//------------------------------//
// Cosmo & Burdening Tails 
// Story: AMWDW: Tails & Protecting Cosmo 
// by RockStarMLP 
//------------------------------//

It was another lovely afternoon in Ponyville, the sun shining brightly as ponies carried on with their business in whimsy. They greeted one-another with cheerful smiles and waving hooves, with the exception of a sky blue pegasus who caught sight of the Lord of Chaos himself, Discord, and she kept flying after him calling out a name. "Senpai! Let's go and hang, Senpai!" Those who saw that only turned away and left the matter in the capable hooves of resident princess, Twilight Sparkle, and some extra assistance from an iconic two-tailed fox.

While that happened, several others did recognize another certain being, a bipedal young woman walking the streets to find a certain citizen of Ponyville. Anypony who recognized her called out her name and said "Good to see you!" and "Congratulations!" The young lady greeted each pony and thanked them as she walked along, making her way to a certain building her beloved had mentioned about a couple months ago. Her search was accomplished as she found the building, and an open door with Starlight Glimmer walking out smiling.


/)∞(\


Dr. Wolf was going over the notes of his most recent session with Starlight Glimmer, comparing today's with that of her first session last week. It was at the request of Princess Twilight for her new pupil to see Ponyville's top psychiatrist, especially after the Tirek battle in the Crystal Empire several weeks ago. Dr. Wolf kindly offered his services, and so far his sessions with his newest patient was proving very well. She openly identified her issues and explained how some things bothered her and what other things were worse, and between the two perspectives they were making a good headway to help better herself.

This was how most appointments went for Equestria's sole canine psychiatrist. Then again, the reputation of Dr. Wolf was quick to spread after rumors of the Elements of Harmony and Miles Prower visiting his office passed along. It wasn't his place to confirm or deny such happenings, but when his patients had openly confirmed it to be true, he garnered quite the recognition. Just about everypony who felt the need to seek his help had started coming to him, including couples and families.

Yes, it was quite a demand on his part, and his schedule had always kept his workload full. He didn't mind, however, as he always enjoyed lending a listening ear and providing helpful advice. He enjoyed his work, he had many friends, and his lovely lady wolf to come home to. Many can say Dr. Wolf was a workaholic, but they couldn't argue against how happy he was.

When the Doctor was done comparing his notes for Starlight, he got up from his seat and went to his desk. He opened his drawer full of files with all his notes for each of his patients. "Well that covers what I can for Starlight today," he said, thinking aloud to himself. After storing his notes, his digits trekked through the upper lining of the dividers in search. "There is more time to spare than I anticipated, so I suppose it's a good time to double-check the notes for the rest of my day."

His search was short as he found the first folder he needed. It contained the information taken regarding a well-known stallion who was trying to handle things with his 'celebrity' status, and his behavior when out in the Badlands. Before the folder could be opened, there were three knocks at the door, much to the Doctor's surprise. It took only a second to realize that the color chart in the main lobby most likely had the green tag next to his name still. No matter, he thought, and he called out to his new visitor.

"Come in," he said, setting the closed folder down on his desk. The door opened and who was on the other side entered. When Dr. Wolf saw who had entered, he noticed this wasn't a pony from Ponyville, or even a creature from Equestria. The being was a young female adult, bipedal and standing tall enough to be another head's height above Twilight Sparkle. She had blue eyes and whitish skin, no fur other than the grassy green hair flowing down from her head, and wearing a green and white long skirt with a colorful gem on the chest. What stood out the most was the pair of pink, blooming roses atop of her head, just above where some can guess her ears were. 

With all the patients he's had in his office, Dr. Wolf wouldn't question what exactly had entered, but he did not need to guess who this was. He, along with all of Equestria, was far too familiar to who this interdimensional warrior and peace-bringer was, hailed as an icon, a heroine, and a dear friend to the Elements of Harmony and the Sparkle family. Then again, it's not hard for anypony to miss the sight of Mrs. Cosmo Prower.

"Hello, Doctor," Cosmo greeted, "it's nice to see you."

"Ah, Miss Cosmo," Dr. Wolf replied. "Oh, pardon me, I suppose Mrs. Prower would be more appropriate."

Cosmo giggled, raising her left hand up to her chin and unintentionally showing off her wedding ring. "It's quite alright. I'm still getting used to the new name."

"So what may I ask brings you to my office today? I assumed you and your husband were still busy with the Team JAG Band's concert festivals currently going on."

"Yes, JAGFest is still going on, but it's more flexed out this year than last time. There's a week-long break between each show, and this week we're vacationing in Equestria before the show tomorrow night," Cosmo replied, and then stepped up closer to the curious canine. "I was taking a walk when I ran into Starlight outside. After she told me you were here, I wanted to stop in and thank you for your help. I didn't get the chance to properly do so at the wedding."

Dr. Wolf smiled. "That's very kind of you, Mrs. Prower, but I-"

"Please, Doctor, call me Cosmo."

"Very well, Cosmo. As I was saying, there's no need to thank me. I'm just happy to provide my assistance to anyone who asks for it. If anything I should thank you and Tails again for inviting my lady and myself to attend your special day."

"Then I guess we're mutually agreeable on not needing thanks from others," mused the Seedrian. She recalled her beloved asking about inviting a few last second attendees to their wedding, and the small panic it put Amy and Twilight in organizing that at the last second. From what Tails had explained, it was his way for thanking Dr. Wolf for his services, especially since Tails didn't have the bits to pay back then. 

"Personally, I do owe you gratitude for your help, even if it was only once. Tails had been watching his behavior when working with others and protecting me." Cosmo's grateful demeanor all of a sudden turned to remorse as she added "It means a lot to know my burdening doesn't stress him out too much anymore."

The Doctor raised an eyebrow in confusion about what she said. "Your burdening? Do you mean your husband's concern for your safety?"

"Well, no," she replied hesitantly. "It's more of me providing him with..." She paused, her hesitance becoming too great to control.

"Cosmo, is there something on your mind?" Dr. Wolf asked. "Is it something you wouldn't mind talking about?"

"Wha-do I-no, no," Cosmo stuttered as she broke out from her trance. "I couldn't intrude like Tails. He was lucky you had free time and I'm here-" She stopped. At the sight of the Doctor raising a paw.

"You are no intrusion at all. I have plenty of time to lend a listening ear before my next appointment arrives. If you'd like to talk, please make yourself comfortable and I'll be happy to listen."

Dr. Wolf motioned a paw towards his couch. When she saw it, Cosmo couldn't help but recognize its structure and design as a near splitting image to Rarity's 'infamous' fainting couch. She thought about the offer, talking about a matter that was in her life for several years with a professional. It wasn't an idea she was against, but there was never a presented opportunity until now. She threw the idea back and forth in her mind a couple times before forfeiting to taking up the offer.

"Alright," she said with a nod, "I suppose talking about it would be nice."

"Then by all means, tell me what's bothering you," Dr. Wolf said, and he walked over to his chair and took a seat. Cosmo followed suit, walking over and finding a comfortable seat, sitting upright on the couch on the edge. When she saw him sitting in his seat, a pen and notepad in his paws and ready to help, she took a deep breath and started things off.

"I've had this feeling of burden for a long time, going far back to when I first met Tails and my friends on Mobius. When we were fighting the Metarex, I would often cause some sort of accident or make a foolish decision that would endanger myself, or worst of all everybody. They would have to rescue me time and time again, but no one was or is as protective to me as Tails is for me. He's gone up against impossible odds and risking himself to protect me. It's one of the main reasons I love him so much, watching himself put himself in deadly situations to protect those who can't protect themselves, especially for me. I know it sounds selfish, but having him care for me that much compared to anyone else made me feel special."

"There's nothing selfish about that, Cosmo," Dr. Wolf said. "It's quite obvious that Tails has always cared so much about you. Any couple that loves each other devotes all their care and respect for one-another."

"I know, and as I said it's one of the reasons I fell in love with him. Whenever I've needed help, any moment when I'm in danger, Tails fights his way to me and protects me. But there are times... times when it's not the fault of an enemy or action that causes me to be in danger. There have been instances that I put myself in that position, or our enemies know how to use me to get to Tails or the others. 

"I... feel like a target sometimes. I feel like a target to hurt Tails because I'm not strong enough to protect myself. That makes me feel like I'm a burden."

"I see," replied the Doctor. "You said that you've felt this way for many years, but I couldn't imagine being the first to hear about this. I can assume Tails and your friends are aware of your feelings, correct?"

Cosmo answered with a nod and said "Since I first met everybody, really."

"And it's clear to see that your friends support you and for your well-being, if my known history of your past is correct. Doesn't the support from those closest to you help take this burden and put it behind you? Isn't it true that your friends put themselves in the same risk as you do if not more often, especially your husband?"

"It helps... sometimes," she confessed, "but watching them on the battlefield doesn't help. My friends have had much more experience fighting their enemies, spending years fighting Dr. Eggman before the Metarex, and because of that they handle themselves a lot better. Tails wasn't much for going on the front lines with them, not without being armed with one of his inventions or ships. He didn't really start doing that until he met me, and he'd put himself in harm's way to keep me safe. Sometimes I fight alongside him, but my role is small compared to what he does with his capabilities. He's grown so much stronger since he met me. He reminds me of that whenever I express my burdening feelings."

Dr. Wolf was taking brief notes on his notepad as she explained herself. He kept his writing brief, jotting down key words that described her situation and/or related emotions. A small star was added next to what he could connect with Tails's notes and work something off of his session. Normally he would have couples come in together to see him, but in the case of Tails and. Cosmo, he wanted to research what he could to help them more as one item. Whether or not they come in at the same time was only an assumption for the time being.

He set his pen down and addressed his patient. "Cosmo, the fact that you're willing to put yourself in such dangerous situations for the best of others is the most selfless act of kindness anyone could ask for. For that, I commend you on being such a caring person to Equestria and the many world's beyond."

"Thank you," she replied.

"However," he continued, "you denounce your actions as a negative while your friends are more than willing to do the same, if not more than your efforts. Your husband sees that, and I believe it is safe to say that, and he doesn't worry about the outcome of your positive efforts. From how I see it, it's the returning actions of your enemies that cause you to feel like a burden, as they are your response to your positive actions. The fact that you all continue to put your best foot forward and fight on after all this time is commendable and honorable.

"But the main problem sounds as if you putting in your efforts doesn't have the same positive reward as Tails and your friends. Not every effort, even here in Equestria, results with the best intentions. You all put your very lives on the line for the same goal, so for yourself and yourself alone, what makes your efforts more of a burden compared to anyone?"

"Because I want my family!" Cosmo exclaimed, her once reserved state no longer present. "I want to spend my life enjoying time with my friends and relatives! I want to wake up next to the man I love every morning for as long as we'll live together! I want to have a family with Tails! I want to watch our lives grow stronger like he does! I want to be strong like him and help create a beautiful future for us together! I DON'T want him to keep watching me nearly, if not actually, die again! I don't want to die again!"

Cosmo tried to fight the overwhelming sadness within her, but that effort failed as she began to whimper. She bowed her head, let tears flow from her eyes and covered her mouth with one of her hands. The fear she expressed was finding a way out, and she had to let it flow through rather than keep it in.

As he watched his patient's sad state continue, Dr. Wolf got up and went back to his desk. A fresh box of tissues sat on top, so he grabbed that and walked it over to his patient. He set it next to her, and then grabbed a tissue to hand to her. "It is understandable what you fear, Cosmo," he said, handing the tissue off and returning to his seat. "You wish what happiness you desire like any other who has found lifelong love and meaning, but there's still a matter I believe you keep failing to see."

After a brief pause to allow Cosmo to control herself, he continued with "Like your husband and your friends, you continue down a similar stride for peace and cooperation between worlds of all different types. You are willing to risk your lives to do that when the time calls for it, but not every confrontation requires power. Where your reasons for being on front lines is clear, I know for a fact that you accelerate in other areas on your quest for peace. You have a tendency to find a connection and develop a friendly relationship with just about every new world you come in contact with, and the same goes for Tails as well. In my perspective, that is a far greater ability to have than possess incredible skills of strength and powers of magic and energy. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I... I suppose so," she replied, calming herself and using the tissue to dry the tears off her face. "Forgive my honesty, Doctor, but I was already told that from many others before."

"Does that help your feeling of burden to dissipate?"

Cosmo shook her head. "It's a compliment I've always been grateful to receive, but it doesn't change that feeling deep down. Since the Metarex War, I've always tried to be like Tails and the others to help create a life for everybody the best it could be. Unfortunately, my determination is taking over by stubbornness and I'll let myself be put in jeopardy more than anyone else. Back then, I believed I found my purpose, and I always try to follow that path along with the wonderful life I've been blessed with."

"Hmmm..." Dr. Wolf hummed, pondering the right direction to go towards. Cosmo left the door open for him to ask for more clarity on her feelings, but like any other patient of his, was it worth the chance yet? He knew the vague details, but was asking for more history the best idea? It wasn't his favorite option. However, in his line of work, Dr. Wolf knew that asking tough questions was both a last resort when needed, and the important step forward for any patient.

"Cosmo, would you be willing to tell me about when you found your then-discovered purpose? Would talking about one of your instances regarding your behavior help find a defense against your burden?"

Cosmo took her turn to contemplate. Stories such as that were never easy to tell, but now was a time where talking about it was more than informational: it would possibly be helpful. The most obvious option - the most painful one - was the strongest to support herself, but then a thought came to her. She thought of another event. The most recent event to take place, the battle in the Crystal Empire, could be somewhat helpful if not just as important. Would the resurfacing heartache be worth it in the long run? Tails wasn't there to help be supportive, but deep down she knew he couldn't always be there to support Cosmo, much to her dislike.

"Well..." Her decision was difficult, but in order for the psychologist to help her, there was really one option. Cosmo sighed, sounding defeated, and then said "Alright, perhaps that could help. There's actually two instances I'd want to talk about, if that's fine with you."

The Doctor smiled kindly. "Of course, whatever you're most comfortable with. Which one would you like to start with?"

"The last day of the Metarex War, the first time I died..."


/)∞(\


Cosmo told Dr. Wolf her entire story of the day the Metarex War ended. The Meatrex's revealed plans, the battle to stop the galactic forestation process, Dark Oak's last resort, everything that led to her final moments: her realization of her purpose, her transformation and act of martyr, Tails's heartache, the near salvation to her sacrifice, and lastly Galvatron's appearance. It wasn't like how she and Tails showed their Ponyville friends their past and more like how the tale was told to the Princesses and the Cutie Mark Crusaders during the Equestria Games. There were a couple moments where she had to pause for collection, but it was the end of the story where she started to cry. It hurt, and it hurt so badly, even after over a decade having gone by since that day. Fortunately for her, the Doctor was very patient and allowed her time to get the heartache out. She only hoped that somewhere out in Ponyville, her husband didn't sense her pain.

When she calmed down some, Dr. Wolf asked of how Tails and their friends fixed the damage from that day. Cosmo explained how the Team JAG Band came together and held the Revival concert, and reiterated what her beloved explained to her regarding the collected energy and channeling it through Chaos Revival. She also touched on how the Band's concerts and efforts throughout the years benefitted the worlds and dimensions they had visited. Focusing on the positive aftermath was good for the Doctor to hear, and for the Seedrian to reflect on.

The whole subject of Revival had a double benefit. For Dr. Wolf, it was expanding his understanding on just what Team JAG and their namesake musical project's overall meaning to exist: to be helping others. The organized coalition of heroes fought for prosperous opportunities across dimensions, and the Band would bring beings together for a common reason while giving the performers a fun form to relax to, and help promote the music industry to boot. Not only that, but how energy is built and recycled with each show amazed him. People and planets would rejuvenate watching several friends mimic musicians from different places as they pretend to be rock stars, a label that Equestria has done more than identify them as. It was all incredible, and the Doctor continue to be amazed at Team JAG's nearly infinite endeavors.

As for Cosmo, her benefit came at recalling just what treasures she had in life. Because of the friendships she made during the Metarex War, the Seedrian race was given a second chance to thrive for nothing but to right the wrongs of the Metarex. Thanks to the Master Four and everyone connected to the Band, she had the opportunities to visit and explore different worlds and see peace and sanctuary tie them all together like one of Rarity's glorious fashion lines. Thanks to everyone that made Team Sonic, mostly so from Tails, they helped her have a family again.

Thanks to them, she wouldn't be sitting there alive and well. Thanks to Tails, she wouldn't be happy at all. Unfortunately, the reminder of where exactly she was brought up her feeling of burden again. She tried to mask it and not look as bad as she allowed herself to express earlier, but the canine across the room could read her like an open book.

"I have to admit, your friends' feats are very impressive," Dr. Wolf said. "To accomplish such things with only sheer will power and to help someone else speaks volumes for what Team JAG is capable of when world's work together. Of course for you and your husband, their help to reunite you both is a priceless gift."

Cosmo grinned and nodded. "It is. My life wouldn't be if it wasn't for everyone, especially Tails. He made me feel special, and accepted into a species my people fought against so long ago." Her grinning face wiltered away as she added "If only so many battles didn't involve me, maybe things could be easier for him. That way he wouldn't have to worry about my safety, even if I'm trying to help others."

"Hmmm..." Dr. Wolf pondered aloud for the some-teenth time, thinking about Cosmo's last statement. "You said there was another instance regarding you feeling like a burden. What is entailed in this other event that differs from that final day of your war with the Metarex?"

The Seedrian took no long breath to answer him. "It was Tirek's attack on the Crystal Empire."

"Oh." A shocked expression crossed the Doctor's face. He had heard in news pressings and announcements by the Princesses how the battle was straining, but he wasn't a fool. He knew that it was multiple times worse than Tirek's previous fight between Twilight Sparkle, the Elements of Harmony, and Team JAG's finest. He had heard rumors throughout Ponyville, and the truth from the eyes of patients that were there that day, telling him of times where bones broke, anger unleashed, even fatalities. The latter was heard about, but never detailed to him. In all reality, he had no idea what to expect or what consequences were the battle's results.

Above all else, he saw the discomfort Cosmo had to even start talking again. Clearly if this was something bothering her as much as her first story, it would not be easy to revisit. With that in mind, the Doctor eased himself by putting on a kind smile and gave his patient one friendly reminder. "If you're not comfortable to talk about this, Cosmo, I will not press the issue. I am here to help, not force anything out of you."

His patient shook her head side to side, and then replied "It's alright. I'm willing to talk about this." With another long inhale and longer exhale, she relaxed herself as much as she could. She began from the moment the battle commenced, when Tirek had reached his destination.

"Tirek made his way through Equestria and reached the Crystal Empire, immediately aiming for the kingdom's castle. We waited until we got the signal to launch the counterstrike, and Sonic and Tails led the charge. I was with Amy, and my mission was ground defense at the castle. As we flew over, I saw Tirek's army fighting against my friends. Changelings were knocked down and out of the sky, but more kept swarming in. We were lucky to have cleared the citizens before they all arrived. I watched Tirek destroy homes by just stepping on them. Tails worked to fight him with the Master Four while everyone else focused on the army, and Chrysalis and Sombra.

Amy got me close enough to jump and float down near the Crystal Heart. That's where I found most of the ponies holding back the front lines. Starlight Glimmer and Sunbrust were working with Shining Armor and Cadance to create a powerful shield around the castle, and they even got to use the power of the Crystal Heart. They saw me coming and opened it enough for me to enter and closed it back up. Sadly, our enemies were too cunning, and Sombra used his power to turn himself and portions of soldiers into smoke, find crevices in the ground and emerge within the shield.

"I didn't question the danger of fighting. I ran after them inside the castle with Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. We all knew Twilight was still inside, as well as Celestia and Luna. Nyx, the CMC and Flurry Heart were all in there, a few of the last ponies Tirek didn't siphon magic from. There was already enough damage by him, and he had his sights for Twilight and Nyx... and Tails and I."

Dr. Wolf nodded in understanding, jotting down some notes as he did. He didn't need to mention what Tirek's mission would be to go after those four specifically. Each of them had a hand and hoof in his previous defeat, and revenge was his goal the Princesses addressed the citizens about.

"We raced as fast as we could getting to Twilight and the kids,". Cosmo continued. "The Changelings chased us if not getting ahead of us, so we had to fight our way there. I've seen my friends fight before, but I've never seen Fluttershy lose her temper like that day. She gave them a Stare that could paralyze Shadow when livid," she mused.

"Rainbow Dash and I made it to where the others were, but we couldn't beat Sombra. From what I could understand, Tirek made him stronger than before, and Twilight and Nyx's shield magic was starting to falter. Dash tried distracting Sombra as I used my Keyblade's magic to enhance the shield, and so far, it was working. But we were tricked. Sombra was actually Chrysalis in disguise and the others were her Changelings, and we were caught off guard so much that Rainbow Dash was struck down by her wing. I did what I could to shield us and run, but by then we were surprised again when an explosion blew a hole through the wall.

"They were in the room next door. We were one room off. We saw through there Twilight and the kids cornered by the real Sombra, and beyond that a hole leading outside with Tirek not far in distance. Megatron and Dark Oak were there as well, fighting on our side and trying to hold the monster back with their own army of Decepticons and Metarex soldiers. Tirek, however, pushed them aside like they were nothing. He eyed the fillies, and they began to grow fearful and cry, but Twilight kept a brave face and stood in front of them. That's when... when..." Cosmo paused for a moment, approaching the worst part of the day for her.

"Tails got between everypony and Tirek, charging at him with all his might and landing a few hits. It was just the distraction for us as Jason and Shadow charged in to fight Sombra and Chrysalis, so we tried to use that advantage to run off. But we didn't make it anywhere, not when I stopped frozen hearing the man I love scream in pain. Tirek had him crushed in his hands, and then he threw Tails down and into the ground. I panicked, again. I saw him in pain and was scared how badly hurt he was. It was that moment of fear that caused everybody I was with to become trapped in Tirek's magic, all of us being drug out to him against our will.

"When we got back outside, he was grinning maliciously saying he was finally close to having his revenge. The moment we were brought out of the castle, however, my friends already fighting managed to strike him from behind, and that caused him to lose focus and drop us from his magic. Tails had recovered enough to help catch me and Rainbow Dash, and Twilight got everypony else down with her magic. But the moment Tirek regained his focus, he focused on Tails and forcefully levitated him up and steal Tails's magic. Twilight and I reacted immediately, her flying us up to try and save him. I told her to throw me up at Tails and she shot me up with her magic, and I used all my might to knock. Tails away and force Tirek's focus on me..."

Cosmo had to pause another time, having to take a deep breath as her eyes became misty with tears. "Tirek's focus changed onto me, and he absorbed my energy right out of me. It wasn't like before when he absorbed only a pony's magic; he took my magic, my life force, everything he could steal from me he did. Everything turned cold, and my vision became hazy. I felt like I was losing my life again! Twilight tried to save me by flying in front of me, but that monster blasted us with his magic! She slammed into me and took most of the attack, and we smashed against the castle and then dropped hard onto the ground! I threw myself between my love and that monster and felt as if I died again! I burdened Tails with my recklessness again!"

Cosmo became overcome with sobbing, her head bowed and hands covering her eyes. Her pain, fear, and regret took over for the second time, and her soul couldn't hold it in again. For several seconds, all there was was her letting the pain out to the point she could regain control. Her breathing became out of rhythm as she choked on her sobs, coughing to let the choke get out. When she lowered her hands, her eyes fixated on her left hand, staring at the engagement ring and wedding band on the ring finger. It was the second most beautiful sight for her eyes to see, but it didn't help ease her.

"I throw myself in harm's way so often... so damn often," she sobbed, using language she would never use at all. "What kind of wife am I for Tails if I risk of him losing me again? It's not fair for him. It's not fair for us."

A small moment of silent passed, just long enough for the Doctor to speak up. "It's very clear that you are a caring heart-driven wife, Cosmo. Your dedication to risk your own well-being for his is proof of that, and the love you have for each other has become, if I say, legendary because of just how far you two push yourselves to go. Not to mention that such dedication, with its consequences, hasn't separated you both again as you are here in my office. With that said, your efforts are proven not in vain. Wouldn't you agree with that, Cosmo?"

"Well... yes," she replied. "When I was out, Tails and the others kept fighting. They kept fighting Tirek until some of the stolen magic was taken out of him. Tails fought harder than anyone else combined, but... but he wasn't entirely there. A dark side of him was unleashed when I was attacked, a side that was believed to be a consequence from using the Chaos Emeralds. His power was amplified through his anger, but his mind only focused on killing Tirek...

"My Tails wanted to kill. He even fought Sonic and the others just to attack Tirek. My recklessness put him in a blind rage that nearly hurt my friends. I couldn't see or speak to him, but somehow I could feel him, and he could feel me. Our hearts have a special connection only a very few have, and only when I finally broke through did he reel himself back. From that point, I reawakened and Tails turned his negative energy into a new ascended state. With his new power, use of Chaos Control and the power of the Elements, Tirek was taken care of once and for all."

Dr. Wolf listened carefully as he wrote down more notes on his notepad. When she had stopped, he continued to write as he said "I can recall the Princesses stating that your husband and yourself worked with the Elements of Harmony in order to claim victory during your battle. Didn't you also help Twilight and the others during the climax, or was your role more on the lines of moral support."

"No, I didn't-" Cosmo found herself having to pause, recalling the events of the battle's end in more detail. "Well, I did give home my Keyblade to use, and I gave him strength through the connection we have."

"So you supported him with the love you have for him?"

"Well, essentially, yes."

"Then I think you're missing the most vital reason why your burden should have no weight to it," he said, setting his notebook down and putting his focus towards his patient. "Your bond, Cosmo, is one that Tails and yourself have proven to care about more than anything else in all the years you have been together. Through that you have both grown in strength and maturity, and you value sharing yourselves to each other in order to achieve that. What you both do to better those around you is a result of you watching each other grow and what you see your spouse do. Tails puts himself on the front lines as a warrior and tactician in order to give others a better chance for survival, and right behind him is you, providing him with your faith and moral support that encourages him, along with your willingness to follow him into danger and do what he does to your greatest extent.

"From my perspective, the burden that you hold onto is derived from the fact that your actions that follow his doesn't always measure up in the battlefield, at least in terms of combat. However, that does not make you any weaker. You are a passionate and caring woman, Cosmo, someone who is willing to put her complete faith into those who you believe them and encourage to do better in whatever ways they specialize in. It doesn't matter if you're a weaker fighter compared to others. What matters most, especially to Tails, is that you believe in him. You believe in him more than every being in every other universe put together, and in turn he believes in you because you give him something no one else can provide: the love of his life, or in your case, his wife.

"A burden is seen as weighing down the best what one can provide to anyone and anything, and you are anything but a burden to those in your life. You constantly support your friends and their endeavors, and the fact that you and Tails are married is symbolic proof that he reciprocates that support to you more than anyone else can receive. Yes, you have faced the darkest of days and suffered degrees of pain no one would wish on even their most hated enemies, but you overcame them. You overcame them together, and again, your bond proves that.

"So don't confuse your burden with your role in the lives of others, because you leave a greater impact as who you are than as a target. Continue what you do because you provide the greatest strength to those who needed most, and show that in return at their greatest lengths. Does that make sense to you, Mrs. Prower?"

Cosmo took his words in deeply. All of his points were valid and how he described her did make sense to her. She did have a purpose of helping her beloved in some of the toughest challenges, but her role, as much as she already knew, did have greater purpose outside of combat.

"Yes," she said in return, "yes it does. I've always known I wouldn't be able to compare my strength as a fighter to Tails or many of my friends. Even with the training I've received from my friends, I always had an uneasy feeling of fighting. Fighting can lead to tragedies and heartache, and after experiencing everything with the Metarex I never want to see it happen again. I've kept the belief that plants and animals could live in peace in our galaxy, but after meeting Tails and Team JAG I wanted to see all sentient creatures live together in peace.

"I still plan to support everyone in any way I can, and I will be there for Tails however he needs me. It's like you said, I can still provide them with my help through my own abilities, but now I need to focus harder at how much assistance certain circumstances can limit me to. There's never going to be a day I will fight like a Saiyan, strategize tactics for a military, or even slay an enemy with a weapon. That's simply not me, nor is it what I believe in. However, I'm still going to be there when I'm needed, even if it's more limited.

"In fact," she continued, her mind recalling a certain career path, "I suppose I've already started that after all."

"Oh? How so exactly?" Dr. Wolf asked.

"Well, one of my friends is a diplomat along being a crime fighter," explained the Seedrian. "She negotiates and forges working relationships with many people from her world and beyond, and that inspired me to do the same. My mother is the leader of the Seedrian race and I've been shadowing her for some time now. She has been teaching me everything she knows about representing herself and her people, including how to find peace between races and planets across the galaxy and beyond. One day I hope to be just like her and find ways to bring peace to all different beings of all the different dimensions. It won't happen all at once, but I'm still willing to try and help others have what I gained with my friends."

The Doctor grinned as she explained her idea. He could already tell that the problems she was facing did have a good chance for resolve. "Well, Cosmo, it seems that you have a goal to meet that will help you in more ways than you intend. I'm sure your husband will support your endeavors just as much as you do for him."

Cosmo nodded and replied "Oh he does so much already. He comes with me whenever he can and tries to offer suggestions from time to time. When I first told him my idea, the first thing he said was that there'd be nobody better in Team JAG to accomplish interdimensional peace. Even to this day, he'll ask me about what I'm experiencing and listen to every little thing I say, and I've only been doing this since I met everypony here in. Equestria. He always put me before anything else and it means everything to me."

"Then it looks like you'll be starting down the right path, Cosmo. With such an admirable goal and the support of those surrounding you, I have a good feeling that your feelings of burden will dissipate before you know it."

"I hope so. I never want to feel like I'm more harm than good to my husband again. He means everything to me, and if he can better himself for me, I will do the same for him." Cosmo stood up from her seat and walked up to where the canine sat in his chair. She gave him a polite bow and said "Thank you, Dr. Wolf. Your helpful guidance will allow me to hopefully better myself in the future."

The Doctor stood out of his seat as well, leaving his notepad and pen sitting on his seat. "I'm glad I could be of service. If there's any a time you'd like to talk about things further, I'm always available for another discussion."

"I'll keep that in mind," she responded thoughtfully. She then reached inside her dress where an inner pocket was hidden, pulling out a small collection of bits she was given a few days ago upon her and her friends' arrival. "Here we go. This should cover the appointment, at least I hope so."

The Doctor eyed the bits handed over to him. What she had was indeed the right amount for any other regular appointment. However, this was an impromptu session, and unfortunately he was part of a psychology union that had certain bylaws for their practices, including increased pay for unscheduled sessions. But there was nopony else like Dr. Wolf, who gives more than just his professional services.

He held his paw up as if shielding her bits away from him and said "There's no need to worry about payment, Cosmo. I allowed your husband a free session when he was in my office, and I'm more than happy to grant you the same. Consider it my sign of gratitude for allowing my lady and I to attend your wonderful wedding."

Cosmo looked at him surprised. "Oh, I couldn't let you do that. Are you sure?"

"I am," he replied happily.

The Seedrian's smile grew as she took her handful of bits and returned them to her pocket. "Thank you very much, Doctor," she told him, "but I would still like to repay you somehow. Tails and I are having dinner with some friends out in town this evening. We'd be happy for you and your wife to join us."

"I'll keep that in mind," said the good doctor. He was planning to take lunch after his next session at home anyway, so having the chance to ask his lovely Lady Wolf was better done sooner rather than later. "Take care of yourself, Cosmo, and enjoy the rest of your vacation here."

"I will, and you take care as well, Doctor," replied the Seedrian. She then made her way to the door and began to let herself out. Before she could exit, she found herself in a pause after a thought came to mind. "Dr. Wolf?"

The Doctor, who had been turning to walk towards his desk, turned back around to face her. "Yes?"

"A few days before Tirek's attack, Tails and I were talking about our wedding decisions. Of all beings to appear, Megatron managed to sneak up and overhear us. He asked about what purpose our wedding had, and Tails said how it was our greatest promise to be together forever. He looked at us blankly for a moment, and then he told us 'I can see that. You've proven that all the time. I know you two will be the key to victory.' Next thing I know, he asked for Tails's help in improving some of his programming and offered to provide me a trip home. Tails agreed, and Megatron used his technology to transport me from Team JAG Headquarters to our home on Mobius."

Cosmo then faced the Doctor again, this time her eyes lined with happier tears and a gentle smile. "You are an excellent person, Dr. Wolf, and that moment with Tails proves it. Thank you for all you do for everyone, and everypony."

Dr. Wolf smiled kindly and replied "You're welcome, Mrs. Prower. I'll see you and Miles this evening."

And with that, Cosmo made her departure as she stepped out and closed the door behind her. The moment he heard the door click itself shut, the canine psychologist raised one of his paws to his chest, taking in a deep calm breath. As he exhaled, the paw gestured out in front of him, reaching full extent as the deep breath ended. Looking towards a direction adjacent to him, as if there was an unseen audience to talk to, he smiled joyously and said what he always does after working his profession with a soothing and content voice:

"It's good to be helping."