On Our Way Out . . .
“Well? I take it you were successful?” Rarity asks anxiously and hopefully upon Cozy and Sunset's return to the waiting room.
“Yep!” Sunset proudly announces to the group, which now inexplicably includes Pinkie Pie, several new pink boxes of donuts, and who knows what in several of those white paper bags. “Cozy Glow and I managed to find this dimension's Cozy Glow's magic geode.
“Well,” Sunset rubs the back of her neck briefly. During that moment, she looks like she is struggling to stay awake, but pure adrenaline is still keeping her on her feet, at least for the moment. “it was a team effort but I found it in Cozy's closet.” Sunset returns both hands into her coat pockets. “I also guided this Cozy on how to use the geode, of which she did a marvelous job.” She passes a wink to Princess Twilight, silently conveying an emphatic message.
“Hot diggity!” Applejack cheers as she removes her cowboy hat and uses it to slap one of her knees. “Y'all did it! Y'all saved this here hospital from further destruction.”
“So, the geode wasn't on my daughter's person?” human Twilight asks while pushing up her glasses with a finger to the bridge of her nose. “I thought those things had to be closer to use them.” She looks corner-wise up as she recalls, “Although, on second thought, I think I do recall a time when I levitated my geode into my grasp from a distance.”
“'Use the Force, Twilight!'” Rainbow quoted and teases while playfully wiggling all of her fingers at her friend.
Sunset just shrugs, then says, “Who knows exactly how magic works? Seems to be its inherent nature to be somewhat mysterious. The effort to understand it can yield some answers, but it is downright arrogant to think one person can possibly know everything about it.”
“Well, I don't know,” Princess Twilight says with a sheepish grin. “My idol, Star Swirl the Bearded, mastered just about every spell imaginable to pony kind.”
“Wellllll, technically he didn't master the spell you perfected, Twilight, before you transformed into an alicorn,” Pinkie Pie points out before stuffing a sucker into her mouth. She, herself, is slouching in one of the waiting room's chairs.
“How did you know that?” Cozy asks Pinkie with a confused blink.
“It's Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow answers in her pink friend's stead. “We learned not to question her a long time ago.”
Cozy sighs as she shifts her eyes to the right while saying, “Riiiiight.”
“Where is Cozy's geode right now?” human Twilight checks.
“I have it right here,” Cozy answers before revealing it in her right palm. “Sunset told me to hold onto it to keep it attuned to me. As long as I exude a calming influence on it, it shouldn't cause another problem again.”
“In that case, what is our next move?” Fluttershy asks in equal parts curiosity and concern. “Also, is this Cozy going to keep the geode?”
“At least until we deliver her safely back to Equestria,” Sunset announces which answers several of Fluttershy's questions in one sentence. “This geode has influence over electronics, but there isn't much of that back in Equestria. If we can get the gem there, everyone should be safer.”
“What do you mean by, 'we'?” Rainbow Dash asks Sunset sharply.
Sunset sighs as she looks down. “I hate to admit it, but I might be needed in Equestria to facilitate the healing process of human Cozy.” She looks across the group while placing her right hand on her chest. “I'm the only one who knows a thing or two about Equestrian magic on both sides of our worlds, I have the means to use magic to scan within one's mind, and I've been training these past several months as a clinical psychologist.” She shrugs. “I haven't graduated yet, but it will have to do for now.”
Sunset sighs as she looks down and to her right with regret. “There is a chance I may remain in Equestria so long that I'll have to drop the remainder of my classes for this semester, but it's okay. For Cozy's sake, I'll do anything to help her.” She looks at Princess Twilight. “I hope I can count on your support to help me while in Equestria. To begin with, I'll need food and lodgings while I stay there.”
Princess Twilight waves her off as she declares, “Say no more, Sunset. You are my friend and I'll gladly support you. Plus, as Princess of Equestria, I do have a lot to offer. Besides, Equestria is your original home. You're always welcome to return whenever you like.”
“But ya are coming back eventually, right?” Apple Bloom asks with worry to Sunset.
“Of course!” Sunset assures brightly. “Likely before you know it.” Sunset thumbs behind her at the exit of the waiting room. “Equestria's timeline has slowly been syncing up as of late, but it's not equal yet. Equestria is still moving faster, so my progress should be accelerated there, at least for you guys. I'm the one who's going to have to endure a little extra time apart from you guys, but it's okay. I know I'll return home to you guys, and I'm temporarily leaving for a very good cause.”
Sunset notices human Twilight looking down with worry, so Sunset approaches her and clasps both of Twilight's hands between Sunset’s, then says earnestly, “I'll take care of her, Twilight. Don't you worry. I won't rest until our Cozy's all better.”
Human Twilight smiles at her friend for the sentiment, but says in dispute, “You need to rest every once in a while. You can't help her if you're dead tired!”
Princess Twilight snickers for a bit, then explains, “I said the same thing to Fluttershy many years ago when she was too gung-ho about another pony’s . . . actually, zebra’s health.”
Sunset looks at human Twilight dryly as she rephrases, “Fine, then how about I put it this way? I won't quit the mission until Cozy is well, and I'll do everything in my power to ensure that, including rest if I have to.”
Human Twilight smiles in satisfaction as she replies, “That's better! I like that.”
“You're not coming?” Cozy asks human Twilight with a bit of disappointment. Her human self, after all, had such fond memories with this woman. Cozy is interested to see if she could develop the same relationship with the same woman. That seems tricky to do with someone who has the same face as her enemy, but she is willing to give it a try considering their starting point.
Human Twilight casts a bit of a sigh as she says, “I must admit, a strong part of me wants to, but I have responsibilities in this world and I'm afraid I'd just be in the way in Equestria. Plus, becoming a pony in Equestria is more than mildly unsettling. Not to say there is anything wrong with that, per se,” she quickly assures her pony self, “but it's not who I am.”
Princess Twilight waves her human self off. “Oh, believe me,” she assures with a wave of her hand to her other self and a roll of her eyes, “I know what you mean. I love to be with my friends here, but I must admit I am more comfortable being in my own natural form.”
“And I trust you, Twilight, to take care of my daughter as if she were your own,” human Twilight says to her pony self with a grateful smile.
“Of course!” Princess Twilight agrees completely. “Besides, in a way she is my daughter, so rest assured that I'll do everything in my power as well to help her.” She looks at Sunset. “That said, I do have many responsibilities as well. On the plus side, it means I have a lot of resources to spare for your cause, but one drawback of it is it means my nation will require a great deal of my attention. I'll support you as much as I can, but being there personally is not always a guarantee.”
Sunset nods then says, “I understand, Twilight. Your nation comes first.”
“So do my friends,” Princess Twilight quickly adds. “You're one of them, Sunset. Never forget that.”
“So do you have any idea what's wrong with her?” Diamond Tiara asks with worry. “I mean, any additional information besides something is wrong with this Sombra character?”
Sunset runs the fingers of her right hand tiredly through her hair as she says, “Whatever is wrong with Cozy, I strongly suspect Equestrian magic is involved. That is why this world is ill-equipped to handle this problem.” She returns her hands to her pockets. “I don't want to give any false hope or promises at this time. Right now, all I can tell you is we have an objective. We'll take her to the world that has the proper resources to treat her. When she gets better, and I assure you she will get better, we'll return her back here.”
Diamond looks crestfallen as she says despondently, “I thought you just said you don't want to give us false hope. How can you be sure she will recover?”
“Because I will not give up on her until she does recover!” Sunset promises firmly. “You can count on that!”
A wave of affection brushes through Cozy Glow upon hearing those words which makes her blush. It almost feels as if Sunset is saying that about her.
“I know you will, my friend,” human Twilight says gratefully to Sunset as she approaches to hug the other woman, who gladly hugs her friend in return. In fact, it kind of looks like Sunset is leaning in on Twilight for support since she is so exhausted.
“Um . . . Sunset . . . when did you last sleep?” human Twilight asks her friend in concern.
“It, ah . . . it doesn't matter,” Sunset says as she stands up straight again.
“Like hell it doesn't matter!” Rainbow Dash complains.
“No, really,” Sunset promises as she lifts her hand. “I'll rest as soon as I arrive in Equestria. I promise. Time moves faster there anyway. The main issue here is to get our Cozy and that geode to my homeworld before the latter has a chance to do any more damage to this world.”
There is a knock on the door.
In response, the group looks at the door and then at each other with a questioning look. The room they are standing in is open to the public so nobody needs to knock to gain permission to enter. Even if they did have such authority, why would anyone in this room deny it?
Due to having experience with leadership, Princess Twilight announces, “Ah . . . come in?”
Following that question, the door does indeed open. The first two individuals to step through are some secret-service dressed gentlemen who proceed inside then immediately flank the door. The next middle-aged woman to step through is a good deal more familiar to the group. She is none other than the mayor of this town.
“Mayor Mare!” human Twilight exclaims. “This is a surprise. To what do I owe the honor of this . . .” Twilight trails off when she notices the next occupant who steps in. Like the security guards, this new guy is also wearing a business suit, although it is dark blue instead of black and it has faint white lines trailing down it. He wears a red necktie, same color slack pants, and shiny black shoes. He has salt and pepper hair sleekly combed back, but it rises high up his very wide forehead. On his chin, his beard ends with a sharp goatee.
“Miss Sparkle,” the man says to human Twilight in barely veiled contempt. “How typical to find you here amidst all the magical chaos that runs rampant in our world! I warned you that these contemptible, foul creatures, these . . . ponies . . . are nothing but a menace to human society!”
“Superintendent Neighsay!” the same Twilight exclaims again, but this time in a bad way. “What are you doing here?”
The Superintendent grabs his necktie and adjusts it slightly as he says in contempt, “One would think that should be obvious. Explosions in a public hospital? Electronics inexplicably blinking off and on? Endangering the very lives of our fellow human beings?
“But, of course, you hardly care about such things, do you, Miss Sparkle?”
Human Twilight looks angrier as she says, “Of course I care about the lives of everyone in this building! Why would you think I wouldn't?”
So this is the Neighsay in this world? Cozy thought to herself. Seems like he's just as much of a pompous jerk as he was in our reality.
Cozy's memories from her counterpart about this man aren't too clear, but she is noticing how much he's getting on human Twilight's back and how much he is successfully affecting her in a bad way. Sudden fury starts to build up in Cozy's system, and she had a low opinion of his counterpart to begin with.
“Really?” Neighsay asks as he raises an eyebrow. “How many times have you sided with these foul creatures? You even have one as a FACULTY member of your very SCHOOL!” he rags at Twilight while gesturing to Sunset Shimmer. “I warned you over and over again about their kind, but you didn't listen to me, so,” he gestures to the mayor, “I figured I needed to call in a higher authority as a concerned citizen of Canterlot Heights.”
“My daughter is sick in this hospital at this very moment!” Twilight calls back with a higher voice in anger. “Are you telling me that I'd dismiss her life too?”
“Everyone, please calm down!” Mayor Mare urges while raising both of her hands. “Let's not break into an argument here.”
“But of course,” Neighsay quickly agrees with the mayor. “Your judgment is as wise as you are patient.” His look shifts to a sharp one at the mayor. “But surely you can see my point here, can't you, Madam Mayor? I have brought cases like this to the attention of your office over and over again, and the evidence is piling up, not to mention that that alien creature,” he jabs an accusing point at Princess Twilight, “is proof that these invaders have found an alternative method of entering our world!”
He folds his hands behind his back as he adopts a sudden dignified stance.
“I know for a fact that the statue at Canterlot High is being guarded,” he went on to say. “I have it surrounded by an iron gate and have had cameras aiming at it and around it for several years now. There is no evidence to suggest that these contemptible, satanic creatures have been using it anymore, which only goes to verify my suspicions that the new principal of Canterlot High, Miss Twilight Sparkle, has either built a new portal, or at least redirected the one we know about elsewhere. As long as this security risk is allowed to continue, there shall be no peace in Canterlot Heights from the menacing threats of this foreign land. I promise you this, Madam Mayor!”
“Is this true?” the mayor asks human Twilight. “Have you constructed a new portal? Your background in electronics and engineering is second to none. There is hardly any degree in the field that you apparently lack.”
“Ah . . . well . . .” Twilight squirms nervously. Most of those in the room notice Neighsay raise an eyebrow at her with a smug look of, Well, Miss Sparkle? How do you plead?
Noticing this causes Cozy's anger towards the man to double! Her native Equestrians had the gall to lock her into stone or banish her to Tartarus while jerks like this roam free? There is no justice!
Unless . . .
Cozy Glow suddenly recalls that she still has her counterpart's magical geode gem. Supposedly it has the power to control all electronics in this world. That isn't much of a deal in her world, but here . . . it appears to be the ULTIMATE power! Virtually everything in this world can be affected by this power!
Hungry and sadistic glee twists into Cozy's system. She is quickly deciding how to show just how contemptible ponies could really be!
Until a hand falls on her shoulders. She looks up and behind her to witness Sunset Shimmer giving her a hard look and shaking her head no as if she realizes what Cozy must be thinking. Considering what Sunset's own magical power is, Cozy couldn't put the latter theory away.
Curses! Why are you stopping me? Cozy thought in annoyance about Sunset's deterrent expression to Cozy. I heard you have devices in this world that can compact trash into tiny little squares, and we have a stinking pile of garbage right in front of us!
How dare he talk like that to my mother! I will never forgive him for this!
“Ye . . . yes, Madam Mayor,” human Twilight finally admits as she folds her hands and hangs them down low at the level of her waist. “I have constructed such a portal, Your Honor.”
“And didn't see fit to inform the rest of us,” Neighsay says with a bitter voice. “Here is the proof that Miss Sparkle’s negligent and, dare I say, downright criminal behavior has endangered us all.”
“Excuse me, Madam Mayor, but may I interject?” Princess Twilight requests politely.
“Please do,” the mayor welcomes with a nod. “And you are Princess Twilight Sparkle, correct? You're the pony counterpart of Miss Sparkle here?”
Princess Twilight closes her eyes and lowers her head as she says, “That is correct, Mayor.” She lifts her head and opens her eyes to once again look at the Mayor. “It is true that both my counterpart and I have constructed a new portal to my homeland, but we have also worked tirelessly to shut down any other portal.”
“And we're supposed to take your word for it?” Neighsay asks with skepticism mixed with contempt.
“We can prove it,” pony Twilight offers. “We can show you the devices we built to shut them down, and we can show you where the other portals used to be.”
Mayor Mare raises a hand in objection as she says, “I don't think that will be necessary, but why did you feel it was wise to minimize planar contact between our worlds?”
Cozy notices that Mayor Mare's voice does not sound to have a hint of contempt in it. Instead, her voice and body posture suggests being open. Cozy feels some relief to notice that an individual with authority here seems decently reasonable.
This isn't too surprising for Cozy. Back in her own world, this woman’s pony counterpart retired quite a number of years ago. It's been such a long time since she last saw Mayor Mare running the office of Ponyville, but she seemed pretty decent at it back in the day.
Looking at Diamond Tiara, Cozy realizes that it's quite ironic that the counterpart who replaced Mayor Mare's office back in Ponyville back in her world also happens to be sitting in this very room.
But then Cozy has to account for the time differentials. What has happened in her own world might have a strangely prophetic effect for those in this world who are behind the times.
It sure is amusing for Cozy to think about. It almost feels like having foreknowledge of the future.
“To a point, I think the chancellor is right,” announces pony Twilight.
“Chancellor?” Madam Mare asks with a blink of confusion.
“Ah . . . it's Superintendent in this world, Twilight,” Sunset corrects her friend.
“Oh! Um,” pony Twilight bows to the mayor and the Superintendent both. “Please forgive my rudeness. I had not been informed of your status beforehoof.”
The Mayor chuckles a little and waves pony Twilight off dismissively while saying, “It's okay, Princess. Please continue with your point.”
“Anyway,” Twilight went on while rising from her bow, “we figured that there were some detrimental side effects of magical exposure to your world, so my sister and I,” she nods to her counterpart to indicate whom she speaks of, “both figured it would be wise to limit contact between our two worlds. In accordance with that decision, we tirelessly labored to shut down as many portals as we could discover. By doing this, we felt this would make both of our worlds a safer place.”
“And yet you decided not to inform us about the one portal you had remaining?” Neighsay asks in an accusing tone to human Twilight.
“Yes,” pony Twilight openly admits. “Perhaps that was a mistake, but we didn't want to start a panic or complicate the situation any further. We were both aware that there are some in your world that have some objection to our presence here.”
“Now that is an understatement,” Neighsay agrees with an annoyed roll of his eyes.
“Please, good Sir, I beg for no more interruptions while the Princess is speaking,” Mayor Mare diplomatically requests of Neighsay. “I want to hear her explanation to the fullest before making any decisions about this situation.”
Neighsay sighs in annoyance and casts another roll of his eyes, but then bows to the Mayor as he proclaims, “As you wish, Your Honor.”
Golly! Will that finally shut up his stupid face? Cozy wonders in bitter privacy.
“I beg your pardon, Your Honor,” Sunset Shimmer begins with a very tired expression, “but there is a more pressing situation afoot here.”
“Such as?” the mayor asks Sunset openly with no hint of judgment yet except for a bit of concern in her eyes and in her voice.
“The threat that caused the earlier disturbance in this hospital is not fully settled yet,” Sunset explains. “We have it contained for the moment, but for a safer and more permanent solution, you must excuse me, Cozy here, the Cozy from this world, and Princess Twilight as we return to my homeworld.”
“Is the issue time-sensitive?” the mayor asks in concern.
“I, ah . . .” Sunset pauses as she sighs and visibly shows great fatigue. “. . . I'm honestly not too sure. That's why I want to err on the side of caution and get this bunch back to my homeworld where I feel the Cozy from this world stands a better chance of being cured because I'm convinced that her affliction is magical in nature. I also don't want the situation to escalate or endanger anyone else from this world.
“Please, Your Honor, you must let us go.”
“Your Honor, may I intercede?” Neighsay requests.
“If it is relevant to the situation at hand,” the mayor cautiously permits.
“Indeed it is, Madam Mayor,” Neighsay concurs. “It may surprise you all to hear this, but I actually concur with Miss Shimmer here.”
“You . . . do?” Sunset asks in surprise as she raises an eyebrow at Neighsay.
Neighsay nods subtly as he says, “Indeed. If these fools wish to dispense with our current problem here to another world then I say let them, but in exchange,” he narrows his eyes to give Sunset a hard look, “I request that they be restricted to that world henceforth.”
“What?!” human Twilight exclaims in extreme shock. “That's outrageous! You did catch the part about my daughter being among those to head to that world?”
“Indeed I have,” Neighsay confirms with sickening indifference. “That is precisely why I have suggested this course of action. After all, there is no telling how many alterations she may be afflicted with before her return.”
“But-” human Twilight begins but gets immediately cut off by Neighsay.
“Not to mention this magical affliction!” Neighsay adds harshly. “How can we be sure this condition isn't contagious? We have no doctors prepared for this sort of ailment. If it is not contained forthwith, we could be looking at a wide-spread pandemic on our hands! One of which we'd have no way to treat or prevent!
“Your Majesty,” he speaks directly to Princess Twilight now, “you claim to be concerned for the well being of us humans. Well, this is your chance to prove it. If you can offer us no guarantees that this affliction could or could not be contained, then what would be the kindest, most generous, and safest option for all involved? If you really have any concern for us, then do what is necessary to safeguard everyone present.” He gives a small bow to the princess before adding, “We humbly and eagerly await thy decision.”
You dare to quote the Elements of Harmony in your argument? Cozy thought bitterly. Well played, Sir, but you certainly don't know the first thing about them, do you?
Of course, I'm one to talk. I basically flunked Friendship School because it is a rigged system.
“Of course I'm concerned about everyone involved,” Princess Twilight begins. “It's also true I can offer no guarantees at this time, but that may change later, which is an objective I will tirelessly pursue. If I can verify that the Cozy Glow from this world is free of all afflictions and is not contagious, would you at least consider allowing her to return to her homeworld where she belongs?”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Mayor Mare graciously accepts. “My chief concern is the safety and well-being of everyone in my town. That, of course, includes Cozy Glow.”
“Madam Mayor, I must protest!” Neighsay cries in outrage. “Even if these horrid creatures can somehow cure Cozy Glow of her current affliction, there is no guarantee what else she may bring back with her! How can you expect our immune systems to realistically have any defense in an entirely foreign world?”
“Your objection is noted,” Madam Mayor says back to Neighsay calmly. “I only said I would consider her request. An actual decision will be made later after weighing all the information and options very carefully, and not before. I fully anticipate a full quarantine for her upon her return until we can fully verify that she has no dangerous afflictions. If all those criteria are met, I see no reason not to welcome one of our own back into our town.”
That response quells Neighsay's objection somewhat. He even nods in approval. “Of course, Madam Mayor. A wise decision indeed. I suppose it would be prudent to examine this situation further once we are presented with all the facts, but there is still one more issue I beg you to consider.”
“And what, pray tell, is that?” the mayor asks him calmly.
“Sensitive information may be shared with her during her stay in this foreign world,” Neighsay proposed. “Secrets that may have detrimental effects for our world.”
“She's my daughter and a legal citizen of this country!” human Twilight reminds him firmly. “You have no right to prevent her from returning to her home and the family that loves her!”
Mayor Mare raises a hand and cries out, “Enough! I have heard enough for the time being.” She points at Sunset. “I will discharge you, and anyone you see fit, to help rectify our current crisis, for if there is a present danger to this situation, correcting that should be our top priority for the moment. Be warned, however, that there will be a hearing and investigation to determine the relative safety of your return upon your return, if you return. I just want to err on the side of caution, as you said yourself a few moments ago.”
“Of course, Your Honor,” Sunset accepts with a nod. “Under the circumstances, that seems only fair. I have many friends and family here in this world that I dearly love, and I have no wish to see them in danger. We'll make sure to prove that it is safe for us to return when we return.”
“That is all I ask!” the mayor says with a diplomatic smile.
Neighsay scoffs as he adjusts his necktie again.
Oh shut up, you arrogant jerk! Cozy cried out in her mind at Neighsay.
“So be it,” Neighsay accepts stiffly. “Be that as it may, we'll look forward to your safe return, if you return. In the meantime, deal with this crisis however you see fit, as long as it does not endanger humanity any further.
“However,” he points at Princess Twilight accusingly, “know that the matter of the remaining portal is not settled, Your Majesty, for its very existence is a threat to all mankind. Even if your intentions are benign, and I'm willing to possibly give you the benefit of the doubt on that one, you cannot deny that the threat of these portals has marked a clear and present danger to our world on multiple occasions in the past. If you insist on not shutting it down, would you at least entertain the possibility of us increasing security measures on our side of the portal?” He bows to her slightly. “For the well-being of all involved, of course.”
“Of course,” Princess Twilight accepts. “I only speak for the citizens of my own country. You all may do as you wish on your side.”
“Excellent!” Neighsay agrees with a devious smile. “Then we have an accord.
“And with that in mind, ladies,” he says to them all with a final bow, “I bid you adieu and be well. May whatever higher powers you believe in provide you safety and guidance for your journey.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Princess Twilight kindly accepts.
With that, Neighsay departs.
Mayor Mare adjusts the speckles clipped to her nose for a second as she looks at Sunset Shimmer and says, “For what it's worth, know that I'll be rooting for you and your safe return with Cozy Glow. When you find a way to solve this predicament, we'll eagerly await to welcome you home once again, and regardless of where you were born and raised from . . . this is your home now.”
“Thank you,” Sunset accepts gratefully.
“Madam Mayor,” Diamond Tiara begins as she stands up from her seat.
“Yes?” the mayor acknowledges as she looks at the elder teenager.
“I, um . . .” Tears are in her eyes. She is clearly struggling with some emotion, but she swallows it down before proceeding. “Thank you for permitting my sister to leave to get the help she needs and come back. She means a lot to us.”
“To all of us,” Sweetie Belle chimes in as she stands up from her seat.
“Darn tootin’! They speak for all of us,” Apple Bloom agrees as she stands up.
“Yeah! What they said!” Scootaloo agrees as she also stands up. “We may have had our differences in the past, but I want to make sure she has a chance to make it up to us.”
Silver Spoon just wordlessly stands up, non-verbally revealing her support for the rest of her friends.
Seeing this, Cozy Glow feels touched, which starts to bring a few tears to her own eyes. She remembers many fond memories with all these girls that her counterpart had experienced then later shared with her. In a very odd way, it feels like she is leaving her home, too.
“Of course, girls. I'm glad I could help. That is the role of a public servant,” Mayor Mare says with a calm smile. “Maybe you all will remember this upon our next election.”
“We will!” Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo amusingly and eerily all say simultaneously.
Cozy recalls that their pony counterparts do that, too, with uncanny frequency if the three of them are together.
“Come on, Honey,” Cozy's mother says to her as she reaches a hand out to her. “Let's go home.”
“Yeah,” Cozy agrees as she turns away from the others so they do not see the wet glint in her eyes. “Home.”