It was an awkward walk back to the center of town for Rumble. It was much quieter than his liking, but he knew the reason for the silence. He had betrayed his marefriend's love, he had done something terrible to her.
Sweetie Belle could barely contain her emotions at the moment, she felt so angry at what she had seen, it's one thing that a filly would kiss Rumble, it's happened, fillies have snuck a kiss on Rumble, but what bothered her was that this time, Rumble seemed to enjoy the kiss, he had Cozy Glow embraced in a hug, she could even see the satisfaction in his eyes.
Cozy had mentioned earlier that Rumble was a good kisser, she just thought that the filly was making it up, trying to mess with her, but perhaps there was much more truth to that.
Regardless this has not been a great turn of events for her. She spends months missing Rumble, waited all day yesterday for him to come home, missed him again all morning long and finally got him, finally got her kiss, only for him to slowly drift away, having most of his attention focused on Cozy Glow.
Of course, she couldn't fully blame him, as he was merely trying to understand the concept that Cozy Glow was in fact villainous, something not everyone would be too quick to believe, even she could hardly believe it the first time. But it looks like this was much bigger than she thought, and now she may have lost her coltfriend for good.
Cozy slowly started to wake up and realized she was being dragged on the ground. She turned and saw that Scootaloo had her by the tail, dragging her along the ground. She then saw that Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were there as well.
"Ugh, The Cutie Mark Crusaders again?" Cozy said, attempting to fly off. However she found herself being pulled back hard.
"Not letting you go anywhere!" Scootaloo said to the best of her ability, standing her ground and keeping her grip.
Cozy kept trying to fly, hoping to free herself of Scootaloo's grip when she felt herself getting grabbed by Sweetie Belle's magic. Without warning, Sweetie Belle started slamming Cozy Glow down on the ground a few times, rather aggressively too, clearly not in the mood for the filly's annoying antics.
"Stop screwing around! Sweetie Belle warned. "Next time I'll break your wings!"
"Whoa, easy there Sweetie Belle, try not to get too carried away," Apple Bloom said. "We don't want to be like her or anything."
Sweetie Belle just glared angrily at Apple Bloom, then resumed walking, leaving the farm filly rather taken back.
"She seems rather moody," Cozy commented.
"Be quiet," Scootaloo said, grabbing Cozy's tail and dragging her again.
Rumble just remained quiet, not comfortable talking just yet. He just silently went along with the Crusaders, just wanting this whole thing to be over.
As they walked, Twilight's voice was heard calling to them, "Girls! Rumble!"
"Twilight?" Apple Bloom said, looking up and seeing the Princess flying toward them.
"Oh thank goodness I found you girls," Twilight said, landing in front of them. She immediately turned her attention to the sole colt of the group, "I'm especially happy to see you Rumble! I've missed you so much!"
Without warning, Twilight rushed over to hug Rumble, very relieved to see him safe, that and she did miss having him around.
"Heh, thanks, I missed you too Twilight," Rumble said.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through all this," Twilight said, pulling back a bit. "But thankfully it's all over." She turned her attention to Cozy Glow, "Looks like you managed to subdue her."
"Only because Sweetie Belle hit me with a cheap shot!" Cozy Glow said.
"Want another!?" Sweetie Belle threatened.
"That wont' be necessary, we've won and that's all that matters," Twilight said. "And I'm sure you all did it with teamwork and friendship."
That caused an awkward silence among the group, aside from Cozy Glow, who had a snarky grin on her face.
"Well, teamwork was involved, sort of," Scootaloo sheepishly said.
"Good, goes to show what true Friendship can accomplish," Twilight said, using her magic to lift Cozy. "I shall hold on to this one, everypony gather around me and I'll take us back to the others, we can reunite Cozy Glow with her friend Sonata."
"Oh good, you caught her then," Apple Bloom said. "Um, how's Tendy doing? They didn't hurt him did they?"
"Aside from a swollen eye, thanks to this little demon here," Twilight said, gesturing to Cozy. "No real harm was done."
"Only because I didn't have more time," Cozy Glow boasted.
"You, be quiet," Twilight warned, then turned back to the foals. "Alright, get ready."
The foals gathered around as suggested, though Rumble made it a point not to be too close to them, especially Sweetie Belle. Something told him they wouldn't want to be even an inch near him.
Within seconds, they had arrived near Sugarcube corner where everypony else was waiting. The moment they spotted him, both Applejack and Rarity rushed over to hug Rumble, the colt being crushed once again, this time by a different set of mares.
"Oh my dear Sweet Rumble, thank the stars you're alright!" Rarity clamored.
"We were real worried about you little guy!" Applejack said, tightening the hug.
"Girls, I'm flattered you missed me...but I need air to breath!" Rumble got out, the two mares quickly releasing the hug, each offering a sheepish smile at the slightly annoyed colt. "That's the second time today I nearly got crushed by two grown mares."
"Wow, you're really popular with the girls today, aren't you Rumble?" Twilight teased, getting an awkward laugh from the colt, who at that moment had to avoid a death glare from his potential ex-marefriend.
Wow it hurt him to consider that possibility.
"Well it just means that I have good friends, and I really appreciate all my friends," Rumble said. "Everypony here I appreciate, some more than others." Rumble eyed Sweetie Belle, "Especially certain good, nice and caring ponies who mean more to me than ponies who would trick me and pretend to be my friend when they're actually not."
"Finally saw for yourself just how bad Cozy Glow was huh?" Gallus said.
"Yeah, I did," Rumble said. "Not gonna lie, it really broke my heart, but it's fine, because I know where I can find ponies to genuinely care about because I know they honestly care about me."
Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes in annoyance, Rumble was obviously trying too hard to get back in her good graces, and it started to annoy her.
"Oh come on Rumbly-boo, you know that's not how you truly feel," Cozy Glow said as Twilight placed her next to a tied up Sonata. "I mean, I'm sure there's something you'd like to tell everypony, isn't there?"
"Oh be quiet kid, you lost, deal with it," Rainbow Dash said, as she grabbed some rope. "We're not letting you manipulate anymore ponies!"
"What manipulation, I never manipulated Rumble," Cozy Glow insisted. "I really liked him, and I know he really liked me, we're such good friends and we care so deeply about each other."
"Oh puh-lease!" Rainbow Dash said, wrapping the rope around her, pretty tightly too. "You really think anypony would believe that!? You tricked Rumble like you tricked everypony else! There's no way you genuinely liked him, he was just another piece in your puzzle to conquest, well this puzzle ain't getting complete, not now, not ever!"
"Well the difference between Rumble and all of you, is that I actually could stand to be around him," Cozy Glow said. "He's not some goody four-hooves prancing around all the time with his speeches on Friendship and Harmony, he's a colt who does what he needs to do to achieve his goals, and he's quite assertive when he wants to be, I can really respect somepony like that. He's got a few faults to work out but I think it's manageable."
"Someone just get rid of her already, she's being annoying again," Smolder said.
"Yeah, tired of her talkative attitude," Gallus said.
"And how she's always talking such baloney," Silverstream said.
"Wow, To think we were all friends once," Cozy Glow said. "I don't know how I put up with you for so long."
"We'll get her back to Tartarus lickity-split," Applejack said. "Both Cozy Glow and her foalsitter."
"Uh, did you just call me her 'foalsitter'?" Sonata asked. "What are you trying to be clever, because you suck at it!"
"Don't talk to my friend like that, you traitor!" Rainbow Dash said. "Such a shame Twilight wasted time trying to help you, time that could have been used to rescue Rumble much sooner!"
"Ugh, I don't need to hear this from you," Sonata said.
"Gotta hear it from somepony, especially one that actually knows about Loyalty, speaking of which" Rainbow Dash then yanked the Elemental necklace off the siren. "This belongs to me, not you. You've done nothing to earn this."
"Uh, I think I have, because I have friends that I'm loyal to as well!" Sonata shouted. "I have friends back at Tartarus!"
"Well good for you, because you're going back to see them," Rainbow Dash said, trotting off. "While the rest of us enjoy freedom and true friendship, you and your so-called friends can chat it up in that run-down place for all I care."
"Alright, that's enough please," Twilight said. "Let's not rub it in, while I don't condone what Sonata had did, I can somewhat understand her motivation, her loyalty to her friends is somewhat admirable." She turned her attention back to Sonata, "We'll talk more about that later however, for now it's best that I let Princess Celestia know what's been happening and have you two returned to Tartarus for now."
"Actually, Twilight," Flitter said. "I was hoping to talk to you about that."
Twilight sighed, knowing what her question may be, "Is this about Cozy Glow having to go back?"
"Well, yeah," Flitter said. "I just don't think she should be in a place like that. I know she did something terrible, but she's still a child, and a cell in Tartarus is no place for a child to go."
"So what do you propose Flitter?" Twilight asked, genuinely curious.
"Well...maybe I can adopt and raise her, teach her how to be a proper filly," Flitter said. "I mean, if Starlight, Luna and Discord can get another chance, I think a filly should too."
Before Twilight could reply, Sweetie Belle was quick to speak up, "No! She did something bad, she deserves to be in Tartarus!"
"Sweetie Belle, I understand you're frustrated about what happened with Rumble, but the adults are talking right now," Flitter said.
"Don't treat me like a kid, I'm practically an adult myself!" Sweetie Belle said.
"You're barely a teenager," Flitter pointed out.
"Uh, that's close enough to being an adult, I can probably have babies right now if I wanted to," Sweetie Belle said, which freaked out Rarity and caused unease for Flitter.
"Uh...do you even know how to have babies?" Flitter asked.
"I do," Cozy Glow stated, eyeing Sugar Belle and Party Favor. "I learned so much even outside of Twilight's school."
"Why is she staring at us?" Party Favor whispered to Sugar Belle.
"You don't suppose she, you know, work up at all last night, do you?" Sugar Belle replied.
"Is there something you two wanna say to everypony?" Cozy Glow asked, shifting her eyebrows up and down.
"H-hey, this is about you, not us!" Party Favor said, somewhat suspiciously too, at least suspicious enough to Apple Bloom and Applejack.
"Well, depending on how this ends, might need to call Miss Cheerilee and see if she's still single," Apple Bloom muttered.
Twilight wasn't sure what to make of these recent comments, so instead she pushed on, wanting to get back on track. "Flitter, I can ask Princess Celestia, but I can't guarentee anything."
"Well I'll talk to her then, make her see my point of view!" Flitter said. "That filly needs a good parent, I don't know where her real parents are but until they show their faces, somepony's gotta take good care of this filly, and I'm ready to step into that role!"
"You can't be serious," Rainbow Dash said. "Even Fluttershy probably wouldn't be too willing to parent that demon foal, what makes you think you'll be able to pull it off?"
"Um, I never actually said that," Fluttershy said.
"Regardless of whether or not Fluttershy would be willing, I want to try," Flitter said, then turned her attention to Cozy. "Don't get me wrong, I am not happy with what you did, but I still want to help you and be the best parent I can be for you."
"You're wasting your time," Cozy Glow said. "I'm already dead set in my goals, no amount of parenting will change that."
"Don't be so sure," Flitter said, then turned to Twilight. "Just give me a year at least, that's all I request!"
"A year might be too long for Princess Celestia to agree to," Twilight said.
"Ugh, fine, make it half a year, a month, a week, a day...an hour!" Flitter said. "Just give me the opportunity and I promise you I'll make the most of it!"
Twilight could tell Flitter was serious, she really wanted this chance. As Princess of Friendship, she technically had an obligation to give Flitter the chance she so desired, "Alright, I'll talk this over with Princess Celestia, but no promises on her agreeing to this.
"That's fine, I just need the chance, that's all," Flitter said.
Twilight turned to the two trouble-making fillies, "For now, you two are going back to Tartarus, whether or not Cozy Glow comes out is up for debate.
"Wait, before you send me back...can I see Flurry Heart again?" Sonata asked.
"My niece? You mean that same niece that if you accepted our friendship you'd get to see more of?" Twilight asked. "You want to see her?"
"Hey that's my only regret just so you know," Sonata said. "Come on, don't be a jerk, let me see her again."
Twilight shrugged it off, "If it's alright with her parents."
"It's fine," Cadance said. "But only at a distance."
"And if you try anything, we'll destroy you on the spot," Shining Armor warned.
"I'm not gonna hurt Flurry, like I said, I have a policy against hurting foals," Sonata said.
"She does," Cozy confirmed.
"I can vouch," Rumble admitted. "She was the only one who was concerned when her friend broke my wings."
"Much appreciated Rumble," Sonata said, then turned her attention to the Alicorn toddler. "Hi Flurry, my sweet little Princess, I wish we could have spent more time together, but don't worry, soon we'll be reunited and be the best of friends."
"Sonata friend," Flurry said as she trotted over, "Want Sonata."
"Aw, she wants me!" Sonata said. "Well if you want me-"
"I don't think so," Shining Armor said, using his magic to lift up Flurry, "Alright you got to see my daughter, now it's back to Tartarus with you!"
"Wow, rude much?" Sonata said. "I know I'm the 'villain' here, but none of you are behaving like so-called heroes."
"Really makes one think, doesn't it," Cozy Glow said.
"Alright, that's enough," Twilight said, approaching the villains. "I'm gonna take them back to Tartarus, the rest of you stay here."
"Wait you can't go alone, it's not safe," Shining Armor said.
"I'll be fine big brother," Twilight insisted. "It's much faster and less of a strain if I do this alone." Twilight readied her magic, ready to teleport herself along with the villains back to Tartarus. Before leaving, she turned her attention to Tender Taps, "Don't forget our little arrangement Tappy, I'll be back soon."
"I won't," Tender Taps said.
Twilight nodded and then finally transported the two villains away, leaving the rest behind, this while situation just about over.
"Well glad we finally got that taken care of," Applejack said. "Anyone hungry for some pie?"
"I am! I am!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing toward her friend.
"What type of pie?" Sandbar asked.
"Banana..." Gallus sarcastically responded. "What do you think? They're the apple family, it's gonna be Apple Pie!"
"Anyone else want pie?" Applejack asked. "Rumble, Starlight..." Applejack eyed Sugar Belle. "How about you Sugar? Maybe you can tell us about everything you've been up to lately, I'm sure ah brother would love to know."
"Oh I have nothing really to say," Sugar Belle nervously said.
"Ya sure about that?" Applejack said, suspiciously eyeing the mare. "Ah mean, it seems like you have a lot of interesting things to say. Maybe you wanna bring one of yer friends along too."
"I don't know, I really should be getting back home," Sugar Belle said, nervously taking a few steps back.
"What's the rush?" Applejack said, taking a few steps forward. "Come and join us."
As this little interrogation was going on, Rumble decided to quietly slip away, hoping nopony would notice him. Unfortunately one was very quick to see his attempt at escape.
"Going somewhere, best friend?" he heard Dinky say. He turned around and saw the filly who would never stop reminding others who her best friend was.
"Just, want to be alone for now," Rumble said.
"Alone time huh? Guess I can't blame you," Dinky said. "I mean, getting dragged around Equestria by a manipulative filly, one you thought was your friend, I guess it would take a toll on a pony."
"It's not just that really, I kind of did something stupid," Rumble admitted.
"You mean like flying head first into danger?" Dinky asked. "Kind of used to that from you. Honestly I kind of admire that, though at the same time it also annoys me because then I start to worry about you."
"It's not that, I did something much worse," Rumble said.
"Worse that endangering yourself?" Dinky asked. "This I gotta hear."
"Promise you won't be too mad? Or think less of me when I tell you?" Rumble asked.
"Rumble I'm your best friend, I would never think less of you," Dinky said, stroking his mane. "When it's all said and done, I'm the one who cares about you the most, even more than Sweetie Belle, because relationships can end, but true friendship is forever."
"You almost sound like Twilight," Rumble joked, getting a chuckle from Dinky. "Alright, I'll tell you." Rumble cleared his throat, ready to confess his sins. "I may have...kissed Cozy Glow..."
Dinky's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what she had heard, "Wait, you and Cozy Glow...you two kissed? Like...smooch kiss, the same type you and Sweetie Belle do?"
"Y-yeah, we did..." Rumble admitted.
Dinky wasn't sure what to make of this, given how lovey-dovey Rumble was with Sweetie Belle, she never would have imagined him even thinking about being with another filly, yet here he was admitting having kissed one. Truthfully, she expected Sweetie Belle to be the one to cheat someday.
"So...you and Cozy..." Dinky repeated, feeling incredibly awkward. "How..."
"Just so it's out there, she kissed me first," Rumble said. "I just didn't, resist. Fully at least."
"So. she made the first move, and you just didn't deny it," Dinky said.
"I may have actually kissed back, like, I don't even know what I was thinking at that moment, I mean part of me only did it to keep her distracted, but another part...I really don't know how to explain it, the situation was so surreal," Rumble said.
"Hm...maybe you're getting tired of Sweetie Belle?" Dinky suggested. "I mean considering how possessive she is of you and the fact that all you two have done was make out as a couple, I'm not too surprised if maybe you want to move on."
"But that can't be it! I missed Sweetie Belle every day at the Flight School, she was my main motivation for doing well!" Rumble said. "I can't be tired of her, I'm still in love with her!"
"Are you really?" Dinky asked. "What about her are you in love with. Honestly there are times where I feel like you just like her for her looks, which is fine, but maybe you need to move on."
"Come on Dinky, you know it's always been more than just her looks," Rumble said. "She's kind, very caring too, so I know it's not just because of how pretty she is."
"Well, why did you return Cozy's kiss then?" Dinky asked.
"I...honestly don't know," Rumble said. "Look the point isn't just that I kissed Cozy Glow, but that Sweetie Belle saw me kissing her."
"She what!?" Dinky asked, then briefly glanced at the filly. "Dang, no wonder she looks so ticked."
"Well now I have to make this up to her, but I don't know how!" Rumble said. "Please Dinky, as my best friend, please tell me what I should do!"
"You want my opinion?" Dinky rhetorically asked. "Go to her later and just pour your heart out. Tell her it was a foolish mistake, a heat of the moment type deal. Also throw in that distraction bit, not sure if she'll believe that but it's worth a shot."
"You really think this will work?" Rumble asked.
"I don't know, it could work, it could fail," Dinky said. "What matters is that you give it your best effort. But, also consider the possibility that you and Sweetie Belle may not last much longer. I know it sounds hard to accept, but it's a possibility nonetheless."
"You know what sucks?" Rumble said. "That you're probably right. I screwed up, and I gotta face the consequences, but I'm not giving her up without a fight."
"I know you won't, because it's against your nature," Dinky said, stroking his mane. "Gotta say, one good thing about you dating Sweetie Belle is how much you've grown since becoming her coltfriend. You used to be so shy, you never felt comfortable talking to anypony, you were always nervous, I even remember when you had such a high pitched voice. Now, you're bolder and much more confident, and your voice is much deeper and more masculine sounding," Dinky started to blush. "Honestly Rumble, you've become much more attractive, so even if things don't work out with Sweetie Belle, you have plenty of options to pick from."
"Funny, Flitter was telling me that I changed a lot too, though I never really noticed it," Rumble admitted.
"Well we have, you've changed, but for the better," Dinky said, then pulled Rumble in for a hug. "The best part is that, you're still the kind and caring colt that we all know and love. I know things are rough for you now, but I will always be by your side."
"Thanks Dinky," Rumble said, returning the hug. "I just hope this works out well."
"Be strong Rumble, I know you can handle whatever happens, for better or worse," Dinky said.
In the depths of Tartarus, Twilight was walking Cozy and Sonata back to their cells, having been joined by Flash Sentry along the way.
"Flash, do me a favor, take Cozy to her cell," Twilight said, then turned to the siren beside them. "I need to have a word alone with Sonata."
"You got it Princess," Flash said, then made his way toward Cozy. "Let's go little filly, don't even think about trying anything funny either."
Cozy feigned a step forward, causing Flash to flinch as she started walking to her cell on her own, "Wimp."
Flash turned awkwardly to Twilight, "Uh, I swear I wasn't scared."
"Whatever you say Flash," Twilight replied, not really that concerned. "Just please go keep an eye on her, and the rest of the villains while you're at it."
"Uh, yes Princess," Flash said, going with Cozy toward the other cells.
"He was totally freaked out," Sonata commented.
Twilight had no reply to that, instead she had something else on her mind, "Sonata, you really disappointed me today."
"Ugh, yeah, I think I get it by now Twilight," Sonata said, getting somewhat annoyed. "
"Do you really?" Twilight asked. "Because I'm not sure you fully understand the gravity of this situation."
"I do!" Sonata said. "I'm not stupid like everypony says I am!"
"I never said you were, I never once questioned your intelligence, I'm just questioning your heart and judgement."
"My heart is with my fellow Sirens!" Sonata said. "Twilight, I know what I did may be wrong to you, I know I betrayed your kindness and the kindness your friends have shown me. Believe it or not, I am capable of guilt, and I feel pretty rotten for disappointing your friends, especially Flurry Heart, but I couldn't live with knowing I left Adagio and Aria down here!"
"Sonata, if you felt that way, you should have told me, I would have done something for you!" Twilight said. "I could have given them a chance too, I get that you feel loyal to them, I actually admire that, but that doesn't excuse what you did!"
"Well I was desperate!" Sonata said. "You want to hear it, fine. I'm sorry, I really am! I know you were trying to be nice, and I really appreciate that but..." Sonata sighed, "I just couldn't abandon them, even if for a brief moment, I actually considered putting this behind me."
"It's not too late," Twilight said, catching Sonata by surprise. "I can tell that you've got good in you, I don't want that to go to waste. I can offer a chance not only for you but for the rest of you friends."
"You'd really offer me that?" Sonata asked. "After I betrayed you? I really don't get it, why are you being so nice? Is there a catch?"
"No catch, if me and my friends can forgive Discord for betraying our Friendship once, I think I can offer that to you, after all, while what you did was bad, I can understand your motivation," Twilight said. "If you want to be with your friends, you can, but maybe you can have more than just them. What do you say?"
Sonata looked unsure, "I don't know, this is too generous. Especially after how treacherous I was."
"Please, I insist," Twilight said. "I just want to help you and the best way to do so is to offer you my friendship. Now it won't be easy, but if you stick with it, then it will be very much worth it."
"Can we really coexist?" Sonata asked. "Sirens feed off of negative energy, that might be harder to share than the positive energy Changelings feed off of."
"We can make something work," Twilight said. "So, what do you say?"
"Well, if it means a better life for my friends, then yeah, I'm in...but can I make one tiny little request?" Sonata asked.
"Depends on what it is, but sure," Twilight said.
"Please, give this same chance to Cozy Glow," Sonata said. "Honestly I'd say she deserves it more than I do. It's actually bothered me knowing that a filly like her is stuck in a place like this. Please, she deserves the priority even more than I do."
Needless to say, Twilight was a bit impressed to hear this from Sonata, "That's very selfless of you Sonata, this is why I believe you have potential for true Friendship. Maybe you can influence your friends to think this way too, and maybe Chrysalis and Tirek, but somehow I feel like it's a long shot for the both of them."
"Work with what you can for now," Sonata said. "That's my advice really. So, do we have a deal about Cozy Glow?"
"Yes, we do," Twilight said. "Maybe I'll take up Flitter's offer, unless you want to be the one who watches over her."
"I still need to convince my friends, and I want Cozy out as soon as possible," Sonata said. "If you think that Flitter girl can guide Cozy well, then I say to trust her with Cozy's care."
"Alright, I'll talk with Princess Celestia," Twilight said. "This is a really nice thing you're doing Sonata."
"Well I did need to redeem myself a little, I do feel a bit guilty about betraying all of you," Sonata said. "Just promise that Cozy Glow will get a fair chance."
"I'll do my best," Twilight promised.
"You are the Princess of Friendship, so I expect your best," Sonata said. "But I think you'll do great, Cozy did say you're good with foals."
"Speaking of foals, may I ask why you seem so interested in my niece Flurry Heart?" Twilight asked.
"Well duh, she's super cute, and I wish she was my daughter," Sonata said. "But I'm pretty sure I ruined my chances of being her friend when I pulled the stunt I pulled. Like I said, it's my biggest regret."
"And like I said, others have pulled through from this," Twilight said. "I believe everypony should get a second chance, I mean for you it might be a third chance, but Trixie has been adamant that ponies deserve a third chance as well, so my advice, try to befriend Trixie, I think she'll be able to help you out a lot."
"Thanks...wait which one's Trixie?" Sonata asked.
"She's a pony with a wizard hat, she occasionally talks in the third pony," Twilight said.
"Oh...that's kind of weird, but to each their own," Sonata said. "Well I should get back to my cell, Adagio's gonna be mad when she finds out I failed."
"If you want, I can go over there and make a big deal, like you were so cunning and we got lucky," Twilight offered.
"That's really nice of you, but I can handle this on my own," Sonata said, smirking a bit. "Thank you Princess Twilight, maybe one day we really can have that sleepover."
"I look forward to it," Twilight said. "Also, for what it's worth, I'm sorry I had to beat you up before."
"Don't worry, I let you do that," Sonata boasted, trotting away toward her cell as Twilight giggled to herself.
"I hope she can turn herself around, she seems like a pleasure to be with, when she's not evil at least," Twilight said, then teleported away.
Back at Ponyville, everypony was still waiting around for what's to come next, with Rumble still sulking in a corner, being tended to Dinky, as well as Flurry Heart, who had made her way over to him upon noticing his saddened state.
Sweetie Belle was off by herself, obviously in a bad mood, though not many ponies, nor the Friendship Students had approached her, she was in no mood to talk, even Rarity had trouble getting her to open up. Many just guessed it had to do with everything that happened with Cozy Glow, but Rarity suspected something much more. Also Applejack was still somewhat suspiciously eyeing Sugar Belle, the mare trying to find comfort among her friends.
Twilight had landed back in Ponyville, everypony quick to gather around her, expecting to hear some potentially important info.
"So, things go peachy Twi?" Applejack asked.
"They didn't give you much trouble did they?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Everything went fine, Cozy and Sonata are back in their cells and there will be no more trouble from them anytime soon," Twilight said. "However there is still one last thing we need to attend to. I need to see Princess Celestia about something, and I think it's important that Spike, Starlight, my brother, Princess Cadance, my fellow elements and Flitter all join me."
"Uh, run that last part by us again," Rainbow Dash said. "It sounded like you wanted Flitter there too."
"I do," Twilight said, turning to the mare. "Flitter, I need you to come with us to Canterlot."
"Wow really? Didn't expect that," Flitter said. "Any reason? I'm not an element, your pupil, or your family. I'm not even royalty, or a Wonderbolt, I'm just Flitter."
"Well you're a key pony for this meeting, so I'd really appreciate if you came," Twilight said.
"Well if you really want me, then alright, I'll join you," Flitter said.
"Good, we'll leave as soon as possible," Twilight said.
"Yeah, I like the idea Twi," Rainbow Dash began. "But any chance it can wait a bit, Applejack promised us some pies and I need a break."
"I could use one as well, all this stress is not good for my complexion," Rarity said.
"Plus we're gonna need time to find somepony to foalsit Flurry," Shining Armor said.
"Um, I can do that," Sunburst said. "Wouldn't be the first time."
"Or I can, I've got experience with foalsitting," Cloudchaser said.
"Ooh! How about me!" Dinky offered. "I can do it!"
"Dinky I still foalsit you, how can you foalsit another pony?" Derpy said.
"Hey, I'm growing up aren't I?" Dinky said, then did a foreleg flex. "Besides me and Flurry are pretty tight by now."
"Tight!" Flurry followed up with the same type of flex.
"We'll take some time to decide," Cadance said. "Right now, let's just relax a bit, if that's alright with Twilight."
"Sure, it's fine, works out well to," Twilight said. "Because I have a date to get to."
"Uh...a date?" Shining Armor asked.
"You heard me big brother," Twilight said, turning her attention to Tender Taps. "Let's go Tappy."
"Y-yes Princess Twilight!" Tender Taps said, following Twilight toward her castle.
"...I feel like she's getting carried away with this flirting she's doing to that colt, I hope she doesn't get his hopes up too high," Shining Armor said.
"Have some faith, I don't think she would do that maliciously, maybe she's interested in him," Cadance said. "She's just grooming him a bit more so he'd be the ideal coltfriend, maybe even more."
"I still find it pretty odd," Shining Armor said. "I mean I guess I can try to trust her decision but, sometimes she can make weird choices."
"Well she always has good intentions, even if it's playful flirting, at least she's giving him attention, who knows, she might just be trying to make him more confident when talking to fillies," Cadance said. "If mares saw that he was 'dating' Twilight, they'd likely become more interested, and as time passes and he gets older, she might just fall for him herself. It's important to look at the positives more than the negatives."
"Yeah I guess," Shining Armor said as he and Cadance walked off to find their daughter.
At Twilight's castle, the Princess had let herself inside with Tender Taps following afterwards. "Since we only have a short time, we'll just settle for spending time in my castle, I'm sure you won't mind."
"Not at all," Tender Taps said, huge grin on his face.
"Come join me in the room where the Cutie Map is, we'll have some cookies," Twilight said. "Spike just baked a batch, it was intended for Rumble, before Spike forgot that Rumble rarely eats sweets."
"Well it was still nice of Spike, maybe we should save at least one for Rumble," Tender Taps said.
"Aw, so thoughtful," Twilight said, using her magic to teleport the cookies, continuing on trotting to the table. The two sat at the table, with Twilight at her seat and Tender Taps sitting where Spike would normally sit.
Twilight took one bite of her cookie, moaning in delight. "Wow, Spike really did well with these!"
Tender Taps also took a bite, sharing Twilight's sentiments, "Spike's a great cook, I should try his food more often."
"He's especially good at sweets, maybe because he himself is so sweet," Twilight said, then rubbed Tender Taps's mane. "Just like you."
"You're always so nice Twilight," Tender Taps said, then tried to think of something else to say. He finally had a date of sorts with Twilight, yet now he was practically speechless.
"Say Tappy, may I get your opinion on something?" Twilight said.
"Sure, what's on your mind?" Tender Taps asked.
"Tell me, what's your opinion on Cozy Glow?" Twilight asked. "Should she stay in Tartarus, or should she be given a second chance?"
"Huh? Why are you asking me? I barely really knew Cozy," Tender Taps said.
"I just want your perspective, that's all," Twilight said. "I mean if you don't have any opinions at all, that's fine, I can figure something out myself."
"Well, in my opinion, if she has a chance to change, then she should be given that chance," Tender Taps said. "I think she's probably a little misguided, I don't know how she grew up or why she's so bad but I can't believe she's irredeemable...even if she did hit me in the eye," Tender Taps rubbed the eye where he got hit. "But if you think there's a chance for her, then she should get that chance."
"You really think that?" Twilight said. "Well then, thanks for helping me in my decision. I do feel somewhat responsible for Cozy Glow, since she was one of my students. I should have gotten through to her better, maybe she needs a chance to change, everypony deserves one. Even Sonata desires the opportunity for Cozy Glow to change, I admire how selfless she is about it."
"Wow, that's nice of Sonata to say," Tender Taps said. "Too bad she couldn't change either."
"She tried, but she has her own struggles," Twilight said. "It's my little project now, to help Sonata, her fellow Sirens and Cozy Glow."
"If anypony can do it Twilight, it's you," Tender Taps said. "Because you've shown me that there's no goal that's unreachable, and that's why you're my favorite pony, that's why I praise you as my Princess, that's why...it's why I fell in love with you."
Twilight was a little surprised by Tender Taps's choice of words. "Fell in love? Wow that's stronger than having a crush."
"I know it sounds weird coming from me, but I really do think I'm in love with you," Tender Taps said. "And right now, I have to be honest about it. I love you Twilight Sparkle, and one day, I want to marry you, I want to have foals with you one day, and honestly, I know how to have foals, and I want to even do that with you!"
That just left a huge blush on Twilight's face, then a huge blush on Tender Taps's face, who now feels like he might have gotten carried away.
"That's...quite something Tappy," Twilight said.
"...Ignore that last part, but I'm serious about the first part, I really do love you Twilight," Tender Taps said.
Twilight shook off the awkward and focused back at the foal, "Well, I appreciate you telling me."
"I know you probably don't feel the same way since I'm still pretty young," Tender Taps said. "But I had to get it off my chest."
"Hey, don't count yourself out," Twilight said, leaning down to Tender Taps, looking right into his eyes. "One day, I am gonna want you, because I can tell you're special. Tender Taps, I promise, I will wait for you, and the moment you become a stallion, I will become your mare."
Tender Taps responded in a way Twilight would never forget. He grabbed Twilight and planted a huge kiss on the mare, really getting in deep with it. Twilight felt a bit awkward though and gently pushed away, though did feel flattered at his displays of affection.
"Sorry, I had to," Tender Taps said.
"It's fine, I didn't mind it too much," Twilight said. "Just keep the passion down a little, save it for when we're both good and ready."
Tender Taps nodded, "Yes Twiley."
Twilight then kissed his muzzle, "Though some kisses I don't mind."
Tender Taps giggled, then returned the kiss to her muzzle as the two embraced in a hug.
Later that night as Twilight and her friends went to Canterlot, Sweetie Belle was alone for the evening. Rarity wasn't sure how long this would take and already planned a place to stay overnight. Most of the other ponies celebrated a bit too long, which led to the delay of going to Canterlot.
Starlight's friends went home with Sunburst, Flurry stayed with Dinky and her family and Sweetie Belle was home alone.
Rumble knew this was his best chance to talk to her, so after dark, he went to the Boutique, knocking gently on the door.
Sweetie Belle answered, but not to Rumble's surprised, looked quite unhappy. "Oh, it's you."
"Yeah I guess you wouldn't be too happy to see me," Rumble nervously said.
"What is it Rumble?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Here to boast about your other marefriend?"
"Cozy's not my marefriend, I swear I don't like her that way," Rumble said.
"That kiss said otherwise," Sweetie Belle replied.
"She kissed me though, I didn't initiate the kiss," Rumble said.
"But you held onto it," Sweetie Belle said. "Rumble, I've seen other fillies kiss you and I forgave those because I could tell you didn't care for it. This time you looked like you enjoyed it, you were even hugging her!"
"I...I don't know what came over me, but...but..." Rumble couldn't think of an explanation.
"Rumble, you cheated on me, you betrayed me, do you have any idea how I felt at that moment!?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Of course, you felt...you felt..." Rumble started thinking and in a way, this was close to how he felt when he found out Cozy Glow was in fact evil. "You felt hurt, betrayed, like your feelings were nothing. You thought you could trust someone, you thought you knew someone, and they weren't being who you thought they were. You feel hurt and simple apologies aren't going to be enough." Rumble sighed in defeat, he knew he messed up and now he has to face the consequences. "I understand exactly what you're going through Sweetie Belle, funny within the span of like an hour, I went from feeling quite betrayed to becoming what had hurt me, and to know I had hurt you that way, it's unforgivable." Rumble gently stroked Sweetie Belle's mane, though she had her head turned away. "I truly am sorry, I know an apology not enough but it's something I feel like you deserve, in fact you deserve much more than that, you deserve better. You deserve better than me Sweetie Belle."
"Better than you?" Sweetie Belle asked, curiously glancing at Rumble, who was about to make the hardest choice of his life.
"Sweetie Belle...maybe we should break up," Rumble said, taking the filly by surprise. While she wasn't exactly thrilled at what Rumble did and while she started having second thoughts about him, she didn't expect him to be the one who ends this relationship.
"Wait, break-up?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I hurt you, and I can't forgive myself for that, I don't want you dating somepony like me who can do something like that to you. I care about you too much to leave you feeling unhappy, so I'm gonna set you free to find somepony better," Rumble said.
Sweetie Belle was at a loss for words, he's not even trying to beg for her forgiveness, he's just ridding himself away from her. "Rumble wait..."
"No, you don't need me Sweetie Belle, you're a very beatiful filly with such a kind personality, I'm just a jerk who messed up badly," Rumble said. "Maybe we were too young for this, maybe I wasn't ready to have a marefriend. It's been a great run, this past year and a half has been the greatest in my life, I got to spend time with you. I mean yeah the last half of a year I've been away but that kiss we had, totally worth the wait. Nopony could match that type of magic like you. So thanks for sticking by me Sweetie Belle, and making my wildest dreams come true. I may not find a mare as great as you, but I know you'll find a stallion better than me, one who won't forget how happy you make him. If not a stallion, maybe a nice mare yourself, I've seen some fillies eyeing you, kind of made me jealous."
"But, Rumble..." Sweetie Belle tried to say.
"It's fine, don't worry about me Sweetie Belle," Rumble said, about to turn around. "I'll leave you to your new life."
Before he could turn fully, Sweetie Belle had rushed out in front of him, tears streaming down her eyes, "Rumble, please just wait!"
"Huh? What is it?" Rumble asked, wiping her tears. "Why are you crying?"
"Rumble, you can't just end it like this!" Sweetie Belle said. "I know you did something bad, but I think we could still work something out...what you just said reminded me of why I fell in love with you! I mean yeah, you messed up big time, but you were willing to accept responsibility! Not many colts would do that! Please, I can't just let this end!"
"Sweetie Belle, I'm sorry," Rumble said. "I don't trust myself anymore, I don't want to hurt you again."
"Rumble, if you leave, it would hurt ten times as much!" Sweetie Belle insisted. "Look, I forgive you alright? Don't break this up, I can't...I waited so long for you to come back! I..."
Rumble stopped Sweetie Belle, then brought her in for another kiss. This one he felt more passion for, and Sweetie Belle could tell, oh how she loved his kisses. "I'm sorry, I do love you, I don't think I'll stop loving you but..." Rumble wiped some of his own tears. "We have to do this, it's for our own good."
"Please, don't Rumble," Sweetie Belle sobbed. "I don't want you to go..."
"We can still be friends at least, might be awkward but a break would do us good," Rumble said, then stroked her mane. "Besides, it doesn't have to be forever."
"Huh?" Sweetie Belle said, looking up with hope in her eyes.
"Look, maybe 'break-up' wasn't a good phrase, more like, let's take a break," Rumble said. "If we're meant to be, we'll get back together, but it's important that we know for sure. Let's face it, we got together by accident, and it was an awkward transition for us. Maybe it was too soon for us to settle right now, so we'll take a break, maybe date other ponies and really see if whether or not we're made for each other."
Sweetie Belle still looked unconvinced, "But...what if..."
"Sweetie Belle, just trust me, alright?" Rumble said. "Look if I can kiss Cozy Glow, or rather, if I can return her kiss, then it shows I have some growing up to do still. I want to be able to do this without making you stand by and feel hurt. I won't do that to you. Please, let this end, just for the moment, and one day, it can happen all over again, but better."
Sweetie Belle still felt a pain in her heart, but reluctantly she had to agree. Rumble was doing this to better their relationship and make sure they'd both be happy. It was a huge risk, but if he had some faith they'd get back together, she had to as well. "Alright...but can you break up tomorrow, let's have one more night together as a couple."
"One more night huh..." Rumble said. "Funny, there's actually something I've wanted to do with you for a while, I mean I never asked because we were so young, but I feel ready now."
"Whatever it is, I'll do it," Sweetie Belle said.
Rumble blushed quite a lot as the thoughts passed through his head, "Alright, one more night together...I'm gonna make it your greatest night you've experienced. Let's go inside."
Sweetie Belle nodded and followed her soon to be ex-coltfriend inside, where the two would show one last bit of their love to each other, at least for the time being.
The following morning came, Rumble had made his way out of the Boutique. He's really fortunate that Rarity wasn't home last night, less to explain. Sometimes he wonders why Sweetie Belle even stays at Rarity's so often, how often could their parents possibly be traveling after all. He still felt some hurt, knowing he had to let the mare he loved be free, but maybe this could only strengthen their love should they reunite.
And he had a good feeling about that.
As he walked down the street, a certain friend got his attention. "Hey Rumble!"
Rumble turned to see Dinky and Flurry, the two very happy to see him. "Hi girls."
"So how was it with Sweetie Belle?" Dinky asked. "Did you work anything out?"
"Yeah...we're breaking up," Rumble said. "Or rather we broke up, officially this morning."
"You actually broke up with her!?" Dinky asked. "Holy crap! I can't believe it's over!"
"Just for now, maybe I need to experience being with other fillies," Rumble said. "Maybe we'll get back together, but right now, I'm a free colt."
"Well, whatever you go through, I'll be right there by your side best bud," Dinky said. "I'll do everything in my power to make you feel less lonely until you're ready to find love again."
"Aw thanks Dinky, you're the-" Rumble was interrupted when Dinky pulled him in for a kiss. This Rumble did not expect, since the two had stressed quite often that they were not going to start dating, so why Dinky was kissing him he didn't know. Once she broke away, he only had one question. "Uh...why?"
"I said I'd help you feel less lonely, didn't I?" Dinky asked.
"But we said we wouldn't date each other," Rumble reminded.
"But we're not though," Dinky explained. "Look, we don't ever have to be coltfriend and marefriend, but that doesn't mean we can't kiss or something like that. Let's face it, you're a growing colt and I'm a growing filly, we both have desires now and you make me feel all funny inside. Sorry bud, but I have the hots for you, but I've accepted that we'll never date." She then wrapped her forelegs affectionately around Rumble, "But that doesn't mean we can't pretend. Whenever you want, I'm there as a make-out buddy, or anything else you'd like to do."
Rumble began blushing, this was a weird turn of events, "Uh..."
"Just think about it, see the best thing is that even if we do these things, I won't get mad if another filly tries to flirt with you, I'll step aside and let you have fun," Dinky said, stepping back.
"Rumble," Flurry said, wrapping her forelegs around him. "Love Rumble."
"There's your first filly, give her a nice big kiss," Dinky said.
"She's a toddler," Rumble reminded.
"I won't tell anyone," Dinky said with a wink.
Rumble rolled his eyes, "That's not the-" Rumble felt distracted when Flurry moved closer to his face, trying to kiss him. "Hey cut that out!"
"Well give her a few years, then you two can make-out yourselves," Dinky said.
"You're not helping!" Rumble said, trying to keep Flurry away.
"Kissy! Kissy!" Flurry said, moving in to kiss Rumble's face, much to his annoyance.
"How cute, want me to join in?" Dinky asked. "I'm up for that stuff just so you know."
Rumble just started pitifully as Flurry continued to pepper his face with kisses, "I swear, you've become really weird lately and I don't know if-" He then felt himself locked in a kiss with Flurry, the toddler taking him by surprise. It took him a few seconds to react, and he did so by forcefully separating himself. "Come on Flurry!"
"Love Rumble, want more Rumble," Flurry said, all lovestruck again.
Rumble handed Flurry over to Dinky, "Try to keep her hormones under control, yours too." Rumble then flew off, "I need a break."
"Don't worry Flurry, he'll come around," Dinky said.
"Love Rumble," Flurry stated, hearts still in her eyes.
"Me too Flurry," Dinky said, positioning the Princess on her back. "Come on, let's grab a bite to eat."
Rumble flew off, still weirded out by Dinky and Flurry, "Well at least my morning can't get any weirder."
Suddenly he was tackled out of the sky by an oncoming Cozy Glow, "Surprise!"
"What the heck!?" Rumble turned to the filly. "Cozy Glow!?"
"Yupperoni!" Cozy Glow said. "Princess Twilight let me come out of my cell again, now I'm living with your foalsitter Flitter. In fact she's right over there!"
Cozy pointed to Flitter, who happily waved at Rumble, "I convinced Princess Celestia to let her stay with me!"
"She's trying to reform me, we'll see how that goes," Cozy Glow said. "But I can behave as long as I'm with you Rumbly-Boo. So what should we do first? How's Sweetie Belle doing? Are you two still together? Did you break-up? Can I be your new marefriend?"
Rumble sighed in annoyance, "Well, this is my life now..." Deep down, he just wanted to be with Sweetie Belle again, but one day, he knew it would happen. He still longs for her affection, and he'll prove himself worthy to her soon.
He is not one to just give up on something so precious.