//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: First Day of School // Story: Putting the Glow in Cozy Glow // by Musical_theatre_demon //------------------------------// Tirek cantered into Cozy Glow's room at 10:30 (P.M. is 22:30). "It's time to wake up, dear Cozy Glow," he said through the door. "Why is that, Father Tirek?" Cozy Glow said, "This better not be another one of your pranks." "Oh, no, no, no," Tirek replied, "I am very serious. I have my serious face on this morning. Come on. Otherwise you'll be late." Cozy Glow grumbled, but not because she was tired and didn't want to get out of bed. It was something far more different. As soon as she exited her chambers, she stormed to the table, slamming the bowl of cereal and spoon down. "Cozy Glow, I know we're villains and all, but there is always a fine line between evil and your attitude. Tell me, why are you angry?" Tirek said. Cozy Glow rolled her eyes, ignoring him. Eventually she answered. "You enrolled me in school, didn't you?" she asked in a violent tone. "What else could I do?" Tirek said. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe considering how I feel about this whole predicament!" Cozy Glow said, "You even offered to listen to me once and above all, you gave me a home. A cesspool, but a home. Now you betray me. Ouch." She flew around Tirek after she was finished with her breakfast. "And if it's that blasted School of Friendship, I don't care who you are, you're dead to me. Both in the literal sense and figurative sense! YOU HEAR ME?" Tirek nodded. Twenty five minutes later, they arrived at the School of Friendship. "You've gotta be bucking kidding me," Cozy Glow said as soon as they arrived. She then got the most amazing idea. "I thought you hated here," Tirek noted. "Oh, I do," Cozy Glow said, "Hate it with a passion. But you know who we're after, right? Oh, this is perfect!" Tirek smiled. "You're right," he said, "Twilight and her friends are here. By getting close to them and stealing their magic, we can finally be victorious!" Before she left, Tirek smiled at Cozy Glow. "You go right in there and you make Father Tirek proud. You got that?" "Golly, that's a lot to take in, Father Tirek, but I'll do my best," Cozy Glow said, "And oh, I know my way home." Then Tirek left. * * * Cozy Glow entered the School of Friendship, taking deep breaths. Remember the plan, she thought. Right at that moment, Cozy Glow bumped into Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo - - - better known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders or CMCs. "Hi there. Are you new here?" they asked. "I don't know, am I?" Cozy Glow said in her best sweet voice. "You seem lost. Come with us! We can show you around!" said Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Sure they were starting to annoy her, but she was gaining progress. Befriend three and then you'll have no problem tricking the others to trust you. Her plan was foolproof--- just how she liked it. "Oh, thanks. I'm glad you could be so kind as to do that," Cozy Glow said with a smile on her face. Keeping the Bewitching Bell by her side at all times, unsure of its power, she often reminded herself to be kind and nice. She also made sure to frequently remind herself that friendship is power and most necessarily not magic. But nothing could mask how Cozy Glow felt inside, she was lost inside. She needed them more than she ever thought. Cutie Mark Crusaders/Lost Lyrics Apple Bloom: Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle: Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo: Scootaloo! Cozy Glow: Cozy Glow! CMCs: The Cutie Mark Crusaders With a new friend Cozy Glow: Ugh! Friendship! If I wasn't lost I'd go without The unwanted cost Friend is just another word Which ends in end Cozy Glow With no new friend! CMCs: Lost, you say? We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders And we will try all we can To make your day! Apple Bloom: Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle: Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo: Scootaloo! Cozy Glow: If only I could get away Gotta be nice I mean, What choice do I have? I've been on the street Now I have nice ponies to meet I'm lost So why do I feel this is The opportunity cost? It's either me Or them All my life I've been lost Wanting somepony To at least believe in me They see my strife But how will they react When I tell them my life? Gotta pretend Put on a smile Be their friend CMCs: The Cutie Mark Crusaders! Cozy Glow: Are life invaders! CMCs: Friends forever Friendship is magic Cozy Glow: C'mon, Cozy Glow! You can't let your anger show! Gotta pretend Put on a smile Be their friend Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo looked at her in silence. Cozy Glow grew furious. "QUIT LOOKING AT ME, YOU IDIOTS!" she shouted, "IT'S CREEPY! YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT BECAUSE YOU PRACTICALLY LIVE HERE AT THIS DUMP!" Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo shrugged, afraid of what would happen if they were to ask what was wrong. At that, Cozy Glow forced a smile, convincing them that she was fine. She switched the subject. "I hope you understand. I'm still new this whole friendship thing." She almost choked when she said the word friendship. But she didn't let the CMCs see. That gave the Cutie Mark Crusaders an idea. "How about you come to our Clubhouse?" "I appreciate the invite, guys, but really? Are you sure?" Cozy Glow asked. "Don't be so modest, Cozy Glow," said Apple Bloom, "It'll be alright." Cozy Glow looked around and paused. Thinking about the endless opportunities she'd have if she followed them, she finally made up her mind. She flashed a genuine smile and followed them. But as she followed them, her facial expression transformed into an evil grin. Everything is going according to plan, she thought.