//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: New Recruits 
// Story: Cozy Chronicles 
// by 5u0myn0n4 
//------------------------------//

Over the hill was a plume of smoke. Cozy and Chrysalis exited the warmth of the lake to see what was up. They dried off, and went over to investigate. The three peaked over the hill, and noticed two ponies with a broken down machine.

"Golly, whatever could be going on." Cozy wondered.
"We're about to find out. Now quiet, they're speaking." Chrysalis said.

They were two almost identical looking unicorns. They both had faint yellow coats of fur, and red hair. But one had a mustache, and the other did not. They both wore straw hats. By the description, it should be obvious by now. The two were arguing with each other.

"Oh dear brother, our automated vehicle has broken down!" said the first pony.
"Yes dear brother, it appears we are stranded." the second pony added.
"Can this possible get any worse?" one of them whined.

"That's your cue!" Cozy said.
"What are you talking about?" Tirek asked.
"Whenever any pony says 'can this possibly get any worse', it's the perfect time to give them a scare." she explained.
"That's just ridiculous." he said.
"Just scare them already you two!" Cozy demanded. "This is our land, and they're trespassing!"
"Fine!" they said simultaneously.

*stomp*

Tirek and Chrysalis appeared before the two ponies.

*gulp* the two shuddered at the sight of the villains before them.

"You two made a mistake coming here." Tirek said.
"State your name a business." Chrysalis ordered.
"I'm Flim, and this is my brother Flam." he said.
"You two are trespassing on our land." Chrysalis said.
"We didn't mean it!" Flam said.
"We were just passing on by I swear!" they pleaded.
"Do you have any idea the dire state your lives are in?!" Chrysalis hissed.
"I can just take a quick sip, and drain you two of all your magic." Tirek threatened.
"Save some for me. I love to leave just a little energy before I wrap up my victims." she added.
"This is it, brother. Looks like we're goners!" Flim cried.

Tirek and Chrysalis were ready to strike, but Cozy wondered if they could be useful somehow.

"Your lives are hanging by a thin thin thread." Cozy said. "However, perhaps we'll go easy. You two may be more useful in a life of servitude rather than solitude."
"We'll do whatever you want! We promise!" Flim and Flam pleaded.
"What can you two possibly offer us?" Chrysalis asked.
"Hmm, I actually have an idea." Cozy said.

"If you two don't want us to sap your magic and stuff you into a cocoon, then surrender yourselves to a life of servitude to us" Cozy said.
"Whatever you want. It's yours. We'll do what you say." Flim pleaded.
"Now, what can we do for you?" Flam asked.
"What do you two know about development?" Cozy asked.
"Flim Flam specialize in development and technological progress." Flam said.
"We the Flim Flam Brothers are miracle workers that make all your wishes come true." Flim said.
"We're going to start our own kingdom. Independent from Twilight Sparkle, or any other kingdom." Cozy said.

"You want to build a society? We'll make this place an economic capital! We'll sell goods. We'll bring in new inhabitants to your fair land." Flim explained.
"This community will be the center of trading and the exchange of goods! The trading center capital of Equestria!" Flam added.

"I don't know about this. Wouldn't that bring a bunch of unwanted attention to our secret hiding location here?" Tirek asked.
"You want a bustling community don't you?" Flim replied.
"We just revenge on Twilight Sparkle." Chrysalis said.
"Ah, as do we queeny." Flam said.
"What better way to outdo Twilight than to build a run a superior kingdom?"
"Hmm, trade, capital. Money?" Cozy smirked, thinking of the pay load.
"T.O.! We need to talk about this." Tirek said.

The evil trio huddled in private.

"What's up big guy?" Cozy asked.
"I don't see the point in this." Tirek said. "How is any of this going to help our cause?"
"Any followers we have makes our kingdom more powerful. More ponies on our side, means less on Twilight's side." Cozy said.
"Precisely dear filly." Flim interjecting, randomly appearing in their circle. "Power in numbers.

"Let's not forget, you two are saying you can make us a lot of money?" Cozy asked.
"But of course. It's in our nature." Flam said.
"Then we want you to do exactly that. Make us lots of money, as well as establish a base of ponies under our regime." Cozy said.
"Say no more filly." Flim said.
"You are to refer to me as my queen." Cozy said.
"Yes, my queen..." Flim and Flam said simultaneously.
"We'll give you a chance to prove yourselves. I want you two to bring followers to our town." Cozy Glow said.
"Say no more. We guarantee the next pony who comes stumbles by will be a permanent resident, courtesy of us." Flam said.





The trio let Flim and Flam do their thing. Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, and Tirek watched Flim and Flam from the hilltop.


"It didn't take much to convince them did it..." Chrysalis thought out loud.
"All I had to do was to coax them into doing something they would have done anyway. Only making sure they do it for our benefit." Cozy explained.
"I still don't know about this." Tirek said.
"Why are we doing this again?" Chrysalis asked.
"Think long term. Wouldn't it be great to eventually build a civilization larger than Canterlot? We have to start somewhere." Cozy replied. "We'll have strength in followers, and money. And money will play an important role soon."
"Even so, here in the middle of nowhere, it's not likely we'll find any ponies to indoctrinate." Tirek moaned.
"Oh, here comes one now!" Cozy said.

There was an earth pony passing through the area with a large caravan. Flim and Flam noticed the wandering pony, and approached them. The pony had a light pale orchid coat, and grayish violet hair.

"You there Ms., what brings you to these parts?" Flim asked.
"Not much. I've left Manehattan and been traversing the land in search of inspiration, but this mundane land doesn't have much to offer." she said.
"Well, perhaps this land may be of use after all, Ms..." Flim said.
"Polomare. Suri Polomare." she answered.
"Ms. Polomare, judging from the caravan, you have a lot of stuff you're just dying to unpack." Flam said.
"You need a new base of operation, and we're here to supply you with just that." Flim said.
"You know what, I could also use some extra land to grow more cotton." said Suri Polomare.
"Yes, yes! The land is yours! To grow and sell as much cotton as you want! No regulation from us!" Flim said.
"Hmm, I don't know though. Farming isn't really my thing anymore..." she thought.
"Think big Suri! Not only will you have near limitless cotton at your disposal for your fashion line!" Flam said. "You could be the leading exporter of cotton! You'll be rich!"
"A free plot of land. Acres of cotton..." Suri Polomare thought about the offer.
"So, do we have a deal?" Flim asked.
"Okay sure, we have a deal." Suri agreed to the deal.

Suri shook hooves with Flim and Flam.

Cozy, Tirek, and Chrysalis continued to watch from the hill.

"They shaking hooves!" Chrysalis said.
"Is that a good thing?" Tirek asked.
"It means they've reached an agreement." Cozy replied. "Which means we we've just gained another follower."

"Let's go greet our latest citizen!" Cozy said.
"Must we? Can't we control and manipulate her will from afar?" Chrysalis asked.
"Eh, I'm someone who likes to go hands on." she replied.





Suri was unpacking her caravan, when she was approached by the trio of villains.

"Ah! Ms. Polomare, welcome to the kingdom of TCGC." Cozy greeted.
"Heh. Spectacular. You have a name for this place and everything." Suri said. "Although, not a lot of real infrastructure for a developed nation."
"This is only the beginning. I hear you're interested in growing cotton, and we want in." Cozy Glow said.
"It's true. Selling cotton could be a great way to earn some money to support my fashion line." Suri said.
"Well, you got acres of dirt practically staring right at you. It's practically asking you to get started." Cozy said.

"So, whom do I owe my loyalty?" Suri asked.
"This is Tirek, evil centaur of Tartarus! And this is Chrysalis, former leader of the Changeling empire! And then there's little old me. I may not look like much, but I single handedly almost conquered Equestria with nothing but my smarts!" Cozy said.
"Cozy!" Tirek and Chrysalis exclaimed.
"What?" Cozy asked.
"We don't know if she's one our side yet." Tirek said.
"She could rat us out to Twilight Sparkle." Chrysalis said.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't dream of having anything to do with that scummy princess. And to be honest, I'm impressed with your resumé." Suri smirked. "Besides, you three look fun, so I'm on board with whatever."

She walked into her caravan for a few supplies.

"What are you thinking spilling our life stories to this stranger? She still could be an agent of Twilight." Chrysalis scolded.
"What? I thought I'd be transparent with our citizens. Besides, if she betrays us, we can always just cocoon her (should it come to that)." Cozy said.

Suri walked out wearing a pair of overalls, some boots, and was holding two shovels, and two hoes.
"She doesn't look like a double agent to me." Cozy whispered.
"How are you going to wield all four of those tools at once?" Chrysalis asked.
"I'm not." Suri replied.

*clang*

Suri threw the tools in front of our trio.

"Let's get to work!" Suri said.
"I'm sorry. Let's?" Cozy asked.
"I could do it on my own, but it would go faster if I had some big strong arms to help." Suri said.
"...Why are you looking at me?" Tirek asked.
"Some big strong red arms." Suri winked.
"You heard the mare Tirek." Cozy said.
"What? No way! No how!" Tirek said.
"Yes way, and yes how! Now sip up some magic from Chrysalis' captured creatures for strength, and get to work!" Cozy demanded.
"Alright, I'll do it. But only if you all also pull your own weight." Tirek said.
"Deal." Cozy agreed.
"You three are going to make excellent farm workers of mine." Suri said.
"Can I cocoon her now?" Chrysalis asked.





Cut to the four tilling the soil and planting cotton seeds. Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Suri Polomare all worked her clearing out a field and tilling soil for their cotton production. (Yeah, really. This story takes weird turns).

"If Rarity can make the overalls style work, I can make them work ten fold. Besides, I have a real side passion for farm work. Rarity is a poser who pretends just so other ponies will like her." Suri said.
"Yes, but does that logic have to extend to us? I feel weird in these..." Chrysalis said, also wearing a pair of overalls. In fact, they were all wearing overalls.
"I don't know about you, I feel rather cultured." Cozy said optimistically.
"I just feel like a joke." Tirek said, mildly irritated.

Our villains were helping Suri till the soil, and move dirt and place seeds on this particularly sunny day. They were all very hard at work, and each worked up quite a sweat.

"Phew, I'm getting so sweaty, I may just need a second bath today." Cozy said.
"We're sidetracking too far. How exactly is this a good use of our time?" Tirek asked.
"Believe it or not, I have a real plan to find the Rainbow of Darkness, but it requires money. Cotton is as good as gold. Stick with me, this is all according to plan." Cozy said.
"It's not just the end pay out, it's also about the fun we had along the way." Suri said.
"How long until we see the pay off for all this!?" Tirek asked.
"Cotton takes months to grow, my horned labourer ." Suri replied.
"Months!?" he snapped.
"Calm down Tirek!" Cozy urged. "Revenge is a dish best served once it's baked for a proper amount of time."
"Relax, even without the immediate yield, I have enough supplies to start business deals." Suri said.
"And sell to who? We're in the middle of nowhere." Chrysalis said.
"Well, you three look like you're in need of new threads." Suri said.
"Are you gonna sew us some lame dresses?" Chrysalis asked.
"Far from it. I, Suri Polomare strive to please the customer. Unlike Rarity and her one size fits most abominations, my outfits are tailor made to fit stylistically to the client."
"You three are pretty threatening as is, but I think I know how to really sell the look." Suri said.





Cut to inside a tent that Suri Polomare had set up as a temporary base of operations. She took a measuring tape and measured Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis from top to bottom.

"This is making me rather uncomfortable." Tirek said.
"Heh heh, that tickles." Cozy said.
"Watch it ma'am!" Chrysalis said, irritated.

Though the session seemed to go on forever, it ended rather abruptly.

"Alright, that should do it. You three can go now." Suri said.
"So wait, when are we getting the dresses?" Cozy asked.
"Can't put an ETA on perfection." she replied.
"Pah, more waiting. That's just great." Tirek said.





The three villains walked out of Suri's tent, mostly confused. They reflected on the day they spent with her.

"I like her. She's like an evil version of Rarity. She could be useful." Cozy said.
"I never want to plant another cotton seed for as long as I live." Chrysalis moaned.
"I have no clue how farming is far more exhausting than constructing a castle. But somehow it is." Tirek complained.
"That's just one side of her personality. What about her most import part attribute? The dresses?" Cozy asked.
"I could care less for fashion." Chrysalis said.
"Are you sure?" Cozy smirked.
"Well, okay. I do like a pretty looking dress as much as the next creature." Chrysalis admitted.

"All of this is for naught!" Tirek said.
"All of this isn't for naught!" she replied. "For once in your life, try to see more than a few steps ahead."
"If we're going to get rich quick, we'll need something more spectacular than cotton to win over the masses." Chrysalis said.

*KA BOOM*

"How about that?" Cozy pointed up at the source of the sound.





Overhead, were three pegasi ponies flying at great speeds.

"It' the Wonderbolts! They've found us!" Chrysalis cried.
"Hang on, no it's not. Wonderbolts wear blue outfits. That's not Wonderbolt attire." Cozy observed.
"It could be a disguise." Tirek suggested.
"Whoever they are, why don't we bring them down." Cozy said with an evil grin.
"With pleasure." Chrysalis said.

She transformed into a roc, and flew up to catch up with the flying invaders.

*caw*

She winged them and sliced through the air to disturb the wind, in an effort to bring them down. The three lost control of flight, and came flying down.

*plop*

The three pegasi wiped out and hit clumsily onto the ground below, though it wasn't too severe. Chrysalis landed in front of the three grounded pegasi. She turned back to normal, and besides her stood Cozy and Tirek.

The three took a stance and asserted the pegasi.

"You three are in trouble flying in restricted air space!" Chrysalis exclaimed..
"Are you serious, you can't restrict the air!" said the middle pegasus.
"Remove your headgear and say that to my face!" Chrysalis snarled.

The pegasus removed her helmet, revealing her face.

"Name's Lightning Dust." she said. "And this is my crew, Short Fuse, and Rolling Thunder."
"We're the Washouts, speeding through." Rolling Thunder said.
"That was until you interrupted us you big ol bug!" Short Fuse said.
"I'll devour you!" Chrysalis snapped.
"Chrysalis, wait!" Cozy stopped her. "Devouring guests is no way to welcome them."
"Oooh, a little sensitive are we?" Lightning teased.

"You look a lot like that Rainbow Dash character." Tirek said.
"Don't ever compare me Rainbow Dash!" Lightning snapped. "I'm much faster, and a better flyer than Dash will ever be!"
"Hah, you have a trigger point too!" Chrysalis teased.
"You would be too if you cross paths with her. She got me kicked out of the Wonderbolts reserve, and totally crashed my show!" Lightning said.

"You don't like Rainbow Dash. We don't like Rainbow Dash. Golly, we have so much in common." Cozy said.
"What are you getting at, squirt?" Lightning asked.
"You're a ragtag team of talented flyers without a place to call home." Cozy said. "I suggest you work for us. In exchange, we'll provide the infrastructure you need for your shows."
"The Washouts don't serve any one. Not even lords of evil." Lightning Dust said.
"But Lightning, this could be our big break." Short Fuse said.
"Think about it. We could use the opportunity for our come back." Rolling Thunder said.
"Hmm. Alright. We'll consider your proposition. We were pretty tired anyway, so we'll take a pit stop in this area for a little while. So if you need us, we'll be around." Lightning Dust said.

The Washouts flew towards a clearing in the distance.





"I don't like that pegasus." Chrysalis said.
"You don't have to like her for us to get some use out of them." Cozy Glow said "Think about it, our own team of expert pegasus flyers. They could be useful."

"I still see this entire venture as a waste of time. This hardly how I imagined our grand revenge." Tirek said.
"Don't think of our citizens as friends, think of them as your servants, who will do what you tell them to do." Cozy explained.
"I'd much rather torture them, steal their magic, and call it a day." Tirek said.
"Well, if you do that, then we won't get very much use out of them now would we? You may not see what our minions can do for us, but I do. And I'm going to prove you wrong!" Cozy said in Tirek's face.
"For your sake, you better. Now if you'll need me, I'll be finishing up the castle." Tirek said, before he walked away from the scene.
"I don't care what he thinks now. I know my plan's going to work. I'm going to have the most powerful kingdom in Equestria, and have the most powerful dark artifact at my hooves. He's an impatient jerk, but he's going to be thanking me when my plans all work." Cozy said sternly.
"If you insist, but right now, you do have a lot of promises to uphold right now." Chrysalis said, right before she flew away.

Cozy stood in place, concealing her sadness. She looked at the flag she'd made representing the three. At this moment though, it seemed they weren't so unified.

"Hmph. You want want a plan Tirek? I'll give you a plan." Cozy said.





That evening, Cozy Glow sat under the moonlight, reading the book she'd stolen from Canterlot library. It was a book of lost and powerful artifacts. The one that caught the villain's eye the most was the Rainbow of Darkness. If what the book said was to be believed, its energy was so powerful, that even while dormant, a single pulse could circle the world. 

"It's so powerful, it emits power that can be detected from anywhere in Equestria." Cozy thought out loud. "Now if only we had the equipment to sniff it out. Money can buy just about anything these days. But even still, what good would that do exactly?"
Cozy did some more critical thinking.
"But of course, its power would diminish the farther away you are from it." Cozy said. "Which means... AH HA! That's how we're going to find it." she said.
Cozy closed the book.
"And now that I have a group of ponies willing to help, it's time to put this plan into motion." Cozy grinned.

To be continued in Chapter 4...