//------------------------------//
// Friendship Quarrels 
// Story: Sweet Affection 5: The Quest to True Love 
// by Masterob 
//------------------------------//

In the future, Rumble was quickly flying away from the Apple Family barn, some Changelings having found it and began attacking it. "Dammit, so much for my base!"

"Capture him quickly! Our queen commands it!" A Changeling shouted.

"Huh? What does Chrysalis want with me!?" Rumble asked, then thought about it. "Well I do cause trouble for her a times, but still!"

Rumble flew toward the direction of Ponyville, though had to make a quick turn when he remembered that it's not exactly safe over there. He flew over the Everfree Forest, trying to see if there was any other safe place to hide.

Granted it was the Everfree Forest, which wasn't exactly the safest place in Equestria to begin with, so he didn't know what to expect from searching around that area. He eventually found Zecora's hut and landed down, opening the door.

"Zecora? Are you in here?" Rumble asked, looking around for the Zebra. His attention was averted by the many potions she had around, plus some of her strange artifacts. "Wow, she has a lot of unique stuff."

"A visitor has come to my home," the voice of Zecora said, Rumble turning his attention to the mare. "Possibly since outside is no place to roam."

"Oh Zecora, I'm so glad you're alright," Rumble said, making his way over to the shaman.

"In my hut, I fear no harm," Zecora said. "So there is no need for alarm."

"That's good, is it some sort of spell?" Rumble asked. "A potion?"

"To the forest, most dare not enter," Zecora said. "Even the enemy knows this is not their center."

"So even The Changelings and Storm King soldiers don't like coming to this place," Rumble said. "How bad is the Everfree Forest?"

"You look exhausted, my dear colt," Zecora said. "Rest yourself, away from this revolt."

"Thanks, you're really nice," Rumble said, resting on the floor. "Man, so many things have changed. Last week I was enjoying my time in Cloudsdale, I was on the verge of joining The Wonderbolts. I can't believe all these villains showed up! honestly I thought I'd never see most of them again." Rumble looked aside. "Of course I should have expected that to happen."

"You sound full of despair young Rumble," Zecora said. "Tell me all that makes your mind tumble."

"I don't want to bore you, plus I did some lousy things," Rumble said.

"I do not judge my poor little friend, even I had my reputation to defend," Zecora said. "Tell me what ales you young one, so your soul may brighten like the sun."

Rumbled sighed, still feeling unsure, "Alright, I mean you are really nice and understanding. Apple Bloom always has nice things to say about you after all. Now, do you know about my relationship with Sweetie Belle? And how it was wrecked once I met Cozy Glow?"

"I have heard the trifles of Cozy Glow," Zecora said. "I know that has led you to a low."

"Well I did everything I could to help reform her, so did my friends and the Elements of Harmony," Rumble said. "Take Applejack for example, she told Twilight about this meeting for Cozy to attend to help her out, a meeting of all former villains and rivals."

Back in the past, one day after the Apple Family dinner. Flitter was bringing Cozy Glow to Twilight's castle, the two joined in their trot by Rumble.

"What am I doing again?" Cozy Glow asked.

"You're going to join a support group Cozy Glow," Flitter said. "The attendees are others who at one point either tried to take over Equestria, didn't get along well with The Elements of Harmony, or both."

"They're going to help you vent your frustrations," Rumble said. "It sounds easier to relate to others who seem to have disliked the Elements as much as you do right now."

"Ugh, who's idea was this exactly?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Applejack came up with the idea during dinner last night," Flitter explained. "If you understand the point of view from the perspective of others, maybe it can help you overcome some of your dislike for the Elements."

"And you'll finally have full and complete freedom," Rumble said. "Think about it, you do a few favors, earn their trust and soon you can do pretty much whatever you want, uh, so long as it's not evil."

"Hmm, freedom would be nice," Cozy Glow said. "Alright, I'll put up with this for a bit."

"And if you need me for any reason, I'll be right outside," Flitter said, the trio making their way into the castle. The mare knocked on the door, awaiting an answer as the two foals stood close by her.

Spike looked through the peep hole to find the trio, "Oh good you're here, just in time." Spike opened up and allowed the three access, "Welcome to Princess Twilight's castle."

"Thanks Spike," Flitter said, leading the two inside.

Spike led the three through the castle, not a far walk as they arrived at a room with various ponies and non-ponies. Cozy recognized a couple like Starlight and Trixie, but didn't know them all. Before she stepped inside, Spike got their attention, ready to introduce the filly, "Here she is everyone, meet Cozy Glow."

"Hello there," Cozy Glow said, waving to the group, many of them waving back, Starlight included.

"Why don't you all introduce yourselves?" Spike said.

"I'll go first," Starlight said. "Well you of course know me Cozy but I'll introduce myself anyway, and explain why I'm here. I'm Starlight Glimmer, and I once tried stealing the Cutie Marks of ponies and attempted to alter the timeline."

"Still don't find the Cutie Mark thing bad," Rumbe said.

"It's bad Rumble, don't follow my poor examples," Starlight said, then gestured to Trixie. "You're up."

"I am The Great and Powerful Trixie," The showmare introduced. "And my prior grievance with Twilight and her friends were from ruining my reputation as a stage performer."

Next was a Griffon that would be very familiar to Rainbow Dash. "Sup, name's Gilda, Rainbow Dash's foalhood friend. My grievance comes from the fact that Pinkie Pie made me look bad at a party and I had a falling out with Rainbow Dash."

Following that was the brash stunt Pegasus, "Name's Lightning Dust, leader of The Washouts. Things got bad for me and The Elements when they ruined my chance to be a Wonderbolt."

Next came the Unicorn without the horn, "I'm Fizzlepop Berry Twist, but most know me as Tempest Shadow. I worked with The Storm King and nearly brought ruins to Equestria."

Next came an Earth Pony from Manehattan, "Suri Polomare, uh I forgot why I'm here, something about clothes."

Next came a certain Siren, "I'm Sonata Dusk, but you know me very well Cozy Glow. I've tried taking over Equestria and I've caused a lot of trouble for Twilight and her friends, well sort of. Isn't that right Sunset Shimmer?"

The mare in question just scowled and focused on Cozy, "Well like she said, I'm Sunset Shimmer, I had some jealousy issues with Twilight in the past."

A somewhat skinny pony in old clothes spoke next, "Hello, I am Stygian, Starswirl the Bearded's most valued assistant. I let my weakness and insecurities turn me into something I'm not."

Next came the school aged once spoiled brat, "I'm Diamond Tiara, but you know that Cozy Glow, you did come to my house recently after all. My issues were not with The Elements but I think I can still relate to you in this meeting, since the CMC were my 'Elements'."

Another school aged filly made her presence known, "I'm Babs Seed, Apple Bloom's cousin from the city, similar to you, my past is more with the Crusadahs than anything else."

Spike looked satisfied, "I think that's everyone, or almost everyone, who are we missing?"

"Luna couldn't make it, she's busy helping Twilight out," Starlight said. "And Discord couldn't come because well no one invited him."

"Excuse me!?" A mysterious voice said. Suddenly Discord materialized in the room, looking a bit agitated. "I wasn't invited? You invite a bunch of D-Class rivals but not me?"

"Better not be labeling my in that 'D-Class' role," Lightning Dust warned.

"Excuse me, who are you even?" Discord asked. "Oh right, that overhyped stunt pony."

"Overhyped!?" Lightning Dust shouted. "I'll have you know that my shows sell out, even Princess Twilight loves my shows, I have endorsement from Royalty!"

"Come on now, let's not shout," Starlight  pleaded. "We're here for good vibes, good vibes means no yelling."

"This is why Discord wasn't invited though," Spike said. "We don't want this meeting getting chaotic."

"Fine, I see where I'm not wanted," Discord said, smirking a bit. "Besides, something tells me this meeting will be chaotic enough without my help."

In a snap, Discord vanished, Starlight slightly nervous by his ominous warning, "That Discord, always goofing around."

"Last time he goofed around I had to wait on some cranky old donkey," Cozy Glow angrily muttered.

"So, when should I be back?" Flitter asked.

"About an hour, but I'll come and get you if it ends sooner," Starlight said.

"Alrighty then," Flitter said, then affectionately stroked Cozy Glow's mane. "You be a good filly for these nice ponies, and griffon, and siren."

"Alright Flitter," Cozy Glow said.

"And if you need help, just call me and I'll be there in a snap," Rumble said.

"Ever the knight, aren't you Rumble?" Trixie said. "But speaking of your Knight-like attitude, there's a filly who's eager to see you."

"Rumble!" they all heard. Suddenly he was hug tackled by Flurry Heart. "I back!

"Flurry, you're here!" Rumble said, returning the hug.

"Shining Armor and Cadance are in town and they brought Flurry Heart along," Trixie said. "And we all know fond you are of each other."

Flurry looked around and spotted another Pegasus she's become fond of, "Cozy Glow!"

"Aw, she remembered my name," Cozy said, trotting over to hug Flurry. "How I love  my new little friend."

"You can play with Cozy Glow later Flurry," Flitter said, separating her from Cozy. "She had to do some stuff right now, she'll see you later."

"Buh-bye Cozy Glow!" Flurry said, then turned to Rumble. "We play now!"

"Uh sure, what do you wanna play Flurry?" Rumble asked.

"Save me from monster!" Flurry said, then dragged Rumble off. "Come, we go find monster."

"Uh, sure thing," Rumble said, then turned back to Cozy. "Catch you later then."

"Have fun," Cozy Glow said, then went inside with the other ponies. She took a seat that Starlight had saved to her, right between the Guidance Counselor and Sonata Dusk.

"Alright, now Cozy Glow's here, now our goal here to help this poor misguided filly discover the magic of friendship," Starlight said. 

"And since many of us have had similar struggles as this filly, Twilight and The Elements thought it best to have all of us assist this poor creature with her struggles," Trixie said.

"Isn't that the girl who attacked us near the Tree of Harmony?" Lightning Dust asked. "Or ordered that Siren girl to attack?"

"Oh yeah, I think I remember you," Cozy Glow said. "You were the one who couldn't stop arguing with Rainbow Dash."

"I admit, that was partially my fault," Sonata said. "I manipulated their negative energy."

"Lightning Dust, why don't you tell Cozy Glow all about your rivalry and why it exists," Starlight said.

"Sure thing," Lightning Dust began. "Alright here's the thing Cozy, I was at Wonderbolt's Academy I was pretty much the top of my group. I always gave it my best, always pushing myself to be the best I could be, to prove myself worthy of The Wonderbolts. So when they paired ponies up, Rainbow Dash was my partner, in fact at the time, she was also my friend. I was made lead pony of that group, and she seemed cool with it, or so I thought. Everything I did, I did it with all my effort, I never went halfway on anything, and that's something I take pride in. Unfortunately things got bad when Princess Twilight and her friends were caught in a tornado that me and Rainbow Dash made, and I ended up taking the fall and getting booted out of The Academy. Now maybe I shouldn't have made that tornado, but I still say Princess Twilight and her friends shouldn't have been there at all, I mean who would take a hot-air balloon to an Academy of Intense flyers like that?"

"Now Lightning Dust, Twilight's discussed this with you, it's not what you did, it's how you handled it," Starlight reminded.

"Alright, I'll bite, I didn't handle that incident professionally, I should have been a bit more mindful to Rainbow Dash's concerns," Lightning Dust said. "I made a mistake, the least I could have done was fess up."

"Well what's important is that you know now, and you won't repeat that mistake," Starlight said.

"Yeah I guess, besides it motivated me to create The Wash Outs," Lightning Dust said. "I'm having a lot more fun with them than I did in The Wonerbolts, and they're quite the success, so it all worked out."

"Everything worked out alright," Starlight said, then eagerly turned to Cozy Glow. "So, Cozy, what are your thoughts on what Lightning Dust had to say?"

"Yeah, those Elements weren't very nice to you," Cozy Glow said.

Starlight's eagerness was quickly replaced with confusion and some worry, "Huh?"

"Sounds like they didn't even try to hear you out after an honest mistake, what kind of ponies would do that, especially if Rainbow Dash was supposed to be your friend," Cozy Glow said.

"Hehe, Cozy Glow, what are you doing?" Starlight nervously asked.

"I'm just asking an innocent question, just so I can understand Friendship better," Cozy Glow said, then turned back to Lightning Dust. "I think Rainbow Dash could have done a better job at conveying her emotions than just telling Spitfire what you did."

"Well, I think she tried to," Lightning Dust said. "I just played it off."

"Still, did she even try talking to you afterwards? When was the next time you saw her?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Uh, sometime later, I think when the Changelings tried taking over Twilight's castle a year ago," Lightning Dust said. "The second time at least, not the first time when Starlight and the others stopped her. She wasn't too happy to see me, and I admit I wasn't too thrilled myself."

"If you two were friends, I think she should have tried being nicer to you, for ponies of harmony, they can really hold a grudge," Cozy Glow said. "Did Rainbow Dash even compliment your Wash Outs group?"

"Actually, no, she hasn't," Lightning Dust said. "She actually complained, saying we were dangerous. I mean I know what I'm doing and so do my teammates, she was just mad because Scootaloo thought I was cooler. Like what's the big deal? Scootaloo can't like another pony? Then she said I made Scootaloo do a stunt, she's the one who wanted to do the stunt, I didn't know she was secretly afraid, she could have just told me. I wasn't gonna make a filly do something they didn't think they could do, I would have just done the stunt myself!"

"Yeah, I remember hearing about that, Rainbow Dash said some unkind things about you in school," Cozy Glow said.

"Like what!? What did that show-off say about me!?" Lightning Dust shouted.

Before things could get even more out of hoof, Starlight interjected, "Alrighty, let's move on now, thank you for your words of wisdom Lightning Dust, would anyone else like to say something?"

"Actually, I do have to admit something," Gilda said. "Rainbow Dash never really seemed to have any interest in making things up to me after our falling out. I thought we were tight and it took an emergency to get her to come to Griffonstone."

"Tell me more," Cozy Glow said. "Why were you two mad?"

"I went to see Rainbow Dash in Ponyville a while back, it was the first time I've seen  her in years," Gilda said. "The problem was that Pinkie Pie kept getting in the middle of it, like I'm trying to see my friend but Pinkie Pie can't take the hint that I want to spend time with her. She gets to see Rainbow Dash every day, I don't have that luxury. But being the impatient pony she was she started getting on my nerves and I ended up flipping out on her."

"I know from personal experience that Pinkie Pie can be a bit...intrusive," Starlight said, remembering the time she tried befriending Maud. "But she only had good intentions, maybe she wanted to be your friend as well, you should have tried being more open with her. I mean, you're friends now, aren't you?"

"Sort of, I tolerate her," Gilda said.

"But did Rainbow Dash understand how you felt?" Cozy Glow asked. "She's your foalhood friend, she should have tried being more understanding of you, and she seemed to hold a grudge for something that was Pinkie Pie's fault."

"Nopony is at fault Cozy Glow," Starlight reminded.

"You are right about Rainbow Dash, like you pointed out with Lightning Dust there, she could have done more on her end too," Gilda said. "I mean it's like she didn't care if she ever saw me again, that does kind of sting."

"But you two are friends at least, thanks to The Cutie Map," Starlight said. "It helped you reconnect because it believed you two were meant to be friends."

"So a map had to point it out to her?" Cozy Glow said.

"Moving on!" Starlight quickly blurted and focused on Trixie. "Alright Trixie, why don't you tell Cozy Glow a bit about yourself?"

"Gladly," Trixie began. "It all started when I came to Ponyvile a few years back and I was hosting my magic show. I received a few hecklers from the crowd, but I'm used to it, I even showed them off with my skills. Those hecklers were Twilight Sparkle and her friends. See I may have exaggerated on some of my feats and they were quick to put those feats down, saying I was a fraud. To top it all off, two fans freed an Ursa Minor and let it run rampant in town." The mere mention of the Ursa Minor was enough to cause some visible discomfort for Tempest, unbeknownst to Trixie. "Twilight put an end to that, but I still received blame just because some foals took my stories too seriously."

"Right, you made a mistake, and maybe Twilight could have been more understanding, but instead of coming back to town and exacting revenge with some magical item, what should you have done?" Starlight asked, somewhat peaking Cozy's interest at the mention of a magic item.

"Uh...I don't know," Trixie said, much to Starlight's annoyance.

"Talk things out with Twilight!" Starlight said.

"To be fair, that would have been hard at the time," Trixie said. "The ponies chased me out of Ponyville."

"Well, you could have came back at a later time," Starlight suggested.

"Like that would have done much, I mean you saw how Twilight treated me when we first met," Trixie said. "After I tried helping her make up for what I've done."

"A firework show really isn't enough to say sorry," Starlight said.

"But I did apologize, I even did the lower lip quiver, I changed my moniker to The Great and Apologetic Trixie!" the magician decaled. "Like I said, ponies forgive, but they still judge!"

"Trixie, we're trying to educate Cozy Glow here," Starlight said, nervously gesturing to the foal.

Sighing in acceptance, Trixie nodded to her friend, "You're right, I should be a better influence on her."

"No, you're doing plenty for me now," Cozy Glow said. "I mean, I had no idea you went through all that, it sounds so unfair. Ponies heckling you for putting on a show, they're suppose to be entertaining after all, lots of ponies exaggerate. I bet Rainbow Dash exaggerates her accomplishments."

"Oh I bet she does," Lightning Dust said. "She was probably the one who was heckling you the most."

"Yeah, so were Applejack and Rarity," Trixie said. "But Rainbow Dash was the worst."

"Come on, we're here to help educate Cozy Glow, not say bad things about Rainbow Dash," Starlight said. "Let's move on, let's try talking to Diamond Tiara. One filly can probably be more relatable for another."

"Gladly, now it all started when I was a small child, a mere, young yet very beautiful and elegantly rich child," Diamond Tiara began, getting a groan from the others. This might take some time.

Rumble and Flurry are exploring the side area of the castle, the younger filly trying to find another pony to play with them. As they walked, Rumble passed by the School of Friendship, the colt stopping and marveling at the sight.

"Wow, this place is huge!" Rumble said, walking over to it. "Wonder what it would be like to be a student here?"

"It has it's perks," Rumble heard. He turned to see that it was Gallus who spoke, the young Griffon standing with his five friends.

"Oh hi everyone," Rumble said. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"We're always around," Sandbar said. "Even when we're on break, this School brought us together after all, so it's like special to us."

"I did hear great things about this place," Rumble said. "Sweetie Belle told me in one of her letters that she tried to enroll here, but Twilight felt she already knew about Friendship."

"Yeah, though that led to her and her friends helping an insane little Pegasus enroll," Gallus said.

"Yona no like evil Pegasus, she try hurting all friends!" Yona said.

"Come on, I know Cozy did something bad, but she's just a filly," Rumble said.

"You're still making these excuses for her?" Gallus asked. "Didn't you two actually come to blows?"

"Yeah, she hits hard," Rumble said, remembering her punch. "But I don't think she's evil, just misguided."

"You really are one naïve pony," Gallus said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Well isn't that what Friendship and Harmony is all about?" Rumble asked. "Trying to find the good in others? It worked for Starlight."

"Are you referring to evil Starlight or her helping Trixie," Sandbar asked.

"Both," Rumble said. "Who knows, if we help Cozy Glow out, she could help another pony who needs it."

"He's got a point," Ocellus said. "If we could show her kindness maybe it'll rub off, it is an Element of Harmony after all."

"I don't know, seems hard," Gallus said.

"But that is the responsible thing to do," Sandbar said.

"Sounds like a waste," Smolder said. "I don't think there's any helping that filly."

"She did one evil thing, Discord's done more than that and ponies trust him, somewhat at least," Rumble said.

"Oh what is this, a Pick on Discord day?" they heard, suddenly the Draconequess appeared. "Salutations young creatures, how is your day today?"

"Ugh, not you, last time you were at this school things went crazy," Smolder said.

"Well that is my thing, I create chaos, it's nature to me," Discord said, giving wings to a nearby rock, letting it fly away.

"Why are you even still here?" Rumble asked. "I thought you went home after you couldn't join in that meeting Cozy Glow went to?"

"Well if I wasn't going to the meeting, I figured I could just wait for Fluttershy to finish her own meeting with Princess Twilight, then we can go for a nice picnic" Discord said, snapping a blanket with some food into existence.

"Is Fluttershy your only real friend or something?" Gallus asked.

"No, I have other friends," Discord said, somewhat offended. "Fluttershy just happens to be my best friend, she's like a little sister to me, and I care for her deeply."

"Well I suppose someone has to, you're living proof that even Cozy Glow deserves a chance," Rumble said.

"And you're living proof that true love may not last forever," Discord said, deviously smirking.

Rumble's eyes widened in shock, and that turned into a scowl, "At least I found love!"

"Oh, looks like I struck a nerve," Discord said. "Remember Tumble, try not to judge if you yourself have fallen short of the proper path."

"It's Rumble!" the colt corrected.

"Rumble, Tumble, Mumble, all the same to me," Discord said, floating through the air similar to being in a pool.

Rumble looked pretty furious, but before he could say anything, he heard Flurry calling out to him. "Wumble!" The colt turned around and saw the unhappy filly marching toward him. "You come with me! We find monster!" She looked into the air and saw Discord floating around, "Oooh! Monster!"

Discord gestured to himself, "Who, me?"

"Yeah you, she wants you to be a monster," Rumble said.

"Yeah, no, I don't do playtime," Discord said, sitting in the air with his arms and legs crossed.

"Be monster!" Flurry shouted.

Discord lowered down to look her in the eyes, "No."

Flurry's face scrunched in anger, "You be monster, or I tell mommy!"

"Pfft, like I'm afraid of your mother," Discord said. "If I wanted to I can zap her into another dimension."

Flurry looked mad, she started charging up some magic, but before she could do anything, Rumble placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Don't waste your time Flurry, Discord isn't really fun anyway."

"Alright, you want to see a monster?" Discord asked, then snapped a Bugbear into the area, startling Rumble, Flurry and The Young Six, causing them to run off in a panic. Discord chuckled to himself as he made the creature disappear. "What an entertaining bunch."

Back in the meeting room, Stygian was in the middle of his tale, "I allowed the darkness to consume me, and it generated nothing but pain and despair. I spent over a millennia trapped in a void due to my mistakes, if not for the efforts of Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer, I would have been banished once again, possibly forever."

"We're glad you're with us Stygian," Starlight said, then turned to Cozy Glow. "Well, any comments?"

"Wow, that Starswirl is a jerk, same with those Pillars, no wonder Twilight and her friends were such lousy ponies, they have bad influences," Cozy Glow said.

"No, it was entirely my fault," Stygian insisted.

"That's not how I see it, you just wanted respect and power, I could totally relate to that, shame you were just treated like a nobody for so long," Cozy Glow said. "Especially knowing that you did most of the work, I bet they never would have been able to banish the Sirens without your help."

"I'm actually amazed you were able to find a weakness," Sonata said. "Very clever, I mean it sucked being banished but it does take a lot of skill, at least in my opinion, Adagio still thinks you cheated."

"Sonata, maybe you'd like to say something to Cozy Glow?" Starlight asked. "Something that could help benefit her?"

"You got it," Sonata said, then turned her attention to Cozy Glow. "Always treasure your friends, do anything you can for them, because good friends are like family, and you should always want to do what's best for your family."

"That's, really nice," Starlight said. "Wasn't that nice everyone?"

There were murmurs of agreement, aside from Sunset, who found Sonata's answer a bit strange. "Uh, do anything for them? What do you mean by that?"

"If your friends need help, then you help them out," Sonata said.

"Help them out how?" Sunset asked. "And what type of friends are we talking?"

"Uh, all types of friends," Sonata said.

"Sunset, where are you going with this?" Starlight asked.

"Last time she tried being a good friend, she ended up siding with those other sirens, she also used 'family', which is what they are to her," Sunset said.

"Well pardon me for being a Loyal friend, something Rainbow Dash forgot about, right everyone?" Sonata asked, getting some agreements from the others.

"Ugh, enough with the Rainbow Dash comments! She's not a bad pony!" Starlight said.

"We know, she's just a bit self centered," Lightning Dust said.

"And stubborn," Gilda added.

"Also completely full of herself," Trixie stated.

"I don't recall giving each of you mirrors," Starlight commented, getting a look of annoyance and offense from the three.

"What's that supposed to mean!?" Lightning Dust asked, Gilda and Trixie also curious.

"We're straying off topic," Tempest said. "This is about helping this misguided filly."

"I agree, let's simmer down now," Stygian said.

"Yes, let's do that," Starlight said. "Now, I know we all feel that in our own way, we were right about what we did, I mean I used to think that it was ok to steal Cutie Marks and force a village into doing what I wanted them to."

"For the record, if you tried stealing my Cutie Mark, I would destroy you," Diamond Tiara said.

Starlight gave off a deadpanned stare to the rich filly, "Noted...now hush!" Diamond Tiara turned away as Starlight continued, "But I realized I went about it all wrong, I should not have tried to do that, I should not have tried to rewind time just for revenge against Twilight and her friends. I should have just listened to her when I had the chance and not have run off. It was wrong of me, and I am eternally grateful Twilight offered me her Friendship."

"Huh, so she offered you Friendship?" Cozy Glow asked. "Just like that?"

"Pretty much, she saw how distressed I was, so she offered me her friendship, it was very kind of her to do," Starlight said.

"Oh right, you were pretty distressed, I mean I heard you nearly destroyed the time spell which would have left you both stuck in the past while preventing Rainbow Dash from doing her Rainboom, boy would that have been bad," Trixie said.

"Uh, yeah, let's not get into the details," Starlight said.

"Hey it's not like you were that pathetic sounding, I mean you put up quite a fight against Twilight, I bet she was really impressed by your power," Trixie said.

"Oh, I get it now," Cozy Glow said. "Twilight only befriended Starlight because she was too strong to keep as an enemy."

"What? No! That's not it at all!" Starlight insisted.

"Though I can see how that might make sense," Gilda said.

"Come on, do you really think Twilight is that bad?" Starlight asked.

"No, of course not, she's really nice," Gilda said. "She's just a little...oblivious to certain things."

Starlight groaned in annoyance and turned to Tempest, "Do you have anything to say? Twilight helped you didn't she?"

"Yes, right after I was betrayed by the Storm King," Tempest said. "She showed me true friendship, something I had forgotten about."

"Ah, something good," Starlight said. "Helping others when they are in need of it the most, something Twilight excels at."

"Gee, I wouldn't know, she didn't try helping me, she threw me in Tartarus the first chance she got," Cozy Glow said.

"That might have been harsh, gotta admit," Babs said. "I don't think the Apples would have done something like that to me, even after I started bullying the Crusaders."

"Hm, I am curious, why did you pick on the Crusaders?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Well..." Babs was still somewhat ashamed of this, she hated admitting her past deeds. "I was just feeling a bit...insecure."

"That was my fault," Diamond Tiara said. "I showed up at Sweet Apple Acres with Silver Spoon and we started teasing the Crusaders, and since Babs was Blank Flank at the time, she was afraid I was gonna tease her too like a lot of ponies in Manehattan did. So she quickly took my side and things got pretty bad."

"We both messed up Dia, I mean I shouldn't have turned against my own family," Babs said. "You should never turn away from family."

"Do you even have a family Cozy Glow?" Lightning Dust asked.

"Not a good one if they didn't even bother checking up on me while I was in Tartarus," Cozy Glow said. "Unless Twilight hid that from them or something, but I doubt they would have cared."

"Wow, that's sad," Gilda said. "You really needed someone, I'm just surprised Twilight wouldn't tell anyone."

"Yeah, that's awful," Lightning Dust said. "I mean even if they were useless she probably could have taken pity on you any pulled you out of Tartarus."

"Hey now, it's not like Twilight really knew who they were," Starlight said.

"She attends the School of Friendship, she should know!" Lightning Dust said.

"I'm sorry to say Starlight, but I have to agree with Lightning Dust on that one," Trixie said. "Twilight showed a lot of negligence on that one."

"Thinking about it, these Elements of Harmony aren't that nice," Diamond Tiara said. "How could they treat a filly that way, I mean I shudder to think what they would have done to me if they knew about me teasing the Crusaders."

"Well you did tease them in front of Applejack once, she didn't do anything but glare at you," Babs said. "I was the one who stuck up for them, unless that's what she was waiting for or something."

"Yes, go with that," Starlight said. "Twilight and her friends are nice ponies! They helped me and showed pity on all of you!"

"They barely showed pity on me, they didn't really tolerate me until Twilight turned into my biggest fan," Lightning Dust said.

"Still, it's something!" Starlight shouted, getting frustrated. "Look, they're not perfect but they're doing their best. If they didn't care they would not have given Cozy Glow this chance!"

"To be fair, I only got this chance because of Flitter," Cozy Glow said.

"That's true actually," Sonata said. "Flitter was very insistent from what I've heard, it's kind of sweet."

"Sonata, what do you think of Twilight?" Starlight asked.

"She's nice, so are her friends, hopefully they can help my friends in Tartarus," Sonata said. "Maybe they can help everyone there, I've grown to like Chrysalis, and Tirek."

"Not gonna happen," Sunset said. "They're way too evil to change."

"Didn't you try conspiring against Celestia once!?" Sonata asked.

"Plus if ponies thought that way then Twilight would have let Starswirl banish Stygian," Starlight said.

"Wait you told me you were against it, not Twilight," Trixie said, getting a groan from Starlight as Stygian looked on in surprise.

"Why? Why do you keep talking?" Starlight asked.

"Huh, seems I'm more in your debt than I realized Starlight Glimmer," Stygian said.

"No, it's nothing Stygian," Starlight said. "I mean, Twilight wanted to help as well, but Starswirl had her somewhat intimidated to speak up."

"Of course, it's understandable," Stygian said. "She looks up to him, it's not easy speaking up to someone you respect, I just wish I could have done that."

"So tell me, what makes these ponies the 'Elements of Harmony' or the 'Pillars of Light' anyway?" Cozy Glow asked. "I mean, at this rate Equestria's still going to be in a rut with these Six new ponies that Twilight's so fond of taking over as the new protectors."

"Which six? The Crusaders or the group of students that thwarted your plans?" Starlight asked.

"The group that's still together," Cozy Glow said. "The Crusaders are back to the original three, or four-"

"Technically I was the official fourth member," Babs interjected.

"Well, fourth member from Ponyville," Cozy Glow corrected. "Point is Rumble and his friend Dinky are pretty much out, so no Six there, but Sandbar and his annoying friends are still together. I don't think they'll do a good job of protecting Equestria, they have the same lousy influence problem Twilight and her friends had."

Starlight sighed in despair, this meeting was so far down, "Cozy Glow, can't you give at least some credit to any of Twilight's friends?"

"I'll give credit to Applejack, she was really nice," Cozy Glow said. "Everyone else is mean, especially Rainbow Dash."

"Come on! Did Rainbow Dash do anything bad to you too Cozy Glow?" Starlight asked.

"Yeah, she hit me!" Cozy Glow shouted, surprising the ponies in the room. "I really felt scared at that moment, I thought she was gonna really hurt me!"

"Rainbow Dash...she wouldn't hit a foal...unless you were trying to attack her," Starlight said.

"No, I just told her what I thought about her friends, she was probably already steaming from me telling her just how much The Wonderbolts stink too," Cozy Glow said.

"Ha, they kind of do compared to me," Lightning Dust said.

Starlight shook her head, "I find this hard to believe, I don't want you dragging her name through the mud like that Cozy Glow, honestly this isn't anyway for you to be talking about the ponies who gave you a second chance!"

"They didn't! Flitter gave me a chance!" Cozy Glow shouted.

"By Twilight's permission!" Starlight corrected. "She could have said 'no' but she didn't, so start showing her a little respect! All of her friends deserve that respect too!"

Trixie looked concerned, Starlight was losing her temper, and she's seen how bad Starlight can get when she loses her temper. At least she's not bottling it up, literally.  She turned her attention to Suri Polomare, who had been quiet the entire meeting, "Hey, you're Suri right? You haven't said anything at all, care to add something?"

"Yeah, Rarity and her friends are a pain in the flank," Suri said.

Starlight grew furious and let out a magical energy attack that destroyed the ceiling of the room they were in. "Dammit! Now I gotta fix that!" She turned to the others, "This meeting's over, you can all leave now!"

Not wanting to annoy Starlight any further, the ponies and creatures in the room started leaving, quickly but slowly, not wanting to be around an angry Starlight, none of them noticing the smirk on Cozy Glow's face. Trixie was the only one who stayed behind.

"Uh...does that include me?" Trixie asked, her only answer being Starlight pointing to the door. "Alright, I'll take that as a yes."

Trixie made her way out the room, Starlight groaning in immense displeasure, "That did not go well, I just hope things don't get too much worse."

Cozy Glow made her way to the main hall of the castle with the others from the meeting, where she would be waiting for Flitter to return. "I hope nopony minds that I'm out here without Flitter."

"You should be good," Trixie said. "I'm here, and so is Sunset Shimmer, if Twilight or her friends see you with us, that should be just as good."

"As long as they don't start getting mad at me," Cozy Glow said. "But besides that, it was very nice to meet you all."

"Uh, same to you young child," Stygian said. "I must go, perhaps I can consult with Princess Twilight before returning home. Do be on your best behavior now, and go easy when it comes to Twilight, she truly is a kind mare."

"No promises, but I'll do my best," Cozy Glow said.

"You better," Sunset warned, walking toward where Stygian was going. "I'm gonna go see Twilight as well, let's go Sonata."

"Yeah I'm coming," Sonata said, then rubbed Cozy's mane. "Behave now, you have something good going on, don't blow it."

"See you later Sonata," Cozy Glow said.

As the trio made their way off,  Tempest also made her way out, "I should be going myself, so I bid you farewell also."

"Uh, sure, bye Tempest...or should I call you, Fizzlepop?" Cozy Glow asked.

"It makes no real difference to me," Tempest said. "Just be on your best behavior, Friendship is precious after all, don't throw it away like I did."

"Why did you throw it away?" Cozy Glow asked.

Tempest reached for her horn, or lack thereof, "I didn't have anypony in my time of need, the friends I thought I had left me, aligning myself with The Stork King was not the right answer, I should have tried again, like Starlight did."

Tempest had left, with Suri Polomare also following her out, "I'm going back home." She turned to Babs, "Are you coming? The next train to Manehattan is in 20 minutes."

"Nah, I'm gonna stick around and see my cousin," Babs said.

"Eh, fine by me, not like you're my kid," Suri said, leaving the castle. "What a waste of my time, those ponies better endorse my new line for this."

"Well, that just leaves us," Trixie said, gesturing to Lightning Dust, Gilda, Babs, Diamond Tiara and herself. "Unless the rest of you have somewhere to be?"

"I might stick around and look for Gallus, see how he's holding up," Gilda said. "I mean, it sounds like he has friends so everything should be fine, School's doing it's job."

"Gallus? He's the young Griffon who attends the school," Cozy Glow said. "You know him?"

"Yeah, I mean our village is pretty small so we all know each other, somewhat," Gilda said. "We just never got along for a while because everyone was really greedy, so thankfully Gallus is growing up in a more positive environment."

"Are you sure it's positive after today?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Eh, maybe, hey he saved the world, no offense to you kid, since he saved it from you," Gilda said.

"Hey, I'll commend him and his friends for their...victory," Cozy Glow bitterly admitted, just thinking about it really irked her.

"Right...uh kid, maybe you can, you know, start over with Gallus and the others? I mean he did have nice things to say about you, before you turned evil," Gilda said.

"Wait really?" Cozy Glow asked.

"We all thought you were great Cozy Glow, I mean it really surprised everypony when you turned bad," Trixie said. "We were so disappointed."

"Even I have to admit that surprised me when I heard about you stealing all of Equestria's magic and locking the Elements away in Tartarus," Lightning Dust said, her face turning sour. "Granted I didn't feel much pity for Rainbow Dash after I nearly got rocketed to the moon."

"Now, now, Lightning Dust, you know you brought that on yourself," Trixie said.

"Well she distracted me," Lightning Dust said. "Eh, whatever, I'm still more popular."

"Can I see one of your shows one day?" Cozy Glow asked. "Just out of curiousity."

"Yeah you can, bring Flitter and Rumble too, especially Rumble, maybe I can recruit him to my show," Lightning Dust said.

"Eh, no, you really shouldn't," Trixie said. "I don't want him getting hurt."

"He'll be fine, don't worry so much," Lightning Dust insisted. "Plus once Rumble attends, he might be begging to join The Washouts."

"Ooh, The Washouts, sounds fun," they heard. The ponies turned their attention to an oncoming Dinky. "Sup?"

"Oh, you're Dinky Do from school," Diamond Tiara said.

"That's me," Dinky said, then bitterly glanced over to the magician mare of the group, "Trixie..."

"Dinky..." Trixie replied.

After that brief exchange, Dinky turned her attention to the only Pegasus Filly of the group, "Well if it isn't Cozy Glow, the filly after my best friend's heart."

"Yeah, that's me," Cozy Glow said. "So, you're Dinky Do, I've seen you around but I don't think we've formally met each other."

"No, weird huh, you've been in town almost two weeks," Dinky said. "Then again you spent that first week pretty much confined to Flitter's house."

"Well I had to, most ponies were still pretty mad at me," Cozy Glow said. "That didn't stop me from trying to sneak away though, if it meant seeing Rumble."

"Yeah, got yourself into hot water with that one," Dinky said. "But I don't blame you for wanting to see Rumble, he's pretty amazing."

"Yeah, he is," Cozy Glow said, a tint of a blush on her face. "What brings you to the castle?"

"You honestly," Dinky said, to Cozy Glow's surprise.

"Why me? We've barely even met," Cozy Glow said.

"Exactly, and you're one of the ponies Rumble talks about the most, so I kind of want to see the girl who's got the attention of my BFF," Dinky said. "Plus I hear that even Flurry Heart likes you now, so I kind of wanted to meet you even more because of that."

"Golly, I feel so popular now," Cozy Glow said, almost in surprise.

"Aw, you might make a new friend," Trixie said, before her expression turned into a scowl, "Even if it is Dinky."

"Like you're any fun to be around," Dinky commented, much to Trixie's ire.

"You are not worth the headache," Trixie said, turning away from the girl

Lightning Dust chuckled a bit, "Looks like we have another Friendship dispute on our hooves."

Trixie rolled her eyes at the playful nature of Lightning Dust, "Oh ha-ha, you try putting up with bratty ponies as often as I do."

"Come on, she's not that bad, kind of like her feisty attitude actually," Lightning Dust said.

"Because you don't have to deal with it on a daily basis!" Trixie shouted in aggravation. "Ugh, nevermind, like I said, not worth the headache."

Cozy Glow giggled a bit at Trixie's frustration, then turned to Dinky "Well it is nice seeing Rumble's best friend, maybe you can tell me more about him so I can be a good marefriend to him."

"Totally, I can give you all the details I can," Dinky said. "But I must warn you, if you plan to date Rumble, you should know ahead of time that while I would respect your relationship, I still expect to be able to spend time with him myself, I don't want to lose my best friend after all."

"Don't worry, I'll do just about anything to be a good marefriend to Rumble," Cozy Glow said.

"Well that's good to hear," Dinky said. "Make sure you live up to that, as his BFF, I won't forgive anypony who hurts Rumble."

"Wow, so dedicated," Cozy Glow said. "Well I'll do my absolute best to be the best marefriend I could possibly be for Rumble."

"Great, anyway where is he? I figured he'd be here," Dinky said, looking around for her friend.

"He left while I attended this meeting," Cozy Glow said. "He should be back soon."

"Maybe we should go find him, he can't be too far," Dinky said.

"I can't go anywhere unless Flitter's around, the only exception is if she had an official substitute, which Trixie is," Cozy Glow explained.

"Aw, that's bogus," Dinky said. "Especially knowing you have to put up with Trixie."

Lightning Dust turned to Trixie," What did you do to that girl?"

"I didn't do anything! She's just being a pain!" Trixie shouted. "It's sad that the little villain has more manners than Dinky!"

"You once tried to enslave Ponyville, I remember because I was one of the ponies you enslaved," Dinky reminded. "You don't get to throw the villain dialogue."

"It was the Amulet!" Trixie shouted. "It messed with my mind!"

"You're the one who bought it just because you were jealous of Twilight," Dinky pointed out.

"Well you would know all about jealousy, wouldn't you!" Trixie shouted. "Considering you've been quite jealous of Sweetie Belle when she was dating Rumble!"

Gilda groaned in annoyance, "Are we gonna have to separate you two?"

"I wish, but I don't want to pry Cozy Glow away from making a friend," Trixie said. "Annoying as Dinky is, she's at least Loyal, which is an Element of Harmony."

"Why can't she go find Rumble anyway?" Lightning Dust asked.

"Because she's not allowed to be unsupervised," Trixie reminded. "Princess Twilight has to designate a pony to watch over her, she choose Flitter to do that, and right now I'm a substitute."

"I don't see the big deal, I mean she obviously likes Rumble a lot, I doubt she'll cause a lot of trouble," Lightning Dust said. "Plus Rumble fancies himself a Knight who has taken on the Responsibility of watching over Flurry Heart, I think he can handle keeping an official eye on Cozy Glow."

Trixie shook her head, "I'm not -too sure, I don't want her getting in trouble, plus not only would Twilight flip out if I let her go off by herself, Starlight might get even more ticked off than she is right now."

"Why not just keep an eye on her from a distance?" Gilda said. "I mean you can let them go off and just stay far behind, that way you're keeping your word, plus it might be good to let the kids have a little time to themselves, don't want to make them feel so...restricted."

Trixie thought about it a moment, "I guess it couldn't hurt. Alright let's go find Rumble."

"Yay! Come on Dinky!" Cozy Glow said, running off with Dinky following after her.

"Yo wait up!" Babs said, running after them, but not without turning her attention briefly to Diamond Tiara. "Let's go Dia!"

"Coming!" Diamond Tiara said, making her way over.

Trixie looked a bit worried, "I hope this works out."

"Don't worry, you'll be keeping your promise, just from a distance," Lightning Dust said. "Plus if we show faith and trust in Cozy Glow, maybe she'll turn out better. Give her a taste of proper friendship."

"I think everything will work out," Gilda said. "I mean what could happen?"

"Don't tempt fate," Trixie warned. "It doesn't end well."

Outside Rumble with Flurry on his back along The Student Six were making their way toward the front of the castle, the Pegasus colt with a very sour look on his face. "Stupid Discord, doesn't he have a hobby or something?"

"He does, annoying anyone he meets," Gallus said.

"Twilight wants to keep Cozy Glow under watch yet she's fine with letting Discord do whatever," Rumble said. "Wait til I find Discord, I'll get him back for tricking us like that."

"Right, he really scared us good," Ocellus said.

"I wasn't scared!" Rumble angrily insisted. "I was just trying to keep Flurry Heart safe, right Flurry?"

"Rumble a Knight," Flurry said.

"Yeah, she knows," Rumble said, boasting a confident smile.

"We all know," Gallus said, then began muttering. "That you're so full of it."

"I should go back to the castle, Cozy Glow is probably just about done with her meeting, I want to see how it went," Rumble said.

"Cozy Glow!" Flurry said, pointing to the distance. Indeed Cozy Glow was there, right in front of the castle, along with Dinky, Babs and Diamond Tiara.

"Hey there she is, with a bunch of other girls," Rumble said, making his way over. "Hey Cozy Glow! Dinky! Diamond! Babs!"

"There's Rumble," Dinky said. "He's with that group of students."

"Oh great," Cozy Glow muttered, then tried forcing a smile. "Well, all I care about are Rumble and Flurry Heart."

Rumble and the others made their way to the quartet of fillies, "Looks like the meeting's over, how did it go?"

"It was fun! I got to talk to so many different ponies, along with Sonata and a Griffon named Gilda," Cozy Glow said.

"That's nice, uh who was there?" Rumble asked.

"Uh, there was a mare named Tempest, and there was that Stygian guy, some girl named Suri Polomare, even Sunset Shimmer was at the meeting, she was kind of grouchy though," Cozy Glow said.

"She always seems grouchy, but she's really nice," Rumble said. "Though I don't know if she still likes me after everything."

"Don't let that bother you," Cozy Glow said, stroking Rumble's mane. "Even if all the ponies of Equestria start to hate you, I will still be here, because I love you Rumble, and we'll always be together."

"Wow, that's...really sweet of you to say Cozy Glow," Rumble said, blushing a bit.

"Aw, that is kind of sweet," Silversteam said.

Gallus groaned in annoyance, "You can't be serious, this is the same filly that stole Rumble away from Sweetie Belle."

"Well to be fair, I can sense the love in her heart, so she's at least being genuine," Ocellus said. "Even if she is just as manipulative."

"I can hear you, ya know!" Cozy Glow shouted. "What are you six doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be back in your Kingdoms!?"

"We have permission to be here just so you know," Gallus said.

"And I live in Ponyville," Sandbar added.

"We like to meet here every so often, and as long as our Kingdom's know then it's fine," Silverstream said. "Though they're all pretty lenient."

"Speak for yourself, King Thorax can be a bit overprotective," Ocellus said.

"Wow, that's all really nice and all,  but it's also very boring," Cozy Glow said, then turned to Rumble. "So Rumbly, want to meet up at Flitter's house later? Just the two of us?"

"Wait, where is Flitter?" Rumble asked. "Are you out here by yourself?"

"No, Trixie's over there with Gilda and Lightning Dust," Cozy Glow said, pointing right next to the castle entrance where the three females were waiting. "As long as Trixie's not too far away then I'm good."

"Hi girls!" Rumble called out.

"Hi Rumble!" Trixie greeted.

"Sup kid!?" Gilda greeted.

"Wanna join the Washouts!?" Lightning Dust offered, getting a pitiful glare from Trixie and Gilda.

Rumble turned back to Cozy Glow, "As long as you're not breaking the rules right now. Once Flitter gets back then we can go and spend some time together."

"Hey, don't forget about us," Dinky said. "We all want to hang out. Or I do, I don't know about the other girls."

"Me want Rumble!" Flurry said.

"I wanna go meet up with Apple Bloom actually, but we can still chat another time," Babs said.

"I don't think I'm too busy," Diamond Tiara said.

"Count us out," Gallus said. "Cozy Glow and us aren't exactly on the same page now."

"Your loss, but sooner or later, you're gonna have to forgive her," Rumble said. "If you six are suppose to be like the Elements of Harmony, or The Pillars of Light, that would essentially make Cozy Glow your Stygian, or Starlight Glimmer, but you gotta give her a chance."

Sandbar rubbed his chin, "Huh, I think he has a point actually. I mean, forgiveness is part of Friendship."

"We'll think about it," Gallus said, very quickly too. "No promises though."

"What, do you look up to Rainbow Dash or something?" Babs joked, getting a chuckle from Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow.

"Huh?" Rumble asked.

"Nothing, little joke from the meeting," Cozy Glow said.

"Uh, alright," Rumble said, then turned back to the group. "Anyway, please at least consider what I had to tell you."

"We will," Ocellus reassured.

"Well I'm off to find Apple Bloom," Babs said. "I'll definitely look forward to seeing you again Rumble."

"See you later Babs," Rumble said, watching as Babs walked off. He couldn't help but notice some of her finer features as she did.

Dinky caught him staring and chuckled to herself, "Hey I can get her back if you want to...you know."

"Dinky," Rumble lightly scolded.

"Eh, it's fine, besides you have four fillies to keep you company right now, so maybe it's not needed," Dinky said.

"Uh huh, yeah," Rumble said, then gestured to the fillies. "Come on, let's go somewhere and chat for a bit, maybe later we can all go to the same place, if Cozy Glow's fine with it."

"So long a I get my alone time with you," Cozy Glow said.

"I'm fine with that," Dinky said.

"Same," Diamond Tiara said.

"Want Cozy Glow happy, so I allow it," Flurry Heart said.

"Aw, you three are so nice," Cozy Glow said. "This must be what it means to have real friends."

As Rumble and the fillies moved somewhere else to talk, Gallus turned his attention to his friends, "So...thoughts?"

"I think she has what it takes to be nice," Silverstream said.

"I still don't fully trust her honestly," Smolder said.

"She still needs work," Ocellus said.

"We should give her a chance," Sandbar said.

"Yona not trust Pegasus colt," Yona finished.

"Wait, you don't trust Rumble?" Gallus asked.

"Yona think bad pony, he hurt Sweetie Belle, he also go with Pegasus he knows is evil," Yona said.

"Exactly, it's not just Cozy Glow we should be concerned about, that Rumble kid might be trouble too!" Smolder said. "The kid's a total flirt, honestly I'm surprised he hasn't tried flirting with or any of the girls here."

"Probably because we're older than him," Silverstream said. "But lots of Twilight's friends seem to like him."

"Well when Rainbow Dash found out about him cheating on Sweetie Belle, she seemed to have changed her view of him," Gallus said.

"Still, let's give this a chance, I mean Rumble might be a flirt but that doesn't make him a bad pony, Flurry Heart likes him after all," Sandbar said.

"I just hope we don't regret this," Gallus said.

Back in the castle, Starlight had gone to find the means to fix up the hole she made in the ceiling. As she trotted through the halls, she came across Twilight. "Starlight, there you are, I wanted to ask you about the meeting."

"Meeting wasn't that successful," Starlight reluctantly said.

"I figured that from how Sunset came in looking displeased," Twilight said. "What happened?"

"Things spiraled out of control during the meeting, I don't think Cozy gained any useful tools that could help her," Starlight explained.

"What a shame, Applejack had such a great idea too," Twilight said. "Guess there's more work to be done. Where is Cozy Glow now?"

"I left her with Trixie, they're probably waiting for Flitter to get home," Starlight said. "Hopefully she's not causing any more trouble."

"Let's go meet up with her," Twilight said.

"Maybe later, I have to fix a hole in the ceiling, I may have lost my temper," Starlight admitted.

"Oh, sorry to hear that," Twilight said. "You can worry about that later though, Cozy Glow takes priority and maybe you can help explain to Flitter what happened."

"If you say so Twilight," Starlight said, following Twilight to the front, where there was going to be more chaos.

At the front of the castle, the other Elements along with Sunset and Sonata had noticed something odd, and to most, a bit alarming.

"Hey! Trixie!" Rainbow Dash called out, getting the showmare's attention.

"Rainbow Dash? What is it?" Trixie asked.

"Where's Cozy Glow?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking a bit irritated. "Did Flitter already come by to pick her up!?"

"Cozy Glow's right over there," Trixie said, pointing to a nearby tree where she was sitting with Rumble, Dinky, Diamond Tiara and Flurry Heart.

"She's a bit far away just so you know," Sunset said. "She might slip away."

"She's not gonna, she's with her friends," Lightning Dust said.

"Hey rules are rules, I'm gonna go bring that trouble maker back over here so she can explain herself!" Rainbow Dash said, about to fly off.

"Why don't you just lay off, she won't get better if you keep treating her like a villain," Lightning Dust said.

"I'm gonna have to agree with Dust there Dash, you gotta show Cozy Glow you can trust her," Gilda said.

"Sorry but I'm not quick to trust a pony that tried destroying Equestria!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Technically, she didn't try destroying it, she just took away all the magic," Gilda said. "But, that probably would have destroyed it, but the girl is just misunderstood about Friendship."

"Yeah, you and your friends should have done a better job of teaching them, instead you're too hard headed to do your damn job," Lightning Dust said.

"You are in no position to be calling anypony hard headed after how you acted at the Academy!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Hey you're the one who couldn't probably express how you felt about my flying," Lightning Dust said.

"What are you talking about!?" Rainbow Dash shouted. "That's what I've been doing from the start!"

"Well sound more convinced next time," Lightning Dust said.

"I was! Remember how I told you off after you nearly killed my friends!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

"She did, I was there," Fluttershy added.

"Which you shouldn't have been, but I'm not going through that explanation again," Lightning Dust said.

"Let's dial it back y'all," Applejack said. "We all made a mistake, that's how it was, besides it worked out fer everyone at least, and that's all that matters."

"You're a smart mare Applejack, maybe you should be the one making most of these friendship decisions considering how level-headed you are," Lightning Dust said.

"Aw shucks, I'm just doing mah part," Applejack said, very humbled by the compliment.

"Hey Applejack gets as hard-headed and as competitive as I can be, she's no better," Rainbow Dash said. "But at least she'd never do anything dangerous, or make anypony do something dangerous!"

"Rainbow Dash, enough!" Gilda said. "We get that Lightning Dust did a few bad things but you gotta give her a chance and move on from them, your biggest flaw is that you can't really let go of a grudge, if you could then we would have made up much sooner."

"Hey I wouldn't have had to if you knew how to take a joke!" Rainbow Dash said.

"You still think that was all that bothered me?" Gilda asked. "Sorry to tell you Dash, but you still have a lot to figure out about Friendship."

"She could use a few touch ups," Rarity commented, getting a glare from Rainbow Dash. "Just a thought!"

"Well, whatever, I'm done with this, now if you don't mind I'm going to bring Cozy Glow back here where she should be!" Rainbow Dash shouted, flying over to the filly.

"She better not hurt Cozy Glow," Sonata muttered.

The foals were still talking amongst each other, Rumble mostly boasting some of his flying skills and the girls taking it all in. Suddenly a shadow was cast over them, that shadow being Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, hi Rainbow Dash," Rumble greeted, then noticed the sour look on her face. "Uh, is something the matter?"

"Yeah, Cozy Glow needs to come with me," Rainbow Dash said, eyeing the filly.

"Wait, I do?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Any reason?" Rumble asked. "We're kind of in the middle of talking and..."

"Can it, I don't have time for explanations, she's coming back to the castle where we can keep an eye on her until Flitter gets back," Rainbow Dash said.

"She's not doing anything wrong," Dinky said. "Plus Trixie's over there, so somepony is keeping an eye on her."

"Yes, but we'd rather do that at a reasonable distance," Rainbow Dash said, eyeing the filly. "Now let's go kid."

Cozy Glow groaned in annoyance, "Fine, but I get to bring my friends with me."

"Do whatever you want, granted I can't imagine why somepony would willingly be friends with you," Rainbow Dash said.

"Wow, you are mean, aren't you?" Dinky said, getting a gasp from the other foals, aside from Cozy Glow.

Rainbow Dash didn't take too kindly to that, "What did you just say?"

"Cozy Glow isn't even doing anything bad, she's just talking with us, and Trixie's right over there, keeping an eye on her, right now you're just being mean and bossy over a petty grudge," Dinky said.

"Hey, I'm not gonna take that from a kid," Rainbow Dash said, glaring at Dinky. "Also kid, I know your foalsitter, she'll tell your parents!"

"Rainbow Dash, you really need to chill," Rumble said. "Cozy Glow isn't doing anything she shouldn't, she's behaving really well."

"Remember the last time she was 'behaving' Rumble?" Rainbow Dash said. "Led to you two swapping spit."

"Ew, don't say it like that, it's so gross," Diamond Tiara said.

"Point is she still hasn't done enough to earn our trust," Rainbow Dash said. "Not to mention all the trouble she caused at that meeting shows she still has a way to go before redemption."

"Ha! Called it!" Discord's voice rang out through the air.

"Discord!?" Rainbow Dash said, the chaos spirit snapping into existence.

"I knew Cozy Glow would stir up some drama, looks like she has a long way to go before redemption," Discord turned to the filly. "Poor child, perhaps you're just a lost cause."

"Don't call her that!" Rumble shouted. "If you got your second chance-"

"Then Cozy Glow can get hers too," Discord finished. "Ugh, you're like a broken record," Discord popped in an actual broken record player for emphasis, stuck on part of the 'Blank Flanks Forever' song before poofing it away again.

"Discord, I got this, you can go back to doing whatever," Rainbow Dash said.

"Fine with me, since your meeting is done, maybe I can catch-up with Fluttershy through some tea," Discord said, poofing in a tea set. "Too-ta-loo."

Discord vanished into the air, leaving Rumble highly annoyed, "Ugh, that guy's so annoying, how does anypony put up with him!?"

"Discord may be annoying," Rainbow Dash said, then eyed the foals. "But at least I know I can depend on him if the situation called for it, much more than I can say about Cozy Glow."

"Why won't you just give her a chance then!" Rumble shouted. "Rainbow Dash, you're an Element of Harmony! It should not be this hard for you to reform a kid! If you can reform Luna, Discord and Starlight, a kid should be nothing!"

"Rumble, you weren't there for any of our fights, the most you've done is either get captured by Chrysalis, more than once, or got your wings broken by one of the Sirens!" Rainbow Dash said. "If you were there when Cozy Glow nearly destroyed everything Twilight worked hard to build, you'd have a better understanding of this whole situation."

"Honestly, my guess is that you just can't handle such an embarrassing loss, getting outsmarted by a filly," Rumble said.

"Rumble if you don't can it, I'll convince Spitfire to kick Thunerlane out of the Wonderbolts, and I can do it, he is not that popular right now!" Rainbow Dash warned.

"Hey! Leave my brother out of this!" Rumble shouted.

"You're so terrible!" Dinky said.

"Very uncouth," Diamond Tiara inputted.

"Meanie!" Even Flurry Heart put in her two cents.

"Why won't you give me a chance Rainbow Dash, I just want to make friends," Cozy Glow said, amping up her cuteness."

"Alright, that's it, Cozy Glow, you're coming with me, so are you Flurry," Rainbow Dash said. "The rest of you, go home!"

"You can't tell us what to do, you're not our mother!" Rumble shouted.

Rainbow Dash glared at Rumble, "Kid, so help me, if you don't shut your mouth-"

"Hey! Rainbow Dash!" Flitter said, flying over with a saddle bag over her back. "Aw, are you foalsitting? That's so nice. Hey Cozy Glow, how was the meeting?"

"Very eventful," Cozy Glow answered.

"Well I can't wait to hear all about it, now let's go home, I have some nice treats for you," Flitter said.

"Like Candy!?" Cozy Glow shouted.

"Something like that," Flitter said. "Ooh, you're with so many other foals, are these your friends?"

"Yeah, we kind of hit it off," Dinky said, placing her hoof around Cozy Glow.

"That's so great, why don't you all come over, even Flurry can come, if her mom's alright with it," Flitter said.

"I can go ask her, you take Cozy Glow, Dinky and Diamond Tiara," Rumble said, placing Flurry on his back. "BRB."

Rumble flew off, Flitter turning her attention to Rainbow Dash. "Thanks for keeping an eye on the foals, hope they weren't too much trouble."

"My advice, keep an eye on Cozy Glow, and teach her some more manners, same with Rumble," Rainbow Dash said, floating off, Cozy Glow grinning in satisfaction.

Flitter turned to the fillies, "What was that about?"

"She's just in a bad mood," Dinky said. "Trixie gave Cozy Glow a bit of lenience and she hated it for some reason."

"Lenience?" Flitter asked. "Huh, that's nice of her, well once Rumble comes back we'll get going."

In the castle, Rumble had just gotten his permission from Cadance to take Flurry to Flitter's house, the mare had faith in the boy.

"We'll come pick her up in the evening, tell Flitter not to let Flurry have too many sugary snacks," Cadance said.

"Flitter's good with managing that with Cozy Glow," Rumble said.

"Hey, Rumble, may I ask you something?" Cadance said, getting the boy's attention.

"Uh sure, go for it Princess," Rumble said.

"Do you truly believe Cozy Glow can change for the better?" Cadance asked.

"Of course she can, I mean, can't anyone change if they really wanted to?" Rumble asked. "She has it in her to be nice and sweet, she just needs somepony to believe in her. Though sometimes it feels like most ponies want her to change to keep Equestria safe, I want her to change because she deserves better."

"That is a very mature response, and you're absolutely right," Cadance said. "Cozy Glow should live like a normal pony with friends and family that care about her. You're doing great Rumble, I can tell you have a lot of love in your heart."

"Wow, ironic," Rumble said. "You say I have love yet I failed my romance with Sweetie Belle."

"Nopony's perfect, you made a mistake, and you're trying to better yourself, that's what matters," Cadance said. "You're helping a pony who needs it, I can see why my daughter looks up to you so much." She turned to Flurry, "Isn't that right dear?"

"Rumble great!" Flurry said.

"I just love your daughter," Rumble said, letting her back onto his back. "She's gonna be a great Princess when she grows up, just like her mother."

"You're so sweet," Cadance said, then kissed Rumble's forehead. "I sense great things in your future Rumble, including romance. Just follow your heart and you will not be disappointed."

"You got it, thanks," Rumble said, making his way out the room. He made his way back outside where he saw Twilight speaking with Gilda and Lightning Dust, the two looking rather agitated.

"Please tell me you'll do something about Rainbow Dash's bad attitude," Lightning Dust said.

"She can be better than this, we both know it," Gilda said. "Dash has always been headstrong, and I admire a girl who knows what she wants, but she's also a role model, or suppose to be one. I wanted Gallus to come here because I believed she could help him be better than most Griffons, I don't want him growing up to be as lame as I was when I first came here."

"Or as lame as Rainbow Dash," Lightning Dust added.

"I'll do my best, but sometimes it's good for younger ponies, and griffons, to learn from the mistakes of others," Twilight said. "If anything I can lecture them about the shortcomings of others too."

"If you need help, let me know, could make some use out of how crummy I used to act," Gilda said. "Lightning Dust can help too."

"Hey what do I need to help with!?" Lightning Dust asked.

"Gee, I don't know, maybe how to not endanger others because you can be a bit reckless?" Gilda said.

Lightning Dust groaned in annoyance, "Fine, I'll put my mistakes to good use too."

"I really appreciate that, and I know how hard it can be to admit your faults, took Trixie forever to admit hers, and she still does it reluctantly," Twilight said.

"Hey! You don't get to use me as an example!" Trixie called out, Starlight glaring pitifully at her friend.

"Don't worry Trix, we know you're the best magician to come from this town," Lightning Dust reassured, then turned back to Twilight. "Well I'm off, gotta meet my teammates and do more recruiting." She turned to Gilda, "Yo Gil, ever consider-"

"No," Gilda said, cutting her off. "Not a stunt flyer."

"Fine, your loss," Lightning Dust said, then turned her attention to Rumble upon noticing him. "Hey, offer's open for you too."

"I'll think about it," Rumble said.

Lightning Dust flew off, the others waving good-bye. Gilda turned her attention to Twilight right afterward, "I should go check on Gallus, gotta bring him home soon anyway."

"School starts again really soon," Twilight said.

"I'll let him know," Gilda said, then flew off to meet with Gallus.

Twilight herself then turned her attention to the young colt, "Hey, Rumble, about Sweetie Belle..."

"Yeah?" Rumble curiously asked.

"If you could, would you get back together with her?" Twilight asked.

That question surprised Rumble, wondering why Twilight was so concerned. Then again Twilight is close with the Crusaders and not to mention she's friends with Rarity, Sweetie Belle's older sister, so naturally Twilight might be concerned for the filly. "I want to, but I'm still trying to figure myself out. If there's a chance I might hurt her again, I can't take it."

"I see then...that's fine, I was just curious," Twilight said. "Just promise me you'll keep an eye out for Cozy Glow, I really do hope you can reform her for good, but as a Princess, I do have to worry."

"Twilight, if you showed more kindness and less worry, then Cozy Glow would be reformed faster," Rumble said. "You're great with foals, what makes Cozy Glow any different?"

"Honestly, if being at my school couldn't help her learn Friendship, then maybe I'm not as good as I thought," Twilight admitted. "This is why I don't think I can run Equestria, I can't even help a filly."

Rumble started to pity Twilight a little, looks like she at least does feel regret for not being able to reform Cozy Glow sooner, "Well...maybe you can try again, I mean, you're a smart mare, you can figure something out. But I'll do my best to help too."

"Thanks Rumble," Twilight said. "I should go, have fun."

Rumble nodded and flew off, leaving Twilight to her own thoughts. She then brought out her picture of Tender Taps, looking affectionately at it. He hasn't come by much lately, she started to miss his presence.

"Hey Twilight?" Starlight interrupted, startling the Princess who quickly put away the picture.

"Yes Starlight?" Twilight asked.

"Sorry for startling you, I just wanted to let you know Spike's back from his errands," Starlight said, gesturing to the dragon who was flying in with some materials.

"Oh good, thanks Starlight," Twilight said, making her way over to the dragon.

"Say, Twilight, you didn't befriend me just to prevent me from being an enemy, did you?" Starlight asked.

"Huh? What are you saying?" Twilight asked.

"Like, you took me in because you thought I could be a friend, not just to have someone strong on your side, didn't you?" Starlight asked.

"Of course I took you in to be my friend, you were really hurting when you told me about Sunburst, I had to do something," Twilight said.

Starlight felt relieved, "Right, of course you did. Sorry I just...I don't know, I guess it came to my mind after the meeting today."

Twilight felt a bit concerned, wonder what exactly happened at the meeting, and what exactly Cozy Glow did to cause all this.

Flitter led Rumble and the foals to her house, Rumble thinking of different things he could do with the girls, trying to find different games to play. On the way over, he ran into two other girls, or rather two approached him. "Hi Rumble!"

Rumble looked a bit surprised by this, "Uh, hi girls? You're Toola Roola and Coconut Cream right?"

"Wow, you remembered our names," Toola Roola said. "Yeah, that's us."

"Well it's nice to see you, uh did you want something?" Rumble asked.

"Toola Roola did," Coconut Cream said. "Tell him."

Toola Roola was about to, but noticed that there were other fillies nearby, including Cozy Glow. Many foals know that Rumble is technically single but some spotted him with Cozy Glow a few times, theorizing he might be dating her. "Uh, its nothing, forget it."

"Come on, just come out and say it you wuss," Dinky said.

"Dinky!" Rumble scolded, then turned to Toola Roola. "You can tell me what's on your mind."

"Uh, I was wondering if...well maybe not now since you're busy..." Toola Roola felt embarrassed. "But if you ever wanted to...you know."

"I think she's asking you out bud," Dinky said.

"No! Not exactly," Toola Roola said. "I mean, maybe, if that's possible."

"Are you dating anypony?" Coconot Cream asked Rumble.

"Uh, well...it's complicated," Rumble said.

"He's technically single," Dinky said, getting a slight glare from Cozy Glow, which she noticed. "Well he is."

Cozy Glow shrugged, "If you want to try your chances, that's fine. I'll be lenient. But he is intent on just one filly, and my goal is to be that one filly."

"Wait, so you are asking me on a date?" Rumble asked, Flurry peeking out to glare at Toola Roola.

"Uh, kind of," Toola Roola said, blushing a lot and trying to avoid Flurry's glare. "I mean, it's alright if you're not interested, I just thought I'd take my chance."

"That chance should be rewarded," Dinky said.

Rumble wasn't too sure, he already had other fillies he was somewhat dating, he had to wonder if he could handle more, "Well...I mean I do have a lot of other fillies who like me, so I can't..." As he tried explaining himself, he spotted Sweetie Belle from the distance. Rumble's gazed was focused on her, the most beautiful Ponyville filly sitting at a table, thinking to herself. How Rumble missed her presence, her soft fur, her silky mane, and her sweet kisses. However he would soon see another pony come into view, that being Tender Taps, who arrived with two milkshakes and sat next to her, greeting the filly with a kiss, one that somewhat tugged at Rumble's heart.

"Rumble? You alright there bud?" Dinky asked, before noticing Sweetie Belle herself. "Ooooh, yikes."

Rumble turned away from the two and focused on Toola Roola and Coconut Cream. "I'll do you girls one better, why don't you join us? If that's alright with Flitter."

"Fine with me, wow you're really popular with fillies, aren't you Rumble?" Flitter teased.

"Then it's settled, Toola Roola, Coconut Cream, let's go," Rumble said, leading the fillies away.

"Oh wow, how exciting!" Toola Roola said, joining Rumble's group as they made their way to Flitter's house.

Sweetie Belle had noticed from the distance, seeing Rumble with so many different fillies, "Huh, looks like Rumble's pretty popular with the girls now."

"Yeah, looks like it," Tender Taps bitterly said. He saw how disappointed Sweetie Belle looked, so he stroked her mane as a sign of affection. "Don't worry about it, quality over quantity, and to me you're much better than six fillies."

"Thanks, you're sweet, I can see why Twilight loved having you around," Sweetie Belle said, stroking his face. "At least I can return your affection."

The two leaned in to kiss one another, resuming their romantic date as Rumble led the fillies away.

Back in the future, Rumble had finished explaining his story to Zecora, "Me and Cozy Glow still had so much to figure out about Friendship and romance. She couldn't let go of her grudge and caused the meeting to go into chaos, and I acted out in jealousy because I saw a girl I loved kissing another colt. It's sad, the reason we broke up is because I kissed another filly, so who was I to get jealous?"

"Feeling jealousy is quite the burden," Zecora said. "For it, it let a herd in."

"I'm still not interested in starting a herd at least, I just want one filly to love," Rumble said. "I mean, that's why my dates are usually with one filly at a time...except for that same night."

Flashback.

Rumble was laying back on his couch, holding Toola Roola close as he made out with her. They weren't alone, as he was hugging Coconut Cream close to him, rubbing her flank as she was kissing his cheek.

"Hey Rumble," Dinky said, making her way over with some snacks. "Weren't you going to get..." She took a moment to see that Rumble was with the two fillies, all of them stopping to stare awkwardly at Dinky. "Wow...that didn't take you very long."

"Took longer than Kettle Corn," Rumble admitted. "Uh, maybe we should take a break girls."

"Yeah let's, the other girls might be wondering why we're taking so long out here," Toola Roola said.

"First I need you two to help me out with something," Dinky said, pointing to the kitchen.

"Right, that's why Rumble got us in the first place," Toola Roola said, nervously laughing.

"Yeah, how silly of us," Coconut Cream said, laughing as well.

"Just get to the kitchen, I need to have a quick word with Rumble," Dinky said, gesturing the kitchen as the two fillies walked over. Dinky then turned her full attention to Rumble.

"So, what did you want-" Rumble's question when Dinky started kissing him, resuming the position he was just in, except with a different filly, and one less to boot.

End Flashback.

"That was one of my most random moments I'll admit," Rumble shyly said.

"You're quite an adventurous colt-" Zecora was interrupted when she felt an attack at her hut. Suddenly the door was knocked down, revealing the Storm King.

"Wow, what a surprise, there are actually creatures in this forest, well who knew," Storm King said, aiming his staff at them. "Gonna need you both to come with me now, and try not to pull any funny tricks."

"Storm King, how exactly are you even alive?" Rumble asked. "Twilight told me how Tempest did away with you."

"Oh, so you know Twilight you...wait a minute, oho wait a minute!" Storm King said, getting a good look at the colt. "You're Rumble right? Yeah, Cozy Glow's favorite colt, or stallion but you do look kind of shrimpy."

"No I'm not!" Rumble shouted. "I'm practically the same size as my brother!"

"Yeah, don't really care, now be a good pony and come with us, we kind of need you right now," Storm King said.

"For what!?" Rumble asked.

"Ah-ah, less questions, more moving your flank!" Storm King shouted.

Rumble got into a defensive stance, but before anything could happen, Zecora threw a potion that knocked them all back. "You must run!"

"But Zecora!" Rumble said.

"Go, I shall join you soon," Zecora said. "For now I will hold back this buffoon!"

Storm King started slowly getting up, "Alright, now that was not cool!"

"Go!" Zecora ordered, Rumble reluctantly leaving the Zebra. She prepared her own stance, "To come to my home, you are a fool. I hope you are now ready for a duel."

"Alright that rhyming thing is annoying," Storm King said, then pointed to Zecora. "Get her!"

As Zecora fought away the enemies at her home, Rumble kept flying, deeper into the forest and toward a cave nearby the Castle of Two Sisters. Rumble made his way inside, looking for some shelter from the creatures when he came across something familiar.

"That's the Tree House, made from the Tree of Harmony," Rumble said, trotting towards it. "This is the place that those six students built, from what remained of the actual tree. I remember, King Sombra destroyed the tree. I remember that day, it's the day everything spiraled out of control and what eventually led to all this..."

Rumble sat in the Treehouse, one final string of memories from the past for him to relive.