Having made their way through the snow storm surrounding the Crystal Empire thanks for a two Pegasus Chariot and some magic, Shining Amor along with Cadance, Sunburst, Flitter,, Flurry Heart and Terramar were on their way to finding Rumble and Cozy Glow.
"Hopefully the guards stopped the train, they should be able to find the kids soon," Shining Armor said.
"We can then put an end to whatever Cozy Glow is planning," Cadance said. "But I still wonder how she got out of her cage?"
"Whoever was on guard must really messed up then," Sunburst said.
"We'll run it by Celestia soon, this isn't the first time a prisoner escaped from Tartarus," Shining Armor said.
"I still say there could have been a better place to send her than a place like that," Flitter said.
"Let's not get into this again," Shining Armor said. "Where exactly did you even find Cozy Glow?"
"At Mount Aris, after I picked up Rumble from his flight school," Flitter said.
"Hold on, Mount Aris? How did you get to The Crystal Empire then?" Sunburst asked. "I mean was it intentional because coming to The Crsytal Empire from Mount Aris seems a bit out of the way.
"Well I kind of wanted to see Mount Aris so I took a special train there, but I couldn't find a direct train to Ponyville from there so I take to take a train that went backwards and got the right train from there. It was a special type train that only stopped at big locations, which I didn't mind, not because it was faster but because secretly I kind of wanted to spend more time with Rumble," Flitter explained.
"Oh, do you not spend a lot of time with him?" Terramar asked. "I mean didn't you say you were his foalsitter?"
"Honestly he doesn't even need one much anymore, he's mature enough to take care of himself, I'm mainly around just to make sure he has something to eat when he's hungry or make sure he does his school work, honestly my title barely means much these days," Flitter explained. "Ever since he began dating Sweetie Belle, that's less time I've had to spend with him, and I kind of missed that."
"So you delayed his trip home to spend a little extra time with him huh?" Sunburst stated. "I guess that's understandable."
"Maybe it was selfish of me to do that, because of this Rumble is in danger now, I failed to protect him like I promised I would," Flitter said.
"Don't beat yourself up, things like this happen," Shining Armor said. "No one could have guessed that a filly like Cozy Glow was evil."
"And there's no need to feel ashamed for wanting to spend time with Rumble," Cadance said. "I'm sure it's not easy to accept that he's growing up, that's hard for anypony who cares for a foal to deal with."
"It just means you love him," Terramar reassured. "I think he's lucky to have a pony like you that will do anything for him and to be with him."
"Aw, thanks Terramar, you're so sweet," Flitter said.
"And we know you didn't mean to selfishly endanger his life like that by taking a overly complicated train route," Shining Armor said, to the annoyance of those around him. "What?"
"So, what was Celestia thinking when she made you captain of the Royal Guard?" Flitter sarcastically asked.
"Hey, what are you trying to say!?" Shining Armor said, somewhat offended.
"Come on let's focus," Cadance said. "The sooner we find the train, the sooner we save Rumble, let's hurry."
Elsewhere Rumble and Cozy are still flying around together, Rumble checking on Cozy every few seconds to make sure she didn't create some way of escaping.
"Ugh, so sign of a town anywhere, feels like we've been flying forever too," Rumble said.
"Wish I could help, but I don't know much about the area outside of Ponyville," Cozy Glow said.
"Don't worry too much about it," Rumble said. "We'll find our way home soon enough."
"So um, what do you plan to do when you get home?" Cozy asked.
"A lot, first thing's first, I want to catch up with my marefriend, I really missed being around her," Rumble said.
"Why did you fall in love with Sweetie Belle anyway?" Cozy asked. "What was that story?"
"Simple, she was a very pretty filly with a heart of gold, ane every time I saw her, it made my heart flutter," Rumble said. "For a long time though, I didn't have the courage to tell her how I felt, thankfully my best friend Dinky helped me find the opportunity I needed."
"Best Friend huh? That's sweet," Cozy said. "Do you miss your friend as well?"
"Of course, Dinky's always been by my side, she means the world tome," Rumble said. "If it wasn't for Dinky, I don't think I would have the good fortune I have today. She's always been there for me when I needed her, in all the good times and the bad."
"Aw, that's so adorable...so which one do you care about more?" Cozy asked, smiling deviously.
Rumble glared slightly at Cozy, "I won't choose between my best friend and my marefriend, they both mean a lot to me and I love them both the same."
"But what if they ask? What will you say?" Cozy asked, leaning in closer.
"I've already talked this over with them, they know I care about the both of them equally, Sweetie Belle respects the fact that Dinky was in my life first and Dinky knows that Sweetie Belle is just as big of a focus," Rumble said. "Now stop asking me that, it's kind of rude."
"Oh I don't mean to be rude, I just want to make sure you're properly prepared for such an awkward situation," Cozy Glow insisted.
"Cozy..." Rumble warned.
"Just the idea of your best friend and your marefriend fighting over your affection, it could be really weird," Cozy said
Rumble started to get irritated. "Cozy will you stop-"
"What if all your other friends started getting jealous too? What if they want to be your best friend and marefriend?" Cozy asked. "I mean, what if-"
"Cozy Glow!" Rumble shouted, startling Cozy. "That's enough!"
Cozy for the first time felt slightly intimidated by Rumble, between the venom in his voice and the look of displeasure in his eyes. "Oh, sowwy Wumble, I was just-"
"And enough with the cutesy talk! It was fine at first but honestly it's getting really annoying!" Rumble shouted. "Just keep flying and stop trying to get in my head! Honestly Cozy did you really flunk on purpose like Sweetie Belle said in her letter or are you really just that bad at Friendship!?"
Cozy felt a little hurt by Rumble's statement, she didn't expect him to get so angry, maybe a little upset and annoyed, almost playful like, but he really seemed unhappy. "I...I'm sorry..."
"If you really are sorry Cozy, stop screwing around and help me find a way home, no more running off and stop talking about my friends in such negative light, they're supposed to be your friends too," Rumble said.
"Right, my friends," Cozy said, thinking about The Cutie Mark Crusaders. She had to admit, they were pretty nice to her, going out of their way to help her get into the School of Friendship. Of course that was all a ploy for her true mission, that being to take over Equestria and rule over Friendship as a whole.
Of course she also ended up betraying The Crusaders, locking them in a closet once they got word of her impending betrayal. Perhaps she felt some remorse doing that to her friends, the ponies who helped her even when she technically didn't need it. No, she can't think like that, it was their own fault for being so naive, and they never would have gone along with her master plan. She can't forget she has a mission of her own, and she wants revenge on the Elements of Harmony, and she will unleash her true Friends to Equestria to destroy everything these ponies cared about.
"I see a village up ahead," Rumble said. "Come on, let's hurry."
"Uh-huh," Cozy answered, flying to match Rumble's speed as they made their way toward the village.
The two landed in the town, it was a little bland looking, but not too bad. The ponies were all attending to their own business, barely paying any mind to the two foals.
"I hope we can find somepony that can help us," Rumble said, then grabbed his rumbling stomach. "Or get us something to eat."
"I'm sure we'll find some food," Cozy reassured.
"Might be hard though since I don't really have any bits," Rumble said.
"That won't be a problem," Cozy said, somewhat mischievously.
Rumble found her tone slightly suspicious, but before he could inquire he heard the familiar voice of Night Glider from above. "Rumble!?"
Rumble looked up in surprise, "Night Glider!?"
Night Glider landed down before the young Pegasus, "Wow, I can't believe it's you! What brings you to Our Town?"
"We got lost," Rumble explained. "Wait, this is where you live? Where Starlight used to live?"
"Yeah pretty much, not very fancy but a place we love to call 'home'," Night Glider said. "So you're lost? Where were you coming from?"
"Rainbow Falls, I went to a Flight School there the last several months there at a Flight School," Rumble explained.
"Oh right, I think Starlight mentioned that in a letter, Sugar Belle too when she traveled to Ponyville to deliver some of her treats," Night Glider said, then noticed Cozy Glow. "Who's the filly? A friend from Flight School? Or a new marefriend?"
"Uh I just met her, I'm still dating Sweetie Belle, and we intend to keep it that way," Rumble said, much to Cozy's chagrin. "Her name's Cozy Glow, I met her at Mount Aris."
"Hello!" Cozy said.
"Mount Aris? You went there from Rainbow Falls? Isn't that more down south?" Night Glider wondered.
"Uh, is it?" Rumble asked. "Honestly I just went on whatever route Flitter took me on."
"Flitter? Oh is she here too?" Night Glider asked.
"No, I got separated from her back at The Crystal Empire," Rumble said.
"The Crystal Empire? Alright you're gonna have to do quite a bit of explaining," Night Glider said, then noticed Rumble grabbing his growling stomach. "After we get you something to eat, you look kind of exhausted too, you can come to my place, I'll get the gang to come greet, maybe Sugar Belle will make you a treat."
"I normally don't eat sugary foods," Rumble said, grabbing his stomach once more. "But I might make an exception, I'm too hungry to care."
"I'm sure she has something light, and if anything you can work it off, nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while," Night Glider said. "I speak from experience on this Rumble, you got nothing to worry about."
"If you say so Night Glider," Rumble said, following after the older mare with Cozy close behind, not that she had much of a choice.
Time passed by, the guards of The Crystal Empire and Mount Aris were still checking the train as carefully as possible, hoping to find any sign of either Rumble or Cozy Glow.
Shining Armor eventually arrived with his group, Flitter immediately getting off and flying into the train. "Rumble!"
"Hey wait up Flitter!" Shining Armor called out.
"Don't tell me to wait!" Flitter called from inside the train.
"Well she's eager to find Rumble," Sunburst said.
"Not the only one," Terramar said. "Look."
The young Hippogriff gestured to Flurry Heart thoroughly checking each cart herself, even occasionally lifting one up with her magic, accidentally dropping ponies out. "Wumble!?"
"Ah! Flurry don't do that!" Shining Armor hastily scolded, quickly trotting towards his daughter.
Cadance however took the moment to speak with a guard, to her dismay, there was no sign of either Rumble or Cozy Glow. "Looks like they got away, I hope Rumble's alright."
"I think Rumble can take care of himself, especially when it comes to a filly," Sunburst said. "I mean this girl, is she battle trained? Does she do much fighting?"
"I don't think so," Cadance said. "I don't believe she could overpower Rumble in a fight, and he's only gotten stronger since the last time I've seen him, I think so at least. He did spend nearly a year at a Flight Camp."
"Then he should be fine, the only need for concern is if she were aligned with a villain but I don't think there have been any signs of that," Sunburst said.
"I hope it stays that way," Cadance said. "From the sounds of things, Cozy seemed to run off whenever it looked like she could be caught or if she raised enough suspicion about herself, and Rumble simply goes after her, either oblivious to why she's doing that or to keep an eye on her."
"I hope that's the only thing for us to worry about," Cadance said.
"Let's just have confidence that Rumble will be alright, I mean he's a clever kid, and he's faced danger before and held his own," Sunburst said.
"Last time there was a threat he got his wings broken by one of the Sirens," Cadance reminded. "I don't want that to happen again, honestly I'm worried something worse could happen, what if he gets himself killed?"
Sunburst was about to say something, but retracted, "Yeah, let's hope that doesn't happen."
Flitter flew out of the train, looking to be in a panic, "I can't find him!"
"He couldn't have gotten far, we'll just spread our troops around," Shining Armor said.
"He could be anywhere thought!" Flitter said. "What if he's lost!?"
"Easy now, I'm sure he's learned some navigation techniques, hasn't he?" Sunburst asked. "I'm sure he's well able to find any nearby town and get the proper resources."
"There isn't a town for miles though!" Flitter said. "What if he's stuck in a forest or something! What if it's a place worse than The Everfree Forest!?"
"Flitter, I know you're worried, but panicking won't help," Shining Armor said. "Our guards will continue searching but for now the smart thing to do would be to go find Twiley and get her help. She can multiply our resources greatly," Shining Armor said.
"That's actually a great idea!"Cadance said. "We can fly over to Ponyville, it shouldn't be too far away."
"But Rumble's probably close by, we can't leave him now!" Flitter urgently said. “I have to find him!”
"I can stay behind with the guards," Sunburst said. "I mean, you need to help explain things to Twilight, maybe even Rumble's brother, I'm sure he's worried about him, like your sister might be worried about you."
Flitter still looked reluctant to leave, she couldn't bare the idea of going back without Rumble, in her mind, that would signify failure in protecting the colt she promised to always be there for.
"I...I just can't," Flitter stammered out. "Rumble needs me, I just can't-"
"Flitter," Cadance said, getting the mare's attention. "I understand your worry, I was a foalsitter myself, how you worry about Rumble is exactly how I would feel when Twilight was a filly." She placed a hoof on Flitter's back, hoping to give her sense of reassurance. "I know you desperately want to find Rumble and make sure he's safe, but sometimes you have to take a different approach. The sooner you get to Ponyville, the sooner you let Twilight, Thunderlane, your sister and everyone else that cares about Rumble know, and then you'll have a load of more support. This type of thing would be easier coming from you, because you would know how to tell them."
Flitter felt a state of kinship with Cadance at the moment, she knows of Cadance having watched over Twilight during her younger days, that was no secret, so she can geniunely respect her words, not as a Princess, but a fellow foalsitter.
"Alright Cadance, I'll trust you on this," Flitter said, then turned to Sunburst. "Promise you'll keep a sharp eye out, I want my Rumble back safe and sound."
"Of course, Flurry Heart would never forgive me if I let Rumble down," Sunburst said, looking over to the toddler filly.
"Find Wumble!" Flurry commanded.
"Uh, yes Princess," Sunburst nervously said.
Terramar gestured Flurry to come with him "Come on Princess, let's see if your aunt can help."
"Auntie Twiley!" Flurry said, making her way to the chariot.
Shining Armor joined the others on the chariot, giving one final glance to Sunburst. "Good luck, and be careful out there."
"I'm sure I can handle whatever's out there," Sunburst said.
As the Chariot took off, Sunbust turned his attention to the guards, "Alright, let's get this train moving again, I'm sure these ponies want to get home, before they start to get irritable."
Back in Our Town, Rumble and Cozy Glow were given a nice meal along with a few treats made by Sugar Belle to go with it. Rumble had explained the situation to the mares, to which Night Glider had checked some nearby train schedules to see when they can get home. She was still a bit confused as to how and why he went from Rainbow Falls, to Mount Aris all the way to The Crystal Empire, but even Rumble wasn’t too sure. Her guess is that he wasn’t really paying attention to the route at first.
"I hope you're enjoying your meals little dears," Sugar Belle said.
"I sure am," Rumble said. "Your cupcakes are good too, though I'm gonna have to work off the extra sugar when I'm done."
"I can show you some tricks," Night Glider said. "We'll keep you in tip-top shape."
"I'd really appreciate that," Rumble said, then turned to Cozy. "How's your food?"
Rumble was surprised to see Cozy scarfing everything down, like if she hasn't eaten in ages. For a somewhat well mannered filly, she can be quite the messy eater.
"Cozy Glow?" Sugar Belle said, getting the filly's attention.
"Huh? Oh sorry," Cozy said, wiping her face. "I was just weally hungwy! This is tasty food! And your cupcakes, they're so heavenly!"
"Aw, you talk so cutely," Sugar Belle said. "I really appreciate the compliment dear."
"Man, having you as a baker must be a dream, this is tastier than the treats at Sugarcube Corner," Cozy said.
"Oh my, I wouldn't say they're that great," Sugar Belle said with a blush.
"Oh but they are, I bet Rumbly-Boo agrees too," Cozy said.
"Please stop calling me 'Rumbly-Boo'," Rumble said. "But in all seriousness, you are a great baker, not sure if I would compare you to The Cakes or Pinkie Pie since you're all great in your own way."
"That's very sweet of you to say," Sugar Belle said. "Well on the bright side you all seem properly fed, now there's the matter of getting you all home."
"Well it is late, my suggestion is that they stay here overnight and we'll send them home in the morning," Night Glider said.
"In the morning?" Rumble asked. "But if we wait that long, my brother and foalsitters are gonna get worried."
"I know kid, but it's better to travel in the day, a lot of strange creatures come out during the night, it's not a good idea for two foals to travel during this time," Night Glider said.
Rumble looked highly disappointed. "I get your point, but still..."
"Don't worry, you can stay with me if you'd like," Sugar Belle said. "I can take care of you both until the morning."
"Great idea, maybe I can round up Double Diamond and Party Favor to join," Night Glider said.
"Sure, that'd be great!" Sugar Belle said, then leaned in to whisper. "But please try to keep your emotions under control around Double Diamond, especially with these two around, something tells me you had trouble like that once before."
Night Glider angrily blushed, "I can control my emotions just fine, besides I'm sure you and Party Favor have had a few flings yourself, so I can say the same about you."
Sugar Belle gasped in shock, "You know we are just friends, he just has a slight crush on me, it happens."
"Yeah, I know it does," Night Glider said, turning away, looking a bit annoyed.
"Excuse me but are you trying to say something?" Sugar Belle asked.
"Um, excuse me?" Rumble said, getting the attention of the two mares. "Is there something I should be aware of?"
Both mares began to blush, realizing they may have gone a bit far off the point.
"It's nothing, don't worry about it little guy," Night Glider said. "Come on, finish up so we can get you ready for bed."
Sugar Belle used her magic to lift up the empty platters and take them to the kitchen while Night Glider brought the two to the room they would be staying in. Rumble was slightly concerned about this development, as it meant he would be away from home longer. Cozy was also a bit worried since this was delaying her plans.
But on the bright side, now she has a nice bed to sleep in for the first time in forever. Her allies can wait another night, truthfully the only one she felt sorry for was Sonata, but the others could wait for all she cared.
Back in Ponyville, everyone was still waiting at the train station for Rumble and Flitter to arrive. Even Thunderlane, Cloudchaser and Derpy joined in on the wait. But it was getting late and there was no sign of either of them.
"Where's Rumble?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I'm getting really worried."
"They should have been here by now," Dinky said.
"You don't suppose something bad happened, do you?" Silverstream asked.
"Like they got attacked by some big scary monster on the way to Ponyville?" Smolder bluntly asked. "Or they got sucked into another dimension, or-"
"Will you stop it!" Dinky shouted. "You're making us more worried!"
"I'm just pointing out the possibilities so we can be ready for any outcome," Smolder said.
"Alright, let's keep cool heads," Cloudchaser said. "Maybe it's not as bad as we think. Maybe the train's not working, maybe they took the wrong train, maybe Flitter is doing this on purpose because she misses spending time with Rumble and probably urged him do some weird and crazy excursion."
"What's happening here?" they heard Twilight say. They all turned to see her making her way over with Spike and Starlight. "Are you all still waiting for Rumble?"
"Tw-twilight!" Tender Taps said, stumbling over himself. "H-hi! It's nice to see you today!"
"Oh, hello Tappy," Twilight said. "Do you know what's happening?"
"Oh um, it looks like...the situation is...the train, and Rumble..." Tender Taps kept stumbling over his words, much to Twilight's confusion.
Dinky got annoyed and finished the answer for him, "Rumble's not here, he should have been here a while ago, but he's not and we're all getting worried."
"Rumble's late?" Starlight said. "Did he know which train to take? The trains can get a little confusing, especially with all the new locations that have been added to the route, like Mount Aris, and The Dragon Territory, and the new Changeling Hive..."
"This isn't really of any help!" Dinky said. "We need to find out where Rumble is and get him!"
"Will you relax, even Sweetie Belle's calm, and she's his marefriend," Schmolder said.
"Actually I'm not that calm, I'm really worried," Sweetie Belle said.
"And don't tell me to relax! Rumble's my best friend, I'll worry as much as I'd like to!" Dinky shouted, then turned to Twilight. "Is there a spell you know that can bring Rumble here!?"
"I'd have to know where he is, or have him in my line of sight," Twilight said. "It's not as simple as just saying his name or something."
Dinky groaned loudly, "We need to know if he's alright! Isn't there anything that can tell us!?"
"Dinky," Twilight said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Please, I know this is stressful for you, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions or start assuming the worst."
Dinky shook her head in annoyance, "Twilight, over the last couple of years I've seen Changelings, Sirens, Energy sucking Centaurs, Bug Monsters, Ursa Minors, Magic Disappearing, Vines popping out of The Everfree Forest, Literal Chaos, Moon Mares, I have a list Twilight, a LIST! There's a lot of danger out there so I am not exactly having positive thoughts at the moment!"
"Dinky! That's a Princess, lower your voice!" Derpy ordered.
"Aren't you worried Aunt Derpy!?" Dinky asked. Flitter's your best friend and you love Rumble very much, even you have to understand-"
"I get it, it's very scary out there, I'm still not over having been turned to stone by The Storm King a while back, but panicking isn't going to help, you're just making yourself and others more scared," Derpy gestured to the other Unicorn filly. "Especially Sweetie Belle."
Dinky could see that Sweetie Belle was almost hyperventilating while Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Tender Taps tended to her. Dinky started to feel some remorse, especially for bringing up past traumas.
"You're right, I'm sorry everyone, I'm just worried about Rumble," Dinky said. "He's always been there for me, I hate not being there for him if he's probably scared or worried."
"I thought he was suppose to be this brave Pegasus colt or something," Smolder asked, getting a glare from many in the group.
"You need to work on your sensitivity," Gallus said. "And that's coming from me."
"We just need good vibes, try to be mellow," Sandbar said.
"Yeah, exactly," Twilight said. "We just need to...huh, is that my brother?"
Everyone turned to see the Chariot carrying Shining Armor, Cadance, Terramar, Flitter and Flurry Heart making it's way over.
"My brother's there too," Silverstream said.
"And my sister, but where's Rumble?" Cloudchaser asked.
The chariot stopped with Shining Armor getting off quickly, Twilight going to meet him. "Big brother, this is a pleasant surprise."
"It's great to see you too Twiley, I just wish this was under better circumstances," Shining Armor said.
"What's happening?" Twilight asked, looking over to Flitter, who seemed to be very distraught at the moment. "And where's Rumble?"
Shining Armor turned to Flitter, "Are you ok telling them? Or do you want me to-"
"I got it," Flitter assured, getting the attention of the others. "We have some trouble, and unfortunately it has to do with Rumble."
Dinky and Sweetie Belle stepped forward, both of them looking up at Flitter, each with a different emotion. For Sweetie Belle it was the fearful look of a worried marefriend. For Dinky it was a strong front trying to hide the fears of a best friend.
"Flitter?" Sweetie Belle said, sweat forming from her forehead. "What's going on."
"Where's Rumble, tell me he's alright," Dinky said, trying to hold in some tears. Despite Twilight's assurance, she couldn't help but assume the worst, especially with Flitter's demeanor.
"I don't know where he is, we got separated," Flitter admitted, her heart twisting around.
"How?" Thunderlane spoke up. "What happened?"
"Before anything, this wasn't Flitter's fault, she was manipulated," Shining Armor said.
"Manipulated?" Twilight asked. "By who?"
"Cozy Glow," Cadance answered, getting a look of shock and fear from everyone around. "She's somehow escaped from Tartarus, and she currently has Rumble."
"Cozy Glow's back?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I'm afraid so, and she may not be alone," Shining Armor said, turning to Twilight. "This is a big emergency Twiley, if we want to rescue Rumble and stop whatever it is that Cozy's planning, we're gonna have to act fast."
Twilight looked very worried, while Cozy is not much of a threat on her own, the fact that she's been aligned with Tirek and likely following his orders is what really worries her. "Alright...let's go save Rumble."