Once packed up, the party started its slow journey ever deeper below Equestria. The occasional gemstone embedded in the rock lit their way, reflecting off their skin and casting always growing shadows. In contrast to many of them, Sombra felt at home in the darkness, feeling it was more true to their nature; despite the society they'd built, ponies were nasty, selfish creatures at heart, who looked down on other races and tried to infect Equestria with 'friendship', a parasitic, corrupting force which stripped individuals of free will. Many had been seduced by it, fallen prey to it, sacrificing their own individuality.

He could almost thank to the Eldritch for stripping away all the self-righteous hypocrisy that once governed the land. Yet when Inky and Pacific pressed close to him, he felt a certain serenity, the closest thing he'd felt to love in so many years. He shook the idea away. They were useful to him, and he had to admit some affection for Inky in particular, but he couldn't allow her to tame him as he intuitively sensed she wished. Domestic bliss bored him, and he wouldn't let anyone decide his destiny.

A hand was currently buried under Inky's gown, kneading a tit, the other slid down Pacific's boot shorts, groping her wide ass. He enjoyed their soft coos, the way others looked on in disgust or turned away in shame, denying their own base natures.

Limestone returned, her face covered in dust and her heavy clothes in grime. A hardhat sat atop her head and a pickaxe was strung over a shoulder. “Better put a few more miles between our old position.” She spat to her side.

“Excellent work,” said Fancy who kept Fleur drawn close to him, despite the fact that she was his bodyguard. He wiped his sweaty brow, the air stifling, always running too hot or cold dependent on the area. “Let's rest a while, shall we?”

Limestone nodded. “Break time!” Her yells echoed down the tunnels and the scraping stopped.

Everyone was beginning to settle into their small groups and tents laid out for privacy. And just as Beatrix was about to be with her father and mother, a slithering voice halted her. “Come, Beatrix! I am in need of your services once more~” Her mother and father gave her a puzzled look, but all she could do was force a resigned smile before wandering over to Sombra.

“Fine,” she muttered like a petulant child. “What's your pleasure today, master?” She yelped when he suddenly seized her. “Oof,” she cried when he tossed her onto a stack of blankets his lovers had placed. “Ouch, not so rough, damn it!”

“And yet your body wriggles and squirms whenever I am. Imagine that,” he chuckled while making sure his two followers kept her arms bond. And even with her legs free to kick about, there was little that she could do to stop him. He sighed in triumph; taking a moment to admire the way her leotard hugged her physique before seizing its top and shredding it open.

Her breasts flopped free for him to grab, but before he could, eyes all over the fabric popped open and a mouth full of swirling teeth appeared, letting out an inhuman scream. This made Inky and Pacific yelp, releasing her while Sombra merely jumped back a bit; clear astonishment on his face. “What in the world... your costume is alive!?”

“Yeah, it's like an extension of me. It can repair itself, too. Best not to piss those creatures off too much,” she warned. He shred her costume further, exposing her navel, and finally baring her smooth labia to him. Tensing up when he traced the tight outer cleft, he teased out her swollen clit, which slid from its hiding place, slick and engorged with blood.

Sombra would note himself of that as he carefully peeled the rest of her costume; exposing her navel and finally baring her smooth labia to him. He could feel her tense up when he traced the tight outer cleft before teasing out her swollen clit; watching it slid from its hiding place, slick and engorged with blood.

Gradually he spread her lower lips with a pair of fingers, exposing the glistening pussy meat, walls connected by threads of mare juice. He slowly breathed in the sweet tang, enjoying how she squirmed. “Your father looked disappointed in you when you answered my call,” he scoffed.

“You're not my daddy. Save that for your slave-sluts!” This earned her a hard slap across her cheek before she yelped out when he tightened a fist around her throat. Her hat fell away when her head tilted back and he studied the eye-like Prima Materia which kept her cape clasped around her neck. A ominous glow lit his ruby red eyes as he sneered at her. “You'd...better watch it.” Small tears painted the corner of her eyes.

“Sorry, but I only show mercy and care to those labeled as my 'slave-sluts'. Perhaps if you behaved like them, I might be less willing to harm you~” Having experimented with the vials they'd stolen from her, Sombra had prepared this by taken the contents of one well before calling her.

He yanked her by the mane to kneel before him, Inky and Pacific undoing his silver armor in separation while he flung out his semi-erected penis to smack against her face. She stared cross-eyed at it, precum sliding down her muzzle.

Hands tightened around her skull when he forced her mouth onto his stallionhood. Brutally he swabbed her throat, and she choked and gagged, her gullet filled when he pressed all the way in. Exchanging smirks, his concubines shared another potion between them, which burned them to the loins. Belladonna blinked in surprise when Pacific suddenly slid under her, spreading her legs, and Inky pressed upon her back. Her eyes widened when she was suddenly speared between their newly-formed dicks.

“Umph,” she hissed, triple-penetrated amidst them. Her insides were scraped, and she blushed, dripping wet despite herself when her biological urges took over. Her cloak was torn off and cast aside, her hair pulled, her buttocks spanked and her tits slapped about. He needed to properly break her in too, to remind her that she was his property whenever it pleased him!

“C-can't hold on much longer,” admitted Pacific who felt the cunt she was buried in milking her in desperation.

“Me either,” lamented Inky who figured it was due to them not being used to their new tools. “Fun as this is, I hope it's not...permanent-” She and the raveslut squealed, and started to directly unload into the would-be conquered bitch.

Sombra withdrew, trails of saliva and precum sticking him to his fucktoy's maw. “Open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue.” She did as instructed, and failed to shut her eyes in time, the first torrent of his splooge spraying all over her face. He jerked himself all over her, dousing her mane, painting her tongue, coating her body all over, the substance he'd ingested increasing the volume of his release many times over. She almost vomited up his cum, all but bathing in his release.

Sombra finally came down and laid onto his back, panting and sweating profusely and feeling unusually tired. Normally, he would be more eager for another round after the first orgasm. Just when he was beginning to think something wasn't right, he heard Beatrix suddenly cackled. “J-joke's on you!” She coughed up more of his jizz, which slid down her chin and curves. “Those concoctions you all took? You'll feel sore and drained for days!” She easily pushed Inky and Pacific off, her gaping holes spewing out a steady white trickle. “Exactly what you deserve!”

Sombra wanted to believe it was her usual smug bravado, but his head ached and swam; barely able to keep his footing. He growled at her at the realization. She either must have either must have prepared should someone ever steal her potions, or even simply took advantage of the situation. Much like her opportunistic mother. He let out a grunt as she shoved him flat on his back. All he could do was watch with a flustered expression not familiar to him as she straddled him; taking his burning, sore dick into her slimy pink canal.

He couldn't get rid of his erection due to the potion, probably wouldn't be able to for hours. Nor could his lovers intervene, similarly half-asleep themselves, like they'd been drugged. Which he supposed they inadvertently had. Cackling like the witch she was, she rode him like he was her personal broomstick, relishing in the chance to render him powerless for once!

“Incomparable witch!" He hissed through his groans and pants as his eyes oozed out magical haze that had become signature to his use in magic. "You think your father would be so proud to know you the best of me, don't you? You may hide it, but I can see how badly you want his love! All the adoration and attention that he's given his true daughter that would be wasted on the inter-dimensional criminal he spawned! But deep down, you know he'll never give it to you! Your father would disown you if he knew what you're really like. I bet he wishes you died in Flurry's place!”

“Shut up!” Her nails raked down his chest, drawing blood, while she continued to hump him. “Maybe he does love sister far more. It doesn't matter.” She slammed atop him, her chest and backside bouncing, determined to dish out some of the same humiliation he'd made her endure and take her own pleasures. “Just be thankful I'm not driving a cock up your ass...yet...”

Not that she really intended to, but she grinned, watching him squirm at the idea of having his masculinity and authority challenged. Her eyes rolled into her head, and she lit up her horn, wrapping his slaves in her aura and pulling them close. They were too exhausted to resist, and she exchanged cum-swapping kisses with them, a little bit of payback to them too before her nethers started to quake. She tensed her loins, squirted all over him, moaning in satisfaction while her urethra throbbed.

“Oh~. Next time...I'm going to make you regret this little stunt. Believe me, it will not be this easy to have me under your whim,” he threatened, glaring up at while she her huffed on top of him.

“We'll see, Sombra!” She patted his cheek a couple of times. “Don't trick a trickster!” Rising to her feet, her costume materialized back upon her, repaired. The tongues on her attire were licking her drenched body clean.

Watching her practically skip away with a whistle, he was stuck between admiring the girl in outsmarting him, and loathing the wretch for making a fool out of him. Surely, it wasn't that easy to beat him in the other worlds, right? Of course, she must have had plenty of help and multiple chances.

But this would remind him to not underestimate her anymore. If all his counterparts had made the same mistakes that led to their defeats, he would make sure his own ego was in check before letting this petty sow walk all over him again. Oh yes, he seethed to himself. He would make damn sure of that.

Returning to her parents, Shining Armor and Trixie shared a cup of steaming tea. She smiled to see them getting on swimmingly. Hoping that she wasn't interrupting an intimate moment, she sat with them. “Hey, Beatrix.” He mussed her hair a tad. They'd taken shelter quite far from the others, almost like they'd considered making love for the first time but thought better of it.

“Welcome home,” offered Trixie. “And what has my little hellspawn been up to today?”

“Oh, a little of this, a little of that.” She chuckled at her teases, kicking a heeled boot. “Good to see-”

“Shining Armor?!” A voice came from nearby, and they were instantly on their feet, the Paladin reaching for his sheathed sword. “It is you!” Twilight stepped forward, followed closely by Sunset who trailed after him.

“T-Twiley?” He barely dared to believe it. “You're really-” He blushed with disapproval at her scant costume, but shook his prudishness aside, and accepted her warm embrace. She choked back sobs, and a dab of liquid pride escaped him too. Her plume wrapped around his strong back, both having assumed the other had perished all this time.

“Hey.” Sunset waved to them too. “Uh, nice to see you Trixie, and-?”

“Beatrix Belladonna.” She shook her hand. “Good to see you again! Er, I mean-”

“We'll explain later,” said Trixie. “Who else survives? Starlight-?”

“We don't know what happened to her. Sorry.” Twilight pursed her lips. “We have our own clan back in the Badlands under Spike.” She rattled off a number of survivors. “Looks like you've done well, too!” She peeked around the corner, studying the other camp members who hadn't noticed them, and stopped with a gasp. “Is that...Sombra?!”

“Yes.” He sighed in defeat. “We don't have much choice but to rely on him.”

“Well, with Spike's forces he won't be necessary anymore.” Twilight crossed her arms.

Shining raised an eyebrow. “What's happening over there? Why are you two dressed like that?”

“Spike's become the Dragon Lord,” she replied defensively covering herself. “I'm...I've become one of his lovers!” She turned her head aside with a snarl, already knowing he wouldn't approve. “What did you expect us to do? I-”

“She's fought hard for everyone,” defended Sunset who hugged her. “We all have. Spike has this idea that if we breed enough, we'll be able to repopulate Equestria. He's the sole male left in the Badlands, so-”

“He's turned you all into his personal whores!” Shining clenched his teeth.

“How dare you!” Twilight pursed her lips. “I can't believe this! You have no idea what it's been like!”

“Look. Let's start over,” said Sunset who carefully came between them. “We're all tired, I'm sure. I'm not really sold on Spike's plan myself, but he's treated us well, and kept us safe. All his lovers have been willing, I'd made sure of that. Not to mention I'm pretty sure it was Ember's idea to begin with. A harem is a status symbol to a Dragon Lord, to show his right to rule.”

Shining relaxed his taut muscles, but he still seethed at the idea of his sister being treated like a piece of meat in his mind. She was perhaps the smartest and most powerful creature left in Equestria, and it baffled him to think she'd lower herself to anyone, even a dragon! He turned his back on them. “Well, you'd better come in and meet with our leader, Fancy Pants.”

He stalked off, and ignored the calls of Beatrix, brooding over recent revelations.

“Well, nice to meet you!” Belladonna beamed awkwardly to lighten the mood. She took Sunset's offered hand, and Shimmer's eyes turned white, peering into the mysterious stranger's soul. “Huh? What just happened?”

Sunset withdrew her handshake. “Sorry about that, but I had to make certain you're trustworthy.”

“S-so...what did you see?” She forced herself to retain her smile.

“Don't worry, I didn't read deeper than necessary. I got the sense you mean well, at least. Oh, and that Prima Materia, as you call it? Not necessary to use your powers at all. Sure, it does contain magic, but it's all in you. Your spells failed when you started to doubt yourself. It's not unlike what Shining Armor is struggling with right now, I think.” She smiled back sympathetically. “I saw something else, too. That you're somehow connected to the Eldritch. What is the Necronomicon?”

“Uh, it's a long story...” Beatrix patted the ground when she settled into down.

Twilight nodded to Sunset. “I'll go on ahead and meet with Fancy, you all catch up! I'll come back soon as I can.”

A circle formed around Belladonna, and she looked between her mother and this newcomer. “Well, Trixie already knows a lot of it, so maybe it'd be faster to read my soul or whatever it is you do?” She started to share her tale anyhow, taking their hands. She'd formed a friendship with another Spike when she was little, a dog version who was somewhere between that and a drake when she and Flurry had brought him to Equestria. They'd fed him some potions, enhancing him as they befriended him.

Sadly he'd died to save their allies. No matter where she traveled, death seemed to follow. Again she doubted the validity of her continued existence, convinced she was like a bad luck charm, a weight around the neck of those she loved. In her gloomier moments, when she was alone and left to contemplate her short life, she'd considered ending herself a number of times.

But for all she knew, like destroying the Necronomicon, the loss of her body could make things even worse. She looked at her abomination-infested clothes. Would she unleash a series of monsters? Overcome by melancholy, she hated to admit how much she and Sombra had in common. They were both enshrouded by shadow, both detached from a world they never quite fit into.

A swish of claws and snap of teeth filled the air, Spike spreading his wings and taking flight between his sparring partners. Lava rolled nearby, sending waves of heat that rippled out. He'd been worried Autumn Breeze wouldn't be able to take it after a time, but she moved to support Ember and Smolder unhindered, nearly poking him with a spear. Dragons didn't mess around when it came to training, and if there were wounds or in rare cases casualties, well that was just a sign one was too weak to live!

It was perhaps the ritual he liked least, but there was a certain rush whenever they competed, especially since they always wore the flimsiest costumes, like they were just waiting for him to rip them off. Something he relished, toothily grinning, chasing them down despite the fact that they were swifter and more agile than he, easily able to win between the rocky hilltops.

“What's the matter, Dragon Lord? Can't keep up?” Smolder sailed ahead with a wiggle of her backside.

“Maybe he needs some more encouragement,” teased Ember who darted around him.

“Wait for me,” called Autumn Blaze who was running below while the scenery raced by them.

“Sorry, too bad you can't fly-” Smolder spun when he was atop her. “Hey, no fair!” He chuckled, having taken advantage of the distraction to swoop in, snatching her top and studying her bared orbs which wiggled freely. “Hmph, lucky shot!”

Taking her own opportunity, Ember butted into him, and they crashed atop the side of a volcano, rolling amidst clouds of black smoke. She straddled him, pinning him down, and laughed when he used his tail to undo her top too. “Perv. Not that I blame you. We're all irresistible! So then...” Her smirk fell. “What exactly are Twilight and Sunset up to?”

“A Dragon Lord doesn't need explain himself,” he reminded her, his smile falling too.

“Come on,” said Smolder who flapped her wings, carrying Autumn in her arms bridal-style and touching down. “Be honest, you like those two the best, don't you? We scoured the whole Badlands and couldn't find them-”

“So they must be on some sort of special mission!” Autumn hopped up beside them, flicking her tail about.

“Maybe,” he admittedly rather sheepishly. “I know I agreed to your plan, but...if there are other survivors out there, I can't just let them waste away. Not when I can help them. So I asked those two to make contact on the sly!”

Ember shook her head. “Of course we'll respect the Dragon Lord's decision, but are you sure about this?”

“I think it's a great idea!” Autumn hopped in place. “That'll mean lots of new friends!”

“And more competition,” reminded Smolder who crossed her arms. “That goes for all of us!”

“Yeah, I doubt any stallion could replace a dragon!” He chuckled to himself. “But seriously, I don't care. I have to out what's best for Equestria first, and sure, it's a gamble, but with our combined forces maybe we can finally strike back?”

Admittedly he didn't want to do anything reckless, but they'd been hiding out here for so long, biding their time, and some of them had gotten complacent. Himself included, he'd realized. He didn't want to end up like one of those ancient dragons that grew fat from lazing around on a bed of riches they'd never use. It's why he pushed hard to keep in shape with them. Not to mention the pleasant little games they'd play. Autumn Blaze always made certain they never took things too seriously!

Like now, when she was singing and dancing, shimmying in her scant tied top and bikini-styled bottom. She raised her hands, running them through her curls, the draconic blood running in her allowing her to endure the heat and ash that swarmed around them. As reward for backing him up, he drew the giggling Kirin close, kissing her while their tails touched.

“So saccharine,” said Smolder with an eyeroll. “Well, we'll try it your way, Dragon Lord.”

Ember nodded, and rose back to her clawed feet, a hand resting on her scaly hip. “Let's just hope it works out. We'll probably only have one shot at this. One bad encounter with the Eldritch and this could all be wiped away.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He tried to sound flippant, but knew it was true. “Autumn? I know you're a skilled warrior, but at times like these, well, maybe it's more important to build our numbers, you know? What I'm saying is-”

“You'd like to mate with me next.” She beamed. “Sure, I'd love that!” Without hesitation she undid her top, tossed it aside, and let her breasts bounce loose. She stepped out of her bottoms too, completely unashamed of her nakedness.

Smolder nudged the other dragoness. “Should we sit this one out?”

“Better not. Don't want to fall any further behind,” muttered Ember who realized their new ally outdid them again.

“Kinda regret the whole 'Spike should be our new Dragon Lord's, huh.” Smolder shrugged. “I mean sure, maybe our pride is at stake, but that'll be the least of our troubles if the Eldritch roll around in full-force like before.”

“Hopefully their numbers haven't been replenished, either.” Ember scratched her chin. “Hey, do those weirdos even mate?”

Deciding such questions were unimportant for the moment, the duo undressed to, Autumn already undoing what little Spike wore for sessions that always tended to end the same way. But this time he wouldn't bother with the contraceptive potions he kept tucked in his sack, at least not with the Kirin. From the eager look on her face she was quite ready to be bred!

Taking the lead, she settled onto his crotch, rubbing her nethers upon his sheath to tease out his twins. “I want to try something new! I mean, I'm okay with anal, even rather like it, but maybe if you want to plug that hole today you could use your tail? I want to take both those bad boys inside me,” she explained tracing her wetted slit with careful strokes.

“Er, you sure? One's already pretty comfy. Might not feel too good,” he warned.

“Positive! I'm half-dragon too, I can take it!” She stroked the topmost dragonhood, coaxing it into her like usual, letting it split her open with a soft murmur. Then she gradually started to work the lower one in, and he sighed in bliss, the ridged pink extensions rubbing into each other while they filled her. It was an almost uncomfortable fit, leaving her barely able to move.

She rubbed the bulge distending her stomach, gently squeezing her marehood around him, while he prodded her backdoor with his spaded tail until it slowly sank into her anal ring. Her snout pressed to his in a slow, sensual kiss, arms wrapped around one-another when he sat up to face her. Not to be outdone, Ember and Smolder discarded their coverings, and slunk down beside the pair, taking Blaze's ears into their snouts while they nibbled, licked inside, and suckled on them.

Giggling while they felt her up, Autumn slowly rolled his girths inside her, his palms encircling her buttcheeks. Their tongues interlocked, and his chest contracted, barely able to take how tight she was. “Careful now.”

Would she be able to take both barrels at once when he inevitably let her have it? He didn't even want to consider the consequences if she couldn't! “I'll be fine,” she assured him. “But you're so sweet to worry about me!”

Winking around him, she milked him with her canal, eyes glazed in euphoria and cheeks stained. “Give me your seed, Dragon Lord! I-I know my duty, and it's to bear your offspring, so that Equestria might continue!”

Unable to restrain himself anymore, he lost control, balls swelling and rods throbbing when he loosed a tsunami into her uterus. The force was such that she wailed and climaxed with him, her insides painted when she sprayed buckets-worth all over his musculature, her tummy speedily expanding from his barrage until it looked like she'd been impregnated many times over.

Riding out multiple orgasms, her face warped in stupefied bliss, reduced to putty within his claws. Her mind went blanked, numbed to anything but the joy he inflicted on her, legs kicking and tail twitching when she completely surrendered.

It was too much. She slipped unconscious, smiling in a dopey manner, limp atop him while small streams continued to shoot from her peehole. He smashed her soft form to him, eggs dispensed from her ovaries sloshing in an ocean of his cum. There was no way she wouldn't bear fruit for him after he'd so thoroughly ravaged her sweet garden. “Thanks, Autumn.”

Cradling her while the dragonesses cuddled up to them, his thoughts turned back to Twilight and Sunset. If their mission proved successful, perhaps he'd discover some of his old allies still lived. It was a secret hope he held onto all this time; a faint hope that Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Starlight Glimmer, amongst so many others might still be out there...

An impromptu meeting was called by Fancy Pants once he had the lowdown on their new would-be allies. Everyone was invited to attend, as this could decide all their futures, and they gathered in a spacious cavern, most choosing to stand. “Ahem. Thank you call for coming,” the debonair stallion began. “As you can see, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer survive, as do a number of old friends from what they've told me. Spike wishes to arrange an eventual summit with us in the Badlands.”

As chatter broke out throughout the cave, Sombra stayed away as his eyes pierced through the shadows. Flanked by Inky and Pacific, they were all brooding over the revelation that Twilight Sparkle and, to Sombra's dismay, Spike survived. It was bad enough knowing that he'd once beaten him by a stroke of luck, but now his position was in seriously threatened. No doubt all the mares and allies would flock immediately to his side for being such a great 'friend', let alone potential lover.

Would they honor their desperate bargain with him, exile him, or worse betray and imprison him? He was not about to sit there and find out if they truly were about 'fair-play' so they had claim! So far, the only thing that he took solace in through observation was that Twilight and Shining seemed to be avoiding each other. A hint of bitter sibling rivalry? His mind worked fast in finding all the potential possibilities to exploit.

“Ahem!" Sombra coughed loudly; boldly deciding to risk drawing all attention to himself by strutting forward. “Forgive my intrusion. We're all pleased to hear how...Spike is alive and well. But I have to ask; are the Badlands really a good place to hold a meeting? It's hardly fair ground, seeing as his faction would clearly hold all the negotiating power there.”

“True.” Inky followed close by his side. “And it's the fault of the dragons we lost so many to the Eldritch.”

“Wait a moment,” called Twilight who curled her lip. “That's not remotely true!”

“Isn't it?” Inky crossed her arms under her breasts. “Why, didn't they claim ponies were weak, and rushed off to battle by their lonesome, turning their backs on all the other races? In fact, from the rumors I heard, Ember's father went mad in the heat of battle, turning on his allies and butchering tons of his own kin,” she finished to the gasps of many assembled.

“It's just as she said! Clearly, we cannot trust them,” stated Sombra as he marched before the clustered up mobs. This was a dangerous gamble. It could backfire hard if he wasn't careful. But as he walked higher among the crowd, he was already starting to see the doubts in their eyes. His voice found more strength as he spoke to the superstition and prejudice in their hearts. “What if the whispers being weaved are to be true? That Spike has used the opportunity to seize power as the new Dragon Lord, and turned all his friends and companions into his concubines? And you all call me a tyrant and a madman! If his is indeed more noble than I am, why would feel the need to do this to his own comrades? It would seem even the former Elements of Harmony, who failed Equestria in its most dire hour of need, are little more than raw meat to feed the lust of his loins!” He pointed accusingly at Twilight.

“That's not-” But she shrank before all the eyes upon her, even her brother's who smoldered, desperately wishing she could simply blink away. The crowd was turning ugly, resentful about how abandoned they'd felt, while their supposed saviors were off enjoying themselves. Sunset moved to support her, while she wondered how Sombra knew all this?

It took him a good effort not to smile smugly. Using the stolen potion, he'd spied on the camp with Inky and Pacific a few times; gathering small snippets which included their most recent conversation upon arrival. Fancy attempted to call order, the hackles of Fleur and Inky raised when they fingered their weapons, paranoia rife while they squabbled over who to trust and what would be best for their survival.

Stepping back, Sombra allowed this little drama to play out; impressed by how well Inky handled herself. No matter how this turned out, he'd cast a shadow of doubt upon their alliance; leaving him room to sew the seeds of doubt at his leisure. Why, perhaps he wouldn't need to do anything! Once Inky and Pacific managed to leave the crowd themselves, he pulled his concubines close, planting a kiss on both of their brows.

"Excellent work, my pet!" He praised Inky before placing a bigger kiss to her lips; making the pale pegasus swoon as little hearts could be seen in her eyes. She wrapped her plumage around him, palms placed upon his breastplate.

“You're a real bastard, you know that?” Beatrix said, arms folded under her bust while approaching him with hatred plain on her face.

“You lot don't seem to understand. Everyone will yearn and call for a hero... when a villain has more impact on the story," he stated, his eyes returning the glare. "I would hope your travels through dimensions would make you wise enough to realize that black-and-white morality is what kills. In order to live, you must be cruel. And I'll go down as the cruelest of them all if it means I died fighting with my very last breath!"

“Well said, Sombra" A new voiced echoed in the cave. Both unicorns turned to see Diamond Tiara stroll up to them. “And that's why its so obvious Fancy can't keep order here. Also, I'm not sure about Spike now, so...” She took a deep breath, using the cunning wit and spoiled arrogance her mother blessed her with. “I'll vouch for you...if you'll have me, that is...”

“Mmm~” He pretended to consider; cupping her chin while circling around her like a shark in water. Smart, beautiful, a creature of status and once great wealth before Equestria's current state rendered that almost meaningless. Like Inky, she intuitively sensed he was the most dominant stallion left. No, that wasn't right. He had always been and she couldn't admit it for fear of being shamed by her so-called friends.

But it was a different world now. “Yes, you'll do nicely, Miss Tiara. I can assure you this. Stand with me, and those that would look at you as burden will no longer impose on you. They never respected you and you should never put up with what others think of you. Come.... You're safe with me,” he insisted as he offered her his hand; ignore the daggers being glared at him by Beatrix.

“Welcome to the team,” said Pacific who whistled carefree. “You're such a cutie-pie!”

“Naturally.” Diamond stuck up her nose. With the loss of all her old friends, she'd fallen back on what she knew; scheming and bullying her way to the top. Why should she be shamed for her natural talents? What did it matter if he was the devil? Maybe that was what they needed in this more barbarous age! He'd look after his own, wouldn't he? Especially once he put a foal in her; she'd be a top prize to the conqueror!

Besides, she'd been impressed by his speech, the way he commanded the situation, like her father would've were he still alive. Fancy was too soft. And while Sombra still frightened her some, she was simultaneously drawn to that same darkness, a stud worthy to dominate her. So with no further hesitation, she took his hand.

“I...I failed.” Twilight wept bitter tears. She'd headed back to the surface, the winds howling around her, an occasional skull or set of bones buried under the sand. “Celestia, Luna, I'm sorry.” She stared at the sun and moon transfixed in the sky; constant reminders that they'd all failed and doomed Equestria to its current listless state. “What will we tell Spike...?”

“You did what you could.” Sunset held her. “It's all Sombra's fault.”

“Indeed.” They spun to face Beatrix, who'd sneaked out to shadow them. She waved to Shining Armor and Trixie, who she'd pushed to come along with her. “Come on, don't you have more to say? You came all this way, after all!”

“Hey Twiley. I'm sorry. I was wrong.” He bowed his head. “What I said was shameful. It's just I couldn't stand the idea that you were just being used. Spike was a hero to the Crystal Empire, and I thought he was taking advantage of that, after all you'd done for him. I'm a hypocrite. Cadance, Flurry Heart, my men...they'd all be so disappointed, if they could see me now.”

“I don't think so.” She lifted his head. “Would you consider coming with us?”

“I don't know. I'd like to, but I'm afraid what Sombra'll do in my absence. I mean, maybe I can't stop him, but he'll probably think twice about a few things while I'm around?” He turned to Trixie. “Plus, I won't leave her behind. We, um-”

“We're dating,” explained Trixie with an apologetic grin. “Has Sunset told you all about Beatrix Belladonna?”

“I didn't really have time with all that's happened,” admitted Sunset. She laid out the story quickly as she could, Twilight listening and somewhere between bewilderment and fascination. “That's pretty much the gist of it. Guess there are lots of parallel worlds out there, huh? Kinda like when...you know.” She stopped herself short of mentioning Starlight Glimmer.

“It's okay. Trixie is certain Starlight's still out there,” she announced with renewed hope.

“I hope so, too.” Twilight shared her warm smile. “Will you at least think it over?”

“We should do it,” said Trixie who wrapped an arm around him. “You'll play the spy for us here, won't you hellspawn?”

Belladonna laughed with her. “Sure! I kinda still owe Sombra a favor, anyhow. We did strike a bargain. And maybe I have a little more of Shining Armor in me than I thought, if I'm willing to honor it? Hey, remember that diary you used to have, Sunset? Don't look at me weird; remember, I knew another you in my own world. Anyhow, do you still have it?”

“Yes. It's my most prized possession.” Sunset removed it from her satchel. “I think I see where this is going. Twilight still has hers, too, but we we haven't really needed it until now. You seem trustworthy, so I'll entrust this to you.” She handed hers over.

“Trouble is, will it work for me?” Beatrix stroked Sunset's cutie mark emblazoned on its cover.

“Not sure. You may have to modify it with alchemy, but that's what you had in mind, right? A way to keep in contact over long distances. We can't exactly pop in whenever we wish, not after that stunt Sombra pulled.” Sunset sighed.

“I'll see what I can do,” said Beatrix who cradled the book to her chest. “Thanks!”

“Well, that settles it. We're free to leave,” said Trixie who kissed the Paladin on his cheek.

He colored and chuckled nervously. “Yeah, suppose so. Be careful, Beatrix. I think you can take care of yourself, but don't get in over your head, okay?” Flicking her nose, he headed over to his sister. “I know you'll make your parents proud.”

“I-I will,” assured Belladonna as the old doubts crept in. Heroism didn't come naturally to her, like it did to them. Flurry had always been the kind-hearted one. She waved to them, waiting until they blinked away before her smile fell. Standing alone again, she hugged the diary closer to her, ears twitching while she listened to the desolate, almost serene ambiance.

She turned and started back towards the single place she might be able to squeeze into, and descend back into the tunnels, when a hazy movement amidst the sandstorm caught the corner of her eye. Freezing, she saw the gaunt figures skulking about, flesh so thin she could see the skulls of the Eldritch underneath. “Oh shit!” For a moment she was trapped by indecision.

Had they spotted her? She couldn't risk it; head back home and she'd give away their hideout. And if she opened up a portal to escape? Well, she wasn't so certain she'd be able to easily return to this universe; her powers were still unpredictable. By the time she made her way back years might have passed and she could discover they were all dead.

Committed, she broke into a run. Her fist reached under the cape, tracing over a variety of vials, wishing she'd made more of those vines her version of Sunburst once crafted. Most of these potions weren't for combat. Dust clouds kicked up under her heeled boots when she instead turned to her mother's old tricks, in particular the colorful smoke bombs.

They allowed a sort of short-range teleport, usually used for a swift escape. A little sleight-of-hand would have to do!

However it appeared the Eldritch were out in large numbers, scouring the deserts for any trace of life, certain that survivors must be hidden here somewhere. Their alien voices, cast between their numbers which served as a hive-mind, echoed in her throbbing skull. She could intuitively understand pieces of their conversations. They hunted for the smallest traces of life.

Her lungs burned to suck in more air while she ran-and-ran, heedless and without any real direction, just trying to put all the distance she could between them and Fancy's crew. Under one arm she carried Sunset's diary, her skin soaked in perspiration, hairs sticking to her cheek. And when one neared her, ghost-like in its silence, she threw down the bomb, a many-hued miasma rising around her while she popped up a ways away. She didn't understand how it worked, but refused to question it!

Looking over her shoulder, she'd put some distance between them, and almost breathed a sigh of relief. But she couldn't stop and congratulate herself yet! “Yikes,” she cried when the dirt suddenly gave way below her, sucking her into a pit which quickly closed around her. She toppled downwards, breathing in particles that filled her mouth, nostrils, and costume.

“Ugh.” She landed on her tailbone and rubbed her no doubt bruised behind. “Well,” her voice echoed in the ruins she found herself in. “This is rather embarrassing! I didn't know it was actually possible to get sand in one's vagina!”

Rising, she took a look around. It appeared she'd discovered some sort of buried shrine. One carved from bone, like the Eldritch manufactured, blood lighting up sections of the machinery mixed into the columns and churning. She shivered, feeling unnaturally cold, vulnerable. The eyes and mouths all over her outfit were going berserk, twisting and snapping. Normally she might tell them to settle down, but rather than unnerve her they were almost a comfort, so she didn't feel so alone.

Had her pursuers intentionally lured her here? Perhaps to sacrifice her? She'd seen the way some of their captives had been mutilated, and her stomach turned, the grotesque evidence of their handiwork all-around her in the form of their buildings. She reasoned there must be a small civilization here, but it appeared to be abandoned thus far, her steps echoing in the gloom.

Bloody pools glowed and cast a hellish vermilion shade over her. A low hum vibrated. Finally she came upon what appeared to be an altar, and spotted a ribcage of some humongous beast upon the slab, a naked woman huddled upon it.

“H-hello?” Maybe it was a trap, but she felt compelled to approach the stranger. Gasping, she almost dropped the diary.

The succubus was superbly-shaped, like all her kind, archetypal in her design with lustrous crimson skin, silky black hair that came to her lower back, and slit-like golden eyes. Her fingers and toes were claw-like, the membranes stretched between leathery wings, and her tail was spade-tipped. “Sister? You actually came,” she managed in her sultry voice.

“Impossible.” It had to be a trick of the Eldritch...didn't it? Yet it appeared she was Bellatrix Primadonna, once a wandering demon within the Necronomicon, twisted by the Sombra of her world into her doppelganger until he'd slain her.

Whatever the case was, she couldn't simply abandon her. Cautiously, she wandered closer to the kneeling devil.