-EQUUS, ???-

A scroll suddenly conjures itself into being as the form of Tzana follows soon after. The mare was currently positioned within a dark room, but of an unknown location. What was most prevalent was the lonely table that was accompanied by two chairs on either side; with a single light source in the form of an alighted candlestick.

Tzana takes a few steps forward before a very familiar voice calls out from the shadows:

“We art pleased to see thou again, Journey Joy.”

“Same here, Princess. Just promise me that I won’t have to respond in old equestrian, alright?” Tzana chuckles, and takes a seat on one side of the table; as Luna takes hers on the adjacent side.

“We trust thou hath more to report?” Luna inquires.

“Yes, Princess, and to give it to you bluntly: Equus is really in the shit now,” Tzana pulls out an alcoholic beverage from the bag that was strapped onto her side, and setting it onto the table before asking: “You thirsty?”

“We art fine, thank thee. We hath a preference for wine, but to each thy own.”

“Suit yourself,” Tzana responds as she pops off the lid of the beverage and takes a sip before putting it down onto the table, “I’ll keep this brief: Ocram has a new base of operations but he didn’t specify where it was. In addition, he’s working for something else entirely, no, someone else.”

This naturally causes the dark alicorn’s eyes to widen in momentary shock as Luna comments:

“Tis discomforting to know that thy fiend is in service to another power. As if our troubles weren’t already bad enough…”

“There’s something else, Princess… it’s what he told me not too long ago that’s got me a bit on edge,” Tzana takes another gulp of her beverage.

“Doth it pertain to Ocram’s master?”

“Yes. Apparently, Ocram’s setting everything up for someone called: Nyarlathotep,” Tzana pauses, hoping to see any reaction from the dark alicorn, “Judging by the silence, I take it you’re unfamiliar with that name?”

Luna nods, but gestures for Tzana to continue as she responds:

“We art not familiar, but please continue without any delay.” Tzana clears her throat, and says:

“Ocram only said that a big change was coming to this world, or a new era. At first, I assumed that it was just him wanting to spread The Corruption worldwide. But now, I can’t shake this feeling that there’s a lot more going on here.”

Silence takes over as the two mares ponder on any and all possible outcomes. Then, Princess Luna comments:

“We hath no choice but to wander in the dark of thy creature’s words, and true intentions. However, we must inquire as to the identity of Ocram’s hidden ally.”

“Ah, I was just getting to that… and trust me, it’s pretty fucked up.”

Luna tilts her head sideways, and inquires:

“What doth thou mean?”

Tzana lifts her alcoholic beverage and slumps down all that remained within before tossing the empty bottle aside; letting loose a loud sound of shattering glass. She then turns her head side to side in absolute disbelief, and says:

“Ocram’s ally, It’s a fucking filly… Cozy Glow.”

-EQUUS, EVERFREE FOREST, THE TREE OF HARMONY-

Within the dark density of The Everfree Forest lies a cave that seemingly, and in terms of appearance, didn’t look like much. In fact, it’d be very easy to simply write it off as just your average cave entrance. However, little did anyone know, this ‘illusion’ was intended by a being who watched over a grand design.

Within the deepest depths of the cave lies a crystalline tree that gleams with a powerful light, which in turn holds a warm presence if one were to simply stand before it. Various symbols were etched onto its form as there was also a ‘humming’ sound that continuously emanates from the tree.

Incidentally, someone was currently standing before the tree. A beautiful pony mare in both shape and appearance, but also very different from any other. Even the appearance of an alicorn was rendered nearly obsolete in comparison to the yellow equine with fairy-like wings, which took on a multicolored coloration. In addition, a pink/purple aura always outlined this entity as her mane not only matched this aura, but also waved in a similar fashion to Princess Celestia, or Princess Luna.

This individual was no other than the mysterious and seemingly divine being known as: Harmony, The Empress Of Light.

The divine entity continues to gaze and admire the tree, her tree, as she comments:

“I can sense a grand change is coming to my beautiful creation. But most unsettling is the fact that even I don’t know if my children can stop this,” Harmony takes a few steps closer and places a forehoof onto the tree, “Ever since that day, when the Element Bearers were thrown into Terraria… my home… I felt a great disturbance.”

Harmony then flaps her wings and starts to hover in the air before vanishing in a beautiful multicolored beam of light.

……….

The rainbow-colored beam of light suddenly reappears as the form of Harmony follows soon after. She was now positioned within what seemed to be Equestria itself, a nearly perfect imitation of the once beautiful and rainbow-themed landscape. Minus a few well-known towns, cities, and the capital itself. Her hooves gently dug into light blue grass, but with some typical greenery mixed in. The trees were no different as they in turn were of multiple colorations. Some were blue, others were yellow, and of course, there was the typical green. However, there was one big difference: This ‘Equestria’ was underground. Much like the underground biomes of Terraria, this biome was also fashioned with a sort of artificial sun.

“I love being here… it’s truly the closest thing I have to back home.” She closes her eyes in peaceful bliss and takes in the underground landscape as she mutters the words:

“The Underground Hallow Biome.”

Harmony’s mane flutters about as she walks along a dirt road and makes her way towards a very particular destination. In the distance, a grand crystalline structure could be seen coming into view. Incidentally, there was also a small town slowly coming into view which seemed to be positioned in front of the crystalline beauty.

As Harmony drew near, a mysterious entity of light with a spherical shape seemed to have taken notice of The Empress, and began to fly swiftly towards her direction. The light of the being was pink in coloration and a pair of fairy wings protrude from the ball of light.

“Ooh, Empress Harmony! Welcome back!” The being of light exclaims in joy. Harmony giggles, before responding in a motherly tone:

“Hello there, Pinkstrix. I trust you and the other Fairies are ‘fairy-ing’ well?” Harmony questions with smirk.

The pink fairy giggles, before saying:

“That was a pretty awful pun, Empress.”

“Oh stop it you,” Harmony responds chucklingly, “Come, walk with me.”

“By your will!” Pinkstrix exclaims as she now accompanies Harmony, as the two began to enter the small town.

……….

All around Harmony, and within the small town, were many different colored fairies. In fact, it looked as if Harmony herself had broken apart a rainbow and gave each color its own sentience. In addition, there were also large equine entities who always kept a stoic expression but also gave Harmony her respects as they bowed before her. As she passes by, many of the fairies call out:

“Hello, Empress!”

“For the glory of Harmony!”

“Blessed be The Hallow Biome.”

“We’ve been keeping everything clean in your absence, Harmony.”

The Empress herself simply smiles lovingly and even waves a forehoof to each and every one of her beloved creations.

“We’re almost there, Empress.” Pinkstrix says joyfully as the duo were drawing near to a large castle made entirely of crystals.

The crystalline structure itself was so grand and large that it put not only Twilight’s castle to shame, but also The Crystal Empire. Guarding the entrance to this grand castle were two unicorns positioned on either side, a stallion and a mare. However, these entities were not only incredibly different from the average unicorn pony, but they also weren't ponies. In essence, they were slightly taller than an alicorn as the mare stood at eight feet tall while the stallion is nine feet tall. This in turn varied from each individual but the average height was seemingly eight feet tall. What was most peculiar about them was the fact that their Cutie Marks were exactly the same thing, and bore a resemblance to Harmony's crest that laid upon her head.

The mare utopian's body is white, as is the stallion's. However, the difference between the two is the color of their manes, tails, and even their horns. The mare utopian's tail and mane are pink while her horn took on a lavender coloration. The stallion utopian's mane and tail is dark blue while his horn took on a golden-yellow coloration. Both individuals are incredibly well built but in a way that was intimidating, and desirable.

The guards bow in unison as they see the approaching form of Harmony.

“Welcome back, Empress of Light.” The mare guard said.

“Hello, Utopians. I trust all is well?” Harmony questions.

“Nothing to report as of yet, Lady Harmony.” The stallion utopian responds.

“Your personal quarters have been kept in fine condition along with those of your daughters, my Empress.” The Utopian on the left comments.

Harmony nods contently and beams a bright smile before walking through the entrance and making her way towards her personal bedchambers. With Pinkstrix resting herself on Harmony’s left shoulder.

-EQUUS, ???-

A lavender colored portal suddenly materializes into being as both Ocram and Cozy Glow exit the anomaly; along with a large, floating, purple orb. Ocram simply remained expressionless, all while Cozy Glow took in their surroundings with a questioning expression.

"Golly, Mr Ocram, where exactly are we? This looks like a cave or something." Cozy Glow comments.

"This is the result of Blueblood's mission some time ago. Also, this is not just some cave... it's soo much more than that." Ocram responds.

"Oooooh, do you mean when he planted those Corrupt Seeds? I'm not gonna lie, I kind of forgotten all about that."

"Indeed. We had intended for many to remain ignorant of this biome's existence," The two continue to make their way through the underground caverns, "Consider yourself lucky, Cozy Glow, for you shall be the first among this world's denizens to bear witness to: The Underground Corruption Biome. Just beneath that wretched empire."

It's here! And yes, I know, it's not as explosive of an opening as the last book was. But let me assure you, this is the calm before the storm.