-TERRARIA, ANUBIS’S PYRAMID-

The Desert Djinn, or simply Bulk, was currently contending with the trainees before him as he casually flexes his muscles, despite his form, and mocks them all the while.

“Come on, amateurs! Surely you can hit me at least once!” The Djinn says.

“You don’t even have a true form for us to hit in the first place!” Rainbow Dash exclaims in annoyance.

“Exactly!” Bulk Djinn responds. “You think all of your enemies can be hit in the traditional fashion? You think a plain old sword can truly defeat a spirit?”

“Your strongest weapon here is magic,” Comments Silence, watching from the sidelines along with Athena. “Use it.”

Bulk Djinn salutes The Ancient, “Well put, Silence!”

Rarity smirks in response as she charges up her Space Gun and takes aim. However, Bulk Djinn suddenly appears behind her and says:

“Now, now, you don’t think I’m going to LET you hit me, hmmm?” The genie slaps Rarity’s flank, causing her to yelp, “Now move it, marshmallow!”

“Your opponents in the coming calamities will not simply stand there and take it! You must think a move ahead, plan for their next move. Observe. Bulk Djinn, if you would, please start spinning.” Says Silence, trotting onto the field.

Heeding The Ancient’s request, Bulk Djinn spins rapidly as a large spiraling tower of sand threatens to pull everyone, aside from Silence and Athena, into the now-forming maelstrom.

Silence braces himself as he calls out:

“Now start fighting me as if I were a true enemy, Djinn! This shall be training for you as well.”

Positioned at the top of the maelstrom, Bulk crosses his arms and responds:

“A battle with an Ancient? You honor me with combat!” The genie bends the maelstrom to his will as it homes onto Silence.

Silence seems to wait until the very moment that the maelstrom brushes against him before using its’ force to launch himself into the air, delivering a shockingly hard clothesline to the Djinns’ head.

“Use your enemies’ weaknesses against them! And even, in some cases, their strengths.” Silence calls out as he strikes Bulk Djinn.

Down below, various trainees witness this as Rainbow Dash, in particular, says with slight disbelief:

“Why didn’t Djinn just phase through that guy? He’s a genie, isn’t he?”

Silence lands on the ground next to Rainbow, as if having taken a casual fly, turning to her, “Because I used my inherent magic to power my attacks. Weather magic is your strength along with most pegasi. Harness it. Breathe slowly. You must not think of a battle as winning or losing. A battle is not won or lost… It is kill or be killed.”

“Take it from me personally, Rainbow,” Ceeman The Arms dealer comments. “He’s right about that, always assume that every battle can mean your death.”

Vinny The Demolitionist looks at Ceeman with a deadpan expression, “Easy for us to say as pillars. You know what happens when we die, right?”

Ceeman responds with a middle finger, “Point still stands, smartass.”

“Now, Rainbow. Do as I said. In three revolutions around the Djinn, I expect you to be able to at least shoot a single bullet and hit him, understood?” Says Silence, taking off once again and floating in front of the Djinn.

“Shall we resume this battle, my good Ancient?” The Djinn questions.

“We shall, Bulk Djinn.” Silence responds.

Bulk Djinn rushes forth once more as he dissipates into a large sandstorm. Soon after, the entire area becomes absolutely engulfed in the event as a sudden series of movement could be felt throughout the landscape.

The sands begin to shake all around the trainees of Home Town as Applejack, in particular, could sense the vibrations, as did Shroom.

“Hold up, y’all,” Applejack comments while trying to not fall over from the quaking landscape, “There’s somethin’ beneath us… a lot of em’.”

“Well done, Applejack! Did you feel a rush of adrenaline as you sensed that? That was your connection to the earth! That is your strength and your magic!” Shouts Silence from somewhere in the maelstrom.

Shroom places a hand onto the cowmare, “We truffles teach earth pony to become connected with earth, remember? Use truffle teaching.”

Suddenly, the entities responsible for Applejack’s sense’s emerged as four Sand Sharks burst out of the desert and contends with Silence in the maelstrom.

..........

Rarity’s face morphs into realization as she shouts:

“Rainbow, darling! I see what they’re trying to show us!” She lifts her forehoof and spins it around, “Can you try to manipulate this sand storm? Even if it’s a small section of it, can you do it?”

“Well thought, Rarity! That is exactly what Rainbow Dash should be doing in this situation,” Silence says which garners the attention of Rainbow Dash, “Remember, sandstorms, blizzards, and even acid rain can all be controlled by a strong enough weather magic user!”

As this goes on, Ritsu The Zoologist looked towards another Silence fighting the Desert Djinn and the Sand Sharks in the maelstrom, and back to the Silence before them. She places a hand to her head and rubs it while saying internally:

-This cloning stuff messes with me too much.-

..........

Rainbow dash’s ears twitch in response to Silence’s words, “I tried manipulating this world’s weather from time to time,” She looks down in defeat, “But I’m not strong enough...”

“And that is why we are training, Rainbow Dash,” Terralestia comments as Sai Sahan could be seen in the background looking up into the maelstrom created by Djinn. “We’re here to improve our strength, so don’t beat yourself up about it just yet.”

Magius The Wizard steps forth, “Allow me to show you, youngster.” With a simple snap of his finger, Magius causes a pulsing wave of energy to leave his body as the sandstorm all around them appears to coalesce into a single point.

Rainbow Dash’s mouth drops in response as Fluttershy, currently positioned behind the cyan pegasus, feels a strange sensation overtake her. The yellow pegasus suddenly vanishes before their eyes, but before anyone could question it after releasing their reactions, Silence says:

“Fear not. Princess Pinkie has a very special training regime in mind for our shy friend,” He then focuses his gaze on Rainbow Dash, “With pegasi magic, nigh anything is possible. The most expert user I know can quite literally make a thunderstorm appear out of thin air,” The Ancient of Knowledge closes his eyes, then opens them, “That user, Dashie, happens to be Rainbow Factory Dash… yes, I can tell you know her.”

In that very instance, absolute rage overtakes the cyan pegasus as she cries out:

“Why the buck would you associate with that monster?!” Tears start to build up within the pegasus, “Do you even know what she did to Scootaloo?! What I had to watch?!” Her head practically drops to the floor as her tears fall down her cheeks and onto the sand beneath her. “Buck you, Brainiac! And that other me!”

Silence appears in front of Rainbow Dash, tilting her head up with a hoof and looking very serious, “We GrimDarks do not do what you believe as ‘monstrous actions’ of our own will. We are forced to do so, to ensure our own existence. Rainbow Factory Dash may seem monstrous to you now… But were you to meet her, she would apologize for what you were forced to see.”

Rainbow Dash’s head lifts up in a swift fashion, “That monster?! Sorry?! Give me a break! Next time I see her, I’ll kill her myself!”

Applejack places a forehoof onto the enraged cyan pegasus, “R.D, we don’t know enough about what goes on in that there GrimDark,” She lowers her gaze, “Ah’ saw a world where all of ya’ were nothin’ but undead monsters, but I’d never call that zombified version of ya’, well, you.”

“I believe what you saw, Applejack, was a GrimDark set in a variant of the ‘Cough’ universe,” Silence responds before turning his gaze to Rainbow Dash, “What you saw, Dashie, was the Rainbow Factory.”

Overhearing this, Pinkie Pie’s face morphs into sadness and her mane drops before asking:

“W-what about the world I went to?”

Silence turns towards the pink mare, “What you saw, Pinkie Pie… Was a variant of the ‘Cupcakes’ universe. I know of it too well. However… you and your sister are not the same as that entity. Do not worry. Release that doubt from your mind.”

Magius The Wizard clears his throat, “Youngsters, you’re all looking at this the wrong way,” He looks to Rainbow Dash, “Silence isn’t telling you to be anything like that other Rainbow Dash, but to use her strength. Imitate it to your own capabilities.”

“Indeed.” Silence comments. “Though they may be evil in your eyes, they deserve their strength being used for good,” He turns to Athena, “Athena, join Djinn. I will be showing them what I mean.”

With a simple flap of her wings, Athena instantly causes the maelstrom created by Djinn to dissipate in a mere second. This naturally causes everyone’s jaw to drop, aside from Silence and even the Djinn himself, as she comments:

“Weather manipulation is something my seraphs excel at, and as their creator, you can imagine I’m quite good at it,” Athena looks to Rainbow Dash, “In time, even you can improve your skills to the point that even the slightest gesture will give you powerful results.”

Silence nods before turning to all of the trainees present, “Against both of them,” He gestures towards Athena and Djinn with a forehoof, “I will be in a situation many of you will be facing in the future. Overwhelmed in every aspect, from power to numbers.”

Athena nods in response, “You all only got a small taste of what you can consider being bosses who summon their allies to aid them in combat,” The Queen of The Seraphs raises a finger, “For example, what Skeletron and Cthorator did, believe it or not, is nothing compared to what you will face,” She looks towards Djinn, “We will simulate this.”

“Observe, my faithful students,” Silence says with a smirk.

“Wait a second, darlings,” Rarity says with a worried expression, “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Worried for my health, my dear?” Silence questions.

“It’s not that I doubt your strength, heavens no, but Anubis told us that two Ancients can never truly overpower each other,” Rarity said. “You two would be fighting to no end.”

“Ah, but it is not just two Ancients,” Silence responds before pointing a forehoof towards Bulk Djinn, “Bulk Djinn is also here. Nonetheless, your worries are warranted. Do not fear, Ancients train like this quite often. Neither expects to win. I will only be showing you what you may face, and what you may do to stop it.”

Bulk Djinn gives a thumbs up, “This isn’t a contest, remember that noobies. We’re trying to teach you a lesson,” The Djinn floats towards Athena, “So pay attention, scrubs!”

-???-

Cozy Glow was currently slumped against a chair, within a blank realm of darkness with only its epicenter offering up any source of ‘light’, as she says:

“I’m so bored,” She sighs, “We’ve been sitting here for what feels like ages.”

“At least you can walk, Cozy,” Tanner The Doll responds as it was placed on the adjacent seat, “So you really can’t complain all too much.”

Cozy scoffs and waves a hoof dismissively, “Yeah, yeah, he’s just been gone with that blade for an eternity!”

“Five minutes, actually,” Says Zalgo from directly behind Cozy, “Anything else you wish to complain about?”

“Ah! Welcome back, Lord Zalgo!” The filly responds and hops in place, “So, when do we activate those rune thingies?!”

“Patience. Have you heard of it?” Sighs Zalgo, sitting down in the very same chair the filly had just left.

The filly tilts her head, “Patience?” She shrugs, “What can I say? I’m energetic! I am still a filly after all.”

“Yeah, a crazy one…” The Doll comments.

“Correction, you are a puppet I enabled to have a personality,” Zalgo says, appearing to rub his visor as if he had a headache.

The Doll sighs, “So, what happens now? I intend to hold up my side of our bargain, not that I could oppose you as I am.”

Zalgo sighs again, “Terra, oh Terra, when will you visit me, I wonder... “ He mutters, straightening up and looking at The Doll, “I intend to ingest your soul and use it to free Lucifer, Ancient of the Underworld.”

The Doll seemingly ponders on this for a moment, “And what of, well, my current state? You realize that by killing or destroying my current form, you’ll kickstart Nyar’s invasion, right?”

“I am aware. Which is why I will solely use half your soul to release Lucifer. The other half will remain within you until the time I wish Nyarlathotep to be free.”

“Alright then,” The Doll responds with slight hesitation, “I’d be lying if I said that this doesn’t make me feel uneasy. But, then again, my soul’s been thrown around enough as is.”

Zalgo turns his gaze towards the filly, “Cozy, fetch the Murasama, will you? I want to get this over with.”

The filly gives a saluting gesture before running towards the aforementioned blade which was being held up by an invisible force nearby.

“Woah! Be gentle with the teeth, lassy,” Lucifer’s voice echoes from the blade, “Part of me thinks you’re doing that on purpose.”

“Lucifer, might I remind you that there is no way you can manipulate my own puppet,” Zalgo said.

“Wasn’t trying to, Zaggy-ack!” Lucifer suddenly roars out, “Will you stop biting me on purpose you devil spawn!” His voice pauses for a moment, “Wow, that sentence is bloody ironic.”

“Mmmf shutmm upmm.” Cozy responds with the blade held in her muzzle.

“I could get her to bite your hilt. I’m fairly certain that a very precious area is spiritually located there,” Comments Zalgo.

“Just hurry up and get me to your master, pony,” Lucifer says with an irritated tone. “This is awkward enough as is.”

Cozy Glow finally reaches the eldritch as she raises her head and offers the blade to him gleefully.

“Place it on the table, between The Doll and I.” Zalgo comments.

The pegasus filly heeds his request as The Doll remains silent during this time. However, a thought came to him as he asks:

“Could I make a request of you? Before you toss me into my own destruction.”

“You will not be fully destroyed during this process. But nonetheless, speak quickly.” The eldritch responds.

“I understand,” The Doll responds before sighing, “With the remainder of my being, can I spend it with Twilight and the others before we proceed? I’ve taken a liking to them, and I’ve even come up with the perfect name for the next Guide to come. It’s pony-inspired.”

“That will draw too much suspicion,” Zalgo says while clicking his claws together, “I shall, however, allow you to see them under one condition.”

“I will accept any conditions. I just want The Guide to meet them properly.”

“I will allow you to have a shared dream with them, if nothing else. During the duration of this dream, you will not recall anything about this place, nor myself.”

“In other words, I won’t be spending it with them physically, but mentally via these dreams.” The Doll said.

“Unfortunately, were you to truly be with them, I calculate a single convoluted possibility that will not result in them looking for me personally,” Zalgo said before looking upwards, “They are not ready, not yet.”

The Doll ponders on this and remains silent for a moment. Then, he finally responds:

“I accept your condition.”

-TERRARIA, ???-

Fluttershy suddenly appears within a vast meadow as blades of green grass kiss her forehooves where she now stood. The wind blows against her mane and causes it to flutter as the clouds offered some semblance of shade from the sun itself. This was a pleasant change in scenery compared to The Desert Biome as the yellow pegasus comments:

“Oh my, where am I?”

“You were brought here thanks to the actions of myself, and my father, Goddess Fluttershy.” A familiar, but changed voice responds as a series of gelatinous orbs starts to form in front of the pegasus.

These orbs took on two separate colorations, pink and blue, although the pink gelatine orbs also had a purple coloration mixed within them. They begin to combine together in two separate areas as two dome-shaped entities start to grow from the unification. Soon enough, two large slimes with their own crowns placed on the upper portion of their bodies are finally brought into being.

Fluttershy’s eyes shoot wide open, “S-Slime King?!” She shouts in absolute shock before taking in the form of the other entity besides the king of slimes, “Princess Pinkie?! You’re so big now!”

Princess Pinkie chuckles, her voice now sounding far more mature compared to her smaller and former self, as her echoing tone responds:

“I have ascended from a Slime Princess to a Slime Queen,” The Slime Queen then glows with a pink, blue, and purple aura, “I am Queen Pinkie!”

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.