”

Twilight nodded with a sniffle and looked up at him. “I hope she's okay.”

“She's holed up in her shrine at the moment,” he said. “Tried to see her but Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow barred the way.”

“The sphinx was badly wounded while fighting the Demiurge,” noted Twilight. “I tried to look at her wounds but she wouldn't allow it. I'm worried about her, but she's so prideful there's only so much I can do. I hope she'll be okay.”

“Hey, you tried. Let's all relax for a while, until the others return.”

Wallflower cut in with, “Due to all the materials here maybe we can work new armaments. I could tell Rarity and Sweetie Belle were already eying them. It's all a matter of how generous our hostess proves. I'll see about crafting some more arrows.”

“And I'd better train some more,” said Spike. “Feel free to join me anytime!”

“I'd like to,” admitted Twilight. “But I have a lot to take care of, including those eggs we captured.” She removed the container where they were embedded, showing off the pulsating, wet orbs trapped in an emerald gelatin below the magically reinforced glass. “Ever since the Demiurge came near them, they've been acting strange. I'm not sure what it means?”

“Sombra might've had a point,” he replied. “Maybe you should burn them.”

“Maybe...but there are living creatures inside. I want to ask Sunset's opinion first, at least. She could probably sense if whatever is inside these can be saved, or if they're nothing more than monsters.” She placed it back in her bag which was filled with tools and reading material. “I'd better make the rounds. I'll see you two later.” She smiled and then trotted off.

By now, Sombra's students excelled in their craft. He'd repeatedly tested their limitations over days, taking note of their strengths and weaknesses. As expected, Bellatrix was impatient and would often try and brute force her way through things. Trixie was easily distracted but could come up with creative solutions on the fly. And Beatrix shared many of her mother's best and worst qualities, mischievous and prone to showing off, but intuitive and able to learn rather quickly when she applied herself.

He continued to read the holy book between sessions but restrained himself from reading too deeply as to keep his mind intact, settling on one new spell each day. It was a constant reminder that the tome was a tool he needed to master rather than the other way around.

Nor were they the only ones to make substantial progress. “Check them out,” called Flurry Heart who had attached makeshift horns to herself and Cadance, shiny metal pieces embedded into the cracked stumps. She cautiously started with simple telekinesis, the extension lightning up while she channeled, and concentrated. “Urrr...uhhh...come on!”

Her eyes closed to concentrate, and after several moments, her aura wrapped around a few pebbles to lift them in the air.

“Looks like it's a success!” Sunset clapped, and Flurry dropped the stones, her concentration broken. “Oops, sorry!”

“No worries. It's a test run,” said Flurry with a small blush.

Cadance stroked her own horn. “I'm sure it will be easier in time. And you've taught us how to cast well enough with our hands. You have our gratitude, Sunset. You've certainly lived up to all the praise Twilight has heaped upon you!”

“Thank you, Princess.... I mean, Cadance.” She too reddened. “What about you, Shining Armor?”

“Don't have a sparring partner about, so there's only so much I can do, but I've kept in shape!” He studied them all with pride, a look of ambivalence crossing his features when his eyes trailed over Sombra. “How about you and I practice some?”

Sombra nodded once. He could use swordplay as a secondary option in battle in case he couldn't cast magic, so he couldn't let his skills depreciate. “It should make for a nice diversion.” He fetched his sheathed blade, and with a metallic ring withdrew it, the two combatants facing each other down while everyone else moved back on the sands to allow them space. They stared one another down for a moment.

Cadance shook her head. “Shiny always likes this macho stuff. Still, he looks happy and handsome fighting in his white armor.”

Sparks danced every time sabers connected in a flash. While he usually hated to be shown up in any way, Sombra knew the Paladin was better suited to this, physically more robust and surpassed by few in raw skill. He strained to keep up, the duelists surrounded by the small circle of onlookers, who kept their distance in this mock battle to test their mettle.

Muscles were drawn and worked up into a sweat, their manes trailing behind them each time they met. Sombra could tell Shining was holding back, grinning, and he unlatched his armor with his aura, tossing it into the sand as he bared his chiseled chest to show off. His wife whistled, and his daughter clapped, while even Sunset and Trixie couldn't help but stare.

His only support came from Bellatrix and, to a lesser extent Beatrix, who appeared pensive and divided between them. But he didn't need her pity. He redoubled his efforts, both hands wrapped around his smaller sword, his body twisting when he delivered a blow that his opponent barely parried in time. He almost lost himself in the moment, no longer holding back.

Continuing to press the attack, the flat of Shining's blade connected with the side of his foe's skull, dizzying and momentarily blinding him. He was knocked to the dirt, and the Paladin laughed, which made Sombra shoot to his feet with renewed fury.

Suddenly an aura wrapped around them both, slowing them. “Okay you two,” said Sunset who strained to restrain them. “I think you've worked off enough testosterone-driven machismo for now.” They lowered their sabers, Shining a tad sheepish and red-faced, while Sombra glared darkly for a moment, fuming before reminding himself how childish they were being.

“Seems my student's antics are rubbing off on me,” Sombra chuckled to himself as he sheathed his sword.

“Father,” whispered Flurry. “I know you don't like him, but that wasn't very nice.”

“Sorry. I got caught in the moment and wanted to show off,” Shining Armor admitted.

“Shiny's always been that away around cute girls,” teased Cadance who pressed herself upon him. “That's how he helped win me over. I could see the potential in him and wanted to work on him. But he still needs to be kept in line sometimes.”

Shining approached the sorcerer. “Look, I was wrong. I just...get worried sometimes. What with how close you and Beatrix are.” He offered his hand, and after a moment, Sombra took it, the two sharing a strained smile while they shook.

“Glad that's over with,” said Beatrix with a smirk. “You're the two most important men in my life, after all!”

“We've come quite a way,” said Trixie, who rested a hand on her hip. “But our friends might need us! So, how about it, my little hellspawn? You think you can take us back yet before we're too missed?”

“I can try. It's thanks to teacher's training I was able to hone my powers, to the point where I could take people here without fear of ripping them apart during the journey. I can't explain it, and maybe it's due to our ties to the Necronomicon. But having Sombra and Bellatrix around seems to make it easier to control my powers?” She chewed on her lower lip, unsure.

Sombra nodded. “It's your choice, my student. Nonetheless, you've all excelled passed my expectations, so feel proud!” He told himself she had to still have the power to tear holes between realities inside her, even after the abomination abandoned her; that it was merely a matter of confidence. She'd been scared of herself forever, assuming she was a monster; but the love her family showed her taught her otherwise.

With a deep breath Beatrix took the first step forward with a renewed confidence and sense of purpose. “I can't take the blame for the Demiurge's crimes, but I still consider it my responsibility. I admit; I wanted to run away and abandon this Equestria when I first came. But now? I'll do whatever it takes to save it.” She clasped the Prima Materia in her palm with a smile.

Pointing her index finger at the sky, she slowly started to draw a circle, hopeful for the best.

Retiring to her shrine, Somnambula shut out everyone but her understudies, Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow. She had requested the sphinx's presence, who had politely denied her, and wandered off on her own. “Don't let pride be your undoing,” she'd gently warned her. “Remember, I am your friend, always.” She'd stroked her cheek before the guardian wandered away.

She inhaled the aroma of her incense and sat down to meditate. In truth, her session with Spike had taken a lot out of her and she'd need quite some time to fully replenish. While the current crisis was over, the newcomers to the pyramid looked after by Fluttershy and Tree Hugger who welcomed them in, she couldn't help but feel anxious about the battle to come.

The doors slammed open. “Hey,” called Tiara who shot up to block the path. “You can't just-”

An aura enveloped her and pushed her aside; not too roughly but rather firmly. “Do not interfere, little one,” warned Sombra who marched onward. Cozy Glow cowered in a corner, nodding while the priestess rose to meet the intruder with a neutral expression.

“I am pleased to have you return to us,” she said. “I trust the others are also well?”

“No thanks to you!” His horn was still flaring, holding her prized student at bay, but while she could easily retrieve her hidden cat of nine tails she was in no state to put up a real resistance. Suddenly he was upon her, hands tightening around her throat, squeezing the life from her. “To try and make me your pawn was one thing. But you've put the very lives of good people at risk! For that, I will not allow your treachery and agenda to continue...”

She was tipped back on the altar, gurgling and spittle running from the side of her lips. Her eyes felt like they'd bulge out of their sockets. Her face was coloring, darkening, the flow of blood shut down and her senses dulling as she started to black out.

His face was a visage of pure anger. So focused was he on his task, his hold on his aura weakened. A crack sounded and sheering pain brought him out of his intentions when an urn connected with the back of Sombra's head, shattering into fragments. Blood trickled from his cut scalp, dripping between his eyes, his grip released on Somnambula who coughed and heaved, a trembling hand holding the ankh between her breasts.

Diamond Tiara balked when he looked back at her, still holding the broken urn. “I'm sorry, Sombra. But we can't start fighting each other when the Eldritch are knocking at the door,” she stated quickly recovering herself. “Now get off her or I'll sick the sphinx on you and let her tear you to pieces limb-by-limb!”

“It's fine, Diamond Tiara...” Somnambula coughed. “I deserve that. Though it would be very cruel of you to slay a woman with a child growing in her womb...”

Sombra glared her down. “You say that as if I haven't done even more heinous acts..."

"Yes.... But you no longer want to live that life, do you not?" she asked, smiling weakly. "As the times grow darker, a person's true colors are revealed, Sombra. I wonder what your colors will be in the end; a dazzling light or darkness black as pitch?"

"Enough riddles! The only thing you should be revealing is your true intentions.”

“The same as yours, Sombra. To save Equestria at any cost.... No matter the sacrifice.” There was a dangerous fanaticism in her eyes. “Ambition is what drives our fleshy vessels to serve the spirits. Yet to those who think they're in control, it's in the right to decide who lives, who dies, who prospers, who perishes. And for the longest time now, you've been fighting your urge to take control for yourself in order to appease the others. But...” She opened her thighs between his knee, exposing her puffy slit to him. “What if I let you take control~?”

“Enough! Don't think me so gullible to fall for your charms, seer. Is this a similar ploy that you attempted with Spike?”

“I simply offer what I can in return as a trade. It is up to you to decide if you should take it,” she murmured demurely with half-lidded eyes, his gaze drawn to breasts visible through sheer silk each time she drew a heavy breath.

“Somnambula! You don't have to do this,” began Tiara who set aside the smashed urn.

“Leave us. Please,” said Somnambula, and after some hesitation Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow retreated, closing the doors behind them. Her eyes fell back to the conflicted emotions swirling in Sombra's red orbs. Boldy, she reached up to cup his face and tenderly soothe him. “Forgive me, love. I have hurt you so deeply. But you must understand the position I am in. Like you, I will not rest until Equestria has been restored. Yet for now, allow me to make it up to you. No schemes, no tricks or deceit, I swear on the spirits. My body is yours to use however you wish for tonight. I know you want to hurt me...so do it~”

“...if only to no longer stain myself in hatred. Not because you want me to,” he emphasized, hands tightening on her garments as he tore the silks open.

“Yes~! Give your anger to me, let my vessel release you of such troubling emotions,” she urged as he denuded her save for the ankh. Normally this was a sacred place, but she hoped the spirits would understand, as he pushed her back upon the altar and drove himself into her. She dripped upon it and him, flexing her wings, meeting his lips when his muzzle crashed into hers and exchanged their fluids.

Her form rocked under him when he used her roughly like she was nothing more than a hole to fill up with all his raw energy. Yes, this would be her punishment, this was how she would atone for deceiving him. He grunted, mashing her breasts and buttocks between his palms, railing her with a desperation that allowed him to vent all the emotions he'd been forced to keep bottled up since he started trying to play nice. Wet slaps rippled in the air.

Still not satisfied, he flipped her onto her belly so that she was bent over, pulling her mane and twisting it so hard she cried out a little. He was at least kind enough to open one of her oil bottles, and smear it upon her soft pink exit hole before he penetrated it in one savage slam, burying himself deep into her. Her rump bounced and smacked each time he plunged into her bowels.

She prostrated herself before him while he mounted her, her marehood clamping on nothing, missing the stallionhood that had filled it while she creamed down her thighs with low whines. She didn't mind, really. The spirits gave them flesh in order to enjoy it, to make life livable, and so long as one didn't overdo it she saw no reason not to indulge in their primal selves. Her face burned, twisted in rapture.

“You are close, my stud. Finish wherever you like~” she whispered looking back over her shoulder with almost closed eyes.

“I don't need your permission,” he reminded her administering a hard swat on her rear that left a hand print. After a few more thrusts, he growled and sunk himself balls deep one last time; blowing his load into her rectum. He panted with her, feeling weights lift from his shoulder as his anger and passion were depleted. Somnambula, struggling to keep on her body from collapsing, crawled her way up to his thighs; gentle kissing and licking at his coated cock while it grew flaccid.

"I hope my love has been sated of his lust and wrath," she murmured, licking along the edges.

“I am..." He responded huskily in parted breaths. "But don't think you are so easily forgiven. We are far from even,” he warned.

“Understandable. Then let me tell you this; the holy book is now bound to your soul. It cannot be passed on until you perish. I knew you were one of the few who could potentially master its power, and use its secrets to stop the Eldritch. It is an honor to be chosen, my love,” she stated, finishing with polishing his member as she pulled herself up to rest in his arms. Gulps sounded when she swallowed his seed.

“Perhaps...” He considered, drawing her closer with unexpected tenderness. She listened to his heartbeat, sensing the ambivalence that drove him. “You've turned the young ones into acolytes. Diamond, I can understand. But why include Cozy Glow? Surely you're not so naive as to trust her.”

“She too is a lost soul that seeks direction and believes power will fill the hole in her heart. I believe her desire to avenge Tirek is sincere. Do not misunderstand; I hardly trust her. I'm simply trying and guide her." She pulled her head up to gaze into his softened eyes once more. "You hold much resentment for me; I feel it deeply. You fear that your attempts to change are not your own, that the tome has warped your will. But you've proven to be able to resist the call; though at a price.” She stroked his bleached mane. “You have chosen to walk the path of a champion despite resistance. So rest assured, Sombra. You are changing because you decided to."

A weary sigh left his lips before they found hers once more. "You have no idea how good it feels to hear that..."

A sincere smile was on hers once their kiss ended. "You are to guide us in a new era, my love. But you alone will not be enough. Spike too is a hero, and it is through our combined forces that we will end this madness once and for all."

He nodded, “I agree. We have the numbers and resources. We should organize a last strike.”

“I'm sure you hold more questions to ask, and I will gladly answer them for you. But for now, let us make preparations. Tomorrow, I will organize another banquet. And should the spirits smile upon us, we will finally be able to formalize a union between our allies.”

“I must also undo an injustice I'm partially responsible for,” he admitted cryptically.

“Then I wish you good fortune.” He reclaimed his clothes and left her. Soon Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow returned, and she asked them to bathe with her, stripping down and settling into a warm bath where they rubbed oils into her supple flesh. Soap suds ran down her glistening skin.

She didn't remove her ankh even now, her mind distracted under a number of things; the losses they would no doubt face when they gambled on one more war. What the sphinx was keeping from her.

Night fell and everyone settled into the many rooms made available to them. There would be time for reunions tomorrow; most of them were exhausted and still haunted with the recent losses, some still in mourning with Limestone's demise.

Shining Armor carried Cadance to their new abode, bridal-style, exchanging a kiss which made her giggle. She said, “It's like our wedding night!”

He chuckled, closing the door behind them with his booted foot. “Guess the big, bad knight will have to sweep the maiden up and ravish her again, huh? Just rewards after he saved her from those terrible villains!” She played along with a laugh, as he tossed her onto the bed where she landed with a bounce, then pounced on her and practically ripped off her clothes.

They were soon making love with a shared desperation, happy to have survived their trip, to be back home in Equestria with their loved ones okay. It saddened them to hear about the recent setbacks, especially the fall of Limestone Pie, who was still being mourned by a number of her fellow soldiers. The couple by contrast celebrated their continued life, and hoped that Flurry, who had settled into an adjacent room, couldn't overhear their wild, passionate lovemaking over the hours.

Finally both collapsed in exhaustion, soaked in sweat with their manes a mess. Lying in the their lover's arms, dimness enclosed over them, and they settled into sleep, knowing that a full day awaited them tomorrow.

Twilight Sparkle had set up a small laboratory in her space, and housed the encased eggs there, which Sunset Shimmer promised to help her study some more tomorrow. Like most they were also worn out and turned in earlier than usual.

Neither could have known the full extent of the Demiurge's power when it had cut a swath through the underground lair; that its presence had caused something in the eggs left behind by Chrysalis to react in unexpected ways. Infused by a portion of the abomination's power, they radiated with a dark magic that weakened the enchantments, until the surface grew brittle and cracked. Immediately the slimy cluster wormed their way free, sliding across the room and slipping under the door.

The maze of corridors were mostly deserted by this hour. The monstrosity was primed to seek out a certain target among all the possible candidates. Having momentarily taken a wrong turn, it slid into the shadows, barely escaping the gaze of the sphinx who was otherwise preoccupied by a nasty black wound on her underbelly. The infection refused to go away, no matter how often she picked at it like a scab, knowing that when she'd badly harmed the Demiurge it had mortally wounded her.

For a moment it considered trying to overtake the guardian, but wasn't certain it could dominate such a powerful, ancient predator. Instead it sidled past back to its original plan. Abandoning the area, it travel a ways further, finally able to locate its prey. The slimy mess slid under the door's crack, seeing the couple slumbering blissfully unaware within.

Maneuvering its way up a bed that was low to the ground with ease, the gooey cluster of sacks slid up the sheets. Cadance stirred a little when the slime connected with an ankle; it paused a moment until she settled then continued to work up its way up her leg. It slid between her thighs, her breasts heaving. The mass pressed against her sex, and a soft coo escaped her.

Slowly it parted her snatch and wiggled its way inside. She twisted a bit with low moans. The creature filled her sex, pressed against her cervix, and slithered into her womb where it swished against her slippery walls. “Ah...ah...”

Suddenly she shot up and held her belly which was strangely cold and full. A whine escaped her, rubbing her throbbing scalp, feeling like she was suddenly no more than a passenger in her own body. “N-no-!”

Shining blinked open his eyes. “Honey,” he whispered sleepily sitting up next to her. “What's wrong?”

She smiled at him. “Just a nightmare. A reminder of the terrible things Chrysalis did to Flurry and I, which still haunt us to this day. But we've learned how to deal with it, I promise. Go back to sleep.” She gave him a quick peck on the lips.

He hesitated a moment, studying her. “If you're sure. I love you, Candy.”

“You too, Shiny. I'll see you in the morning. Maybe I'll wake you up the old-fashioned way,” she hinted reminding him of how she used to give him fellatio, taking care not to awaken him until he was about to burst. He grinned.

When she was certain he was completely out, her smile spread maliciously, eyes shimmering a bright emerald for a moment.

The Queen stretched wide amidst a subdued yawn, testing her new physique with a flex of her plumage. She traced of her partner's bared chest while he dreamed. For a moment a dark thought crossed her mind of opening Shining's throat right here with her nails. But that would give the game away, and besides, she would have far more fun toying with him!

Chrysalis hadn't expected her experiment to work, but had decided to try it anyway. Now with a touch of the Eldritch's dark magic, she had been reborn through the infused eggs she'd implanted in Cozy Glow; free to infiltrate the alliance and punish all those who had driven her to this state, while Cadance remained a prisoner in her own flesh forced to watch...