The morning sun looms over a biome of dense forestation and tangled vegetation not far from Hometown. In fact, this is the same Jungle Biome that Zecora has come to call home.

The sounds of birds and frogs are most apparent, although several other types of entities would broadcast their existence now and again. Some of these are even documented by Ritsu, the Zoologist, as being incredibly dangerous.

But most notably, and located within the biome’s underground counterpart, this is where the past battle with Queen Beezma had transpired. And the struggle to claim the Blade of Grass.

Ever since then, this particular jungle had become calm and quieter, making it all the easier for Zecora and her newfound roommate to concoct a near-limitless variety of potions: Gex, the Witchdoctor.

Within Zecora’s hallowed tree of a home, she, Gex, and their latest guest, Tzana, gather around a cauldron as green liquid bloops and boils within.

“Be sure to add the appropriate dose, Tzana, lest we cause this concoction to start a fire,” The zebra comments. “The last time we tried this with Applejack, she caused a wave that knocked everything back.”

Gex chuckles. “We managed to repair the damage. But the bad juju be summon’n de bad spirits dat day.”

An important note was that Gex had halted his speaking in rhyme following the events of the Underworld’s uprising and the climactic battle with Nyarlathotep. From what rumors in Hometown suggest, both he and Zecora had spoken about his fellow Lihzhards, resulting in the Witchdoctor changing his speaking pattern to being more in tune with his true nature.

Tzana nods and narrows her eyes as the half-utopian carefully plucks off a piece from an insectoid-like carapace before bringing it over-

[ZOOM]

“Hiiiii, everyone!”

“Ah, shit…” Tzana comments, deadpanning. “Afterlife, here we come.”

“Pinkie Pie!” Zecora screams in horror.

“De bad spirits be bring’n da pink juju!” Gex cries out.

The pink mare’s actions had caused Tzana to drop the entire carapace into the cauldron, and the world went into slow motion.

[KABOOMSHK]

The shattered and scorched remains of Zecora’s former home rain down on the local area, and several nearby forms of wildlife flee from the event.

As the dust cloud cleared and a large collection of mud slid off a circular shape, this shape was revealed to be a transparent dome or barrier. The Witch Doctor is erecting the barrier as he stands within the bubble’s epicenter while raising his staff up high.

Gex then nods and brings his staff back down to the earth, causing the bubble to vanish into magic particles, along with several forms of vegetation. All eyes turn blankly to the pink mare, causing her to laugh sheepishly.

“O-oops,” She shrugs. “S-sorry about that, everyone. Ehehe…”

Both Tzana and Gex sighs.

Zecora chuckles, placing a forelimb onto the pink mare’s left shoulder. “Pinkie Pie, please, exercise more caution. Your sudden appearance nearly caused our destruction.”

The pink mare nods, although her mane is notably deflated. “I’m really sorry about your home, Zecora.” Her mane inflates. “Oh! I know; I’ll help you fix it!” She suddenly gasps. “Wait! Wait! Wait! Before I do that, I wanted to let you all know that the others are meeting at Twilight’s Castle later this morning.”

Only in Terraria could such an event be brushed off. But then again, an explosion is nothing compared to what they had all endured so far on their journey.

Tzana raises an eyebrow. “They do know that the ponies back in town hate my guts, right? Not to mention several other species of the Coalition.”

This garners confusion within the pink mare. “Why would anycreature hate you, JoJo?” She inquires with a tilted head.

Pinkie Pie is indeed innocent of mind…

A flashback ensues within Tzana’s mind, her launching several dismembered heads into the army of the Coalition. And that was just one of her actions while serving the Corruption’s hivemind. Tzana’s other actions are considered ‘Classified,’ with only Luna knowing of them.

Granted, the earth pony and utopian hybrid had done so to gain Ocram’s favor while playing the role of a double agent. But the general masses simply could never understand.

She did what needed to be done—nothing more, nothing less.

Tzana looks side to side before forcing a smile. “R-reasons. Yeah.”

---

The town has acted as a respite after many conflicts, even playing as a battlefield for the Goblin Army and Skeletron’s undead invasion. Several other events had also partaken here, yet the small town had always recovered.

All thanks to seven ponies, a zebra, and their Terraria-bound friends and allies.

But following the hellish events of 8 months ago, the town had not only grown larger but melded nicely into the remnants of Ponyville. Even the Everfree Forest could be seen in the distance, and based on its positioning, the Dungeon had been integrated into the chaotic woods and forestation.

Various forms of life from the former Equus and Terraria worked together in harmony, building several establishments and still trying to recover from the most recent world-ending event.

Terraria certainly had no shortages of those, and they all knew that many more would undoubtedly follow. But for now, it was time to rest, mourn, and recover.

Within the town’s epicenter, a large statue depicting one Queen Mi Amore stood proudly and strong as many survivors of the once proud Camelot stopped by to pay their respects.

Many bundles of roses and other respectful foliages are left at the base of the statue, even several heirlooms, and gifts. Some of these gifts even depicted drawings from children with the words ‘Best Queen ever!’ written in crayon and the like.

Among the masses, Linn, Terraria’s Cadence, and Sweetie Bell Gluttonia stood at the base of the statue and the forefront of the gathered crowd. But when it comes to the daughter of Greed, there is one glaring detail:

A large lump is present in her stomach region. And judging by its size, the Gluttonia family member is in the late stages of pregnancy. All the while, both Linn and Cadence support the demi-ancient, their arms at the ready.

The Gluttonia rests a hand on the statue, her other hand caressing her baby bulge. “Not a single day goes by that I don’t miss you, my beloved.” The hand resting on the statue joins the other, both rubbing their pregnant owner’s stomach.

“But… you left me with a gift far greater than any other. Among so many you’ve given me,” Sweetie gently leans her forehead against the statue.

“Goodbye, and… thank you…”

“Even though we come here to see her ever since this statue’s creation, it never gets easier,” Cadence comments, looking upward and meeting the statue’s face. “Mom, I promise to get stronger. I will never allow myself to be weak like that again.”

A flashing memory of Infernon plays out within Cadence’s mind, the demon mocking and taunting the Princess, followed by his execution of Queen Amore.

Those events had always haunted the Princess, especially since she hated one thing above all: she was too weak. It wasn’t even her who got to avenge her mother, but someone else entirely. Of course, she would always be grateful to Tirek and, by extension, Daedalus, for defeating Infernon.

But that made it admittedly worse for the Princess: it should’ve been her…

-I will never allow another demon to stand over me like that ever again.- She said internally. -Never. Again.-

Following her cousin’s upward and determined gaze, Linn places a closed hand over her heart.

“Thank you, aunty. Thank you for taking me in when I lost everything to Yharim…” Her eyes narrow, “And his damned dragon.” She turns to Cadence, noting just how much her cousin had lost ever since that day, just as Linn did many years ago.

“You guys were both my rock when I needed it most.” Linn raises her gaze again back to the statue’s face. “Now, it’s my turn to return the favor. I’ll keep Cadence safe. I promise.” She rubs Sweetie Gluttonia’s stomach.

“And that especially goes for this child.”

After several more moments of silence passed, the trio bid the statue farewell and continued onward.

“Hey, Sweetie?” The Princess inquires from in the lead.

“Yes?”

The Princess suddenly spins around, her face filled with excitement. “So?! Have you come up with a name for my soon-to-be baby sister yet?!”

This caused Gluttonia’s face to go beet red, Linn chuckling.

“Now, now, cousin,” Linn starts. “Let mom think about that when the baby arrives first.”

“M-MOM?!” Sweetie exclaims in shock, her reddened features still present.

Linn shugs. “Cadence and I have been talking, and you pretty much are our second mother. Especially with how much you and my aunt loved each other.”

“Plus, you’re carrying my sister in your womb,” Cadence comments cheerfully, draping a hand around the back of Sweetie’s neck. “If that isn’t proof enough, I don’t know what is. Although you still owe us that story about how you even met my mother, missy.”

The trio shares conjoined laughter. And as Sweetie Gluttonia recovers first, a thought comes to her:

“Well, the thing is, I think I’ve already settled on a name for her.”

This causes a squee from the Princess while Linn questions:

“Well, don’t leave us hanging; what is it?”

Sweetie ponders on it for a moment, followed by a content nod.

“I think I’ll go with… Avarice. Yes, Avarice Amore Gluttonia.”

A moment of silence ensues.

“Aww, boo!” Cadence whines. “That’s a Greed name.” She pouts, garnering laughter from the other two.

“If you don’t like it, then Trrrixie says you can kiss her lord’s shiny, illustrious ass.”

A sudden voice echoes out, and Sweetie Gluttonia instantly recognizes it. A cloud of golden mist manifested before them, causing bystanders to gasp and look on. The mist soon takes on a humanoid-like shape before breaking apart and revealing Terraria’s own version of the showmare.

“Attention, weak and mindless mortals! The grrreat and powerful, Trrrixie, humbly presents his majesty,” She turns sideways as a multicolored and golden anomaly manifests behind her, “King Greed Hoard Gluttonia, the embodiment of one of the Seven Deadly Sins!”

A terrarian man steps out of the portal, his incredible looks and allure causing several female individuals, despite their fear, to blush upon seeing him. His attire screamed royalty yet radiated authority.

“Sweet Terra, it’s Greed!” A male voice cries out in fear, with several more crying out alongside him.

“Charmed,” Greed casually drops in his silky smooth voice. "Also, Trixie, do be more mindful when addressing Amore's child."

Trixie is surprised by this, her gaze turning to Cadence, back to Greed, and to the Princess. "Oh! Trrrixie will be happy to retract her comment."

The nearby crowds had retreated back and away from the Ancient of Greed, but he dismissed them all. He was here for one reason and one reason only. He could honestly care less about their words or thoughts of his being here among them.

He approached Sweetie Gluttonia, and both Linn and Cadence looked on with caution festering in their forms.

“Ladies,” Greed starts with a half-bow, rising again. “Fear not, for I won’t harm anyone here.” He flashes a grin. “This time.”

“Dad, be nice,” Sweetie comments with reddened features. “Y-you promised.”

“That I did, my sweet,” He responds before bringing his pregnant child lovingly into his arms, causing both Linn and Cadence’s mouths to drop in response. Even bystanders are stunned by this event.

"And I would never break a promise to you."

“Thank you for coming, dad,” Sweetie replies, lovingly embracing her father.

“And not escort you personally to my grandchild’s Naming Ceremony? I could never.”

The two break from their embrace as Greed turns to both Linn and Cadence. “Of course, as the relatives of Queen Amore and my soon-to-be grandchild, I offer you two an- hold on a second, please.”

Greed suddenly turns to the legions of bystanders nearby, staring at the commotion.

“WHAT ARE YOU WORTHLESS SACKS OF FLESH STARING AT?!” He roars out, causing the area to shake as his eyes are consumed by multicolored energy. “REMOVE YOURSELVES FROM MY SIGHT, AT ONCE! OR I’LL DESTROY THIS PITIFUL TOWN!”

This caused several townsfolk to retreat while adventurers and guards withdrew their weapons.

Greed simply ignores them all, turning back to Linn and Cadence. "My apologies. Now, I'd like to extend an invitation to you two, as well."

“I think you’ve made your point, Greed,” Comments a male voice, followed by an encroaching sun alicorn. “Please, let us remain peaceful during this time of mourning and, in your family’s case, celebration.”

"Well, well," Greed starts, turning to the alicorn. "It's been a while, Daybringer. Or do you prefer Solaris?"

Next Chapter: Chapter 104 - Take a chance, roll the dice. Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 47 Minutes