//------------------------------//
// A Flurry of Romance 
// Story: Sweet Affection 5: The Quest to True Love 
// by Masterob 
//------------------------------//

It was a day after Tender Taps's date with Twilight, the colt feeling much more confident about himself. He has been much more honest with Twilight about his feelings than normal and thus far it seems to be paying off.

He's even worked up the nerve to kiss Twilight on more than one occasion, and he could feel that she is slowly but surely starting to return his affection and one day she'll become his marefriend and soon his bride.

Then he had to wonder, if he married her, would he become a Prince and if that would in turn, make him an Alicorn. It would be kind of fun to fly and do magic, but he wasn't too worried about that, all he cared about was making sure he and Twilight had their Happily Ever After together.

He trotted through Ponyville, on his way to the Castle of Friendship, ready to reunite with Twilight and share more moments together. He reached the castle and knocked on the door, awaiting an answer.

Moments later the door was answered by Spike, the dragon not too surprised to see the young foal. "Oh, hey Tender Taps, here to see Twilight?"

"Yeah, is she available?" Tender Taps asked.

"Eh, she's kind of in a meeting with her friends," Spike said. "I mean you can still come in but she might not be ready right away."

"I can wait," Tender Taps said. "A mare like her is worth waiting for after all."

"Oh brother," Spike said, shaking his head. "Well come on in."

Tender Taps wasted no time following Spike, happily trotting behind the Dragon. "So, how is Twilight handling the whole taking over Equestria thing? Has she calmed down?"

"Not yet, Twilight's gonna dread this for a while," Spike explained. "She just needs a bit more reassurance, much as Twilight freaks out about things she usually calms down once she's confident she has a grasp of the situation."

"Well that shouldn't take long, Twilight's really amazing after all," Tender Taps said.

"You really like placing Twilight on a high pedestal huh?" Spike said. "For future reference, try to tread lightly with that, she's not always good under pressure, the higher you place her, the more she'll get nervous because she'll think ponies expect a lot from her."

"Huh? My intention isn't high expectations, I just like believing in Twilight," Tender Taps said.

"I know you mean well, and Twilight really does appreciate how supportive you are, but you still have to understand that she's still just a pony, and she's not as perfect as you're making her out to be," Spike explained.

"But she's so amazing, I can't help but notice all of her amazing qualities," Tender Taps said. "It's because of her that I feel so confident in myself."

"I thought that was Apple Bloom who helped you with that?" Spike asked. "Thinking about it, wasn't Starlight part of that too? Didn't she adopt you  as her little brother? Is that even still a thing?"

"Of course it's a thing, me and Starlight are still pretty close," Tender Taps said. "But as of recently, I just wanted to be closer to Twilight."

"Yeah, real close," Spike said. "So how long have you been in love with her?"

"Uh...a while now, like a year," Tender Taps said.

"Is that why you broke up with Apple Bloom?" Spike asked.

"No, that was something else," Tender Taps said. "Plus our break-up was mutual, not like I cheated on her and dumped her."

"Well that was oddly specific," Spike said, noticing a slight angered tone in Tender Taps's voice. "Say have you seen Rumble at all since he and Sweetie Belle broke up?"

"Here and there," Tender Taps said. "Never paid him any mind though."

"Wow dude, I mean I know what Rumble did was kind of lousy but you shouldn't shut him out like that," Spike said.

"He cheated on Sweetie Belle, after all that work we went through to help them get together," Tender Taps said. "After all that waiting Sweetie Belle did while he was away, he cheats on her with a villainous little filly!"

"I know Rumble did something he shouldn't have, but everyone makes mistakes," Spike said. "When you're friends with somepony, you gotta be there for them even in the tough times. Twilight wouldn't want you distancing yourself from Rumble, she would want you two to work things out."

Tender Taps sighed in frustration, knowing Spike had a point. A Princess of Friendship would want friends  to patch things up, he knows he'll eventually have to work out his differences with Rumble. But he doesn't know how to do that without losing his other friends.

Spike led Tender Taps to the Cutie Map room, where Twilight was talking with The Elements as well as Starlight and Sunset Shimmer.

"Hey Twilight, you have a guest," Spike said, gesturing to Tender Taps.

"Hey Twilight," Tender Taps greeted.

"Oh, you're here Tappy, I'm so happy to see you," Twilight said, walking over and  hugging the colt, much to his delight. "I'll be with you soon, let me wrap this meeting up first."

"Sure, I can wait for you," Tender Taps said. "I'll stay by the corner until you're done."

"It won't be long," Twilight said. "After this I'll make all the time in the world for you."

"Hopefully you get whatever time you can with Twilight," Sunset chimed in. "You may not get this opportunity again for a while, if at all."

"Huh? What makes you say that?" Tender Taps asked.

"Once she takes over for the Princesses, she'll be off living in Canterlot. She might not have much time to see you much longer," Sunset explained, much to the worry of Tender Taps.

"Sunset!" Twilight scolded.

"I'm just being honest, this isn't something you should wait until the day before to tell him after all," Sunset said.

"I would have rather told him in my own way," Twilight said. "But if I'm being completely honest, that did completely slip my mind, I don't know why I never considered that."

"You were just worried about everything else that came with this big reveal," Applejack said. "Focus on the bigger things, we'll get to you possibly moving afterwards."

"Being separated from my friends is a big thing Applejack," Twilight said. "What's the point of being Princess of Friendship if I can't even be with my friends?"

"They can still come to see you," Sunset said. "Canterlot is only a train ride away, plus doesn't one of your friends own a store there?"

"Yeah, and The Wonderbolts frequently perform at Canterlot," Rainbow Dash added. "So you'll be seeing me a lot."

"There's lots of Apple business over there," Applejack stated. "So in a way, you'll still be seeing us more often than not."

"Yes, we won't be together quite as frequently but at least we won't lose contact," Rarity said.

"I...Yes I suppose that's true," Twilight said, feeling a bit less stressed out. "But what about all my other friends in Ponyville?"

"Yes, what about them?" They heard the familiar voice of Discord say. The Draconequess popped into the room, sipping on some tea. "You've made quite an impression on the ponies on this town, it's a shame knowing you're going to leave all that behind."

"Discord?" Twilight said, almost surprised to see him. "Why are you here?"

"Oh I'm sorry, I wasn't aware this little meeting was invitation only," Discord said, then glanced toward Tender Taps. "You even invited a local foal, yet you can't make room for poor Discord."

Discord summoned a clone that played a sad song on a violin as the trickster played up the drama with an overexaggerated sad face. Of course nopony was buying it.

"You know that's not what I meant," Twilight said, rolling her eyes. "As a friend you are always more than welcome, but you usually only show up when you want to or you have something for us."

"Twilight, Equestria is getting a huge shift in power, you can bet that I will always be around for these big Change in Power meetings you frequently hold," Discord said, popping out a list. "And given your stress levels, I'd say that's a lot of meetings." Discord poofed away the list as he started marking a Calendar, most of the dates saying 'Chaos', "The trouble is finding the free time to attend all of these."

"Why are you so interested anyway?" Sunset asked. "Not like you really cared much about  The Princesses, you've even tried taking over Equestria a number of times."

"Twice, only twice have I tried taking over Equestria," Discord corrected. "You ponies and your overexaggerating."

"What about when he teamed with Tirek?" Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack, getting a shrug from the farmer pony.

"Point is you and the Princesses have not always seen eye to eye," Sunset said. "What's your goal here?"

"Such paranoia, remember my dear Sunset Shimmer, your past isn't a clean one either," Discord reminded. "I mean if you were a good little filly like Twilight here, then you'd be the Alicorn waiting to be ruler of Equestria."

Sunset turned away in annoyance for a second, then turned back while glaring at Discord, "Just remember, I don't trust you. If you try anything I'll turn you into stone myself!"

"Good luck with that," Discord deviously said, then turned his attention to Tender Taps. "But I am curious about this little colt here."

"Who me?" Tender Taps asked, then found himself being levitated off the ground. "H-hey! Put my down! Twilight help! I can't get down!"

"Oh relax, such a worry wart," Discord said. "Just like that Tumble foal...or was it Rumble?"

"Don't compare me to that jerk!" Tender Taps said. "I don't kiss evil fillies!"

"No, you don't," Discord said. "You'd much rather kiss Princesses."

"Hey, that isn't any of your business!" Tender Taps said.

"But it does raise a question, if Twilight were to move to Canterlot, how would that affect you?" Discord asked. "After all, from what I've seen, Twilight values you a lot, why else would she host a Festival for you? One I wasn't invited to mind you."

"It wasn't just for him Discord, it was for all his friends," Twilight said. "The Crusaders, Rumble and Dinky also got honored."

"What a waste too," Tender Taps said. "Not for The Crusaders but for Rumble."

"My, you really don't seem to like Rumble," Discord said. "Not that I blame you, he did come across as a tad arrogant, especially over how the Cozy Glow situation was handled. I still can't believe you agreed to let her out of Tartarus Twilight, considering everything she did."

"Not to defend her actions," Sunset began. "But considering Twilight and her friends freed you from stone, it shouldn't be that surprising. Of course if I had to choose between the reformation of a filly and a spirit of chaos, I'd probably have picked Cozy Glow too."

"For the record Twilight, I was a hundred percent behind your decision to send her to Tartarus," Tender Taps said.

"You little kiss-up," Discord said, getting a glare from Tender Taps.

"I'm no kiss-up!" Tender Taps replied. "I just trust Twilight's decisions."

"Aw, isn't that nice?" Discord taunted. "Twilight has earned herself a blind follower. Here you go Princess."

Discord flung Tender Taps toward Twilight, the Princess quickly catching him with her magic. "You alright Tappy?"

"Sure, I'm good," Tender Taps said, still shaking off the shock.

Twilight glared up at the chaos spirit, "Discord, that wasn't very nice. Also to answer your question from before, even if I do end up moving to Canterlot, I'll always make time to see my friends here in Ponyville, including Tender Taps."

"Plus this is a really talented kid, for all we know he might end up in Canterlot himself someday," Rainbow Dash said. "With his dancing skills, he might be invited to a number of parties to perform his sweet moves."

"He could even end up a dancer for a really famous idol, like Coloratura!" Pinkie Pie said.

"Me? Dancing with Coloratura?" Tender Taps said. "Wow that's really nice of you  to say, but  I don't think I'll make it that far."

"Of course you can, with proper determination," Rarity said.

"Plus we actually know Coloratura, or rather Applejack knows her," Pinkie Pie said. "They're childhood friends! Isn't it amazing to know somepony famous!"

"With all due respect to Coloratura, the six of you are probably more famous than a pop idol," Tender Taps said. "I mean, you did save Equestria a bunch of times, that's a bit more impressive than singing a few songs...which you can hear just about anywhere, we ponies do love to randomly burst into song."

"He's got a point," Fluttershy said.

"I see it as the equivalent to ponies being famous for magic," Sunset said. "Anypony can do magic, but not everypony can do it well, same with singing. There's a lot of ponies I don't care to hear sing."

"I certainly hope I'm not one of them," Rarity quietly chimed in.

"Well the main point is that no matter what, we're all going to be together, regardless of what happens," Twilight said. "Because we can't break apart so easily, it won't happen, it can't happen, I will not allow it to happen."

"Oh, you sound so confident," Discord said. "Though call me crazy, but I still managed to detect a hint of doubt in your voice. I should hope you have no doubt, a future ruler should always be confident in themselves."

"I have plenty of confidence Discord," Twilight said.

Discord shrugged it off, "Whatever you say Princess, in time we will see for sure." He then vanished in a snap, leaving the other ponies behind, either confused or annoyed.

"That guy's kind of weird," Tender Taps said.

"He's just being supportive in his own way," Fluttershy said.

"I still don't know why he's allowed to roam free, who's idea was it to free him from his stone?" Sunset asked.

"Princess Celestia's the one who requested his Freedom," Twilight said. "And I know he's a bit wacky and unpredictable but he's not as bad as he used to be."

"Discord is a bit annoying and very reckless, but I'm with Twilight," Starlight added. "Discord just needed another chance, and from my experience, second chances always work out well. Benefited both me and Trixie, and it's benefitting Discord. In fact Sunset, I know that you yourself are living off a second chance."

Sunset mildly shrugged, "I made some bad choices I admit...maybe I shouldn't be too hard, but I know he betrayed Equestria at one point, so I'm worried he might do it again."

"Discord did betray us, but I know he regretted it," Twilight said. "I think that was an eye opener for him, to know what true friendship is."

"Point is everypony can benefit from a second chance," Starlight said.

"Including Cozy Glow," Applejack randomly added, getting a look of surprise from the others. "Uh, what's with the faces?"

"Oh nothing it's just that..." Twilight seemed a bit surprised. "You're the first of us to speak confidently of Cozy Glow, that's all."

"Well yeah? That ain't a bad thing is it?" Applejack asked.

"No, it's not, it's actually great, I think," Twilight said.

"Ya think?" Applejack said. "Twilight, putting Cozy Glow under Flitter's care was yer decision, what would Discord say if he heard you doubting yerself?"

"Her doubt's well placed," Rainbow Dash said. "That filly isn't exactly trustworthy."

"Not yet, but soon she will be," Applejack said. "I've been thinking about it and honestly ah think Twilight made the right call. Cozy Glow shouldn't be in Tartarus, she should be properly guided. Ah mean, yeah she did something bad and needed to face punishment, like Discord had to, but it didn't seem like anypony was quick to do so. We put her in Tartarus and forgot about her, that don't seem right to do to a foal. If we could take the time to help Starlight and Discord, then Cozy Glow should have been the highest priority. So I'm happy that she's with Flitter, and I'm also happy that Rumble is taking the time to help her as well, it's what we all should be doing."

"Rumble's only playing nice to get more kisses from Cozy Glow," Tender Taps said.

"Come now Tender Taps, don't say something like that, it ain't nice," Applejack scolded.

"I'm just calling it how I see it, Rumble has been Cozy Glow's biggest supporter from the moment he met her," Tender Taps said. "Then he kissed her, more than one apparently since she's bragged about it since."

"Ah feel like there's more to it than that," Applejack said. "Maybe we should try talking to Rumble too, see things from his eyes. He's a good kid, ah don't think he would intentionally set out to hurt somepony."

"Well he did Applejack," Rarity chimed in. "Call him a good foal all you want, it doesn't change the fact that he cheated on my sister and then broke up with her."

"Ah know this is a touchy subject fer you Rarity, ah know what it's like to see a younger sister heart broken," Applejack briefly glanced at Tender Taps before continuing. "But over time you have to let that go and move on, forgiveness is key."

"I hope you're not comparing Tender Taps breaking with Apple Bloom to what Rumble did to my darling Sweetie Belle," Rarity said. "He at least didn't cheat on her, and he's still her friend, so he handled his break-up better."

"I would never hurt Apple Bloom, she got me my Cutie Mark after all," Tender Taps said.

"Yeah you'd rather aim higher than a filly," Spike added in, getting a slight glare from Tender Taps.

"You know all about 'aiming higher', wouldn't you?" Tender Taps said.

"Look, we all know what Rumble did was bad, but we also know to forgive, ah mean we just talked about forgiving Discord and Starlight, and no offense Rarity, but trying to take over Equestria is much worse than what Rumble did," Applejack said. "Plus he's a young colt, he ain't exactly developed into maturity."

"I'm with Applejack on this one," Fluttershy said. "Rumble's a sweet boy, and yes he did make a mistake but we all have done things we're not proud of."

"I've broken trust as well," Twilight added. "I know what it's like to feel like you ruined everything for yourself and I know the fear of potentially losing friends. I've hurt ponies, like my friend Moon Dancer, and my brother at his wedding."

"Twilight those don't really compare, you couldn't have guessed that Moon Dancer would take it that hard," Rarity said.

"And you were technically right about the fact that Cadance was evil," Rainbow Dash said. "Or rather Chrysalis pretending to be Cadance."

"Yeah Twilight," Tender Taps agreed. "You wouldn't do anything that could hurt another pony."

"But I did, you all remember when we first went to Mount Aris, don't you?" Twilight asked. "When I tricked you all into distracting Queen Novo so I can steal her Pearl?"

"Twilight, you only did that to save Ponyville," Rarity said.

"But right after that, I said something really hurtful to all of you, I thought you wouldn't forgive me for saying I didn't need you as my friends, but you still forgave what I did," Twilight said. "I made a mistake, and so did Rumble, if you can forgive me then you can forgive him."

"I think we should," Pinkie Pie said.

"Same here," Fluttershy said.

"I'm Team Forgive Rumble," Starlight said.

"Weird, we're debating whether or not to forgive a foal," Sunset said. "What have we come to?"

"It does affect us personally," Applejack said. "Rumble knows our sisters, er rather me and Rarity, and somewhat Rainbow Dash."

"Honestly, none of this would have happened if Rumble dated Scootaloo instead," Rainbow Dash said, getting a look of surprise.

"Explain your logic," Twilight said.

"If he were dating Scootaloo, she would have gone with him to Flight School, and it would have been harder for Cozy Glow to seduce Rumble," Rainbow Dash said.

"Um, Scootaloo can't fly though," Tender Taps said, almost regretting it once he was under Rainbow Dash's intense glare.

"Even if she can't, she would have gone anyway," Rainbow Dash said. "That's how prideful she is about flying."

"Honestly, it doesn't matter at this point, I think it's high time we started forgiving, both Rumble and Cozy Glow need a chance, in fact I'm gonna try to start Cozy Glow on some Friendship Lessons, I'll bring her over to my castle tomorrow," Twilight said.

"Might wanna postpone that," Spike said. "Shining Armor, Cadance and Flurry Heart are coming tomorrow."

"Oh, I almost forgot," Twilight said, then had an idea. "I can still bring them over, maybe Cozy Glow can take this chance to make peace with Flurry Heart, I know Cozy had thrown her in a garbage can for whatever reason, but maybe we can talk it over and she can take her first step. Getting Flurry's forgiveness shouldn't be too hard."

"So, you intend to bring over a dangerous and unpredictable filly to see your little niece?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Suppose she flies off with her or something, take her back to her buddies in Tartarus?"

"How? Cozy Glow wouldn't be able to get far, and even if she tried, Flurry would just fight her off, she's not completely helpless," Twilight said. "Plus something tells me Rumble wouldn't allow that, he did appoint himself as Flurry's personal knight after all."

"You know who else he promised to be a Knight to?" Rarity asked. "My sister."

"Just trust me on this, I'm not gonna put my own niece in danger," Twilight said.

"Twilight, I trust you know what you're doing," Tender Taps began. "But I also have to agree with Rainbow Dash, Cozy really shouldn't be around Princess Flurry Heart, honestly just the thought of anything happening to that sweet little angel worries me. So if it's alright with you, I want to come over as well and help keep an eye on things, just to make sure Flurry Heart will be alright."

"Well that really isn't necessary," Twilight said. "But maybe this can be good for you too, you can make peace with Rumble as well."

Tender Taps groaned a bit, Spike did warn him this could happen but it's still something he would rather avoid. "Let's not make this about me."

"Tappy, you know I can't call myself the Princess of Friendship if I didn't try to save  yours," Twilight said. "I know you're mad at Rumble for what he did but he deserves a chance for redemption."

"The Crusaders are my friends though, how can I be friends with them and Rumble?" Tender Taps said. "I'm sorry but I care about them more than I care about him."

"If yer worried mah sister will hate you then don't," Applejack said. "I'll talk sense into her, if anything if she sees you making peace with him she might try to do so herself, maybe the others will follow suit."

"Just try Tappy, do it for me," Twilight said, rubbing his mane.

"Come on, that's cheating," Tender Taps whined. "Ugh, fine Twilight, only for you."

"Thanks...now I still have a meeting to finish, if you want to wait then I'll be able to see you afterwards," Twilight said.

"I'll wait in the hall," Tender Taps said, making his way outside. "Just get me when you're done."

As he left, Twilight turned back to her friends, "He's such a sweet colt, isn't he?"

"He's a real darling," Fluttershy said. "I can see why you're so fond of him."

"He is really nice, charming too," Twilight said. "Kind of wish he were enrolled at the School of Friendship."

"What Owlicious isn't enough of a pet for you?" Spike joked, getting a glare from Twilight.

"Come on Spike, you know that's not what I meant," Twilight said.

"What other reason would you want Tender Taps then?" Spike asked. "I mean you didn't even let The Crusaders join because you believed they were already skilled at Friendship, Tender Taps doesn't really have that problem."

"Well he is struggling to be friends with Rumble," Twilight pointed out.

"He'll get over it, I mean that's nothing a quick class can't teach," Spike said. "You just want him enrolled because you've grown too attached to him, he became your 'Little Tappy'."

Twilight scrunched her face in annoyance, "S-so? I find him precious and adorable, what are you jealous that I'm not calling you my Little Spikey?"

"That would honestly be really freaky for me, besides only Rariy gets to call me that," Spike said.

Twilight rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Doesn't matter, look I'm not gonna enroll him just because I want to, I do have restraint after all. I just said that I wish he were in the school because he's pleasant to be around. He's very mature for his age and quite the gentlecolt, you can't fault me for finding him appealing."

"Alright fine, your choice," Spike said.

"Good, let's resume the meeting," Twilight said, trying to figure everything out in preparation for the day she takes Celestia's throne.





Rumble could remember what happened the following day. Now with a fourth filly on his mind as far as romance goes, he wasn't sure what to expect next. Then he received word from Flitter that he and Cozy Glow were going to Twilight's castle to meet with her family.

Rumble was a bit concerned about that, not sure how they were gonna react knowing what he had done, and how they might react to Cozy Glow.

He was on the way to the castle along with Flitter and Cozy Glow, thinking over ways the once evil filly could make a good impression and not potentially set a bad example. Unfortunately the filly was less than thrilled about this trip.

"So why am I going to Twilight Sparkle's castle again?" Cozy Glow asked. "She's like the worst pony in existence, I don't wanna go to where she lives."

"Cozy Glow, don't say such things," Glitter scolded. "Remember Twilight's the one who gave you your second chance to live in Equestria."

"Oh so now I owe her one?" Cozy Glow asked.

"I don't really understand why you don't like Twilight, she's really nice, little confusing to talk to so since she always has these overcomplicated explanation for things, buts she's still nice," Flitter said.

"She's also a fool, she has so much power and she doesn't even use it to rule?" Cozy Glow said. "If I were an Alicorn, I'd make everypony do what I tell them!"

"This is why they won't let you go anywhere without me Cozy," Flitter reminded.

"Yeah, I know, bossy ponies," Cozy said with a pout.

"Just try to be on your best behavior, I don't want you taken away from me after all," Flitter said. "I do love having you around."

Cozy rolled her eyes, but she also knew that if she did one wrong thing, it was back to Tartarus, away from Flitter and Rumble. "Yes Flitter, I'll do my best."

The trio arrived at the castle, Flitter knocking and awaiting an answer. Within moments the door was answered by Spike, "Hey Flitter, Rumble...Cozy Glow."

It took almost everything in Cozy's power sass Spike, she wanted to but she did not want to disappoint Flitter. She put on the best smile she could, trying to speak nicely. "Hello Spike...nice to see you..."

Spike could tell her smile and enthusiasm was fake but he figured this was better than her being a brat. "Well, nice to see you too. Twilight's inside, you three can follow me."

"Sure thing Spike," Flitter said, then turned to the two. "Let's go."

The two followed Flitter inside, Cozy Glow feeling very reluctant to be there. It didn't help that she wasn't too far away from the School of Friendship, the place of her first failure. How she would love nothing more than to have her revenge, but she knew that was out of the question right now.

Within minutes, the three were in Twilight's den, where Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart were. Also there was Tender Taps, the colt being the first to notice the trio. Needless to say he was less than thrilled to see Rumble and Cozy Glow.

"Twilight, our guests are here," Spike said, getting her attention.

"Flitter, you made it, and you brought the foals," Twilight said, making her way over to the trio, turning her attention to Rumble first. "Hey Rumble, how have things been for you?"

"A wild ride of emotions," Rumble said. "Not the best kind really."

"You'll get through it, if you need help don't feel shy about coming to me," Twilight said.

"I might take you up on that," Rumble said.

Twilight turned her attention to the filly beside him, "Cozy Glow..."

"Twilight..." Cozy Glow said, not looking up at the mare.

"How has it been living with Flitter?" Twilight asked.

"Just peachy..." Cozy Glow said, still barely acknowledging Twilight.

"I see," Twilight said, sensing that Cozy wasn't in the mood for conversation. "Well I know Rumble knows them, but Cozy Glow, have you been formally introduced to my brother, sister and niece?"

"Sort of," Cozy Glow said.

"More like she caused a lot of commotion recently at The Crystal Empire," Shining Armor said.

"Big Brother..." Twilight scolded."

"Well, I'm all about second chances," Cadance said. "And I like to think that Cozy is sorry for what she did."

Cozy would say she isn't, but she's not about to tick off a bunch of older and stronger ponies. "Yeah, sure, real sorry."

"Baloney!" Tender Taps shouted.

"Tappy, be nice," Twilight scolded, Tender Taps still not losing his scowl.

"Hey I said sorry, whether you believe me or not isn't my problem," Cozy Glow said.

"Cozy Glow, please be a little more mindful than that," Flitter warned.

Flurry Heart flew over to Rumble, nuzzling against the colt. "Rumble...I miss you."

"Aw, same here Flurry," Rumble said, rubbing her mane. "She's gotten a bit better at talking."

"Yes, she's forming proper sentences, she's learning quite quickly," Cadance said.

"Well she seems to be faster than The Cake Twins, they just started learning how to speak properly only recently," Rumble said. "Pound said my wings were cool, Pumpkin told me I was cute."

"I think Rumble cute!" Flurry said.

"I know you think that Flurry, and I think you're cute too, adorable even," Rumble said.

"Adowable," Flurry repeated, getting an aw from everyone aside from Cozy Glow.

"How about we let Rumble and Flurry Heart catch up, and maybe she can also make friends with Cozy Glow," Twilight suggested.

"My daughter is not befriending the filly that threw her into the garbage!" Shining Armor said.

"Come on big brother, they need to work things out," Twilight said. "I think Cozy Glow and Flurry Heart would make the cutest pair of friends."

"I still don't trust her around my daughter," Shining Armor said.

"Hey I'll be here to keep an eye on Flurry and Cozy," Rumble said.

"And I'll keep an eye on Rumble, and Cozy Glow," Tender Taps said.

"Uh...whatever you want bro," Rumble said.

"Don't call me 'bro'," Tender Taps said, getting an ear droop from Rumble.

"Uh, alright," Rumble said, then turned to Twilight. "I'll come to you if we need help but I promise that I have it under control." He held Flurry close to him, getting a blush from the filly. "I'm still Flurry's knight, and I'll do anything to protect her."

"I know you will," Twilight said, rubbing his mane. "You're a good boy Rumble, even if you have made some mistakes. What matters is you're trying to make amends."

"Thanks Princess Twilight," Rumble said, bowing to her.

Twilight found that adorable, she just can't be mad at Rumble for having cheated on Sweetie Belle, it's not like he set out to hurt her feelings, and she knows he truly regrets that. As for the break-up, Twilight has her own beliefs of why that happened but she might just need to ask Rumble herself later.

"We'll be leaving now, please all of you be on your best behavior, and try to at least be tolerant of each other," Twilight said, making her way out the room with Starlight, Spike, Flitter, Shining Armor and Cadance.

"The first sign of trouble, I'll be right inside, and there will be hell to pay!" Shining Armor warned.

"Shining! don't shout like that in front of Flurry! You'll set a bad example," Cadance scolded.

"Yes dear," Shining Armor said, leaving with the others.

Rumble figured now would be a good time to help Cozy and Flurry make peace, a simpler first step than asking the Crusaders. "Alright, now I know last time you two met, Cozy you threw Flurry in the trash, which was not very nice."

"Yeah, I've been told, even Sonata thought I was crazy," Cozy said.

"For good reason, throwing toddlers in garbage cans is not very polite," Rumble said. "You probably made Flurry sad doing that."

"Me get mad!" Flurry shouted, preparing her magic. "Me do the same!"

"Let's not!" Rumble said, quickly calming Flurry down. "Come on, let's try not to resort to acts of revenge." He turned his attention to Cozy Glow. "Now, tell Flurry you're sorry."

"I already did!" Cozy said.

"Tell her again, and try to mean it," Rumble said. "Look into her eyes and speak from your heart. I know you have it in you."

"This is a waste of time," Tender Taps said, getting a glare from Rumble.

"Making friends isn't a waste of time, you should be helping me Taps," Rumble said.

"Don't call me 'Taps' like I'm your buddy," Tender Taps said, getting a groan from Rumble.

"I'm not dwelling on this, I want to make peace between them," Rumble said turning to the two fillies. "Look Cozy, maybe you don't see the big deal, but Flurry does. It's a simple apology, its not gonna hurt you."

"How do you know that?" Cozy Glow asked.

"I know you're capable of guilt and emotions Cozy, remember when you apologized to me at Starlight's old village? Because you felt bad for separating me from Flitter?" Rumble reminded.

"Well, only because...I actually like you, and I didn't want you mad at me," Cozy Glow said. "I barely even know Flurry Heart so I don't care if she hates me."

"Come on, I mean look at her adorable little face," Rumble said, gesturing to Flurry. "You mean to tell me you're ok with having hurt her?"

"I'm cuter," Cozy said.

"Cozy no offense but it's hard to be cuter than a toddler," Rumble said.

"I don't think she's cute at all, she's too rotten of a filly," Tender Taps said, gaining Cozy's ire.

"Come here and say that you Princess Pet!" Cozy Glow shouted.

"At least I actually have friends, you're going to be all alone with your lousy attitude and no one's going to love you," Tender Taps said, somewhat upsetting Cozy Glow.

"That's not true, I have ponies who love me!" Cozy Glow shouted, a little hurt in her voice.

"Maybe for now, but with the way things are going for you, I wouldn't be surprised if Flitter gave up on you and had you sent back to Tartarus with those other villains, where you belong," Tender Taps said.

"Y-you're just jealous, that's all!" Cozy Glow shouted. "Because I almost became head mare at the most prestigious school in all of Equestria, while you were stuck doing your petty little dance routines!"

"Hey I love dancing, it's my talent, it's a useful talent, all you know how to do is manipulate, and how long is that going to benefit you?" Tender Taps asked. "Ponies are going to see through you and soon you'll have nothing, honestly I feel bad for whoever your family is, though maybe they saw how bad you were and just left you alone because who would want you around!?"

"Tender Taps!" Rumble shouted, angry at the other colt for going that far.

Cozy Glow felt her heart tug, just the mention of her family, or lack there of hit harder than she hoped to let on. It took a lot for her not to break down in front of everypony, not wanting to look vulnerable. "Well, who needs family, I certainly don't!"

She then turned away and stormed off, Rumble looking really concerned.

"Cozy Glow!" Rumble called out, then glared at Tender Taps. "That was uncalled for! You probably hurt her feelings!"

"I couldn't care less about her feelings, or yours for that matter," Tender Taps said.

Rumble shook his head in disappointment, "What happened to you? Are you even Tender Taps? Huh? Maybe you're a Changeling, because the Tener Taps I know would never stoop to anything like that. You've always been kind hearted and you always looked out for others. Even when you were mad or upset about something you handled it with grace, you never let your anger take control of you. I used to admire that quality about you, I always thought you were a great pony, and for the longest time, one of the reasons I feel regret for hurting Sweetie Belle was because I knew I let you down. But now, I don't even care, if you want to be miserable then be my guest, because at this rate you're the one who's gonna end up alone, Twilight won't waste her time on a pony who completely shuts away friends and potential friends when they need him the most."

Rumble set out to find Cozy Glow, Flurry following after him, leaving Tender Taps by himself. Truthfully he did feel some regret over what he said, the others are doing their best to help Cozy Glow reform, and it's something Twilight seems to want. He just can't help but feel betrayed by what Rumble did, and the fact that Cozy was a catalyst behind that didn't help matters either.

"Great, now I gotta apologize, it's what Twilight would want," Tender Taps said, going to find the others.

Rumble searched the halls for Cozy Glow, worried that she might have actually left the castle. If Twilight found out she would likely be furious, and Flitter might lose her custody of the filly. Thankfully she didn't go that far, he heard some sniffling from a nearby room. He looked inside and found that she was in a library of sorts, or just a room with a lot of books, he really can't tell.

"Cozy Glow?" Rumble said, slowly walking towards her. This did catch her attention, and it looked like she was indeed crying, though trying to hold back.

"I'm fine, just...something in my eyes," Cozy Glow said.

Rumble knew she was fibbing, too proud to admit her weakness. So he walked over and pulled her into a hug, which she did not protest. "Don't worry about Tender Taps, he's just grumpy, that's all."

"Like I care what he has to say," Cozy Glow said, wiping away her tears. "I don't need a family."

"Well, you have one, you have Flitter, and me," Rumble said. "We both care about you, you're special to me Cozy Glow."

Cozy seemed to smile at that, finally returning Rumble's hug. "Thanks...you two are all I need. I love you both."

Flurry felt pity for Cozy Glow, seeing her this sad was too much for her. Cozy might be mean but right now she could use a hug. So Flurry floated over and squeezed in for a hug of her own.

"Aw, Flurry likes you now," Rumble said, taking a step back and allowing Flurry more room to hug Cozy Glow.

"I guess so," Cozy said, returning the hug. "And I guess she is cute."

"Isn't she?' Rumble said.

Cozy pulled back, looking Flurry in her eyes. "I'm really sorry for throwing you in the trash, that was mean of me. I hope we can start over."

"I forgive you," Flurry said, then leaned in to kiss Cozy on the cheek.

"Alright, you are cute, I admit it," Cozy Glow said, bringing Flurry back in for a hug.

"Aw, my two favorite girls are friends now," Rumble said, then walked over to kiss Cozy on the cheek. "Thanks, it means a lot."

Cozy Glow returned the kiss, the two having a quick moment of passion. Flurry of course got a bit jealous.

"My turn!" Flurry said, puckering out her lips.

"Flurry, you know that's not something I should do," Rumble said.

"I want kiss," Flurry said, looking sad. "I love Rumble too."

"That's actually adorable," Cozy said, then had a sinister idea. "Maybe you should Rumble, I mean one kiss couldn't hurt."

"Shouldn't you be on my side?" Rumble asked. "I mean, you have a crush on me."

"If it were another filly then I'd be a bit jealous, but it's only Flurry Heart," Cozy said. "Plus she's a Princess, imagine being the first love of a Princess. Plus I'd rather you get it over with now, that way you won't be curious later."

"Want kiss Rumble, please Rumble?" Flurry pleaded.

Rumble wasn't sure about this, knowing that it wouldn't really be proper, but if it's one time only and it lets Flurry get over him, maybe it couldn't hurt. "Promise you won't tell anypony."

"I'll keep this between us," Cozy Glow said. "Aren't I a good marefriend?"

Rumble had to wonder if she would be saying this if she knew about him getting passionate with Diamond Tiara the day prior. Of course from the sounds of things, she wouldn't have taken to that lightly. He looked down to Flurry, the filly anxiously awaiting her kiss. She did look kind of adorable, maybe this wouldn't be so bad.

"This is once only Flurry, and it's gonna be a quick one," Rumble said, getting a nod. Rumble leaned down to kiss Flurry, the filly quickly returning it. However Flurry secretly used some magic to entice Rumble, the colt extending his kiss longer than he expected.

Cozy could see that she used some magic, but she paid little mind to it. What mattered to her at the moment is how much she had control over Rumble. She managed to convince him to kiss another filly, even one as young as Flurry. This was only the start for her, soon she might try to see what else she could get Rumble to do, with enough practice, he could very well be the perfect coltfriend for her, one that will do anything she tells him to.

Cozy took the moment to nudge Flurry, "Alright you had your fun, please release Rumble from your spell."

Flurry reluctantly did as told, satisfied with her kiss, Rumble feeling weird. "Uh, what happenend?"

"Nothing, just a cute innocent kiss with an adorable little Princess," Cozy Glow said, rubbing Flurry's head.

"You good kisser, I happy now," Flurry said. "You call me, or write me."

"Of course...remember once only," Rumble said.

"Yeah, yeah, once only," Flurry said. "You all for Cozy Glow."

"Aw, she knows my name already," Cozy said, nuzzling Flurry. "I want to see you again soon, when are you coming back?"

"I dunno," Flurry said.

"Well let's keep in touch, who knows, maybe I can try to be like a big sister to you, there are a lot of things I want us to try," Cozy said, almost deviously."

"Ok," Flurry said.

"We should get back, I'm worried that Twilight's gonna come into the room and see you not there," Rumble said. He led the fillies back, though as he left the room, the three came face to face with Tender Taps. "Tender Taps?"

"Uh hey...I came to check on you," Tender Taps said, somewhat nervously.

"Oh...well that's nice," Rumble said.

"Yeah, I thought about what you said and maybe you're right, I should try to be nicer, it's what Twilight would want," Tender Taps said.

"Wow really! That's great!" Rumble said. "I'm so happy, I really want us to be friends again, you, me and The Crusaders. I really hope that I can get Cozy Glow to like them as well, she already likes Flurry."

"I like her a lot," Cozy Glow said, hugging the Princess close.

"Hey, I'm sorry for saying mean things to you Cozy Glow, I'll try to be a bit nicer," Tender Taps said. "I shouldn't have gone that far."

"That's alright, we all make mistakes now and then," Cozy Glow said. "Maybe we can be good friends too."

"That's great, though we should get back before Twilight comes back and sees us not there," Tender Taps said.

"Yeah, let's hurry girls," Rumble said, leading the two away. Flurry followed Rumble, Cozy doing the same, but not before suspiciously glancing at Tender Taps.

As he followed everyone back to the room, he could only remember what he saw a moment ago, seeing Rumble kissing Flurry Heart, that just seemed strange to him, and hearing Cozy Glow encouraging it was weird too. What concerned him more was the sinister smile she seemed to have, like if she was planning something. He knew he couldn't trust her, he knew she was up to something, he would find out what.





In the future Twilight continued her search for Tender Taps, blasting every creature in her way, be it Changelings or the Storm King's soldiers. She's even encountered essence of The Nightmare, hoping to destroy it before it could take over anypony.

One creature tried attacking her from behind, but before she could get to it, it had already been blasted. She turned to the direction of the pony who assisted her, recognizing her immediately. "Oh it's you, I'm so happy to see you Sweetie Belle."

Standing nearby was of course the very filly who helped start the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She smirked confidently at the pony she looked up to, "Same here Twi, I hear you're looking for Tender Taps, now let's go save our precious Tappy."