//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Darker Shadows // by ScorchingFlamesInc //------------------------------// The thunderstorm blew violent winds throughout the streets of Ponyville. Every so often, there would be a bright flash of lightning, followed by a loud crack of thunder. Ponies stayed inside their homes, finding ways to keep themselves busy. Some played toys and games inside thheir homes. Others read or relaxed. And that was what Twilight was doing as she sat on a sofa in her castle. Reading. It wasn't a book, but rather, a very particular newspaper, showcasing the aftermath of Twilight's greatest battle yet. The battle against three vile villains, who sported the legendary Bewitching Bell. But it wasn't the first time Twilight read the newspaper. Nor was it the second. Nor will it be the last. Every day, ever since the incident with the Bewitching Bell, Twilight would always read the newspaper that showcased the events. And every time, there was only one question in her mind. What happened to you, Cozy? Indeed, nopony knew about Cozy Glow's backstory. Some assumed it was only her cutie mark. Others believed it had to do with her parents. A few thought she was just born that way. Most of the ponies thought it was a slight mixture of all three of them. They should have seen it coming. That rook pictured on Cozy's flank should have been a dead giveaway. And due to their ignorance, Equestria almost fell to Cozy. Twice. And yet, nopony had the slightest idea about her life. "Twilight?" The Princess of Friendship turned her head to her dragon assistant (and soon to be royal adviser), Spike. "What are you doing?" asked the small dragon. "Nothing!" In a feeble attempt, Twilight slid the newspaper under the sofa she was sitting on. Unfourtunately for her, there was no back to the couch... so the paper wound up sliding straight to Spike. Spike bent down and picked up the newspaper. One quick scan told him everything he needed to know. Spike looked up from the paper. "Seriously?" Twilight blushed a little. "Twilight, I understand the curiosity about Cozy's past. I wonder about it MYSELF sometimes. But you seem to be the only pony I know that ponders this subject every day!" "I'm sorry Spike," Twilight said. "It's just that... it makes no SENSE!! Why would somepony as young as COZY GLOW go on a RAMPAGE!?! First, she tried draining all the magic out of Equestria. She even trapped us in Tartarus! And then, when she returned with the help of Tirek and Chrysalis, she literally wanted to kill us! At least Chrysalis and Tirek wanted to refrain from doing that for a while! Cozy just wanted to cut to the chase!" "Well, when you put it like that, is DOES sound kinda strange," admitted Spike. "I mean, I literally have a list of theories! Most of them center around her childhood." "So, that's just that. Her parents weren't the best ponies!" "Her parents make the most sense... but even THAT theory seems awfully strange... in MY perspective, at least!" "How so?" "I don't know..." KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK Suddenly, the sound of a hoof pounding on a door echoed throughout the whole castle. "Who could that be?" asked Twilight, getting off the couch. "Probably Starlight or something..." Spike said. The duo make their way through the castle hallways as the sound of rain and thunder continued. It wasn't frightening, but rather relaxing. But it still didn't take Twilight's mind off of Cozy. It didn't take long for Twilight and Spike to finally reach the enterance to the castle. Pushing open the doors, Twilight saw a pony wearing a soggy brown cloak. Twilight couldn't see the pony's face, but there were some locks of her mane sticking out of the hood. Twilight couldnt help but see that the color of the pony's mane was oddly familiar.. "Can... can I help you?" asked Twilight. "I-I-I've been looking for you... P-Princess Twilight..." said the shivering voice of a mare. "May I come in?" "Why?" asked Spike. "Y-y-you know the filly... n-named Cozy Glow?" Twilight seemed slightly shocked at the mention of the filly's name. "Yes..." said Twilight, slightly suspicious. "I kn-know everything about her... I've been looking f-fo-for you because I wanted t-to help you un-understand her better..." Twilight and Spike were taken aback by what the pony said. Somepony who knew about Cozy's childhood life? This was a perfect opportunity to figure out the mystery of Cozy. But... could the mare be trusted? "How do we know that we can trust you?" asked Spike. "Twilight possesses a g-g-great amount of magic. Enough magic to re-restrain me no m-matter what I tr-tr-try. Besides, I am n-no-no unicorn." Twilight and Spike looked at eachother before they looked back at the mare. "Alright..." Twilight said. "We will go to my library. You can tell us everything." "Oh thank you..." the mare said with gratitude. Twilight and Spike allowed the mare to pass them, before they closed the castle doors and followed her. Their walk in the castle halls was silent, with only the sound of raindrops and thunder making noise. But finally, after three minutes, Spike managed to speak. "So..." he began. "How do you know about Cozy's past?" The mare sighed. "Before she went to the school of friendship, she was in my care," the mare said, no longer shivering. "I would be the one to tend to her. I would feed her, buy food for her, everything. But not out of manipulation. Motherhood is a more fitting term..." "Oh!" Twilight said. "You must be her mother!" "Kinda..." the mare said. "Huh?" asked Twilight. "So... adoptive mother?" The mare shook her head. "No." "Did you disown her?" asked Spike. "No." "So why did you say that you KINDA Cozy's mother?" The mare sighed again, before she picked up the pace, turned around, and stopped. As a result, Twilight and Spike stopped as well. "I may get the reaction from you that I expect, Twilight..." the mare said. "But I must be honest...” The pony removed her hood, revealing the face of a mare in her thirties. Her ragged coat was salmon, and her messy mane, was a light and dark shade of sky-blue. And the irises in her eyes were rose-colored. Twilight and Spike gasped at the mare in shock. "I know Cozy Glow so well..." the mare began. "Because in a way, I AM Cozy Glow.”