When Cozy Met Tirek PREVIEW · 6:19pm May 16th, 2020
When started writing my Cozy Glow origin story (which went through two title changes) for the Depth in Innocence contest, the deadline was so distant that it kept slipping my mind. On Mother's Day, I checked the contest rules to see how much time I had left, and noticed that the deadline to sign up for the contest had already passed.
Oops.
Since I've written almost 10,000 words, I might as well finish this fanfic. Besides, I think it offers something unique to this website's library. Here's an excerpt to give you an idea of what's in store:
“Can't you fly any faster?” asked Tirek, trotting after her.
Cozy put just a little more power into her wing beats, intending to make the most of her time alone with Tirek. “Your friend isn't a pony, is he? And he can't be a changeling because he said he takes orders from no one. So what is he?” She glanced back to watch his reaction in her peripheral vision.
His dark eyes widened for a split second before narrowing, looking thoughtful. “You're right that he is no pony or changeling. Perhaps you've heard of Discord.”
Cozy opened the front door in the waiting room and flew outside. “Oh! I should have guessed. He's just pretending to be a pony so the real ponies will let down their guard. I'll bet he pretended to be reformed, too.”
“I'm not so sure,” said Tirek, trotting outside. “I suspect he has grown soft. He is part pony, after all.”
Cozy focused her gaze on him. “Aren't you part pony?”
Tirek drew himself up. “I am part horse. I shouldn't have to explain the difference to you.”
Cozy nodded. “Of course, how silly of me. That must be why you have no magic of your own, except the magic to steal from others.” She flew over the walkway that ran from the orphanage to the road. “And Discord must have more magic than all of us ponies put together,” she added pensively. “Which poses the question: Why haven't you taken his magic yet?”
“If you're so smart, why don't you tell me?”
“Because you still have use for him,” answered Cozy. “Once he stops helping you acquire new targets, you'll steal his magic.”
Tirek tilted his head. “You're not like the other ponies. Perhaps Discord was right about you leading me on a wild goose chase.” He straightened, clenching his fists. “Or perhaps I was right about you leading me into a trap. I should take you magic right now and return to the orphanage.” They were on the road at that point, and Little Hooves' was barely visible through the trees.
Cozy hovered and rubbed her hooves together. “It's not a trap, but there is a reason I wanted to talk to you alone.”
Tirek glanced up and down the road as if he expected a band of unicorns to teleport around him.
“The truth is, you already took something from me four moons ago.”
Ok, now you have piqued my curiosity.
Most intriguing. A shame about missing the sign-up deadline, but I look forward to seeing what you do with this.