//------------------------------// // Chapter 70: Divide and Conquer (Rewritten 9/30/22) // Story: Light and Dark: Road to Redemption // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 70: Divide and Conquer Life has been going smooth here in Equestria, well at least for Midnight herself as she had managed to conjure the land along with the Crystal Empire just recently. Midnight would go through life just as much as her predecessors before with the only exception being that many ponies are obeying her out of fear and respect rather than looking up to her. Even when Midnight is civil and polite to the delegates along with the rest of royal staff and guards they can’t help but feel pressured into being perfect as one slip up could incite her fury. Even though said slips ups including accidental silverware placements, schedule slip-ups, spilling of her tea, along with spilled ink on her fur haven’t earned the reaction they expected of her as she instead reacted calmly. She accepted their apologies and kindly asked of them to clean up the mess they made. Though it still didn’t help ease their tensions and worries finding it even more scary then getting yelled at. Every day Midnight would oversee the daily meetings with Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon with the former standing watch at the front door to ensure their meetings go undisturbed. It was a personal choice on Midnight's choice so that she doesn’t have an outburst at every critical thing the delegates have to say about them because it doesn’t take too much to anger her in contrast to her good counterpart. Nightmare Moon like Midnight and unlike Daybreaker has been taking criticism in stride as she calmly listens into the day after day problems Equestria has to deal with while wondering what they recommend to deal with them and offering pragmatic solutions to deal with them. They were to Midnight's liking and even while evil does want what is best for her subjects and to believe they are safe for the time being while slowly getting them warmed up to a reign of darkness. While this is going on, Midnight had Sombra training the royal guards in the castle’s backyard. They were all wearing mind-control helmets after they attempted to fight him and Midnight when they first set hooves into the castle just after taking over Equestria. Both Tirek and Chrysalis were there overseeing the training in addition to ensure and force the soldier’s compliance and train them to perfection. Aside from a few struggling guards, there was nothing to report to Midnight as she approached the two. “Chrysalis. Tirek.” Midnight addressed them as they bowed in respect to her. “How’s the training with Sombra going?” “It’s going perfect, your majesty.” Chrysalis said with some disgruntlement of having to say those words to which Midnight took notice of. “Aside from a few stragglers the army is shaping up to be ready for battle.” “He amazingly knows how to train an army with the fitting influence for someone who prefers to work alone.” Tirek said feeling pleased seeing the mind-controlled guards. “Much like a certain unicorn turned alicorn on the run now.” “Yes he sure does.” Midnight agreed. “And he has proven to be a very helpful and high ranking officer of my ranks who has learned the value of teamwork and has managed to do the job of getting things done when asked of him.” “More so than us?” Chrysalis asked feeling a little off put by that statement as she turned aside. “No.” Midnight replied as she gestured Chrysalis to face her. “Even when he is one of my best elite warriors, the reason I ask each and every one of you certain tasks I have in mind is because they best fit each and every one your skills and talents to the tee when the situation calls it.” She explained as she gestured to Sombra leading the drilling exercises. “Sombra is my second-in-command because he is capable of leading an army and is very effective on the battlefield.” She then gestured a hoof to Tirek. “Tirek provides the team muscle for the army.” Tirek flexed his biceps in response feeling pleased to hear that. “Daybreaker is the firepower to set places ablaze when needed while Nightmare Moon provides the most pragmatic approach to dealing with obstacles that will benefit in the long run.” She then added as she turned her attention back at Chrysalis. “You have excellent spying skills along with Cozy Glow and most importantly your actions back at the wedding have led to all of this success.” “Really?” Chrysalis said feeling pleased and better to hear this. “Yes.” Midnight confirmed with a nod. “Even when it led to your first defeat this provided to be the gateway to many victories under my name.” Chrysalis felt very satisfied to see of how that wedding ended up being very beneficial to them. “And since it seems that the progress is running smoothly, I think we all know what the next move is.” Midnight also said as she sees that the army is performing their exercises in perfect sync together. “Does this mean…” Chrysalis hopefully asked. “Yes, Chrysalis.” Midnight again answered. “Now is the time we take down the opposing resistance nearby Equestria, starting with the changeling kingdom.” She said as she presented an image of aid changeling kingdom led under Thorax. “Finally!” Chrysalis exclaimed in excitement with her thirst for vengeance kicking in. “That traitor Thorax wouldn’t know what hit him.” “He sure won’t.” Midnight calmly replied as she turned to Tirek. “Make sure all the soldiers are ready for battle soon.” “And what about those who aren’t, your highness?” Tirek asked gestured to the few discussed ones struggling during training. “Pull them aside and force them to sit out the mission and stay here at the castle for recovery.” Midnight answered. “Really?” Tirek asked in surprise with his superior nodding once more to confirm that's her final decision. “Yes. Every ounce of help I can get even one pony or creature is needed for my cause. After all, one small thing can make a difference.” She said as she presented a scale with her magic with two pebbles on each side before placing another tiny pebble onto the scale to show a slight change while showing a magnifying glass to show the very small difference in the heavier side of the scales favor. “Will do.” Tirek complied with his boss’s request before setting out to do so with no another word. “We’ll meet up later in the throne room so we can discuss my latest battle plans.” Midnight said to Chrysalis after Tirek had left. “Right now I gotta go pick up my daughter.” “You mean Cozy Glow?” “Yes. Her classes in Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns will be ending shortly and I would like to see how she has been progressing with her advanced studies.” “Even when she is the only alicorn?” Chrysalis asked while wondering why she is even attending class there. “Why of course.” Midnight again replied with certainty. “The school can afford to make an exception if the princess says it’s okay provided said student behaves herself in classes and doesn’t blow half the school ablaze…again.” “Even though you encourage it?” Chrysalis again felt the need to ask. “I encourage her to do her best to learn to control her magic.” Midnight again answered. “She just needs to curb her crazed desires in enough to maintain control and stability of her actions and magic.” She said as she presented an aura of Cozy’s fights with the Mane Six at the school then at the Crystal Empire against Flurry Heart. “She has great enhanced power ever since she became an alicorn but has shown she needs to improve her skill set more since Twilight’s friends and Flurry Heart were able to beat her. It’s obvious that their fighting experience is more than a match for raw recently gifted alicorn power and by attending this school and learning from the other gifted unicorns Equestria has to offer that should help level the playing field next time around because I will her to be at her best for when we make these next attacks.” “I just hope you’re right.” Chrysalis just went along with it for her boss's sake. “Nothing to worry about.” Midnight assured her as she pulled out her orb. “With her status and connections no pony will dare try to pick on her not even the school’s toughest bullies when they know and learn who they are dealing with talking to. Especially said student is Princess Midnight’s very own personal protégé.” She said as she presented said filly training with her magic in school. Cozy Glow is currently showing her class outside of school (to prevent further damage) the new magic moves and spells she has learned to her students and teachers by performing a series of aerobic maneuvers and advanced spells that only Twilight could achieve in class at that’s when she was only a unicorn at the time. “She is a true prodigy.” Midnight commended her to Chrysalis. “Just like Twilight when she was first admitted to this school.” “That is very impressive.” Chrysalis admitted. “Yes it is.” Midnight said in agreement. “Which could be useful for these upcoming attacks I am about to launch.” She said as she spread her wings to fly off to the school. “And another potential successor along with Twilight.” With that said she took her leave and flew off ahead to the school to retrieve her. Back at the school Cozy is just finishing up class as she finished up her schoolwork for the day as classes were about to end. Cozy ever since she was admitted into the school courtesy of Midnight has excelled her magical studies but much like Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, and Tempest in that order completely ignored the friendship side of the lessons which was strongly encouraged by Midnight herself not to give into friendship. Even when her teachers feel she should follow more in Twilight’s example, they ashamedly couldn’t have the heart to say it without risking getting themselves in trouble with Queen Midnight who is the current head of Equestria and strongly discourages friendship. As class ended the final bell rang across the school. “All right everyone class dismissed.” The teacher announced as all of the students all made their way out of the classroom as Cozy Glow simply flies over the unicorns crowding the door way. Cozy flew her way through the hallways as she smiles in satisfaction with her accomplishments as a prodigy of magic and a straight A student in class in learning about magic and many spells she has tackled. But as she soon as she sees a portrait of Twilight in the hallway she confident smile fades into a solemn frown as she remembers betraying Twilight which led to Midnight taking over, Twilight nearly getting killed to which she expressed shock seeing Midnight and Sombra doing, along with Sombra reclaiming the Crystal Empire. Saddened by what she has done she flies down to the ground in favor of walking out to the front door as she carried her saddle bag as the other students rush over to greet their parents and friends. She looks around and the more she sees all of this friendship and love happening around her the more she feels alone and isolated from her peers as she retreats to a nearby tree so no pony will see her vulnerable. “How was school today young one?” One of the female parents asked one of the fillies. “It was great, mom.” The male filly replied. “We learned more about magic and well as seeing Princess Cozy Glow’s amazing new talents.” “I have heard that she has shown great improvement in her studies.” The father replied sounding impressed with her to which said pony hiding smiled hearing. “I know.” He said in agreement. “I just wish she could learn about friendship much like Twilight. She really could have learned a lot about her.” “Yeah I know, sweetie.” The mother acknowledged with a solemn sigh. “But she has made it clear that she has no interest in making new friends and was leading to help dethrone and end Twilight to do so.” As soon as she said those words, Cozy’s smile dropped again as she sadly walked away. “It is a shame indeed, she could have learned so much more from her if it weren’t for her mother encouraging her not to learn about friendship.” The father agreed in the same tone. “Alas, in the end for her it wasn’t enough as friendship failed her.” Cozy quickly left the school grounds to teleport to Ponyville unable to take hearing this anymore just before Midnight could arrive. Cozy then walked around Ponyville to see the many sad faces there including Twilight’s parents in light of Twilight’s assumed death at the fire of the School of Friendship as she makes her way to said school. The school is still currently destroyed while still standing as many parts of the school are burnt upon from the fire with a bunch of books scattered across the former school grounds amongst the burnt up classrooms before coming across a burnt friendship journal Twilight and her friends wrote themselves. “What’s this?” Cozy wondered at she pulled up the journal before quickly placing it in her backpack to read later before making her way through the destroyed school before having the sudden urge to read one of the journal entries. Dear Diary, Families are super. Super complicated, that is! Just take my sister. She can be a bit of a bossy pony, but that's only 'cause she wants what's best for everypony. And Big Mac is the best brother, but the fella's gotta speak up now and again! And I love me some Granny Smith, except when she makes me wear some silly old bonnet. But, honestly, family is awesome 'cause you can be goin' on some borin' old road trip, and as soon as you "accidentally" lose the map, that's when the real adventure begins! Apple Bloom After reading the entry she closed the book and put the journal away as she thinks to herself. “Good family, huh.” Cozy Glow said feeling more guilty of what she is really throwing away. “If only they knew.” She then said as she groaned with herself at her internal sturggle. “Why am I so confused?” She asked herself. “What changed? It used to be so simple. I mean I am a princess of Equestria thanks to the one pony who actually cared for me since she took me in. I am a prodigy of magic and the school’s top student. I have everything and I should be happy. But I’m not.” She further went on to herself as she finds her emotions swelling up again. “Because I betrayed Twilight.” She further expressed her regret over what could have been her death as she again remembers seeing the moment Twilight got struck by Midnight and Sombra in shock and horror that she would kill her like that. “The only pony that actually tried to teach me the values of friendship even when I was scheming behind her back.” She couldn’t help but come across and look on Twilight’s portrait with her as the top student in her class. “The only pony that actually treated me like family. Could I be truly be more happy if I was still learning under Twilight?” “If I'm truly happy Then why do I feel so sad? I'm as strong as a stone Even that's not enough.” She sang as she looked up the portrait while thinking of all of the good lessons she had under Twilight’s tutelage where she was truly happy as she tossed aside a nearby piece of coal. “There's something jagged in me And I've made such mistakes I thought that friendship is power And that the most powerful should be queen Yet this all doesn’t feel right to me.” She sang as she left the school grounds and made her way to pass by Twilight’s grieving parents who both embrace a picture of their son and daughter. “Would you believe That I've always wished I could be somepony else? Yet I can't see What I need to do to be the pony I want to be.” She sang as she cried tears of remorse to herself as she looked at her reflection as she crossed a bridge with a stream below. “I've been told my whole life What to do, what to say Nopony showed me that There might be some better way.” She sang as she solemnly watches as the Cakes happily embrace each other in a family-like hug while remembering Midnight’s lessons to her about power and control. “And now I feel like I'm lost I don't know what to do The ground is sinking away I'm about to fall through.” She sang as she remembered the Cutie Mark Crusaders attempting to teach her friendship and still valued her as a friend even after learning of her eariler deception at least before helping Midnight take over Equestria. “Would you believe That I've always wished I could be somepony else? Yet I can't see What I need to do to be the pony I want to be To be the pony I want to be.” She sang as she continued to tear up as she made her way through town to which Diamond Tiara took notice of. To her she feels she is a traitor because of her ties to Midnight, that is until she witnessed her singing her regrets through her walk through town. So Diamond took this opportunity to approach her. “Hey Cozy Glow.” She started as she caught her attention. “How are you doing?” “What?” Cozy asked confused. “I said how are you doing and hi.” Diamond repeated further surprising her. “I’m doing fine really.” Cozy could only return still astonished that someone asked her that question and from the friendly smile of one pony who wasn't known for doing so before. “Are you?” Diamond further pressed to get her to open up what’s bugging her. “No.” Cozy honestly admitted. “Not really.” “Why is that?” Diamond asked. “Well, I know I am Queen Midnight’s gifted daughter, a star protégé and a prodigy of magic, and I have everything my heart’s desired.” Cozy began to open up more. “I should be happy but really I’m not.” She then said as she looked away in regret. “Any idea why?” Diamond figured from past experience. “Because in doing so, I betrayed Princess Twilight.” Cozy admitted. “After all of the friendship lessons she has tried to teach me, I still sided with my mother even after all of that.” “What did Midnight do you to feel to be forced into pursing this?” Diamond wondered. “Nothing!” Cozy replied honestly. “She gave me everything I asked for in life and even encouraged me to excel in my studies, something that Twilight never did for me. Expect... that she did teach me the values of friendship and treated me like a caring mother any parent would do and so does Midnight and yet with her even when she has given me everything I ever wanted in life I don’t feel very happy about it.” She said as she turned away and looked at the nearby statues of Twilight and Midnight. I just truly feel happier with only one of them.” “So Midnight hasn’t done anything wrong to do, yet you didn’t feel completely loved and cared for deep down with her around, but with Twilight you feel happier around her more than Midnight.” Diamond summed up her views of the two alicorns. “Yes.” Cozy again admitted. “And even though I shouldn’t be saying this, but with Twilight and friendship I feel much more pleased than everything Midnight can ever obtain for me and yet in the end I still betrayed Twilight.” “That’s sure got to be tough.” Diamond understood Cozy’s problem. “Well if it’s any comfort you’re not the only pony to feel insecure about themselves. For you see I too can relate to what you are going through.” “You do?” Cozy asked in surprise. “Yes.” Diamond nodded. “Growing up I was taught that Diamonds are above everypony else and that they must strive for perfection and that anything less is unacceptable and my mother would waste no time in berating me even for the smallest slip-ups even for losing a class election by one vote.” “Golly, that’s rough.” Cozy remarked with pity. “I know.” Diamond acknowledged. “At that point I was feeling like I wasn’t being the pony I wanted to be just for the sake of pleasing a mother who wasn’t going to give me her love.” “What about your dad?” Cozy asked. “Couldn’t he have taken care of you instead?” “He could if he wasn’t so busy running a company and was home more often.” Diamond solemnly replied of the lack of love she was getting. “Gosh.” Cozy could only say in response to her past plight with words she never thought she would ever say. “I’m sorry you felt so unloved.” “It’s okay.” Diamond replied as she recalled the very moment she turned herself around. “It was only thanks to the Cutie Mark Crusaders teaching me of how to really function with my true talent and after accepting friendship into my heart just like what Twilight would have wanted me to do that as I finally had the courage to stand up for myself to become the pony I want to be.” "We'll build a playground For all of us to enjoy So full of games There's enough for each girl and boy." Diamond sang as she recalled the memory she rallied the students under her lead in preparation to build the new playground. "I want to help and do Everything that I can I'm here to show you I changed Listen up, here's the plan." Diamond sang as she recalled as she prepared to give everyone their instructions. "Bring it in! That's right, keep it coming!" Past Diamond guided the unicorn carrying the new equipment with his magic before turning to one of the students. "Hey there, you with the amazing strength. Can you help them move that merry-go-round across the lawn?" She asked of her while pointing to said struggling fillies pulling the old merry-go-round. "Thank you so much!" She added when she happily did so. "And you with the super teeth, we need you to help with that teeter-totter." She then asked the filly with big teeth to help out with said item to which he does with his teeth. "You got it! That's the spirit!" She commended him. "There's so much I can do To help everypony else I see the light that shines in me I know I can be my better self." Diamond sang as she overlooked upon the construction and preparation as everyone does their part in seeing to it that the playground is fully completed with her teacher Cheerlie along with Princess Twilight's help as they too joined in on the construction work. Past Diamond saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders managed to put together the swing set while helping Silver Spoon who she had previously mistreated with building the fence. "I can free the past 'Cause now the future's bright for me My cutie mark has set me free To do what's right and be the pony I want to be And be the pony I want to be!" Diamond sang as she recalled the memory of her cutie mark glowing at that moment along with Twilight coming over to her to congratulate her for turning herself around along and her newfound leadership after she took the first go around the just recently constructed playground. "I am very proud of too, Diamond Tiara." Past Twilight commended the young filly who greatly appreciated it as she hugged her in response by wrapping herself on one of Twilight's front hoofs to which Twilight kindly returned the hug as she placed her over front hoof on Diamond to return the comforting embrace. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders helped you along with Twilight?” Cozy spoke her mind in further surprise hearing all these connections come to light. “They sure did and before I accepted their help I used to treat them as enemies at the time.” Diamond further explained. “But thanks to them I am now a confident mare able to organize teams and prove to be a great speaker who takes charge of the situation.” “Wow.” Cozy then felt even guiltier for the role she played in. “They really did help you big time. So did they, at least try to help me. I’m sorry but I just can’t help it.” Cozy said in remorse as she further went on. “Even though I’ll never understand how you feel at least you didn’t help the most powerful pony in Equestria get herself into power while betraying those whose only goal in life was to help ponies like me learn about friendship and strive to become better ponies in life.” “But why?” Diamond wondered. “If you truly feel sorry for what you did then why did you help Midnight take over?” “Because she was the only pony who helped and raised me ever since I was little.” Cozy answered as she thought back to when she was slightly younger and without her cutie mark to where she was playing a friendly game of chess with her father a tall Pegasus colt with red fur and a slicked back black mane with green eyes wearing a red velvet and golden crown on his head. “Back then and at a kingdom I used to reside in I was a princess who destined to inherit the throne and had recently discovered my talent of being able to play chess to the point I could outplay my opponents even my parents. With my talents my skills could prove to be very useful for creating battle strategies to outmaneuver opponents trying to take over the kingdom. ” She said as she played the winning move against her father who praised her talents as she witnesses her cutie mark appearing on her flank leading to the young one to jump up and down in excitement before running over to her mother, a blue mare with pink hair and light blue eyes who serves as the queen. “I mean with my talents I could go on to be a chess champion in Equestria after playing multiple chess tournaments.” She said as she hugged her parents who both smirk when her face was buried inside their chests. “But unbeknownst to me my parents were secretly jealous of my talents once it was clear I was surpassing them in skill. They began to think that I would try to backstab them one day and scheme to take over the throne.” She then said as her parents jealousy watch on as their daughter goes off to her room to continuing practicing to herself and reading on how to play chess more efficiently. “So then one day they decided to ensure that I would get that chance. Ever!" She said as she painfully remembered that very particular exchange where her happy life ended. "WHAT?!" The very young exclaimed on the verge of tears. "But...I don't understand?!" "Isn't it obvious?!" The mother coldly replied. "Like we didn't know of what you were trying to do?" "Like what?!" "You know what?!" The father asserted trying to get Cozy to admit it. "From every game you've shown improvement! You've been getting better at it with every passing day! You even had us fooled for a while!" Cozy was clearly caught off-guard as she truthfully has no idea what the hay her parents were talking about. "What?! I never even tried to fool you at anything!" "Oh, please!" The mother scoffed, dismissing it as a lie. "It has your hoof prints written all over it!" "Where?!" Cozy pleaded as she looks at her own two front hooves that are clearly clean of any crime that she would be accused of. "What did I do?!" "Conspiracy, Arson, Murder, and above all...failing the test!" Her mother stated with every tap on her opposite hoof. "But...but...I didn't do any of those things!" She innocently protested. "I've been a good girl from the day you gave birth to me! You took me in! You raised and taught me well!" “Save it.” The father stated having none of it. “Because not only will you not move on to the next level of your studies, you won't continue your studies at all! In fact, you are no longer a princess here!” Cozy was left stunned and hurt to the core. “But...This isn't fair! I didn't do any of those things! You didn't say anything about no longer being your precious sweetheart if I were to fail, which I didn't!” “Didn't I?” The mother coldly replied while brushing her aside with one of her hooves before walking away and out of the room with closed eyes, refusing to even look at her. "I expect you and your junk to be cleaned out of your room by noon. Otherwise you can expect to be executed for trespassing." The father stated with a tone of finality as he joined his wife. “But...where I go! Where will I live?" Cozy cried with deaf ears fallen upon the verbal abuse she had just endured before setting out to do as she's been ordered. Just like any good pony would do. Shortly afterwards, the young filly heartbroken left the tears by this as she turns away from the castle she used to call home. “Even though I didn’t do anything to them, they were clearly just looking for an excuse to get rid of me. Even when I was living up to their standards, all too well.” She said as her past self began walking away just when suddenly an explosion occured from behind leaving the young pony to quickly turn around and burst into tears of shock upon seeing the castle exploded and burst into flames. “Then with a fiery explosion that had just happened that would end up being the last time I would ever see them again.” She sadly lamented at the memory as her past self finds herself by caressed by the mane by Midnight. “And that’s when I met Midnight.” She said as said alicorn brought her in for a hug. “She took me in when no one else would and under her training and tutelage she managed to give me new dreams and desires to become a princess destined to improve Equestria for the better with talent of battle and strategy tactics when Equestria faces a war with upcoming and countless threats.” She said as she studied her books and played chess with Midnight yet finds herself on the losing end of all of the matches they have played together. “Back then I have felt that friendship had failed me after learning of my parent’s true colors but then when Twilight came along and showed me all about the ways of friendship with the Cutie Mark Crusaders also trying to help me too is only when I truly felt happy.” She explained as she then thought back to when Twilight and the Cutie Mark Crusaders each tried to personally teach her. “Only now do I come to see that it was I who have failed friendship as I pursed power with Midnight over friendship with Twilight.” “Whoa.” Diamond could only say in response to her tragic backstory. “Yeah.” Cozy replied with her head hanging in shame. “Because of Midnight I have family and everything I could ever want in life but because of Twilight and her friends I learn the true values of friendship but to me I can’t help but feel happier being with them like what true family really is deep inside.” After some deep thought from processing everything she has just heard she moved with one last persuasion in an attempt to encourage her into doing the right thing. “I know Midnight hasn’t done anything to do you yet and if anything my relationship with my mother is say anything, money and wealth truly don’t bring happiness deep down no matter how big of a gesture they give, and it is only when friendship came into my life was I finally able to stand up for myself to be the pony I want to be. You have that choice too, you don’t have to pursue this if it doesn’t make you happy deep down, you can choose to be the pony you have always wanted to be if you trust your instincts and stay true to who you are.” “I’m sorry.” Cozy could only reply in response as she walked off ahead unable to look at anyone right now. “I just can’t, I can’t defy my own mother.” She said as she teleported away from the scene. “We’ll see.” Diamond could only say in her direction after she left in an understanding tone ready to give it time and that she'll find out her own way soon enough. Meanwhile, Midnight was secretly spying on their conversation taking note of her adopted daughter’s hesitation as she thinks back to when she witnessed the cruel and heartbreaking experience the filly just went through. Deep down feeling enraged while taking pity for the poor filly being mistreated on a personal note knowing of what sparked Twilight's inner fire for anger and hatred, she decided to take matter into her own hooves. She moved to create a small ball of fiery magic and then tossed it through the window into the same room the smug and cruel parents were in. When it landed right in front of them, it created a massive explosion that set fire to the castle. After that was done, she flew in to meet and comfort Cozy Glow. "There, there. It's okay." Past Midnight comforted Cozy Glow. "I'm here for you and I always will be no matter what." She vowed to the sobbing child as she secretly smirks to herself that she has another loyal follower to her side. “Looks like my daughter needs some comfort and much needed words of encouragement in light of her hesitation.” Midnight thought to herself as she teleported back to the school yard where she would meet up with Cozy Glow just arriving back on school grounds. “Ah. Cozy Glow, there you are.” “Yep, here I am.” Cozy replied while making herself immediately happy to see her. “Sorry I’m late, I just got really interested into learning a new magic spell to the point I lost track of time.” She said as she presented said book with said spell. “I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.” “It’s all right.” Midnight assured her she did nothing wrong much to the latter’s relief. “I too ended up having to make a side-stop too.” “Like what?” Cozy asked. “This.” Midnight presented a medallion with a gold medal with a star held by a red ribbon. “To let you of how proud I am of your accomplishments in school.” She said as she placed the medal around her neck. “Golly.” Cozy was left speechless by this gesture. “Thanks.” “No problem.” Midnight thought nothing of it as she hugged her. “Now let’s get flying back to the castle for another meeting with the others because I have a good feeling it’s time for another invasion attack.” “Right behind you, mother.” Cozy replied as she flew after Midnight while looking aside still feeling bad about herself as she has just been given more of a reason not to turn on her. The two made their way back to the castle where they meet up with Tirek, Chrysalis, Sombra, Daybreaker, and Nightmare Moon in the war chamber of the castle as requested by Midnight. Once everyone was at the table, Midnight used her magic to present the map of Equestria and areas outside of it as Midnight begins explaining her latest plan. “Since we are very certain that the troops are ready I think it is safe to say it is time for another attack on the la resistance.” Midnight began as she presented projections of the changeling hive, the dragon lands, Griffonstone, and Yakyakistan. “Time to take care of the changelings, griffons, dragons, and yaks before they have a chance to try to make a move.” “And how do you propose we tackle all of this so soon and so little time?” Chrysalis questioned. “By splitting up to cover more ground faster.” Midnight replied as she presented images of the changeling hive and Griffonstone. “You, Tirek, and Cozy Glow head on over to Griffonstone and then the changeling hive to take over said lands while Daybreaker and I take over the dragon lands.” “What about me?” Nightmare asked. “You will remain here and watch over the kingdom to keep and an eye on any attempts of rebellion from the Canterlot and Ponyville residents until me and Daybreaker get back.” Midnight instructed her to stay put. “Sombra was also remain at the Crystal Empire until I return as well.” “Of course.” Nightmare obeyed with a bow along with Sombra. “Don’t worry, Nightmare. You’ll get a kingdom to conquer.” Midnight assured her she is not being left out. “Yakyakistan. A nice little place you get to terrorize the stubborn and short-tempered yaks with snow and cold-blooded torture.” “Does that include giving them tormenting nightmares?” Nightmare asked hopeful that she can engage in that for once. “Of course.” Midnight replied with a nod. “Great.” Nightmare sported a malicious grin at what awaits her as Midnight turns to Sombra. “When I come back, you will see to it that the prisoners are fully locked away in their cells with no way out.” Midnight instructed the unicorn. “Will do.” Sombra replied with a nod. “And what about the father of the monsters, Grogar?” “We'll take care of him the day we launch an attack on the hippogriffs.” Midnight said as she presented a projection of the old ram lurking in his cave and secretly observing Mount Aris from the beach. “So whatever you all do, do not head on over there and engage with the enemies because that’s also where the remaining ponies who could potentially have any chance of taking back Equestria are currently residing.” She sternly warned everyone. “This is one of the attacks I want all of the help I can get for when we make a move there, is that understood?” “Uh-huh.” Everyone obliged to her orders without hesitance. “Good. Now go get some rest. We have got a big day these next few days in order to proceed with the plan. Divide and Conquer.” Midnight adjourned the meeting as Sombra teleported back to the Crystal Empire with his work here done for the day as Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow head to their quarters in preparation for their next attack. Once everyone but Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon has left, Midnight has pulled out her orb to check up on Cozy Glow who is currently reading the friendship journal she found at the wreckage at the destroyed School of Friendship. “Dear Diary…” Cozy read one of the journal entries out loud. “I know that the Apple family is the best family ever. But I thought that bein' the best family meant bein' perfect. And everypony knows that while we love our family, the last thing families are is perfect! What truly makes a family the best is bein' able to get through them rough patches together. The best families are able to forgive each other's mistakes, 'cause goodness knows we all make plenty of them! Through thick and thin, you've got your kin! I feel mighty lucky, 'cause some of my best friends are my family. But what makes me a might luckier than that is that I've got such good friends, they feel like family, too.” Cozy reading said journal entries from to when the girls were recalling the friendship lessons they had experienced from when Twilight was Midnight with only one entry inside from Twilight herself following her reformation at the very end of the book and as she reads more and more of the lessons, the more guilty and hesitant Cozy feels about betraying Twilight and the girls along with her loyalty to Midnight. “Everything good, Midnight?” Nightmare asked as she turned her head to her. “Yes.” Midnight calmly responded. “Nothing over that Cozy Glow is still having second thoughts over siding with me and is still thinking of wanting to join Twilight.” “Even after all everything you have given her?” Daybreaker expressed in disbelief. “How is that not enough for that ungrateful filly?!” “She’s not being ungrateful.” Nightmare felt the need to correct and ease her growing anger. “Midnight has been giving her everything she asked for.” “Indeed.” Midnight agreed with her assessment. “The only thing she is feeling this way is because of the one thing that Twilight gave her which is more powerful than all of the gifts of power and ambition combined.” “What?” Both alicorn sisters questioned. “Love.” Midnight answered as she uses her magic to show her interactions with Twilight when she was her student. “Because Twilight actually reached out to her to try to be her friend, Cozy felt the love she had never received and finds more valuable than everything I could ever give her.” “When have you noticed Cozy’s questioning loyalty?” Nightmare asked of how long this has been going on. “As soon as she expressed her doubts and regrets over betraying Twilight back at the school just after we took over Equestria.” Midnight explained as she recalled said memory when they all first arrived in the throne room. “I have been keeping tabs on her ever since then and even further encouraging her to excel with her heart’s desires and dreams but unfortunately it’ pretty clear it’s not enough to override the love and true care Twilight has been giving her.” “How do you plan on handling this?” Nightmare asked. “Do you want me to take care of her?” Daybreaker asked open and ready to have her killed. “I can assure to you she won’t know what hit her.” “No.” Midnight immediately shot down the proposal. “That won’t be necessary. At least not yet when we still have parts of the world to conquer.” “Does this mean…” Daybreaker asked wondering if she is thinking what she’s thinking. “We’ll discuss it more along with Grogar as soon as we get the rest of the world conquered.” Midnight answered as she focused on her map of Equestria and her adopted daughter as she thinks of her new plans for them. Throughout the next few days, Midnight’s takeover plans went through flawlessly as Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow have effortlessly taken control of Griffonstone and the Changeling Hive while successfully capturing all of the changelings and griffions (expect for Gilda who managed to escape when none of the three were all focused on taking over, along with Thorax and Ocellus who were both outside of the kingdom at the time.) Midnight and Daybreaker combining their fiery powerful magic were able to burn down the Dragon Lands together while effortlessly taking down the entire community of dragons living there while having some killed for attempting to fight back. Nightmare Moon effortlessly was able to capture and bury the yaks at Yakyakistan with an avalanche of snow before capturing them all and wasting no time torturing them with their worst memories and fears of seeing Midnight along with presenting them everything about their traditions not being done perfectly as Nightmare and Midnight’s evil appearances leave them unable to fight back against them leaving them cowering for their lives. Sombra was able to lock away all of the resistance sans the ones Midnight and Daybreaker have killed while at the Dragon Lands while arranging some of them to serve as mind controlled servants at his kingdom at the Crystal Empire. Once Midnight saw that everything was going exactly as planned she went to her throne chair and sat down feeling satisfied with her accomplishments as her stoic expression turned into a devious smirk as her heart glowed neon purple as she focuses her orb on Twilight who’s heart is still glowing even though she has fully come to realize the true destiny she is meant to have. The one that Twilight want’s as opposed to what Midnight wants as she looks over her battle plans and strategy’s on poster and paper.