//------------------------------// // Subject 43: Inner Machinations // Story: Interviews With Equestrians // by Jmaster49 //------------------------------// When the dream turned on, we were able to see into Cozy’s subconscious. The first thing we saw was a newborn pegasus foal born to a pair of ponies whose faces were darkened. As a result, it was impossible to identify who they were. This was likely due to the fact that she had no memory of who they were. Which was understandable. You never were able to remember someone’s face if so many years had passed. “We can’t let anypony find out.” “We need to put her up for adoption right away.” “Don’t you love her?” “I care about you and your safety more. The child will have to go.” The details weren’t exactly clear, but we had a better understanding with those words she could recall. Cozy’s parents clearly weren’t ready to handle a child, so they attempted to get rid of her via an orphanage. No records, no paperwork, nothing. They simply left her there one day, and never came back. Needless to say, I was conflicted. On the one hoof, I could understand the troubles of dealing with a child that one wasn’t prepared for. It wasn’t a good idea to keep a child in a household that wasn’t fit for them. On the other, I felt annoyed. Was it not possible for them to get any assistance from family? And if they weren’t ready to handle a child, then why would they engage in copulation unsafely? As much as I had sympathy, I had to put blame on the parents for not taking proper care to ensure they would be ready for a child. From there, things only got worse for the filly. Or better depending on how one would spin the situation. She was bullied constantly and pushed around throughout her early years at the orphanage. The filly wanted nothing more than to escape the place. “Your parents don’t love you? Nopony will if you don’t take charge!” “In this place, it’s beat flank or get your flank beat.” “So what’s it gonna be? Gonna join us or keep crying like a wimp? Nopony’s gonna love ya if you act like that.” The petty comments of the other foals weren’t enough to sway Cozy on their own. She simply wanted to leave and find her real parents. And that’s just what she did. She snuck out of the orphanage one night at the young and never looked back. All at an extremely young age--not even five or six years old, by my estimate. Cozy Glow roamed the world in search of her real parents, desperate to find out just why they left her there. I had to admit, the idea of seeing a child be left to fend for themselves in such a way was frightening. I turned and looked at Luna. She did her best to maintain an outward appearance of maturity and understanding. But I could tell that, deep down, she wanted to cry. She felt pain as she saw the events of Cozy’s life unfold before her eyes, and I couldn’t blame her. Luna and Cozy weren’t so different in that respect. Both the alicorn sisters and Cozy Glow were abandoned by their parents and left to fend for themselves in the world of the unknown. The similarities lied more with Luna in particular. As both of them were troubled souls who lost their ways, and grew bitter. Or at least, I hoped that my prediction was correct. Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. We watched the dream unfold ever further. Indeed. In the five years that passed between Cozy’s time at the orphanage, and ending up in Ponyville to join the school of friendship, she had been through a lot. Begging for money on the streets of Las Pegasus, sneaking food away from the Wonderbolt’s Academy in order to survive, and stealing from other ponies in Cloudsdale. But one day, all of that guilt came to a head. She had stolen a toy glider from a pegasus that couldn’t fly very well. The colt cried and cried because it was all he had to remind him of his grandfather who had passed away. So she made an attempt to return it--even went ahead and admitted to stealing it. Despite this, the parents of the colt were furious, and yelled at her for taking such an item. Instead of showing forgiveness and asking why, they shot first. None of the other pegasus ponies wanted to associate with her from that moment onwards. She couldn’t believe it. She did the right thing, she owned up to her mistake, but still received vitriol and hatred for her actions despite trying to make amends. “Go away! Your parents would be ashamed if they found out about what you did!” “Why would you try and take this from me? No one would ever love you for what you did!” That was when her world came crashing down upon her. Something snapped within Cozy Glow on that day. If nopony could ever truly love her, then why should she bother? If it was much easier to get ponies to hate her, then that would be way more fun, right? It started off small. A few small favors here, a few lies there. Her talent for manipulation grew and grew. Soon she was able to pit other ponies against each other in arguments that distracted them long enough for her to take what she wanted. It was all so simple, so slick, so easy. “I heard your mom said she hates that gift you got for her.” “Don’t waste your time on that silly dress. Your boyfriend hates it.” “She’s cheating on you with your sister!” The rush. The power. It felt so surreal to her to feel this way. Everypony she came across was wrapped around her hoof the minute she opened her mouth. In no time, she earned her cutie mark as well. That chess piece. The stalwart rook. “And that’s how I ended up at the school of friendship,” she finally spoke once she finished relaying her old thoughts to us, “I felt that if I could be known through being feared, everyone would love me, and I’d be the best pony in the world. But now I’ve gone and made things worse. Nopony would even think about caring about me if they valued their own lives.” She sighed and sat down, “I really messed up. I know that now. But it’s my own fault. There’s nothing I can do to get that trust back. Even now...I could be manipulating you.” Luna shook her head. “If that were the case, I would have executed you long ago--er, I mean. I know you are a smart pony, Cozy. Too smart to do such a thing a second time. We believe you. Don’t we, Pale?” I nodded. “That’s right, kid. I was just like you. Sunset was just like you, Sombra, even Cheese Sandwich. There are loads of us who grew up without the guidance of those who were meant to be there. And yet, we all managed to survive one way or another.” “But I thought King Sombra was dead?” Oh right. No one else knew about the old King’s resting place aside from me. Well, time to explain that, I suppose. “...and he currently lives in eternal limbo. Wandering the planet out of regret. At least, when I last saw him. And even Cadance grew up with nopony to guide her. In fact, she grew up around Earth Ponies!” “She...did?” Cozy’s eyes grew wide at this revelation. Meanwhile Luna raised a brow at me. “And just how do you know that, Pale?” “Well, the members of my crew have her file--just like everyone else’s. Beyond that, she actually told me about it over the dinner I shared with her family. But yes, she grew up around Earth Ponies in a small village, and was able to reverse a spell that stole love that was created by a mare called Prismia. After that, a magical warp occurred, and she was transported to Celestia where she was adopted as her niece.” Cozy tilted her head down. “Wow...I wish I could’ve gotten that lucky…” “Hey, kid. Don’t get like that. As I said, we’re here for you. Even her daughter Flurry Heart wants you to have another chance.” The young mare’s tail flicked. “Flurry? She always seemed so cool...I wonder how she’s--I mean...it’s whatever.” “No it’s not,” I protested, “Trust me, kid. As soon as you wake up, you’re going to understand just what I’m talking about in regard to those who are willing to support you.” “Su...pport?” Luna smiled at her. “You will see soon, child,” she replied and flew upwards into the sky of the dream, which caused that blinding light to consume everything. Morning came. Luna and I were the first to awaken. We both slept on the floor, lying down on our stomachs. I suppose somepony at the hospital saw fit to throw a blanket over us. We woke up next to each other. “Ah...morning. Well this is awkward,” I chuckled, and stood up which tossed the blanket off. “Ah...haven’t slept that well in forever.” Luna rose from her position also, and stretched. “I must admit, it was very comforting to sleep beside another for a change.” We both looked at the young mare. She was still asleep. Luckily, the EKG monitor told us that she was breathing steadily. Way more than before. In fact, we were even able to see her chest rise and fall due to the fact that her breaths were more controlled. “Okay...she’s doing better now,” I said with a sigh of relief. “Indeed,” Luna responded as she used her magic to fold up the blanket and put it away. “What did you think of our little chat with her?” I sat down in the nearby chair to think. “Very...interesting to say the least. I never realized someone could go through all of that. I’m personally amazed that she’s still alive given what she had to deal with as she grew up.” “Agreed. But do you think everypony will be capable of understanding that fact?” she asked, “What if they don’t take the time to understand and still choose to ridicule her? Are you ready for that?” I shrugged. “I’ve already dealt with plenty of that. At this point, I know everyone more or less stands with me on the subject--just as they stood with you all those years ago.” She looked outside of the window as she lamented her past. “Yes...I think you have a point.” “Now we just have to wait for her to--” Cozy Glow’s eyes slowly opened up. She looked around and when she spotted us, she freaked out a little with a violent shiver, and hid beneath her blankets. Luna approached her, face as gentle as ever. “It is alright. Nopony is here to hurt you. In fact, nopony will hurt you ever again. Right, Pale?” she smiled at me. I rose from my seat. “That’s right. I gotcha, kid. You’re gonna be okay. As soon as the doctor lets you leave, we’re going to give you your life back.” She smiled, and turned over in her bed. I could see that tears formed within her eyes, and that she wanted to hide how she felt in that moment. “...Thank you. But for now, I wanna rest.” “Um…” Yes, there were a few other things on my mind at that moment, but I didn’t know what to do first. Deal with Quick Draw, deal with Neighsay, go find Sunset and see what she’s found out from Celestia? My wheel spun even as I thought about it. Luna looked at me. “Pale, listen well. I have a suggestion on what your next move should be.” “Oh?” “Both Sister and Twilight have informed me of what has taken place--” “Wait how do you--” “Dream communication, son.” Oh right. Duh. “Sorry. Continue.” She cleared her throat. “Ahem. Anyway, you should go see the Princess. I shall watch over Cozy until she is allowed to be let go from the hospital.” Sounded simple enough. “Alright. Thank you, Luna.” I left the room, and subsequently the hospital. I traveled back to Canterlot Castle. There, I met Spike at the front entrance who told me just where to go. Twilight’s bedroom? And Sunset was already there? Oh no. This was serious. So I traveled all the way up to the Princess’ room. There, I found the alicorn as she consoled her orange unicorn friend. “You wanted to see me?” “Yes. We have verified loads of information regarding Sunset’s parents as well as Neighsay’s involvement. Needless to say, there’s something much bigger at play here,” Twilight explained as she pat Sunset on the back. “Apparently her parents joined Neighsay’s cause of their own free will. They weren’t forced into it.” “I...whatever you guys need to do is fine with me,” Sunset said with a frown. The kind of frown that hid away a secret desire. “You want to help me fight off the root of the problem, hm?” Even if those long gone ponies joined that crass old man in his efforts, there was still no evidence to suggest that they hadn’t been manipulated. Regardless, I wondered just what sort of cause would get them to join a secret group and abandon their child. There had to be more to this. To my surprise, Sunset had a stalwart glare. “No. I...well, yes. But to be honest, I don’t want to, for a few reasons. First of which being that I’m...not in the best mental state right now. This still has me kinda...messed up in the head. Second, I can’t afford to stay away from home for too long. My friends at Canterlot High need me. Not to mention the Gates to Equestria that need to be closed.” She pointed at me. “Thanks to Twilight’s persuasion, I’m putting my trust in you.” I blinked once, then twice. “Me?” “That’s right,” Sunset walked up to me, “I want you to find out everything you can. Find out who did this to my--no--to our sets of parents so none of it will ever happen to anypony else. We might even find a connection to Cozy Glow--her parents are mysteriously missing also.” It was a nice feeling to be trusted by someone so powerful. Though, while I wasn’t entirely sure if Cozy was connected or not, I gave a proud smile. “No problem, Sunset. On one condition.” “What’s that?” “When you get back home, tell my Human version everything you’ve told me. Get him just as invested in defending your--his home as I am about mine. If he’s anything like me, he should still be just as diligent and capable as I.” Sunset smiled, and gave a nod. “Heh...after spending this much time with you, I’m actually excited to get back and see what your other self is like. Hopefully he’ll show me his gun collection or whatever,” she said casually with a giggle which prompted a confused look from the princess. “...I don’t get it.” I couldn’t help but snicker also. “It’s...a human thing, don’t worry. But thanks, Sunny. I appreciate that.” “No problem,” she gave me a friendly nudge in the shoulder with her hoof, “we all have things we need to work on in both worlds. The more we can do, the better. Oh and I haven’t forgotten the Dazzlings. I’ll be sure to tell the human Pale to hang around them more. Maybe he can get them to start making more friends? If they don’t spend their time hogging him, heh!” I choked up, and coughed at the sentiment. Then I gave a silent prayer for my human counterpart in that he would not suffer the same fate of being surrounded by numerous attractive females as I. I mean, uh, the more the merrier, yeah? “Heh. Please do. Let the other Twilight know too, okay?” “I will. Well, I’m off to the portal. Bye, guys. Thanks for helping me find out everything!” Sunset called out to us as she left for the portal to head back to her world. Twilight and I waved. “Bye, Sunset!” The princess replied, “Now, Pale. I’m sure you’re aware of what Sunset was talking about. We believe that Neighsay and his group have been preying on ponies in dysfunctional relationships in order to build himself a small army.” Oh? Wait a minute. “So he’s not solely responsible for the destruction of my parents' lives or Sunset’s? He just takes advantage of what’s already damaged. Still bucked up either way.” “Oh no, I agree. I feel ashamed as a ruler for not being able to find this out sooner. But I’m going to make this right. Who knows how many ponies within the EEA are just as corrupted as he! With that established. A new trial is going to take place. Ponies v. Neighsay. Next week.” Made sense. One would have to prepare a massive hearing for what he caused. “Okay. Got it. What would you like me to do until then?” With her magic, she put a housing deed in my hoof. “This is Cozy Glow’s new address. It’s a home that is near your agency. It will be carefully monitored with security cameras for the sake of both keeping an eye on her actions, and her safety from those who wish to bring her harm. I had it set up a few days ago. I’d recommend you start having her meet with, and apologize to those whom she has wronged in order to help her forge a better relationship with the rest of the populace. Otherwise, she runs the risk of being attacked continuously.” Oh wow. Another proactive move instead of a reactive move. My respect for the alicorn just went up. “That was always my intent from day one. I know that the opinions of others aren’t gonna simply disappear overnight. But if I can help the kid by any means, then I know I’ll have done one thing right in this world. It’s important to show an individual where they went wrong, rather than simply tell them.” “Good plan, but there’s more. Agents Lyra Heartstrings and Sweetie Drops will be standing by ready to assist when needed.” Always good to have more hooves at the ready. I accepted. “Of course. I actually know Sweetie Drops from my old days at the monster agency.” Twilight giggled. “I know. That’s why I assigned those two to the case. Maybe you can rekindle that friendship at the same time,” she flashed a proud smirk, “a-ya-welcome.” Dammit, she didn’t have to put it like that. But of course, I accepted. “Heh, of course, Princess.” “And one last thing.” “Hm?” “Get some rest, Pale. You’ve been through a lot these past several months. I know just what it’s like to get super stressed out over stuff and forget sleep,” she flexed her wings as a reminder of her position. “Trust me. Get some sleep. Maybe take a day off or two, and monitor Cozy Glow from nearby. Alright?” She had a point. I had lost all sense of self in the last...however long its been. From being attacked, transported to a different dimension, fighting a massive ass crab, and learning about a shocking revelation regarding my parents? Yeah, I wanted to sleep for an entire week straight. “Understood, Princess,” I responded with a tip of my hat, and trotted out of the door, “You take care now.” “That goes double for you, mister,” she responded with a teasy sort of tone. “Rest well, Pale. See ya!” Indeed I would. First thing’s first. I met up with Luna once more. She told me that Cozy would be released from the hospital by the evening, and that she would personally escort her to her new home. I wanted to stay there myself, but Luna knew just what Twilight had told me, and she was right. I needed rest to take my mind off things for a while so that I could return to the situation with a clear head. So I did. I took the first train back to Ponyville. Once I got there, I alerted Corkscrew of what the situation was and who to watch out for. The pegasus accepted my terms, and assured me that he would be on the lookout for Luna late into the evening if need be. Gotta respect that tenacity from someone his age. With that, I could finally head home. I was ready to drop dead. Meanwhile, across the road from Pale’s home… “Ladies, are you sure this is a good idea? I don’t even know if he’d accept me in,” Cheerilee protested. Both the Mayor and Spoiled Rich hid in a set of bushes. “Don’t worry, my dear,” the Mayor replied, “You need to at least give it a try before you doubt yourself.” “That’s right,” Spoiled added, “At least take the ride before you decide it’s not worth getting on.” “And yet, you got Tree Hugger as my wingmare?” The green earth pony in question was meditating in the middle of the road. “Ohm….neee-eee-eee…” “It’ll be perfect! You both can handle him at the same time!” the Mayor said with a smile. Spoiled was just as invested, giving a wide smirk as she filed her hoof. “Heh. It’ll get messy so you two are gonna be perfect. But ya better act now before I take him for myself.” The purple schoolteacher scoffed. “Uch! Pfft! What? Haha! That won’t happen. Not on your life. Come on, Tree Hugger. We have a friend to pay a visit to.” “Sweet,” Tree Hugger got up and followed. Both mares snickered as Cheerilee left. The Mayor commented first. “Heh. Nice play, Spoils.” They gave each other a hoofbump to signify that they were in agreement. “No worries. I’m interested to see how this will play out as well. Convincing Tree to tag along was a nice touch.” “Oh please. It was your idea to help her out in the first place.” The Mayor’s ear flicked. “Shh! Here he comes, stay hidden!” Visitors? Oh wait it’s just Cheerilee. And Tree Hugger? Okay, I could deal with that. I walked up to them as I neared my house. “Oh, hey guys. You looking for me?” “Pale? Oh, yes! Hah. I just wanted to pay you a visit this time. You’ve always been visiting me so I figured I’d return the favor this time,” she said with a slightly nervous smile. Tree Hugger seemed content to follow along without a care. I shrugged and unlocked the door to my home. “Why not?” I opened it up, and beckoned them to follow me in, “Come on in. Though I admit, I am a little tired--and stressed out.” “Oh, we can totally help with that, brah. Right, teach?” Tree Hugger asked as she closed the door behind her. Cheerilee nodded. “Oh? Sure. I’m always up for helping out a friend.” Suddenly, Tree had a rare toothy grin on her face, “We can use the same technique I used on him that one time in the hospital, teach.” “Oh? Are you okay with that, Pale?” I didn’t recall all of the details. But Cheerilee gave a nod of agreement, so I figured why not. “Sure. If you think it’ll help. Let’s give it a try.”