Terraria: Hardmode
Chapter 74: Chapter 74 - Hell's Rising.
Previous Chapter Next Chapter-TERRARIA, CAMELOT: CAKES N’ BAKE-
Various guardsmen and adventurers were currently leaving the restaurant; following the events of the morning’s earlier conflict. Nearly an hour has passed since then, and neither Twilight nor Rainbow Dash had returned.
Soon enough, the doors to the establishment open as Starlight Glimmer, Shadow Thunder, Zecora, Applejack, Echo Silhouette (Still disguised), Tanner the Doll, and Rarity--who was currently floating The Doll in her magical aura--exits the building. Following close behind them were the forms of Callie and Braelor who, in particular, was tending to the well-being of the clone.
“Everything will be ok, Callie,” He said. “I won’t let anyone harm you. I swear upon the halls of Asgard and my honor as a paladin.”
Braelor was currently placing a hand onto the shaking form of the clone as he guided her protectively towards everyone else in front of them. The conflict had triggered painful memories for Callie, the horrible testing and probing by one Dr. Draedon. Callie quivers, as if she were in the Snow Biome, and mutters:
“D-Dr… I’ll l-listen… I p-promise…”
“Shhhh,” Braelor says in an effort to comfort her. “He’s not here to harm you. You’re surrounded by friends, not foes.”
Those who were positioned in front of them turned towards the duo with sympathetic expressions as Rarity comments:
“You poor sweetie… I can’t imagine the horrible things you must’ve endured…”
“For her to be that fearful… by Celestia, Twilight was right,” Starlight said. “I wish there was something we could do to ease her pain.”
“Sadly, there’s not much we can do,” Shadow Thunder comments. “But a good start is to keep doing what we’ve been doing, and show her that we mean her no harm.”
Echo Silhouette nods, “Emotional pain isn’t nearly as easy to remedy as physical ones. Only time and good company will help her.”
Applejack was currently holding her hat against her chest before placing it onto her head.
“Ah’ do have to wonder if Twilight and R.D are doin’ fine, too,” She said, lowering her head afterwards, followed by a sigh, “Please come back to me, Rainbow...”
As if on cue, a resounding ‘Pop’ makes itself known as the forms of the aforementioned ponies manifested with glittering lavender particles. The eyes of the various ponies present were widened in shock before both Rarity and Starlight ran towards the newly arrived alicorn and cyan pegasus.
“Twilight!” Starlight exclaims as she hugs her mentor with her forehooves. She then lowers herself and continues:
“You had us all so worried about you two. Are you both ok?”
“I’m fine, Starlight,” Twilight responds with a smile, but says internally:
-But I don’t know about Rainbow Dash…-
“What were you thinking, Rainbow dear,” Rarity says after having hugged her friend in a similar fashion to Starlight, “I know you had good intentions, but don’t make us get so worried sick, darling.”
“I’m sorry, Rarity,” Rainbow responds with her ears folded against her head.
As this goes on, Echo, Shadow Thunder, and Tanner the Doll--who was now being held by Echo as Rarity seemed to have passed it onto the changeling--watched the reunion nearby. Respecting the group’s long timed friendship. All while Braelor continues to comfort Callie, his efforts seemingly bear fruit as her frightened state loosens a bit.
“Ya’ dang right yer’ sorry,” Applejack said as she approached Rainbow Dash with narrowed features. As the cowmare drew closer, Rarity backs away from the cyan pegasus while saying nervously:
“Now, now, Applejack. Let’s not be too hard on her, d-darling.”
Applejack now stood mere inches away from Rainbow Dash, “Ya’ know what comes next, don't cha?”
Rainbow winces, “I… I know, A.J. You’re going to-mmph!” Rainbow shouts with wide eyes and spread out wings. But the last few words fail to escape her muzzle as it was currently locked with Applejack’s. This results in the two mares kissing in front of everyone as the cyan pegasus melts into the embrace, which also garners nods and various approvals from their friends and allies.
The cowmare gently breaks away, leaving a flustered and mildly confused pegasus who says:
“W-wow, A.J… I thought you would’ve, you know, scolded me more harshly? I mean, the kiss was awesome, of course! But, why?”
Applejack chuckles, “That’s fer’ stickin’ up fer’ me, sugar. Ah’ was mighty worried about ya’, but ah’ ain’t mad at ya’,” She nuzzles her lover, “Ya’ stubborn but loyal mule.”
“Heh, you bet!” Rainbow responds as she bumps her chest with a forehoof, “I’m the awesome Element of Loyalty, after all.” She finishes with a wink.
From within Echo’s grasp, Tanner the Doll chuckles at the scene unfolding before them as he comments:
“Now that all of that craziness is out of the way, let’s go meet Linn and the other adventurers who will be assisting us over by my guild.”
A thought comes to Rarity, “Where’s Fluttershy, darlings?”
Suddenly, a certain pink blur zooms by as Pinkie Pie rests her right forehoof onto Rarity’s right shoulder, “Oh! After she helped me and the Cakes earlier she spotted some sort of strange duck in concrete outside of the window, and flew after it!” The party pony then turns towards Rainbow Dash and Twilight, “I was super duperly worried about you guys! But then aunty Athena came to help you, so I knew everything would work out!”
“Thanks, Pinki- wait a second!” Rainbow Dash shouts in shock. “How in the hay did you know about that?!”
Everyone else present looks towards the cyan pegasus with a deadpan expression, all while Pinkie Pie smiles vibrantly. The pegasus realizes her ‘mistake’ as she places a forehoof onto her head and groans.
“Yeah, yeah, I know… it’s Pinkie Pie. Don’t question it,” She said, which got a few series of laughter from everyone else present, aside from Braelor and Callie. Noticing this, Pinkie Pie stopped laughing as her gaze was fixed onto the clone’s saddened state.
“Not on my watch!” The party pony declares as she zooms towards Callie in a pink blur.
Callie was looking downward in sorrow as Braelor pats her on her back. Then, Pinkie Pie appears alongside Callie and sets a forehoof onto the clone’s right shoulder.
“Ain’t nobody gonna be sad with Pinkie Pie on the prowl! Here, have a cupcake!” She shouts merrily as she pulls the pastry from out of her mane and offers it gleefully to Callie. The clone stares at the offering for a moment and takes it into her grasp, but her saddened expression doesn’t leave her face.
A warm embrace soon follows as Callie was showered with a loving presence. Her eyes were widened in response as Pinkie Pie had brought her into a hug. The party pony pats the clone on the back with a forehoof while singing a lullaby:
“My name is Pinkie Pie, hello, and I am here to say, how you doin?”
She backs away with a certain groove to her steps, all while Callie watches her with interest. Then, she pulls Callie towards her as if inviting her to dance.
“I’m going to make you smile and I will brighten up your daaay!” She spins the clone in place which causes Callie to drop her cupcake, but the pink pony catches it in one smooth motion and offers it once more.
“It doesn’t matter now, if you’re someone else’s clone. You’re Callie, you’re our friend now, and making you happy is what we’re here to do!”
Callie takes the cupcake, but passes it onto Braelor as she’s pulled away once more by Pinkie Pie. The duo starts to dance with Pinkie guiding the clone in the lead, and continues to sing:
“Cause we’re here to make you smile, smile, smile, it’s what we do! It hurts our hearts to see you look so down, yes it does.”
Pinkie brings Callie into another hug, the embrace lightening up the clone’s facial features. All while everyone else present lets the pink mare work her wonders.
“Cause all you really need’s a smile, smile, smile, and join these happy friends of mine.”
The pink mare spins Callie in place as the clone tries to correct herself. However, Pinkie Pie’s mane deflates as she takes on a saddened expression.
“It’s true, some days are dark and lonely… what you’ve been through makes you feel sad; people think you being her clone makes you just as bad,” Her mane inflates once more as a determined expression forms onto Pinkie’s face. She suddenly appears next to Callie, “But with these friends of mine- wait, where is everyone?” She questions with slight dumbfoundment as only Braelor was now present from the group that once stood.
“Oh, they all trusted you to help out with Callie so they moved onto the Order of The Guide,” He said.
Pinkie’s mouth was now hung agape, “Oh, come on! It’s been many chapters since our last musical! And this one has a lot of meaning to it!” She turns away to no one in particular, at least that’s how Braelor and Callie interpreted it.
“I expect a musical later on, Pomp,” The party pony said with an assertive forehoof.
“...Uh, sure thing, Pinkie,” The Author responds, his words only being heard by the pink mare. “Now please start moving towards the Guide’s guildhall. We’ve got a story to progress, my dear. Everyone’s excited for the W.O.F fight.”
“Uh, uh, uh,” She responds with a dismissive forehoof, “You know what you need to do, Pompie. I’ll keep stalling this scene’s progression until you make a certain promise.” She finishes with a wink.
Pomp Neigh the Author sighs, “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
Pinkie Pie giggled, “Okie dokie yokilly! Bye, Pomp!” She shouts while waving her forehoof.
“Who are you talking to, Pinkie?” Braelor questions from nearby as both he and Callie stare at the pink mare with concerning features. “Wait, did you just say someone’s name?”
“Nope!” The mare responds as she hops towards the duo, “Come on, guys, let’s get going!” She grabs onto Callie’s right hand and starts to pull the witch’s clone along, “Everyone will see that you’re a good person, Callie. And your aunty Pinkie Pie will help you do just that.”
She continues to beam a vibrant smile while Callie keeps up with the pony’s pace. Fortunately, the party mare’s efforts had indeed borne fruit as gone away was Callie’s saddened state. A smile began to form itself onto the clone’s face as she strugglingly says:
“A-aunty… P-Pinkie…”
While the clone and party pony venture off, Braelor observes them from a short distance behind with crossed arms. He chuckles in response and comments:
“Your daughter truly is a shining beacon of happiness, Harmony, and Oblivion.”
-TERRARIA, CAMELOT: ORDER OF THE GUIDE-
The roaring sounds of the demons could be heard from below the barrier as The Underworld’s denizens continue to fight against the protective force. A large number of guards and adventurers stood at the ready while Linn oversaw preparations, riding on the back of her faithful steed, Ves.
“I want Rangers to have their weapons drawn!” She shouts. “Check your ammunition and don’t you dare miss a shot! Mages, gather your inner prowess and steel your magical reserves for combat!”
“Where do you want us, Linn?” A familiar voice questions which garners the pink-haired terrarian’s attention.
“Celestia, Sai, it’s good to see you on this beautiful ‘demons knocking at our door’ morning,” She finishes with a wink.
TerraLestia chuckles, “Sai and I are prepared to help them on their mission.”
Sai looks around as if scanning through the masses before turning his gaze towards Linn, “Where are Twilight and the others?”
“They should be arriving any momen-”
“Linn!” The all too familiar voice of Twilight shouts from nearby as both she and the group with her draw ever closer.
In just a few moments, Linn, Ves, TerraLestia, and Sai Sahan were now standing before Twilight, along with everyone else from the Cakes N’ Bake. Barring Pinkie Pie, Braelor, Callie, and Fluttershy.
“Sorry we’re late,” Twilight says sheepishly. “We ran into a bit of a kerfuffle.”
Rainbow Dash rubs the back of her head in response, currently positioned behind the alicorn, but standing beside Applejack.
Linn nods in response while Ves ‘neighs’ and claps her right forehoof against the ground.
“We’re ready to assist you in The Underworld, Twilight,” Sai Sahan comments, donned in his Crimson Armor. “We’ve even called on an old friend to join us on our venture. He was busy when we tried to request his aid during our time in the Crimson Biome, but he should be here, somewhere.”
“I’m hurt, Sai. It almost sounds like you doubted me,” A male voice responds from nearby as three other individuals walked alongside him. This consisted of Celebes, Cleveland the Tax Collector, and Sweetie Gluttonia.
This garners the attention of everyone else present as Twilight and her fellow beings from Equus, not to mention Shadow Thunder, were instantly shocked by the appearance of yet another pony.
“Greetings, everyone!” The pony shouts. “Name’s Arche. I used to travel with these two lovebirds for nearly five years.” He finishes, pointing a forehoof towards Sai and TerraLestia.
“Another pony?” Twilight questions, her fellow Equestrians still in shock. She then ponders on something and asks:
“Is it safe to assume that you’re a half-breed as well?”
Arch tilts his head sideways in response, and blinks twice, “Quite an odd question to ask someone you just met, wouldn’t you say?” He shrugs, “But, yes, my mother is a pony and my father's a terrarian.”
“Is she gone too, darling?” Rarity questions, but the cadence of her voice instantly causes Arch to rear back in disgust while shouting:
“What are YOU doing here, witch?!”
“Excuse me?!” Rarity responds, feeling both angered and hurt by his statement. “I happen to be a-“
“Bitch!” Arche interjects. “You’re a selfish bitch who doubles as a conniving; backstabbing worm in disguise!”
While some among those present began to facepalm and groan in annoyance, Applejack and Rainbow Dash naturally came to the white unicorn’s defense.
“Who the hay do you think you are, pal?!” The cyan Pegasus shouts with flared wings.
“Ah’ve got the mind to run mah hoof clear across yer’ muzzle, ya dang varmint!” The cowmare threatened.
“ENOUGH!” A booming voice interjects as everyone present turns, shockingly, towards Echo Silhouette. Or more specifically what the disguised changeling held within his arms: Tanner The Doll.
“I will not allow foolish misunderstandings to brew resentment among us!” He exclaimed. “Arche, this is NOT the Rarity you’re all too familiar with. And as for you two ponies, you will not instigate this any further!”
“He started it!” Rainbow Dash shouts, pointing her left forehoof towards Arche. All while both Rarity and Applejack stare daggers towards the stallion.
“Well, I’m finishing it!” The Doll responds. However, the other nearby adventurers and various members of the Guild instantly recognized this voice as some among them comment:
“Wait, that’s Tanner’s voice!”
“The real Tanner has returned!”
“The Queen told us all about what happened!”
“That demon turned you into a doll? Feels bad, man…”
As they continue to speak their minds on The Guide’s current condition, Tanner clears his throat, interjects, and says:
“I know that the Voodoo Demon has caused a lot of distrust for the station of The Guide. And while I’m grateful for her majesty clearing my name here in Camelot… Not everyone else in the world knows about this fact.”
His words echoed with authority, causing all in attendance to heed his statement. The Doll continues:
“The world is free to hate me for all that’s happened, even blame me, but everyone must not aim that hatred towards each other. Not now, especially since the real threat is literally a mere magic barrier away!”
The barrier covering the Hellevator sizzles as the various attacks of the demons continue to strike against it, but to no avail.
“It would be foolish of me to ask everyone to forgive, but at the very least, can we not stow away our hatred, even just for a time, to combat a greater threat?”
Whispers and conversations played out before The Doll, but among the masses was yet another small group who finally arrived from the Cakes N’ Bake: Pinkie Pie, Braelor, and Callie. The Witch’s clone was currently in the lead, making her way through the crowd with both Pinkie Pie--who was hopping merrily--and Braelor.
Seeing Callie, The Doll continues:
“This morning, an event took place that was the perfect example of my words. I am well aware of Calamitas’s actions here in the Capitol when her magic comprised clone threatened you all.”
Callie, Pinkie Pie, and Braelor were now standing alongside Echo Silhouette. Tanner The Doll is still being held within the disguised changeling’s grasp.
“This young woman is Callie. I saw how some of you looked at her when she walked among you, and she was the target of the incident that took place earlier. Even though the royal family made it clear that this girl is innocent, some among you still shunned her. So I ask you now, all of you… what is it that you see?”
The masses begin to converse amongst themselves. Some are still unconvinced but others start to take in The Doll’s words.
“Sweetie Gluttonia,” The Doll said. “Please come forth.”
The demi-ancient walks away from Celebes, Cleveland, and Arche as she soon stood next to Callie.
“I also know about how you all mistreated Sweetie Belle Gluttonia. Well, let me tell you right here and now: both of these women will fight alongside you in this war!”
Surprised gasps and shocked expressions are garnered in response.
“That’s right! They will fight to help defend Camelot should our plan in The Underworld fall short! These women, despite every insult and mistreatment you’ve given them, they still put that all aside just to defend this kingdom. They know what’s at stake and have pushed aside any shred of anger they might have just to help you. If they can do it, what’s YOUR excuse?!”
The ponies of Equus, Zecora, Shadow Thunder, and Linn stand alongside Callie, Sweetie Gluttonia, Braelor, and Pinkie Pie.
Twilight extends her wings, “Callie is nothing but a kind and gentle soul. The circumstances of her birth were unfair to her, but even still, she’s one of the sweetest beings I’ve ever met.”
“Speaking of ‘Sweetest’,” Linn comments as she places her right arm around Sweetie Gluttonia’s shoulders, “This here demi-ancient is good in my book! Who gives a damn if she’s Greed’s daughter? It’s because of her actions, along with those who aided her, that the Jungle Tyrant, Yharim, will not be destroying Camelot along with the demons.”
These words naturally surprised, shocked, and horrified the gathering before them. Hearing of the Jungle Tyrant’s plan to invade Camelot even during the coming conflict sent ripples throughout the hearts of many who were present.
During this time, Linn leans into Sweetie Gluttonia and whispered:
“I’ll say this once: I approve of you and my aunt, but if you break her heart, I’ll break you. Simple as that.”
Sweetie’s face turns a vibrant red, “I understand. You have nothing to fear for I’d sooner kill myself than allow that to ever happen.”
Linn pats the demi-ancient on her back, “Sounds good. I’m glad we had this talk.”
……….
“So what do you say, adventurers?! No, protectors of Terraria?!” The Doll shouts. “They’re ready to fight for Camelot, for our world! Are you?!”
A momentary silence overtakes everyone else present, that is until a series of clapping hands builds up in response. It started from a single adventurer to a gathering of guards, followed soon by everyone else in attendance as cheering and warcries accompanied the gestures.
Sweetie Gluttonia smiled at the acceptance while Callie felt a strange sensation rising in her chest. It was admittedly unknown to the clone, but she soon felt something building up around her eyes which caused her vision to blur. Liquid began to leak down her features as she, for the first time ever, shed her very first tears. Callie fell onto her knees as a series of sobbing overtakes her which causes Linn to place a hand onto the weeping clone’s form, saying:
“Those aren’t tears of sadness, Callie. Trust me, sensing emotions is my family’s specialty.”
A pink blur zooms into Callie as Pinkie Pie appears soon after, wrapping her forehooves around the clone; shouting:
“See?! I told you all you needed was a smile! You’re so happy, you’re crying!”
A series of laughter escapes from those present, all while the large crowd continues to celebrate and stand unified against the coming scourge. Hope, acceptance, forgiveness, and for a certain clone, happiness, continues to grow within Camelot.
However, deep down and within the cursed-fiery void of lava and brimstone, The Underworld, a malicious plot was underway as an ancient evil would soon shatter Camelot’s ray of hope. Along with the rest of Terraria.
-TERRARIA, THE UNDERWORLD-
A large collective of demons and all manner of hellish monstrosities were gathered before a large wall of flesh, its number of eyes and mouths chaotically placed all over the entity. Its many tendrils, some with gnashing jaws placed at their edges, wiggled and writhed as the echoing tone of Legion, or Nyarlathotep, says:
“Those fools do not truly comprehend what shall soon transpire. They think this is a simple invasion, but it is so much more than that.”
The creatures before the Wall of Flesh roar out as bloodlust and sinful desires overtake them.
“We were visited by one of our own kind, an Outer God, and have learned much since then. We have been scheming from behind the scenes, and now our time has come. The Ancients are occupied thanks to the GrimDarks, Yharim is out of the fray, and Camelot’s greatest defense will soon falter. And best of all, the world of Equus shall mark the beginning of the end!”
Suddenly, a large demon began to approach and break off from the demonic hoard as its hulking form caused the local landscape to quake with every step. A pair of long horns protruded from its head, although one was noticeably snapped in half, as the red-skinned entity’s hooves caused indents onto the obsidian foundation.
In addition, another demonic presence makes itself known via a pillar of flames. But unlike the hulking form of the last, this demon was practically malnourished as it was almost nothing but skin and bones. Said skin took on a gray coloration while its skeletal head was crimson red, as were the unnatural appendages it used as ‘wings’.
“Ah, our demon generals,” The Wall of Flesh comments. “The Voodoo Demon has paved the way, and now it is your turn to finish what he started,” The large multitudes of eyes of the flesh abomination fixates onto the skinnier entity, “Samael, is everything prepared in Camelot?”
“Nyehahah! The royal family has no clue as to my true identity!” Samael responds with near delirium. “Even more is that they have no idea their beloved subjects are actually being transported here, TO HELL!!!”
Nyarlathotep chuckles, “Their so-called ‘evacuation’ of Camelot’s people is the key to increasing my prowess. Every soul I’ve devoured from those you’ve brought me increases my abilities. I shall soon regain my true form, Nyarlathotep shall rise again!”
“Speaking of, my liege,” The hulking demon comments. “The next batch of morsels are ready to be devoured.”
“Bring them at once, Infernon,” The Wall responds, and moments after, the horde of demons began to part as an incredibly large cage was being pulled by two entities that looked akin to hell hounds.
Infernon laughs, “They’re already here, great one.”
The horrified screams of men, women, and even children were let loose from the cage as it turns out… these were citizens from Camelot. Even adventurers and guardsmen were among the captives as they were all pulled ever closer to the Wall of Flesh.
A single tendril of Legion wraps itself onto the top portion or roof of the cage before tearing it off completely. Like someone had removed the covering of canned food. Then, a horrifying scenario plays out as the near endless numbers of mouthed tentacles enter the cage and feast upon the banquet. Blood splattered seconds after as the sound of cracking bones echoes out, even managing to overpower the roars of the demons who watched gleefully. All accompanied by the painful groaning, screaming, and pleading of the poor victims.
Its meal finally finished, and its ‘plate’ now empty, the Wall of Flesh roars out as a series of red energy captures the newly released souls of those the flesh abomination had just massacred. The souls of the victims continued to scream just as they did in life as the many mouths of Nyarlathotep sucked them all up, in addition to the mouths positioned at the ends of many tendrils.
Once the process is complete, The Wall roars out once again as a powerful pressure exerts itself. The fleshy menace’s time was upon it, as was that of the demon horde as Legion, Nyarlathotep, or the Wall of Flesh shouts:
“Infernon, Samael, go forth! Tear off the seals that hold back our forces and begin our assault! Let the world be bathed in crimson!”
-TERRARIA, NEXUS: ???-
A large cavern was located even below the underground settlement of NEXUS. Pools of lava were present, as was the form of a large entity covered in red scales. A deep humming sound escapes from the slumbering, draconian figure which was also serpentine.
“Snow...” The draconian comments with a deep voice that radiates wisdom and power. “Come to me, my old friend… let us speak.”
-Akuma...?- Snow responds via a mind link between the two beings, -I was not expecting you to awaken so soon. We’re in the middle of Leinfor’s memorial service. What’s going on?-
“Ready NEXUS for battle… the time has come, The Underworld is beginning to rise. I shall explain further when you get here.”