> My Little Pony: The Days of New Equestria (Season 1)
>  by ScorchingFlamesInc
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were three villains named Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, and Cozy Glow. These three villains had the desire to conquer Equestria, and destroy Princess Twilight Sparkle, the current ruler of Equestria. On seperate occasions, one of these three villains would attempt to defeat the power of friendship and claim Equestria as their own. But friendship would always remain victorious. 

One day, Discord, the reformed Lord of Chaos, posed as the Legendary Grogar, and assembled these three villains. This "Legion of Doom" was sent to Mount Everhoof to retrieve the all-powerful Bewitching Bell. When they retrieved it, the villains plotted to betray the Grogar impostor, which they successfully managed to do. They gave themselves great power, brought high stakes to Equestria, and even brought back the windigos. But alas, friendship remained victorious, And as punishment, these three villains were turned to stone.

Twenty years later, Luster Dawn, the student of Princess Twilight Sparkle, became the first pony in 20 years to be sent on a friendship mission by the Cutie Map. Her task? Teach the three villains friendship. At first, they were resistant. But eventually, they gave in and embraced friendship, resulting in the reformation of all three villains.

The next day, the former villains were suddenly backed into a corner by a mysterious pony, who ended up banishing them to a world called "Earth". There, they met a human named Leo, who took them in with the help of his two friends. The three reformed villains were taken, but were soon rescued by Leo, his two friends, and three other humans. Just as they seemed in the clear, the same pony that banished the reformed trio to Earth tracked them down and trapped them. He revealed himself to be Grogar, put the reformed villains back in stone, and took the six humans to Equestria. All hope seemed lost.

But then, a changeling named Thorax and a gargoyle named Scorpan came to Earth, brought Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy back to Equestria, and freed them. When Thorax and Scorpan were taken by Grogar and his allies, the three reformed villains were led on a chase from Grogar's two allies, King Sombra and the Storm King. Luckily, Tirek was able to outsmart Sombra and the Storm King, and these three managed to outsmart Grogar as well by tricking him into releasing magic from the bell, allowing them to take it for themselves. Soon a brawl ensued: Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow vs. Grogar. Soon, Grogar had the upper hoof. But Leo managed to escape the chains Grogar put him in. When he saw the battle was about to be lost, he quickly tried to take action, and ended up stealing magic from Grogar's bell. It seemed like the magic brought an end to this human. And again all hope seemed lost.

But then, Chrysalis, Cozy, and Tirek uncovered the power of friendship, and used it to defeat Grogar. They freed Princess Twilight, who was imprisoned in stone, and all humans went back to Earth. All except one.

As it turns out, Leo was still alive. But he was no longer human. He was an alicorn. Princess Twilight couldn't turn him back. He had to stay in Equestria.

This was only the beginning of a long tale.
> Episode 1: Welcome (Back) to Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

For a split second, when I was finally waking up, I thought all of this was a dream. I mean, Equestria shouldn't exist. Magic shouldn't exist. And Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow shouldn't exist.

But then I opened my eyes and endured the feeling of a different bed.

And a different body.

I gasped. I lifted my head to look around.

The green blob on the bottom of my eyesight followed me.

I whimpered and lifted my arms to touch it. I rubbed it.

And then I recoiled my arms away from my face.

Gone was the shirt I wore yesterday and the hands that were mine. Instead, I now have three thick arms, with a green coat, and stubby hooves at the end.

I suddenly felt something against my cheeks. I rubbed my cheeks, but as it turned out, my long brown hair draped on both sides of my face, covering my cheeks. So instead of my face, I felt a thick wall of hair.

As my senses came to, I then felt something on my sides. I had no blanket on, so all I had to do was move my sight down to take a look at my new body.

My eyes went wide. Not only was my body now the body of a green cartoon stallion, with a brown tail between my legs, but in my peripheral vision, I saw something folded on both my sides.

I looked at my left. And I saw a wing. I checked my right. There was a wing.

I cocked my body and looked at my flank. Although I was in a state of panic, I began to feel curious about my cutie mark.

What I saw was my head. Not my real head. But my head is in the style of how I draw myself. Simple, cartoony, and sporting three spikes for hair.

I fully lied back down. I'm not one to always put my hand- or hoof- on my forehead when I am stressed. But I did it for no reason.

And I felt a weird ripple suddenly go through my forehead, causing me to bring my hoof back. I slowly lifted my hoof and felt the thing.

It felt like a horn.

I looked at my wings. I felt my horn. I repeated this twice.

And then I screamed.


...
Intro
...


Chrysalis and Cozy Glow sat around the cutie map, while Tirek stood between the seat with a rainbow lightning bolt logo, and a smaller seat with no logo.

Although the castle was large, there was no denying that they heard the sudden scream echo through the castle.

"He's awake," Chrysalis stated.

"We knew this was coming, so we'll just have to try our best to not put him in an upset mood," Tirek said. "After all, he's no longer on Earth."

"Let's just get this over with..." Cozy muttered, getting off the table.




Leo's room...




I slowly got off the bed, somehow succeeding in getting on all four of my hooves. As soon as I was on all four hooves, however, they began to shake like crazy.

"Easy..." I muttered. "Easy... how do they walk?..."

I turned my head and saw a nearby mirror.

A strand of my long hair slid down a little.

"Mirror... intended target," I spoke softly.

Slowly, I lifted my front left leg, and my rear right leg, and brought them forward. I shook wildly and quickly landed the hooves a few centimeters further from where they originally stood.

I repeated this with my opposite front leg and opposite rear leg. I stumbled less, and successfully landed my hooves centimeters further from where they would.

I repeated, shaking wildly, but thankfully not collapsing on the floor.

Half a minute later, I was in front of the mirror, and I could see my face.

My face was (thankfully) clean shaven, and my facial structure resembled that of an average background stallion.

My brown hair was very weird though. I have more hair on my head than other stallions, with hair growing out in front of my ears and horn, giving me an even shaggier mane. It was very long, nearly half as long as Pinkie's mane when it’s flat. It was also unkempt, and draped on both sides on my head.

The door suddenly creaked open, and I felt my heart jump and my body nearly lose balance.

I turned my head and saw Chrysalis enter. Then Cozy.

"I'll wait out here," I heard Tirek say.

"I'm an alicorn?!?" I sputtered.

"We have a lot of explaining to do... don't we?" Cozy nervously grinned.

"Yes," I replied. "Why am I an alicorn? If you guys won, why am I still here? Where are the others?"

"I'll give you the short answers," Chrysalis cleared her throat. "You're an alicorn because when you intercepted the magic from the Bewitching Bell, it changed you. You're still here because we couldn't turn you back into a human. The other humans went back to Earth. And I will add this: as it turns out, there is a link between your world and this one. It closed last night. We don't know how long until it reopens."

"Wait, wait, wait..." I said. "I'm stuck here?"

"Until the link reopens," Tirek said from outside the room. "And Princess Twilight's double-checking the spell and waiting to retry your de-transformation."

"Oh jeez, oh jeez, oh jeez," I whimpered. "My family will think I'm gone! They'll get rid of all my belongings! I may not return for years!"

"We tried our best to send evidence of our existence," Cozy explained.

"Ugh... I blame Grogar for this..." I rubbed my head with a forehoof without falling down. "Because unlike him, I like you guys. Honestly, I dreamed of being sent here, but not like this! At the very least, I wanted my family to know!"

"Listen, I know you have mixed emotions or thoughts..." Chrysalis replied. "But just take my advice: try to clear your mind. You can't exactly go to town yet, since most of the population is still imprisoned. But just try it."

"How?" I scoffed.

"Until most of the population is released from their imprisonment, you'll stay with us," Tirek said.

"Come," Chrysalis nudged her head to the doorway. "We'll go to the Cutie Map room. And maybe later we can practice magic."

"How will that make me feel better?" I hissed.

"Just try it," Chrysalis replied.

I groaned.

"Oh, ok. Fine," I grumbled. "I'll apologize in advance if I'm slow since this whole 'walking on hooves' thing is new to me."

"We understand," Tirek said.

With a few shaky steps, I made my way to Chrysalis, Cozy, and Tirek and exited the room, all three reformed villains by my side.

We were quiet for a few seconds.

"So what are we gonna do anyway?" I asked as we made our way down the hallway.

"I have no idea," Chrysalis shrugged. "With most of Ponyville still gone, we have nothing to do."

"We could play cards," Cozy suggested.

"I appreciate all you're trying to do to clear my mind," I said. "But I'm still worried about my things being thrown away and how my family will react."

"Listen, even if that's true, we're here for you," Chrysalis promised. "And besides, what's wrong with using our currency when you return home? Just take some bits to Earth."

"I don't think they'd take gold if it didn't look like it came from my world," I replied. "Besides, is it even real gold?"

"Maybe?" Chrysalis answered. "I actually don't know..."

"Well, we need to do something," proclaimed Cozy. "I don't wanna stand here and do nothing all day. Besides, it's not like we're quarantined by some worldwide virus that cancels events and schools. We can go places."

"Like where?" Tirek asked.

Cozy opened her mouth to speak. Then she closed it.

"You got me there..." she said. "I'm not in a 'go to the park' mood..."

A metaphorical lightbulb appeared over my head. The perfect way to pass the time.

"Well, maybe you three can learn about friendship while we're here," I suggested. "I mean, sure you three could go to the School of Friendship at some point. But if you're reformed and want to know more about friendship, then why not take a head start?"

"How?" questioned Chrysalis.

"We could check the library for the Journal of Friendship," I shrugged. "After all, Twilight may not live here anymore, but I'm pretty sure Starlight is watching over the place. And as long as somepony or creature watches over the place, there's gotta be a few books."

"There's a Journal of Friendship?" Tirek asked.

"Yeah," I said. "You didn't tell them about it, Cozy? I know you read it while you went to the School of Friendship."

"At that point, it was the last thing I cared about," Cozy responded.

"Well, I don't see a problem with that," Tirek said. "Chrysalis?"

"I don't mind," Chrysalis agreed.

"As Leo said, I read the Journal of Friendship before," Cozy admitted. "But I can't remember much."

"Then it's settled. We'll go to the library," I proclaimed. "We'll just need to look for it... how hard could it be?"

Then I saw the long hallway filled with doors.

"Very hard," Cozy mumbled.



...

...



CREEEEAAAAAK

"Guys, I found it," I called out.

Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow grouped up to the door I stood at. The whole room was filled with book-filled shelves, with a few tables, chairs, and beanbag chairs resting on the floor.

"Either Twilight left these books here, or Starlight re-stocked," Cozy said.

"I guess looking for the Journal of Friendship could be another way to pass the time," Tirek chuckled.

Without a word, I headed into the room, and began to search the bottom shelf. I heard flying and stomping, so I could tell the others were searching as well.

For several minutes, we pulled books out of the shelf. I didn't find anything of interest.

 Then I pulled a book and saw the title, which read:

Interdimensional Travel: Functions and Worlds

I opened the very thick book and went straight to the contents. Some chapters seemed interesting to me. The first one I went to was Chapter 2: Examples of Galaxies.

I felt like my own galaxy was in there. I was curious. And a tiny chunk of me was hoping for information.

Then I found it.

The Milky Way Galaxy actually had the honor to be put into this book.

I went back to the contents and saw the other chapter. I flipped to Chapter 7: Links. I began my search for something important. Something caught my eye.

How long links last: Usually, links to other worlds last for one week. However, how long it takes for the links to open again is unknown and highly random. It could take weeks, months, or even years.

"I found it!" I heard Cozy chirp. I turned my head back and saw her floating down, carrying the book.

Chrysalis and Tirek made their way to Cozy and grouped around her. They looked at me.

"Come on over," Chrysalis invited. "Would you like to read with us?"

"I may not return home for years, won't I?" I asked in a melancholy tone.

"What?" Tirek raised his brow.

"This stupid book..." I muttered. "I may not return for weeks, months, or years! Even if my friends and family do believe that I've been trapped in another world, who knows how long it would be until I come back?"

"Leo, it will be fine," Chrysalis assured.

"Really?" I sputtered. "I've been ripped from my home because of some stupid ram! Oh sure, you all lost something too, but you were evil at the time and my home is in another world!"

I plopped onto my haunches.

"I've been away from family before," I admitted. "But the maximum time was nearly a week. I may be here for months!"

Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy had no words. But then Cozy put the book down and came over to me.

"Well, until then..." Cozy began before she sat down and leaned her head on me. "...you have us."

Chrysalis and Tirek came over to me as well.

I chuckled. "Out of all the beings here who would possibly live with me and encourage me..." I began. "I've never thought it would be you three."

"Life is weird, isn't it?" Tirek asked.

"This whole place is weird..." Chrysalis mumbled. "But it's my home."

"Amen," I agreed. I suddenly realized something. "Hey, when I transformed, were my clothes left behind?"

"No," Cozy answered. "When you transformed, your clothes changed with you."

"I suddenly feel-" I was cut off when a hazel glow suddenly covered my forehead. "Ok, I'm not doing this!"

A brief white flash of light suddenly burst and something flew from my forehead to the ground.

"What's that?" Chrysalis asked.

I went over and used my magic to pick up the object.

"My phone," I replied. "It was in my pocket when I transformed. I guess my body rejected it, but it took awhile for it to do so."

"Well, it doesn't have any organic DNA," Tirek explained.

"True," I agreed. "I'll just set this aside for later."

I levitated my phone and set it on the table.

"Well, phones that have nothing to do with the story aside..." Chrysalis began. "I think we should give this journal a look-see."

I went back as Chrysalis levitated the book.

"By the way, I know some of the reasons these entries were written," I explained. "So get ready for some nerdy-me moments."

We opened the book, but the first thing we saw was a photo of younger Twilight and her friends... along with many other younger versions of her friends. It looked like the photo from the season 7 intro of the show.

"Those are her friends... huh," Chrysalis said.

"You know... the group consisting of Twilight Sparkle and her five other friends had a name," I pointed out.

"What is it?" asked Tirek.

"The Mane 6."

"Not a bad name," admired Chrysalis.

"Hey, if the four of us are gonna hang out all the time, what should our name be?" asked Cozy.

"The Legion of Friendship?" suggested Tirek.

"How about we make this easy and this group any name we desire," I suggested. "I'll call us the ‘New Mane 4.’"

"Please, we're not Twilight and her friends," Chrysalis said.

"Well you three did save Equestria, with me playing only a minor part," I replied. "Besides, even though others played their part in beating Grogar, they don't live here. If any of them move here, they could join us."

"It's not like we have a campaign for who gets to join and not join our nonexistent group," said Cozy.

"Let's not argue about this," Tirek said. "Let's just enjoy our time together."

"Yes," Chrysalis purred, leaning into Tirek and blushing. "Let's enjoy it."

I gave Cozy Glow a look.

"I'll explain later," she told me.

"I think I have a feeling," I said looking at Tirek and Chrysalis while Chrysalis' peach face turned red.




Night...




It was now the end of my first day as an alicorn.

The day was pretty quick. Apparently it was only five minutes until noon when I woke up, giving me only five minutes of the morning. After I read the Journal of Friendship with the three reformed villains, it was already an hour since I woke up. For the rest of the day, we bonded, played card games, and I even used the last amount of juice on my phone to tell them how it works, before we all took a selfie. How I’ll charge it and get the internet will be a whole other mystery. Maybe with magic. If I can go from one world to the next, I can charge a simple phone.

I even wrote a letter to Princess Twilight, introducing myself and telling her that I hoped to meet her at some point after Equestria's entire population gets back on their hooves/claws. Though without a magic dragon like Spike or a pony like Derpy to send out the mail, I had to settle with holding off until the next day.

"Someday..." I whispered, staring at the dark ceiling on my bed. "I will go home... and remember... but in the meantime... just put the worries aside. And enjoy my time here while it lasts."

And so I closed my eyes and let sleep take over.




...




I woke up, finding myself back in my house. I felt the mixture of disappointment in my heart as I looked over my body and found everything back to the way it was. Except for my clothes. I was wearing shorts and no shirt.

"Well, that sucks..." I muttered. "But at least I'm home."

I got off my bed, and for some reason, rubbed my eyes. But when I took my arms off, they were different. Now, they were green logs with marshmallow-like hooves.

Then I saw my body and it was the way it was before. The body of an alicorn.

That's when I realized I couldn't stand on my hind legs.

I fell backwards, landing on the bed, wings splayed out.

Oddly, the bed felt like it had no sheets.

I lifted my head and the room was completely empty.

I turned my head to look at the bed and every sheet, pillow, blanket, and plush was gone.

"What the-"

I was cut off when a gaping hole suddenly opened underneath where I lay on the bed. I felt something pull me in.

I screamed as I fell through the mysterious chasm of darkness.

Then I stopped, and the whole landscape swirled. It changed into a swirly, turquoise landscape with white stars.

I felt my body land itself on the ground.

I looked up and saw a white sphere of light flutter down, expanding.

As soon as the light was large enough, I could see a figure in it. The light faded.

And Princess Twilight Sparkle herself stood before me.

"P-Princess?" I bowed. "Is that really you?"

"It's nice to finally see you awake," Twilight smiled.

"So... you saw me when I was out?" I asked, getting up.

"Yes," she answered. "And don't worry. I'm searching for any other spells that can turn you back into a human. If I don't find any, I'll just retry the previous spell."

"Princess..." I began. "How long will I be here?"

Princess Twilight's encouraging smile turned into a frown.

"I don't know," she said.

I lowered my head. But an armored hoof reached under my chin and lifted my head up.

"I promise you will return home," Princess Twilight said. "Just try to fit in. And try your best to hide your wings when you go out."

"Oh, right," I looked at my wings. "I'm an alicorn that's a guy."

"Yeah," Twilight chuckled.

There was a few seconds of silence.

"If you want, I can make it so you feel encouraged, and at home," Princess Twilight said. "That is, if you want."

I held up a hoof. "I wouldn't mind in the slightest."

And so Twilight lit her horn.

I opened my eyes.

And I was back in my room. In my body.

"Better enjoy it while it lasts..." I muttered, leaving my dream-room.



...

...



I slowly opened my eyes, once again meeting the sight of the castle room. Using my new magic, I moved the covers away from my body and hopped off the bed.

I looked outside.

I saw ponies, along with other creatures, froliking in the streets.

There was a large crowd.

I went to the mirror and looked back in the mirror. I again saw my very nappy hair. I had an idea.

I went downstairs in search of the Cutie Map room. I assumed Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow were there.

It took minutes, and a lot of steps, but I soon found the large room. It took a lot quicker to find it than I thought.

"Good morning, Leo," Chrysalis greeted.

"Hey, do you know where I can get hair gel?" I asked.

"Hair gel?" Tirek raised his brow. "What for?"

"I don't want to spend my time here with a nappy mane," I explained.

"Actually, when I went to the bathroom, I found a bottle of gel," Cozy exclaimed. "This place has everything! Even though Twilight moved out years ago!"

"Oookaaay... instead of pondering why there is gel here, I'll just go to the bathroom and give my mane a new style," I said before turning around and leaving the room. "Be back in a few."

"Alright," I heard Cozy call out as I left the room.




Minutes Later...




Chrysalis, Cozy, and Tirek all turned their heads to me as I entered the room.

My mane was no longer flat, unkempt, and knappy. Instead, it stood up, my horn and ears poking out.

How did I do it? I (carefully) trimmed the hair growing around my ears and horn with scissors, before using the gel to completely restyle my mane. I also trimmed a chunk of hair that hung off the side of my head, making it shorter but still longer.

"I know, I know, it looks silly..." I said as I walked in. "But I couldn't resist! I always drew myself with three spikes for hair, so I took the chance."

"Hey, it's your mane," Cozy shrugged. "You do what you want."

I took a seat.

"So we have more ponies and creatures out in the open today," I said.

"Really?" Cozy queried. "I guess we won't have to be bored any longer..."

"We don't always have to go outside for entertainment," I told her.

"I'm just a kid," she shrugged.

We laughed.

Although yesterday didn't feel like much of an adventure or a hypothetical first episode, something told me that I was gonna have a heck of a time here.

And that things would get better.

END OF EPISODE
> Episode 2: I Didn't Sign Up For This
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's day three of my new life in Equestria. And also the first day where everything was finally back to normal... sort of.

How did I know? Because one look out the window gave me the sight of the Ponyville streets crawling with life.

As of now, Cozy Glow and I were together in the library practicing spells. I was looking over a spell book, attempting to learn about teleportation. Cozy just watched. Normally, I hate it when younger folks teach me things. But I made an exception. Kinda. I still insisted on reading the book.

Then the doors to the library opened, and Chrysalis and Tirek entered.

"Well... we're off," Tirek announced.

"Where are you two going?" I asked, looking up from my book.

"Getting us signed up for school," Chrysalis explained. "Cozy, I take it you would rather go to the School of Friendship. Correct?"

"Yup!" Cozy nodded.

"I'll do the School of Friendship too," I piped. "Only because I want to hang out with you guys."

"Alright, that saves me a question to ask..." Chrysalis muttered. She and Tirek then turned to the exit. Both looked back at us.

"We'll be back soon," Tirek promised. 

And with that, they left the room.

I returned my gaze to the book in my magical grasp, looking over the spell once again. I could still hear Tirek's thundering hoofsteps depart.

"You ready?" Cozy asked about a minute later.

"Eh." I closed the book. "Why not?"

"Perfect! I mean, if it was easy for me to learn quickly, it should be easy for you."

"Yeah, we'll hope so, Cozy."

And so in an attempt to concentrate, I closed my eyes and felt the surge of magic light my horn. My body then began to feel tingly, almost as if it was asleep. Seconds later, I felt my body suddenly compress, and in another second, everything felt as if the magic dissipated.

But when the feeling faded, I heard gasps. And the ground under my haunches felt like grass.

I opened my eyes and found myself smack-dab in the middle of a large crowd of ponies and other creatures. They all stared at me with wide-eyes and unhinged jaws.

I looked at my wings and then felt my horn. Right... they've never seen a male alicorn before. Nor have they existed for God knows how long!

"Shoot!" I yelped. Quickly, I attempted to repeat my spell. Yet again, I felt the tingly feeling, then the compression, then nothing.

I was back in the castle, Cozy's hopeful expression staring right back at me. My heart was still pounding.

"So how did it go?" she chirped.

"Well I didn't appear in my room like we planned..." I huffed. "But instead, I appeared in a large crowd of ponies and creatures, who are now aware of the existance of a male alicorn!"

Cozy just stared at me.  Then she broke out in laughter.

I was unamused.

After her fit of laughter, Cozy brought her gaze back and immediatly caught on.

"Oh..." her smile fell. "...you're serious."

I nodded.

In response, Cozy sheepishly elicted a nervous laugh.



Intro...

Chrysalis and Tirek ventured to the School of Friendship. Oddly, there was nopony or creature that they passed on the way. As they made their way, Tirek studied the Ponyville map in order for them to reach their destination.

"This is weird..." Tirek began, breaking the silence the duo had since they left the castle. "Just 20 years ago, we were twisted villains who wanted nothing more than power, revenge, and conquest. And now, we're going to one of the last places we ever thought we'd go to."

"Yeah, it's something, isn't it?" Chrysalis chuckled. 

"Can I tell you something I analyzed?" Tirek asked.

"Go for it."

"When we were with Discord and Starlight the day we were sent to Earth, I noticed something about him. He was reformed, but to my knowledge, I still felt bits of his old personality in him. Yet, when we're reformed, we have zero trace of our former selves. Aside from our knowledge."

"I noticed too," Chrysalis replied. 

"Do you remember Starlight telling us the story of what she did when she was evil?"

"Yes. In fact, the day she defeated me and turned the hive, she's actually brought up her past a few times. Though I really didn't care at the time. I wonder what she was like when evil, and if she is extremely different now."

Tirek shrugged. "When you see her, you can ask. Anyway, it looks like we're here."

Both Tirek and Chrysalis stopped in front of the large building, with multiple students and creatures having fun, and the water around the small bridge glistining.

"Since you're too big to fit in the building, you want me to bring the headmare out?" Chrysalis offered.

"Only if you need to," Tirek answered. "Hey, I believe I recall Cozy telling us that Twilight was the headmare of this place. Who do you think it is now?"

"Only one way to find out..." Chrysalis muttered. "Wish me luck."

And with that, Chrysalis made her way closer to the School of Friendship.



The Castle...



"Ok. I know this is bad. But those who saw you don't know where you live," Cozy reassured.

"They don't know you're an alicorn, right?" I asked. "Wait... never mind. Even if you reveal yourself to the crowd, they will still be going crazy over my existance."

"Yeah. Plus Princess Twilight told everypony and creature she freed about how we saved Equestria and how our forms advanced," Cozy explained. "She promised me that she would have her guards tell ponies to not react to how I'm an alicorn and vice versa. She also promised to have the guards explain that I have no desire to be a Princess, but rather, just live a normal life, while also putting my past behind me. Judging from how there's nopony or creature coming to our doors, I take it they listened."

"And yet she didn't think they'd agree to not react to my appearence?"

"She wasn't the one who told everyone that's been freed from stone," Cozy said. "She sent her royal guards. She told her guards to tell those they freed that we're now reformed, living here, and in our advanced forms like what happened with the Bewitching Bell. I guess she told the guards to say you went home instead of what really happened. Possibly to avoid the guards overreacting as well."

"And yet there are no worries for the fact that you're a true alicorn now?"

"They've seen female alicorns before. It's still a big deal, but not as big as male alicorns. But then again, Princess Twilight also instructed the guards to say that I had no desire to be a princess and would rather life my life and forget my past."

"She could have just told the guards to not react to me!"

"It would of probably been harder. And since you came out of nowhere and was first seen as an alicorn, ponies will still start asking questions."

"Didn't Twilight instruct you to keep me away from the public until she found a way to reveal me to the world?"

Cozy chuckled.

"Oh yeah..." she sheepishly smiled. "She did... and we forgot to warn you..."

"All three of you?!"

Cozy nervously nodded.

I groaned.

Suddenly, I heard the crash of a window, and something whizzed past my head.

I looked at the broken window, qhen a young pegasus colt suddenly flew up and peeked into the window.

"Sorry! Sorry!" he apologized. "My friends were playing nearby and-"

His eyes suddenly went wide.

"You're the alicorn everyone is talking about!" he exclaimed. "HEY EVERYPONY AND EVERYCREATURE! HE'S HERE! AND COZY! THE REFORMED FILLY THAT SAVED US ALL!!!"

He suddenly ran from the window.

Cozy and I both looked at each other.

And I could already hear the cheers as ponies grouped outside.




...
...


Headmare Starlight Glimmer was busy organizing her papers, getting ready for school to finally start again. Now that everyone has returned to their homes, she could finally get things going.

Knock knock knock

Starlight looked up from her papers and saw her friend (and guidance counselor) Trixie Lulamoon poke her head into the door. 

"Hey Trixie," Starlight greeted. "What's up."

"I was making my way back to the counseling room after my great and powerful lunch," Trixie explained, looking a bit like she saw something surprising. "And then I came across somecreature that wanted to speak with you."

"Really? Well then, send them in."

"Alright. Prepare to be shocked."

And then Trixie disappeared behind the ajar door. Starlight could hear her say, "She's ready for you."

And then the door opened all the way. And in walked Chrysalis, the former evil queen of the changelings.

"Chrysalis?" Starlight exclaimed, surprised at her arrival.

"Starlight Glimmer?" Chrysalis was equally surprised. "You're the Headmare?"

"Yeah. Twilight gave me the job after Celestia and Luna retired."

"I should have expected that..." Chrysalis muttered, sitting in the seat across from Starlight.

For seconds, not a single word was broken.

"Well... this is awkward," said Chrysalis. "Considering I used to want to destroy you after my exile."

"Yeah..." Starlight agreed, wincing a little. She cleared her throat. "So what brings you here?"

"Well, you know... I'm reformed along with Tirek and Cozy now. And what better way to start learning true friendship than to go here?"

"Right. Of course. So you would like three forms to get you three signed in?"

"Actually... could I have a fourth?"

Starlight tilted her head.

"What for?" 

"We have a fourth guest staying with us," Chrysalis explained. "He chose to come here."

"Interesting..."

"I brought Tirek with me. He's outside. Will you need him to sign anything?"

"Well, it would probably be best."

"If you say so," Chrysalis said before getting off her seat and leaving the room. Starlight followed suit.



The Castle...



The amount of screaming and chatter outside was surreal, as I carefully peaked out the window of my room. A whole crowd was surrounding the base of the castle, and I saw a camera flash as well.

"I feel like all these characters are overreacting..." I muttered. "And maybe they are. But then again, I'm in a cartoon..."

"I thought Twilight told her guards to warn everyone that I don't want to be royalty, and would rather live like a normal pony!" Cozy complained from behind me. "And I find it odd that no one is skeptical that I'm here."

"For the second part, it's because you're a hero. As for the first bit, either the messages the royal guards gave didn't go all the way, or maybe the guards forgot to mention that part, or maybe Twilight herself forgot," I theorized. "Or maybe Twilight purposely didn't tell them because she's doing what Celestia did: diving us a part, a role, a reward, whatever it was that Twilight had to go through. She might have lied about promising to help you live normal."

"I don't know!" Cozy exclaimed. "I wasn't there. Look. The quickest way out is stronger convincing. Obviously, this crowd won't listen to us."

"Can't we tap into the Royal Canterlot Voice?" I asked.

"I doubt it..." Cozy replied. "But Princess Twilight does! If we can get to Canterlot and warn her, she can stop this."

"Even though she caused you to get roped into this as well?"

"I can talk to her about that later."

"Well then how will we get to Canterlot?"

"We fly! Obviously."

"Forget it!" I sat down and crossed my hooves. "I'm staying here."

"Why?" Cozy asked.

"I'm afraid of heights! And I can't fly!"

"I can just carry you."

"Still high up in the air."

"Well what are we going to do? We can't go through there without getting mobbed, and you're scared of heights!"

"What about disguises?"

"Remember when we pretended to be humans?" Cozy cocked her brow.

"It was one time," I assured. "We can get away again."

"If we disguise ourselves and take trains, Chrysalis and Tirek may return to all of this madness! And considering that colt mentioned how we reformed and saved Equestria, I have a feeling those two will be hounded as well."

"Funny... just 20 years ago you three nearly destroyed Equestria and now you're getting fame for reforming and saving it?" I snarked.

Cozy suddenly got all mad and flew up to my face.

"Don't... ever... bring that up... again!" she hissed.

"Ok, ok. Jeez..." I muttered.

"You think you can just bring it up? Here I thought that since you harbored us in your home and favored us, you would understand how it makes us feel when you bring up our past like that!"

"I was caught up in the moment. Give me a break!"

"You know what? If you don't want to fly to Canterlot, fine! I'll go. I may be a kid, but I know what I'm doing. I don't even fear heights, despite being younger than you!"

Cozy then ran out of the room, and I heard her hoofsteps depart.

Normally, when I get into arguments with folks like my sister, I have a hatred for that person that lasts for a bit before subsiding.

But this felt different.

The people I argued with never tried to destroy a world, only to make up for it years later. But Cozy did. And I snarked about it right in front of her. For no reason.

I just sighed and looked back out the window.

"I wonder if Twilight had it this rough..." I muttered. "Or if it's just my dumb luck."


...
...


Starlight and Chrysalis made their way outside. Tirek, who was looking at the ground, brought his gaze to those venturing to him.

"So... I take it I'm needed for this?" he asked.

Chrysalis nodded and took her seat next to Tirek.

"So... you two want to enroll into the School of Friendship, along with enrolling Cozy Glow and another guest," Starlight analyzed. "Correct?"

Chrysalis and Tirek nodded.

"If I may ask..." Starlight began. "What is their name?"

"His name is Leo," Tirek replied.

"Where is he from?"

"It's private," Chrysalis replied.

"Ok then..." Starlight was confused at why Leo's original home was private, but she moved on. "So... we usually require the signatures of guardians or parents for folks to enroll here. Would you two consider yourselves guardians of Cozy and this 'Leo' character?"

Chrysalis and Tirek looked at each other. Then back at Starlight.

"I... guess," Chrysalis answered.

"Ok. And since you two are enrolling, but your parents and guardians are either long gone, or not even alive, I'll be nice and allow you two to skip the parent/guardian issues. But the rest you'll sign yourself."

"If you think that's best, then go for it," Tirek agreed.

"Right. Now all I need you two to do is fill out these four forms." Starlight brought over four large stapled packets, along with two quills and two ink bottles. Tirek and Chrysalis each grabbed a quill and got to signing.



Twilight's Castle...



I heard foot- I mean hoofsteps come from behind me. I turned my head and saw Cozy Glow come closer to me.

I was about to do something I never thought I would to to someone after a fight.

"Listen, kid..." I began. "I shouldn't have snarked like that."

"No need to apologize," said Cozy. "If anything, with the fact you're an alicorn colt, you have it worse. It jsut doesn't seem like it because the crowds are mixed. I... just decided to come back for no reason."

"Yeah..." I muttered. I sighed. "So... are we just gonna stay here?"

"The news will come to the Princess eventually. In the meantime, we'll stay here."

Cozy and I looked out the window, only to see a chariot landing. There, the whole crowd turned aroudn to see a chariot driven by two guards.

And Princess Twilight stepped out the chariot. The whole crowd bowed.

"CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE!" she bellowed in, what was probably her Royal Canterlot Voice. "I CAME HERE TO INFORM YOU OF COZY GLOW, WHO IS NOW A TRUE ALICORN, AND LEO, OUR NEW ALICORN ARRIVAL THAT IS ALSO A COLT!"

"Yes, Princess," I heard the faint voice of a mare say. "This colt alicorn suddenly showed up in the middle of town. Who knows if there ever has been at all!"

"And Cozy Glow became a true alicorn without that Bewitching Bell," a random stallion said. "And since she is reformed, meaning she is worthy! And, I can't believe I'm saying this, but she is a hero, along with Chrysalis and Tirek.Though the colt alicorn you called 'Leo' is a little more exiting."

I patted Cozy's head for reassurance. She didn't bat my hoof away.

"I AM ENTIRELY AWARE!" Twilight bellowed. "HOWEVER, EVEN IF THESE FOUR ARE SPECIAL, THEY WOULD RATHER BE LEFT ALONE! I AM ALLOWING COZY AND LEO TO NOT HAVE TO STEP UP AS A PRINCESS OR PRINCE! SO WITH THAT, DON'T TREAT THEM LIKE ROYALTY, BUT RATHER ONE OF YOU!"

"But Princess-"

"THAT IS MY DECREE! NOW RETURN TO YOUR HOMES AND DAILY LIVES AT ONCE! I'LL BE MAKING SURE NO PICTURES OF THEM ARE TAKEN FOR THE HAY OF IT!"

I saw the whole crowd begin to dissipate, and I heard them mumble in disappointment. Twilight just stood there, as if waiting for us to come out.

Finally, when the crowd was completely gone, Twilight came up and knocked on the door.

Cozy grabbed my hoof and teleported us outside. We appeared behind the stair steps Twilight stood on. When we appeared, the Princess yelped before turning around.

"Heh..." she rubbed the back of her head. "I suppose I have to apologize for forgetting to tell my guards to be more specific on how you want to be left alone... and I do. I apologize"

"Hey, even Princesses forget," Cozy said. "And besides... what you did was AWESOME!"

Princess Twilight chuckled.

"It was nothing," she replied. "I remembered you wanted to be treated normally."

"That's actually something I don't get," I began. "When you were a Princess, you had to be one. It was your fate. There were moments that you wanted to be normal, but you still were mostly unable to at times. And Celestia just encouraged you to embrace it at times. So I have to ask: why are you helping us live normal lives instead of what you had to go through?"

"That, my friend is a good question..." Twilight turned around. "For another time."

Princess Twilight returned to her chariot, and the guards at the help flew off, carrying the chariot with it.

"Do you think she's helping us because we have no part?" Cozy asked as the trailer flew off. "Or maybe because we didn't ascend like she did, giving us no role?"

"I don't know," I responded. "But something is scratching at the back of my head about this... yet I don't know what."

"As she said, that will be something for another day."

We then heard a set of hoofsteps, one set more thundering than the other. Cozy and I turned.

"What are you two doing outside?" Chrysalis questioned with a hint of worry. "You three might cause an uproar!"

"Already did," Cozy explained. "And the Princess fixed it."

"Okay..."

"Anyway," Tirek piped. "Great news. All four of us are now enrolled at the School of Friendship."

"Really? It was that easy?" I asked.

"Please! I got in with the click of a hoof," Cozy said. "But then again, my evil deeds probably brought upon safety precautions."

"Our first day starts on Monday," Tirek announced.

"Alright. We might as well get prepared," I proclaimed. "But for now, let's just enjoy the rest of our normal day."

A ball suddenly tapped Cozy in the hoof.

"What the-"

"Sorry again! Sorry again!" the colt from earlier suddenly ran up to us. "I... won't bother you."

"Now hold on a second," Cozy piped before he turned to leave. "Maybe I could join in with you?"

The colt looked behind him, meeting eye-contact with a young griffon and a young hippogriff, both a yard and a half away from us. They both shrugged. He looked back at Cozy. 

"Are you sure?" the colt asked.

"It's something a normal filly like me would do," Cozy smiled.

"Well..." the colt thought for a moment befor he smiled. "Okay."

And the two kids ran off to play.

"Heh... cute," Chrysalis admired.

"Well that's something I never thought I'd hear Chrysalis say..." I mumbled.

"At least half of things she said you'd never thought you'd hear her say!" Tirek rebutted.

I shrugged. "True."

And we smiled as Cozy played with the other kids.
> Episode 3: Crush Currency
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I opened the doors to the Cutie Map room, and already saw Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, and Tirek eating pancakes. There was an extra plate at the chair that Twilight sat at.

"Pancakes?" I spoke before I sat down. "Who made these?"

"I did," Chrysalis admitted. "Thought we'd get a breakfast better than the pies in the fridge."

"Alright," I said. Using my magic, I levitated my fork, took off a piece of pancake, and put it in my mouth.

It was actually very good. Though considering Chrysalis is a reformed changeling, there's no surprise there.

"Mmm... this is very good," I say with pancake in my mouth. "Reminds me of the pancakes my Mom made back home.

"I'm glad you like them," Chrysalis smiled.

The doors then opened again and in walked three unicorns... each of them familiar. A mare with a purple coat and a darker purple mane with a blue streak. Another mare with a blue coat and a mane that was a white-blue. And a stallion with an orange coat, though he had a white-ish color on his hooves and the bridge of his muzzle. He also had a darker orange mane and a long beard of the same color. Each of the ponies wore an interesting type of clothing.

I recognized them immediatly... Starlight, Trixie, and Sunburst! Upon sight of me, all of them stopped.

"Is that a... colt alicorn?" Sunburst pointed at me. He then lifted his glasses, which slightly slipped down his muzzle.

"My name is Leo. Nice to meet you three," I greeted. I pointed at each pony as I said their name. "Starlight... Trixie... and Sunburst!"

"How do you know our names?" Trixie asked.

"It's complicated," I shrugged.

"If I may ask..." Tirek began. "What are you three doing here?"

Starlight nervously chuckled. 

"I thought you knew by now..." she said sheepishly. "The three of us live here."

The four of us had confused expressions.

"I'm sorry... what?" Cozy asked.

"In my defense, both times I encountered the two or three of you, I thought you knew," Starlight explained. 

"Same for when I led Chrysalis to Starlight's office," Trixie shrugged.

"Well then how come we never saw any of you during the mornings or nights?" Chrysalis asked.

"We would either get home very late or leave very early," Sunburst explained.

"And they day I came here with Discord before the whole Grogar issue, we got home from a field trip that morning. Trixie and Sunburst returned to the school while I came here," Starlight explained.

"Well if I would have known you were here, I would of made extra pancakes," Chrysalis said.

"Don't worry," Trixe spoke. "The Great and Guideful Trixie can always wait for the most important meal of the day!"

Huh... so she still does that... does she still do it as often as she did twenty years ago?

"I'll be right back," Tirek left his spot and made his way to the exit doors.

"Where are you going?" Cozy asked while Starlight, Trixie, and Sunburst took their seats.

"Checking to see how many bits we have left," Tirek replied.

"Oh, ok."

And so Tirek left.

"Say..." I began. "Does any other pony or creature live here?"

"No. Just us three," Starlight answered. "All the school teachers have their own rooms. We insisted on living here."

"Interesting..."

"You know, we haven't really heard much details about you four," Sunburst began. "What's going on in your lives?"

"Well, I know this thing about Chrysalis..." Cozy smirked.

"What do you know about-" Chrysalis stopped herself before blushing bright red. "Oh... don't you dare!"

Cozy chuckled.

"Chrysalis has a crush on Tirek," Cozy nagged.

"No, I don't!" Chrysalis turned even more red. "I mean... I do... but it's just a crush and nothing more!"

Trixie erupted with laughter.

"Okay, that is hilarious!" she chuckled. "The former evil queen of the changeling has a crush! How can a changeling and centaur date anyway? It's silly! Dragons and ponies, I get. But giant centaurs that are way bigger than you?"

Trixie continued erupting with laughter.

"Okay, Trixie, that's enough," Starlight said. Trixie's laughter dulled down, but she still chuckled.

"Look, it's not my fault that I'm swooned by his red skin... and buldging muscles... and that deep voice..." Chrysalis trailed off and sighed.

Tirek came back into the room holding an empty bag.

"Bad news," he began. "We're out of money."

"Seriously?" I raised a brow. "We went through all that money already?"

"Where did you get that money?" asked Sunburst.

"Princess Twilight gave us a little bit of a ration to live off of while we got settled," Cozy explained. "She told us that once we ran out, a couple of us will have to get jobs."

"Do you have any openings at the school?" I asked.

"I wish we did," Starlight answered. "But you guys are already coming as students, and all of our jobs are taken."

"Right..." I put my hoof on my chin. "Well then I guess Chrysalis, Tirek, and I could go out and see what is avaliable for jobs. Cozy can come with us."

"Did you just refer to yourself with me and Chrysalis as if you are getting a job with us?" Tirek brought up.

"I'm old enough for a job. I had one back at my old home."

"I guess I wouldn't mind going out into town..." Chrysalis said, the redness missing from her face. 

"Maybe if your lucky, you can work with your crush..." Cozy quietly teased.

Chrysalis blushed and groaned.


...
Intro
...



Chrysalis walked beside Tirek in the bright town of Ponyville. She wanted to be with him. It was even she who suggested that they split up into two groups of two. Mainly because she wanted to admit her feelings for Tirek to him at some point. But when she left the castle, her thoughts raced.

Maybe that school counselor is right... she thought. It's silly to think that a changeling has feelings for a creature bigger and stronger. Then again, Leo once told us that Twilight's dragon had a crush on one of her friends... which one was it again? Her name started with the letter r... Rarity, that's right! If Leo and Cozy didn't tell me her name, I wouldn't have known...

"The market Starlight told us about should be a few blocks away." Tirek looked through a large newspaper clipping. "If they let us, we can open a stand ourselves. Whatever we sell, we'll figure out."

"Y-yeah," Chrysalis stammered. "Not a bad idea."

"Are you alright?" Tirek asked, worried.

Chrysalis took a deep breath.

"Tirek, I... I..." 

She gulped. What she said next was one of the many thing she'd never thought she would say to Tirek.

"...Do not think you chew your food loudly," Chrysalis gave a fake smile, while wondering in her head why she said what she  just said.

Tirek and Chrysalis both stopped in each other's tracks before giving each other awkward looks.

"Riiight..." Tirek said. He then continued walking while Chrysalis facehooved.

"Stupid..." she muttered under her breath before following Tirek. "You can make clones of your enemies. You can pretend to be a princess and fool almost everypony. You can even nearly bring an end to Equestria multiple times... and yet you can't share your feelings to a centaur..."



Cozy Glow and Leo...



Cozy Glow, and I made our way down the street of Ponyville. I held a small newspaper clipping. Chrysalis and Tirek were exploring another part of the area. Maybe Chrysalis wanted to admit her feelings to Tirek? I don't know. I'm not her.

"This is my stop," I said as the movie theater came into view. "Wow. This theater looks like the ones I saw on TV back home."

"TV?" Cozy asked. "Oh, right... the black box that you watch things on. Why do you want to work at a theater anyway?"

"That was my job back home," I explained. "So I wouldn't mind keeping one thing I lost when coming here: a job at a theater."

"Oh... Well good luck," Cozy smiled.

I looked at my wings.

"We're gonna need it," I chuckled.

"Twilight solved the whole fame issue yesterday, remember?" Cozy pointed out.

"You saw some of the looks we got," I replied.

While talking, we entered the theater to pick up my application.



Chrysalis and Tirek...



Tirek and Chrysalis finally entered the marketplace and they were surrounded by multiple different looks.

The duo made their way down the street.

"Let's see..." Tirek pondered. "Starlight told us that in order to set up a stand, we would need to discuss matters with the owner of this marketplace."

Using his magic, Tirek grabbed a folded map of the marketplace from a cup that says "free maps". Tirek opened the map.

"Let's see..." he muttered. "The tent we go to is... right around the corner."

"Mm-hm..." Chrysalis stared at the ground.

"Are you ok?" Tirek asked. "You've been quiet ever since you've said that 'chewing food' thing."

"Me? I'm fine!" Chrysalis lied. "I'm just thinking about things."

"Like what?"

"Jobs. Our stand. What should we sell at our stand?"

"Hmm... that's a hard one..." Tirek scratched his chin. "I feel like the stands here are selling almost every item I have in mind."

"Do you think we can do something else other than selling?"

"Look. We can discuss it later. If we're lucky, the marketplace owner can give us some time to decide on what to do."

"Yeah..." Chrysalis muttered.



Leo and Cozy...



Cozy and I both walked out of the theater as I carried my job application in the form of rolled-up paper. The kind of paper with a peach-ish color that pretty much makes up most of the books in the library.

"The things this job offers are just like at home..." I admired. "Free food, free drinks, and free movies!"

"Yeah, yeah. You said that already," Cozy said.

"And I'll say it again: Free food, free drinks, and free movies are awesome!"

"Yeah, yeah..."

"And you'll get a job soon," I patted Cozy on the head.

"Not here," Cozy said. "I might get a job at the School of Friendship as soon as a spot opens up."

"Not a bad idea."

SPLASH!!!

Suddenly, I was soaking wet... and so was my job application! It wasn't like the paper at home... it was the peach-paper... but it was still paper! I don't know why, but the paper being lifted in my magic aura started to tear on it's own. Maybe the magic holding it is too much? How should I know? I'm no mage.

"My application!" I yelped.

I looked up.

"Oops!" I heard a voice from the window above say, before a pony I didn't recognize peeked their head out the window. "Sorry!"

I groaned.


...
...


Chrysalis and Tirek arrived at the booth, where a brown stallion with a white mane looked over a bunch of papers.

"Um... excuse me," Tirek said.

The stallion looked up and jumped.

"AGH!" he yelped. "Heh... sorry... I forgot that you two were reformed."

"Don't worry about it," Tirek shrugged.

"Anyway..." said the stallion. "What can I do for you two?"

Chrysalis overcame her unusual quietness and spoke up. "We heard that there was a rental opening for a stand. So we came to apply. You're the boss of this marketplace business, right?"

"Yes, I am," the stallion nodded. "Apply for a spot, eh? What do you have in mind."

"We actually-" Tirek stopped himself. A lightbulb appeared over his head. "More advanced technology!"

"Technology?" the stallion raised his eyebrow. "Our technology is already advancing. What sort of technology?"

"We bring it to you tomorrow!" Tirek proclaimed.

"Bring it tomorrow, show me how it works, and I'll get you two hooked up for your stand."

"Perfect! We'll see you then."

And so Tirek and Chrysalis said goodbye to the stallion and began to venture out of the marketplace.



Leo and Cozy...



"Well, at least you're lucky enough to not have your second application ruined," Cozy said as we both left the theater... again.

"Sometimes I do feel unlucky, but that's just me..." I muttered. "Oh, well. This was just a dumb moment."

"Sometimes life is filled with dumb moments," Cozy smiled.

"Yeah. Besides, it's not like something else will happen to my-"

I was cut off when a bird flew down and swipped my application.

"Seriously?" I shrieked, earning a few glares and a chuckle from Cozy. I didn't care, though.



One application retrieval later...



"Alright, now that I got my third application, we can head home," I say before looking behind me and above me to make sure I wasn't going to get unlucky again.

"Hey, how do you think Chrysalis and Tirek are doing?" Cozy asked.

"Hopefully, better than me," I replied. "Do you think Chrysalis will admit her feelings to Tirek?"

"Beats me. I've never had crushes."

"Do you think they belong together?"

"A changeling and a giant centaur dating sounds weird..." Cozy muttered. "But then again, it is possible for creatures of different types to go out."

"How do you know that?" I asked.

"I read a book on romance from the library once."

"And why would you read a book on romance? How would the library even have a book on romance on different creatures? I don't wanna know."

"I only read it because I was bored," said Cozy. "There was nothing to do that day."

"But why romance?"

"Again... I was bored and the thought to do it just came up."

"Hey, you do you," I proclaimed. "Onto yet another subject... what are you gonna do while we are out on our jobs during the weekends?"

"You can just trust me to be home alone," suggested Cozy. "If I almost brought Equestria to an end, I can handle being home alone."

"Well. you'll have to run that through with Chrysalis and Tirek. They're technically our guardians."

"Having them is better than being alone, anyway," Cozy admitted. "Hey, imagine if they got hitched."

"So we're back to the subject of changeling-centaur romance now?"

"Yup!"

"Well let me talk about your fans if we're going to do that..."



Chrysalis and Tirek...



Chrysalis and Tirek made their way through the town on their way home. Their plan was to take Leo's device... a phone, it was called... and duplicate it. They would keep duplicating the device and sell it... if it was allowed, of course.

While Tirek walked with focus on heading home, Chrysalis was locked in her head.

Okay... Chrysalis said in her head. We just need to somehow duplicate Leo's phone so I can get a job with Tirek... maybe feel his biceps... GAH! What is wrong with me? Am I easily swooned? Or does my heart desire to experience true love? Ok, Chrysalis... whatever you do... don't think of anything relating to love! But you're with Tirek! Why do I feel like my reformed life is more complicated than my former lifestyle? You know what? Maybe this will all go away if you tell Tirek your feelings for him. It can't be that hard... just the words "I have feelings for you". Yes. Perfect!

Chrysalis' eyes shifted to Tirek. She took a deep breath.

It was now or never.

"T-Tirek?" Chrysalis began. 

"Yes?" Tirek replied.

"I...I..." 

Chrysalis felt her heartbeat increase, and get louder witn each thump. She gulped.

"I... need to use the ladies room up ahead!"

"That's fine," Tirek shrugged. 

"I promise I'll wait for you!"

And she ran off.

Tirek scratched his head.

"Is there even a bathroom up ahead?" he pondered.

...
...


Chrysalis continued running. She was panting, and covered in sweat.

She didn't notice when she passed by Cozy and Leo.

"Hey Chrysa-" was all Chrysalis could hear Cozy say before she zipped past the duo.

She only made it a block away from them before she felt her body become suddenly enveloped in rose colored magic.

"No! Don't say rose!" Chrysalis screamed at the narrator.

Jeez... sorry.

Chrysalis felt her body rotate to face Cozy and Leo as they made their was closer to them.

"What the hay is going on?" Leo asked with worry. "And where is Tirek?"

"You know of that crush I have on him?" Chrysalis brought up.

"Yeah," Cozy and I answered, both giving each other knowing smirks.

"Twice I tried to tell him my feelings..." Chrysalis admitted. "And twice I choked! He's a few blocks back, thinking I'm in the bathroom, when really, I'm just asking two ponies far younger than me about crushes! I mean, can changelings and centaurs even date? Are my feelings just stupid feelings? I mean..."

Chrysalis sighed.

"I don't even know... look at me... I was once an evil queen, who wanted to harvest love! And now, I'm a reformed ex-changeling queen. I knew love, despite only wanting it to feed on, but I thought telling my feelings to some centaur would be easy. And yet twice I failed. I even told Tirek that he doesn't chew his food loudly!"

"Even though, no offense to Tirek, he does," Cozy pointed out.

"Didn't you tell me the signs that Twilight's dragon had a crush on her friend?" Chrysalis continued. "The looks... the devotion... the little fantasies he had about saving her."

"Listen, I'm not socially smart, but I guess some crushes can be different than others," Leo explained. "Just take my advice. Relax. Breathe. And look forward to the two possibilities. Either you admit your feelings to Tirek, or the crush fades. Just rely on time."

"Last I heard, you never rely on letting time pass by," Cozy said. 

"But this isn't about me," Leo brushed aside Cozy's comment. "Just trust us. As your friends, we can help you with whatever path you choose to take."

Chrysalis smiled.

"Huh... so that's what it feels like to hear that friends will be there with you..." she admired. "Feels nice?"

"You think that's nice?" Leo raised my eyebrow. "You're in for a wild ride."

Leo and Cozy both put Chrysalis down at the same time we began hearing large hoofsteps. We turned our heads and saw Tirek enter our view.

"Leo! Cozy!" Tirek waved. "How did the job-search go?"

"I got an application for the theater that opened half a year ago," Leo held the rolled-up piece of paper. "Just need to sign it, turn it in, then wait for an interview. You guys?"

"We didn't get the application," Tirek said. "I need to show the stallion in charge what we're going to sell before he considers giving us the forms."

"What do you need to sell?" Leo asked. 

"Duplicates of your phone."

Leo raised a brow.

"Don't worry! We won't let there be a mix-up or anything," Tirek promised. 

"There better not be..." Leo muttered. "Though I suggest you discover how to connect to the internet first."

"How does... that, work?" Cozy asked.

"I don't know. We may need to research."

While her three friends talked, Chrysalis said nothing. She looked at Tirek.

And she felt herself blush.

This is going to be a long few months... she thought.

And the group of four continued their trek back to the castle.
> Episode 4: It’s a Big World
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We all sat around the cutie map table. Tirek held my phone, careful not to bust it.

"You know, when I think about it, selling phones is... not that good of an idea," I said. I usually don't say ideas are terrible, but what are you gonna do?

"What makes you say that?" Tirek raised a brow.

"Phones worked for humans because we have fingers," I say. "And what do we have here? Hooves, claws, paws, and talons."

"Look, I know it's a bad idea, but we have magic," Tirek replied. "With the right amount of magic, ponies can somehow manipulate the screen without fingers. Chrysalis and I have been both working on spells and tests to see how the screen responds to creatures when they tap on it. Those who don't get a response are marked down, and we later attempt spells to help the phone respond to what they do."

"So you've been inviting others here or..."

"Not really," Chrysalis said. "I'm a changeling, remember?"

"RIght..." I sheepishly chuckled.

"We'll also work on spells where the phone has a link to the user's mind in case the owner is an earth pony or yak... if there is a chance the yaks will try phones," Tirek said.

"Something tells me they won't," I replied.

"Speaking of which, should we try our next test?" Tirek asked Chrysalis.

"I don't see why not," answered Chrysalis, getting off her seat. "We'll be back in a bit."

"Ok," I nod. Chrysalis and Tirek left the room, leaving me and Cozy alone.

I looked over at Cozy, who was muzzle-deep in a spell book.

"You seem determined to learn about that size-spell, aren't you?" I said.

"Mmhm..." Cozy nodded.

"You haven't told me what spell you're practicing."

"It's a surprise... wait a bit," Cozy mumbled.

"Why? It's just a spell."

"It's a complicated spell."

"Fine," I shrugged. "If you don't want to tell, then don't tell."

"Well you won't have to wait," Cozy closed the book. "I'm done."

"So what do you have in mind?"

"Stand in front of me," Cozy got off her seat.

I obeyed.

"Now watch..." Cozy muttered before putting a large rock right between us.

"Ready?" she asked.

I nodded.

Cozy lit her horn and my vision became covered in a red hue. My body then began to feel the usual odd magic tingle, but it felt different compared to teleportation. 

And suddenly, her magic burst.

My vision was blinding white, and I couldn't see anything. But luckily, it came back in seconds.

And my eyes shot open at the major difference I saw.

The whole room was larger, the ceiling appearing to be half a mile higher than us. I looked at the map, which was very large, along with the chairs.

"COZY?!?" I screamed. "COZY!!!"

I looked ahead. I saw Cozy a few yards away from me.

I began to gallop.

"Cozy..." I growled when we both reunited. "What did you do?"

I knew the answer, but I wanted to hear it from her.

"I was just trying to shrink the boulder with magic..." Cozy nervously said. "But when I shrunk it, I may have shrunk us as well... heh heh... whoops."


...
Intro
...


"So you wanted to show me your magic by shrinking a rock..." I muttered. "But you shrunk us too. Can you change it back?"

"Don't worry," Cozy promised. "I know of a reverse spell. Just give me a second..."

Cozy shut her eyes and grunted, but nothing happened. Her horn gave off no glow.

"I can't do magic!" she exclaimed.

I looked at the rock and pointed my horn at it. I mentally repeated the steps needed to perform the spell. I had no luck.

"I can't do magic either!" I said. "When you performed the spell, did you do something else?"

"No!" Cozy replied. "I don't know what happened. All I was trying to do was shrink a rock, but I might have performed a wrong step, resulting in us shrinking as well!"

"And our magic?"

"That, I don't know."

I groaned.

"Hey!" Cozy got my attention before she opened her wings and hovered in the air. "We can still fly. We can just go to the table and get the attention of Chrysalis and Tirek."

"And what if we get crushed?" I panicked. 

"We won't get crushed if you'll listen to me."

"Right," I scoffed. "I'll listen to a kid."

"I almost ended Equestria. Twice," Cozy pointed out. "I know what I'm doing."

"But... what about flying?... I'm afraid of heights... and I still can't fly," I spoke.

"Well what else are we gonna do?" Cozy rebutted.

I sigh.

"I don't know. I wish we've practiced," I folded my ears down.

"Ok look... how about you go somewhere safe," Cozy suggested. "I'll get Chrysalis and Tirek, and as long as I know where you are, we'll be fine if I get their attention."

"But what about rats?" I sputtered.

"We don't have rats," Cozy promised. "We checked."

"And insects?"

"Checked. Don't worry. You'll be fine."

"Alright," I gave in. I turned around and saw a towering bookshelf on short stubby legs. It looked to be a few yards away (even though it wasn't really a few yards away). I recognized the bookshelf. It was delivered to us yesterday when we got home after our job hunt.

"What about the bookshelf delivered to us after our job-hunt yesterday?" I suggested. Cozy turned around to see.

"Not a bad idea..." Cozy replied. "I'll see you there."

"Yeah... see you."

Cozy turned back around, opened her wings, and flew off to go to the map.

I looked back at the shelf and gulped.

And I began my venture to the shelf. I galloped as fast as I could. It took half a minute before I finally arrived and ran under the shelf.

I stopped when I was finally under and I saw what it was like under the shelf. It wasn't much. It was a little bit dusty and I saw some dust bunnies around my size, but nothing more than that.

I turned around and peeked out of the bookshelf. I looked at the door I expected Chrysalis and Tirek to enter, before turning my focus back to the map. I couldn't see Cozy, but for a brief moment, I could make out a faint pink dot.

I then heard sudden noises, causing my stomach to jump.

I slowly turned around.

And there were two rats slightly bigger than me looking at me with curiosity.

"EEP!" I yelped. The rats reeled back, but they didn't do much else. 

I guess Cozy didn't realize that there were, in fact, rats here.

"H-hey," I stammered. "Listen... I might be overreacting. I saw Equestrian mice on TV, and those mice seemed to be nice. And if those mice are nice, then rats like you must be nice too. Right? So how about I hang out here for a moment until my friend comes to get me? Does that sound okay?"

The rats looked at each other.

And then they bared their teeth at me and growled.

I shrieked.

"AAAAAAAAAAAH!"


...
...


Cozy Glow continued her flight up to the top of the map. Three quarters of the way up, her wings were starting to get tired. She was occasionally looking for a ledge along a chair to sit on and get some rest, but she knew that there were no ledges.

So the filly had no choice but to power through.

When she was finally there, her wings were sore, so landing on the table was an instant relief.

"Phew... made it!" she said to herself. "Now to... make it to the top of one of these chairs... then wait for the right time to get their attention! But I need to rest first..."

And Cozy sat down.



Leo...



"N-nice rats," I muttered, backing away. 

The rats roared.

I screamed and began to gallop away, dashing out of the shelf. I heard the thumping of the rats paws as they ran after me.

"So this is what it feels like to be chased..." I muttered. "COZY!!! HELP!!!"

I continued running. 



Cozy...



Cozy Glow looked at the door, expecting the arrival of Chrysalis and Tirek, but then something on the floor got her attention.

She saw two rats chasing what appeared to be a very familiar miniature green pony.

"Uh-oh..." Cozy whimpered when she saw what was happening. She opened her wings. "Don't worry! I'm coming!"

Cozy flew off of her perch on the chair and began to dash down to Leo's rescue.

She continued flying after her friend, not caring that her wings were slightly sore.



Leo...



I continued running. My strong lungs were starting to get tired, and I needed to hide. I had no time to check and see if Cozy was coming to my rescue.

I needed to find a spot to hide that could fit me, but not the rats. I turned my head left and right as I ran, my limbs getting sore.

But I then saw it... a crater in the wall that looked big enough for my whole body to fit. Out of reaction, I ran over and entered the hole... I was the perfect size. I turned around and backed my rump into the end of the hole.

The rats stopped at the entrance and tried to crawl in, but their snapping jaws were inches away from my face. They continued to snap, trying to bite at me. I tried my hardest to not get hit by drops of rat slobber.

CRASH!!!

Suddenly, the rats perched up and looked behind them before immediately running away.

My chest kept heaving up and down as I was recovering from what just transpired.

Then, a familiar filly hovered down to the front of the hole and closed her winds. She had a concerned look.

"Cozy..." I uttered. "W-what just happened?"

"Remember that wall shelf we installed?" Cozy brought up.

"Yeah... we install a lot of things."

"Well, the hole was under the wall shelf. So I flew up and pushed something off the shelf without harming the rats."

Cozy pointed her hoof to a broken bottle of quill ink on the floor, ink spreading everywhere. There was also a quill soaking in the puddle.

"Well..." I began. "It was convenient the wall shelf was above the hole."

"Yeah... but Chrysalis and Tirek might be mad we spilt ink," warned Cozy.

"They'll understand," I proclaimed.

"How about you stay in here while I attempt to communicate with our pals when they return."

"Trust me... I'm staying here," I backed further into the wall.

"Alright then," Cozy opened her wings.

"Good luck," I said.

"Thank you. Stay safe," Cozy replied before she opened her wings and flew off.



Cozy Glow...



Cozy, ignoring the slight soreness in her wings, yet again landed on the top of the chair. She opened her wing and massaged it, while keeping her eyes on the door.

It opened.

And Chrysalis and Tirek walked in. Tirek carried a phone in his giant fist while Chrysalis carried a tall glass of water.

"Another test successful," Tirek proclaimed. "If we keep up the positive test results, we could have this stand open after our first week at the School of Friendship."

"Indeed," Chrysalis sipped her water and made her way to a chair. "But the biggest challenge is figuring out the spell where the phones are linked to the minds of users that aren't able to levitate things."

Both Chrysalis and Tirek then stopped upon laying eyes on the small Cozy.

"CHRYSALIS! TIREK!" Cozy waved.

Chrysalis and Tirek made their way over to the shrunken filly perched on a chair. Cozy shook a bit due to the slight vibration from Tirek's hoofsteps. Chrysalis had to hover a few inches off the ground to see the child on the chair.

"Cozy?" Tirek said when he and Chrysalis got to the chair. "Is that you?"

"Yes!" Cozy piped. 

"What... how... what happened?" Chrysalis asked.

"I tried to perform a spell," Cozy explained. "But the result was a little more different than expected... when I tried to shrink a rock, I shrunk myself, along with Leo, as well."

"Why didn't you two change back?" queried Tirek.

"Our magic was restrained. Any chance you could change us back and have our magic be accessible again?"

"Of course," Chrysalis nodded. "Where's Leo?"

"He's in a hole under that shelf," Cozy pointed to the hole under the wall-shelf.

Chrysalis and Tirek came over to the hole. Chrysalis lowered down so she could see inside of it.

Cozy watched as Chrysalis peeked into the hole and said something to Tirek. The duo then returned to Cozy.

"I'm not sure if Leo is in that hole..." Chrysalis said. "He's not in there."

"What?!" Cozy exclaimed.


...
...


"Are you sure?" Cozy asked. "Maybe that wasn't the right hole!"

"There was only one hole, and he would be calling for us," Tirek pointed out.

"So where could he be?" Cozy questioned.

"We'll look for him," Chrysalis promised.



Leo...



I don't know what happened. I was in the hole, awaiting Chrysalis and Tirek to come over and get me, before a hole opened under my hooves and I fell in. I kept on sliding on a slide in the crystal walls.

"EEEEEK!" was the only sound I made as I slipped through the slip n' slide. It felt like a water slide... only without water.

What felt like a few minutes later, I came to the end of the slide and arrived in a large room. I landed in what I discovered was a moat when I swam up to the surface.

The room I was in appeared to be a giant space, with a bunch of holes in the walls. In the middle of the room was a large slab of crystal. I swam up to that slab and crawled out of the moat.

"HELLO?!" I called out. No answer.

I then heard scuffling and noticed a detail of the room I haven't seen before... a hallway nearby, connected to the crystal floor with a bridge. I then noticed two familiar rats approach me. They stopped when they crossed the bridge and stared at me.

Then they bared their teeth again, causing my heart to jump. But then, the rats got on all fours and arched their backs, and their eyes changed to a piercing... yellow?

They started to slowly crawl closer to me, growling. I backed away.

"Easy now..." I whispered.

I stopped and turned my head, and caught sight of my hooves only centimeters from the moat.

I looked back at the rats.

And I gulped.

CRACK!!!!

I snapped my head to the noise behind me, and saw the wall starting to crack. I looked back at the rats, both beginning to back away.

I turned my head back to the wall, which began to glow blue.

CRUNCH!!!

And then the wall was torn clean off, and I saw the friendly, yet concerned face, of Chrysalis.

"CHRYSALIS!" I exclaimed. "How did you find me?"

"With the help of a feather we found on your bed, I was able to use a tracker spell to find you in a matter of minutes," explained Chrysalis.

"Great! Hey, since I can't fly and am afraid of heights, could you maybe..."

I didn't need to finish my sentence, since Chrysalis willingly grabbed me with her magic as she lit her horn.

"Thanks," I said.



Minutes later...



Cozy and I both felt the tingle of magic as Chrysalis and Tirek lit their horns and performed their spell. Not only did I feel my body grow, but I could actually feel a small surge of energy flow through my body.

When it was all over, Cozy and I examined our bodies and surroundings before embracing each other in a hug.

"Oh thank goodness we're normal..." Cozy chirped.

"Yeah..." I said before Cozy and I seperated. "So what should we do about those rats?"

"Rats?" Tirek raised his brow.

"Rats," I explained. "Twice I encountered the same pair of two rats. But the second time their eyes began to glow... yellow."

"Yellow?" Chrysalis rubbed her chin.

"Yeah, so what should we do about them?"

"I don't have a good feeling about this..." Tirek muttered. "We'll get them safely apprehended and tested for any signs of... unstable magic."

"But for now, you two need to get your rest," Chrysalis said.

"You said it," I replied. "Maybe Cozy and I can figure out what went wrong with her spell..."

"I probably got a step wrong," Cozy shrugged. "But I was sure I got it right."

"This day is definitely one of the weirdest days..." I whispered.



Meanwhile...



Grogar watched the crystal ball.

"I knew I shouldn't have mind-controlled rats..." the Father of Monsters groaned. "I had an opportunity to shrink those two and I took it. And then, when I finally had the chance to use those rats I mind-controlled a while ago, I took it. Even though they were mind-controlled long enough to the point where I had them make their own lair, they still were scared of minor things... give me a break."

"Well, you know, there's always another opportunity," the Storm King began.

"Not with rats! I'll need something else! Obviously, the castle will be searched top-to-bottom for any other uninvited guests."

"You went for a simple 'wait for an opportunity' plan," King Sombra pointed out. "You need to go with a plan that you can put into action at the right time... like what you did earlier... but there will be a higher chance of success!"

"I don't normally listen to the plans of my assistants..." Grogar scowled. "...but I'd like to hear what you have in mind."

"Oh, I don't have a plan," Sombra admitted. "But I think I found something in my room that might give you an idea..."

"You have my interest," Grogar nodded, getting off his seat and making his way to Sombra.

"Right this way," King Sombra nudged his head to the direction of a hallway.

"Stay here," Grogar ordered the Storm King.

And Sombra and Grogar both made their way to Sombra's room.
> Episode 5: School Craze
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis, Cozy, Tirek, and I all arrived at the School of Friendship. No, it wasn't Monday. It was Saturday. We were going to look around the place. When we were near the bridge to the enterance, the doors opened and Starlight walked out.

"Oh hey," she waved when she saw us. She came closer to us and we stopped. "What brings you four here?"

"We figured we would look around the place," Tirek replied. "Since only Cozy has been here."

"I've been here too," Chrysalis pointed out.

"Not as long as Cozy has," I say. 

"Hmmm..." Starlight tapped her chin. "You know, I can help make it easier for you to get used to this place and bond with the students."

"How so?" I asked.

"We're holding an overnight stay at the school tonight. Anypony and creature is welcome. You play games, learn about your peers, and... you know... just have fun. That's why I was gone this morning along with Trixie and Sunburst... to set up. You four can come if you want."

"Interesting..." Chrysalis pondered. "What do you three think?" 

"I think it's not a bad idea," Tirek proclaimed. "It's better to take an opportunity to figure this place out, and meet the other students before Monday. I feel like it will be easier."

"I second that," Cozy agreed.

"It doesn't sound too bad," I shrugged.

"I guess that makes four of us," said Chrysalis.

"Excellent!" Starlight chirped. "I'll inform Trixie and Sunburst right away. You won't need to sign anything. I'll be expecting you four between 5:00 and 6:00. Sounds good?"

We all agreed.

"Alright, see you then," Starlight said before going back into the building.

When the doors closed, I began to speak.

"So should we still explore or-"

The doors suddenly opened and Starlight came out yet again.

"Sorry..." she chuckled stopping in front of us again. "Forgot that I was leaving to run some errands."

Starlight trotted forward, and we parted to let her through (thank goodness the bridge was bigger than what it probably was 20 years ago).

When Starlight passed us, Chrysalis spoke.

"I know what you were going to ask, and I say, we can hold off. They might be nice enough to give us a tour."

"Alright, let's go pack," Cozy opened her wings and flew off to the castle. We followed.


...
Intro
...


We entered the building as soon as the clock struck five, each of us carrying our bags. It was convenient the doors were big enough for Tirek.

We saw Trixie at a desk, waiting for us.

"Welcome one and all, to the overnight stay at the School of Friendship," she announced to us. "Just sign your names here, and put your bags in the cafeteria. You can do whatever you want until Headmare Starlight calls all of you over."

"The cafeteria?" Cozy cocked her head.

"Don't worry, we cleaned the floors."

We all looked at each other and shrugged before we signed the sheet one by one. When the last name was signed, Trixie wished us a good stay and let us pass.

"I forgot how big and shiny this place was," Cozy admired.

We made our way to the cafeteria, which was lacking tables for obvious reasons. 

"Let's go there." Chrysalis pointed to one of the largest empty spots. We all went to the spot and placed our sleeping bags (for Tirek, he placed a large sheet and blanket).

When we were done, we discussed our plans.

"So, what now?" I asked.

"I'm not sure," Chrysalis shrugged. "Our goals are to get aquainted with this place, along with it's inhabitants."

"So let's do just that," said Tirek. "We look around the place, and give friendly greetings to those we cross. Leo, you have the map?"

I took the map out of my saddlebag. "Yep."



One montage of exploring the school later...



Our four main characters have been exploring the school for a while now without any announcement. It took thirty minutes for them to explore. Their next and surprisingly last stop was the library.

Chrysalis was looking around the place. Tirek stood in the biggest area of the library. And Leo and Cozy kept on checking through shelves, though Cozy was out of sight of the others.

But when Cozy put a book away, preparing to ask if they could leave, something caught her eye.

A familiar trapdoor.

Cozy slowly approached the gate-like door. What she saw surprised her. After what she did, she expected the tunnel to be sealed off and the door to be gone. But no. She saw a tunnel under the door, just like when she last looked into the door.

"Weird... shouldn't it have been sealed off after what I did?" she questioned to herself.

She looked at her friends.

"Hey," Cozy peeked her head around the shelf, catching sight of Chrysalis and Leo. "Instead of going back when we're done, Could we stay here longer until roll call or when I'm done? I kind of want to stay here longer."

Chrysalis and Leo shared looks.

"I guess," Chrysalis said to Cozy. "We could leave when we're all done."

"Or one of us could stay behind until Cozy is done," Leo suggested. "I mean, they have graphic novels here. I could stay and you and Tirek could go back to your area."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"Alright," Chrysalis shrugged. "You two better be back at 5:00. I don't want you two running late."

"I got you," I promised.

"Ok then. I'll tell Tirek."

Chrysalis turned and left.

"Ok kid..." I began to say to Cozy. "You need me to watch you?"

"No thanks..." Cozy replied.

"Are you sure? You're kind of young..."

"I'm fine," Cozy proclaimed. "I'll come and get you."

"Alright.. if you insist."

Cozy turned her head back from the corner and brought her gaze back to the door. She went back to the door and opened it with her magic. Cozy remembered the words that she once said in those same exact tunnels. The things that she did.

Cozy didn't know why she was going to do what she was about to do. Curiosity, maybe.

Cozy took a deep breath before she entered the trapdoor.



...
...



It's been a while since Cozy Glow last explored the caverns underneath the castle, so she forgot that there were some "forks in the road" in the caverns underneath. Not really caring much about where she was going, she would just shrug and enter a random tunnel. 



Leo...



Minutes passed since I last heard from Cozy. So I eventually decided to go and check on her again. I didn't find any graphic novels or comics in the library so far, anyway.

"Dang... since I last saw Cozy I've been going to different shelves... that weren't numbered... and there are many spots that look the same..."

I sighed.

"I'm going for it. It stinks that I can't yell out her name because it's a library, but what are you going to do?"

So I decided to search for Cozy, or at least some trace of where she went. If I couldn't find her, I would report her missing, or hidden, or something like that.

I just hope she's nearby...



Cozy...



The tunnel Cozy was in eventually came to an end. It wasn't a complete dead-end, though. It was more like a room. Not with too much reason, she just decided to look around, and at one point, she peered into her reflection in one of the crystals lining the wall.

She turned to leave, but then what she heard stopped her.

She heard talking. A conversation, of course. The voices she heard were all too familiar to her, belonging to a few of many ponies and creatures she once deceived.

She turned back around.

And she saw a dragon, a yak, a changeling, a griffon, a hippogriff, and another pony enter the room, all laughing as they talked. And all six of them were familiar.

When the six of them laid eyes on her, their smiles faded, their facial expressions now matching Cozy's.

Cozy and the Student Six have met again.



Leo...



For minutes, I was searching for Cozy, but I didn't even find a single trace of her.

But when I turned a corner, I noticed an open door.

And I had the feeling I saw this door before.

"She didn't go in there... did she?" I whispered. "Only one way to find out..."



Cozy...



Cozy and the Student Six just stared. Cozy remembered when Gallus, the griffon, brought her, Chrysalis, and Tirek to the Ponyville castle on the day they reformed. It felt slightly awkward, but not like this. It was probably the fact that all six of them were there that gave Cozy butterflies a bit more than usual.

"Well..." the pony named Sandbar began to say. "This is awkward..."

"Y-yeah..." Cozy stuttered.

"We, um... saw the door open and decided to see what was going on," the dragon known as Smolder explained.

"I must have been a slow walker... or you were just fast..." Cozy chuckled. She then cleared her throat. "So... *ahem*... what's new? I know Gallus is a guard, but what about you guys?"

"Oh you know..." Silverstream (the Hippogriff of the group) scratched the back of her head. "Some of us teach... while some of us goes about with other jobs."

"Cool. Cool..."

"What Cozy pony do these days?" the large yak (Yona) asked in her broken grammar.

"Stuff. I hang out with my friends."

"Oh! Isn't one of them that alicorn stallion?" the changeling (Ocellus) brought up.

"Yeah. Word's spread like weeds, don't they?" Cozy replied.

"Well, we knew. Though we didn't swarm the castle like the rest of the town," Sandbar explained.

"Oh... is there anything else that's new?"

Smolder shook her head. "Not really. You?"

"Nope. Just... living life, as I said."

Silence once again overtook the room.

"Well, it's nice to see you all again," said Cozy, wanting to end the awkwardness as soon as possible. "But I better get going. My friend is probably looking for me."

"Well, if we meet again, let's just hope it's less awkward... right?" Silverstream replied.

"Yeah... see you."

But when Cozy turned around and placed her hoof on the ground, it accidentally landed on a pointy crystal.

"OUCH!" Cozy shrieked, accidentally slipping. When she landed on her barrel, a large ruby blast shot out her horn, and struck near the top of the cavern wall. Luckily, the Young Six dodged the blast, so none of them got hurt. The only true damage left behind was the massive set of cracks on the wall.

"Cozy Glow! Are you ok?" Ocellus asked.

"I'm fine," Cozy looked at her hoof.

"Wow. Cozy pony strong," Yona admired.

A sudden sound then brought the attention of all seven inhabitants of the room. The crack started to spread in all directions.

"There is no way I could have done that so easily," Cozy gawked.

"I'm starting to wonder why we didn't just allow Twilight and Starlight to seal this place off..." Smolder muttered. 

"We'll need to get out of here!" Gallus proclaimed. "If we stay here any longer, there's a chance the whole place could-"

CRASH!!!



-*Leo...-*



I was so close to the end of the tunnel. I found it odd that there was a second tunnel under the school, even though it was obvious there was only one tunnel. But I kept going anyway to see if Cozy was around. 

But finally, the end of the tunnel came into sight. But for only a brief moment. I could have sworn I saw a pony that looked very much like Cozy Glow, even though I couldn't see her face. There were also six others in there, and I could have sworn they were familiar as well.

And once I laid my eyes on them, the whole room suddenly collapsed over the familiar characters.

I gasped and I stopped in my tracks.

If Cozy was really in there... did she just get crushed?

"Oh jeez..." I muttered. "I need to get Chrysalis, Tirek, and Starlight!"

And I turned and hightailed it away from the sight I just saw.



...
...



For the Young Six, it seemed to be over. The six friends huddled together, preparing for the worst.

But nothing happened. Other than Yona feeling a slight brush on the hair on her back, there was nothing.

They opened their eyes, and they saw Cozy, horn lit, and straining slightly. above them was a transparent red forcefield, that held up the large chunks of crystal and rock.

"Cozy?" Silverstream blinked.

"Cozy pony save us!" Yona exclaimed.

"I don't know how long I can hold this," Cozy explained, her voice lacking strain. "But I guess we'll have to stay here until something good or bad happens."

The Young Six shared glances.

"I know... me saving you for a genuine reason... looks weird, doesn't it?" Cozy muttered.

"Eh. We've seen weirder," Smolder shrugged. "The six of us once fought a rhino-like creature."

"Well I would like to hear about it... if we get out of this alive and the awkward feeling fades."



Leo...



I dashed out of the trapdoor and through the library. It took a minute before I finally left the library, and another few minutes before I reached Chrysalis and Tirek in the cafeteria, out of breath.

"Leo?" Tirek immediatly showed concern. "What's wrong?!"

"Cozy... trapdoor... cave... rocks... fall on... her and six others..."

Chrysalis and Tirek shot alarmed looks. 

"We need to get Starlight!" Chrysalis proclaimed.



Underground... minutes later...



Cozy Glow's magic began to weaken, and everycreature could tell because of two things: Cozy's increasing strain, and the shield beginning to crack.

"I don't think we're gonna get out of this in time..." Sandbar muttered.

"If we're lucky, my friend is getting Chrysalis and Tirek... right now," Cozy strained. "I just need to hold this a little bit longer..."

The shield cracked more.

"You know... I wanted to tell you six later... but I might as well tell you six now since we might not get out of this." Cozy took a deep breath before a small tear rolled down her eye. "I'm so sorry. For everything. For lying to you. Manipulating you. And nearly bringing an end to the world you all have grown accustomed to."

"It's all in the past now," Ocellus assured, giving Cozy a warm smile. 

"You taught that 'Grogar' ram who was boss, and you're trying your hardest to make sure we get out of this alive," Smolder said.

"And I've seen you reformed earlier," Gallus reminded her. "And if the Princess forgives you, then I forgive you."

"Yak forgive Cozy pony, and accept her as friend," said Yona.

Cozy smiled. She suddenly felt the awkward tone around her fade as chunks of the shield fell and disappeared before they landed.

CRACK!!!

Everyone turned their heads and noticed tiny beams of dim light entering the confined space. Seconds after, two blue glow, and a hazel glow covered the entire entrance of the dome. Large rocks and crystals moved away, with some of them being held up to block the others. Cozy and the Young Six smiled at the realization that they were rescued. Though Cozy smiled for another reason... her friends were there.

"I knew you were in there," Leo said. "Come on! Get out! Hurry!"

Cozy was the first to go, dashing out of her shield while holding it up. A small exit hole opened for her.

Then came Sandbar. Then Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, and then Yona. Even though Cozy opened a hole big enough for Yona, the poor yak was slightly stuck, but all it took was for Silverstream and Smolder to pull her hooves with all their might, before Yona was free.

Cozy put down the shield, and the blocked off pile of rocks and crystal crashed to the ground. Chrysalis, Starlight, and Leo all put down their debris before they rushed over. Both Chrysalis and Leo embraced Cozy while Starlight checked on the Young Six.

"You were lucky I decided to check if you were in here," Leo scolded. "What were you thinking?"

"I'm sorry!" Cozy apologized. "But I was curious, and I wanted to see if the tunnels were still here and-"

"You're safe!" Chrysalis cut her off. "That's all that matters."

Leo released his embrace on Cozy and went over to the Young Six. They all came over to him as well.

"So..." Smolder began. "You're that pony the town went crazy about earlier."

"And you six are the creatures that played their part in saving Equestria twice..." Leo replied. "Twilight's students."

"Did the Princess tell you about us?" Silverstream chirped.

"Not exactly..."

"What does green pony mean?" Yona questioned.

"It's a long story."

"We better go back to the surface," Starlight said. "It's nearly 6:00 and I need to do roll call with you all in the room."

"You three can go," Cozy told them. "We'll catch up."

"Well, even though you nearly got yourself crushed, I trust you since you're already with trusted adults," Leo replied. "Let's go."

And Leo ran off. Chrysalis and Starlight looked at Cozy.

"Are you sure?" Starlight asked.

"We'll be quick," Cozy promised.

Chrysalis and Starlight shared gazes before they left as well.

"So..." Cozy began. "Any chance the seven of us could reconcile some time tonight?"

"Why not after roll call?" Sandbar suggested. "We're here all night, after all."

"I don't see why not. I just have one more question... how is Yona able to fit in here?"

"We have another entrance," Gallus pointed to what was meant to be the other hallway, only it was blocked off by the debris. "Well... had another entrance."

"So how we get yak out?" Yona asked.

"Well..." Cozy then lit her horn. "We could risk causing a little bit of damage to the building."

They all laughed. Cozy included. But Cozy was also the first to stop laughing.

"I'm serious."

The Young Six all stopped laughing upon hearing that.

"Eh," Smolder shrugged. "If I were her, I'd do it anyway."



The Next Day...



"Are you sure you don't want us to pay for the library damage?" Chrysalis asked Starlight.

"No... it's fine. They had no other way out for Yona anyway," Starlight replied.

Meanwhile, Leo and Cozy were having their own conversation.

"Well, I think that aside from that whole cavern situation, everything played out alright," Leo said. "What do you think?"

Cozy turned her gaze to the five creatures and one pony that stood nearby.

"I think we fufilled our goals," Cozy smiled. "We explored the place and got aquainted with our peers..."
> Episode 6: Indoor Wars
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a rainy day at the Ponyville Castle, and Cozy and I were both in the library.  Chrysalis and Tirek were both in one of the lowest rooms of the castle, preparing for the final touches required to open their stand at the marketplace. I was slumped in a beanbag chair, getting bored of the book I was reading. Chrysalis and Tirek had my phone to make their duplicates. I still pray that they don't destroy the thing.

Cozy came up to me. 

"Ugh!" she groaned. "There's nothing to do, other than reading books!"

"I know..." I mumbled. "I mean, if I had my phone, things would be more interesting."

"Don't you want to do anything else other than play your device?"

"Well..."

"Come on," said Cozy. "I want to do something."

"Like what?" I queried. 

"Cards... drawing... something like that."

"I'm not usually one to play games..." I muttered. "But since I don't have my phone and I'm getting bored of this book, we can do something."

"Oh!" Cozy chirped. "What about a pillow fort?"

"A pillow fort?"

"I did say a few times that I wanted to do things a normal kid would do," Cozy explained. "Kids build pillow forts. And we have a lot of pillows here."

"I don't do forts, but I guess I could give it a try," I shrugged. "Where should we do it?"

"The biggest room, of course... the large enterance room past the doors."

I sighed.

"Alright..." I put down the book. And got off the chair. "We'll get what we need."

Cozy smiled.



One montage of collecting pillows later...



Cozy and I faced the large pile of pillows.

"Hey, I just had an idea," Cozy beamed.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked.

"Maybe instead of a fort, it could be like a warzone... small wall, and a pile of pillows to throw."

"I'm not sure..."

"Oh, come on. It will be fun, and last longer than building a fort."

I shrugged.

"Ok. If you say so."

"Perfect!" Cozy went to the pillows. "We'll give each other half of our findings..."

"I'll help."

And I came over to help collect my pile of pillows.



Chrysalis and Tirek...



Chrysalis and Tirek were both at a table, writing on clipboards while Leo's phone was nearby.

"Hey, how do you think Leo and Cozy are doing?" Chrysalis asked.

"If I had to guess, either bored out of their minds or doing something productive," Tirek said, not looking up from the clipboard. "We can check on them when we're done."

"I was thinking the same thing," Chrysalis nodded.


...
Intro...
...


I was behind a small wall of pillows, with a giant pile next to me. It felt weird that we were doing this, but it's better than just swinging them like teenage girls on television. 

"This feels silly," I called to Cozy, who was across from me behind her own wall.

"Just go with it," Cozy replied. "You'll have fun. And we won't get in trouble as long as we miss the horns."

"Alright..."

But just then, Cozy caught me by surprise when she lifted a pillow and hurled it at me. It whizzed past me.

"AH!" I yelped. I picked up a pillow with my magic and threw one back at Cozy. It missed.

Then Cozy threw one and it hit my wall. And then I threw one and missed again. Then Cozy threw one...

WHUMP!!!

And it hit my face. It didn't even hurt.

"Are you ok?" Cozy called out.

I looked back at her, a playful smile on my face. "Oh, it's on!"

Back and forth, we kept on throwing pillows at each other. I know... it was weird. But I actually began to have fun. My heart would jump when the pillows hit Cozy, but she would be fine.

"Do you surrender yet?" I called to Cozy.

"Never!" Cozy playfully rebutted.

Pillows were tossed, the walls would sometimes be slightly knocked, and the room pretty much had pillows, of all things, going back and forth. When my fort was hit again and knocked off a pillow, I held a pillow as a blocker since we couldn't use our magic for shields. When holding the blocker up, I placed the knocked off pillow back on the wall. 

Cozy would laughed. Again, it felt good to know that she was finally feeling like a normal kid. It was a though I had once, and a thought I'm having again.

"I gotta admit kid, I'm starting to have fun," I said.

"Me too!" Cozy lifted two pillows together and tossed them in angles where they would hit me at the same time. 

I swatted them away with a pillow I picked up and tossed it to her in response.

Around five minutes into our fight, Chrysalis and Tirek came up and entered the room.

"What in the name of Celestia...  or is it Twilight now?... Um... what is going on here?!" Chrysalis asked.

"Cozy and I are having a pillow war," I explained.

"A pillow war?" Tirek raised his brow.

"Yup!" Cozy nodded.

"Who's winning?" Chrysalis questioned.

"Well... I knocked down Leo's fort... so I'm doing better... meaning I have the better chance of winning," Cozy replied.

"Woah, woah, woah!" I began. "You knocked down my fort. But I'm doing well too. I think both of us have the better chance of winning."

Just then a pillow flew by and knocked a good chunk of my fort down.

"Hey! I thought we stopped playing!" I growled before throwing a pillow straight at Cozy. She ducked and blew a raspberry at me.

"This means war," I growled, no longer playful.

"Alright, you two will need to call off the game if this gets out of hoof," Chrysalis scolded. "Otherwise there will be consequences."

Tirek chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Chrysalis queried.

"Nothing it's just that..." Tirek chuckled a bit more. "You sound like somepony's mother."

"Really? Just because I wanted them to avoid causing trouble?"

"They can have fun, you know." Tirek said.

"I know that, but they need to tone it down."

"Another quote from a true mother."

"At least I look younger!" Chrysalis rebutted.

WHOOSH!!!

Chrysalis quickly dodged a pillow that whizzed past her. She gave Tirek a glare and threw a pillow back at him. It bounced off his large chest.

Tirek threw another, and it hit Chrysalis in the barrel.

The changeling and centaur glared.

Then they looked at our warzone.


...
...


Chrysalis and I sat behind an even bigger pillow fort. 

I should probably tell you what happened. When Tirek threw that pillow at Chrysalis, they decided to join our game. Tirek joined Cozy and Chrysalis joined me. They also gathered more pillows and cushons for bigger walls.

Now, I thought they were both overreacting, and even undoing a bit of their character development, but I guess what's done is done. As for me and Cozy, we also have a bit of tension.

This war is no longer a game... it's pretty much just a war now. A war of... pillows, I guess.

"Hey, what about your crush on Tirek?" I asked Chrysalis, who was pacing while I sat.

"My crush has subsided. And I didn't sound like a mother. Did I sound like a mother?"

"Why do you care?"

Chrysalis opened her mouth to speak. But then closed it.

"I actually don't know. But then he thought he would be so smug and throw a pillow at me. And I threw one back. Then he threw one. So we decided that the only way to settle this was to join your game."

"Uuuummm..." I tell you, their motivations made no sense. 

WHUMP!!!

A loud noise brought our attention as a pillow fell from the top of the wall. More pillows then fell from the top of the wall, nearly landing on us. A few hit the wall, causing minimal damage.

"We're under attack!" I exclaimed.

"Not for long!" Chrysalis picked up some pillows, went to a gap we made for launching pillows, and she opened fire. Tirek's fort had to be larger due to his size, so we were at a disadvantage. But when Chrysalis launched her pillows, she managed to knock a bit of the top of their fort down.



Cozy and Tirek...



A few pillows fell on Tirek's head as he launched pillows from the opening in front of his head. Cozy watched the other team from the opening close to the bottom of the wall.

A few more pillows knocked down bits of the fort.

"They are already rebuildig," Cozy said.

"Then we'll go big." Tirek backed away, bent down to his belly and began to gather up pillows. He started to group them into one ball, expanding in size as he added more pillows. Meanwhile, Cozy attempted to repair the fort while tossing more pillows.

Just seconds later, Tirek said "Alright. Here we go!"

Tirek got on his hooves. And with all his strength, he threw the large ball of pillows to the enemy wall.



Leo and Chrysalis...



"IT'S COMING RIGHT FOR US!" I bellowed as the large ball of pillows soared through the air.

"Huh?" Chrysalis looked, but it was too late. When the giant ball of pillows collided with our wall, within seconds, our area was filled with pillows. Our heads were the only things sticking out of the pile.

"GIVE UP YET?!" I heard Tirek call out.

"NEVER!" Chrysalis bellowed.

Quickly Chrysalis lit her horn and many pillows formed into a ball like the one from earlier. She hurled it, but then an orange shield manifested and the ball burst into many pillows.

"Hey! I thought spells weren't allowed for combat or defense!" I said. "Just for building."

"You cheaters!" Chrysalis shook her hoof. She lit her horn again, and within a matter of seconds, the wall was rebuilt.

"Wow..." I was amazed that Chrysalis was able to rebuild so fast.

"So he thinks he can use magic? Two can play at that game."

She lit her horn again, and some of the pillows began to swirl around before splitting into groups. The groups then each began to form the same shapes.. But instead of balls, what Chrysalis made appeared to be a bunch of ponies (or changelings. I couldn't tell), all made out of pillows.

"ATTACK!" Chrysalis yelled, before she lit her horn. The pillow-ponies all began to glow blue before they moved and charged out from behind the wall. I watched. They appeared to be flying all over the place. I heard Chrysalis come up and stand next to me. When she stood next to me, the pillow-ponies began to bash at the top of the wall, knocking off pillows.

Then, pillows glowing orange suddenly flew out from behind the enemy wall, and began to bash into the pillow-ponies, breaking Chrysalis' hold on them upon impact. They fell to the ground, emitted a red glow, and were taken to behind the enemy wall.

"They're taking our ammo!" I said.

"Two can play at that game," Chrysalis growled. "Be prepared to take whatever they throw at you."

Of course, after Chrysalis said that, Tirek and Cozy resorted to throwing pillows yet again, only this time their ammo appeared to be two pillows in one case.

"I think they are using two pillows in one case for ammo," I told Chrysalis. 

"Smart," Chrysalis said as she made her way over. Quickly she used her magic and dragged the pillows behind our wall. She launched them with all her might.

For the next few minutes, it was back and forth. Pillows went this way and that way, bashing into each wall. With the best of my ability, I tried my hardest to get a perfect aim and a perfect throw.

"This is getting crazy..." I muttered, even though I was too focused on success to care.



Cozy and Tirek...



Tirek went all-out in launching his given ammunition to the enemy line. Cozy helped, launching pillows with brute strength. She knew that this was getting crazy, but she was to focused on success to care.

"This will last forever unless we do something," Cozy said. 

"I have an idea," Tirek replied. The orb between his horns lit brighter, and an orange shield appeared around him, Cozy, and all the pillows surrounding them. Then, half of the pillows and cushons on the wall began to glow. The top half of the wall fell apart. Half of the pillows Tirek grabbed surrounded his fists, while others formed a chestplate on his torso. A few pillows were also brought to his horns, surrounding the points.

Cozy caught on. She lit her horn, grabbing a large bunch of pillows and cushons. She brought them to her body and somehow successfully covered most of her body in pillows. Thanks to the armor, she was now as tall as Leo.

"I'm surprised that worked..." she said.

Just then, a blue shield formed around the enemy area. A bunch of their pillow/cushon wall fell apart. Tirek and Cozy both watched as the pillows began to form armor around Chrysalis and Leo.

And the two sides stood opposite each other.


...
...


"THIS ENDS HERE!" Chrysalis erupted.

"AND WE'LL BE THE VICTOR!" Tirek claimed.

"Isn't this a bit dangerous?" Cozy asked.

"Relax, we're using pillows," reminded Tirek.

"Oh yeah..."

"CHARGE!!!" Chrysalis called before the duo suddenly charged. Tirek and Cozy immediatly took notice and charged.

Chrysalis flew around Tirek, who kept throwing pillows at her, while Cozy grabbed Leo in an attempt to tackle him.

Leo swung around, with Cozy's pillow-forehooves wrapped around his neck. Cozy kept beating Leo with a pillow, before Leo grabbed one and began to hit the filly with it as well.

As for Tirek and Chrysalis, Tirek finally managed to bring Chrysalis to the ground upon hitting her with a pillow. Chrysalis' armor fell, but then she put it back on, grabbed a few pillows, bunched them together, and hurled them at Tirek's face. It was a direct hit. Tirek and Chrysalis both growled.

Cozy was still wrapped around Leo, who finally had enough.

"Alright, enough is enough," Leo uttered before the glow on his horn went brighter.. "I should have done that when we started..."

A pillow suddenly flew and knocked Leo in the head. The pillow armor nearly fell off, but Leo was quick enough to put it back on. He glared at Cozy, who held a pillow with her magic.

Chrysalis kept zig-zagging around Tirek, both releasing onslaughts of pillows at each other. Tirek didn't hit Chrysalis once, but Chrysalis was more successful.

Leo and Cozy kept swinging their pillow-arms at each other while Chrysalis and Tirek kept throwing pillows at each other. Again, Chrysalis was hit with a pillow and fell, losing her pillow armor. But before she put it back on, Chrysalis was picked up by Tirek. Chrysalis scowled, before a pillow flew up from to Tirek's face. The pillow slapped Tirek's face a couple times, all impacts hard enough for the glow around his horns to fade after the last hit. Chrysalis fell, along with the pillows covering Tirek.

Lighting his horn and using his magic, Leo began to twirl Cozy around in the air, causing her to become dizzy. The red glow covering the pillows over Cozy faded in seconds, and when Leo dropped her, the pillows scattered all over the place. Cozy angrily frowned, before picking up Leo with her magic and tossing him. As he soared through the air, the pillows fell away from his body.

Chrysalis and Tirek charged, both holding pillows and sporting their armor yet again. Leo and Cozy also put their armor back on, and charged.

When Chrysalis and Tirek met, they began hitting each other with the pillows. Leo and Cozy did the same, their battle occuring next to Chrysalis and Tirek. Feathers started to fly out of the pillows.

For thirty seconds, they kept hitting each other with the pillows they held, before slowing down and stopping, the rage disappearing from their faces.

They were silent.

Then Leo began to laugh.

"Hehe... heheheheh..."

Then Cozy began to laugh. Then Chrysalis. Then Tirek.

They all laughed, Chrysalis wiping a tear from her eye.

"Oh man... hehehehe... this is so... silly!" Cozy giggled.

"I mean, what are we even doing?" Chrysalis chuckled. "Tirek and I were both going against each other for such dumb reasons..."

"I guess this is an example of when games go to far," Tirek said. "What do you all say? Truce?"

"Truce," the rest of us agreed.

"Well, this will be a big mess to clean up," I say as I scan the room.

"Why clean?" Cozy gave a knowing smirk.



Ten minutes later...



I sipped my cold drink as I sat on a chair inside of the pillow fort we build. Using all the pillows in the room, we build one of the largest pillow forts I've ever seen.

"This definetly makes the things we were bored of earlier, interesting," Cozy said, nose deep in her spell book. Chrysalis and Tirek were nearby, playing a card game.

"Or just a place fun to hang out in," I point out before returning to my video game.

"Today was definetly an example of activities going too far," said Chrysalis.

"No matter what we say, let's not go against each other," Tirek says before placing a card.

"Agreed," Chrysalis nods. "I mean, I'm technically a mother anyway, so my reaction to what Tirek said was definetly not what I should have done." Chrysalis placed a card.

"And... I lost." Tirek put his cards down. "I'm going to check and see if it's clear out. Just because I'm curious."

"Alright. Thank you," I said as Tirek left the large enterance of the fort.

I heard Chrysalis sigh. Cozy and I brought our gazes to her and we saw her giving a dreamy glare to where Tirek exitied the fort.

"You have a crush on Tirek again, don't you?" Cozy asked.

"Some things are just strong enough to stay," Chrysalis cooed.

Cozy and I gave each other knowing glances.
> Episode 7: Stallion in Green
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Okay... let’s see here...” I mumbled, staring at the grocery list Chrysalis gave me.

I was told by Chrysalis and Tirek to go get the groceries. When I asked why, they told me that I gotta do some chores.

I mean, I hate chores, but I guess they had a point.

So here I was, wandering around the marketplace, saddlebags waiting to be full of groceries.

I went over to the first stand, a stand that sold corn.

As soon as I arrived, the pony in charge was already ready for a purchase to be made. And not in a rude way, mind you. This stallion seemed pretty nice.

“Yes, could I have-“

Immediately I was cut off by two things. First, when I spoke, the stallion looked to his right and suddenly appeared to be terrified. The second thing was the faint sound of thumping.

“RUN!” he screamed to me before dashing away from the stand.

I finally looked at what frightened the stallion, and my pupils shrank to pinpricks.

In the alley of the marketplace, I saw a huge monster. His body appeared to be mostly made of swap muck, but his arms and legs appeared to be trees, with sharp claws instead of branches and leaves at the end. He also had sharp fangs made out of wood, and his eyes were red.

“THE HORROR! THE HORROR!” I heard from a stand behind me. I turned my head to the stand and saw three ponies in their forties faint in unison.

I looked back to the monster, who was making its way towards me.

I immediately turned and ran as fast as my legs could.

And I heard the sounds of the monster's footsteps increase in pitch and frequency.

It was running after me!

And I could hear it getting closer!

I felt my lungs begin to give out, and I began panting.

“This is not how I wanted my day to start...” I whimpered.


...
Intro
...


For ten seconds, I’ve been running as fast as I could, the monster advancing closer to me.

“HELP! SOMEPONY HELP!” I screamed.

*THUD*

A loud noise erupted behind me, causing my ears to ring. At the same time, I saw two giant arms appear on both sides of my vision. I ran a little further before stopping and turning my head back. It appeared the monster... fell? Because it looked like it was getting up.

And it’s eyes weren’t looking at me! They were focused on the ground as it struggled to get back on its feet!

Taking the very lucky chance, I quickly ducked behind a corner, hoping the monster would be too stupid to find me. I advanced further into the trail behind the corner, and was met face-to-face with what appeared to be a carriage.

Now, normally I wouldn’t crawl into someone else’s method of transport. But I was desperate.

So I went into the carriage and closed the flap. I didn’t care about the stuff behind me and the briefcase touching my flank.

Wait... briefcase?

I lowered my head to the side, and saw what appeared to be a briefcase next to my rump. I saw two other briefcases in the  carriage.

I just shrugged and turned my head to the small opening on the back, so I could know if the monster would pass me or head right for this carriage.

I gulped and hoped that I would get lucky again.



Outside...



As the monster struggled to get up, another rope suddenly stuck into its right arm. The beast yanked its arm, but the rope only got tighter.

And from behind a corner, Agent Lyra Heartstrings held the other ends of the two ropes caught on the monster's limbs.

“Nice job, Agent Heartstrings!” Agent Sweetie Drops said from behind her. 

“No problem,” Lyra replied. “When you’re a unicorn, it’s easier to tie ropes against giant monsters. Though it will require a lot of training to tie it in an exhilarating speed.”

“And that’s one of the reasons why training the speed and strength of your magic was a good move,” Sweetie Drops replied.

“Exactly.”

The beast yanked on the rope around his wrist.

“Argh!” Lyra groaned. “I know these ropes tighten the more they are yanked, but I feel like it won’t last for long.”

“Once I throw this sleeping gas, we can have it sent to Tartaus,” Sweetie Drops held the bottle of green liquid with her mouth.

“Let me,” Lyra insisted. 

“I was going to,” Sweetie Drops said when the bottle was enveloped with orange magic and removed from her mouth.

The monster suddenly roared a gargled roar, and yanked his fist yet again. This time, the orange magic on the other side of the rope faded.

“Uh-oh...” Lyra muttered. “This beast must be extremely strong...”

The behemoth grabbed the rope tied to his leg and yanked. Just like the last rope, it was taken out of Lyra’s grasp.

“Or... we grabbed the wrong ropes...” she muttered.



Leo...



I yelped when I saw the monster come into view. My heart fluttered, and my stomach flipped. I kept praying that it wouldn’t go for the carriage.

But then it came closer.

I prepared to get out of the carriage.

And I made the mistake of turning my attention back to the monster, who was reaching for the carriage.

But then a faint sound of breaking glass caused the monster to stop and turn his head.

I had to act. But then I remembered... I had magic! And one of the times I practiced magic with the others was when I was practicing combat.

So I charged my horn.

And when the beast looked back at me and growled, I sent a beam of magic straight to its face.

It shrieked, and reeled back for a brief moment. It then raised his fist. 

And then I sent another one. Only I didn't stop. I kept unleashing the beam while the beast tried to shield its face.

I guess it was my alicorn magic that made it harder for it to push the beam back to me.

I then moved the beam to its gut.

The monster clutched its belly, screeched again, and then ran off in a random direction.

I then exhaled and rested my head.



Lyra and Sweetie Drops...



Both Lyra and Sweetie Drops watched as a hazel beam of magic struck the beast, and fought back against it. Soon, the monster dashed away from the area it stood, screeching. They watched as it made its way to the Everfree Forest nearby, and vanished into the trees.

"Wasn't that where our carriage was?" Lyra asked.

"If so, then there must be somepony there!" Sweetie Drops exclaimed.

They both went over to the spot the monster once stood and saw what it was after.

Indeed, parked on the street around the corner, was their carriage. The two middle-aged agents went over to the carriage and opened one of the doors.

And inside, was a green alicorn stallion, with his mane shaped as three spikes.


...
...


My attention was brought to the two mares that opened the door in the carriage next to me. Even though they appeared to be in their forties and wore suits and glasses, I recognized these mares due to their colors and how their manes were styled.

"You?!?" Lyra exclaimed.

"I take it you've heard of me?" I chuckled.

"We were among the crowd that surrounded the castle," Bon-Bon (that's what I'm calling her) explained. "I apologize if we stressed you out."

"Don't worry about it," I said. 

"So... what's your name?" Lyra asked.

"My name is Leo," I introduced myself.

"I'm Swe- Bon-Bon!" Bon-Bon said before removing her glasses. "And this is my wife, Lyra Heartstrings."

"Hello," Lyra greeted me.

"Oh really?" I raised my brow, pretending that I didn't already know that.

"Anyway..." Bon-Bon began. "...I bet you're curious about the suitcases and the suits?"

"Not at all," I said. I was technically telling the truth... I didn't care about the suitcases, since I already knew their occupations. Plus, I wanted to save them the trouble of erasing my memory and all that.

"Don't worry," I assured the mares. "Now that the monster is gone, I can le-"

"RRROOOAAARRR!!!"

A bellowing roar suddenly cut me off and brought our attention to the forest nearby.. 

And the same beast from before burst out of the trees.

I screamed as it thundered towards us, before I quickly charged my horn and blasted it yet again.

The beast must have low intelligence, because instead of dodging, it took the blow again. 

I noticed Lyra and Bon-Bon placing a suitcase in the carriage before closing the door, and hooking themselves up to drive the carriage. And during all of that, the monster advanced closer. 

It finally jumped to the side, getting out of the path of my beam. I tried to move the beam to the beast, but then he held up his forearm and began to charge.

"What? It worked earlier..." I muttered.

I then felt a pull as Lyra and Bon-Bon began to run, the carriage moving due to them being strapped to it. As they ran, I kept focusing as I tried to ward off the monster charging for us. But instead of not doing anything last time, it fought back and continued to charge, only slower than last time.

The beam would sometimes go off-track when the two mares would turn the carriage. But I would return it to the lumbering beast, who surprisingly didn't smash any buildings or crush any ponies. I guess the ponies were fast and the monster was unknowingly being careful. Plus, we had the convenience of running in large streets.

"WE NEED TO GET IT OUT OF TOWN!" I yelled.

"WE CAN BRING IT BACK TO THE FOREST!" I heard the loud reply from Lyra.

"WE WILL NEED TO BE CAREFUL!" I responded.

"WE'LL KEEP GOING THROUGH THE LARGE STREETS!" Bon-Bon yelled back. "AND THEN ENTER THE FOREST WHEN THERE IS A LARGE OPENING!"

And that's what they did. We kept on going through the large streets, before trees finally entered my sight of the back of the window. Before long, sunlight faded, and we were completely in the forest. Since the trail in the forest was so small, trees were being knocked down by the beast. I kept blasting the behemoth, who still had his forearms raised as he charged.

"LEO, I HAVE AN IDEA!" Bon-Bon called. "DO YOU THINK YOU CAN SEARCH THE BRIEFCASES FOR A BOTTLE FULL OF GREEN LIQUID, AND KEEP SENDING OCCASIONAL BLASTS?"

"I DON'T KNOW!" I replied. "LET'S GIVE IT A TRY!"

And so I turned off my magic blast, and grabbed the briefcase next to me. I opened it, and inside was a grappling hook and a bottle with blue liquid.

"Nope..." I groaned. 

I lifted my head and sent a blast at the monster, who was now closer to the carriage. It raised its arms and took the blast. It slowed down, but only for a moment.

I lifted the second briefcase. Inside was only a rope.

"Darn..." I hissed, before putting down the briefcase and sending yet another blast at the beast.

I lifted up the final briefcase. I opened it. And there was only one thing inside... a bottle with green liquid.

"I FOUND IT!" I exclaimed.

"GREAT!" Lyra replied. "NOW SHAKE IT AND TRY TO GET THE MONSTER TO BREATHE THE GAS!"

I did as I was told and shook the bottle with great force. I looked back at the monster, who was very close. I pushed the bottle using my magic, and it smashed right into the monster's face. The gas spread over its face, and a second later, it collapsed.

"WE GOT IT!" I called out. I then felt the carriage slow down, before pulling to a stop.

I slowly got out, and met up with the two mares.

"So... what do we do know?" I asked.

"Once we clear things up, we're probably going to send the monster somewhere," Lyra shrugged. "Tartarus, maybe."

"You know, the fact that we already had an intense moment and got rid of the problem will probably make many folks think the episode is over," I chuckled. "Even though we still have a segment left."

Suddenly, our attention was brought to a faint roar. A familiar gargled roar.

"Doesn't that roar sound familiar?" I asked.

"It belongs to the monster we just took out," Bon-Bon analyzed. "But... it sounds faint, and the monster is right here. Unless..."

"We need to get back to Ponyville!" Lyra exclaimed.

So I got back into the carriage, while Lyra and Bon-Bon strapped themselves back to the front of the carriage. I watched through the front window as they galloped, and we eventually returned to town.

We heard another roar.

"It's gotta be here somewhere..." I muttered. "It can't be that hard.

And then Lyra and Bon-Bon turned a corner and stopped. I gasped.

We found the second monster... right at the Ponyville Castle! The castle that I lived in, along with Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow!

"Well this is inconvenient..." I whimpered.


...
...


From the distance, I saw Chrysalis and Cozy Glow fly around the monster, blasting it. I also saw an orange beam burst from the window, giving me the sign that Tirek was also there.

"Alright, they seem to be holding it off," Bon-Bon said.

"We don't have any more briefcases," I say.

"We'll just have to make sure it doesn't cause any more damage while we craft more gas," Lyra explains.

"I can take care of it," I say, getting ready to exit. "Along with my friends."

"Are you sure?" Bon-Bon asks.

"Positive," I reply, getting out of the carriage.

And once I got out, Lyra and Bon-Bon took off.

"WE WON'T BE LONG!!!" I heard Lyra yell.

"I hope not..." I muttered, before running over to the castle.

When I was close, I sent a blast of magic to the beast's leg. It roared and sent me a sharp glare, only to get another blast to its face.

"Leo?! Thank goodness you're here!" I heard Cozy say.

"Yep. Long story," I said before blasting the monster again. "A couple of mares are going to work on something to stop this beast."

"How long will that be?" Chrysalis asked.

"I don't know! We'll have to keep fighting until then!"

So Chrysalis and Cozy swarmed the beast, Tirek (who I can't see) attacked from the castle, and I attacked from the ground.

We kept holding our own, as we continued battling the creature that surprisingly hasn't given up. It swung an arm again, nearly hitting the castle, but a blast from Tirek caused the monster to bring its arm back. 

"They better arrive soon..." Cozy said. "I don't know how much longer we can hold it off!"

"We can do this!" I assured. "We just need to hold our own for a little while longer..."

And so, this was how the next few minutes went. We were fighting, dodging, and teasing the large beast.



Lyra and Sweetie Drops...



It took only two minutes before Agents Lyra and Sweetie Drops both arrived at their home. Both mares unstrapped themselves from the carriage before going inside.

Lyra watched as Sweetie Drops opened a cabinet and took out the contents. When the cabinet was emptied, Sweetie Drops pressed her hoof against the back wall and slid it left. The back wall slid, opening a doorway revealing a few glass bottles with green liquid.

Lyra grabbed a bottle and waited for Sweetie Drops to close the door and restock the cabinet, before closing the cabinet door. The two mares nodded before they dashed outside.



Meanwhile...



Two minutes later, the battle remained unchanged.

"If it didn't come with a risk of property damage, I'd probably transform into a copy of the beast to fight back," Chrysalis said flying around.

"We'll have to stick with what we have," Tirek says from the window, before sending another blast.

Cozy kept assisting Chrysalis in swarming the monster while Leo kept attacking from below.



Leo...



"Lyra, Bon-Bon, where are you..." I whispered.

For another two minutes, the battle raged on. At some point, the beast took a chunk of the roof and threw it, with Cozy and I in the path. Both of us teleported away as it crashed on the ground, and debris showered the buildings nearby.

"This is getting crazier by the minute!" Cozy yelped.

My attention was then brought to the carriage nearby, with two mares driving it. Seconds later, they parked, and one of them (Lyra), turned her head and a glass bottle levitated out the front window.

I ran over.

"You know what to do," Lyra said as the orange glow was replaced with my hazel glow.

I nodded, before shaking the bottle and running back to the monster.

"STAND BACK!" I screamed, before I lept in the air, and threw the bottle.

And luck was on my side this time, as the bottle struck the monster near its head.

The gas surrounded the monster, before it fell on the ground, luckily avoiding the castle and any other building.

Cozy hovered to the ground while I saw Chrysalis fly into the window, likely to check on Tirek.

"I... think that's it..." I panted.

"I think so too," Lyra said, both her and Bon-Bon coming over to me.

"Will this one go to Tartarus too?" 

"Probably. We need to lower the risk of any other place being attacked," Bon-Bon answered. 

"Um... I have no idea what's going on," Cozy said. "So I'll just head inside and ask later."

"I was just about to suggest that," I replied before Cozy turned and went inside the castle.

"So, I guess you've established we're both agents?" Bon-Bon asked when Cozy was out of earshot.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"You were very helpful today," Lyra began. "Maybe you would be useful. Not much of the agency is left. It's just us. We could use you."

"You know what? I'm flattered..." I looked back at the castle. "But... restraining monsters and bringing them to Tartarus isn't my thing.

"You know what? We understand," Bon-Bon nodded. "But you still did great."

"Thank you," I nodded. "So... are you going to erase my memories or something?"

"You know what?" Lyra began. "We trust you."

"If you do tell somepony and we find out, we will erase your memories and whoever you tell," Bon-Bon proclaimed.

"Seems fair." I then turned around and looked at the two mares one last time. 

"May we meet again," I said before re-entering the castle.



Cutie map...



I entered the cutie map room.

"What was going on out

"What was going on out there with those mares?" Cozy asked when I walked in.

"Just saying goodbye," I shrugged. I was technically telling the truth there.

"Well now, I'm curious."

"I'm more curious about that beast," Tirek brought up. "I don't think Equestria ever had a record of an actual beast like this."

"There was another one too," I say. "But it felt like it was only coming after me."

"Where did they even come from?" Chrysalis queried.



Meanwhile...



"I still wonder why you even thought of creating monsters made out of swamp muck and trees," The Storm King said.

"There wasn't much to work with for creating a new monster to retrieve our enemies," Grogar responded. "Retrieve, or destroy. If they were destroyed, it would just make victory easier."

"So what will we do?" asked King Sombra.

"Next time, instead of creating a monster, we will wait for the right time to strike, and grab what we need from those do-gooders!" Grogar hissed. "We're going simple. For now. And if all-else fails, we will go extreme. We will not stop until we defeat not just Twilight Sparkle and her friends, but those four fiends that violated my plans in the first place!"

And Grogar began to laugh.
> Episode 8: When a Diamond Glitters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The castle doors opened. 

"Phew. What a day," Leo wiped his brow.

"You said it," Chrysalis put down her bags. 

"Want to know something funny?" Tirek asked. "Both Chrysalis and I are far older than the two of you... and we're going to school and getting homework."

"You're bringing this up now?" Cozy said.

"It takes time before things come to reality," Tirek replied.

"Well... it's probably best," Leo shrugged. "The four of us are going to the School of Friendship, and learning everything about friendship has pretty much became a major goal for the three of you."

"He's got a point," Chrysalis agreed.

"Yeah... well, I'm going to grab some bits and head out." Leo turned to go upstairs.

"Where?" Cozy asked. 

"I'm going to get a malt. Do any of you want anything?"

"Nah," Cozy declined.

"Maybe later," Tirek confirmed.

"I'm good," said Chrysalis.

"Ok. Suit yourselves," Leo said before disappearing in the large hallways.

"You know, I'm going to be a bit busy too," Cozy began to walk away as well.

"And what are you going to be up to?" Tirek asked.

"I'm going to have a picnic with those six former students of Twilight's... the ones I was trapped with?"

"Right. Right," Chrysalis nodded.

"I took it upon myself to prepare the food," Cozy explained. "Who knows? Maybe my new cutie mark will focus on cooking?"

"We haven't really discussed her cutie mark so far during the show, haven't we?" Chrysalis questioned to Tirek.

"Eh... no," Tirek shook his head.

"Well, you may need help," Chrysalis offered. "You may be a very bright filly, but even though you were an alicorn that worked with us, you'll need supervision."

"But what about Leo?" Cozy asked.

"He's old enough to go out in town and buy malts on his own," Tirek answered.

Cozy tapped her chin in thought.

"Oh, alright," she agreed after a few moments, showing no sour mood.

"That's the spirit!" Chrysalis tousled Cozy's mane. "It is always nice to help somepony prepare for an occasion with her friends, isn't it, Tirek?"

And yet you're the one that thought friendship was a disease... Tirek said in his head.

"Tirek?" Chrysalis spoke the centaur's name again.

"Yes. Yes, it is," replied Tirek.


...
Intro...
...


I trekked through town, sipping my chocolate malt through the straw. I tell you, Ponyville is a great place to hang out that. Even though someone like me keeps on getting mesmerized looks from others... but I've managed.

I was nearing the castle. I turned a corner and...

"Ah!"

I felt my heart jump when I nearly collided into a pony. I nearly dropped my malt, but my magic stood strong.

I immediatly recognized the mare. There was no mistaking the light purple coat, the darker purple mane with a white streak, and the tiara that was placed neatly on the mare's head.

"Whew..." she placed her hoof over her chest. "You scared me."

"Same here..." I wheezed.

"Hey..." the mare (Diamond Tiara, of course!) put her hoof down. "You're that alicorn, aren't you?"

"I was kind of expecting that recognition..." I said. "But yes."

"Yeah... I feel the need to apologize. My friend and I were among that crowd that surrounded the castle you were in. We were excited to hear of an alicorn stallion."

"Oh no. No need. Twilight took care of the problem, as you recall."

"Yeah..." she rubbed the back of her head and chuckled. She then held out her hoof. "I'm Diamond Tiara."

"Leo." I gave her a hoofbump. 

"Hey." Diamond Tiara pointed behind me. "What's that?"

I looked behind me and saw my phone on the ground. It must of flew out of my saddlebag when I jumped.

"That..." I lit my horn and levitated the device to us. "Is what you call a phone."

"A..." Diamond tilted her head. "...phone?"

"I can show you, if you're interested."

"Well, I was going to meet up with a friend..." Diamond began. "Will it sound weird if I offer for you to come with?"

Well, I am not one to go with strangers... I thought to myself. But Diamond Tiara seems trustworthy to me, especially since she turned a new leaf at some point...

"I can come with," I shrugged. "My folks at the castle probably won't get worried as long as I'm not gone too long..."

I wonder what they're up to... I pondered.



Marketplace...



"Is that everything?" Chrysalis asked, saddlebags full.

"Just let me see..." Cozy looked over the shopping list. "Hmmm... yep, we got everything."

"I find it nice that you're even buying specific things as your friends requested."

"Well, having friendship is good. Making your friends happy is better."

"Well, that is true," agreed Chrysalis. 

"Hey, did you notice on how not all of the looks we got were good ones?" Cozy brought up.

"Yeah, I did... I guess some ponies are still skeptical about us."

"Well that's disappointing. But golly, it was bound to happen."

Chrysalis gave Cozy a surprised look.

"Sorry..." Cozy chuckled. "Old habit."

"Don't worry about it. Between you and me, I sometimes have the urge to swipe a taste of love when walking past couples... but I stood strong."

"Hey, is that Leo?"

Cozy pointed to a table, and Chrysalis looked. Indeed, Leo sat at a table nearby, on his phone, and two mares on either side of him.

"Should we see how he's doing?" Cozy asked.

"Nah," Chrysalis declined. "He seems to be having fun."

"But we don't know who those two are," Cozy pointed out.

"They seem trustworthy, and it looks as if they're not just interested in him, but his phone as well. Let's leave him be and get the picnic ready."

"Yeah. You're right."

And so the two left Leo and resumed their trek back to the castle.



Leo...



I'm going to get this out of the way... if I haven't seen the episode where Diamond Tiara changed her ways, I'd be so confused on why she was suddenly nice... in a genuine, not "pay attention to me" way. As of now, I showed her and adult Silver Spoon the basics of my phone.

For the time I was with them, I told them everything, from my past to the events leading to today. I even told them that I knew of their past.

"So wait... you're *censored* years old?" Silver Spoon asked. "You don't look that age. You look as old as us."

"Yeah, well I guess when you have an overwhelming amount of magic inserted in you and you become a pony, anything can happen," I replied.

"You humans have very interesting devices..." Diamond admired.

"Oh we do. My folks are duplicating my phone and selling the clones at a marketplace. They're opening soon, though it's later then their intended time."

"So who's here with you?" Silver asked.

"Ok..." I set my phone face-down. "...promise you won't be skeptical or anything?"

"Depends on how extreme it is," Diamond admitted.

"Ok..." I inhaled. "Were you told that I live with the three villains that attacked Equestria years ago?"

Diamond and Siver were briefly quiet.

"Well... we didn't know that," Silver said. "Though we were told that those three saved Equestria."

"Considering our past, we were actually among the majority that forgave them for their misdeeds and believed that they truly redeemed themselves," Diamond said.

That sort of surprised me. On one hand... I mean hoof...  they were changed mares. They weren't like the way they were as kids. But on the other hoof, even redeemed characters have moments of undid development. Granted, I wasn't there when Chrysalis, Tirek, or Cozy had slip-ups, but still.

"Well... I do," I shrugged. 

"What's it like?" Diamond asked.

"Well, they aren't like the way they were back then... they're like a family."

"Speaking of family..." Silver began. "How long until you think you can return home to yours?"

I sighed.

"I... don't know."

"Well hey, at least you got some family and friends to be here for you," Diamond assured. 

Something I never thought I'd here from her.

"Hey..." I began. "Let's continue exploring some of the basics of my phone."

"Oh! Try that game with the mining and crafting!" Silver said.

"It's hard without hooves but I'll see what I can do..." 

And Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon huddled close to me again.


...
...


Chrysalis and Cozy were hard at work, preparing sandwiches and other things such as apple slices.

"This is a lot to work with," Chrysalis says as she puts daisies on a sandwich. 

"Well, when you have six friends of different creatures, you have a lot to do when it comes to preparing a picnic," Cozy states, before using her magic and suddenly causing an apple to fall apart, in eight perfect slices, with the core also seperated.

The doors to the kitchen opened.

"Hey," Leo greets, heading for a cupboard. 

"You're busy with making friends today, aren't you?" Cozy asked.

"You saw me with them?" 

"We did," Chrysalis admitted.

"Yeah. I ran into a mare on my way back here. After some talking, I went with the mare to meet up with her friend. All I did with them was show them my phone."

"Did you mention the business Tirek and I will open?" asked Chrysalis.

"I did." Leo took a bite out of his apple.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!!

"Who could that be?" Cozy wondered.

"I'll get it," Leo volunteered. He left the room, still levitating the apple with him.



Leo...



I opened the door to find Diamond Tiara standing in the doorway. She looked a bit worried, and had a fake smile. 

"Diamond? What-"

"Hey, could I talk to you for a second?" she asked.

"Um... sure," I say before stepping outside and closing the doors behind me.

"So... didn't you tell me you knew about my mother?"

"Yes..."

"Well, my mother is visiting Ponyville today. When you left, she came along and caught a brief glimpse of you. She got excited that I was finally friends with somepony who was not a 'nopony'."

"She still acts snobby, huh?"

"Yeah. Whenever she tries to visit, she tries to get me to change my preference of friends... and choose ponies that are our level of rich. But when she saw you, she got all excited. And even when I told you you weren't rich, she wouldn't budge. Long story short... you're coming to dinner."

"Seriously?" 

"It's just going to be thirty minutes, you'll be fine."

"Can't we find a way out of it?" I asked.

"She'll just reschedule. That, or have us go by force."

"No faking sick either?"

"Again... she'll reschedule. And if you don't come over and keep rescheduling, she'll eventually get tired of waiting. There's no way out of it."

"So she won't take a hint that I can't go? No way out?"

Diamond shook her head.

I sighed.

"Fine. I don't even know why I'm overreacting anyway. So, she's snobby. It's only thirty minutes, and all I need to do is be polite."

"Great." Diamond nodded, still having her slightly worried expression. "I'll see you at 5:00."

And so she turned and left. As for me, I re-entered the castle.

I returned to the kitchen.

"Who was there?" Cozy asked.

"Well let's just say I have to go to dinner tonight... if that's alright."

"Well, there's not much for you to do," Chrysalis said. "Who are you going to visit?"

"The mother of the friend I made today. There's no way out of it either."

"Anything we can do to help?" Cozy offered.

"No thank you," I declined. 

"And... done," Chrysalis closed the basket. "Want me to come with, Cozy?"

"No thanks." Cozy shook her head and grabbed the basket.

"Everyone's wanting to go on their own today..." Chrysalis smiled.



Fifteen minutes later...



Cozy Glow trotted through the forest with the picnic basket.

"Alright... Treehouse is up ahead... hopefully I'll be on time..."

Cozy heard a few noises echo in the trees. She gulped.

"Better go faster just in case..."

Cozy picked up the pace. For seconds, she did well, running without any issues.

And then she tripped on a branch.

"AH-OOF!!!"

Cozy landed on the dirt with a THUD!!! The picnic basket slid forward. When Cozy lifted her head, a bunch of squirrels dashed to the basket and whisked it away in one fell SWOOP!

"Hey! Get back here with that!" Cozy yelled as she got up and dashed after the rodents, bursting through the bushes.


...
...


I had my hair folded down. I don't know why. Spoiled Rich/Milk (I don't know if she's divorced) saw me, but I wasn't sure if she saw the hair or what she thought of it. I didn't want to deal with any critiques from her, so I took the stretch and folded my mane down.

I knocked on the door. When it opened, Diamond was in the doorway.

"Hey, you made it. And you... folded your hair?"

"I'm not taking risks," I replied.

"Well, Mother is at the table along with a few maids and butlers around... some mine, some hers. Since she knows you're coming, she's expecting you."

"Alright... let's get this over with..." I muttered.

Soon, we entered the dining room. There were maids and butlers, but none were seated. There were only two ponies who were seated: Silver Spoon, and Spoiled herself!

The only minor differences to her in the show and her now was that her eyes appeared slightly more baggy and her mane was slightly grey. Other than that, she looked the same.

And when she saw me, I saw a rare sight that many bronies consider rare... she smiled a non-snobbyish smile.

"Well hello there. You must be Leo, the alicorn stallion that my daughter was lucky enough to befriend," she greeted.

"Um... yes I am," I say. I found it odd that she was only slightly snobby... though it's probably to give out a good impression to me, and it's a little hard to control for her.

"Well, Diamond Tiara, you finally found somepony worthy enough to come here," Spoiled said to her daughter. I already felt the snarkiness rise. "Now let's seat yourselves, shall we?"

"Yes, Mother," Diamond replied, sporting a smile to hide her possibly annoyed feelings.

We took our seats.

"These are very comfortable seats..." I admire.

"Why thank you," Spoiled says, appearing to take pride in the chairs. Wait, doesn't Diamond live here? So why take pride?

"So... I take it all the maids and butlers here are to serve us or something?"

"Certainly! Speaking of which, where is that butler with our appetizers?!"

Appetizers? 

This is going to be a long dinner...



Cozy...



Cozy Glow stumbled through the bushes as she kept searching for the picnic basket. If she didn't find it soon, she would probably have to go without food.

"Why am I even looking for it anyway..." Cozy muttered. "It's just food... but I promised a picnic! So they'll get a picnic..."

Minutes later, Cozy poked her head out of the bushes. She opened her eyes. There, resting neatly on the ground, was a picnic basket.

"Bingo..." Cozy muttered.

As soon as she said that, squirrels began crawling down the tree behind the basket and appearing out of the bushes. 

They surrounded the picnic basket...

"Hey!" Cozy popped out of the bushes and called to the squirrels. "Shoo!"

Immediatly, the squirrels caught sight of Cozy and huddled closer to the lunchbox. Cozy sighed.

"Are you all that hungry?" she asked. "Hungry enough to sniff out food and steal someponies picnic basket?"

The squirrels all tilted their heads. Cozy knew they didn't understand her.

"I can't talk to animals like Fluttershy... but if you can even understand a word I say... please just let me have that basket! I promise, I'll come back and give you some of your own food to make up for it."

The squirrels didn't move.

"Well..." Cozy scratched the back of her head. "I have a feeling that considering you're very hungry squirrels, you're not going to react kindly to what I'm going to do..."



Seconds later...



"GAAAAAAAHH!" 

Cozy shrieked as she flew through the forest with the picnic basket, a horde of squirrels chasing after her.

"These episodes are getting ridiculous!" she exclaimed.

I'm... going to pretend I did not hear that.



Leo...



The food I was served was good. Of course those hired to cook were very good at it, but it was still worth a thanks. And as for Spoiled... I know Diamond said she was as snarky as she was in the past, but so far, Spoiled's been tame aside from the more major slip-ups. I've learned a few things, such as the fact that Spoiled was... divorced. Most of me saw it coming. It was starting to get annoying. 

"You!" Spoiled pointed at a nearby maid. "Get some more juice!"

"Right away, miss..." the maid says before leaving the room.

"I would like to thank you for inviting me," I say. 

"Not a problem. Again, I am so grateful that Diamond is finally making friends that have worth," Spoiled admired. "Not like those 'noponies' that she befriended, resulting in her attitude completely changing."

I looked over at Diamond and Silver. 

"Well, I guess I'm honored," I say. "Even though I'm not rich or royal."

Spoiled laughed.

"Don't be silly. Of course you're rich! And royal! Every other friend of hers is a poor fool. With the exception of Silver Spoon, of course."

"I'm telling you, I'm not rich." I sit up a bit firmer. "What, you only have me here because you think I'm royal? Not because you want to get aquainted with your daughter's friend?"

I'm serious. Am I overreacting? I don't even know what's washing over me!

"I find it shocking that over the course of twenty years, you can't move on from the fact that Diamond has her preference of friends!" I continue. "Because she's not friends with an alicorn... she's friends with a creature from another world, turned into an alicorn. I live with three reformed villains in the Ponyville castle. And I look far younger than I appear to be! So I'm not rich, not royal, and I have the right mind to do this!"

Without thinking, I used my magic to lift my glass of juice. I brought it over to Spoiled... and splashed it on her face.

Everyone gasped.

I got out of my seat.

"Again... thanks for dinner..." I say before turning.

I heard no voices as I left the kitchen, and made my way out of the house. Upon leaving, I felt shaky and nearly lost balance. I let out a huge exhale of air.

"Oh jeez..." I gasped.

I then heard the doors open behind me. I turned my head. Instead of Spoiled or a butler, it was Diamond and Silver that left the building to join my side. They didn't appear to be satisfied.

"I'm sorry!" I apologize. "I... don't know what came over me!"

"Are you kidding?" Diamond suddenly appeared to be... happy? "That was AWESOME! She's had that coming for years."

"After all, if you don't change for the better, it ends up coming back to bite you in the flank!" Silver exclaimed.

I was reminded of Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy.

I chuckled.

"I mean... I don't know what happened, but I snapped."

"And the reaction was hilarious!" Diamond said. "After you left, she turned beet red and yelled at the butlers to clean everything up. When she wasn't looking, we got out."

"You may want to return home," Silver pointed out.

"So... we're good?" I wondered.

"We're good," Diamond and Silver both said.

A thought then came over me.

I wonder how Cozy's picnic is doing...



Cozy Glow...



Cozy took a bite of the daisy sandwich, a bit dirty and unkempt. She sat in the Treehouse of Harmony, with her six friends near her.

"Again, I'm sorry that you had to go through that on the way here," Ocellus said.

"Don't worry about it..." Cozy smiled. "Remember this... never anger hungry squirrels. And if you do, hope that the faint roar of a Timberwolf a mile away scares them off."

They all laughed.

"Though, if I'm going to be honest..." Cozy lowered her sandwich. "Those squirrels were pretty desperate for food. I could have let them have it, or at the very least, shared, but I was just so desperate to have lunch with you all that I tried to bargain with them... it probably would have been great homework if I was generous. And a better way for my picnic plan to play out."

"Well, giving your food to squirrels, even though they're wild animals, would have definitely been generous... depending on if they're going to abuse your generosity or not," Sandbar said. "This is something Professor Rarity taught this to all of us: There will be those that use their generosity against you, or take advantage of it. But there will be many who appreciate what you give or share."

Cozy lightly chuckled.

"I'll remember that."

She took another bite of her sandwich.
> Episode 9: Day of Amends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The four of us all sat in the library, doing our own thing.

I was playing on my phone. Cozy was practicing her magic. Chrysalis read. And Tirek was on the bench press he brought in.

"You know Chrysalis..." I say, not looking up from my device. "You haven't really visited the changeling kingdom."

Chrysalis looked up from her book.

"I mean..." I continue. "From what you told me, you made amends with Thorax. But you haven't really thought of visiting your kingdom..."

"My goodness, you're right..." Chrysalis stood up. "I do have a free schedule today... would any of you mind if I went over to the changeling kingdom today?"

"Not at all," Cozy says.

"No," I shake my head.

"You do you..." Tirek grunted, lifting his 200 pound weight.

"Oh, I wonder what the changelings will think of me..." Chrysalis muttered. "I have to look nice!"

And then she teleported out of the room.

"Did you intend for her to act like that?" Cozy asked.

"No," I reply. "I just thought I'd put the thought in her head. I had no idea she would immediately go for it."

"Hmmm..." Tirek got off his weight-bench. "I should actually learn more about what my brother does these days. And maybe make amends with... others... I held grudges against. Can you two handle being by yourselves?"

"Of course," I nod.

"Well, I mean..." Cozy began.

"Great!" piped Tirek. "I'll go pack!"

And then Tirek lit his horns and teleported out of the room, leaving us alone.

"So..." Cozy began. "What should we do until they get back."

"Well..." 

Suddenly, an idea rang in my head. Nobody on Earth has ever figured out Cozy's backstory. I think it's time to beat everyone else to it and get some answers.

Besides, Cozy is the only pony who hasn't encountered anyone with biological relations to her yet. It's time she visits her remaining family members.

"I think it's time for us to find what's left of your family," I straight-up tell her.

Cozy backed away.

"Oh no..." she nervously chuckled. "I... don't think they'd want to see me..."

"Oh come on Cozy! Thorax forgave Chrysalis! Scorpan forgave Tirek! Unless your family consists of snobs (like some of the fandom would theorize), they will totally be forgiving!"

"Well..."

"Come on. It will be fun. And if you're worried about Chrysalis and Tirek, we can tell them before they leave. I trust they'll tell us when they head out."

Cozy took a deep breath. Then she exhaled.

"I'll get my bags."

"I'll get mine," I say. "We can chill here for fifteen minutes or so, and then we leave."

I then lit my horn and teleported away. It was highly likely Cozy teleported away immediately after I did.


...
Intro
...


Cozy flew through Cloudsdale, holding Leo in a ball of magic. Inside, Leo was holding his eyes shut and was curled up.

"Are we there yet?" Leo asks.

"Almost..." Cozy mutters.

Just up ahead, a large building made out of clouds came into view. Soon, Cozy landed in front of it.

"Alright, we're here."

Leo opened his eyes, and when Cozy turned off her magic, the bubble vanished. Leo yelped before landing on the clouds.

"This... this is fine..." he stammered. "I can walk on clouds... I won't fall..."

"You'll have to face your fears and learn to fly eventually," says Cozy.

"I know, I know... hey, just to double-check, are you certain that this is where we'll get information on your family?"

Cozy nervously chuckled.

"Heh, heh... yes?"

"And we can't just go to their houses to check and see if they still live here..."

"That would be weird, and awkward..." Cozy muttered. "But... *sigh*... I do have to tell you something."

"What?"

"I don't know what the cause of it is... maybe it was being in stone for twenty years or something... but I may have a bit of amnesia and can't remember much about my family, nor do I remember where they last lived. I only remember everything after I first went into the School of Friendship."

Leo blinked. "Say what? You're telling me this now?!?

"Look, I'm sorry, alright? I only remember the names of my parents. We can go inside, see if they're still around, and if they're not, see if anyone related to them is still around."

Leo rubbed under his horn.

"Alright, let's do this..."

And they both went inside.

The room made out of clouds was mostly empty, with the only pony in there being the one at the front desk.

"Um... excuse me?" Leo said to her. 

The pony looked up from her paper.

"Can I help you?" she asked politely.

"Is this where we find out who live in what house?" Cozy asks.

"Yes it is."

"I'm looking for my family and I'm starting with my parents," Cozy told her. "Has there ever been any record of-"

I wonder what her parents will be like... Leo ponders while Cozy says the names of her nearby family members.

"-Living here?" Cozy finishes.

"Hmmmm... let me check."

The pegasus gets up and leaves the desk, entering a room behind her.

Fifteen minutes later, she comes back out. Cozy and Leo leave the chairs they sat in and return to the desk.

"I'm sorry, but we have no record of that name. And I may have only worked here for five years, but is it possible they erased their record of being here?"

"They do that here?" asks Leo.

The pegasus shrugs.

"Oh... well, thanks anyway..." Cozy says with a fake smile before she and Leo exit the building.

The pegasus kept waving goodbye until they closed the doors.

"Now what?..." Leo mutters.

"Now, we check Manehatten," replied Cozy,



Chrysalis...



Chrysalis approached what used to be a kingdom ruled by her. For the first time, she saw how different it was to when she was in charge. She didn't notify her arrival, so she wasn't sure what to expect.

Moments later, she finally arrived. Almost immediately, the changelings nearby stopped everything they were doing and stared.

"Uuuuh..." Chrysalis cleared her throad. "Hi?"

Suddenly, a changeling landed in front of her. He had dark cyan chitin, along with a crimson tail, antlers, and wings.

Something pushed Chrysalis to recognize him immediately. Hive mind, or something like that.

"Pharnyx?"

"Chrysalis..." Pharnyx spoke in a mood Chrysalis couldn't decipher. He either appeared skeptical, or was just pretending to be. "...Out of all the visitors we would get, I never expected you to show up..."

"W-well... I mean..."

"... That is until you reformed!" Pharnyx smiled. "It's good to have you here."

Chrysalis mentally sighed of relief.

Just then, another changeling landed next to Pharnyx. Chrysalis knew this one as well, as she had seen him many times, one of those times being when he saved her.

"Chrysalis! I was wondering when you'd visit!" Thorax piped.

"Yeah... we have my friend to thank for that," replied Chrysalis. "I came here because I was reminded that all of this... who you all are now and what you've been doing... was one of the many things I despised in the past. But now that I see everything clearly now, I would like to know what my former subjects have been doing, and maybe take part in some of their activities."

"I think that's excellent!" Thorax clapped his hooves. "We've got many things we're doing today!"

"Follow us," Pharnyx says before he and Thorax turn around.

Chrysalis took a deep breath and exhaled to calm herself, before following behind them.



Tirek...



Tirek waited at the spot he said he would meet Scorpan at: the enterance of the Canterlot Garden. Before he packed, he wrote a quick note, and using a spell he learned, sent it to Scorpan.

Tirek tapped his hoof and checked his wrist.

"What am I doing? I don't even have a watch!" Tirek muttered.

Just then, something caught Tirek's eyes. Far off in the distance was a familiar figure, that got closer and closer by the second.

Tirek uncrossed his arms once Scorpan landed.

"I was starting to think that you didn't get my note," Tirek tells him. "Or you were too busy."

"My apologies, brother," Scorpan says. "I left Yakyakistan ten minutes before I got your note I had to get it because the wind took it."

"You are forgiven."

"So... you explained in your note that you wanted to learn more about my daily life, along with returning home for a few hours to see how much has changed. Correct?"

"Yes," Tirek nods. "I feel I should do a bit more than apologize to you and admit I was wrong. I want to bond with my brother more, but not in the way of stealing magic. I want to bond with you like we both should have done long ago."

"I have wanted the same, Tirek..." admitted Scorpan. 

"So... what is home like?"

"Brother, I haven't really spent much time there. For years, I've been travelling through Equestria and beyond. I'd pay some visits, but only to collect belongings. Though if you must know, there are others living there now."

"Others?"

"It's like a majority of Equestria... a place filled with many ponies and other creatures that were never there before."

"How is it possible?"

"Well, obviously, a vessel through a train. Considering where our home is, it's a very long train ride."

"And what does Father think of it?"

Scorpan fell silent. He sighed.

"Brother..." he began. "It's time we talk about Father..."


...
...


Tirek and Scorpan were in silence as they sat on a cliff overlooking their former home. After Scorpan explained what happened to King Vorak, Tirek insisted that they returned to their home. Both brothers were in silence for a few minutes after that.

And Scorpan wasn't lying... Tirek never remembered there being ponies or griffons in his old home. 

"So... if you travel... and I reside in Ponyville... and Father is gone... who is keeping this place in check?" Tirek asked.

"Before I traveled, and after the tragedy that took our Father, I visited Princess Twilight for the first time and told her everything. When she asked if I wanted to take my Father's place, I was at a standstill. I've always wanted to travel, but there was a bit of me that wanted to honor his doings. We ended up discovering that my Father also had the wish to travel deep down inside his heart after reading some sort of journal. So Twilight offered to make this place Equestrian territory so it can not go without a ruler. And so far... she's been doing well."

"I see..." Tirek fell silent. "I just... felt that aside from you, I wanted to reuinite with him as well..."

"He never wanted what was best for you..." Scorpan pointed out.

"And maybe that's true... but even if that was the case... I still wished to say something to him... maybe tell him that I've changed. For a few days after I've reformed, I wondered how he'd take it. Would he still say I'm a disappointment? Maybe... but there was a part of me that still wanted to tell him that I've changed."

"I see..." Scorpan got up. "Come with me, brother. I have something to show you."

Tirek, a bit curious on what to expect, got up and followed.



Cozy and Leo...



The busy streets of Manehatten were... well, busy, as we both made our way to the building that we hoped was there.

"I really hope that map is helping," I say to Cozy as she continues reading over the map we requested to get after we asked for directions.

"Well, according to the map, the building should be right about..." we turned a corner. "There."

As I 50% expected, the building looked... sort of run-down. Not 1980s crime-city rundown, but still slightly worn.

"Ready?" I asked.

Cozy nodded.

Then we both went inside.



Chrysalis...



"You've done very well with your crafts," Thorax admired as Chrysalis continued to wear the five necklaces and four bracelets she made herself. Both of them sat next to each other at a large table with fifteen other changelings, including Pharnyx, seated. 

"Yeah. I guess I gained all your traits when I became like you."

"Well, hopefully your tastebuds are interested in the meal we're all going to have."

"Sort of all. Isn't this the royal table or something?" Chrysalis asked.

"I think it's more of a... um... table that I eat at with guests, even though Pharnyx insists it's a royal table."

"You're a king. You invite guests. And you have guards here. I'm telling you, it's royal," Pharnyx said.

"I insist it isn't," Thorax rebutted. "And I also insist that the changelings bringing us the food are volunteers, not servers."

"They're servers..."

Chrysalis looked around the table. While most changelings appeared welcoming, she noticed a few giving her a few skeptical looks, and two of them even appeared miffed at her. It was pretty obvious from the start that not every changeling is going to forgive and forget, even though she saved Equestria from Grogar over a week ago.

Just then, a few changelings flew in carrying plates with different foods. As the plates were being placed, Chrysalis analyzed what she was about to eat... it looked to be an assortment of vegetation, and what appeared to be bugs. She could of sworn that she saw some maggots in the jello placed in front of her.

"Wow... what an... um... interesting assortment of food," Chrysalis said, unsure of what she saw.

"Just trust us, Chrysalis," Pharnyx said before swiping an unknown insect wrapped in some leaves and taking a bite.

Chrysalis picked up a jello. She felt skeptical because... well, they were bugs. But Leo also told her that humans would compare changelings were bugs, and Chrysalis had the wierd thought that it would count as cannibalism.

Nevertheless, she put it in her mouth.

And then her eyes went wide and her ears sprung up. She chewed and swallowed.

"Oh my..." she cooed. "This is far better than any other scrap of love I've ever eaten! I need a large plate!"

"Um... why?" one of the changelings that served the food said as he finished a bite of his own food.

"I'll get it myself! I'm having one of everything!" Chrysalis grinned before dashing out of her chair.



Leo and Cozy...



"Well, that was something," I say when we both exit the building in Manehatten. "It's too bad that they knew what happened to your family's records after you turned to stone... they changed their names, moved somewhere far from Equestria, and even admitted to the ponies as they did so that they would try to forget you ever existed..."

I looked at Cozy, who had tears going down her face.

"Oops..." I winced.

"Let's just... go home," Cozy muttered.


...
...



Chrysalis took a deep breath.

"Ok..." she whispered to herself. "You chose to sing in front of many other changelings. You can do this... you can..."

"It surprises me that she is here and she isn't doing harm," a voice said, catching Chrysalis' attention.

Chrysalis peeked her head from around a corner and saw a few changelings speaking to each other, not noticing her.

"I know that she saved Equestria, but there is a part of me that think her intentions are a hoax," another changeling says.

"I downright dislike the fact that she's here," the third changeling admitted. "I'm only being a good sport for Thorax."

Chrysalis processed what she heard. She then closed her eyes, and her head disappeared back into the corner.



Tirek...



"Here it is," Scorpan motions his hand to a nearby shrine. It isn't much... just a few rocks with Vorak's crown on the top, along with a drawing of Vorak at the bottom. The rocks were beginning to cover with moss, along with the photo. Tirek kneeled down, with nothing to say.

"Take as much time as you need, brother..." Scorpan tells him.

Tirek nods.



Leo and Cozy...



Cozy and I both sat on a bench, waiting for the train back home. We said nothing.

"Cozy, forget what your family did," I say.

"How can I? Aren't they supposed to care about me? Forgive me? I don't even know..."

I was silent. But only for a few moments. 

Because I then did something I never thought I'd do...


Those Who Care


Leo:

Sometimes it seems like, there's no one left for you...
Sometimes it feels like your purpose is too few...

And sure, that may just be true...
And you won't know what to do...





Chrysalis went up on the stage. She looked at the crowd, and again met the mixed faces.

She thought about what she overheard. But she wasn't going to let it get to her.

In face, she was going to express what came up in her head.


Chrysalis:

Sometimes you can't gain forgiveness from all...
Just because you always led their downfall...

And made them do things wrong...
And made them glad you were gone...





Tirek finally felt like sharing his thoughts out loud.


Tirek:

Sometimes you try to impress those above all...
Sometimes you don't want to disgrace him at all.

And you just lose your mind...
And fail to just be kind...


Leo: 

But whether you feel left behind...
By your family or your kind...

Just remember one big thing...
That caused me to go and sing...

There's always someone out for you!
To help you know what to do!

Never forget! Never forget! Never forget...
That true family looks out for you!

...


Leo: 

Mistakes, have been made,
Out of darkness and hate,


Chrysalis:

Vengence lurked, in my soul,
But not anymore, oh no,


Tirek:

Life's mission, to ascend,
And not let yourself descend,


Leo: 

Don't forget past behaviour...
Moving on is your savior!

...

And whether you feel... left behind...
By your family or your kind...


Chrysalis:

Just remember one big thing...
That caused me to go and sing...


Tirek:

There's always someone out for you!
To help you know what to do!


Leo:

Never forget! Never forget! Never forget...
That true family looks out for you!


Cozy:

It doesn't matter who you were... 
What you've done was not the cure...

What matters is who you've become...
And when your friendship beats like a drum!


Leo, Cozy, Chrysalis, and Tirek:

And whether you feel left behind...
By your family... or your kind...

Just remember one big thing...
That caused me to go and sing...

There's always someone out for you!
To help you know what to do!

Never forget! Never forget! Never forget...
That true family looks out for you!


Leo:

Never forget!


Chrysalis: 

Never forget!


Tirek:

Never forget!


Cozy:

That true family looks out for you...


Leo: 

That true family looks out for you...


End song...



"So... yeah," Leo said after catching his breath. "I'm not good with morals, but I will tell you this... even though your family is your own flesh and blood, they probably don't ever want anything to do with you again, and I have a feeling they're part of the group that doesn't believe that you really changed."

"Probably because I harmed them the most," Cozy sheepishly chuckled.

"But even if that is, it will be their own fault for not forgiving you... even if we don't know whether they will or won't. But a true family isn't just those who are biologically related to you... it also consists of those who truly care for you."

"I'm not sure if that moral has anything to do with what we went through..." Cozy stated.

"Eh. I said it anyway."

Just then, the train finally arrived.

"Come on..." I get off my bench. "Let's go home..."



Chrysalis...



"Chrysalis, that was great!" Thorax admired when Chrysalis got off the stage. "You've shown us that you've changed far greater than you appeared to have changed."

"Well... yeah," Chrysalis replied. "I just felt that it would be nice to express it..."

"Well either way, you've done well," Pharnyx told her. "I know a good song when I hear one."

"Probably because he himself sings when he isn't being watched..." Thorax whispered.

Chrysalis chuckled.



Tirek...



"I've never really heard a good song with a moral from you," Scorpan says to Tirek as they continue walking.

"Well... ta-da?"

"You've done good, brother... you've done well. I would like you to tell me what you've learned, as I have interest in your progress."

"Well, sure... but maybe you could tell me what you've learned and I'll tell you if I learned that..."

"If you insist..." Scorpan shrugs.





As Leo and Cozy rode the train home, Chrysalis resumed exploring the kingdom, and Tirek listened to his brother, Cozy, Chrysalis, and Tirek all had one thought:

Everything will turn out just fine...


End
> Episode 10: Meet the Mane 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I entered the Cutie Map room. To no surprise, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy were all there.

"What is this, our hangout spot?" I say.

"I guess..." Tirek shrugged.

"I need to tell you something that happened in town today," I said.

"Really? Is it bad?" Cozy asked.

"No, though long story short... I'm going to be expecting a party."

All reformed villains were confused.

"Do you remember watching those first adventures of Twilight and her friends?" I ask.

The reformed villains confirm they did.

"Remember what happened when Pinkie first encountered Twilight?"

The trio caught on.

"You don't mean..." Cozy began.

"Yep." I nodded. "As I explored the town, I turned a corner and ran into Pinkie Pie. I only said a few words before she gasped and ran away, screaming "CHEESE! LIL' CHEESE!"

"What-" Chrysalis was confused.

"Cheese, or Cheese Sandwich, is her husband," I explain. "Lil' Cheese is her son."

The trio expressed their surprise.

"Anyway, at some point, there's going to be some party," I recap.

"But what about us?" Cozy queried.

"Pinkie is aware that you all are reformed. And trust me... she knows a lot of things. Once she finds out where I am and that I'm here with you, we're all going to get a party."

"But... we're here, aren't we?" Chrysalis brought up.

We heard a knock on the door.

"Who is that?" Tirek asked.

"Maybe Pinkie..." I mutter as I leave.

Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow all left their seats and followed me as we made our way through the castle. When we opened the doors, all we saw was a box down at the bottom of the staircase.

"Mailpony?" I shrug, before we all go downstairs, and Chrysalis picks up the box. She opens it.

"It's nearly empty," she tells us. "There's just a piece of paper."

"What?" Cozy tilts her head.

CLICK!!!

Our attention is brought to a loud sound from the doors, prompting us to go up the stairs. Tirek lit his horns and tried to open the door.

"It's locked," he said.

"What does the paper say?" Cozy asks Chrysalis.

Chrysalis lifts up the note.

"Collect all notes in Ponyville... there are five in all..." she reads.

"Alright, this is probably some sort of diversion," Tirek explains.

"You're probably right," I reply. "Let's just get this over with."

And we begin our descent into town.


...
Intro
...


"Can I tell you something I just thought of?" I ask as we make our way back to the castle.

"Sure," Tirek nods.

"I've never taken the opportunity to meet the other Mane 6 members... or in other words, Twilight's other friends that were dubbed the Elements of Harmony."

"Come to think of it, even though we reconciled with the Princess, we never dealt with her friends," Chrysalis agrees.

"Do you think they will be at that party we theorize will happen?" asked Cozy.

"It's likely that four of them will be there..." I say. "Rarity is usually out of town... though I forget why."

"Which one is Rarity?" Tirek scratches his head.

"The one with the neat purple mane... the fancy one," Cozy describes.

Tirek snaps his claws. "Got it!"

"Well... we're here..." Chrysalis says as we arrive at the bottom of the stairs leading to the castle enterance.

I make my way up the stairsteps, with my friends following.

"Should we do something about the notes?" Chrysalis questions. 

I knocked on the doors, only for them to slowly open.

"Well... I guess we can go in now..." I mutter, before I open the doors all the way.

"Huh?" we all uttered in unison.

The room was as bright as day and empty. Void of life.

"Maybe... the party is in the map room?" Cozy shrugs.

And so we all made our way through the castle halls.

We opened the door to the Cutie Map room...

And it was empty.

"Well... I don't think we're having a party..." Chrysalis mutters.

CLANG!!! 

Our attention was brought to the noise from downstairs.

"What was that?!" Tirek wondered.

"THAT BETTER NOT BE MY NEW VASE!!!" Chrysalis bursts.

"We'll go check," Cozy assures. "Calm down."

So we all left the room (with Chrysalis seeming a bit edgy), and yet again ventured for the enterance/exit.

However, this time, when we all caught sight of the enterance/exit...

"SURPRISE!"

All four of us jumped at the sudden crowd of ponies and creatures inside the castle, also complete with streamers, balloons, and food.

BOING!

We all jumped again when a mare suddenly landed in front of us. One we all knew too well.

"HIYA!" Pinkie Pie greeted. Suddenly, two more bouncing ponies landed behind her. Although Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow had no idea who they are, I did... the one on the left of Pinkie was Cheese Sandwich, and the one on her right was Lil' Cheese.

"Hello Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow, and stallion I met in Ponyville and went *gasp* at!" Pinkie said in a fast pace. "Welcome to your 'WELCOME TO PONYVILLE PARTY'! Doesn't it look great! Lil' Cheese organized this party all by himself! He even had the idea to have us make you go on a scavenger hunt for a few pieces of paper, and then hide everything when you returned, and when you left the room, set everything up!"

We blinked. Now, in the MLP series finale, when we saw middle-aged Pinkie, she didn't seem as hyper, so some would expect that she wouldn't be so... Pinkie, considering she's in her 40's, and has a kid.

But... she's Pinkie Pie! Of course she'll still be bubbly as she was when she was younger, despite the age and child. Just... not as bubbly as often I suppose.

"Well Pro- *ahem*... Pinkie, it's nice to see you again," Cozy greeted. She looked at Lil' Cheese with a heartwarming smile. "I take it many more things have changed with you and your friends..."

"Well of course, silly!" Pinkie beamed. "Change always happens. Though when you're sealed in stone, it hits a bit different and-"

"Right, right of course..." Chrysalis cut her off. "I mean..."

She motions to her body with her hoof.

"Well, Pinkie, it's nice to (finally) meet you," I say. "And your family."

"Oh it's always nice to make new friends!" Cheese Sandwich bounces. I tell you, this family is the most unnatural one I've ever seen. "Because making new friends and making them smile is always a great feeling for us!"

"Of course," Tirek replies.

"Mommy, Daddy, can I go play party games?!" Lil' Cheese grins.

"Why of course!" Cheese replies. "In fact, maybe Mommy and I can get some music! Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Pinkie?"

"Some good ol' polka?" Pinkie gives Cheese a sly look. "You just read my mind!"

"The good ol' Cheesy sense!" Cheese replies.

And then they both darted off, leaving the four of us dumbfounded.

"Well... that just happened," Chrysalis muttered.

"Eh, they're all party ponies," I shrug. "No surprise that they still seem energetic. Especially Pinkie."

"So... what should we do now?" Cozy asks.

"I can look around and get aquainted with Twilight's other friends," I say. "Wanna come?"

"This actually might be a good time to do some business, as I don't recognize half of these ponies and creatures," Tirek suggests.

"Yeah, Tirek's right..." Chrysalis agrees. "Though maybe you could ask them to check out our business and we can make amends."

"I guess that will work," I agree. "Cozy?"

"I'll just play some games with the other fillies and colts," she says.

"Alright then, it's settled," I nod. "Now let's make the most of this party..."

And we both began to go about our plans.


...
...


As I looked around for Twilight's friends, I wondered what would happen when the situation came to be. What would their impressions of me be?

It didn't even take ten minutes before I met my next Mane 6 character.

As I wandered through the very large crowd, I soon noticed Fluttershy nearby, who was near the wall and appeared to be speaking to a mouse.

"I know you want some food..." I heard her say softly. "But this isn't the time to come out. How about I take you home with me after the party and give you some cheese?"

The mouse nodded, before it ran back into the hole.

"Um... excuse me?" I speak, catching Fluttershy's atttention.

"Oh!" she seemed shocked at first, but quickly composed herself. "Oh I'm sorry for that. I didn't expect you..."

"Hey, don't be," I assured. 

"At least this is... well... now," Fluttershy said. "I used to be very shy back then..."

Character development... what a great asset.

"Well, you seem fine now," I reply.

"Oh I've overcame my shyness. I have my friend, Twilight to thank for that..."

"Yeah... my name is Leo."

"I'm Fluttershy. If I may ask... what brings you here to Ponyville?"

"Oh... um..." I cleared my throat. "Grogar's attack led me here. Caused troubles at my home, and ended up bringing me to Canterlot. I worked with Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy in defeating him... or at least tried to."

I was technically telling the truth.

"Well I think it's nice that you all were there for each other," Fluttershy said.

"Yep. Say, you work with animals?"

"Oh I love animals." Fluttershy cooed. "It's even my special talent to speak to them and understand them."

"Did you know I had two birds?"

"Oh, birds are so cute! What kind of birds?"

"Both are green-cheeked conures."

"Oh those are adorable! Fiesty, but adorable! What are they like?"

"One is fiesty and nippy. The other one is a bit more timid."

"Maybe some day, you could see the majority of birds that I care for. If that's okay with you... that is."

"I can do that," I shrug. "Anyway, I had fun meeting you. Maybe I could come over and check out the birds sometime... and the other animals too."

"Oh that will be swell," Fluttershy nodded. 

"Oh hey, I'm going to mention something to you... if you ever have interest, Chrysalis and Tirek are selling something very interesting."

"Really? What is it?"

"A device unlike anything ever before."

"Well... depending on what it is, I might look at it."

"Alright... well, have a good day," I said.

"You too," replied Fluttershy.

And so we waved goodbye, before I turned and left.



Chrysalis and Tirek...



"Here you go."

Chrysalis' blue glow around the phone faded, and becomes replaced by the colored glow belonging to the unicorn that just bought the product.

"Who knew that you can sell new products very well at parties?" Chrysalis said to Tirek. "This business is doing better than ever before!"

"This actually brings to to what I've been thinking..." Tirek said. "What happens when everypony and creature that wants a phone ends up getting a phone?"

Chrysalis rubbed her chin.

"I... haven't thought of that!"

"How about this..." Tirek started. "When the party ends, we can see what other Earth devices Leo has. Agree?"

Chrysalis nodded in agreement.



Leo... minutes later...


"Eh, I came from somewhere far from here," I said to a group of ponies. "It's still weird to be in a completely different location, but I'm managing."

I felt a tap on my ribs. I turned my head and saw Cozy standing next to me.

"Well, it's been nice talking to you all," I tell the group. "We can talk more later, if we can."

I waked away from the group with Cozy. 

"Hey," I say to her. "What's up?"

"Just seeing how you're doing," she shrugged. "I also got bored of the party games."

"What about the other kids to make friends with?"

"At least half of them seemed skeptical about me. " Cozy's ears folded down. "I can see why... the things their parents probably told them."

"Oh don't let some non-believers discourage you," I reassured her. "You're goal is to make new friends, right? So ignore the ones against you and try to make bonds with those who seem trusting to you."

"Well... yeah, you're right. Thanks!" 

Cozy hugged me and then disappeared in the crowd.

I heard some chuckles from behind me. I turned and saw two familiar ponies... an orange Earth Pony with a stetson over her blond mane, along with a scarf with apples around her barrel. Next to her was a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane and a jacket.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash!

They both looked at me with heartwarming smiles.

"You sure know how to assure kids, don't you?" Rainbow smiled. "Yeah... we've all been there before."

"Well, you know, she needed it... concerning her past and everything..." I shrugged. I extended a hoof. "I'm Leo."

Applejack spat on her hoof and extended it. "Name's Applejack."

Now, I wasn't one for germs or spit. But as a polite gesture, we shook hooves.

"And you must be..." I began saying to Rainbow, even though I knew the answer.

"Rainbow Dash!" she shook my hoof. "Current Captain of the Wonderbolts and fastest flyer in Equestria!"

"Interesting..." I say, even though I already knew that.

"We heard of you and the other three after we were released from stone," Applejack explained. "Though Ah' gotta say, it seems mighty odd seeing an Alicorn stallion."

"It feels weird being in that position," I admit. 

"How does it feel living with three of the formerlly most dangerous villains in Equestria, anyway?" Rainbow asked.

"Rainbow!!!" Applejack hissed.

"Oh, let me tell you...they're way different than they were potrayed to be in the past," I admit.

"You don't say?" Applejack raised her brow.

Huh... I wonder why they aren't questioning on how I know who the reformed villains are, I ponder. I guess it's because they assume I did reading on them... or assume they told me...

"Well, what do you two do these days?" I ask.

You could of asked it in any other way, but you had to ask like that... I think to myself.

"Oh, you know... Ah' do a lot of chores these days..." Applejack answers.

"And I spend time trying to convince her to let me do some chores," Rainbow says.

"Um... anything else?" I question.

"Oh, and I'm also the Captain of the Wonderbolts."

"Um, Rainbow?" Applejack whispers loudly. "You already said that..."

"Right..." Rainbow blushed. "...My bad."

"Hey, it's fine," I say. "We're all friends here... right?"

"Absolutely!" Applejack nods. "Making new friends is always a great accomplishment!"

"Yeah. It is pretty satisfying. You know, it's been great meeting you both."

"It's been great meeting you too," Rainbow agreed.

"Hey, before we part ways, if you're interested, Chrysalis and Tirek are selling some fantastic devices nearby."

"What are they?" Applejack queries. 

"The next step of Equestrian technology," I shrug. 

"I'd like to check it out," Rainbow admits.

"Oh alright," said Applejack. "And depending on what it is, Ah' might consider getting it."

I doubt it... it's a phone. The offer was mainly for Rainbow, but you never know, I think.

Both mares turned around.

"May we meet again," I wave goodbye.

Both mares looked at me and waved before they vanished into the crowd.

I sighed.

"Only one to go... if she is here that is."


...
...


I know Rarity might not be here... I thought. But why am I still looking, even?

I noticed that when the party first began, the whole room was filled. But as time passed, the doors opened, and Ponyville citizens kept coming in.

But then, something happened that surprised me.

I came upstairs to get a snack, and as I made my way down the hall, the bathroom doors opened and a white mare in fancy regalia came out. Behind her was a rack with a dress covered in plastic. It appeared to have a small pink stain on the barrel.

"Phew! I knew bringing an extra dress in case a mess would happen."

The mare turned and caught eyesight of me. She gave a look that I wasn't sure was positive shock or mixed-feelings shock.

"Um..." I then patted my mane and remembered the style I always hold it up as. "Should I... change this?"

"Oh, no, darling!" she replied. "I'll admit, your mane is definetly... eeh... unique... but seeing you just caught me by surprise!"

"Yeah, well, I'm no royalty..." I chuckled.

"It's still a surprise," she said. "I have to say, I travel a lot these days, so who knew that the day I come here to grab some supplies from my old boutique would lead to me getting an invite to a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party in this castle... oh I do love old memories. Even though I didn't technically live here. You're very lucky to live in such a glorious castle. You, and those three reformed villains."

"I guess so."

"Oh pardon me, where are my manners?" Rarity chuckled. "I'm Rarity."

"My name is Leo."

"That's a nice name."

"So... what happened?" I pointed to the dress.

"Oh, some strawberry cupcake got all over the frail... oh well. Nothing a little cleaning can't fix. And if it doesn't work, replace it... in my spare time. I'm usually very busy. This is my day off. I have one every week."

"Did you organize your schedule?"

"Yes, but it doesn't stress me out. At least... not usually."

"Do you make the most of your free time?" I ask.

"Darling, I'm doing it right now."

"Right... it's a party. Hey, it was nice to meet you... and I'm sorry if my mane's a bit goofy."

"Again, no need to worry," Rarity said, though it seemed it was itching her mind a lot. It felt like it because her lower left eyelid twitched and her pupils were a bit small. I guess she was trying to not mention it or do anything though, so that's good enough for me.

"Anyway, be careful with all the cupcakes, and drinks, and stuff," I tell her.

"Oh trust me, I will," Rarity promised. "And if it doesn't work out, I have plenty more spare dresses."

"Good to know. One last thing... I should mention Chrysalis and Tirek are downstairs selling pretty unique devices. You don't have to check it out, though."

"I'll keep it in mind. Depends on what it is."

"Alright, well... good luck with the dress, Rarity."

"And good luck... um... with everything!"

I waved goodbye and returned downstairs.



Hours later...



Now that my goals were completed, I actually started to have fun at the party. I ate, played games, and then listened to Pinkie Pie and her family play polka music.

Soon, the party ended. And get this... we didn't even have to clean up! Pinkie, Cheese, and Lil' Cheese ended up taking care of it, spinning like tornados and grabbing everything that wasn't in the room before.

"Wow... Pinkie and her family are highly good at cleaning up after parties..." Chrysalis admired.

"You said it... hey, how was the business?" I queried.

"We got a lot of purchases," Tirek said. "Even all five of Twilight's friends bought phones."

"Even Applejack?"

Tirek and Chrysalis nodded.

"Wow..." I muttered. "Well... after I finished the goal of meeting Twilight's friends... I began having fun. It's pretty much easier to have fun once you either take care of your goals, or ignore your goals if needed."

"Does that qualify as a lesson?" Cozy asked.

Chrysalis shrugged.



Later that night...



Dear Princess Twilight,

Today, we finally got a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party. While Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow did their own things, I went about attempting to meet all your friends. Granted, the meetings were short, and your friends were slightly different than I thought. But mostly the same.

But after that, I had fun. And I sincerely hope to meet your friends again, and have our meetings longer. It was fun talking with them, and once your next reunion comes, I would love to be there for it along with my friends. 

Yours Truly,

Leo
> Episode 11: The Mark of One's Destiny
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cozy approached Leo at the stand at the theater.

"Hey Leo," she greeted.

"Hey," he replied.

"Watcha' doin?"

"Oh just... taking bits and giving ponies tickets to watch movies... what's up with you?"

"Do you know who the Cutie Mark Crusaders are?" Cozy asks.

Leo blinked. "Um... why do you ask?"

"Because didn't you say you watched a show about Twilight and her friends?"

"Right, right... yeah, I know them."

"Chrysalis and Tirek gave me permission to go to their clubhouse," Cozy explained. "I want today to be a cutie-mark search day because... well, you know..."

Cozy pointed at her blank flank.

"Well, good luck," Leo says.

"Thanks," Cozy smiles. "I'll see you later."

"You too."

Cozy then turned and left, and continued trekking through the town, waving back at ponies who waved at her, and ignoring the oddly increasing skeptical stares.

But there was one goal Cozy had. It hasn't entered her mind until the morning that she hasn't put any effort in finding her new cutie mark. So she was going to visit some old enemies that she deceived in the past. And it wasn't the Young 6 either...


Ten minutes later... 


Cozy soon entered Sweet Apple Acres, and explored inside the field of trees. It was a long time since she visited the... place... and she wondered if she even remembered the directions.

But soon, she saw something. She came closer to it and stopped.

And there, in front of her, was the Cutie Mark Clubhouse. It didn't look old at all... it looked like how she remembered it.

And she noticed there was a light inside.

She came up the stairs and pressed her ear against the door. She heard voices. Familiar voices.

She lifted her hoof and knocked on the door.

She stood still, waiting, before the door opened. In front of her was a fully-grown mare, with a yellow coat, amber eyes, and a red mane. On her mane was a large pink bow, and around her neck was a pink shawl.
"Um... hi?" Cozy greeting.

"COZY GLOW!" the mare squealed with joy before wrapping her forehooves around the filly. "HEY GIRLS! LOOK WHO'S HERE!"

Two other mares that Cozy also recognized showed up.

"Cozy Glow?" the mares said the filly's name, surprised at her sudden appearance.

"Well, this is not how I expected us to reunite..." Cozy muttered.


...
Intro
...


"Um..." Cozy chuckled. "You can... let go now."

"Oh... sorry," the mare (Applebloom) said, before releasing Cozy from her embrace.

"It's been a long time," the orange pegasus (Scootaloo) spoke. Cozy, upon glance, could see that her wings were very tiny, despite the fact that Scootaloo was now an adult.

"It has, hasn't it?" Cozy muttered.

"We were wondering when the day we'd see you again would come," the white unicorn (Sweetie Belle) told her. 

"Well... here I am. May I-"

"Of course you can come in," Applebloom grins. "We have so much to catch up on."

Cozy, wondering why this reunion wasn't as awkward as it was with the Young Six, entered the clubhouse. The door closed behind her.


Leo... forty-five minutes later...


I entered the map room, egg white running down my coat.

"You look like you've had a bad day," Tirek says while lifting a dumbbell with only his... pinkie.

"Well..." I sighed. "Long story short, these ruffian ponies showed up and threw eggs at me... before taking a good portion of the bits. Because of that, I didn't get paid so I could pay for the money that was stolen."

Tirek put down the dumbbell.

"Did they visit before?" he asks.

"Another pony who works at the booth told me about them... I guess they return more than once. Apparently, the manager asked them to stop a few times before they gave up trying. Look, could you maybe help? I'd ask both you and Chrysalis, but after that day she visited her old kingdom, she goes there a lot more often."

"Hmmm..." Tirek stroked his beard. "Alright."

"Perfect!" I exclaimed. "So... how should we do it? Whether those thieves believe you're reformed or not, they would definitely run away if you scared them. But then again, you wouldn't look good to the public..."

"You could work out," Tirek shrugs.

"Heck no! Working out is not my thing."

"Can't you be the one to look imposing?"

"I don't want to get fired... though I could run it through the manager, I guess."

"Try that, and report back to me," Tirek tells me.

"Alright... I'll do that. But I'm going to get something to eat first and have some time to myself."

And so I turned and left.


Cozy...


"-and that's how there is now a stallion Alicorn in Equestria," Cozy finishes.

"So let me get this straight..." Applebloom began. "Yer' tellin' me that the stallion Alicorn in Equestria is actually a bipedal creature known as a 'hooman'?"

"Human," Cozy corrected. "And yes."

"That is so cool!" Scootaloo piped. "You not only defeated a powerful villain, but traveled between worlds!"

"Heh... aw shucks," Cozy blushed. "I didn't really... plan on it or anything. What I think is cool is how you three are teachers at the School of Friendship. How come we haven't seen each other?"

"Well, we've been busy ever since the Grogar incident, and you probably haven't been in any classes that we teach," Applebloom shrugged.

"Cozy, I've been meaning to ask you..." Sweetie Belle began. "Where is your cutie mark?"

Cozy looked at her flank.

"Oh... that? Yeah, after I reformed, it faded out of existence, sure, maybe I could have used it for a good purpose such as encouraging or leading, but... what are you gonna do, huh? Actually, I just remembered... that's why I came here today. Not just for a reunion, but because I have the belief that maybe you'll help me?..."

"Oh, Cozy..." Sweetie Belle started. "Of course we'll help you."

"Really? I mean, I didn't even apologize to you for what I did... I got here forty-five minutes ago, and told you a very quick version about the story of the human that helped my friends and I, along with the battle with Grogar."

"Well, we decided to give you a chance when we saw you again," Scootaloo shrugged. "I guess we forgive easy if you do something that determines the fate of the world."

"Well... I'm still going to say this... I'm sorry."

"Oh don't be," Applebloom brushed it off. "You're deeds were genuine, and Ah' know for a fact that you've proven yourself to be sorry. Now Crusaders... I think a discussion is in order."


...
...


"Alright Crusaders, the 'Cozy Glow Cutie Mark Hunt' meeting has begun," Applebloom said from behind the stand.

Cozy Glow sat in front of the stand, while Scootaloo was on her left and Sweetie Belle was on her right.

"Girls, before we hear what Cozy has to say, do you have any theories on what Cozy's possible new destiny can be?"

"Oh, oh!" Scootaloo piped. "Considering her cutie mark vanished after being hit by a beam of friendship, as she told us, maybe her cutie mark has to do with that. It would also be a great twist, since she used her previous one for... um... not cool stuff."

Cozy sheepishly blushed.

"Oh, that's a perfect concept!" Sweetie Belle agreed. 

"Cozy? Thoughts?" Applebloom asked.

"Um..." Cozy cleared her throat. "It does seem like a possibility... and although I long for a normal life, there is still something in me that feels like I know what to do... it's like I know my destiny, and yet I don't."

"Hmmm..." Applebloom scratched her chin. 

Then Sweetie Belle got an idea.

"Hey Cozy!" she began. "Do you remember when we first met, and we tried teaching you and quizzing you on friendship to prepare for a test?"

"The one I purposefully failed?" replied Cozy. "Yeah..."

She tried shaking the feeling of who she used to be.

"Well, what if we did it again? The quizzing part?" Sweetie Belle said. "We'd quiz you, put you to the test, and see how certain you are that your destiny lies along the lines of Friendship. Then, we'll do an actual test, and wait for the right moment where you bounce in."

"Hey, that's not a bad idea," said Scootaloo. "I mean, we've got all day... right?"

"Well, I believe so," Applebloom shrugged.

"So waddya say, Cozy? Are you in?" Scootaloo asked.

Cozy sat in thought. Obviously, her feelings of the possibility of friendship being her destiny all began after she lost her cutie mark. So it should have opened a door.

So if she was going to see if a friendship-related cutie mark was her destiny, then she was going for it.

"I mean, I go to the School of Friendship... so I should know a lot... but I haven't thought of it back then, so maybe it would make a difference If I did it now..." Cozy the gave off a determined smile. "Ok. Let's do this!"


Leo and Tirek...


I burst through the castle doors. Tirek was already waiting for me.

"He said that as long as I don't make us look bad, cause no harm, and prevent any more loss of money, I can do it."

"Excellent!" Tirek clapped his palms. "So... to make you imposing, first we'll need to bulk you up."

"I said no workouts!" I pointed out.

"But don't you want to be stronger and bigger? Scaring those ponies will only be a bonus. Besides, a lady does love a handsome body. Why else would I continue working out today?"

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"Well..." Tirek scratched the back of his head. "...for a while now, I've sort of had... ehm... feelings, towards another. She's a beautiful female."

My attention was grabbed. Who was he talking about? I kept hoping it was Chrysalis.

"Silky mane... sparkly eyes... wonderful choice of what she wears... and..." Tirek shook his head to snap out of it. "Uh... heh... what do you have in mind aside from working out?"

"Weeelllll," I start. "I do watch a lot of scary movies... are there any mask stores here or something?"


Cozy Glow...


For a while, Cozy's confidence boosted with every right thing she did during this test. Every question she got right, she started to feel like a friendship-related mark was going to be her destiny.

"What would you advise to two ponies fighting over a lie one of them told, and the liar refuses to ?" Scootaloo asked.

"Um... the best option would be for the one who lied to admit what they did... and apologize..." Cozy answered.

"Good, good! And what are the alternatives?"

Cozy felt her former friendship-abusing heart grow and glow. More questions were done correctly as time passed.

"What should you do... be with your friends, or be with a group that does better than them?" Sweetie Belle later asked.

"Of course. Otherwise, the Element of Loyalty would not exist. That's what loyalty is when it comes to friendship."

And another question...

"Do you sometimes have to end friendships if that friend does things you know are wrong?"

Truth be told, they were all easy. All questions were things that could be answered by anyone. But still, even though that was the case, Cozy felt more determined in her soul.

Soon, they moved to scenarios. And although some curve-balls would be thrown to add a bit of a challenge, Cozy would find her way through, and end up doing very well.

"Hey, I'm feeling good about this," Cozy said. "If I had to do something in a real-life moment instead of a scenario, I'd know for a fact that this would be my destiny... sort of... but I'm not going to be cocky. Sometimes you're skilled at something, but it won't exactly be a destiny."

"Well, it's smart to not be cocky," Applebloom agreed. 

"Um, girls?" Sweetie Belle picked up a piece of paper. "Is this our schedule for our teacher roles at the School of Friendship?"

Applebloom and Scootaloo huddled close. All three of them had their eyes go wide.

"WE FORGOT THE TEACHER MEETING!" they shrieked.

"You don't mind if we cut it short, right?" Applebloom asks Cozy.

"Oh no worries," Cozy speaks with assurance. "I can see if there are any problems I can solve."

"Alright, let's hope there is," Scootaloo says. "Good luck!" 

And one by one, all Crusaders quickly darted out of the building.

Cozy took a deep breath.


In town... a while later...


Cozy kept walking through Ponyville, her gaze darting every which way. Ponyville was a big town, but Cozy made her way around the whole town in less than an hour.

And she found no arguments or friendship situations. She remembered how the map could send those suitable enough for a friendship problem, but it would probably be for major problems. If it was something minor, the map would trust that it could be handled. But that was only a theory Cozy had.

But major or minor, Cozy found nothing.

"This is harder than I thought..." she grumbled.


...
...


Two scruffy-looking ponies that were near their twenties were around the corner of the theater. They wore striped shirts and masks, and were waiting to pounce, egg the one at the ticket booth, and steal some bits.

"Are we ever going to steal from another place, and throw something that's not eggs?" one of them whispered.

"We're starting small," the second said. "Besides, ponies rarely visit the street for a purpose that isn't the theater. And considering the movie playing here is the talk of the town, most of the ponies and creatures on this street are gone. Once the few others on this street are gone, we spring out, and repeat what we were doing.

The ponies watched the street again. One second later, the street was nearly empty, and the couple ponies and creatures there weren't watching.

"That was convenient," the first thief said.

"Alright, let's go."

Both ponies suddenly jumped around the corner, but then became confused. The booth, which always has somepony or creature in there, was empty.

"What the-" the second thief began.

He wasn't able to finish his sentence, as suddenly, a scary-masked creature popped out from behind the booth, giving a frightening screech.

Both ponies shrieked. Suddenly, when they turned around, an orange spark burst and an even bigger beast stood above them. Again, the ponies shrieked, and dashed away.

When the ponies were gone, the masked creatures laughed and lifted their masks, revealing the faces of Leo and Tirek. 

"Yeah, I doubt they'll come back," Leo said.

"I'll admit, your choice to use a... frightening mask was a good one," Tirek agreed. "But we should still go to the gym someday. Work on your core."

Leo was unamused.

"Are you serious?"

Tirek shrugged.


Cozy...


Cozy Glow's trek through town continued, though she had a different motive. Seeing the inactivity in town, she decided to head home.

"You can't always get things lickity-split," she assured herself. "Things take time. And remember, the whole 'Friendship' thing may be a given... sometimes, things that seem like a given aren't what you're 100% meant to do. It's just a bonus."

When Cozy turned a corner, she nearly bumped into Leo, who was walking home alongside Tirek and carrying a duffel bag.

"GAH! You startled me," Cozy said.

"You did too..." Leo put his hoof on his barrel.

"Where were you?" Tirek asked. 

"She was visiting some old friends/foes," Leo explained. "Hey, how did it go anyway?"

"Well... I have an idea on what my cutie mark can be, though I'll wait until the right moment to do so," Cozy told him. "How was work?"

"Well, earlier today, I had a problem with some thieves, so when my shift ended, I worked with Tirek to handle them. I soon returned to the theater and, with the manager's permission, covered somepony else's shift."

"What did you do?"

"We scared them with masks," Leo said.

"Huh..." Cozy muttered. "You know, did any of you think your day would have more action, or a more satisfying close before going home?"

"What do you mean?" queried Tirek.

"I mean, for your issue, did you expect to have your plan to scare away thieves be a bit more than it was, or maybe even have a different plan? And for me, I didn't get my cutie mark, but imagine if I succeeded in getting it today."

"Well, Cozy, not every day or event you go through has to be satisfying," Leo explains.

"I agree," Tirek nods. "Sometimes, days that seem promising are bland."

"Yeah," Cozy says. "Are any of you wondering if Chrysalis is back yet?"

"She might be, though she didn't tell us how long she'd be gone," Leo shrugs.

"Well, what should we do if she isn't home?" Cozy asks.

"I may have an idea..." Tirek spoke. "We did get an extra mask."


One hour later...


Chrysalis opened the doors to the castle. Jewelry from the changeling kingdom hung around her neck. The first thing that she noticed was that the whole room was dark.

"I'm home!" she called out.

No answer.

Chrysalis walked further into the building.

"Hello?"

"RAAAAAAH!"

Suddenly, three masked beings, big, small, and average sized popped out of the shadows. Chrysalis slightly jumped, but quickly recovered.

The three masked beings removed their masks, laughing.

"Oh, that was good..." Leo heaved.

Chrysalis started at them with an unamused look, before blue flames engulfed her and they got bigger.

"What..." Cozy mumbled.

The blue flames then faded, revealing a ginormous slimy behemoth. It roared, saliva splattering all over Leo, Cozy, and Tirek. When the beast closed it's mouth, Cozy, Leo, and even Tirek were all frozen in fear, unmoving.

Blue flames engulfed the monster, and when they faded, Chrysalis was back to her old self.

"I guess we all know who scares better..." she smirked.

And with that, she made her way past the gap between Cozy and Tirek, but not before Chrysalis hovered in the air.

"Sorry," she whispered, blushing while giving a sheepish smile.

And with that, she made her way up to the second floor.
> Episode 12: Chrysabliss
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"-so I'm thinking we... um... should maybe work on your flight soon?" Cozy asks me as we make our way to the map room.

"Um... how about no?" I reply.

"Oh, come on!" Cozy groans. "You've been declining to go for days. You have to practice at some point!"

"Ugh! Fine! We'll practice... soon!"

We were already at the doors to the map room. As I extended my hoof to the door, Cozy spoke.

"Hey, does it smell like... lavender?" she asks.

"I don't know. My nose doesn't pick up scents well sometimes."

I creaked open the doors, and a waft of lavender goes up my nostrils.

"Scratch that... now I smell it."

Cozy and I made our way closer to the map. What we saw was at least four scented candles bunched together, right in the middle of the table. Placed in front of four of the chairs was a plate, some neatly aligned silverware, and napkins folded into swans on top of our plates.

"Well this is... odd," I mutter.

"Good mooo-oooorning!" a singsong voice chirps.

Cozy and I both jumped and look behind us. We saw Chrysalis, her mane all done up, and we also noticed flowers in her mane too... obviously placed there. She also had some jewelry around her neck.

"Chrysalis, you seem... different," Cozy begins. "And not just based on what you're wearing."

"Yeah, what's up?" I ask.

"Well, it's pretty much because of my many visits to the kingdom," Chrysalis said. "Listen, visiting the kingdom opened my eyes. I realized that I spent so much time either going against friendship or saving the world with the power of friendship, that I haven't taken time to fully learn about my kind. Sure, I changed, and understand the basis of friendship and sharing love. And sure, I've learned a bit of culture and food, on my first visit. But I don't feel... tied! So, for the next few weeks, I'm going to be bringing a bit more culture into the castle to access what I call my inner metamorphosis."

Cozy and I looked at each other.

"Eh, you do you," I shrugged.

"Oh, but don't worry... it won't affect your food. I doubt you'll be that invested in changeling food... heh..." Chrysalis suddenly tapped her armored forehooves. "That reminds me, I've got pancake mix waiting to be cooked!"

And then Chrysalis lit her horn and teleported out of the room.

"Well, she's 100% a completely different changeling," Cozy muttered.

"Better that some changeling who is determined to have revenge, thinks friendship is a disease, and is always vain..." I mutter.

"True."



Intro...



"Where are we going?" I asked as Cozy and I continued going through Ponyville. 

"I'm going to meet up with the Crusaders again," Cozy explained. "I'd told them that I'd introduce you to them."

"Is today even a good day?"

"Well, let's see..." Cozy muttered. "It's Sunday."

"Right, right..."

"Hey, what do you think about the whole 'Chrysalis situation'?" Cozy asks.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, how long do you think it will last? Are we going to have to smell lavender for the rest of the month? Will we see less of her?"

"Oh. Well... try not to worry too much about it," I assure her. "Chrysalis is... she's just... um... she's just trying to fit in. You remember how she was. We shouldn't be surprised about her intentions. She wants to fit in with the others. She wants to feel like she belongs. She wants to understand something that she used to despise."

"I get it, I get it... I guess you're right. I mean, look at me. I want to live like a normal kid, you know?"

"That's going to be hard with the Alicorn horn," I pointed out.

"Same for you."

"Good point..." I shrugged.


Castle...


Chrysalis lit some candles in her room, humming a merry tune.

Knock knock

"Come in!" Chrysalis chirped.

The door opened, and Tirek walked in.

"Um... hey," he said. 

"What brings you here?" Chrysalis asked, using her magic to levitate a floral necklace onto her neck.

"I have to ask..." Tirek cleared his throat. "...um... how long do you plan on doing this?"

"As long as it takes," Chrysalis looked in one of the books in her room.

"I see..." Tirek cleared his throat. "On to another question... what exactly is your inner metamorphosis?"

Chrysalis put down the book. Then she shifted her gaze to the ground and sighed.

"Inner metamorphosis is where you accept your new life. Where you forgive yourself, and take an inner vow to always be at peace. That last one bothers me. I may have accepted friendship, but most nights where I go to bed, I feel... guilt. I feel like my past self is her own entity, and she watches me when I sleep. So if I do this, not only will I feel like one of my kind, but I'll finally feel free. Don't you feel it?"

Tirek looked at Chrysalis, with a look that expresses that he feels bad for her. He shook his head.

"I don't feel the way you do," Tirek admits. "But look at your past, Chrysalis. Out of you, me, and the kid, you were the worst of us."

"That helps..." Chrysalis rolled her eyes.

"Hear me out... you were the worst of us... but you changed anyway." Tirek came closer to Chrysalis and lifted her chin with his hand. "You worked with us and came close to bringing Equestria to a mighty end. But twenty years later, you stepped up, worked with us again, and saved Equestria from an even mightier end. I believe that you are capable of getting over this. So... I will leave you to your business, and I wish the best for you."

Chrysalis smiled.

"Thank you, Tirek..." 

"It was an honor to reassure you," Tirek nods with satisfaction. "Now if you'll need me, I'll be-"

"Working out?" Chrysalis lifts a brow.

Tirek snapped his clawed fingers.

"Working out," he grins with affirmation.

And then Tirek turned and left the room.

When Tirek was a good distance from the room, Chrysalis took a deep breath.

"You can do this, Chrysalis..." she whispered to herself. "I think it's time..."


...
...


Cozy Glow's hoof knocked on the door. I stood next to her, already having an idea on what to expect.

The door opened, and a familiar orange-colored mare was in the doorway.

"Cozy Glow! And-" the mare, who I recognized as Scootaloo stopped.

I was really hoping to not have them freakout. That's too... um... mary-sueish for me. And in spite of the fact that I'm an Alicorn, I am no mary-sue.

"Hey, girls!" Scootaloo called out. "He's here!"

Suddenly two other mares came up next to Scootaloo.

"Well Ah'll be," the Earth Pony (Apple Bloom) smiled. "You must be Cozy's Alicorn friend."

"Yep!" I smiled. "The name's Leo."

"Leo? That's an interesting name..." the unicorn who I knew was Sweetie Belle said.

"I come from a very far place..." I shrug. I technically wasn't lying... Earth is a pretty far place.

"Well, what are we standing around for?" Scootaloo piped. "Come on in!"

All three mares backed away, allowing for Cozy and I to enter. And that was when I got my first glimpse of the CMC clubhouse twenty years later. I don't remember 100% of it, but I was still able to make out some new things. I noticed a bit of a repaint, and there's a few more things in here, such as a rug designed to match the CMC symbol, along with a small bookshelf nearby.

"What does it mean?"

I turned my head to Sweetie Belle, her question grabbing my attention.

"Huh?" I ask.

"What does your cutie mark mean? I don't think any of us have seen anything like it."

"Yeah, what does it mean?" asked Apple Bloom.

I looked at my flank. It hasn't really been a major thought of mine on what my cutie mark is. Considering it's my own face (in the form of how I draw it), I assumed that it reflected the fact that I was human. 

So here comes the question: should I tell them I'm human, or not? I already knew that answer. I pretty much spilled my former life to Diamond Tiara. What's the harm in telling the Crusaders?

"Well... remember how Cozy told you I was a creature from another world called a human?"

"Uh-huh," the Crusaders all nodded in unison.

"You're welcome for saving you a few minutes, by the way," Cozy says.

"Well, considering where I come from, I guess it means that I'm actually a human?"

The Crusaders didn't say anything for a second.

"Oh, yeah. That makes sense," Scootaloo states, all three Crusaders keeping their smiles.

"Ah' agree!" Apple Bloom nods. "Though how is being a hooman a special talent?"

Me, deciding to ignore being called a 'hooman', said "Beats me. Being foreign is a talent, I guess? I don't know, my Cutie Mark was pretty much here from the start."

"Interesting..." Sweetie Belle scratched her chin. "So... what are we gonna do?"

"Remember when I said I'd bring homework if we needed to review it?" Cozy brought up.

"Oh, right!" Apple Bloom piped.

"I... um... brought mine too," I raised my hoof up.

"That's fine," Scootaloo assures me. "We're always happy to help!"

"Yeah, I've known that since we... heh... first met," Cozy sheepishly blushed.

"Uh, shouldn't we get started?" I cut in.

"Oh yeah!" Cozy lifted the saddlebags off her and opened the first bag.


Chrysalis...


Chrysalis stared at the drawings and sketches that she drew onto her floor with some changeling slime. Surrounding it were a few candles.

Her door knocked.

"Come in!" Chrysalis called.

The door opened.

"Hey," Tirek said, poking his head slightly in. "Just checking on- what's this?"

"I think it's time for me to finally perform the final step in accessing my inner metamorphosis," Chrysalis explained. "Here, I sketched this layout onto the floor and surrounded it with candles. What it's going to do is send me into my inner consciousness."

"What will happen then?" queried Tirek. 

"What happens when I'm there, I'm not sure... all I know is that this is what I need to do in order to access my inner metamorphosis, fit in with my former subjects, and finally be able to sleep at peace. This right here... is what I need."

Tirek was quiet. But only for a moment. Chrysalis saw the concern on his face, but not the concern that she was crazy. No. Chrysalis had the feeling that Tirek was concerned for her safety... concerned for what effects the spell could have on her.

So Chrysalis was a bit surprised when Tirek nodded his head.

"Alright... do what you must. Just please... be safe."

Chrysalis smiled. "I will."

Tirek closed the door.

Chrysalis exhaled a large breath of air before she stepped into the center of the layout, and sat down.

She slightly lowered her head and closed her eyes. Moments later, the turquoise aura began to shimmer around her horn. The glow shimmered, and before long, the charcoal markings under and around her began to glow the same color. The small yellow and orange flames on the candles gave small turquoise bursts. The now-turquoise flames shrunk.

Just then, all the turquoise glows in the room got brighter.

And that's when Chrysalis felt herself get sucked into unconsciousness...


***


Moments later, Chrysalis' eyes shot open. She was still sitting, but she was no longer in her room. Instead, she was in nothing but an empty black void. 

She got up, and without any word, began to walk. But many steps later, she stopped.

Her head turned left.

And she then saw a large door similar to the one in the Ponyville Castle right across from her muzzle. 

Chrysalis' body turned left to level with her head, before she lifted her hoof. She pressed it against the door, and it opened with a slow CRRRREEEEAAAAAK. What she saw inside, was not something she expected.

It was the changeling throne. Not the current one. Instead, it was the one from a long time ago. The one before the changelings began to share love. The one that she ruled.

Chrysalis hesitantly stepped further into the room. Her hoofsteps echoed throughout the large space.

She kept walking until she was right in front of it. She stared up at it, speechless.

"Well, well, well... what do we have here..." a sinister, yet familiar voice, cooed.

"No..." Chrysalis whispered. She fully turned around. The door was open, but there wasn't just black on the other side. She could see a pair of green eyes, getting closer and closer. And when the owner of the eyes stepped through the door, Chrysalis started to feel discomfort.

It was a changeling, but it wasn't reformed, nor was it just any changeling. It was the same height as her, and it sported a long silky mane and tail. Her wings, hooves, mane, and tail were all covered in holes. And her horn was jagged.

For Chrysalis, it was like looking into a mirror. A mirror that didn't show her present appearance, but instead her past appearance.

Her appearance from twenty years ago.

"Welcome..." Chrysalis' past self greeted, her mouth curved into an evil smile.


...
...


"Wha-what is this?" Chrysalis stammered.

"Why, I'm you," the Other Chrysalis said. "I'm the real you. Not the pathetic you, that has fallen so far from grace because of... friendship!"

Other Chrysalis spat that last word out like venom.

"You're not real," Chrysalis whispered.

"I..." Other Chrysalis took a step closer, her hoof landing on the ground in a hard stomp. "I am real. And I can't help but gag at the sow that you've become. It makes me wonder about my sanity some times..."

"Looking back, I had zero sanity after my exile... but I was saved by friendship! Something you find to be a disease."

"Friendship caused your fall!" spat Other Chrysalis. "Look at yourself! You've hung out, and even made amends with our enemies, including that pathetic Starlight Glimmer! You... no... we've could have had our revenge! But the fact that you didn't shows that you've become nothing!"

"Me? Nothing?" Chrysalis sputtered with disbelief. "I've saved Equestria weeks ago, and I've never felt so free!"

Other Chrysalis scoffed.

"Well... If you think you're so right..." Other Chrysalis' horn began to glow green. "Then you don't deserve to be in charge!'

Chrysalis then began to hear a rumble. She slowly took a step back, only for the ground under the hoof she moved to crumble.

As soon as Chrysalis saw the hole, the whole ground under her crumbled, and she began her fall into the black abyss under her. As for Other Chrysalis, her wings buzzed vigorously, before she quickly dashed down after her original counterpart.



Leo...


"Phew!" Cozy Glow closed her notebook. "That took a while."

"Being teachers must be easy, huh?" Leo asks, stacking his homework sheets.

"Eh, it can be tough," Scootaloo shrugs. "But it's worth it to see students smile and succeed."

"Well, thanks for the help," Cozy says, standing up and putting their work in her saddlebags. "We'll see you soon?"

"Of course," Apple Bloom nods. "It was nice to meet ya, Leo."

"Same for the three of you,"  Leo says. "Hope we meet again soon. Have a good day."

"Bye," the Crusaders all wave, as Leo and Cozy exit the clubhouse.

"You know..." Cozy says when she and Leo are off the stairs. "I wonder what Chrysalis is up to..."


Chrysalis...


Chrysalis landed on the non-existent ground in the abyss, though luckily she felt low pain. However, she started to feel weakened as she started to get up on her hooves.

She heard the evil laughter from her doppelganger as she got up and saw her descend.

"I may not get revenge against my enemies..." Other Chrysalis sneered. "But at least I'll show you how weak you've become."

Chrysalis closed her eyes. She wasn't going to let this happen. She had to not let her guilt finally return, and this time be permanent. There was only one way for her to stop this...

Bliss. Forgiveness. Change...

The words echoed inside her.

You've stopped guilt before... Chrysalis told herself. Now to do it again... and keep it that way...

"I'm not the weak one," Chrysalis said, looking up at her evil self. "You are."

Other Chrysalis scoffed.

"And how's that?"

"Because, unlike you, I know friendship..." Chrysalis began. "I know forgiveness. And I've done both. I've struggled more than any of my friends about my past... but each time, I'd forgive myself. And although my guilt always returns, all I need to do is accept the future. It's not about the villain I've been in the past... it's about the hero I am today, and what I can become. I'm going to become a changeling, who accesses her inner metamorphosis, sides with harmony, and lives a live with redemption."

"You can't possible be overcoming your gu-" Other Chrysalis cut herself off, and her face suddenly changed to an expression of awareness. She looked at her left hoof, and for the first time, began to show uncertainty...

Her hoof was transparent.

"This is what inner metamorphosis is!" Chrysalis continued. "Forgiving yourself for good, and feeling like you're part of the community. Not just of changelings, but of all things that contribute to harmony! I was a big foe! But now... I accept myself as one who deserves to be there with them!"

Other Chrysalis began to fade faster. Her fear shifted to rage, and she pounced at Chrysalis. Chrysalis didn't move. She only watched as her opponent got closer, and closer, and closer...

... and when Other Chrysalis made contact with Chrysalis, she suddenly shifted into a puff of smoke. All Chrysalis did was curve her mouth into a confident smile.

"Chrysalis?" a blurred, yet familiar, voice called out.

"Huh?"


***


"Chrysalis!" Tirek shook Chrysalis a bit faster. "Wake up!"

"Wha- huh?" Chrysalis' eyes shot open. "Tirek?"

"Oh thank Twilight!" Cozy Glow, who Chrysalis was surprised to see, said. "You're awake!"

"Awake? I was only sleeping for... I think it was five to ten minutes," Chrysalis explained.

"Really?" Leo, who was also in the room, tilted his head. "Tirek told us you were sleeping for five hours."

"Huh... time really does go fast when you're unconscious..." Chrysalis rubbed her head.

"Yeah. When we were in stone for twenty years, it only felt like twenty days," Cozy pointed out.

"Don't remind me..." Tirek rubbed his forehead.

"Anyway... we're glad to know that you're okay," said Leo. "How was your 'inner metamorphosis' goal, anyway?"

"Well..." Chrysalis started. "I think it's safe to say the task was a success."

"That's great!" Cozy smiled, before she yawned. "Heh... we only just woke you up and now it's night..."

"Yeah, I'm calling it a night." Leo turned around. "I'll see you all tomorrow." 

"I'm doing the same," Cozy said before she turned and followed suit.

It was just Tirek and Chrysalis now.

"Well..." Tirek began. "... I'm going to bed too. What are you going to do?"

"I know I just woke up..." Chrysalis spoke. "But I feel like I need to fall back to sleep. Like I had a very busy day."

"Well..." Tirek scratched the back of his head. "We'll speak... tomorrow, I guess?"

"Yeah," Chrysalis nod.

"Alright..." Tirek turned around, but before he left the room, he turned his head back to catch a final glimpse of Chrysalis. "Good night."

"Good night."

And so Tirek walked out of the room and closed the door behind him, leaving Chrysalis alone. Chrysalis stood where she was, but a few moments later, she went over to her bed. She lifted the blankets, crawled onto the bed, and set the blankets over herself. She then shifted to a comfortable position and sighed, a calm smile printed on her face. She rolled over and closed her eyes, her mouth still smiling.

And while Chrysalis kept her eyes closed to sleep peacefully, the mimicking shadow behind her opened its glowing green eyes.
> Episode 13: Journey to the Empire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow were all in the library doing their own thing. Tirek was bench-pressing, Chrysalis was reading in peace, and Cozy was practicing magic.

"Ever think we should go on a trip?" Cozy asks, after dimming her horn's glow.

"We've already been on a trip..." Tirek groaned, lifting the heavy weight.

"Being banished to another planet does not count," Cozy pointed out. "Neither does going on our own separate trips for amends. I mean a real trip, with no other intentions aside from having fun."

"It's too bad we don't have an exact plan," said Chrysalis, her eyes still focused on her book. "I mean, unless a plan comes to us, we're pretty much going to have to sit down and-"

The library doors opened, cutting Chrysalis off. Leo stepped inside, holding something.

"What's that?" Cozy asked.

"It flew in the window..." Leo explained, holding something that looked like a giant. snowflake. "I've seen this before on my television. When Twilight's niece was born, she received this from the Crystal Empire."

"So... a crystal pony was born or something?" Cozy asks.

"Doubtful. Though I'm not entirely sure if they always send mail like this, or if it's for important things only. I received it, but when it unfolded, I folded it back up so we could all see it. Is that fine?"

"You can read it to us from there," Chrysalis assures. 

"Alright, then..." Leo opened the snowflake. "Let's see...

'Dear Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow, and their stallion alicorn friend,'

"Could have just said 'to whomever receives this letter..." Tirek murmurs, no longer lifting the weight.

"Let him continue," Chrysalis says.

"'Your deeds of saving Equestria has caught my attention.'" Leo continued. "'Although I was only an infant when you, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy, all roamed free, I have heard of your misdeeds many times. And for you, the alicorn... I've heard your name was Leo... I have not heard of you, but I have been made aware from Princess Twilight that you've lived in a world far from ours. I request that you meet up with me, as I have been intrigued by you four. For the three that were once villainous, I want to see you three to see how different you are from what I've heard. Leo, I also request your presence, as I have interest in your former kind.

I expect to see you four at 3:30 in the afternoon. If you have any plans, notify the guards waiting outside and I'll see if there can be a better day.

Best Regards,

Princess Flurry Heart.'"

"Flurry Heart wants to see us?" Cozy wonders out loud.

"Flurry Heart knows I'm human?!" exclaimed Leo.

"She has guards waiting outside?" Chrysalis brought up.

"Well... what should we do?" Tirek asks.

"I think we should go," Leo explains. "I mean, we're not busy. And besides, she did request that we meet up if we have no plans."

"I second that," Cozy agrees.

"Well?" Chrysalis questions Tirek.

Tirek gave her a smug smile.

"And you said you didn't know how long it would be until we leave... oh, and I think we should go."

"That makes four of us then," Chrysalis confirms, ignoring Tirek's reminder.

"Should we pack?" Leo queries while Cozy, Chrysalis, and Tirek leave their spots and advance closer to him.

"I don't think we'll spend the night. We might return when Twilight raises the moon," Cozy shrugs.

And so our four characters left the library, with Chrysalis closing the large doors behind them.


...
Intro...
...


"Hmmm..." Grogar murmured, watching everything unfold in his Crystal Ball. Both King Sombra and The Storm King were doing their own thing, as Grogar usually does the thinking unless he says otherwise.

Grogar heard the faint sound of metal clinking on the floor. He lifted his head and looked to the direction where the sound was coming from. Not even a minute later, King Sombra walked into the room.

"Have you still thought of anything?" he asked with a bored expression.

"I've thought of nothing yet!" Grogar growled. "Although we have a plan on how to take Equestria as ours, I want to wait! I want to know when would be a good time to take what we need for our plan... without failure! I want to know when we can attempt conquest... without failure! I want to take my time, because at this point, one misstep will result in failure!"

"I guess that's true..." Sombra shrugged. "What are they doing now, anyway?"

"They're going to go to the Crystal Empire."

"The Crystal Empire?" King Sombra began to express interest.

"Ah, yes. That place will be one of your go-to places when we take Equestria as ours. You've wanted to take it over for a long time..."

Sombra rubbed his chin in thought.

"You know..." he began. "I know that it will take some time before we can attack... but maybe I could at least pay the Empire a quick visit... and claim what we need for our goal along the way?"

Although Sombra hated to admit it, he wasn't lying... he learned very well what would happen if he went out on his own and left Grogar on his own. And when he was defeated half a month ago at the hoofs of Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow, his focus was lowered due to the belief of success... another reason he lost multiple times in the past.

"Your intentions seem true..." Grogar muttered. "Very well. Before you go, we'll put you in disguise as a photographer for obvious reasons. We'll change your colors too to keep yourself more concealed. We'll get right to work. If we hurry, you should be able to board their train..."


Train station... thirty minutes later...


The team of four stood at the train station. They were alone.

"You know, it's nice how there aren't much ponies here," Leo said. "Less crowds."

"I like it too," Chrysalis admits. "I know many ponies and creatures have forgiven us, but I always get a few suspicious glares."

"It's not the most satisfying thing, I admit," Tirek agreed.

"Well, here's hoping Flurry Heart's not one of those ponies, right?" Cozy nervously chuckled.

"You all worry too much," said Leo. "Flurry Heart will love having you three here. I mean, I don't know what she's like as an adult, but still."

"We'll probably find out soon once this train shows up..." Tirek muttered.

Unbeknownst to anyone, a small mass of black cloud slithered behind the train station, before materializing into a physical form, a dark violet pony with a black mane. He had photographer gear on, including a camera hanging in front of his barrel. He looked at his body and growled, before taking a deep breath.

"Just take it easy, Sombra..." he quietly muttered. You'll only need too be like this until you get what is needed... and remember the plan. I take photos for each of them, follow them to the Empire, and then get them to take a photo with the princess when I get the chance. When they group together, I'll simply pluck a strand of hair from each of them... and when all is said and done, the Crystal Empire will finally be mine!"

He stepped out from behind the wall separating him from his enemies.

He stood a yard and a half away from them, making no eye contact. He wasn't sure if they knew he was there and didn't care, or were so focused on each other that they didn't notice him. 

He decided to go for it.

*Ahem...* he loudly cleared his throat, earning the attention of all four of his rivals. "I don't mean to interrupt, but... aren't you the four that saved Equestria?"

"They did," Leo explained. "I just... paved the way."

"Well, I hope you don't mind, but I need to get some pictures of you four."

"Pictures?" questioned Cozy. "What for?"

"Um... it's for... a thing at a school!" Sombra lied. "A hall of fame off the best heroes to set an example for Equestria. The school has really needed your photos for a while now."

"Which school?" Tirek asked.

The questions were starting to annoy King Sombra, but he hid his feelings very well.

"Its... Vanhoover."

The four exchanged glances, before they, including Sombra, heard a train whistle.

"There's the train," said Chrysalis.

"Wait!" Sombra held his hoof out. "Just quick individual pictures?"

"Can't we be-" Cozy started.

"Before you ask, you can't be together!" Sombra quickly interrupted, as the train stopped. "They have to be solo!"

Everyone turned their heads and watched the doors open. A pony stepped out.

"ALL ABOARD!!!" he yells.

"Alright, let's be quick then," Tirek instructed. "I'll go first."

Tirek stepped forward and Sombra took a photo. When that was taken care of, Tirek turned and entered the train, giving a few bits to the pony standing outside the door. As for Sombra, he took the physical photo that printed out the front slot, and held it aside.

"Who's next?" Sombra queried.

"I'll do it," Chrysalis said, stepping to where Tirek stood. Sombra took a photo, and Chrysalis went to the train, paying the pony as she entered. Sombra again took the picture out the slot once it printed.

"Can I go next?" Cozy asked.

"Sure," Sombra nods with a fake smile. "Step forward."

Cozy stepped forward and the same routine happened.

"I guess that leaves you," Sombra said to Leo.

"Yeah," Leo nods.

"Alright..." Sombra lifts the camera. "Smile."

Leo smiled, and Sombra took the photo.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it," Sombra replied. "I'll need to come with you."

"What for?" 

"I'll need some photos of the Crystal Empire. I've never been there and I want to remember the occasion."

"Well..." Leo briefly thought about what to say, before he shrugged. "Alright. What's your name?"

Sombra had to think. He didn't want to avoid the subject, because it would seem suspicious, so he had no choice but to think quick.

"It's... Bright Lens!"

He hoped it went through.

"Not a bad name..." the alicorn stallion nods. He nudges his head to the train. "Come on."

He, along with Sombra, went over to the train. Leo placed the bits on the conductor pony's hoof and entered. Sombra went forward, before the conductor shot out his hoof, blocking him.

"Uh-oh..." he muttered. Grogar didn't give me bits!

"Bright?" Leo turned. "You can't get in?"

"Do you have any extra bits?" Sombra asked.

"Yes, but I usually don't give money to ponies I just met."

Sombra growled.

"That's fine!" he said, getting back into character. "I have some at home! Besides, I can always wait to pay a visit to the Empire."

"You sure?" Leo questions.

Sombra nods.

"Alright. Good luck."

The conductor entered the train and closed the doors. All Sombra could do was watch his enemies in the window, before the train finally moved. Sombra waited until it was out of site, before he lit his horn.

"It will take more than some silly currency to stop me!!!" he hissed, before he materialized into a cloud and went after the train.


...
...


The train pulled into the Crystal Empire train station. As Leo, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy all stepped out, the latter three were all mesmerized at what they saw. Although Leo wasn't as taken, he seemed happy.

"I've never been here before!" Cozy beamed. "This is beautiful."

Tirek stopped and looked at the ground, seeing his reflection.

"And shiny. Didn't expect that."

"Well, it is a Crystal Empire," Leo said.

Meanwhile, far off in the distance, a black cloud of smoke resumed dashing along the tracks. When it landed in an out of sight spot behind the train, it materialized back into Sombra (in his disguised form).

"This may not be going as I planned..." he quietly murmured. "But thanks to Grogar casting a very complex spell, I have the opportunity to transform into another disguise. As long as I finish my tasks in 21 hours, I'll be fine!"

Black mist swirled around Sombra, before any trace of his physical body vanished. It swirled smoothly, before it dissipated. In its place stood a new pony, with a cyan coat and a red mane.

"It's convenient on more ponies enter the train at this station..." he grinned. "And it's also convenient on how my hiding spot is closer to the back!"

Very quickly, Sombra galloped to the back of the train, and quickly reduced to a walking pace once he got around the back. If anypony asked, he would say he was just exploring.

He scanned the area for the four friends, before he saw them a few blocks away.

King Sombra smiled, before he began to walk in a fast pace.


Leo


If I was told two months ago that I'd be meeting Flurry Heart in the Crystal Empire with a reformed trio of villains, I'd say they were crazy.

There were many tourists, and I could make out crystal ponies as well.

"I feel out of place here..." Tirek muttered. 

"Don't worry about it," assured Chrysalis. "I mean, look at all the griffons and changelings here."

"While I'm a big centaur with giant red arms and black fur?"

"Anything can happen," Chrysalis responds.

I heard a face-paced trotting sound get closer.

"Excuse me?" a voice said. "You four."

The four of us stopped and turned around, only to see a cyan pony with a red mane. The camera was evidence that he was a photographer.

"Hi," he greets. "I've been touring around the Empire for a story, and I was maybe hoping I could get some pictures."

"Um..." the four of us looked at each other.

"What time is it?" Cozy asks.

I check my phone.

"3:20," I respond.

"We have time, then," Chrysalis answers to the pony. "We've had our photos taken earlier today, but we don't mind."

"Perfect!" the photographer lifted his camera. "I just need a picture of one the whole group."

"Alright, sure," Tirek shrugs.

"Perfect!" the photographer smiles.

He lifts his camera.


Sombra...


Everything was going according to plan. Once King Sombra got his photos and sent them on their way, he'd follow them and hide, before plucking a strand of hair from each of their tails. Then he'd duck for cover. And if anypony seemed suspicious, just like his plan for last time, he;d come up with an excuse. This time he'd say that he was looking for something he lost.

King Sombra lifted the camera, but instead of taking a photo of the group, he zoomed in on the stallion alicorn. It was obvious they didn't notice.

He zoomed in, but then...

"Hey, are those guards coming for us?"

When Cozy pointed a hoof, her friends, the ponies and creatures around them, and even Sombra turned their gazes to the guards descending down to them. They landed near the four friends.

"Are you the four Princess Flurry Heart requested?" one of them asked.

"Yep! That's us!" Leo nods.

"She's been expecting you," the other said. "Right this way!"

The guards began walking in a direction, and the four followed. Sombra then slowly walked behind the four. He didn't really care if the guards noticed him or not. He needed to get those strands of hair and that photo!

Sombra followed them until he felt sure there weren't much ponies or creatures around or watching him. Then, he slowly lit his horn, and kept his focus. The changeling and centaur were walking behind the younger ponies, slightly obstructing them. However, there was a gap big enough for him to get a good glimpse of the alicorns.

He targeted his grip. They weren't close enough, but he was going to try and receive what he needed without getting caught being suspicious.

He focused. He made sure that he could feel each grip of his magic holding a strand.

He pulled. And the reactions his four victims had all happened at the same time.

"Ah!" Chrysalis yelped.

"Eep!" Cozy slightly leaped.

"What the-" Tirek muttered.

"What happened?" Leo asked, after he yelped and slightly jumped. "I just felt a prick on my head.

"Me too..." Cozy muttered loudly.

"Same," Chrysalis admitted.

"I felt it from my back," spoke Tirek.

Sombra stopped and scanned the area around his front view. He still felt his magic grip, he just had to directly see what he got quickly.

Sombra immediately saw four small dots that were the color of his disguised magic aura, and he brought them close to him. He could identify the color of the hair strands and fur strand, and he slipped them in his satchel.

"One last thing to go..." Sombra muttered to himself.

He picked up the pace.

"It's lucky how I'm not noti-"

He saw Chrysalis look behind her, before whispering to Tirek.

Sombra was fast enough to quickly snap another photo when Tirek turned his head. He wasn't with any of his foes for long, but he knew there were smart. He just hoped that the power of friendship made them more gullible.

He snapped a few unneeded photos of the area before he turned his head back. His targets were still walking with the guards... and they were farther than he thought!

He started to continue following them, this time putting on more of an act. Looking around, looking amazed, and snapping photos. Every once in a while, he'd look back.

Soon, they all finally reached the castle. While everyone stopped, Sombra came closer.

He saw the guards part.


Leo...


The guards escorting us parted, but we didn't see the princess. Instead, there were four more guards, but the two middle ones stood closer.

"Is she... here?" Chrysalis asked.

"Indeed, I am..." a voice said. I heard the sounds of hoofsteps, and I turned my head. More guards landed on the ground around us, surrounding us and the six other guards.

"What's going on?" Cozy whispered.

The four guards parted, and a mare I recognized stepped forward with what looked to be a serious expression. I recognized this mare... the mane, and the color of her coat were all giveaways that this was Flurry Heart... all grown up.  She had some silver regalia on.

"Chrysalis... Tirek... Cozy Glow... and the one they call 'Leo'..."

We all had no idea where this was going. Was she one of those against our freedom? Did she have a grudge?

What she did next gave our answer. Her mouth curved into an excited smile.

"Welcome to the Empire!" she chirped happily with excitement.

And we all felt more calm.


...
...


"So... how long have you been interested in meeting us?" Tirek asked.

"I've actually been interested in meeting you four for a while," said Flurry Heart. "I just didn't know when would be the right time, and I was just very busy. Being a Princess isn't a piece of cake, after all."

While they conversed, Sombra was finally close enough.

"A whole circle of guards won't stop me..." he muttered. "But there's so many eyes... no... Sombra, you are a King! You take risks..."

Sombra moved to the side a bit, very carefully. He could easily be seen by some of the guards. he had to seem natural. He looked to the side and took a photo. He also waved to some of the crystal ponies that were nearby, as much as he hated it. He hid behind a spot where the guards had a lesser chance of seeing him. He lifted his camera... Leo was in a perfect shot! He zoomed in, and...

"Hey," a voice said behind him. "Are you a photographer?"

Sombra turned his head behind him. He saw two crystal ponies, whom he assumed were a couple.

"Yes!" Sombra said. "And I'm very busy."

"Taking pictures of... them?" the female pony said.

"I want a picture of them for my scrapbook... and also..." he turned his head. Something rang in his mind... one of his biggest goals that he had set were completely overlooked. He turned his head. Right next to the group shone the Crystal Heart.

"The Crystal Heart..." he whispered.

"That?" the stallion pony pointed to the heart.

"Yes, I've... wanted a photo for my scrapbook... hey, why did you approach me, anyway?"

"Well, we've wondered why you're taking photos like you're a spy?" the mare said.

"Oh, that? I've... um... I just act like that. No big deal."

He turned his head, and he saw his enemies being escorted.

"Oh, would you look at the time?" Sombra quickly said. "I've gotta go!"

He turned to run, but as he began to run, he suddenly lost balance and fell. His camera smashed on the ground.

"AGH! NO!!!" he shrieked.

"Oh no!" the stallion exclaimed, both of them coming over to Sombra. "Are you alright?"

"I just smashed my camera!" he hissed. "I can't complete my goals!"

"Well, that's fine," the mare assured. "Tell you what... you can come with us and we get a new camera."

"No thanks..." Sombra growled, turning and stomping. "I have most of what I need..."

"Are you sure?" the stallion asked. "We insist."

Sombra looked left. Then he looked right. Any ponies and creatures around were to busy frolicking to notice what he was going to do. He then looked at where the enemies were going. They were making a turn, and so they wouldn't notice him either.

He gazed at the couple sharply, his eyes glowing green with rage. The ponies in front of suddenly looked more dull, and their eyes were green.

"Return home..." he growled. "Go to bed! When you wake up, you will be out of your trance and you won't remember any of this! Oh, and don't let anyone see your eyes. I don't know how you'll do it, just do it!"

The two ponies turned and left.

"Grogar won't be too happy... but we've made progress..."

He looked at the crystal heart.

"Soon, you'll be mine..."


Later...


"This place is great!" I admired while we all sat in the throne room. "Thank you again for inviting us."

"No problem!" Flurry smiled. "It's nice having visitors."

"I do wonder though..." Cozy started. "Last I remember, weren't you only a foal twenty years ago? Did your parents decide to pass the throne early to you or something?"

Flurry's smiling face suddenly seemed more feigned.

"Heh... um... you see..." she stammered. "It's complicated. I don't... want to talk much about it."

Chrysalis and Tirek exchanged worried glances.

"Um... changing the subject..." Flurry nervously chuckled, her smile now seeming a bit more real. "Leo and Cozy... how skilled are you in your magical abilities?"

"We're still a work in progress in magic, but it's going good," Cozy explained.

"Any complicated spells?" Flurry asked.

"Well, Cozy did shrink us once..." I gave her a glare.

"We're fine now, aren't we?"

"Learning complicated spells is a hard task, isn't it?" Flurry asked. "But you'll get the hang of it. It took me a while to learn this spell..."

Flurry Heart lit her horn, the yellow glow illuminating. It suddenly shifted into a pink color. I expected something to happen, mainly a love spell, but nothing happened. Instead, her horn soon dimmed.

"Um... what was... that?" Tirek asked.

"Love scanner," answered Flurry. "It detects beings who have... you know... a crush on each other. And I just detected two beings who have feelings for each other."

"Who is it?" Cozy asked, giving a sly look at Chrysalis.

I looked at Chrysalis, and then Tirek. Both of them looked like they were thinking Oh no... at the same time.

Flurry lifted a hoof. "Those two."

We all looked, and saw two guards, both stallions, looking at the Princess with wide eyes. They then looked at each other, and then looked back at the Princess with red cheeks.

"A-anyone else?" Chrysalis asks. 

"It can detect more than one set of crushes, but I'm still working on that. I've actually still been... heh...still working on the spell."

"You got lucky..." I heard Cozy mumble.


Train Station... the next morning.


"Do you promise you'll come back?" Flurry asked us as we stood in front of the train.

"Of course," Chrysalis responds.

"We'll happily come back anytime," Tirek states.

"Thanks again for the invite," Cozy says, before turning and going into the train.

"Anytime. I hope we meet soon," I heard Flurry say as I turned and entered the train. I heard Chrysalis and Tirek follow me.

We all sat down in a spot. Once we sat down, the doors closed since we were the last ones in. Cozy and I turned and looked out the window as the train began moving. Flurry Heart waved goodbye, and we shared the gesture.


Grogar...


"Well, it's about time..." Grogar growled as King Sombra entered the lair. "You should have been back here yesterday!!!"

"What? A king can't get a break and plot on his own?" Sombra replied. "I didn't get everything.

"You what?!?!" Grogar hissed.

"Relax. It's only one picture," Sombra opened his satchel, took out a brown strand of hair, and stepped forward... before he tripped. His magical grip faded around the air and took the strand away.

Grogar snatched the satchel.

"Do you ever pay attention?" he snapped.

"I've paid attention very well until I've been put in a spot where I work and don't lead!"

"Put up that tone again and it's back to the aether!" Grogar threatened. He looked in the satchel. "Well... because you lost that strand of hair presumably from that stallion alicorn, we have nothing from him. Luckily, we have everything we need for the other three."

"Should we start with them?"

"No," Grogar shook his head. "I want to wait. That alicorn got lucky before..."

Grogar looked in his crystal ball, showing all of his enemies sitting together in a train.

"...but he won't escape. Neither will Twilight Sparkle. Neither will their friends. Neither will Equestria."
> Episode 14: The One Where Tirek’s Alone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis waved goodbye as Leo and Cozy walked away from the castle.

"Come back safe!" she calls out before she turns and closes the castle doors behind her.

When Chrysalis turned, Tirek was coming down the stairs.

"What's going on?" he asks.

"Oh, um... they're going to the arcade. They're even bringing their own bits."

"I see..."

Silence.

"Hey, Tirek?" Chrysalis spoke seconds later. They were alone. She felt her heart beat faster with the familiar thoughts of her crush in her head.

"Yes?"

"I... um..." Come on, Chrysalis! Tell him!!! "I..."

Tirek looked at her... was he expecting her to say something?

"I... have to go to lunch with Starlight Glimmer!"

I choked.

"Oh, right..." Tirek replied, before scratching the back of his head. "I... remember hearing you two discuss that."

"Yes, yes..."

"Is there... anything you need to get?" Tirek questioned.

"I don't... know..." the changeling mumbled. She backed up, her rump bumping into the door. "I'm just... gonna go."

Chrysalis lit her horn, and before Tirek could say anything, she teleported in a blue spark. Tirek saw a dim blue light burst from the gap between the two doors, and then he heard fast running.

Tirek turned around.

For the first time in a while, he was completely alone. Tartarus didn't count, as he had the company of Cerberus and other prisoners. And when he was at the Canterlot Garden to meet up with Scorpan, there was quite a few visitors.

But Tirek wasn't afraid. He's just fine. He doesn't fear being alone...does he?

"Well, Tirek, you're alone..." he mumbled. "For the first time, away from all of your friends... it's fine..."

He facepalmed. 

"What are you even worrying about!?" he growls to himself, before he started to pace. "You've got muscles... muscles that you still work on expanding not just for your figure... but to impress the beautiful queen living in this very castle! You can do this... in fact... before they go home, I'll have a great big meal prepared for her and theponies! Yes... work out, and cook... it's perfect! What could go wrong?"

Tirek stopped, and once again scanned the empty room.

He sighed, looking uncertain.

"You can't even cook..." he groans.


...
Intro
...


"It's about time we finally go to this place," I say. "We've passed it, but never got to go. I wonder how long it was here, anyway..."

"I've been told it was here for ten years," Cozy replied. "By my classmates."

"Alright, I'm going to be honest..." I cleared my throat. "I honestly can't believe that it's been 20 years, and yet Equestria is still in an era where arcade machines are the main go-to for video games. I mean, where I came from, it didn't even take ten years before humans made consoles, which went with TV's... I guess Equestria is slower in production?"

"Well, there are some handheld devices. And besides, you've brought phones to this world."

"I know... it's just funny on how while Equestria is at equal or even superior advancement in some subjects, they're behind in the manner of technology."

"You never know..." Cozy shrugged. "Maybe the first TV's have been made. Maybe they're more common in cities like Manehatten. Look, you've already brought over the concept of phones, so if TV's haven't been made, either the phones will pave the way, or you can spread the concept. But remember, we shouldn't let focus on tech outweigh focus on magic."

"I guess you're right... anyways, looks like we're here."

Our conversation came to a halt as we started to advance closer to a decent-sized building. I was indeed curious how it was gonna look.

We opened the door, and our eyes went wide.

There were many colored lights inside, giving the building a retro-feel. But that wasn't all... there was something on a wall with some couches on the center. And what it was.... was a TV. It wasn't an oldie, (a box TV), but it wasn't a modern-Earth one either. Judging from what it was, it looked like a 2000s TV that goes on a wall. 

"No TV's you say..." Cozy gave me a smirk.

"I've never been in a building with a TV. How was I supposed to know."

"You didn't notice the TV in the lobbies of the buildings we visited while looking for my family?"

"There were TV's there?" I was surprised I didn't notice.

"I'm surprised you didn't notice," Cozy said, repeating my thoughts. 

"Alright, so they have TV's... but they're not like the very high-tech modern ones in my world. And we still don't have confirmation on consoles."

Cozy Glow turned her head and noticed a stack of papers. Lighting her horn, the piece of paper on top gave off a red glow, and levitated over to her.

She snorted, as if she was holding back laughter.

"What?" I ask.

She showed me the flyer. It was a flyer advertising a console... for video games.

"Whatever..." I mutter. "The 3D graphics are similar to 1990s Earth consoles, anyway..."

"We haven't really payed much attention to this world... what's funnier is that we've been out a lot."

"I guess... but it still feels like someone randomly dropping things in a story, either for the heck of it, or to make more sense..."

Every pony and creature in the room, including Cozy Glow, paused what they were doing and looked at me. 

"I get it! I get it!" I exclaimed. 

Cozy giggled.

"Come on... lets go play some games."

She started forward. I immediately followed.


Chrysalis... minutes later...


Chrysalis arrived at the restaurant. Starlight told her that she would go to the restaurant earlier and grab them a seat. 

She opened the door and stepped inside. She didn't even need to look around. She saw her former rival in a seat nearby.

"Hi." A griffon approached Chrysalis. It looks like creatures other than ponies worked there. Nice touch. "How many are coming?"

"I'm actually with her." Chrysalis pointed a hoof at Starlight, who waved.

"Alright. Right this way."

Although Chrysalis didn't really need to be led, she didn't mind. She followed the griffon, and when she was at the booth, Chrysalis seated herself across from Starlight.

"You're waiter will be here in a minute to get you drinks." 

Chrysalis looked at Starlight as the griffon left.

"I insisted on waiting to get something until you came."

"Um... thank you." Chrysalis replied.

"So, what's new?" asked Starlight.

"Oh, nothing much. I'm a little more at peace with myself."

"That's good to hear. How?"

"Just... a little changeling activity. Helped me feel better about me. It's complicated."

"You don't have to share if you don't want to."

"Well, it's actually a long story... technically not long."


Tirek...


Tirek stepped out of his workplace area, and rolled his head around until he heard a pop in his neck. He didn't exercise for too long. He decided to get started with his kitchen work early. He ventured through the long corridors before he soon found what he was looking for: the kitchen.

Eventually, he found it, and took stock of the food.

"Hmmm... let's see here..." he muttered. "I have what I need for sandwiches... but I want to make it more special... maybe a stew? I have enough for stew..."

He went and checked out some cookbooks that Chrysalis purchased.

"Something nice, but not too complicated..."

After flipping through a few pages, Tirek sighed.

"This will take a while..."


...
...


Chrysalis and Starlight were doing pretty good jobs at occupying each other as they ate their food.

"These devices are quite impressive..." Starlight admired, holding a phone in her magic. "How were these made?"

"Cloning," Chrysalis shrugged. "If you want one for study, Tirek and I can get one literally under a minute."

"And that 'Leo' pony has the original one... impressive. Though I will ask: what is this internet? And why do some things take very slow to load?"

"According to Leo, you require internet to do some things. We're hoping to figure out how to do it soon. I'm not sure if we're losing time or not, but considering everyone is so impressed with this kind of technology, I'd say we have a week or two before they get impatient and want to try the internet-required items."

"I see..."

"So, Starlight, tell me a bit about yourself."

Starlight chuckled and scratched the back of her head with a hoof.

"Well, aside from being a Headmare, I'm also a mother."

"Really? Who's the kid?" Chrysalis asked. 

"Her name is Luster-"

"Luster? Luster Dawn?!"

"Yes."

"How come both of you never told me?!"

"If it helps, I didn't say anything because I thought she already did," Starlight said in her defense. "And all those times we'd briefly see each other in the mornings and evenings, we'd never end up crossing to that subject. Plus, I never have dinner with you four because the School of Friendship has gotten far busier since I became Headmare."

"Who's the father?" asked Chrysalis.

"Her father... and my special somepony... is Sunburst."

"Him?!? I should have known... their cutie marks have odd resemblance. And for you, you never told me you two were intimate."

"Again... we've never crossed that ground, and we'd rarely meet because of how much work we do."

"Are you sure it's that, or is it because you two go out a lot?"

"I-" Starlight stopped herself. "Alright, maaaaaaybe I'm home late because we both go out to dinner a lot. Trixie comes too, but mainly so we can do a bit of magic training at the school on her way back."

"You could have told us, and not that you're home late. What were your intentions?"

"Um..." Starlight slightly lowered her head. "There were none..."

Chrysalis facehoofed.

"Look..." Starlight sighed. "I'm sorry, alright? Really, I am. If it helps, you tell me one thing you've either lied about or kept secret. That way it's fair."

"Er-well... alright, but only because it's fair."

Chrysalis looked to her left, and then to her right, as if someone was watching her.

"I... may have a crush on Tirek."

"Aha! I knew it..." Starlight hoof-pumped.

"You knew?!" Chrysalis asked.

"Are you kidding? It was obvious, since half the time Tirek talks, you'd give him a dreamy glare."

Chrysalis bit her lower lip and blushed.

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me," Starlight promised.

"Thank you..." the pink left Chrysalis' face. "But I'm still telling the other three that you lied to us."

"Alright, alright... only because they need to know. Say, how are Leo and Cozy anyway?"

"They're doing great," Chrysalis smiled. "They get along so well. They're at the arcade right now."


Leo and Cozy...


"Well... that's it for me," I muttered, as the words Game Over appeared on my screen.

"You did well," Cozy assured, sitting in a seat a decent distance from the machines.

"Yeah, I know..." I sat down in the seat next to hers. "Your turn."

Cozy got up, and took a bit out of the bag in front of our benches. She put the gold coin in, and her turn started.

For a few minutes, I watched. She was doing pretty well.

"I'm going to get a snack," I soon said, before getting up. "Meet me there if you lose."

"Alright," Cozy replied, eyes glued to the game.

I grabbed the bag of bits. I went over, only to be greeted with a line of seven.

I hated long lines. They always felt like forever. But considering that I sometimes do things that I usually don't do, I stayed. 

As time passed, the line shortened.

Strange... I thought. She's been playing for seven minutes, the amount of time it took for me to lose... she must be doing better than I am.

I soon got my snack, and she wasn't back yet. When I returned to the spot, she was still playing. 

"You're still going? On that one bit?" I asked.

"Yep..." Cozy replied.

"You know..." I turned my head and saw the pony sweeping up garbage nearby. "That high-score hasn't been beaten in a while. If that kid beats it, I'd be impressed."

Do I smell a fictional scenario coming on? 

"What's the high-score?" I ask.

"975350"

"Jeez!" I exclaim.

"I know, right?"

I looked at Cozy's gameplay. I went closer and looked at the score.

563150.

This kid was on fire!


Tirek...


Tirek opened the kitchen doors, only to be completely engulfed in black smoke.

He coughed, waving around his large arms.

He squinted open his eyes. The pots were bursting with flames, and so was the oven. The whole kitchen was a mess, and things were scattered everywhere.

Tirek frantically searched for something to extinguish the fire. He managed to grab a cup and fill it with water. He opened the oven and tossed it, but the flames instead roared, causing Tirek to jump back.

"This is becoming a disaster..." he groaned.


...
...


"Well, I've had enough..." Chrysalis put down her fork.

"I'm glad you liked the food," Starlight grinned.

The waitress went over to the table.

"Did you enjoy your food?" she asked.

"Very much," nodded Chrysalis.

"Great. Here's your bill," she said politely, before placing it. "Be sure to pay when you're ready."

"Will do," Starlight agrees.

The waitress walked away.

Starlight looked at the bill, and began to grab her bag to get the needed amount of bits.

"Let me..." Chrysalis picked up her own bag.

"No need. Let me," Starlight proceeded.

"Alright, how about this... we pay 50/50."

Starlight chuckled. "Alright."

She took out the amount of bits that would pay for half the food. Chrysalis did the same. 

"It was nice to get to know you," said Chrysalis as she and Starlight got off their seats. "We should do this again."

"Absolutely," Starlight replied.


At the arcade...


So... Cozy didn't lose. She was still going. Although it was disappointing that a large crowd didn't group, a few ponies and creatures that passed would wish Cozy good luck when they were told on what was happening. I guess they played this game as well.

The score was going up, and Cozy was on her last life.

"You got this..." I muttered.

"Don't distract me!" Cozy warned.

She was nearing the goal.

I was shifting between watching the score and watching Cozy's gameplay.

And then, when I looked at Cozy's gameplay, something happened.

Her sprite did something that it was not supposed to do.

And the words Game Over flashed on the screen.

I looked at the score.

975360

Cozy won by ten points.

"You won!" I exclaimed.

"I did it!" Cozy shrieked.

We bumped hooves.


Minutes later...

We walked out of the arcade.

"Would you consider that a short visit?" I asked.

"Depends on the point of view," Cozy shrugged.

"Hey... I'm proud of you, kid."

"Thanks."

We talked, resuming our trek through town. Soon, the castle came into view.

"Hey!" a voice yelled.

We turned our heads. Chrysalis was nearby. We waved back, and she ran over to us.

"How was the arcade?"

"Good," said Cozy. "I got a very high-score on one of the games."

"Really? Nice."

"How was lunch?" I asked.

"Interesting. We've learned plenty about each-other."

"Looks like we've both had activities that played out well in the end," said Cozy.

We advanced closer to the castle.

"I wonder how Tirek's doing..." I say.

Just then, the doors bursts open, and Tirek dashes out. He leapt off the stairs and landed on the ground. He dashed right for us, and we all were suddenly encased in an orange glow. Tirek stopped in front of us, brought us to him, bunched us together, and lifted an orange shield.

We then heard a KABOOM, and chunks of the castle burst out the side, and a few small chunks flew out the door as well.

"What... happened?" Chrysalis asked.


Inside...


We all stood in the kitchen... or what was left of it. A large gaping hole was where the stove was, and junk was scattered everywhere. 

"So... you were trying to cook for us?" inquired Chrysalis. I couldn't tell if she was angry or shocked.

"Mhm..." Tirek nods.

"What... what were you trying to cook?" Cozy sputtered.

Tirek chuckled.

"Stew... and casserole."

We were silent.

"Dear Celestia..." I muttered.

"So... should we sleep here?" Cozy questioned.

"I... don't even know..." Chrysalis shook her head. "It's going to take a large construction team to repair this, if they are even able to. Who knows if it's irreplaceable? At least there isn't damage in any other rooms..."

"Well... let me say this... I've definitely learned something today," admitted Tirek.

"What's that?" I ask.

"That I... am a very bad cook."

Our frowns faded and we all laughed.

Tirek wiped a tear from his eye. "Anyway... I'm truly sorry."

"Oh, it's fine," Chrysalis assured. "You were just trying to be thoughtful. Though it's going to have to be a rule that you don't cook anymore."

"Oh I agree!"

We were silent again.

"Oh, by the way, I think there are some things I need to tell you about Starlight Glimmer," Chrysalis piped.

We all looked at her.
> Episode 15: The Good, the Bad, and the Redeemed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The castle doors opened, and we all walked out.

"*sigh...* Another day, another sunshine, am I right?" Chrysalis beamed.

"I'm not sure if that makes sense..." I mutter.

"Well, either way, a trot through town in nice weather is always relaxing."

"To you, it is..." I reply. "I'm not one for walks."

SPLAT! CRUNCH!

"Ack!"

I lower my  head and raise my suddenly wet, sore, and sticky hoof. Yellow and white slime oozed down it. Not only that, but it was sore and had some super small hard white fragments.

I immediately knew it was an egg.

"Are you ok?!?" Tirek bent down and looked at my hoof.

"I'm fine... just startled. Why is there an egg here?"

"Um... guys?" Cozy began. "You may want to turn around..."

We all turned around and gasped. The castle was all covered in eggs, and images of the three former villains were spray-painted onto the castle, and crossed out. Whoever did this probably did it when we were sleeping. And considering we slept in, Starlight and the others were gone.

"Who..." Chrysalis put her hooves over her mouth. If she didn't try to become fully at peace, she'd probably be more mad. "Who did this?!"

I saw one of the doors slightly close, and I saw something nailed on it. I went over and took the paper off the wall.

"What does it say?" Tirek asked.

I read the message written on the paper.

"Go back to your stone prison, villains..." I crumpled up the paper. "Well... should have seen this coming."

"Well, what are we going to do?" Cozy asked.

"I don't know..." Chrysalis muttered. "For a while, it was obvious that there were still many out there with grudges against us. I guess they finally decided to do something. Question is... are they individuals, or are they separate groups, or are they one big group?"

"At least it's not like with the Grogar incident..." I mumble. "They don't want to use the distrust of you all as an act, so they can take Equestria. This is just regular protests against you all being around."

"Should we be worried about the Princess?" Tirek questioned. 

"I think we should send her a warning letter, just to be sure," Chrysalis suggested. "Only time will tell, after that."

Chrysalis sighed when we all turned around to re-enter the castle. "I guess a walk isn't a good idea after all..."

"We got through in the past, we can get through again," Tirek encouraged.

"But this is a sign that the ponies and creatures against us are starting to get impatient..." she pointed out. "Something tells me that if we do go out, we'll need to be cautious."

The castle doors closed behind us.


...
Intro...
...


The letter whisked away in ruby-colored flames.

"And the letter is sent," Cozy nodded.

"Not bad," Tirek nodded with approval. 

"Thanks!" Cozy smiled. "Only took me thirty minutes to fully learn the spell."

"We're gonna have to clean the place before we go out again..." I groaned.

"It won't be too bad!" Chrysalis encouraged.

"Tell that to the size of the castle..." I mutter. "Besides, I can't fly."

"Yeah, we really need to practice that," Cozy pointed out.

A letter suddenly burst in green flames. I guess Spike sent that. 

"The Princess' dragon must have sent that..." Tirek brought the letter to him, and opened it. "*ahem*... 

Dear Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy, and Leo...

I am aware that residents are starting to get impatient and upset at your presence. However, so far, nopony or creature holds any grudge or blame on me. I will try to resolve the issues if they get out of hoof. I will be sure that none of you are put in any danger. For now, try to ignore anyone who tries to start something. I wouldn't go too far in trying to prove yourselves, but maybe some good deeds wouldn't be such a bad idea. As for you, Leo, although you were never a villain, you might as well do what the other three do, since you are with them. Or there may be other circumstances, too.

Also, on an unrelated note, I am letting you know in advance that Luster Dawn and one of her friends is coming over to the castle. I trust that you will make them feel welcome. They arrive at 12:30.

Best Regards,

Princess Twilight Sparkle 

"Well, at least the Princess is safe," I shrug. 

"Luster's coming over with a friend?" Chrysalis said. "That's nice. I wonder why nopony here brought it up."

"The decision for them to come here was probably enforced today," said Tirek. "Back on the subject, it's a good thing the Princess will keep things in check."

"I agree," Chrysalis nods. "It's simple, too... avoid any aggression, passive or not."

"Well, obviously," I chuckle. "How would it be hard?"

"Hey, the Princess said that Luster was coming at 12:30. What time is it?" Cozy asked.

Tirek looked at a nearby clock on the wall.

"12:29. She may be here any minute."

"I haven't met Luster yet," I stated. "Meeting her while she's hypnotized doesn't count."

"Too bad we didn't have time to clean... Hopefully, she and her friend will be fine with helping us..." Chrysalis said.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Well... only one way to find out..." I say. "I'll go get it."

I left the room, and went down the hallways. It surprised me that I knew my way around the place, and to the exit/entrance.

I opened the large doors, and right behind those doors stood two ponies.

I immediately recognized one of them... she was Luster Dawn. However, the other one caught me by surprise. I expected to see one of Luster's friends that she met when the MLP show ended. But instead, there stood a stallion that I don't remember ever seeing.

He was taller than me by a... I guess I can say a foot. Mainly because of his tall legs and his large body. This stallion, a unicorn, had a horn as long as Luna's! His mane Was red, though I realized it was the outline of the mane, while the center of the mane (on the side) was black. Same applied for the tail. I leaned a bit to see his cutie mark, and it showed an image of a bursting volcano.

"Oh, hey! You must be Leo!" Luster waved a hoof. 

"And you're Luster Dawn," I reply. "It's nice to meet you when... um... you're not under some sort of hypnotic spell."

Luster sheepishly smiled.

"And who's your friend?" I ask.

"Magma Burn. Pleased to meet you," he held out a hoof, and I bumped it in typical guy fashion.

"Sorry about the mess..." I begin. "We woke up with the castle like this."

"I wouldn't mind helping you clean," Luster offered. "Would you be fine with it too?"

"Absolutely!" Magma nodded.

"Awesome! I was actually going to ask you for help anyway. Please, come in."

I turned and led them inside.

"I'll lead you to where the others are, if that's fine. We'll probably do some stuff that we can agree on before we clean the castle," I said.

"Sounds good to me," replied Luster.

Magma Burn said nothing.

Soon, we arrived at our designated room. The doors opened, and the three former villains greeted us.

"Luster!"  Cozy. "Who's your friend?"

"Magma Burn," Magma answered.

"Cool name," Cozy beamed.

"Well, I guess we should get comfortable," Luster told Magma. "Though the last time I've been here, I haven't seen much. I would like to look around."

"Want me to help?" I offered.

"Sure."

"Oh, um... I'll stay here," Magma insisted.

Luster cocked a brow.

"Really? You don't want to explore?"

"I insist. Maybe I can explore later."

Luster shrugged.

"Alright then... if you say so."

"Where do you wanna go first?" I ask as we turn around.

"I actually want to see the cutie map again," Luster said before the doors closed behind us.


(Former) Legion of Doom...


When the doors closed, Magma Burn shifted his gaze back to the former villains. They seemed shocked when he expressed nothing but anger and disgust.

"So, you three are the ones who nearly brought Equestria to an end..." he bitterly hissed with venom.  "It’s amazing how my friend, that stallion Alicorn, and even the Princess, all fell for your evil tricks."

The former villains blinked.

"Um... what?" Tirek uttered, confused at what he just heard.


...
...


"You heard me..." Magma growled. "When Luster Dawn told me she redeemed you all, I didn't believe it. I assumed you three tricked the poor mare into thinking that you've changed. And then, when Grogar came along, you three decided to fight with him to prove that you all are Equestria's most powerful beings, and the rightful rulers. And not only that, but it would solidify your reputation, so your foul plans wouldn't be suspected."

"That's... not true at all," Cozy defended. 

"It isn't? Please... I see it. You three are just waiting until all are vulnerable, so you can finally catch them by surprise! You three are the reasons why I've been gathering ponies and creatures with my point of view to finally persuade the princess that all you've done was for a lie! And not just you! Even Luster's own mother. I feel sorry for Luster... having a mother like her. Same with her godmare, Trixie. The list goes on. There are many who deserve justice, and think that they're too smart for me!"

"But-" Tirek started.

"Enough! Your lies won't work on me!" Magma barked. "What about that alicorn? Is he with you? Is he your ally, or some poor brainwashed prisoner?!"

"He's our friend!" Chrysalis rebutted. "And you're missing the big picture, here! You're not understanding! Just because somepony or creature did villainous things doesn't mean that they're villains for life! We're better now!"

Magma Burn stomped his hoof.

"Don't you see it? I'm a thousand times better than you three could have ever been! Better than you in every single way!!"


Leo and Luster...


"So... how long have you known Magma Burn?" I ask.

"Oh... for a while," Luster admitted. "Since we were young, actually. But since my views on friendship were complicated, I didn't really consider him a friend until two months ago. He's a pretty good pony, though... I'm not sure how I feel about bringing him here."

"What do you mean?"

"When he's around ponies or creatures that were once evil... he becomes an entirely different pony. He holds a burning hatred for anything evil, and wants justice. He wants it gone. I usually don't want him near anyone who was once evil, especially my mother. So when he found out that I reformed Chrysalis, Cozy, and Tirek when the news spread, he was very cautious of me and even heartbroken, because he assumed they did something to me... and he cares about me a lot. Eventually, things between us returned to normal when he finally came to the conclusion that I was simply tricked by the three... even though I wasn't. He still acted suspicious of me from time to time, but things were fine. When I decided to come here to visit, Magma wasn't all to pleased and wanted to come to protect me. I insisted that instead of protecting me, he tries to make friends with the three, including you, since he has complicated views on you too. He refused at first, but when I asked him to at least do it for me, he reluctantly agreed. Though... even though he cares about me... I'm not really sure if he'll hold his promise."

I stopped, and so did Luster.

"You at least didn't warn me?" I asked, slightly panicked.

"Well... I'm sorry, alright? I just thought that maybe I could convince him to at least give it a try... maybe, though, we should meet back up."

"I agree!" 

And I started down the hall, a bit faster than earlier. Luster followed at the same speed I was going.


Meanwhile...


"Look, I understand that you're skeptical, and we all expected there would be ponies like this," Cozy said. "But can't you give us a chance? The Princess did!"

"The Princess was lied to!" Magma hissed. "So we decided to take matters into our own hands!"

"We?" Chrysalis asked.

"Yes. Me and a few others, who had the same beliefs. Our goal is to prove your villainy, even if we have to poke the bear like last night!"

"The vandalism..." Tirek realized. "That was you?"

"Not exactly," Magma admitted. "I stayed behind, while the true heroes did all of this, to get you all to fess up and show your true nature. And if you'd hide it, you'd probably hunt each of us down and brainwash us."

"You wouldn't look good to the community," Cozy explained.

"Sometimes, you have to be the bad guy to be good... now, listen here! I am going to prove to this world that you three are still wretches, and always will be! And if you still hide your true nature, I'll get rid of you myself! My magic, is something that you wouldn't want to mess with! So enjoy freedom while it lasts!"

Magma turned around and stomped out the room, slamming open the doors. He turned his head to the left.

And there, he saw Luster and the alicorn, who appeared startled at the opening doors.

"You go talk to him," the stallion alicorn whispered loudly. "I'll go meet up with them."

And the alicorn ran forward, past Magma Burn, and into the room.

"I... take it it didn't go well?" Luster asked.

"Let's take this somewhere else..." Magma said, before walking past Luster.

And Luster Dawn followed.


...
...


"So... didn't go well?" I ask.

"You're not wrong..." Tirek muttered. 

"Luster told me how he feels to villains, reformed or not," I explain. "And I heard the shouting."

"I... don't know how to feel about this anymore," Cozy said. "This is worse than some glares. He wants us gone."

"He's misunderstood..." Chrysalis muttered, earning our attention. "He doesn't see it. He's a good pony, but... something happened to him. Something that we'll find out some day... I hope."

"I wonder how Luster is doing..." I pondered.


Meanwhile...


"This is far enough..." Magma said, stopping. Luster stopped, too.

"You promised me you'd try!" Luster exclaimed.

"I know..." Magma brooded. "But just seeing them... the anger came back. Luster, I don't trust them. You should have known that it wouldn't play out well! That my anger is strong... I wanted to do it. But the fact I want them gone is stronger. Justice has to be served, and it has to be this way! I can't fake being their friend, if they're just going to take over and betray us all."

"They won't do that," Luster promised. "Trust me."

Magma shook his head.

"You don't understand," he said. "All I see in them is villainy. All my stomach tells me is that they're up to something. And I want to find out what!"

"I'm not going to let you search this castle for something. You're not going to find anything. Magma, you're my friend, but if you keep this up, you'll take it too far. You're not a bad pony, and they aren't bad either."

Magma sighed.

"You know why it's hard for me to accept it."

And Luster knew that was true.


Later...


After a while, the doors opened and Luster stepped in. Magma Burn was not there.

"So... what's going on?" Cozy asked.

"Magma and I are going to leave," Luster told us. "Let me explain... I had to choose between Magma, or you. And I chose him. But it doesn't mean I'm done being your friend. Listen very carefully... I didn't do it just because I'm his friend. I chose because he's misguided. I'm going to try and get through with him. He doesn't understand yet. So... do you trust me?"

We were all silent, before Tirek spoke.

"You've helped us understand friendship..." he started. "If you can change villains like us, you can change confused ponies like him. I trust you."

"We all do," Chrysalis spoke for us.

"Will you ever even explain why your still friends with him despite his views?" Cozy asked.

Luster sighed.

"It's complicated... and it's private. Maybe... if I can get through with him... he can explain everything himself."

Luster turned back and left the room, but before she closed the doors, she looked back at us and smiled.

"I know this isn't really goodbye... but take care. And wish me luck."

"Good luck," I say, waving my hoof.

And Luster closed the doors behind her.


Later (again...)


We all watched as Luster and Magma went further from the castle. I could have sworn I saw Magma give one last glare at the castle, but I brushed it off.

"Well... that was one chaotic hour," I chuckle .

"Do you think we'll encounter him again?" Cozy asks.

"I don't think we will. I know we will," Tirek says. "Whether she actually makes him understand is the true mystery."

"A very valid point," Chrysalis admired. 

"It's too bad we don't have those extra hooves to clean up now..." Cozy muttered.

"Well, darn..." I mutter. "I'll go get the cleaning supplies..."

I turned and left to grab the cleaning supplies.

This was going to be a long afternoon, and possibly evening... and even though we have magic, and a changeling that can transform... it's still going to take quite a while.
> Episode 16: The Storm That Casts a Shadow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a peaceful day today. So peaceful that Chrysalis decided that we'd all go on a walk in the Everfree Forest, and we'd also visit the Treehouse of Harmony (that was Cozy's idea, which gave Chrysalis the idea for a walk).

I was in the forest before, when I was being chased by large swamp monsters. But now that I wasn't in danger, I was able to take in my surroundings a bit better. And let me just say... this forest is creepy. Though at the same time, it wasn't too frightening. Definitely better and less creepy since it's day.

"This place is creepy..." Cozy muttered, putting my earlier thought into words.

"Well, at least we're out during the day..." I mutter. "I can't imagine what it will be like during the night."

Probably not creepy as the show perceived it to be, aside from some higher chances of encountering dangerous creatures. But then again, this was on TV. I'm living in their world right now, so it would probably be different.

"I, for one, think it's a great example of nature," Chrysalis admired, being the recently converted changeling that she is. "The last time I was here, I obviously didn't care at all."

"And the creatures?" asked Tirek, not that he was afraid, though he was clearly wanting to be informed for the sake of our safety.

"There are always exceptions," Chrysalis shrugged. "That is, when they're angry or hungry."

"Or hangry," I pointed out.

"What he said," Tirek agreed.

"So, is there going to be some place to stop for a moment?" Cozy asked. "I'm hoping to have a few of those snacks you brought."

"Actually..." Chrysalis stopped walking, so we all stopped too. "... we're already there."

In front of us, the trail kept going, though dividing the trail in two was a large patch of ground that had no trees, almost like a campsite. There were some scattered logs. I picked one up, and there was the faded image of an evil changeling on it.

I looked at Chrysalis. "You were here before, weren't you?"

Chrysalis blushed. "Maybe."

"Let's just... um..." Tirek picked up some of the logs with his magic and tossed them into the woods. "...set those aside, and eat."

Chrysalis opened her basket, and took out a blanket. None of them noticed someone unsees watching them from the distance.

"Would you call this a picnic?" they heard Leo ask, unaware of it's precense.

The figure then disappeared behind the bushes.



...
Intro
...



We all relaxed, eating our food, and talking.

"...so, if we're something that was perceived as a human's idea..." Tirek said. "Doesn't that mean we didn't exist until the idea of us came up."

"I think Equestria existed like every other place, but sometimes, the idea of existence is put in someone's head, and it's interpreted as a fictional idea," I explained. "After all, life works in many ways."

"Equestria is a place of magic..." Chrysalis agreed.

"You know, aside from the spooky vegetation, and the monsters that come out at night, I don't really mind this place," Cozy said. "Just as long as we don't come out at night."

"Sounds strange coming for you. You were pretty fearless, back then," I tell her.

"I mean, I still am..." Cozy explained. "I don't know. I've never been out here at night either. Twilight and her friends got used to this place in a matter of time. Plus, I had a bad experience with some animals, the last time I was here..."

"Yeah, you told us. You had a run-in with a bunch of..." I snickered. "...squirrels!"

"I'll admit, it's funny."

"Well, I think it's time for us to proceed..." Tirek said as we all got up.

"So I guess we'll eat the rest of the food at the Treehouse?" I ask.

Chrysalis nodded.



Treehouse of Harmony...



For the first time in my life, I saw the Treehouse of Harmony.

"Woah..." I mutter as we get closer to the very shiny structure.

"This is far different the tree..." Chrysalis whispered.

"Too bad I have to stay outside..." Tirek whined.

We all went inside (except for Tirek). None of the Young Six were there, which was fine, since that meant we had the place to ourselves. That was pretty much what we did... we looked around.

The first thing I noticed was that there were rooms. I entered one, interested at what it held. I closed the door behind me.

"This place looked a lot smaller on the outside..." I muttered, repeating one of Starlight Glimmer's quotes. I turned my head, and as if life was poking fun at me, I saw a photo of Starlight resting nicely on a shelf.

"Very funny..." I mutter.

I continued exploring. I wasn't really sure if the rooms had thin or thick walls, because I could barely hear any of what the others were doing.

Eventually, I left the room and continued exploring. In the next room, I noticed another door in that room. When I opened that door, I realized it was a back door: because it led outside.

"Interesting..." I say quietly.

I stepped further out, and even closed the door behind me. It wasn't much... just a trail. With trees surrounding it.

Though, something caught my eye.

I squinted my eyes, and looked to the left side of the trail. There was some sort of structure in the distance. And something about it looked familiar to me.

I went back to the door, and opened it.

"Chrysalis!!! I found something! Can I go check it out?!?" I called out.

"Is it safe?!" I heard the reply.

"Yeah!"

"Alright, be careful!!"

I headed off into the trail. Honestly, I find it funny that Chrysalis adopted the personality of an overprotective mom. And besides, I'm not Cozy's age. Though then again, Cozy's done a lot more crazy things that I did.

It didn't take as long as I thought it would to reach the structure, though it was probably because I picked up speed on my way. When I approached it, my confirmation on what this structure was became official.

It was a ship. Not like a yacht or a pirate ship, but it kind of looked like an airship. A very familiar one... It looked like the manner it was placed wasn't meant to be the way it currently was. What I remembered about this ship was that it had sort of a rounded bottom, and a huge... I don't know what it's called... an upside-down shark fin. But this wasn't the case. It looked like an eighth of the bottom was buried along with the fin underneath. The real giveaway, however, was the colors... purple and black!

"Who are you?" I heard a voice say.

I jumped, slightly startled, and looked behind me.

I saw a figure approach me, though not too cautiously.

Should have seen this coming... I think.



...
...



I recognized this pony. She was unmistakable.

"Wait... I've heard of you..." she said. "You and the others. I've heard it all."

"You have?" I ask.

"Just because I live in this forest doesn't mean I don't get news. I admit, I was surprised to learn that there was an alicorn stallion in Equestria."

The pony started forward and I watched her walk past me. I turned around.

"Well... you know who I am... sort of... but who are you?"

I already knew the answer, but I didn't want her to know that. Not yet.

She turned around again.

"Tempest Shadow..." her mouth cracked into a smile. Which was a relief. I wouldn't want some depressed mood with a hardened personality be her life. "Pleased to meet you."

I guess she still prefers the less goofy name. Can't say I blame her.

"Name's Leo," I nod. "And likewise."

In all my life, I never thought I'd say that.

Tempest nudged her head to the ship.

"Do you want to come in?"

"Well, I came with others..." I say.

"Oh. The three-"

"Yep," I nod.

"What are they like?" asked Tempest.

"Hmmm... think of what they'd be like in a parallel universe with a very very slight bit of their past personality. I know you've never met them, but it's the best I can think of."

"I see... well, it was nice to meet you. You should probably get back to them."

Tempest turned and continued walking to the ship. I stood there in thought.

Would it really be a bad idea if I explored Tempest's ship with her?

I mean, Chrysalis didn't really give me a specific time to come back. As long as I was safe, she was fine with it (I know, right?).

So, I changed my mind.

"Hey!" I called out.

Tempest turned her head.

"Wait up!" I started forward.



Meanwhile...



Grogar watched though his crystal ball. For a while, just like before he sent Sombra, he didn't do anything. He wanted there to be the perfect moment. And although the alicorn he was watching is currently with someone, Grogar knew he had to take action.

He knew the Storm King's story. All of it. So if he was correct, the desire for vengeance against the other broken-horned unicorn may prove useful. Especially with the Storm King's new power.

"Storm King!!!" Grogar called out.

The Storm King, moments later, walked into the room.

"What is it?!" he groaned. Although the Storm King appreciated Grogar and his plans, lately, he started to miss being in charge. Especially since he had it all.

"I have a mission for you," Grogar explained. "You're going to retrieve the items that Sombra foolishly failed to bring back."

"And why me, at this very moment?"

"Look into the ball," Grogar ordered.

The Storm King rolled his eyes and looked. There, he saw the alicorn who has been with the former villains the whole time. However, there was somepony else... a broken-horned unicorn he knew too well. Both of them appeared to have entered a ship, the large entrance closing behind them.

"I remember her..." he growled.

"Yes, and I know the story..." Grogar spoke. "She was your second-in-command, and then right when you had Equestria in your clutches, she led to your downfall."

"Well, I did betray her first and told her I wasn't going to restore her horn..."

"But she still could have admitted lost hope," Grogar stated. "She could have just let Equestria crumble into ashes. Even if Twilight Sparkle took part in her bringing upon your defeat, a choice is still a choice, and it was hers..."

The Storm King turned around, his claws clenching tightly, light blue sparks of magic swirling around. He felt the magic given to him by Grogar begin to charge with his vengeance.

"Yeah..." The Storm King opened his claws and brought them up, meeting his gaze. "...you're right!"

The Storm King growled with fury, as he hurled a blue ball of magic, which burst against a wall. Pieces of the wall flew all over the place, and a hole was left in place.

Grogar grinned. Even his lair now had a hole where it wasn't supposed to be, that will be something to deal with later. What currently matters now is the fact that the Storm King got the encouragement he needed to go out. And maybe take revenge.

After all, the Storm King has new immense power, and he'll be going against a broken-horned unicorn. Surprisingly, Grogar isn't worrying to much about the alicorn, partly because he didn't think he'd be too good at combat, in spite of training with three of Equestria's former foes.

"So?" Grogar's smile stayed. "Are you up for the task?"

The Storm King turned around. He raised his arm yet again, his claws in a position as if to snap.

"I'll be back..." he hissed, grinning as well.

He snapped his claws and disappeared.



Leo and Tempest... minutes later...



You would think that Tempest would resort to a cabin or something when she lays low. Though I find it smart and time-saving to use your former ship as a home. It was pretty neat and tidy, too.

As I suspected, the bottom of the ship was put into the ground, so it could be a permanent home. However, there's more. Tempest doesn't use the usual entrance, which is one of those doors that open and a ramp comes down. Instead, she and some others carved an entrance and put on a door, which makes sense, because the door with the ramp would not function as well.

And when I went inside, there were things that you would never find in these kinds of ships. It felt weird seeing average household items in rooms big enough for large guards (hint, hint... Storm Guards).

Come to think of it, did this ship even have as much walls or rooms as it has now? 

"So... anyone here, or is it just you?" I asked.

"It's just me," Tempest admitted. "There were others, but they aren't here too often. A majority of them work as Princess Twilight's backup guards, and they reside in a town called Kludgetown. There was one that wasn't a guard, but he insisted on a 'me-time vacay', as he calls it."

Well, I guess that means no Grubber... at least for now.

"That's interesting..." I mutter.

I continued poking around.

"So... what's your story?" Tempest asked. "I mean, I do know you on some level... living with those former villains. But before that... it's like you showed up out of nowhere."

I sighed.

"I mean... I basically did. I don't even belong here. This isn't even my body. I mean, it sort of is, but..."

"Hold up..." Tempest held up a hoof.

I went quiet. But then I heard it... the sound of footsteps.

"It... may be Tirek?" I ask, unsure.

"I don't think so... It sounds like it's from something-"

CRRRREEEEEAAAAAAAK

The loud sound of squeaking metal, as if something was being forced open, was as loud as a firework. Our ears folded down, as it wasn't a pleasant sound to listen to. It sounded like it came from the original opening to the ship... which was in the room we were currently in!

The large door was being pulled down, and I noticed a blue aura on it. As it was pulled down, I started to make out who was doing it. I looked at Tempest, and she seemed to get an idea as well... and she looked shocked, yet I could also make out slight fury.

"We need to run," I warned.

"No..." Tempest looked at me. "We need to-"

The door was torn down. My heart jumped.

The Storm King stood a decent distance away from the opening. 

"Missed me?"


...
...


I took a step back, which was probably a stupid thing. The Storm King lifted his glowing claws, and I suddenly noticed my vision go blue, before I felt my body lift into the air... which was exactly what was happening. I saw the same thing happen to Tempest in the corner of my vision. We were lifted out of the ship, and were levitating of the ground a few inches from the ship.

The Storm King just stared at us menacingly. 

"H-how?" Tempest stuttered.

Just then, I felt a sharp pinch on my head.

"Ow!"

I saw a glowing blue squiggly line float over to the Storm King.

"How what?" he sneered as the hair went into a bag, and a camera came out.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"How are you here?" Tempest continued, before the camera flashed and my retinas briefly felt sore. "And how do you... have magic?"

"It's a story that's very simple to explain..." the Storm King spoke, after he lowered the camera and removed the photo that was printed out.

I started to get worried. Not only was I being held hostage with Tempest, but the Storm King was doing something that I've seen once before.

"...Grogar remade me, and gave me power," the Storm King continued. "Power that feels far better than any lousy staff. I have a new outlook on might, and I feel like I can do more!"

In my peripheral vision, Tempest struggled.

"Of course, I knew that one of the first ponies to get revenge on would be you," the Storm King finished.

"You betrayed me, and made a promise that you didn't keep!" Tempest rebutted.

"And yet you could have chose to let it go!" 

"You only wanted me until you got what you wanted. I was the least of your worries, after that."

"And lucky for you, you're not anymore..." The Storm King proceeded to lift his other arm. "Now you have a new purpose for me... to be the first, and most important, pony I exact revenge on."

He got ready to do whatever he was going to do to her, as the blue magic started to crackle on the tip of his claws, before enveloping his whole hand. I could see Tempest's pupils shrink to pinpricks, but then, she looked as if she was going to accept what was coming to her.

I looked back at the Storm King... right as a ball of ruby magic hit his head.

"Hey!" he barked. 

Tempest and I fell to the ground.

"You wanna mess with them?" I heard Cozy bellow out. "You mess with us."

I heard hoofsteps as I got up and dusted myself.

"Are you ok?" Tirek asked.

"I'm fine..." I muttered. "Thanks for coming to help."

"Heed my warning," Tirek started. "One day, we won't be there to help you."

"I'll keep that in mind," I nod.

We all watched the Storm King as he got up. He lifted his glowing blue hand, and hurled a beam of magic at Tirek and I.

The bolt was fast, but Tirek was faster. He quickly lifted an orange shield, and the beam collided with the shield.


Third-pony view...


Tempest decided to take action. She took a jump toward the Storm King, and quickly tried to light her former horn. Luckily, because she's been doing this for a while, it would not take too long for the sparks and magic fireworks to fly out of the stump.

So that's what happened. Sparks immediately whizzed out of her horn, and burst right in front of the Storm King.

He growled, getting distracted from the beam that he was firing at Leo and Tirek. The beam stopped, and Tirek lowered the shield.

The Storm King was able to quickly recover, before firing a bolt at Tempest. Tempest leapt at a diagonal angle, and rolled out of the way.

The Storm King immediately felt another bolt of magic impact the back of his head. He turned his head and saw Chrysalis and Cozy Glow flying beside him.

"You know, you really need to not underestimate how many of us there are," Cozy grinned. "You wouldn't even fight back if we all attacked you at-"

Cozy was interrupted when Chrysalis was flung to the ground by The Storm King's magic. He then used his actual arm to swat Cozy to the ground.

He blasted a tree, which begun to fall... with Cozy in it's landing spot.

"GAH!" Cozy yelped.

But before the tree hit the ground, she felt something impact her, and she landed on her side a mere few inches from the tree. She looked up, and saw Tempest above her.

"Thanks," Cozy smiled.

Tempest got off of Cozy. "Don't mention it..." she smiled.

They both then heard a loud pounding. They looked. Tirek and Leo were together, in separate forcefields. Chrysalis was by herself, under a forcefield of her own.

Cozy fired a third bolt at the Storm King, intending to do actual damage instead of just stunning him. But a shield manifested around him, making the beam burst on impact.

"Quick!" Tempest yelled.  "Leap!" 

Tempest and Cozy both took a leap, but the delay for Cozy caused her to get trapped in a forcefield.

"I guess you can't attack me at once now..." he snarled. 

Tempest backed away, but then she got an idea...one that was risky, considering the shields weren't far from the Storm King, but not very close either. However, Tempest took a risk many years ago, and she got out alive.  She's no Earth Pony, but she's trained her agility many times.

"You want me?" she moved her back leg back, ready. "Come and get me..."

She ran for the Storm King. For every bolt fired, big or small, she successfully dodged them. She did a backflip, she ducked, she jumped, she went off to the side, and even did a circle around the Storm King, closing in.

And after one of the bolts, Tempest leapt onto the Storm King's torso, her hooves clutching him as tight as she could.

"What are you-" the Storm King started to say.

But he was cut off when Tempest lit her broken horn again, and fireworks started to erupt.

The Storm King shrieked, his eyes squeezing shut. 

"ARGH!!! I CAN'T SEE!!!"

The Storm King put his glowing paws on his eyes.

Tempest looked to Chrysalis' forcefield. It started to flicker. Tempest checked the other three, and the same thing was happening.

"NOW!" Tempest shrieked. 

Everyone got the message. They all charged their magic, and they all blasted their forcefields. They all shattered into the ground, and faded.

And then they took action.

When the Storm King lowered his arms and opened his eyes, tears slightly pouring out, his left arm was pulled hard, and he saw it was by Chrysalis and Cozy. The same thing happened to his right arm, and he saw it was Leo and Tirek.

His blue magic started to form again, but it was no use. When his enemies saw it, they quickly put shields around both of his claws. He was trapped!

Tempest took a triumphant step to the Storm King. He looked at her with fury.

"It's over..." Tempest declared.

The Storm King did nothing for a moment. But then he looked down for a brief moment. And when he looked back at Tempest, he had an evil glare on his face.

"Not yet..." he hissed.

And just like that, the Storm King's body got covered in fizzling yellow magic, before completely fading away.

"Seriously?!" Cozy exclaimed. "He got away!"

"Well, let's look on the bright side..." Chrysalis started. "This is something we can take as a warning. We now know that we'll have to be prepared. Because not only did the Storm King get away..."

"...But it was clearly Grogar's magic that helped him..." Tirek realized. "He's back!"

Everyone looked at each other, concerned and worried.

"Well, whatever it is, you're friendship will be what beats him," Tempest encouraged. "And if you need me... I'll be happy to help!"

"Oh no..." Leo's eyes shrank, as he realized something.

"What?" Cozy asked.

"When the Storm King came here, he did something..." Leo started. "He took a picture of me... and he took a strand of my hair!"

Chrysalis reacted first. "What?!" she exclaimed.

"That's right..." I say to her. "You know what it means. And I do to. I know that you did the spell. One of the things I learned about your past actions... and now... it looks like Grogar's going to do something with it!"


In the swamp...


Grogar, King Sombra, and the Storm King, all appeared in a part of the swamp with many trees. What they had with them was a satchel... and six colored logs!

"You have both done well..." Grogar said, not grinning. "Though thanks to you, Storm King, they are now more aware that we're back."

"Well, if those other three didn't interrupt my near-victory, I may have won!"

"That doesn't matter, anyway..." Grogar groaned. "Because with this plan, if everything goes flawlessly, we can successfully enact revenge. You two! Lean the logs against the tree. I'll take care of the rest.

And so that's what was done. Sombra and the Storm King leaned the logs, while Grogar put the photos, and the hair strands that go with them, on trees. And for every photo and hair strand on the tree, Grogar used his magic to burn a symbol into the tree.

And when it was done, Sombra and the Storm King were out of the ring of trees, while Grogar stood in the middle.

"I've been researching these two spells ever since I got this idea..." Grogar sneered.

"I actually gave the idea to you," King Sombra pointed out.

Grogar ignored him. He lit his horns. 

And ten yellow beams shot out. Six struck the colored logs. And four struck the trees.

When the deed was done, the logs started to glow white, and started to change form. And the trees around Grogar began to crumble.

"Rise, my new allies... RISE!!!"
> Episode 17: The Return of Disharmony, Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We sat in anticipation as the train was making its way to Canterlot. We were excited, though at the same time, curious as to what will happen. We were actually very close.

Allow me to explain where we're going, and why Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow are a bit nervous. You see, this was the day where Princess Twilight would meet up with her friends, like what she did every month. It's also apparently going to be the month anniversary of Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy's reformation in a few days. We didn't have any plans for that.

"So... let's recap our plan..." Tirek started. "When we get there, we'll simply mingle with Princess Twilight and her friends."

"That's pretty much the sum of it," I said. 

"I know I said this back at home, but I'm worried that if Luster will be there, so will her friend," said Cozy Glow.

"And as we said, if that's the case, we can just stay close with Twilight or one of her friends," Tirek pointed out. "Hopefully, they don't find it awkward."

"I'm still a bit concerned that something will happen..." Chrysalis muttered.

"Why?" I ask.

"I just feel it... I don't know. Ever since our encounter with the Storm King, my instincts just feel a bit more on-guard..."

"Oh, lighten up, Chrysalis!" Cozy encouraged. "The four of us are going to be with Twilight and her friends, and if anything were to happen, we'd be ready to fight."

"But how would we fare against... whatever Grogar is planning? Don't you remember when the three of us attacked Canterlot? The three of us combined were as powerful as he was, and now Grogar himself has two allies... and is possibly creating more with a spell I once used. Do you still feel content now?"

"Well, I nearly won, and my only big accomplishment was draining the Royal Sister's magic. I would have lost if you two didn't show up, and our chances of losing would have been bigger if the Sisters did have magic."

"Grogar has the bell."

"And we have friendship, and the fact that most good guys usually somehow come out lucky. Besides, even though we beat our former enemies many years ago, we also managed to beat Grogar and his allies. We outsmarted King Sombra and the Storm King without magic. We tricked Grogar and then got a ton of power, equal to his again. And... we won!"

Chrysalis sighed.

"I'd probably try to make more points, but I don't want to make this trip unenjoyable, especially by making you worry. I want to have fun too!"

The train stopped. Tirek put his large hand on Chrysalis.

"Than that's what were going to do."

Chrysalis smiled.


...
Intro
...


We all entered the throne room, and Twilight was already there. Not just her, but her six friends. And Spike. 

"Hey, you made it!" Princess Twilight joyfully exclaimed.

Spike opened his wings and flew over to us.

"Woah!" Cozy exclaimed when he landed. "You're way bigger than you were twenty years ago!"

"Well, growth is a pretty big step for dragons like me... especially if you end up growing these bad boys!" he grinned, showing off his big biceps.

Ah, Classic Spike. 

"Perhaps, then, you wouldn't mind a little challenge to see which one of us is more superior in strength!" Tirek lifted his own muscles.

Spike chuckled and scratched the back of his head.

"Maybe... another five to ten years before I consider..."

Tirek shrugged. I mean, Spike's not wrong... even though he grew bigger and stronger, he's only around half the size of Tirek.

"Um..." I started, holding out my hoof. "We haven't met yet. I'm Leo."

Spike shook my hoof. "Twilight's told me about you. How are you holding up?"

"What do you mean?" I ask when Spike released my hoof.

"I mean... um... being far away... and all that."

"Oh! Um... I'm doing well! Though I do sometimes get worried on what will happen, or what I will find out, when I return. Hopefully, it goes well."

"Well, take this from me... usually, when you get worried, things play out well in the end. It's happened to me, and others I know, plenty of times."

I nod. "I'll keep that in mind."

Princess Twilight came over. "Well, it's nice that you're all here! We just need two more-"

The giant doors behind us burst, and Luster Dawn ran in, panting.

"*whew*! I'm... I'm here... so sorry I'm late."

"No need to be sorry, Luster," Princess Twilight said. "Though where is-"

The doors opened again, and another pony walked in much more calmly that Luster... it was Magma Burn! He stopped upon laying eyes on us, and he sighed.

"You've gotta be kidding me..." I heard Cozy groan.

Spike checked a list.

"Alright, looks like everyone is here," he clarifies.

"So... what do we... do?" Tirek asks.

"Well, what we usually do is just... mingle," Applejack answered.

"And we have an amazing royal dinner, later on," continued Rarity.

"And we play games, and have parties, and have so much fun!" Pinkie jumped, speaking rapidly.

"She wasn't like this last reunion," Luster whispered to me. 

"Probably because her kid was with her or something, and she was looking for a babysitter," I whispered back.

"How do you- oh, right..."

"Well, considering there's no schedule, I'm open for anything," said Cozy.

Once again, the doors opened, and Gallus stepped inside, along with some others.

"Gallus? What is it?" the Princess asked.

Gallus whispered in her ear. 

"What?... Oh... That's not good... I wasn't hoping for this..."

Gallus stopped whispering.

"What's going on?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Twilight sighed.

"I'm sorry, girls..." she began. "... but I'm afraid I'll have to go out for a while. Gallus just reported that the guards are all arguing about their jobs and positions, and they're not saying why. I'll need to go and sort it out. In the meantime, try to get comfortable. I'll be back as soon as I can." 

"We'll try to get acquainted," Chrysalis assures.

"Thank you. It won't be long... I hope."

Twilight, Spike, and the Guards all left the room and closed the doors behind them.

We were all by ourselves.

"So... what should we do?" Cozy asked.

"We all go about our own ways, pretty much," I shrug.

"So... Leo," Rainbow came over. "Have you been practicing your flight?"

I gulped.

"Heh... um... no..."

Rainbow blinked. 

"Well, if you're up for it, I wouldn't mind showing you the ropes."

Ugh! Why did I have to be so nice and willing? I know, I know... the day has to come where I may need my flight.

"Alright, I guess I could use some lessons from you," I admit.

Rainbow lifted her wings and did a few loops into the air.

"Awesome!"

"Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I want to watch!" Pinkie bounced.

"Aw, shucks, Ah'll watch too! Supporting new beginners isn't a bad idea," said Applejack.

"Alright, then. Let's head out." I turned to leave, and the three mares followed. I opened the doors. "Twilight's lucky to have friends like you."

The doors closed.


Third-pony view


Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow were alone with Luster, Magma, Fluttershy, and Rarity.

"So, Cozy Glow... since Leo's flight is going to be worked on, I'd like to ask... how is your magic?" Luster Dawn asked.

"It's very good. I've been practicing a lot of spells, along with some history."

"That's nice! Maybe you could show me?"

"Really?"

"Sure. I haven't checked in on you a lot, and as a student in magic school, I'd like to see how much you learned compared to what I learned. Who knows? Maybe I'll learn from you!"

"I guess. Where should we go?"

"Maybe someplace safe outside. Magma? Do you want to come?"

Luster knew he didn't, but she still felt inclined to come along.

Magma bit his lip. "I'll just... come along."

Magma went over to Luster and Cozy.

"Alright, I'll see you two in a bit," Cozy said, before she left the room with Luster Dawn and Magma Burn.

"Well..." Chrysalis began. "Looks like it's just us."

"So... how have you two been enjoying those phones?" Tirek asked.

Rarity lifted hers. "They're... interesting devices. Though it feels quite strange that some of these... apps... aren't related to Equestria. It's... strange, but it's a good way to take pictures of my finest works. I do wish I could print them, though..."

"I usually don't worry about the images too much, but the photos I take of my animals always turn out so cute. And so are the images of the animals that I find. They look even cuter when they appear to be from another world!"

"At least they're using them..." Tirek mumbled. 

"I guess the best we can do is just... bond," shrugged Chrysalis. "Go around. Maybe see what the others are doing."

"I can be fine with that," Tirek agreed.

"I suppose a that's not a bad idea, since Princess Twilight is busy," Rarity said.

"We should at least leave a note or something," Fluttershy suggested. "I wouldn't want her to come back and wait for us to come back."

"I agree. I'll go get some paper," Chrysalis volunteered.

And even if Chrysalis didn't leave and Tirek, Fluttershy, and Rarity weren't speaking, none of them still wouldn't have  noticed the figure listening to them through the colored windows.


...
...


Why did I agree to this? 

I struggled in the air as I kept flapping my wings, which is not a normal feeling. It feels like extra limbs on my back... which they were. I wasn't too high, but I didn't want to go very high.

"You gotta be more in rhythm!" Rainbow called.

"Please catch me if I fall! Please catch me if I fall!" I panicked, swaying side to side.

"You just need to-"

I suddenly felt the wind carry me away.

"AH! HELP!"

Good news was, I wasn't too stuck in the air and was soaring down. Bad news was... I think a bush was about to break my fall!

"Uh-oh..." I muttered, as my body turned in the air.

CRASH! CRACK!

I heard the hoofsteps as Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack came over to me.

"You alright?" Applejack asked.

I blew off a leaf that landed in my nose.

"Surprisingly..." I blew a leaf off my nose. "Nothing's broken... just sore and being poked by a bunch of sticks..."

"Need any help?" Rainbow asked.

I tried to get up.

"Ow, ow, ow!" 

The fact I was a quadruped made things so much harder, but I successfully did it.

"That didn't go well for a first time," Pinkie started. "You flew in the air, and then the wind went WHOOOSH, and you went AAAHHH, and then-"

Applejack put a hoof over Pinkie's mouth. She didn't even seem to care.

"Ugh... the fact that I stink at flying, along with the fact that I'm afraid of heights, I'm not sure if I'll ever get this right..." I mutter.

"Hey, don't let once incident bring you down," Rainbow told me. "All it takes is practice and facing fears."

"Yeah, I guess..." I mutter, pulling a twig out of my right wing. "I'm not in the mood for another go..."

"Are you sure?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, maybe later..." I groan. 

"So... if Ah' may ask..." Applejack started. "How's life been with those reformed villains, anyway?"

I chuckled and sat down.

"Oh, I got a story or two to tell..."


Meanwhile...


"Oh, it's so cute..." Fluttershy admired. "What's his name?"

Tirek, Chrysalis, and Rarity watched as Fluttershy had a conversation with a squirrel and it's infant.

"So... she talks to animals... that's what she does?" Tirek asked.

"Yes," Rarity nods.

"And you... make dresses."

"Mhm! I try my best to make amazing designs that ponies and creatures alike adore! The
re have been some bumps on the way as my career went on, but I am proud of where I am today! I have my own businesses, and most of the time I'm pretty busy."
Chrysalis nudged Rarity.

"You think you could... make me one, someday?" she asked.

"Why, of course, darling! I could get one started in my spare time."

Fluttershy came over, and waved goodbye to the squirrels. 

"You get along with animals pretty well," Tirek says.

"Oh, I do. Animals are some of the most beautiful things in the world, and they can be so adorable!"

"I've barely been around animals in my life. You know, I always am this big muscular centaur..." Tirek flexed his bicep and admired it, before returning to the subject. "... though, I'm going to let up on a secret... I've always been interested in this question... what if I tried some peaceful hobbies, where I'd try and make friends with animals, or maybe try other peaceful things."

Chrysalis snickered.

"You don't seem like the one to do that," she said. 

"I'm not kidding. Even strong, handsome beings like me can be soft. I learned friendship, didn't I? I even caught a bird once when we tried to steal a book during the Summer Sun Celebration."

Fluttershy and Rarity blinked.

"He's got a point," Rarity said, ignoring the mention of one of his past deeds.

"Well, I'd be happy to welcome you to my cottage..."

"Really? Don't you think I'd scare them a little?"

"I think in a manner of minutes, they'd get used to you pretty quick once I gave them the message."

"This will be fun to tell the other two..." Chrysalis said. "You! Tirek! Actually bonding with woodland critters?!"

"Laugh all you want. Learning friendship and lifting weights shouldn't be my only hobbies!"

"I guess it's not... too bad of an idea to try new things," Chrysalis admitted.

"My point exactly!" Tirek exclaimed.

Just then, a ruby firework went up and burst into a bunch of sparks.

"What was that?" Fluttershy asked.

"I think I have an idea..." Tirek murmured.


Meanwhile...


Cozy Glow launched another firework spell from her horn. Luster Dawn clapped her forehooves.

"That's pretty eye-catching," she admired.

"Thanks! I think that was my... fifth spell..." Cozy thought over.

"Can't she just attack us now when she has the chance?" Magma Burn quietly mumbled. He didn't want to leave Cozy alone with Luster, so he wasn't going to leave them be at all costs.

"What other spells can you do?" Luster asked.

"Well... I shrunk myself... and Leo... once. It was an accident, but we got out okay."

"Interesting..." Luster mumbled.

"Hey, if it's alright, could I go check and see if Princess Twilight's back?" Cozy asked.

"No!" Magma Burn shrieked.

Cozy and Luster looked at him.

"She'll just... she can... she- I need a minute. And if you hurt Luster, you will regret it!"

Magma Burn turned and stormed off.

"See, this is why I didn't want him here," Cozy said when he was out of earshot.

Luster sighed.

"I know... and I'm sorry! He insisted on coming."

"Doesn't Princess Twilight know about how he feels about us?"

"She does, and when I told her about Magma's feelings toward you three, she promised to have a talk with him when she could," Luster explained. "Though considering he actually has a grudge against Twilight for accepting redeemed villains, I can't say for certain it will play out well..."

"Why would he even have a grudge against the Princess... speaking of her, I better go see if she returned."

"You go do that. Don't let my friend make you feel like you have to stay here."

"Thank you," Cozy smiled, before she flew off.


Magma Burn...


Magma Burn whistled peacefully as he watered a bonsai tree in the garden. He always found peace with them, especially since he usually trims a very specific one in Neighpon. It definitely distracts his mind from the... other things, that he's been dealing with.

Magma Burn never considered himself to be evil. He always felt that villains should be exterminated. Because according to him: 

Once a villain, always a villain. 

He strongly believes in justice, and ever since he discovered that three of Equestria's greatest foes have returned, he wanted nothing more than to get rid of them. Mainly for the sake of the citizens, and for her...

He may get highly agitated when he's around any of... them... but when he's alone with Luster, or tending to a bonsai tree like what he's doing now... he's at peace.

He blissfully sighed.

And then he heard voices nearby.

Familiar ones. 

Magma Burn put down the watering can and quietly went over to a shrub. He peeked around it.

And he saw Leo, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow all together.

But something was different. They looked... sinister. Something Magma Burn wanted to see so he could bust them!

He listened closely.

"The plan is almost in place..." Leo sneered. "We just need to wait for the right moment to act... which won't be long. Any moment is a right moment."

"Golly! It's amazing how we've gotten through without being called out," Cozy admired. "Of course, we wouldn't have had such luck if those guards didn't listen to an innocent filly like me!"

"When this is all over and out with, I'll go about my own and finally get my revenge on Starlight Glimmer!" Chrysalis spat. "And maybe her family too..."

Magma had to resist a gasp. Luster...

"Let's not get too cocky," Tirek said. "When we get cocky, we get ignorant, which leads to our downfall. We must learn from our past mistakes."

"The centaur is right. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, whether we're in action or not.,," Leo said. "And remember... nopony or creature is going out on their own... not yet. When we put in the next phase of our plan, you three can do as you please. In the meantime, we can't let our covers be blown! Now... disband, and take your places."

Magma Burn quickly took tail and ran.

When he felt he was at a safe distance, he sat down. Panting. He couldn't believe what he just heard... he was right!

His panting turned into growling.

He was going to stop whatever they were planning at all costs!


...
...


Cozy Glow opened the doors. Princess Twilight was, indeed, back. Though there was something off about her... she looked paler, and not all too happy to see her.

"May I ask why you're here?" she scowled.

"Are... you alright?" Cozy asked, concerned.

"Never better..." Princess Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Hey, where's Spike?"

"I sent him on a very important mission a few minutes ago. He'll sadly have to miss this... reunion."

"Oooookay..." Cozy mumbled, before clearing her throat. "I was just... checking to see if you came back yet. Has the situation with the guards been sorted?"

"Indeed, it has... now, do me a favor... go fetch the others."

"You could at least be polite," Cozy said, raising her eyebrow.

"Fine..." Princess Twilight scoffed. "...please!"

Cozy, unsure and slightly afraid, started to back away, before she turned tail and ran.


Later...


Soon, Cozy gathered everyone except for Magma Burn and Luster Dawn.

"Well done... hey, you're missing two!" Twilight barked.

"I couldn't find Luster and Magma," Cozy explained.

"Wonderful..." Princess Twilight groaned. She turned her gaze over to Leo and pointed a hoof. "You! Go get them!"

"Me?!?" Leo sputtered. "Why me?!"

"Don't ask! Do! It's an order!"

"Wait!" Cozy raised a hoof. "Can we at least come with him?"

"No," Princess Twilight replied. "He goes on his own."

Leo looked over at the three. "It's alright. I'll be back soon."

And so Leo turned and ran out of the room.

Chrysalis, meanwhile, kept squinting at Princess Twilight.

And then her eyes went wide at the revelation.

And then a magenta forcefield covered everyone except Twilight, who began to smirk.

"Hey!" Rainbow bashed her hoof on the bubble. "Let us out!"

Twilight went off her throne and went over to the trapped heroes.

"Twilight," Fluttershy, looking hurt, pressed her hooves up against the wall of magic. "What are you doing?!"

"That's not Twilight..." Chrysalis realized.

"That's right!" Twilight grinned. "So... you do remember me... after all this time!"

"Um... what is she talking about?" Pinkie asked.

Chrysalis sighed.

"Before I was brought together with Tirek and Cozy by Discord... I... I had another evil plan. I put on a photographer disguise and took pictures of the five of you... and Twilight. I also plucked off strands of your manes. When I left, I... used them to create clones of Twilight and you five, so I could have access to the Elements of Harmony. The clones weren't... perfect, and they turned on me. But before this one..." 

Chrysalis pointed at Twilight.

"...brought me to my end, the Tree of Harmony sensed them and destroyed them, reducing them to logs... which I carried with me, mainly hers. But I guess since I left them at Grogar's lair, he found them... and since he knows of our past evil deeds, he brought her back... did he bring the others back, too?"

Princess Twilight nodded.

"He did bring back my other... pathetic and useless... allies. Though there's more..."

"What... what do you mean?" Applejack asked.

Princess Twilight turned and started to return to the throne.

"Wait a minute..." Chrysalis realized, whispering to herself.

"Now if you'll excuse me..." Twilight said. "I have a sun to set..."

She then teleported away.


Leo... minutes later


I finally got outside, the sun in the process of setting. What I noticed about sunsets here is that they're far quicker in Equestria than Earth.

"Luster?!?" I called out. "Magma Burn?! Hello!?!"

I continued exploring... before I heard the sound of yelling.

"Wha-"

Before I could process what was going on, a large, yet familiar, orange figure tackled me, knocking the air out of my lungs. We rolled along the grass, and when we stopped, Magma Burn stood over me, huffing, and his expression burning with hate.

"Hey, Magma Burn... buddy... listen, I've been sent to bring you back inside..."

"Drop the act!!!!" Magma Burn barked. "I've figured it out! I've figured it all out!! I finally saw you and the other three for who you are... evil... villains!!"

"What are you talking about?!?" I shrieked. "I didn't do anything!"

"Then how do you explain what I overheard you doing... talking with them! Plotting! Not to get cocky! Not to get ahead of yourself! Well, I caught you! And you're coming with me!"

"Magma?"

We both turned our heads. Luster Dawn stood there, confused.

"Luster!" Magma yelled. "Quick! If you're not under their control, you need to help me restrain him! I caught him... and the other three! Plotting to betray us all!"

"Luster, don't listen to him!" I shrieked. "He saw something and got confused... or maybe he's just claiming he saw us so he could get rid of us!"

"I-I don't know who to believe!" Luster stuttered. "On the one hand, you've all proven yourselves to be allies of Equestria... but Magma Burn would never lie about seeing something!"

"Exactly!" Magma exclaimed.

"Luster..."

Luster looked at my pleading eyes.

My heart was thumping. "...please..."

Luster said nothing. But then she opened her mouth to speak.

"I-"

And Luster immediately faded in wispy black smoke.

"NO!"

Magma Burn got off of me and went over to the spot where Luster last stood.

"What did you do?!" I heard him growl.

"Magma Burn, listen, that wasn't-"

Magma Burn slowly turned around, horn charged.

"Tell me where you put her!" he demanded.

"I didn't-"

"TELL ME, OR-"

Magma Burn was then whisked away in the same wisps of black smoke.

I took a few steps back.

"What the-" Was all I could say before my vision was suddenly clouded in black.

"-hay?" I finished, when I suddenly appeared in a very large room that I do not recognize. It looked like it was a room with a domed ceiling, and the whole place was nearly made completely out of stone. There were no windows, but for some reason, it wasn't pitch black... possibly from the lanterns glowing very white lights on the wall, and some of the crystals covering the room a quarter up. There was a large arch, though it was far from where we stood.

Nearby, Luster Dawn and Magma Burn were there, hugging. They released their embrace the moment they realized I was there. Magma glared at me.

"What happened?" Luster asked.

"I'll tell you what happened!" burst a familiar gruff voice.

We all turned around, and we saw Grogar approaching us, along with King Sombra and the Storm King. The Bewitching Bell was on Grogar's collar, and the Storm King held what looked like a crystal ball.

"YOU!!!" Magma shrieked. But before he could do anything, Grogar lit his horns, and all three of us were lifted into the air. And all three of us were wrapped in our own set of yellow magic chains. But Grogar still held us in the air.

"What's going on?" Luster asked.

"Revenge is what's going on!" Grogar sneered, before turning his head to the Storm King and using his magic to bring the crystal ball to him. 

"But first..." Grogar began. "Let me introduce someone to you..."

A red spark suddenly burst right between Grogar and us.

And what appeared made all of us gasp.

It was... me?!?!?! There was no denying it... it was a stallion alicorn, with hazel eyes, and a mane styled up in the manner of wavy and thick spikes. His face, while matching the face of other stallions in the eyes of some, still gave the message that it was my face. The only difference was the red coat, and the missing cutie mark.

"Hello..." he spoke, his voice also matching mine. "... Leo!"

"No..." I whispered.

"And now..." Grogar levitated the crystal ball away from the Storm King, and then the image of what was happening in the Canterlot Throne Room appeared. "... Let's all watch as we fully put this plan into place..."


Throne Room...


Everyone has given up into trying to get information from Princess... or in this case, Mean... Twilight.

But things were about to get worse.

Because Cozy Glow suddenly vanished into large black vapor.

"Cozy!" Chrysalis shrieked, before the same thing happened to her.

Tirek couldn't even speak, because then it happened to him as well.

And when Tirek's vision was no longer black, he could see where he and his friends wound up.

Grogar's lair!

"No..." Chrysalis started to back away, before turning around. Tirek and Cozy Glow turned around as well. And all of them were met with the same disappointment.

The exit was blocked with a yellow wall.

"Uh-oh..." Chrysalis muttered.

"My, my, my... this is quite a predicament..." a familiar voice hissed.

Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow turned around again... before three blobs of green goop shot out of one of the openings in the wall, and landed on their hooves, sticking them to the ground.

"It... can't be..." Cozy whispered.

"Oh, but it is!" another voice squeaked.

"Show yourselves!" Tirek demanded.

"With pleasure..." said a third familiar voice.

Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis watched as the scene unfolded. And as it did, their eyes went wide with shock and terror.

And they remembered what happened 20 years ago.

20 years ago... when they attacked Discord while he was disguised as Grogar, they came out of three openings on the wall...

And now, 20 years later in the present, three figures came out of the exact same openings. Though what shocked them even more was who was coming out.

It was like looking into a mirror that showcased the past. Because the figures who came out of those openings were the exact same characters, with the exact same appearances, with the exact same motives... all of those things from 20 years ago.

Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow only watched as their own doppelgängers, with their enhanced appearances from 20 years ago, stared back at them.



To Be Continued
> Episode 18: The Return of Disharmony, Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previously, on My Little Pony...


Tirek: When we get there, we simply mingle with Princess Twilight and her friends.

Princess Twilight: Hey, you made it!

Princess Twilight (In a later scene): I'm afraid I'll have to go out for a while.

'Leo' (while Magma Burn listens):  When we put in the next phase of our plan, you three can do as you please. In the meantime, we can't let our covers be blown.

Mean Twilight (voiceover): He did bring back my other... pathetic and useless... allies. Though there's more..."

(During the voiceover, it shows Luster, Magma, and Leo all being whisked away. Then it shows the same thing happening to Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, and Tirek)

Evil Chrysalis' voice: My, my, my... this is quite a predicament... (The reformed Legion of Doom's clones show themselves)

Grogar (while the Red Leo enters view): Let's watch as we fully put this plan into place...


...
Intro
...


Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow struggled, while their evil duplicates went down to stand in front of them.

"This is what that evil Twilight meant..." Chrysalis realized. "Grogar didn't just revive those clones I made. He made clones of us! I knew this was going to happen, ever since that encounter with the Storm King..."

"You catch on very quick..." said the evil Chrysalis, with her green eyes and horn, her black chitin, the holes in her hair, limbs and wings, and her green crown. boots, and armor covering her barrel and back.

"I am a bit disappointed that we have less power than when we used Grogar's bell, even though it doesn't look like it for us, but..." the evil Cozy Glow, with the curly mane and rook cutie mark unlike her original counterpart, put her hoof around original Cozy. "...It's better than nothing."

"How did you-" Cozy started.

"And she said you catch on quick..." the evil Tirek, being the only one to look exactly like the original, pointed at the evil Chrysalis. "...Obviously, we have all of your past memories. We know your strengths... weaknesses..."

"And who you love..." the evil Chrysalis licked her lips, not taking her eyes off of Chrysalis.

Chrysalis knew who she was talking about.

"Oh, poor Chrysalis..." Evil Chrysalis continued. "It's been nearly a month, and yet you've never shared your feelings for Tirek... even forgotten them at times."

"And the same applies to you..." Evil Tirek poked Tirek in the chest with a claw. "You and your feelings for this... insect."

"Watch it!" Evil Chrysalis barked.

"Because of accepting friendship as magic, you've all gotten weaker..." Evil Tirek continued. "...softer! And we're here to fill that hole!"

"Equestria doesn't deserve softies like you..." Evil Chrysalis purred. "They deserve the true Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, and Cozy Glow! And you don't deserve what you have..." Evil Chrysalis plucked the crown of of Chrysalis' head, and snapped it in half. "...not even that!"

"I go by Empress Cozy Glow, thank you," Evil Cozy Glow rolled her eyes.

"What are you going to do with us?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Well, I was hoping we could destroy you first, and be done with it..." Evil Cozy said. "But Leo's evil clone had the better idea..."

Chrysalis felt herself get pulled out of her prison, and right into the telekinetic embrace of her clone.

"Get revenge on our enemies... and make you watch!" Evil Chrysalis grinned.

"Not if we have magic!" Chrysalis determined, lighting her horn... before she suddenly felt her magic get pulled out of her horn.

Indeed, Evil Tirek started absorbing the magic of the reformed villains. As he did this, Chrysalis and Cozy's eyes went dull, and Tirek started to shrink. 

"Not anymore..." Evil Cozy sinisterly grinned.

Finally, when Evil Tirek was done and began to grow, Evil Chrysalis teleported Chrysalis and herself outside, and Evil Cozy did the same with Cozy and Tirek. Moments after they appeared outside, Evil Tirek's horns burst out the window.

"That looks ridiculous..." Evil Chrysalis scoffed.

However, one orange spark later, Evil Tirek reappeared right behind them. And as soon as he did, Tirek was covered in an orange and brought to his evil counterpart.

"You know..." Evil Chrysalis spoke to Chrysalis. "I think Starlight Glimmer wants us to pay her a little... visit!"

"NO-" 

Chrysalis couldn't finish her scream when they both vanished in a green spark.

"Golly," Evil Cozy began. "Judging from the time of week, I think we have to pay a visit at the Treehouse of Harmony... six faces are expecting us there!"

"You couldn't beat them! It's only you!" Cozy rebutted.

"Oh, please! One of them can change form, and the other breathes fire, but I clearly have more magic!"

Before Cozy could respond, they vanished in a red spark.

Evil Tirek glared at his counterpart. 

"Shall we go say hi to our brother?" Evil Tirek smirked.

"If you think you can just teleport to some place like the other two, than you are sorely-"

Evil Tirek didn't want to hear it. He lit his horns and they vanished.


Meanwhile...


"That wasn't part of the plan! They should have waited until I told them to!!!" Grogar growled, before sighing and putting down the crystal ball. "You know what? It's fine! As long as they don't screw up and get manipulated, they're forgiven! And now..."

Grogar lifted his bell.

"You three have something that belongs to me..."

"Well, this is an issue..." Luster Dawn gulped. "With... no way out!"

Magma Burn continued to struggle in his chains.

Grogar grinned... but then stopped.

"Hey!" he looked at his bell and shook it. "Blasted thing isn't working! How is it not working?!"

"I guess your last battle deactivated your bell," Evil Leo suggested. "But it doesn't matter! They're all inferior to our power!"

He lit his horn, which started glowing a darker shade of red.

"So let's just cut to the chase..."

Magma Burn, who continued struggling in his chains, tried to use his magic. But Grogar was smart... the chains must have been restraining his magic.

Luster Dawn lowered her head.

And I struggled too.

"No," Grogar interjected. "Let's let them be there long enough to witness our rule of Equestria. We can destroy them later."

Red Leo growled.

"Fine..."

"That is, if they can escape," Grogar smiled.

"Wait, what?" Luster asked.

Just then, our chains faded, and we all fell to the ground.

"You said it yourself," Grogar said to my evil clone. "They are inferior, as we have learned. Two are unicorns, and the only alicorn against us hasn't mastered his abilities, that would still be weaker than ours anyway. So there's no way they can win..."

All of the enemies charged their magic.

"What do we do?" I ask. "Do we run?"

Magma Burn charges his own horn.

"We fight! Fight for our freedom!"


...
...


Twilight kept bucking at the door, which didn't do much since it was heavily locked, and she couldn't use magic because the room had a spell cast where her magic was restrained. This was a special cell, too... a full door, with a small window.

"Come on! Let me out!"

"Ah' know a key that can help you out..." the fake Applejack started to lie. "First, you have to complete a very long obstacle course... and then, you have to solve three riddles, and-"

A rock bounced off her head. She looked at the Mean Fluttershy, who stood between a sleeping fake Rainbow Dash and a bored Pinkie Pie.

"Oops? Did I do that?" fake Fluttershy snickered.

The fake Rarity swiped Twilight's crown off her head.

"Hey!" Twilight glared at the fake version of her friend.

"This is MINE!" the fake Rarity snickered devilishly.

"I have to get out of here..." Twilight muttered. "My friends are in danger! Equestria is in danger, and-"

BANG! BANG! CCCREEEAAAAK

Twilight was interrupted when she saw two sets of purple claws on the window, gripping at the door and tugging it off. It was torn off, and Spike stood in the doorway.

"Spike!" Twilight exclaimed. "You came!"

"Why wouldn't I come and save you after escaping capture?" Spike smiled. 

"We need to hurry!" Twilight said after she got up. She grabbed her crown and dashed out of the door, with Spike in tow, before feeling the relief of her magic returning to her.

"I may have no magic..." she started. "...but I have my wits!"

"And a dragon!"

Soon, they got to the Throne Room. Her counterpart was there... her friends are not.

"You?!" Mean Twilight gasped. "And... you, too!?"

"What did you do with my friends!?" Twilight barked.

"They are in their own cells. They're fine! But how did you get out?!"

"I've never been a villain, but it's probably always a good idea to track down any enemies that get away."

"I guess you make a valid point..."

"Anyway, now that Twilight is free, and with me, it's time that we stop you!" Spike determined.

"I'm just keeping the seat warm for him..." Mean Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Him?" Twilight raised a brow. "Who's-"

A beam of magenta magic zoomed for Twilight, but she quickly dodged it.

Mean Twilight stepped down from her throne, horn lit.

"Alright then... have it your way!" Princess Twilight said, before lighting her horn as well. Spike flew into the air.


Starlight...


Starlight Glimmer yawned, as she continued looking at papers. Although being Headmare wasn't exactly a bad job, it does get tiring.

She went over to the window. The moon had recently rose, and it lit up the night sky beautifully, showing all the stars, and the green beam heading right for her.

Wait...

Starlight quickly dove out of the way, as the beam of magic collided with the wall of the school. When she got up, she saw Chrysalis suddenly fly into the wall, and roll onto the floor, before coming to a stop.

"Chrysalis?"

Chrysalis righted herself.

"Starlight! There's no time! You have to-"

Suddenly, a green spark burst in the room, and when it was gone, what Starlight saw was perplexing: another Chrysalis, this time bearing the appearance of her former foe from 20 years ago during the Battle of the Bell.

"Starlight Glimmer..." the other Chrysalis growled. "I've been waiting for this!"

"I- I don't understand..." Starlight uttered, backing away. "How is there-"

"A little thing called cloning, you pathetic sow!" Evil Chrysalis spat, before grabbing Starlight with her magic.

"You've already beaten me once..." Starlight's eyes moved to original Chrysalis. "It's safe to say that, right?"

Chrysalis nodded. "We have the same memories."

"Alright... you've already beaten me once in our rematch. Isn't that enough?"

"I beat you, but then you got away and I lost Equestria!" Evil Chrysalis hissed. "I'll feel satisfied when you've been destroyed, and Equestria's hopes have all been gone!"

Evil Chrysalis threw Starlight out the hole in the wall.

"NO!" Chrysalis yelled, using her remaining strength to run to the wall and stand alongside her evil twin.

But luckily, Chrysalis saw Starlight floating in the air, covered in the blue aura matching her horn.

"It's been 20 years since I fought the original Chrysalis, but I'm still quick!" Starlight said from the distance.

Evil Chrysalis hissed and zoomed out the window, but not before placing Chrysalis in magic chains.

"Hey!" Chrysalis yelled.

Evil Chrysalis dashed for Starlight, and went over her. Starlight lit her horn, and they both vanished.

Chrysalis had idea as to where they went.


Scorpan...


Scorpan was enjoying some peace to himself. It's become a part of his schedule to meditate every day in his small 'Hut of Meditation' for thirty minutes when the sun sets.

But he couldn't help but suddenly hear the loud hoofsteps that have been getting closer...

And closer...

And closer...

Scorpan opened his eyes and got up, and right as he did... the roof was torn off!

Scorpan's eyes went wide. Tirek, his recently reformed brother, towered over him at a huge height, pretty much as high as a tree! But what was more confusing was that a smaller, more pleading Tirek levitated near him.

"Brother! What is the meaning of this!"

"Scorpan!" the smaller Tirek wheezed. "Run!"

Scorpan sent a blast of magic the best he could to the large Tirek, before opening his wings and flying away. But he was no coward! So he didn't try to go very far.

"You can't fly forever, brother!" the large Tirek snarled, before sending a blast of large magic

"What is even going on?" Scorpan asked.

"I'll tell you what's going on..." large Tirek growled, sending another blast. "Thanks to Grogar, the more superior version of your pathetic brother has been remade! Now hold still..."

Scorpan started flying around, dodging blasts and making sure that he doesn't get struck by Evil Tirek. He'd send mini-blasts of his own, but they would either be deflected, or hit the monstrous Tirek with no avail.

"Alright, then... have it your way..."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the shrine of King Vorak.

He turned, and fired a beam right at the shrine. It blew apart into pieces. Both Tirek and Scorpan gasped.

Scorpan stopped flying

"And now..." Evil Tirek brought Tirek in front of him. "...you!"

"WAIT!" Scorpan yelled. "Don't hurt him."

"Then you will surrender!"

Scorpan sighed. "Very well..."

Scorpan started to lower himself, and get a bit closer to Evil Tirek.

Evil Tirek grinned.

And then Scorpan launched a beam right at Evil Tirek. It struck him in the face, right at the jaw.

"ARGH!"

Just then, the glow around original Tirek vanished, and he started to fall. But luckily, Scorpan caught him.

The gargoyle's next task was to fly his weakened brother to safety.

"You were quite ignorant at times..." Scorpan muttered.

"I know," Tirek agreed. "Where will we go? What will we do?"

"I have an idea..."

An orange beam whizzed past them.

Scorpan looked back and saw Evil Tirek a distance away.

He started to try and make his way to them.

And with a gold spark, Scorpan and Tirek vanished.

Evil Tirek growled, and stomped a hoof. For a moment, it looked like he failed.

But then, what he saw in the woods in the distance, was a faint golden spark.

Evil Tirek grinned. And he began to make his way.


The Young 6...


Gallus, Smolder, and Silverstream were all playing cards in the Treehouse of Harmony, while Ocellus and Sandbar played checkers, with Yona watching.

"Got any fives?" Gallus asked.

Just then, the sound of light hoofsteps started to approach.

"Who's coming?" Ocellus asked.

"Probably Cozy Glow..." Smolder shrugged.

But just then, the pony Smolder mentioned suddenly went into the doorway as if she was thrown. She landed on her belly and slid along the crystal floor.

"Cozy Glow?" Sandbar said.

"And Cozy Glow!" said the voice of Cozy Glow... but it didn't even come from the filly's mouth!

Then, a similar-looking filly, with the only difference being the mane and a present cutie-mark, flew into the room.

All of the Young Six looked at Cozy, and then the curly-haired Cozy. And then back at Cozy.

"Yak confused," said Yona.

"She's an evil clone of me out to destroy you all..." Cozy summarized. "And I have no magic..."

The evil Cozy Glow lit her horn and sent a large beam at Silverstream.

"GAH, LOOK OUT!" she shrieked, diving out of the way before everycreature else.

"Scatter!" Sandbar called out.

The Young Six began to run in circles, dodging Cozy's beams the best they could, and being careful not to accidentally run into it and... get vaporized.

"ARGH! Stand still! You're all like ants!" Evil Cozy huffed. "Just... let me hit you! Or run into the blast!"

Cozy Glow noticed a nearby book, slightly overhanging off the shelf. She grabbed it with her mouth, turned her head, and with all her might, threw it the best she could.

With luck on her side, the book struck the back of evil Cozy's head.

"HEY!" Evil Cozy turned around, and sent a blast at regular Cozy. She briefly put on her fake smile. "Gee, looks like the goody-two shoes me thinks that she can be smart. Well guess what... how can a powerless filly beat a mighty filly like me?"

The fake smile returned to it's true nature... an evil frown.

And then she turned around.

The Young Six were running out of the Treehouse, and Evil Cozy could see the back of Yona before any trace of her enemies was gone.

"WHAT?!?"

Original Cozy then made a run for it, dodging a blast from the other Cozy.

"YOU CAN'T RUN!" Evil Cozy bellowed as she flew outside. When she came out, Cozy Glow vanished behind the bushes.

"Well, if there's one thing you should do when running..." Evil Cozy smirked, seeing the fact that there was a huge gap next to where Cozy ran. "... is to never have a yak nearby."


Battle with Grogar...


The battle was very wild, and it was amazing how it lasted for Leo, Luster Dawn, and Magma Burn.

First, they scattered, with some shield lifting and beams. But this was there things got heated.

"You can't scatter and expect us to get tired!" Sombra growled.

Magma Burn stopped, shield lifted.

"You want a fight?!?" he growled. "You get a fight!"

He lit his horn, and a small twister of orange started to appear from his horn.

Everyone stopped. It grew, before it split in two, separated from his horn, and formed two giant hooves of fire. He quickly brought the hooves down, right at the Storm King. He started to run, dodging the hit, but when it collided on the ground behind him, the force was still strong enough to send him back.

"Woah..." Leo whispered.

"Yep!" Luster nodded.

"Don't just stand there!" Evil Leo shrieked. "Destroy them!"

"Who said you were in charge?!" Grogar hissed, lighting his horns. He sent a blast at Leo, which he successfully blocked with a shield.

"Hey!" Leo smiled. "I did it! Wait..."

Leo saw Sombra light his horn and eyes, and Leo quickly hightailed it... right when a dome of black crystal formed. 

"Phew..." Leo muttered. "That was close..."

"This won't last forever!" Grogar bellowed. "I'll get my revenge if it's the last thing I do!"

"Well, you all got distracted with my friend's abilities," Luster began. "I'm pretty sure you're losing your-"

Luster Dawn was quickly lifted into the air by Evil Leo.

"Enough of this!" he barked. "I'm going to destroy this mare!"

Magma Burn stopped in his tracks. When he caught a quick glimpse, he sprang into an action. Lighting his horn, a shield appeared around Luster, blocking the beam. Evil Leo hissed, and was immediately tackled by Magma.

Just like when Magma tackled Leo, he stood on top. This time, he did not hesitate to light his horn.

"Stay... away... from her!"

He brought a beam down on Evil Leo, who lifted a small shield in front of his face. With his might, he lifted the shield.

"Magma Burn, turn it off!!" Leo shrieked. "You can't rival an alicorn shield."

"I can do it..." Magma Burn strained. "I can-"

The beam burst, and although Magma Burn wasn't vaporized, he was sent back. Leo ran over to his aid. When he came over, he lifted his best shield, which already started deflecting a beam sent by the Storm King.	

"Are you ok?" Leo asked.

Magma Burn groaned, struggling a bit.

"HEY, GUYS?!?" Luster Dawn yelled, every other villain closing in on her with charged horns. "I could use some help!"

"Look, you want to safe her, right?" I ask as the shield begins to crack. "So just trust me... we can get this done together!"

Magma Burn got up.

"I hope you have a plan..." he murmured. 

I nodded. 

"Either side," I whispered. "Ready?"

Magma nodded.

"Alright... now!"

I lowered the shield, and Magma Burn and I jumped separate directions. He quickly sent a blast at King Sombra, but missed... but he succeeded in getting his attention.

Sombra growled. Grogar and Evil Leo unleashed their beams on Luster, but Magma Burn quickly lifted a shield over Luster and dodged Sombra's attack.

"I can help!" Luster promised.

"Let me wait until I can distract them enough..." Magma groaned. "Use your magic to keep the shield stronger, and to also serve as backup if all goes wrong for me..."

The orange shield gained a partially golden glow.

Meanwhile, Leo kept dodging blows from the Storm King. 

"We have to keep going... keep being smart..." Leo muttered. "Otherwise... it's all over!"


...
...


Princess Twilight kept up with the battle against her more evil counterpart. Even though parts of the throne room were getting destroyed, that was the least of Twilight's worries. She had a world to save.

Mean Twilight Sparkle continued unleashing beams of magic, with regular Twilight retaliating. Spike's fire attacks would always be deflected, and Mean Twilight would dodge any attack unleashed when the enemy she isn't dealing with attempts to get her.

"You're skills in magic and combat are admirable..." Mean Twilight said, after a few minutes of a battle montage. "But with our equal intelligence, and equal abilities at magic, this battle will last until one of us tricks the other, or has a misstep!"

Mean Twilight sent a blast at Spike, which he dodged. Neither Spike or Twilight didn't want to damage the throne room any more.


Tirek and Scorpan...


A boulder blew apart as Evil Tirek struck it with magic.

The woods, which bordered Scorpan's home, was annoyingly filled with hiding places. Evil Tirek continued to uproot trees, and toss them aside.

But then, when he got a tree, he found one of the ones he was looking for.

"There you are!" Evil Tirek bellowed to his smaller duplicate, and then sent large beam of magic down. Tirek leapt out of the way. He kept running, dodging attacks, and all that while his evil twin tried to attack him. Soon, Evil Tirek got impatient, and telekinetically  grabbed Tirek.

"You think you're so quick..." he snarled. "Where's Scorpan?"

"Far from here," Tirek groaned. "He put me here and left."

"That's unfortunate... l guess no matter what side you're on, your... no... our brother will always be a traitor."

"Scorpan was never a traitor..."

"Either way, you're helpless..." Evil Tirek said. "And because you lost your ability to drain magic..."

Evil Tirek lifted his claws, and an orange orb of magic appeared.

"...Your story ends here..."

Tirek took a deep breath.

"I may not be able to drain magic..." Tirek began. "But I know someone who still is."

"What?" Evil Tirek raised an eyebrow.

And then he started to come to his senses... and started to feel weaker.

He turned around, and noticed a trail of magic coming from above him... and heading for Scorpan, his mouth wide open, and the magic going inside.

Evil Tirek caught on: Scorpan was draining his magic! 

Evil Tirek growled, looked at Regular Tirek, smirked, and dropped him.

Scorpan quickly raised his own arm, and a golden shield wrapped around Tirek, who landed in the trees. unharmed.

Evil Tirek stomped closer, starting to appear weaker... and weaker...

He raised his claws, and an orange orb appeared... but it was no use! It fizzled out of existence, especially because he couldn't attack when his magic was being drained.

Seconds later, the trail came to an end. Scorpan started to grow. Evil Tirek started to shrink. When it all ended, Scorpan stopped growing when he was, at an estimate, nearly a yard taller than Evil Tirek.

Tirek stepped out of hiding while his evil clone collapsed.

"My magic..." he wheezed.

"You took the magic he already had?" Tirek asked.

"It was for the best, brother," Scorpan explained. 

"Very well..." Tirek nodded.

Scorpan then cast a spell, and a cage formed over evil Tirek.

"I believe this, belongs to you..."

Scorpan opened his mouth, and a flow of orange magic flew out, and went for Tirek. It went to the middle of his horns, and an orange orb of magic glowed. Tirek's size began to increase... and when it was over, Scorpan was smaller, and Tirek was the same size he already was when the day started. He flexed his muscles, and kissed a bicep.

"It's good to be back..." he grinned.

"Would you like his magic, as well?" Scorpan offered.

"Keep it," Tirek insisted. "I'm happy with where I am. Anyway, we're not done, yet. Half of the magic you possess belongs to Chrysalis and Cozy."

"Do you know where they are?"

"Not exactly... but I have some ideas."


Chrysalis...


Chrysalis wiggled in the chains, wanting to get out. Sadly, the chains stayed even after her evil twin left. They weren't the kind that faded when the one casting the spell got distracted... it was a spell itself.

"I have to..." she mumbled.

It was no use.

"Please Starlight... still be alright... if I can save you, at least..."

POOF!

The faint sound of somepony or creature teleporting occurred outside the door. The door was then torn away, and a majority of the wall around it. Tirek was there.

"Chrysalis!"

"Wait... which Tirek are you?..." Chrysalis asked, as the centaur came over.

"The one that's about to let you go..." he said, lighting his horns. 

The chains started to glow orange, before fading away into nothing.

"Good thing there's counter spells," Tirek mumbled.

Chrysalis leapt and hugged Tirek.

"Thank you..." she mumbled. She leaned back to look at Tirek. "Listen, Tirek... what was said earlier... I-"

Just then, Tirek gave Chrysalis a quick smooch on the lips.

"Me too..." he nodded. "Probably as long as you have..."

Chrysalis let the sudden realization settle in, before she latched on Tirek again.

"Listen, we need to help Starlight!" Chrysalis determined. "Wait... how did you get your magic back?"

"My brother, Scorpan, worked with me and we tricked the other me. He drained all his magic, and gave mine back. He gave mine back. He still has yours, and Cozy's..."

"Where is he?" Chrysalis asked.

"He's going to help the kid...we went our separate ways because if we both went at once, one of you may have gotten unlucky," Tirek answered. "Now... where is Starlight?"


Mountains...


The battle continued to rage on. Evil Chrysalis and Starlight gave it their all, launching blasts of magic, or dodging them. 

Soon, Starlight managed to land a hit on Chrysalis. She fell to the ground. She got up, hissed, and started to fly.

"I'll never hold back!" Evil Chrysalis hissed. "Even reformation won't stop me from coming-"

POOF!

Just then, in an orange spark, Tirek and Chrysalis showed up.

"So..." Evil Chrysalis turned to face her two new foes. "It looks like the Tirek who rightfully ignores friendship failed in his task to destroy you."

"He has... and I even got my magic back..." Tirek pounded his fists. "And now I'm here with her to finish you off, next..."

"Good luck with that..." Evil Chrysalis scoffed. "I doubt she has her magic, back."

"I don't..." Chrysalis growled, while Starlight appeared next to her in a blue spark. "But I can still put up a fight..."

Evil Chrysalis lit her horn. "Go ahead and try..."


Battle with Grogar...


It was... amazing, how they all still lasted. Luster's shield was gone. They all unleashed our attacks.

Grogar launched a beam at Leo. He dodged.

"How... are you still... going?!" the red Leo bellowed when launching a beam at Luster and missing. "You know what? Enough of this!"

He lit his horn, and Luster was enveloped in red magic. She was tossed to the wall.

Evil Leo then turned, and did the same with Original Leo. After that, Evil Leo saw Magma Burn hit King Sombra with his magic. Magma was grabbed by Evil Leo's magic, and tossed over to the wall.

"Now that's how to take care of them..." Evil Leo snarled, when Grogar, Sombra, and the Storm King came over.

"Now... I think it is a good time to destroy you now..." Grogar's horns lit, and everyone else ignited their magic.

"Shield!" Leo yelled. 

And when the beam was launched, Leo lifted a shield. Luster and Magma were quick to help


Cozy...


Evil Cozy Glow continued to follow the gapped trail that Yona left behind.

"I know you're here somewhere..." she grumbled.

Rustle, rustle

Evil Cozy stopped. She noticed that a nearby bush moved. She smirked.

The bushes emitted a ruby glow, and they were parted, revealing Cozy Glow.

"Found you!" Evil Cozy exclaimed, before firing a beam.

Cozy dove forward. Right when evil Cozy turned around, a giant green blob of slime dropped down on her, trapping her.

All of the Young Six, save for Ocellus, poked their heads out of the bushes.

"Nice one, Ocellus!" Gallus said.

It didn't last long... Evil Cozy's horn went red, before Smooze Ocellus burst all over the place.

"Well, that was graphic..." Smolder muttered.

Pieces of Smooze ocellus grouped together, before it turned back into Ocellus. She coughed.

"You really underestimate alicorn power..." she sneered.

Everyone tried to run, but a wall of ruby magic blocked them.

"Now say hello to my little friend..." Evil Cozy grinned, a ruby ball of magic forming.

"Well..." Cozy muttered. It was nice to fight with you all.

Stomp! Stomp! STOMP!

POOF

Nearby, a stomping sound could be heard, before two sparks of orange and gold burst. Scorpan stood, ready to fight.

"Hey!" Evil Cozy barked. "What are you doing here?!"

"Here to help out the little one," Scorpan said.

"Scorpan! How did you get here?" Cozy asked. 

"My brother and I outsmarted my more powerful double, then went to the treehouse to look for you. I have your magic! Quick! Gather!" 

The Young Six got close to Scorpan, along with Cozy Glow. Scorpan quickly lifted a shield, right when Evil Cozy launched a powerful beam at it. The shield began to crack... and then it was lowered! Instead of Evil Cozy's beam hitting everyone, it was instead countered by a similar-colored beam.

Cozy Glow continued to use her might to counter the beam. The Young Six, and a smaller Scorpan, stood.

"You think you're so powerful!" Evil Cozy growled. 

"Allow me to insist..." Scorpan insisted.

"No... I... I can do this!" Cozy determined, her beam not moving closer or farther. "Because... this is how I choose to live! If I can get through this night, I will be sure that Equestria stays a safe haven..."

And Cozy's flank began to glow. 

"Wait... what??!" Evil Cozy burst, confused. 

And when the light on Cozy's flank burst, the beam suddenly went all-out, fighting back strongly with Evil Cozy's beam.

When it got to Evil Cozy's horn, it burst, sending her to the ground.

Cozy Glow lowered to the ground.

"Well, that's confusing..." Cozy heard Smolder say.

"What?" Cozy asked.

"Your cutie mark!" Ocellus said.

Cozy looked, and she got immediately confused. On her flank was... a rook? Impossible... she couldn't have a rook!

"I..." Cozy stood up. "I don't understand!"

Sandbar rubbed a hoof on his chin.

"Well... maybe... it may look like it's a rook... but it also resembles a castle! See the window and door?"

Sandbar pointed at the window and door that wasn't originally there.

"Castles provide safe havens..." Cozy muttered. "I think... I think it's supposed to mean that I'm supposed to keep Equestria.. a safe place? This is a bit confusing..."

Scorpan approached Evil Cozy, who wearily stood up. She growled, opened her wings, and flew up... before hitting a golden shield.

Scorpan's arms were crossed. Evil Cozy, who sheepishly chuckled.


Chrysalis...


The battle continued. Chrysalis ran around, serving as a diversion when Evil Chrysalis spots her, and starts attempting to catch her, and successfully dodging blasts from Tirek and Starlight. When she gives up, it went to Tirek vs. Evil Chrysalis, and then Tirek was replaced with Starlight.

Starlight, yet again, hit Evil Chrysalis with a blast. When Evil Chrysalis got up, she hissed, and sprang for Starlight... before a blast from Tirek knocked her to the ground.

"You really need to not get clouded with revenge..." Chrysalis muttered, stepping forward while Tirek formed a dome-cage on her.

Evil Chrysalis leapt at her enemies, and collided with the cage.

"It will stay when we leave... it will only fade away when I get rid of it," Tirek assured. "Now... come with me. My brother and I arranged a spot to meet when this was over with..."

"I'll come with!" Starlight said.

"Very well..." Tirek nods. He pointed at Evil Chrysalis. "I'll be back..." he promised.

Evil Chrysalis mumbled under her breath.


Canterlot...


Tirek, Chrysalis, and Starlight appeared. Nearby stood Scorpan, Cozy Glow, and the Young Six. All eight of them were looking up.

They ran over.

"Chrysalis! Tirek!" Cozy smiled.

"I have been notified that you have my magic," Chrysalis said.

"Allow me..." said Scorpan, before he returned the magic to Chrysalis. Chrysalis smiled and lit her horn, and Scorpan got even smaller.

"Anyway, what's been happening?" Starlight asked. "You were all watching-"

"Look!" Silverstream pointed up.

Everyone else looked up.

And they saw the two Twilights battling, along with Spike.

"Should we help?" Chrysalis asked, starting to hover.

"I think it's best..." Scorpan said.

Cozy and Scorpan started to hover too. They flew up... right when one of the Twilights was knocked into Canterlot castle.

Chrysalis, Cozy, and Scorpan stopped flying.

"Which one was that?"

They saw the victorious Twilight and Spike see them, and fly down to them. With the less-dull colors and the fact she wasn't attacking Spike, it became clear that it was their Twilight.

"You're okay!" she smiled.

"Same with you," said Chrysalis.

Twilight nudged her head to the castle. "Let's head inside..." she said. "We better restrain this... evil me, and then we're going to talk."

"Very well," Scorpan said.

They all flew to the castle, except Chrysalis, who returned to Tirek.


Meanwhile...


The shield still held up. But the magic unleashed made it crack. But very slowly. With the amount of strength in their magic, it was amazing that the shield still held up... in spite of cracking.

"What are we going to do now?" Luster asked.

"Its easy... grab on!" I order.

"Why?" Magma asked.

"Just do it! And turn off your shield magic"

Luster and Magma grabbed on. Their horns dimmed, and the shield began to crack quicker.

I lit my own horn. Although I didn't get good sight of this room, hopefully it would work.

A bright flash of hazel light burst, and at the same time, I put the shield spell out of my mind.

So when we appeared outside the shield and away from the beam, and near the large arch, the shield immediately faded away, and the beam struck the wall. Hard.

"Stop! STOP!" I heard the evil me shrieked.

The wall started to crack. Cracks went along the wall and to the ceiling.

We started to run.

"AFTER THEM!" I heard Grogar shriek.

And we heard the walls begin to crumble.


Third-person/pony view...


As soon as Grogar shrieked, a large boulder crashed near him.

All the villains looked up. The whole room began to crumble.

Evil Leo brought all villains close to him.

"WHAT IS THE-" Grogar began.

Evil Leo teleported them all away.


Back to Leo and the others...


We ran. We ran without looking back. Everything crumbled. 

And we saw it. We saw a light.

"TELEPORT!" Luster shrieked. 

"I'M STILL NEW AT THIS! I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT!" I say.

"BUT WHAT ABOUT WITH THE SHIELD?" Magma yelled.

"I COULD FOCUS MORE!"

We ran. And we all leapt when we were close.

We landed on our bellies... right when everything crumbled behind us.

We got up. In front of us, was a desert landscape.

We turned around and saw the ruins.

"So... that's where we were?" Luster asked. "In a desert... lair?"

"I guess..." I shrug.

"But not anymore," said Magma Burn.

"Well... let's head home."

I lit my horn... and nothing happened.

"What's wrong?" Luster asked.

"I... I can't go home..." I realized. "The distance you can teleport depends on how powerful you are... and since I haven't perfected my magic yet... we can only teleport so far... which means..."

"We have to go back on hoof..." Magma said.

Well shoot!


Canterlot...


The cell door closed on Mean Twilight Sparkle, who refused to look at her victorious foes. The rest of the Mean 6 were in the cell, and the rest of the Mane 6, and Spike, stood alongside them.

"So... what now?" Tirek asked.

"I don't know... If there is one thing I should have learned by now, is that harmony doesn’t last forever."

"Even if that’s the case, we’re always going to fight for it," Cozy determined. "Because what my new cutie mark tells me, is that I provide a safe haven!"

"Hey, good job on the cutie mark," Chrysalis said.

"Goodness, that cell was dreadful!" Rarity said. "I'm just glad to be out..."

"Wait a minute!" Cozy realized. "Leo! We don't know where he is!"

Everyone looked at each other.

"Luster and Magma Burn are also gone... they may or may not be with them," Twilight explained. 

"And obviously, it would take more than some evil version of Leo to fight the three of them," Spike said.

"So maybe... Grogar and the others were there too?" Chrysalis said.

"Now, now... we don't know for certain!" Princess Twilight assured. "To be safe, I'll find a way to make sure that Leo, Luster, and Magma are alright without putting anyone in danger. We can conduct a search party."

"I'm worried..." Cozy sat down.

Fluttershy came over and placed a hoof on Cozy.

"It's going to be okay," she slightly smiled.

Cozy lowered her head.

And just then, the cell containing Mean Twilight and the others glowed yellow. Everyone looked at the cell.

When the glow was gone, so were those who were in the cell.

"Well... that was unexpected..." said Tirek.


Lair...


The powerless Evil Tirek and Evil Cozy Glow were both slumped in their seats, while Chrysalis muttered Celestia knows what.

The yellow glow from a hallway caught their attention. When it vanished, a magenta spark burst, and the evil Twilight stood.

"You two don't look good," she said.

"That blasted gargoyle took my magic!" Evil Cozy whined. She pointed at evil Tirek. "His too!"

"Well... that's a shame! I got lucky," Mean Twilight smirked.

"Me too..." Evil Chrysalis said, before going back to muttering.

"So... where are the others?"

"Sombra and the Storm King are in their rooms," Evil Cozy explained. "The other two are upstairs... though we don't know why. The red Leo took him upstairs to discuss our next plan."


Upstairs...


Evil Leo sat... Expressionless. For a few minutes, at least. But at last, he got up, and went over to a cabinet. He opened it and smiled... at the glowing Bewitching Bell that was inside. 

He then lit his horn and teleported to one of the high walkways outside the lair.

"Oh, poor... poor Grogar..." Evil Leo said, to the frozen Grogar statue with an infuriated expression. "You should be careful who you create, because they'll be smart enough to put on an act. And you should especially remember to cast a spell on your bell to stop me from getting it in your sleep and replacing it with a fake... I guess age can do that..."

Evil Leo remembered what he did. When he took Grogar upstairs, and got ridiculed for his flaws, he quickly snatched the bell out of the cabinet. With a teleportation spell to avoid Grogar's magic ammunition, he was able to drain Grogar's magic, from him and the collar.

He went back to reality.

"You've had your fun being one of the most powerful beings in Equestria..." he smirked. "And now... it's my turn!"

"Leo? Evil Leo?" he heard the voice of Evil Cozy as she found him where you stood.

"Yes?" he said, not looking behind him.

"I was just look- wait... is that-"

"Grogar's statue..." Evil Leo looked behind him. 

"What did you do?" Evil Cozy asked.

"I took my place as the rightful leader... a place that should have been mine long ago... go return with your allies..." 

Evil Cozy turned.

"Oh, but one more thing..." he said, causing Evil Cozy to stop and turn her head. 

Evil Leo's expression finally cracked into a small smile. "Call me Sephtis."