-TERRARIA, CAMELOT: CASTLE THRONE ROOM-

A powerful beam of magical energy blasts its’ way through the roof of the castle as Infernon, still disguised as Royal Advisor Neighsay, dodges Queen Amore’s attack. Said queen is currently in her unicorn form as her horn is now sizzling with light-lavender sparklets.

Both Terraria’s versions of Tirek and Cadence stand alongside the unicorn. All while the newly released unison of Skeletron and Toxin floats just above them.

“Lousy aim, your highness!” The disguised demon mocks while in mid-air. “What are you even shooting at - GRAUGH!”

A sizeable skeletal fist covered by Toxin’s alien flesh slams itself onto ‘Neighsay’ moments afterward, causing the being to crash forcefully onto the floor. And they are now buried under the resulting rubble. The appendage repeatedly beats the demon further into the floor, enlarging the crater with every strike.

“Arrogance is key to one’s downfall, fool,” Skeletron comments, lifting his arm after striking the disguised demon - who now lays within the resulting crater as rubble starts to roll onto him.

“Pot, meet Kettle…” Toxin responds from within their unified form.

“Shut up, Toxin,” The skeletal entity responds.

Rumbling sounds emit from the rubble, followed by a loud grunt as ‘Neighsay’ forces the shattered objects off him, sending various remains of the former foundation flying into multiple directions. The action causes Queen Amore to create a dark-pink barrier in response while both Tirek and Cadence prepare for combat. Their skeletal/alien ally bats away the coming projectiles with an arm by swiping sideways.

“Commendable teamwork,” ‘Neighsay says as he dusts himself off, but Amore couldn’t help but feel as if the disguised demon wasn’t even taking this seriously. He chuckles, “But let’s be honest here. Do you all honestly believe that I’m going all out? Please, none of you are worthy of my true strength.”

“It’s been quite a while, Infernon,” Skeletron starts. “Say, are you still brown-nosing that Wall of Flesh?”

“Ah, Grogar… you look pathetic. How the mighty have fallen. So, what, you’re just someone’s summoned pet now?”

“Various circumstances - which involved Yharim, mind you - have caused me to… adapt,” A grey aura surrounds the unison of symbiote and skeletal appendages. “But make no mistake, filth, I am still Skeletron, Undead Scourge of The North! Grogar, Tyrant of Jotunheim! And last but not least, the wrecker of your shit!”

Toxin elongates themself from Skeletron’s skull, “I never had a demon to feast on before. Eyes, lungs, pancreas, so many snacks, so little time.”

“And what exactly is that thing?” ‘Neighsay’ inquires. “Whatever it is, it certainly changed your appearance.”

“He’s a parasite from space.”
“Parasite?! Apologize right now, bonehead!”
“No.”

A ball of fire garners their attention as ‘Neighsay’ attempted to strike at them during their diverted attention. However, just as Skeletron/Toxin is about to swat away the coming projectile, Tirek jumps forth and opens both of his hands. The ball of flame clashes against the terrarian’s extended appendages, and after a brief moment, the size of the projectile starts to shrink as it seemingly gets sucked into his palms.

“Thanks, now have it back!” Tirek exclaims as the same flames he had just absorbed gather in his left hand. He thrusts his torso forwards as if he were throwing a softball, hurling the magical projectile towards ‘Neighsay.’

“Really?” Infernon questions with slight laughter. “You really think that million-year-old trick is going to work on me?!” The disguised demon bats away the attack, “Child’s pla- EAURGH!”

A closed fist of a right hand suddenly makes contact with the disguised demon’s right cheek, sending him flying into a nearby wall which shatters it on impact. Tirek is now standing where ‘Neighsay’ once stood, breathing heavily through gritted teeth in anger. But what catches Skeletron, Queen Amore, and Cadence’s attention is a fiery golden aura that, momentarily, surrounds the terrarian’s form before flickering away.

With wide eyes, Amore states internally:

-That energy, it feels so… familiar. But, it can’t be; this man has NO connection to Shining Armor. And yet...-

-What was that?- The Princess inquires internally. -Come to think of it, Tirek had a similar glow back in Yharim’s Kingdom. There’ve been moments when he’d emit a similar aura to that of Excalibur’s… Tirek, just who in the world are you?-

“I really can’t explain it,” Tirek comments seethingly with his closed fist, pulling both royalties out of their inner ponderings. “But just looking at you makes me very mad.”

Skeletron/Toxin, currently floating just behind Tirek, converses with Toxin internally:

-That power… It was faint, but I recognized it well. That was Daedalus’s influence.-
-Who is this Daedalus?-
-You are not of this world, Toxin, so you wouldn’t know--
-Never mind, I just learned of him through our connection.-
-... Stay out of my head, parasite.-
-I am NOT a parasite!-

Infernon, still lying within the shattered remains of the former wall, starts to lift himself onto his feet. Blood is now flowing from his right cheek as the disguised demon’s right eye was closed from the swelling of Tirek’s strike. ‘Neighsay’ wipes away the blood with his right hand, chuckling while doing so, and says:

“My, my, aren’t we full of surprises,” He finally stands at his full posture. “You know, no one’s ever hit me like that since my battle with Daedalus long ago. You’ve got balls, kiddo. But you’ve now earned yourself my absolute hatred...” He smiles vibrantly, fangs elongating on his upper jaw’s front teeth, “Let me show you what happens to those I hate!”

A crimson aura surrounds his form as the disguised demon roars out into the ceiling. The aura causes the entire throne room to shake violently, but the commotion could also be felt from outside, throughout the warzone of Camelot, as demons can be seen combating against adventurers and guardsmen/women. Not to mention the chaotically large mass of flesh that thrashed about the landscape on the capital’s outskirts.

‘Neighsay’s’ body begins to grow as his muscles stretch and bulge, even tearing off all of his clothing in the process. Red skin becomes all too apparent over a hulking body that stands twenty feet tall. Two horns elongated from the entity’s head, although one of them is broken in half. In addition, shattered chains are present on the newly revealed demon’s wrists as if he had gotten free from some form of confinement.

The demon roars out in feral fashion, towering over anyone else present in the throne room, albeit the monstrosity’s large frame almost caused their head to meet the ceiling. Taking in his newly revealed form, Queen Amore narrows her eyes as both Tirek and Cadence grit their teeth in anticipation.

“So you’ve finally revealed yourself, Infernon,” Queen Amore starts. “One of the most powerful Demon Lords in The Underworld. And if memory serves me right, you were once Lucifer’s right hand as well.”

“In the flesh, mortals,” Infernon responds, his voice echoing and deep as fire particles seep out from his form. “But enough about me,” He turns his gaze back to Tirek, “Let’s kill you.”

Tirek shifts his posture, raising his fist into the air before opening his left palm. However, Skeletron lowers himself and positions their form just behind the terrarian.

“I have a proposition for you, terrarian.”

Tirek looks upward, “What is it?”

The unison of Skeletron and Toxin was about to respond, but Infernon’s subsequent actions garner the entity’s attention.

The demon’s horns begin to glow as if they were dipped in a pool of lava, “Ah, yes, come and face me. But first, I think it’s getting a little cramped in here. Let’s make some room, bwahahaha!”

If one were to look onto the castle from the outside, one could see a series of flames gathering from the base. These flames begin to rise and soon covers the structure in a dome made entirely of fire. Those who stood outside the fiery barrier could no longer see what was within the sphere of flames, entirely unbeknownst to the conflict that would rage within.

Inside of the fiery barrier, Infernon’s laughter continues to escape from his massive maw. All while Queen Amore, Princess Cadence, Skeletron/Toxin, and Tirek are mildly shocked by what had just taken place. However, something within Tirek clicks as he rapidly turns towards the queen, runs at full sprint towards the royal duo, and shouts:

“Get a barrier around us, now!”

The Princess was about to question him in confusion, but Queen Amore caught onto his forebodingness as she hurriedly acted. In addition, Skeletron positions his skull just behind the group while his large appendages shield them in tandem.

Skeletron’s eyes focus on Amore, “This is a one-time deal, Amore. Don’t expect my help again in the future.”

Amore nods, “And don’t expect my forgiveness, Scourge of The North. You WILL receive punishment for your past actions.”

Skeletron chuckles, “Punish me, hmm? Get in line.”

A pink barrier erects itself around the group as Amore struggles with gritted teeth; her horn is pulsing with magical prowess.

Tirek grabs The Princess and shields her by placing his body in front of her, blocking her view of Infernon’s large frame. Because of this, she failed to see the prominent spire of built-up fire that surrounds the giant demon.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Plus, Skeletox and your mom feel it, too,” Tirek responds. “Hang onto me tightly! Things are going to get hot!”

“D-don’t say that while we’re pressed up like this!” She responds with reddened features.

“Skeletox?!” Skeletron and Toxin shout annoyingly.

“Now is not the time for such bold actions, younglings!” Amore exclaims as she keeps the barrier up, although she looks towards them with a smirk, “That being said, I must commend you for your boldness, Tirek. You’re so forward. I’m glad that Cadence has found someone like you.”

“M-mom!” The Princess exclaims as Tirek averts his gaze and whistles sideways. “Seriously?! You’re doing this now?!”

“Sorry, sorry!” Amore responds sheepishly. “I know this isn’t the proper time, but you two are just so cute together! All that time I used to spend with Aphrodite seems to rub off on me. She always made such comments even in the worst of times.”

Skeletron gags, “Disgusting.”
Toxin hums in thought, “Judging by her heat signature, I think she wants to mate with him.”

“I do not!”

Suddenly, those within the barrier could feel a rise in temperature - pulling them out of their current conversation as Infernon’s horn pulsates, sending out a wave of flames in a fiery explosion. All around them, and from within the barrier, the group could only see hellfire consume their surroundings as colors of orange, black, and red danced around the protective shell. Sweat began to drip from their faces - aside from Skeletox - due to the excessive heat. But Amore steels herself in the effort as she keeps the barrier erected.

Finally, Infernon’s attack dissipates from outside of the magical protection as the last remaining flames sizzle out of existence. However, grief and sorrow instantly fill the hearts of Queen Amore and Princess Cadence as where once a throne room stood, not to mention the rest of the castle, nothing but a scorched, flattened landscape remained. But what was most particular about this new foundation was that it looked akin to an arena.

A flaming pentagram is now etched into the ground all around them, while Infernon’s fiery dome-shaped barrier still blocks out the outside world. Amore’s barrier sizzles away, but before both The Princess and Tirek can compliment The Queen’s actions, the unicorn mare falls over in absolute exhaustion.

“Mom!” Cadence shouts in concern, resting a hand on the downed mare’s form. “You used up too much energy; please try to rest.”

“T-Tirek…” Amore said strugglingly, lifting her head mere inches off the ground to look up at the terrarian. “A great power lies deep inside of you… I could sense it earlier when you struck at Infernon.”

All the while, the aforementioned demon finishes their handiwork, “Ah, perfect, an excellent arena to act as your circle of hell.” The giant behemoth begins to approach, his steps pounding against the newly formed battleground. “Well? Come on then, useless sacks of flesh. The same goes for you, Skeletron.”

Skeletron’s right-hand flips off Infernon, the middle finger elongates as Toxin’s amorphous form emphasizes the gesture.

“Shove it, Infernon.”

With those words, Skeletox roars out as an elongated tongue drupes out of a fang-filled maw, green saliva splattering all about. Skeletron’s right hand’s digits morph into gnashing claws, while his entire left arm transforms into a black, amorphous blade. The two titans rush towards each other with murderous vigor before shaking the local area via their collision.

……….

Amore is in the process of recovering from her faint as the unicorn mare lifts herself up onto her forehooves, although the rest of her body remains splayed out. Both Tirek and Cadence are lowered to the ground, sitting on a knee.

“Tirek,” Amore starts. “You are so much more than you know. I think I truly understand now...”

“I appreciate that your majesty,” Tirek responds. “But… I’m barely even an adventurer, all I did was mail things for the guild. Wait, understand what?”

Amore chuckles, “Nevermind that, my dear. You’re a very humble man. A bit of a goofball, yes, but your heart is so pure. And make no mistake; you are VERY powerful. With my daughters’ supportive prowess by your side, you two will be a great force against Infernon.”

A roar echoes out from the nearby conflict as Skeletox impales Infernon’s flesh with a long, piercing tendril. The demon retaliates by grabbing onto the unified duo and spews a surge of hellfire from his maw.

“Tirek, Cadence, you two must join the fray while I regain my strength. Without Excalibur’s presence here, my power will take much longer to regenerate.”

The Princess extends her arms arm towards her mother, “Even without the blade, I can easily re-”

“No, daughter,” Amore interjects. “Save your powers for this conflict; forget about me. I can tend to myself, but you and Tirek must assist Skeletron and his unified ally.”

Both Cadence and Tirek look towards each other, then back to Amore. They nod in unison before standing up to their full postures. The Princess lifts a hand into the air as a vibrant pink aura surrounds her form. In tandem, a surge of electricity flickers all around Tirek. He clasps his hands together and slowly parts them once more, the electricity being pulled and elongated in response. Taking on determined expressions, the duo charges into the conflict as Amore watches on with a prideful expression.

The unicorn reaches into her inventory and brings forth the image of a newly born Princess Cadence who’s being cradled in the arms of an angelic figure. The angel’s wings are transparently pink as his light-brown hair meets his shoulders. But his most prominent feature is the ever-present heart-shaped energy that, seemingly, can be viewed from even outside of his body. Which sat in all its glory upon his chest.

“I hope you’re watching this, Chamuel… our baby girl has grown so much.”

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, Angel Wings(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, Angel Wings(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, Angel Wings(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.