-TERRARIA, CAMELOT: RARITY’S CAMELOT BOUTIQUE-

The sun dipped over the horizon as its golden-orange rays slowly dissipate; making way for the coming moon, and the blanket of nightfall.

A terrarian male of elderly age was currently making his way towards Ter-Rarity’s boutique. His footsteps echoed against the marble-stone paved streets of Camelot as he held himself up with a cane. A brown cloak was worn, its hood unequipped, and a well-kept Top Hat sat comfortably on his head.

The man was currently standing before the boutique, which was currently closed, but after looking around to see if the coast was clear, the old man phased through the doors of the establishment.

“Lady Rarity?” The old man says while looking around the darkened establishment, its lights all currently turned off.

“Back here, Tax Collector~!” Ter-Rarity’s voice echoes from the back of the establishment, rolling his name with her tongue.

……….

The Tax Collector soon found himself in the back of the establishment, standing before a closed door. He raises his right hand and knocks on the door while saying:

“It’s Cleveland, ma’a-”

“Of course I know it’s you, Tax Collector,” Ter-Rarity responds with a slightly annoyed tone. “I could sense your presence even long before you entered Camelot,” The commotion of moving water could be heard from within, “Come in.”

Cleveland opens the door as the lights within shine upon him but immediately diverts his eyes as it’s revealed to be a beautiful, golden bathing room. Ter-Rarity was in the process of a hot bath, sitting in a tub, as the steam from her activity covers the mirrors.

The Tax Collector clears his throat while still looking away, “Pardon me, ma’am.”

She rolls her eyes, “Manners? Such a mortal concern. Why I know some of The Ancients who walk around ass naked, Lucifer being one of them,” She then raises her right hand from beneath the bathwater, “But fine, have it your way.”

Ter-Rarity snaps her fingers as the bathwater turns into a tub filled completely with Platinum Coins, “Better?” She questions.

Cleveland turns back to her, “It certainly helps, and I appreciat-”

“Cut the brown-nosing and get to it, Cleveland,” Ter-Rarity interjects.

The Tax Collector shudders at her tone, and clears his throat, “I have collected the debts from those who formed a bargain with you, your sister, and your father. And added them to his hoard.”

Ter-Rarity chuckles, “Mortals always ask for the same things, for any price,” She raises a series of fingers while saying: “Power, wealth, adultery, all beautiful sources for greed,” She laughs with a hand covering her mouth, “No pun intended there.”

Cleveland suddenly looks sideways with obvious concern on his features. Then, he stutters:

“D-does this repay my… d-debt? C-can I join my brothers?”

Ter-Rarity raises an eyebrow, “This again? You already know what my answer is, Cleveland.”

A face of desperation adorns his features, “Please… I haven’t seen my brothers Lucan The Merchant, and Lamar The Traveling Merchant, ever since we were much younger...”

“And who’s fault is that? Mister ‘former tortured soul’,” Ter-Rarity emphasizes by forming quotations with her fingers, “When I plucked you from The Underworld and dashed you with Purification Powder, a fate you yourself brought upon you, by the way, you took up the mantle of the Tax Collector per our agreement.”

“I… I know…” He responds with a regretful tone. “But please, mistress, let me at least-”

“If I have to hear this from you any longer, I’ve got the mind to pay BOTH of your brothers a little visit,” She responds before placing a hand to her chin in thought, “Actually, maybe having three Tax Collectors wouldn’t be so-”

“No! Please, mistress!” Cleveland exclaims as he falls down onto his knees and performs a prayerful gesture, “I’ll stop! Please, just let them be!”

Ter-Rarity grunts in disgust, “I only like to hear STRONG men beg, Cleveland,” She leans her head back against the tub, and snaps her fingers once again as hot water replaces the Platinum Coins, “I’m in a generous mood right now, ever since that unicorn pony ‘paid’ me with information,” She giggles, then side glances to the Tax Collector, “A daughter of Greed being generous. Ironic, I know. You may go now, but remember that I’m always watching you, darling.”

The Tax Collector could only nod in response as he turned around and headed back towards the door. As he did so, Ter-Rarity comments one final thing:

“And I’m watching your brothers, too. Always.”

As the door closes behind Cleveland, who exits the room, Ter-Rarity ponders on something as she says:

“While we’re on the subject of family, perhaps I should check on my traitorous son someday,” Ter-Rarity sighs with a hint of sadness before saying:

“You continue to act ignorant of who that ‘other me’ truly is in this world. But you can’t avoid your mother forever, Steven… The Clothier.”

……….

The Tax Collector exits the boutique with a slumped posture, a series of tears threatening to stroll down his cheeks, as he says:

“I was such a fool… my past actions have put me in this predicament,” Cleveland rubs his eyes, “Lucan… Lamar… forgive me, dear brothers.”

-TERRARIA, CAMELOT-

Shadow Thunder was currently standing outside of a fancy restaurant. Many other individuals, groups, and couples were entering the establishment which was incidentally named: The Cakes Bake N’ Grill.

The dark pegasus was donned in a well-fitted, well-made black tuxedo which was designed specifically for ponies.

“Thank Harmony that Rarity and Steven made this for me.” Shadow Thunder comments, although he was beginning to get nervous, “I hope she’s ok. Our reservation kicks in, in about five min-”

“Sorry I’m late, Shadow Thunder~” A familiar; feminine voice comments with a small hint of flattery from behind the pegasus.

Shadow Thunder sighs in content, and chuckles as he turns around, “Ah, you were starting to worry me, beautif-uuuuuuuuu…” He drags his words after turning around completely.

The dark pegasus’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped as he gazed upon the form of Starlight Glimmer. She was donned in her beautiful dress and her mane was still styled beautifully after leaving Ter-Rarity’s boutique.

Shadow Thunder imitates a goldfish, which causes Starlight to giggle, “I guess I dressed to impress, huh?” She questions teasingly.

“A-bab-hum-mama…” He responds strugglingly.

Starlight laughs lightly, and walks past the pegasus but stops before him. She brushes her tail across his stunned face as her perfumed scent of a mixture of tropical fruit fills his nostrils.

“We’re going to be late, handsome~,” She says while looking over her shoulder, and trots gleefully into the restaurant.

Shadow Thunder was still dazed, but finally shakes his head and recovers his composure, “Come on Shadow! Get it together!” He shouts, trotting after his date.

……….

Both Starlight and Shadow Thunder were now positioned before the check-in desk as a well-dressed terrarian with a mustache stands behind a podium. He spots them, bows respectfully, and says:

“Good evening, sir, madam,” He looks at the list that sat on the podium, “I presume you are our pony couple that will be dining in our lovely establishment? A mister Shadow Thunder, and miss Starlight Glimmer?”

“That’s us, sir,” Shadow thunder responds with a nod.

“I really like this place, it’s beautiful,” Starlight said with a smile.

“Excellent!” The terrarian said before gesturing to them, “Right this way. Please, follow me.”

……….

As the mustached terrarian leads them to their respective table, both Starlight and Shadow Thunder could hear the conversations of the other customers. Laughter, cheering, and even some flattery could be heard throughout the establishment. However, an individual nearly walks into them. A dashing terrarian wearing a black tuxedo.

“Ah, pardon me, mates,” He said as he stops himself, but he suddenly lifts an eyebrow, “Bloody hell... you’re ponies?”

“Yeah…” Starlight responds. “We get that a lot.”

Shadow Thunder narrows his eyes at the terrarian, and says internally:

-This guy… he seems so familiar…-

“Excuse us, sir,” The mustached terrarian said. “But I must escort our lovely couple to their stall. Pardon my abruptness.”

The well-groomed terrarian stares at the two ponies for a moment before turning back to the man from the check-in podium. He bows respectfully and says:

“Of course! Enjoy your night, mates and lasses.”

Starlight, Shadow Thunder, and the mustached terrarian walk past him. As they walked away, he glances over his shoulder and says internally:

-First few hours out of that blade, and I already run into two of Harmony’s bloody creations. Easy, Luci, you’re here to have a good time.-

He then looks forth and walks towards another section of the restaurant; taking a seat at his stall. A red-haired waitress attends him moments after and says:

“Sorry for being late, I just clocked in.”

“No problem, love,” He responds with a shrug, “Just got here, actually.”

She nods in response and looks down to her clipboard, “You’re a mister... Lucifer, correct?”

“That I am, lass,” Lucifer Pit Lord responds with a smile.

“Perfect! Your date, Miss. Rarity Glutonia will be with you in a moment.” She responds, bowing respectfully and walking away afterward.

On cue, the exquisite form of Ter-Rarity approaches and joins Lucifer in their shared booth.

The released Ancient clicks his tongue, “Sexy as always, babe~”

She rolls her eyes, “We’re here for business, darling. Not intercourse.”

Lucifer chuckles, “You say that like there’s a difference, love. Need I remind you how Steven was born? Where is that bloody boy, anyway? Why’s he not here to meet ‘is old man?”

Ter-Rarity ‘hmms’, and places her arms onto the table before saying:

“Now then, Luci.”

“Bugger me, that sounds bloody hot when you say it~” Lucifer comments flirtatiously.

She ignores him, and sets her chin on the back of her fingers, “About our ‘goody goody two shoes’ son...”

……….

Both Starlight and Shadow Thunder were currently laughing at their booth, a fine and expensive one at that. It was clearly fashioned for the ‘upper class’ as everything about it from the table to the red cushions they sat on simply screamed: I’m expensive.

“I can’t believe you managed to get this in such a short time, Shadow,” Starlight comments while sitting across the dark pegasus, on the adjacent side of the table.

“The Cakes desperately needed some Moonglow for their recipe, once. So I took it upon myself to get some for them,” He leans closer and places a forehoof next to his muzzle, “Don’t tell anyone, but I, uh, ‘bought’ some from Gex…”

Starlight chuckles, “You sly stallion.”

The dark pegasus shrugs, “To be fair, it went to a good cause. In the end, they offered to give me a favor, and I cashed in on it.”

They share a laugh together afterward.

“So tell me more about Our Town,” Shadow Thunder comments after their laughter stops.

Starlight sighs to reminisce, “Ah, the ponies of Our Town kept things going, and they did a fine job at it, too. All kinds of events, parties, meetings, it’s now no different than your average small town really.”

The stallion nods, “And this was after the whole ‘Queen Chrysalis’ fiasco?”

“Ooooh, yeah. Let me tell ya, she was a pretty tough enemy to fight back then,” Starlight answers, then smirks, “But now? I could floor her so hard that even King Thorax could feel it, via their hivemind.”

The pegasus laughs, then recovers, “You’re a dangerous mare, you know that?”

Starlight covers her muzzle with a forehoof, and giggles, “What can I say? A Glimmer-”

“Dinner is served!” Their waiter says with a respectful bow as a large assortment of food, specifically a herbivorous diet, was placed before them. Salads, slices of bread, fruits, and vegetables, all of which were neatly organized on fine silverware.

……….

Some time goes by as Starlight and Shadow Thunder enjoyed their meal but were now conversing about Anubis’s Pyramid.

“And that’s why myself, Tori, and Linn couldn’t tell your other friends about your well-being,” Shadow Thunder says. “If they knew you two, including Zecora, were all here, they’d drop their training and come running.”

A blush was present on the unicorn’s face, “I’m flattered. So that’s what Linn meant by you all training to save us. When we first woke up behind The Guild.”

Shadow Thunder nods, “Linn is probably telling Twilight the exact same thing back in the dorms Queen Amore provided for us all.”

“Thank you all so much for doing that,” Starlight responds, her blush still present, “It means so much to me to know how much you all care. Truly.”

The dark pegasus smiles, but suddenly looks down in regret, “I’m sorry Starlight.”

This confuses the unicorn, “For what?” She questions.

“I wasn’t able to defend you back in Home Town when you were captured,” He then grits his teeth with a small sense of anger, “A giant demon was summoned by Tanner, and he… He gloated about how much he tortured you…”

Starlight’s ears folded against her head, “Shadow… don’t blame you-”

“I wasn’t strong enough to protect you,” He interjects. “My failure caused you to be harmed… I was so angry when that demonic rune took you, I transformed, and nearly destroyed Home Town.”

Starlight stares at him for a moment and gets off of her side of the table. She walks beside him and turns his head with her forehoof. The two lock eyes as Starlight says sternly:

“Don’t you dare do that to yourself, understand?”

“But, I-” His words was cut off as the unicorn pulled him into a kiss. She breaks away gently and sets a series of gold coins on their table. Starlight then fires up her horn and teleports them both away.

……….

Both Starlight and Shadow Thunder reappear within a room which, incidentally, was the same one provided by Queen Amore. Starlight’s own room within Camelot Castle.

With a confused expression, Shadow Thunder questions:

“Starlight? What’s going on here?”

“I’m showing you how wrong you are for blaming yourself, and how I could never be mad at the stallion who saved me.” She responds as both her dress and his tuxedo vanishes after she fires up her horn. “Get on the bed.”

“W-what?” He questions with wide eyes.

The mare walks closer and nuzzles herself beneath his lower jaw. She then meets his eyes--and flustered face--once more, with a very particular fire in her eyes.

“I said: Get on the bed. Now~”

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.