-TERRARIA, THE UNDERWORLD LABORATORY-

After being led down various hallways, flights of stairs, and gaining access to multiple doors of the laboratory along the way, Cozy Glow followed her mechanical guide to her destination. Along the way, the filly could see various containment cells were either emptied out or possessed clear signs of breaches as she comments:

“Oh golly, what happened here?” Her guide stops in place and turns around with a series of beeps and boops.

“Dr. Draedon sought to harness the powers of The Murasama, to provide alternate sources of energy. Results seemed promising at first, but the blade unleashed a pulsing wave of energy that morphed the personnel here into various demonic entities.”

The filly jumps back in a fit of shock, “Wait! Does that mean I could be transformed?!”

The drone unit ponders on this inquiry for a moment before seemingly scanning its surrounding by releasing a vertical line of numerations. Similar to what it had done before. With a raised eyebrow, Cozy questions:

“What are you-”

“Scan complete. No demonic waves detected.”

“Uh, alright then,” She then shrugs it off but still remains cautious of this event. She scrunches her muzzle and says internally:

-Hey, um, Lord Zalgo?-

-Speak, Cozy Glow.-

-Did you happen to, I don’t know… give me a way to resist those waves?-

-Unnecessary, considering that this happened several centuries ago.-

Cozy sighs in relief and says externally:

“Ah, then that’s good to hear.”

-I did, however, grant you a weapon to defend yourself against whichever mech this is. For some reason, even I am blinded from gazing upon it.-

“Y-yeah… the little robot told me about some sort of mech unit. I’ll be sure to watch out when we get there.”

“Do you have an inquiry, user?” The drone questions as it overhears the filly’s words, but oblivious to her inner conversation.

“Oh! Uh, don’t worry about it,” Cozy replies, clearing her throat, “Let’s keep going, shall we?”

“Affirmative. Returning to the designated pathway. Please follow me.”

……….

Some time passes by and after turning a corner in the hallway, Cozy Glow’s eyes widen in awe as she gazed upon a large pair of metal doors, but mechanical in nature. However, the size of the doors in question wasn’t what caused her shock, no, it was the evident dent in the doors that gave her a sense of dread. The dent was extended outwards as if something from within the containment was trying to get out of it. With a nervous chuckle, the filly says:

“So... I’m not a gambling pony, but I bet our mech friend was pretty mad.”

The drone turns to the filly once more and beeps before saying:

“Scanning for appropriate files…”

A loading icon was now etched onto the drone’s visor, however, the filly was admittedly getting impatient as this process was taking longer than any of the others. Then, a beep escapes the drone.

“Failure. Unable to download corrupted files. Failure. Failure. Failure.”

Cozy grunts annoyingly, “Ok, I get it. You don’t need to-” Suddenly, electricity starts to escape the drone as a type of countdown activates itself.

“Attention: Please stand at a safe distance.”

“5…”

Cozy’s eyes widen in horror as she turns around and hides behind the corner. The same corner she and her former guide had just come from. The countdown continues during this time:

“2…”

“1…”

A generalized but medium-sized explosion follows soon after as Cozy covers her ears with her forehooves, gritting her teeth. She then peeks around the corner as a series of ash and scorch marks now cover where the drone once stood. Although, the metal doors and the rest of the corridor remained intact, despite the explosion.

“Poor guide-bot… Oh well! I’m here now,” Cozy says nonchalantly as she rounds the corner and approaches the door. Against all odds, and despite the recent explosion, the keypad that was positioned on the left side of the doorframe remained relatively intact as a female mechanical voice says:

“Hello. Please insert your keycard. Be advised: This containment is meant for Class 5 personnel only. Failure to meet requirements will result in the immediate dispense of molten lava.”

A cold sweat adorns the filly’s features as she comments:

“Ehehe, h-here’s m-my card…” She places the identification onto the pad with her left forehoof as a blue outline seemingly scans the card.

“Requirements met. Welcome, site director.”

A gleeful sigh is released from Cozy’s muzzle as the doors let loose a series of steam puffs from the doorframe. In a most peculiar fashion, and due to their damaged state, the doors opened towards the filly rather than retreating into the ceiling in the typical fashion.

“Alright! Now, I can finally- Oh… my… Zalgo…” Cozy Glow’s momentary celebration is cut short as she takes in the form of a large mechanical entity.

The mechanical figure was currently, and seemingly, deactivated as it stood firm just behind the two gravity beams that held aloft her prize: The Murasama. Incidentally, a strange male voice punctures her mind as it originates from the blade and says:

-My, my, what have we here? One of Harmony’s creations graces me with a visit?-

This naturally causes the filly to jolt in shock, but before she could respond with her own words, Zalgo himself says from within:

-Once, perhaps. No longer. Greetings, Ancient of the Underworld.-

The voice emanating from the blade ‘Hums’ in response before saying:

-You don’t sound like that filly, yet, you’re a part of her? Interesting.-

-I am he who waits behind the wall. This filly is a servant of mine.-

Shockingly, what could be made out to be the clasping of hands escapes the blade as the voice responds:

-Fascinating! But, oh dear, where are my non-existent manners?- The voice clears its throat, -You already know my name, but I’ll greet you anyway. I am Lucifer Pit Lord. Now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way… What in my name do you want?-

-Samuel has told me quite a lot about you, Lucifer.- Zalgo responds from within as their conversation continues to take place within Cozy Glow's mind. All the while, Cozy herself continues to stare in awe towards the large mech that still remained in a neutral state.

-Ah! Ol’ Sammy Lammy!- Lucifer exclaims.

-Not that he’s around anymore to speak.- Zalgo responds.

The voice of Lucifer chuckles, -I’m smart enough to deduce that seeing as this filly KNOWS about the blade and my sorry state.-

-Not the filly. Myself. Allow me to visit you in person. We have a few minutes before that mech reactivates.-

A swirl of black emanates from the filly’s eyes and ears. The general area, or the world around them, enters a frozen-like state as Zalgo solidifies directly next to Cozy Glow in his eldritch form. Cozy in turn was now frozen in place as only Lucifer and Zalgo were capable of moving and speaking within this new space.

Within this new realm, Lucifer himself was now standing before the eldritch entity as he seemingly takes on the form of a rather dashing terrarian. His black suit was well fitted, his hair made as if he had just exited a salon. With a vibrant smile, he bows respectfully and says:

“You’re almost as dashing as I am. Nice to meet you.”

“Allow me to explain a fact, Lucifer," Zalgo responds with a raised mechanical claw, "Niceties and compliments do not flatter me.”

Lucifer laughs gleefully, “Aha! Straight down to business, I like it! You’re rather refreshing from these typical terrarians I often deal with.”

“I sense your doubt, Lucifer. You truly believe that your mind-games will work on me, yet a little part of you is unsure. I am not the kind of entity you are used to.”

The Ancient ponders on those words with his right hand to his chin and shrugs, “You’ve got me there. Despite what many may tell you about ‘Big-Bad Luci’, I can actually admit my shortcomings,” He then claps his hands together, “And I must say, you are indeed far too strange for even I to comprehend.”

“I shall get to the point. As you know, Samuel Rodriguez is dead. He was not behaving his part in my games, so I shall be the one to release you from your prison.”

Lucifer raises his brow, “I sense a BUT coming, or a price.”

“You will be free to live how you please, even attempt to tear the Ancient of Entropy and Ancient of Purity apart. Your goals are not my concern.”

Lucifer, for the first time during this conversation, loses his composure as he shouts with bared teeth:

“Those two fuckers are the reason that I-!” He cuts off his own words and seemingly clears his throat before performing breathing exercises, “Pardon the outburst.”

“Lucifer, Dear Luci… Grudges can get you in trouble.” Says the eldritch abomination, waving a tendril nonchalantly.

“Oh, I learned that the hard way. Believe me,” Lucifer then smiles, “However, I do find you to be quite the teacher in a sense. I saw your little interaction with that flesh wall. Cocky bastard thinks he rules MY Underworld? Hah!”

The Old One begins to chuckle, “Oh yes, indeed. He was ‘cocky’, as you called it. But then again, most of the rulers of The Underworld are.”

Lucifer notices the mocking nudge and shrugs, “Yeah, you’re right. I was a cocky dick too back in the day. Still can be, actually.” He says.

“We have approximately three minutes and thirty seconds before the mech activates.”

“Alright, alright, lay it on me,” Lucifer responds with various gestures.

“There will be no deal. You see, Lucifer… I already have control of you.” With a black squelch, the same chessboard from before emerges as Zalgo strokes it softly, placing a single claw on it. “I am sure you recognize this, yes?”

“Ah, yes, good old chess. And judging by that piece, I can see that I’m merely a pawn in this game. That’s very interesting.”

“Yes, indeed. Oh, would you look at that? Oblivion’s child is preparing something against the Jungle Tyrant. How interesting.” Says Zalgo, as if mulling over the board.

Lucifer seemingly takes interest in the board as he comments:

“So that’s the Jungle Tyrant my little demons have been whispering about.”

“Oh, absolutely. Of course, he was just using you and your demons as a pawn, much the same as I am.”

Lucifer clicks his tongue, “YOU are using me, I never actually met this tyrant fellow, seeing as I was locked up even before his birth.”

“Oh, my apologies. Perhaps I should say that he was using your demon’s loyalty against you. After all, he plans on aiding Nyarlathotep to rise in Camelot.”

Lucifer grits his teeth in anger, “Is that giant wall a complete fool?! The Underworld was fashioned to punish souls of the damned! I think I’m getting the gist here,” Lucifer raises a finger, “He gained the demon’s loyalty by giving them the very thing I swore to Terra never to do: To rise up and claim the surface world. Sure, I'm an ass, but there are standards in place for a reason.”

“Very good, Lucifer. Yes, that is exactly how he did so. But in reality… My fellow Old One seeks only to empower himself. As is usual for them.”

Lucifer was admittedly impressed by Zalgo’s intellect. In fact, The Ancient could even admit that it not only dwarfed his own but admittedly, it scared him. With a nervous chuckle, Lucifer comments:

“At first, you had my curiosity. But now, you have my attention. So let’s get down to business, eh? Zaggy. Mind if I call you that?”

“I care not what you call me. Nonetheless. This mech shall immediately activate once I take your current prison from the beams and the world around us returns to normal. Contrary to destroying it, I shall allow it to run free. It will be interesting to observe it.”

“Yes, that’s all fine and dandy, but can we hurry up? Your little friend is about to get her hairy ass kicked,” Lucifer comments as he gestures towards the now activated mech, and the originally restored reality around them, as it takes notice of Cozy Glow’s form. As a result, Lucifer's form also seemingly returns to the blade.

“I shall make note that my calculations were incorrect. Very well.” The Old One says, not missing a beat as a tendril brusquely yanks the blade from the beams. Immediately, a flashing alarm activates, along with a blaring siren. Zalgo reaches out to Cozy and immediately transports them all to safety as the mech activates.

Character inventory/equipment:

Fluttershy: Statigel Armor(pony, equipped), Overloaded Blaster, Eviscerator, Crimslime Staff, Corroslime Staff, Slime Staff, Finch Staff, Snow Flinx Staff, Hornet Staff, Blood Clot Staff, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Healing Potion, Honey Comb(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Slime Mount, Staff Of Necrosteocytes, Purified Jam.

Rainbow Dash: Necro Armor(pony, equipped), Star Cannon, Minishark, Eviscerator, Aquatic Discharge, Bloody Rupture, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Healing Potion, Aero Stone(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Victory Shard, Slime Mount.

Zecora: Crimson Armor(zebra, equipped), Dune Hopper, Sausage Maker, Beenade, Tooth Ball, Aorta, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Various Potions, Rocket Boots(equipped), Honey Comb(equipped), Sand Cloak(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Bloodstained Gloves(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Skeletron Hand.

Starlight Glimmer: Meteor Armor(pony, equipped), Space Gun, Starfury, Vein Burster, Purple Phaseblade, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Mana Potion, Healing Potion, Victory Shard, Rocket Boots(equipped), Aero Stone(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Slime Mount, Book Of Skulls, Skeletron Hand.

Rarity: Meteor Armor(pony, equipped), Space Gun, Hornet Staff, Snow Flinx Staff, Ice Mirror, Blood Clot Staff, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Mana Potion, Rocket Boots(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Slime Mount, Book Of Skulls, Skeletron Hand, Staff Of Necrosteocytes.

Applejack: Crimson Armor(pony, equipped), Vein Burster, Orange Phaseblade, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Rope, Metal Detector, Healing Potion, Rocket Boots(equipped), Honey Comb(equipped), Flurry Boots(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Slime Mount, Bone Glove, Skeletron Hand.

Twilight Sparkle: Meteorite Armor(pony, equipped), Space Gun, Book Of Skulls, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Mana Potion, Ichor, Victory Shards, Aero Stone(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Slime Mount.

Pinkie Pie: Crimson Armor(pony, equipped), Vein Burster, Blue Phaseblade, Bloody Rupture x2, Aorta, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Metal Detector, Rocket Boots(equipped), Honey Comb(equipped), Flurry Boots(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Slime Mount, The Blood Butcherer, Skeletron Hand.