Taking place after the events of "The Ending of the End, Pt. 2," this story follows the life of Knox, the janitor at the School of Friendship, as he deals with the emotional and psychological aftermath of an extremely traumatic experience involving the events of "School Raze." With help from some new friends, he might be able to finally overcome his past mistakes, or perhaps the past is destined to repeat itself...
Note: There is now an alternate version of this story, called The Night Janitor: NEGATIVE Edition. In it, Knox turns to evil after Cozy's second defeat. How does Knox plan to get his revenge? What role do other characters have in this story? Will he succeed? Find out in The Night Janitor: NEGATIVE Edition!
Chapters (51)
How interesting. Ponies who go unnoticed can be just as, if not more traumatized by the ill actions of someone they felt they could trust.
The real trick is whether some creature can get Knox to put down his guard enough to give friendship a chance? (For some reason I see Silver stream attempting this while showing interest in the job he does)
Ooh! Now I see how it is going for Knox. I'm guessing he had a very hard time making friends and/or feeling accepted as he grew up. Perhaps he was neglected by his parents and came to a point wherein he felt nobody would ever care for him. Thus the lonely job of 'night janitor' kept things easy as he didn't have to be taunted by how lonely he felt in large groups.
In any case, he needs some serious love. Or, if I am guessing the personality, the opportunity to be reunited to cozy Glow. Even if it meant being turned to stone beside her.
Oh, dear... This is certainly going to make for a relapse.
Something tells me that Knox will want words with Princess twilight and friends after this blow to his heart.
Ah! I do believe she was playing 'Hide & Seek' and the game may have taken quite a turn when Knox bolted for the throne room.
I like the way this story is showing how, even if it wasn't her intent, Cozy Glow did make a 'friend' and, if anything she did to Knox was genuine, she is capable of being disassociated with Chrysalis and Tirek.
Wouldn't most people assume that?
Short but very noteworthy.
I can see how, especially now, Knox would be struggling with his overall view on life. His one friend being a pony who tried to drain all magic from equestrian, being locked up for the crime, getting released, and then being turned to stone would certainly put one through a lot of mental turmoil.
It seems Knox has had a very hard time in his life connecting with other ponies. He finally connected with Cozy as, perhaps to him, a father-like figure and it made him feel important.
Now, on another note, I wonder how he would react knowing that it was actually Discord who intentionally brought her out with Tirek and Chrysalis? Would Cozy have done different if not having the dark influence of Tirek nor Chrysalis? Perhaps a part of Knox blames himself for not seeing how truly troubled Cozy was?
Definitely a nice break from the string of traumas he's been dealing with. It's moments like this that help a story not get overly depressing while still having a tragic character.
It seems we've reached the real crossroads in the story. Will Knox be able to bring out the kinder, gentler, and friendlier Cozy glow? Or will she end up returning to her manipulative ways?
I'm hoping for the former as, honestly, I want cozy Glow to get her second chance. I like Knox, how he came to be with Cozy, and how this could be what both of them need.
Way to keep the suspense going. Is Cozy going to betray Knox... twice? Or is there something more that she's trying to achieve that goes beyond her aspirations of being Empress Of Equestria?
I did like your reference back to the sprinkle-shakers in the previous chapter. I also thought you were making a little hint at the one line in the MLP extended theme with the title of "Easy As Pinkie Pie".
This tale is certainly not what I'd ever expect. You have a very lonely pony who desperately wanted a true-true friend. However that friend was Cozy Glow and she ended up doing some really bad stuff. Though, as with life, someone is always willing to offer foregiveness to those they are close to.
I also like the 'nightmare' of a shadow 'jumping into her'. Perhaps she is possessed by an evil presence? Princess Luna didn't become Nightmare Moon without something taking hold of her body. We also have Daybreaker as the dark potential for Celestia.
10083829
Yosh-E-O, you are correct about the "Easy As Pinkie Pie" title being inspired by that line. Also, I must say that I thoroughly enjoy reading your insightful comments and predictions.
I shall eagerly await your posting.
I believe the references in this trio of chapters were the colt interacting with Cheese and answering as the one did during one of the songs during Cheese's first episode. (I think it was Pinky Pride)
You also nailed the Season 1 episode where pinkie Pie nailed Twilight for trying to downplay Spike's crush on Rarity. :)
***
I find it interesting how Cozy can channel her sorrow. As she wasn't making 'Crocodile Tears' it shows there really is a need inside her to process out all the traumas she's experienced during her short life. I think I'd rather be in Tartarus than a 'glorified lawn ornament'.
It is interesting to consider how things will turn out for Knox. He has a very 'tragic hero' feel to him. He so desperately wants to be happy, appreciated, and be known as more than the lonely night janitor at the school of friendship. I worry for him if Cozy betrays him as a character like his is capable of just about anything when their world is destroyed.
10085360
Congrats on finding that easter egg with the colt's response to Cheese. I wasn't sure anyone would get that one!
Also, there were a couple light references to "Feeling Pinkie Keen" in the line "That would've spoiled the secret" and the fact that Pinkie had known Knox was spying on them from the bushes the whole time.
This will be a most interesting chapter to come next. Especially as, right now, I'm reading a story by 'Flutter Cheer' in which focusses on letters sent to Cozy while she is in Tartarus. Two of these letters have come from the CMC and, well, it seems only Sweetie Belle can bring herself to really pen anything that is 'neutral'.
The CMC will certainly be in quite a pinch as, in your tale, they've not only been betrayed by Cozy in Season 8 but also saw her go quite vile in Season 9. Cozy may try some 'mind games' to guilt them into giving her a second chance. However it will be neat to see just how much caution the CMC have with her. I can see Scoots and Apple Bloom ready to take her down with Sweetie Belle being only up to hope her kind heart is not broken... again.
As an extra bit, I wondered how Trixie could possibly be a good counselor for Cozy. This chapter more than answered my question. It'd be neat to see Cozy and Trixie have a battle of wits given how they both are masters of illusion. :)
Well, that could have gone better. I wonder if this was a good or bad experience in terms of helping her become a better person.
This is definitely a heartbreaking moment. It also, interestingly enough, aligns well with Flutter Cheer's "Letters To Cozy Glow" story wherein the CMC are far from ready to show any kindness to her.
For me, especially since the CMC have been the characters in the last two portions of Flutter Cheer's story, I like the ways in which both of your stories portray the CMC with Cozy. I am quite enjoying how these stories, without known intent, are lining up.
And, wow! Scoots really knew how to deliver the killing blow. If Cozy thought she was good with friendly manipulation, she got a massive serving of what the opposite of her technique can do.
I'm also surprised we did not get an episode called "Off The Mark". That would have been an interesting one. Perhaps it is a lost episode between the CMC and Cozy Glow during Season 9? Or it could be an alternative title for "Crusaders Of the Lost Mark"?
Ooh, Gallus. Now this encounter can go just about anywhere. He could be leading her into a 'trap' of sorts, or genuinely wanting to hear her out prior to delivering some griffon grumbles. He could even "Blue Moon Festival" her.
Yet another great take with the title. I initially thought she'd bump into Gilda. Then I thought, maybe, Gabby. Gallus is the biggest wild card of the griffons as he is neither too happy nor too grumpy. So it can go anywhere.
I wonder if the remarks made by Scoots and AB were the first time she was on the receiving end of harsh comments? Maybe hearing this from the CMC could be making her genuinely realize the gravity of her behavior?
You certainly had fun in writing thse most recent installments of the story. Hopefully, upon posting, you are also noticing the sickness fnally going away.
I am impressed at what all happened here. Most notably Ocellus keeping an eye on Cozy and Gallus. I also approve of the scare move of silver Stream having kept the cockatrice. I'm sure there's some serious PTSD going on when it comes to anything that resembles, or could turn her into, a statue.
Nice little '4th Wall' with the 'fowl' creature. It was subtle and made for a little break amidst Cozy's fear of being stoned again.
***
I look forward to reading the 'negative' one-shot you did when you post it here. In the meantime, keep up the great story. It has gotten more enjoyable and deep with every chapter.
10114038
Good news! The Night Janitor: NEGATIVE Edition is now up on FimFiction! I separated it into multiple chapters as well. (I noticed upon retyping it that there seemed to be gaps that could easily be made into time between chapters. It just made more sense that way.)
Nice to see Gallus being open to Cozy's reformation, although seeing Edith's behaviour and Cozy's nightmare a few chapters back makes me think that there might be something unnatural messing with her. Animals can sometimes detect things others can't, after all.
goodyfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/no-god.jpg
A logical interpretation of Cozy's mark. It always was kind of wierd that a rook was the chess piece for it.
Whoa... Now this is a moment truly for the books for Cozy Glow. Even I did not ever make the the connection of how cozy did 'protect' those she valued. Cozy may not have realized it but she actually did.
Thinking more on it, all of her 'schemes' never amounted to causing physical harm on any pony. She was just playing every creature like pieces on a chess board until she thought she had achieved 'check mate'.
Tirek and Chrysalis both have clearly done much to harm creatures, dominant through fear, etc. Even in the finale, Cozymay not have gotten so vile if not for how she had been tainted by Tirek and Chrysalis along with ill-gotten magic. (She did not fair well in taking discord's magic and, honestly, it stands to reason her 'Alicorn' state would not be one that would be easy to control for a filly unversed in what it takes to control such power.)
I had thought Sweetie would come out to offer some help. The presentation here shows that, interestingly, Sweetie and Cozy aren't all that much different. However, unlike Cozy, Sweetie had a loving family, caring sister, and friends who helped to support her through her insecurities while, based on what I noticed, Cozy had none of that prior to coming to The School Of Friendship.
I'm really starting to stand by a theory that Discord, after "A Matter Of Principals", knew of Cozy's situation, manipulated her, got the whole "Pen Pal" thing going with Tirek, and set up for "School Raze" in an effort to pull off his end game plan for Twilight as he pretended to be Grogar. Chaos likes chaos and getting Tirek fired up over Cozy and knowing Chrysalis was wanting to put an end to Starlight made the manipulations easy for such a master of chaotic activity.
Glad to see another update. This is getting interesting.
Strange that Occellus is the mistrustfull angry one. Usually most authors would give Gallus or Smolder that role. I wonder if theres a particular reason for that.
Phew... I was worried I was missing the posts for the story updates as, well, I missed story updates before and it was awful feeling like I neglected to stay with the regular progress.
This chapter was definitely worth the wait as it establishes three separate points that are, to me so far, pivotal to the overall story. The first being Knox attempting to build his positive feelings about those and the place where cozy Glow once resided in prior to the terrible things happening. Second is how Trixie is involved with Cozy's efforts at reforming herself. Last is what we kind of got hinted at in previous chapters of how Gallus and Ocellus would likely have conflict for how the griffon is trying to not be like the typical griffon while Ocellus' paranoia is making her resort to tactics that, to Gallus, appear to go against all they have learned at the School Of Friendship.
Definitely looking forward to more.
Discord does come off as a bit of a hypocrite here, but I suppose thats in-character for him. At least he's not hostile towards Knox.
Hmm. I would've said Cozy and/or Sweetie Belle. However you've definitely got a key moment building here as discord and Knox are fully aware of each other and their respective roles in Cozy's prior and current state.
I wonder if Discord, or anyone else, will tell Knox that it was Discord who created the very situation in which allowed the draconequus to turn her to stone?
Perhaps, as to not mingle too much together all at once, reading a bit more on Ocellus' feelings on Cozy's return, Gallus' approval of her return, and what Silver Stream, Sand Bar, and Smolder think?
Ouch, poor Ocellus.
This was a great scene of conflict that had results that were show worthy. The irony is that it is the griffon who is being positive. One may think Silver Stream would be the type to take sides towards giving Cozy a second chance. However Gallus being that creature while Ocellus being the one against it really speaks volumes towards conflict and conflict resolution.
The line of how a Changeling should realize the value of a 'second chance' must have really burned Ocellus. Especially as, if I recall, her worst fear is becoming the next Queen Chrysalis.
Why did you make the chapters so short?
10169795
At the beginning, it was because I wrote the chapters until it felt like they reached a natural stopping point, and they just turned out being short chapters. I suppose that just hasn't changed.
Then again, with the exception of when I had bronchitis and writer's block, I've been putting out chapters more often then many other fanfics, so I personally feel like it balances out.
Why do you ask? (Honestly, I'm asking. Any feedback is appreciated, even if it might be negative.)
Golly! I didn't expect Ocellus to play the role of Sweetie Belle. I wonder how long she had been doing this? Was the real Sweetie Belle ever trying to make an effort to be 'friends'? Or has it always been Ocellus...
I really like your easy-read chapters. It's a style I have started to use with my personal projects. It makes the reader more inclined to read if they do not feel a massive commitment ahead. Moreover is how much story can be told in such few words. :)
Definitely enjoying this. Keep up the great writing!
ocellus is a hypocrite, given what her species was.
Of course, all this talk about my short chapter lengths is followed by the longest chapter yet!
Then again, I think this one deserved to be a longer chapter, right?
i suspected cozy had PTSD, but not this bad.
Makes sense that she'd have PTSD. I wonder if Twilight ever knew anout the nature of stone imprisonment.
Damn, poor girl.
Great story by the way.
wow! This was a very tense chapter! Quite the roller coaster for sure.
The description of being turned to stone is terrifying. I never thought of this as possible but, given discord's own words, you are, for lack of better words, a living tombstone.
Cozy having PTSD makes a lot of sense. People have shared with me how she has a very frightened look on her face as she is made into a statue. Perhaps, in that brief moment, she realized she was doing wrong and that she didn't want anything more than to take back all she did and seek help for why she did what she had done?
Interestingly, when you noted how she had to realize she couldn't see it reminded me of my everyday since losing all my sight. I've learned to stay in a state of 'constant imagination' to not get lost on how I can't see a thing. However, upon realizing I'm 100% blind, I start to really feel bad until I can return to distracting myself through creating images in my head.
We're definitely making some major progress in the story. Though this 'plan' has me worried. However it may turn out to be a good plan... right?
That is an interesting confident. I guess Flutterhy's lessons really payed off.
As I read down a few lines, along with knowing the location, I was like, "Ah! It's Gummy!". Cozy may, or may not, hear 'voices in her head' that make Gummy appear to answer, but it still beats Chrysalis making friends with logs. :)
PTSD is definitely no joke. The most recent turn into stone certainly will take a long time to even not 'physically' feel. (My PTSD from all that happened in my life going 100% blind and being largely ostracized from people IRL manifests as arm and neck pain. Even when I have learned techniques and got on proper medicine, the pain still comes. It's like the mind is still feeling the anguish even if you are not thinking of it.)
Maybe this is why I root for Cozy? The line, "The broken take care of the broken." is certainly one I have lived in and have found sanctuary from discrimination and being seen as a 'worst nightmare' by those who even bother to ask me about it. *Shrugs*
It is going to be interesting to see how Cozy handles her Panic Attacks. I've had all sorts and they can do a lot of different things. However, based on the cockatrice incident, it would be fair to believe she'll erupt into uncontrollable shaking and stammering before, if not brought down, she falls down against the weight of her inner demons.
10170368
You bet! Interesting to see how this diagnoses will affect Cozy long term, and the people around her.
I know where this is going!
And by the way, best use of Gummy I've seen around the site recently. It's been a while.
Interesting. Kind of wished Granny had bothered to explain why they were melting the figure down, even if I get why doing so might not have occurred to her.
I know why but I'm a little surprised they didn't explain it to Cozy.
Regardless everything turned out for the best and now Cozy has yet another souvenir to derive comfort from. It's going to be interesting to see how many of those she collects.
Actually, you promised more 'triggers' for Cozy's PTSD and, well, you can't get any more traumatic than vicariously watching a frozen figure of yourself being tossed in a kiln.
Now Cozy may, or may not, think she was set up for being hurt like no pony's business. First the cockatrice 'does' turn her to stone and then she, shortly after her diagnosis of PTSD, gets taken to see herself be melted into oblivion.
I'd wonder if, now, she'll have nightmares of someone taken a sledge hammer to her stone form and making her into rubble? Or feeling the fear of how time will erode her body to where, even if she did survive in the stone prison, she'd return disfigured, or eroded enough to cause her body to go into shock from all the parts of her that are chipped away.
Dang... That's rather horrid to think on. The real cozy Glow, not having the immortality of Chrysalis nor Tirek, dying while in her stone prison from age and/or the neglect of the elements, vandalism, etc.
Put this chapter up there with a "What were the writer's thinking?" for Cozy. Tartarus is better than being slowly broken apart and tainted by bird droppings as a living tombstone.
the skull right?
Hmm... What could this other object be? I'm definitely at a loss and eager to find out.
The multiple perspectives in the story help to really flesh it out. the short chapters are also great in showing so much with so little.
Definitely a great tale.
I'm guessing she got into an accident.
Nicely played with Discord. You certainly had his way of casting doubt on those he knew he could verbally manipulate through his perfectly woven dialogue.
It wouldn't be out of Discord's power to have brought cozy to the school. Or there could be Cozy going after something she knew was left in the school after her first attempt to become Empress Of Friendship.
What if the Tree of Harmony fought with Cozy Glow? 'Harmony' still has, in the least, a 'pressence' in which can still make 'challenges' and 'obstacles'.