Upon their return homeward, the party descended back into the enclosure hidden below the surface, darkness broken by the occasional lanterns within the gloom.

“Welcome home,” said Fancy who immediately embraced his wife. “Shining Armor? We'd all feared the worst. Cadance and Flurry-?” The Paladin shook his head, still leaning on Beatrix for support. “I see. I'd hoped more survivors would be discovered, but we'll take what we can get. Come.” He waved them inwards.

Their steps echoed through the maze while he lead the way back to the meeting room, Limestone careful to cover their tracks by straining with some other miners and shoving a boulder over the entryway. “And may I ask who you are, miss-?”

“Beatrix Belladonna,” she announced in a theatrical manner. “Consider me a friend!”

“We are short on magicians,” he admitted talking while they walked. “Curious, the resemblance is quite uncanny to-”

“She's our daughter,” said Shining when he turned to a bewildered Trixie, the two sharing a slight flush. “It's complicated.”

“No kidding! Trixie would certainly remember...that! She's barely been with a stallion in her life, particularly Twilight's brother!” She huffed defensively, hands planted on her hips. “Who gave you permission to rip-off my style?!”

“You did, actually.” Beatrix frowned. “At least, the Trixie I know from my Equestria. Come on, Starlight must have told you about alternate timelines, didn't she? She'd made a mess of them when she tried to undo Twilight Sparkle's life!”

“Don't mention that name,” warned Trixie darkly as her eyes misted.

“S-sorry.” She started to mouth a question about Starlight, but thought better of it.

“Your tale becomes more intriguing with each moment,” said Fancy who took his place at the table. “But what pleases me most is you've all returned alive. I'd feared the worst.” Many of them took seats around him, while a few chose to stand, including Sombra who towered around the alliance. “Well then, let us feast in celebration! You've all done me proud!”

The best foods available were procured from their larders, mostly breads and cheeses layered with enchantments so they were much slower to expire. Dried fruits and many vegetables were now a delicacy, but their leader decided to go as all-out as he dared for the occasion, knowing it was important to keep morale high whenever he could.

He also furnished them with wines from his personal stash, while Vinyl Scratch and Octavia supplied them with music, the DJ taking up the drums.

Drifting into a trance-like state as if possessed, Somnambula was the first to move to the sounds that echoed throughout, and Diamond Tiara giggled, likewise falling into step. Chatter broke out between the drinking and eating as everyone got into the celebration.

Everyone except Sombra; who was gloomily studying them with saturnine features while swishing a cup of wine between his palm. His expression changed before Inky offered her hand to him; silently asking for a dance through a kind smile. Shaking his head with a sigh, he reluctantly accepted her hand as she pulled him towards the party.

A hint of red was spotted on his cheek as she nuzzled her head into his shoulder while they slow danced. He could feel the patter of her heart beating within her chest as she pressed into him.

“That's the friend I told you about,” she said with a sideways tilt to a raver with hot pink colorings and her mane done in twin tails held together by star-shaped jewelry. A pacifier hung on her necklace, scantily-clad in a tube-top and booty shorts.

“Huh... She reminds me of Pinkie Pie. Makes me wonder if she's from an alternate dimension too,” he mused as his eyes wondered to take in every bouncy feature this mare had.

“Her name's Pacific Glow. We met at an underground club before Equestria collapsed. I'd worried she'd perished.” Inky mournfully draped herself on him, basking in his warmth, his firm grip which dug into her and drew her possessively closer still.

Fun personality and looking to be one hell of a lay aside, the bimbo didn't really strike him as a someone that would otherwise prove terribly useful for their plans. Though he supposed it mattered very little to him; for he knew with each mare that fell under his command, more would soon follow. Even those who despised him were certainly curious about his prowess.

And convincing them that he would fulfill their most carnal of desires would be no real task. With a smile, he waved the dancer to come over and watched her titter as she skipped her way to join them.

"Hi there! Inky's told me much about you, stud~” She flirted, giggling with giddy as she shook his hand. "My name's Pacific Glow, though you probably already know that. It's nice to meet you! Great party!"

"The pleasure is all mine~" He chuckled before kissing her knuckles gently before slowly pulling her into his arm. “Though if you ask me, this party isn't really... mmm, kicking in for me. Why don't we go somewhere else to celebrate in our own way~?” He suggested while his hand would seize her ample backside to get a good handful of her supple cheeks; making his concubine to be giggle mischievously and bat her eyes at him.

With that said, Sombra guided his harem of two towards his private chambers; another step taken on his slow road to victory. Let the rubble bask in their small glories! It was obvious Shining Armor had been rendered impotent with the loss of his family, making whatever threat he posed to him nonexistent at the moment.

It wouldn't be long now until he had every scared and lonely mare of this alliance fat with his children and begging for more!

“Really, now. Your story grows ever more ridiculous,” announced Trixie who sat in a circle with her guests within her own room. She'd decorated it with a number of props, the excess stored in a heavy treasure chest nearby, the walls furnished with scrolls and posters of her old shows she'd clumsily nailed into cracks in the stonework as a reminder of better days.

“It's all true, I'm afraid.” Beatrix managed a small smile. “You taught me most of what I know!” Subconsciously shaped in the womb by Trixie, who'd drawn upon the Necronomicon's power by her close proximity to it, she'd altered her unborn daughter to practically be a miniature clone of her, with a dash of Twilight Sparkle since she'd been smitten with her old rival.

Mother taught her that life was often hard, and that whatever her father thought, sometimes one had to be selfish, cruel, and duplicitous to survive. She'd lived most of her early life on the road, traveling with Trixie's caravan, hearing tales and rumors about a father she wouldn't meet until much later, when her parents reunited to battle a doomsday cult.

Shining Armor listened attentively. “Good to know Flurry Heart's turned out so well in one world, at least. But poor Cadance and Twily...” He'd borrowed some clothes from Fancy, a bit of scarlet and white finery which made him look debonair.

“We used to get into all kinds of misadventures,” said Belladonna trying to lighten the mood. “Together, we were pretty skilled alchemists! She's doing a darn fine job of ruling the Crystal Empire! You'd be so proud of her!”

“I am. Thanks for looking after her. I'd like to lead the alliance here, but I can't. I'm not the hero I used to be. I failed my country, and my men, led them all into a trap. Now, I'm the sole-survivor. I can't even work the simplest spell.” He demonstrated by sparking his horn which fizzled out. “I...I know our population is dwindling, but I can't even get it up anymore.”

“Maybe...maybe Trixie can help with that,” she offered with her cheeks burning while she traced his leg. His muscles had wasted away some in captivity, but were still somewhat firm. “If you're really our daughter, Beatrix Belladonna, he should be able to put you in me.” She touched her belly, the would-be lovers locking eyes in a rather bashful manner.

“Don't mind me,” chirped Beatrix with a wiggle of her eyebrows. “I've pretty much seen it all!”

“Yes, well...Trixie is conflicted. In truth, her relationship was pretty tight with Starlight Glimmer. She rushed to the frontlines to save Equestria, and no one's seen her since.” She decided to drop her usual theatrical act, leveling with them. “I'm scared,” she whispered. “Afraid that I might actually fall in love, simply to lose it all over again. What will I do, then?”

Shining caressed her cheek. “It's hard for me, too. But I've accepted Cadance is lost, and she'd want me to move on someday. And if it means Beatrix might be born in this world, too, well.... What did you call it, daughter? Synchronicity?”

“Yep. Certain scenarios often play out in similar ways across alternative realities. Almost like fate.” Belladonna rose with a toss of her cape. “Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds to it! Tee-hee!” She winked and her heels clicked when she retreated.

As she headed down a tunnel to return to the party, muffled moaning sound caught her ear as she turned to spot Sombra's lair just ahead. Curiosity got the better of her as she walked over to take a peek.

She was greeted with the tyrant sitting on a chair while Inky and Pacific kneeled between his thighs; serving his rigged pole with their tongues and lips. Their clothes had long been forgotten on the floor while the cruel unicorn yanked on their head to direct them where he wanted them.

'Does he know no shame?' she thought in disguise, trying her best to ignore how hot and bothered she was getting just watching the scene. Just as she was about to leave, his eyes found her and a large grin spread his face.

"Ahh, Beatrix~! What perfect timing" he crowed, causing the two mares to stop and turn to their uninvited guest. “I knew you'd turn up sooner or later. How about you fulfill your end of our bargain and start your obligations to your king~?” He requested, beckoning her over with the most condescending look he could muster. It was like calling for his dog to come accept a treat for good behaviour.

“You'd better watch how you speak to me! I said I'd sleep with you, not that I'd let you treat me however you wished!” Nonetheless she marched over with a huff. “Let me guess, 'master', you'd like a strip show?!”

“It's a start~” He said smugly, enjoying the way she was squirming and trying to cling some sliver of dignity. With a huff, she tossed aside her cloak with a flourish. Her cone-shaped hat followed, and she started to remove a fingerless glove. “Those can stay on. Same with the thigh-high slutty boots. They say so much about you~.” With a subdued shrug, she gradually peeled away her leotard, bearing herself to him again.

With a sway of her hips, she knelt with his lovers, pressing her lips to his spit-soaked mast. Putting on the same sultry look they were, she nursed the vein-riddled meat, and the testicles below which she helped fondle. “Ahh...~" He sighed in near contentment, watching the gorgeous mares lick and worship his cock like proper whorses. "Now this is what I like to see. Everyone working together for a common cause. I think you both deserve something special! Inky, the collars please~” With a devious smile she rose to obey, her own denoting that she was his slave already fashioned into place.

“Now hold on-” Started Beatrix, but Inky ignored her protests, connecting chains to the bindings, including her own, and fitted them onto his prizes, tethering the three mares to one-another. He grinned wolfishly at them, Inky almost smug in her position was alpha-bitch, Pacific beaming with childish joy, and Belladonna quietly seething with barely-contained scorn.

“Haha! That expression of disgust and anger looks absolutely adorable on you,” he complimented; yanking her chain and drawing Beatrix in close to mash his snout against hers. His ravenous mouth caught her lip and bit into hard enough to draw blood.

He was in pure ecstasy watching her squirm and struggle against his aggression. This ought a teach her for being showing him so much sass and disrespect. Not only that, it would help break her in and have that loathsome Shining Armor suffer another lost.

But before that, it was time to properly welcome his latest acquisition. Ordering Inky to pull Beatrix off of him, he turned to the drunken-like pink mare before he roughly shoved her onto the floor; her wide heart-shaped ass up and wiggling for him as he smacked his cock up against her small mound; feeling how drenched and eager she was in receiving his fat girth into her tight cunt. "O-Ohhh fuck~! You like that, Daddy?" Pacific purred; smacking her posterior to judder it about. "You like this fat ass and soft pussy. Mmm, cause I know I need that fat cock~! No other stallion can compared to you! Mmmah~! So please hurry and give it to me! Take me for a spin and ride your whore~!"

With how eager she was to be a slut for him, how could he refuse? Lining the tip against her slit; he forced his way inside the bimbo; spreading her wide and causing her body to spasm. If it hurt her, she wouldn't say as she gave out to a fits of hysterical giggles while the two worked their hips to get Sombra good and deep inside her. "Ohh yeah! Fuck, that's it daddy, take it~!" She moaned, feeling her pigtails getting tugged as he treated her like the living sex bicycle she was.

“Don't think you're getting off easy!” He grunted, his attention turned to Beatrix. "The two of you should play with each other," he ordered; not really just to amuse himself but to make sure Beatrix was as humiliated and uncomfortable as possible.

Before Beatrix could protest, Inky took the lead; sitting upon Beatrix's face who slowly started to probe her sexholes with fingers and tongue alike. Likewise, the pegasus did the same; burying her mouth and digits into her waiting treasures.

“Agh! Ohh, mm~! I know I'm not much...” Wheezed Pacific whose udders swung like pendulums; slapping together each time he carved into her. “But I hope to please you as best I can. If anything, I'l make sure you don't go out there with full balls! I'm yours to dump whoever you want~!” Repeatedly she spanked herself, red hand prints marking her buttflesh.

“That's... Agh! More than enough~” He responded at her depraved request. Some part of him would have felt pity that the effects of content drug consumption fried her poor little brain, but the other half was far too busy enjoying ruining her tight slit. She would serve her purpose well in being his trophy among the rest. By now his other pair of lovers were really digging in, chins dripping and drenched with pussy juice, Beatrix's scorn seemingly forgotten while she too lost herself to base lusts.

Now that he thought of it, the really wasn't a reason too not impregnate the rave-slut here and now. The most she did was dance around and party; hardly any skills of real use beyond recreation. With no other con's or protests to stop him (as if it would matter), he began to savagely jackhammer his hips into her ass; driving his cock far deep to fully bottom out inside her; causing her to orgasm over and over from how hard she was getting dicked. "Come! Become the first of my conquest and take my seed! You'll be my broodmare!" He bellowed out, gritting his teeth before he felt his orgasm explode from his loins.

Poor Pacific was left screaming as she felt a huge flood of cum pour into her womb; her body failing to support her weight as she collapsed. Sombra held her good to make sure not a single drop of his seed was wasted before plopping his spent cock out of her oozing fuckhole. Pacific was left on the floor in her afterglow; eyes rolled into the back of her skull and tongue hanging out to complete how slutty and shameless the little whore was.

Inky watched with a hint of melancholy, obviously saddened she couldn't bear his foal too, but she was still needed on the field. Scouts like her with instrumental to the cause, and fliers were increasingly rare. In contrast Beatrix appeared rather sour, watching him still buried in his fucktoy, while he emptied himself into her almost airtight hot pink passage.

Once he had a moment to calm down from his blissful high and catch his breath, he turned back to Beatrix with a dull look and tone. “You're dismissed, for now. I'll let you know when your services will be needed. And remember.... When this is all said and done, you will help me with what I need. Do not forget that..."

With a neutral expression, Belladonna recovered her clothes, paused while Inky unlocked her collar, and made her way out. Demeaning them had lost its thrill for the moment. While he'd never admit it, the power he'd called upon to keep the Eldritch at bay had sapped him. He'd put on a pitiful show if called into action anytime soon, and needed to replenish his reserves.

Gloomy thoughts swirled in his head when he sat back in a meditative state, shutting his lovers out for the moment. Sometimes they were like succubi, sapping the vitality from him. He was reminded of the Bellatrix Primadonna she'd mentioned, and considered the actions of his counterparts, where they failed and how the knowledge Beatrix shared might allow him to avoid their mistakes. He'd not turn on Inky, for one. She'd be his right hand in Hell, his Whore of Babylon unto the end!

The horn sounded through the volcanic lair, summoning the Dragon Lord's herd when it echoed throughout, all the way to the Pleasure Gardens. Patiently he waited on his throne, scratching more marks in the ancient drake's skull. Gradually his consorts filed in, each eager to please, forming small alliances between themselves to try and win the spot as his closest companions.

At the moment it was mainly a battle between Ember and Smolder, who'd recruited the Kirin to support them, physically the toughest thanks to their draconic blood; and Twilight Sparkle with Sunset Shimmer, the former sharing a lifelong relationship with him, not to mention they were powerful magicians, and perhaps the last two capable of long-ranged teleportation.

Of course they all had their charms. Fluttershy was the most fertile of all, she and Tree Hugger providing an abundant paradise for the surviving mares which made certain they could bear strong Kirin.

And then there was Rarity, the first crush he'd ever had, and her equally luscious sister Sweetie Belle who'd blossomed into a beautiful woman. There were also dozens of other mares, most of whom he didn't know by name, but still felt a sense of responsibility to. They lined up before him.

A concubine handed him a goblet of wine with her head bowed, taking her place back with the others. “Dance for me,” he commanded gulping down much of the spicy drink which pleasantly burned all the way down his belly.

Clad in a variety of scanty costumes, his entourage started to weave before him, gracefully pirouetting in tandem. They split into their usual pairs, or a troika in the case of the dragon-blooded, enticing him to choose them above all others with sways of their hips, breasts, and buttocks, their garments removed one item at a time, bearing themselves to their Lord.

Behind them an orchestra of nude musicians played their instruments, like his dancers each one bathed in perfumes and slathered in soils which made their skin shimmer. The most prized gems they could locate were brought to him in a bone-carved bowl, and he gnashed them to glittery dust with his teeth, savoring the treats that were daintily hand-fed to him.

However, he'd long made his choice in advance. Still, he needed to draw out the moment, and took his time admiring the sculpt of their succulent frames. His heart raced when Fluttershy and Tree Hugger started to press their plush, well-rounded forms upon his scales, nipples beaded with lactate, which he scooped up with a flick of his tongue. They cooed in unison.

“Rarity and Sweetie Belle.” They squealed in delight, stalking over to his beckoning claw. “You'll be the next to bear your Dragon Lord more Kirin.” He lifted them up by the waist, placing the eldest sister upon his lap first, her opening slowly stretched to take him. She wiggled her bottom with a languished, melodramatic sigh, welcoming him in deep as possible.

Similar treatment awaited Sweetie, who straddled behind her sibling, taking his lower ridged cock into her. He could see the looks of disappointment in many of the others, but they accepted without complaint, continuing to prostrate themselves for him in hopes he might release more of his burning seed. Normally he'd breed them within the Pleasure Gardens, but he wished to keep things fresh, and besides, wouldn't he appear more triumphant than ever, taking them while seated on his throne?

Not content to let all of them languish, with one hand he sunk his digits into Shy's soaked vagina, the other into Tree's. His tail lanced out, wrapping around Twilight, its spaded-tip sinking into her foalmaker. “Spike~” Her whines were cut off when Sunset pressed her oily breasts to her own, muzzles locking while their tongues wrestled in a casual manner.

His leathery wings wrapped around Ember and Smolder, drawing them closer. They brushed themselves upon them, the tiny claws upon the tips caressing them. “Autumn Blaze,” he began and she hopped up, laying her legs over his broad shoulders and pressing her sex against his snout. Greedily he lapped at her slit, her arms coiled around his head while she tittered.

“My darling little Spikey-Wikey isn't so little anymore,” laid on Rarity rather thickly, her cheeks stained a bright pink. Sweetie encircled her sister's slippery tits, which collapsed back into place with repeated bounces each time she lifted and dropped the heavy pair. “Oooh, to think I was so foolish as to ignore you all those years! But now that age isn't a factor-”

“Don't forget about me!” Sweetie tried to keep in rhythm with her sis each time they bounced upon his lap. The fleshy bumps were scraping their insides, stimulating their spongy g-sports, their cervices expanding wide open to accept his seed.

By now his crotch was absolutely slathered in female goo. His nostrils spat smoke, breathing in the musk of all the horny women around him, left empty without their protector and provider to properly stuff them. Luckily most were easy to please, and would forget their troubles the next time he took them. Rarity's palms traced his muscles, and she planted little pecks all over him.

“Y-you're doing so fabulous,” wheezed Rarity who tilted her head and met Sweetie's lips.

“Told you all that practice would pay off! And that Spike would take care of us once we won him over!” She winked.

“Sweetie Belle,” cried Rarity scandalized. Sure, they all competed to win top status, but they weren't supposed to admit it openly! However he merely snorted in amusement. While Rarity would always be special to him, and had won some favor by immediately leaping to join his herd once established, she'd long missed her chance to be his closet consort. Especially with such fierce competition who brought their own charms. He cringed to think of the lovestruck little whelp he used to be!

No, as the Dragon Lord he was supposed to decisively take what he wished. It was how he commanded respect. Certainly he'd never harm any of them, but he knew hurt feelings were inevitable, and the only real choices were between Ember and Smolder as they were powerful warriors capable of flight, or the tag-team brilliant magicians Twilight and Sunset.

“Your wombs are mine,” he said shooting them a dopey smirk when he claimed them with a torrent of his spunk. It rushed up to fill their uteri, the siblings whining and spraying with him, bellies expanded outwards to try and soak all his jizz in.

By the time he finished they slouched upon him, puffing and barely lucid, their mascara running amidst tears of joy. He withdrew his sticky fingers from Shy and Tree, then patted Rarity and Sweetie on their rumps as thanks, still driven into them. “Guess that about wraps it up, huh. Go ahead, amuse yourselves in the Pleasure Gardens, or wherever else you like!”

Gently he removed his lovers, who pouted in disappointment, hoping he'd cuddle with them. And normally he would've, but he could see a pained looked on Sunset's face, and said, “Twilight and Sunset, could I have a word with you?”

“Of course,” replied Sunset as the duo started to follow him back to his chambers.

“Now wait a minute-” Rarity's outrage was cut short when Ember and Smolder flanked her to block the path. He wanted to step in and tell her it wasn't what she thought, but he didn't need to explain his actions to anyone, didn't tolerate envious behavior.

Spike waited until he was sure they were alone. He crawled into bed, and they followed, ready to fulfill their duties, for why else would he bring them here? “Don't worry, it's not that.” Twi's face fell in disappointment. “I mean, sure, I'd like to hold you two for a while, but...I wanted to talk, is all. Be honest, Sunset. Do you ever regret coming over to help us?”

“I'd never regret helping a friend,” she assured him sidled to one side. “Especially not Twilight!”

“You know what I mean. We took you away from your new home. Separated you from all your family and friends!” He crushed her to him, scooping her by the waist, and she flushed hard, her heart racing. “Sorry about that. We were so worried about saving Equestria, we didn't even consider your feelings!” He brushed her bangs as she failed to hold back small sobs.

“Sunset...” Twilight reached across him from the other side and squeezed her arm. “I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. We were desperate since the other races wouldn't unite with us, everyone was dying, and I didn't know who else to turn-”

“It's okay. I'm honored you picked me to come help. It shows how much you trust me.” Sunset's voice almost cracked, unable to contain all the grief she'd bottled up anymore. “You saved me, Twilight, all those years ago. I'd do anything for you.”

“I know. That's why it was wrong of me to ask you,” whispered Twilight. “But I can't undo what happened now.”

“I wouldn't change it anyway,” admitted Sunset who traced her fingers over his chest. “Just wish I'd given all my friends more warning. They're probably worried sick about me, after I just up and vanished with hardly a word. I'd told them Equestria needed me, rushed into the portal while you found a way to make it active for a short while, and that was that.”

When the Eldritch stormed Canterlot itself most of the heavy-hitters rushed to the frontlines. By then the Crystal Empire had already fallen, taken by a surprise attack, its inhabitants presumed dead. Celestia and Luna, along with the Wonderbolts and the Apple clan, had stepped up immediately to deal with this menace. The Pie family hadn't been far behind.

By the time Twilight and Sunset were able to convince more would-be allies to join the fight, it was far too late, countless lost on both sides. While each ally lost took dozens with them, it was clear the invaders outnumbered them by some distance, and were adapting to all the magic they could throw at them. They were losing, badly, entire species slaughtered to extinction.

Ember's authority had been challenged, many assuming she was weak when she shared her doubts about being able to win this conflict, most of the dragons foolishly rushing off to neutralize the threat without a plan. And to their credit they'd taken millions of the Eldritch down with them in an epic fury of teeth, claws, and flame. The few who stayed behind sacrificed themselves so that Ember, Smolder, and Spike could escape.

It was only much later, after the Eldritch appeared to believe the Badlands had been abandoned, that they'd returned with other scattered survivors they'd found to establish their present base.

With a heavy heart they'd assumed most of their loved ones were dead. But they had spotted another clan of survivors while scouting around, aware that a few distant allies such as Fleur de Lis were still out there, at least.

He'd hesitated to make contact until now. Yet maybe it was time to take that risk. “There's another reason I invited you here. I have a secret mission...”

It was time for the survivors to move on. After the celebrations, they started to pack up, Limestone and her fellow miners already tunneling into another area and collapsing tunnels they no longer needed behind them.

While the Diamond Dogs had been one of the first groups to flee the Eldritch, treated like vermin by much of Equestria, they'd survived the onslaught with many of their numbers intact, and now proved surprisingly loyal and helpful allies, so long as they were treated well.

They'd shown them safe areas, scouting ahead, digging deep into the earth. Limestone had quickly and easily struck up a fast friendship with them once they got used to her gruff, blunt manner. Without them, Fancy admitted they wouldn't be here.

“One last night of sleep before we move.” Inky stared into the lantern, her face shadowed. “Master, I have something to show you.” She slouched her frame on a wall, her transparent gown seeming to make her skin glow in the soft light. Reaching into her satchel, she removed a number of small corked tubes with bubbly liquids below. “I swiped these from Beatrix.”

"Excellent work, my pet. Well done." He purred and affectionately stroked her head, making her beam with happiness. Examining the vial, he looked over at the guest. "Now how to test them... Hmm..." he mused, his gaze brought to Pacific Glow; now dancing by herself, albeit a bit awkwardly.

She followed his gaze to Pacific Glow who was busy dancing in one corner of the room. “Don't hurt her. Please.” She pressed herself to him, laying her cheek upon his chest. “She's like the sister I never had.”

"Don't worry, I'll be cautious, I assure you. I have a bit of knowledge in alchemy myself. Perhaps not to the extent of Beatrix, but enough to identify what these substances are likely used for. Most of these appear to be sex aids, from what I can tell. She's much kinkier than I imagined. Her mother must have taught her well~" He chuckled. "Anyway, I do see a couple that may serve me well in cementing my power. Such as this one, for example."

Uncorking it and dipping his fingers in, he traced the mercurial substance on a rocky surface, and it resonated with his magic when he empowered it, allowing him to see and hear beyond the wall. It was like a one-sided mirror, and he spied on Shining Armor and Trixie, the latter running a hand up the stallion's leg. He tensed up, forehead beaded in sweat drops.

“Sorry. Still can't quite do it,” he admitted with his head bowed.

“Aw, that's too bad. Trixie is admittedly curious. And it does get lonesome here sometimes.” Growing bolder, she fondled his crotch through his pants, but he barely stiffened at her playful strokes. “What, is Trixie not sexy enough?!”

“No, that's not it! Just...I need an emotional connection, you see? You're really cute and all, but I barely know you! And I don't think I'll ever really be over Cadance. Plus, with Beatrix and all, well...it's a lot to take in.”

“Come on.” Playfully she pushed him back, crawling atop him, her cleavage overflowing and almost spilling from her leotard's top. “Trixie'll...I'll take care of you,” she offered huskily, breaking character to level with him. She straddled him, planting a kiss on his snout tip. “We seem compatible, and I'm not getting any younger. Why don't we give it a try, huh?”

He considered for a moment. “Okay. Just a few dates first, alright? No need to rush it.”

“Fine. Trixie can be patient.” She snapped back to her usual self, rose, and dusted her costume off. “Oh, and you can come out now, Beatrix Belladonna! No need to spy on us!” Sheepishly, their daughter popped up from behind the treasure chest.

Pacific crowded around them to watch, bent over with hands clasped behind her. “Can they hear us?”

“They can't, thankfully,” Sombra said; sounding somewhere between amused yet bored. “Pity. I was hoping for something a little more substantial than this. Still, this could prove to come in handy. Yes... I'm sure I'll make good use of this,” he concluded as Inky wiped the window away with a silk napkin.

He would have to be conservative to make the most of his supplies. Given how secretive Beatrix was, surely she wouldn't notice that she was bag short of tricks up her sleeves. And even if she did, there wouldn't be much she could do to stop him. She knew he was far greater than any unicorn present here.

All Sombra needed do was keep abreast of their maneuvers; especially with whatever Fancy was planning. No matter the consequences of his actions, he assured himself with a grin, he would gain full control over the situation to make sure he would thrive and prosper for years to come.