> An UnCozy Reformation > by AnUnCozyGlow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: No One's A Lost Cause > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The rain fell down on the land below causing the songbirds to seek shelter under nearby trees, the campuses pegausi and dragons also quickly flying towards the nearest entrances to get out of the rain, unicorns, earth ponies, yaks and all assortments of creatures following behind. Starlight Glimmer looked out her window and gave a soft chuckle followed by a heavy sigh. "Just 30 more minutes" She told herself as she looked at the clock above. "Then I get to try again, for the 365th time, maybe, maybe this time will be different" Starlight Glimmer sighed again as she began to pack her notepad and quill into her bag, along with a small gift wrapped-up nicely in silver paper in a red bow. "This time for sure" It was dark, then again in this realm it was always dark. Dark, steamy, hot, and boring, oh so boring, all the inhabitants of this realm could do was sit in their cages and moan and complain about how boring it was, unless they were one of the lucky few to get their accommodations upgraded from a pathetic cage to the top of one of the magical mountain spires where you were still very bored but at least you weren't in a cage, just held down by chains and put inside a giant white glowing magical circle that would activate and do Celestia knows what if you tried to escape. And this is where one small Pegasus filly had now found herself, for better or worse, not that either prison was ideal. All of a sudden the pegasus filly was brought out of her own thoughts and complaints by the sound of hoof steps coming-up the mountain. Once again her annoying visitor was coming to "Help Her". "Hello Cozy. How are you today?' a voice asked in a calm tone that the young filly could tell had a bit of exhausted weight behind it. "Oh well if it isn't School Counselor Glimmer!" Cozy exclaimed with her fake saccharine tone that Starlight had become all too familar with. "Why it is just so nice of you to take the time out of your busy day like this to visit little ol me!" Cozy mocked with her best and widest fake smile. Starlight just rolled her eyes and pulled up the stool she had left there from her previous session to sit down on as she used her magic to levitate her notebook, ink and quill from her bag. "It's nice to see you too Cozy'' Starlight replied with a simple calm and caring tone. "You know I figured you'd tone the attitude down a bit by now given it was your favorite School Counselor that convinced Twilight to convince Celestia to get you out of that awful cage and into....a luxury suite" Starlight teased giving the young curly haired Pegasus filly a snarky look. "Oh yes, thank you Ms. Glimmer for getting me moved away from my idol Tirek and put in chains atop a weird glowing mountain in a magical maximum security prison which is basically a living Hell!!" Cozy Glow shrieked as she grated her teeth. "I don't like you being in here any more then you do" Starlight sighed, the weight of her words evident in her breath "You know that's why i'm here cozy, i'm trying....i'm trying to help you whether you want me to or not!" Starlight exclaimed a determined look on her face. "Oh, how nice!" Cozy hissed staring daggers at the older mare. "Please Cozy, it's been a year now, i'm just trying to understand!" Starlight pleaded her eyes wide and full of sorrow as she spoke. "I've come here every day for a year, and every day you have told me a different story trying to justify the reason for why you did what you did, I know all of them or at least most of them are lies, but I keep coming back, and do you know why?" "Because you're a bucking idiot" Cozy growled. "No, because I don't believe in a lost cause. I've seen first hoof how helping somepony in pain can help them turn over a new leaf. I don't believe anyone is truly evil, or at the very least I don't believe any creature is just born that way." Somethig happened to you Cozy, and I would like to know what. But even if you never tell me the truth, i'll still come here, and i'll still keep trying to help you" Starlight explained trying to hold back the sorrow in her voice. "How noble of you" Cozy cackled, giving off an evil grin. "I agree, it is" Strarlight smiled, not letting Cozy's taunt get under her skin. "Now, let's review some of the past stories you've told me, I think i'm starting to get a better picture" Starlight softly spoke as she used her magic to flip through the notebook. "On day 43 you told me a story about how your father used to beat you. It was the only story you ever told me that involved a father figure." Starlight stated. "Perhaps this story is one of the few that's not a lie then?" Starlight asked, Cozy just twisted her nose and grimaced but said nothing. "On Day 213 you told me how your mother got hurt during Tirek's failed attempt to conquer Equestria. How when she lost her flight magic she was in denial and tried to fly anyway, how she fell into a bramble bush and got all scratched up, how you blamed yourself for not being able to stop her" Starlight read, looking back-up to see the small pegasus filly still grimacing and saying nothing. "On day 344 you told me how everyone in Kindergarten picked on you, how two young fillies beat you up in the restroom , and you never told your mother about it because you didn't want her to worry" Starlight finished as she set down her notes. "Out of all those stories you've told me the past year those three stick out the most. I wonder why?" Starlight grinned as she looked knowingly at the chained-up child in front of her. "Oh, maybe because you're an idiot!" Cozy taunted in a sweet voice. "I mean golly i've been making-up stories to tell you for a year, just because some are so mundane to be believable doesn't mean they're true, I mean maybe I just want my origin story to be multiple choice." Cozy giggled with her fake innocent laugh. "I suppose that's true." Starlight softly chuckled. "You know maybe instead of trying to take over Equestria you should write a book, I bet it'd be a best seller." Starlight teased with a soft smile. "Oh know doubt!" Cozy chuckled, actually begging to enjoy the banter. "Maybe i'll have you bring me a type writer next time." "I don't know if Twilight would approve of that" Starlight answered "But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask " "Wait....really?" Cozy asked a confused look forming upon her face. "Of course" Starlight smiled. "I know it can get pretty boring down here and what better outlet for a filly that's already proved to be so good at being a story teller!" Starlight softly sang as she gave Cozy a surprisingly sincere smile. "Why would you do that? What's in it for you?" Cozy inquired. "Nothing, sometimes friends just want to give each other gifts!" Starlight exclaimed. "Speaking of which, I brought you this!" Starlight gleefully exclaimed as she levitated the small present from her saddle bag. "Wanna open it?" Starlight asked as she used her magic to set it smack dab in front of Cozy. The young Pegasus filly looking at her ever more confused. "What's the weird look for? It won't bite, I promise, just open it." Starlight teased. Cozy looked down at the present again and then back at Starlight, she let out a small reluctant groan as she let out a mumbled "fine" and began to open the gift, her chains rattling as she did so. Cozy began to undo the wrapping and slowly but surely got to the box inside and opened it up. Inside a small plush pegasus doll that looked just like her. Once again Cozy looked up at Starlight confused by this gesture. "I made it for you, well my friend Trixie and I did, she's surprisingly good at sewing, must be because she wears out so many of those capes she wears" Starlight chuckled. "Oh and it talks if you squeeze it! Give it a try!" Cozy just nodded still confused as she squeezed the doll, a voice similar to Starlight's but higher pitched comes out. "Hi Cozy, I Wuv You!" The doll said in a cheesy saccharine tone. Cozy looked up at Starlight both dumbfounded and slightly insulted. "OK, the voice thing might have been a bit overboard" Starlight admitted. "I just thought it'd be cute, and hey now you have somepony to tell your stories to when I'm not around." Starlight softly smiled looking down at the young pegasus. "I still don't understand....why would you make this for me?" Cozy asked. "Because you're my friend Cozy." Starlight softly stated with a smile. "And friends give each other gifts." Cozy looked up af Starlight and then back at the doll, she squeezed it again and again, hearing the same cheesy voice over and over. And for the first time in ages Cozy felt something inside, something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a very long time as she began to sob. "I-i've been telling lies all year but yours is the meanest Ms. Glimmer!" Cozy sobbed. "Why would you ever pretend to care about a monster like me!!??" Cozy sobbed as she looked up at Starlight, tears, real tears for the first time in ages feeling up her eyes. "Because I do" Starlight gently answered as she wrapped her arm around the filly. "Because I know what it's like to be caught up in your own agenda and delusions you end up using as a justification to drive you, to try to block out the pain. Because I know what its like to be an angry little filly determined to find a way to control the world around you so you never get hurt again. Because I know there's a hurt in you just like there was in me, Luna, Sunset and Tempest before you" Starlight explained as Cozy continued to sob. Starlight just continued to embrace the filly tightly as she let out a somewhat nervous sigh. "Now keep your eyes closed, I have one more gift to give you" starlight stated as she began to power-up her magic as bright light blue glow engulfed the area. Cozy blinked as the light dissipated and she looked around, the glow of the mountain was gone, the bright magical circle gone as well, her chains undone "What?...How?.....Why!?" Cozy asked in surprise "I'm not the most powerful magic user in Equestria just for show you know" Starlight smiled. "Now let's get you out of here and somewhere you can get some real help!" Starlight smiled as she levitated a still dumbfounded Cozy Glow and her doll onto her back. > Chapter 2: The Reluctant Road To Recovery > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The train to Manehattan blistered across the tracks at a break-neck pace as the passenger cars shook causing a few ponies to feel a bit queasy. Thankfully a few cars back in a smaller private cart usually reserved for royalty two ponies set quietly in a somewhat more shock resistant accommodations. It had been a little over an hour since Starlight Glimmer, Head Student Counselor of the School of Friendship. First Student of Twilight Sparkle had broken Cozy out of Tartarus and snuck aboard the last train of the evening headed towards Manehattan. Cozy looked over at the older Unicorn mare noting the mixture of emotions her facial expressions and body language were giving. Anxiety over what she had done, maybe fear over what would happen if she and Cozy were caught or even if they weren't. Stubborn determination mixed causing her desire to stay true to her guts conflicting with her sense of loyalty to Twilight. Cozy looked at her savior and saw the turmoil building inside her and all she could say as she stared at Starlight from across the seat was "why?" "Oh, what was that dear?" Starlight asked looking over at the filly. Cozy's question knocking herself back out of her own mind and worries. "Why are you doing this!? You're gonna get in trouble, you might end up in Tartarus too!" Cozy exclaimed. "Hehe, maybe" Starlight nervously chuckled. "But I believe in always following my gut, and my gut tells me helping you is right!" Starlight reassured herself. "But how did you know I wouldn't try to hurt you or run away!?" Cozy asked still confused by this entire situation. "Oh, I didn't." Starlight bluntly admitted. "But like Pinkie and Somnambula say, sometimes you just gotta have faith and hope things work out for the best!" Starlight smiled as a bead of sweat rolled down her fur. "And they say I'm the one that's crazy!" Cozy snorted. "Where are you taking me anyway?" Starlight took a deep breath and sighed as she calmed herself so she could answer Cozy Glow's question. "There's a place in Manehattan. A Hospital that specializes helping young fillies and colts that suffer from different psychological issues or that have experienced deeply damaging emotional traumas." Starlight explained. "My dad offered to take me there when I was young, but like you I was stubborn an angry, and I refused, and as any stubborn teenager does shortly after I ran away and...." Starlight paused. "And then you started a creepy cult in a town you built at the edge of Equestria and ruled it like a dictator with an Iron Hoof!" Cozy sneered. "Yea..." Starlight sorrowfully chuckled. "But I don't want you to run away, I don't want you to have to wait till you're a grown mare to realize what you did was wrong, to have that guilt hovering over your head everyday, or picking at the back of your mind at your insecurities until you find yourself sitting in your room sobbing into your pillow in the middle of the night." Starlight explained. "Of course I won't force you to stay there if you don't want, but I hope you'll at least give me a chance to show it to you." Starlight softly smiled despite the sorrow and pain evident in her eyes. "Fine, whatever. Not like I have anything better to do anyway" Cozy reluctantly agreed giving Starlight a mischievous smile. "But you better get me some Ice Cream while we're here" Cozy demanded despite being in no position to do so. Cozy looked up at the rather large building. It was made of gray stone and brick and had a golden trim across the edges. It was an impressive eight stories tall and above the entrance their was a sign that read. Healing Hoofs Psychiatric Clinic. "Well that sure is a building all right" Cozy snarkily huffed. Starlight just rolling her eyes with a chuckle as she began to trot forward towards the entrance, Cozy reluctantly fluttering behind. "Good evening Ms. Glimmer, we're so very glad you could make it." A soft voice greeted them at the enterance and Cozy saw a long sleek white-furred unicorn mare with golden eyes and mane smiling at them. "Same here, I was nervous there for awhile, but now that we're here I feel a lot better!" Starlight admitted with a relieved sigh. Cozy just rolling her eyes "And is this Ms. Cozy Glow?" The mare asked looking down at the curly haired filly. "Well it sure as buck ain't Grogar The Tormenter" Cozy rudely replied. "Oh she's a fiesty one! The mare laughed. "Oh honey, do come here, Ms. Glimmer is here with the new arrival" she sang as her voice echoed down the hall. "C-coming dear" a Male voice echoed back from deeper within the building and the group saw a rather chunky old brown furred unicorn stumbling down the halls. "O-oh Ms. Glimmer, you made it. Good" The obviously out of shape stallion wheezed as he ran to the other mare's side. "Yep, just got here" Starlight exclaimed before turning her attention back to Cozy. "Cozy, this is Mrs. Dula Ablingota and her husband Neuron Fritz. They run this hospital, they'll be taking care of you while we work to get you better, ok" Starlight attempted to explain to the filly. Cozy however just continued to stare at the two. "You two are married!?" Cozy bluntly asked. Causing the two doctors to stare at her in surprise. "Um, why yes darling. Why do you ask!?" Ms. Dula inquired. "Well cause you look like a super model like Fleur-De-Liz and he looks like a tubby dumb-dumb out of a cartoon!" Cozy exclaimed causing Fritz to become flustered and Dula to burst out in laughter. "What can I say, he's smart and he makes me laugh" Dula replied as she hugged fritz tightly. "Now how about we show you your room before you ask one too many rude questions and make my poor husbands blood pressure skyrocket." Dula chuckled as she began to move towards the elevator waving her hoof for the others to come along. Cozy stared at the door. A simple wooden door with a small square window and an opening to put a tray in and out, the number on the door being #443. "Well don't keep us waiting darling, open it!" Doctor Dula excitedly exclaimed. Cozy just let out a small groan and did as she was told. Inside to her surprise was a fairly sizable room painted in many bright yet calming shades of blue, green and yellow . A decently sizable and comfey looking bed set against the wall to the left in the middle a large window for Cozy to look out of, but she doubted she could use it to escape as a soft glow dominated from it most likely meaning it was magically sealed. Beyond the window to the right a dresser and a mirror a small bookshelf with childrens books and comics and a small play table with an old teddy bear taking up one chair, the other vacant with coloring books and a box of crayons sitting in front of it. "Huh, guess this place is half way decent after all." Cozy bluntly expressed. "H-halfway decent! Doctor Neuron angrily huffed. "I'll have you know our facility is one of the best in Equestria and we've helped children around the nation!!" Fritz boasted "even helped a couple young Yaks get over their fear of quesadillas last year!" Fritz added. "That's a weird phobia" Cozy replied with a chuckle. "Yea, tell that to Twilight" Starlight chuckled as she walked up to Cozy, the filly looking at her with one of those "was that a bad inside joke?" Looks. "So Cozy, what do you think? Wanna give this place a shot? I mean seems better than Tartarus to me." Starlight teased giving the girl an awkward smile. Cozy paused and thought it over before answering. "I suppose. But-I-I'll still get to see you, right?" Cozy asked, her eyes pleading. "Of course, I'll come visit as soon as I get things settled with Twilight and the others." Starlight softly smiled as she levitated the Doll She had made for Cozy into the filly's arms. "I'm sure they'll understand why I did what I did. Celestia might get mad, but honestly and don't tell anyone I said this, but buck her! Twilight and Luna are better princesses anyway!" Starlight exclaimed causing Cozy to chuckle. "Yes yes this is cute and all but there are still forms to fill out you know!" The portly stallion stated pushing up his glasses. "Oh-oh of course, just a second!" Starlight replied. "I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise!" Starlight repeated as she bent down and tightly hugged the little filly before leaving the room with the doctors, Mrs. Dula carefully closing and locking the door behind her giving the foal a soft smile. Cozy just looked at her doll and squeezed it tightly as she could. "I WUV you cozy glow!" It said. "Y-you too" Cozy sobbed trying to mentally reassure her self and that Starlight would be OK, that Princess Twiliight would'nt let Celestia do anything to her. She had to believe her friends words were true, as it would most likely be one of the few things to help get her through this. > Chapter 3: Two Hooves Foward, Three Hooves Back. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cozy Glow tossed and turned in her bed, her pulse raced, she didn't know why but she felt unsafe. She quickly opened her eyes and set-up, the feeling of tension and unease still consuming her. She looked around to see where she was, still in her room, at least that hadn't been a dream. It had been a week since Starlight had dropped her off at this place, yet some part of herself still couldn't believe it, she had been freed from Tartarus, for reasons that still made no sense to her Starlight Glimmer had risked everything to get her out of that awful place, and to here, not that she felt she understood where here was. A Hospital it said, or a kind of one anyway. A place of healing for broken foals. But Cozy wasn't broken, sure she had been defeated and yes she had followed Counselor Glimmer here out of a mixture of what a desire to get out of that awful place and maybe to discover what the nagging feeling was inside of her when Starlight Glimmer had given her that doll, but like she really wanted or needed help... "Pfft, as if!" Cozy scoffed. "I'm not broken, its everyone else that's crazy!" Cozy Glow huffed as she fluttered out of her bed and looked at herself in the mirror. "Oh is that so?" A voice came from behind. Cozy looking back to see Dr. Dula smiling at her. "Good Morning Cozy" the doctor greeted with a smile. The mare turning on the rooms lights with her magic. "How are you?" "Oh Golly, well I'm just peachy!" Cozy lied in her sweetest voice possible. "So what you really mean is you had another nightmare you can't remember and are going to avoid talking about it in group like you always do, if you show up at all" Doctor Dula explained giving a cocky knowing smile at the filly. "Like that group junk even actually works!" Cozy huffed. That. Earth Colt still talks to himself and eats paint. That Dumb Doe is still afraid of everything all the time and that crazy buffalo still thinks she can talk to the spirits of the dead!" Cozy mocked. "And don't even get me started on that creepy unicorn chic!" Cozy groaned in disgust. Dr. Dula just looked at the filly and shook her head. "Cozy, Cozy you shouldn't make fun of the others like that." The Doctor scolded. "They're here to receive treatment, help for their problems just like you are." Dr. Dula exlplained. "Help, I don't need help!!" Cozy huffed as she crossed her hooves. "Well these papers say otherwise" The Doctor smiled. "Oh and what do the all mighty all knowing papers say!?" Cozy sarcastically asked the mare. "Well first off it's quite apparent you have a narccasitic personality disorder" The Doctor began. "Not to mention theirs the dissociative psychopathic cognition and tendencies, the chronic lying.... need I go on?" The Doctor asked smiling mischeviously at Cozy. "No thank you, that will do." Cozy huffed as she slowly hovered down to the ground. "Good" The Doctor replied, satisfaction on her face. "Come to group today and participate. Oh and please don't hiss at or threaten to destroy the nurse when she tries to get you to take your medication this time." She added before leaving the room. "Pfft, whatever" Cozy huffed with a growl as she went back to her bed to pout. "I told you she wouldn't come" a foal's voice stated. "I'm ok with that. She's scary anyway!" A young doe added. "I for one have faith she will be here, albeit a tad late" A unicorn filly chuckled. And if like magic as soon as the foal finished her sentence the door slammed open. "Let's get this stupid thing over already!" Cozy huffed as she went to sit in her seat straight across from the doctor. "Very well" Doctor Dula chuckled "who would like to begin?" "I-I would Mrs. Dula" the young doe sitting to the right of Cozy stammered. "I-I had the dream about the Timberwolf again!" She gulped as she began to shake. "Very well then Clover Breeze, why don't you tell us what you think is causing these?" The Doctor asked as Cozy rolled her eyes and huffed. This was going to be a long hour. It had been a torturous fourty five minutes for cozy glow as she had been forced to sit down and listen to the other children complaining about nightmares or how their urge to eat paint just wouldn't subside. And then their was that stupid unicorn chick who was convinced she could peak into other worlds and see the future. But worst of all now that every one else was done it was time for her to speak. "So, Cozy. Will you share with us today?" The Doctor asked. Cozy just let out a devious chuckle and smiled. "Sure, why not.' "Very, good." I'm glad your finally sharing" Mrs. Dula softly praised the young pegausi. "Yea, yea, whatever" Cozy scoffed. "Anyway My Name is Cozy Glow, and I'm here because I'm a psychopath" The girl proudly stated as she flew up into the middle of the group. "What's that?" The young doe asked both curiosity and fear in her voice. "Well Golly" Cozy giggled. "Where do I even start!? You see first I enrolled in Princess Twilight's School of Friendship and then I worked to gain everyone's trust only so I could trick them into serving me as I used an ancient magic ritual to suck all the magic out of the land and cast it into oblivion so I could be the empress of friendship!" Cozy happily squeed as the rest of the children just stared at her with their jaws drooping in disbelief. "So those days everyone's magic was on the fritz...that was you!?" The young Earth Colt asked in surprise. "Guilty as charged!" Cozy giggled as she smiled at the young foal. "You don't sound very broken up about it" the young doe noted. "Well hey, what can I say, I guess I'm not. I mean it stinks my plan failed and spending a year in Tartarus wasn't as fun as I thought I'd be. But hey, live and learn I suppose. I'll do better next time!" Cozy exclaimed. "You take magic and hurt others but feel no remorse?" The young and usually silent buffalo in the room spoke up. Her eyes staring intensely at Cozy. "Yea, so what!" Cozy growled getting an unsettling vibe from the older and larger creature. "Me think that means your soul is rotten" The buffalo calmly stated as she continued to stare at Cozy intensely. "Hehe, I dare you to say that to my face again cowpie!" Cozy growled staring right back at the young buffalo maiden. "OK children, that will be enough of that. There will be no fighting on my watch. Got it!" Mrs. Dula promptly stated as firmly stomped her hoof on the ground. "Yes Mrs. Dula the young ones replied in unison, save for cozy who just huffed as pouted at she crossed her arms. "Now come children let's call it a day, it's almost lunch time." The lunch room was packed with fillies, colts and young creatures of all kinds talking, laughing, a few screaming or crying. All save for Cozy who set by herself on one of the smaller tables at the edge of the room hoofing her spork around in her spaghetti and hayballs. "Hello Cozy" A familiar voice sang and cozy looked up and saw the unicorn filly from her therapy group smiling at her. "What do you want?" Cozy asked, the disdain evident in her voice. "Well I wanna sit and eat lunch with you silly filly!" The young teal furred and black maned unicorn chuckled as she set her tray down across from Cozy. "And why would you do that? I'm evil, remember." Cozy taunted the filly, trying to frighten her "Oh. No you're not" the other filly giggled. "You may think you are, you may even wanna be, but I know deep down you're not." The girl smiled. "Wanna know how I know!?" The filly asked with a smile. "Let me guess, because you can see the future" Cozy sarcastically remarked. "Yep" the filly smiled. "I may have lost my sight in an accident, but I gained an even greater kind!" The filly stated as she pointed to her glazed over eyes. "I Willow Wisp can see the future without potion or spell!" She boldly exclaimed as she dramatically waved her hooves. "And I see you doing great things for Equestria in the future Cozy, you're practically a hero!" She smiled as she put her hooves up on the table. "Hehe, sure I am...so what's my first step on this oh so bright future of heroism then!" Cozy sarcastically asked mocking the girl. "Dunno" Willow smiled. "But I bet taking your medication might help." "What?" Cozy asked before noticing the nurse has arrived at the girls table and had laid a small paper cup near each of them. "Sweet Flanks lady warn a filly before you sneak-up on em like that!" Cozy shrieked causing the nurse to run off in a panic and willow to laugh her head off. Cozy just sighed and looked down at the cup and the small red and blue pulls inside. "Yea, sure...why not." She sighed as she floated back down to the seat and picked up the cup. Four days. It had been four days since Cozy's first real conversation with the unicorn filly known as Willow and she had to admit that she found spending time with the foal to be.....tolerable. She even found her so called predictions to be entertaining. Ecspecially the darker ones, like how in just a few months time the weather machine in Cloudsdale would malfunction and send a horrible storm across Equestria or how someone at the hospital would soon have a broken heart. Yes those ones were delicious. But then there were all the good ones like how Cozy would turn over a new leaf and how she would be loved and taken care of, how she would have a good life soon enough. "As if, monsters like me don't get those" Cozy internally growled. "Look out" Willow stated snapping Cozy back to her senses noting a Male nurse was carrying a lot of boxes on his back and about to run into cozy, the filly quickly correcting course and hovering above him. "Geeze, that was a close one. How do you do that?" Cozy asked looking at the unicorn foal. "I see all with my third eye!" She exclaimed. Cozy just rolling her's. "And I could feel the vibrations coming from ahead of us with my hooves" Willow chuckled. Cozy just giving a unamused groan as she looked back at the stallion carrying all those heavy boxes. "Ya think that....you think we should help him, that stuff looks heavy?" Cozy blurted out. "Well I imagine if it does look as heavy as you say I'm sure he'd appreciate our assistance." Will agreed. "Good, then its settled." Cozy giggled. "We'll help him and then he'll owe us one!" Cozy giggled as she flew to catch-up with the overworked orderly. "Sure. Sure" Willow chuckled as she followed along behind. "Gee, thanks for helping me organize all these boxes of mail kids, it usually takes me twice as long to get all this done!" The earth stallion exclaimed with a smile. "If there's anyway I can repay you just name it!" "Hmm, well you could become our loyal man-servent" Cozy innocently sang. "Yea, gonna have to pass on that one kid" the orderly nervously chuckled. "But hey I could check and see if either of you got anything good in the mail today, give it to you early!" He winked with a smile. "Let's see....Cozy Glow and Willow right? Let's see.." The Stallion mumbled as he quickly looked through the now thankfully organized mail deliveries. "Like he'll find anything, I don't have anyone to get letters from anyway." Cozy mumbled under her breath to Willow. "Ah, here we go, one letter for Ms. Cozy Glow." The stallion exclaimed with a smile. "Wait, what? Really!?" Cozy asked in surprise. "Yep, here yea go kid" The orderly smiled as he handed cozy the letter. Cozy still dumbfounded as she stared at it in disbelief before opening it. "Oh I'm so glad for you Cozy, someone wrote to you! What does it say!?" The unicorn filly excitedly inquired. But there was no answer. "Cozy? Is, is something wrong?" Willow asked before she heard Cozy give off a blood curtling scream and a wind engulfed the room causing the work they had just done to me ruined and cozy flew aground wrecking the mail room before flying off into the hall. "Sweet Celestia, what's wrong with that nutcase!?" The orderly asked as papers fell to the ground. "Sir, sir the letter what does it say!?" Willow asked, a panicked sense of urgency in her voice. "How in Equestria should I know, just a minute...let me find it, ugh this is such a mess!" He huffed as he stomped around looking for the letter finding it waded up in the corner, he picked it up and unrolled it as he began to read aloud. From The Desk of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Dear Cozy Glow. I am writing to inform you that Celestia and the royal council have finished deliberating their decision in regards to Starlight Glimmer and her recent actions in regards to her helping you escape from Tartarus. It has been decided that she will serve out one whole year of community service performing various works of labor without aid of her magic throughout Equestria. During this time she will not be allowed to contact you in any form until her service is over. Know however I trust Starlight's judgement and if she believes you can reform then so do I. Best of luck and see you soon. Sincerely, Princess Twilight Sparkle > Chapter 4: Nightmares, Evil Glares, & Soft Little Teddy Bears > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willow ran down the hall trying to catch up to Cozy Glow, twisting and turning listening with her ears to find the foals wing-flaps, but it was no use, even though she had been training herself since she lost her sight to focus and block out unnecessary background noise there was just too much going on around her to focus on depending on her sense of sound to find her friend. "OK, think, think, where would she go, where could she go?" Willow asked herself before reaching the obvious conclusion. Cozy Glow set alone in her room, in the dark, the only light coming from the open door behind her and sliver from the window in front of her, though most of the sun's light had been blocked by a gathering mass of clouds. She stared at the window and it's faint blue glow, and as her anger grew she screamed loudly and wildly and began to fly around the room and pick-up whatever she could in a pathetic attempt to break the spell keeping it closed. "Cozy, what are you doing!?" A concerned voice gasped as it heard the commotion. "I'm trying to escape Willow!" Cozy growled. "I'm going to get out of here and Destroy Princess Celestia!!" "Cozy, I know you're angry but you shouldn't say things like that!" Willow pleaded as she walked towards her friends voice. Cozy breathing heavily slowly hovered down to the ground in front of Willow. "It's all a sick joke you know, all of it." Cozy spat. "What?" Will asked rather confused by her friends statement. "I thought this place was supposed to be different, but it's just another prison, just like Tartarus, just like.......The Orphanage." Cozy Glow sorrowfully sighed "Oh Cozy" Willow exhaled as she reached out to put her hoof on her friend's shoulder, only to find as soon as she did so a swift kick was dealt upon her cheek causing her to shriek out in pain. "You stupid weak little foal, do you think I need your pity?" Cozy angrily hissed. "I've put up with you because you amused me with your silly little predictions and delusions that people can change for the better, but i'm not in the mood right now Willow, I have my own issues to deal with right now and I don't need some dumb, blind foal who dreams of a happy ending for everyone giving me an even bigger headache then I already have." Cozy Glow wickedly growled. Willow just set on the floor and sobbed the young Pegasui's harsh words hurting worse then the kick. "I know you don't mean that" Willow groaned as she picked herself back-up. "I get it you're upset about what happened to your friend, and you're lashing out, that's OK" Willow sobbed. "Take it all out on me if you want, I don't care, you think is the first time i've been bulled, beaten, it's not, you can kick me all you want Cozy, but I won't let you hurt anyone else or yourself!" Willow stated as tears flooded from her eyes. "Oh, how noble of you, i'll make you regret those words!" Cozy hissed as she slowly stomped closer. "HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" The voice of a stallion boomed from in front of the two causing Cozy to pause. In front of her and Willow at the door was Dr.Neuron and two orderly's looking down at the Filly with angry and judgmental eyes. "Ms. Glow, if you lay a hoof on that foal, so help me I will make sure you are shipped off back to Tartarus faster then the speed of a Sonic Rainboom!" Fritz scolded. "Do I make myself clear!?" Cozy remained in place and let out the most maniacal cackle she could. "Like I care" She huffed "But fine, get her out of my sight, not like I want her around anyway" Cozy growled as the shorter orderly picked up Willow and placer her on his back. "Get her to the infirmary just in case, i'll deal with this one....privately" Dr. Neuron stated as he looked down at Cozy. "Youngling, my office, NOW!" He glared cozy just staring him down in kind hoping he wouldn't notice her shaking hooves. Cozy set in the small wooden chair across from Dr. Neuron's desk as the older unicorn stallion continued to stare angrily at her. "So, yea gonna tell me why yea brought me in here or were you just in the mood to baby sit?" Cozy mocked giving a mischievous smile. Causing the doctor to bang his hooves on the desk with a huff. "Ms. Glow my wife may have a near infinite capacity to put up with you children and your shenanigans but I DO NOT!" The Doctor sternly stated. "While I am indeed fond of the noble goal of rehabilitating and helping those in need of our services, I will not allow you to harm others at this facility or put other patients or staff members in danger. So let this be your first warning, your first strike, you are on my list now and if I believe you to be too problematic to keep around I will have your flank shipped back to Tartarus, are we clear Ms. Glow?" The Doctor asked, pushing up his glasses giving the small foal a deathly serious face. "Crystal Clear Fritzy" Cozy mocked. Dr. Neuron was about to respond before one of the nurses came barging in. "Dr. i'm sorry to interrupt but one of the young colts snuck into floor six and is eating the paint from the supply closet. "Oh, for the love of....how does that little runt keep getting in there!" The Doctor huffed. "Well we best get him and make sure he doesn't poison himself, ugg how many times this year have we had to pump that foals stomach!?" Dr. Neuron complained as he trotted out the door before pausing "And you stay right in that seat Ms. Glow I am not done with you yet!" Fritz warned as he have her an intimidating glare. "Okie Dokie Docteroky!" Cozy Giggled in her faux innocent voice causing the Doctor to groan in disgust as he left the room. Cozy meanwhile began to examine the rest of her surrondings and noticed a door to her right marked "Private". "Oh My!" She sang "I wonder what goodies are tucked away in there?" After using the clip of her hair-bow to pick the lock to the door to Fritz private room Cozy Glow slowly but steadily opened it and felt for the nearest light switch. Finding her target she pushed it up as she finished opening the door. All around her were filing cabinets with different alphabetical and numerical designations. "Oh a filing room, how interesting" Cozy groaned. "Who puts private on something as boring as that!" she huffed once more. "I mean c'mon there's gotta be something interesting in here or he wouldn't....." Just then Cozy paused as she noticed a horizontal glass case at the back of the room near the ceiling above what appeared to be an old dusty desk. "Oh, now we're talking!" Cozy cackled as she flew up to the encased relic. Looking at the piece up close Cozy could see it was a staff or walking stick of some kind, long and gragley made of very old black wood with a long purple gem-stone at the tip. "Well, this is nice, wonder what it is?" She asked herself as she looked for any form of identification. Sadly she didn't see any on the case so she decided to hover down to the old dusty desk below. On it were a handful of papers, scribblings some obviously by Fritz, others torn pages from books. "Well, well look who has or had a little hobby?" Cozy chuckled. "Now let's see here...." She smiled as she picked up one of the less dusty papers. I tested the Staff of Somniuma on a patient, I thought it would make things better, but it seemed to only make their Nightmares worse! I fear I have made a grave mistake unearthing it from Queen Cleopatrot's tomb, the Somnambulian embassy however has refused to take it back so I shall keep it here until I can figure out how to use it's powers for the healing our patients need! "Hmm, Somniuma is old ponish for Dreams....Staff of dreams, or in the right hooves.....Nightmares!" Cozy cackled as she looked up at the artifact. "Oh yes, this will be quite fun, quite fun indeed!" She devilishly grinned as a plan began to form in her head. "Well I think you'd be much better off if you just stayed away from that freak!" Clover exclaimed as she fluffed Willow's pillow. "I mean she's obviously gotten even more screws loose then the rest of us, plus, as i've said before....she's scary!" The Doe shivered thinking about Cozy Glow's down right evil glare. "Well some people would say i'm scary too you know" Will argued her voice a soft rasp. "What, who would ever say such a...." Clover began before trailing off and walking towards the window. "Clover, whats going on, why'd you just pause like that?" Willow asked confused as she set up in her bed. "It's Cozy, she's...well she's outside in the playground area between the different sections of the building and she's well I don't know she's just fluttering up there really high, she's just hovering there right in line with the top of the building holding up some kind of....staff!? "What?" Willow asked again quite confused, but before Clover could reply the staff emitted a bright red light that engulfed the building. Clover blinked her eyes and shook her head, she suddenly felt a sense of dread as she heard a low growl by instinct she looked up and saw a giant Timber Wolf looking down at her, and all she could do was scream! "What in blazes is going on!?" Doctor Dula asked as she saw countless creatures and nightmares manifest all through out the hospital as if out of nowhere. Children running and screaming as their fears chased them. "I-I dunno m'am" The nearby nurse panicked. "Do you think Equestria is under attack again!?" "No, if that were the case we would have been warned in advance as most medical facilities are, this was spontaneous as if out of nowhere, it, well i'm not sure what it was!" The Doctor admitted. "I'll tell you what it was" Dr. Neuron huffed as she stomped towards his wife. "It was that girl, that Pegasus!" "Come now, she's just a child, how could she do all this!?" Dr. Dula asked. "Well, why don't we just go out there and ask her ourselves." Fritz huffed as he began to stomp towards the nearest exit. Willow seat deathly still as she heard the Timberwolf growl. She could hear Clover's screams as she ran around the room trying to avoid the beast. "Clover, calm down, it isn't real." Willow loudly spoke trying to get the Doe's attention. "It looks pretty real to me!" She shrieked as she backed into the nearest corner and began to tremble. "Oh why couldn't I have been born a Giraffe or a Yak, then I could get rid of this thing no problem!" Clover whined. "You still can clover!" Willow encouraged. "It isn't real, it's just a shadow born from your fears. Close your eyes, calm yourself and it'll go away!" "O-ok I'll try" Clover stuttered as she obeyed her friends command. "C-close my eyes, deep breaths, c-calm down" She repeated as she did her best to control her anxiety despite feeling the beast's breath beating down upon her. "Its not real, it's not real it's not real!" And then just like that, the Timberwolf was gone. "See, told you" Willow smiled as she slowly got out of the bed. "Now c'mon we have to find Cozy and fix this!" "Cozy!?" Clover asked in surprise as she opened her eyes. "Well, of course she's the one behind all this!" The Doe huffed as she slowly pranced behind her young unicorn protector. Outside in the playground area of The Hospital Cozy Fluttered above it all, laughing maniacally as she could hear the symphony of screams as the nightmares of those around her came to life. "Ms. Glow, stop this madness this very instant!!" Dr. Neuron angrily screamed up at the child. "Cozy, please, stop this!!" Dr. Dula begged as she looked up at the young filly holding the glowing staff. "Make Me!" Cozy cackled in reply. "Oh wait, you can't!!" She giggled as she clutched the staff tighter. "Why you!" Fritz huffed preparing to hit her with a blast of magic before his wife cut him off by putting her hoof in front of him. "No, we resolve this peacefully, we have to set an example for the children." The Doctor stated. Determination in her eyes. "Fine" Fritz huffed. "But just how do you suggest we do that?" The angry stallion asked. "I-I don't know." Dula admitted looking up at Cozy Glow and trying her best to think up a plan. Cozy just continued to laugh maniacally taking glee from her actions, but she paused when she heard a familiar sound. "I Wuv U Cozy Glow!" Cozy turned to see Willow on the roof with that annoying Doe and Buffalo by her side. Levitating Cozy's doll with her magic. "Put that down!!" Cozy shrieked as she quickly flew towards them. "Only if you stop this Cozy." Willow admitantly stated. "Pfft, as if. Why would I. I'm having fun bringing all your nightmares to life!" Cozy cackled. "Well then, you leave me no choice" Willow sighed as she set the doll down in front of the Buffalo. "Do it" she sorrowfully sighed. "With pleasure" The Buffalo smiled as she began to step on the doll, causing it to speak out again. "Stop that? What are you doing?" Cozy Glow panicked. "Child with rotten soul scare friends, so I Sunflower Spirit punish by destroying doll!" The buffalo stated as she began to press down harder and harder until Cozy heard a slight crack. "NO!!" Cozy shrieked as she dropped the staff and flew towards the doll, swiping it from underneath the buffalo's hoof. And she began hugging it like mad, only to find her own deepest fear had come true. The voice box was broken...it didn't work or sound right anymore. "I...I...You ...oozy...gloo" "I Love.....coozy....ooo" "I.....glow" The doll spoke as Cozy pressed and pressed as it got weaker until nothing came out at all. "No. No. Starlight. No. Please...No!!" Cozy began to shriek and sob as the others looked on, the doctors and orderlies soon arriving on the roof as well surprised by the scene. Cozy just lie there crying rocking herself,hugging the doll over and over, no sound coming out. "Starlight. Please. Please talk to me. No no no no, please!" Cozy sobbed still squeezing the doll. "Oh, oh dear" Dr. Dula exclaimed with a shocked and sorrowful tone. "It was the only way." Willow exclaimed as she trotted towards the doctor. "I'm sorry, please tell her that when you can." "What will happen to her now?" Clover asked. "We have no choice, she's to dangerous to keep in a regular room. I'm sorry dear, but Cozy must be moved to the maximum security wing on floor eight!" Fritz sighed as he went to pick-up the staff. "I-I guess you're right dear" Dula admitted as she levitated Cozy, still clinging tightly to her doll up on her back. "Come now little one" she softly spoke. "That's enough excitement for one day, let's get you cleaned up and off to bed." Cozy however said nothing as she was still oblivious to the world around her, the loss of the doll's voice, of Starlight's voice causing her to shut-down and sink within herself. > Chapter 5: The Empty > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- White, everything white, white padded floors and wall, white ceiling with bright white lights, a small bed with white sheets and pillows, at least the metal parts were silver. Not that it mattered, not that anything mattered. Cozy just did what she had done since being put there, how ever long ago that was, she honestly didn't know, the last thing she remembered was that horrible sound, that horrible cracking, the doll, the voice, the only connection she had left to Starlight dying in her arms. When she came out of her stupor she had found herself in this room, two stallions and a nurse talking to her, explaining where she was, what being on this floor meant, how things were different. Not that she was really in any position to pay attention to or understand their words at the time. Though she quickly learned. Everyday around what Cozy could only guess was lunch an orderly or nurse came in with a tray containing her daily rations of food and medication, they stayed until Cozy would finish her meal and take her medication. She of course did so whether she was hungry that day or not, she didn't have the will to fight back anymore, the will to do much of anything. Perhaps part of her lethargy was whatever new medications the doctors had prescribed, but even without them it didn't change the fact, that deep down inside, she just felt empty. There was now anger or joy, no sorrow, hate or happiness, the young Pegasus foal felt truly and utterly, empty. "OK Ms. Cozy its time to follow me to the clean-up area" A nurse calmly stated as she entered Cozy's room. Cozy just looked-up at the nurse, she was a earth pony, a reddish-pink fur and a soft green mane. The nurse smiled at Cozy as she gently patted her on the head and told her once again to come along. Cozy of course complied. As she walked down the nearly barren white tiled halls she could hear other foals and creatures screaming or crying from inside the other rooms. she wasn't sure who all else was up here, nor did she care, but from some of the noises she could hazard to guess at least one griffon, one yak a couple of dragons and at least four or maybe six other ponies. "Here we are dear" The Nurse stated as she stopped cozy and pointed at the door, a symbol with water droplets on it. Cozy just nodded and proceeded inside the room. If Cozy were in a position to feel any form of emotion she would probably like this room the best, there was actually some color, dark blue almost black tiles, tiny little squares all over, stalls along the walls with fountainheads for the patients to use. Cozy walked to her usual spot in the middle of the back of the room as the nurse removed her white hospital gown and turned on the fountain head, warm water spewing out. Cozy closed her eyes and listened to the water, letting it take her back to the memories of rainy days, how much she used to love watching the rain. It wasn't enough to light back-up the spark she had lost, but perhaps enough to help her relax. As Cozy entered her trance the nurse got out a bar of soap and began to clean the young foal. Part of her was tempted to ask the Pegausi how such a small foal ended up in a place like this especially one this floor, but then she knew better than to potentially trigger a traumatized child, especially one her employers had considered dangerous enough to put here on floor eight. So she quickly dismissed the idea and continued with her work. After finishing her daily cleaning session and the nurse making sure she was dry enough Cozy was sent back to her room where she once again set down in the same position as she always did. The nurse just smile at her, told her to have a pleasant evening and that lights out would be in two hours. Cozy said nothing as the nurse just sighed and closed the door, locking it from the outside. And that was it, another day, another day where nothing really mattered, another day in the white on floor eight, another day in the empty. Cozy Glow set-up and yawned as she blinked her eyes, unsurprised she was still in the place she had been the day before, and they day before that and Tartarus only knew how long. She didn't even feel like getting out of bed today though, even though the automatic lights had been turned on as they were every day, or morning, or whatever it was, so she just closed her eyes, and did her best to drift off back to sleep. A knock, unexpected. Another knock, very unexpected. Cozy opened her eyes and got out of the small bed and walked to her spot in the center of the room. "See I told you she was in there" A voice said. "I suppose she was just a tad reluctant to get up" it finished. "I suppose, and you're sure it's OK for me to go inside there on my own?" Another voice asked. "Well of course, you are a princess after all" The voice Cozy now recognized as Dr. Dula chuckled. "OK, well here goes nothing" The other stated with nervous gulp as the door opened and a very unexpected guest walked in. "Hello Cozy, do-do you remember me?" Twilight Sparkle asked looking down at the young foal, her expression one of uncertainty with perhaps a tinge of remorse seeing the young Pegasus filly she had once considered one of her start students and then her greatest failure to be just sitting there down on her flank, with hazed over emotionless eyes that somehow Twilight sensed were still full of sorrow. "Oh, Hello Headmare Twilight." Cozy answered in an almost robotic tone. "What brings you here?" Cozy asked. Twilight winced, she knew Cozy had betrayed her, all of Equestria even, but to see a child in such a state, it made the princesses heart ache. "How did Starlight survive going to see her everyday in Tartarus!?" Twilight eternally asked herself. after a heavy breath Twilight did her best to regain her composure. "I just came to check-up on you Cozy, I hope you don't mind" Twilight softly and sweetly replied. "No, I don't mind" Cozy replied, her voice still seemingly devoid of any emotion. "Yes, well, um....good then" Twilight awkwardly fumbled her words trying to think of how to properly start their conversation. "You know, I will admit I was a bit surprised when Dr. Dula called and asked me to come visit. But when she told me about your latest....incident I figured you probably needed the company" Twilight explained. "I guess" Cozy replied. "Well, I just want you to know that we're all rooting for you. Ponies aren't the kind to hold grudges you know" Twilight nervously exclaimed. "Pinkie, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, the Crusaders and all your fellow students are looking forward to you getting through this" Twilight tried to reassure the young curly haired Pegasus. "That's nice I guess" Cozy replied. Twilight starting to fear there was nothing she could say to snap the poor child out of whatever funk she now found herself in. but to her surprise Cozy finally began to talk. "And.....what about....what bout Starlight?" Cozy asked with a rasp, the slightest tinge of emotion begging to return in her voice. "Starlight is definitely looking forward to seeing you again, I can promise you that!" Twilight happily exclaimed with a smile. All of a sudden for the first time days or weeks Cozy still wasn't sure how long it had been emotion began to return to the young foal. "I-I wanna see Starlight!" Cozy sobbed. "I-I wanna see her now!!" The young filly pleaded. "I know sweetie, and I wish you could, but i'm afraid not even I can override a decision made by Celestia" Twilight sighed. "B-but it's not fair, she got punished because of me, she shouldn't get in trouble over me!" Cozy continued to cry. "I know, and, I agree." Twilight sighed "But I trust Starlight's judgement, she believes in you Cozy, she put everything on the line for you, defying Celestia herself, she is a very brave unicorn" Twilight softly and nervously exclaimed. All of a sudden an idea forming in the young princesses brain. "You know, perhaps I could talk to Celestia and the council again, now I can't promise anything but I could do my best to convince them to attempt to shorten Starlight's sentence. i'm sure both of you would appreciate that." Twilight softly smiled. "Y-you could do that?" Cozy asked her eyes pleading. "I can't promise any thing for certain, but i'm wiling to try, if you're willing to make a promise of your own to me." Twilight explained. "OK, yes, what ever it is, i'll do it!" Cozy hastily agreed, the spark within her begging to ignite once more. "I can talk with Dr. Neuron to get you move back to your own room, but you have to promise to be good Cozy, be good, for me, for all your friends waiting for you back in Ponyville, and most importantly for Starlight, OK?" Twilight commanded with a soft smile. "I-I promise, i'll be good, I promise, just-please, I really really really miss talking with Ms. Glimmer, I-I didn't think I would and I don't know why but I do! So please help her, I-I promise i'll be good, I promise i'll get better! I promise!" Cozy pleaded and sobbed as she used her tiny wings to hover into Twilight's chest as tears continued to roll down her eyes. "And I believe you sweetie, I do. i'll head downstairs and talk to the doctors and then meet with Celestia the first thing tomorrow morning, I promise." Twilight reassured her. "Oh, by the way, I think you might have been missing this" Twilight chuckled a she levitated the doll Starlight had made Cozy towards her. Cozy just looked at it and then back up at Twilight, the princess encouraging her to take it. Cozy obeyed and quickly grabbed the doll as she fluttered back to her bed and squeezed the doll tightly. "Hewwo Cozy Glow, I wuv you!" it sang, good as new. Cozy just staring at it with wide-eyed surprise. "You see Cozy, with a little friendship, a little magic, there's nothing that can't be fixed!" the purple mare happily exclaimed as she slowly trotted towards the foal. "I know you may not feel so good right now, maybe even a bit empty. But, that's not always a bad thing. Because, well sometimes a cup spills and makes a mess, but at the same time you know, it just gives you a chance to fill that cup up again. So, just, stay strong Cozy, and i'm sure you'll be able to fill your cup up with wonderful things in no time" Twilight softly smiled as she hugged the filly. "I'll send you a correspondence as soon as i'm able, ok, just don't give up on Starlight, or yourself" Twilight finished as she gave another soft smile to the girl and slowly trotted out of the room. Cozy just watching her leave and then staring back at her doll letting out a small smile of her own. Three days later Cozy found herself back in her old room. The Doctors explained how Twilight had convinced them to give her another chance but that she would have to be on her best behavior. Cozy of course quickly agreed to these terms. "Oh and before I forget this came in the mail for you today youngling" Fritz added as he levitated a letter over to her. Cozy let out a nervous gulp as she slowly opened it up. Dear Cozy, I am delighted to inform you that after much deliberating with Celestia and the royal council I have gotten Starlight's sentence cut down to just four months of community service. Isn't that great!? Of course I realize this may not be exactly what you want but I imagine three months is much better then a year. And if you're wondering no that's not a typo I was calculating in your time at the clinic, I figured you might have lost track being on the eighth floor and all which apparently has no clocks, I mean seriously who doesn't give their patients clocks!? Anyway apologies for all the rambling, i'm just so excited and I know you must be too! See you soon Cozy! Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle P.S. This is Spike, you still owe me fifty bits for that time you tricked me into buying everyone in the class sodas that one time Cozy Glow read the letter aloud and chuckled. "Oh my, I-I can't believe it!" "Well it sounds to me like you have more then enough reason to actually take your therapy seriously this time" Dr. Dula Chuckled. I expect you to be at group at 9 A.M. Sharp Ms. Glow" Dula teased. "Yes M'am!" Cozy happily giggled. "And no more villainy either!" Fritz added with a huff. "If something makes you mad or upsets you work it out in a healthy way, Talk to one of us or draw something, meditate, heck i'll even let you take-up gardening on the grounds if you want just don't go around stealing any more hospital property ok!" "Yes sir, Mr. Neuron!" Cozy giggled. "I promise!" "Well, OK then, I guess that's that as he slowly left the room, Dula following behind. Cozy just happily giggle as she cling on tightly too the letter and flew over to her bed "She Cozy Jr. Head Mare Twilight did it! We'll get to see Starlight again!" She happily exclaimed as he hugged the doll tightly and flew around the air giggling like the happiest foal in the world. For the first time since she arrived at the clinic, Cozy actually felt like she might be able to turn over a new leaf after all. > Chapter 6: Hurts of The Past. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Dula set with Cozy as she stared at the young pegaus filly. "Are you sure you're ready for this Cozy? We don't have to if you don't want to." The Doctor softly spoke looking down at the child. "Well I don't really want to, but I think I have to, if I wanna, you know, get better or whatever" Cozy anxiously expressed as she rubbed her hoof against her arm. "Well I think this is very brave of you to come ask me for a private session. " The Doctor smiled as she began the recorder. "So tell me won't you, who is Cozy Glow? What is her story, her real story?" Cozy just gulped and took a deep breath..."OK" 9 years earlier.... The rain fell over Tottingham as the wind blew and an old building of wood and brick creaked and shook.... "Matron, Matron!" A voice echoed through the halls as a purple furred pink maned unicorn mare ran down the halls levitating a small basket looking for her superior. "What is it Night Song?" A disgruntled voice huffed. "It is almost ten at night, are you trying to to wake the children?" The gray furred black maned earth mare scolded. "No High Matron Strict, not at all, my apologies!" Night Song stuttered. "B-but that's why I'm here, you see I heard a bang on the door. Like someone threw a rock I opened the door and well, I found this." Night Song explained as she levitated the basket towards the elder mare who looked inside and saw the newborn foal. "Odd, this thing can't be more than a month old at best, who would abandon such a tiny thing so soon?" The Matron asked aloud as she unwrapped the swaddling and looked the newborn over to make sure it was ok. She quickly noted it was a pegasus, female and...all of a sudden the matron gasped. "Abomination" Mrs. Strict hissed as she stepped back. "What in Heavens name are you on about?" Night Song chuckled looking at the matron as if she were mad, approaching the basket looking at the newborn foal quickly noting what the matron had seen, on the newborn's flank a red rook cutie mark. "My my that is interesting, born with a mark, how about that. Not something you see every day is it?" Night song chuckled. "Do not laugh!" The matron hissed. "Can you not see, that is the sign of evil. That child is a demon!" Mrs. Strict shrieked. "Oh Pish Tosh!" Night song giggled. "She's just a foal, don't be such a superstitious fool" Night Song scolded as she levitated the child towards her and set in a chair near the fire hoping to warm-up the shivering newborn . "Fine keep it here if you wish, but I will have nothing to do with it!" The Matron hissed. "Its a bad omen." She stated as she left the room, slamming the door behind her. This of course caused the newborn to stir and open its eyes. But instead of crying it just smiled, looked up at Night Song and giggled as it made a small spit bubble. "Well aren't you a cutie" Night Song Sang as the child yawned. "Look at you all nice and Cozy next to the fire's glow...hmm, you know I think we just found you a name. How does that sound little one? Little Cozy Glow." Night Song asked as the foal sputtered and yawned, falling back asleep in the unicorn mare's arms. 4 years later..... "Now I expect you all to be on your best behavior" Mrs. Strict stated as she walked along the line of children. "Ecspecially you Ms. Glow" she hissed looking down at the child pure disgust in her eyes. "Is that clear?" "Yes Mrs. Strict" Cozy replied looking up at the elder mare with nervous expression as the other fillies and colts chuckled at the sight. "Good, the Mayor will be here this afternoon to deliver his annual donation, I want all of you little ankle biters to make sure not to mess this up." The Matron finished as she stomped out of the room. "Man, what a nag!" A young colt exclaimed. "I think you mean hag" a young earth filly chuckled. "Now now children, the matron isn't that bad" Night Song chuckled as she entered the room looking around to see Cozy on her bed pouting. Smiling softly as she walked over to consul the girl. "Matron Strict hates me" Cozy whined looking up at Night Song. "Oh, she doesn't hate you, she just...needs time. You know how silly older ponies can be." Night Song chuckled. "But aren't you old too?' Cozy asked with a chuckle. "I'll have you know I am only 28 young foal! Compared to the matron I'm practically a baby like you!" She finished causing Cozy to giggle. "I am not a baby!" Cozy retorted with a snort. "I am four years old, practically an adult." "Oh, is that so." Night Song teased back. "Well I guess you are far more advanced then most other fillies your age. Speaking of which..." Night Song smiled as she levitated a book out of her saddle bag. "I got this for you." She sang as she lowered the book down to Cozy. The young foal looking down at the thick hardbound paper portal to worlds yet unseen with glee. "Daring Do & The Marked Thief of Marapore!" Cozy read the title aloud. "Oh Good Golly, how'd you find a copy!? I thought they were sold out everywhere!!" Cozy exclaimed. "Well what can I say, I'm a miracle worker." Night Song winked at the pegasus filly as Cozy Jumped up and gave her a tight hug thanking her over and over. "I'm glad you enjoy it, now cheer up and don't let the matron get you down, you're a smart little filly cozy, and you're going to do great things, I know it!" She reassured the young pegasus as she rubbed her Curley hair. The Matron spying from the cracked door scrunching her nose and giving a disapproving sneer. 1 Year Later.... The grey sky hung heavily as the light was faded with heavy sense of sorrow. Inside the orphanage children wept and a very familiar pegasus filly wept in the corner as she hugged her book tightly. All of a sudden the matron entered the room, her garb all black as she looked back at Cozy and sternly stated. "Ms. Glow, please come with me" Cozy looked up and wiped the tears from her eyes as she nodded and followed Matron Strict through the hall and down the stairs to her office. When they arrived the matron set behind her desk and motioned for Cozy to take a seat as well. "So, are you happy now?" The matron sternly hissed. "What?" Cozy asked in surprise. "I know Night Song's death was no accident, I Know you are the one too blame! I warned her to not befriend you!" The matron hissed. "What are you, I-I don't understand!" Cozy exclaimed with a shock. Mrs. Strict just growled. "You are a cursed child. I knew it from the moment I saw you. No pony is born with a mark! You are not a foal, you are a demon!" The elder earth mare angrily glared. "I-I-I...." Cozy sputtered as tears began to well up in her eyes. "Oh spare me the tears, even if you are unaware of what you are, I am not, you are an abomination who will bring bad luck wherever you go, you are responsible for Night Song's accident. And I will make sure you never hurt anyone else again." The elder mare hissed as she grabbed Cozy by her hair and pulled her back up the stairs, past the second floor and up to the attic. "You will stay here from now on, I will honor Mrs. Song's memory by allowing you to live, but I will not let you have the luxury of living well!" The unhinged old earth pony hissed as she closed the door and locked it from inside. Cozy just curled up into a ball and cried herself to sleep. 2 years later. "And don't you dare forget to clean every inch of the house while I'm out!" Mrs. Strict huffed as she looked down at Cozy. "Yes Mrs. Strict" Cozy fearfully stuttered in reply as she continued to sweep the floor accidentally bumping into the trashcan causing it and her to tumble. Cozy did her best to quickly get back-up onto her hooves and looked down to see papers strewn about, and one very nice leather bound book between it all. "You're throwing away a book!?" Cozy gasped in surprise. "Pfft, Why would I want to keep some ridiculous hippy trash about love and friendship? Even if it is written by a princesss!" Mrs. Strict huffed. "Now get all this cleaned up by the time I return from my errands!" She scolded as she trotted towards the door. Cozy waited until she was gone and gave the book a closer look. "The Journal of Friendship by Princess Twiliight Sparkle and The Elements of Harmony" she read aloud as the mysterious tome seemed to be begging her to read it. Her eyes wide with excitement. "And Then I just took the book and read it behind Mrs. Strict's back. I learned about the power and magic of friendship, It became my obsession. I joined the prisoner letter exchange program and as fate would have it Tirek was one of the creatures accepting letters. Then a year later Princess Twilight opened up her school of friendship and I enrolled, forming my plan along the way. I guess, I guess I just figured Mrs. Strict had been right, I was a monster, so I might as well be one who could have enough power to make everyone her friend. I mean, it's not hard, you just to approach every problem, every creature from the right angle you know, give em what they want. be the pony they want you to be. Put on the right mask for the right situation, I think I read that in a book once." Cozy rasped with a chuckle. Dr. Dula said nothing as she turned off the recorder and slowly trotted towards the girl. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry you had to go through that, to be the victim of an old mare's cruelty and to loose your only friend at such a young age." The Doctor Softly spoke. "You are not a monster or an abomination, you are a bright young filly who was just given a rotten hoof in life." But trust me when I say this Cozy. You will prove that old hag wrong, of that I can promise." She reassured the filly as she embraced the young mare. Cozy crying into her fur. > Chapter 7: And The Star Shall Guide Her... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cozy Glow zipped around her room, giggling and chuckling with Glee as she packed her things. After months of waiting she was finally going to get what she most desired. All of a sudden however a knock was heard at the door and Cozy paused giving off a short and sweet "come in!" As the door opened Cozy saw Willow enter the room. The young unicorn's hazed over eyes looking a tad more sad then usual. "Good morning Willow, how are yea!?" Cozy greeted her friend as she fluttered over her. "Oh, I suppose i'm fine" Willow sighed as she looked down at the floor causing Cozy to raise an eyebrow. "Fine huh, then why do you sound sadder then a platypus who lost her egg!?" Cozy inquired looking down at the young unicorn filly. "Well, I suppose I guess i'm just thinking about how much i'll miss you" Willow softly smiled as she began to levitate something towards the curly haired Pegasus. "I mean I know I shouldn't be sad, it's good to get out of a place like this, and my visions have told me we'll meet again someday when we're grown, but still..." Willow began to pout as her magic wrapped the small band around Cozy's arm. "I-is this a friendship bracelet?" Cozy asked in surprise. "Um, yes" Willow blushed as Cozy swooped down and hugged her. "Oh thank you willow, I love it!" Cozy squeed. "I'm glad" Willow chuckled. "Now how about I finish helping you pack those saddle bags so you'll be ready in time. Cozy Glow paced back and fourth frantically as she waited by the front entrance of the clinic. he fast and nervous steps reverberating throughout the first floor. "Calm down youngling or you'll burn a hole in the tile" Fritz joked with a chuckle as he looked over at his wife. "Now now dear Ms. Glow has been waiting quite some time for this, it makes sense she would be a bit antsy" Dula chuckled looking down at the anxious foal. "Nervous, what me..pfft. No way!" Cozy rebutted. "I mean it's not like i'm afraid Starlight's not gonna show-up because she decided I wasn't worth the hassle or anything, or that she might get eaten by a Bugbear on her way her or...." Cozy began to hyperventilate as Dr. Dula her hoof on the filly's back in an attempt to calm her down. "Now now, no need for such forlorn fantasies Ms. Glow. I am sure Starlight will be here any minute now" The Doctor Smiled giving Cozy a reassuring wink. "T-thanks i'm sure you're right" Cozy nervously chuckled as she wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. Just then however the automatic doors at the front opened as the usual ding went off and the three looked forward to see a very familiar sight. "Starlight!" Cozy exclaimed with excitement as she quickly flew towards the older unicorn mare and hugged her tightly burying her muzzle in Starlight's chest fur, tears of joy rolling down her cheek. "It's good to see you too cozy" The voice softly rasped. This caused Cozy to look up and see that Starlight looked rather worse for ware. A frizzled mane, bags under her eyes and her eyes a bit bloodshot. "Oh good golly, what happened to you!?" Cozy asked in a panic as she released herself from Starlight and fluttered up towards her face. "I'm fine Cozy, realy, just a little worn out from going so long without magic." Starlight chuckled as she tried to tidy her mane. "Oh, yea that....sorry" Cozy apologized as she awkwardly rubbed her hoof against her shoulder. Starlight just looked at the young foal and chuckled. "It's no big deal really now let's get whatever we need to get signed signed and get you outta here!" Starlight exclaimed as she began to trot towards the doctors. "OK!" Cozy happily exclaimed as she followed behind. On the train from Manehatten to Ponyville an eerie and unnatural silence seemed to settle throughout as the usually busy caravan was near empty save for a few older mares, a diamond dog , and a lone griffon that seemed to have fallen asleep as it was sprawled out along the entire seat. And near the back of the car set two ponies that despite being very happy to see one another again, didn't quite know what to say. "So, um....I bet you're glad to be out of there and headed back to Ponyville, right!?" Starlight nervously chuckled looking down at the young foal. "Yea, and I bet you're glad to be done with all that community service or what not." Cozy awkwardly replied back. Starlight just quickly saying "Yep" with an awkward chuckle. Eventually however the tension got to both of them and the damn broke. "I'm sorry I got you in trouble Starlight. I was so worried about you this whole time and I feel bad that I got your magic taken away from you even though you probably have it back now, I understand if you hate me now and wanna throw me right back into Tartarus!" Cozy quickly exclaimed with a deep breath afterwords surprisingly glad to have gotten her worries of her chest. Starlight just looked at the young foal and chuckled. "Cozy, I don't hate you" She laughed. "I told you I did what I did because my gut told me it was right. And hey you're better now aren't you?" Starlight noted pointing at the foal. "Plus I guess four months of hard labor really helps you appreciate the endurance of Earth Ponies. I don't know how Applejack works from dawn till dusk like she does, I got winded after just an hour!" Starlight joked. "Still though, if it weren't for me you never would've gotten in trouble in the first place" Cozy pouted. "Maybe, but if there's one thing I know to be true, friends are worth getting in trouble for" Starlight winked as she ruffled the young Pegasus's curly hair. "But enough talk of the past, I wanna look forward to the future." Starlight smiled. "I just know you're gonna love our new place!" "New Place?" Cozy asked somewhat confused. "Yea, well Celestia felt it might be a bit....dangerous for you to live in Twilight's Castle with all the rare books and magical artifacts and all so Twilight and I decided it was for the best that I get my own place." Starlight awkwardly admitted. "Oh no, now I've gotten you kicked out of the castle too!?" Cozy pouted looking even more distraught. "No, no it's not like that" Starlight tried to reassure her. "I mean maybe technically it kind of is, but honestly even I knew I couldn't live in Twilight's castle forever and the place Trixie and I rented out is pretty nice, I think you'll like it" Starlight softly smiled. "Trixie?" Cozy asked uncertain if she remembered the name. "Yea, she's one of my best friends. You remember, the blue unicorn with the silver hair from that time I had to hire substitutes when Discord tricked Twilight and the others into going on that fake friendship mission." Starlight explained. "Oh, you mean that loud magician with the annoying kinda scratchy voice!?" Cozy replied. "Hehe, yep the one and only" Starlight exclaimed. "But don't worry, she's not that bad." Starlight teased. Cozy quickly pranced along behind Starlight as the two continued walking through the town. Admittingly being back in Ponyville made Cozy nervous, she was afraid any second now that she'd run into one of her old classmates or some pony or creature that recognized her and be part of some big awful scene that she did NOT feel like dealing with right now. "Calm down" Starlight stated as she looked down at the anxious and nervously shaking filly. "I know you're nervous, I was when I first moved to Ponyville too" Starlight explained. "But trust me when I say the ponies here aren't the kind to hold grudges, and hey if anyone does want to mess with you, they'll have to get through me first!" Starlight exclaimed giving Cozy a confident wink. The girl just nervously smiling and shaking her head in agreement. "Now c'mon we're almost there!" Starlight happily exclaimed as she began to prance faster. At the most western edge of town the two mare finally reached there destination. Cozy looked up and saw a typical two story pony home, a thatched hay roof and wooden beams on the side, it looked like near every other house in the slowly growing town, save for the fact it was painted part blue and part purple with Starlight and what she was guessing her friend Trixie's cutie mark symbols near the top instead of the usual heart shape most other houses had. All of a sudden Cozy heard a rustling in the bushes in the nearby woods as she and Starlight looked over to see a familiar blue unicorn mare angrily trotting out of the woods spitting leaves out of her mouth. "Stupid woods, it's fall there should be pine cones everywhere!" She grunted. "Trixie, what happened to you!?" Starlight asked doing her best to hold back her laughter. "Ugg" Trixie huffed. "Trixie was looking in the woods for pine cones to put in our centerpiece for the living room but all the good ones are already gone!" "I didn't know pine cones just dissipated like that" Starlight teased. "They don't" Trixie huffed once more "But obviously the shopkeeps in this po-dunk town already came and took all the good ones to make their own overpriced decorations with!" Trixie began to rant before noticing Cozy fluttering nearby. "Oh, is that her?" Trixie asked pointing to Cozy, Starlight just shaking her head. "Well then, The Great and Powerful Trixie welcomes you to her, er our humble abode Ms. Glow" Trixie exclaimed as she quickly opened the door. "TA DA!!" Cozy slowly fluttered in and looked around. In the living room she saw a bookshelf on the left most wall and in front of it a small table with the decorative centerpiece Trixie had been talking about, a small burgundy rug underneath. Next to it was a medium sized couch and behind it a red chair. The wooden floors looked old but sturdy and near the back of the room a long dining table with exquisite silver ware placement, to the right side a small kitchen area with a fridge an island a sink and of course cabinets hanging above for storage. back to the left there was a large oval opening that Cozy imagined led into a study and in the back right stairs that most likely led to the second floor. "Well c'mon in and lets take the grand tour!" Starlight happily exclaimed as she began to trot towards the stairs. And this is the bathroom" Starlight stated as she opened the door to a rather small but homely looking room with blue tile a medium sized tub, a toilet a sink and a mirror that seemed to open and have a small bit of storage inside as Starlight noted putting Cozy's medication inside before trotting out and continuing along her way to the very end of the hall. "And this is the master bedroom where Trixie and I will be staying" Starlight stated as Cozy looked in the room, wooden floors a queen sized bed and a dresser with a mirror on top to the left, two small night stands on each side. "So, you too are sleeping together in the same bed....did you get married or something?" Cozy bluntly asked causing the two mares to blush. "Pfft, no...I mean, we could, someday...maybe...not that we would, or not that we wouldn't" Starlight began to fumble her words as she attempted to nervously explain. "It was simply much cheaper to buy one bed then two is all" Trixie bluntly stated looking down at the inquisitive little foal. "But i'm sure we could find a way to make it for more then just sleeping" Trixie teased the already flustered Starlight. "OK, LET'S GO SHOW COZY HER ROOM!!" Starlight loudly exclaimed as she trotted back towards the front of the upstairs hall. Trixie and Cozy just chuckling at the unicorn mare's flustered state. Cozy looked around in awe at the room that Starlight had prepared for her, a nice comfy twin sized bed with a blue covers and a star print on it. A bookshelf full of classical literature a closet pre-filled with some of the most adorable outfits the filly had ever seen, courtesy of Rarity apparently, a beginners magic kit sitting in the corner, from Trixie no doubt and for some reason a bunch of kites pinned up on the wall. "Do you like it?" Starlight asked. "I love it!" Cozy exclaimed. "but, what's with all the kites?" She curiously inquired. "Oh, well ahh...they're mine, you see, I ah..." Starlight blushed agian. "She really likes kites" Trixie finished with a chuckle. "I mean if you think this is alot you should see the attic, its filled with boxes of em!" Trixie teased. "Yea yea we can talk about my kite addiction later, right now let's focus on the task at hand." Starlight stated. "And what task is that?" Trixie asked. "Why playing the traditional housewarming game of Dragon Pit!" Starlight happily exclaimed as she made her favorite board-game magically appear in front of Trixie. "I don't think that's a real tradition" Trixie huffed. "Well it is now!" Starlight smiled. "Now c'mon, let the games begin!" Starlight cheered. Cozy and Trixie just rolling their eyes and chuckling as they set down next to Starlight as she set up the game board. > Chapter 8: New Semester, Old Wounds. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cozy Glow yawned loudly as she awoke. The sound of songbirds outside her window releasing her from her slumber and making her once more aware of the world around her. She slowly blinked as she rubbed the sleep out of her eye and looked around her room as she did every morning. In some ways it still felt surreal to her, to be in a regular bedroom like any other young foal, in a regular house in the small but ever steadily growing village of Ponyville. Cozy smiled as she yawned again and stretched her hooves out before fluttering out of bed softly landing on the wood floor below. She then looked at her calendar and remembered what day it was. "Oh Horse-apples!" She muttered under her breath as she looked at the circled date with bright red letters "First Day Back To School!" in the box. Cozy Glow let out a disgruntled pout as she trotted down the stairs looking around to see Starlight and Trixie already up and in the kitchen area. "Starlight, My Coffee is too strong!" Trixie whined looking over at her housemate. "Then put some more sugar in it or something Trix, can't you see i'm busy!" Starlight huffed looking over at her friend as she levitated the skillet. "I want to finish these hay cakes for Cozy by the time she...." Starlight began only to be interrupted by the small Pegasus foal clearing her throat the two looking over at her. "Good morning" She awkwardly greeted as she fluttered over to the island table, and sitting down at the stool next to Trixie. "Cozy, would you be a dear and get some sugar and honey for my coffee?" Trixie asked giving the young filly a pout and large puppy dog eyes. "Don't do it Cozy, Trixie needs to learn that just because she's bunking with other ponies now that doesn't mean she can use us as an excuse to be lazy" Starlight sternly stated as she continued to focus most of her attention on her cooking. "Uggh, fine i'll get it myself!" Trixie moaned as she stood up and used her magic to open up the nearby jar of sugar using a spoon to measure just the right amount to put in her mug before going over to the fridge to look for the honey. "Starlight, we're out of honey!" Trixie whined. "Well then I guess you should have gotten some at the store the other day" Starlight teased. Trixie reacting with a huff as she went to sit back down on her stool. "Sweet Celestia we've only been living together a week and these two already act like an old married couple!" Cozy Glow internally chuckled. "You know I think you two make a really cute couple" Cozy stated causing both mares to pause and blush Starlight almost dropping her skillet. "OK I think someone has been reading a few to many romance novels" Starlight nervously chuckled as she flipped the stack of hay cakes from the skillet onto a plate quickly putting some syrup, whip cream and a cherry on top before levitating the plate over to Cozy. "OK now eat-up and let's get you ready for your first day of school!" Starlight exclaimed with her best faux enthusiasm. "Do I really have to go back so soon?" Cozy nervously asked looking past the large gooey breakfast stack and straight at Starlight. "Couldn't I at least wait till after Nightmare Night!?" she pleaded now giving Starlight some puppy dog eyes of her own. "And miss the Festival of Frights!? I don't think so little missy!" Starlight rebutted. "Besides I already had Twilight sign you up to help Sandbar and his friends decorate and plan the party!" Starlight happily exclaimed. "You Did What!?" Cozy shirked in a nervous panic startling Trixie and causing her to almost choke on her coffee. Starlight just looked at the two and laughed. "Don't worry, everything will be fine, I promise" Starlight attempted to reassure the young foal. "But-but what if..." Cozy began to worry the gears grinding in her head. Starlight just calmly sighing as she put her hoof on the young filly's shoulder. "Listen, I get it, you're nervous, probably really nervous. And that's understandable" Starlight began to explain. "When I had my first Friendship Lesson I was a nervous wreck as well. I didn't think there was any way in Equestria my old pal Sunburst would want to reconnect with me after such a long time, but we did. And now along with Twilight, Trixie, Maud and Spike he's one of my best friends in Equestria." Starlight softly smiled as she finished her story. "Really?" Cozy asked a nervous glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Really" Starlight chuckled. "I know you're worried the others might still be holding a grudge against you, and I can't deny that there's a chance that some of the students might, but I think you'll find most of the creatures here in Ponyville are pretty good at forgiving others when they mess-up, take it from us. Right Trix?" Starlight finished her pep-talk looking over at her friend. "Yea, yea, sure. Now let's get to that silly school. Maybe the whomever is making Coffee for the faculty lounge today will be better at it then you" Trixie exclaimed as she levitated her Saddlebag onto her back as Starlight just gave a rather disgruntled face. Cozy doing her best not to giggle at the two's shenanigans. "Wait, so you work at the school now too!?" Cozy asked Trixie looking-up at her with surprise and disbelief. "Indeed!" Trixie proudly exclaimed. "Or at least part time. I'm the official treasurer of friendship!" Trixie boasted puffing out her chest fluff. Starlight just rolled her eyes and giggled. "Trixie is surprisingly good with keeping track of bits, a lot better then I am admitingly." Starlight blushed thinking back to her falafel fiasco during their failed Road To Friendship tour sometime back. "She even helped Twilight review the schools budget and taxes and helped us get a loan from our new co-partnership with the EEA to expand the dorms and add new elective classes." Starlight explained. "Wow, so you really are a lot smarter then you look!" Cozy blurted out much to the older mares surprise. "What, why you little!" Trixie began to scold the young filly before she heard Starlight speak up. "We're here!" Starlight announced as the two looked forward and looked at the still impressive school grounds. "So who's ready for school!?" Cozy Glow nervously trotted through the school as she looked around. Thankfully due to her small stature very few ponies or other creatures even gave her a second glance, something she was completely fine with. Some of the ponies she recognized from before, some she didn't. She also noticed there were a lot more students in general then before her....previous expulsion. And not just pony students but more changelings, dragons, hippogryphs and yaks as well. She even saw a few kittens from Abyssinia and some of the parrot like Harpies from Klugetown as well. "Hehe, well at least there aren't any storm beasts!" She chuckled under her breath as she picked-up her pace doing her best to find her way to the room of her first class before she bumped into something. Cozy looked-up and she gulped as her eyes became larger as the horror set in. Out of all the students in the school why'd she have to run into him! Gallus felt a small bump against his hind quarters and turned around to see what had rudely interrupted his day, as he turned around and looked down he felt a various number of emotions consume him as he saw the small pegasus foal for the first time in well over a year. By griffon rules he would have slashed her on the sight for daring to show her face around him again after what she had done to his friends, but thankfully for her this was Equestria not Griffonstone, so Gallus did the only thing he could do, he took a deep breath and let it out, using the method Twilight had taught him to help let go of anger and he began to speak. "Sup Cozy, you lost?" He asked in his usual teasing cool guy tone. "Oh, um hey Gallus, I um, I guess Kinda" Cozy awkwardly admitted to the griffon hoping he wouldn't notice her shaking in fear. "Well show me your schedule and i'll help you find you're class" Gallus grinned as he extended his claw "And the quicker I can get away from your disgusting little flank" He internally fumed. Cozy just nodded and complied as she got her schedule out of her saddlebag and handed it to Gallus. Gallus looked it over and his expression sank into one of disappointment. "Oh, great looks like you have art class first....which of course you do because of course Headmare Twilight would put you in all the same classes and electives as me and my friends and..." Gallus began to rant before he caught himself and looked down at Cozy who had her eyes closed and her head hung low. "Ugg, whatever just follow me and like, don't try to steal any magical artifacts or anything!" Gallus huffed as Cozy slowly and sorrowfully followed behind. As the two approached the classroom a knot of nerves began to grow inside of Cozy's chest. If Gallus was this disappointed to see her she could only imagine how the others would feel. "This was a bad idea, I should have just had Starlight enroll me in Cherilee's school instead!" Cozy internally monologued "But The Crusaders go there and they hate me too...maybe I should just be home-schooled or..." Cozy continued to think to herself before being interrupted by the sound of Gallus opening a door. "We're here." He huffed as he walked in. Cozy just gulped once more and nervously took her first step into the classroom. She could feel the eyes staring at her piercing her like arrows. Cozy nervously looked up to see the rest of the Young Six staring at her. "Hey Guys" Cozy nervously greeted as she slowly waved her shaking hoof at them. And before anyone else could react a blur hit her and grabbed her tightly. "Oh my gosh you're actually back that is soo cool!!" The familiar voice exclaimed. Cozy realizing it was Silverstream that had tackled her and was now embracing her tightly in her claws. "I mean, when we found out you'd been sent to Tartarus last year we were just like WHAT!?" The Hippogryph explained. "I mean sure you were like super crazy evil and tried to still all the magic from the world but you're still just a little filly and oh my gosh i'm just so glad you're OK!" Silverstream exclaimed as she hugged the young Pegasus even tighter causing cozy to almost suffocate against her feather like fur. "Chill out Silver Stream, and stop hugging people to death all the time. Seriously you're getting worse then Professor Pinkie Pie!" Smolder chimed in as she slowly walked towards the two. Silver Stream just blushing as she dropped the young foal, Smolder catching her and putting her and slowly putting her back down on the ground. "T-thanks" Cozy nervously rasped as she caught her breath. "No prob. Just don't make me regret it" Smolder chuckled as she put out her fist for a hoof bump, Cozy slowly returning the gesture in reply. "We're all glad you're OK Cozy" Occellus added as she trotted up to her friends "I even made grub cakes to celebrate when Head Mare Twilight told us you'd be coming back!" Occellus happily exclaimed as she offered one to the foal. "uh...thanks" Cozy halfway smiled unsure of what to do with the unique confection. "Don't worry they taste better then they look" Sandbar chuckled as he slowly trotted foward in his usual relaxed walk. "And it probably also helps we used gummy grubs instead of real ones" He added with a wink. Cozy just sighing in relief. Cozy was glad to see that Starlight was right and her fellow students were willing to forgive her, well most of them anyway. Cozy looked past the group and saw Gallus sitting at his desk and Yona sitting near the back of the room with her back turned. She handed Ocellus back the grub cake and fluttered over to the yak. "Y-Yona. Are-are you still mad at me?" Cozy anxiously inquired as she looked up at the Yak's backside. "Yes, Yona still mad at cute evil little pony!" Yona exclaimed with a huff. "Cute Pony say mean things about yaks in library that one time and then lie and betray Yona and all her friends and whole school just to steal magic! Little Pony BAD!" Yona stated with a huff as she stiffened her stance of rejection even further. The words piercing through Cozy like a knife. "I understand" Cozy sighed as she bit her lip and did her best not to tear-up. "Is-is there anything I can do to make-up for it thought? Anything at all?" She desperately asked the teenage Yak calf. At first there was no reply, but slowly Yona turned around and looked down at Cozy Glow. "You are sorry for what you did?" Yona asked in a serious and commanding tone. "Yes" Cozy weakly rasped to afraid to look up at Yona. "And you try be good now?" Yona asked again. "I-I want to be, yes?" "And you really want Yona and all yaks to forgive cute naughty pony?" Yona inquired. "Yes, please. I-if I can" Cozy stuttered. "OK then, Yak will consider forgiving little pony, but only on one condition!" Yona stated. "Yes, please i'll do anything!" Cozy pleaded. "Little Pony let Yona braid Pony Hair and make her even cuter!" Yona stated giving off a big smile. "Wait...what!?" Cozy asked in surprise. "You hear Yona. If pony really want to apologize and be friends, than pony let Yak braid pony hair, Yaks best at braiding hair!" Yona proudly stated as she extended her hoof out. "What pony say?" "Uhh, sure." Cozy nervously chuckled as she shook Yona's hoof. "Good, then Yona forgive Cozy!" The Yak smiled as she embraced the small Pegasus for yet another tight hug. Gallus just huffing and rolling his eyes. Thankfully Cozy was once again saved from death by hugging, this time by the school bell and the teacher walking in and greeting the class. "Like, Good morning my wonderful students, I hope your chakras are well alligned cause today we're going to draw some sunflowers!" Treehugger smiled as she laid the plants on her desk. "Uhh, Auntie Treehugger, er I mean Prof....those aren't Sunflowers.....those are ragweed." Sandbar announced. "Oh, huh....yeah I guess they are" Treehugger chuckled as the students rolled their eyes at the fact their teacher was once again coming into class as high as a kite. "Oh no...i'm allergic to ragweed!" Smolder exclaimed as she did her best to hold back a fiery sneeze. Cozy just rolled her eyes, it was quite easy to see this place was going to be just as crazy as ever. > Chapter 9: The New Queens Meet The Fallen Empress > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lunch Bell Rang as the students ran out the door and towards the cafeteria. "Finally time to get some grub!" Smoulder cheered as she began to excitedly fly down the hall pushing aside afew random pegasui and changelings as she did. "Wow, somebody's hungry!" SilverStream chuckled as she watched her friend speed off. "Makes sense, listening to Head Mare Twilight drone on is so boring it zaps the energy right out of yea" Gallus teased as he approached his friend. "Aww c'mon the prof. Isn't that boring, and I'd say a few creatures even find her interesting, isn't that right?" Sandbar smiled looking back at Ocellus ans Cozy who were still trying to put all their notes back into their saddlebags. "What can I say, Princess er Head Mare Twilight's lectures are inspiring!" Ocellus blushed. "Yea, and if I don't take notes on every little thing she says I might miss something and then if I do bad on our next test they'll think I don't wanna learn about friendship after all and kick me out of the school again! W-what if they throw me back into Tartarus!?" Cozy panicked as she grabbed a brown paper back seemingly out of nowhere and began to hyperventilate into it. "Little Pony need to calm down!" Yona stated as she put her hoof on Cozy's shoulder "We know Cozy trying to be good now, Yona no let anyone throw little pony back into scary place." The young Yak reassured her friend. "Yea, plus even if they did kick you out again they'd probably come up with a better punishment this time like making Trixie home school you!" He chuckled, the rest just giving him a stern look. "What?" Gallus huffed. "Sheesh, you guys are no fun, fine let's get going, I'm hungry" he grumbled as he began to grumpily stomp down the hall. In the cafeteria ponies and creatures of all kinds gathered at the tables and began to chat to catch up on the events of the day between bites of their meals, laughing, arguing and doing all the various things one would do in a conversation. Meanwhile on a medium sized circular table near a large window the Student six or now seven set and enjoyed their lunch. "Man, those fried gemstones really hit the spot!" Smoulder burped in delight "Yea, we can tell" Gallus cringed as he tried to waft away his friends Dragon breath. "These Salmon patties are pretty great too! You want some!?" Silverstream asked offering Sandbar one of her delicious fish meat treats. "Ahh, no thanks I'm not too keen on eating anything else that used to have a face on it" he nervously chuckled. "Oh right, forgot most ponies were vegetarians. Sorry" Silverstream chuckled as she wolfed down another Patty. Sandbar just giving an awkward no prob gesture. "The diary habits of creatures are truly fascinating!!" Occellus added. "Back when changelings primarily fed on love we didn't think much about it, but ever sense our reformation we've been discovering so many things about our digestive tracts!" The young female changling exclaimed with glee. "Oh, do go on" Gallus sarcastically egged the girl on. "Well while all changelings can handle grubs well enough certain beetles can make us sick. I'm actually allergic to blue gem beetles myself. Oh and 30% of changelings are lactose intolerant. We can eat most flowers but Daisy's can cause 10% of changelings tounges to itch for a bit, oh and we're all deathly allergic to Purple catnips & Leather Flowers for some reason." Ocellus smiled. "Well uhh....ok then" Smoulder replied. Yona then let out a loud sneeze interrupting the rest as her hay fries went flying across the table. "Hehe, Sorry, maybe Yona allergic to people talking about allergies!" The Yak chuckled as the rest of the group joined in. Meanwhile Cozy set silent and slowly stirred her soup around. "What's wrong Cozy?" Ocellus asked in a genuinely concerned tone. "Oh, it's nothing" Cozy sighed as she looked at her reflection in her ever cooling meal. "You know if somethings wrong you can always tell us" Sandbar began to try to cheer up the small pegasui before an unfamiliar voice interrupted from behind. "Well, what is the League of losers up to today!?' It cackled as the rest of the Student six let out a sigh, this only adding to Cozy's confusion. "Not them again!" Gallus groaned. "Yep, afraid so'' Sandbar sighed. Cozy looked around to see three ponies she didn't recognize walking towards them. The first a Unicorn mare with light gray fur and a braided purple mane. She wore black eye-liner and had three piercings in her left and right ears. Upon her flank set a cutie mark with a skull & crossbones symbol coming out of a cauldron. To her left was a male pegasus with green fur and a short brown mane and tail, his cutie mark being a cloud with a nervous face. And finally a purple furred earth mare with rose pink pigtails, goggles over her eyes and a cutie mark of a beaker on her flank. "So I guess the losers club added another member to their half-baked herd." The unicorn mare cruelly teased the group. "And who the buck are you!?" Cozy bluntly asked causing everyone in the cafeteria to gasp. "Wh....Why I Never!!" The Unicorn growled. "I am Petunia Hexspeak" The one and only niece of Grand Chancellor Neighsay!!" The snooty mare huffed. "Y-yeah, watch your tounge kid!" The pegasus stallion nervously stuttered. "Shush Storm Runner. I've got this" The unicorn cackled. "So tell me my little pony, now that you know who I am, why don't you tell me who you are?" She asked the young pegasus filly with a devious smile. "Oh well, I'm Cozy Glow!" The filly stated giving off her best sincere looking fake smile. "Oh Mine Gawt! Ze Cozy Glow!?" The previously silent Earth Mare asked in excitment as she bolted up to the girl's side. "I am a huge fan!" She deviously chuckled "Your plan to drain all ze magic from Equestria vas inspired!!" The eccentric earth mare exclaimed. "Um, thanks?" Cozy awkwardly replied as she noticed the mare was rummaging through her saddlebags and with some kind of odd prehensile hair power she'd only ever seen Pinkie use before this new Earth mare pulled out Cozy's medication. "Ohh, Vats diz?" The mare asked. "H-hey give those back!!" Cozy nervously shouted as the mare mumbled the label & ingredients to herself. "Well Encessa what is it?" Hexspeak asked. "Seems to be some form of anti-psychotic. Aww, poor frauline are you a tad bit of the crazy-wazy?" Encessa chuckled. "Well if she is who she says she is, then she deffinently is" Hexspeak chuckled. "I-I AM NOT CRAZY!!' Cozy shrieked, causing the rest of the students in the room to noticeably tense-up. Realizing how loud she had been Cozy just blushed and did her best to hold back her tears. "I'm not crazy" she rasped "p-please give it back" she mumbled as she bit her lip. "Hmm, I dunno" Hexspeak taunted levitating the bottle with her magic. "What do you guys think" she cackled. "OK. That's it" Gallus huffed as he got up and sternly walked towards the group. "Unless you want your uncle to find out what a brat you are give Cozy back her medicine. Or did you forget Head Mare Twilight has him on speed-dial in the fancy spell phone in her office." Gallus deviously smiled back. Hexspeak just grunted and with a sigh uttered "fine!" As she dropped the bottle, Cozy quickly zooming in to catch it. "Not like I need a psycho foal and her pet chicken on my case anyway!" Hexspeak growled. "Just remember this Cozy Glow. You may have been a big shot before, but this is my school now! So just be on the lookout ex-empress of friendship, because these losers won't always be around to defend you!" She snarled as she began to stomp off, her enterouge following close behind. "T-thank you Gallus" Cozy stuttered. "Eh, don't mention it. Brats like her are all bark and no bite, besides the only one allowed to pick on you is me, got it!" Gallus awkwardly chuckled. "OK" Cozy softly smiled as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. Gallus just looking down at the foal with a blush. "Hey, don't even think about it. I mean it's not like I like you or anything, just because the others are soft enough to forgive you off the bat doesn't mean I am!" He tried to exclaim. "Sure, whatever you say" Cozy chuckled as she swooped in for a hug. "D'aww" Silverstream stated as she leaped across the table and began to tightly hug Gallus as well, eventually the rest of the Student seven joining in. "This is soo embarrassing and I literally hate all of you right now." Gallus stated as his blush grew brighter. The rest of the group just chuckling even harder. Meanwhile the three bullies looked on from across the room. "Well, isn't that cute" Hexspeak growled. "Cozy Glow eh, uncle told me about you, but it doesn't matter, I won't let you being here ruin my plans, I'll just have to work harder and make sure you learn your proper place." She deviously smiled as she continued to look on. > Chapter 10: The Sunflower & The Weed > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cozy Glow did her best to sneak into the house as best she could without making a peep. She wasn't sure if Starlight & Trixie were home or not as she knew it wasn't uncommon for school staff to stay later than the students but she didn't want to risk it. Her first day back to the school of friendship hadn't exactly gone off without a hitch and she knew Starlight would pry. She looked around and let out a sigh of relief the others hadn't returned yet. "Good, this means I can just lock myself away in my room and pretend I'm studying. That'll give me time to come up with a story to keep Starlight from worrying!" She exclaimed to herself as she began to slowly trot up the stairs. "Worry about what?" A concerned voice inquired as Cozy froze in sheer panic and slowly turned around seeing Starlight & Trixie entering the homestead. "Oh, h-hey guys" Cozy Glow nervously chuckled with a gulp as a bead of sweat began to trickle down her forehead. "And That is How A Weed is Plucked as The Flower Dies" HexSpeak sang with a slight cackle in her voice as she trimmed the small shrubbery she kept in her dorm room. "Ahh. There. Now its perfect" she deviously smiled as she looked at her work. Yet another work of art, a small shrub transformed into a sculpture of herself. "Yes quite lovely!" She cooed. Her focus was drawn away from her art project however as soon as she heard the door slam behind her. "I told you morons to knock before you...." she began to scold only to stop when she realized her lackeys were not the ones who had intruded but instead stood a rather stern looking chanchallor NeighSay. "Oh, Uncle, I didn't realize you were in town." She nervously chuckled. "Could I get you some tea, or maybe a coffee" she asked in the best fake polite tone she could muster at such short notice as she awkwardly trotted towards the small kitchen area of her little suite. "Spare me the pleasantries niece, they will do you little good." Neighsay sternly replied as he walked closer to the young unicorn mare, his gaze piercing her very being. "I know what you did." He scowled. "I-I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about dear uncle, I have been on my best behaviour and..." the girl finding her voice suddenly cut off as Neighsay used a spell to literally zip-up her mouth. "Don't attempt to sweet-talk your way our of this my dear niece. I am well aware of your little show in the lunch-room today." He growled. His eyes burning with a subtle yet intent rage. Causing HexSpeak's ears to lower as she huddled down in the corner. "I have worked long and hard to make-up for my past transgressions against this school and the creatures allied with our nation that help sustain it and I will not have that put in jeapordy!" He sternly exclaimed. "And to attempt to bully that filly of all ponies. Are you insane!? Did you forget how dangerous she is? Were I still not in a probationary position within the chancellor's council I would have contested her return, alas I still have limited persuasion at the moment he sighed as he released the girl from the spell. "Have I made myself clear?" "Yes dear uncle, quite clear!" HexSpeak growled as she rubbed her cheek. "Good, remember child, even in my weakened political state I still have eyes and ears in plenty of places" He smirked as he trotted out the door, slamming it behind him. "How dare you threaten me you old fool!" Hexspeak angrily shook as she grabbed the hedgetrimmers with her magic and cut off the shrubbery's head. "You've spent your life being a pompous coward!" She huffed. "Afraid of the Princesses, afraid of all the other creatures out in the lands beyond equestria and afraid of your precious comefy life being taken away." She hissed as she continued to mutilate the shrubbery. "But not me. When I'm done you and every other creature in Equestria & beyond will bow to me!!" She cackled as she looked at the new barren shrubbery. "They did what!?" Starlight gasped. "Its no big deal, really. You know what they say, kids will be kids" Cozy nervously replied. "A pony like Hexspeak should know better" Starlight huffed. "I have half a mind to march back to the school and teleport her rump straight to my office for a stern talking to." Starlight exclaimed stomping her hoof on the ground. "Oh, sure that'll help" Trixie sarcastically quipped as she rolled her eyes. "Do you have something to say?" Starlight huffed as she angrily glared at Trixie. "Well, yes infact I do" Trixie smirked. "First off you're a total hottie when you're mad" Trixie teased causing Starlight to blush. "And second I'm pretty sure you know as well as I do when adults try to deal with these kinds of things they can end-up getting worse. Believe me, I know" Trixie sighed most likely thinking back to a painful memory from her past. Starlight just sighed. "You're right. I hate to admit it, but you're right. But, but then what do we do!?" Starlight asked Trixie the sorrow evident in her eyes. "I don't think there's really anything we can do. We just have to let Cozy and the other students work this out themselves. Or ar least let them try before we get involved " Trixie explained. Starlight just let out a sad whinny as she reluctantly agreed with her friend. "Oh great!" Cozy thought to herself "I have to just wait for the magic of friendship to get my bully to learn her lesson, yeah like that will happen!" She internally bemoaned as she angrily flew up the stairs to her room. The two older mares just looking on with concerned faces. The evening air in Ponyville was crisp and refreshing giving the entire town a sense of calm & relaxation. As far as the citizens of Ponyville were concerned all was right in the world. Well everything accept the odd cloaked bipedal figure sitting on a nearby bench. "Uh.. C-can I help you sonny?" An older earth-stallion asked. "Yea, I'm looking for the school o friendship. Ya heard of it?" The creature asked as the attention caused its rather fluffy tail to move back and force like a snake. The older stallion just blinked realizing he was most likely talking to some creature from Klugetown. "Oh, er yea, it's about six or so miles that a way....but ah...if ya don't mind me askin...what's a big ol boy like you need with a place like that?" The old stallion asked rather curious at this point. "Well ya see, I got a delivery to make. Top priority!" The creature smirked as it held up a small red box covered in a Tangle of black weeds. "Yes, very important!" > Chapter 11: Its Terror Time > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a dark night, darker then usual in Equestria, most ponies would've stayed snuggled in their beds, but one mare had business to attend to, and not even the shadows would dissuade her, in fact she reveled in them. All of a sudden she heard a noise from behind her. She turned around a huffed. "What took you so long?" The mare muttered. I could've been caught! You're just lucky the security here is so lax." She scolded. "Calm down Hexspeak. I found the place didn't I?" The cloaked figure chuckled as he lowered his cover revealing the grey abnyssian underneath. "Chummer always comes through for a client after all!" He smiled as he presented her the black box. "And that's really it?" Hexspeak asked in excitement. "Yes indeed! One Sphinx Heart wrapped in Enchanted Black Thorns. The Rarity of Rarities. I assume you can pay the price promised?" Chummer slyly smiled. "otherwise...." "I can pay your fee and more!" Hexspeak huffed as she threw a giant bag of bits his way with her magic. "And here's a little something extra to keep your mouth shut!" She snarled. "Hehe, pleasure doing business with you lil filly, but remember, no refunds, and I ain't responsible for what happens if your little plan backfires" The cat chuckled as he slinked away with his bounty of bits. "Fail...as if I would ever fail!" Hexspeak maniacally laughed as she placed the black box in her saddlebag. Very soon it would be time for her to make her move! Cozy glow trotted down the halls of the school of friendship l. It still felt weird to be back at the school after all she had done, after all she probably would have done given the chance. But it seemed, albeit slowly the students of the school were either forgiving or at least tolerating her. Heck, most of the newer students didn't seem to treat her any different then anyone else, and while part of her still hated to admit it, it felt nice. "I told you, creatures can be a lot kinder then you give them credit for, if you give them the chance" Starlight's words echoed in Cozy's mind. "Hehe, I guess she was right" Cozy Chuckled with a smile on her face. A smile that was quickly cancled out when Cozy bumped into a taller Pony's hooves. "Oh Golly I'm sorr.." Cozy Paused when she looked up and saw Hexspeak. She just paused in fear and gulped. "Oh....its you" Hexspeak mumbled as she levitated a black leather bound book back into her saddle bag. Cozy noticed the mare looked tired, she had black bags under her bloodshot eyes. Her mane was ruffled and her breath smelled like old coffee. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you and..." Cozy Started to stutter. "Ugh...whatever, I don't have time for you today anyway brat!" Hexspeak scowled. "So just get of my way ...I have a....class project to finish" she stated with a slight maniacal chuckle as she trotted off towards her dorm. Cozy just watched the mare trot off slightly confused by what had just happened, but then she heard a familiar voice. " Hey Cozy!" Sandbar waved as the small filly turned around and fluttered toward him. "Oh, hi sandbar, what's up?" Cozy asked, her mood instantly bettered by the presence of her friend. "Smoulder told me to gather every creature up so we could meet in the gym and finish setting things up for the Nightmare Night Festival! It's almost time to par-tay and we wanna make sure everything is perfect for our classmates, the tricks and the treats! You in!?" "Sure, why not!" Cozy chuckled as she followed Sandbar to the gymnasium. Meanwhile in her dorm Hexspeak set in a near complete darkness. The book of black magic levitated around her as she cast the incantations inside while putting the nessecary ingredients into the cauldron. "Two Dead Snails, A Changling's Wart, Poison Joke and Tears of Horse!" She recited. "Flyder Venom, Toenail of Griffon, Musk of Yak, and Unicorn Blood, A Camel's Toe, Seapony Scale and Old Swamp Mud!" She continued. "A Peguses Feather and Earth Pony Tooth. Your Brew is Ready For The Beast To Sooth!" She finished as she made a wicked smile and opened the box levitating the Sphinx Heart above the Repugnant brew. Laughing as she dropped it in and the vat began to bubble and glow. The room instantly heated up about 20 degrees causing Hexspeak to sweat. After the bubbling died down a black thorny crown with a glowing red gemstone floated up. "Hehehe!" She cackled. "It worked, it worked! And now nopony will ever defy me again!!" Some time later.... "Man this part is really jammin!" Sandbar excitedly neighed as he began to dance. "Ugh, you are such a nerd!" Gallus teased as he smirked at his pony pal. "Yona think Sandbar dancing cute!" The Yak exclaimed as she began to dance er stomp along side him. "I'm just glad every creature seems to be having a good time. Things really seemed to come together in the end" she smiled looking over at Smoulder who just blushed and looked away. "Yeah and we never would've gotten things done on time if it weren't for you and Cozy's organizational skills!" SilverStream stated as she grabbed Ocellus and Cozy and gave them both a hug. "Aww, I, I didn't really do anything" Cozy blushed. "Oh, don't be silly, with your help we got done a whole day early! That's impressive!" Occelus praised. "Hehe, thanks." Cozy blushed. She bit her lip a bit to try to keep herself from tearing up. But sweet Celestia it really felt great to have friends. Meanwhile on the other side of the gymnasium the school staff watched their students dance, prance & play in the gymnasium. You know, I wasn't sure those seven would be able to pull it off at first, but this is a pretty fun party all things considered " Trixie stated. Starlight just looked at her and rolled her eyes. But before she could reply with a snarky quip she noticed Neighsay trot up to her. "Excuse me Ms. Glimmer, but you havent seen my niece anywhere have you, I wanted to speak with her, but I can't seem to locate her!" Neighsay stated, anxious concern in his voice. "I haven't" Starlight replied. "But on that subject I'd actually like to talk to you about her and...." but before Starlight could finish the room went dark. "Hey, who turned out that lights!?" Pinkie Pie Squealed. "Don't let any creature steal the Cider!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed "Eek. What's going on!?" a group if nervous students shrieked. All of a sudden a single light came on in the center of the room and there stood Hexspeak in a black silk dress a black thorn crowd on her head. "What is the meaning of this!?" Neighsay angrily inquired as he began to trot toward his niece. "Oh Uncle. This is exactly what it looks like. This is my coronation night. And you're all about to become my adoring subjects!" Hexspeak chuckled as the red gem on her crown began to glow. "Pardon?" Applejack asked befuddled. "I think she drank a bit too much cider" Gallus remarked. Causing Sandbar and Smoulder to chuckle. "Laugh all you want. But soon you'll be begging to kiss my hoof!" Hexspeak chuckled as her crown began to Glow, the mares size steadily increasing, demonic wings sprouting from her back. "What in Equestria!?" Rarity Shrieked in shock. All of the creatures in the room were shocked by the site. All except Cozy who for some reason had began to writhe in pain, her Cutie Mark glowing bright red. Silver Stream being the only one noticing her friend didn't seem to be doing so hot. "Uhh, Cozy, what's wrong." Silver Stream asked, concerned. "I, I dunno!" Cozy sobbed. "Bu-but we, we needa hide, like...now!" Cozy shrieked. SilverStream looked around and decided to quickly dart under the nearest table. Meanwhile Twilight confronted Hexspeak. "That's enough!" Twilight sternly stated. "Whatever this is, it stops here and now. You do Not want to go down this path Petunia!" Twilight scolded. "Hex. You may address me as Empress Hex!" Hexspeak hissed. "Like, is she serious?" Trixie sneered looking over at Starlight. "ENOUGH!!" Hex shouted. You will All OBEY ME WITHOUT QUESTION!! Hex commanded as an aura of red energy engulfed the room and everything went silent. A minute passed and Cozy & SilverStream looked out from their hiding place and to their horror they saw every creature just standing there, brain dead expressions on their face, their eyes glowing red. Hex laughing manically. "W-what do we do now!?" SilverStream asked. "I-I Dunno!" Cozy stuttered with a Gulp. Afterall, what could a pegasus filly and a Hippogryph do against something like that!? > Chapter 12: Terror Time PT II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outside the school of friendship the cold night air blew in the wind and two figures looked down from a nearby hill. "Well boss, looks like the shows started, just like you planned" Chummer purred. "Indeed a second cloaked figure gruffly agreed. Nothing in sight but their four cloven hooves. "Tirek saw the child as nothing more then a means for revenge, if only he had known she was so much more!" The gruff voice chuckled. "So you think she'll be able to beat that Hexspeak mare?" Chummer asked with a slightly nervous chuckle. "If the child is as smart as your intel claims I have no doubt she will succeed and perhaps she'll also be one step closer to realizing what she really is in the proccess" The gruff cloaked creature cackled. "Well, well alright, let's get this show started!" Chummer smiled. 'I love a good action scene!" Meanwhile inside the school of friendship.... "BWAHAHAHAHAAA!!" Hexspeak maniacally laughed. "Now All of Equestria will be mine!!" the now demonized mare continued to gloat as most of the room set there mindless with glowing eyes. "First The School of Friendship, Tomorrow The World!" "What do we do Cozy!?" SIlverStream nervously asked looking at the small Pegasus filly. "I-I dunno. I-I didn't come back to the school to fight monsters, I came back to learn about friendship!!" Cozy angrily pouted. "Well Part of friendship is helping your friends when they've been attacked and mind controlled by a crazy power hungry demonic pony-sphinx hybrid!!" Silver Stream angrily shrieked, accidentally getting Hex and the hypnotized ponies attention. "Uh-oh" Cozy and SilverStream gulped. "What!? How did you two avoid my spell!?" Hex angrily growled. "Uh....just dumb luck I guess" Silverstream nervously chuckled in response. Cozy hiding behind the hippogryph. "Well, no matter" Hex chuckled. "There's only two of you and many, many of me!" She snarled as her hypnotized minions began to move towards the two. "GET THEM!" She shrieked. Causing Silverstream to grab Cozy in a panic and flew out of the room as fast as she could. "Run run little foals, but eventually everything in this land will be a mere extension of my will!" The halls of the school were dark, dark and quite, this would have been creepy on any regular night, but was extra creepy now considering there were so many mind controlled creatures walking through the school like zombies looking for the two that had escaped their mistresses grasp, "This is bad, really bad!" Silverstream whispered, "N-no duh!" Cozy angrily retorted. "Hey miss sassy pants, I do not need your attitude right now!" Silverstream angrily growled. "S-sorry" Cozzy stuttered. "No, i'm sorry, its just...this is crazy. Like I always knew there'd be more baddies coming after the school, but I never thought i'd have to fight them without my best friends!" Silverstream began to sob. "yeah, well...you....you still have me, for whatever that's worth" Cozy sighed. All of a sudden Silverstream stopped crying and began to smile as a light bulb came-up over her heard. "You're right, I do have you, and you have your cutie mark!" She excitedly exclaimed. "I-what?" Cozy asked rather confused by this statement. "Your cutie mark was all glowy and hurty earlier right?" Silverstreak reminded her. "Uh, yeah....now that you mention it, that was kinda....weird" Cozy shuddered thinking back to earlier tonight as her mark began to make her writhe in pain. "What of it?" "Well, what if that's some kind of sign, what if its what protected us from being mind controlled and like maybe you're the only one that can destroy that crazy thorny crown thing Petunia used to transform!" Silverstream explained. "I mean its worth a shot right!?" "I mean, I suppose it might be possible" Cozy agreed. "But how do we test your little theory without getting blasted into brain dead zombies like every creature else?" Cozy asked the hyperactive Hipogryph. "You leave that to me, i'll distract her and when the time is right, you swoop in and take the crown!" Silverstreak stated, determination in her voice. "But, how, how do you know this will even work, how do you know you're right, what if, what if I can't do it, what if I fail you, fail everyone!?" Cozy began to tear-up as worry started to take over. "Hey, none of that!" Silverstream stated as she gave Cozy a quick but powerful hug. "You're my friend now too, which means you won't fail, cause like our professors always say, friendship is magic! Right!?" "haha, right" Cozy chuckled as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "OK, let's go do this, let's go save our friends!" "Ugh! What is taking you fools so long!" Hex growled at the mindless pony minions. "It shouldn't be that hard to find two creatures, the school isn't that big!" she hissed. "Well good thing we came to you!" a voice taunted causing Hex to look-up and see Silverstream fluttering above her with a cocky triumphant face. "GET HER!" Hex commanded as A group of flying creatures included Gallus, Smolder, and Rainbow Dash quickly flew towards the young bird horse. "Yikes!" Silverstream yelped as she began to fly around the room as fast as she could, doing her best to avoid her mind controlled friends grasp without hurting them. "I know none of this is you guys fault, but Gallus, if i'm being honest i'm gonna tease you about this for week, you two smolder, I thought you were both way to stubborn to be manipulated by some silly spell. Totally weak!" she teased her hypnotized friends. And proffessor Dash, 20% cooler, more like 20% lamer, like what teacher lets herself get brain washed by a student. The three creatures stopped in their tracks all hovering around SIlverstream. "I-I am not weak!" Smolder angrily growled her eyes still glowing read. "D-don't call us lame!" Gallus and Rainbow Dash angrily growled. "Well then prove me wrong and break free of Hexspeaks spell." That is unelss you can't and i'm totally right about you all being pushovers!" Silverstream chuckled. "What in Scorpan's name is she doing?" Hex speak asked herself confused as she watched the whole scene that seemed to be out of a bad comedy sketch show. "Can't do it, can't do it!" Silverstream continied to taunt making the three angrier and angrier. "OH JUST SHUT UP!!" The three angrily growled as their eyes began to glow brighter and brighter until it was so bright everyone in the room, including Hex had to close her eyes. As the lights dissipated she looked up and saw the three still just hovering there rubbing their heads, "Uggh, what happened?" Gallus aksed. "My head's pounding" Smolder added. "Totally not cool!" Rainbow Dash exlcaimed "Well you got mind controled by Petunia who, surprise surprise was another student who was secretly plotting to take over the school" Silverstream chuckled. "So Cozy and I came-up with a plan and while I was the distraction I decided i'd also do a double whammy and snap you out of Hex's spell by agging on your stubborn pride, and it worked!" Silverstream explained. The others still all looking very confused. "Say what now?" Rainbow Asked, still not sure what was going on. "Ugg, no time to explain, turn around and help me distract her before its too late!" Silverstream stated as she pointed down the others seeing what she was talking about. "Oh yeah, now I remember" Smoulder huffed. "That jerkicorn went all jerkasuarus on us! Get her!" Smolder exlcaimed as she swooped down and began to blow fire at Hex. "What, how dare you, how dare you!" She growled as she began to power-up her horn to fire a blast of dark energy at the group. But all of a sudden her power-up stopped and she looked-up to see Cozy Glow holding her crown. "Give That Back!" Hex snarled. "No, you just wanna use it to hurt my friends!" Cozy shrieked as she flew off towards Silverstream and the others. "Give that back!" Hex shrieked once more" And I said no!" Cozy snarled back as her cutie mark began to glow. "Whoa, whats happening!" Rainbow Asked rather surprised to see Cozy's cutie mark glowing so brightly. "I was right!" Silverstreak smiled. "What?" The others just asked confused. Cozy just smiled as she closed her eyes and let the magic energy of her mark flow throughout her body, all of a sudden the red gem in the crown began to glow as well and the energy of the gem seemed to seep out and be absorbed by the young foal, As the gems energy faded it began to dull and crack. Once the energy was gone the crown fell to the grown and shattered! "NO!!" Hexspeak screeched as the broken gem fragments and thorns lay on the ground. Hexspeak let out an unholy shriek as the dark magic ripped itself from her body and seemed to fly out in all directions through the open windows. All that was left a weaken, near exhausted young unicorn mare sobbing at atop her broken crown. With the dark influence gone the rest of the ponies and creatures in the room snapped out of the dark spell and all looked forward confused, still unsure of what just happened. "Uh, Rarity, did we just get mind controlled by a student who turned into a giant monster and somehow got defeated by an ex evil pegasus filly while we were out of action?" Applejack asked. "Yes it would seem so darling" Rarity responded as she rubbed the temples of her head. "oh if we don't stop getting attacked by villains so often i'm going to end up needing a therapist!" Fluttershy sobbed "Yeah, I think i'm gonna need a break first though" Starlight added with a painful chuckle. Trixie looking at her both concerned and releived. "Enough Banter girls, I think we have a student to deal with" Twilight interjected looking over at Hexspeak. "Petunia, what do you have to say for yourself?" She asked looking down at her student who was still sobbing trying to use her unicorn magic to fix her crown. "I-I dunno" Petunia stuttered as she stopped to look up at her Head-Mare. "I-I just knew I had to do it, they kept telling me it was time, I-I was supposed to be the one to bring order to Equestria!?" "They, who are they?" Twilight asked somewhat confused. "The voices, the voices in the shadows, they.....they told me." Hex speak began to laugh as tears continued to roll down from her eyes. Everyone in the room just looking at each other confused by her words. "Princess Twilight" Neighsay interrupted as he began to walk towards the two. "It seems quite obvious that my niece is not well, I humbly ask you allow me to handle this matter personally and get her the help she so obviously needs." Neighsay requested bowing in front of the princess. Cozy began to walk towards the group as well. "For what it's worth Headmare Twiilight, I agree with Mr, Neighsay, I know what its like to not be in a good place. And well....I mean sometimes a little help goes a long way!" Cozy exclaimed as she looked back at Starlight & Trixie as they approached as well. "I have no idea what happens, but you should probably listen to the kid, she is kinda smart or whatever I guess" Trixie agreed. Starlight just rolling her eyes at Trixie's rudely worded praise. "Yeah and Cozy was the one that totally saved the Day!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Her cutie mark was all glowing like ours do when we use the elements of harmony or solve a friendship problem, but like she absorbed the magic in that gem, it was awesome!" Dash exclaimed. "Wait, she what!?" Starlight asked. "Cozy, are you feeling ok?" "Yeah I guess i'm fine, I mean i'm a little tired, I think I could use a nap...like for the next 8 hours." Cozy chuckled "Uhh, that's just going to sleep" Trixie interjected. "The voices, the shadows, the shadows are alive. They're, they're calling to us all!" Hexspeak mumbled as Neighsay trotted her off, opening a portal back to their family home in Canterlot. "Well tonight was.....interesting" Occellus nervously chuckled. "Yeah, bummer coulda been a great party too" Sandbar sighed. "Oh well, plenty of other chances for fun pony parties, Yona just happy friends all OK now!" Yona exclaimed. "Me too!" Silverstream squeed. "Thanks for helping us save the day Cozy Glow!" Silverstream exclaimed. Only to find there was no reply as Cozy had already curled up into a ball and fallen asleep. "D'aww went the group as they looked down at the little filly. "I think it's time to get this little one home" Starlight whispered. "Sounds good to me, I could use a good night's sleep after all this" Trixie whined. "And a good glass of shardine!" > Chapter 13: Rest, Relaxation & Experimentation !? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of birds chirping was the first thing Cozy noticed as sunlight began to shine through the young filly's window. She slowly stretched out her limbs as she yawned. As she slowly blinked her eyes memories of the previous night began to flow back to her in pieces, the image of the demonic version of Hexspeak cackling causing her flight or fight reflex to kick in. "Yahh!!" She screeched as she began to fly out the door only to bump into something. Cozy looked up to see Starlight knocked back rubbing her head as she levitated what would have otherwise been a ruined breakfast with her magic. "Well, looks like someone finally decided to get up afterall." Starlight chuckled. "How are you feeling" "Oh ah, i'm fine I guess, just still a little rattled from last night" Cozy anxiously chuckled. "I can tell" Starlight chuckled back. "I was going to wake you up with a nice breakfast in bed, but since you seem to be awake and alert already, why don't you join me and Trixie downstairs while we wait for Twilight!" Starlight smiled. "Uh-ok sure" Cozy agreed. "Wait, why is Headmare Twilight coming over!?" Cozy asked a panic look on her face. "Oh she just wants to make sure you're all right, after last night and everything...." Starlight paused. "Honestly I was a bit worried too, i've never heard of a Pegasus absorb that much raw magic, well not one that wasn't Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash anyway..." Starlight began to trail off into her thoughts. "Absorb magic...did, did I really do that?" Cozy asked in surprise. Starlight looked back at Cozy a bit surprised by her question. "Cozy?" Starlight began to ask with concern. "What do you remember about last night?" "Honestly, it's a bit of a blur" Cozy admitted. "I remember Petunia looking all scary an I remember me and SIlverstream being really scared and my cutie mark glowing, and kinda hurting but....I, I guess i'm still trying to process it all ya know, that was pretty crazy!" The young Pegasus stated rubbing the back of her head with a nervous laugh. "Well you're right about that" Starlight agreed. "Still though" Starlight thought to herself "What Cozy did sounds unheard of, Every Equestrian has magic inside them, but usually only Alicorns and Unicorns can manipulate such raw magics" Starlight continued to ponder as she walked looking back at Cozy, concerned something might be happening to the young filly that even she didn't understand. Meanwhile in Canterlot a very grumpy Pegasus flew alongside her Earth Pony friend. "I don't see why we have to be the ones to interrogate the little punk. I mean I get why i'm here, i'm awesome! But isn't Rarity better at the whole investigative detective thing!?" Rainbow Dash teased looking down at a less then amused farm pony. Applejack just rolled her eyes "First of this ain't no interrogation, we're Petunia's professors and we're just goin ta Neighsays ta check up n make sure she's ok." Applejack replied. "Secondly, Rarity may be better suited at this, but she's busy at her boutique in Manehatten today, but I spose if ya really want we can turn around and I can juss tell Twi you didn't feel like helpin out!" Applejack teased back whipping her tail up at Rainbow. "Oh no, I know what you're doing! You're trying to get me to back down so you can beat me as teacher of the month again! But it's not gonna work this time! I'm gonna check out our student so hard their head will spin!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Uhh, Dash ya might wanna re-word that a bit." AJ chuckled, causing Rainbow Dash to grumble and blush. "Anywho looks like were here, after you, Ms. Teacher of The Month" AJ teased as she motioned for Rainbow Dash to open the gate. The pegasus reluctantly complying mumbling about how she was totally gonna prank AJ later as revenge. Back in Ponyville...... "Oh I can't wait to get started!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed as she set-up a series of devices inside Starlight's living room. "um is all this really necessary?" Starlight asked rather concerned. "Necessary!? Are You Kidding!?" Twilight shrieked in her excited nerdy voice "We may have the first a breakthrough in how ponies use magic and you ask me if running every possible test is necessary!? Are You Crazy!!??" Twilight excitedly shouted accidentally raising her voice to Royal Canterlot levels causing Cozy and Trixie to hide behind Starlight who was plugging her ears with her hooves. "Uhh...Sorry about that." Twilight apologized. "Its just this is a unique event and i've been so busy with the school these days I haven't had as much time to just experiment with magic for fun like I used to" Twilight sheepishly blushed. "But of course I won't do anything if you three aren't OK with it." She stated. "Well shouldn't we make sure your silly little do-dads even work before we strap a child up to them Sparkle!?" Trixie interjected in her usually rude and condescending tone she had towards Twilight. Twilight just groaned and rolled her eyes "Why what an astute observation Trixie!" Twilight replied giving off her best fake smile. "Why don't you sit in the chair and we'll make sure everything works just right!" She stated motioning towards Spike with her eyes. "Well I don't really think that's...." Trixie began to interject before feeling two dragon claws on her hindquarters quickly pushing her towards the nearby wooden chair Twilight's various gizmos were connected too. "Oh me and my big mouth!" Trixie huffed. Cozy and Starlight trying to hold back their laughter as Spike Strapped the poor mare down to the chair. "OK Trixie, this may tingle a bit, but don't worry i'm a professional scientist and like you said, we want to make sure the equipment is safe to use on Cozy...right!" Twilight smiled a rather mischievous smile for a mare that was supposed to be a goodey goodey Element of Harmony. "Hehe...Right" Trixie nervously replied with a large gulp. Twilight just grinning even more deviously as see turned a nob on high and flipped a switch. "Oh Crackers!" exclaimed Trixie as the machine began to whurr. Back in Canterlot Applejack And Rainbow Dash had just finished tea with Neighsay when the perturbed Pegasus finally lost her patience. "OK, listen sitting out on this fancy balcony sipping tea is nice and all, but we came here to check-up on your niece!" Rainbow angrily huffed! "Rainbow, don't be so rude!" AJ scolded. "No, no Ms. Dash is right, i've been stalling, I apologize" Neighsay sighed. "It's just that" The the chancellor let out a deep depressed breath. "Just what?" AJ asked rather curious "Well Petunia still isn't quite herself, she was up almost all night screaming and early this morning she locked herself in the art room and the maids say she just keeps painting such ghastly things, I don't know what to do with her!" Neighsay bemoaned. "I may not be in as good a standing with the citizens as I once was, but my family still has a reputation to uphold!" He sternly stated. "How would it look if I just sent her off to some asylum! No this is a family matter and I must deal with it privately!" He sternly stated putting his hoof down. "Though I suppose if the two of you think you could help her, it wouldn't hurt to try." Neighsay gave the two a small but weary smile. "Come with me, i'll take you to her!" He exclaimed as AJ and Rainbow just looked at one another unsure of what to expect when they got inside. Trixie stumbled as she got out of the chair, her mane smoking a bit from what she could only guess was foulplay by her Rival Twilight Sparkle. "so...what does your do-dad say doc? Am I the most magical Unicorn in Equestria or what!?" Lulamoon asked obviously a bit loopy from the test. "Actually it looks like you're probably one of the weakest unicorns in a thousand mile radius" Spike smirked looking over Trixie's results. "Why, you!" Trixie angrily seethed. "THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE SHOULD TURN YOU INTO A NEWT!!" She threatened staring angrily at Spike. "Pfft, i'd like to see you try!" Spike taunted back. "OK, OK Enough!" Starlight sternly scolded the two. "Twilight you've had your fun harassing Trixie, but can we get on with this for real! "I'm sure Cozy would prefer to get this done with before dinner!" Starlight huffed looking down at the filly who was still chuckling at the adults shenanigans. "You're right starlight. sorry about that, I suppose I got carried away." Twilight blushed. "So Cozy are you ready? I promise this test won't go on your permanent record" Twilight cheesily joked. "Sure, just no more bad jokes please!" Cozy teased Twilight as she hoped into the chair. "OK spike, care to explain to our young patient how this all works!" Twilight smiled at her number one assistant. "OK sure fine" Spike sighed. "OK you see this meter here" Spike pointed at the dashboard of the device, Cozy just nodding her head. "This machine calculates magical energy. Most Earth Ponies usually land between 0-20 OME, or Overall Magical Energy, Pegausi usually land between 15-35, Unicorns between 40-85 and Alicorns between 85-100+. And then there's Trixie who only lands at 28." Spike finished his explanation with one last jab at the mare. "Anywho Twi's just gonna flip the switch after I finish hooking you-up and this first test should show us the initial baseline of your internal magical energy pulse, got it!?" "Yeah I think so" Cozy replied a still somewhat nervous look on her face. "Don't worry Cozy, I promise everything will be just fine" Twilight reassured her as she turned on the switch causing Cozy to flinch a bit. all of a sudden as if by some magic the young foals cutie mark began to glow again and the machine reacted accordingly, whirring and buzzing, and bleeping until it began to smoke and finally it shut-off, a long string of papers beginning to print out. "so-uh...did it work?" Cozy asked a bit unnerved by what had just gone on. "Twilight just looked at the results dumbfounded." This, this can't be right!? She exclaimed, "It has to be a mistake!" "What has to be a mistake? Is-is Cozy OK!?" Starlight asked concerned about the young filly's well being. "She's more then OK, according to this Cozy has the same level of magic inside her as a low level Alicorn!" "What!? The group exclaimed in disbelief, as Twilight levitated the paper over to Starlight, Spike & Trixie. And sure enough the final result showed Cozy Glow's magic levels to be at 86%. The group just stared at the young foal unsure of what to think. Spike flew over and parted her hair "Well there's no horn that's for sure" he stated. "so...what does this mean!?" I, I dunno spike" I don't know!" Twilight exclaimed, still dumbfounded by the results. Back in Canterlot Applejack and Rainbow Dash were equally unnerved by the sights in front of them, pictures of Hydra devouring ponies, Bug Bears attacking villages, and Chimera wrecking wagons. "Wh-what is all this!?" Neighsay inquired as he put a hoof over on his niece who was finishing yet another painting. "Its the future Uncle, its our future, Equestria's true master is coming back, and it will be glorious!" Hexspeak cackled as she levitated the piece in front of the trio. Painted in all black it save for the glowing red eyes, it was some form of horned beast. "The Father of Monsters will soon return, and all of Equestria will tremble before his might!!" Petunia cackled levitating the paintings all around the room causing the maids to freak out and run away, even Neighsay stepped back in a nervous gasp. "OK, yeah we should probably definitely tell Twilight about this!" Rainbow exclaimed with a nervous gulp as she watched the paintings continue to spin around the room!