//------------------------------// // Nighttime Plans // Story: Sweet Affection 4 // by Masterob //------------------------------// At Our Town, Sugar Belle got a bed ready for both Rumble and Cozy Glow, they were gonna be sleeping in her room while she and the others would sleep on the floor. The others were sleeping in her living room, all agreeing to help watch over the foals and make sure they got on the first train to Ponyville in the morning. "Alright you two, get some rest, first thing tomorrow we'll get you to that train," Sugar Belle said. "Thanks Sugar Belle," Rumble said, getting comfortable on the bed. "Yes, thanks, you're really kind and sweet," Cozy said, cuddling right next to Rumble, much to his annoyance. "Cozy there's plenty of room on the bed, you don't need to be so close to me," Rumble said. "Yeah, but I feel safer next to you, plus you're really soft," Cozy said, getting a roll of the eyes from Rumble. "Aw, you two look so cute sleeping next to each other," Sugar Belle said. She then kissed both of them on the head, and placed the blanket over them. "Goodnight." She grabbed her sleeping bag and placed it on the floor right next to the bed as she began to doze off. Rumble and Cozy were still tucked in, though Rumble used his wing to gently push Cozy away from him. "Try to stay on your side of the bed Cozy," Rumble said, getting into a comfortable position. "But I'm more comfortable next to you," Cozy insisted. "Don't you want somepony to cuddle?" "Yes, but unfortunately she's all the way back home, that's where I intend to go tomorrow, so don't mess this up for me," Rumble said. Cozy looked down in sadness, "Well, alright, I won't bother you then." She laid down on the bed, far away enough for Rumble to be satisfied. Rumble finally believed he had some quiet, quite frankly he was pretty exhausted from the day and just wanted to relax. Truthfully he still had some worries in his head, such as how Flitter was doing, knowing her she's probably freaking out due to him having been separated from her, he also wonders how his friends are holding up, figuring they must be very worried themselves. Then there's his friends, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Tender Taps, as well as his best friend Dinky and his marefriend Sweetie Belle. He knows they must worried as well, he yearns to see them again. Deep down he also feels frustrated, knowing the main reason for this delay is sleeping right next to him. Deep down he wonders why he even cared so much about keeping Cozy safe, all she's done was make things difficult for him. Unfortunately he couldn't allow any danger to befall Cozy, no matter how annoying she was. He looked to the filly not too far from him, laying all alone near the edge of the bed. Somehow he felt some pity for her, perhaps he's judging her too harshly. If she's being chased by a villain, then she's likely to freak out and make mistakes half the time. But something about her story just seems kind of weird. He's seen no sign of a villain, though he thinks he heard Adagio's voice at one point, but that might have been his imagination. Still, strange as this filly is, he could tell that something's bothering her. She's likely just socially awkward and still learining about friendship, including what things are ok to say and not say. Maybe instead of being angry or scolding her for her actions, he could try his best to explain things to her in hopes of having her better understand friendship. Well, he couldn't let this night end on a totally negative note, so he decided to try and make things right. "Hey, Cozy, are you still awake?" Cozy turned around, looking curiously at Rumble, "Yeah, I’m still up, what's wrong?" "Nothing, just...I'm really sorry for getting angry before," Rumble said. "Maybe I'm just frustrated by everything recently, and maybe I'm just not understanding you. But it wasn't nice of me to say the things I said, and if you're interested, maybe I can teach you a thing or two about friendship as well. I can tell you have potential, you're really nice, but you can be a little up front about things. Still, I just wanted you to know that I don't dislike you, and I still want to be your friend, if you're ok with that." "Golly, thanks for being so nice Rumble," Cozy said. "I'm also sorry for coming on too strong, you just seemed so nice and you're incredibly cute, I couldn't help myself. I'm also sorry for asking you too much about your relationship with Sweetie Belle and Dinky, I get really curious sometimes." "It's fine, I forgive you for that," Rumble said. "I guess it's normal to be curious when it comes to that subject, it did make for a good Friendship Lesson." "Aw thanks," Cozy said. "Um, I was also wondering if...well, see I kind of get nervous when I'm sleeping somewhere that isn't where I live, and so..." Rumble sighed in submission, "If I let you cuddle next to me, you promise to be a little more cooperative?" Cozy wasted no time cuddling next to the colt beside her, "Sure would." Rumble shook his head in mild annoyance, but forced a smile, "Just get some sleep for now, we have a train to catch tomorrow." "That won't be hard, I feel so much safer next to you," Cozy said, nuzzling against Rumble. "Wow, you're soft to nuzzle, but you also feel firm too, you're the perfect cuddle pony." She wrapped her foreleg around him, bringing him into a hug. "Delightful..." Rumble had an awkward blush on his face, "Just don't tell Sweetie Belle I let you do this, I don't want her to get jealous." "Your secret's safe with me," Cozy said, getting ready to drift off into her slumber. "Night Rumbly-Boo." Rumble couldn't fully believe the situation he was in, but he didn't care, he just wanted to sleep and get the night over with. But Cozy wasn't that bad to cuddle with, she was pretty soft herself, though it still didn't compare to Sweetie Belle. Thinking about Sweetie Belle, Rumble really hopes to the high heavens that she never finds out, he does not want her getting the wrong idea. If there's one thing he's learned from dating the filly, is to never get on her bad side. While she wasn't totally aggressive, she's still not a pony you want to upset. Back in Ponyville, Sweetie Belle was sitting on the bench of the train station next to Tender Taps, worrying her mind away about her coltfriend Rumble. "Why does this keep happening?" Sweetie Belle asked. "For the last few years it seems like something's always after me, my friends or Rumble! I mean, we're just foals, what could villains want with us? With Rumble!?" "Well, we are friends or relatives six of the most powerful ponies in Equestria, so of course we're pretty obvious targets for villains, they want an upper hoof on Twilight and the others," Tender Taps explained. "Yeah, it pretty much sucks, but that's why we have to try to adapt and get stronger." Tender Taps laid back against the wall. "Though I shouldn't talk, I'm weak as a twig, I bet even Flurry Heart is stronger than me." "Well she is an alicorn, she's probably stronger than most of us," Sweetie Belle said, taking note of the very impatient looking toddler who seemed super eager to go back out and look for Rumble. "She doesn't seem to be handling this well." "Of course not, she's a toddler, she has no grip on her emotions, I bet she just wants to go out and bring Rumble back immediately," Tender Taps said. "She's not the only one," Sweetie Belle said, pouting in annoyance. "If I only had a lead of some sort." "Hey you aren't considering going out there by yourself are you?" Tender Taps asked. "If it means bringing Rumble back, then you bet I am," Sweetie Belle said. "I'll even assemble a team of my own if needed!" "Of who?" Tender Taps asked. "Apple Bloom? Scootaloo? Not to be discouraging but you're all still foals, you can't just go out there on your own. It might be dangerous out there." "So far it's just Cozy Glow, I think I can take her, with my fellow Crusaders we'd be unstoppable," Sweetie Belle said. "What if she has allies though?" Tender Taps asked. "She was pen pals with Tirek, so she's' got powerful connections. What if she's made more friends? Like with Chrysalis? Or the Sirens? Or even King Sombra!?" "Ugh you’re being way to pessimistic Tender Taps!" Sweetie Belle said. "Excuse me!?" Tender Taps said in disbelief. "I'm trying to prevent you from getting yourself hurt out there, or worse!" "He's right Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom said, getting their attention. "We're all worried about Rumble, but ah think past experiences have shown us that we're not exactly well suited to fight such strong enemies." "Yeah," Scootaloo chimed in. "If Cozy Glow does have any stronger allies, we'd be toast." "Ah know it's hard, but we gotta let Twilight handle this," Apple Bloom said. "You know she's gonna stop at nothing to save Rumble." "If we go out there, it'd just give Twilight something else to worry about," Tender Taps said. "Plus we might just end up getting in their way," Scootaloo added. "It's hard to admit, but it's better to just wait for them to bring Rumble back home." "Fine," Sweetie Belle reluctantly said. "I just wish I knew what Cozy Glow was up to, what could she want with Rumble?" "I think that's what Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are discussing with Twilight now," Scootaloo said, gesturing to Twilight and the others. The Crusaders decided to listen in on the conversation, Flitter telling Twilight everything. "We just met her in Mount Aris, she didn't seem like she had anything evil planned, she just seemed like a sweet little filly," Flitter said. "I can attest to that as well," Terramar said. "She did seem quite innocent, almost seemed like she was really lost." "She was so friendly and really nice to Rumble, maybe too nice since she seemed a bit flirty, of course Rumble has that natural charm with fillies," Flitter said. "He certainly does," Twilight said. "Listen, you don't need to feel guilty for what happened, anypony could have made a mistake like that. Cozy Glow tricked me and my friends as well, we all fell for her charm. She's very calculating and manipulative, and nearly took over Equestria due to her lack of understanding of how Friendship is suppose to be." "How could that have even happened though?" Flitter asked. "How could a young innocent looking girl have had such...evil in her? Are you really certain she wasn't brainwashed?" "I don't know either, I wish I could have gotten through to her, but I didn't know about her treason until it was too late," Twilight said. "Well, when we find her, we can just educate her, simple as that," Flitter said. "Um, if I may interject," Starlight said. "Maybe I should let you know that she pushed me into a magic portal that nearly imploded and destroyed everything, I'm not sure if she's redeemable." "Didn't you brainwash and entire village then try to manipulate time just because your friend moved away?" Flitter bluntly asked. This not only got a glare from Starlight, it also made everypony else feel awkward. "Fair point..." Starlight said. "I mean, all I did was try to break up a Friendship, I wasn't intentionally trying to destroy Equestria, and my idea of Friendship wasn't meant to be selfish!" "Um, Starlight, try to relax a bit here," Cadance said, getting a slight glare from the Unicorn. "This is already a tense situation as it is." Cadance turned to Flitter next, "Also Flitter, I'm quite certain that Starlight's really sensitive about her past mistakes, so maybe-" "Hey I'm just pointing out hypocoristic," Flitter said. "Did you just interrupt my wife?" Shining Armor asked. "Who happens to be a Princess!?" "All I'm saying is that if Princess Luna, Discord and even Starlight here can get a second chance, why not a filly who probably just didn't know any better? Even Trixie, who tried taking over Ponyville and banishing Twilight, was given the 'misunderstood' treatment, she's a grown mare who knew what she was doing!" "Trixie was mind controlled by her amulet though," Twilight pointed out. "Which she bought!" Flitter said. "She came to town to get revenge on you Twilight, all because you exposed her for being a fraud! She knew what she was doing!" "Look, this is getting nowhere," Twilight said. "We'll focus on past mistakes later, we really should be trying to look for Rumble. Now tell me Flitter, do you know where Cozy was trying to go?" "She did mention Ponyville, I don't know why she wasn't on the train though," Flitter said. "Probably because of the guards we sent there," Shining Armor said. "She probably bolted the moment they arrived." "Come to think of it, she did quickly leave the train when we first arrived at The Crystal Empire, this was right after we saw the Hippogriff guards," Flitter said. "That does seem like something a pony on the run would do," Starlight interjected. "Speaking from my own experience." "So the best solution is to check near where that train was," Twilight said. "That was the main reason for coming here," Shining Armor said. "We already left Sunburst to have a look around, but we knew that wouldn't be enough." "We need you and your friends to help us find Rumble and stop whatever Cozy Glow is planning," Shining Armor said. "I'd be more than happy to help with that," Twilight said. "And I know my friends will too." "Got that right," Rainbow Dash said, making her way over along with the rest of the Elements. "You can be sure we'll save Rumble from Cozy Glow." "And figure out what she's up to while we're at it," Applejack said. "I can always count on all of you," Twilight said, then turned her attention to Flitter. "We promise to bring Rumble back safely." "That's if he hasn't gotten away himself," Rainbow Dash said. "I mean, I'm sure he's either caught on to her evil nature or is on the verge of catching on." "For all we know, he's on his way over to Ponyville right now!" Pinkie said. "Oh, if he is, we really need to find him then," Fluttershy said. "He shouldn't be out there by himself." "The sooner we find him, the better," Rarity said, glancing towards where Sweetie Belle was. "For my sister's sake." She turned back to her friends, "And mine too, I do adore little Rumbly quite a lot myself." "We all like Rumble, he's a nice boy," Applejack said. "Just say the word Twilight, and we'll march into battle." "Uh, not much of a battle," Rainbow Dash said. "It's just Cozy Glow, I don't really intend to beat her up or anything, evil or not, she's just a filly." "Well fer all we know Chrysalis, The Sirens or even Tirek probably escaped too," Applejack said. "We should probably look into that," Twilight said. "We'll split into three groups, one team will look for Rumble where the train last was, one team will go to Tartarus to get some answers, and one will stay here just in case Rumble does come back." "Hey! Can we be on any team?" Sweetie called out to Twilight. "Sure, you all can be on the Team that stays here," Twilight said. "That seems feasible." "Ugh, I wanted to be on the Team that searches for Rumble," Sweetie Belle lamented. "Told ya Twilight wouldn't let you do that," Apple Bloom said. "Besides if Rumble does come back, I think he'd want to see you most of all." "Also if Cozy Glow shows up with him, we can beat her up!" Scootaloo said. "I'd rather you don't resort to violence!" Twilight suggested. "Even if she is evil." "Why does everypony keep calling her 'evil'?" Flitter said. "I'm telling you all, she's probably just misguided, use your fancy friendship magic on her. Like, can't you use the Elements of Harmony to free her from evil like you did with Princess Luna and that Stygian guy?" "Um, pretty sure it doesn't work like that," Rainbow Dash said. "But if it makes you feel better, we'll see what we can do to help redeem her." "That's all I ask," Flitter said. "That being said, I'm on the Find Rumble Team, just throwing that out there." "Same here," Cloudchaser said, walking over with Thunderlane. "We want to bring the little guy home safely." "I hate that my brother's out there somewhere with an evil little..." Thunderlane paused when he heard Flitter's throat clear. "Uh...misguided little filly, who honestly Rumble can reform himself. Flitter mentioned she might have a crush on him, he just needs to work his charm on her." This last statement merely got a look of annoyance from the other ponies around him, and a death glare from Sweetie Belle. "Uh...something I said?" "Thunderlane...he already has a marefriend," Cloudchaser said. "Yeah, he was not really interested in Cozy's advancements," Flitter pointed out. "I don't mean dump Sweetie Belle, just charm her enough to switch sides," Thunderlane said. "I think he can pull that off." "Or, how about he saves that kind of thing for my sister," Rarity said, a hint of venom in her voice. "After all, he certainly does not want to earn her wrath, now does he!?" Thunderlane took a step back, sporting a sheepish smile, "Sure, whatever you say Rares." Twilight shook her head at the encounter, this was silly and not to mention a waste of time, "Alright, here's the teams. Finding Rumble will consist of Applejack, Rarity, Thunderlane, Flitter, Cloudchaser and Derpy. Going to Tartarus will consist of myself, Starlight, Shining Armor, Cadance and Sunset Shimmer. Fluttershy and Pinkie will stay behind with everypony else should Rumble come home." "What about me?" Spike asked. "For now, I need you to send a letter to Celestia," Twilight said, bringing out a paper and quill. "Let her know what's happening, and ask her to send Sunset Shimmer our way." "Reminds me of the old days where we did this on a pretty regular basis," Spike said, writing the information. "Oh yeah, back when I was still a student," Twilight said, fondly reminiscing. Spike finished up the letter and sent it to Celestia through his fire, "There, she should be getting it now." "Good work, I know another way you can help. Do some constant patrols of the area surrounding Ponyville, if Celestia writes to you again with something urgent, go to Fluttershy or Pinkie Pie immediately," Twilight said. "You got it," Spike said, saluting for Twilight as he went to start his patrol. "Good, now let's get started," Twilight said. "Wait up, you can't go out there now Twiley, it's kind of late," Shining Armor said. "Huh? Are you serious!?" Twilight asked. "What do you expect us to go home and sleep knowing that Rumble needs our help?" "Well, when you put it that way..." Shining Armor said, rubbing his head sheepishly. "Big Brother, when you come to me with an emergency, then I'm going to act on it right away, not sleep for like eight hours and try then, Rumble could need our help right now," Twilight said. "I know, maybe that was a bad time to mention it, but it's night time and it might be hard to navigate, I'm worried about your safety as well baby sister," Shining Armor said. "I'm not a 'baby sister' Shining Armor, I'm a Princess of Equestria, I can handle whatever's out there," Twilight said. "This wouldn't be the first time I've gone out at night to do a mission after all, how do you think my battle with Nightmare Moon went? That was after navigating through the Everfree Forest." "I...er, I guess that's a good point," Shining Armor said. "I'm just throwing it out there, if you feel like you can do this, I won't stop you. I just want to make sure you'd be able to do this." "If it makes you feel better, we'll grab some extra supplies, if anypony gets tired we'll make sleeping arrangements, but if we're able to do something now, then I'd rather try that, I won't forgive myself if Rumble got hurt and I couldn't prevent it." "Huh, always the hero, huh Twiley?" Shining Armor said, getting a sheepish blush from his sister. "Oh it's nothing really, I just like helping ponies, especially foals," Twilight said. "Alright, let's not stand around any longer, we have a colt to rescue!" Rainbow Dash said, getting a murmur of agreements from the others, aside from Rarity. "Before we go, I would like to mention something to Tender Taps," Rarity said, then turned her attention to the colt. "Or Tender Taps darling, mind coming over for a minute please?" Tender Taps wasted no time obeying Rarity's request, trotting over to the mare, "Yes Miss Rarity?" "You can drop the formality darling," Rarity instructed. "Listen, I need you to do me a favor while I'm away." "Sure, what is it?" Tender Taps asked. "Please keep Sweetie Belle company," Rarity said. "I can see her worry from here, she needs a friend to keep her company." "Oh, well sure," Tender Taps said. "I mean I'm sure Apple Bloom and Scootaloo would do fine to but..." "I know Apple Bloom and Scootaloo will help as well, I don't even need to ask them, they're just that caring of my darling sister," Rarity explained. "I just want to make sure you stay near her too, you have a sensitivity to you that many fillies find charming, and I know it will benefit Sweetie Belle." "Well sure, I'd be happy to stay with her, if that's what you want," Tender Taps said. "You're such a good colt Tender Taps," Rarity said, rubbing his mane. "You're friends are lucky to have you, and you're gonna make a mare a very nice coltfriend." Tender Taps looked down at his hooves, trying to hide his embarrassment, "Come on, I'm just a normal colt, I'm not special." "Of course you are Tender Taps," Fluttershy said. "Yeah, nopony can tap dance like you!" Pinkie added. "You're very empathetic as well, a good quality in a coltfriend," Starlight said. "You just need to toughen up a bit, since you're usually kind of wimpy," Rainbow Dash said, getting a glare from her friends. "What? I'm just giving constructive criticism, Rumble's tough for his age, why can't Tender Taps be?" "He's not much of a fighter Rainbow Dash," Starlight said. "Neither is Fluttershy, but I bet she could hold her own against something dangerous," Rainbow Dash insisted. "Um, not really," Fluttershy said. "I'm actually pretty helpless in a fight, I feel no shame in admitting that." "...We really gotta work on that," Rainbow Dash said. "Girls, if we're gonna go find Rumble, we need to do it now," Cadance said, getting their attention. "Right, sorry," Rarity said. "Come on ladies, we have a colt so save." "Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, watch over Flurry for us please," Shining Armor called to the two mares. "You got it!" Pinkie Pie reassured. Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash made their way to Cadance and Shining Armor while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy joined with the foals. Twilight stayed behind to say her piece to Tender Taps. "I'm relying on you to watch over your friends Tappy, they need you right now," Twilight said. Tender Taps nervously nodded, "Y-yes Twilight." Twilight giggled at his awkwardness, "Why are you so nervous all of a sudden? I mean you do get like this when you talk to me, but it seems extra amped up today. Also, did you do something with your mane? It looks nice." Tender Taps's face reddened, he felt excited, yet nervous, "Uh, it's nothing really, just trying new things." "Well it looks nice," Twilight said. "Hey, you think after we come back we can spend a little time together? Running a school hasn't left me with much time to spend with my favorite foals, and I'd like to make a special day just for you Tappy." Tender Taps had no immediate response, much to Twilight's confusion. He just stood there in complete silence, no movement at all, much to Twilight's confusion. "Um...Tappy? You alright there?" Twilight waved her hoof in front on his eyes. She then noticed his face beginning to turn blue. Not only was he not moving, he wasn't breathing either. "Tender Taps!" The bolt quickly snapped out of it, looking around frantically, "Huh? What!?" He looked up at a slightly confused Twilight. "Oh, um...yeah, Yeah! Spending time together, you and me, nopony else! Yes that's...ahem, totally fine with me..." Twilight still looked a bit confused by his reaction, then started giggling, "You're so adorable Tappy." She then kissed the top of his head, leaving him speechless again. "I'll see you soon." She began to trot off, leaving Tender Taps completely love stricken. "Yes, sure thing Twilight..." Twilight had rejoined her friends, all of them slightly confused as to what happened. "Uh, Twi? What was that about?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Nothing, just a little friendly teasing," Twilight said. "He kind of has a crush on me, so I like to make him feel awkward from time to time. I know it probably seems mean but it's too cute to resist." "Well I find his crush completely adorable," Rarity said. "And quite understandable, honestly Twilight, I wouldn't be surprised if there were more foals who have a slight crush on you." "Yes, well despite what he believes, I find Tender Taps to be a very special colt, he may be young now but I get the feeling he's gonna grow into a fine stallion, so I want to make sure that happens," Twilight said. "Like you said Rarity, he's gonna make a mare a great coltfriend." "If that were true, why did he and Apple Bloom break up then?" Applejack asked, almost bitterly. "He's probably not ready to be in a relationship, or just doesn't have the confidence yet," Rarity said. "Being good coltfriend material doesn't mean he's going to feel confident enough to be one." "That and he probably likes Twilight more, so the kid probably thought he was leading Apple Bloom on and felt terrible about it," Rainbow Dash said. "Exactly, if he didn't think he could devote himself fully to Apple Bloom, then it wouldn't be a good idea for him to pursue a relationship with her," Twilight said. "You have to admit Applejack, that's a very mature thing for a colt to do, shows he takes relationships seriously." "Ah guess, still wish they could have stayed together," Applejack said. "Well who knows what the future holds," Twilight said. "Anyway let's hurry, my brother and Princess Cadance are waiting on us." "Same with Thunderlane and the twins," Rainbow Dash said, gesturing to the three impatient ponies. As the mares did their thing, Tender Taps stood at his spot in satisfaction, "Wow, Twilight wants to spend time with me, just me! It's almost like a date! I have a date with The Princess of Friendship! Sweetie Belle was spot on about this new look!" "Told ya," Sweetie Belle said, getting the colt's attention. He turned to see her alongside The Crusaders. "Hey Tap-Tap." "Now you have a nickname for him?" Scootaloo asked. "Yeah, it's cute," Sweetie Belle said, then turned to Tender Taps. "I see you got a little date with Twilight, I mean maybe it's not a date to her but it's still something." "Yeah, kind of nervous though, I mean, what do we do when we're alone?" Tender Taps asked. "I can help you with that, no trouble at all," Sweetie Belle said, still clearly distraught. "Are you sure you're up to that?" Tender Taps asked. "I mean, I know you're probably really stressed out right now, so-" "It's fine, Tender Taps," Sweetie Belle said. "I am very worried about Rumble, but I have faith in my sister and her friends, plus I could really use a distraction, otherwise I'm gonna worry myself out of my mind." "Oh, well...If that's what you want then," Tender Taps said. "Still, if you do feel like-" "I'll be fine!" Sweetie Belle insisted. "I'm tougher than I look, and so is Rumble. He'll be back, I just know it." "...Yeah, yeah he will, I'm sure of it," Tender Taps said, hoping to give Sweetie Belle more relief. "Good, now let's go back to my sister's Boutique," Sweetie Belle said. "Sure thing," Tender Taps said, then noticed Dinky from the corner of his eyes, walking off. "Hey Dinky! We're going to Sweetie Belle's house, wanna-" "No!" Dinky said. "No one bother me." "Wow, Dinky's not taking this too well," Scootaloo said. "She and Rumble have been best friends for years, so of course she's gonna be unhappy about it," Apple Bloom said. "But in times like these, she needs her other friends to help her out too." "Why don't you two do that, I'll go with Sweetie Belle to her house," Tender Taps said. "Maybe if you can, try to bring Dinky over so all five of us can keep each other company." "Good idea, maybe we can bring over Flurry Heart too, and Terramar, the more friends the better," Apple Bloom said. "Ugh, why Flurry Heart? I can't stand her," Sweetie Belle said. "That's not nice to say Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom scolded. "Flurry cares about Rumble too, and yes while she does have a crush on him, can you really blame her? Lots of foals have a crush on Rumble." "I still have a crush on him," Scootaloo said, much to Sweetie Belle's annoyance. "Hey he was originally gonna be my coltfriend before things went bad." "Let's not delve into that...again," Tender Taps said. "Look just go help Dinky, I'll stay with Sweetie Belle." "Sure thing," Apple Bloom said. "Let's go Scootaloo." As the two fillies went to find Dinky, Tender Taps went with Sweetie Belle to her Botique. Meanwhile Terramar stayed with his sister and the rest of her friends, explaining his story. "Yeah, they arrived at Mount Aris, I offered to guide them through the city, that's when Rumble showed up with Cozy Glow," Terramar said. "Didn't you know she was evil?" Smolder asked. "Silverstream, didn't you mention anything?" "I thought I did, I mentioned our classmate worked with Tirek to try and overthrow all of Equestria," Silverstream said. "You might have told me, but I still didn't remember," Terramar said. "Cozy Glow is a plain sounding name and doesn't sound threatening, so it's easy to forget I guess." "Well, should we do something?" Ocellus asked. "Like what?" Gallus asked. "You heard Princess Twilight, if she's not letting the Crusaders do anything, what makes you think she'd let us?" "Well, we are slightly older," Silverstream stated. "And we each have cool abilities! I can fly, Smolder can breath fire, Gallus can also fly, Ocellus changes forms, Sandbar can...uh, well he's good with thinking!" "I am a good thinker," Sandbar added. "Also Yona can smash things!" Silverstream concluded. "Yah! Yona smash! I smash mean pony and rescue other pony!" Yona declared. "Also, in addition to flying, I can change form in the water, just in case we need to swim anywhere," Silverstream added. "We're like the perfect team!" "Yes, but you forgot one thing," Gallus said. "The flying, the fire, the form changing, Princess Twilight already has access to all that. She can fly and think, if she needs a fire breather she has Dragon Lord Ember, if she needs some creature to change forms, she can get King Thorax, if she needs stomping, she can send Pinkie Pie to find Prince Rutherford, and I'm pretty sure they won't have any trouble swimming through water, especially if they can fly over it." "Um, alright all good points so far," Silverstream admitted. "And there's one thing they have that we don't, strong magic," Gallus said. "Princess Twilight's magic is extremely powerful, and she won't need all that magic to stop one little filly. They have all they need to find that Rumble kid and figure out how Cozy Glow escaped from Tartarus, and even if Tirek or some other creature was free, you think we'd be able to stop them? Yeah I don't think so." "Right now it's better to just stay here where it's safer, I'm sure our families wouldn't approve of us endangering ourselves," Ocellus said. "Honestly the best thing we can do is comfort Sweetie Belle, Terramar said. "As well as the other Crusaders." "Still, we were the ones who helped stop Cozy before, so I feel like we should be doing something," Silverstream said. "We are, if she comes to town, we let Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie know, I mean it's not like we can beat her up," Gallus said. "Well we can, but Princess Twilight says that violence should never be a first option," Sandbar said. "Well let's go find The Crusaders and Flurry, we can talk this over with them," Terramar said. "And see if there's anything we can do now for them at least." As the foals agreed and went to find The Crusaders and Flurry, both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were seen looking around rather worriedly. "Are you sure you haven't seen her!?" Fluttershy asked, checking through a bush. "Not since Shining Armor told us to watch her," Pinkie said, checking a barrel. "Where could she be?" Fluttershy wondered. "Oh, did we already lose her?" "That might be a record," Pinkie said. "Let's hurry and keep looking." During this, Flurry is seen peeking from behind a corner, making sure the coast is clear before she started fluttering off, going in the same direction that Dinky had gone. Sweetie Belle had gotten to her sister's home and store, making her way through the lobby with Tender Taps following shortly after, closing the door behind him. "I still can't believe Twilight asked on a date, I mean not really a date, but close enough to one," Tender Taps said. "You really helped me out there Sweetie Belle, I owe you big time. So what do you have...Sweetie Belle?" Tender Taps had noticed that Sweetie Belle was trembling, something was bothering her and he knew exactly what it was. "Tender Taps...do you really have faith in Twilight?" "Faith, in what? Finding Rumble?" Tender Taps asked. "I mean Twilight's very diligent when it comes to this type of stuff, so yeah I do have total faith in her to bring Rumble back safely." "That's good to hear," Sweetie Belle said. "I...I know I should have faith in her as well, same with my sister." Sweetie Belle wiped her face, at this point is sounded like she was holding back some tears. "But I can't help but worry, Rumble's out there and in danger, and there isn't anything I can do..." "Well, come on, it's Rumble, I mean he's a tough colt, and he's been in danger before," Tender Taps said. "But I was there for him!" Sweetie Belle said, turning to Tender Taps. She had already begun crying. "The first time at least, the only time he was in danger and I wasn't there for him was back when Twilight was making that Friendship Festival. Seeing Rumble being brought back home with two broken wings...Now something worse can happen to him, I may never even get to see him again!" "Don't think that way Sweetie Belle, I know it's tough but we gotta believe he'll be fine," Tender Taps said. "I mean, so far it's just that filly who betrayed the school, Rumble can protect himself from her. Plus she isn't the violent type is she? I mean the worse she did to you, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo was lock you in a closet, and she did seem pretty powerless on her own." "But what if there's more?" Sweetie Belle said. "What if The Sirens or Chysalis come back? What if Tirek's helping her again? What if King Sombra comes back!? What if The Storm King comes back!?" "Um, didn't the Storm King bite the dust?" Tender Taps asked. "So did King Sombra, but he still came back!" Sweetie Belle said. "It could even be a new enemy! One we've never heard of! He might be super strong! Rumble could be hurt, he could be in danger, he could...he could-" Tender Taps pulled Sweetie Belle into a reassuring hug, gently stroking her mane as he embraced her. "He could be just fine, the last time he got hurt was because he was trying to protect Flurry Heart, this time it's just him, he'll be able to get away easier. He's a smart colt who has the perfect combat training, and he's probably gotten better since his flight school." Sweetie Belle started to calm down a bit, Tender Taps's soothing words reducing the stress and anxiety weighing in her heart. However, some doubt still lingered. "But...what if-" "You can't focus on the negatives, I know it's difficult, but you have to try and trust Twilight to find him, who knows, maybe he defeated Cozy Glow himself," Tender Taps said. "Heh, maybe, he's more than a match for her, isn't he?" Sweetie Belle said, finding some calm in this. "He sure is, don't lose hope Sweetie Belle, whatever happens, I'm here for you," Tender Taps said. Sweetie Belle's worries started to fade, though some lingered within her. She couldn't help it, the love of her life was in a likely terrible situation. She's just thankful she has friends like Tender Taps to get her through this. "Thanks Tap-Tap, you're the best, I’m sorry for calling you pessimistic before," Sweetie Belle said. “It’s fine, you were just worried about Rumble,” Tender Taps said. “You’re so understanding,” Sweetie Belle said, pulling away. Before she did though, she left a kiss on his cheek, much to his surprise. "It's nothing really," Tender Taps insisted, not sure what to make of that cheek kiss. It seemed like a simple friendly gesture though, so he didn't put in much thought. "Alright, let's get you prepared for your 'date' with Twilight," Sweetie Belle said, doing a playful emphasis on the term. "Heh, heh, yeah, date," Tender Taps said. Aside from the unfortunately situation they found themselves in, at least he had that to look forward too. He did have to wonder how Dinky was taking this, given how distraught she just was. What nopony else in the town knew was that Dinky, along with Flurry were already on their way out of Ponyville, having snuck past Spike’s surveillance of the area. The two came to a silent agreement, they needed to find Rumble, and they were gonna make sure he was safe. Cozy Glow won't know what hit her by the time they're done with that mischievous filly. Back in Our Town, Cozy and Rumble are fast asleep on their bed, at least Rumble was, Cozy has been in and out, she still had a lot on her mind, knowing she still had a task to do. Thankfully Adagio has been pretty quiet, likely asleep herself or just bored with talking to Cozy. That's better for the filly, she really doesn't want to put up with Adagio's annoyance for the moment. Cozy did enjoy her position, snuggled with a very handsome colt, getting all nice and cuddly with him. He was soft and firm, and he looked so cute and innocent when he slept. She gently stroked his face, having so many ideas as to what she would love to do now, but she wouldn't know where to start. However during this, she heard Sugar Belle's voice from the floor. "Come on Party Favor, you know we can't do this." "Come on, Night Glider and Double Diamond are doing this, or they wanted to but couldn't since I was there," Party Favor said. "Plus I didn't want you to be lonely." "You know I don't see you that way though, we're just friends," Sugar Belle said. "I know, but I want to at least have one night with you, this is the best chance I'll get," Party Favor said. "One day you might not be living in this town anymore, your recipes have gotten so great, I wouldn't be surprised if you moved in with Pinkie Pie or something, maybe work for The Apples." "Nothing's stopping you from coming, honestly I think you and Pinkie Pie would look better together," Sugar Belle said. "As for the Apples, you and I both know why I would want to go to that farm." "Yeah, I know, but I still want this moment, maybe if I'm lucky, you'll change your mind," Party Favor said. "I don't know, besides the foals are there," Sugar Belle said. Party Favor looked over and saw them asleep, well Rumble truly was but Cozy quickly faked it. "They look fast asleep." He looked down to Sugar Belle. "Are you sure? I mean give me a few minutes, I promise to be really quiet, if they wake up I'll leave." Sugar Belle sighed, "We'll start small, that's it. But you aren't getting the pie unless you can warm up the oven, if you know what I mean." "...Sorta?" Party Favor said. "Just kiss me, we'll see where we go from there, but after tonight, you may not get this again, so enjoy what you can," Sugar Belle said. "Thanks," Party Favor said, kissing the mare before him. "You know I do care about you right? It's not about, well you know..." "I'm aware, you're a sweet guy Party Favor, I know you'll accept whatever answer," Sugar Belle said. "Who knows, I may not end up liking you, but I'll put in a good word for you." "Well I'm hoping the girl that loves me is you, because you're too amazing to not try to win over," Party Favor said, nuzzling his nose against hers. "Well then, try to win me over," Sugar Belle said, the two resuming their kiss. Cozy had her eye slightly peeked open, a little amazed by what was happening not too far off. She observed their make-out tactics, seeing how the two gently caressed each other. She turned her attention to Rumble, wishing that could be them. But why wish, when she could just go for it, after all, Sweetie Belle wasn't here. She made her move, leaning in and nuzzling her nose against his, like she saw Party Favor do to Sugar Belle. "Sweetie Belle..." Rumble said in his sleep. Cozy looked a bit disappointed upon hearing that filly's name, but it can't be helped, if anything she can use it to her advantage. "I'm here for you, Rumbly..." Cozy said, leaning in for a kiss to the sleeping colt. In Rumble's mind, or rather his dreams, he was kissing Sweetie Belle, unaware of the filly he was truly kissing. Cozy relished in her kiss with Rumble, keeping an eye on Party Favor and Sugar Belle, to see what they would do next. This was gonna be an interesting night.