> Split Personality
>  by Darravan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Deep down in the dark tunnels of Grogar's lair... past the cascading waterfalls and jagged pointy rocks littering the chasm there was Cozy Glow, the former student of Princess Twilight Sparkle. The pink filly hovered near Tirek's massive shoulders and despite their coming victory she was just so... bored. watching Tirek read with nothing to do was the absolute worst Keep it together Cozy we're almost there she inwardly thought to herself, and then her other inner voice, her conscience started up again as usual.

("Why are we still doing this we could have been on the other side of Equestria by now.") she heard it whisper, her conscience was such a pain. Running to the edges of Equestria? for what? How would she get her kingdom then? 

Cozy had always had this problem with herself and No she wasn't crazy it's just sometimes a mental fight was inevitable at this point, always with the that's wrong and don't do that mumbo jumbo that her good side would always nag her with as if she had gotten anywhere in life by just being good.

("You know why.") she mentally responded ("I didn't climb Mount Everhoof with these two numbskulls to go running away now, so how about you shut up and bug off.") Cozy wanted to roll her eyes but didn't so as not to look annoyed for no reason. The last thing Tirek and Chrysalis need to know is that I argue in my head...

("But we could lose all over again, I bet Headmare Twilight wouldn't even know we were out of Tartarus until we were on the other side of Equestria.") you'd like that wouldn't you, Cozy imagined her pest with a frown on her face and a halo hanging above her head.

("No way in Tarturus would I do that, If those six Buffoons would have just stayed in line I would have won, I'm not about to go giving up when I'm so close to getting my crown.") Cozy looked up to see Chrysalis walk in, cutting off her argument in her head as Tirek welcomed their wicked companion, "Ahh Chrysalis another successful field trip I presume" Chrysalis grew smug at the comment, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Indeed spreading discord among the Unicorns and Earth ponies is almost to easy." Chrysalis responded with that I'm sooooo much better than you attitude of hers. "We could take down Twilight and her little friends a hundred times but so long as they have the love of Equestria behind them they crawl back to defeat us not any more", Cozy thoughts whirled at the bug Queen's words, the image of them all cowering before her with all of them begging for her mercy, the sight of Twilight on her knees and in tears with her school in a shamble of ruins.

("Would that really make you happy?") the voice asked saddening it's tone to Cozy's daydream in her head.

("Of course you fool they defeated me and ruined my perfect plan!") Cozy inwardly yelled at herself.

("No they didn't, the Tree ruined our plan.") this is when Cozy hated her little voice the most how dare she or no it  think it could hold this over her, it was bad enough with Tirek and Chrysalis constantly being stuck up and acting like they always knew better than her, she didn't need her conscience to try and correct her too. If only I could get my hooves on it...

Ignoring the voice Cozy decided to participate with a conversation actually worth having "No friendship no magic it's so obvious when you think about it I did my part freaking out the Pegasi." and oh boy did she, she even convinced one filly that some rich unicorns considered Pegasi a delicacy, she was sure to have nightmare's of Cozy's lie for sure.

"And Grogar's long absence has given me time to prepare the next part of our plan." Tirek said retrieving the bell from their hiding spot. "Grogar's bell, this artifact can steel any creature's magic, it holds on to that magic until it is released by this spell." Tirek said and then pointed at the open book they had stolen from the Canterlot, showing of the ancient spell inside.

("I wonder how much trouble we would get in if Headmare Twilight knew we helped steal that book?")

("Would you pipe down already!") she inwardly shouted at herself.

"Which means all the magic inside is ours for the taking." Tirek said in a much to happy voice for even Cozy and then the worst thing, he started kissing it! Cozy snatched it away "You're drooling on the bell." Getting it away from him Cozy started caressing it thinking of all the power inside.

("That things nothing but trouble.") it whispered in the back of Cozy's head.

"Let's try the spell before Grogar gets back." Chrysalis said while yanking the bell from Cozy with her magic and continuing her rant. "I'm sick of waiting for that old goat's master plan."

Suddenly Tirek raised his arms and said "Take my hands", wow... Cozy didn't think he had been that invested in learning friendship from her but apparently he must have snapped at some point. 

"So we can all be apart of the spell, unless you'd prefer I take all the magic myself" he continued as Cozy put her hoof in his hand at the same time as Chrysalis.




"Our deal stands what we do we do together once we defeat the protectors of Equestria we can claim these land and rule our kingdoms alone once more." Chrysalis said obviously annoyed that Tirek would even consider such a scenario, if Tirek though of betraying them now Cozy only hoped that Chrysalis could defeat him and still see the sense in an alliance. The thought of Cozy's own kingdom sent a chill through her entire body, she could practically see her parent's shocked faces. Tirek's horns ignited as he activated the spell during which Cozy's counter part decided to be annoying yet again "What are you doing you know this won't end out well for us." but Cozy didn't care to indulge it this time, the bell raised and let out a ring as it poured magic into their very being and settled back down on the book. Cozy had never felt this way before, it felt as if the power of the sun had been absorbed her little body all at once, her wings grew and a horn found it's way on her head as the transformation with this new power was completing itself. Cozy didn't care how the others were taking all this as she let an evil laugh echoing throughout the cavernous lair. As for her conscience the voice remained silent, too afraid as it witnessed Cozy's transformation...
> Birth (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Cozy was absolutely overflowing with power and oh boy did she enjoy every second of it. I know this, Cozy thought to herself. She had read so much about what magic could do for years without ever having any of that power for her own and she was betting with all of these spell books Grogar had lying around one of them just had to be able to help her. The last thing she needed was her little conscience to nag her all through her new reign. Time to fix a few things, Cozy thought as she started trotting away from her two evil friends

"Just where do you think you're going?" Cozy heard Queen bug butt say from behind her.

"What?" Cozy asked looking over her shoulder to see not only Chrysalis but Tirek looking at her departure with a raised eyebrow.

"Now's not the time to go frolicking off, we have to get ready for Grogar when he returns." Tirek stated.

Seriously!?, Cozy thought as her anger almost broke through her upset glare, I have to get away from them for this, "Um in case you didn't notice you and our dearest most bestest Queen here already had horns and I just grew one out of the top of my skull, give me a minute would ya." 

Tirek put a hand to his face in annoyance and sighed, "Ugh fine just hurry otherwise Grogar may find out what we've been up to before we can deal with him."

"Speak for yourself Centaur, I could take Grogar by myself with all of this magical energy." Chrysalis stated in defiance as she marveled at her new green armor adorning her exoskeleton.

Yep that's my cue to leave, Cozy thought with an eyeroll as she departed with a scowl down the hideout's cavernous halls. ("Well um... aren't you happy now? We always wanted our own magic."), Cozy heard it whisper again in her head although at this point she was just trying to suffer through it until she could get it out somehow with her newfound magic. Come on Grogar's got to have something around here that could help me.

("You're-You're happy now right, we can leave?") Cozy heard it say again.

("Ugh Shut up, I'm definitely not leaving until I find a way to get you out of my head.") Cozy stated matter of factly to her little no good angel on her shoulder.

("What!? T-think about what you're doing. You could give us both brain damage or something.") to which Cozy replied in her head ("Actually after this there won't be an us anymore, so pipe down already.") She honestly didn't know why she had these thoughts, it's just lately they would always disturb her in the process of plotting her conquest and her Revenge, for the life of her she couldn't get it to just stop. Why? Why can't I just tone it out?

("It's because deep down you feel bad about what you've done don't you.") the voice whispered, once again trying to talk some sense into her.

("Don't you mean you feel bad? Because I feel great.") Cozy inwardly exclaimed as she envisioned her enemies crushed beneath her with her finally claiming her destiny that she was yearning for. 

("Look it doesn't need to be this way, we could go anywhere we want to. We could start all over-") her voice tried to say before she mentally cut it off mid sentence, "No! This only ends one way. I didn't come this far just to give up now, and I don't need some silly background noise like you messing it all up."

("But this isn't worth it.") it whispered.

("It is to me.") Cozy stated with a determined glare as she quickly made her way to Grogar's private room, earlier she would never have tried to sneak into this particular part of their hideout thanks to the fear she had of being disintegrated by Grogar but with her new powers she wasn't actually afraid of the old goat anymore. Charging up her new horn she blasted the door off it's hinges and sent it flying to the room's rocky floor with aloud thud. Cozy smirked at the power she now had as she blew some steam off of her new horn, her new abilities really were something to marvel at oh if only her father could see her now she bet she'd scare him to death before she blew him to pieces, but all good things come to she who waits, she would take her time with him and her mother dearest when the Princess of Friendship was a pile of ashes. Entering the room Cozy checked for any dangerous pets or traps Grogar might have added to his quarters to keep them safe, but everything appeared harmless. Stupid goat could have at least left a bear trap on the floor or something, Cozy thought as her eyes darted around the room while she began her search for a way to free her psyche from her pest problem.

Cozy scanned the row of books in Grogar's private room and wow oh boy did he sure have a lot of stuff, Cozy spotted several various torture devices and ancient artifacts scattered about the area, surely something in here had to help her, she didn't want to have to steal a spell from Twilight's library, no she wanted this thing out of her head now. Cozy started scanning the books that Grogar had collected or even written himself, either way Cozy didn't know or care as she read through the books on their respective shelfs on the rocky walls. Let's see Arcane History, Runes no I know all about those, basic spells no I'd seen those even in school... wait, Cozy stopped and stared at a large black book with the title Monster Creation and Dark magic, well at least she thought the book was black there was quit a bit of dust on it. 

"Ha finders keepers." Cozy said with a smirk before yanking the book off of the dusty old bookshelf and blowing some of the dust away. Suddenly Cozy started coffing as the dust billowed into the air all around her, "ugh." Cozy let out as she began leaving down the hallway in a fast trot. Gotta hurry up before Grogar gets back, Cozy thought before suddenly bumping into Chrysalis after just turning a corner. Unamused the Changeling's yellow and green eyes locked onto her and her newest little bit of reading material.

"What's that?" Chrysalis asked with a sneer as her glare found the book Cozy had taken for her own purposes, oh no Cozy thought since the last thing she needed was Chrysalis getting nosey or even worse playing parent like she was her mother or something, yeash. Seeing as Chrysalis wouldn't leave her alone until she answered her Cozy quickly came up with an excuse, "Oh this... it's just something to read until Grogar gets here, you know so I can have a few spells down to deal with Twilight and her friends." Cozy answered sweetly and put on a big happy smile for good measure. Cozy really didn't want Chrysalis to know what she was going to do if she found the right spells to get rid of her little problem, for all she knew Chrysalis might want to eat the leftovers. Cozy's smile widened at the mental image. (That would take care of things.)

("What!? No!") her conscience said pleadingly.

("Fine but don't tempt me, I might just change my mind.") Cozy said threateningly in her head.

Seeing as how Cozy's story checked out Chrysalis stepped out of her way, although she still held her look of suspicion down on her, "Well you'd better hurry before Grogar gets back, we all need to be ready to start our takeover once he's dealt with, so don't doddle otherwise you'll incur my wrath." and with that final piece of advice the former Changeling Queen stalked past the pink filly. Sure thing log talker...

("Can-can we just leave?...Please.") the voice whispered again in her head, Cozy rolled her eyes as she made her way to her room, ("Oh don't worry I will be leaving just not you.")

("B-but why? I-I'm sorry alright. I'm just so scared.") the voice pleaded desperately, wow it was annoyingly still trying to get through to her! what a die hard.

("Hmm... let me put it to you this way, you're being let go, you're services are no longer required, I'm moving in a different direction, take you're pick.") Cozy replied with a smirk, happy that the tiny voice had finally gone dormant and didn't respond, maybe this time it's given up for awhile.

Cozy entered the room she had been staying in for the past couple months, despite it being a dirty brown mess it was big and it was about the same sized room that she had been given at Twilight's school only this time it was all just hers, admittedly it didn't have much just a warm fireplace, a dresser she could only reach while flying and her bed, which to be fair had the opposite of inviting written all over it, the old blanket not exactly doing it any favors. Knowing that her time was short Cozy flew onto her bed and went about her mission as she opened the dusty thing to the table of contents, there she found that half the book was dedicated to the undead and summonings, things which Cozy decided was worth a glance despite her short timeframe, however once she turned the pages past the monsters she found what she was most interested in since the second half of the book detailed the study of nightmares and mind magic, seeing this made her quite the happy filly as she deciding to mark her discoveries as she went about her read. Reaching under her blanket she found and quickly snatched up her favorite pink highlighter from underneath the bedsheets and started applying it to the ancient text.

After about an hour of reading various spells, Cozy found a combination that could work which basically detailed that all she had to do was concentrate on her goody four hooves personality and draw it out with a mind strip transfer, unfortunately for her the unwanted part of her psyche had to go somewhere and Cozy didn't exactly have volunteers just hanging around for her convenience, that's where the other half of Cozy's research came in handy, since thanks to her not skipping the first part of the book she learned of a spell that only required you to have a large amount of powerful magic (which now being an Alicorn, Cozy obviously had) and a sample of a creature so you could make a copy of it, on the bad end she didn't exactly know how well she could replicate a filly from a monster book but at least the new creation would give Cozy somewhere to put her problem. So flying over to her drawer Cozy set out to get her scissors and cut a small length of hair that hung loosely in the back of her head, but a strand she didn't need of course particularly one that wasn't one of her curls, never would she clip her curls Celestia only knew how hard she worked on those.

Finally with her spells in order it was the moment of truth as Cozy powered up her newly acquired horn with swirling red magic spiraling all around it as she shot a beam at her now snipped lock of hair, (following every instruction to the letter) and with with that a red blinding light encapsulated the room leaving another completely unmoving Cozy Glow laying on the ground as it fadded, a lifeless filly... but not for long, Cozy thought as her attention turned to her little voice in the back of her head and gave it full center stage, all of a sudden the voice spoke up, ("Wait! Stop Please!") it wailed. seemingly unheard however by Cozy and with her horn still raised she shot her magic into the lifeless body on the floor, with a bright white flash of light leaving her head and disappearing into the lifeless double on the floor. As soon as it was all over the voice was.... gone. It was gone!, finally gone!

"Yes!" Cozy shouted with glee but soon decided to test her success just to be sure the voice was gone for good, "Well since I'm getting my Revenge I might as well make those pesky crusaders my personal servants after they tried to stop me with their friends." and she waited... and waited... and nothing came up. I'm free! I'm finally free!

Cozy jumped up and down for joy on her bed causing it to creek and then without warning Cozy heard a loud knocking at her door "Cozy Glow what are you doing in there?" Tirek said from the other side of her shut door with his shadow soon appearing out from under her doorway, shucks Cozy had been so focused on freeing herself that she didn't even hear him coming down the hallway.

"Oh it's nothing, I'm just trying out a new spell, I'll be out soon." Cozy said adding a little extra sweet to her voice.

"Make sure you do Grogar could be back any minute so hurry up and get out here." Tirek said in annoyance and then marched off down the cavernous hallway so they could prepare their trap.

Cozy was about to follow him but soon remembered something she'd almost completely forgot about, soon Cozy's narrowed eyes took notice of the filly still laying on the floor completely unmoving, Golly it looks just like me. "Well just so you know I was going to blast you to kingdom come after we parted ways but seeing as how it looks like you're already pushing up daisies I think I'll just leave you here to rot. Isn't that nice of me?" Cozy stated with an evil grin before patting her new twin on the head, it was such a shame though, Cozy could have really enjoyed her new little toy as a servant or even better as a pet of some kind, oh well, Cozy thought to herself and flew to the door. Opening it she prepared herself, the time had finally come to take over Equestria and prove to every pony that had ever doubted her that they were wrong, she flew out without a care, leaving the door open behind her.

 (Several hours later)

Cozy awoke gasping for breath.


 Cozy coughed hard, her lungs felt sore as if even breathing was killing her. She couldn't move much and without any fight left in her she laid there for a while to drained to move and to lost for words...

What had happened? W-where was she? Cozy tried to remember but to her horror the mere attempt at remembering sent her head into an eruption of blinding pain. "Agh!!!" Cozy yelped before curling instinctively up into a ball and grasping her aching head into her hooves. She held firm for a while longer as the pain subsided and she seemed to fade in and out of consciousness...

"Mmm..." she whispered, "mmm..."

....

Finally her eyes fluttered open in a daze. Although from her point of view she could tell that she was on the ground. "Ugh." Cozy let out as she pushed herself up onto her front hooves into a somewhat sitting position, however doing so was physically taxing and every part of her wanted to go crashing back down... no, Cozy thought as she forced herself up and let out one wheezing breath after the other. Glancing down Cozy found her hooves shaking and her head still in a throbbing fit from earlier. Nothing about this made any sense to her, but this was a room in the evil lair that much she could tell... though it was a lot darker for some reason... and wait this was her room wasn't it... yes it was, it was hers in all it's dullfullness. Despite the undignified welcome however it was comforting that she was in a place she actually remembered otherwise she'd be pretty terrified, what had happened? How did she wind up on the floor? 

She tried to concentrate but her head just kept erupting with more pain with each new attempt she made. Finally giving up she began scanning her surroundings and she suddenly realized to her dismay that there wasn't a fire going and the cold of the room was sending chills coursing up and down her spine, hmm, that's why I'm  s-so cold. moving with slow wobbles Cozy dragged herself to the fire pit and found her personal flints by the fire that she used every night, grabbing them in her shaky hooves she struck them together, but barely any sparks actually erupted out of the stones since she was so weak and she could barely strike them. Not wanting to give up and freeze until morning she mustered her strength and struck them harder, with that last effort the fire burst into life with the orange and yellow flames causing the room to warm itself.

Pulling herself back over by the bed and a good safe distance away from the fire Cozy settled back down to recuperate and took a moment to gather herself, while doing so her eyes vexed on the shimmering orange hue that danced about the room from the fire's warm dancing lights, seeing them captivated her from her place in the barren cave, though as nice as they were she felt she was still too weak to find somepony who could tell her what had happened to her...

To tired..., she thought realizing she wouldn't be awake for much longer like this. And so she set about to get comfortable until she felt better, her body urging her to resign herself back to sleep. Before doing so Cozy checked her room's entrance but couldn't make out much past the doorway, it appeared to be completely nighttime outside. Seeing no way she would have enough energy to get up off of the floor and back onto her bed Cozy pulled her blanket off so she would at least have something she could cuddle up with, but to her immediate turmoil a large black looking book came crashing down on top of her head and caused a brand new wave of pain to fill her skull, letting out a tiny croak of pain and softly rubbing her sore head Cozy officially gave up as she gingerly laid herself back down onto the floor with her blanket now draped all around her. Pulling the blanket closer until she was completely snuggled under it, Cozy's head soon found it's way onto the large black book that had hit her as she used it as a makeshift pillow before drifting silently back off to sleep.



Stirring Cozy finally awoke from her dreamless slumber, her eyes cracking slightly open only for her to immediately shut them again thanks to the bright light hitting her pupils. Instantly she pull her blanked back over her head to keep the unwanted brightness away and let out an "Ugh..." in her swaddled darkness. Minutes passed and before long she stirred with her tiny hooves moving around until she finally peeked out from under her hideaway. Once her eyes began to adjust she could just make out that Grogar's evil lair was much lighter than it had been before she had dozed off and thus it must be some sort of daytime, But where was Chrysalis and Tirek? Hadn't they woken up yet or were they just ignoring her again? Wanting to find out Cozy stirred before bringing herself into a sitting position on the floor and letting out a tired yawn. 

Mustering her strength she was about to get up and investigate when suddenly she realized that the book she had used as her very own makeshift pillow last night (a very dusty book at that) had the title Monster Creation and Dark Magic  embedded on it. Cozy stared at the book and wondered where it had came from... having only the foggiest of memories start to emerge from the back of her mind. Wait I've seen this haven't I, Cozy realized as Images flashed in her head of her apparently stealing the book from Grogar's room and using a new... horn!? Cozy's hoof shot up as she searched the very top of her head but found only a bedraggled mess of hair... that didn't make any sense though she remembered a horn... right.

Suddenly it hit her, the memory of casting the spell from the book! Cozy looked down at it a fear soon taking hold of her. Something about all of this was starting to scare her inside, like the book had come out of some kind of a Nightmare. Maybe I should just leave it, Cozy though and even started to get up and leave entirely but then a whole new thought hit her. she was alone, unwell, and clearly had no idea what had happened to her, if there was even the slightest chance the book could answer any of her questions then it had to be worth a quick glance. Eyeing it up she lifted a slightly shaky hoof and turned the book to it's table of contents, there she could see two of the sections were previously highlighted pink, one on monster summons and one on a mind-strip-transfer. I must've highlighted these...

Cozy skimmed through it seeing the spells were for the far too magically advanced and would remove certain parts of a creature's mind... suddenly an image of the past came to her as she remembered being ripped out of her own head and everything around her going deathly cold... Cozy pulled her hoof away from the book in terror as she realized that it hadn't been her body she'd been ripped out of and that she was just a voice... a voice in Cozy's head... a single voice of reason that had been cast aside without a single care. She didn't want to believe it but glancing down there it all was staring back at her on the page, a spell completely full of all the details of her being cast out into this new body thanks to the original Cozy Glow's spell. But-I can't have a body....

I'm nothing... I'm just that voice in her head..., Cozy thought raising her hoof in front of her face and stared at it with a newfound wonder. How? c-can this be real? Am I real?

Cozy just sat there staring at her new body, only moving when she felt a slight tingling sensation cross down her cheek. Instinctively she went up to brush it aside but instead found her hoof getting slightly wet.What?... Am I crying?... I can't cry...

This had to be some kind of a nightmare, any moment now she'd be seeing what Cozy was seeing and be trying to give her her usual good advice. Instead a growl left her tummy much to her shock. Her sore eyes glanced down at her pink form. I'm trembling, I'm scared, and I'm hungry...

Had she really been that horrible that she had to be removed? Was it her suggestions? Did she do something wrong? she was at a loss not knowing what could have been done on her part to have prevented this catastrophe from occurring.What am I going to do now, Cozy wondered. As if to answer her stomach growled even louder and she recoiled from the emptiness she felt inside.

Okay if I'm really real then the first thing I should do is find something to eat, then I um.... uh then I'll figure something out, Cozy thought to herself as she shakily stumbled up on her hooves and made her way to the open door to her room, peaking her head out she checked to make sure the coast was clear before heading down the cavernous hallway intent on just surviving this living Tarturus she was in. She knew she had to keep to herself, if her creator found her then it would all be over, although if the real her was still here then she would have most likely run into her by now, especially since she'd come from her room. Wherever she was Cozy didn't know but one thing was clear she had to be careful. 

Creeping around the jagged corners and rocky hallways of the evil lair, Cozy entered what she had dubbed the Rec room where she and the others would chat and group up to plan on taking over the world, the very place she and the others had started their Better Way to be Bad song. Images of the three filled her head... all they had been through together, their trip to Mount Everhoof, the Roadtrip back to her hometown of Canterlot, and all the shenanigans they had gotten up to in this damp and dirty evil lair, Cozy quietly sighed realizing that despite how cruel they all were she would probably still miss them if she ever managed to leave this place.

Shaking the thoughts away Cozy spread her wings and leapt to try and fly up onto the table... before all of a sudden coming crashing back down onto her rear with a thump, "huh what?" ...but that... wait, Cozy thought to herself before swiftly unfolding  her pink wings and checking to make sure that they were actually flapping, yep her wings seemed fine... but still nothing happened. Oh no, she couldn't fly. Cozy's adrenaline kicked in as she tried again to rise but couldn't even get off of the ground despite how much she struggled. This... this isn't happening, first all of this and now I can't even fly... 

Cozy started breathing heavily and put a hoof to her chest "Calm down Cozy you can do this... you do this." Cozy wanted to scream but knew despite her rising hopelessness she had to stay quiet, if somepony was still here and she was discovered she could still wind up getting destroyed. 

"I... I have to get help, I have to find somepony, maybe there's a..." Cozy whispered but stopped as realization finally hit her like a train, if she tried to go to somepony for help and they thought that she was actually the Cozy who tried to drain all of Equestria's magic she'd be in a whole new heap of trouble, especially if word got back to Headmare Twilight...  the idea of her cell in Tartarus still sent a chill down her spine. On the flip side if the other Cozy had attacked Equestria already with Tirek and Chrysalis and they had somehow found a way to succeed in their Conquest then there was little chance that they'd be gentle with Cozy's unwanted new double. Either way she was alone and nopony left in the world in their right mind was going to help her...

Twilight casually trotted into Celestia's old throne room, now her throne room after her coronation. Her evening had been a mix of extravagance and exhaustion but she had already said goodbye to her friends before they left back to Ponyville, having doughnuts with them was nice though and she was still looking forward to their day to meet up once a week from now on but even still she longed to be on the train ride back home with them, that though was something she would have miss out on just like a lot of other things. She wasn't completely alone however since Spike was following close behind her through the long room covered in glass depictions of all of Equestria's fallen foes such as Nightmare Moon, Discord, Tirek, Chrysalis, the Pony of Shadows, and the Storm King, each with their defeats immortalized on the palace walls. Twilight was still amazed that so many villains had been defeated in her time with her friends. A new one of the Trio would also be added soon, Twilight knew she would have to make the arrangements herself, and of course it was really easy since the castle had been rebuilt, this time it was even a little bigger for the new depiction of the trio's defeat.


 Though Twilight and Spike were not alone for long as a royal guard came in swiftly at a brisk pace to catch up with them.

"Princess Twilight" the guard said while trotting towards her all clad in his shiny gold armor.

"Yes, what is it?" Twilight replied having stopped her trot to her throne to go over the damage reports of the last attack on Canterlot,... though she had an idea on what this guard wanted to ask about and it was important to get it over and done with. Ugh, when would she get something encouraging to make a decision on. 

"It's the statue your highness, you said you wanted more time to decide on what to do with it, I'm here to ask if you've come to a decision?" the guard said standing at attention. As she suspected ponies were wondering if the trio would remain in the fields they were defeated in or if they would eventually be moved. Twilight at one point in her life would have been nervous about giving orders over such a thing but after all the orders she had recently given this was becoming quite casual to her. She really didn't know what to do with Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis but something had to be done and it needed to be soon. She supposed Discord was placed in the Gardens around Canterlot for a reason and that had worked for well over a thousand years, no need to fix what isn't broken, Twilight supposed.

"Have the landscapers add it to the royal garden." she replied in an empty tone. 

"At once your highness." The guard affirmed and took his leave, leaving only Spike to stay with her.

Seeing nothing hindering her now Twilight made her way to her throne and sat down, sighing she thought about all the villains had done in their terrible yet short quest for domination over Equestria, Tirek had now as of his latest attempt attacked Equestria three times, same as Chrysalis who was even offered a second chance by Starlight, and Cozy Glow seemed devoid of any remorse, Twilight clung to the idea that the shocked expression on her stone face meant nothing and that the little filly would have attacked Equestria again if she ever had the chance. Twilight was snapped out of her thoughts as Spike put his claw on Twilight's hoof, causing her to look down at him.

"What is it Twi? Don't tell me dealing with those three is getting under you're skin." Spike said his expression one of clear worry for her, Twilight thought but in the end it didn't matter, they were too dangerous to ever be released. I guess some creatures just can't embrace friendship? 

"Not anymore Spike, as of now they'll be a sign of what fate awaits those who threaten Equestria." Twilight said in a somber tone.

Spike raised an eyebrow, "Will they ever be... released, I mean they seemed pretty irredeemable. I don't wanna know what'd they do if they ever got out." 

Seeing Spike worry like this never made Twilight feel any better about a situation, in fact it always seemed to make her more uneasy about something. She put a comforting wing around him, "Don't worry, If they ever get released it'll be when you're big enough to squash them with your feet."

Spike chuckled and visibly relaxed now that danger didn't seem like a possibility for the foreseeable future, then he shook his head in amazement, "It still kind of ruffles my scales that Discord pulled something like this. I mean I like Discord a lot and all, I mean he's my friend but... he really went way overboard with it this time."

"Well I did make him fix most of the castle and the part of the forest that was destroyed by the Villains so I guess that's something. We really shouldn't be so surprised he did something like this at this point, he's always finding some new way to start some kind of trouble." Twilight replied trying to rationalize the situation that was Discord. If only he could have just left things alone the Trio might never have come together. In the grand scheme of things Twilight would have to set some clear boundaries with the Lord of Chaos to ensure that no more invasions ever happened...

"Do you think he actually learned his lesson this time though." Spike said breaking her train of thought. 

"I sure hope so Spike or that royal garden's going to get pretty full." Twilight said laughing at the thought with Spike chuckling along with her. 



Cozy hung her head low as she moved as quietly as a mouse throughout the evil lair, It was much easier now that her grogginess had faded and she had even managed to find something to eat along the way to stave off her hunger. Stopping for a moment she finished licking the frosting off of her lips from some stale cupcakes her evil twin had made before her departure, She did say they were for everypony... Now Cozy was determined to find some supplies and get ready for her big journey to get as far away from this place as she possibly could.

Tirek's old room Cozy supposed was nothing but a workout room with a bed and Chrysalis if Cozy remembered correctly was in the basement of the lair and she most certainly wasn't going down there ever again, instead she headed for the bathroom despite the danger, after all she didn't exactly know when she'd get another chance to take a bath and it seemed at the moment anyway that all the villains were gone, gotta hurry before anypony gets back. Right now all she wanted was to clean up and get a good look at herself for the first time in her now one day old life.

Entering The bathroom Cozy rationed it looked exactly how it always did with a high sink with a mirror on top plus a large bathtub in the back by the toilet, yep all the same except for Tirek's towel he'd left on the floor, with a push she slid it out of the way and then produced her best pounce as she proceeded to pull herself up onto the sink's counter since her wings were out of commission. Scrambling up on top Cozy was finally able to see herself through the mirror although she found her appearance to be just a little more shocking than she had hoped, Her hair was everywhere and her bloodshot ruby eyes stared painfully back at her through the reflection. Wow so this is me... I really do look horrible...

Cozy raised a hoof and meet her reflection halfway with their hooves meeting up in the middle, for a second it seemed like somepony was there with her. Golly... ,Cozy thought as her new reality was coming into full view for her. Was this what it was like to be real? Or could this all really just be a dream? For the first time in a while she was completely baffled, she had never read anything about something like this before and that in and of itself scared her, she had read hundreds of books in her... well her combined past life with her original but none of them had anything about cutting out a piece of your mind. Even the Mysterious Black Book was vague although her maker and her had only really just skimmed it.

Shaking her thoughts away Cozy hopped off of the counter and back onto the floor. Well bathtime, she supposed as she came over to the large bathtub in the back that had been just large enough for Tirek's much larger body-frame to bathe in. From her perspective the bathtub made her feel even smaller than she actually was given it's enormous size. Pulling herself up over the rim and landing bottom first into the large porcelain area she quickly scooted herself over and turned both of the water knobs. Halfway through watching it begin to fill the area around her up with warm water she squirted out a bit of some bubble bath and observed as the bubbles grew and surround her on all sides, the icing on the cake was when she threw in the original Cozy's plastic duck. There everything normal ponies use for a bath, She thought to herself as the water reached her shoulders, glade that there was finally something going her way for a change. 

Instead of cleaning up immediately though Cozy relaxed her muscles and lowered herself up to her nose in the water as the comforting bubbly warmth enveloped and soothed her. Sitting there her light blue hair drifted all around her in the bubbles and occasionally would brushed her cheeks, before long she started blowing a few tiny bubbles of her own and thinking about her and her creator's life from before all of this, their snobby unicorn parents, their sister at Celestia's school for gifted unicorns, their time at the Orphanage, the Theater, and their depressing days wandering the lonely streets of Equestria. Well Cozy supposed she was heading back to those lonely streets by herself pretty soon, before her Alicorn Twin comes back and she's turned into something that didn't exactly resemble a little filly anymore... or even worse she could be enslaved to do the original Cozy's bidding. Only a day ago she would have been more than happy to be of use to her owner but now... now that her maker could actually hurt her... she really didn't think it was safe anymore...

Coming back to her current reality Cozy's pulled her head away from the water as she began scrubbing herself down to make this new body of hers the very cleanest it could be. Once her scrubbing was done and she was squeaky clean she pulled herself up out of the water and slid her body back over bathtub's rim before landing soaking wet on the other side. Dripping from head to tail she soon created a small puddle on the bathroom floor before grabbing a towel out from under the cabinet beneath the sink and smothering herself all over to get dry. After her towel soaked up all of the remaining water she had on her body Cozy tossed it back over the wet mess she'd made in her wake.

Whew, now she was finally ready to freshen up and  get to work on this new mane she had that poofed up everywhere like a bad serving of cotton candy. Grabbing a bundle of new goldish ribbons in her mouth from her ribbon stash beneath the sink she quickly did another pounce but didn't quite make it as she hung by her front hooves over the counter. A pullup later and she was back in front of the mirror, How did Tirek do so many of those? she thought to herself before letting the ribbons in her mouth fall between her hooves on the counter. She almost started going through her usual ritual of brushing and then arranging everything into a curly ensemble before something struck her, she already looked just like her original but why go all the way with it. There's no sense in us looking exactly the same is there she supposed, so instead of her curling her hair like her makers' she decided to get a little creative and have a bit of fun with it. 

First Cozy started with a soft hum as she began giving her tail a good brushing until it was into a nice cone shape, looking in the mirror at it kind of reminded her of the back of a fancy dress even. Satisfied with her hoofwork she then tied a golden ribbon at the top of it in a bow to keep it nice and orderly. After that came her actual head hair which she separated and proceeded to braid most of before she also tied it in a ribbon on the top as well as on the bottom, giving herself a nice big golden bow in the back and a little ponytail on the side. Checking herself over in the mirror's reflection she could see that her eyes were a lot less puffy and her new hair style was to her liking, it even gave her cute bowtie vibes, (Actually it also kind of reminded her of professor Applejack a bit too), no more curls and no more world domination, She concluded with satisfaction, Now all she had to do was start all over somewhere very far away.

Seeing her fresh appearance in the mirror made her feel like everything was different now, new. A tiny smile grew on her face... she felt... free.



> On the Road Again (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Why is it always such a mess whenever School's letting out, Starlight thought to herself as she trotted around student after student as they were shuffling past each other. Everypony knew Summer break was here and she and the other teachers were supposed to help get all of their students packed and on the train ride home, so just where was Trixie! Of all the times for her to go missing it just had to be now, when the staff was fumbling to get everypony out the door. Huffing Starlight turned a corner to see Rainbow Dash hovering in the air while holding a box with Ocellus's name written on the side of it. Finally somepony who can point me in the right direction.

"Hey Rainbow Dash where's Trixie? She should be helping the west wing students get ready to go home." Starlight asked getting Rainbows attention, with the cyan Pegasus turning around and accidentally causing a silver ball to fall out of the box she had and roll around on the floor. Both mares watched the tiny crystal ball until it stopped moving around, then continued their conversation.

"I don't know I haven't seen her, she probably just ditched us." Rainbow said while rolling her eyes, just then Ocellus came through her dormitory's door and gasped when her eyes found their way to her fallen possession on the floor. Starlight watched as Ocellus snatched it up and turned it over looking for damages, just what I needed now I'm going to feel bad.

"Professor please be careful, this is for one of my cousins." Ocellus said in a soft voice as Silverstream exited the room upon hearing her classmate.

"Oh no, is it alright? Did it break?" Silverstream asked putting her face right next to Ocellus's so she could get a good look at the shiny shimmering ball in her hooves.

"Hmm... no I think it's fine I'm glad I don't have to make another one, I was going to give this to Kleirraxe last Hearts Warming but I left it here by mistake." Ocellus said flying up to the box Rainbow was holding and placing it back inside. Then the tiny blue Changling went back to gathering up her things and pulled another box out of the doorway with Silverstream's help, Wow they sure made a lot of things in Rarity's class.

"Hey sorry about that, my multitasking needs a little work." Rainbow said with a sheepish grin to the two girls as Starlight trotted past the three of them in pursuit of her rouge Magician, intent on finding her lost guidance counselor.

A flight of stairs and a hallway later Starlight spotted Fluttershy past a cluster of ponies still collecting their belongings, the yellow pegasus appeared to be in a conversation with Gallus and Yona over how to keep in contact over their summer break. Starlight started making her way over to them while dodging several ponies still bustling about with their things. 

"Fluttershy do you know where Trixie is?" Starlight said interrupting Fluttershy's conversation, "I know Sunburst is here but Trixie was supposed to help with getting the students together." 

"Umm... no I haven't seen her since she locked up the counselor's office." Fluttershy said turning to Starlight with Gallus taking notice and chiming in, "She's probably just trying to start off her summer as fast as possible."

Yona gave him a confused look and raised an eyebrow, "Why, Magic Pony have something to do in big hurry?" 

Starlight rolled her eyes at the thought, "I hope not Yona, if our Magic pony is doing a magic show or something right now, then she's going to be in trouble."

"Ooooooo, Looks like Headmare's about to give our new Guidance councilor detention." Gallus said with a smirk causing Yona to laugh, heck even Fluttershy smiled before putting a hoof to her mouth to keep from laughing.

"You bet your flank I will." Starlight said with narrowed eyes.

"Well if I see her I'll tell her you're looking for her." Fluttershy said giving one of her compassionate smiles. Starlight gave a nod of thanks and started down the corridor still thinking about their deadline for the train station while mostly using her peripheral vision to dodge out of the way of the students. Okay just have to get them all on the train and close down the school,... all in an hour... ugh, I'm glad Twilight can't see this right now.

Soon Starlight was free from the close quarters of the hallways as she entered the main auditorium room where most of the students were congregating. Come on Trixie where are you? Starlight wondered as she spotted Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity at the podium on stage, way at the other end of the giant room. Making her way there Starlight heard Rarity speaking into a microphone so she could be heard over the maelstrom of students happily chatting away. 

"Remember darlings if you have any trouble boarding the right Train to come back and find us so we can get you all back home safely!", Rarity said as her eyes locked onto Starlight's in the crowd. Keeping her gaze the fashionista got of the podium and started walking towards her with the others following and just barely being able to keep up in the chaos around them.

As they got to each other Applejack said, "Starlight we've got most of 'em ready. Do you want us to start leading 'em to the Trains yet?"

Starlight gave a nod, "Yep, I think it's about time we got them going."  

"So which pony gets to lock up for the bestest summer ever?", Pinkie said with a smile as she bounced up and down. "I mean think about it girls no more worrying about Chrysalis, Tirek, or Cozy Glow trying to take over the World. This is going to be the Greatest most Wonderful summer in all of Equestria!"

Rarity put her hoof on Pinkie's shoulder to keep the pink pony on the ground, "Um... darling be that as it may we still need to get these students home, usually we have this kind of thing more under control." Rarity said looking in Starlight's direction with an exhausted expression on her face.

"Ugh*... I know I'm not even sure Trixie's here.", Starlight said remembering Trixie telling her she'd be helping them on time. I trusted her, I should have known something like this would happen...

"Don't worry I'm sure it'll all work out so long as we work together." Sunburst said as he made his way out of the crowd and past a couple of chatting mares to join in on their team meeting.

Seeing Sunburst so composed amidst the havoc reassured her and she smiled at her Vice Head Stallion despite everything. "Alright everypony split up and start herding them out, if you see Trixie, Fluttershy, or Rainbow dash tell them it's time to get the students out of here." Starlight stated with The five ponies nodding in agreement before splitting up and taking to the sides of the clustered students. Coming around Starlight made her way to the front entrance of the school where she eagerly pushed the giant doors open to revel the stone steps that would take all of them to Ponyville. 

"Alright everypony remember to get on the right train and get your parents to fill out the forms you'll need to return once the break is over." Starlight said and heard a chorus of agreements, "Thats's what I like to hear, okay remember everypony have a great summer." all of the students cheered with hooves raised in the air. With that she started leading the students on the short path back into Ponyville.

Cozy peeked around another hallway corner and checked both ways before continuing back to her room, just need to grab some things first. Entering her room Cozy opened the bottom drawer on her dresser and retrieved her hoofmade winter outfit, she had made it using professor Rarity's sowing techniques and the soft fuzzy inside had been her own personal choice when crafting it, so warm. Next was her light brown bookbag she had, she had wanted one with bit more color to it but beggers couldn't really be choosers with what little she had to work with. Okay I don't have much but I have take what I can, Cozy thought to herself as she equipped her bag with a snap and fastened it around her waist, then she went over to her bed and snatched her chess set out from under her bedstand, I really don't want to leave this... I'm sure the other me can get a new one...

Putting the board game in her bag she turned to collect the blanket she had discarded from earlier on the rocky floor when her hoof suddenly bumped into the black book that was still opened up on the ground, still waiting as if it was beckoned her for another inquiry. Turning away Cozy almost trotted right passed it. Then she stopped and looked back, what if her original used it on somepony else? What if some other pony decided to use it?

Wanting the book gone for good she hoofed the accursed thing over to her motionless fire place and placed the book inside, No pony needs this kind of power, Cozy thought to herself as she reached for her flints and struck them hard over the fire place, letting a tiny smile of triumph appear on her face as the fire encircled the evil book in an orange and hot fiery embrace. 

Wait... somethings wrong, Cozy thought as the fires surrounding the book seemed to have no effect on it. What!?, What's happening? What is this thing?, Cozy watched as the fires raged all around the book with even it's pages being submerged inside the yellow and orange flames, but still it was untouched as if whatever was in it was just refusing to perish.

If fire won't work what will?, Cozy feared before shaking her head and using her fire poker beside the fireplace to inch the dusty book out. Cozy hesitated when she reached for it, What if it's still hot? she thought but there was no smoke, no evidence of heat at all. Cozy put her hoof right over it but still couldn't feel anything. Taking a gamble she put her hoof down on it, wait It's so... cold.

Cozy picked the book up in both of her hooves and reluctantly placed it in her brown bag, she would have to find some other way to dispose of it later, right now she was wasting too much time, she still had to leave. Trotting over Cozy reached her hoof down and collected her blanket off of the floor before placing it over the book to keep it hidden and out of sight, then she pulled her flints over and put them in her bag's other end, well that should settle her campfire problem. Alright...

Getting done Cozy went to leave but stopped at her room's door, as much as she wanted to be anywhere else this little room had been the closest thing to a home that she'd had in two years (if you didn't count her dorm at the school of friendship of course). "Well goodbye bedroom." she said meaning every word of it, as if the room itself was a pony she would come to miss once she was gone for good.

Turning to go Cozy Left down the hall and again began checked her corners, she wasn't sure where the other Cozy was but she definitely didn't want to run into her just before she left. Heading back the way she'd come inside the labyrinth of cave passageways Cozy stopped only when she glanced into the bathroom, there she saw her creator's yellow duck still resting on the rim of the tub. Trotting up to the little fellow Cozy gingerly picking him up and held the plastic toy in her hoof. "Did she leave you too?" Cozy whispered feeling a kinship with it. Poor little guy, Cozy opened up her pack and placed it inside with her things, don't worry I won't leave you.

After her little rescue she exited the restroom and proceeded again down the hallway, coming to a halt when she got to Grogar's central meeting chamber. Cozy's eyes darted around the room but to her gratitude the humongous chamber was completely barren and empty. Seeing the room caused a memory to flash inside Cozy's mind of when the Trio had first meet with Grogar, I'm finally getting away from here. As she started leaving out the front entrance however Cozy's eyes found their way to the black sphere on Grogar's table in the center of the room. She almost considered trying to use it but suddenly realized that despite wanting know about what the villainous trio were up too, and even the dark lord Grogar himself, Cozy just really didn't want to stick around here any longer. 

Choosing to ignore the black crystal ball Cozy made her way over to the steeping stones that lead into the cave. If I want to leave I have to go through here, Cozy deduced and approached the floors edge, there she peered into the murky depts of the swamp water. How deep is it? Cozy wondered as she spotted a pebble near the waters edge and pushed it in, watching all the while as it sank into the water, and disappeared into the deep bellow, the only thing left was the rippling effect from its's tiny journey. Yep it's too deep, Ponyfeathers If I fall in I'll never be able to get out, Cozy couldn't swim and she doubted she would be able to pull herself up out of the water if she started sinking. Okay I just have to jump from rock to rock... like hopscotch, Cozy let out a readying breath as she backed up a few hoofsteps and ran forward leaping with all her might to land on first the of the stoney-steps lurking above the water.

Landing in decent shape and without much stumbling Cozy readied herself for another leap, and proceeded to land each one right after the other. Cozy stopped on the sixth stone to look at the waterfalls raining down all around her, Grogar sure knows how to pick an artsie lair. Which reminded her, Cozy turned and whispered "Goodbye Hideout." to her secluded retreat, I hope I never have to see you again though. 

Cozy turned back to her goal of freedom and went to leap onto the next stone only for her front hooves to land as her flank and back hooves fell back into the cold murky water. No!...no no no, Cozy struggled to free herself, she shouldn't have stopped to look back, she was doing so good! Cozy splashed her hooves but couldn't find any purchase beneath the water. Okay, Cozy summoned all of her strength and pushed up on her front hooves, finally retrieving her submerged lower half from the chilly gloom of the water and hauling herself to safety.

Darn it, and Cozy had just combed her tail, she turned her head to check on her rear end and found it completely drenched with her tail hanging damp between her legs. I can't stop now I have to keep going, Cozy used her back hooves to stomp on her tail and felt the water getting squeezed out onto the stone beneath her. Okay that's better I just have about five more to go and then I won't have to see another swamp for the rest of my life., Cozy thought as she readied herself for another leap.

Hurrying Cozy made her way from rock to rock, all the while checking around in the water for anything dangerous. She didn't know if any Crocodiles lived in this area but she knew she couldn't do anything to one of them if it managed to snap her up in it's jaws. Especially given her size, she'd be lucky if it didn't just swallow her whole...

Finally with one last leap Cozy made it from the stepping stones and onto the solid ground on the edge of the swamp. She let out a deep breath and felt the reassuring soft grass beneath her hooves, Now this I remember, Cozy thought smiling down at the ground before starting to trot into the forest. As she entered beneath the trees she suddenly realized she didn't know which way she was heading, stopping in place she looked back and forth through the woods. As of right now she only knew two ways to get out of this forest, one would lead her to Canterlot and the other which would lead her to the snowy mountains and Mount Everhoof. If she went towards Canterlot she would be heading towards danger, but the frozen Mount Everhoof wasn't exactly a pleasant place to be either and it was way to far into the unknown regions of Equestria for her liking. Cozy was sure she would freeze if she went back there, and the thought of something hungry that could get her while she was sleeping sent a chill down her spine. Cozy let out a sigh, as much as she didn't like the idea, the road toward Ponyville and Canterlot was her best chance for survival, despite the carnage that could be ensuing there. Alright new life here I come, Cozy thought as she started heading into the forest, intent on getting as far away from the nightmare behind her as she possible could.

Starlight waved at her students and then to Sunburst who had decided to head back to the Crystal Empire, so he could check up on Flurry Heart. With that the last of the trains took off down the tracks away from Ponyville, Thank Celestia that's over. Starlight thought before breathing a sigh of relief, that only cost me my Vice Head Stallion all in all not too bad. Turning away she started walking back into town with all her new teachers following at her sides, Rarity of which being the first of the mares to say anything.

"So what are your plans for the summer Headmare?" Rarity asked curiously. Now that was something Starlight hadn't put much thought into, she had actually expected to sit around at the school and get things prepared for the next year's semester but Twilight had seen to everything in advance, all just to give her an easy entrance into her new position. 

"I don't really know, I've got nothing better to do than come up with more friendship assignments." Starlight said with a shrug and looked around for any suggestions.

"Oh why don't you take a trip to Canterlot so you could see what Twilight's up too?" Pinkie asked while doing her best attempt at flying while she bounced her way up and down the street.

Starlight sighed, "I would but Twilight wants to get used to ruling Equestria on her own, she probably wouldn't need my help around the Palace anyway." Of that Starlight was sure, Twilight was dead set on getting everything going smoothly again and showing that she had everything well in hoof. 

Rainbow Dash flew in front of their pack and started flying in a laying down position, "Well I know what I'm doing, I'm going to be practicing for all the shows the Wonderbolts are putting on this summer." 

Smiling Fluttershy put a hoof to her chest, "And I'm going to be busy at my sanctuary, I'm trying to train some extra help for when I start teaching classes again."

"Ah' got a trip to Appaloosa I've been plan'en for a while, If everything works out I should be leav'in in a day or two." Applejack said repositioning her hat to fit more comfortably atop her head. "my cousin Braburn's keeps ask'in about when I'll come over."

"Ooh I'm going to be on the road as well darling, I've got to go check on Rarity's for You in Canterlot, heavens forbid I have a whole new line of outfits that need their debut." Rarity said looking at the shops they were passing, probably imagining all of her new customers.

"Hey don't count me out I'm booked making parties, in fact this afternoon I'll be throwing a Congratulations We Saved the World Again party and you're all invited." Pinkie said happily while bouncing backwards to face all of them. 

Well that just leaves me, Starlight thought as she saw all of them ready to fulfill their summer objectives. What could she do? Look for an assistant to hire to help out at the school? An image of Cozy Glow nearly sending her to another realm came to mind, Nah. Oh maybe she could take a nice vacation like a sensible mare... too boring. Just then it occurred to her she still had one Pony she needed to talk too...

"Me? I'm going to spend my summer scolding Trixie for slacking off on us today." Starlight said triumphantly as the others burst into laughter.

Once the laughing died down Rarity stepped in front of them halting them in the center of town outside Mayor Mares office, "It would seem we have our courses set girls just remember we have to be at Canterlot in six days to meet up with Twilight." 

"Ugh, I already miss her." Pinky said getting teary eyed and stopping her hop.

"I know, but it'll be okay, we'll see her really soon." Fluttershy stated softly, comforting her pink companion.

"Yeah we'll be see'in her in no time." Applejack agreed. 

"Alright let me know how it goes everypony." Starlight said with a wave to her friends.

"You bet." Rainbow Dash agreed, and with that they each said their goodbyes and separated, each intent on making their summers a memorable one. Starlight would visit Twilight on her own time of course. That Teleportation spell she had really came in handy.

Walking past the townsfolk and towards Trixie's camp site, she knew one mare in particular that needed to have an earfull. Starlight surveyed the hills around the Friendship Castle and noticed a nice gentle wind blowing in the sky, Ooo, this is the best weather for flying kites.  How could it be this peaceful after the last battle? Ponies hadn't really witness what she had witnessed, like her duel where she had faced down Queen Chrysalis and later when the destruction of Canterlot castle took place, to most it was just another failed attempt just like rest. At least it's all over...

Starlight approached an all to familiar blue wagon with Trixie's treasure chests scattered about the area. The closer she got the more she could hear Trixie talking to herself inside the wagon. Of course she's here, Starlight thought before taking a breath and knocking on the door a few times.

"Trixie are you in there?" Starlight asked despite knowing it was a stupid question. Suddenly she heard a smoke bomb go of on top of the wagon with Trixie appearing out of the grey smoke. Wow at least she's getting better at entrances, Starlight thought as she backed up a couple of hoofsteps to see her friend more clearly. 

"What can the Great and Powerful Trixie do for her Headmare?" Trixie said in her booming voice while her magicians hat and cape were billowing in the wind.

Starlight smiled up at her, well lets see how she explains this one. "So Trixie remember when I said we needed all of our staff to help the students get home for the summer?"

Trixie smiled sheepishly and rubbed one hoof on the other, "Yeah well about that, Trixie really needed to make some arrangements and it was like a now thing..." Trixie said and then chuckled nervously.

"Oh really what could be more important than helping us on our last day before school let out?" Starlight said while narrowing her eyes. 

"Trixie has decide to go on a worldwide magic tour, and she plans on making it her biggest tour yet!" Trixie said while making a semicircle with her hooves like a rainbow. 

Starlight sighed and pinched the space between her eyes, what was she going to do with her... wait what was she going to do with her... hmm. Just then a thought entered Starlight's mind as she formulated a plane...

Starlight began pacing around the wagon for extra effect and adopted a sad voice, "So you left me to fend for myself just so you could arrange to go on another magic tour?" Starlight said adding extra disappointment to her tone as she baited her trap.

Trixie's face fell, "Wait Trixie will make it up to you, what does her assistant want?"

Guilt step one complete, Starlight sat down with her back turned to Trixie and crossed her hooves, "I don't know Trixie, this whole things got to me." Starlight waited as she heard Trixie jump down from her wagon and head over to stand right behind her, then she continued to stay still as Trixie put her head on Starlight's shoulder trying to get her attention, hmm.. she really could be cute at times. 

"Common just tell Trixie how she can make it up to you." Trixie said concerned that Starlight might really hold all of this against her.

Pleading step Two complete now on to step three. "Well now that you mention it... I'd like to go with you." Starlight said breaking her façade and glancing over at the confused mare with a smile. 

"What?" Trixie said taking her head off of Starlight's shoulder and coming around, "Wait I thought you said after last time..."



"Yeah well my summer's clear and I really don't have anything else to do, besides you owe me.", Starlight stated while placing her hooves together in front of her.  "And won't the Great and Powerful Trixie need her bestest assistant to make it the best magic tour ever anyway?"

Trixie grinned and embraced Starlight in a hug, "Oooooh, this is going to be so great I can't wait to get started!"

"So what's first? Do you need me to get the raft?" Starlight asked with Trixie still latched onto her.

"Actually Trixie can't leave just yet, she still needs to wait a day or two." Trixie answered pulling out of Starlight's embrace. 

"A day or two? Why?  I thought we were leaving like right now?", Starlight asked in confusion. 

"Because Trixie must wait and make sure her rooms are reserved, she isn't going anywhere this time if it means sleeping in the woods again.", Trixie said matter of factly. That wasn't what Starlight was expecting but having a day or two to get things in order wouldn't be sooo bad...  

"Well then I guess we can go to Pinkie's party later. She's throwing one of those We Defeated Equestria's Villains parties." Starlight said much to Trixie's confusion. 

"Pinksie? Let me guess that's the-" Trixie started.

"The Pink one, yes." Starlight confirmed.

"Oh good we can fill up on food before we leave for Appaloosa and then it's on to Saddle Arabia!" Trixie said with a big smile, practically beaming.

This was all great, now she had plans for her summer and it was to fun with her beat friend!  "Sounds like a plan." Starlight said while matching Trixie's grin.

Cozy walked through the forest which became more of a traditional forest and less like a swamp with each new step she took towards the main road. The forest also seemed devoid of life save for the usual bird or adorable rabbit she'd see but they seemed to be avoiding her seemingly on purpose for some reason. I guess they're not used to ponies... 

As she went Cozy spotted what looked like a worn down broken cottage a ways away from her in the woods, it looked to have a crumbling roof and the door was knocked down with what looked like claw marks on the doorsill. No way am I going near that. Cozy thought as she continued on her way, she didn't know what to think of what might have been trying to get inside the house but the place looked like it had been a nice place to live... once.

Cozy looked above her, it had been hours now and the sky was getting darker, it would be night soon and she had to make it to the safety of the road before then otherwise she'd be sleeping all alone in the woods. Cozy doubled her speed, if she could fly she'd be halfway to Canterlot by now, why won't they work? Cozy thought as she looked back at her wings and ruffled them beneath her bag. Everything seemed alright with them, she had even preened her feathers for good measure but still nothing. she couldn't even get off the ground like this.

Cozy let out a sigh.  I need to cheer up, at least I'm away from the Evil Lair[/i,] Cozy thought as she started brainstorming, Hmm... I know I could sing a song that always works! Cozy closed her eyes, thought of a few lyrics, and cleared her throat.


🎵 I'm all alone 🎵
🎵 And I'm off on my own 🎵
🎵 But at least I can see 🎵
🎵 There's a path set for m-🎵



Cozy didn't get to continue her song as she found herself face first on the forest floor with her rear hanging in the air. Ugh... Cozy pulled her head up and looked back behind her, Golly out of all the times I could of fallen on a broken tree branch. Cozy pulled herself to her hooves and blew a leaf out of her hair. She didn't really feel like continuing her song anymore at least not while she had a throbbing forehead, instead she turned to the tree limb. "you ruined my song silly.", she uttered before moving the piece of wood into a bush and out of the way.

Okay well that didn't work, Cozy thought as she continued forward now even more determined to reach the forest's edge. As she walked she started going over what she should do, her most immediate plan was to reach a far off town far away from Canterlot. Hmm.., she would have to be discrete with her name but so long as she didn't run into anypony who would recognize her she should be fine. Cozy looked up again as the sky got darker, now turning into a light purple with the puffy clouds turning gray. She wished she could get up there, a cloud was so much better than the forest floor. Cozy pushed past two bushes and stopped, nearly leaping for joy as she noticed she was on the dirt road that would lead her to freedom. Yes!

Cozy looked from one end of the road to the other seeing it completely barren. There shouldn't be a town for miles, Cozy thought as she sat down in the middle of the road and unstrapped her pack. This was it, all she had to do was follow the road and she would finally get her own happily ever after. Yawning Cozy opened her bag up and pulled her blanket out before pulling it around her in a snuggly embrace. I just need a good nights sleep, she thought, before she could collapse into a heap however a tiny rustling noise in underbrush caught her attention. Huh?, Cozy pulled the blanket up over the top of her head and turned around, scanning the treeline. Peering through the trees she saw a set of yellow eyes darting back into the woods way off in the distance.

Adrenaline pumped through her as she sat there watching the forest for any sign of movement. D-did it leave?, she wondered paralyzed at the idea of something following her, Should I keep going? She waited and waited as the sky grew darker but the eyes seemed to have disappeared into the shadows. She needed to get some sleep or else she'd be dragging her hooves tomorrow, Suddenly a thought came to her it was an absolutely childish idea but it was something. Quickly she pulled her pack open and retrieved her duck. Placing the plastic toy between her and the forest where she thought she had seen the yellow eyes. "Can you stand guard for me?", Cozy whispered down to the little duckling.
 
Thanks Ducky, she thought and pretended that the duck was some kind of royal guard that would somehow save her if something happened. Settling down in her blanket she tried to close her eyes, though but before sleep could claim her she heard a soft growl and nearly screamed out of fear. Suddenly she realized that the growling was coming from her own stomach. "ugh, I'll have to find something later.", she whimpered as she spread her wings over her belly to try and keep it quiet. After a while of listening to the sounds of the forest her eyes fluttered shut and she drifted off to sleep...

Starlight and Trixie stood outside Sugarcube Corner and knocked on the front door a few times, even outside they could hear commotion from the party-goers, must be a lot of ponies. Suddenly Pinkie opened the door and stuck her head out, "Hi so glad you came Stary.", then she turned to Trixie, "And you too, you magician you.",  Pinkie said stepping back and letting Starlight in.



"Pinkie just how many ponies did you invite to the party again?", Starlight said eyeing what seemed to be half of ponyville in the cramped little Deli.

"Oh ya know just Dr. Hooves-Lyra-Applejack-Mayor Mare-Derpy-Octavia-Rainbow Dash-Sweetiebelle-Buttonmash-Nurse Redheart-Spoiled Rich-Thunderlane-Featherwait-Fluthershy-Scootaloo-Bonbon-Sandbar-Applebloom-", Pinkie's list stopped abruptly as Starlight put a hoof in her mouth.

"I get it Pinkie.", Starlight said as Trixie entered Sugarcube Corner behind her and looked around at all of the bustling townsfolk.

"Just how many friends does Pigsie have?" Trixie asked bewildered.

"As many as I can.", Pinkie answered pulling away from Starlight's hoof and trotting up to Trixie with a smile. "By the way I never got your Birthday Missus Fireworks." 

"Oh no, Trixie is never going to reveal the date of her birth, she loaths surprise parties.", Trixie stated matter of factly.

"Oh well.", Pinkie huffed before using her head to push them both further into the Bakery, " Have fun you two. Make sure you eat lots of cake."

"Thanks Pinkie.", Starlight said as her pink friend hopped off and she looked around at all the streamers and balloons decorating everything, she really went all out. To her it was a perfect idea, given their victory and with Trixie by her side they gathered up some cake and punch before making their way over to an empty table in the corner of the candy store. Sitting down Starlight relaxed with Trixie sitting across from her and digging into a few of her pastries. 

"Sooooo.... Starlight you never told me how your fight went with the bug queen went." Trixie questioned while munching on a cupcake and getting it all over her lips in her hast to eat. Starlight rolled her eyes and used her magic to take a napkin and wipe Trixie's face, much to the magician's dismay.

"Well if you must know I beat her hooves down, then she cheap shotted me when my back was turned." Starlight explained though to be fair she had gotten overconfident near the tail end of their fight and should have at least checked to make sure Chrysalis was down before heading back to the school.

Trixie raised an eyebrow, "Yeah *munch*.. Trixie believes you, even though you wound up hanging in one of her cages. *munch* If Trixie had been the bug she would have called that a victory regardless.", Trixie said with as much sass as her cupcake covered mouth would allow and proceeded to lick the excess off of her face.

Starlight grinned, "Well if you wanna go chat with her about it I know where she is. I'm pretty sure she's not going anywhe..." 

"Everypony check it out I finished my ice sculpture!",  Pinkie shouted cutting Starlight's conversation short. Glancing over beside her pink friend Starlight saw a transparent ice miniature of the villainous trio still trapped in stone. Wow I've got to get a look at this, Starlight thought as she sipped her punch and trotted over through the gathered ponies who were getting their pictures taken with it.

"Oh Applejack get me in one!", Pinkie said in her cheery voice, bouncing next to her masterpiece while smiling for the camera. 

Hmm..., Starlight studied the figure between camera flashes, Pinkie nailed Chrysalis, her snarl and teeth were glistening in the light in a never ending lunge she was making. Glancing behind the bug queen Starlight could just make out Tirek since he was all hunched over, hiding behind the other two, what a coward. Then Starlight's eyes fell on the topmost tiny figure and her horrified expression, pinkie must have spent a while getting the details on right her, especially with all those curls, Not laughing anymore are you brat. Out of them all Cozy was probably the biggest disappointment she had everything and she had thrown it all away for power. Well that's her loss, Starlight thought, she didn't actually know that much about Tirek, to her he had seemed like some sort of jock with too much to prove. Chrysalis was just entitled and vengefull...

"Hey Starlight do you want one?" Pinkie asked, motioning towards the camera.

"Sure." Starlight said eagerly, "I can add it to my scrapbook."

Starlight took a few pictures with it hew favorite of which was her leaning over and pouting at the little frozen trio. Satisfied with the free photos Starlight trotted away from the gathering of party goers to rejoin Trixie, who to Starlight's enjoyment was holding her stomach after eating her and Starlight's deserts, Maybe I took too long with those pictures... 

"So how was it Trixie?", Starlight sassily said while patting Trixie's back. "Are you doing alright?"

"Ugh..", Trixie turned her head on the table to revel rainbow colored frosting covering both of her cheeks, okay that was it Starlight put a hoof to her lips but couldn't stop herself from laughing. "You... Took to long...", Trixie mumbled.

"Well I'll be, I reckon she's had enough to give one of my pigs a bellyache." Applejack said chuckling and coming over to join the two of them. Starlight stood aside as Applejack peered around her to get a good look at Trixie's frosting face, when all of a sudden the magician let out a growl and Applejack backed off. 

"She sure does. So Applejack you said something earlier about going to Appaloosa right?", Starlight inquired an idea coming to her.

"That's right, I'm leave'n in a couple'a days. Why?", Applejack asked raising an eyebrow. A smile grew on Starlight's face.

"Well it just so happens we're going to be heading that way in a day or two... Would you like to come with us?" Starlight said adopting a happy smile to her potential traveling companion..

"Hmm... I reckon we could go together, if'n you keep grumpy pants over there from doing anything... crazy.", Applejack said rubbing her chin with a hoof. 

Yes this was going to be so much fun I'm going to go on vacation with two of her friends, even if it was just to Applelossa, "Pinkie promise, this is going to be so much fun!" Starlight said getting giddy with excitement. 

Trixie groaned and said in a whisper that Starlight had to lean in a bit to hear, "Starlight Trixie demands that you not invite the whole town." Then her magician turned her head over and yawned before getting comfortable enough at the table for a nap. 

Okay Starlight decided that was enough for one night and turned to Applejack, "I should get her home, don't leave without us okay." 

"Got it, Y'all have yourselves a good night ya hear.", Applejask said before and turning away and departing back into the party.

Starlight nudged Trixie but the unicorn was response-less, yep she's not going anywhere on her own, Starlight levitated her magician friend out of her chair in a aura of blue magic and headed out of Sugercube Corner and down the road. 

Starlight was going to ask if Trixie wanted to go to her wagon when they got to the castle but to no surprise Trixie was passed out from all of her consumed sweets. Sighing Starlight opened the crystal door to the castle and trotted down it's long shimmering hallways. Hmm... lets see where to, oh that could work,  Starlight thought as she put Trixie into her old bed and closed the door. There now for me, Starlight thought before a yawn left her mouth. She'd had a long day of rushing students home and locking up the school but now it was all over, I can't wait to get on the road, she internally chuckled as she lowered herself into Twilight's old bed and turned the lights out.

Twilight felt an ache coming on, she had sat strait in her throne all day and her back was itching for a good stretch... how did Celestia keep such a regal posture through it all? Spike on the other hoof seemed content with the pillow she had made, as he sat beside the throne. Hmm, besides the ache Twilight wondered why her former teacher warned her that Equestrian trade disputes were boring, they were long sure but each new situation was unique and always seemed to have a right answer, like a Friendship problem! ...oh those were the good old days.

"Thank you Fancypants, your insight into our situation has been very helpful but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you come back tomorrow, I'm afraid I just don't have enough time to be able to go through all of this tonight." Twilight said looking out at the moon she had lowered hours ago while still hearing out Fancypants, way too late, I need to get some sleep for tomorrow. Twilight motioned for her guards to open the palace doors to allow her guest to leave without any hinderance.

"Of course your highness, I'll be back in the morning so we can hopefully finish this debacle.", Fancypants said giving a bow of his head before turning and making his way through the palace on his way home for the night.

The second he was gone Twilight let out a deep breath, and saw Spike stretching his wings out, right there with you Spike. Twilight stretched her own wings out and felt  the discomfort disappear, ahhh.... ,"So are you ready to call it a day Spike?" 

"You got it Twilight, I'm definitely ready to hit the hay." Spike answered while rubbing an eye. Twilight was about to take her crown off but stopped when she saw a royal guard enter the throne room and trot up to the base of her throne's ramp, "You're highness one of the maids in the Palace would like to speak with you, she said it wouldn't take too long."

What could be so important that they had to speak to her at this hour? "Umm... okay send her in.", Twilight said tiredly and tilted her crown into a more regal position as a light gray unicorn with vibrant red hair walked into the throne room, the mare was dressed in a traditional black and white frilly outfit and with a... present on her back? 

The maid approached the bottom of the throne and stood there, then she finally made eye contact with Twilight. Her eyes were red around the rim, she looked emotionless, besides that her hair and tail were practically done up in buns to help her go about cleaning. 

Twilight decided to start the conversation, whatever this was about it seemed to have upset her, "Umm... can I help y-" 

"I'd like to resign your highness", the mare said cutting Twilight off. 

Twilight was taken aback and had to process that, most ponies work their entire lives trying to get a job inside the royal palace. Why would she just want to leave, she didn't look much older than Shining Armor did? Spike looked equally confused as she glanced over at him. 

"Where is this coming from? Did somepony do something to you?" Twilight asked fear entering her voice, she almost didn't want to find out what was wrong with her. What could have happened to get her to act this way?

"Yes something happened... I got you something, I... don't want it anymore." The mare said her voice somehow growing colder.

"Wait what happened, did somepony hurt you?", Twilight had to get to the bottom of this, but instead of a reply the mare simply levitated the gift in front of Twilight. 

"I hope you like it.", she said, her sight now transfixed on Twilights face as Twilight studied the small rectangular present in front of her, hmm... maybe it'll shed some light on what's happened here.

Twilight used her magic to remove the ribbon and pulled the wrapping paper off. Alright I hope this isn't something bad... Twilight pulled open the box's lid to reveal a... baby bottle.

Twilight held it in one of her hooves and held it out, "Umm... I'm sorry but I already have bottles for my niece when she comes to visit, I don't really need this.", she looked to Spike who shrugged and then turned back to the mare. 

After a pause the mare finally answered Twilight, "I used to feed Cozy with it."

Twilight and Spike gasped in shock as the bottle fell from her now shacking hoof and rolled down the pathway leading up to her throne, ending up at the mare's front hooves.  This wasn't happening...No no no no, 

"A..are you her mom?" Twilight's voice was shaken as she brought a hoof halfway to her face instinctually, If this was her mother then Twilight and the others had just sealed her daughter's fate along with that of the other villains without even telling her. In a single instant this mare had destroyed any moral high ground Twilight felt she ever had over turning her former friendship student to stone... 

The mare was unmoved, "No I'm not her mom... her mother would probably thank you for turning her to stone... I'm sure she's happy about this..."

Oh my Celestia... Twilight sat in complete shock at the mental image of Cozy Glow's parents actually grinning up at their daughter's statue. No pony's parents could be that cruel to their own child... and yet why didn't they come out to defend her when she'd needed them? Doubts started to spread in Twilight's mind. Was that why nopony came to her defense? Did her parents... hate her...

The mare's wall of non emotion started to evaporate as Twilight could now see two tears bream and run down her face. Twilight and the others didn't have a choice, Cozy was going to keep coming back to take over just like Chrysalis said. Twilight was going to be sick, the pain on the mare's face would probably haunt Twilight's dreams. Who was she? Nopony's been upset over what happened except for her, in fact most ponies couldn't stop cheering.

The mare continued, "I..I thought... sniff* you would help her...", The mare started shaking and looked down at the marble floor shaking her head, "I thought you... you would give her a second chance." the mare finally pulled her face back up to meet Twilight's, "When I heard she was sent to Tartarus I basically begged Celestia to set her free, but s..she wouldn't... I... I wanted you to be different...sniff*."  The maid turned her head to the side and whimpered trying to collect herself.

She kicked the bottle aside making it roll away from her, then she turned and walking away from Twilight, after a few hoof steps away Twilight heard her whisper, "I thought you were the princess of friendship." 

Twilight wanted to stop her, she had a billion questions about Cozy Glow. Where was she from? Where were her parents? but something told her if she tried to stop her now things would only get worse. She looked... destroyed...

Twilight watched her leave past the worried guards who gave her looks of concern on her way out. Spike put a hoof on Twilights shacking front hoof only for Twilight to nearly pull away instinctively. What had she done... Twilight's eyes turned to the now finished glass window of the Trio being turned to stone and looked away to see the baby bottle on the floor...

"T...Twi" Spike said reaching for her, she hardly noticed him as she looked around at the situation she knew she couldn't fix and tossed her crown off her head with it clanging to the floor beside her. She put her hooves over her eye's and shook her head as if to hide her from what she had just witnessed.
> Nightmares
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Twilight walked down the white palace hallways of Canterlot castle carrying Cozy's bottle in her magic and would occasionally glance out a window to the rolling mountains and the stars beyond. Guards were standing at there stations as she walked by, though Twilight didn't pay them any mind, she was too lost in thought. How had a situation that felt so right now feel so wrong. If Cozy had such horrible parents then why didn't she say anything? Was there something she hadn't seen before? Twilight thought of Cozy from her time at the school of friendship, she always seemed ready to help, always trying to be there for others. Was all of that a lie or was there some truth to her actions even if in the slightest?

Twilight noticed Spike enter her peripheral vision, she hadn't even noticed him catching up to her. "um Twilight are you doing okay? that was pretty intense" Spike said, holding his hands out for further emphasis and breaking her silent brooding. 

"I'll be fine Spike, I'm just thinking." Twilight glanced at her friend, If Spike betrayed me wouldn't I try to save him? Of course she would, even if it would destroy her, but she had just left Cozy in a dark pit with Lord Tirek. Ugh... what could she do now, Cozy had tried to kill her and that wasn't even considering the fact of her trying to take over the world.

"It's about Cozy Glow right?" Spike asked glancing at the levitated baby bottle clearly already knowing her answer.

"Ugh... just when I thought I knew what to do, something like this happens." Twilight said nodding towards her latest gift as they finally reached their bedchambers. "I don't know what I'm going to do Spike, lets just get some sleep, tomorrow I plan on figuring something out." Twilight shook her head, she was to tired to be in this state of mind, what was she gonna do?  Spank her and put her in a corner, if Twilight released her Cozy would be plotting her demise with every breath in her body. I need to find out more...

An idea came to Twilight as she looked at the gold clad royal guard stationed outside her royal bedchambers. "Um pardon me, sir" Twilight said, and as soon as she did the guard turned towards her at attention and bowed his head, "Yes, you're highness". Twilight had to know, "Can you tell me the name of the maid with red hair and green eyes, she just resigned from the palace?" that got him to look up at her as he said, "Yes I can, her names Rosie you're highness" 

Rosie, Twilight would have to contact her when she'd had some time to calm down. "How... how long did Rosie work at the royal palace, do you know?" Twilight had to get a timeline of events.

The guard looked up and raised a hoof to his chin in thought, "Hmm...I believe I've only seen her around here for about two years."

Two years, where had she been before that? "Do you know anything about where she was employed before coming here?" Twilight asked despite knowing the longshot of a random guard knowing Rosie's personal history.

"I'm sorry your grace that's all I know" He said, as I suspected, well it's better than no lead at all I suppose.

Twilight gave him a week smile and said, "It's quite alright sir, thank you." before glancing towards Spike to see him listening intently, at least I don't have to handle this mess alone.

Twilight opened the door and used her magic to light her fireplace, then she lowered the Bottle to sit on her nightstand.  Afterwards Twilight and Spike made their way to their beds in silence. Her's was said by Celestia herself to be the best bed made in Canterlot, oh please let that be true Twilight thought as she hopped in and snuggled into her head pillow, not even a thousand years and I already wanna retire. She waited as Spike curled up under his own blankets and then whispered over to him "Goodnight Spike". 

"You too Twilight" Spike said matching her low volume and moved himself around until he found the perfect position for his slumber. Twilight turned her head to face the baby bottle and whispered, "Goodnight Cozy". Tomorrows another day, I've just gott'a figure this out, Twilight thought as her eyes closed and darkness whisked her away. 

Cozy was running through the dark forest all around her with the howling wind torturing her ears, every time she looked back she could see them, about a dozen yellow eyes were chasing her through the dense undergrowth. I have to get out, I have to get out, Cozy thought as her fear drove her to push herself faster and faster. Where was she? Why couldn't she find the way out? Cozy ran past tree after tree, barley being able to see them in the darkness of the forest.

Cozy could hear her pursuers growling and snapping twigs in their pursuit as they made their way after her. I don't know what they are but they sound big, I just have to get away... I have too!, Cozy glanced up to see the full moon peeking out from the storm clouds in the night sky... why can't I fly? She thought as she flapping her wings to no avail. 

Cozy saw a break in the trees and dove past the treeline, ending up in a small clearing beside a towering mountain. Oh no, I can't get away... Cozy had cornered herself... now there was nowhere left to run! She swiveled back around to her pursuers who... weren't leaving the forest? Why were they waiting? Cozy backed up until her backside hit the mountain wall and she heard a clang. Huh, Cozy looked behind her to find a large black door with red patterns embedded in it. Wait I've seen this door before... , it was the door to Tartarus! What was going on! that wasn't there a second ago? Cozy didn't want to go in there... back to the cages... back to her misery.

Cozy looked back at the forest to see the eyes were gone. Should I leave... no they'll get me I ...I have to um. Cozy was at a loss, what should she do, she needed somepony, anypony! she had to get somewhere safe. Then she heard the door creek open. Cozy turned towards the sound startled, wait was there somepony there? Cozy whispered "Hello... who..who's there?" hope filling her that maybe sompony would help her but nopony answered. Mustering up her courage Cozy slowly trotted forward and with her shaking front hoof pushed on the giant cracked door. 

To her shock the doors flung open the second her hoof touched the cold ancient metal. What greeted her was the most Horrifying sight Cozy had ever seen, a dark tunnel of flesh stretched before her with rows of giant teeth clinging to its walls as it moved and flexed each sharpened tooth the size of Cozy's very own forehoof, but that wasn't the worst part there were eyes... staring at her from the flesh between the teeth on the walls, hundreds of them watching her. Cozy started backing away in fear, What is that thing? Then to her horror black tendrils from the center abyss of the dark cave monster started snaking their way towards her. Run... run, Cozy turned to flee but didn't get two hoofsteps before one of the black appendages latched onto her back legs and pulled her back, bringing her down to the ground.

Cozy glanced back in time to see more of them coming towards her, no... No!  Cozy pulled at her assailant with all her might, when it didn't work she let out a bloodcurdling scream "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...No..ugh", Cozy could only watch in horror as another vine like appendage latched onto her left wing and then as another wrapped itself around her barrel. Cozy was losing ground as she was pulled past the entrance of the large stone doors, with the darkness closing in around her. Cozy turned back to the forest and saw... Princess Luna, the night princess stood at the treeline, her magical star filled mane flinging in the howling wind, as her mouth hung open agasp in shock as the doors slammed shut, sealing Cozy's fate.


"Aaaaaah!" Cozy screeched as she pulled herself from her blanket hyperventilating. Cozy glanced from side to side realizing she was right where she'd fallen asleep after finding the road, Huh...It was just a dream... wait no that was a nightmare for sure. Cozy couldn't stop panting or stop her heart from racing, Have to calm down... have to calm down. Cozy put a hoof to her chest and drew in a deep breath trying to get control of herself, I've never had a nightmare like that before... or at least the other me didn't. 

Cozy's breathing steadied as she looked up into the night sky, It's still nighttime. Cozy gazed at the twinkling stars in all their splendor, they'd always been there for her when she felt like she needed something pretty to take her mind off things. I can't stay up star gazing I have to... get back to sleep, if she didn't she would be to tired to travel and she knew she needed all the energy she could to pass by Ponyville undetected. That's probably at least a day away on hoof, she thought as she glanced around the forest for danger. I hope nothing out there heard me... fear gripped Cozy again as the reality that she was at the forests mercy played on her mind. "Just have to get back to sleep... ulp*." Cozy said to herself as she curled herself back into a ball and pulled the blanket back over her. Please let things be okay..., Cozy thought unsure about if she was thinking of the forest creatures or going back to sleep... 

Starlight cracked her eyes open as she lay sprawled out in her bed, her gaze stared at an open window with a stream of sunshine shinning itself in. Hmm... must be morning, she thought hearing birds chirping in the peaceful town of Ponyville,well time to get up. Starlight wanted to start her day off right, afterwards she planned on getting everything she could for her and Trixie's trip.

Starlight rolled out of bed and trotted down the castle halls while brushing her hair, it feels different living here now without Twilight and Spike, I feel so lonely. Well not completely lonely Starlight made her way to her old room where she'd left Trixie, only to see the door already open. Wow... Trixie beat me getting up, That pony never ceased to amaze her. Starlight proceeded to the kitchen and started heating up two cups of coffee, Lets see if I can find her before this gets cold. Starlight gathered the some of her morning ritual and took a sip feeling it warm her insides, aaaah much better.

Starlight exited the palace doors using her magic to carry Trixie's morning gift and trotted around the side of the castle to Trixie's wagon. Starlight wondered if her best friend would like to spend the day with her, you know since they weren't leaving immediately. Starlight knocked on the door and asked, "Hey Trix are you in ther-" 

"Over here!" Trixie shouted cutting her off. Starlight swiveled around to see her magician friend resting beneath a tree with her tilted star covered hat covering up her face. 

There you are, Starlight slowly trotted over to her and plopped down on the grass beside her, then she nudged Trixie's shoulder with her offered coffee. Trixie brought a hoof under her hat and lifted it up eyeing the warm beverage.

"Did you add sugar?" Trixie asked while cocking an eyebrow, looking incredibly tired.

"Of course" Starlight said huffing as Trixie took her hat off and began sipping away. Starlight gazed at the rising sun over Ponyville, you can't find that just anywhere, she thought marveled by the serenity of it all. "Sooo... why did you come to sit out here instead of staying in bed?" Starlight asked curious as to why Trixie had chosen to rest beneath a tree of all places. 

"The Great and Powerful Trixie sleeps where she wants" she replied in a neutral tone taking another sip and gazing across the rolling green hills that lay between Ponyville and the School of friendship. Starlight giggled remembering Trixie after she had eaten too many sweets, and was able to move. "Yeah unless you pass out, then you sleep where I put you" she said pointing a hoof at herself and earning an amused smile from Trixie. 

"Har-har, Trixie needed some fresh air and it's hard to get that in a castle, so why are you really here?" Trixie said turning to Starlight grinning. Wow was she actually quicker while tired? 

"Okay do you wanna spend the day around Ponyville with me? Maybe we can find some stuff for you're magic show." Starlight asked while batting her eyelashes, which earned a snort from her weary friend.

"Sure thing, just... ten more minutes" Trixie whispered putting her cup between her legs and resting her head on Starlight's shoulder. Okay I've now graduated to being a makeshift pillow, my father would be so proud Starlight thought as she stole a sip from Trixie's coffee and went back to staring at the wonderful scenery.

 Twilight listened patiently as Fancypant's finish his Proposal. "I do believe you're highness that the best way to halt this disruption in the future is to ask for an ambassador from each of Equestia's allies, so we can come to a reasonable arrangement on the import of outside products that seems both fair and beneficial without swindlers trying to take advantage of our average business pony." Fancy said adjusting his monocle. I know why he's so interested Fancy has a slew of businesses to maintain and he wants to make sure he gets the most out of them, especially where new merchandise is concerned, Twilight thought as she considered his greed in the matter but... she supposed that didn't matter, it would be beneficial to work this out with the other nations and keep things going smoothly for Equestria's economy regardless of anypony's personal gain. 

"I do believe I agree wholeheartedly Fancypants, we should ask for ambassadors to come and make a fair arrangement." Twilight said as she glance at Spike who nodded and added this to his list for Twilight to do in the near future. 

Twilight supposed she ought to end this soon, she had a public appearance later and she really didn't want to procrastinate. Twilight needed all the time she could get to figure out what course of action she wanted to take with the villains, How can I help Cozy, let alone all of them if all they want to do is destroy me, Twilight thought before returning to the subject at hoof. "Thank you Fancy if that's all I bid you farewell, until we speak again." Twilight said giving him a smile and a light wave of her hoof. Fancypants bowed his head and turned, walking towards the entrance when a guard bolted through the palace doors and made his way to Twilight. Oh what now, Twilight thought as he took his helmet off and met her gaze.

"It's the statue you're highness, my commander sent me to get you, there's a mob of ponies trying to break it apart!" He said hurriedly.

"Oh No!" Twilight got up from her throne and ran past the guard and Fancypants with Spike flying close behind her. She had to stop them, Cozy, Tirek, and Chrysalis were defenseless, I can't let this happen. Twilight ran past the line of ponies who wanted to speak with her, most of them giving her a shocked expression as she shot past them.

Twilight burst through the double doors of the palace entrance, spread her wings, and took flight Come on, Come on she scanned the green Royal gardens as she made her way towards the stone statue. There, Twilight thought as she saw a mass of ponies with signs waving them about as they yelled at the worried guard patrol who were trying desperately to fending them off. Twilight landed behind the guards with most of the ponies gathered falling silent at her presence. 

"WHATS GOING ON HERE!", Twilight was in no mood at this kind of display as she decided to opt for her royal canterlot voice instead of her usual calm tone, hopefully it would pacify the angry mob and get them to listen to her.  Most of the ponies gathered looked to be unicorn nobles, Twilight couldn't make out any ponies from outside of Canterlot here. Then she heard one of them shout "They need to be destroyed before they get lose and destroy our city!" with most of the ponies nodding their heads in agreement. They're scared I should have expected this, Twilight decided to try a peaceful way of getting them to calm down first before doing anything rash, "I know you're all scared but these three aren't dangerous anymore, all they can do is stay in this garden and pay for their crimes". Twilight saw some ponies relax but at least half of them were still staring daggers at the structure behind her. They really would turn the villains to rubble if she let them wouldn't they?

Twilight listened as another of the ponies in the crowd gathered his courage and shouted "They don't deserve to stay here with us" as a brick was flung towards the statue. No! Twilight thought watching it sail through the air only for Spike to intercept it mid flight and burn it to ashes. Okay no more playing around,"Anypony who breaks or demolishes this statue from this day forth shall take it's place in the Royal Gardens!" Twilight said glaring at the ponies with the royal guards positioning themselves around her in a semicircle. After which the ponies gathered reeled their heads back in shock, while some gasped at the prospect of being turned to stone. "I don't want to see anypony trying to deface this statue again, now disperse!" Twilight shouted, relieved when the gathered ponies started breaking up and began trotting back towards the city. 

After Twilight watched the last of them leave she turned to the Guard captain, "I want a patrol guarding this statue from now on, if anypony tries to harm it bring them to me." The older looking guard nodded his head and said "at once you're highness." while saluting her. Twilight turned toward the statue to see a rock had been already thrown at it before she got there and looked it over, Oh no, there was a slight crack on Chrysalis's shoulder. I wonder if she's hurting, Twilight thought as she put a hoof on it imagining the changling queen screeching in pain, trapped in her immobile prison. I did this I shouldn't have left them out here, Twilight's guilt taunted her, she had to find out if Chrysalis was alright somehow.

Twilight looked at her hoof to see it trembling, I hope I didn't go to far... As horrible as it was she really did intend to turn anypony to stone if they destroyed the villains in the state they were in now. She glanced at Spike as he followed her making eye contact. "Thank you Spike" she said looking away in a somber tone.

"Don't mention it, they might be evil but they don't deserve to get smashed into a million pieces." Spike said as he crumbled a tiny bit of brick ashes in his claws and then crossed his arms. "Are you gonna be okay Twilight?"

"Yes Spike, I just wish things like this didn't happen" she said looking back up at the statue before turning around to make her way back to the palace. She supposed she would have to ask Discord about the wound on Chrysalis...

Tender made her way down the dirt road occasionally glancing into the forest to see small animals about as they climbed trees and ran in the undergrowth. Why do I always listen to him?, she thought glancing at her husband, Victor as he pulled all their supplies along in a large brown wagon. "So do you think you're little detour will take another night before we reach civilization again?" she said worried about another long trek through the woods to find a camp site. 

"In all honesty, yes it probably will" he said much to her disdain, I appreciate the honesty honey but you could give me some hope, I have nothing to do out here. 

"Huh... why did I let you have the map again?" she said pouring sarcasm into her words, wanting to lighten the mood on their nature walk.

"Because of you're over bearing love..." he said letting his words trail off while making eye contact with her and adopting a playful grin, then he said "It wasn't all that bad was it?". It really hadn't been they had eaten smores' and nature watched all kinds of critters, but as fun as that was it wasn't what they'd left Manehatten for. Tender wanted to see the cowboy saloons, the palaces, and heck even the Crystal Empire if she got her way.

She wanted to see all of Equestria, not wander aimlessly through the forest for days. Tender lowered her head, she was fed up with this whole situation, "No it wasn't... I just wanna get back on Tra-"

"Wait lovebear, do you see that." he said cutting her off and pointing down the road from them.

Tender looked up at him in surprise and followed his hoof... there was something in the road. It looked like a gray blanket and a hoofpack... a child's hoofpack. I don't think I like this, did something bad happen here?, Tender and Victor gave each other a look of worry, Who would be all the way out here? "Umm... what should we do?" she asked, looking for a game plan. "We should probably check it out, somepony might be in trouble" Victor said, He's right Tender gave him a nod and they both started trotting forward slowly.

The closer they got the more she could make out. There was a rubber duck sitting a little ways from the blanket in the road, and... was the blanket moving! Tender put a hoof to her mouth to stop from gasping, and then got right over the blanket, her shadow eclipsing it. Somepony really small was laying in the middle of the road, I hope their not hurt. she glanced back at Victor to see him studying the scene as well. Okay here goes... Tender thought and prepared herself for what she might see as she grasped the edge of the blanket in her teeth and pulled it away slowly to reveal a passed out pink filly laying on her chest with bows in her light blue hair. Oh my Celestia... Tender got close with her eyes darted over the small child as she checked for any damages, she didn't look to be injured but it looked like she had been out here for a while given the dirt clinging to some of her fur. "Oh dear..." she whispered pulling a small leaf out of the girls braided hair with her hoof, being careful not to wake her. 

Tender glanced back to see Victor motioned with his hooves for her to go ahead. Just have to be gentle..., Tender put her hoof lightly on the filly's shoulder and slightly shook her awake while saying, "Hello um... h..honey".



Tender watched as the girls eyes started fluttering and then she snapped awake, as soon as she made eye contact with her the filly let out a scream "ahhhh!". Tender drew her hoof back reflexively and watched in silence as the filly scrambled up to her hooves and backed away to stand five feet away from them.

"Who...who are you?" the girl said, Tender could see fear all over the filly's face as she spoke, The poor things scared to death.

"It's alright we're not going to hurt you, are you okay?" Tender asked watching the filly just noticeably tremble. The girl looked between the two clearly unsure...

Cozy's first instinct was to run, she was still to close to Ponyville, but something about how friendly they were reacting to her made Cozy want to stay. Cozy stood back from the two earth ponies as she glanced from one to the other, one was a light grey almost white stallion with green eyes and short blond hair, while the other was a cream colored mare with curly blue hair and pink eyes. They don't seem to reconize me, she thought as she definitely hadn't seen either of them before. Cozy listened as the mare asked if she was alright. "I...I think so" she said trying to slow her racing heart. The mare glanced down and let out a sigh of relief before looking back up at cozy with a relieved smile. The stallion also seemed to visibly relax, Cozy glanced past him to see he was pulling a large wagon with a seat in the front, I haven't seen one of those since I was at Sweet Apple Acers.

"We didn't mean to startle you,... are you out here all by yourself?" the stallion asked and then made eye contact with the lady that Cozy could only assume was his marefriend. 

"Yes, I'm on my own" Cozy shook her head, "I'm not out here with anypony", Cozy said deciding to be as honest as she could be with them without giving herself away.

"Where are you're parents" the mare said, looking into the forest for anypony that could be with her. 

"I don't have any" Cozy said opting again to be bluntly honest and earning a shocked expression from the pair, The other me would be lying to them for sure.

"Shouldn't you be in an orphanage" ,the stallion asked cocking his head. 

"The last one I was in wasn't nice at all, so I decided to live somewhere else", Cozy said thinking of her past memories from before the school of friendship. 

The cream colored mare took a step forward, being careful not to touch Cozy's blanket as she said, "My names Tender Taps" then she glanced back at the Stallion who trotted up beside her, "and my names Victor Taps" he said putting his forehoof to his chest, So they were together and wait, what was that accent... Neightish, he sounded like Octavia from Ponyville, then he pointing his hoof in Tenders direction, "Tender here is my wife. What's you're name?" he asked with both of them locking eyes onto her. 

Oh no what do I do, Cozy thought knowing she had to come up with something quick. "Umm... I don't know if I should tell you." she said trying to buy time so she could figure something out. Cozy watched as the stallion narrowed his eyes and said, "Why not". Quick have to dodge somehow, "Because you're strangers" Cozy said narrowing her eyes slightly for extra effect. To her surprise Victor laughed and put a hoof by his mouth as he whispered to Tender, "What is with this sassy lost child" Cozy watched Tender roll her eyes at his remark and say, "It's okay you can trust us, we want to help you." as she sent a warm smile Cozy's way.

She seems nice,... okay I have to come up with something that won't link me to the other me, maybe Cozy could give both of them something besides her first name.

"I... I'll tell you but you have to promise not to laugh." Cozy said waving her hooves in front of her and watching them share a glance. Tender locked eye's with Cozy and said, "We promise, no laughing" while sitting on her tail and putting her hooves together in front of her. Okay, I hope this works... "My names Dizy". Cozy watched the awkward silence ensue until Victor put a hoof over his mouth trying not to giggle as Tender elbowed him in the shoulder and sent him an angry glare. Cozy could basically see Applejack shaking her head and glaring at her from behind both of them, We'll it wasn't technically lying. Cozy thought, she probably needed to clarify for them. 

"My middle names Dizannah, but well... my sister always called me Dizy sooooo...." Cozy said scratching her horehoof on the ground and watching them both absorb the only thing she could reasonably tell them without either giving herself away or lying. That's when Tender raised an eyebrow and asked "Well what's you're first name?". Oh why couldn't things be simple? Think Cozy, come up with something...no wait play it off, "I really don't wanna say, believe it or not my first names way worse than Dizy" Cozy said rolling her eyes, again not lying so... maybe Applejack would be proud? 

"Hmm... well I think Dizy sounds pretty cute." Tender said getting up off the road, please... don't call me cute.

"We can't just leave you out here all alone Dizy, you should come with us okay." Tender said motioning for Cozy to come over to them. They want to take me with them, It would certainly be much safer on the road if she traveled with somepony.

"Golly are you sure?", Cozy said wanting to make sure if it was okay before becoming a burden to the nice couple. 

"Absolutely, get you're things and hop up here with me" Tender said trotting back to the wagon and climbing up to sit on the tiny bench at the head of it. Cozy trotted forward and wrapped up her now dirty blanket and placed it back over the evil book in her pack. Then she reached for her night guardian and picked up the small ducky, you really stood guard all night didn't you, my little hero, she thought before putting him in with her winter gear. Cozy picked her pack up with her teeth and carried it over to the wagon where Tender leaned down and took it, placing it in the back with the rest of their supplies. Cozy waited for Tender to get situated before climbing up and sitting next to her, then she pulled her tail around her side so  she didn't wind up sitting on it and used her front hooves to hold herself up as she dangled her back hooves over the road between her and Victor.

"You girls ready" their driver said looking back over his shoulder. 

"Yes we're ready, now mush!" Tender jokingly replied and with a smirk and a nod from Victor the wagon started heading down the dirt road. Cozy watched as the woods passed by them seemingly no longer a threat, This is really relaxing she thought, happy that she was making it out of the forest without having to walk anymore. Cozy wondered what they were doing all the way out here, this wasn't a path most ponies took. As Cozy wondered her stomach growled, an action that Cozy saw Tender take notice of as she reached behind her and brought back a peach in her forehooves.

"Here eat this" Tender said holding it in front of her. 

she was just giving her food? "Are you sure, I don't have any bits?" Cozy said, looking up at her.

"Mm-hmm" Tender hummed watching her, why was she being so nice?

Cozy twitched her ears in anticipation as she took the fruit in her hooves and bit into it, her hunger vanishing before she even got done chewing. Cozy took another bite, and then another until finally only the core remained, then she tossed it in the underbrush of the forest, wow that was tasty. Tender chuckled when Cozy licked her lips clean trying to get every last taste she could. 

"So how was it?" Tender inquired after watching the whole event unfold in silence.

"Peachy" Cozy replied smiling up at her companion in gratitude as she rubbed her shoulder, which earned a laugh from both of them. "Later we'll have smores when we find someplace to camp for the night." Tender said as she took in the forest view, is that a promise? Cozy thought deciding if they were offering treats she wouldn't say no. When Cozy pulled her hoof from her shoulder it was covered in dirt, hmm... must be from the road I slept on. "Wait let me" Tender said breaking her train of thought as Cozy turned watching as her new companion retrieved a white cloth rag from behind their seat and a canteen... suddenly Cozy got very thirsty at the sight of water, Weird I didn't feel thirsty until I actually saw the canteen. Tender followed Cozy's eyes to the canteen putting two and two together and asked, "Are you thirsty?"

"Golly Yes" Cozy said trying not to sound to desperate as Tender hoofed the refreshment over. Cozy brought it to her lips and drank it feeling as if it was just cold enough not to freeze her mouth. When Cozy was done gulping it down she took a deep breath and handed it back. Cozy watched as Tender poured what little water remained on the rag she was holding and placed a hoof on the side of Cozy's head, then she saw blackness as Tender started cleaning Cozy's face. After blushing in silence for the rest of her cleaning, which Cozy knew wasn't a normal reaction as she let this stranger she'd just met basically wipe her down. Tender was easy and took great care to get Cozy all over, as the rag turned from white to brown as it took the dirt off of her, she even got behind my ears. Cozy thought, grateful that Tender would be willing to do such a thing for her. 

"There all done, it was hard to tell if there was a filly under there?" Tender said jokingly. Cozy chuckled at the idea that they couldn't tell if she was pink or not because of the dirt clinging to her fur, they're fun to be around she thought as she happily dangled her backhooves back and forth over the road. Things were finally looking up, she wasn't alone anymore and they were taking her out of the forest. Tender put the items away, then she put a hoof around Cozy and drew her closer to where their bodies touched, Is... is she trying to comfort me?

Tender looked down at her with a look of sympathy and said, "It must have been scary out here on you're own". Cozy gazed up at the pools of pink making eye contact with her, She has really pretty eyes... unlike mine. Cozy couldn't have agreed more with what she said as the thought of her last nightmare flashed in her mind. She nodded her head in agreement with Tender as they turned and looked forward, watching as the road vanished under the wagon.

This made total sense Starlight thought as she and Trixie trotted down the winding dirt path to Fluttersh's cottage. She knew Fluttershy trusted her, all they had to do was promise to take care of the animals and then they would have all of them at their disposal for even more acts in their show, Muwahahahahaha.

"So Flutterwho lives out in the middle of nowhere?" Trixie said glancing at the wildlife around them as they walked.

"It's Fluttershy and yes she lives out here with all her animals" Starlight corrected, she's lived here for a couple of years now you'd think she'd get to know somepony... well somepony besides me.

Trixie huffed not looking to thrilled as she said, "So let me get this strait, you think because you're friends with her that she's going to just let us take some of her animals with us aaaaaaaall the way to Saddle Arabia?", well when you say it like that. 

"I think it's at least worth asking about. I haven't taken care of animals before, but how hard can it be." Starlight replied while shrugging. If Fluttershy gave her some tips Starlight knew she could handle it, after all she had taken care of an entire town on her own before and the worst thing Fluttershy could do was say no, so why not at least try right.

"You've never taken care of animals before?" Trixie asked 

"No why?" Starlight replied confused, Trixie knew not everypony had a pet, some of them had other hobbies, Like my kites, I take good care of those... so this should be easy.

"It's... a lot harder than you think." Trixie said 

Pouting Starlight was taken aback, Wow was she insinuating that I couldn't handle something like taking care of a rabbit, the nerve! after everything I've done a forest dwelling bunny is going to be to much for me. 

"I take care of you don't I" Starlight said grinning while taking a jab at her now shocked walking companion.

"Watch it Starlight, I'll turn you into a teacup!" Trixie said glaring at her narrowing her eyes.

That would be so funny, Starlight the pupil of the princess of friendship bested by a transfiguration spell. Her life would then and forevermore be for the use of serving tea to everypony.

Starlight chuckled at the thought as they crossed Fluttershy's tiny bridge and trotted up to the front door of her tiny cottage. Starlight knocked twice and waited as she heard Fluttershy from the other side of the door. "I wonder who that could be" Starlight heard Fluttershy say as she started trotting to the door to greet her. Then to Starlight's dismay she heard Discord reply "whoever it is tell them to come back later, we only have tea every so often.", oh great I hope he doesn't do anything... chaosy while we're here.

Fluttershy opened the top part of her door and said, "ooh Starlight what brings you out here?"

"I actually wanted to talk to you, can we come in?" Starlight said looking past Fluttershy to see the chaos lord roll his eyes while sitting in one of Fluttershy's chairs.

"We?" Fluttershy said poking her head out of the doorway and glancing at Trixie. 

"Oh um sure come on in, we're having some tea so help yourselves." Fluttershy said waving a hoof for them to follow. 

"Come on Trix we even get tea." Starlight said not mentioning Discord.

"I don't know Starlight, is this really worth a performance animal." Trixie said glancing back at the path to Ponyville. "ugh, come on Trixie we came all this way." Starlight said opening the other half of the door, trotting in, and taking a seat next to Fluttershy on her couch. She watched as Trixie entered and said "ugh... hello Discord" while rolling her eyes. 

"Why such the negative reception, I did help save Equestria you know." Discord defended while turning his tea into a picture of himself beside Celestia and Luna as they were using their magic to turn the villains to stone. Starlight watched as he breathed hard on the frame and wiped it off on his chest before making it disappear with a snap of his claws. 

"Yeah well you'll have to forgive Trixie for not exactly liking the Draconequus that started Armageddon." Trixie said in a spiteful tone as she plopped down on the couch on the other side of Fluttershy. Oh no here we go again, Starlight mentally sighed drinking some of her tea,... but in all fairness Trixie was right, Discord had some nerve to gloat over nearly destroying Equestria with his stupidity... again. 

"You ponies are too sensitive, all I did was point those three in the right direction." Discord said bored with the subject and stretching his large figure in the small chair, I wonder how many ponies have told him off, I almost feel sorry for him... almost.

"Everypony let's just calm down." Fluttershy said trying to calm the two before things got heated.

"Can it Flubbershy, if he almost gets Trixie destroyed in another apocalypse again so help me!" Trixie said pointing a hoof at Discord.

"Ha! what are you going to do hurt my feewings." Discord said smirking at Trixie's impossible threat, Ugh... way to escalate things Discord.

"Um Trixie my-my names Fluttershy" Fluttershy said trying to correct Trixie who Starlight was convinced at this point was messing Fluttershy's name up on purpose.

"Okay Fluttershy's right let's just forget it happened and try and get along" Starlight said earning a thankful smile from the yellow Pegasus.

Trixie actually laughed at Starlight and said, "Yeah screw that" as she shot a pink ray of magic into the bored Draconequus. The beam hit him in the chest as Fluttershy let out an "Eeeep", Discord vanished and there sitting on the chair he had been in was a very familiar pink teacup. Oh no Trixie why!

"Discord!" Fluttershy said getting up of the couch with her mouth hanging open in shock. 

Starlight watched in horror as Trixie ignored them both as she trotted around Fluttershy's coffee table and picked up her new teacup, grinning all the while, then she said, "Trixie one, evil Grogar wannabe zero". Then Trixie went and poured some of Fluttershy's tea into her new china with their shocked faces following her every movement. Afterwards Trixie sat in Discord's previously occupied seat and took a sip.

"Aaaahhhhh, the sweet taste of victory" Trixie said leaning into the chair as the teacup laughed with Discord's face appearing on the side of it. Then without warning he transformed back to his mismatched self on Trixie's lap pinning her to the seat. Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief as Starlight burst out laughing at the immediate karma. Poor Trixie she never can get a break... well none of the good kind.

"Get...off...of...me" Trixie's muffled voice said as she tried to push Discord off with her hooves.

"Actually I think this seat is way more comfortable with a seat warming pillow so I'll have to take a rain check and get back to you." Discord said leaning back into her as Trixie's yell was muffled from underneath him, "MMMmmmmhhhhhhhhh"

Having had enough of Trixie's torment Starlight came to her rescue and lifted Discord off of her gasping blue friend, and placed him on the other side of the coffee table. Starlight turned to see Trixie's red face as she huffed and stared daggers at Discord. 

"You know she had that coming" he said to nopony in particular as he crossed his arms and looked away. 

"You're one to talk mister end of the world!" Starlight yelled at his hypocrisy.

"If you ever..." Trixie said standing up and charging her horn as her anger visible started boiling over.

"You'll what cry and whine like you always do." Discord chanted while rolling a clawed hand provoking her further. 

"Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!!" Trixie screeched as she shot magic blast after magic blast at Discord with Starlight putting her hooves to her head and drooping beside the coffee table to avoid the line of fire. I take it back this wasn't a good idea, I really shouldn't have brought her here. 

Starlight witnessed the carnage of Trixie's magic blasts shooting over her head as Discord deflected them all around the room sending pink lasers bouncing off the walls as they knocked and destroyed Fluttershy's living room.

Then out of nowhere Starlight saw Fluttershy sit down on her couch and whisper, "It's so nice to have company over for tea." in a depressed tone as she took a sip from her cup before it was blown away in her hoof by a pink blast of magic.


> Hidden Monsters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Okay back to the hearings, Twilight thought as she passed the long line of ponies patiently waiting for her return. She glanced over at them but beside the bored expressions on their faces most of them seemed to welcome her return. I wonder how they'll react when they learn I just threatened to turn them to stone if they ever harmed the villains? Twilight thought lowering her head in shame as she trotted towards her throne room. I just need a calm afternoon, then I can figure out what to do about Chrysalis and Cozy Glow.   

"Um... Twilight" Spike said getting her attention.

"Hmm?" Twilight hummed as she glanced over to see him pointing at something and followed his pointed claw to the front of the long line of ponies waiting on her. There to her horror were the royal sisters Celestia and Luna who were waiting patiently for her with looks of concern on their faces.

Oh no... can this day get any worse? Twilight thought taking a large gulp. First a riot and now a something that could get the royal sisters back in the castle, she might as well invite Discord to spice things up a little. Twilight trotted up to the two, whatever it was had to be important, otherwise they would've just sent a letter or something, she knew they wouldn't have come all the back to the castle unless they absolutely had too, not after all the plans they made on leaving it.

"Wow umm... hello what brings you two back so soon?" Twilight asked with a forced smile, Please let it be bandits, please let it be bandits.

"I'm sorry we can't be more formal but there is an important matter we must discuss with you in private you're highness." Luna said in a serious tone before turning and leading them through the giant throne room doors and towards Twilight's throne. Twilight mentally screamed before going over all the villains that could be responsible for the situation of theirs in her head, Okay I know the Trio are still frozen in stone, I was just there, Flim and Flam are to insignificant for Celestia and Luna to bother with, hmm... maybe Sombra? if so Discords had enough chances I'm in no mood right now for another of his... motivations.

Twilight trotted in silence as Luna led her, Spike, and Celestia through the back doors behind the throne and onto the palace balcony. Once there Twilight glanced over to see Spike closing the curtains leading back into the throne room, effectively cutting it off. Good nopony probably needs hear this. 

"Sooooo...  does this have to do with finding a new dream guardian by any chance?" Twilight said hoping for something smaller than another all out war, as she followed the two towards the balcony's edge.

"No Twilight, Luna here has seen something in the dream realm, something that we'd believed didn't still exist." Celestia answered glancing over at her sister before turning towards the cloud dotted horizon. 

"Is that bad? It sounds bad?" Twilight asked curiosity mixing in with her fear, as Spike made his way over to stand beside her. Please don't let it be something like the Tantabus.

Luna sighed, "yesterday night a new dreamer appeared in the dream realm."

"A new dreamer... you mean like a baby?" Twilight asked unsure how this could be dangerous, plenty of newborns were born in Equestria every year.

"Usually yes it would be, but this wasn't a baby Twilight it was... Cozy Glow." Luna said sounding just as confused over the situation as she was.

"Wait What?!" Twilight blurted out, shocked at how the situation was rapidly getting more confusing.

"Can Cozy Glow even dream while being turned to stone?" Twilight asked unsure what Cozy's current life was like whilst she was petrified. 

"I am unsure if a dream is possible for her while being encased in stone, however that doesn't explain the existence of an entirely new dreamer." Luna said worriedly.

"Wait wait wait, couldn't this just be a pony who's dreaming of being Cozy Glow." Twilight asked, hopeful that this was all just a big misunderstanding and somepony was just having a nightmare. 

"I... don't see a pony two days old dreaming of being Cozy Glow, Twilight." Celestia said still facing towards ponyville. She's right that dosen't make any sense, at least not for a foal that young.

"And the dream itself was unlike anything I'd ever seen before in the dream realm, It had so much dark energy that it took about all of my magic just to get into the dream." Luna said shaking her head.

"Wait did you say dark energy, how is that even possible?" Twilight asked bringing a hoof to her temple as a slight headache started to form.

"I don't know, but in the dream itself I saw a creature that my sister and I was certain had been driven to extinction long ago." Luna said. 

"Wait, what kind of creature?" Twilight asked as a silence befell the two sisters. 

"A Mimic" Celestia said coldly as she turned to meet Twilights worried expression.

A Mimic?, "Wait, what's a Mimic?" Twilight asked, she'd never heard of a creature by that name before in any of her books. 

"A Mimic is a soulless shapeshifter, much like a changeling in the way it takes the form of something else and uses it to it's benefit." Celestia answered. Like a changeling... how were we going to find something like that in a dream?

"We thought we'd wiped them all out a thousand years ago but it looks like whoever this new dreamer is... they've seen one." Luna said.

"Um how d.. dangerous is a Mimic exactly?" Spike asked moving slightly closer to Twilight as she put a wing around him.

Both sisters shared a worrying glance before continuing.

"A mimic can be very fatal if encountered, they have a strong affinity for dark magic, and they never revel themselves without being able to snatch their prey." Luna said sending a chill down Twilight's spine, that sounds worse than a changeling actually.

"Wait can't we reason with it? Maybe even convince it to leave?" Twilight asked hopeful to find a safe solution to this without risking anypony getting hurt.

"Their is no way to reason with a Mimic Twilight, they are mindless creatures that react on pure instinct, they only crave one thing... to kill." Celestia said sternly. 

This was bad, they had to find this thing and destroy it before it hurt anypony. "What exactly can it turn into?" Twilight asked.

"Usually a Mimic can turn into only one thing, sometimes a chest or a doorway and then it'll lay dormmate until somepony happens upon it... but there are more advanced Mimics that have been known to take the form of... living creatures." Luna said, much to Twilight's horror.

"A living Mimic would want to look alive, it would drink, eat, sleep, anything it had to do to keep itself hidden, until it has a chance to strike. We have to find and destroy it before it has a chance to cause anypony any harm." Celestia said.

Twilight gathered herself, "Okay what do we need to do first?" Twilight asked determined to protect her subjects. 

"First we need to find it, Luna and I know a spell that can detect such a creature at a short range, if a Mimic is caught in it it'll glow green and right now the only lead we have is it could somehow be Cozy Glow who's seen it." Celestia said.

"Wait... you don't think it's in the royal garden do you?" Twilight asked, the worry of such a creature in the capital of Equestria nearly overtaking her in fear. 

"That's why we're here, we need to see the statue and look for the creature." Luna said trotting toward the balcony's exit. 

"Right" Twilight said as she and the rest trotted back into the throne room and down past it's large double doors.

As she glanced at the line of ponies she was meant to hear for the day she could see it had already gotten smaller, some ponies went home, I can't blame them things have been crazy today. Twilight hoped they could take care of the creature before the masses found out about the danger they were in. While she trotted through the streets of Canterlot and eventually into the royal gardens, Twilight saw more than a couple of ponies watching from the distance in curiosity. I was just here... wait could it have been right next to me and I just didn't notice? Twilight wondered in alarm as she entered the garden before telling Spike, "Spike stay in the air and be careful, okay."

"Got it." Spike said with a nod before he took flight and circle above the royal gardens in a circle.

Twilight approached the guard captain she had stationed there, as he and his troops stood at attention on her arrival. "I need to search around the statue, have you and your patrol wait outside the area until we're done." Twilight said pointing to the garden entrance as the captain nodded for his soldiers to leave. Twilight waited until they were gone before finally approaching the defeated villains.  

Twilight gazed at the stone statue and in particular the curly haired pegasus at the top of it, Where is she looking? Twilight wondered as she flew up to eye level with the stone child and turned around to survey the area, I just see plants and vases hmm... could it be a vase? Twilight thought before looking down as the royal sisters ignited their horns, then a circle of magic extended from them coating everything in about a thirty foot radius with sparkling blue and gold magical dust. 

Twilight watched as the shimmering magic glittered in the sunlight before fading from the objects in the area, did it work? Twilight glanced around for anything glowing green but found nothing but shrubbery as she lowered herself back to the ground.  

"It's not here sister." Luna stated with a sigh. 

"Twilight has anypony seen anything unusual in Canterlot lately?" Celestia said turning to Twilight.

"No, at least nothing that sounds like the creature you're talking about." Twilight replied felling both relieved and worried that nopony had seen the creature.

"Should we free her sister... to see what she knows?" Luna said eyeing Cozy Glow.

Celestia actually looked to be considering it as she gazed in Cozy's direction before asking, "How do we know she'll tell us anything?"

"You didn't see her sister, she was screaming her head off trying to get away from the Mimic, before it... ate her." Luna said somberly. 

Twilight was shocked just imagining the horror of a shapeshifting monster eating a child... even if that child was Cozy Glow. What had she seen? Twilight thought looking up at Cozy with worry. How could Cozy have seen a creature like a changeling at all and nopony else notice it, there were guards and townsfolk trotting past this way at almost all hours of the day here.

"Luna you said it was a different dreamer, by releasing Cozy Glow we could be trading one monster for another." Celestia said before turning back to her, "Twilight do you think Cozy would tell us the truth?"

Twilight had to consider as she rubbed her chin with her forehoof, Cozy had never been honest, even if I wanted to believe her she probably would never willingly help us, not after we turned her to stone.

"No, I don't think she would." Twilight said.

"Luna I think it's best if you try again to enter the dream and find out who's really having it before we consider releasing her." Celestia said as she trotted up to the statue's base. After a moment she asked, "Twilight what happened here?" 

Twilight trotted over to stand beside her mentor, and gazed at the small wound on Chrysalis's shoulder. "That happened today... there was a riot over the villains being in Canterlot and one of the rioters..."

Celestia put a hoof to the changeling's shoulder, much as Twilight had done earlier before asking her. "Did you get the pony responsible?"

"No, I decreed that any pony who broke a creature turned to stone would take it's place in the royal gardens." Twilight said unsure how Equestria's former ruler would handle her decision. 

"I think that seems fair don't you sister?" Luna said joining them to get a closer look at the changeling queen.

"I do indeed." Celestia said narrowing her eyes slightly while never taking her eyes off the statue before saying to Twilight, "You did the right thing Twilight, I'm surprised the citizens of Canterlot would so readily commit such an act."

"Thank you, do you think Chrysalis is in any pain?" Twilight asked, I have to know.

"Discord was broken to pieces before when he was a statue and we had a mason put him back together, though he's unlike any creature I've ever seen, so he probably just endured the pain." Celestia said and turned toward Twilight. "We should show you the Mimic detection spell before we leave, that way if anything seems off you can tell if the creature is nearby."

"Okay." Twilight answered while nodding in agreement. 

"Oh and one more thing Twilight, you should probably ask Discord about Chrysalis later, you may have to see to that wound on her." Luna said.

"Wait you mean release her, I thought you and Celestia would be against that?" Twilight said confused that Luna would openly vouch to free one of Equestria's most hated enemies.

"We don't rule Equestria anymore Twilight, you and you alone get to decide if they are ever released and for whatever reason." Luna said as she started out of the gardens and back towards the castle. 

So if I wanted I could free them and nopony would stop me, Twilight thought as possibilities ran through her head. She could check on Chrysalis, interrogate Cozy, and even find out where Tirek came from if she wanted. Twilight now had a lot more options in mind for the Trio, now she just had to plan out what.

Twilight looked up at Spike as he flew in midair before shouting, "It's okay Spike the creature isn't here!" 

Spike made his way back down to the soft grass beside her and said, "Whew that's great... right?" as he shrugged. 

Twilight started leading him back to the castle with her wing before saying, "I don't know Spike if the creature isn't here... then where is it?"

Cozy watched as the dense forest disappeared behind her. Now lush green hills were in all directions as mountains ranges stood in the distance with snow decorating their frozen tops, Wow I'm so glad to be out of the woods, Cozy thought grinning at her luck. Besides the occasional cluster of trees this area was pretty open, now she could see if something was trying to sneak up on her from afar instead of right behind her. 

Cozy turned back to her yellowish friend as she continued their eye spy game, a game which had been going on for a couple of hours now. I wonder if she'll figure out I've been following her eyes to win though...

"hmm... I spy with my little eye something slow." Tender said cheerily as they enjoyed their wagon ride.

"Hey don't make me pull this wagon over." Victor said catching on to her jab at him.

Cozy giggled and put her hooves up to cover her mouth, not willing to continue playing their game in worry of upsetting their driver. I know they're just playing though.

"Oh don't ruin our fun, can't you see I'm trying to cheer up Dizy?" Tender said using Cozy as her excuse as she put her hoof around her, Wow she has no concept of personal space... she's warm though. After a long moment of Victor grinning at Tender instead of watching the road Tender decided to yield. 

"Okay I'll stop picking on you... party pooper." Tender said while pouting and removed her hoof from around Cozy. She watched as Tender reclined against her seat with her hooves holding up her head. Cozy followed Tender's pink eyes into the blue sky seeing it dotted with puffy clouds, then looked back down. I need to find a flight spell or something, Cozy thought I could just about kill for a cloud pillow. 

"Hey Dizzy wanna cloud watch with me?" Tender said glancing over at her with a smile. 

Before Cozy could say no thanks Victor cut in, "Actually that reminds me Dizy, why weren't you sleeping on a cloud or something instead of the road?" 

Tender sat up intrigued before examined Cozy's back and saying, "Yeah I didn't realize earlier but you do have those pink little wings." ,then she lifted one of Cozy's wings in her hoof to get a better look at it, "they're not hurt are they?"

Just when I had relaxed from questions too, "No, my...my wings haven't worked since I was born." Cozy said. I wonder how much longer I can keep this charade going before they get suspicious, Cozy thought as she watched Tender pull her into another hug.

"Wow Dizy, you're alone aaaaaaand you can't fly" Tender said smushing her.

"Yep it's okay though I just need to think like an earth pony." Cozy mumbled out with her cheek pressed into Tender's side. After a while Tender let her go and Victor said, "I'm really sorry to hear about you're wings Dizzy". Wow he's pretty sweet, Cozy thought as she glanced between the two, I wonder how they got together though?

Cozy listened as Tender cleared her throat before saying, "Is there anything else you can't really do?"

Cozy was confused by the question, she's been super nice, she probably just wants to find something out about me.

"Well I can't really... swim." Cozy said as she braced herself and prepared for another crushing hug, but Tender just shook her head sadly and said, "sweet Calestia Dizy you just can't catch a break, huh." Wow now they look sad, I should probably try to cheer them up somehow.

"Well I... ran into both of you." Cozy said as Tender and Victor said "Awwwww" in unison. I hope I don't have to keep answering stressful questions, Cozy thought as she put her hooves between her legs and glanced away, blushing at all the attention she was getting.

Cozy watched as pretty flower bushes passed by their wagon in silence, until she felt a hoof softly begin to rub her back between her wings almost making her jump in surprise. However she relaxed when she realized what was happening, Tender was petting her. Should I say no... I mean it feels nice, Cozy thought as she slowly closed her eyes and reflexively spread her wings to give the circled strokes more room to maneuver. It's just a comforting backrub, mmmph* no need to blow up on her, I'll draw the line at mmmph* rocking me to sleep or something, Cozy thought not sure how to respond to the massage as it sent chills down her spine. 

"Tender your going to make her pass out if you keep doing that." Victor said after a while.

"Well I stop before you doze off when I do it to you." Tender answered back as the wagon went over a tiny bump in the road.

"Do you want me to stop Dizy." Tender whispered in her ear as Cozy contemplated whether she liked her space more or the nice feeling of Tender's hoof circling her back. She's like a cat with a ball of yarn, I could just play along... I mean a free massage isn't to bad right. 

"Mump-um." Cozy murmured shaking her head no. 

"See honey she likes it." Tender said smugly as she celebrated her victory. Cozy could practically see Mr. Taps rolling his eyes back at Tender. 

After a while the stroking stopped when Cozy started yawning and feeling lightheaded.

"Okay I think that's enough," Tender said retracting her hoof. Yeah... I need to sleep at night, not now, Cozy thought as she opened her eyes on the lush valley around her. 

 

That was nice, Cozy thought as she kicked her feet over the edge of her seat. It's been so long since I've had something like that without any strings attached.

Suddenly the wagon came to a screeching halt with Cozy having to grab the back of her seat to keep herself steady. "Hey Tender get the camera." Victor said unlatching himself from his harness and inching slowly forward down the dirt road. Cozy peered down the path to see what Victor was so interested in, a squirrel was sitting on top of a tree stump on the side of the road. Cozy watched as the little guy fluffed up his tail and rubbed his brown head with his little claws. Awwwww, Cozy turned to see Tender rummaging through the back of the wagon before pulling out the camera and hopping down to the ground. Then she came over and helped Cozy down of the wagon with an offered hoof.

"Alright Victor but this better be the last critter we stop for, do you hear me." Tender demanded while pacing in front of Cozy as they followed Victor. Wait the squirrel is cute but why are they so interested in it, Cozy thought coming to a halt in the road as she watched them approach the tree stump. She watched as Victor held out his hoof for the squirrel as it sniffed him, then it crawled all the way up to his shoulder and perched it's self.

"You see honey you can't find this in Manehatten." Victor said smugly as he indicated the fluffy creature and smiled for the camera. 

Oh so that's why they're so interested they're not used to animals, Cozy realized as she watched Tender snap a few pictures of her husband and the squirrel.

"Hey come over here and pet it." Victor said as motioning Tender over. 

Tender got face to face with the living fluff ball, then after another sniff and a giggle from Tender the squirrel crawled over the side of her head to sit on top of Tender's blue bush of hair, claiming it as it's new fluffy throne. 

"Hey Dizy wanna come over and hold him while I take a picture." Victor said grinning as he walked over toward the camera. 

"Um... sure." Cozy said as she slowly approached, but she didn't make it ten feet from squirrel before out of nowhere the it hissed on top of Tenders hair and leaped to scurry away in the wilderness.

Cozy stood still as Tender recovered from her shock and asked, "Victor did you see that?"

"Yeah I did, he nearly tore you're head off." Victor said putting the camera in his mouth as he went and checked Tender's head with his hoof.

"No more picture's, I've had it with the lions, the tigers, the bears, all of it." Tender whispered.

"Mmm-hmm" Victor mumbled still holding the camera in his teeth.

"What was that dear?" Tender asked as she cocked an eyebrow confused.

Victor took the camera out of his mouth and said, "I said sure thing."

Cozy waited patiently as Victor helped Tender up before they both started back towards the wagon. I hope they're not mad at me, Cozy thought trying to figure out how she had startled the squirrel. Was it something I did?

"Come on Dizy let's get back on the road... where it's safe." Tender said as she put a hoof on Cozy's shoulder leading her back towards the wagon.

Starlight led the way down ponyville's dirt streets in a slow trot as she recovered from her injuries. Occasionally she smiled and waved to a pony gawking at her condition but otherwise she and her two walking companions remained silent. What never seen a pony on the verge of death, she mentally jested as she kept walking towards the brown Dinner ahead of them. 

Before they could get to their destination though Rainbow dash flew into view and took of her black shades in shock when she saw them. Then she let out a, "Bwahahahahaha" as she cried tears of laughter and pointed her hoof at their sad condition. Well she stop laughing when Starlight heard a snap from behind her and lightning struck Rainbow Dash out of the sky. you know I'm actually too depressed right now to care, Starlight thought as she sighed and walked up to Rainbow Dash as she lay unconscious on the ground before putting Rainbow's shades back over her eyes and trotting past her. She'll be fine...

Starlight upon finally reaching the home of her comfort food opened the dinner's two doors as she, Discord, and Trixie walked in with black burn marks all over them. How did that go so wrong, I mean I just wanted a cute bunny or an adorable fox, Starlight thought as the carnage of what she had unleashed on Fluttershy's cottage still filled her mind. Starlight took a seat on a stool in the front of the dinner with her two companions sitting at her sides. Then Bulk Biceps trotted up in his Chefs outfit and asked "What'll you three be hav... Wooo you three look horrible" as he widdened his eyes and leaned over the counter to get a better look at them.

"I'll have a large Double-chocolate milkshake." Starlight said ignoring his concern and put her head on the counter as she heard the others give out their own orders.

"The Most Damaged and Hungry Trixie cough* demands Mint Chocolate Chip." Trixie wheezed out.

"And I'll have... oh what am I doing, I don't need you muscles." Discord said as he poofed a banana milkshake of his own on the counter beside her with a bendy straw in it. I want a bendy straw... Starlight thought.

"Okay I'll be right back to you two." their giant waiter said before going to the back to make their orders.

Without turning towards him Starlight demanded, "Discord, cough* bendy straw." before hearing a sigh as the chaos lord handed her a pink swirled straw. Yay, my emergency induction port...

Starlight glanced over at her companions to see Trixie's bedwrangled head on one side and Discord which somehow laid his head on the other side of her despite his larger size. "Soooooo... Did you two learn anything?" Starlight asked glaring between the two as they lay their heads on the counter. Please say yes...

"There's no need to learn anything, I fixed everything before we left didn't I." Discord said matching her glare. 

"Trixie has learned not to indulge Starlight's ridicules fantasies." Trixie huffed looking away from her.

Ugh what am I going to do with these two? Starlight thought as she stated, "We didn't leave, Fluttershy kicked us out, you two basically turned the whole place upside down." her statement apparently getting both of them to sit up strait on their stools in anger. Ugh... another argument yay, Starlight thought as she sat up as well and looked between the two unamused faces. 

"Well it never would have happened if you two could have minded you're own business." Discord said pointing a claw at them but before Trixie could argue they heard a beeping sound coming from Discord as his eyes widened and he pulled his arm fur back to reveal a blue magical wrist band like the one she had used to wear as the schools guidance councilor. Starlight raised an eyebrow wondering why he had a magical bracelet on at all.

"Ugh... It would seem our most esteemed ruler has requested my presents", Discord said rolling his eyes before he teleported away and then teleported back grabbing his milkshake before disappearing for good.

Then their waiter came back and hoofed over their cold milkshakes. Finally something that's worked out, Starlight thought as she picked up her straw and brought the chocolaty goodness to her mouth. After a few more tastes of bliss Starlight glanced over to see Trixie stirring hers. Wow she's depressed, I should probably try to make up with her.

"Trixie Forgive me." Starlight said lightly pawing at her friend's shoulder a few times with her hoof.

"Ugh... Trixie has deduced that it's probably really reckless how we go about our time together." Trixie said before glancing at her as a smirk spread across her lips. I knew she couldn't stay mad at me.

"Yep probably sooooo... wanna do more reckless stuff tomorrow, before we get back out on the road?" Starlight asked holding up her milkshake.

"You got it partner." Trixie said with a wink before clinging her own milkshake with Starlight's.

Twilight sat in her throne and sighed, there was no holding this off. She had to find out if she had to release Chrysalis or not, I'd rather avoid this but it would be cruel to just let her sit in pain forever. Twilight brought up her magic wrist band from under her cushion she was on and activated it. She had made Discord agree to keep it close and to come to her if she ever needed him, after the end of the world thing it seemed necessary to keep a him on a close leash.

As if on cue a round portal appeared and the Draconeques flew out before his eyes widened in surprise before he held up a claw for her to wait went back through another portal to bring out a Banana milkshake. Twilight gave him a double take, she'd never seen him with blast marks before, is... is he hurt.

"Umm... Discord are you alright" Twilight asked in concern for his wellbeing. 

"Yeah what happened." Spike said gesturing to Discord's appearance. 

Twilight watched as Discord sighed before saying, "Ugh... never you two mind, you can blame you favorite blue flanked magician for being so savage. " 

Twilight had to stop herself from laughing, Trixie was a lot of things but savage was a new one, even for her.

"Well I bet the lord of chaos can walk just about anything off." Twilight said shaking her head.

"Don't patronize me princess, why did you summon me here?" Discord inquired as he downed his milkshake and shattered the glass he was holding on the marble floor, sending broken bits of glass everywhere. 

"Dude" Spike said annoyed. Twilight mentally sighed, Right there with you Spike.

"I wanted to ask you about being turned to stone." Twilight said hoping this would be a brief conversation so she could get on with her day.

"Oh if you want to know so badly I could give you a solid lesson on the subject." Discord said grinning up at her before summoning a stone statue of her head in midair.

"Ugh... no Discord, I need to know if a statue was damaged would it hurt the creature trapped inside?" Twilight asked unamused at his warped sense of humor.

"Oh let me guess the ponies of Equestria haven't been as peaceful as you'd expected them to be." Discord said avoiding her question. All I want is one strait forward conversation from him.

"Discord... just tell me." Twilight said getting angry. I've got enough on my plate with a terrifyingly lose monster and a country on the verge of rioting to have to deal with you too.

"But where would be the fun in that, after all isn't this revelation just astounding?" Discord said, causing her eye to twitch.

"Dude uh... not now." Spike said shaking his claws.

"Oh fine, yes it hurts. Why did one of the villains get an owwie?" Discord asked as he healed his own body with a snap of his claws. 

Twilight sighed, so Chrysalis is in pain, great, "Yes Discord, Chrysalis has a crack on her shoulder."

"Oh my, well you should probably just rub some glue on her and pray she doesn't fissure." Discord answered while bringing a clawed hand under his chin in fake concern.

"No Discord, I'm going to have to release her." Twilight replied getting a wide eyed look from him.

"But-But why... what a waste of a perfect victory trophy, that thing is a living testament to your accomplishments." Discord said angerly as he paced back in forth in front of her.

"Um... Twilight I can't believe I'm saying this but I kind of agree with Discord." Spike said getting her to look over at him in disbelief. I don't care if she's evil, leaving her like that would make me worse.

"Spike, I have to free her. " Twilight stated for both of them.

"Ugh, fine everypony get ready for the bug queens forth rein of terror, just don't call me back here to fix your mess." Discord said opening a portal to leave. 

"Wait Discord." Twilight said before he could make his get away.

"What now." he said while pulling his eyelids and stretching them to unnatural proportions.

Twilight had to ask Discord, as much as she wanted to keep the creature Celestia and Luna had warned her about a secret he might have some insight on it. "Discord do you know anything about a creature called a Mimic?"

Discord stopped and looked at her from in between the portal before stepping back into the throne room and snapping his claws, shutting the portal for good.

"Who wants to know?" Discord asked while narrowing his eyes at her and crossing his arms.

Hmm... maybe I can get him to help after all. "Would you believe it's for educational purposes?"

"Hmm, unlikely Mimics are older than I am and The Father of Monsters only made so many." Discord said.

Wait the Father of Monsters Grogar, if he created them then could he be back? Fear gripped Twilight at the thought that the Tyrant could have come back for his revenge. 

"Umm... Grogar created the Mimics?" Twilight asked sheepishly.

"That's right, only he and a few others have enough magic for the spell required to create such a creature." Discord answered half asleep and yawning. 

So the caster needed the right spell too if they wanted to create one, that means unless they found a spell over a thousand years old it was impossible. Well at least there wasn't somecreature creating a Mimic army or something out there. This Mimic must be one Celestia and Luna missed, or even better it was all just a bad dream and there was no danger at all. Haha Yeah I wish...

"So you wouldn't know how to get a hold of one of these spells would you?" Twilight asked. please say no, please say no.

Discord suddenly woke up at her question as he rubbed the back of his head, "Oh no I..I wouldn't know about that." he said putting his arms behind his back as he put on a sheepish smile. 

Oh he knew alright, Twilight lit up her horn and said "Discord."

"Okay okay yeeesh, one you're adorable when you're angry, two I collected all of Grogar's books and relics at the evil hideout... you know to... get into character." Discord said poking his two index claws together bashfully.

His hideout was full of evil tomes and artifacts and he just left them lying around for somepony to find and I didn't get to study them! Stay calm Twilight stay calm, "Discord I want you to get all those artifacts and bring them to me. Then I want you to destroy that place, understood."

"Oh alright, but I'm telling you your wasting a perfectly good evil lair." Discord said throwing his arms up in the air and snapping a new portal to life.

"Now Discord." Twilight said holding her poker face.

"Fine I'll do it first thing in the morning." Discord said blowing her a rassberry before he disappeared into the portal for good.

As soon as he was gone Twilight jumped up and down on her throne's cushion. A whole evil lair full of books and scrolls and artifacts that she was going to get her hooves on. Ooooo... it's like Hearts Warming.

"Twilight?" Spike asked cocking an eyebrow and grinning up at her as she bounced like Pinkie Pie. After a few more hops she stopped and laid down on her cushion to be at eye level with him.

"Spike we get a whole cave full of ancient artifacts, how are you not excited?" Twilight asked as she scooped him up in a hug.

"Twilight we still have to release Chrysalis, remember." Spike said still trapped in her hooves. 

"Suuuuuush, Spike that's a problem for future Twilight" she whispered to him not wanting to ruin her first good mood of the day as Spike chuckled.

 Cozy settled on the soft grass around their fireplace as Victor worked about to get a fire going. Watching in awe as the last bit of sunlight vanished off in the distance behind the city of Canterlot Cozy smiled in gratitude as her second day of life was slowly coming to a close. She was so close to starting over, she just had to push a little bit more and then she was home free, no more fighting, no more plotting, and most importantly no more revenge schemes. Turning away from the sunset and back to their camp she relished the peace she would be able to have tonight since she wasn't alone anymore. I can't wait for smores, she thought remembering her last camping trip to Mount Everhoof with Tirek and Chrysalis. At least now there won't be any monsters, Cozy thought as she glanced across their campsite to see Tender who was making sure everything was locked down in the wagon they had parked between some nearby trees. Well it's just a clearing with a few logs but I'll take it compared to the road from last night, Cozy thought remembering how scary it had been for her, under a bridge was fine, even an ally way but she had never felt safe enough to sleep in a forest before even when she was apart of the original Cozy.

"Ugh this worked so much better last night" Victor whispered as he rubbed two sticks together. He sure is trying though, Cozy thought as she pulled her pack over and checked it's contents. Well let me see one evil book check, one Winter outfit that would kill me if I put it on in the summer check, one Duck check, and one set of... oh wait, Cozy thought as she realized how she could actually help her rescuers. Taking out her flints she made her way over to Victor as he glanced in wonder at her approach to the fireplace. Then with Tender approaching from the woods, Cozy smacked her two stones together causing sparks to light their fire, much to Tender's immediate amusement. 

"Ha, honey see that, she's a better camper than you." Tender jested while holding out a bag of marshmallows in her hoof.

Hearing this Victor got up and brushed himself off, "Well forget my Colt Scouts Training." He said smiling as he walked back to the wagon and pulled out a large orange bag. Looks heavy, Cozy thought as he set it on the ground on the other side of the clearing and pulled out the parts to a purple tent.

"I'd like to see rocks pitch a tent though." Victor gloated as he started assembling the small purple contraption. 

While he worked Tender walked up and put her hoofs around Victor and playfully whispered, "Is my big stwong Stowin jealous of the little girl's magic rocks." into his ear, much to Cozy's amusement as she tried to contain her giggling with her hoof to her mouth.

"Mrs. Sway don't make me kick you out of the tent for the night." Victor said stopping his progress to put his muzzle right up to Tender's, getting face to face with her as she drew a big smile.

"This battle's already over honey, I have the food and we both know you don't like to go to bed hungry." Tender said pecking a kiss on his nose before trotting away with her ransom, leaving him as he shook his head with a smirk on his face.

Cozy closed her pack as Tender sat down beside her, Probably best not to let them see the Demon book. Tender leaned in and whispered over to her, "See I have the high ground." which got her to laugh. So each of them like to have fun huh, Cozy thought as she slipped her chess set out of her bag. Tender noticed the checkered white and black box in her hooves and asked, "Watch'a got there?" as Cozy opened it up to reveal all the pieces inside.

"Oh it's just a chess set, um have you ever played?" Cozy asked putting on a big smile. Please play with me.

"Hehe, I've never played before but I'd definitely play with you if you showed me how it works." Tender answered as she dropped down to lay on her belly so she could be more on Cozy's level.

"Wait honey you've never played chess?" Victor said as he stopped working to look over at them.

"Um no... why?" Tender asked cocking an eyebrow and looking between them both with confusion.

"Shame, Tender shame shame shame." Victor whispered shaking his head.

"Indeed," Cozy agreed much to Tender's surprise as the mare's eyes widened by Cozy's agreement with her husband. Maybe I can get a good game out of him later. Cozy thought as she watched Tender's surprise melt into playfulness as she narrowed her eyes slightly at her.

"Beware Dizy he will lead you astray." Tender said drawing a smile and winking at her. seeing this almost got her to break out into giggles at the situation she had found herself in with Tender actually wanting her allegiance over Victor. Pushing her glee down she decided to ignore the power play and instead focus on showing Tender how to be a player for her chess game, Okay I just have to go easy on her otherwise she won't play me again.

Starting small Cozy drew out the smallest of her chess pieces and explained, "Okay these pieces are the pawns they can only move one spa-" before she could finish how they attacked Tender eyed the pawn and cut her off.

"Hey why do they have names drawn on them?" Tender asked confused.

What? oh no that's right..., The original Cozy was putting her old teacher's names on her pieces to make herself feel more powerful. I am so glad I'm away from her right now, Cozy thought as she started rubbing the names off of all her pieces before saying, "Somepony I know thought it would be funny."

"Oh no, will it come off?" Tender asked with a worried expression. 

Unsure Cozy looked at the pieces and sure enough if she rubbed the red ink it eventually came off, Whew. "Yeah I think they'll be okay." Cozy said giving Tender a slight smile to show her it was all fine. After a while longer of explaining all the pieces, their game finally began, with Tender making some obviously bad moves while Cozy danced her pieces into the line of fire to help Tender get the hang of playing. Don't worry, Cozy thought as she intentionally threw the game in Tender's favor, It's best not to beat a new beginner, that way they'll get invested and wanna play even more and more, well at least that's what Professor Dash always said. Just playing was enticing to Cozy somehow and she very easily decided to make the game last until Victor was done with the tent, before letting the game wind down with her losing to Tender.

Seeing her victory Tender sat up surprised and said down to her "Wow that was pretty fun, I'm sorry I beat you though, I was sure you would win, what with that cutie mark of yours and all." Wait that got Cozy thinking. That's right I still have my cutie mark, thank Celestia for small favors, Cozy mentally cheered as she marveled at the miracle of still having her gift for strategy despite hopping bodies. Kissing my flank wouldn't be normal would it?

Returning her attention back to the two ponies she was with instead of her flank she saw Victor surprise Tender by wrapping his arms under her forehooves and whispering in her ear, "Honey guess what you won for beating a little filly like a big bad meanie."

Tender blushed and said "Oh no, what-what do I win.", while looking a little afraid.

Victor pulled her hooves up in the air as he told her, "Tickles, come on Dizy get her!"

Wait should I get my revenge... it would be really funny, Cozy thought as she smiled and inched her way forward past the board game, much to Tender's horror as Cozy placed herself between Tender's back hooves so she couldn't try and lock them out from tickling her.

"Wait no Dizy don't listen I-I have... Bwahahaha Giggle* hahahahaha!!!" Tender didn't get to finish as Cozy turned around from between Tender's back hooves and propped her wings out as she used her feathers to tickle Tender under her hooves and across her belly, getting her all over. Unable to break free Tender let out laugh after laugh and before long her tears started to fall down onto Cozy's shoulder by the ticklish onslaught, all the while she kicked her hooves in desperation to get away but with Cozy placed between them escape was impossible. 

"Hahaha Wait-wait Bwahahaha Giggle* I'm- I'm gonna pee Hahahaha!!!" Tender shouted which prompted Victor to finally let her go as she snapped her hooves down and inched away from both of them. Wow she's still laughing, Cozy thought as Tender's whole body twitched while she tried collected herself.

"Hahaha... you two...hahaha giggle* I'll get you for that!" Tender said adopting a gleeful smile and getting to all four hooves so she could leap at them.

Oh no what do we do? Cozy thought in slight fear as she gazed up at the now vengeful Tender. "Golly... um Mrs. Sway I'm young and impressionable surely you wouldn't blame me for any of this." Cozy said cheerfully as she got to her hooves with Victor, only to see Tender's smile get bigger. 

Then without warning Tender shouted "Traitor!" and charged them both as Cozy and Victor split up and headed into the brush around the camp. Cozy only stopped running away when she heard Tender chase down Victor first. Cozy had to started devising a plan of retreat, okay gotta let her calm down first before she finds me, that way she'll be more likely to let me off the hook. Cozy's heart beat with anticipation as she ducked in between two bushes, then she heard some commotion as a chorus of Victor's laughter rang out across the campsite. 

"Bwahahahahahahah okay okay honey you win, Hahahahahaha" Victor shouted off in the distance as he was attacked with Tender's tickle rage. I'm so glad that's not me. Cozy thought as the grown stallion's laughter continued for a good whole minute before finally ending with the camp falling into a still silence. Okay hopefully she got it out of her system and she's calm now, Cozy thought before gingerly peeked her head out of her hiding place to see the Camp site completely barren, Where'd she go? Cozy wondered before she suddenly heard the bushes behind her rustle and much to her shock when she turned around she could see Tender grinning down at her. Oh no...

"Hey there Silly Filly." Tender said before pouncing on top of her and pinning her down to the forest floor. Oh she tried to squirm out of the larger pony's grip of course but try as she might she quickly found herself at Tender's mercy as she was gently picked up around her midsection by one of Tender's much larger hooves. You know I really didn't think this through, Cozy thought to herself as she dangled in Tender's grip until she was taken back into the clearing and softly laid down on her back with her hooves up in the air all exposed. I'm prey...Cozy thought and even smiled up from the ground as Tender's gleefully triumphant face stared down at her. 

"So is there any way I can talk you out of this?" Cozy chuckled out.

"Nope." Tender replied matter of factly as she started furiously tickling Cozy with her hooves, getting her all over.

"Bwahahahahaha this wasn't Giggle* Hahahahaha Giggle Worth it haha Bwahahaha." Cozy shouted as her body squirmed under Tender's turning hooves as they sent several signals to her brain at an alarming rate, I can't last like this... oh Celestia I'm dying.

"Hahahahaha Giggle* haha p-please Bwahahaha I yield! hahahaha Giggle*" Cozy shouted as the onslaught faded with Tender holding her down with one hoof on her tiny pink chest. Cozy tried to gather herself back together as her breathing steadied, causing Tender's hoof to rise and fall in a steady beat while it held her down.

"Giggle* you okay Dizy?" Tender asked in a sweet tone having finally gotten even. 

"Uh-hu." Cozy said glad it was finally over.

"That's good... because I'm about to start round two." Thank Celestia... Wait What!!! Cozy thought as she looked up into Tender's now grinning eyes before Tender turned her over on her belly and tickled her backhooves.

"Hahahahaha Giggle* Mercy-Mer Bwahahaha" Cozy pleaded as her torment continued with her trying desperately to pull her hooves away from the mare to no avail.

"Tender that's enough don't you think?" Cozy heard Victor say as he made his way back into their camp.

Then to Cozy's gratitude Tender stopped her attack and pulled her to her hooves. Wow I can't stop shaking, Cozy thought as she backed away slightly from Tender and tried to steady her now twitching body. 

"Ha, looks like I'm the Tickle Master." Tender said as she raised a hoof to the air in victory. Okay yep I'm not going to argue with that, Cozy thought as she made her way back to her spot by the fire and carefully lowered herself back into her previous spot so she could rest after her defeat. It didn't take to long though before she was quickly joined by Tender as the victorious pony made her way over to her with three sticks in one of her hooves before she inched down beside her. 

"Okay everypony want a nice humble marshmallow to celebrate their defeat?" Tender said patting the ground next to her as Victor joined them on the soft grass. 

"Yeah." both Cozy and Victor said at the same time. Seeing them now all at ease Tender placed marshmallows on each stick before giving one to both her and Victor as they rested their marshmallows over the fire.

"Honey do you think you went a little overboard?" Victor asked as they were gazing into the orange flames.

"Well when it comes to fun tickle games, just know if you tickle me, I will have my revenge." Tender said as Cozy slightly gasped at her words with an image of Chrysalis around the campfire quickly appearing in Cozy's mind before she shook the memory away. Just gotta move on... they're probably fine... I mean they're probably in Tarturus by now but they should be fine, Cozy thought before she pulled her stick back from the fire and grabbed the finished smore off of it. Seem's finished, Cozy concluded before eagerly shoving the warm treat into her mouth. Mmm... so good, Cozy thought as the flavor claimed her thoughts. Then to Cozy's surprise Tender grabbed her now barren stick and speared another new marshmallow on it before handing it back, Wow I wonder how long this'll be going on? Apparently longer tan expected as they ate fore at least an hour or more which while full of tasty treats also got everypony full... well mostly. 

"I think I'm done ladies." Victor said as he leaned his head back against the tree trunk behind them, followed soon by her and Tender.

"I'm so full." Tender said as she patting her now slightly bulged belly, before she glanced over at Cozy's much small and still slender form. 

"Wait Dizy you ate all of yours right?" Tender asked as she put a hoof on Cozy's pink belly and gave it a little poke, It doesn't look to full to me either but I ate just as much as they did.

"Must be her metabolism." Victor said with a shrug, as Tender retracted her hoof and stared up at the stars.

"Soooo... anypony want a Scary story?" Victor said after a calm moment of them all stargazing at the twinkling dots spread out across the sky. 

"I'm good." Cozy said unable to hide her terror at a late night campfire story, I don't need one of those before bed.

"Giggle* Victor no scary stories." Tender said as she detected Cozy's distress and put a hoof around her, thanks Tender.

"Okay fine... I guess we should probably get some sleep before we head through Ponyville anyway." Victor said befor opening his mouth and letting out a large yawn. Yep that's my cue to leave...

"Um, Victor what's the plan with Dizy?" Tender asked getting Cozy's attention as Victor reached behind the log they were resting their heads on and pulled out a map of of what appeared to be all of Equestria, then he held it out over them towards the stars.

"Well we could probably find an Orphanage in Ponyville that could keep her, if they have one." Victor answered. No you can't, Cozy thought already knowing what the ponies of Ponyville would do with her if she was found there. Still though these two had been good traveling companions and now that she thought about it just because they were going by Ponyville that didn't mean she had to announce herself to the whole town maybe she could slip by if she was careful hmm... maybe it was at least worth a try to see if they would help her further then she could work things out from there. I still have the bits the old me hid beneath the school anyway, I could really use those.

"Um there aren't actually any Orphanages in Ponyville, believe me I've looked... but i-if you let me I could pay you to take me some where south, I mean if you're headed that way anyway I mean." Cozy asked wanting to cross her hooves and just hoped that her luck would hold out until she could get out of harms way, It's so much safer if I'm not on my own.

"Wait you have bits I thought you said earlier..."  Tender asked confused. 

"No I mean I left them in Ponyville, I had a place I hid them in case of emergencies." Cozy said, please don't think I'm lying.

"What do you think honey, you're the one who wanted to get away from everypony?" Victor asked Tender as Cozy held her breath with Tender turning towards her before pulling her a little closer to the larger mares side.

"Oh why not I think we should take her, especially if she has her own bits for the trip... besides leaving her to fend for herself without somepony to watch her defenetly wouldn't sit right with me." Tender said as Cozy let out the breath she was holding and smiled over at the two larger ponies. Take that cruel world.

"Okay, Dizy you get what you left in Ponyville and we'll take you to a town with a home for you, deal." Victor said as he pointed towards Ponyville on the map then down south to three locations that were labeled Applelossa, Daleswood, and Heartsgrove. One of those has to work... 

"Deal." Cozy stated thankfully, amazed that the two would actually take her across the better half of the country, she'd probably have to give them what bits she could spare but it was worth it if they could get her somewhere far away from all the ponies that wanted to locked her up. all I have to do is get through Ponyville.

"Well that settles it, Victor why don't you put away the food before we check in for the night." Tender asked as they all sat up, with Victor getting up off the ground and trotting off to the far side of their camp with the last of the marshmallows.

"Yeah I got it yawn* just put out the fire will you." Victor said as he grabbed a blue bag from the wagon and started putting all of their food into it. Then with Cozy watching he tied a rope around one end of the now full bag and threw the rope over a tree limb before pulling the bag up into the tree, smart that'll probably keep it away from any wandering animals.

Pulling her eyes back towards Tender as the earth pony rose to her hooves Cozy spotted Tender's cutie mark on her yellow flank with two pink ballet looking slippers staring back at her, huh her cutie mark are two little pink slippers... What does that mean? 

"Um... Tender what's your cutie mark stand for?" Cozy asked, probably best to be direct I don't wanna come off as too nosey.

"Oh it's dancing, me and Victor are stage performers." Tender said as she stood up on one hoof and did a little twirl in the camp, much to Cozy's amusement. So they perform on stage, huh... that's actually pretty cool.



Finishing her twirl Tender got back down on all fours before pointing a hoof at Cozy's bag, "Better put you're stuff in the wagon dear, you don't want an animal to get into it." Yeah that's probably a good idea, Cozy thought as she glanced over at her bag that was still sitting on the ground where she'd left it.

"Okay," Cozy said as she went to her pack and gathered up her chess set and despite herself she started smiling. Now all I have to do is get through tomorrow unseen, She thought as she picked her bag up in her teeth and trotted over passed Victor as she carried her bag over to the large wagon. And Hmp*... there, Cozy thought as she tossed her bag in with the rest of the camping supplies in the wagon before starting back over to the camp to end her day, wait where am I going to sleep? Cozy thought as she suddenly realized she hadn't unpacked her blanket before throwing it into the wagon. 

"Psst... Dizy." Cozy heard Tender whisper, with Cozy turning to the tent Victor had set up for him and his misses to see Tender motioning her over with a hoof. Wait... she wants me to sleep in their tiny tent, Cozy thought as she stood still in place for a moment as she wondered if she was up for bunking with a the pair of them. However all her hesitation quickly  vanished as she heard the wind begin to rustle the leaves on the trees above her. Not wanting another night alone in the woods she quickly trotted over to the tents open entrance, call me a coward but yes I'll absolutely bunk with the strangers tonight.

Approaching she with her head peaking into the tent Cozy spotted Victor at the back of the fabric shelter with his back turned away from them as he clearly separated from them for some reason. Well I guess I can find a place at a corner or... Cozy stopped searching for a place to rest as she saw Tender pull up their blanket to let Cozy in. Well here I go, She decided as she slid her way under the covers and snuggled her head into the pillow that she was apparently sharing with Tender. Then much to her surprise Tender tucked her into the blanket and put a hoof around her, almost as if she'd disappear by morning if Tender didn't keep a firm hold of her.

"Goodnight Honey." Tender said back to her husband as she settled herself into a comforting position in their bed.

"Goodnight to you too Lovebear." Victor said sounding much more tired than earlier, he probably was about to fall asleep if she had to guess.

Lovebear... that was funny Cozy had never heard of a nickname like that before. Must be a love thing, Cozy thought as Tender's warm pink eyes glanced over at her before she pulled her closer and whispered, "Dizy you don't have any... accidents at night do you?"

"Um... no." Cozy answered, she hadn't had an accident with bedwetting since she was three. At least I hope I don't, that would be super bad since we're all in the same bed together. Wait... what if I did though, would she try and find a way to diaper me or something? Cozy wondered before she sighed with realization. Actually that would be quite ironic since I'm only two days old. 

"Oh okay then, Goodnight Dizy." Tender said as she closed her eyes. Weird she actually reminds me of Miss Rosie for some reason, Cozy thought as she enjoyed the warmth emanating from Tender's body for a while beneath the blanket she was snuggled in before she finally closed her eyes...

(Three and Half Years Earlier) 


"Rosie before I go for the evening, I've decided it's about time to get rid of all the twin's old toys."

Oh no... Rosie thought as she waited patiently by the family manor's large front door. The twins were already acting like little adults as they were now, it was almost creepy even. She supposed it did make some sense though, they never seemed to play with their old stuffed toys anymore... well besides Cozy's green bear she still slept with. That's going to break her heart... if it isn't broken already.

"Are... are you sure, my Lord" Rosie asked as her employer readied himself for a night in Canterlot.

"Yes I am, when I was their age I never fancied such a myriad of distractions, what they need to focus on is their studies and getting their cutie marks." he said while adjusting his white bowtie with his magic.

Age? Distractions? they're not even seven yet!, Rosie's thought with furry bubbling in the back of her mind, especially since her parents had let her keep whatever she wanted to from her childhood and she turned out just fine, heck she even still had some old mementoes from her own youth lying around her house.

"In any event unless you have some objections you'd like to make I'll take my leave, I won't be back until later this evening after Blueblood's Soiree so I'd like all of this to be dealt with by then... oh and if you go anywhere by any chance just be sure to have the girls in bed before their curfew." He said as his red eyes meet hers. Well arguing won't change his mind, I guess it's best to just get on with it.

Rosie shook her head "No objections my Lord, I hope you have a pleasant evening." Rosie answered not wanting to make her day any worse for herself as she saw him nod in approval and leave through the front door with Rosie closing the door behind him, then with a rising sadness she trotted her way up the manor's winding staircase before reaching the second floor where the twin's room was.

While trotting Rosie passed some of the manor's guards who were clamored in a silver armor specifically designed for them by their employer. Making her way past the silent brutes Rosie made her way down the large pristine hallways of the family manor until she spotted the bathroom, yeah I probably need a minute, she thought as she went in to collect herself. Trotting into the solid white room and taking a deep breath Rosie took a look in the large mirror on the bathrooms wall and surveyed her reflection. 

Why can't ponies just be normal? Rosie thought as she sighed at herself in the mirror before straitening her black and white maid outfit, leave it to the nanny to be the bad guy. 

Seeing everything about her apparel in order Rosie exited the tiny closed off bathroom and made her way towards the girl's bedroom. Along the way she stopped to get a small cardboard box for the trash she'd have to take out and fixed a tilted photo of the manor's family that was on the wall with her magic. Fixing the photo to a perfect angel Rosie glanced at the two curly haired fillies seated at their parents hooves. I'd kill for twins like that, they should be playing ring around the rosy not learning how to speak Old Ponish, she thought as she glanced up at the the family portrait before continuing her trot with the box being carried along with her in her blue magic as she made the way to her destination. 

Approaching the girl's door Rosie cleared her throat before going in, "Cozy, Luster?" Rosie said aloud as she called for the two twins so she could give them the bad news.

Entering Rosie looked around the room which itself had two small beds against the left wall with one being blue and they other being red, both had a pink canopy draped over them and two windows that were situated beside each one with a nice view of the manor's garden from down below them on the ground floor. On the backwall stood a bark wooden dresser with a mirror at the top, while to the right wall was the closet, which held their quite large collection of tiny dresses and other accessories that they'd been given.

Lowering Her eyes she found the two curly haired fillies on the ground with both of them turning to lock their eyes onto her. Cozy sitting firmly on her round pink pillow with Luster who was apparently finishing the last touches as she put Cozy's bow around her curls for her with her magic. 



"Yes?" they both asked in unison while Luster finished tying Cozy's bow before finishing ang backing slightly away to give her sister a clear exit from her seat, which Cozy immediately took advantage off as she hopped off of her pillow to land right beside her twin.

"I don't suppose you two can find all of your old toys you used to play with and bring them here? " Rosie asked wanting to get it all over with.

"Why?" Luster asked while pacing away from Cozy and coming up in front of Rosie's front hooves. 

I hate doing this, Rosie thought as she put a hoof on Luster's shoulder "Well you see princess It's... It's just to make room for some more things, you know like music boxes and things like that." Rosie said giving both girls a hopeful warm smile. 

After a moment of silence Cozy spoke up out of the two as she took the lead by saying "Okay, come on Lusty". Afterwards Cozy took flight and started collecting what little stuffed toys she had laying around while Luster also made her way to the dresser and the other areas of the room as she levitated her soft plushy possessions into the air before depositing them into the cardboard box Rosie had delivered to them.  

Finishing her work Luster sat next to Rosie as they both watched as Cozy flew back and forth carrying a different stuffed toy on each trip before Luster cut her quest short by levitating all of her plushies into the box with a simple levitation spell. Afterwards Cozy's face suddenly snapped with realization as she flew into her bed and retrieved her little green teddy bear before coming up in front of Rosie with the stuffed bear tucked firmly in her hooves. 

"What about Emerald?" Cozy asked as she looked up at Rosie and held her possession close to her chest.  I can't do it, Rosie thought as she bent down to whisper in her ear, "Keep it under you're bed, okay angel." After all if their father found out about the bear Rosie could always say she hadn't noticed it and had simply forgotten about it. I hope she's happy she gets to keep him... Rosie thought before looking over at Luster who was smiling at the tiny leeway her sister had been given. Smilling Rosie watched as Cozy stuffed her bear underneath her bed's bedskirt and safely out of harms way. I'm glad Luster's just happy and didn't feel left out... I should try and cheer them both up somehow, Rosie thought as she started brainstorming with Cozy quickly making her way back over join her sister. Seeing no need to scare them by throwing the stuffed toys away in front of them Rosie slid the box over to the wall intent on throwing it away later while the twins weren't looking. 

"Say how about we go through a quick piano lesson and then I'll take you both out in the Gardens to play, okay." Rosie said finally getting Cozy and Luster to draw a smile together.
> Back to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Cozy stirred and opened her eyes to see the metallic bars of her tiny cage in Tartarus. What, how? Cozy thought as she peered through the black metal bars at the dark cave around her, only now she didn't hear any howling animals off in the distance and even Cerberus's heavy breathing didn't seem to be there anymore. Cozy glanced behind her at where her cellmate Tirek always was in his cage but both him and his dungen cell were long gone. Am I the only one here?

"Hello, is anypony there?!" Cozy shouted as she glanced around at her surroundings. Come on puppy bark...

Fear started to take hold of her, I don't want to be alone. Cozy backed up to one side of her tiny cell, which realistically was only about two feet from the other side and then she flung herself at the bars, trying to break free. When she made contact she heard a clang and backed up to see it not dented in the slightest, what are these things made of? she wondered. Again and again she flung herself at the bars to no avail as the darkness seemed to be getting darker around her. Then to her surprise a blinding white flash of light entered her vision as she made contact with her bars for the fifth time. Cozy held up a hoof until after the light faded, then she saw the princess of the night herself only for some strange reason Luna didn't appear to have her crown or her royal attire on. 

Cozy wasted no time in pleading to get away from the accursed prison she was in, "Please, please let me out." Cozy begged as she put her hooves around two of the bars holding her there as she gazed up at her visitor. 

Luna approached her cautiously and with every step it seemed she would glance in a different direction of the cave. What's she looking for... Cozy wondered as Luna made it to within four feet of her cage before stopping and staring down at her.

"Cozy Glow is that you?" Luna asked as her eyes seemed to study her like a lab experiment.

"Y...Yes."  she answered. Despite Luna leaving her in this place to begin with Cozy was glad she was here, right now I'd give anything not to be alone in this place. 

"That's unfortunate... it's fitting to find you here, it seems even in you're dreams your rightfully being punished for your crimes." Luna said as her blue eyes turned cold as she glared down at her.

A dream... wait this wasn't real? Cozy thought as she broke her eyes away from Luna's and glance around the cave again. If this is a dream then it has to end right?, she really wanted to wake up now, she didn't have too many fond memories of this place. All the days she'd been stuck in here to rot away...

"Well I-" Cozy started.

"Where is the creature?" Luna asked which got Cozy to snap her mouth shut and pay attention. Creature... what creature?

"I don't know what you're talking about." Cozy said but kept her volume low so she didn't offend her jailer.

Luna closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then she trotted forward towards Cozy's tiny cell. When she got close enough for Cozy to reach out and touch her with her hooves Luna lit up her horn and put the sparkling blue energy to the top of Cozy's cage. After a second the cage turned to dust around her as she felt the cold metal disappear out from under her, sending her flank to land on the bright cave floor. Cozy backed up a few hoofsteps from Luna as she cherished her new mobility. Despite now knowing this was a dream she still felt safer away from the younger of the two royal sisters, why did she free me? 

"I'm looking for a creature from you're latest dream, if you tell me where it is I'll talk to twilight on you're behalf and see about giving you a lesser sentence than the one Celestia and I bestowed upon you." Luna stated.

A lesser sentence? Cozy wondered as images of the door monster entered her mind. I don't know what that creature was... but I can't just tell her nothing... what do I do?

"I don't know what that thing was." Cozy answered nervously as she rubbed her forehoof.

Luna's eyes studied her for a good minute before her stare relaxed and she said, "No I don't suppose you would, would you. Sigh*... I'm surprised you're cooperating with me, that's actually the last thing I expected from you." 

She thinks I'm the other me, Cozy realized as she decided to play the situation submissively, maybe if Luna saw her trying to help instead of trying to lie to her she might actually speak to Twilight, regardless of whether or not she was the original Cozy Glow. Cozy sat down and tucked her tail around her side as she tried to make herself seem as small as possible to the intimidating princess, hopefully this helps her calm down. Luna's gaze stayed on her but at least some of the hate seemed to vanish from her blue eyes.



Then Luna sat down in front of Cozy and took a look around Tartarus for a while before asking, "Can you tell me where you saw the monster in the waking world? That would be enough I think... and remember if you lie to me I won't be giving you any second chances."

"I... I just saw it in the dream." Cozy answered honestly as she waited for Luna to either explode or believe her.

Luna's eyes slightly narrowed, "Just in the dream... no where else?" 

Cozy nodded, "That's right, it was just the dream."

"I find that hard to believe, unless you've read some very restrictive archives." Luna stated angerly. Oh no she's getting mad, I have to come clean...

"I-I'm not the real Cozy Glow." she said as she watched Luna's face turn from slight anger to surprise. 

"But... you said you were." Luna said startled as she looked Cozy up and down.

"It's kind of hard to explain... Cozy Glow made me... kind of." Cozy said honestly, hoping Luna would understand.

Instead Luna got up from her sitting position and backed away, "What do you mean she made you?" 

Cozy let out a sigh as she searched for the right words, "I... I was just a voice in the back of her head and well... she didn't exactly want me around anymore so she got rid of me."

Luna's face fell as her composure faltered, "H-how did she make you... exactly."

"Well she found this really old black book and then she used her Alicorn magic she got from Grogar's bell to cast a spell that tore me out of her head and put me in this body." Cozy explained somberly as Luna took another step back.

"And you don't feel hungry at all?" Luna asked as her eyes grew wider. 

Cozy shook her head, "No, why can you get hungry in a dream?" Cozy asked unsure why Luna seemed suddenly scared of her. 

"Not really... umm why did Cozy want to get rid of you, do you know?" Luna asked.

Well I was hopeful this wouldn't happen but... Cozy thought as she said, "We couldn't stop arguing, I wanted her to stop trying to take over the world and well... she had her mind pretty made up."

Luna stood still for a while as she took in all Cozy had said to her. Then she said, "You wanted to stop her from trying to take over?"

"Yes, she was never supposed to go that far, I'm sorry." Cozy lamented as she lowered her head in shame. I feel like I failed her...

"If what you say is true then tell me where you are in the waking world so I can find you." Luna asked which got Cozy more confused than anything, Why does she still want to punish me? then Luna asked "Are you still at Discord's evil lair?"

"No and it was Grogar's lair, I don't think Discord was ever there although I can't be entirely sure. It was just Tirek, Chrysalis, and well... me there, Discord didn't have anything to do with it." Cozy stated, why did she think it was Discord's lair?

"Look just... where are you now?" Luna asked with urgency. Why is she acting this way? Cozy wondered as she saw Luna slightly tremble. Is... is she scared?

Cozy got up and started trotting towards Luna and said, "C-calm down It's okay." Cozy approached her slowly while Luna stood still and silently watched Cozy's every move. When Cozy got right in front of Luna she sat down again and put her hoof on Luna's forehoof to try and snap her out of it. However when Cozy's hoof made contact Luna jerked her forehoof away from her... 

"Golly..." Cozy said as she pulled her hoof away, She's terrified. 

Luna whispered down at her, "Why aren't you attacking me?"

Cozy looked up into her wide blue eyes and asked "Why would I do that?" her answer didn't seem to have much effect but eventually Luna slowly started breathing normally and she lowered her head down right in front of Cozy's face. What's she doing, Cozy wondered as she let Luna poke her with a hoof in her tiny pink chest. 

"This isn't right... you should be ravenous while being this close to me." Luna said. What is she talking about?

"I... I don't feel ravenous." Cozy said while looking around nervously as Luna studied her. After a minute of Luna staring at her Luna got up and circled her like a shark.

"When's the last time you ate anything?" Luna asked. 

"I ate some smores before I went to sleep." Cozy stated as Luna seemed enthralled with her now. Is she okay...

Luna came to a halt back in front of Cozy as she stated, "You don't seem dangerous like the others but I have to be sure."  Then Luna charged her horn and blasted Cozy with a blue ray of magic. Cozy cried out, "Aghhhhh!!" as the beam sent her rolling away from the Night Princess with a burn mark on her underside. Cozy grunted as she tried to pick herself up but before she could manage to find any purchase Luna grasped her in a circle of blue magic and brought her to land at the Princesses's hooves. Then Luna put her hoof lightly on Cozy's chest and moved it around as she felt Cozy's insides. Cozy stayed perfectly still as Luna went about her investigation. I'm too scared to move...

"You didn't defend yourself..." Luna said which confused Cozy, How was I supposed to defend myself from that!? 

Luna apparently took notice of Cozy's fear of being blasted again because her next words were far more sympathetic, "Sorry I had to see how your mind would react to being harmed." 

"Why?" Cozy asked as Luna picked her up again in a blue bubble of magic. 

"I've never seen a Mimic not defending itself before..." Luna stated to herself as if Cozy wasn't there. What's a Mimic?
"You said you were having smores before bed right, can you tell me where you're camping?" Luna asked.

"I don't think I should tell you that. You might hurt me in the real world too." Cozy stated in her defense as she wrapped her hooves around herself and lightly cried in the blue magical bubble. I didn't even do anything...

Luna seemed taken aback as her face fell and she looked away in shame. Then Luna asked, "You haven't done anything wrong yet have you?" Not exactly, Cozy thought as she shook her head no. I need to get away from her, she could blast me again in an instant if she wanted too.

Cozy gasped when the magical bubble fell to the floor and dissipated as she landed on a white pillow in front of Luna. Cozy was amazed when Luna conjured up a pillow of her own, then she sat down and gestured for Cozy settle down as well. Cozy considered running away but knew she wouldn't make it three feet before Luna caught her with her magic so she reluctantly sat down on the pillow. Then Luna put on a slight smile and cleared her throat. 

"Let's start all over, you say Cozy Glow didn't want you right... can you elaborate." Luna asked.

"I didn't want to take over the world and she did." Cozy stated with her body still tense with fear. 

"So what do you want?" Luna asked as she reached over and played with Cozy's bow on the top of her head. 

"I just want to be happy... I just want to live somewhere nice." Cozy said honestly as Luna's eyes turned soft towards her.

"You're nothing like Cozy Glow are you?" Luna asked rhetorically as her blue eyes seemed to peer into Cozy's soul.

"Golly I sure hope not." Cozy answered as she tried to relax in front of Luna. It's just a dream that's why I didn't feel any real pain when her magic hit me, it's all in my head. Cozy just had to bide her time until she woke up.

After a while Luna got up off of her pillow and said, "Alright I need to decide what should be done with you so tell me which road you're on and-" Luna paused before she continued as her expression turned to one of surprise, "You're waking up..." Luna said as the dark caves of Tartarus grew darker and eventually everything went black around Cozy.

Then things got extremely bright as Cozy saw Tender's yellowish face above her, then Tender whispered "Wake up sleepy head. It's time to get back on the road." Tender lightly shook Cozy until she snapped fully awake, then Cozy rubbed the sleepies out of her eyes. That was some dream...

"Come on you can rest on the wagon until we reach Ponyville." Tender said as she ushered Cozy out of the purple tent. What was Luna talking about?

 Discord snapped his portal closed and yawned as he walked into his cavernous evil lair. Destroy it Twilight says, didn't she know this was a lot of hard work for him to make. Discord snapped his claws and brought the cave's torches to life, which illuminated the ghastly chasm. Then he went to his round stone table at the center of the room and snatched up his crystal ball.

"You know I never really used this thing." he said to himself as he pulled out a brown sack and tossed the ord into his bag of holding. At least Miss I need every artifact in the world will be happy, Why did she need everything, and what is she going to do with an all seeing magical orb except for spy on him to make sure he didn't do anything nefarious. Didn't she know he was a creature of chaos, trying to make him like everypony else would literally kill him. Oh control freaks...

Discord sighed as he headed down each of the brown rooms and gathered every book and relic he'd collected over the years. Then he found the trio's hidden contraption that had hidden the bell, No good backstabbers, you know I can't decide if I'm proud or angry... I mean it was certainly chaotic of them and they were villains after all, but on the other hand I did bring them together soooooo... they could have at least shown some gratitude... ugh it's so hard to find good help these days. Discord lamented as he went room to room and marked them all of his check list.

Finally he made it to his personal chambers he'd made for his alter ego and went about collecting the various torture devices he'd found throughout the years, I can't believe Grogar had so many of these things, talk about a hobby. Discord stopped at the bookshelf he'd placed all of Grogar's most dangerous spell books and glared at an empty spot. Wasn't there a big black one? he thought as he stared at the open book space. 

Oh no, Discord checked his bag of relics as he realized the gravity of the situation and started looking around the room. Discord threw the bed of the bed stand and glanced under it, where was it? Discord chewed on one of his claws as he swept the other books into the his bag with his tail. Did one of them get a hold of it? he wondered as he went and checked the rooms again. 

He stopped when he got to the Filly's room and noticed the blanket was gone. Of course it would be the evil brat, Discord thought before he checked beneath the bed and then threw open the dresser's many sections as he searched for the last book. Nothings really here, Discord thought as he racked is brain over the situation, If it's not here then somepony must have taken it...  but why didn't they take anything else?  Discord wondered before he teleported out of the lair and back on the river bank of the forest to look for clues. As he suspected there were hoof prints heading away from the hideout, tiny hoof prints. 

Discord turned towards the lair, First things first I suppose, he snapped his claws and removed all the land holding the lair above the water then he watched in silence as the lair's horned exterior descended beneath the murky water. Now the brave fool who wants to end up in Tartarus, if they were a unicorn that would explain the Mimic Twilight was so interested in. 

Discord's eyes followed the hoof prints until they disappeared into the grass of the forest. Darn I can't track them like this, Discord lamented as he put a claw on his chin and stroked his white beard. Fear started seeping in the back of his head as he realized his poor position with Twilight and her friends, they wouldn't turn me back to stone because of a thief... would they? I mean Fluttershy wouldn't let them... right. Discord took a large gulp as he tried to think of a way to break the bad news to Twilight over one of the most dangerous lost spellbooks in history.

 Twilight stared up at the snarling changeling statue in front of her and then glanced behind her to see Spike and the fifty gold royal guards standing in anticipation for Chrysalis's release. I hope they remember the plan, she thought as she turned toward Dr. Graymare and Nurse Redheart who stood by with a large white gurney for their newest patient. I can't believe they actually came all the way from Ponyville for this, Twilight thought with gratitude at just how much she had stressed for them to come, I need the best for this. 

Twilight approached the statue and focused on just Chrysalis, if she lost her concentration the other two would be freed as well, which despite the battalion behind her would be a catastrophe. She lit her horn and blasted the Changeling Queen on the head and then fluttered back five feet with her wings as she waited for the stone spell to lesson on Chrysalis.

Slowly but surly the stone broke away and grunts of anger could be heard as Chrysalis's face appeared with each fallen part of her prison. Then Chrysalis broke free and went strait to the ground, when she hit the floor she shouted. "Aaaaaaaaaaaagggggghhhh!!!!" in pain as a light green fluid started to seep out of her shoulder. 

"You!!!!" Chrysalis shouted as her horn lit up with green magic.

Before she could do much though Twilight brought out Grogar's bell from behind her and with a ring she drained the last of Chrysalis's magic. There step one down, Twilight silently cheered as she saw Chrysalis's eyes turn from green to grey with the loss of her magic. 

"You... Little..." Chrysalis made to get up but twenty five of Twilight's royal guards ran forward and surrounded her. Twilight stood by and  watched as her guards held Chrysalis down and gave her a shot of sedative in her rear. 

"Agh... ungh..." Chrysalis grunted as her flailing attempts to free herself lessened and her angry snarls turned into quiet whimpers. She really is in pain, Despite their past Twilight couldn't help but take pity on the wounded Queen, At least the hard parts over. Twilight signaled Doctor Graymare and Redheard over, as she told the guards holding Chrysalis down, "Good, now be carful when you get her on the gurney." then she turned to the rest of her guards and shouted, "Make sure we have a strait path to the palace." With most of them giving her a nod as they raced into the streets of Canterlot and quickly shooed the curious citizens out of the way. Good that's step two, Twilight thought and then nodded to Spike as he grabbed the bell and flew of towards the castle.

Twilight turned her attention back to Chrysalis as the changeling grunted against the guards as they used their hooves to pull her into the gurney, then with carful precaution they strapped her down and backed away.

"Do you have it from here?" Twilight asked Nurse Redheart as the nurse put a cloth gently on Chrysalis's bleeding shoulder, which got the changeling's eyes to snap shut as her face contorted in pain. Then to Twilight's surprise a tear ran down Chrysalis's black cheek. Is... is she crying, oh my Celestia...

"Yes, but we should hurry." Redheart said as she took the back of the gurney in her mouth and trotted past Twilight at a quick jog.

"Right." Twilight said and used her magic to turn the gurney for Redheart as they raced down the white streets of Canterlot. 

With a snap of her magic the doors to the castle flung open and they raced into the large throne room where they had set up their very own makeshift hospital room. Afterwards Twilight closed the doors behind them and studied Chrysalis as she was unstrapped and placed on the hospital bed in the center of the room. Good she's not fighting anymore, Twilight let out a sigh of relief as she watched Dr. Graymare and Redheart remove the now soaked green rag and put a mask over chrysalis's mouth. Chrysalis's breathing steadied and she slowly passed out, How can somecreature so big look so small when damaged, Twilight wondered as she paced around the ordeal in her throne room and took a seat on her throne to get a better vantage point of the operation without getting in the way. Then Spike came through the back palace door and sat beside her.

"Did you put the bell back." Twilight asked glancing down at him.

"Yeah." Spike said, he look's worried.

"Don't worry Spike after their done she'll be locked up." Twilight said trying to reassure him.

"Yeah... you know when Rarity and the others hear about this their going to think you're crazy right." Spike said with a raised eyebrow.

"Probably, but who knows maybe we can turn Chrysalis around." Twilight said giving him a nervous smile.

"You know I'd pay good bits to see that." Spike said before turning to gaze at the operation below them.

Yeah I know, Twilight thought before she turned to survey their progress. Twilight studied the operation as they ran ex-rays and other quick tests on Chrysalis. Then they placed giant metal needles into the changeling's shoulder as they set about fixing the damage, It must have broken her shoulder.  

"Tell me when it's over." Spike said as he hid his face behind his claws.

"Might as well take a nap it looks like they'll be doing this for a while." Twilight answered, as she watched Spike take her advice and curl up into a ball on his cushion. 

The operation went on for a few more hours, much to Twilight's surprise as the Doctors ran more tests and reset Chrysalis hardened skin. Afterwards they sealed Chrysalis's shoulder in a white cast that wrapped around her midsection and concealed one of her hooves down to the elbow. Well their goes another two months of peaceful sleep, Twilight thought as she watched them run a few last minute checks on Chrysalis before they approached her.

"So what's the diagnosis?" Twilight asked, hopefully not to bad I hope.

"The crack fractured her shoulder in six places your grace." Dr. Graymare said somberly as he removed his face mask.

Six places... wow that's probably been torturing her every second she was sealed away after that riot. Twilight looked over at Chrysalis with new remorse, I thought it just grazed her.

"Also as for my now newest patient, I would suggest never turning her back to stone, otherwise the next time this happens you might as well leave her there and stop wasting my time." Dr. Graymare said with a hint of disdain in his voice. I know where he's coming from, if this is just going to keep happening then we might as well just smash her into a million pieces.

"I'll take you're suggestion under great advisement but for now I have to insist on getting Chrysalis squared away, this situation has put me behind on my royal duties and I can't delay if I can help it." Twilight said softly before getting up and nudging Spike awake.

"Huh wha'd I miss." He said yawning before he stared up at her.

"Game time, let's go." Twilight answered, and with that the four of them headed over to Chrysalis and wheeled her out of the throne room. 

"You know I've never gotten this close to her without her trying to rip my wings off." Spike said as he watched Chrysalis breathing slowly while they walked.

"Yeah well I doubt she's going to be dangerous for a while." Twilight said leaning slightly over Chrysalis while they walked. She looks so peaceful when she sleeps.

Twilight snapped back out of her train of thought and opened the metal door to the Castle dungens, then she used her magic to levitate Chrysalis in the air as she led the way down into the dark hallway. The cells were on one side of the simple prison and each one had a barred window to let light shine through. Chrysalis's cell however was especially made for her, Twilight had placed a reclineable pink hospital bed in the cells right corner. On the other side was a toilet and a stocked bookshelf, even evildoers deserve to read when their recovering.

Twilight put a hoof up to stop her group before she entered the small cell's room and picked Chrysalis up in a cradle of purple magic, then she slowly lowered her foe onto the bed she'd prepared and drew a pink blanket over her. There all done.Twilight ushered the waiting Doctors and Spike in so they could give any last suggestions.

"You need to make sure she doesn't strain herself while recovering you're highness, she can't use her left fore hoof for any reason understood." Nurse Redheart said as she put a hoof on Chrysalis's forehead. 

"Yes, umm... what about using the bathroom, do you think she can manage?" Twilight asked unsure if Chrysalis would need help or not.

"Without magic and with only three hooves, she better be slow and she better be careful, otherwise I'll be seeing her for another surgery." Dr. Graymare answered shaking his head.

"Right." Twilight said, I really don't want her near anypony I hope she can manage.

Twilight waited as the good Doctors left before saying, "Spike could you bring me a guard?"

"You got it Twilight." Spike answered before he disappeared into the dark hallway.

After he left Twilight approached the sleeping changeling and pulled some stray hairs out of her eyes. You better be glad I'm doing this, she thought as she looked about the room. She glanced at the books she'd placed in the cell for her prisoner, I hope she likes them, I'm pretty sure she's into the wars and conquests of Equestria. After another minute Twilight heard hoof steps and exited the cell to see Spike with a determined looking guard.

"I want you to watch the prisoner, If she wakes up tell her to stay still and come get me at once, understood." Twilight told the armored guard as Spike started heading back up the stairs.

"Yes your highness." the guard answered with a salute as Twilight made her way back up the corridor and back above ground level. 

Now if I've planned this right I should have a few hours before bed to start my plan for the other two, Twilight thought as she entered her throne room.

Cozy rested on her usual seat beside Tender and could just make out Ponyville on the otherside of Twilight's castle. Home sweet home, she thought as she took in the sight of green rolling hills beyond the school of friendship. she gazed around for anypony in the vicinity but nopony was around the area, good if she could slip in and out then she may just get to keep her freedom. If I'm right schools out for the summer.

"Wait please" she said as Victor slowed the wagon down to a halt. Then Cozy hopped down from the wagon with both of them staring at her.

"I guess you're off then?" Tender asked while raising an eyebrow in her direction.

"Umm-hmm." Cozy hummed as she trotted around Victor towards the school of friendship.

"Dizy where are we going to meet you afterwards, Ponyville's little but I'd rather not search it all day looking for you." Victor asked with Tender nodding her head in agreement.

"I'll meet you on the road leading south out of Ponyville okay." Cozy said while giving them a thankful smile,At least we'll know where to find each other now. 

"Okay be careful sweetie." Tender said behind her as Cozy started trotting towards the school. Cozy turned and waved goodbye to her rescuers, "I will, see you soon."

Okay just have to get in and get out, I hope none of the teachers are still hanging about... Wait that rhymed I guess I'm a poet and I don't even know it, Cozy giggled she suddenly felt happy for some reason, like it was just another day of school and she was going to see Headmare Twilight. At least the castle was still here that meant that whatever the real Cozy had been up to had apparently failed. Cozy glanced around cautiously, despite her happy demeaner she still had to watch for anypony, if she was spotted that was it, game over.



After concluding Nopony was in eyesight Cozy relaxed and started adding a slight bounce to her trot as she came to the school's steeping stones. That water looks a lot more terrifying now , she thought as she gazed into the blue depths and lowered her mouth into the cool water with her nose stopping just above it's still threshold. Then she closed her eyes and took a few large gulps until she was certain she'd had enough. Cozy pulled her head back and wiped her face with a hoof, Okay second verse same as the first, Cozy mentally cheered as she leapt from rock to rock until she ended up at the schools large double doors. 

Upon reaching the front she noticed the large magical lock on the front of the doors handles. Can't get in this way, if she did try to open the doors it would immediately tip off whichever pony had placed the lock in the first place. Hmmm... it's blue magic so it's either Counselor Starlight's or Professor Rarity's, Cozy bet on the former, after all magic wasn't exactly Rarity's forte. Cozy glanced around in search for another way in, There's got to be some way... there, Cozy came to the edge of the large stone she was on and stared up at the waterfall around the front of the schools doors, beyond it was a stairway that would hopefully lead her inside. 

Okay I think I can jump this, she thought as she looked over the white spray of foam from the waterfall to the grass beyond. Cozy backed up and galloped towards the waterfall, then with a strong leap she crossed the distance and narrowly grasped the ground with her forehooves while her backhooves dangled over the spraying water just below her, tiny droplets of water landed on her flank sending tingling jolts up her spine. Wow cold!,  With a quick heave she pulled herself onto the patch of grass and started climbing the stairs up around the school.

I'm getting good at hooping rocks, Cozy supposed as she climbed her way up the stairs before her until she came to a tiny blue door. I hope this leads somewhere, Cozy thought as she turned the gold handle with both hooves but the door wouldn't budge, Why can't I catch a break, she wondered as she turned left towards another stairway. After another flight of stairs she ended up at the base of Professor Fluttershy's classroom, though she had to jump and do another pullup to get to one of the pink windows, thankfully it slid open for her. 

Before she entered she took one last look around at the beautiful countryside to make sure her progress had gone unnoticed, which to her relief was the case despite a few moving dots around the edge of Ponyville. Cozy gazed back at the slid open pink window and thought, well I guess I can add breaking and entering to my long list of crimes, before she entered and closed the window shut behind her. 

When she turned around she found Fluttershy's classroom in exactly the same way she'd remembered it, all the chairs were at their desks and calming artwork of animals decorated the walls in various spots. Cozy glanced from picture to picture with some having elephants and birds while others had serpents and gargoyles, mine's not up there, Cozy concluded as she looked for her drawing of her green bear, I guess leaving it up wouldn't have been in good taste, not after everything that happened. 

Cozy trotted around the empty desks and opened the classroom door, this feels like a dream, she thought as she descended down the empty crystalline corridors. After a few hoofsteps she closed her eyes and ran one forehoof on the school's walls as she let her memory lead her down the turns and passageways, that was until her hoof hit something that hadn't been there before.

Cozy opened her eyes and stared up at a board with gold plaques of all the first year students on it and even to her shock her name rested just bellow Common Crest's on the listing, Golly... they'd put it up there after everything that happened. She smiled as she momentarily considered going to Twilight's castle to ask for forgiveness, would she listen to me... would she understand that I'm not the same as the other me or would she blame me for the other Cozy's actions?  No she couldn't go, it was too risky if Twilight didn't listen then Cozy could expect nothing less than an eternity with her creator down in Tartarus. And after last night I know I don't want to go back.

Cozy sighed and trotted past probably the only reminder of her existence in the entire school, heck maybe even the entire world. Cozy proceeded into the library of Twilight's school and took in all the books she used to adamantly read her days away, it's so peaceful here, you'd hardly think three villains just tried to take over the world. The only thing out of place was a fallen pencil and paper under one of the the library's reading desks, Cozy picked both the objects up and turned the paper over. It was one of Silverstream's crossword puzzles, one she must have dropped before she left to go home. Cozy smiled down at it before filling out all the empty answers then she laid it neatly on the table for her old classmate to find once she returned for the next semester.

Then she turned her attention back towards her destination and trotted to the back of the library where she found a very familiar grate. After pulling it off she glanced down into the chasm bellow to see multi rainbow crystals imbedded in the walls, good it's not too damaged after the cave collapsed from last time. Cozy put her hooves around the winding stone slide and slid her way carefully down it. 

Once her hooves meet the cold cave floor she walked over to a collection of small rocks and pulled her hideaway apart. Then she grabbed the bag she'd left in case things went south and she needed a disguise and bits to flee with, Well I guess I'm using these now at least. Cozy emptied the small brown sack and pulled out her green wig and tail attachment, then she counted her bits. Fifty three bits, just as I thought, Cozy pulled twenty six back into her bag with her disguise before she tucked the rest of the bits back into her hiding place and returned the small stones to cover them up. There I only took half, maybe if the other me gets out she can use the rest.

Cozy picked the small sack of jingling bits and fake hair up in her mouth and was about to turn and leave back the way she'd come when she heard Twilight's voice. "You finally made it here." Cozy's bag dropped from her open mouth before she slowly turned to see Twilight staring at her from between her and the slide back into the school. Cozy turned towards her in shock and started shaking as her fear spiked to an unimaginable level.

"I... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Cozy whimpered, trying to find the will to say her words clearly as she drooped to her knee's and put her hooves together in a sign of mercy. "I-I never s-should have lied to you... please I'm sorry." Cozy said while stuttering to find her words. She watched as Twilight closed the distance between them and put a hoof lightly on her shoulder. 

"Be at ease, I am not the one you think I am." Twilight said much to Cozy's confusion. Cozy took a double take and focused on the tiny sparks dotting Twilight in an illuminating glow, while there also seemed to be a shinning crack that leaked light out of the pony's chest. What does she mean...

The creature took her hoof of Cozy and placed it over the wound on her chest, "I am the one you and your teachers call Harmony, I've taken this form in order to speak with you." Harmony, like the tree of harmony?, realization started to dawn on Cozy as the shimmering pony smiled down at her. 

"You're n-not Headmare Twilight?" Cozy asked, which got the being before her to shake her head no.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions and I'll answer them as best as I can, but keep in mind that the answers I have aren't always the answers you want." Harmony warned as she backed up two hoof steps and sat down in front of Cozy.

She's just going to tell me things? Cozy closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, I thought I was done for. If this was the tree of harmony then why would she willingly help her, it just kind of seemed so... unreal. Cozy met Harmony's kind eyes as they seemed to melt away her misgivings over the shinning spirit. Cozy sat down on her flank and pulled her fallen bag towards her before she asked her first question.

"You're... You're not mad at me? I thought eveypony wanted to punished me for well... you know." Cozy asked unsure of why Harmony hadn't attacked her on sight like any of her teachers probably would have. Again Harmony shook her head no. Harmony... if that's true then she's the one who helped my classmates save all the magic... right?, Cozy decided that was a decent enough second question.

"Were you the one who stopped the spell from draining all Equestria's magic?" Cozy inquired which elicited a nod yes from Harmony. 

"Thank you." Cozy said, glad that the real Cozy hadn't been able to go through with the evil action. That hadn't been the plan...

"You're welcome." Harmony said cheerily as she kept her smile. Wow no shock at all she must be-

"All knowing?" Harmony said much to Cozy's shock. Is she reading my mind?! Cozy wondered as she tried to focus, she had to think on what information she needed the most, if she had enough information on what was happening currently in Equestria she may be able to plan a better strategy to get somewhere safe.

"Are ponies looking for me?" Cozy asked. 

"Celestia and Luna are, they are worried you will cause harm to others." Harmony answered. I can't blame them I basically look like a Cozy Glow 2.0

Cozy paused as she considered the next question quite selfish and not so much helpful for her trip, But I need to know, "Um... is Luster okay."

"Luster Dawn is fine but she morns your loss dearly." Harmony said. My loss, no she must mean the other me...

"Did... did the villains lose?" Cozy asked wanting to know if she could expect the original Cozy to be running around or not. That would be the worst case scenario if she were to find out I was alive.

Harmony's smile vanished and she closed her eyes, then a magical sphere appeared out of her horn in front of Cozy. Afterwards it came to life with a view of the villains fighting her teachers in the plains of Ponyville, "I'm sorry but the Villains you're referring to lost in their fight against your former allies." Harmony said as Cozy watched as the trio were blasted by a combination of three rainbow lasers. Then to Cozy's horror she watched as the princesses and Discord turned Tirek, Chrysalis, and the original Cozy to stone as everypony in the background cheered.

"What?!" Cozy shrieked as she leapt to her hooves and gasped to catch her breath. 

Harmony dissipated the glowing white sphere and stood up then approached her, "Do not get upset, what transpired was not you're fault."

"Yes... Yes it was." Cozy wheezed as her eyes blurred and tears started rolling down her cheeks. "I... I convinced her to Sob* to drain the magic..." Cozy lamented as she recalled her inside conversations with her former self. She had failed, she'd led Cozy astray and now she had been turned to stone because of her poor insistence on her ridicules plan. I shouldn't have said anything... Cozy felt Harmony put a glowing hoof under her chin and tilt her head high to look into her shining purple eyes. 

"Cozy is the one who took you're good intentions too far and she rightly bears the blame... even if the rulers of Equestria were far to harsh with her in the end." Harmony said as her glow slightly dimmed. 

"But... but it's my fault sob* it's my fault." Cozy said as she tried to beat a weary hoof on Harmony's cracked chest but instead her hoof fazed right through Harmony instead. "Why didn't you do anything to stop them?" Cozy asked as she stopped to wipe her eyes, her face on the other hoof was drenched with her steady stream of tears.

Harmony sighed and backed away with her head tilted down toward the floor in shame, then she put a hoof on her cracked chest, "I gave them what magic I had left... but by the time I regained enough to do anything about the situation it was too late."

"Sob* So you don't agree with what happened." Cozy said as she tried to work out how the situation had gotten this bad and hopefully how it could get better.

"No I was not pleased, I gave them my magic, made their friendships take wing... and now how they've repaid me... denied me and betrayed me." Harmony whispered as Cozy detected anger enter the serine creature's voice. 

"Th... Then you can fix it. Sob* you can-" Cozy pleaded but didn't finish as Harmony cut her off.

"No! I have left their fates up to the Princess of Friendship. Hopefully she will learn her from her mistakes before she's betrayed me completely." Harmony said as her eyes grew cold with anger. Then the crack on her chest got slightly bigger. 

Cozy glanced at the crack on Harmony as she put two and two together, "You're dying."

"Not if Princess Twilight can fix what she broke." Harmony said as she glanced down at the twinkling wound she had suffered from Equestria's betrayal.

Cozy's head started to spin as she sat down and cried into her hooves for a few minutes. Twilight's last lesson? Tirek, Chrysalis, and her former self didn't deserve this, it was cruel... it was... Cozy felt a hoof slightly rest on her head.

"I've been watching you for a while now... I was curious to see what you'd do with you're freedom." Harmony said softly down to her. 

"I don't even know who I am anymore." Cozy lamented as a white glow encircled her and brought her to her hooves, then she met the spirits eyes.

"You're you, and you're Cozy Glow. You don't have to chose one or the other... her memories are yours, you were there with her since the beginning and eventually you'll get to see how it all ends." Harmony said.

"What do you mean I'll get to see how it ends?" Cozy asked in confusion as she picked up her bag and tucked it under her wing.

Harmony chuckled and said "You'll see.", then she ushered Cozy with a wing as she led her down a dark tunnel. Cozy hesitated at first but followed her guide anyway as she focused on what Harmony had told her, I'm me. That actually makes me feel better somehow.

Cozy glanced at Harmony's wing as a question raced into her mind, "Umm... Do you know why I can't fly?"

"You have no natural Pegasus magic." Harmony answered as she glanced back down at her with a sad look in her eyes.

"What do you mean I don't have Pegasus magic, is there something wrong with me?" Cozy asked as her inability to fly started scaring her. 

"You have magic, just not the kind you're used too." Harmony said to Cozy's shock. What is she talking about? Cozy wondered as the crystals on the cave seemed to fade with each step down the dark passageway.

"Wait I want to share something with you." Harmony said as she came to a halt and lit her horn. Then she sent glowing dots of light all around the dark cavern around them. When it was done Cozy saw a tiny version of Equestria with the sun on one side and the moon on the other. Wooooo.... Cozy thought as she marveled at the spectacle before her and watched as other stars appeared off in the distance. Cozy glanced down to see twinkling white stars beneath her, which created the illusion of her floating seamlessly in space. 

"I believe everything happens for a reason don't you?" Harmony asked as Celestia's sun illuminated the spirit's left side. 

"I don't know. I spent so much time trying to fix my life, I never really stopped to consider if what happened was meant to be." Cozy answered as she gazed into the skies of Equestria and smiled. I've never felt this big before...



"Why are you showing this to me?" Cozy asked. 

"To make you feel better and well... you're unique from the other creatures I've met." Harmony answered as her purple gaze stayed glued on Cozy. All these stars and she can't take her eyes off me?

"Really? How am I any different?" Cozy asked, unsure where she was any better than a student of Twilight's who didn't betray their teachers and try to take over the world.

"You don't have a bad side anymore. Your jealousy and your ambitions to prove yourself have been stripped away from you... I'd say for the better." Harmony said as she came up to Cozy and put a hoof on her cheek.

"I've never meet a creature so adamant on saving somepony that wanted to destroy them." Harmony whispered before she pulled Cozy into a hug. "It wasn't some great noble deed but your compassion for those around you has touched my heart Dizy... Thank you." Cozy was shocked at the sudden emotional outburst but returned the hug as a comet encircled the two before all the lights from the spell faded. Cozy could almost swear she saw the crack on Harmony slightly get smaller. Afterwards her guide continued down the cave with Cozy following close behind her.

While they walked Cozy pictured the planet of Equestria and the stars in her head, Did she know I liked stars? After a while she glanced down the dark passage and asked, "Where are you leading me?" 

Harmony glanced back at her, "There is a cave exit that leads into the outskirts of Ponyville, I think you'll find it helpful on you're trip to find out who you are in this world." 

Find out who I am in this world... what does that even mean? Cozy wondered as she trotted close to her guide in the dark cave. I'd get lost in here for sure on my own.

"Stay close to me and you won't." Harmony said as she answered Cozy's thoughts again before they continued their march down the dark cave in silence. After a while of trotting through the dark tunnel they came to a large opening with light shinning in to aluminate a cave entrance. Cozy started forward thinking this was where they would depart but Harmony stopped her with an open wing.

"I cannot allow you to go to Canterlot to help the Villains understood." Harmony demanded.

"I... Yes Ma'am" Cozy conceded as she was powerless to do much to help the other Cozy anyway.

Harmony folded her wing and gave her a smile, "I bid you farewell Dizy, I can see many adventures and trials in your future." Many tests and adventures? Cozy wondered if that meant things wouldn't go smoothly for her while she searched for a simple place to live. Ultimately though she decided it was probably best if she hurried along before she was late to meet up with Tender and Victor.

"And one more thing it would be best if you didn't reveal to Luna where you are, she may have good intentions but even she has been known to act irrationally." Harmony warned as Cozy nodded her head in agreement. That makes sense until Luna can prove she won't hurt me.

"Will I ever see you again?" Cozy asked before she started her long trek around Ponyville to get to the other side. 

"I have a feeling we'll meet again and I hope that wherever you go on your journey that friendship follows you." Harmony said to her before she shooed Cozy away with an open wing. After about thirty hoofsteps Cozy looked back and saw the spirit sitting by the entrance of the cave, Thank you, Cozy thought with a slight smile before the spirit waved at her. Cozy looked back towards her destination and trotted away, finally feeling whole about herself.

Starlight dropped the last chest of props in Trixie's wagon and shut the door. There just as cramped as ever but at least we're ready, She thought as she trotted around the wagon and yelled up to Trixie on the roof of her wagon, "Okay I'm all done what now?"

"Now you better go get you're farmer friend before we leave her." Trixie said as she tightened the pipe on her humble abode.

"Right." Starlight said as she trotted away from Trixie's camp and toward Ponyville. While she was walking she looked over her shoulder and mentally whispered to her school, Bye see you when I get back. 

Starlight passed Sugarcube Corner as she made it into Ponyville's marketplace and trotted up to Applejacks apple stand. Then she waited as a couple asked apple jack.

"Can we gat a bushel of apples for the road?" a Light gray stallion asked.

"A whole bushel, sure thing that'll be 20 pits." Applejack hummed with Applebloom sitting right next to her. After getting  the couple their apples they moved on their way and Starlight approached her orange friend.

"Let me guess your not here for any apples." Applejack asked with a smirk as she pulled up a hoofpack and tightened it around her waist.

"Nope me and Trixie are ready though if you wanna hit the road." Starlight suggested. 

Applejack leaned over her apple stand and said, "I don't know if it's safe, last I heard you and Trixie destroyed Fluttershy's house and Rainbow dash got struck by lightning." 

"What!?" Applebloom shouted with her eyes going wide.

Starlight shook her hooves, "Wait it's not like that it... okay you're right Trixie and Discord went to far but I can promise you nothing will happen to you while you're on the road with me." Starlight said while smiling as wide as she could.

"Ugh... fine but I'ma hold you tha that." Applejack said before giving Applebloom a kiss on the head, "Remember ta get home once yer done alright sugercube."

"You got it sis." Applebloom said as she took Applejacks place at the apple stand.

Applejack started heading toward the castle as she nodded for Starlight to follow. While they were walking together Applejack asked, "So how's yer magician friend doin?"

"She's a lot happier now that we're ready to go." Starlight answered, and after I gave her a hoof message because she wouldn't leave me alone. 

"Well good I can't wait to get to Appaloosa." Applejack stated.

"You and me both" Starlight said with a smile as she looked out over Ponyville's countryside.
> Canterlot Troubles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Rarity glanced out the window of the train she had been riding for the past eight hours and took in the wonderful glistening white city of Canterlot. Even after all this time seeing the capital still fills me with wonder, Rarity thought with a smile as she waited for the train to come to a screeching halt at the Canterlot train station. Despite everypony bustling to leave the train and go about their business Rarity waited as the other passengers departed before she got up from her seat and exited into the winding streets with her luggage trailing behind her in her magic.

Before she was to go over to her establishment Rarity had a craving for some tea, after all she hadn't had time this morning what with all the outfit plans she had to collect and the orders she had to fill. Talk about taking your work on vacation with you, Rarity thought to herself as she trotted down the street and looked at the various places she could go for some tea before a young orange Colt selling newspapers caught her eye. 

"Step up and get a read on the latest Canterlot gossip!" the young colt shouted as Rarity came up to him and gave him a bit for the latest news on the big city. Well now I should have something to read while I drink.

After acquiring her newspaper she made her way into a nice outdoor restaurant with white tables set up outside with pink umbrellas over them to keep out the sunshine and oh what an absolute gorgeous day it was, besides a poofy white cloud or two the sky was open and as blue as Rarity's eye color. After a moment of soul lifting bliss Rarity stopped taking in the view and took a seat at a vacant table before she ushered a waitress over to serve her. 

"Good morning, what can I get for the Element of Generosity?" The waitress asked.

Wow that's the first time a pony's referred to me by my element ooooh I love recognition, Rarity mentally cheered before she asked, "Oh good morning to you too darling some sweet tea would be absolutely wonderful."

The waitress gave Rarity a smile and nodded while she wrote Rarity's order down afterwards she turned to her other patrons and left Rarity alone. While she waited for her refreshment Rarity glanced about the city as ponies went about their day to day lives, and to her happiness some of the city's folk were wearing her previous line of outfits. Wait until they see what I've got planed for my newest line, Rarity thought with inner glee. After a minute of watching the streets for more of her work her Tea arrived in a pink teacup with her waitress hanging around her table for some reason instead of just going about her normal duties. 

"So not trying to be nosy or anything but are you here about the latest headline?" The waitress asked with a raised eyebrow.

"What about the headline?" Rarity asked as she took a sip from her tea before she pulled up her paper and read the tittle, Princess Twilight's Rein of Terror Begins? as soon as Rarity read it she spit her tea out all over the waitress's face in shock as she shouted, "W-what is this about?" to the now really annoyed waitress who wiped her face clean with a white rag she carried around in her outfit's front pouch. 

"You haven't heard yet? There was a riot over the Villain's statue and then the princess threatened to turn the rioters to stone?" The waitress explained as she squeezed some tea out of her hair.

Turning citizens to stone that didn't sound like Twilight at all and what was this about a riot over the statue!, Rarity wondered as she started speed reading through her paper to find out more about the incident but it basically just stated what the waitress had already told her. Rarity took another sip of her Tea as she tried to relax and get her Barings before she went to Twilight to investigate the news. After all there was probably a reasonable explanation, Twilight was always taking charge if she felt she had to so she probably had a really good explanation.

"Oh and I've heard she's released Chrysalis." the waitress said as she whipped tea off of her uniform only for Rarity to spit the tea she currently had in her mouth out right into the waitresses face for the second time.

"SHE DID WHAT!?" Rarity shouted as she ran past the now soaked and fuming waitress with her luggage and paper flying after her in her magic.

What is Twilight thinking... no maybe there was a changeling still loyal to Chrysalis and the changeling was now impersonating Twilight or something. Rarity ran towards the castle as fast as her hooves would carry her as the buildings around her turned into a white and gold blur. After making it to the large royal palace Rarity walked past the front gold clad guards and found a large line of city's folk in front of the royal throne room. Rarity huffed, she was in no mood to wait, Twilight or whoever this thing was had to have an earful over releasing Chrysalis, so Rarity said "Pardon and excuse me darling." as she shoved her way past the crowd and towards the  throne room.

 Twilight almost slouched in her throne as Peppermint Bliss who was the thirteenth pony who had asked wanted to know if the rumor's about Chrysalis were true.

"Your highness this may seem quite impossible but I glanced in the royal gardens this morning and the statue seems to be missing um... what's the right term, it's main snarling attraction." Peppermint Bliss stated with a careful tone probably because most ponies didn't know how Twilight differed from Celestia when it came to situations.

"Ugh... your right Chrysalis has been re-" Twilight stopped as the throne room doors flew open and Rarity trotted in with a raised eyebrow and a suitcase. Oh no, I'd hoped I could explain all this to the girls at the next friendship meeting, Twilight mentally lamented.

Rarity approached and wound up standing next to Peppermint before she said "Get out darling I need to speak with her royal craziness." 

"But-but I'm not done yet..." Pepperment said towards Twilight's disgruntled unicorn friend.

"I said get out!" Rarity stated with huff and an unamused glare at Peppermint which got the Canterlot noble to back away from Rarity with her tail tucked sadly between her legs in fear.

After Peppermint left and closed the palace doors behind her Spike asked "What's wrong Rarity?"

Rarity took a deep breath and let it out slowly before she replied, "Spiky-wikey please tell me Twilight's not doing any illegal drugs." Rarity asked in a calm casual tone much to Twilight's shock.

"What, why would you ask that!?" Twilight retorted in her defense as Rarity rolled her eyes and slowly held up today's newspaper in her magic. Twilight squinted her eyes and read the headline before she let out another sigh, of course that would be in the newspaper, I better expect another one for Chrysalis tomorrow morning too. 

"Okay... look I can explain that." Twilight said pinching her nose with her hooves.

Rarity closed some distance between them as she made her way in front of the base of Twilight's throne and said "Oh please do darling." with a decent amount of sass in her tone.

"I had to threaten them otherwise the citizens would have destroyed the statue and killed Chrysalis, Cozy, and Tirek." Twilight explained.

Rarity rolled her eyes, "Twilight I agree with stopping them from destroying the statue but I've heard you've released Chrysalis, I mean my word Twilight are you trying to start Armageddon? Honestly sometimes I think you're part Discord or something." 

Twilight had been aware of the outlook most ponies would have on her decision to release Chrysalis, heck even her friends were bound to criticize the decision she'd made on the fly, especially after the Battle for the Bell but this had to happen otherwise she was no better than her enemies for letting Chrysalis suffer in perpetual agony.  

"Rarity Chrysalis was severely injured in the riot, she needs at least a couple of months to recover." Twilight explained somberly.

Rarity seemed taken aback as the glare she'd been giving Twilight diminished over the situation. "What do you mean she was injured?" 

"Her shoulder was fractured in several places and she can't even use one of her front hooves for anything until it heals." Twilight answered as she recalling the surgery she'd witnessed in the palace earlier this morning. 

Rarity's eyes widened, "Oh my... that's horrible even for her." 

Twilight nodded in agreement and was happy to see that Rarity was with her on this, "I plan on letting her heal before taking any further actions about her imprisonment afterall turning her to stone in the state she's in would be just as cruel as she is." 

Rarity took that all in for a minute before she yielded completely on the subject, "We'll um... I'll be in town if yo-" Rarity about to finish but was cut off as a portal appeared behind her with Discord's long mismatched body fling out into the throne room. You know for once I'm actually glad to see him, Twilight thought hoping he'd taken care of the Evil lair's destruction.

"Discord you're back did you get what we talked about yesterday." Twilight asked in joy as the draconiques pulled out a small brown sack and flew above her. Twilight didn't get to see much after that because the bag he emptied was much fuller than it looked with books and contraptions raining down all over her. Twilight used her hooves to move some of the treasure trove away as she broke the surface of her new mound of odd doohickeys and glanced around to see artifacts and books covering her throne area. Glancing down Twilight saw that Rarity was staring up at her with her mouth open in shock as Discord looked around the room before he landed right next to the stunned fashionista. Twilight was about to ask him what some of the devices around her did but before she could a muffled grunt right next to her caught her attention. 

Oh right I keep forgetting about Spike, Twilight thought as she levitated some of the books and other doohickeys off of her green friend before he flew out of the pile and hovered above her. 

"Wow and I thought Dragons horded stuff." Spike stated in bewilderment as he gazed down at Twilight who was sitting with glee in her new throne of relics.

"Oh my goodness, Twilight what is all this?" Rarity asked as she picked up a dusty book from the pile with her magic and opened it up to glance at some of the writing. However Discord quickly teleported the item away from Rarity and stated, "Let's leave the worlds destruction to the princess shall we."

Rarity huffed and gave Discord a glare that would have killed a normal pony then she turned to Twilight and asked, "Destruction, what does that mean and where did all this come from Twilight?"

"It's all of Grogar's stuff Discords been collecting behind our backs." Twilight answered as she picked apart some of the pile and started sorting all of her new books. I have to read at least two of these before bed.

"About that... it may not be all of it." Discord said sheepishly while rubbing the back of his mane.

"Wait there's more?" Twilight asked in amazement, how much did he horde!?

"Well you see when I got there a book was well you know... missing." Discord answered with a shrug.

Oh no not another problem, "What do you mean a book was missing?" Twilight asked in dread.

"Well I checked the whole place through and through and it seems as if some pony really tiny was there before I was." Discord explained with his hands held apart to show the ponies tiny height.

"Wait, what do you mean a tiny pony?" Twilight asked.

"I spotted some small tracks leaving the area and going into the forest that's all I know." Discord said waving his claws in his defense.

"I don't know what this is all about but it sounds bad." Rarity said as she started dusting some of the pile's books and put them in a nice little stack for Twilight.

A tiny pony, Twilight wondered. If it was a foal then why take a book from an evil lair most foals didn't want to read books if they didn't have too? the only foal Twilight knew of that had been at the evil lair had been Cozy Glow and she had wings so it didn't make much sense for her to walk out of the lair and besides she didn't have a book with her when she'd been trying to take over Equestria. Hmmm... maybe she'd hid it somewhere to keep it safe but that didn't explain why? Cozy was an Alicorn before she'd left surely she didn't need an old book from an evil lair...

A fearful thought entered Twilight's mind as she remembered these were Grogar's books, "Discord what was the missing book about?"

Discord seemed to get even slightly more nervous before he answered, "Oh you know... how to create evil creatures and all that."

"Oh no.", Twilight whispered, that would explain the Mimic... but what kind of a pony would willingly summon one?

As if on cue with her thoughts the palace doors swung open with Luna entering the throne room, behind her Twilight could see Peppermint huff and stomped a hoof on the floor as Luna pulled the doors closed in peppermint's face. 

"Discord? Rarity?" Luna asked with a raised eyebrow in wonder as she came to stand on the other side of Rarity. 

"Oh hello darling" Rarity said giving the former princess a small curtsy.

Discord just acknowledged her as he normally would "Well isn't this just convenient, I thought you wanted to get away from the palace moonbutt." Discord stated with an eye roll. Luna matched his eyeroll as she ignored him and focused her blue piercing eyes on Twilight's pile.

"What's all this?" Luna asked pointing a hoof towards the covered throne.

Twilight looked around herself taking in all the horde before she answered with, "Oh this? It's just some stuff Discord got me."

"Not like I had much choice you're worship." Discord whispered just loud enough for Twilight to hear him.

Yep I'm gonna ignore him and pretend that he was happy to help, "Sooooooooo... Luna what brings you back so soon, have you had any luck with the mhh-mhh?" Twilight asked hoping to change the subject away from the horde she'd just gotten, Please say yes I need some good news.

"I have, and it appears things may not be as bad as we originally thought." Luna answered much to the surprise and curiosity of Rarity.

Twilight watched as Rarity tried to decipher what was being unsaid between the two before she gave up and asked, "What Business?" Luna glanced at the white unicorn mare next to her and then back up at Twilight.

Twilight got the unasked Question Luna was meaning, and answered, "It's okay Luna Rarity might be able to help with finding it and I'm pretty sure Discord's already figured it out."

"Wait what can I help find?" Rarity asked getting more invested as she usually did when a secret was revealed to her. 

Luna turned to face Rarity and Discord as she explained to the two, "I've learned that a creatures that can conceal itself in a different form has been unleashed on Equestria and despite it's frail appearance it can inflict a great amount of damage upon those that encounter it."

Rarity looked fearfully between Twilight and Luna before Spike landed in front of her and explained, "Don't worry I'm sure we'll find out whatever it is before anypony gets hurt."

"Actually I've already learned exactly what it's mimicking and where it could possibly be." Luna stated with a smile, catching everypony's attention.

"Really what is it?" Twilight asked, this is great we can locate this thing before anypony runs into it then we can destroy it and I can go back to just having two major problems. Twilight felt like cheering, now all she would have to do is rule Equestria and see to the villains.

"Well it's actually a mimic of Cozy Glow." Luna stated before everypony in the entire room shouted in unision, "What!?"

"It's true from what I learned in the dream realm it appears Cozy hated something about herself so much that she sealed it away in a mimic to get rid of it, and if I'm right she just left it at Discord's evil lair before she tried to take over Equestria with Chrysalis and Tirek." Luna explained.

"Wait you mean there's another Cozy Glow running around!?" Spike shouted in fear as Rarity let out an, "Ugh." before she fainted and fell on her back behind Luna. 

Twilight sat in shock and racked her brain as she tried to figure out what to do, she had to act fast before the situation got out of hoof. A Clone of Cozy Glow that was full of Dark Magic!? oh Celestia this was bad I have to find this thing quick. 

"Nopony panic I need to contact Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Applejack so we can all make this an organized effort." Twilight stated with worry as she pranced in place to work out some of her anxiety.

Luna held her hoof up getting Twilight's attention, "Wait that might not actually be necessary."

"What do you mean not necessary? This is bad she could be scheming right now." Twilight stated, for all I know she's on her way here for round two.

"I just want everypony to know none of this chaos is me." Discord stated as he took a step away from the situation.

"Oh don't even get me started with you, none of this would be happening if you'd just-" Twilight didn't finish shouting at the chaos lord as Luna cut her off with, "Please just let me explain... sigh* this new Cozy wherever she is, she seems... and I can't believe I'm saying this but she seems like a completely different pony from the one that attacked Canterlot." 

Twilight stopped as Luna's words sunk in, Not like Cozy Glow... "Wait wait wait Luna you said Cozy got rid of apart of herself right? How is that even possible?" Twilight asked hoping Luna was somehow wrong.

"I'm not sure but the mimic actually talked to me and when I struck it with a blast of my magic in the dream realm it didn't attack back, it didn't lash out or anything and even more interesting is it actually was the mimic's dream I was in, that's why it had so much dark energy around it." Luna explained.

Twilight was taken aback, that didn't sound dangerous at all in fact if what Luna was saying was true this new Cozy Glow seemed more submissive than anything. But... wait that actually does make sense if Cozy got rid of a part of herself that might explain why she had been so murderess in their last battle. 

Twilight slouched down on her new book and relic throne as she thought about all the ways this scenario could play out, on the one hoof even if the Clone was peaceful they still couldn't take the chance of it getting away and turning bad later, not with that much dark magic coursing through it's veins but on the other hoof what if the creature was just pretending to be gentle like the real Cozy Glow and was secretly just a rabid monster in disguise. 

Twilight took a deep breath and let it out before she asked, "Luna I trust your judgement do you think this creature can be contained peacefully or not?" 

"I think we can capture it if that's what you want to do, Celestia's still out looking right now and I know it's not been flying otherwise Celestia and I would have seen it by now. I believe the creature's been on hoof to keep a low profile and I also believe I know which road the creature's been traveling on. It's a road that leads from near Discord's Evil lair to well... Ponyville."

A chill ran down Twilight's spine as she heard the name of her friend's hometown, "What do you think we should do?" Twilight asked wanting to know what actions would be the best in this scenario.

"I think you should dispatch guards to search Ponyville and the roads leading out of it until we have the mimic in custody." Luna stated with a side ways glance as she saw Spike waving one of his wings over Rarity's unconscious body as the mare lay on the marble floor of the throne room with a twitching backhoof. 

Find and capture, That sounded like a sound strategy to Twilight, "Spike cancel my hearing's for today I'm taking a quick trip back to Ponyville."

Twilight leapt from her mound and trotted up to Discord, " And Discord I want you to search the roads leading out of town for the creature."

"Ugh I just did something for you your highness, this better not be an everyday thing" Discord stated before continuing, "Oh one more question before we start the crusade how exactly are we supposed to capture this little lost filly of yours hmm... oh let me guess you want me to make her into another garden Noam for easier transport right." Discord said as he grinned with a claw cupping his chin.

"Only if you have to Discord for all we know the creature will probably come with us peacefully if we corner it." Twilight stated before she moved over to stand over Rarity and told Spike, "Spike I want you to go get Flash Magnus and tell him I want Four battalions in Ponyville asap to look for Cozy's clone." 

Spike saluted her and said "Got it.", then he flew out the palace's front doors to rally the troops.

Discord snapped  a portal to Ponyville to life and hoped through the large portal but held it open for Twilight and Luna to follow.

Twilight turned to Luna and said, "Go with Discord I'll stay behind and make sure the guards are coming as fast as possible then I'll meet you both in Ponyville." Luna nodded and followed Discord out through the portal before it closed completely leaving Twilight alone with her very unconscious friend. Twilight shook Rarity to try and wake her up but she didn't budge so instead Twilight levitated some cold water out of her throne's fountain and dumped it on Rarity's face which caused the fashionista to jump up on her hooves with drenched blue-purple hair.

"Ugh noooo... my mane." Rarity lamented as Twilight held some of Rarity's hair out of her face so she could look at her.

"Rarity long story short I'm going to Ponyville to look for a clone of Cozy Glow." Twilight explained wanting to keep the interaction as brief as possible so she could hurry along with the search. 

Before Twilight could run out of the room though Rarity asked, "Well what should I do?"

Twilight sighed she really didn't want to add Rarity to her list of worries, "Umm... I'm not sure maybe you should just stay here." 

"Oh no Twilight I insist, it's bad enough we have another brat trying to stir up trouble without you forgetting to trust your friends to help you." Rarity stated in a matter of fact voice as she eyed Twilight. 

Hmm... Twilight wondered what she should do, Rarity could help her but maybe it didn't have to be in a way that would put her in danger. An idea came to Twilight as she teleported a notepad and quill in front of them both.

"Alright I've learned that there's this maid named Rosie that knew Cozy from before she was evil... If you really want you could go and speak with her to find out how Cozy became evil, who knows it may actually help with possibly reforming her later." Twilight said as she jotted down the address she had found with Spike's help earlier that morning.

"So I take it you plan on releasing the other Cozy Glow to right?" Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow as Twilight ripped the note page free from the notepad and hoofed it over to Rarity with her magic.

"I'm not so sure anymore I came up with a plan for Cozy but from the sounds of things the Cozy in the statue right now might actually be worse than the mimic Cozy on the lose." Twilight answered.

"Really? but I thought-" Rarity stated before Twilight cut her off. There's no time to explain everything.

"Sorry Rarity I have to go good luck finding out what you can." Twilight said before she got up and ran out of the throne room and into the line of ponies waiting to speak with her. 

"Oh um I'm sorry everpony but I don't have time to get to you today there's been an emergency." Twilight said to the gathered crowd as Peppermint shouted "ugh!!" and trotted out of the room. I should probably apologize to her later, Twilight thought as she went to leave with the group but to her surprise a guard ran in front of her and said, "You're majesty you told me to come get you at once when the prisoner-" he didn't get to finish as Twilight put her gold slippered hoof in his mouth so he didn't let out to much information to the leaving ponies. 

"Ugh I don't have time for this." Twilight lamented as she ran past the hushed guard and towards Chrysalis's dungen cell.

Chrysalis stirred as she tried to form thoughts in her head. Ugh... what? Chrysalis felt something soft and warm all around her, this definitely isn't stone, she thought to herself as she dared to crack her eyes open only for  her to slam them shut again when a dim light stung her eyes. Definitely not stone, Chrysalis felt something restraining her... some kind of shell held her left forehoof to her barrel. What is that? Chrysalis wondered as she tried to move and free her forehoof, then to her surprise an overwhelming pain racked her to the core which caused her to crack her eyes again and grit her fangs. 

"Stop, you've been injured!" Chrysalis heard somepony shout on the other side of the room. Chrysalis tried to charge her horn but her reservoir of changeling magic had been depleted. That's right that swine stole it when she freed me, Chrysalis recalled as she remembered what had happened earlier before she had been put under. 

"Wait there and don't move until I come back." Chrysalis heard whoever it was say before she heard hoofsteps leading away from her. 



Where am I, Chrysalis wondered as she turned her head away from the light of the room and opened her eyes again, letting them get acquainted with the rooms glow before she did anything further. Chrysalis was staring at a grey wall, a cell Chrysalis guessed knowing the ponies of Equestria were to afraid to put her anywhere else except back in her stone prison. Wait her shoulder didn't hurt nearly as bad as it had earlier when those fools had attacked her while she had been defenseless, first thing I'm going to do when I get free is rip every ponies hooves off in this accursed city and watch them all bleed out, Chrysalis decided as she turned her head to see she was in a bed... a pink bed, Eeeewww who did they think she was Cozy Glow? 

Aside from the humiliating bed she was tucked into Chrysalis saw a set of bars preventing her from freedom, well that was expected after all it's what she would have done with her prisoners, no sense in being to naïve to consider that you're prisoners may not care how much trust and good will your willing to show them before they stab you in the back. Aside from that there was a bookshelf filled with books and a toilet for her convenience, yep their not letting me out unless they have too. Chrysalis had to get out though, she had to figure out a way to regroup and find some more allies so she could enact her revenge on the ones responsible for her imprisonment.

Chrysalis moved her backhooves under the covers to check their condition, seeing that they were fine she moved her right front hoof and found it to in fine condition. So it's only one hoof... I guess I could fly out of here if I can get past the bars, Chrysalis concluded as she went to pull herself up but stopped when she heard hoof steps approach from where the guard had disappeared earlier. Chrysalis shook her head and started to sit up anyway, well that's fine I'll just drain the guard and use the magic to break out, Chrysalis decided but didn't get to move her restrained hoof more than an inch before the pain caused her to shout "Aaaghh!" in pain. 

That apparently did it because the hoof steps she heard turned into a sprint as the Princess of Friendship herself appeared on the other side of the bars to her cell, ugh I think I'm going to throw up I can't deal with my most esteemed kick in the flank enemy that was Twilight Sparkle. "Wait don't move I'm coming in." Twilight said as she pulled a key out from under her gold chest piece and popped it into the bar's only door. Then with a screech it flung open and Twilight entered the cell much to Chrysalis's disdain.

"Get...out." Chrysalis managed to get out as Twilight moved closer to her, coming close enough for Chrysalis to smell her, hmm... is that fear or stress... ugh I can't tell, Chrysalis thought as she glared up at Twilight. 

"Your in no condition to tell me what to do Chrysalis, believe it or not I came in here to check up on you and see how you're doing." Twilight stated down at her. Pfft.. that was rich the pampered princess wants to help me, Chrysalis decided that Twilight might be useful after all sense she didn't have the foresight to stay away from her. Chrysalis opened her mouth and was about to drain Twilight dry when the pony princess said in a cold tone, "Do it and I'll have you turned to stone right now." 

Chrysalis couldn't decide if she was more infuriated that this wannabe ruler was trying to threaten her or impressed that she had the gall to come right up to her to say it. Chrysalis snapped her jaws shut in anger, she knew all to well how much pain she had been in after the riot, Chrysalis hadn't felt anything that bad since... Chrysalis pushed the thought away as she kept her eyes trained on The Princess of Friendship.

"Good I'm glad you're not making this difficult." Twilight gloated as her purple magic encircled Chrysalis and gently leaned her slowly back into bed. 

"You can't move that much otherwise your shoulder may need another surgery." Twilight explained.

Another surgery... Chrysalis wondered before she glanced at her forehoof in concern, "How bad is it." she asked.

To Chrysalis Twilight took a terrifyingly long moment to respond, "Your shoulder had six fractures and if your not careful it won't be able to heal right." 

Six!, Chrysalis's eyes widened, how could a rock cause that much damage?  Chrysalis tore her glare off of Twilight and inspected her wound, There's no way I can fight like this, Chrysalis concluded as she deduced her situation had very little in her favor at the moment. 

Twilight stayed silent as Chrysalis tried to formulate a plan of action that would both free her and keep her safe until she healed. It's not like I can get back to the forest I was in and lay low, not like this...

"What are you... going to do with me when I get better?" Chrysalis asked with her head turned away from Twilight. 

"I'm going to be completely honest with you, mostly everypony besides your doctor will more than likely want me to seal you back up in stone." Twilight answered somberly.

So I don't have a choice, Chrysalis thought to herself as she went to move into a sitting position again only for Twilight to hold her down with a forehoof.

"Wait despite all of that I've decided to give you a choice." Twilight said stopping Chrysalis in her tracks. 

"You can either stay in this cell and be well looked after or... sigh* if you want I'm willing to give you a second chance if you reform like the rest of your hive." Twilight explained much to Chrysalis's surprise.

Of course Twilight wanted to reform her with the magic of friendship, if Chrysalis was correct there'd probably be a song with it and a party or something, yeah been there done that. Chrysalis could stay in the cell though maybe she could find a way out once she'd had time to heal and recover.

"I'll... stay here" Chrysalis decided which got Twilight's eyes to dim slightly. Wow I bet she thought I'd learn my lesson and submit like everypony else. 

"Okay Chrysalis... if you need to use the bathroom just tell the guard to come get me until I can figure out some other way." Twilight said before she indicated the book shelf behind her. "I also got you some books in case your bored, you can have the guard levitate one over to you."

Chrysalis blushed in embarrassment at the mere idea of Twilight helping her relive herself. "I think I can get to the toilet on my own... you cow." 

Twilight didn't appear to get offended to Chrysalis's insult as she replied with "Don't be stupid you're going to need help otherwise you might hurt yourself."

Chrysalis's blush intensified as she realized she didn't have much choice in the matter what with her wounded body in the shape it was in. Ugh why was this happening it's like her worst nightmare multiplied and they were all attacking her at once.

Chrysalis watched with half opened eyes as Twilight moved away from her and towards the door but stopped before she left completely. "Do you want anything for your room... is everything in it alright?"

Oh Chrysalis knew what she wanted, "Actually I want a different bed... you know one that isn't pink."

Twilight seemed taken aback, "You don't like pink." 

"No I can't stand pink, it's a complete waste next to red." Chrysalis answered.

"Soo.. do you want a red one?" Twilight asked.

"Royal red not cherry colored." Chrysalis confirmed before she looked from side to side of her feeling exposed despite the warm blanket. "And about five pillows." Chrysalis finished seeing Twilight raise an eyebrow.

"Do you need anything else?... What about some thing to eat?" Twilight asked.

Ugh Chrysalis hadn't had anything since Cozy made those Conquering Equestria Cupcakes she had baked them before their attack. "Just bring me something with some sugar in it." Chrysalis said feeling the last bit of fight she had left in her dissipatate.

To Chrysalis's surprise Twilight conjured up a note pad and wrote something down on it with a quill before she said, "Okay I'll have somepony bring you some cake."

"Wait don't bring me cake, that's far to much effort just bring me some tiny cup cakes." Chrysalis interjected.

Twilight seemed puzzled, "Um this is going to sound weird but what's the difference?"

What's the difference who raised this fool,  Chrysalis thought to her self before she indulged the moron, "one's easier to eat you toad." 

"Are you going down a list of animals to insult me with or something?" Twilight asked. 

A list of animals insults, Chrysalis couldn't help it she started snickered over how her insults lined up with Twilight's assumption, though to Chrysalis's realization her shoulder started throbbing in pain when her body slightly moved with her chuckling. "Ow it hurts to laugh." Chrysalis whispered.

Twilight shook her head with a smile and closed the door to Chrysalis's cell then she locked it back in place. Chrysalis was ready to see Twilight leave the mere sight of her filled Chrysalis with anger but she still needed to know something.

"Wait how long until my shoulder heals?" Chrysalis asked.

Twilight quickly poofed the notepad away and answered her with, "Unfortunately it'll probably be about six weeks to two months before you're walking on all four hooves again." 

Two months in this bed! ugh why was this happening to me. "You know I can probably heal a lot faster with my magic." Chrysalis said with a small flicker of hope that Twilight would be dum enough to fall for her death trap.

Twilight shook her head, "I'm sorry Chrysalis you're to dangerous to have any magic, you'll just have to heal the natural way."

Well at least it was worth a shot, Chrysalis supposed as she watched Twilight disappear out of her sight and a stone faced guard came back into her view outside the cell. Well it could be worse... I could still be a rock, Chrysalis thought to herself as she brought her good hoof out from under the blanket and moved it back and forth in front of her. It really is the little things Chrysalis supposed before she rested her good hoof on her chest and closed her eyes, then she drifted back off to sleep.


> Blending In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



 
This is so boring, Cozy thought to herself as she scanned Ponyville's small houses far off in the distance. She hadn't had anything to do for a good hour now since she had decided to stay far away from town and huddle beneath a small tree so she could keep a low profile. Still ever since she'd left Harmony's cave she had felt this creeping sensation, like a sort of shadow looming over her at just how close she was to the ponies who probably wanted her locked away. Was that fear... or anxiety? she wondered. After all when she had been in the other Cozy's head she would have registered her master's feelings and tried to be a as rational with her as possible but now... now it wasn't the original Cozy anymore, no now she was feeling this. 

Cozy shook her head, now wasn't the time to have an emotional meltdown. No despite her iching to act she had to stay one step ahead of everypony else and hunkering down and getting a good vantage point of the city would be the most rational thing for her to do while she waited for Mr. and Mrs. Sway to join her, still as time went by it was becoming quite clear to her just how long she was probably going to have to be waiting for the pair. Cozy lamented the fact she hadn't exactly asked how long they intended to be in Ponyville, for all she knew they would be going by several market places before they were ready to depart the small humble little town. To late now...

Cozy sighed and resigned herself to bidding her time as she laid down gently on the soft grass beneath her. It was quite soul moving as she just stared up into the tree's canopy with rays of sunlight slipping between the leaves above her, quite a majestic display of life in Cozy's book. Wish I could get up there, She thought looking towards the branches above her but of course she knew she wasn't a good enough climber to get up on one of those tree branches without getting hurt along the way,  I can't get hurt now... at a time like this that would be checkmate. Tender and Victor wouldn't travel with a wounded filly, they'd probably want to get her some medical attention and by then she'd have to either leave them both behind or be captured and sent to Tartarus or perhaps even worse... getting turned to stone. Cozy definitely didn't want any of those scenarios to happen she was so close to getting her happily ever after and her current companions had been nothing but kind to her so far, despite Cozy not saying it aloud they definitely made her feel safer on the road, at least so long as they never actually realized who she was. 

Cozy tried to push the bad thoughts away, she was already torn up emotionally after realizing what had happened to the original Cozy Glow, ugh feelings are... weird. Tirek... Cozy... Chrysalis... Luster.... and even Rosie... all of them just... gone, she wondered if getting close to somepony was a curse, it seemed like she was destined to lose everypony she ever cared for no matter how hard she tried to get them back. Stop it, she told herself this was no time to start crying, she had to stay focused and relax somehow. 

Cozy closed her eyes and tried a relaxing technique Rainbow Dash had taught her in class by concentrating on her steady breathing and clearing her mind, what was it she called it... chilling out. Cozy shrugged her hooves in the grass and after a few soft breaths her worry gradually slipped from her, it was nice just laying beneath a tree like this she had never really experienced the sensation herself, she'd always registered the feeling of course but actually controlling her own body felt liberating, like she'd spent all her life in a deep dark cave but now all of a sudden she was free to see an open sunrise.

Cozy smiled and drew in a large deep breath before letting it out slowly, enjoying the feeling of her chest slowly rising and falling in a steady rhythm. You know Professor Dash might be onto something, what I wouldn't give for this to be an everyday thing... No worry... no pain, Cozy thought before she heard a loud crashing sound land right down next to her, making her jump up from her relaxing position a good foot off of the ground with her wings spread out wide in surprise.

"hva i helvete!?" Cozy cursed to the heavens in Old Ponish, before her eyes locked onto her unforeseen visitor. 

Cozy expected somepony who'd want to hurt her, especially since the pony had landed out of nowhere like that but instead the mare that greeted her was calm and looked as peaceful as could be. Her new guest was a light grey pegasus pony in a brown mail pony uniform with a brown hat on top of her creamy yellow hair, and with uncontrollable yellow eyes. Derpy... Cozy recognized from her memory at Twilight's school, in fact this had been the very mare who had taken her letters to Tirek for her, I probably shouldn't thank her for that. she thought and gulped hard while taking a step back, I have to be careful this mare knows me, drat what do I do. Cozy tried to decide between running away or begging for her life.

"Ohhhh my... I didn't mean to startle you little filly but I was hoping you could help me with something." Derpy said without a trace of disdain in her sweet voice while she gazed down at Cozy with a warm smile.

Cozy hung her mouth open in absolute shock, Is she dense? doesn't she know what happened at Twilight's school? Wait what am I even doing I need to roll with this, Cozy decided as she shook her head clear and played along. "Gol-... Um I mean what exactly do you need help with um... ma'am?" she asked unsure if she was either the luckiest wanted criminal in history or if Derpy was just toying with her for some odd sadistic reason.

"Oh well um... I've actually been looking for Headmare Twilight but I can't seem to find her anywhere, I've checked at her castle and even at the School of Friendship but I can't find her anywhere..." Derpy explained while putting a hoof to her chin in contemplation. "you wouldn't happen to know where Twilight is do you?" Derpy asked as she put her face right up in front of Cozy's while she waited for an answer. 

"Um I'm sorry but I don't know where she is exactly..." Cozy replied with a shake of her head which caused Derpy's smile to slowly vanished.

"Oh... well that's okay I'll just keep looking then... bye-bye." Derpy said sadly as she turned away from Cozy and spread her gray feathered wings for take off.

"Wait!" Cozy said aloud before Derpy took off. She really did want Derpy to leave but the confused pony would probably be out looking for a long time if Twilight was at the Crystal Empire or on another one of her adventures. 

Hearing Cozy stop her Derpy closed her wings and swiveled her head around to put one of her yellow eyes on Cozy. "Huh?" Derpy asked unsure of why she'd been stopped from her search for Headmare Twilight.

Cozy paced around Derpy until she was in front of her then she pointed a hoof back at Ponyville which got Derpy to turn back around towards the small town. "I may not know where Headmare Twilight is but I'm sure one of her friends could help you." she explained as she counted them all off on her hoof, " There's Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Starlight oh and Spike I'm sure at least one of them should know where Twilight is." Cozy told the confused mare who tried to stare back at Cozy with a look of deep contemplation.

"Oooooh..." Derpy said after a pause with realization before her open mouth turned into a large smile and she patted Cozy on the top of her head between her ears. "You're smart... Thanks little filly." 

And with that Derpy departed from Cozy as she took off into the blue sky towards Ponyville and hopefully to find Princess Twilight. Cozy smiled as she watched Derpy fly away and celebrated her luck. Phew that's probably only going to work once I have to be more careful, Cozy decided as she went to the tree she was under and scooped up her bag of bits with her disguise in it, opting to put the fake mane and tail on until she had eyesight of Tender and Victor. 

Cozy wasted no time as she opened the small brown sack and got out her bedraggled fake green hair with her tail attachment, I hope this works, Cozy thought to herself as she undid the ribbons from her hair and pulled them out. Then she undid her pony tail, causing her artic blue mane to fall down on her shoulders. After that was done she pulled the green ruffled wig over her hair and tucked any stray hairs under the green mess to keep it out of sight. Then she bunded up her tail and pulled her new fake green tail around it before clipping it on tight, there all done, I bet I look like a completely different pony.

Cozy inspected her handiwork before her eyes landed on her red chess piece cutie mark, Well almost, I'm going to have to hide that somehow otherwise the fake mane and tail are pretty much useless. She grimaced as a messy idea entered her mind, but it was the best shot she had, she didn't exactly have pink makeup or anything. Cozy gathered her resolve then dug her hoof into the ground and scooped up some dirt. Afterwards she smeared it all over her rum to hide her cutie mark and then on her cheeks to hide her freckles, I'm going to need a bath after this, Cozy thought before she tucked her ribbons into her brown sack of bits and sat beneath the tree in her new dirty disguise.

Cozy waited patiently for a few more minutes before her stomach rumbled at her and her resolve to stay in one place faltered as she stood up on all fours, Oh what am I thinking they're probably going to be gone for hours, Cozy concluded. She didn't want to just sit around suspiciously and wait to be seen, for all she knew she'd run into Rainbow Dash next or maybe even Counselor Starlight. She's always flying kites out here...

But no I decided to stay put but well... what if somepony wonders why I'm just sitting out here all alone for no reason, Cozy thought fearfully before she glanced over at Ponyville again and weighed the risk of the townsfolk seeing through her disguise, not that she expected ponies to be looking for her but that was beside the point. I could just go get some food for the road and see if I can find Mr. and Mrs. Sway then I can just follow them out of town at a safe distance or something, Cozy decided as she picked her bag of bits up in her mouth and started trotting towards Ponyville in the distance. 





Cozy walked at a steady pace among the beautiful flower dotted fields with her bag swaying and jingling under her chin. She hoped her slow trot would divert attention away from her as she crossed the green plains and walked towards the tan buildings of Ponyville which got bigger and bigger with each little step her tiny pink hooves took. Eventually Cozy started down a dirt road while trotting past the ponies furthest out of town who were enjoying the nice warm summer day by doing various common activities like having a picnic or playing ball together. Thank Celestia, Cozy thought as most of them either didn't care about her or smiled when they saw her pass bye, that was until some green unicorn mare sitting on a bench asked, "Giggle* Did you have enough fun?" 

Cozy took her bits out of her mouth with her wings and almost used her sweet voice to answer with but remembered she had to act like a completely different pony to avoid being noticed, so Cozy deepened her tone and gave the mare her best gruff tomboyish accent that she could muster.

"Yeah I'm pretty worn out." Cozy explained while rubbing her hoof nervously.

"You should probably go get cleaned up." the mare suggested with a grin and wait!? how was she sitting like that? Cozy had never seen a mare sit on her rump with her backhooves crossed like that before.

Cozy went with it and checked herself over as if she'd just noticed how much of a dirty mess she was before she answered, "Yeah I could really use a good bath hehe*, um I should probably go... have a nice day Ma'am."

"It's Lyra and have a nice day to you too." Lyra said with a friendly wave of her hoof, getting Cozy to smile. Darn these ponies are nice.

Cozy continued past the sitting mare down the dirt road and into Ponyville's large marketplace. There she saw bustling ponies buying and selling all sorts of fruits and items such as flowers, jewelry, and even to her surprise comic books. Wow this town has everything, Cozy thought to herself mesmerized by the selection the town could offer as she tried to find a food stand that didn't have such a long line. 

Hmm... not carrots let see... maybe pairs no to long of a line... wait apples, Cozy decided as she spotted the shortest line in sight, after all if the disguise worked so far she was betting Professor Applejack wouldn't be able to see through it either as she got in line behind a tall blue stallion. While she was waiting patiently Cozy hummed a happy tune to herself and looked around at all the happy faces to see if she noticed anypony she knew. While searching around her eyes spotted her old classmate Sandbar who was happily playing with a small scraggly haired filly, Wow that must be his sister he was always going on about.

Cozy watched the pair play with Sandbar showing his sister a magic trick as he made a shinny gold bit disappear out of his hooves, eliciting a chorus of claps from the small filly. I bet Trixie taught him that, Cozy thought to herself before she turned back to the line she was in only to notice it had moved up considerably while she had been distracted. It's okay just focus Cozy, she thought and advanced to the second place in line where she could just make out a young filly's voice from beyond the stallion she was standing behind.

"How much ya need?", Cozy heard as she recognized the voice of Applebloom, she had expected Professor Applejack to be the one selling all the family apples but felt relieved that it was the younger of the apple sisters, it was far more likely Applebloom wouldn't recognize her, not with the disguise she had on and not with the original Cozy Glow being turned to stone. 

"I'd say about fourteen." the stallion said.

"Alright let's see... here, that'll be ten bits" Applebloom stated in her country accent. 

The stallion ahead of Cozy hoofed over Applebloom's price and departed the line with his apples, leaving Cozy to trot forward and face the young yellow country filly. As soon as Applebloom saw Cozy her face lit up at the prospect of meeting to her knowledge anyway a brand new filly in town, "Oh high there I haven't seen you 'round here before." 

Cozy gave her clueless former friend a smile and answered with, "Yeah you could say I'm kind of new here. Um can I have about seven apples please?"

Applebloom nodded, "Sure thing that'll be five bits."

"Okay." Cozy said and pulled the bits out of her tiny brown bag and hoofed them over.

Applebloom slid the apples Cozy's way on the apple stand and Cozy searched for a way to carry the food she'd just purchased.  Maybe I can put three in each wing and well the other...hmm how do I do this?

"Um, do'ya need a bag?" Applebloom asked.

Cozy felt relieved, that was Applebloom alright she always did things for others without anything in return, I'm actually envious. "Yeah that would probably help a lot." Cozy answered gratefully as she accepted the help from the pink bowed filly. At her confirmation Applebloom pulled a plastic bag out from under her apple stand and yanked it open before she put Cozy's apples inside and tied it. 

"There ya go." Applebloom cheered as she gave the bag to Cozy who held her bag of bits in one wing and took the much heavier bag of apples in the other. Cozy's wing strained with the added weight, she wished she was as strong as an earth pony they could carry a heavy bag of apples with no problem. It just wasn't fair Pegasie were naturally weaker than other ponies and Cozy couldn't even fly, curse not having Pegasus magic. Cozy was about to leave before Applebloom stopped her.

"Wait you wouldn't happin to have a cutie mark under all that dirt would you?" Applebloom asked eyeing her flank.

Cozy didn't want to lie to Applebloom so she mentally searched for another way until a loophole occurred to her, "Nope there's no special talent under there." Cozy answered and was being truthful to at some degree, her cutie mark couldn't be used for much other than strategy and manipulating others which didn't seem at all that special to her anymore.

Applebloom grinned, "Well yer in luck me and my friends help blank flanks all the time to find their cutie marks, you should come by our club house later. I'd be happy to make ya an appointment."

"I'm awfully sorry but... I won't be in town much longer I'm just passing through." Cozy said trying to get out of the situation without being rude in any way.

Appleblooms smile vanished and she slumped down at her stand, "Oh well darn. If yer in town again look me up I'm usually at the apple farm."

Cozy gave Applebloom a friendly smiled and waved goodbye at her, "Thanks I'll do that, bye Applebloom."

"Bye... wait you know me?" Applebloom asked with raised eye brows.

Cozy mentally screamed at her stupidity, Curse me, "Um yeah you're um... well you're the Element of Honesty's sister." Cozy explained with a quick deception to throw the other filly off.

Upon hearing Cozy's explanation Applebloom pouted and she crossed her front hooves, "Oh so I'm only recognizable cause of my sister huh... should'a figured."

Now Cozy felt worse about getting her hopes of fame up only to crush them into dust but sadly this was her out, "Hey I bet you're probably awesome too but well I've got to go so um... see ya." Cozy said with a wave.

"Yeah see ya." Applebloom echoed while she slumped down at her apple stand with all of her current hopes dashed. 

"Wow that was both nice and frightening all at the same time," Cozy thought as she trotted away from the farm pony and headed deeper into the town of Ponyville far away from the market place. It's too bad I can't just be me here otherwise maybe things would have gone better than they did last time, Cozy thought with sadness at her ruined friendship with the apple farmer, though it didn't much matter in the end anymore as she searched around for anything else she might need on her trip despite not having any more wings to carry anything else with. Oh well I'll improvise...

While trotting Cozy dodged a group of running foals and came to a building with a sign out front that read Flint's Camping store, thank Celestia's wavy mane, Cozy thought to herself and pushed the front door open, hearing a bell ring to signify her entrance.

"Oh high there how do you do?" asked a tall orange stallion with short brown hair and a goatee at his register.

Cozy responded immediately to the polite greeting by instinct and nearly curtsied, "Very good thankyo- I mean um I'm doing fine." Cozy cursed herself when she realized she'd let her cover slip for the second time now and she'd used her normal sweet voice, she shouldn't have been so formal she wasn't in Canterlot anymore. 

The clerk raised an eyebrow at her shift of tones and said, "We'll I hope you find what you're looking for."

Cozy gave him a nervous smile and trotted past him down the aisles. Where she saw all manner of different colored flashlights and outdoor chairs, while super useful these she could live without, finally she made it to what she needed the most, the tents. Despite knowing she needed one she actually felt a pang of regret, last night had made her feel so safe, she'd never slept next to anypony other than her sister before. Cozy shook the feelings away, what was she thinking she needed her own tent in case something bad happened and she needed to head down the road by herself again.

Cozy scanned the various sizes and spotted the smallest tent available on the top rack a good six feet of the ground, ugh of course it would be up there. Cozy felt crippled without the use of her wings, what was this? did the world enjoy torturing her or something. Giving up Cozy pouted and went back up to the cashier who watched her approach with curiosity.

"um could you help me get something down please?" Cozy asked.

The older stallion just smirked down at her helplessness, "Sure thing little missy." 

Don't call me little. Why was everypony dotting on her she looked awful with mud all over her body from head to flank and they still found her cute somehow, Ugh. Cozy followed the clerk pony as he pulled a step stool out of a closet in the back of the store and followed her lead over to the tents. 

"Which one?" he asked.

Cozy pointed her hoof to a little red one at the very top. Eyeing her chosen item the stallion climbed up on his stool and with a small tug pulled the tiny tent down. Then he held it out in front of her for inspection, the tiny case it was in wasn't even longer than his hoof if she was lucky she would be able to lay down flat in it. 

"Are you sure you want this one, I know these are a bit a dozen but you'd probably feel a little more relaxed in a bigger one." he sugested.

"No thank you I just need to be able to fit in it." Cozy said as she lead the way back up to the cash register with her kind helper in tow. 

There she watched as the pony rang up her tent and checked the price on the machine, hmm... just ten bits that should work, I can give the rest to Tender and Victor. Cozy decided and stood on her back hooves to put the bits on the counter.

Ching*, "Alright then do you want a receipt for that?" he asked.

"No thank you." she said, she usually would want a receipt but with her plan to get in a foster home or an orphanage down the road it didn't make much sense, it's not like she would need to return the tent for food later or anything since she hopefully getting off the streets as soon as possible.

The clerk pony was kind enough to balance the small tent on Cozy's back for her but Cozy shook her head and pointed to her mane instead. The Clerk pony gave her an odd look but shrugged and laid the tent on her head where he soon learned of Cozy's ability to balance the item perfectly on her head. With that Cozy carefully balancing her way out of the store with another ring from the door's bell, all the while being careful not to knock the tent off of her head as she went out into the streets of Ponyville. Now all I have to do is find Tender and Victor, Cozy thought as she slowly trotted her way past ponies going about their day to day lives.

 Starlight put a hoof over her eyes to shield them from the summer sun as she sat next to Applejack beside Trixie's wagon while they waited for the one and only magician, who despite wanting to get a move on earlier had insisted they stop for some nuts at Bulk Bicep's nut cart to satisfy her nut craving. Seriously how many jobs does that tall muscled pony have? 

"Hurry up Trixie." Starlight shouted over to her blue magician friend who was standing quietly in line.

"Starlight relax the line isn't that long." Trixie stated with a glare while she moved up as the line gradually got smaller.

Yeah but this is sooooo boring, Starlight thought and sighed before she glanced over at Applejack who was waiting patiently in the summer sun with a smirk on her face. What's she finding so funny? Applejack glanced over at her and apparently noticed Starlight's curiosity, "So is this how you were plan'in on spend'in yer summer?"

Starlight gave the orange farm pony an eyeroll, "Waiting on Trixie? No it isn't but at least she has a charming personality to make up for it... well at least most of the time." Starlight replied in Trixie's defense even though she knew Trixie was hard to deal with and most of the time Starlight felt like Trixie's babysitter. but she's my big baby.

Applejack just raised her eyebrow at Starlight and put a hoof up to her mouth as she whispered, "A charm'in personality? I bet that pony has you do'in laps for her behind everpony's back." Starlight just sat quietly and let Applejack's words sink in, she knew Trixie felt entitled but at the same time Trixie was still way better than Discord who had his own level of self privilege. 

Starlight put her own hoof to her mouth as she got invested in the secrecy of their whisper game which seemed to be unnoticed by everypony trotting around them, "She's not that bad she just has problems with well... being humble... and then there's her ego... and the Teacup thing."





"Sometimes I wonder how she reacted to Twilight taking over for Celestia I bet that must've driven her crazy." Applejack whispered with a smile much to the amusement of Starlight.

"Giggle* I bet she's still in denial." Starlight said as they both started giggling uncontrollably.

"What's so funny?" Trixie said casting her dark shadow over both of them with her purchased bag of nuts floating beside her in her magic, much to the shock of both Starlight and Applejack. Wow I hadn't even noticed Trixie getting done... how much did she hear?

"Wow you were right that was fast, I thought you were going to take way longer." Starlight said with a sheepish smile as she tried to play it off to avoid Trixie's question, which got her blue magician friend to narrow her pink eyes in suspicion. She's on to me crap.

"Ugh, whatever let's just go best friend... and you to farm pony." Trixie said with an eyeroll. Whew...

hearing the good news Starlight and Applejack hopped off the ground and climbed up on top of the wagon as Trixie buckled herself into the wagon's front harness.  Deciding to keep things safe her and Applejack both laid down on their tummies at the head of the wagon with a nice view as their caravan started heading down the streets of Ponyville. As an added measure Trixie pulled their wagon at a slow speed so they didn't accidentally bump into anything in the market place by accident, especially with all of the ponies in the street who were trotting by. 

"So Trixie ya think you could get us to Appaloosa by tomorrow morn'in?" Applejack asked down at their driver. 

"Don't worry Trixie will get you where you're going." Trixie answered in an unamused tone as she swerved by Bon Bon and entered the center of town where the buildings seemed to have been built closer together which made it harder to see everypony at once while they tried to leave town.

After a few minutes of ridding down the road Applejack turned over on her back atop the wagon and tilt her hat down to cover her eyes from the summer sun, "Tell me when we're out'a town sugarcube."

"Sure thing I suppose I'll just supervise, I guess." Starlight said with a shrug and almost jumped when she heard a crunch from beneath her until she realized it was just Trixie eating some of her fresh nuts. Sighing Starlight surveyed the area from above Trixie's head and found the sight strangly uplifting, after all It was a nice day out and the ponies of Equestria were bustling away while they enjoyed the nice quiet summer afternoon. I almost feel bad for leaving, Starlight thought but shook the thought away, she didn't want to sit and do nothing all summer like an old pony, this was her chance to see more of Equestria and she was so taking it. I wonder what we'll see...

Starlight envisioned the winding streets of Saddle Arabia with every horse there wearing a cloth turban or something like that and all the sights she and Trixie were definitely going to go visit, yep it's a good thing I packed my camera... and the board games... and the water raft like I did last time... Starlight thought with a smirk before the wagon shook as it hit something while they were passing by two houses really close together.

Applejack lifted her hat and peeked her green eyes around wondering what it was. Ugh let me guess a it's probably just a barrel or... Sweet Celestia! Starlight thought as she glanced over the side of the wagon and saw a small green haired filly rubbing her head. 

"What is it?" Trixie asked in an unamused voice while probably wondering if she owed somepony for a vase or something, but Starlight didn't answer her instead she leapt off the side of the wagon and trotted over to the pink filly who appeared to be a mess with dirt clinging to her fur. 

"What in tarnation! Trixie you ott'a watch where yer go'in." Applejack said from above Starlight who had apparently taken notice of the girl on the ground.

"Oh what is it?" Trixie asked as she came into view beside Starlight with a gasp.

"Are you okay?" Starlight asked making eye contact with the foal only to find fear in her scarlet red eyes. Wow... Starlight thought as she levitated the filly's belongings up into the air with her blue magic. 

"I... I'm okay" the filly said nervously in a definite tomboyish tone and froze when Starlight put a hoof on her head to look for a bump. It felt weird like her mane was more tangled than it actually was but Starlight withdrew her hoof satisfied that the filly hadn't suffered any damage.

"Here." Starlight said and levitated what appeared to be a bag of apples and a small brown bag of bits back to the filly who took them in her wings, then Starlight placed the tiny red tent the girl had on her back.

"Well you seem okay do you feel Dizzy?" Starlight asked with the girl seemingly taken aback with shock before she took a deep breath and composed herself, "No I feel fine miss, um... may I go now?" Starlight suddenly realized they were blocking the way the filly was trying to go and turned to Trixie.

"She's fine Trixie let's get going." Starlight said with a wave of her hoof as she registered the concern in Trixie's purple eyes. Awww she does have a heart, Starlight thought to herself as she led Trixie back to the front of the wagon and strapped herself in instead of her blue magician friend which earned a glare from Trixie.

"Oh so you don't trust Trixie now just because I hit one pony?" Trixie huffed, clearly offended.

Starlight sighed, "One it was a filly Trixie that's a big difference and no it's just so you can eat you're snack peacefully without running somepony over."

"Yeah Trixie I don't think yer good at multitask'in." Applejack said from above them and patted the top of the wagon next to her for Trixie to come join her up top.

"Listen here mud pony, Trixie will have you know that she is the best at Multitasking." Trixie said with a sneer as she stomped her hoof on the dirt road for further emphasis, which got Applejack to let out a snort.

Starlight stayed out of the conversation and waited until she felt the vibrations of Trixie reaching the top of the wagon before she started trotting along the road with the wagon trailing after her. Starlight would occasionally smile or wave goodbye to a passing friendly face or two until she passed by the market where she heard Applejack say, "See ya later sis!" down to Applebloom.

Starlight smiled and glanced over at the apple stand to see it packed with customers, Wow just a filly and Applebloom's already running the family business. Starlight had to give her little friendship tutor some praise when she returned after the summer break before classes. Then out of nowhere and much to Starlight's surprise the former night princess Luna majestically flew down in front of their wagon.

"Greeting's Starlight, where are you off to?" Luna asked down at Starlight who shook her head so she could focus past her surprise. What is Luna doing here shouldn't she be at Shady shores?

"Uh... we were just going on a magic tour." Starlight explained to the younger of the retired royal sisters. Luna didn't immediately respond as she seemed deep in thought which made the fur on Starlight's neck stand up. 

"Anything wrong yer highness?" Applejack asked Luna from on top of the wagon and yet again Luna hesitated with a look of deep contemplation.

"No, have a good... whatever it is all of you are all doing together." Luna said before she trotted past Starlight and back toward Ponyville. 

Starlight wanted to pretend that everything was fine but she knew a problem when she saw one and she had a bad feeling that whatever it was had to be big, otherwise Luna wouldn't bother trying to get involved. While Starlight was debating if she should turn around or not Trixie said, "Come on Starlight you wanted an adventure so lets just go, Trixie is sure everything back there will be just fine without us."

Yeah I guess so, Starlight thought to herself before she continued down the road and passed by what little houses remained before they were out of the small town entirely.

Whew... Starlight thought and let out a relieving sigh as she eventually reached the lush green fields that would lead them to Appaloosa. Thank Celestia, I'm glad that's over, Starlight inwardly celebrated despite not entirely believing Luna about there not being a problem. Shrugging it off she rolled her way down towards the waiting horizon intent on letting Luna handle whatever problem there was in Ponyville.

 Twilight soared next to the armored Flash Magnus and Spike as they led a herd of Pegasus guards over the clouds between Canterlot and Ponyville. Glanced over at the shinning gold Pegasus guards flying behind her she silently lamented the fact that she couldn't wait for some more unicorns, after all a unicorn had a much better chance against a magical creature like the mimic they were hunting.

"So you think we'll make it in time?" Spike asked as they soared above the vast countryside.

"I hope so Spike." Twilight said as a picture of all of her friends came to the forefront in her mind.

"You know this isn't exactly how I wanted to visit Ponyville." Twilight vented as she tried to come to grips with the fact that she had left Ponyville not even a week ago and here she was going back with a small army.

"Well you know since we canceled everything except for that thing you're doing tonight, we have a lot of free time. Maybe we could even go visit SugarCube Corner. " Spike suggested. What I wouldn't give for a relaxing day at Sugarcube Corner.

"Sigh* as much as I want to Spike I'd still have to do something with the Cozy.... Mimic thing." Twilight explained with a frown, she'd probably just be in Ponyville for business and then she'd have to deal with this entirely new creature back in Canterlot.

"Um yeah about that, what are we going to do with it exactly?" Spike asked. Twilight was asking herself that same thing, what was she going to do with it? If the creature was evil like Celestia suggested it would have to be dealt with... but if it wasn't then...

"I'm not actually sure yet. What do you think we should do?" Twilight asked while biting her lip to see if Spike had any suggestions.

Spike cupped his chin as he flew and considered for a moment before quickly shrugging, "Beats me I mean we can't actually believe anything it says right, I mean it's like half Cozy Glow? I'm not really sure what we should do." Twilight nodded, he was right there was little chance they could trust the creature at best they could contain it somehow and find a way to interrogate it with a truth serum or something back at the palace.

"We're nearly there Princess." Flash Magnus said catching both Twilight and Spike's attention as Ponyville appeared beneath them through the clouds.


Twilight took the lead and descended as the town came up to meet her, at the last second she beat her wings to soften her landing before she settled down right in front of Mayor Mares office with her guards, Spike, and Flash all landing around her in the market place (much to the surprise of everypony there). Hmm... Twilight glanced around but didn't see any filly that resembled Cozy Glow, as Mayor Mare suddenly came out of her office to greet them.

"Princess Twilight... what's all this?" Mayor Mare asked as she scanned the guards and adjusted her round glasses. 

Twilight rubbed the back of her head and quickly thought of an excuse, "Oh well now that you mention it... I was actually just in the neighborhood and all of these royal body guards well... their just here to make sure we have a peaceful day." Twilight explained nervously not wanting to cause a panic. 

Instead Mayor Mare narrowed her eyes and trotted closer to Twilight, eventually getting within hoofs reach of her. "Princess with all do respect I've lived in this town long enough to know when dangers afoot." 

Of course it wouldn't be that simple, Twilight sighed, "Alright we're here to find something."

"I beg you're pardon?" Mayor Mare asked as she became more and more worried.

"All I can say is it's something small and probably not immediately dangerous." Twilight explained as she noticed even more ponies stopping their daily routines to stare in curiosity at the scene playing out before them.

Mayor Mare seemed to notice Twilight's wandering eyes as she sighed and started trotting back to her building, "Just please try and keep the damage to a minimum your highness." Mayor Mare said somberly before she entered her office and pulled the door closed with a click*, locking it in place. Twilight turned around to find Fluttershy approach out of the rapidly growing crowd and trot past the guards as she made her way right up to Twilight with Spike giving her a quick hug, "Awww I missed you too." Fluttershy said with a smile before her face turned to one of concern.

"Um.. Twilight what's this all about?" Fluttershy asked in her quiet voice as she pointed a hoof towards the gathered guards. 

Before she could respond however Twilight tilted her head to the left and saw Celestia and Luna making their way past the crowd of worried ponies.

"Hold that thought Fluttershy I'll explain everything in a minute." Twilight told her yellow Pegasus friend as she announced to the crowd of guards, "Alright everypony spread out in pairs and bring back all the Pegasus fillies you can find, if you see anything suspicious one of you double back to me, Celestia, or Luna understood!" Twilight said loud enough for all the guards to hear and watched them give her a bow with their gold helmets before they broke off and headed down Ponyville's dirt roads. After they broke off she addressed Flash Magnus personally, "Flash I want you to find Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinki-" Twilight was cut off as she heard a very familiar high pitched voice.

"Already here!" Pinkie Pie said with a smile as she bounced her way into the clearing beside Fluttershy.

"Sooooo what's the occasion, oh is it like a super unexpected royal surprise? If so I want in."  Pinkie said with a large cartoonish smile while getting more and more excited.

"No Pinkie, there may be a situation... in Ponyville." Twilight stated which got Pinkie's to stop bouncing up and down while Fluttershy whispered, "Oh deer... it's not another invasion is it?"

"No it's not... well um not exactly." Twilight said with a sheepish grin.

Fluttershy's voice slightly grew as she said aloud, "Oooooh why can't we catch a break?" Twilight put a reassuring hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder as Luna and Celestia approached the five of them.

"Twilight Luna tells me you've decide to try and capture the creature." Celestia said bitterly.

Twilight hesitated when she sensed the disapproval in her former mentor's serine voice, "If at all possible but well I am open for suggestions."

"Wait what creature? oh is it like a flying squid or no an underwater dragon? It is isn't it?" Pinkie asked hopping in between them with Twilight and Celestia turning to stare at her.

Twilight sighed and put a hoof to her brow, "Pinkie please not now alright." Pinkie apparently got the hint because the party pony looked between Twilight and Celestia before adopting a nervous grin while she slid herself right back next to Fluttershy and whispered, "I bet it's important." to the yellow Pegasus.

"Twilight lets just say Mimics have a long history with a pretty decent body count." Celestia explained much to Fluttershy and Pinkie's shock as Twilight heard them both gasp from behind her.

"But this one has a mind sister, and if Twilight wants it captured then I believe containment is possible." Luna interjected.

Celestia gave Luna an unamused glance, "Oh well, I guess there's nothing to worry about then, unless it decides to put pony back on the menu." Celestia deadpanned. This was it for Fluttershy and Pinkie who shouted "What!?" in unition.

"Yep that was my reaction too." Spike said.

Twilight turned to her two frightened looking friends, "It's okay as far as we know it hasn't actually done anything." Twilight explained with a wave of her hoof. Then to Twilight's surprise she spotted Rainbow Dash trotting towards all of them with two guards hoofing a worried Scootaloo in tow.

"Twilight what gives?" Rainbow Dash said pointing to the guards surrounding the nervous looking orange Pegasus filly. Twilight sighed and trotted past both Celestia and Luna to speak with the scared girl. 

"Scootaloo you're not in any trouble okay we just need you to stay here for now." Twilight explained with Scootaloo nodding up at her in understanding.

"You two go see what else you can find." Twilight told the guards on either side of Scootaloo.

"At once you're highness." they both said in unison before they trotted away to look for more fillies. Twilight took a deep breath and turned around to face her group of friends before she brought her magic to life and created a small sound proof purple shield around her and her companions. Most of the ponies that needed to be told were already here so it was probably best to just go ahead and fill everypony in.

"Okay for those of you who haven't heard yet Luna has found out that for some reason Cozy Glow created a copy of herself before she was turned to stone." Twilight explained with various outbursts of "Wha-wha-what!?" "Oh deer!?" and "you've gott'a be kidding me, every time we win something else happens." from her friends with Flash, Spike, Celestia, and Luna remaining silent. 

After it quieted down Twilight addressed her now dull struck group of friends, "It's true from what I've heard it's very dangerous, and it could be lose somewhere here in Ponyville right now." Twilight stated and with that she dissipated the shield around them.

"Well what are we all waiting around here for?" Rainbow Dash said before she took to the air to begin their search only to be stopped by Discord who appeared right in front of her whilst laying on a tiny poofy pink cloud.


"Oh hold you're horses Dashie, am I the only one here who's going to point out that this thing may not even be in Ponyville." Discord said while rolling his eyes.

"What do you mean Discord have you found anything yet?" Twilight asked up to the draconiques to see if by some miracle the clone had at least been spotted by the chaos lord.

Discord gave her an unamused side glance from his perch and yawned, "Honestly does it look like I have a demon filly with me your worshipfulness?" Discord asked rhetorically with half opened eyes.

"Well then why are you here instead of out there searching for it?" Twilight asked narrowing her eyes and getting slightly anoyed with the lord of chaos. Now is not the time for him to be slacking...

Discord put a claw to his chest and stated down to her in his defense, "Well I'll have you know I just wanted to see if dear Fluttershy would round up all of her little animals friends so she could keep them out of harms way."

Fluttershy gasped and shook her head in realization, "Oooooh you're right I need to get all of them back at my cottage before something bad happens." then she took flight and gave Discord a hug on his pink cloud, "Thank you Discord." Afterwards the yellow Pegasus flew off to round up her animals, with Discord snapping his claws and flying through a portal in midair with the pink cloud left to wander aimlessly.  

Huh I bet that big softy just wanted Fluttershy out of harms way, Twilight thought to herself with a smirk before she turned to Flash Magnus and said, "Okay Flash that just leaves Applejack and Starlight, see if you can-"

"Actually they were leaving Ponyville earlier so I sent them on their way." Luna explained while cutting her off. 

"Wait what... What do you mean you mean they were leaving?" Twilight asked.

"They said something about a Magic Tour or something, I decided to let them leave for their own safety." Luna explained.

"A Magic Tour?" Twilight thought aloud with a raised eyebrow. Okay so no Starlight or Applejack...

Twilight put a hoof to her crowned head in contemplation, she needed to think of a game plan, only three of her friend were here since Applejack, Starlight, and Rarity were out of town. Well at least that's fewer ponies in danger...

Twilight turned around to their party pony, "Pinkie I want you to help round up all the Pegasus fillies in town."

Pinkie's face went from smiling to puzzled, "Huh why?"

"Because we're looking for a Pegasus filly look alike and we don't need a dozen real fillies catching our attention instead. Just have them come to where Scootaloo is and tell them to stay here." Twilight explained while pointing a hoof at Scootaloo.

"Oooooh okay I get it *giggle* okie dokki I'll go catch some fillies." Pinkie said with a salute before she bounced her way out of the town square and down the road.

"What about me?" Rainbow Dash asked still in mid air after being stopped by Discord.

"I want you to search the roof tops for anything suspicious." Twilight told her rainbow maned friend.

"Eye-eye." Rainbow said before she whizzed over the roof tops. Hmm... that takes care of that now to see about what we do with it when we capture it, Twilight thought as she turned back towards the two royal sisters.

"So um... any suggestions for how to deal with this Mimic thing?" Twilight asked.

"You could always feed it to a fully grown dragon." Celestia stated bluntly with unamused eyes and a casual wave of her hoof.

Upon hearing this Luna shot her sister a glare, "Sister that mimic is the only one who knows if it's hurt somepony, it can't tell us anything if it's dead." Twilight just listened with wide eyes to the two sisters bicker in silence, Wow I've never seen Celestia this aggressive before.

"What about that spell you told me about, do you think there's any way you could use it to locate the creature?" Twilight asked catching both of the sisters attentions and causing them to pause their quarl. 

"Sigh* I suppose me and Luna could start covering Ponyville in the spell but eyeing the creature from the sky may prove difficult with everypony wandering about." Celestia explained with Luna nodding in agreement.

"Well it's worth a shot. If you find the Mimic try and subdue it and well... if it attacks then do what you have to do to keep Equestria safe." Twilight said with both sisters giving her a nod and flying off into the sky with their horns ignited.

Twilight let out a sigh and told her remaining two companions, "Come on Spike, Flash, we'll go have a look around and see if we can find anything."

"At once your highness." Flash said and trotted next to her with Spike flying over her shoulder as they walked past the worried faces of Ponyville's residents.

 Cozy rubbed her head as she trotted down the street, that scared me to death. Cozy had been in literal inches from Starlight and had still managed to get away, that wasn't luck that must have been the tides of fate or something. Cozy didn't reminisce about her encounter for too long as she spotted Tender and Victor's brown wagon parked outside of a small establishment called Knickle Knacks General Store. I should've gotten food from there...

Cozy looked down and sighed, she didn't care anymore she just wanted this day to be over, with her far away from Ponyville. I'm never coming back here, Cozy thought to herself as she went to the back of the wagon and tossed her bag of bits in before she heaved her bag of apples in afterwards. Wow it's a lot fuller than last time, Cozy concluded as she saw various bags and even a bushel of apples in the wagon that hadn't been there that morning. Tender and Victor must be going a long way on their trip...

Cozy pulled her red tent off of her back and while she tucked it into the back of the wagon she spotted a pair of Gold armored royal guards out of the corner of her eye, both of them looking around as they made their way down the road towards her. Oh no, Cozy thought before quickly ducking beneath the wagon and laid down flat underneath it. There she watched as the guard's armored hoofs passed by her as they made their way through town. They must be here for me, Cozy lamented with a hoof to her chin in fear while she lay on the ground, she couldn't think of any other reason for the guards from Canterlot to be patrolling Ponyville, Harmony warned about Luna...

Cozy had to find someplace safe to hide since she doubted staying under the wagon would work for to much longer. Scanning the buildings surrounding her she spotted Sugarcube Corner down the street on the opposite side of the road. That should work, Cozy decided as she pulled herself out from under the wagon and trotted casually over to the candy store before opening the door to find a familiar face stsaring at her from inside.

"Well high'a dearie- oh... well don't you look like you need a bath." Missis Cake said from behind her counter as she studied Cozy with an amused look on her face.

"Um yeah... I'm um waiting for somepony, do you mind if I have a seat in here?" Cozy asked the large mare.

"Go right ahead there's a table and chairs by the window there." Missis Cake said while pointing towards a table. Cozy relaxed, there was little chance the guards would upend every house in Ponyville just to find her. They already have one Cozy Glow anyway...

The second she trotted in she was immediately hit with a barrage of sweet smells. Hmmm... it's good just smelling this place, Cozy thought as she hopped up on a chair and sat at a blue table beside a tented window facing the street. This place didn't change at all, she thought as she scanned the small inviting establishment. It's like a ginger bread house, Cozy concluded and took a quick experimental whiff, Let's see cupcakes.. doughnuts.. and wait... was that baby powder? Cozy wondered scrunching up her nose before she heard some small talk from behind her at a different table. Cozy slowly turned just enough to see behind her and found her eyes locking on to a pair of fillies who were whispering to each other and staring at her. Cozy glanced away wondering if the two girls in question had recognized her before she turned her eyes back on the wagon parked outside. Please hurry guys...

Cozy sat perfectly still as she heard tiny hoof steps coming up from behind her and turned when she saw the two fillies had come up right next to her table.

"Hello there I haven't seen you around here before." a pink earth pony said with blue eyes and a purple mane with a white streak in it. Wait is that a tiara on top of her head, Cozy wondered in amazement as the ringleader of the pair wore a cute little silver tiara on top of her mane.

"Yeah we thought you were a colt for a second there." the other gray filly said with big blue glasses and silver hair that hung down in a pony tail larger than Cozy's had been earlier that day with purple eyes.

"Oh well I'm just passing through." Cozy whispered shyly unsure if the fillies were going to cause her trouble or not. Please go away...

Instead the two fillies hopped into the two vacant seats across from Cozy at her table and started sizeing her up.

"Let's start with introductions I'm Diamond Tiara." the pink filly said while pointing to the silver tiara on top of her head.

"And I'm Silver Spoon, It's nice to meet you misssss..." Silver Spoon said waiting for Cozy to give her a name.

"My um... well I go by Dizanna." Cozy answered not wanting to say Dizy for fear that they would match it up with her first name of Cozy unlike Tender and Victor. 

"Wow that sounds pretty classy for such a dirty filly... no offense." Diamond tiara said with Silver Spoon agreeing with a nod.

"Well I was just... playing pretend ya'know having fun." Cozy explained with a normal volume to her voice after she realized the two were clueless as to who she actually was. The two fillies shared a glance before Diamond Tiara nodded towards Cozy while keeping her eyes on Silver Spoon. 

"So where are you from Dizanna?" Silver Spoon asked.

Cozy hesitated at the question as she fidgeted her hooves beneath the table she was at, "Well I'm actually from Canterlot." Cozy explained with both of the fillies eyes going wide.

"You're from Canterlot?" Diamond Tiara asked while looking Cozy's dirt covered self up and down all over again.

"No way." Silver Spoon said with a smile, "Prove it every Canterlot filly can do a curtsy right, that's like manners step one there." 

Cozy was shocked by the challenge but leapt from her chair anyway and did the best curtsy she could for the two fillies interrogating her, which caused their eyes to widen even further in astonishment.

"Oh she's good." Diamond Tiara whispered over in Silver Spoon's ear. Satisfied that she'd been cleared of lying Cozy jumped back into her seat across from the two. Then Silver Spoon whispered something to inaudible for Cozy to hear into Dimond's ear, causing the pink filly to smile over at Cozy and clear her throat.

"So did you know this place has the best milkshakes in town?" Dimond asked.

"Um no I didn't... but well I don't exactly have that many bits right now..." Cozy explained with Diamond Tiara rolling her eyes.

"Don't worry about it what flavor do you want?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Wait you'd just get me a Milkshake?" Cozy asked unsure if this was some sort of prank.

"Mhh-hhm." ,both fillies agreed with a nod. There's got to be a catch to this but if not then that's actually pretty nice of them, Cozy thought as she mentally debated which flavor she'd been craving for the most.

"Hmm... I'd say Strawberry." Cozy decided with Silver Spoon nodding to her.

"Good choice I was worried you'd say something crazy like coconut or something." Silver said with a eyeroll as Diamond Tiara leapt from her chair and trotted to the counter Misses Cake was at.

"Um can I get a two Strawberry shakes with Three straws please? You can put it on my tab." Cozy heard Diamond Tiara say from across the room.

"Sure can Dearie just go have a seat and I'll bring it over for you." Misses Cake said while Diamond pranced back to their table.

"Why just two?" Cozy asked at the uneven math of two milkshakes for three filies.

Diamond put her hoof around Silver Spoon and said, "Oh me and Silvy here always share."

Silvy, a nickname between the two they must be close. Cozy smiled at the comradery between the two fillies as she glanced out the window to see that the wagon hadn't moved yet with Tender and Victor nowhere in sight. Then unexpectedly a flood of sparkling rainbow colored magical dust enveloped the entire street, sending a sparkling mess over half of the window.

"Whoa..." Cozy said as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon glanced out the window and their jaws dropped.

"What's that... rainbow snow or something?" Silver Spoon asked with Dimond Tiara shaking her head in bewilderment as the magical sparkling dust started fading and then vanished completely off of the street without a trace as if nothing had just happened.

"Oh my... you fillies stay inside okay." Misses Cake said from behind them as she laid their pink milkshakes down on the table and hurried toward the the front exit.

Cozy, Diamond, and Silver Spoon all shared a worried glance at each other as Misses Cake opened the front door to Sugar Cube Corner and went outside to find out what was happening. Suddenly and without warning Cozy felt something soft grab ahold of her backhoof, causing her to let out a gasp of surprise, with Silver Spoon raising an eyebrow and casually checking beneath the table. 

"Oh don't worry it's just Pumpkin cake." Silver Spoon said as Cozy checked beneath the table to see an orange unicorn foal snuggling against her hoof causing Cozy to sigh in relief. Awww she's so cute... even if she almost gave me a heart attack, Cozy thought as she lightly moved her hoof for pumpkin to play with. Satisfied that she'd made a new friend Cozy returned her attention back to the two fillies at the table, with Silver Spoon pushing a large pink milkshake Cozy's way with whip cream and a red cherry on top.

Cozy didn't need to be told to dig in as she, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon opened their respective straws and plunged them into the two milkshakes. Finally, Cozy thought as she began to suck away with her mouth filling with a sweet strawberry goodness as her mind rocketed with pleasure at the taste. The milkshake also had the added effect of causing her to blush beneath the dirt on her face, unfortunately for her if she liked something like really liked it she always wound up blushing while eating it for some reason. Diamond smirked as she took notice of Cozy's pleasure while she was silently drinking away, "So don't you think this is the best place for milkshakes, I mean it is cozy in here isn't it?"

Cozy stopped and almost gagged on her milkshake but soon came to the realization that Diamond wasn't referring to her name but the Bakery they were in instead. "Um-hm." Cozy agreed never taking her mouth off of her straw and half closed her eyelids as she let the world and her worry slip away from her for a moment. So good...

Cozy pulled her eyes open and saw the two girls across from her drinking together and eating their milkshake way faster than she was. They look really happy, Cozy thought with envy as she watched them eat away with a smile on their straws. It was weird all of a sudden her situation seemed less grim with other ponies around her. Cozy's smile intensified as her back hoof bobbed as Pumpkin bushed it back and forth with a giggle. This is nice...

Cozy continued sucking away as she turned her gaze back towards the window and studied the street outside. To her shock another pair of royal guards were trotting down the street with a tiny tan Pegasus filly following them. All at once Cozy went from being relaxed to nervous again and thanked Celestia for the tinted window she was looking through, otherwise that Pegasus they were escorting might've been her. Where are you two, Cozy thought as she spotted the wagon still in the same place out in the street.

 "Oh honey what do you think about this?" Tender asked wanting a different opinion as she pointed to a folded up chair on a rack whilst she was pushing a buggy down the aisles of Knickle Knacks General Store. 

Victor put a light gray hoof up to his chin in contemplation before shrugging, "I don't know, we have beach towels to lay on already. Get one if you want it."

Tender bit her lip and decided to leave it, after all if she'd wanted to sit around she could have stayed back in Manehatten and skipped their vacation all together or in Victor's words their Great Adventure all together. Tender pushed her buggy along as Victor added bags of vegetables and bread to their basket, At least he can make up his mind. Tender stopped her buggy as they came to the candy aisle and picked up a bag of Lollipops. 

"Hey what about this?" Tender asked with a smile at the idea of spoiling their little traveling companion. If there's one thing that'll make a foal happy it's candy.

Victor raised an eyebrow at the bag and asked, "What do you have a sweet tooth?" Tender closed her eyes and let out a sigh, Seriously does my stallion have to be that dense?

"No you knuckle head, do you think Dizy might want one?" Tender explained.

"Oh well um... sure I guess but just be aware I will totally steal from that thing if you get it." Victor said with a smirk as he continued trotting down the aisle ahead of her. 

"I'm actually surprised you wanted to bring her along with us by the way." Victor called back to her despite probably disturbing some more quieter shoppers. 

"Well I think she just made the road a little more interesting you know, besides I used to babysit all the time when I was younger remember." Tender explained.

"Yeah well usually now a days you're like Foals are just a hassle and all they do is mess things up and snore a lot." Victor said trying to imitate her with a more feminine voice.

"*Giggle* I don't sound like that and besides Dizy's been good she didn't snore at all last night." Tender defended and started to throw the bag of suckers on top of the rest of their food but hesitated and instead opened up the baby seat at the front of the buggy and put the suckers right there in front of her so there wouldn't be any chance of them getting crushed, no need to crush them before we eat them right. Afterwards Tender Continued down the aisles following Victor and just drifted though the store until they came to the clothing department, with various summer clothes now in stock. Tender immediately started pulling cute mare swimsuits of their lines and turned to Victor.

"Which one?" She asked as she put one bathing suit over her and then the next with Victor watching intently. 

"Hmm... I'd say the pink one." Victor answered with her pulling the one he selected from her stack of outfits and looking it over. It does look cute.

"Why this one?" She asked with Victor coming over and putting his cheek next to hers, "Because it matches your eyes." Oh he's playing the I'm more romantic than you thing.

Tender told the butterflies to quiet down deep in her gut as she put the outfit next to the suckers and returned the rest of the outfits back to their proper place. "Okay Romeo what do you want for your flank?" Tender asked with a smirk as she lightly slapped his rear, making him slightly jump in surprise.

After giving her a glare Victor just shrugged and said, "Go wild." before pointing to the stallions section of the store. Oh so it's my turn to chose huh...

Tender turning her buggy around and started making her way through the swim suits to go pick one out for Victor but stopped when she spotted something in the filly's section. "Wait victor come here." Tender said as she picked up a two piece white filly swimsuit. 

"What is it?" Victor asked with half closed eyes.

"Look." Tender said putting the small swimsuit right up in his face.

Victor looked it over and gave her a playful smile, "Honey don't take this the wrong way but it may be a little to small for you."

Tender's cheeks flushed and she playfully hit him in the shoulder, "No you dummy I meant for Dizy."

Victor raised an eyebrow, "Um... how do I explain how ridicules it is to get a girl we just met a swimsuit when she can't even swim."

Tender's smile grew and she clapped her hooves as vision of them all swimming together entered their mind, "We can teach her, come on it'll be fun. Besides she can't even fly the least she could do is learn how to swim."

Victor rolled his eyes and looked at the roof of the building, "May I remind you we're not taking her all the way to the beach with us we're just dropping her off in Dale's Wood or Heart's grove."

Tender could just ignore him and get it anyway, who knows maybe a hotel along the way would have a convient pool or something. Though she felt like sighing since she actually wanted him on board for the fun, gathering her resolve to not give up she imagined herself with an army helmet on while she was trying to win the conversation, he dosen't get it, it would be so cute to show her how to swim she'd be like don't let go and I did it and all that, "Honey I'm sure we can find a lake or something along the way."

"Do you know how dangerous a lake could be, there could be snakes or worse alligators, no way."  Victor said shaking his head and crossing his front hooves. 

Tender got an idea that might just work and cozied up to him in the middle of the store, "Well that's why I brought my big strong stallion with me." she said while blushing her eyes at him.

Victor just closed his eyes with her leaning on him, "No."

"Please..." Tender playfully pleaded as Victor cracked an eye open and she made her pupils dilate in a show of absolute cuteness.

After a few moments of her torture Victor's resolve faltered and he sighed, "Fine, but if we get eaten because you wanted to pretend to be a duck out in the middle of a lake I'm going to haunt you." 

Tender nodded and put the cute little swimsuit over her much larger pink one. Yay I win, Tender mentally cheered and pranced her buggy all the way onward to the Stallion's swimsuits. There she saw a multitude of colors in different patterns but she was looking of artsy designs those were the best. After looking threw the majority of trousers in stock Tender selected a dark blue pair with tiny little hungry sharks on them. Wait, Tender picked up different pair to mess with Victor and trotted back up to her bored looking husband.

"Here you go." Tender playfully said while holding up a pink pair of swim shorts with pink little hearts all over them with the real pair she'd selected behind her back. Victor took one look and gagged, "Honey I'm not even going to dignify that with a response." Tender laughed and gave him the real outfit she'd chosen with him giving her a firm nod and throwing it in the basket.

"Well I think that's everything, time to get out of here and back out on the open road." Victor said enthusiastically and took the now much heavier buggy from Tender as they trotted to the front of the store with her following right behind him in tow. When they got up to the cashier there was a quiet young blue mare with green hair in front of both her and Victor so unfortunately they had to wait.

After a while Tender saw Victor pull out a picture from somewhere, probably his mane and turned it about in his hoof, catching her attention. Probably that murderous squirrel from earlier.

"Which one is that?" Tender asked while trying to organize their mess of a buggy by moving things in it into nice little lines for easier bagging.

Victor gave her a smile, "Oh this? It's only the most dangerous creature in the whole forest, I took a picture of it before you woke up."

Dangerous... Tender was curious and moved to sneak a peak of the photo only for Victor to pull it away and get her to glare at him. "Well what is it, wait was it a bear?" Tender asked with Victor's smile growing.

"Sort of actually, just don't lose you're head over it." he explained and hoofed the picture over.



"Awwww.", Tender could feel her heart melting as she waved her hoof at her face, that is so adorable.

"I'm actually surprised you didn't stuff her and keep her around as a plushie." Victor joked and winced when he earned another soft punch in the shoulder.

"Don't you dare kid me like that... that would be so awesome." Tender whispered while hugging the picture.

"Careful Lovebear you're blushing so hard you might just faint." Victor said in her ear before he pushed their buggy forward towards the cashier when the blue mare in front of them departed after finishing her business.

"Good afternoon." the cashier pony said politely with Victor reciprocating with, "Oh good afternoon to you too." before he started pulling things out of the buggy to be rung up with Tender helping with her free hoof while the other held onto the picture.

After everything was rung up and paid for they exited the building only to find two golden royal guards searching their wagon.

"Hey!?" Victor said and approached the two guard ponies with Tender following with the buggy.

"Sorry sir we've been instructed to look for a wanted fugitive." one of the guards said down to them.

"I don't care, get out of our wagon before you mess something up, it's just camping supplies." Victor demanded.

What kind of blockheads were these guys, like we'd be smuggling dangerous criminals in our wagon, Tender thought as she opened her mouth to shout at them when they didn't immediately leave their wagon, but before she could bother a pink pony with cotton candy like pink hair bounced up next to her.

"Oh hey what's the problem?" the strange pink pony asked. Tender didn't want to drag another pony into this but if it meant getting the guards to leave them alone then it was worth a shot. 

"Apparently these bozzos think it's alright to tear through somepony's things without even informing them first." Tender said pointing an accusing hoof towards the guards.

"Oh don't worry I've got this. hey you two! As the element of laughter and the royal ambassador to Yak Yakastan I'm ordering you two to go buzz off and look somewhere else." the pink pony said with a satisfied smile and in a way to cheerful tone. What was more surprising to Tender is the guards shared a look of discomfort and actually scurried off the wagon before heading down the road away from them.

"Wooo... Thank you." Tender said offering the pink pony a smile before the bouncer took her hoof and shook it vigorously, making Tender's whole body rock as she drop the picture of her and Dizy on the road.

"Oh!" the pink pony said before she snatched up the picture and hoofed it back to Tender.

"Sorry about that, gotta go have a nice time camping." the bouncing pony cheered and headed down the street whilst glancing in every direction. 

Tender just sat there in the middle of the road completely dull struck as Victor came up next to her and said, "Weird."  "Mh-hm." Tender agreed before they both shrugged and started unloading their buggy into the wagon. As she was hauling bags of supplies in Tender saw a small tent and a tiny bag of apples that hadn't been there earlier when she and Victor had gone into the store.

"Dizy must have been here." Tender said as Victor pulled the buggy back up in front of the store. Then he trotted to the head of the wagon and strapping himself into the wagon's harness.

"Don't worry we'll get her on the way out of town, remember." Victor said as he started pulling the wagon down the road with Tender sitting in the back with all of their new stuff as she looked around the street for their lost filly.

"Oh are you going to add that photo to the animal scrapbook?" Victor called back to her as they passed by more guards searching the street.

"Heck no I'm keeping this." Tender said with a shake of her head as she claimed the photo for herself and tucked it away for later. After that she continued looking at the street for Dizy as they both headed out of the small town.

Cozy's adrenalin was really pumping now as she saw two guards trot down the street and start to search their wagon, It's a good thing I didn't stay under it. Cozy had to find a way out of the city before they actually did start going through buildings, but I can't leave everything behind. Cozy's eyes wandered over to her belongings at the back of the wagon and hoped the guards wouldn't go through it. Then her heart leapt as Tender and Victor exited the store and started conversing with the guards. Yes!

Then to add to her shock Professor Pinkie Pie herself bounced her way right up next to Tender and started chatting with her. Cozy gulped a decent amount of milkshake down to comfort herself as she watched the scene play out with the guards hopping off of the wagon and Professor Pinkie pie bouncing her way down the street. 

"Hey you still there?" Silver Spoon asked trying to get her attention. That was foolish Cozy shouldn't have stayed glued to the window, she was starting to look suspicious.

"Yeah I was just zoning out, sorry." Cozy said tearing her mouth away from her straw and swerving her eyes back to the two fillies at the other end of the table only to find that they were already done with their milkshake and Cozy's was almost empty too. Huh time flies...

"Don't worry about it." Diamond Tiara said before she glanced over at Silver Spoon with the gray filly throwing Diamond a nod. What is this telepathy? Cozy wondered as she took another sip from her almost depleted milkshake.

"So I was wondering...", Diamond said with a smile as Silver Spoon finished her sentence, "... would you let us give you a makeover and comb you're hair? I bet we could make you really pretty with the right makeup."

"Yeah and we could probably get some of that dirt off of you too." Diamond added as she glanced at the dirt on Cozy's face.

Oh no, Cozy was cornered, they had been just buttering her up so she'd feel obliged to hang out with them... not that that was a bad thing in fact in another life Cozy would be ecstatic for something like that, this was just bad timing. Cozy glanced between the two nervously, if she said no then she would be rude after they'd just bought her a milkshake but if she said yes they would find out who she was and she'd probably be done for. Cozy looked around while she pretended to consider their offer, that's when she spotted Tender and Victor taking their wagon down the road. Yes there's my out.

"Oh I'm sorry but the ponies I'm with are leaving so I've gott'a hurry if I'm going to catch up with them." Cozy explained as she pointed to the leaving wagon and put on a frown for extra effect as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's smile vanished.

"Oh, well that's okay... but if you stick around you should come find us. We'll have a lot of fun I promise." Silver Spoon said hitting Cozy right in the feels. Golly they actually wanna be friends...

Cozy gave them both a soft smile and said, "I'll definitely do that you two are great." before she hopped down from her chair, being careful all the while as she separated her hoof from Pumpkin.

"Bye-bye and thanks for the milkshake." Cozy said with a wave to the two before she went through the front door of Sugarcube Corner and out into the street. Cozy darted her eye back and forth as she checked to make sure the coast was clear and after spotting no guards she sprinted across the street and hid in a small ally way between two houses close together. 

I just need to reach the plains, Cozy concluded as she judged the closest way towards Ponyville's green fields, which involved her making it across at least two more streets. That's fine I'll just have to be fast about it, Cozy decided as she checked the next road only for her to spot princess Celestia herself of all ponies with her tapestry of multicolored flowing hair as she flew over the buildings and rained down more of that sparkling dust from earlier. Cozy ducked away and hid successfully from the princess but to her misfortune the ally way she was huddled in was soon flooded with all of that wierd sparkling dust she'd seen. After her rainbow shower Cozy found she was covered in rainbow sparkles and although she tried to contain herself she sneezed a tiny, "Acho." which blew some of the dust into the air all around her.

Ugh what is this stuff, Cozy wondered as it clung to her pink coat and then to her absolute shock the dust started glowing a bright green all over her. "*Gasp* what the?" Cozy said aloud as she tried to shove the green mess off of her only for it to stay stuck to fur even as the rest of the dust in the ally way faded from sight around her. All at once it clicked for Cozy the spell they were using must be able to affect her specifically somehow like some kind of locator. Cozy tried again to rub it off but to her horror the green sparkling mess stayed stuck to her. Cozy put her head in her hooves in despair she couldn't just wait around here this dust was obviously supposed to give her away, she had to get out of Ponyville fast.

Regaining her composure despite literally glowing Cozy peeked around the corner of the ally and even scanned the sky but to her relief she only noticed normal ponies going about their day to day lives. Good now's my chance, Cozy thought as she ran to the next set of houses and crossed another ally way, with only some ponies catching a glimpse of her tiny glowing arura. Cozy hugged the wall of the house she was next too and spotted her salvation of green fields past the houses on the opposite side of the next street. Almost there.

Cozy checked one more time and saw a pair of guards walking away from her with their backs turned. Then to her astonishment they actually started chatting with each other.

"Ugh why didn't we bring spears? I mean isn't this like a danger zone now or something?" Guard one asked with his buddy shaking his head.

"It's textbook we can't bring weapons to a fight unless the enemy has already engaged." Guard two explained.

"But why? We could be armed to the teeth right now, I mean if we actually found the you know what, what do we use huh? harsh language?" Guard one asked as he moved out of the way of a pony couple walking bye.

"Wo... dude that would upset the humble lifestyle of Equestria! You have to respect the process." Guard two stated and nudged his dull struck compatriot down the road away from her.

Wow I've never seen them talk before, Cozy thought while still tucked away in the ally. Despite her urgency she waited a bit longer and when she was sure they were far enough down the road she booked it across the final road and ran behind the first large grass covered hill that she came too.

Made it, Cozy inwardly cheered as she sat down on her rear and looked her glowing green form over before she noticed it lit up the grass all around her. I have to get this off, Cozy thought with a wince as she realized Tender and Victor would be quite surprised to see her glowing. Huh Cozy Glow, that was too funny she was actually glowing oh the irony, Cozy let out a chuckle despite herself as she celebrated her victory. After a moment of recuperating Cozy got up and scanned the country side for any water to rinse the glowing mess off with. To her luck she spotted a pond not to far away in the distance and started running her way there over the flower dotted fields.

As she reached the pond Cozy snapped her head around to make sure that she hadn't been seen and after finding out she wasn't being followed she let out a sigh of relief. Nothing's gonna stop me now, Cozy thought as she unclipped her fake tail and pulled off her wig before dropping them both onto the ground, Not going to need those anymore. Having freed her actual mane Cozy ruffled her hair out some since it had been packed for so long and trotted to the waters edge on the tiny bank. Then she plunged her front hooves into the water. Wow... Cold, she realized but knew she didn't have much choice as she started splashing water all over her pink coat. Eventually Cozy worked out the green glowing menace and the dirt clinging to her, with her cutie mark now showing and her face becoming clean again. after the tiny bath Cozy stood up completely soaked and shivering but free as she shook her whole body like a dog to shake off what little water she could from herself. 

Taking a deep breath Cozy glanced back at Ponyville and spotted several dots flying over the city with glowing dust raining down to cover Ponyville block by block as they searched for her. Cozy even heard some ponies shouting angerly among the carnage, making her feel guilty. I didn't mean for that to happen, Cozy lamented before she spotted Tender and Victor's wagon off in the distance with both of her companions waiting for her outside of Ponyville like they'd planned. Cozy was so done with today as she smiled towards her salvation, The sooner I'm out of here the better.

Cozy started trotting over the green fields with a smile as she came closer and closer to leaving all of this craziness behind before she heard a pop* and she was immediately surrounded in a giant bubble of some kind. "Wait, what no no no no no." Cozy said in dismay as the bubble lifted itself several feet into the air as she heard a familiar voice, one that she'd only heard at school before.

"You know you've been quite hard to find." Discord said with Cozy stumbling in the bubble as she wheeled herself around to find the chaos lord's mismatched self standing right next to her in the green fields. No....

Cozy didn't say anything at first she was too shocked, she just hung her mouth open and tried to form words as she stared up into his giant round eyes until she finally managed to utter out, "Discord..."

"In the flesh." Discord said with a grin as he paced around her like a wolf and looked her over, making Cozy get gradually more nervous.

"Hmm... I know a certain grumpy princess that's just dying to meet you." Discord said making Cozy's pupils shrink to pinpricks and her blood run cold. This was actually it she'd be in Tartarus by dawn tommorow... if she was lucky.

"W-wait I..I'm good, I'm not evil!" Cozy shouted finally breaking through her terror and finding her words.

Discord stopped at her outburst and gave her an unamused glance, "Well... go on I'm listening." Cozy found drawing breath hard all of a sudden, she was panicking Tender and Victor were only a few green hills away, and she had been so close to freedom... 

Cozy's mind came up blank, she couldn't think of anything to say that would help her here, Discord was sure to hand her over with a big red bow onto of her head for good measure. She couldn't take it anymore her eyes breamed with tears. This wasn't right, it wasn't fair, she hadn't done anything to anypony, "Please..." Cozy whispered within her tiny suspended prison way up in the air, "Please just let me go."

Discord just shook his head, "Oh no I'm not falling for that I'm little and you should do what I say routine of yours."

"I'm not lying *sob* ...please I'll leave and I'll never come back." Cozy pleaded.

Cozy watched Discord pause and cross his arms, "Why, so you can try to take over the world again?"





Cozy maneuvered herself until she was on her knees in the bubble and openly begged him "No... I won't I promise." 

Discord seemed taken aback slightly at the show of desperation as he turned away from her and walked a bit down the green hill they we're on in contemplation. "Hmm..." Discord let out as he stood there with a claw cupping his chin in concentration all the while he gazed into the carnage of Ponyville, with shouts of distress and princesses raining magic down all over Ponyville's inhabitants. When he finally turned back to her he had the biggest grin she'd ever seen on him and gleefully michievious eyes.

"Oh alright." Discord said with an eyeroll and snapped his claws.

Cozy gasped as the bubble she was trapped in slowly lowered itself to the ground and extinguished itself with a another Pop*. Cozy didn't know what to think, she just sat there in the grass in complete shock before her mind caught up with her and she looked up at Discord wondering if he was really the Lord of Chaos or if he just liked playing with his food first.

"Really... y-your just letting me go?" Cozy asked getting up to her hooves and whipping the tears out of her eyes.

Discord just grinned harder and looked away, "Curious isn't it?"

Cozy couldn't believe it, Discord was always doing something nefarious but well... even if he was she didn't care. Cozy's joy returned, she couldn't help herself despite her small size she trotted up to the towering giant and gave his leg a soft hug, "Thank you Discord."

After a moment of embracing the now tense Draconiques Cozy glanced upward to see Discord staring down at her in surprise before he shook his head clear and leaned down. With a quick motion he easily pushed her away with an open claw, "Ugh... just go be a goody four hooves somewhere away from Ponyville and remember you promised to leave and not come back so I better not see you around here ever again."

"Okay I will." Cozy said getting to her hooves with a large smile. 

I thought you were the mean one, Cozy thought as she started trotting away from him towards Tender and Victor who were waiting for her over at their meet up spot. Cozy took in a deep breath and let it out, it was finally over, now after everything she'd been through she had a strait shot at freedom away from all this madness. After trotting over several green hills later she reached the end of her trip to Ponyville with Tender and Victor noticing her approach while they both sat at the back of their large brown wagon. 

"Dizy over here!" Tender shouted whilst waving her hoof in the air with both of them grinning at her arrival. Cozy wanted to call out to them but was at a loss for words and just to happy to speak, as she trotted up to Tender's dangling legs and held out her hooves for Tender who snatched her up off the ground to join them up on the wagon.





"So how was Ponyville?" Tender asked with Cozy sitting between her and Victor as they watched the small town below them and all the chaos ensuing there.

"It was... a doozie." Cozy nonchalantly stated causing both of them to share a glance and laugh before Victor hopped down from the back of the wagon and headed around to the front harness so they could all leave.

"So are you girls ready to head on over to Applelossa?" Victor called back to them. 

"Yeah." her and Tender said pulling themselves completely into the wagon next to their supplies and watched as Ponyville slowly vanish as Victor pulled their wagon away.
> The Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





"No no stop please I'm begging you!" Starlight pleaded down in the dark barely lit cave whilst being suspended up in the air by Chrysalis's magic. Oh it was glorious Chrysalis watched Starlight's eyes as they darted everywhere as she looked for a means of escape or even better for somepony to come save her, Ha her face was so delicious. After so long and so much planning she could finally unleash her wrath on this pathetic pony. 

"Oh but Starlight it won't hurt for much longer... well at least not physically." Chrysalis boasted as she lowered her latest device, a bonesaw suspended in the air above Starlight's head right down to the base of the Unicorn's horn.

"WAIT WAIT You don't ha- Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Starlight screamed with her eyes going wide with shocked horror as the saw sliced through the top part of her horn with a sickening screech as it cut away at an excruciatingly slow speed for maximum effect. Chrysalis desperately wanted to take her time, after all why make the pain quick this was way more exciting to watch. Oh what a pastime, Chrysalis thought as she enjoyed every second of the former unicorn's torture. 

While cutting away Starlight began kicking her legs feebly in the air in a last ditch attempt to stop the horrendous  dismemberment. Oh watching your prey squeal is so delightful the perfect reward for conquering this insidious race, Chrysalis thought as she let a gleeful smile spread across her face, heck Chrysalis bet she was smiling wider than that pony brat Cozy Glow, oh yes she intended to destroy that little monster later too once she's sated her thirst for vengeance. 

"Ahhhhhhhh sob* uh uh sob*..." Starlight whimpered with glimmering tears streaming out of her black eyes as her light purple horn clattered to the stone floor of the cave in front of Chrysalis. 

"Oh thank you. What a pleasant memento of our time together." Chrysalis said as she picked the broken horn up in her hoof and turned it about as she tried to decide what to do with it. Hmmm... I could mount it somewhere too high for her to reach, Chrysalis thought as she watched Starlight lift her damaged head up to look at her lost body part in Chrysalis's grasp with a sad look of defeat etched into her features. Finally broken are we?

Chrysalis dropped the new earth pony to the ground with a hard thud and watched her curl up into a fetal position while she continued sobbing. Not such a bad job, Chrysalis concluded after all with this single removal she had stripped every last bit of specialty from the mare who'd stolen everything from her, the very mare Chrysalis had been beating for quite some time now. Eternity really is a long time isn't it... 

Chrysalis started trotting over to her quarry only for Starlight to catch the sound of her approach and picked herself up, not far though Chrysalis had made sure to make short work of Starlight's four hooves by beating them senseless until walking became almost impossible for her little pet at this point. 

As Chrysalis came to within a hoof step from Starlight the trembling mess at her hooves recognized the danger she was in and locked her hooves around herself in a vain attempt at protection, much to Chrysalis's amusement. Oh this is the best part where I break her completely.

"Here." Chrysalis said hiding her malice to make the ruse all the more splendid.

Chrysalis held the broken horn down to Starlight who gazed up at her with what seemed like a small hope that she had finally stopped and it was all over before reaching out a trembling hoof for her most prized possession. At that exact moment Chrysalis enveloped the broken horn in her magic and promptly crumbled it into a thousand pieces in front of her with it's ashes slowly falling to the cave floor. That was it the last straw as Starlight's black eyes began a whole new fountain of tears as she finally lost all hope and slumped to the floor with Chrysalis putting her hoof on her back and shoving her all the way down on her belly.

"Good girl." Chrysalis gloated above her prey as the cave around her grew immensely darker despite her night vision until her dream completely faded into nothingness and she awoke groggily to stir in her unpleasant but soft pink bed.

"Hello.... Hello.... Chrysalis can you hear me?" Chrysalis heard somepony sweetly as she raised her good hoof to her face and rubbed her eyes. which ever moron it is has bad timing... yawn* I was having a good dream, Chrysalis thought as she cracked her tired eyes open to see a young looking white unicorn in a maid outfit with light blue hair and baby blue eyes on the other side of the bars to her cell. Oh no another one...

"Ugh... What!?" Chrysalis asked causing the frightened looking mare to jump slightly in surprise, much to her immediate enjoyment. There all so jumpy, clearly they weren't built for the real world...

"Oh well you see gulp* Princess Twilight ordered me to fetch you these." The mare explained as she pulled a metal food cart into view with an array of multicolored and sprinkled cup cakes resting on top of it's metal pristine surface. Chrysalis eyed the food beyond her cell, with their sweet aroma pouring in to greet her.

"Can I come in please?" The mare asked while putting on a welcoming smile, Chrysalis wasn't fooled though as her nostrils flared as she detected the slight smell of fear seeping into her cell with the cup cakes. Apparently Twilight hadn't chosen this mare for her courage, this was probably a quick decision. A mistake... Hmm well lets see if this girls house broken yet...

"Yes and be quick about it I'm hungry." Chrysalis demanded and waited to see what kind of reaction the pony would have to being bossed around. To her surprise all the mare did was politely nod without a single comment and start to push her cart past the stone faced guard who had been watching Chrysalis sleep all day.

"Did the Princess tell you too?" the guard inquired as he placed a hoof on the maid's shoulder, all the while never taking his eyes off of Chrysalis. He must have a death wish if he actually stops me from getting something to eat, I've killed for less...

Chrysalis watched the mare glance over in her direction nervously before leaning up to the guard and whispering in his ear, "Yes she did but she ordered a group of guards to wait outside in the hall in case she does something." Smart but they must not have enough experience with Changelings otherwise they'd know just how much better our hearing is...

After explaining to the guard the mare's horn came to life with a gust of blue magic as she shot a quick spell at the food cart, engulfing it in a blue arura. Afterwards she slowly pushed the glowing cart as it fazing right through the bars of Chrysalis's cell. Okay so why does Twilight need a key? Chrysalis wondered, if a servant like this could just faze right through objects then what was the point of even having doors? 

Without warning and with a quick hop the maid also slid herself through the bars after her food cart with her eyes locking on to Chrysalis. Got to give the insolent little creature credit, Chrysalis thought as she slid her long snake like tongue out and tasted the fear emanating from the petite mare.

Noticing this the guard outside the cell decided to be a nuisance as usual, "Just remember if you try to do anything to her bug I'll be the first one volunteering to move your stone statued butt back into the royal gardens." the guard threatened as Chrysalis rolled her eyes at him from her bed. Okay so before I leave I need to neuter that one for good measure, Chrysalis thought as she averted her eyes to the mare who was pulling napkins and other utensils aside to get ready to feed her.

Hmm... what to do, Chrysalis debated as she envisioned herself sucking the mare dry of all of her love and promptly destroying anypony in her way until she was free. As fun as that daydream was Chrysalis was betting Twilight had even more contingencies, she's always overthinking everything. Even with the maids magic Chrysalis still wouldn't have enough power to blow the cell apart and escape, that wasn't even taking into account that Chrysalis would still definitely need more magic to compensate for the hurt hoof she'd suffered from the riot. Not yet...

"So um how do you want to do this... Queen Chrysalis." the mare asked while using her title in the middle of the cell much to Chrysalis and even the guard's surprise. Hmm... manners too somepony's had good remodels, Chrysalis thought but suspected the recognition of her title was probably just another ploy to try and get on her good side, unfortunately for the maid Chrysalis didn't really have one anymore. Nevertheless She was still quit pleased to hear the words come from a servant even if that servant was a pony.

"Tear off the wrapper." Chrysalis demanded with a stern voice which caused the Unicorn maid to smile as she did what she was told like a good girl and picked up a purple coated cup cake in her magic before removing the bottom for Chrysalis. Then with reserve the maid held the cup cake out in the air towards her at a safe distance away causing Chrysalis to get a playfully awful idea. Might as well have some fun while I eat...

"You shouldn't get magic to close to me I might just take a little." Chrysalis explained as the mare adopted a tiny frown and lowered the cup cake into her hoof instead of using her magic like she wanted and preceded to hold it out for Chrysalis at a still fair distance away. 

"Closer." Chrysalis said in a fake weak voice while retrieving her hoof just barely out of the infuriating pink blanket she was under and holding it close to her as if she couldn't do much more than that.

Looking at her apparent helplessness the mare's ears dropped back suddenly with realization before she inched her way closer with baby steps until she was leaning over Chrysalis to hoof the Cup cake over to her. Taking the opportunity as the maid was leaning over her to reach her hoof Chrysalis pulled her head up from her pillow and took a long sniff of the mare right beside the frightened creatures ear, causing the girl to freeze solid in terror as Chrysalis smirked and took the cup cake out of the mare's frozen hoof. Oh fear is such a good seasoning, She thought as she let the pleasing smell fill her nostrils.

After a second of realizing that Chrysalis hadn't harmed her in any way the mare shot herself away with her eyes closed shut in terror as she took a deep breath to compose herself. She's not going to last long, Chrysalis guessed with a smirk as she enjoyed the sweet tasting Cup cake she was now crushing in her fangs anlong with the stolen aroma she'd gotten from the maid. Sooo pleasing...

After shaking her head clear the mare forced her smile to returned as she picked up another cup cake in her magic and stripped the wrapper off just like the first one. 

"Okay, so how many of these do you want?" the maid asked and nodded towards the full tray of at least twenty cup cakes or more. 

"Hmm... All of them." Chrysalis stated with joy as the mare gulped hard and leaned back over Chrysalis to give her another one of the sweet pastries. Chrysalis again took a sniff of the fear coming off of the tiny mare as she placed another Cup Cake in her hoof, much to the mare's disdain. You know I could get used to breakfast in bed, Chrysalis thought gleefully as she tossed the cup cake into her mouth and eyed the frightened mare who was staring at her sharp fangs. Like a mouse looking at a cat...

"Delicious." Chrysalis said to the slightly trembling maid which somehow got her to brighten up a little by the compliment.

"I made them myself actually, the cook was well kind of busy." the mare explained while glancing down and rubbing her hoof humbly. 

"Oh I wasn't talking about the cup cakes." Chrysalis said, causing the mare's eyes to shrink to pin pricks as her smile immediately vanished before she hesitantly prepared another cupcake.



 How did it come to this... Twilight thought as she trotted down the rainbow glittering streets of Ponyville with Spike and Flash magnus at her side as they all walked down the upended town in silence. It hadn't taken long after she had put her plan into motion that things had taken a turn for the worst, with most ponies wising up and locked themselves away to wait out the ensuing chaos covering the streets. How did a glorious day like today turn into a living nightmare so fast, Twilight thought as two young fillies bounded past her to find shelter before another wave of glittering magical dust enveloped the street they were on, submerging the fillies in a blanket of rainbow colors. 

It really didn't matter much to Twilight though, because of her height she stood well above the blanket of rainbow snow and with this being well past her twentieth time being covered she was beginning to get used to the mess. The fillies on the other hoof let out a yelp and tried to pull the glittering mess off of them much to Twilight's dismay. She really hadn't intended to cause such a commotion over finding the Mimic but never the less watching her plan drive the ponies of Ponyville into locking themselves away in fear was still making her feel awful. Sighing Twilight trained her eyes on the two fillies in the middle of the road as she watched for any signs of them glowing green but after a moment the dust faded with the girls scampering off to find shelter. If I didn't know I brought this all here I'd have already stoned Discord...

"You're grace!" Twilight heard from behind her and turned swiftly around to find a panting guard still trying to catch his breath.

"Yes what is it?" she asked, hoping that the Mimic had finally been found and all of this was finally over.

"It's pant* the citizens your highness they've started demanding their fillies back from the center of town and the guards there don't know what to do."  The guard explained. Oh no, Twilight thought as she hung her head and shook it in dismay, of course they were angry their children were basically being held captive with no reason as to why, but if she told them the situation it would only cause more of a panic. There's just no right answer here...

"Come on." Twilight told the trio as they all turned around and started making the nervous journey all the way back into the center of town to face the angry mob. 

"Don't worry your highness we'll find the creature and be back in Canterlot before dinner." Flash stated with Twilight giving him a slight smile.

"Thank you captain... all I want is for this day to just end." Twilight lamented with Spike putting a comforting claw on her shoulder as they began to hear the loud shouting of angry parents off in the distance ahead of them. Then for the twelfth time today they saw Pinkie Pie bouncing by with her unusually large magnifying glass. 

"Find anything yet?" Twilight asked her bouncing friend.

"Nope sorry, just some more bad tasting snow." Pinkie Pie shouted as she flew by them down the street they had come from in search of the Cozy Clone. Twilight allowed herself a quick smirk, only Pinkie Pie would try to eat some of that rainbow stuff.

 Actually I should get a sample of it... wait what am I doing I have to stay focused, She thought as she made her way through the empty market place and into the town square in front of Mayor Mare's office. There she saw a gathered hoard of ponies surrounding the building in a semicircle as they yelled and shouted at the hopelessly lost guards trying to usher them back. Just my day, Twilight thought as she trotted into the crowd of ponies gathered there as more and more of Ponyville's citizens locked their angry eyes on her instead of at the concerned looking group of guards who were positioned around Scootaloo and the rest of the little Pegasie. 

Much to her surprise however the ponies let her pass by them without a word as she came to the top of the stairs to Mayor Mares office so she could address all of them at once from above the crowd. Upon reaching the top she surveyed the frightened fillies they'd collected but found no sign of any of them looking suspicious or with curly hair. Well there goes that, Twilight thought as she scanned all of the unhappy faces and cleared her throat.

"I know this is unexpected and you'r-" Twilight tried to say.

"Unexpected!? Give me back my filly this instant!" an upset mother in the crowd shouted with other ponies nodding in agreement.





"Why are you even doing this? You're literally raining down a sparkling mess everywhere!" another stallion voiced.

"I-" Twilight stammered.

"What about Discord huh!? What's that hooligan doing circling Ponyville!?" Another shouted as Twilight was rendered speechless as the crowd's shouting intensified all around her. Then to Twilight's surprise Celestia came soaring out from above the tops of Ponyville's houses and landed down beside her at the top of the stairs with the crowd still raging at them. 

"Have you had any luck?" Twilight asked just loud enough to be heard over the angry mobs shouting.

"No I haven't but Luna is well... out of commission." Celestia stated with Twilight's wings flaring up at the thought of Luna getting hurt by the creature.

"What do you mean? Did something happen to her?" Twilight asked frantically.

"Sigh* she passed out on a rooftop two streets down. She hasn't exactly gotten that much sleep since she found out about the creature." Celestia explained. Oh wow, Twilight hadn't even considered the fact that Luna had been up for so long, earlier she had been so ready to begin the search without even a hint of sleepiness. I guess she was pushing herself the whole time...

"I think it's about time we considered other options." Twilight said to her former mentor as she scanned the angry crowd and glanced at all the upset faces. 

"I agree, this isn't working as well as I'd hoped." Celestia stated with her serine voice which was just barley being heard over the angry mob's shouting. Seriously didn't they have to breath?

After a moment of watching the citizens jabber on Twilight decided to lighten the mood a little since they weren't apparently getting very far with anything else, "Soooo... what do you think about making this an annual holiday?" she asked with a smile.

It only took a moment for Celestia to shot her a confused look and then burst out laughing, "Hahahahahaha, Twilight No! I don't think I can handle doing this every year."

"Oh come on it could be fun, we could find a way to make the Sparkling dust stuff last longer, then we could build like little sparkling snow ponies and make snow angles." Twilight suggested with her, Spike, Flash, and Celestia all laughing together much to the crowds confusion. After a while Celestia whipped her eyes and glanced away somberly. 

"You know I should really be appologizing." Celestia said out of the blue which startled her, Spike, and Flash. 

"Apologize for what? This?" Twilight asked pointing a hoof towards the angry mob.

Celestia slumped slightly, "No Twilight it's just that you should have had an easy transition into ruling Equestria not all of this. Perhaps me and Luna should have handled this matter on our own." Twilight could see the pain in Celestia's eyes as they looked over the crowd, she's probably feeling bad for leaving me to deal with this mess instead of coronating me afterwards.

"You couldn't have foreseen something like this." Twilight said trying to comfort her which earned a thankful smile and glance from Celestia, before Twilight spotted the flash of a camera taking pictures of the angry mob in the background. Oh no not that, Twilight thought, the last thing she needed was bad press to swarm her tomorrow morning.

"You two." Twilight addressed the closest of her Pegasus guards who turned to her for instruction.

"Get that camera." Twilight commanded before Celestia put a hoof on her shoulder and said, "Wait."

"I don't think that's wise." Celestia stated down to her.

"But it'll be all over the newspaper-" Twilight defended as she envisioned all the ponies in Canterlot wanting conformation about what happened on her trip to Ponyville by tomorrow morning. And that's not including the ponies I sent home today...

"In the past I've found that trying to suppress public information tends to make the situation get worse instead of better." Celestia explained.

Twilight hesitated she hadn't really thought of it like that but of course it would be bad if she tried to suppress public information, they'd see her as a shady ruler from here on out. Not exactly a good first impression to ruling the country.

"Sigh* okay leave the newsponies alone." Twilight said with the guards reasserting themselves at the stairs between them and the crowd.

I need to end this, Twilight thought and started to gather her resolve to address the crowd again but before she could she heard a strange crunching sound from above her as a golden piece of buttered popcorn fell down from the sky and bounced off of her nose before hitting the ground. What in the, Twilight whirled her head up to the sky and spotted Discord eyeing the crowd from above them as he lay on the overhang of Mayor Mare's office. Not you too...

"Discord what are you doing?" Twilight asked as another stray piece of popcorn sailed from above and landed in her hair.

Discord nonchalantly looked down at them from his vantage point, "Oh you know just taking in all the delicious chaos. I have to say I actually like how you handled the situation so far princess."

Twilight ruffled her mane until the popcorn came out, "You're supposed to be searching the exits to Ponyville!"

"Oh funny you should mention that." Discord said as he retrieved something hairy and green from behind him where Twilight couldn't see and dropped it down on top of her. Twilight pulled the green mess clinging to her crown before she realized what it was.

"A wig?" Twilight stated aloud as everypony in her small group gathering around to survey the item. Twilight also pulled a tail attachment from the disguise before she realized some of the wig had a slight green glow on it.

"That's good right..." Spike stated right next to Twilight as they eyed the glowing disguise.

"Is this-" Twilight asked holding the green fluffy wig up to Celestia who narrowed her eyes.

"Yes that's the glow were looking for, the creature must have been wearing it recently." Celestia confirmed with Twilight hoofing the wig to Spike for him to hold before returning her undivided attention back to The Lord of Chaos.

"Discord where did you find this?" Twilight asked wanting to locate it's last position so they could find it.

Discord just closed his eyes and shrugged, "Oh it was around a small lake outside of Ponyville."

Outside of Ponyville!? They were to late then there was no way the creature would leave a disguise behind unless it didn't need it anymore. "That means it's already left..." Twilight whispered as she tried to wrap her head around the worsening situation. Darn what were they going to do now wait until it actually did hurt somepony, she couldn't let that happen.

"Discord did you see anything else?" Celestia asked getting Twilight's attention.

"Oh funny you should ask, you see while I was looking for your dangerous fugitive I saw this outrageous looking pair of birds perched way to close to each other, one was-" Discord said.

"Discord now is not the time for this!" Spike shouted as he flew into the air to get face to face with the Draconiques and giving him an angry glare.

"Ugh you know you're way more fun at O&O sessions." Discord said while pushing Spike away with a claw and stuffed some more popcorn into his mouth with a crunch* as he chewed away.

Twilight shook her head, It's no use anymore if it's not in Ponyville. Twilight felt lost as she drew a deep breath and shouted at the crowd with her Canterlot Voice, "ALL OF THE FILLIES CAN GO HOME! EVERPONY REMAIN CALM THERE WON'T BE ANY MORE SPARKLING DUST!"

After her announcement Discord let out a long sigh and the crowd's angry shouting died instantly with most of them looking relieved. One by one the gold armored guards stepped out of the way as the fillies trotted past them in various directions, some of which were immediately reunited with their loved ones. Well at least that problems over, Twilight thought with most ponies in the crowd shooting her one more dirty look before they dispersed with their fillies and drew away from the town square on the way home.

Twilight waited in silence until the last of the crowd disappeared from sight before addressing her commander, "Flash I want you to stay here until I can send another battalion Ponyville's way." Twilight instructed with the war veteran giving her a firm nod.

"I'm on it." Flash said before turning his attention to the guards surrounding them, "You all heard the princess split up and keep searching until we find something!" With that Twilight watched Flash and the other guards disperse to patrol the streets. 

"Ugh, did you have to stop the riot before they got out their torches?" Discord asked with Twilight turning to stare her own daggers at him. Oh course he was finding all this funny, he's been nothing but a pain in the flank every time they've needed him since he was first reformed despite all the chances they'd given him. How does Fluttershy put up with him?

"Ignore him." Celestia advised as Twilight continued to glare up at the Draconiques's unamused face.

It wasn't all his fault Twilight supposed after all they'd had no luck locating the Mimic either and to make matters worse they had all upended Ponyville with nothing to show for it. If they had captured the fake filly then it would've been worth the mob and the bad press but now it was all just a pointless crusade to nowhere. Twilight's anger slowly melted away as she lowered her head away from discord in defeat and started trotted down the wooden steps with Celestia and Spike close behind her.

"Don't give up Twilight, when Luna's awake later she may be able to interrogate the creature in the dream realm." Celestia suggested. That was true the creature had dreams so maybe they could always try and find it that way but still she had her doubts, after all the Mimic had gotten away despite a full battalion being in Ponyville looking for it. Whatever this Mimic was it was probably just as smart as the original Cozy Glow so finding it was going to prove difficult.

"I wonder where it would go? I mean if it looks like Cozy Glow then wouldn't it be useless to run anywhere?" Spike asked much to her immediate realization. That was true too, the creature looked like Cozy Glow that meant anypony who recognized her would probably turn her in. 

"You wouldn't have any idea where it could be going do you?" Twilight asked as she looked up towards the much larger towering white Alicorn to find Celestia shaking her head.

"Unfortunately the creature could be heading anywhere. For all we know it's on it's way to Canterlot right now." Celestia answered.

Ponyfeathers, That was right it wasn't just Ponyville they had to search now, it was the entirety of Equestria. There's no way, Twilight lamented. She had to face the facts the clone was smart, it had avoided capture despite glowing for them like a neon sign. Wait... and no pony was harmed? Twilight stopped in her tracks much to the surprise of Celestia and Spike who stopped in the middle of the road beside her as they all came to a screeching halt in the middle of the marketplace.

"Wait it just left... and it didn't do anything." Twilight stated as she glanced up at Celestia. That meant at the very least the creature wasn't some rampaging killing machine, for all they knew it might have just been trying to run away.

"Maybe it was to worried about being captured." Celestia suggested.

Twilight wanted to know more though, this was probably the first Mimic in well over a thousand years and the prospect of learning more intrigued her. Like what were they like without food? Did they get hungry? Did they write backwards? Well they weren't getting very far with the search so she might as well try her luck by learning everthing she could from Celestia. With any luck she could find some writings on the creatures maybe even an independent study.

"Celestia... I was wondering if you could explain more about the Mimics for me?" Twilight asked as a long pause followed with Celestia glancing away from her as she pretended to be a customer instead as she looked over all of the items for sale in the marketplace.

"What would you like to know?" Celestia asked coldly clearly unamused about the subject at hoof. Twilight should have been paying more attention it seemed as if Celestia was dead set on destroying the thing without even trying to learn more about it. It didn't matter right now though since this was her only chance to learn more and by Pinkie Pie's cupcakes she was taking it.

"Have you ever run into a Mimic that could think?" Twilight asked wanting to know the full extent on Celestia's history with the creature they were hunting.

"No but when I was really little I heard stories about some that could. Mimics that used to be ponies..." Celestia explained as she levitated a penguin plushie in the air to get a closer view.

"Wait there were other Pony Mimics before?" Twilight asked. How could there have been Pony monsters like that and no mention of them in any of her books? I mean surely Star Swirl would have seen one by now right?

"It was a long time ago, Grogar was always looking for new creatures he could make besides Stone Golems and Beholders, it appears he found some willing ponies who would join him among the Equestrians." Celestia stated much to Twilight's shock. Ponies willingly turning into Mimics? The mere thought of that was haunting, how could a pony go from being normal to being a creature that would hunt and kill other ponies by choice?

"Why? I mean what would a pony gain from turning themselves into a monster?" Twilight asked.

"Mostly power, you see Mimics have the ability to accumulate power over time by absorbing it from others." Celestia explained as she began picking up straw pieces of merchandise that had been knocked to the ground and placing them back in their respective places to be sold later.

"Wait how do they just gain power?" Twilight asked, wondering how anything could gradually become more dangerous by default.

"I'm not sure but they seem to have the ability to drain magic out of anything alive that's near them. However I've found that a pony being drained could go weeks without realizing what was happening to them since Mimics drain the magic so slowly... animals on the other hoof are far more attuned to the danger. They can sense the slight drop in temperature a Mimic creates and their years of natural instincts for survival help them identify the Mimic quickly." Celestia explained.

Just the idea of being preyed upon slowly over time sent a chill down Twilight's spine, as she imagined her magic slowly withering away without even realizing it. But the thing about animals was interesting, Maybe Fluttershy's animals could help me find it... wait no that would put them in harms way...

"But I mean that doesn't seem too monstrous right. Isn't there any other way they can gain power?" Twilight asked hoping to find another weakness they could exploit. Hopefully once captured she'd be able to study the Mimic Cozy more and find out what made them tick just in case they ever encountered another one.

"Actually yes there is... you see a Mimic can gain all the magic from their prey immediately if they decided to eat the magical creature." Celestia stated with Twilight ceasing to breath at the revelation. Wait... that meant if the Cozy Mimic wanted more power then all she would have to do is go on a killing spree. 

"We have to find it." Twilight reaffirmed with Celestia giving her an approving nod like the one she'd normally give her for a good grade on a history test. Those were the good old days, Twilight thought before out of nowhere Derpy fluttered down from the sky in front of them much to both her surprise and her amusement. All this havoc and the Ponyville mail service is still at it.

Derpy huffed and took a breath before she cheerily said, "Twilight it's been so hard finding you, heh I bet I would've still been searching your castle if it wasn't for Cozy pointing me in-"

"What!?" Twilight and Spike shouted with Derpy's eyes going wide at the sudden outburst.

"Derpy you've seen Cozy Glow!?" Twilight asked frantically as she got in Derpy's face and grabbed the mare by her uniform.

"Um yes..." Derpy whispered.

"Where? When?" Twilight asked desperately, causing a worried bead of sweet to run down Derpy's head.

"Well she was just laying under a tree... I thought she was sleeping at first but when I got closer I could tell she was just relaxing what with the cute little smile she had and everthing." Derpy answered sweetly. There was still a chance then, Twilight took her hooves of off Derpy with Celestia coming to stand right beside them.

"Can you take us to where she is?" Twilight asked as her and Celestia loomed over the worried mail pony.

"I mean I can but... don't you want your mail?" Derpy asked nervously as she reached into her traveling mail bag for a letter.

"There's no time Derpy. I need you to lead us to Cozy right now." Twilight urged with Derpy pouting and backing up before doing what she was told by lifting into the air with a beat of her wings.

Finally some good news, Twilight had to get there fast, hopefully with a little luck she could convince the Mimic to surrender peacefully and come back to Canterlot with them. As soon as Derpy was airborne Twilight, Spike, and Celestia all followed as they flapped their wings and quickly took off above the buildings of Ponyville. While flying Twilight made sure to watch the ground below her carefully as the made their way over the green fields to the place Derpy was leading them.

As she flew Twilight caught a glimpse of a small tree and assumed that's where the creature was hiding since it was in their direct path. Wanting to be sure to get the first word in Twilight increased her speed as she broke away from the others and landed beneath the shade of the tree before quickly circling it, only to find no sight of the Mimic. No!

"Hey Twilight," Spike called out as he landed with Twilight scurrying back around the tree to find him putting an open claw to the ground. Twilight was confused but came to stand over Spike anyway as Celestia and Derpy touched down a few feet away from them.

"What is it Spike?" Twilight asked wondering why the ground was so important.

"The grass is flat here." Spike pointed out as Twilight focused on the green blades of grass to see a tiny portion of it had been smothered. It must have been resting here, Twilight thought and glanced over to see Celestia surveying the fields while Derpy was sitting down a few feet away with an unamused frown on her face.

"Twilight." Celestia addressed while never taking her eyes of off the fields.

"Yes?" Twilight asked despite not wanting to hear the apparent bad news.

"I hate to say it but by now it's probably gone, I doubt it would still be in the area after it saw us searching Ponyville." Celestia stated and somberly sat down facing the town off in the distance.

Twilight sighed, of course the creature would be gone by the time they got here and with the search they'd made in town it was unlikely it had stayed in the area for very long. Why did things happen like? Twilight wondered as she put a hoof to her temple as she felt a headache start to creep into the back of her head, again she had failed and now both Ponyville and Canterlot's citizens were outraged at her without any explanation given to them as to why. Twilight felt sick deep down in her stomach as she looked around before her eyes locked onto Derpy who was looking just as depressed as she was beneath the tree they were all huddled under. Well at least I can make somepony's day...

"Sigh* Derpy you said something about a letter." Twilight asked with Derpy brightening up immediately as she searched through her mail bag and withdrew a red letter with gold printing around the edges. Twilight trotted over and took the letter in her wings before offering a polite thank, "Thank you." With Derpy nodding and taking flight as she started the quick flight back towards Ponyville.

She's probably been looking all morning, Twilight thought as she watched her go and then slowly trotted over to Celestia with the letter securely in her wing before plopping down beside the much larger Alicorn. To her surprise Celestia slowly  wrapped a big fluffy white wing around her and drew her in closer.

"I hate days like today." Celestia stated as they watched the serine town off in the distance.

"I know what you mean... I feel like I'm drowning." Twilight whispered as Spike came into her view in her peripheral vision and Celestia opened up her wing with him sliding in right beside her before the wing surrounded both of them like a blanket. 

"Is there anything else bothering you?" Celestia asked without any anger or joy... Celestia sounded just as tired as Twilight felt.

"Well I freed Chrysalis this morning." Twilight answered with Celestia taking a moment to let her words sink in. 

"Oh... how is she? The wound I mean." Celestia asked.

Twilight hesitated not because she didn't know what to say but more for the posibility that it might make Celestia feel worse then she already did. After all she had been one of the three who had sealed Chrysalis in stone to begin with...

"I... Well she had six fractures in her shoulder." Twilight said and suddenly felt Celestia tense up at the revelation. 

"Is she going to be okay?" Celestia asked with Twilight detecting a slight bit of sadness entering her voice.

"Dr. Graymare said she'd make a full recovery in about two months but he said turning her back to stone was well... problematic for her safety." Twilight explained as a soft breeze blew some of their hair in the wind with the leaves from the tree above them swaying and creating a dance of sunlight all around them.

"I suppose the other two aren't safe in stone either."  Celestia stated.

"With so many ponies mad at them I'd say no." Twilight said.

"We made a mistake then. What are you going to do with them?" Celestia asked.

"I planned on reading Cozy the Friendship Journal before bedtime and when we'd gotten through the entire book I was going to release her to see if she had learned anything... If I thought she was genuinely sorry for what she did I planned on giving her a second chance." Twilight explained. What followed was a long pause with Twilight spotting Rainbow Dash scouring the rooftops and guards trotting through the town in pairs. 

"Planned? Have you changed your mind?" Celestia asked.

"No it's just... what Luna said earlier about Cozy getting rid of a part of her self. I mean she was acting completely heartless when the villains were trying to take over... I'm not sure what happened but what if she got rid of something good?" Twilight asked. Now that she thought about it the possibility seemed more likely, for all she knows they could be hunting the only good part of Cozy left...

"Sigh* If she did Twilight then she just condemned it. Mimics aren't like us they don't need to eat, they don't need to sleep, they don't even need to breath and as far as I know there's never been a good Mimic before." Celestia stated with absolute surety. Twilight wanted to ask her more but  by the way Celestia was talking it was probably best to continue the conversation later, maybe even with Luna when Celestia was gone.

"What about Tirek?" Celestia asked.

"Sigh* I plan on returning him to Tarturus." Twilight said, It wasn't that she wanted to throw any creature in Tartarus but Tirek was his own special case. He'd probably had the most time out of all the villains to change his ways but he still came back for another attack. Apparently ruling the world wasn't good enough for him, he'd even blown up her house... and nearly killed her... Twice.

Ugh, all this planning was giving her a headache and she couldn't keep watching Rainbow Dash zip back and forth over Ponyville anymore, not after they had learned that the Mimic was probably gone. Twilight needed to send word to her friends to tell them the bad news, so she turned to her snuggled up dragon beside her, "Spike could you do me a favor and get the girls for me?"

"Sure thing." Spike answered before getting up from the ground and stretching out his wings. After a satisfying crack* Twilight watched him take off over the rolling hills towards Ponyville.  

Twilight felt tired, now that she had a moment to rest she was beginning to realize just how long she had been walking through town and slumped over with her eyes halfway closing before Celestia's wing drew her closer until she was leaning on Celestia like a big soft pillow.

"Do you want me to help you?" Celestia whispered, with Twilight's eyes shooting open.

"What do you mean help me?" she asked confused.

"Me and Luna could come stay in Canterlot for a while to help you find the creature, I doubt most of the ponies there would mess with you if we were around." Celestia suggested.

Twilight actually considered it the past couple of days had been a nightmare, what with her coronation, the riots, and the Mimic, ugh it's been such a mess. Then again she didn't want to look weak in front of her subjects, she had just recently come into the throne, having Celestia watch over her might send the common ponies a bad message. But I could use the help...

"Do you think you'd be alright hanging out in the castle with Queen Chrysalis?" Twilight asked.

Celestia just snorted, "Sure if she gives you any trouble I could always break her other shoulder for you."

"Giggle* Please don't do that it was hard enough to watch the first surgery." Twilight stated enjoying the mood change. 

"Hahaha, Okay fine but the offers still open." Celestia jested as they enjoyed the calm scenery together. Despite all the problems this felt nice, like she was still staying in Ponyville...

"Um Twilight I don't mean to spoil the moment but do you know what's stabbing my wing under there?" Celestia asked.

"Oh." Twilight said glancing behind her and noticing the letter she'd received earlier and pulled it out from in between two of Celestia's large white feathers.

"Well, I know who that's from." Celestia stated as her eyes found their way to the red envelope that had been responsible for her discomfort. 

"Who?" Twilight asked before turning the letter over to see the initials SS written on the front. 

"Just a Canterlot noble named Lord Spector, He was actually decent company when he wasn't stealing my best guards away." Celestia explained.

"Wait what? How did he steal your best guards?" Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow, unsure what Celestia even meant by stealing guards, what was it like kidnapping or something?

"Sigh* I still don't know how he does it but every year when a new batch of guards would graduate from their training the best recruit would mysteriously wind up quitting and later I'd see them working as one of Lord Spector's personal body guards." Celestia explained.

"Wait he bribed them?" Twilight asked astonished that a guard who was going to serve the Princess of Equestria would sell out for some Canterlot noble.

"Yes he's very persuasive and probably the only noble I know that has his own militia." Celestia explained and grabbed Twilight's letter in her gold magic before tearing the red envelope open and unfolding the letter inside. Twilight just watched as Celestia skimmed through the letter above her before her face adopted a scowl as she lowered the letter down to rest on the grass in front of them.

"What's it say?" Twilight asked curious as to why Celestia hadn't immediately shared what it was about.

"Maybe you should wait until later after things cool down some more." Celestia suggested as Twilight gingerly took the letter off the ground with her own magic before reading it. 





Twilight put her hooves over her eyes in despair, "A meeting about my decisions as ruler! tomorrow!? Ugh..." Twilight fell back on Celestia's side. What could go wrong huh another riot, well come on I can take it!

"It'll be alright Twilight." Celestia said trying to comfort her.

"How is any of this going to be alright." Twilight asked while throwing her hooves up and sliding down to lay on the grass in front of Celestia in total defeat. 

"He's requesting a meeting in court Twilight, you could always say no." Celestia explained with a smirk as she loomed over Twilight.

"...Okay that makes me feel better." Twilight said before Rainbow Dash descended beside them and landed only a few hoof steps away.

"What's wrong aren't we still searching?" Rainbow asked.

"Unfortunately no, I think the clone's already left Ponyville." Twilight answered somberly from her position on the ground much to the surprise of Rainbow Dash who's face turned into one of anger as she narrowed her eyes.

"Well aren't we going after it?" Rainbow asked still unamused at the prospect of giving up.

"Sigh* we don't know where it is, it could be heading anywhere by now." Twilight explained with Dash groaning and lowering her head unsure what she should do. Suddenly Twilight started hearing rustling heading their way and detected a slight humming heading their way. Then to her surprise Pinkie appeared over her with a big grin on her face.

"Soooo... find the baddie yet?" Pinkie asked.

"Forget it Pinkie it got away." Rainbow Dash answered for her in an upset tone. 

Pinkie swiveled her head toward dash as her smile vanished, "Really you mean we've been looking for nothing." 

"I'm afraid so Pinkie." Twilight said as Pinkie sat down in the field next to where she was laying.

"Oh... well at least we had an awesome snow day am I right?" Pinkie asked trying to lighten the mood as she usually did in these kind of situations. 

"Actually that was kind'a fun to see." Rainbow Dash concluded with a grin as her friends settled down in the grass around her. 

After another few minutes of silence passed as the waited without knowing what to do Twilight heard Spike say, "Hey we're here." as he touched down.

Twilight gathered her strength and sat up as she spotted Fluttershy and Spike joining them.

"So how'd it go?" Fluttershy asked.

"Not good." Twilight answered.

"It appears we were too late, the clone's moved on." Twilight explained with all of her friends looking around at each other.

"Oh my... well what are we going to do now?" Fluttershy asked. 

Twilight was unsure it wasn't like they could keep searching well into the night. Twilight looked back behind her towards Celestia to see if she knew what to do. Apparently Celestia caught Twilight's plea as she stated, "Sigh* The best we can do is wait until the creature makes a mistake, until then you should all keep an eye open and... don't go to sleep alone."

"Wait what do-do you mean don't sleep alone?" Fluttershy fearfully asked bringing a hoof up to her mouth in dread by the mere implication of danger at night. 

"Yeah I mean why not?" Pinkie asked cocking an eyebrow.

"It's just safer for everypony." Celestia stated with a wave of her hoof, although Twilight was sure Celestia was holding something back if she went out of her way to mention bedtime like that.

"Alright girls I guess that's that, we can discus all of this together at the friendship meeting. Until then I'll send out more guards and wait until something else happens," Twilight explained as everypony around her nodded in agreement.

Tender hummed to herself while Victor pulled the wagon down along the road as they passed the forest that seemed to slowly disappear into a more open countryside as their journey progressed. It had been some time now since the three of them had departed the havoc of Ponyville and she was already sooo bored just sitting around as her mind wandered to the big city with all it's sweet cafe's full of warm hot coffee. No stay on target first the Cowboy city, then the beach, and then the Crystal Empire... Well besides dropping off their little guest...

Glancing over she found the Pink filly leaning over the edge of the wagon with the sunlight outlining her small body with a wholesome smile plastered on her face as she watched the trees go by. Wow I don't even look that happy after my weekly massage, Tender thought as she wondered how a filly like that could go this far without somepony wanting to keep her. I mean She doesn't snore, she doesn't fuss or get annoying, and she has manners only a princess would have, Tender thought as she tried to think about somepony who'd probably want the nine year old. Let's see there was her sister in law she was nice, at least from what Tender had seen so far. But then again Dizy said she didn't like the big city...

Not coming up with an answer she decided to let her mind wander a bit as she remembered Ponyville and all the craziness happening back there. What were those idiotic guards doing and what in the hay was rainbow snow? Ugh, the thoughts were giving her a headache so instead she decided to make herself useful by sorting their supplies around. First she started moving the food to the right side of the wagon and the other supplies to the left side to sort the two out. While moving bags around though she came to the tiny red tent she'd noticed earlier. 

"Hey Dizy." Tender asked getting their small companion's attention as Dizy turned away from the road back to Ponyville and locked her soft ruby eyes on her.

"Hmm..." Dizy asked with a hum.

"What's this?" Tender asked as she held the tiny tent for Dizy to see.

"Oh I bought that so I wouldn't bother you anymore when we sleep." Dizy explained.

Didn't bother me!? what kind of kid thought that way? Wow that was actually pretty sad she'd seen all matter of spoiled snots running around and here was a girl who was more concerned with how a couple of strangers felt at night than with herself. 

"Well you didn't bother me... maybe Victor." Tender said loud enough for her husband to hear.

"Hey if a mare sleeps next to a filly it doesn't look bad alright, Stallions on the other hoof that's a different story." Victor stated as they passed over a bump in the road that jolted her and Dizy.

"Okay point taken, not that it's going to matter much since nopony's going to be judging you from out in the middle of nowhere." Tender shot back as she imagined Victor rolling his eyes from the front of the wagon.

"Oh... I didn't mean to be any trouble." Dizy said as her smile vanished and she rubbed her hoof nervously. Great now he made her feel bad.

"It's alright he's just being a Dum-Dum." Tender said with a playful pout as she set the small tent down with the rest of the supplies. Then something clicked for her when she caught sight of Dizy's bare head at the back of the wagon and wondered what happened to the filly's cute bows from earlier.

"Hey Dizy where'd your ribbons go anyway?" Tender asked with Dizy turning towards her again completely surprised. 

"Oh... I put them away while I was in Ponyville..." Dizy said as she ran a hoof though her mane to the back of her scalp. Then to Tender's curiosity Dizy shuffled some bags around her and picked up a small jingling pouch before pulling it open to withdraw her three missing ribbons.

"Here." Dizy said removing the ribbons from the pouch as she stood up from her seat and wobbled her way over to Tender before holding the bag of bits out in her mouth for her to take. She hesitated at first but pulled the bag out of Dizy's mouth and immediately realized there were bits inside just by how they jingled. 

"I know it's not much but I hope it make up for taking me to... wherever it is I'm going." Dizy explained. 

Usually Tender would take the bits no question, life as a city pony had taught her that any advantage was to be taken immediately without any regrets but this just felt... wrong. She almost felt like taking the bits would leave a nasty taste in her mouth after all Dizy probably didn't have money that often.

"You keep it." Tender said dropping the pouch in Dizy's hooves as the filly glanced up at her in shock.

"But why?" Dizy asked flaring her wings up in the air in surprise.

"Meh, we have enough." Tender said with a shrug before she notice Dizy stunned as she just sat still in front of her perplexed and confused. Wow did I just break her...

"But what do you get out of it..." Dizy whispered unsure of what was happening.

Tender's stomach fell as she realized Dizy probably wasn't used to simple good will from others. I wonder what kind of life she's lived alone on the road...

"Well... I learned that helping other's helps you too somehow. Ya'know it kind of makes you feel all good and warm inside to know you helped somepony else." Tender explained as Dizy's eyes widened slightly by her advice as she looked deep in thought by the concept of simple goodwill. Still stunned huh? Okay well that didn't work...

Tender didn't like seeing Dizy like this, all confused and lost like the filly didn't know what to do, she had to do something to break this spell or whatever it was. Glancing down she found her answer as she realized the untied ribbons in the wagon at Dizy's hoof.

"Hey do you want help putting these back in?" Tender asked the stunned child as she snatched the ribbons up while Dizy moved her eyes slowly to the ribbon's she was now holding before reality hit and the filly shook her head back and forth to clear her confusion.

"Um... okay." Dizy answered as she swiveling around until her back was facing her. Deciding to go one step further she slid her hooves under Dizy's and pulled the filly up to sit firmly in her lap so she could braid her hair easier. Years of Babysitting had taught her that It wasn't everyday you could find a filly who'd actually cooperate with you no matter what you did to them. It felt nice... strange but nice to have Dizy sit against her without question, why couldn't this have been all the other fillies I've foalsat?

With a happy smile she started by casually running her hoof through Dizy's mane as she started separating the soft baby blue hair into three different sections, all the while being cautious not to pull a knot and hurt the little one. Content with her work so far she gradually started braiding the three sections to match how Dizy had her hair earlier instead of just draping at her shoulders like Tender's was. While she worked she continued humming since most fillies liked music and within moments she felt Dizy relax even further as her shoulders slumped. There you go...

Moving the hair together until it was completely braided with a considerable amount of slack for comfort, she picked up a ribbon and tied the tannish gold material in place before grabbing another one for the much larger toping. Okay soooo how do I do this... Tender thought since she wasn't used to tying bows on an already braided set of hair. Shrugging she started pulling the ribbon under part of the braid before stopping for some advice.

"Like this?" Tender asked as she pulled a part of the silk ribbon through a loop only for it to to tie prematurely in Dizy's artic blue mane. No that's not right...

"Wait first you loop it then you do another loop before pulling it all the way through." Dizy instructed as she tried to hold a hoof on a part of the ribbon to help Tender.

Ah, now she had it as she followed Dizy's instructions and tied the ribbon into a bow just like the filly had it from earlier. Being quite proud after her success with the top ribbon she admired her handiwork and gave the large bow a slight tug on both ends to make sure it wouldn't come out accidentally. Wow dad was right every day really is a school day...

Guessing that she was done Dizy made to get up from her warm lap only for Tender put a hoof on her head and inch her back down. "Not quite done yet." She said with a smirk as her attention turned to the last ribbon yet untied in her hoof, can't forget this one. Without warning she leaned the girl down and pulled the girls pink flank up in the air on her yellow chest causing the filly to let out a gasp* of surprise as Tender tied the other bow around her soft swirly tail. There, once she was done she released her captive only to notice Dizy backing away with her mouth hanging open by the sudden handling of her posterior as her face flushed and turned a bright red with her freckles making her cheeks look like cute little strawberries. 





"Giggle* sorry I just wanted to get the other one." Tender said drawing her hoof over her mouth to stop herself from laughing at Dizy's red and stunned face. Guess she's not used to being handled...

"Well um... thanks I guess." Dizy said taking a deep breath and put on a smile despite just being treated like a Tender's personal Babydoll. Whew, good she's not mad at me... she thought as she tried to think of a way to make it up for embarassing the filly. I know, Tender thought as she searched through the bags they'd bought from Knickle Knacks before fishing out the bag of suckers. Hiding it out of Dizy's line of sight she quickly tore the top off and pulled a lollipop behind her back as she inched her way back over to the filly.

"What are you doing?" Dizy asked curiously while bobbing her head to the left to try to glance behind Tender's back to see what she had.

"Oh nothing..." Tender said and waited for the perfect time to strike.

"Are you su- Pop*" Dizy never got to finish what she wanted to say as Tender quickly popped the sucker into the girls mouth. Oh wow, she thought as Dizy's ruby eyes immediately crossed as she gazed at the white Lollipop stick protruding out of her mouth. There, She thought after all to her Lollipops worked a lot like a pacifier all you had to do was pop one into a little girl's mouth and they'd instantly quiet down and become quite the happy filly.

"Consider it a prize for being such a good filly." She explained and gave the stunned girl a few head pats between her ears for good measure. Turning around she grabbed the bag of sweets from behind her and squaring them away in a duffel bag for later.

I know I'm awesome, she thought to herself with a grin before turning around and stopping dead in her tracks as she saw Dizy unmoving as she glanced between her and the sucker. Tender was at a loss, didn't she know what a sucker was...

Coming over to the filly and putting her hoof around Dizy she decided to elaborate, "It's a sucker... you know... you're supposed to suck on it."

To her relief she noticed the sucker start to bob in the girls mouth even though her face never changed that much in the slightest. She shrugged,okay better than nothing...

Sighing she sat down next to the filly before noticing Dizy still standing for no reason and slowly put her hoof on the filly's head before inching the girl down into a sitting position. What am I going to do with you...

Just enjoy the ride Tender, She thought as she took a look over at the scenery and noticed the vast open canyon they were now traveling beside instead of the forest far behind them. What the...

"Victor what are you doing!?" Tender shouted getting both Dizy's and Victors attention as she moved to the wagon's edge and gazed over to see the dirt road disappear only a few feet away from them, going far down into a deep gorge stretching far off into the distance. This road's right next to a cliff!?

"What this is the only way to Applelosa without taking a three day trek through the woods." Victor explained without a hint of fear. Oh Buck this, she wasn't going to have them all fall to their deaths to shave a few hours off their trip. 

"Victor just stop for a minute." Tender demanded as Victor sighed and ground the wagons momentum down to a halt in the  middle of the dirt road.

"What?" Victor asked unlatching himself from the wagon's harness so he could chat with her face to face. Sighing she quickly pulled their map out from one of their bags and opened it up to see if she couldn't find a safer route. Then out of nowhere she heard a gasp* and pulled the map down in time to see Dizy leaning over the edge of the wagon before she scurried to the other side closest to the forest.

"See." Tender said indicating the frightened filly.

Victor stopped his march to the back of the wagon and eyed Dizy with a raised eyebrow, "Don't tell me you're a Pegasus that's afraid of heights?"

To answered Dizy just closed her eyes and shook her head, "I'm not afraid of heights... but I am afraid of falling."

Tender paused for a moment then shrugged at the logic and gave her head a nod in agreement, that seemed reasonable enough for her as she pulled the map back up to scan with Victor coming around the safe side of the wagon to help her sort out their dilemma. Although as she gazed at the unfolded map it soon became clear to her that this was indeed the only route to Applelosa for miles on end.

"See told you so." Victor gloated from the road causing Tender to slump her shoulders in defeat.

"Sigh* Alright so this is the only way." Tender conceded with a pout.

"Soooo since I'm right here..." Victor said with a grin as he leaned up on the wagon.

She didn't need to be a court wizard to know what he wanted. Leaning down on her belly she pressed her lips into his and closed her eyes as she felt the warm kiss melt away her anger over being wrong. 

"There you win alright now lets get out of here." Tender said after she broke away from him and reasserted herself back in the safety of the wagon as she watched Victor grin and trot back around to the front of the wagon so they could continue their journey. 

As she heard him strap himself back in Tender took one final look at their location on the map before asking, "What's the Ghastly Gorge anyway?" 

"It's a bad place." Dizy answered while never taking her lollipop out of her mouth as she moved a bag out of the way and sat on the opposite end of the wagon farthest away from the canyon. 

"What make you say that?" She asked wondering why Dizy seemed so afraid the badly named canyon. I mean it's probably just a big hole in the ground... right?

"Well I heard there are these big eels down there that like to... eat ponies." Dizy answered fearfully with Tender freezing at the mere thought of being eaten as a tingle of fear ran down her spine. By Celestia's nonexistent beard...

Just then Victor decided to chime in. "Wow really? Hey honey why don't we go visit down there, you know since it's on the way?" Victor asked sarcastically as they started moving down the road again.

"Don't you dare..." She whispered threateningly before tucking the map away back in it's bag and crawling over their stuff until she was right in front of Dizy.

"Mind if I sit with you?" Tender asked as Dizy lightly pushed a bag out of the way for her as she join the smaller pony. Plopping down between two bags of supplies with Dizy she nonchalantly put a comforting hoof around her much smaller companion and tried to think of something to say so she wouldn't have to think about all the pony eating eels probably dwelling in the canyon just below them.

"Sooo anything you want to talk about since we're here?" Tender asked with Dizy pulling the lollipop out of her mouth to answer.

"Actually I was wondering if either of you had any trouble leaving Ponyville." Dizy asked out of the blue.

"Well it wasn't that bad... I mean besides that moment when we thought the guards had caught you." She explained, as she remembered the trip out of town and all the fillies they had seen being placed in the town square by the guards. Then to her surprise she felt Dizy immediately tense up right next to her.

"What makes you think that?" Dizy asked defensively. Yeah the idea of being caged doesn't suit me either, She thought as she detected the fear Dizy was trying to suppress in her voice.

"Didn't you see? They were gathering fillies for some reason. I didn't even know royal guards patrolled like that outside of Canterlot. For a second there I thought we were going to have to drag you out of there so we could get back out on the road." Tender explained with Dizy slowly untensing and melting under her hoof.

"Oh... " Dizy whispered as Tender tried to find a way to steer the conversation in a more positive way.

"Sooo... Did you see any rainbow snow?" She asked as the image of the rainbow snow flashed in her mind. 

"Uh-huh." Dizy confirmed and let out a relaxed sigh as she leaned her bowed head back against Tender's hoof on the wagon's railing. See this is a normal reaction for a filly not all that still as a statue nonsense...

"Make any snow angels?" Tender asked.

"Giggle* No." Dizy answered as she flashed a smile up at her. 

"Well me and Victor almost threw a tantrum when it covered the wagon." Tender explained putting a hoof to her chest with Victor snorting at her description of events.

"Honey You almost threw a tantrum I just wanted to know how sparkling snow was even possible." Victor interjected as he shot her a grin from the front of the wagon.

"Yeah-Yeah. Tell me when we get away from the Gorge and I'll take over okay." Tender said wanting to give Victor a break from pulling the wagon for so long.

"Are you sure?" Victor asked.

"What you don't think I can haul this thing or something." Tender defended. He better not be calling me weak...

"Fine, fine." Victor said waving his hoof defensively.  

"Take over?" Dizy whispered to her causing Tender to glance down at her confused face.

"What? Oh me and Victor alternate every so often to pull the wagon... kind've like taking turns." Tender explained as she took the lollipop out of Dizy's hoof and popped it back into the girl's open mouth with a satisfying Pop*. Actually she was looking forward to stretching her hooves a bit honestly, but until then I might as well relax. Yawning she closed her eyes and pulled the sucker sucking filly in closer as she waited until they passed by the death canyon.

 Whew, Starlight thought as they exited the road trailing the side of the Ghastly Gorge. At least we didn't need the raft this time, she concluded as she glanced over on top of the wagon to see Applejack laying next to her with her hooves crossed behind her head and her hat tilted down to cover her eyes. She slept all the way past the Gorge... How is that even Ponyly possible? Starlight wondered as her orange friend let out a snore.

Glancing back ahead she took in the view as the last patches of grass in the area disappeared into the vast dessert with it's rolling dunes and hot sand. Over in the distance she could just about make out the railroad tracks to Appelosa. Yeah no... I'm here for the ride, Starlight thought to herself before her eyes shot open as she spotted a light tan bunny scurrying ahead of them in the sand.

Oh thank Celestia, Starlight thought as she envisioned Trixie pulling the bunny out of her big pink magicians hat. They hadn't gotten one of Fluttershy's bunnies but by Twilight they were going to get that bunny.

"Hold up Trixie!" Starlight shouted down to the magician as Trixie stopped them in their tracks.

"Starlight you better not be thinking what I think you're thinking..." Trixie said as she unlatched herself from the wagons harness. 

"Come on Trixie she'd be perfect for the show." Starlight stated as she floated herself down to land on a cushion of soft sand with her magic. Over the years she had learned If there was one sure fire way to get Trixie to do what she wanted it was by trying to make her show better.

Trixie sighed with an eyeroll and preceded to head to the back of the wagon, "Fine keep an eye on it."

"Wait what?" Starlight asked in confusion, making Trixie stop and look back at her. 

"Don't you want a net?" Trixie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Pffft* Watch this." Starlight said as she teleported in front of the wandering bunny who immediately jumped and tried to run only for starlight to snatch her up in a burst of magic.

"See." She gloated with a proud smile as she turned to see Trixie give her a few claps to congratulate her and spotted Applejack whirl around and rub her eyes from the top of the wagon.

"What in Tarnation is all the fuss about?" Applejack asked as she let out a yawn with her mouth opening wide.

Starlight immediately teleported to the top of the wagon next to Applejack with a smile to show off her prize. Applejack jumped when Starlight fazed right next to her but couldn't react further as Starlight put the bunny face to face with the apple farmer.

"Wha..." Applejack stammered before sitting up and eyeing the trembling ball of fluff at her hooves.

"Isn't she cute?" Starlight asked.

"What in the hay do you need a varmint for anyhow?" Applejack asked with an unamused face. Oh well, Starlight thought as she teleported in front of Trixie instead, hoping to get a better reaction out of her best friend.

"Well...." Starlight asked as she held the bunny up and waited for hopefully a smile or something. Instead to her surprise Trixie grasped the bunny under it's forelegs and took the bunny out of her magic. 

"Hmm... you aren't going to give Trixie trouble are you?" Trixie asked as the bunny slowly shook it's head no. Then Trixie held the bunny in the air and studied it's special area before hoofing the bunny back with Starlight taking the bunny in her hooves to hold.

"Just so you know that She is a He." Trixie stated and unclipped her wagon's window before climbing halfway in to look for something. A He? Starlight thought as she held the bunny up and took a look herself before spotting his you know what.

"Okay that levels out the names a bit." Starlight said as she put the bunny face to face with her and gazed into it's black pupils.

"Here." Trixie said getting her attention as she turned to find her magician friend pulling a small silver cage out of her window with a few carrots inside for the little guy.

Wasting no time Starlight opened the latch and tossed the bunny inside before it had time to react and watched him scurry around his new surroundings before he noticed the orange carrots and preceded to nibble on them.

"So what are you thinking? Ralf no... um Fredrick, wait no that's too close to Fillis..." Starlight asked deep in thought as Trixie closed her eyes and tilted her head up in the air.

"His name will be Starzie." Trixie stated as she hoofed the cage back through her window and pulled it down shut with a click*.

"Starzie? Actually that sounds pretty magicainy." Starlight said agreeing with a nod as Trixie smiled and trotted past her.

"I know." Trixie said as she returned to the front of their caravan with Starlight following her and strapping her in so they could continue on down the road.

"You two lovebirds about done?" Applejack asked with her hoof holding up her head as she gazed down at them. Lovebirds!? Starlight felt her cheeks warm as the mere thought of her and Trixie entered her mind. I hope Applejack doesn't seriously think that...

"One no, Two quiet down farm pony before Trixie puts you in that cage with our new bunny." Trixie exclaimed coldly as she huffed and started pulling the wagon down the sandy oasis. Starlight reacted immediately to being left by instantly teleporting back up by Applejack on the wagon's roof.

"Gaaaw.... You mind warnin me before you do that?" Applejack asked after she jolted in place when Starlight teleported. 

"I'll think about it." Starlight answered as she and Applejack shared a smirk before she resumed her spot down by the earth pony and stretched her hooves out blissfully as they continued on down the road.

Alright just one witness, I've had worse odds, Rarity thought as she bound into the Canterlot Boutique with all it's arrays of fashion lines on display for the citizens of Canterlot. She just barely swerved out of the way of her flabbergasted associate Sassy Saddles and stopped only to lay her luggage softly down on the tile floor before resuming her marathon. 

"Rarity my word!" Sassy exclaimed with her orange eyes going wide with shock as she whirled to follow Rarity moving through the store.

"No time Darling there's another villain on the lose!" Rarity shouted as she threw open her private outfit chest and began shuffling through it to find the right apparel for her mission. Okay all I have to do is chat with a broken hearted pony, Rarity thought as she wondered why a maid from Canterlot of all ponies had any information on Cozy Glow. Maybe she's a relative of some sorts... no definitely not, she would have said something about Cozy Glow earlier if that were the case...

"Good heavens what should I do, should we close down?" Sassy asked frantically as she came up right behind her. There's no time for this, the last thing I need is Sassy losing her marbles...

She immediately turned around and grasped the much larger Unicorn by her shoulders before shaking her, "Get a hold of yourself darling of course I don't want you to close down." 

"B-But Rarity-" Sassy stammered while Rarity thrashed her in place.

"But nothing darling, I know this isn't what we planned but I need you to run the store without me until I get back." Rarity reaffirmed before turning her back on the shaken Sassy and shuffled through her outfits until she finally found it... the outfit of the Detective Rarity.

With vigor Rarity ran to her changing station near the back of the Boutique and quickly hoped into her red detectives outfit she always wore while being under cover and adding more mascara to her eyes before trotting out to Sassy with her hat firmly on her blue-purple mane.

"Here darling." Rarity said placing her pamphlet of Dress ideas on the table with Sassy curiously coming over and eyeing them.

"Ooooooo.... my Rarity these colors are so perfect melded together... and the patterns." Sassy exclaimed with Rarity grinning and taking personal comfort in her friends appreciation of her latest ideas.

"Oh I know I really like page thirty-two." Rarity chanted getting all giddy. Despite her bad morning she was oh so happy to indulge-

"Wait what am I doing? Sorry Sassy I have to go." Rarity said giving her friend a quick hug before racing out the door.

 "Stupid bug." Ocean breeze said with disgust as she exited the front of the royal palace after clocking out and walked down the steeps leading into the rest of Canterlot with her maid outfit securely tucked away in her magic while floating next to her.

She didn't ever want to see that, what was she now... The Broken Queen whatever  she never wanted to see her again, that was probably the worst thing she's ever had to do in her life so far and she'd seen all manner of dusty cobwebs in dark unforbidden places. Well at least it was over she'd probably have to beg Princess Twilight but it was worth it to keep her distance from that dark dungen Chrysalis was stuck in. Why didn't she just turn her to back to stone? I mean what was the point in trying to keep her un solidified?

Breeze shook her head as she trotted down the stone sidewalk past all the nobles of Canterlot as she made her way up to the upper district near the base of the mountain where... he was. It wasn't that Breeze felt good about doing it but eveypony gossiped right? She just had an ear that would pay her...

As she trotted her destination slowly came into view... the Manor, though it was more palace like than anything else what with it's three stories and the two large white towers at either side of it. Breeze had to admit it was quite intimidating, she doubted any bugler would dare try his luck with such a large abode.

Coming up to the front gate Breeze was met by the two front guards each wore a matching armor similar to that of the Royal Guard only their armor was a chrome silver to differentiate them from their golden counterparts.

"I'm here for a visit." Breeze said rotinly after all these guards had seen her come by several times before. With a quick side step they let her pass as she trotted up to the Manor's gate and pressed the button on the voice panel on the colom suspending the gate in her way.

"Bzzzt* yes do you have an appointment?" the Maid pony of the Manor asked sweetly. Never did get her name...

"It's Ocean Breeze I'm here to shall we say have a chat." Breeze answered with the right phrase she'd been instructed to use for enterance and waited for the usual minute to pass as the maid conferred with her Lord.

"Bzzzt* welcome in Miss Breeze." she heard the house maid say on the other line as the large gate screeched and slowly opened up in front of her to allow her to pass into the beautiful coutyard. 

Finally, Breeze didn't want to waste too much time here as she descended the walkway with shrubs on both sides and recently cut grass. It always bothered her just how much better some ponies could make their own yard compared to the Royal Garden itself. Ascending the front steps with the towering three story manner looming over her Breeze went up to the door and waited as the usual light tan maid with silver hair slid the door open for her. Although grateful Breeze was immediately hit with the delightful smell of lavender from the Manors many flower sconces near the roof of each of it's hallways. 

"Do come in." the maid said with a bow as Breeze mentally scoffed at all the times she'd had to do that exact thing for each and every noble pony who came into the palace. 

Entering the Manor Breeze caught sight of more guards down the hallway and decided to wait at the doorway as the maid shut the large marble door. "This way please," the maid said and started leading Breeze up a large stainless spiraling staircase to the top floor. Once two stories above the ground they trotted down the crystalline hallways with windows showing the beautiful city of Canterlot in the background. 

From here you'd never think Canterlot was pulling it's hair out, Breeze thought as she continued trotting all the way to where her associate usually preferred to meet with her... that was until the Manors mistress Curly Spector came trotting out of one of the side rooms and gave her a warm inviting smile that would melt any colts heart in an instant. It almost fooled Breeze even, but she'd seen too many noble ponies play nice not to be cautious of falling into another ponies open hooves. 

"How are you dear?" Curly asked locking her soft gold eyes onto her as Breeze closed the distance between them and took in the smell of strawberries coming off of Curly. Between that and the lavender I think I'm going to need a new pair of nostrils...

"I'm well my lady." Breeze answered adopting her kind routine of bowing politely to the light blue Unicorn with pink swirly curls poofing out of the top of her head. 

"That's splendid to hear, don't keep my husband waiting too long alright." Curly said before taking her leave down the hallway past them. 

"Of course not." Breeze affirmed as Curly turned her head briefly and kindly gave her a friendly wave before departing down the halls.

Believe me I want to get home and relax, Breeze thought as she and the maid continued down the hallway until they came to the topmost door to the manner and stepped out onto the patio.

The patio itself was more like it's own dinner than anything with it's large over hanging roof to keep the rain out and the multiple glass tables set up with their own assortment of fancy chairs. But most impressive of all was a large round swimming pool placed in the center of the fancy setup, although despite coming to the Manor on multiple occasions Breeze had never once seen anypony actually swim in it and she had the sneaky impression that the large pool was more for show than anything else.

"Go on I'll see you out when you're done." the maid said before closing the door to the patio shut behind her.

Breeze returned her attention to the set up and more importantly the tall and lean light tan Stallion in his fancy black suit at the patio's balcony with a small glass of red wine suspended in the air by his red magic. Gathering her courage Breeze trotted up to him only for a chair to slide out for her by his red magic.

"Oh thank you." Breeze said politely and slid into the eloquent seat before explaining what she'd learned from the palace.

"You wanted to tell me something?" Lord Spector asked coldly never turning away from the Capital of Canterlot.

"Yes my lord, I was recently ordered by our new Princess herself to feed the... former Queen Chrysalis." Breeze explained as Lord specter took it all in unmoving.

"How is her condition?" Lord Spector asked as he brought the floating glass up to his lips and took a small sip of the tantalizing beverage.

"Well I know she can't defend herself right now, she has a full cast over her left hoof so I doubt she can even walk. It also appears that the wound she suffered from the riot was quite damaging, from what I've heard so far she's suffered at least six fractures." Breeze explained as Lord Spector finally glanced behind him at her with his ruby eyes and a grin only a fox could ever have.





"Thank you dear your bits will be waiting for you on your way out. Do keep me informed won't you." Lord Spector stated before turning back away from her.

"Of course my lord." Breeze confirmed and quickly got up to leave.
> The Friendly Queen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




It hadn't been long before Twilight had said goodbye to her friends in Ponyville and after Celestia had retrieved Luna from her resting place atop somepony's house they departed the small town, intent on resting at the palace before trying again tomorrow to locate Cozy's newly discovered clone. 

A cool wind blew past her as Twilight made her way back to the Palace and hopefully to a calming afternoon after all the mayhem she'd gone through today. All of that... for nothing, Twilight thought to herself as she and Spike flapped their wings side by side in unison as they made their way far away from the disaster that was Ponyville. 

Looking below them at the green countryside they were flying over she let out a tiny sigh of frustration. Why did nothing work out today? Was it a curse or something? Just this morning she had been forced to release Chrysalis of all villains, because of her injuries she sustained from the riot in Canterlot. I still need to see her before bedtime, she concluded, after all Chrysalis was her prisoner now so she had to make sure she was alright... and that she hadn't done anything nefarious in her absence. 

Ugh, why couldn't it have been Cozy, She thought with disdain, as wrong as it was having Cozy injured instead of Chrysalis would've worked out better for literally everypony involved. She could have cared for her while she was recovering and tried to talk some sense into her until she'd reformed, which with Cozy being a child would've been highly more possible than a fully grown evil doer. But of course now she was stuck with Chrysalis instead, who was intent on staying purely evil no matter what Twilight did. Everywhere Chrysalis went she was causing some new kind of havoc without there ever really being a need for it, other than for power of course... then again with Cozy separating her mind into halves Twilight wondered if she too would've been just as stead fast in her evil ways as Chrysalis was...

Twilight stopped her mental onslaught with a shake of her head and glanced behind her at Celestia, who was keeping up with them quite well considering the fact that she had an unconscious Luna nestled between her giant flapping white wings. I'm glad that at least went off without a hitch, Twilight thought as she eyed her long time mentor and the younger sibling she was carrying, then not seeing a problem she swiveled her head around and spotted the white and gold Royal Palace coming up to meet them off in the distance, with it's mere sight washing away some of her increasing stress she'd accumulated back in Ponyville. 

Never had she been so glad to be back here, she didn't exactly plan on revisiting the small town again until things had cooled down there for a while, especially since most of them were still furious over her investigation she'd done there that had managed to place some of their own children in royal custody. It all felt so unreal, as if everything she did somehow was having some kind of bad side affect without her ever really intending any harm. When she did go back to Ponyville though hopefully everything will have settled down to where they weren't yelling at her, rioting, or giving her nasty looks; and when they had the Mimic Cozy in custody Twilight was sure she could get things going smoothly again. All I have to do is find it...

Coming up to the palace and touching down on the tiled steps Twilight stood back and watched the others land, with her making sure none of them had any problems, especially Luna. The last thing she needed was a wounded Luna and a wounded Chrysalis. The mere thought of having them both fighting constantly for weeks was almost enough for her to grab Luna in a shield of magic right then and there on the spot to make sure that possibility was entirely prevented.

Watching Spike land easily and Celestia gently settle on the stone steps with her sleeping sister Twilight glanced over to the horizon and decided that it was probably a good time to start lowering the sun a bit. Retrieving her sun and moon medallion with a quick poof of magic she expertly winded the sun down into an afternoon position in the sky. Doing so turned the sky from a deep blue to a variety of orange and reds but not yet dark, just right. Seeing her expertly work the medallion caused Celestia to shoot her an approving smirk as Twilight led them all the way up the palace steps and up to the entrance of the massive castle. 

Once there they found a stunned looking pair of armored guards who gawked at the sight of Celestia and Luna before hurriedly opening the palace doors for them, I bet they weren't expecting the former princesses to be back so soon. Trotting into the safety and comfort of the palace she relaxed her shoulders and slumped slightly, feeling at ease thanks to the marble walls surrounding the four of them from the outside world. Forget doing anything else, after Chrysalis I'll find a nice book to read and then nap my day away, Twilight thought tiredly as she debated on whether to read a book from Grogar's treasure trove or to find a simple relaxing book on physics. Oh why can't everything in life be like physics, I'd have so many fewer problems...

"Twilight, I'm going to go find a room for Luna... and probably myself before I fall over. However if something should arise and you need any assistance do not hesitate to come find me, alright." Celestia stated tiredly with Twilight giving her a quick nod of acknowledgement before the much larger Alicorn trotted down one of the palace hallways, with Luna letting out a slight snore on her back as both sisters departed to find somewhere quiet to rest. Well at least I'll have the royal sisters here if something comes up...

Twilight turned her attention back to her last companion who was still standing firmly by her side. "Spike can you go find Captain Evander for me and bring him to the Throne Room?" Twilight asked wanting to send some unicorn reinforcements to relieve the Pegasie she'd ordered to patrol Ponyville. 

"Sure thing Twilight." Spike answered and headed down the hallway opposite from the one Celestia and Luna had disappeared into. Twilight didn't know Evander personally but he was said by Luna to be one of their best captains of the royal guard. I hope she's right, I need all the help I can get...

After watching Spike leave down the Palace's corridors, Twilight trotted over to a conveniently placed water stand near the wall of the palace and quickly filled up a small cup of water up to the brim before downing the cool liquid in a few large gulps, with a few stray droplets sliding over her chin and down her throat instead of her mouth; creating a tingling sensation that ran down and hid behind her golden chest guard. Wow she needed that drink, she had been walking for so long hunting the creature that it still amazed her that she was still standing upright at all. Mustering her strength she turned and headed towards the throne room to get all of her artifacts and books so she could square them away somewhere for later.

Hmm... I'll probably put them in the tower where my room's being built, Twilight thought since after the attack from the villains most of the Castle was still undergoing repairs that would still need some time to fix, but the non-book do-hickies she'd just gotten from Discord should be safe there until she could find a more proper place to store them. However before she could approach the throne room to open it's giant massive doors one of her two stationary guards standing by the room trotted up to her. 

"You're highness a few visitors came by to speak with you while you were gone." the guard explained with a usual stern unflinching face empty of all emotion. 

"Ugh, are they still here?" Twilight asked hoping that whoever it was had been sent home or better yet had given up and left  willingly instead of hanging about the palace to complicate her already horrible day.

"Only one you're grace, although she did bring two of her own guards with her she's apparently the only pony here with any business for you. Oh and you're parents also came by earlier to see you and I believe a mare by the name of Moon Dancer, but Mrs. Spector sent them all home about an hour before you arrived." the guard stated.

My parents!?, Twilight hadn't even considered that her parents would come by, but unlike Ponyville they were only a few streets down from the Palace itself so it made sense that they would want to come by to check on her if they'd heard about Chrysalis. Moon Dancer was also likely wanting an explanation to make sure everything was alright but who was this Mrs. Spector and how in Celestia's name did she send her parents and one of her friends home? Twilight was going to be angry if some privileged thinking mare had been bossing... wait that name... Spector. Twilight remembered, that was the name on her letter that she'd gotten from Derpy not to long ago, only that had been Mr. Spector. Hmm... maybe his wife had come by instead of him, but then again why did she come!? Why wouldn't Mr. Spector just come to the palace himself if he wanted a meeting by tomorrow so badly. 

"How exactly did she send them all home?" Twilight asked fuming and narrowing her eyes on the poor guard who's ears fell back in sudden fear.

Catching her rising anger the guard's voice dropped slightly, "Oh, she sounded quite kind to them you're grace. Last I saw they were even all laughing together about something..."

Twilight reared her head back in surprise. Laughing? Maybe she was wrong then. Maybe this Mrs. Spector had simply just calmed them down or something? She felt a little guilty now, she had immediately assumed that one of her own subjects was acting out of turn without anything to go on but an assumption. Wow I'm losing it, I need to calm down...

"Thank you for telling me. Um... where is Mrs. Spector? Is she still here?" Twilight asked as the guard visibly relaxed under his gleaming armor and pointed a hoof back towards the Throne Room.

"She's been waiting in there for you for at least the past hour your highness." he stated before he gave her a slight bow and turned around to reasserted himself into his guard position by the large front doors of the Throne Room.

Twilight put on her best smile, intent on trying to thank the mare for deescalating the situation before sending her home. It felt like such a shame since her guest had been waiting here for so long but she didn't have any strength left for any more debates. If Lord Spector wanted to talk with her so badly he would have to come by the Palace himself tomorrow instead of sending his wife of all ponies. 

Twilight turned the nob to the Throne Room doors with her magic and pulled them open, only to let out a gasp soon afterwards as her eyes fell on two silver plated guards staring her down at the entrance, with a light blue mare beyond them who bore a striking resemblance to Cozy Glow with pink curly hair done up in the back by a golden ribbon and soft golden eyes. The worst part though is she was staring at the exact same mural of the stoned villains that Twilight had put up only a few days prior after her coronation.

Twilight was stunned and found her hooves unable to move as the mare broke her eyes away from the painting and shot her a warm smile as her piercing golden gaze fell on her.





"I um..." Twilight got out but didn't know what else to say as she waited for an outburst from Mrs. Spector, expecting any moment now for a grizzly debate over petrifying her small child and all the craziness that went along with it...

But to her surprise her guest took a simple step towards her and the mare's face turned from one of happiness upon seeing her to one of compassionate concern as she asked, "Are you alright dear?" Twilight for her part didn't know how to respond to the question as she stayed glued in place. Why was this happening!? I mean now of all times!? Did Rarity find her and send her here!? Or was this...

"Can you give me a second?" Twilight asked with her mind racing out of control as she closed the Throne Room doors and took in a deep breath. Then she teleporting one of her soft white bedroom pillows into her hooves and screaming as loud as she could into it, "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!". Sadly her out pour of emotion startled the guards at either side of the Throne Room doors, with both of them turning to her with startled expressions as they both dropped into a fighting stance by instinct. Ignoring them Twilight continued until her fluffy pillow had absorbed the last bit of her muffled screaming and her lungs were entirely empty. After letting it all out she teleported her bedroom pillow away and tried to composed herself as best she could as she checked to make sure her crown was still firmly  in place with a slightly trembling hoof. Alright I can do this... I can do this....

After all It wasn't exactly a fact yet, at least not without checking for further confirmation from this Mrs. Spector, but with all things considered it wasn't looking too good. If what Rosie had said was true then this pony possibly didn't even care about Cozy Glow, heck Mrs. Spector might not even want to argue over the filly for all she knew; but if Twilight was wrong and Mrs. Spector had recently had a change of heart then Twilight was in for it. She was the Princess of Equestria for sure but she knew any parent that even slightly loved their child wouldn't care about her crown or her title, they would be furious regardless of the implications. Taking a deep breath she put on another forced smile and reopened the Throne Room doors, where she found Mrs. Spector and both of her silver plated guards still in place, the mare was even giving her a concerned look of both pity and worry. She must have heard me screaming...

"Sorry about that." Twilight said sheepishly and quickly rubbed the back of her head out of instinct from her embarrassment, then without caring she left the throne room doors wide open behind her instead of shutting them. Mrs. Spector on the other hoof caught Twilight's attempt to hold things together and said, "Oh it's quite alright dear." before she quickly drew a soft smile and motioned with a wave of her hoof for Twilight to come over and join her in the throne room. Not wanting to keep her guest any longer Twilight trotted past the two silver guards staring at her and came up to Mrs. Spector, where she was immediately hit with the sweet smell of Strawberries coming off of the cutsie looking mare. Then upon further inspection she noticed a similar patch of light blue freckles decorating both of the mare's cheeks, similar to Cozy's. They look so alike... it's like seeing Cozy Glow all grown up. 

A twinge of guilt hit Twilight as she realized that Cozy would never reach her full age whilst being turned to stone... another oversight that Twilight was going to rectify if she could somehow figure out how to reform her wayward student. Cozy probably hadn't even hit puberty yet...

"Actually I was just looking at you're latest mural." Mrs. Spector said as they both turned their gaze to the glass window to see all three of the stone faces of her defeated foes. It was even more on display now as the late afternoon sunlight shined through it, illuminating the portrait in a dance of vibrant colors. 

"It's quite an achievement to defeat three villains all at once don't you think? I bet they'll be adding you and you're friends to a history book soon." her guest whispered encouragingly to her before Twilight broke her eyes away from the glass panel and did a double take on the relaxed mare standing next to her.

She's not bringing Cozy up at all... maybe she isn't actually related, Twilight thought with a glimmer of hope that this was a completely different mare from Cozy's mother and that she hadn't come here to chew her ear off over stoning what was potentially her long lost filly. In fact the more time that passed without incident the more she hoped this was all just a convenience of appearances between the two... at least that was until Twilight took a step back and caught a glimpse at the mare's cutie mark. 

A gold Queen Chess Piece baring a striking resemblance to Cozy's own cutie mark stared back at her from the mare's flank, almost as if it was taunting her. Oh no..., Twilight thought as Mrs. Spector turned to her, probably wondering what Twilight was so interested in as the blue mare glanced behind them to see what all the fuss was about. Twilight couldn't take much more as she narrowed her eyes at Mrs. Spector and decided to address the mare directly with a calm yet firm voice, "You wouldn't happen to be related to Cozy Glow would you?"

Mrs. Spector seemed confused by the question as she raised an eyebrow and stood there motionless for a few moments before finally asking, "Who..."

Twilight's eyes widened, she sounded dumbstruck, like she'd never even heard of the tiny super villain before. "Cozy Glow..." Twilight explained as she indicated the stoned filly in the glass mural with a point of her hoof. Mrs. Spector looked between the painting of Cozy's frightened face and Twilight before her eyes shot open. 

"Wait, the Demon Filly? No, I've never seen her before. Hmph* I couldn't even think of being related to such a destructive brat and that's not even counting the fact that she almost got rid of all of my magic." Mrs. Spector stated, clearly offended by the mere thought of being blood related to Cozy Glow, let alone being her mother.

"It's just you're... you kind of look like her. I mean with all the curls and... well... the cutie mark." Twilight stated as she indicated the mare's flank with a point of her purple eyes.

Mrs. Spector glanced at her rump in confusion and then back up to Twilight before realization dawned and she put a hoof to her mouth and giggled, "Giggle* I got my cutie mark in a chess game your highness. I don't know how or why that would make me a relative of what's her name."

Twilight lowered her hoof. Maybe she was wrong, it's not like every mare with curls had to be connected to Cozy Glow right... but it just felt like she was speaking with a grown up version of her for some reason. Even her voice sounded similar, with that same sappy sweetness in every word. Twilight wondered if she was going mad, maybe she was just jumping to conclusions after all...

Mrs. Spector put a soft and comforting hoof on Twilight's shoulder, "Your highness I'm sure you're just stressed out alright. Believe me I get it, that's actually why I came here."

"What?" Twilight whispered with a startled look as Mrs. Spector withdrew her hoof. 

"My husband and I have heard quite a bit of bad news lately and I wanted to offer you my help to see if I could make things a little easier for you around here. What with the Villain you're dealing with and all that." Mrs. Spector proposed sweetly.

Oh so that's why she was here, she was probably just concerned about Chrysalis's release like the rest of the Canterlot nobles were. "Thank you for the offer but I don't really think that's necessary. Chrysalis is fine where she is and I can assure you she's not going to be doing anything nefarious for quite some time now." Twilight answered robotically, having memorized the entire speech from when she was answering all the ponies from earlier that day who wanted to know about Chrysalis.

Hearing this Mrs. Spector's smile turned into a sly grin, "Oh pshh* not that silly. I was actually talking about this Mimic of yours that's running around."

Twilight's eyes shrunk to pinpricks when the mare said Mimic. "H-how do you know about that?" Twilight asked with a raised volume of panic in her voice, almost shouting in the middle of her own throne room. Who would tell one of the nobles about that!? Twilight thought in dismay as she wondered which pony had gone behind her back and betrayed her. Especially in so short a time too, it hadn't even been that long since Twilight herself had been told about the creature.

"Now please don't take this the wrong way your highness but my sources wouldn't exactly be my sources anymore if I just gave away who they were." Mrs. Spector explained with a playful pout, as if she was speaking with a toddler; which unbenounced to her was upsetting Twilight quite thoroughly. In fact Twilight was even considering locking the sweet smelling mare up until she told her exactly who had betrayed her... but in the mare's defense she clearly hadn't told anypony else about the Mimic yet, otherwise there'd be a riot or something. 

However that didn't mean her citizens weren't going to find out, and when they did oh boy were things going to be getting worse. Twilight's head was spinning as she tried to think of all headlines that would be coming out by tomorrow morning. Ponyville Under Siege, Mimic On the Lose, or no Princess Twilight's Rein of Terror Continues, yep that was it right there for sure, oh she was done for and she hadn't even been ruling for a week yet. This had to be the worst couple of days in her entire life... Twilight stumbled slightly as her vision swayed, her mind running through all the possible scenarios until she saw stars and her eyes danced around in circles...

"Oh my... Princess sit down." Mrs. Spector commanded hastily as she wrapped a hoof around Twilight and pulled her down to the red carpet, with both of them sitting down next to each other in the middle of the throne room. Twilight took in a series of deep breaths as her vison of the shifting throne room started to level itself out, the only sound that was heard otherwise was the soft running of water from the throne rooms fountains. Talk about Twilighting...

"Just calm down okay. I won't tell anypony about it Princess I swear... Look I know you don't know me but I actually did just come here so I could help you get things back under control around here. I mean if that's alright..." Mrs. Spector explained tenderly as she waited on the red carpet beside Twilight. Well she seems nice, Twilight thought but then again so did Cozy Glow and we all know how that turned out. Still at this point Twilight was too desperate not to accept any help coming her way, even if that help was coming from a stranger she didn't know she could trust...

"Sigh* Let's say I did want some help, what could you possibly do about any of this?" Twilight asked hopefully as she watched Mrs. Spector get up off of the red carpet of the throne room and hold out a helping hoof to her.

"Well I don't know about you but I believe actions speak louder than words Princess, so if you'll just come with me, I'll show you how I can be of service instead." Mrs. Spector said with a large smile that sent a chill down Twilight's spine as an image of Cozy's smiling face flashed in her mind. Shaking the bad memory away, Twilight took the unicorn's soft hoof and climbed back up on all fours, having finally calmed down enough to regain her balance. 

Twilight stared into Mrs. Spector's soft gold eyes as she debated over whether to trust a mare with spies in her own castle. But then again ponies did gossip... If Mrs. Spector was just trying to help then she could at least indulge the mare this one time before making up her mind on whether to lock her up or not...

Just then Spike emerged from the castle hallways with Captain Evander who had a grey mustache and slight wrinkles under his eyes to show his seasoned age. Although all it took was one look at Mrs. Spector before Spike's face turned from tired wiriness over the long day to one of complete horror upon reaching the doorway. Captain Evander for his part eyed Mrs. Spector's silver plated guards that were stationed at the door as if he knew them... well maybe he did since Celestia said they were fully trained royal guards who had traded away their loyalty over to the Spectors.

Before Twilight had time to explain the situation to Spike she heard Mrs. Spector say "Awww." as her horn came to life with a golden whirl of magic and a gold aura lifted Spike into the air before bringing him over to the blue mare, who quickly grabbed him in a firm hug.

"I've never seen a baby dragon before... Oh he's so cute." Mrs. Spector exclaimed as she ruffled his green hair and held him like one would a small child, causing him to blush uncontrollably as he eyed the curly haired pony. 

"Twilight who is this?" Spike whispered over to her in distress as he was being held aloft in the blue unicorn mare's hooves like an infant.

"Oh! he talks too." Mrs. Spector said as she did a double take on the dragon in her hooves with widened eyes before putting her hooves under his arms carefully and lowering him down. Spike looked about ready to rethink his life as he landed on the marble floor of the Throne Room, the caring treatment he was being subject to clearly making him feel uncomfortable.

"Spike this is Mrs. Spector." Twilight introduced as the mare gave them both a quick bow of her head and ran her hoof through Spike's green hair playfully, probably about ready to start cueing at him. You'd think she works at a nursery or something...

Unsure of why he was suddenly being babied Spike nervously walked backwards over to Twilight's side, while never taking his eyes off of the happily beaming unicorn, "Twi are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

As she suspected Spike had caught the same similarities to Cozy Glow that she had gotten from Mrs. Spector, in fact it was kind of hard not too with the way the blue unicorn looked. She was almost about ready to ask for a DNA test but stopped, knowing that it would be highly rude to a pony she'd just met... especially if Mrs. Spector wasn't actually related to Cozy. 

Instead Twilight leaned down and whispered into Spike's ear, "I'm not sure yet, it could just be a coincidence." though she still held a hard suspicion that the prissy pony in front of her was lying through her teeth for some reason. Call it a hunch but she didn't exactly trust ponies with curls anymore...

Spike seemed to visibly relax a bit though as Captain Evander trotted up to her and stood at attention with a formal salute in the middle of the throne room, "Yes your highness, you wanted me."

"Yes. I need you to round up a unicorn battalion and relieve Flash Magnus's guards in Ponyville." Twilight Commanded, " Oh and just remember if you see any signs of Cozy Glow's clone I want to be informed about it immediately, don't and I repeat don't try to apprehend her yourselves."

"As you command your grace." Captain Evander answered as he bowed his head to her respectively and departed out of the throne room past the silent silver guards. Well that was one less problem she had to deal with, now despite the longshot Twilight was going to see if this Mrs. Spector could pull a miracle out of nowhere like she was suggesting and get rid of another one.

However she had forgotten one tiny little thing. "Um... Twilight should you have said that in front of her?" Spike asked pointing a claw to Mrs. Spector who stared at him with amused eyes, probably thinking he was to small for their grown up talk or something.

"It's okay Spike she already knows somehow... Although I'm probably going to have to fire somepony when I found out who told her about it." Twilight stated in slight anger as she made a mental note to have complete secrecy the next time she wanted a private conversation with somepony. 

"Wait, What!?" Spike stated with shock as Mrs. Spector put a hoof over her mouth and stifled another Giggle*. To her surprise Mrs. Spector didn't seem bothered by her threat in the slightest, either she was good at poker or she didn't really care if the pony who had told her lost their job or not.

"Now don't you worry about a widdle thing Spikey. I'm just here to give you two a little helping hoof so we can get things going smoothly again." Mrs. Spector stated as she trotted to the front doors of the throne room before looking back over her shoulder at them with a friendly smile. 

"Anyway if you'll please just come with me Princess, we'll see if I'm able to brighten up you're day a little bit. After all I'm sure you of all ponies know we don't have too long before it get's dark out." the mare stated rationally as Twilight and Spike shared a glance with each other before following the curly haired mare out of the throne room with the two silver clad guards picking up the rear behind them. Leaving the throne room they all made their way towards the palace entrance, although seeing Twilight and Spike leave with the silver escort, one of her gold clad guards at the palace entrance decided to cut them off.

"You're highness would you like me t-" The guard tried to ask before Mrs. Spector held up a hoof, silencing him in mid speech.

"I assure you that won't be necessary. The Princess of Friendship will be perfectly fine in my care." Mrs. Spector stated sternly as she expertly levitated the stunned guard to the side and out of their way with a gust of gold magic.

Twilight felt like telling her not to pony handle her guards ever again but the way Mrs. Spector had done it seemed more out of reason for the situation instead of out of malice for the pony in her way, and so Twilight followed along in silence with Spike walking closely beside her just in case something was amiss.

Coming to the palace entrance Twilight felt the afternoon summer heat return, something she was hoping to avoid until tomorrow but if this noble had a plan it was better to find out what it was to see if she could somehow benifite her rapidly deteriorating situation. As they trotted Mrs. Spector hummed what Twilight could only guess was a lullaby as she lead them out of the palace entrance and down the many steps that would lead them to the large stone platform in front of the palace next to Canterlot City. When they reached the large vacant stone platform that Twilight had landed on only minutes earlier with Celestia and Luna their trot ground down to a halt as Mrs. Spector trotted towards the platform's edge instead of the city and glanced down over the cliff at the town of Ponyville off in the distance. The blue mare seemed deep in thought without any worry of the drop of in front of her, much to Twilight's surprise.

"You're highness I don't suppose you'd be so kind as to tell me how you're trip to Ponyville went?" Mrs. Spector asked as she leaned over the railing to get a closer look at the small town.

Twilight didn't answer, she still wasn't sure how the citizens of Canterlot would deal with what had gone on in the quiet little town. For all she knew the next riot could be over her leadership if they found out...

Mrs. Spector caught Twilight's hesitation and glanced over at her with for the first time since Twilight had meet her an upset glare from her golden eyes, "You're highness you do know I'm trying to help you right? I'm really going to need all the information you have so I can do that." 

Twilight felt like telling her that it was a bad idea but it wasn't unreasonable to tell her everything, since she knew so much already. After all Twilight would want to know everything about the situation too if she were the curly haired mare in this instance. "I... sigh* we searched Ponyville today and although we turned everything upside down we still couldn't find anything. We even rounded up all the Pegasus fillies we could find and covered the entire town in a detection spell but... the Mimic still got away anyway..." Twilight lamented as she glanced at the floor in shame, feeling as if she was being scolded for keeping it a secret. A silence fell over the tiny group until Mrs. Spector trotted over to her and put a hoof gingerly under her chin before lifting her head up to look her in the eyes, only this time Mrs. Spector's expression conveyed only sympathy instead of annoyance.

"Hmm... That wasn't a bad strategy Princess... I dare say it even makes sense... but that's not exactly what you should be doing if you want any real results." Mrs. Spector said before pulling her soft hoof away from Twilight's face and turning towards the City of Canterlot; trotting away from them and quite obviously wanting them to follow. Twilight stood there perplexed, Real results? she thought before she snapped out of it and followed the blue mare towards the city with Spike and the guards following behind her as they all caught up with Mrs. Spector.

"Wait, what do you mean if I want any real results? Do you have a way to find it?" Twilight asked hoping for a way to locate the Mimic as Mrs. Spector glanced back at her with an amused smirk on her face.

"I do actually but first I need to take you somewhere, come along just follow me." Mrs. Spector instructed as she led them into the stone streets of Canterlot City. There Twilight trotted cautiously, unsure of what top expect from the city's folk but to her relief nothing happened, well besides the occasional bow a passing pony would respectively make to her as they passed by. While making her way down the road with her guide Twilight Glanced at the refined buildings on each side of the street and all the ponies around her going about their everyday lives; seeing this she suddenly felt... unnerved. It was a little too jarring to see everything completely normal here after what had transpired in Ponyville, almost as if today hadn't happened and everypony here was as carefree as they all looked. 

However that fantasy all came to an abrupt ended as a very familiar pony that she had been talking to earlier, Peppermint Bliss, caught sight of them from a conversation she was having with a couple of mares across the street at a local café. Apparently still upset and with an angry scowl on her face Peppermint trotted over to stand in their way in the road; blocking their path down the stone street. Oh no...

"So you can't answer a simple question from me in your throne room but you have enough time to take a nice relaxing stroll? You do know how long I waited in that line right?" Peppermint asked as she narrowed her angry eyes right on the Princess of Friendship.

"I... well I..." Twilight stammered as she tried to find the words to convey her sorrow at how she'd managed to upset all of her subjects without anything to show for it. Then out of nowhere Mrs. Spector put herself between both of them and came to her rescue.

"We're actually dealing with a serious situation right now dear." Mrs. Spector stated kindly in Twilight's defense as she shot a disarming smile towards the upset Peppermint Bliss, who despite her anger at being dismissed without reason was completely stunned by the blue unicorn's interjection. 

Twilight looked to Mrs. Spector in complete shock as the unicorn immediately took all the angry attention right then and there for herself with Peppermint turning her angry expression on the light blue colored mare instead of her. Twilight wanted so desperately to say something to quell the tension that was unfolding but stopped as she saw the smile Mrs. Spector had intensify and never leave her lips.

"As a matter of fact our poor Princess here has been basically pulling her hair out for us all day, just trying her hardest to fix all of the craziness happening lately." Mrs. Spector explained with Peppermint's angry face turning into shock as her eyes widened and she shot Twilight a much more sympathetic look of sorrow.

"Oh! Well then I... I'm really sorry Princess Twilight, that was uncalled for." Peppermint stated sadly as she lowered her head away in shame before trotting back over to her friends, next to the café she had been at. Twilight watched her go and glanced over at Spike who's eyes had widened in surprise just like hers probably were. Who is this pony!? She's handling this way better than I am, Twilight thought and glanced towards Mrs. Spector, who radiated confidence as she stood tall in the afternoon sun. 

"Come along dear, I told you I won't let anything happen to you while you're with me. That includes anypony that want's to get a piece of you for some insane reason." Mrs. Spector said to comfort her. Twilight blinked in confusion, not expecting the series of events that had just played out before her. Well I'm not arguing... 

"Is that a promise?" Twilight whispered.

"Oh you'd be surprised what a good reputation could do for you around here." Mrs. Spector said as she lead them down another two streets with angry ponies not daring to cross Mrs. Spector to get to her and kinder ponies bowing politely in her way. Twilight started to feel something strange, it took a while before she realized that she actually feeling safer for some reason, now that Mrs. Spector was escorting her. You know she'd make a great guard pony, Twilight thought following behind Mrs. Spector like she was a shield. Despite some nasty glares shot her way they eventually came to the Canterlot Press building where every paper was officially printed and distributed to all of Canterlot's citizens. The building itself was much like the rest though with white walls and gold outlining.

"In here." Mrs. Spector instructed as she levitated the door open for them with a flurry of gold magic and the three of them entered, while the silver plated guards that had been following them stayed outside to guard the only entrance in. Glancing around Twilight noticed a variety of different ponies at various machines, all of whom were quickly getting everything set up for the next day. Past them in the far back of the building was a large light grey stallion with a chiseled black mustache and slick back hair. He seemed busy at work behind his large oak desk that was covered with papers and a mug that read Top News.

"Um... maybe I'm just dense but how in Equestria is going to the press supposed to help make things any better?" Twilight whispered behind her guide as Mrs. Spector held up a hoof for her to patiently wait and trotted up to what appeared to be the pony in charge at his work station.

"Hi Maxwell." Mrs. Spector said nonchalantly as she approached his office quarters. By how she was speaking Twilight guessed that the two had a previous business history, possibly even a long friendship.

"Mrs. Spector, what brings you all the way down here?" The desk sitting stallion said with a gruff voice and a grin. 

"Oh you know just a little attention I've been needing the populace to take notice off. You know something that doesn't involve our dearest Princess here." Mrs. Spector stated sweetly as she indicated Twilight with a nod of her curly head and invaded his personal space as she came around the side of his desk to lean over his shoulder as she gazed at what he had been working on.

"Oh and how well does this attention pay?" the desk pony asked sitting back in his chair and crossing his hooves.

"Hmm... how about the usual, plus a little extra just because I like you." Mrs. Spector said as she took it one step further and hopped up to take a seat on his desk with her pink curly tail covering up most of his office work. Then to Twilight's shock she started admiring her hooves like she owned the place as she glanced down at the now chuckling stallion. 

"Haha Alright deal, you minks. So, what do you want me to send out instead?" the desk pony asked as he crossed something out on a slip of paper he was writing on with a pen.

"Well let's see... Oh we are having fine weather this summer aren't we?" Mrs. Spector gleefully suggested as she levitated the paper the stallion had been writing on up into the air with her magic before letting it float over to land into her open hooves. Quickly scanning it Mrs. Spector's eyes widened in surprise. 

"Oh Princess, over here, come take a look at this." Mrs. Spector said stroking Twilight's curiosity at what the newspony had been up too before they'd come in. Twilight trotted up to the desk and looking over at the paper in the unicorn's hooves before reading what appeared to be tomorrows headline with a red line crossed strait through it.

"What!? Chrysalis Freed by Princess, Who's next Lord Tirek? But this is.. I didn't even..." Twilight was flabbergasted with her mouth wide open as she put a worried hoof to one of her temples, from the sounds of things she was about to have a very stressful week. There'd probably even be a line as big as the Palace itself for her by tomorrow morning...

"Giggle* Don't worry about it." Mrs. Spector said noticing Twilight's dismay as she ripped the paper up in front of Twilight's face and let the shredded bits fall down to the floor in a cascade of little white fragments. Then Mrs. Spector's horn ignited as she teleported what Twilight could only estimate to be about two hundred bits onto the stallions desk, causing him to smile greedily.

"You know hehe* she's right Princess I wouldn't worry about it that much... well at least for tomorrow anyways." the newspony agreed with as shrug as he quickly pulled all the shiny gold bits into an open drawer in his desk. While he was distracted Mrs. Spector grabbed his pen and quickly drew a smiley face on one of the other white parchments scattered across his desk, before tossing the pen casually aside.

"It's always a pleasure Maxwell. Don't you go retiring on me now, you know how much I like doing business with you." Mrs. Spector stated happily as she hopped down from his desk and lead the dumfounded Twilight back over to Spike who was also stunned by the event that had just played out before them.

"Did you just change the newspaper with a bribe?" Twilight finally asked, stunned that anypony could just walk in and do such a thing in the middle of Canterlot. Twilight's mind whirled as she tried to come up with a law forbidding such an action... but came up short without a single Equestrian law coming to mind.

Mrs. Spector just shrugged, "Whaaaaat it's not illegal to sell news and besides I just bought you an entire day to make things better without anypony in Canterlot being the wiser." 

"But you... I mean..." Twilight was lost, this mare's plan didn't have a bad consequence like hers did. Why didn't she think of this, it's not like she was taking cameras down or demanding the media's silence. Mrs. Spector had just done the opposite in fact, she'd actively given them something else to put in the paper, bits or not it wasn't illegal in any way shape or form. 

"Giggle* now for my next trick I'll show you how to maximize you're effectiveness. Come on Princess I've got some more tips to show you before we're done for the day." Mrs. Spector said cheerily as she led Spike and Twilight out of the small establishment and back onto the streets of Canterlot with a tiny prance in her trotting. Entering the street again they trotted until they found a tiny section of road away from everypony else, where hopefully they were out of earshot.





"So since we're away from any prying ears... I'd like to explain why you're only going to need a single day to right the ship, so to speak." Mrs. Spector said with Twilight and Spike listening intently. 

"You see, come tomorrow morning you're going to make an announcement and tell all the citizens of Canterlot everything you know about Queen what's her face and all of her little injuries from that riot." Mrs. Spector instructed. Wait, what!?

"I can't do that it's bad enough right now as it is." Twilight objected. 

"And it's going to be getting a lot worse if you don't do something about it. Besides wouldn't it be so much better if their very own Princess told them about the situation instead of them just finding it all out somehow? Hmm..." Mrs. Spector asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

Twilight put a hoof to her chin in contemplation. It would indeed be better coming from her, maybe she just had to be a little more open with them, then they might trust her a little more. Hiding it wasn't working that was for sure... Twilight gave Mrs. Spector a firm nod of agreement, which seemed to enlarge the mare's already decent grin.

"Excellent, and I suppose you haven't told the other Changelings about her yet either, have you?" Mrs. Spector asked.

Twilight shook her head no. The thought of informing them had occurred to her earlier but she had wanted to let things settle down a little first before informing King Thorax that his well... his former ruler was currently free from her stone prison. The last thing she needed was a Changeling invasion...

"Oh... well that's too bad, I wouldn't want to be them when they figure out you've had their Queen freed from her statue all this time, especially without even the decency of telling them about it." Mrs. Spector said causing Twilight's anxiety to skyrocket. Catching this Mrs. Spector trotted up closely to her so Spike and the guards couldn't hear and whispered, "Trust me Princess you need to tell them as soon as possible, otherwise they could find out from somepony else and please believe me when I say I don't want a repeat of what happened at Mi Amora Cadenza's wedding." 

Wait Is she threatening me, Twilight thought, wondering if Mrs. Spector herself would reveal what she had been up too behind Thorax's back but immediately ruled it out. Whether the blue mare had an ulterior motive or not Mrs. Spector did go out of her way to help with tomorrow's newspaper and she'd even come to Twilight's defense in the streets with Peppermint, it wasn't to far of a stretch to assume she was just trying to help her here too. Especially with a potential threat from some very upset changelings...

"Okay you make a fair point... I'll write King Thorax and let him know what's been going on." Twilight relented, giving in to Mrs. Spector's advice.

"You won't regret it Princess... Oh that reminds me, before I forget again; you do want to catch that tiny little problem of yours on the run don't you?" Mrs. Spector asked.

It took a moment for Twilight to realize she was talking about the Mimic. "Well yes, of course I do." Twilight said glancing around them just to make sure no pony was listening. 

"Weeeeeeell... how much do you want it?" Mrs. Spector asked with a gleeful eyeroll as Twilight tried to decipher what she was implying. Does she mean she want's a favor or...

Suddenly Mrs. Spector put her hoof around Twilight's shoulder as if they were long lost friends, "You see Princess the best way to find what you want is to have everypony around you helping you look for it, right..."

Twilight cocked an eyebrow, "Well yes, if everypony was helping me look then that would make things a lot easier, but I can't just tell them what's out there otherwise..."

Mrs. Spector put a hoof to Twilight's mouth, silencing her in midsentence. "Shhhhh shh shh shh... Tell me Princess, have you ever heard of a wanted poster?" Mrs. Spector asked as her horn came to life with a swirl of golden light and she teleported a picture of Cozy Glow up in front of them; with the option entering Twilight's mind and exploded like a firework.

Twilight took the picture in her hooves gingerly and stared down at the curly haired Pegasus filly in it. Oh why didn't she think of that earlier, of course that could work. She didn't need to tell anypony anything, all she had to do was print off a few dozen pictures and spread them around, somepony was sure to see the Mimic eventually. And the best part was she didn't even need a reason for the search, the Mimic was a literal copy of the arch villain Cozy Glow, ponies would gladly assume the Pegasus was guilty without even needing an explanation.

Twilight drew a large smile at the idea, an act that Mrs. Spector took notice of immediately as she whispered into her ear, "See all you have to do is offer them something they won't refuse and just like that poof they'll do whatever you need them too." Well she wasn't wrong, the wanted poster was a sure fire way to get everypony to help her look for the Mimic. Now all she had to do was arrange a ransom high enough to catch everypony's attention and get the posters up, although she had to be sure to demand information only, like a picture or something; otherwise somepony was bound get hurt if they tried actually apprehending the filly look alike. You know this might actually work...

"You know this is actually a great idea. Now all I'd have to do is put up a ransom." Twilight stated happily but stopped and pulled her ears back against her head as Mrs. Spector started to slowly circle around her like a shark.

"Hold up Princess, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. A Mimic like the one you're after is certainly dangerous isn't it? I mean it's not like ponies can just travel to the Palace in a day from Manehatten to tell you that they've seen it... No, you're going to need hooves in the area, I know this may sound a little extreme but I'd suggest sending guards out to each of the neighboring cities to make sure to minimize the creature's damage." Mrs. Spector suggested coming to a halt in front of her. Twilight's ears shot back up in realization, as she put a hoof to her chin, thinking it over. That would help if a situation arose... I'd have to allow them to carry weapons of course but with there being only me and my friends to search an entire kingdom... No she's right, I'd definitely need more help with this...

"That... also makes sense." Twilight agreed with Mrs. Spector giving her a friendly wink.

"Game, set, match." Mrs. Spector cheered before they both heard a growl coming from Spike's belly, and in sync they both turned to lay her eyes on the apparently hungry dragon.

"Sorry, we kind of missed super." Spike said with crossed arms over his stomach, all the while under Mrs. Spector's amused golden gaze as he kicked the ground bashfully.

"Oh that won't do. In fact I could have a bite myself after all the trotting we've done so far." Mrs. Spector stated with a gleeful pout down towards Spike before turning back to face Twilight. Oh if she only knew how long I've been trotting like this...

"I don't suppose you'd enjoy getting something to eat with me your highness? My treat in fact." Mrs. Spector offered as she waved a light blue hoof in the direction of all of the fine diners still open to the hungry ponies of Canterlot.

"Well I suppose we could, let see... oh where do you wanna go Spike?" Twilight asked her loyal companion as she tucked the photo of Cozy under her right wing. Spike's been bending over backwards for her all day as it was, he probably was starving. Just then her own stomach rumbled at the mere thought of food and she quickly felt her cheeks warm, which earned an amused smirk from Mrs. Spector.

"Hmm... what about Joe's doughnuts? I mean it was really good the last time we were there." Spike suggested with a snap of his claws. Twilight nodded, that sounded great actually; especially since she'd not been back there since her friends and her had shared their victory meal shortly before her coronation.

"That sounds like a great idea." Mrs. Spector said with a forced smile as Twilight led the five of them towards the doughnut shop. 

As they were walking towards the diner they unfortunately passed by the royal garden. Twilight glanced into the green maze of bushes and variously sized coloms, until her eyes spotted the villain's statue; still in the open with her stationed guards still surrounding it. At least their both safe, Twilight thought before she eyed Cozy atop Lord Tirek's shrunken frame and felt her stomach slightly turn. Here they all were about ready to go have lunch and Cozy was still stuck in stone, possibly begging for a simple taste of water...

"Don't think about it dear, they did a lot of bad things to a lot of good ponies." Mrs. Spector counseled as she gave Twilight a firm pat on the shoulder for comfort as they all trotted. 

"I know, but to be completely honest with you I didn't exactly give them a second chance like I should have... especially Cozy, she was actually my star student once and I just let Celestia ship her away... Sigh* It didn't seem so bad at the time but... looking back it was definitely a mistake on my part. There was no way Cozy was getting any better in Tartarus, I should have done something..." Twilight said confiding in the unicorn who glanced at her with sorrowful eyes.

"Wow you really have had it rough lately haven't you?" Mrs. Spector asked. Twilight shook her head yes and glanced at the villain's statue one last time before it was obstructed by several green bushes in the gardens.

"Chin up Princess, every now and then you'll make a mistake but you just have to keep on going until things get better." Mrs. Spector said trying her best to be supportive. Twilight shouldn't have needed that but something about hearing the words come from somepony else's mouth seemed to make her feel better, encourage her even. Yeah I can still fix this, Twilight thought and shot Mrs. Spector a smirk of her own before raising her head up as they walked, finally feeling a stray bit of hope that things would get better; she even enjoyed the slight breeze blowing her hair in her eyes.

"Atta girl." Mrs. Spector stated, congratulating her for her newfound vigor to keep going forward with a hopeful conviction. 

They walked some more down the streets of Canterlot but this time Twilight was intent on defending herself instead of letting somepony else handle it like Mrs. Spector had earlier. However much to her surprise most of the ponies passing either bowed or moved out of her way, Twilight wanted to chawk it up to how she was confidently trotting along but knew they probably were just avoiding a scene so late in the day. 

Upon reaching Doughnut Joe's they found the small outdoor restaurant to be empty of other ponies, probably due to the late afternoon time of day. Seeing this Mrs. Spector pointed to either side of the outdoor diner with both of her silver plated guards leaving them before taking up positions at their new stations. I wonder how much they pay those guys, Twilight thought as she trotted up to the counter to order her food, with the tall yellowish-orange pony known as Donut Joe patiently waiting for them with a smile on his face. Once before him at the counter she waited for her two companions, with both of them coming over to the side to wait their turn; so she could order first.





"Hmm... we'll have two plates of six doughnuts please." Twilight said indicating herself and Spike with a point of her hoof.

"Do you want sprinkles on that your highness?" Doughnut Joe asked politely as he pulled two plates out to fetch their orders.

"Mm-hm." Twilight confirmed with a friendly smile, seeing that she was finished Mrs. Spector trotted up right next to her to place her own order.

"I'll just have a strawberry one please, no sprinkles." Mrs. Spector stated sweetly with Donut joe giving her a firm nod as he hoofed Twilight her and Spikes doughnuts on a couple of disposable paper plates, with Twilight immediately picking them up in a ball of purple magic.

Seeing no reason to wait around for Mrs. Spector's order to come up, Twilight selected the round table she and her friends had eaten at before her coronation and quickly hopped into an open chair. Spike sat in the chair right beside her despite the many other optional chairs spaciously away from her. He usually did, much like Twilight he'd rather be close to his friends, something she found heartwarming. Once situated she dug her teeth into her first doughnut and let the sweet flavor dance over her taste buds before swallowing the pastry. Glancing back at Doughnut Joe's food stand she saw Mr. Spector get done paying for their meals and trot over to join them in a vacant seat one chair away from Twilight.

Getting done with the first of her six doughnuts and picking up another to devour, she noticed Mrs. Spector out of the corner of her eye levitate a plastic Knife and fork into the air as she expertly started cutting her one and only doughnut into tiny sectioned off pieces. Never in her life had Twilight seen that happen before, but despite her curiosity at why Mrs. Spector preferred it that way she didn't say anything, especially since Mrs. Spector had not only paid for their food but also because she had gone out of her way to help them all afternoon... which reminded her.

"Mrs. Spector I'm just curious. What are you getting out of helping me like this?" Twilight asked as a slight suspicion started to seep into her mind about whether this pony had a secret agenda she was keeping under wraps. After all Cozy Glow had spent the better part of a year getting to be Twilight's assistant before betraying her... but this pony had easily turned into something of her advisor within the span of only a couple of hours... was there more there or was she just over thinking it?

"I thought I told you already, I just wanted to help..." Mrs. Spector said casually with a shrug before seemingly remembering something as her eyes grew wider, "Oh but if you would do me one tiny curtesy, It would most certainly brighten up my day your highness." Ah there it was, so she did want something after all...

"What is it?" Twilight asked wondering what a pony like Mrs. Spector had to gain from her besides a better social standing. Heck she probably just wanted a confirmed invitation to the Gala or something if Twilight had to guess...

"Well you did get my precious husband's letter didn't you?" Mrs. Spector asked as she levitated a tiny piece of her doughnut into her mouth and chewed it slowly.

Twilight looked down at her plate as she remembered the dread of being called into a session of court over her decisions so far. But alas avoiding the subject would only be rude to the mare who'd helped her set up a game plan for tomorrow, "I did. He wants a session in the Palace tomorrow, right?"

Mrs. Spector nodded her head, "That's right. Oh but don't worry about a thing, I've already talked with him extensively about it; in fact that's the last thing I remember I did today before I came by the palace to see you. Hmm... what did he say exactly... oh something about setting things strait with you." Hearing this Twilight gulped hard in fear and kept her eyes glued to her doughnuts, trying all the while to keep things calm and diplomatic, despite her rising concern.

"That sounds great and all but... its just I don't know if right now's such a good time. I mean I'm dealing with Chrysalis and hunting the you know what, sigh* I just don't want any more problems until I can fix a few of them; you know?" Twilight explained, trying to be as friendly about rejecting the meeting as possible before turning to find Mrs. Spector in a deep puzzlement by her words.

"I can assure you my husband means well. He wants what you want your grace, a safer Equestria, you know one without villains running amuck and buildings burning down to the ground around us." Mrs. Spector explained in her husbandsa defense with a friendly wave of her hoof. Twilight relaxed at her words, if that was true then her husband Mr. Spector may just be trying to help like his wife apparently was. For all she knew canceling the meeting might actually make things worse instead of better...

"Well in that case I suppose having a meeting wouldn't be exactly the end of the world, if he is  actually trying to help like you say he is." Twilight yielded as Mrs. Specter beamed happily and quickly clapped her hooves with joy.

"You won't regret it Princess. You actually already met him at the Gala a few years ago, although that was way before you were a real princess, Oh no offense... it's just that as far as I've heard you only had a little castle-tree-thing at that point; that is... if I'm not mistaken." Mrs. Spector stated as she placed another sliced doughnut piece into her mouth. Watching Mrs. Spector eat suddenly reminded her, Twilight had only eaten one doughnut so far and glancing beside her she shockingly noticed Spike was already through his third as his fangs chomped away at the delectables in front of him. 

"You're not, and sorry but I actually can't recall everypony I meet back then. I mean so many ponies go to the Gala, it kind of just blurs together after a while." Twilight explained as she took a large bite from a doughnut and got chocolate all over her cheek by accident. The mess didn't go unnoticed by Mrs. Spector as she effortlessly summoned up a napkin in her magic and whipped the mess of off Twilight's face without even giving the princess a warning first.

Twilight thought about saying something about personal space but Mrs. Spector didn't even seem to notice her uncomfort at having some random pony she'd just met wipe her mouth for her like a child. Then it clicked, that wasn't just considerate behavior, that was motherly and the fact that it had been instinctual was hitting the thought home.

"Soooo... do you have any kids?" Twilight asked, watching the noble's reaction as Mrs. Spector stopped eating and shot her a surprised look with slightly widened eyes. Before long though Mrs. Spector regained her cool and brought her expression back to normal.

"Actually yes I do... I have a baby, well she's not actually a baby anymore but well you know what I mean. she's about ten now. Why?" Mrs. Spector asked nonchalantly back to Twilight as she placed another morsel of her strawberry doughnut into her mouth; leaving it almost completely eaten. So she is a mom even if she's not Cozy's...

"Oh no particular reason, you just give off a motherly vibe that's all." Twilight deflected as her curiosity over Mrs. Spector's filly took center stage in her mind, "So what's your daughter like?" 

Mrs. Spector swallowed the last of her doughnut, a task that Twilight would have taken care of in seconds. "Well thanks to her tutors she's the smartest filly that attends her class in school. I dare say she's even smarter than the more advanced students in the grades above her." Mrs. Spector stated proudly.

"Really, that sounds great. Which school does she go too?" Twilight asked hoping to change the subject in a more carefree direction, feeling as if she'd been too aggressive with Mrs. Spector over her having an ulterior motive for some reason. 

"Actually since you're taking over for Celestia at the school for gifted unicorns, I'd say she goes to your school now." Mrs. Spector explained as Twilight gagged and tried not to choke on her next doughnut she just bit into. My student, Twilight thought, that was right though she was taking over for Celestia when the next semester came around after the summer break but she had so much on her mind right now that she just didn't have enough time to think about it that much... 

"I haven't even gotten a chance to meet all of my new students yet." Twilight lamented, and it was a shame too. Each one of those students were the best and brightest that Equestria had to offer. she envisioned them all in her head sitting at their desks, all of them bright eyed and bushy tailed, completely ready to start learning more about the wonders of magic from her.

"You really should meet with them dear, their all wonderful, well except for mine... on her bad days..." Mrs. Spector said somberly as her cheery expression turned sad and she tapped her empty plate with her fork depressingly. Twilight wondered how a pony could go from happy to depressed so fast, whatever this girl of hers was having trouble with must be getting to her mother as well...

"She has bad days?" Twilight asked as Spike got done with his last doughnut and Twilight levitated one of her remaining three over to him. Which he gratefully accepted and immediately bit into without a word to either of them.

"Only for the past couple of years. I mean usually she's studious and takes all of her learning material seriously. In fact sometimes I can't even get her head out of a book and trust me I've tried, Giggle*." Mrs. Spector explained with a small smirk as she stared off into space, probably thinking of distant memories of her child. So this girl like's books too huh, well we're probably both going to get along just fine when I meet her...

"She sounds like me actually, well before I moved all the way to Ponyville." Twilight said as she continued their small talk. For some reason talking about something as simple as kids actually relieved her, it was a far cry from hunting monsters and stopping riots. "I used to read nonstop, in fact I still do when I can find the time."

"Oh, well it sounds like you two would be two peas in a pod; if you ever want to meet her you just let me know okay." Mrs. Spector offered with a hopeful smile that seemed to melt all of Twilight's remaining misgivings about her. All of this was making her feel worse for comparing her to Cozy Glow, yes she had curly hair but that didn't mean anything at all in hind sight and the thought of helping one of Twilight's newest students with what could potentially be a friendship problem actually excited her.

"I could probably find some time, I am the Princess of Friendship after all, so maybe I can even help with some of the problems you say she's been having." Twilight said while using her hooves to quote the word problems. "What's her name anyway?"

"Oh it's Luster Dawn." Mrs. Spector stated proudly as if the name was meant to be known by everypony, everywhere.

"Luster Dawn? Hmm... I like it, real sun sety, it's definitely a unique name that's for sure." Twilight said as she lost the rest of her apatite and slid her plate over to Spike, who despite having a bulging belly was still brave enough to go for his eighth and ninth doughnut.

"Well my husband insisted on it. He usually finds a way to get what he wants, even if he has to go to the ends of Equestria to get it Giggle*." Mrs. Spector stated as her gold eyes lit up and she put a hoof up into the air to get Twilight's attention. "Say you haven't ever played chess before have you?"

"I actually have played a few games before but I'm not a-" Twilight didn't get to finish as her ears flew back in shock when a black and white chessboard was studently teleported to the table between her and Mrs. Spector. What was even more disturbing is it landed with all the chess pieces still in place on the checkered board.

"Want to play a quick game with me? You know, while we're here?" Mrs. Spector said with playful yet hungry eyes, as if playing the board game was her favorite thing to do in the entire world. Heck for all Twilight knew it was, especially with her cutie mark being a chess piece. I probably shouldn't but...

"Your on." Twilight exclaimed as she drew a grin of her own and her wings shot up, excited by the challenge.

"Good, I'm sure since you've played before you already know that white moves first." Mrs. Spector said as she moved her white pawn from in front of her king to two spaces forward with her golden magic.

Twilight went to move her pieces but froze as she noticed that all the pawns looked like royal guards and the white king and queen pieces were shaped like Celestia and Luna, while her own black king and queen was herself as the king with Cadence as her queen. the rooks and other pieces were either great wizards she'd heard of or her friends, even including Starlight! Maybe it's a royal chess set or something, Twilight supposed and with her purple magic she moved a black pawn up in front of Mrs. Spector's white one to counter it.

"I'm betting on her." Spike said out of nowhere as Twilight turned to find him done with the last of the doughnuts and his head laying atop his crossed arms on the table he was sitting at as he watched their game.

"Dawwww, thanks Spiky." Mrs. Spector said shooting him a happy grin, which to Twilight's shock got Spike to redden a little on the cheeks.

"Spike you traitor." Twilight shot back playfully as Spike did his best shrug from his resting position at the table.

"Meh, she's way to confident Twi. It's probably a good idea not to go betting any bits on this." Spike suggested much to her dismay as his reasoning hurt her confidence in herself.

"Hey! I have a chance." Twilight said in her defense as Mrs. Spector watched them go back in forth with her head resting on a hoof casually until they were done.

"No he's right." Mrs. Spector said gleefully as she moved her queen diagonally with her magic to the far left of Twilight view on the board. The queen already? I would say she's probably inexperienced but I know that's not true... hmm, no she's definitely doing something...

"You're underestimating me." Twilight stated sassily as she surveyed the battle ground of the chess board. Alright she's in attack mode with her queen piece so she's probably just coaxing me out, I have to do something she won't expect, something an experienced player wouldn't know what to do about..., Twilight thought and drew her magic on the chess piece of herself, (her king piece) before gingerly sliding it forward a space to hopefully surprise Mrs. Spector and hopefully change up the game a little bit. 

"Bwahahahahahah!" Mrs. Spector shouted to the sky with glee and quickly wiped a happy tear that was coming out of her eye. Twilight was stunned by the sudden laughter as she scanned the checkered board in fear of missing something but before she had time to react Mrs. Spector's horn came to life with a gold aura as she moved her queen right on top of Twilight's pawn. Having secured the first kill Mrs. Spector's Queen stared Twilight's King piece down, with nowhere left to run it was all over... 

"Shucks Princess. A three move Checkmate, I didn't think you'd actually want to lose to me that badly." Mrs. Spector cheered, with Twilight dropping her head to the table with a loud bang* causing Spike to get up and slowly come to her side to try and console her after losing so easily. That fast!?

"There there Twilight, at least you had fun while it lasted, right?" Spike asked nervously while still trying to comfort her on probably the easiest loss in the history of chess. Twilight brought her gaze up on the table and stared at her defeat resting on the board game. How hadn't she seen that, it's not like she hadn't ever played before. Next time I play chess it's going to be against Shinny, he always loses...

"Hahahaha... Princess is everything alright?" Mrs. Spector asked still giggling at the easy three move checkmate she'd just won before her magic took control of her Queen piece and knocked the King piece that looked like The Princess of Friendship over. Twilight just sat there until her better nature came back around and she sat up strait in her chair and put her hoof out to Mrs. Spector.

"Good game. I can't tell if you're too good at this or if I'm just too horrible." Twilight stated with a forced smile. Mrs. Spector stopped her giggling with a hoof to her mouth before hoofbumping Twilight on their match, even though it had only lasted three moves. 

"Don't be sad Princess I'll play you again some other time, you know when you've had a bit more practice." Mrs. Spector cheered but in a friendly way as to not upset her, then with ease she teleported the game away, probably back to where she lived if Twilight had to guess. They sat there for a while at their table to let their stomachs settle, namely Spikes but before long he was quite ready to head out of the small outdoor diner. 

"Hmm... it's getting late and I still have to get back to my mansion before sundown, Don't worry though I'll walk you two home first, okay." Mrs. Spector said as she glanced up at the sky. Hearing this Spike and Twilight got up from their seats and threw their used garbage away, Spike even politely took Mrs. Spector's for her, earning him a head pat from the prissy pony. Afterwards they both followed Mrs. Spector and her guards out of the Diner and back down the streets towards the Royal Palace. 

While they walked Twilight glanced at the picture of Cozy she still had under her wing and then back to Mrs. Spector with her pink curly hair and chess piece cutie mark. There's no way, Twilight thought, if Mrs. Spector was actually related to Cozy Glow then it didn't show, in fact the only bad outcome Twilight could see from the pony leading her home was that she was just pretending to be helpful like Cozy was but even that was flawed. After all what would be the point in buttering her up? Mrs. Spector appeared to be rich, while also living in a mansion no less, and she even had her own personal guard to boot. All of that without any of the responsibilities of being the ruler of an entire country. 

"Mrs. Spector." Twilight said getting the prissy unicorns attention as they neared the Palace's large stone platform where they would have to reclimb the stairs up to the Palace.

"Hmm?" Mrs. Spector asked with a hum as she glanced over at the spectacular horizon which was filled with a cascade of reds, yellows, and oranges as the sun hung close to the mountains yonder.

"I just wanted to apologize, you really have helped me a lot so far and If I'm being completely honest with you all I've done is suspect you of having some kind of a secret agenda or something." Twilight stated somberly with Mrs. Spector averting her golden eyes away from the horizon and locking them squarely onto Twilight as she drew a friendly grin.

"Trust me Princess being wary of who you can trust is the smartest thing you've done since you moved back to Canterlot." Mrs. Spector said with an eyeroll with Twilight taking it all as a complement instead of as a knock on her leadership skills. Yeah I need to be careful right now, especially since I don't know which ponies I can trust...

"Well you got me doughnuts so you're okay in my book." Spike said patting his slightly bulged stomach and walking up beside Mrs. Spector instead of Twilight. Well I guess we both made a new friend...

"Awww, thanks Spiky." Mrs. Spector said leaning down and planting a tiny kiss on Spike's forehead, causing him to blush uncontrollably by the sudden show of affection. Twilight snickered at his red face as they all climbed the steps up to the Royal Palace. Oh I better get him before he develops a crush on her like the one he has on Rarity...

Speaking of which where was she? Twilight hadn't expected her back immediately but the fashionista was always punctual and rarely waited to get something done. Oh I'm sure she's fine, Twilight thought, Rarity was reliable, she'd learn everything she could and be back in no time; all Twilight had to do was wait.

"Well this is where we'll depart I'm afraid." Mrs. Spector stated as they reached the top of the stairs with the palace looming over them.

"I really can't thank you enough for all your help." Twilight said wishing she could actually employ the rich pony that had just taken her around the town, feed her, and given her a game plan for hunting down the Mimic Cozy. All of which with only the request to still have her husbands meeting tomorrow. Talk about commitment...

"It wasn't really a problem your highness, in fact I was looking forward to meeting you for quite some time now." Mrs. Spector said giving Twilight a curtsy as her two silver guards bowed their heads to Twilight in unison. 

"Tehe* It was nice to meet you too Mrs. Spector. For all I know you probably just saved me another riot tomorrow, thank you." Twilight said sincerely and not without meaning every word of it, without Mrs. Spector's intervention things would've undoubtedly gotten worse before they got better.

"Well so long as you're more open with you're citizens and your allies I believe you'll be just fine from now on your grace... Oh but you are definitely going to have that meeting tomorrow right?" Mrs. Spector asked with beamingly hopeful eyes.

"Of course." Twilight confirmed and was soon grabbed around the waist as Mrs. Spector shot forward and wrapped her in a soft hug. Twilight wasn't expecting that as she got a strait whiff of Mrs. Spector's strawberry perfume, with the mare being surprisingly soft and warm to the touch. I guess she uses powder or something...

"Trust me Princess after tomorrow things'll get better, you'll see." Mrs. Spector whispered next to her ear before she pulled away from Twilight and started trotting away with her guards, only to halt in place at the base of the first step. 





Mrs. Spector turned and gave Twilight one last friendly smile as she teleported a slip of paper out of nowhere and flew it all the way back into Twilight's now open hoof, "Oh do come by my mansion if you ever need anything dear, remember you'll always have friends here in Canterlot that'll lend you a helping hoof." And with that Mrs. Spector left them there as she descended back down the stone steps towards Canterlot City with her two guards in tow right behind her. Twilight glanced down at what Mrs. Spector had given her to find the mare's address and a tiny map drawn on it for her convenience just in case she had trouble finding it. Twilight and Spike shared a glance of wiriness as they both headed for the front doors to the Palace.

"Sooo what do you wanna do now Spike?" Twilight asked since her schedule was still clear for the day.

Spike shrugged, "I don't know, I guess relax or something until bedtime... why did you have something in mind?" Twilight put a hoof to her chin in thought, wondering what to do before sundown.

"Well we could move those artifacts to the tower and see what Grogar was so interested in when he was still around." Twilight suggested, wondering if she could find a private journal of his or maybe even something that would help them with the Mimic wondering around the countryside. "Oh and I also need to get to work on that wanted poster Mrs. Spector was taking about."

"Yay, I get to deal with some more books and a curly haired demon." Spike said jokingly with a friendly eye roll.

"Oh come on Spike I have to get the throne room empty before bedtime... otherwise somepony's going to wonder why I have a small library I'm sitting on instead of my actual throne tomorrow." Twilight pleaded to the stuffed dragon.

"Hmph... okay fine but after that we're taking it easy, deal?" Spike asked as the door guards opened the palace doors for them. You know I was just about to say the same thing...

"Deal." Twilight said happily as they entered back into the safety of the Palace. However before she and Spike could make their way to the throne room a heavy breathing guard came running up to her. Twilight groaned and tried her best not to teleport the guard away so she wouldn't have to deal with whatever problem he had for her but unfortunately she stood firm, waiting for the inevitable.

"Ugh... what is it now?" Twilight said depressingly, hoping that whatever it was he wanted to tell her wasn't too serious as the guard took of his helmet and looked her in the eyes.

"Your grace you said to come get you if the Prisoner did anything she shouldn't, well... she's getting out of bed to use the rest room and I can't get her to stay put until you're there to help her." The guard stated as Twilight facehooved with Spike raising an eyebrow at how Chrysalis needed help doing something so simple as using the toilet. 

"Of course she isn't going to wait." Twilight said as she turned to Spike and hoofed him the photo of Cozy Glow from under her wing, "Don't come with me alright Spike, I need to handle this myself." 

"Got it. I'll just meet you in the throne room when you're done." Spike stated glancing down at the curly haired foal in the picture before he started walking away from her in the direction of the throne room. 

Twilight summoned up all of her remaining energy from her long day and sprinted down the hallway past the guard as she made her way through the large palace at a break neck pace to get to Chrysalis. Intent on getting there as fast as possible before Chrysalis managed to hurt herself.

Although now out of breath she quickly came to the entrance to the Castle's Dungen, once there she lit her horn which illuminated the dark staircase in a purple light and trotted down the steps into the dark hallway that would lead her to the prison cells. But before she could get there she heard a "Whhhhhhhhsssssshhh." as she heard Chrysalis's toilet flush. Ugh, really...

Twilight reached the bottom of the cells with the sun's orange afternoon light shinning through Chrysalis's tiny cell window, causing the small dwelling to shine orangish in an afternoon hue. There she saw Chrysalis from beyond the bars as she was slowly moving herself back to the bed with tiny little baby steps.

Twilight wanted to yell at her for not asking for her help first but seeing her barley being able to walk got Twilight to reconsider as she pushed her slight anger down and chose to use a much more rational and calmer tone on the changeling. "I told you to wait for me so I could help you with that." Twilight said sternly.

Chrysalis simply turned and shot daggers at her with grey eyes as she stopped her small journey back to bed to finally recognize Twilight's existence. "I already told you I don't need any of your help. Now get out and scram before I destroy you."

After her threat Chrysalis went back to ignoring her as she continued on her tiny path back to bed, but after all the problems Twilight had gone through today she wasn't having it. First the Riot, then the Mimic, and now even Chrysalis wanted to put her health at risk? All for what, pride? Twilight couldn't afford for Chrysalis to get hurt and go through another agonizing surgery, not right now and certainly not after she'd just started getting things back under control.

Twilight retrieved the key to Chrysalis's cell that she'd hidden within her golden chest compartment and slid it into the cell's door. However before she could pull it open she saw Chrysalis's ears twitch slightly at the slight sounds the key was making in the keyhole. Wow that's some hearing, I barely even made a sound...

"I told you to leave." Chrysalis demanded coldly.

"Bite me." Twilight shot back as she undid the door and swung it open with a loud screech.

"Keep tempting me and I just might." Chrysalis stated threateningly as she finally made it back to the bed. Then the large Changeling turned around and reared her flank up on the soft mattress as she slowly sat down safely. Twilight watched her from the doorway not knowing what she should do. Well maybe she can do it, Twilight thought as she watched Chrysalis move her hoof back on the bed for leverage. But out of nowhere Chrysalis's grey eyes shot open and clamored shut again in pain as she moved her cast slightly by accident, causing her face to contort in agony. "Ow!" Chrysalis yelped and hissed soon afterwards like a snake. "Hhhsssssssssss."

Oh no, Twilight thought as she swiftly closed the door to the cell and made her way over to Chrysalis's side, wanting to inspect her hoof. Once she got over to help her however Chrysalis used her right hoof to hit her and knock her away, but surprisingly the large holed limb had very little force behind it as it barley managed to nudge her an inch backwards from The damaged Changeling Queen.

"Stay... away..." Chrysalis whispered in a sad and broken voice, too small for any vicious monster to ever make. Twilight was taken aback by the sheer hopelessness emanating from her defeated foe. As much as she didn't like Chrysalis this made her feel weird... sad even.

"At least let me help you get back into bed before you kill yourself." Twilight pleaded as Chrysalis seemed to ponder Twilight's offer for a moment before her hateful glare returned and she stated coldly, "No. Come near me and I'll rip your lungs out..."

Twilight's ears flattened backwards, she knew the threat wasn't a possibility in Chrysalis's current state but the fact that Chrysalis had decided to refuse help even with a broken shoulder was nothing short of insanity. Why won't she just let me help her?

Twilight just stood there, waiting to see if Chrysalis would fall or hurt herself as the Changeling Queen drew her pink bed sheets to the side with a slightly trembling hoof and slowly pulled her body up as she reasserted herself back on top of the comfy mattress. Then without help from Twilight she pulled the covers haphazardly over half of her large frame and laid down defiantly.

Twilight let out a sigh of relief and noticed the guard she'd posted to watch her prisoner had returned to watch Chrysalis as he settled himself back into his watchful position from beyond the cell's bars. I really should relieve him, he's been down here with her for literally all day...

Twilight couldn't do something like that, whatever oaths the guard had taken he was apparently dead set on fulfilling them, probably even if Twilight made this a permeant position for the time being. It would be helpful to have a guard who had already proven himself to be a trusted watchful eye for her prisoner but the question was should she really do that to him...

"You." Chrysalis commanded, interrupting her train of thought as Twilight's eyes widened and she quickly came over to the changeling's bedside.

"Make yourself useful and bring me something to read..." Chrysalis demanded with disdain, as if asking any other way would have hurt her somehow. 

Twilight for her part was just stunned that Chrysalis had actually asked for something besides her head. A thought slowly entered Twilight's mind, maybe Chrysalis was uncomfortable with needing somepony's help but ordering them around seemed to be alright with her, I have to use that somehow. Regardless, at least Chrysalis could read her way to recovery while she was stuck in here. She didn't know how lucky she was, Twilight was thinking about breaking her shoulder too if it meant she could skip out on the next possible riot...

Trotting over to the books she'd placed in Chrysalis's cell Twilight scanned the titles but was suddenly aware at how dark the room had gotten without the sunlight shinning through the window overhead to illuminate the small room, she was definitely going to have to get Chrysalis a light in here, maybe even a lamp for her to read with. This'll make her happy, Twilight thought as she picked up a book on the conquests and Histories of the Changelings, with the book in hoof she quickly trotted back over to the wounded Chrysalis and held the book up for her to read.

Chrysalis squinted her eyes and read the title before groaning and looking away. "Pass"

Wait, What!? Twilight's eyes widened in shock as the book on Changeling invasions was rejected, even though it was literally full of changeling victories. But then it came to her, maybe Chrysalis didn't want to relive any histories over a successful changeling war when Chrysalis's own war had ended so badly for her. Stupid, Twilight thought and felt worse now, for all she knew Chrysalis thought she was trying to rub in her defeat or something.

Twilight trotted back over to the tiny bookshelf by the far wall and quickly returned the book in it's proper place before pulling another one out on the Griffon's Civil Wars. Hopefully this one works, it was after all a book on non-Changelings in a three hundred year old conflict so maybe it would appease her moody prisoner.

Bringing the book over to the wounded Changeling Twilight laid the book gently down beside her, seeing this Chrysalis grabbed the book in her good hoof before raising it up to her eyes and reading the title. Then to Twilight's shock she tossed the book right off of the bed, with it landing with a thud* on the stone floor of the cell beside her. "Ugh... Next..." Chrysalis said as she glared up at the ceiling in unamusement.

Twilight's eye twitched as she levitated the book up off of the ground with her magic before dusting it of with a hoof and placing it back on the shelf with the others. Okay forget hurting her feelings, maybe she's just messing with me or something... Wait if she is I'm definitely putting her on a diet of stale bread and water... that'll teach her to mess with me... 

Twilight quickly pulled a book from random, not caring which one it was as she stomped her way over to Chrysalis and planted the book down by the changeling.

Chrysalis pulled the book up before her eyes grew wide and she shouted, "Is this all the same genre!?" 

"Wait, What!? You don't like war books!?" Twilight asked completely dumbfounded as Chrysalis glanced away from her towards the stone wall beside her bed.

Twilight ran a hoof down her face in despair, "Well then what do you like to read?"

"Romance of course..." Chrysalis whispered, never looking Twilight in the eyes. 

What ensued was a long moment of silence before the guard outside of the cell broke his no talking guard routine and started snickering uncontrollably, "Snicker* What is it like reading a menu or something? Bwahahahah!" Twilight could tell that the act itself wasn't meant as anything but friendly jesting... even if the guard had gotten slightly carried away.

Although the more she thought about it the more she herself found the joke somewhat funny. "Pffff* Hahahahaha." Twilight let out in the small cell as she eventually gave in to the comedy with her laughter joining in with the guard's, much to the disdain of Chrysalis who had a resigned dead look in her eyes by all of the hysteria surrounding her. Twilight put a hoof over her chuckling mouth as she imagined changelings lining up to buy romance novels like they were candy, the mental image itself didn't help as she continued to laugh until both she and the guard had quelled their initial glee. Seeing that they were both finished and guessing that this as an opportune moment to speak Chrysalis decided to chime in on their fun.

"You idiots, changeling's hunt for love of course I-" Chrysalis shouted but didn't get done lashing out at them as she slightly got up from her resting position due to her rising anger, Then without warning she quickly jerked in pain.

"Aaaagh!?" Chrysalis shouted loudly, which caused Twilight's cheery expression to vanish instantly by the outcry. She expected Chrysalis to continue yelling at them because of the sudden pain she must be feeling, or even to curse their names to the heavens for laughing at her kind's romantic cravings but instead of either of those Chrysalis just sat there as her dead grey eyes suddenly breamed with glimmering tears. What the...

Twilight stood completely still in shock, with her mouth hanging open in surprise as Chrysalis quickly turned her head away from them towards the wall and hid her face with her only good front hoof. But alas that didn't stop Twilight from hearing her sniffle away in agony. How stupid could I be, Twilight hadn't even been thinking about upsetting Chrysalis to the point where she might hurt herself, instead she had gladly laughed at her despite knowing she was a completely fragile mess whilst in her current condition. What was worse was Twilight despite not being on good terms with Chrysalis had basically just tried to bully her without even realizing it, and all while she was recovering too... some Princess of Friendship she turned out to be...

"Chrysalis I..." Twilight held her hoof out to the hurting Changeling, wanting to help her somehow but stopped dead in her tracks due the hopelessness of the situation. What could she say after causing that!? It wasn't like Chrysalis had ever wanted to hear her out or listen to anything she had to say but Twilight had to do something, otherwise she'd feel guilty about it for the rest of her life. Finding an idea come to mind Twilight stood back and shot a soft detection spell at the changeling, with the blast of purple magic harmlessly hitting Chrysalis in her temple. Afterwards Twilight could see the bone structure of the Changeling as the spell displayed Chrysalis's skeleton, despite the blankets she was under. It kind of looked like a living X-ray to her as Twilight saw the fractured shoulder still in place from Dr. Horseman's surgery. 

Whew, at least she didn't cause any permeant damage, Twilight thought as the spell slowly faded away. Glancing over past the cells bars Twilight found that Chrysalis's guard had uncharacteristically taken off his helmet at the sight of the pain Chrysalis was in, apparently feeling guilty himself for the way they'd just treated her. You know most ponies just saw the guards with their unmoving faces and assumed that they were too hard for such an emotional thing as regret but Twilight knew better, her guards were ponies first and foremost and they wouldn't be too keen on causing a creature to wallow in pain. Even if that creature was Queen Chrysalis...

Twilight returned her gaze to her now slightly sniffling prisoner to see Chrysalis's breathing slowly begin to work itself back under control, although Twilight was sure she'd never forget those sobs, especially because they were ones she never expected to hear. Twilight hadn't wanted this... even seeing her turned to stone was better than what she was witnessing right now.

"Chrysalis?" Twilight asked putting a tender hoof on the large changeling's one good shoulder. 

At the touch Chrysalis instantly pulled her hoof down from her face and turned her head to glare daggers right through Twilight. An event that was more unnerving do to the two dry tear streaks decorating Chrysalis's black cheeks.

"What? Do you feel better now, hmm? Isn't that why you came down here!?" Chrysalis asked angerly.

"No. Chrysalis I'm really really sorry, I shouldn't have laughed at you like that when you were hurt, especially over which book you wanted to read." Twilight answered as she teleported her personal handkerchief out of her room and into her hoof before holding it out to the changeling.

Chrysalis immediately snatched the white cloth away from her and wiped her face off. With Twilight just watching in silence until Chrysalis had gotten done wiping both of her cheeks. Twilight waited for another onslaught of insults afterwards or even more death threats but to her surprise Chrysalis held the handkerchief back out to her without a word.

"Keep it." Twilight said somberly as Chrysalis turned to look at her and for a brief second Twilight saw the surprise on Chrysalis's face from the generosity she had just been shown before a dark scowl took over and the changeling inched her way back down into her bed with the handkerchief grasped firmly in her hoof.

"Do um... do you still want that book or well... novel?" Twilight asked, hovering slightly towards the cell door as she expected a firm no from Chrysalis after the way she had just been treated.

"Only if you're going to get it without making me wait any longer." Chrysalis demanded coldly as she glared up angerly at the ceiling.

The second Chrysalis had said yes Twilight's heart skipped a beat. Hurrying to find something to make up for what she'd just done to Chrysalis, Twilight surrounded herself in purple magic and swiftly transported herself into the castle's large library, which was illuminated by a variety of candles placed about it here and there. After teleporting into the vacant area she quickly ran over to the romance section and started grabbing books at random. Gathering a good ten novels Twilight teleported back into Chrysalis's cell with her peace offering in a firm stack on her hoof. Chrysalis for her part looked at the collection of novels in Twilight's hoof with a raised eyebrow, probably not expecting so many.

"Is this enough?" Twilight asked hoping that she could make Chrysalis feel better after what she'd just gone through. Instead of giving Twilight an answer Chrysalis sighed and laid the handkerchief on her bed before she held out her good hoof for the novels. Seeing this Twilight quickly hoofed over the stack she'd just collected.

Chrysalis placed her new reading material next to her on the bed and casually picked up the first one to read the title. Twilight held her breath hoping that the changeling didn't decide to toss the book aside like she did all the others she'd already given her. Thankfully though Chrysalis brought the book closer as if she was pleased. Whew, I'm glad that worked out, Twilight thought before she noticed Chrysalis bring the novel up to her nostrils and inhale deeply as she took a long good whiff of it.

"This'll do. Don't expect them back until I'm done with them." Chrysalis stated matter of factly.

"Wait, why did you just smell it like that?" Twilight asked with a small hopeful smile, wondering if Chrysalis liked the old library smell like she did when she would always read an old library book. No that was impossible wasn't it? Chrysalis and her couldn't possibly have anything in common... could they?

"Ugh, if you must know it's because a pony's strong emotions can linger on an item like this." Chrysalis explained as she opened the book up to the first page and started scrolling through it casually.

"Strong emotions... Wait you can't get any love from these books can you?" Twilight asked fearfully as she mentally kicked herself in the head for not considering if Chrysalis was just trying to find a way to gain more power and escape. Especially with books, that would be the cruelest irony for Twilight if the books would somehow allow Chrysalis to wreck some more havoc on the outside world. Talk about killer literature...

"Oh that would be sooooooo awful wouldn't it? Especially since you were the one who gave me these." Chrysalis said taunting her as Twilight readied her horn with a burst of magic so she could pull the books away from the agitated changeling. Seeing what she was about to do Chrysalis groaned in frustration.

"Of course I can't gain any magic from them you fool. If I could I would have just raided a library instead of hunting down Grogar's bell with those two imbeciles." Chrysalis stated as she flipped the page she was currently on to the next one. Twilight relaxed and let her magic fizzle out as Chrysalis continued reading. 

Well that wasn't so bad, but then again she was just taking Chrysalis's word for it, for all she knew Chrysalis was just waiting until she left before breaking out and destroying everypony. Though there was still the problem of her broken shoulder so it was probably a safe bet to assume that if Chrysalis did do something to escape it would probably would be far into the future...

Despite that Twilight still had the slight urge to keep the books away from her, if for no other reason than she could possibly use them somehow but all that disappeared as she saw Chrysalis just peacefully reading away without bothering anypony. Now she was feeling worse for even thinking about it, for all she knew she might have just taken away the only thing Chrysalis seemed to be enjoying out of the entire castle. Well besides the Palace food, which also reminded her... 

"So how did her cup cakes go?" Twilight asked turning to the royal guard on the other side of the prison bars.

"It went fine your grace but I don't think the maid you sent in here wants to ever do it again. Your prisoner... I mean Chrysalis here kept on sniffing her for some weird reason." the guard answered only for Chrysalis to stop reading and glare at him with a slight growl.

"No, the girl you sent in was an adequate servant, I want her to be back in here the next time I require food." Chrysalis demanded with a glance to Twilight. Twilight didn't want to say no especially after she'd just gotten Chrysalis to settle down and start reading, but sending the maid back to the changeling would be nothing short of cruel if Chrysalis was harassing her.

"I don't want to bust your bubble Chrysalis but I only had that maid feed you today because I wasn't here. But if it makes you feel any better I'll be back in here first thing in the morning to get you whatever you want." Twilight explained with a big smile and batted her eyelashes to the laying changeling, only for Chrysalis to grit her fangs angerly in her direction.

"Oh how comforting to know I have the Princess of Friendship tending to my every need." Chrysalis said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. As much as Twilight felt like just ignoring her, she decided to meet Chrysalis's sarcasm to see if she could somehow get a different kind of reaction out of her.

"Awww that's so special Chrysalis, I love you too." Twilight said playfully as if she was speaking with a close friend. Chrysalis turned to her and raised an eyebrow.  

"You're not going to stop until I kill you, are you?" Chrysalis said but to Twilight's surprise the threat seemed less threatening and more like something Chrysalis would casually say to somepony. Interesting...





Twilight shook her head no gleefully and started to leave before she upset Chrysalis again but before she could get out of the cell Chrysalis glanced at her pink blanket she was halfway under.

"Wait you pest that reminds me, where is my new blanket?" Chrysalis asked narrowing her eyes and growling in her direction.

"Oh shoot, I completely forgot about that." Twilight said pinching her brow with a hoof in disdain. "Ugh, just sit tight and give me a minute okay, I'll be right back."

"And you'd better not forget about the pillows either." Chrysalis said dismissively as she turned her full attention back to the romance novel she was reading.

Twilight again teleported, only this time it was to a random palace bedroom that was used for guests when the stayed at the palace. She glanced around at the rooms bed but to her dismay the covers were a soft green instead of the dark red Chrysalis had requested earlier. And so without the blanket that she needed in sight Twilight teleported to the next room hoping for better luck where to her shock she found a sleeping Celestia... snuggled under a firm dark red blanket with her head buried into the headpillow.

"Oh come on, really..." Twilight whispered to herself as she teleported into a few more rooms. Each time taking the pillow off of the front of the bed with her before she left to continue her search. After about four more rooms she finally found a blanket matching Chrysalis's preference with patterns decorating the crimson red as gold lain on the blankets outline. 

"Thank Celestia." Twilight said gratefully as she levitated the blanket over to her and placed it on top of the pillows she was currently holding; having found what she needed Twilight quickly teleported all of the supplies back into Chrysalis's stone cell. Seeing the bright flash of the teleporting spell Chrysalis's eyes shot open but quickly returned to normal as Twilight deposited the pillows onto the floor around her and held up the blanket for Chrysalis to inspect. 

"What about this one?" Twilight asked, hoping that she didn't have to go on another scavenger hunt through the palace.

Chrysalis's eyes scanned the blanket for a moment before she finally accepted, "It'll do. Now get this infernal thing off of me before I choke you to death with it."

I'm going to take that as a yes, Twilight thought inwardly as she levitated the pink blanket off of Chrysalis's large body and tossed it to the floor at the head of Chrysalis's hospital bed. Then with her full attention Twilight levitated the red blanket up into the air and let it drop softly on Chrysalis, who only squinted slightly as the blanket landed on her casted hoof.

"There." Twilight said but noticed the covers had fallen right over the books Chrysalis had just received. Meh, at least they'll be warm, Twilight concluded, besides it wasn't like they were too much of a hinderance under there, she doubted they'd make it all the way to the other side of Chrysalis where her damaged hoof was. Twilight smiled at her completed task but to her dismay Chrysalis shot her an angry glare, "And the pillows you moron." 

Twilight looked at the fluffy white pillows at her hooves, which were still laying on the floor where she'd dropped them and slightly chuckled at getting ahead of herself. "Right." Twilight said and started picking up the pillows one by one before fluffing them up with her magic and laying them gently in a line on the bed right up against the wall; which kind've made the bed look more like a large couch for some reason. Well I bet it's cozy up there regardless, she thought and once her task was all done she walked around the bed to survey her handiwork; finding it to her satisfaction Twilight went back over to Chrysalis to see if her fragile foe needed anything else before she left to rejoin Spike.

"Well, will it work?" Twilight asked wanting to get back to the throne room and square Grogar's relics away, then she was off to make those wanted posters Mrs. Spector had suggested before finally making it to bed.

Chrysalis looked around the room a bit before her magicless eyes finally landing on the spot beside the head of her bed, "I need a nightstand, make sure you bring me one if you insist on coming back here to torture me with you're presence." Twilight nodded at the demand, despite the insult since it sounded quite useful for her wounded foe. With one of those Chrysalis would have a place to put her reading material instead of it just laying on her bed beneath the blanket. Besides that bed's getting pretty full...

"Alright I'll get one in here first thing in the morning. So if it's all the same to you I have some things I need to take care of before sundown. Goodnight Chrysalis." Twilight said tiredly with a yawn before drawing her magic around her body to teleport out of the room.

"Wait." Chrysalis demanded with a raised hoof. Sighing Twilight cancelled her magic and stared towards Chrysalis in confusion. Doesn't she have enough things yet?

"Sigh* what is it now Chrysalis?" Twilight asked wondering if this was how parents felt about dealing with their foals.

"Get me some Glowstones in here." Chrysalis said causing Twilight to raise an eyebrow. Glowstones? Then suddenly it all came flooding back to her that Changeling's didn't have lamps where they came from, no instead they had glowing stones that varied in different colors to illuminate their surroundings. Some of which she'd even seen in Ocellus's room at the School of Friendship from her time as Headmare. 

"Ugh, how am I supposed to get those?" Twilight asked about ready to give up.

A few moments passed as Chrysalis put her good hoof to her chin in deep concentration, "Hmm... As much as it pains me to suggest it you could always send a letter to that traitor of mine Thorax. I bet that bee brained amature has all of the Glowstones strung up all over the hive like a Hearts Warming tree by now or something."

"Wait you want me to ask Thorax for some glowing rocks? Ugh, can't I just bring you a lamp or something?" Twilight pleaded dropping to her knees by the bed and latching onto the side with her head dropping to the soft mattress. 

Chrysalis closed her eyes and stuck her nose up in the air defiantly. "Absolutely not, Glowstones are far superior to the pony junk you idiots keep using." Chrysalis said before she glanced back over at Twilight who's head was still resting for a minute on the side of her mattress, "And get off of my bed before I gouge your eyes out." Twilight leaned off of the bed with her hooves up in the air defensively and a scowl of her own on her face. I just needed a minute you blowhard...

"Fine I was going to write King Thorax anyway." Twilight said pouting and crossing her hooves whilst in her sitting position on the floor. Hearing this got Chrysalis to lower her book down on her bed and intensify her glare on Twilight, her eyes full of a newfound anger.

"Oh I'm sorry did he raise an entire hive of three hundred and forty two changelings?" Chrysalis whispered with a death glare that would have destroyed Twilight instantly if it could have caused any real physical damage.

Twilight's ears dropped back not just because she'd brought Thorax's title into the conversation without thinking of the implications it would have but also because of the rising anger of Chrysalis and how it might make her hurt herself again by accident. Not wanting to make things any worse Twilight relented, "No, I'm pretty sure he didn't."

Hearing this Chrysalis brought her book back up and flipped another page as she continued reading, "And don't you forget it. I don't want you to even dare call him King again in my presence."

"Alright fine I won't... sigh* if there's noth-" Twilight tried to say.

"Go, and don't come back until you can do something useful." Chrysalis commanded, clearly wanting Twilight finally gone.

Twilight got up off of the floor and readied her horn again so she could leave but before she did she turned to the guard stationed outside the cell. "I'll be sending somepony to relieve you soon alright." Twilight said kindly with the guard giving her a firm nod of acknowledgement. 

And with that Twilight's magic surrounded her as she teleported out of the cell to gather up Grogar's relics and square them away in the tower before making the wanted posters. Afterwards she planned on writing out the letters she'd need to send for both her allies to be in the know about her new prisoner and apparently also for Chrysalis to get her glowing rocks... That's going to be quite an interesting letter to Thorax...

 "Oh hello ma'am, would you like to try our newest line of fragrances" a well dressed business pony asked in a tux and red tie, all the while holding up a spray bottle of blue perfume to Rarity as she trotted down the far off streets of Canterlot.

"Oh, thank you darling but I'm needed elsewhere." Rarity said to the fine stallion but kept on trotting past him as she made her way to Rosie's address. It had taken a while and some directions from some kind Canterlot citizens but she was finally here, in the housing district where most of the less well-off ponies usually stayed in the capital since they couldn't afford a mansion or a larger abode. Ten Forty Pinewood Lane... almost there... ten twenty two... ten twenty three, Rarity thought scanning the numbers on the two story houses she was trotting by.

Alright remember, to do this fashionably I have to start with simple pleasantries and then work her into revealing more, Rarity thought as she squared the slip of paper Twilight had given her away into her coat pocket and adjusting her large grey hat atop her head so it would cover her eyes somewhat. Despite her reservations on helping reform the filly who had tried to destroy both her and her friends Rarity was intent on getting what Twilight needed from this Rosie even if she thought it was a complete waste of her time. I don't know why I'm doing this Twilight but it had better be worth it...

Rarity walked with her reddish brown coat billowing in the soft breeze behind her as she counted the numbers on the fine Canterlot homes until she came to her destination. Finally reaching it she stopped at the front of the house and looked the establishment up and down, finding it about as peaceful a place to live as one could hope for; with four nice well trimmed shrubs next to the house's walkway in a cone shape. There wasn't much else though, with there being a significant lack of a front yard, instead the house seemed to almost connect to the street itself as it's steps met the sidewalk Rarity was currently standing on. Glancing around Rarity noted the full absence of anypony on the street with her, probably due to the fact that it was getting later and most of them probably wanted to turn in for the night.

Hmm... this is it I suppose, Rarity thought as she brought her imagination to life and replaced the colors around her from green on the ground, the whites of Rosie's house, and even the red orange afternoon sky to a cascade of blacks and whites so she could get in character with her alter ego. After all it wasn't everyday that she could go under cover for a secret assignment like this. Clearing her throat Detective Rarity trotted up the small steps of the house to it's tiny porch and knocked on the front door a few times. "Knock* knock* knock*. "

Detective Rarity stepped back, waiting for the colorless door to open up so her investigation could truly begin but instead she heard a soft barking from inside the house with a pony shouting, "Hold on I'm coming..."

Oh no, a dog... well no matter, I've dealt with plenty of pets thanks to Fluttershy, I should be just fine, besides I bet it's a tiny show dog or something, Rarity thought to herself as she readied for the pony behind the door to answer so she could ask about Cozy Glow and be on her way, dog or not. After another minute of waiting the door swung gently opened to reveal an apparently slept in unicorn mare, who despite them being well into the afternoon was still in a white nightgown with tiny pink fuzzy slippers on her hooves; aside from that the light grey mare had uncouth bedraggled red hair that made Rarity want to immediately start combing her down. Well maybe she just got into bed early, Rarity thought watching Rosie quickly rub her blue eyes to get the sleepies out of them.





"Um, yes?" Rosie asked with a German Shepard sitting patiently right behind her, definitely a guard dog if Rarity had to guess. Although the mare herself seemed startled as her eyes landed on Rarity's detective attire, probably not expecting a fully dressed pony so late in the afternoon, especially one that dressed in such a large overcoat. Rarity for her part glanced the mare up and down, looking for any family resemblance that could tie her to miss Cozy Glow. Hmm... red hair, light-grey fur, and with blue eyes, Wait maybe that red hair could be responsible for Cozy's evil red eyes... and the blue could be a trait for cozy's hair color...

For all she knew the mare before her could actually be related to Cozy Glow, Rarity wondered if she was standing at Cozy's home, speaking with the degenerates very mother. Not wanting to keep her informant long she asked, "Hello darling, you wouldn't happen to be a miss Rosie by any chance would you?" to the mare politely but in her firm no nonsense voice so she could appear as professionally as possible.

"Well yes I am but.... what's all of this about exactly?" Rosie said getting slightly worried by her sudden visitor, as she slightly leaned back into her doorway, probably getting ready to slam it closed. No, not good I have to dial it back, Rarity thought not wanting to frighten her only lead away.

"Oh nothing about you darling, I assure you you're not in any trouble... I was actually sent here on an important mission from Princess Twilight herself to see if you knew anything about a miss Cozy Glow." Rarity explained but was suddenly surprised to see Rosie's expression go from slight worry to complete anger as Rosie's eyes narrowed threateningly in her direction.

"Who are you?" Rosie asked coldly as she started to close her door slightly. Rarity's eyes widened at how she had suddenly triggered the mare so easily, though this reaction only furthered her suspicion that she was actually talking with Cozy's mother. Oh drat she had to act fast if she was going to get that information she needed.

"Oh wait darling, I just wanted to ask you a few questions." Rarity pleaded, finally breaking her façade to get the mare to see reason. After all if she didn't get anywhere with this then Twilight would be left with nothing for the juvenile delinquent. Although Instead of replying Rosie interestingly leaned forward to get a closer look at her from underneath her grey sunhat. Seeing more of her visitor Rosie's eyes widened but never relented the anger they were shooting Rarity's way, in fact the anger seemed to double on the mare's face as she grit her teeth slightly. 

"You wouldn't happen to be the element of Generosity would you?" Rosie asked angrily with a death glare that stared right through Rarity.

"Well yes... I um-" Rarity stammered before the door slammed closed in front of her, with the wind blowing Rarity's hair to the side as it was propelled outward by the door; her hat flying off of her head to land on the stone concrete behind her.

Rarity stood there suddenly realizing just how distraught Rosie probably was if Cozy was indeed her little filly, but didn't she want to plead her daughters case? The least she could do is tell them why Cozy was so evil. Not willing to walk away now since she was so close Rarity grasped the door in her magic and gave it a tug to open it but unfortunately it was completely locked from the inside. She tried again in vain, only this time it got a response from the pony she needed to talk too...

"Go away." Rosie said from behind the door and quite close to it if Rarity's ears were hearing the mare correctly. "Don't you have something better to do other than badger me? Huh...haven't you all done enough already!?" 

Sensing the distress in Rosie's words made Rarity's heart ache, Cozy was a brat of course but judging from the way Rosie was acting Rarity could guess she genuinely found what they had done to Cozy Glow absolutely revolting. What was worse was Rosie could literally trot into the royal gardens at any point in her day and see her filly solidified in her stone prison...

"Wait!? Do you have any idea how long it took me to get here. I mean all of the direction's, all of the trotting it's taken me, and now you're not even going to hear me out!?"  Rarity shouted desperately as her horn came to life with it's blue aura and she magicked the door's lock open from the other side of the wall.

"Wait what are you-!?" Rosie said in surprise and let out a gasp of shock as Rarity pulled the door open, which caused Rosie to come tumbling down on her steps in a tangled heap since she had apparently been up against the door like Rarity had suspected. Rosie's eyes were going wild as she tried to pull herself to her hooves from within her night gown, gaining a sense of calm back and feeling immediately bad over all of this, Rarity came forward to the white unicorn and was about to help her up but before she could try to give her a helping hoof she heard a large growl as Rosie's canine rushed forward out of the open doorway and slammed into her. 

"Oaf*" Rarity grunted as the dogs momentum hit her in the chest and knocked the wind out of her. Rarity's vision went in a circle as she was shoved down the steps to the house and landed on her back; with her head colliding with the stone walkway from underneath her. Rarity heard a "thud*" as her skull bounced of off the side walk and before she knew it Rosie's large snarling canine was on top of her as it growled with it's fangs barred menacingly down at her. Rarity would have thought she was tuff enough after saving the world on multiple occasions to rip the dog off with a flurry of her magic or even to bat the mut away with her hooves but to her own shock all she did was freeze in terror and cower beneath the dog with scared eyes; just hoping to Celestia that she didn't anger the dog any further so it wouldn't bite into her savagely. "Good doggie, good doggie." Rarity whispered fearfully and to the dogs credit all it did was pin her down to the sidewalk with it's forelegs right around hers; cutting of any means of escape as it pinned her down.

"Sharlet!?" Rarity haphazardly heard Rosie shout as the white unicorn came to her rescue and tried to pry the large canine off. Unfortunately however the dog was intent on trapping it's enemy as it fought against Rosie's hooves so it could continue pining Rarity to the ground. Those teeth, Rarity thought as she envisioned the white incisors biting into her.

"Golly Sharlet get off of her!?" Rosie said grasping her dog around it's neck and inching it off of Rarity. But that wasn't what was startling Rarity now, no it was what Rosie had just said that was sending chills down her spine as she imagined Cozy saying the exact same word, Golly. 

Eventually with enough tugging and pulling Rosie wrestled her mut away and quickly came to Rarity's side to make sure she wasn't to badly hurt. Rarity on the other hoof was still in shock from the ordeal that had just played out before her and although she was trying to regain control of herself, the blow to her head was making her all woozy as she stared up at Rosie's worried face from right above her, her head throbbing from the dogs attack. To her surprise Rarity glanced over slowly and saw Rosie's dog now sitting silently in the background by the now wide open doorway to the house.

"Um... you're not hurt are you?" Rarity heard Rosie whispered down to her. What happened next happened with Rarity just complying as Rosie pulled her up by her shoulders into a sitting position, with Rosie's hoof behind her back to keep her from falling backwards. By Princess Celestia's sunrise...

"I-I think I need to lay down." Rarity said putting a hoof to her head shakily, seeing this Rosie's worried look intensified down on the shocked unicorn before her. A moment later and letting out a quick sigh of frustration Rosie activated her horn, with it coming to life in a blue aura of magic a lot similar to Rarity's as she levitated the detective and her hat up into the air in a bubble of blue magic; then with careful care she trotted up to her canine and ushered the dog inside the doorway before bringing Rarity into her two story house. 

The rest was a blur, what Rarity does recall however was Rosie shutting the front door to her house with a click* as she locked the door in place, while the large dog slyly walked over to an arm chair in the living room and hopped into it. Rarity watching all the while in silence as the dog circled a few times in the chair before settling down and getting comfy; it's head resting on one of the hoof rests as if it deserved it somehow after it had nearly sent her to the emergency room.

Rarity herself was taking everything all in slowly without much action at all, still feeling the effect's of her high adrenaline coursing through her body as her heart raced uncontrollably out of control. Turning her head slowly Rarity quickly found out that she had been gently placed on a large green sofa in the middle of a well orderly looking living room, with a nice looking window letting light pour into the room to illuminate it. It took a good second but she soon realized that she was laying down on her side with her backhooves touching one of the sofa's small pillows at the far armrest; with her back resting on the sofa's soft backrest. Turning her head again she also noticed a fireplace next to the door and a well organized bookshelf that was filled to the brim with novels. 

Then to her shock she heard a sizzling sound and jolted slightly in her place on the couch but soon came to realize the sound was that of rushing water, probably coming from a faucet somewhere behind her in a kitchen or something. Realizing that she wasn't in any immediate danger Rarity pulled her hoof up to her face that was pressed against the sofa's soft cushions; where as she suspected she saw it trembling. I... I have to calm down...

After a minute of laying still and regaining a bit of her composure Rarity heard Rosie come back into the living room and with care she gingerly help move her into a sitting position on the sofa. After she was upright again Rosie sat down next to her and let Rarity lean on her, with her head now in a somewhat upwards position Rosie brought a cold icepack to land on Rarity's head, almost making Rarity yelp due to a sudden pain emanating from her skull. "My head-" Rarity whispered and was about to ask if there was a bump back there but before she could Rosie brought a small cup of tea floating up to Rarity's face in a blue aura of magic. 

Despite the generosity she was being shown Rarity noticed Rosie's blue eyes watching her intently; but after a moment she soon realized that the unicorn's eyes were relaying only concern for her instead of mistrust. Seeing the change in Rosie's demeanor Rarity gratefully took the cup she was offered into her hooves and brought the glass up to her mouth before taking a comforting sip, letting the ice cold beverage drain down her throat; soothing her.

"Thank you darling." Rarity said as she brought the glass down to her lap in her hooves before turning her blue gaze on the mare currently sitting right next to her.

"You're welcome...  and I know this may sound sudden after what just happened but... why didn't you just leave?" Rosie asked calmly with Rarity looking down at her tea in her hooves, deep in contemplation.

"I told my friend that I would help her and given the current bad luck lately I just... wanted to help-" Rarity said as she felt Rosie tense up on the couch beside her. "-even if that meant helping Cozy Glow."

"What? are you insane... all you and your friends ever did was throw her in Tartarus and turn her to stone." Rosie said, her voice turning cold, "What do you even mean by trying to help her. NOPONY EVER TRIED TO HELP HER!" Rosie shouted angerly with Rarity glancing up slowly to see Rosie's pain filled blue eyes that despite being concerned earlier were now filled with nothing more than malice and unbridled rage as they stared hatefully down at her. Between the way Rosie was shouting in Cozy's defense and the way she had said Cozy's infamous word earlier, Rarity was sure she had nailed down exactly who this Rosie character was. My word she probably just wants her filly back...

"What if I told you it didn't have to end that way darling."  Rarity whispered with Rosie's hatred immediately vanishing as the mares face reared back in shock with her ears going down on her bedraggled head.

"W-what do you mean?" Rosie asked desperately as she immediately pulled her dangling back hooves up and got all the way up on the sofa before suddenly grabbing Rarity by the shoulders frantically. Yep as expected she's desperate to help her baby any way she can, Rarity thought deciding that now was as good a time as any to break Twilight's plan to Rosie.

"Princess Twilight is.... considering freeing her." Rarity answered with Rosie pulling her hooves up over her mouth as her eyes breamed with tears.

"...But I'm afraid It'll be a lot harder for that to happen without your help." Rarity said as Rosie's hooves dropped just enough for her to see the mare open her mouth, slightly gasping for air. Suddenly Rosie snapped out of her initial shock as she closed her eyes and nodded her head yes vigorously, "I'll do it. Whatever you want to know. sob* Please just... she's a good filly, she just needs some help."

Rarity listened to the mares pleas and suddenly started to doubt her own perception of the curly haired menace. Although that didn't stop her from blurting out, "I don't mean to sound too harsh darling, really I don't but... Cozy is far from anything good, in fact I dare say she's the worst pony I've ever had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting." Hearing this caused Rosie to go silent and looked away in sadness before slowly getting up from her position on the sofa; leaving Rarity leaning against the sofa's back rest alone. Then with her eyes towards the ground Rosie trotted over to the living room window with it's blue curtains draped to the side to let the afternoon sun shine through, illuminating Rosie's white coat and night gown in an array of reds and oranges. 

Rosie simply stared out the window at the clouds beyond in silence until she whispered, "Well you didn't know the girl I did before she went to Twilight's school..."

(Three and a half Years Earlier)


Rosie trotted down the well orderly hallways of the Spector's mansion with the intent to tidy up a bit before she got the twins ready for their history lesson for the day. Ah how their history lessons seemed to get longer and more advanced as they got older. She longed for the day when all they needed was a warm bottle of milk and an afternoon nap... back when all they did was giggle at her. 

Shaking the baby images away Rosie noticed two of the manor's silver clad guards trotting ahead of her in her direction, not wanting to halt their routine Rosie politely sidestepped to let the bulking ponies continue on their usual patrol, which they did as they passed by her without a single turn of their heads. Staying out of their way was something that Rosie had learned to do years ago before the girls were born, since the guards were always on patrol down the mansions corridors. They're good pawns though and I mean literally. they even have absurd looking pawn medals on their armor for crying out loud!?

With a slight shake of her head she continued trotting to her destination down the well decorated hallway, as she did so she glanced out of one of the many windows overlooking the city of Canterlot, with the sun high in the sky like this she could see all of the buildings and restaurants off in the distance. Close yet so far, Rosie thought wishing that the manor wouldn't seem so far away from the rest of the city. It always felt secluded here, like all of Equestria was a world away and this was the only way they could view it... from the windows. 

It wasn't bad for her of course because she was free to go home after the twins were safely tucked into bed but the girls themselves... that was a different story entirely. As far as she could remember they had never even seen another child in their entire lives, well except for their books of course but those couldn't come over to play with them or get an invite to a tea party. In fact that was an event reserved for her it seemed like, as she recalled all the times the twins had insisted on her to come and sit in their tiny chairs while she drank from a cup the size of a shot glass with them. The little dresses they always put on for their tea parties were cute though, they seemed to have more outfits than they had hairs on their curly heads but what was the point if they never went out in those dresses? I mean they can't be sheltered forever, it's not healthy...

Rosie sighed under her breath and continued to the girls room but to her surprise she noticed a tiny set of light pink hooves hiding behind one of the window's large curtains. Seeing this brought a smile to her face as she instantly could tell that it was Cozy instead of Luster by the exact color of pink the hooves were. Well I guess she found something she could win at after all, Rosie thought as she recalled all the times Luster had shown her slightly younger little sister up with her impressive set of magical skills at her disposal. 

Although as much as she wanted to leave her angel to play with her sister, Rosie knew that Mr. and Mrs. Spector wouldn't tolerate them missing one of their lessons over a simple game of hide and go seek. And so with no other alternative Rosie decided to intervein... but that didn't mean she couldn't be friendly about it.  Rosie trotted slowly along so Cozy wouldn't suspect anything with how she was trotting, if she was lucky she could still surprise the young foal before taking her back to her room to get started at her schoolwork with her sister. 

Rosie let a smile slip on her face as she crossed by the unsuspecting foal. As she did so she heard the tiniest of sighs behind the curtain before she grabbed the fabric with her magic and pulled it back instantly causing Cozy's eyes to go wide with shock as she gasped by the sudden reveal of her hiding place. 

"Pick-a-boo." Rosie said with glee as she stood over the foal and rendered the curly haired filly speechless.

But to her shock Cozy wasn't alone behind the curtain, no instead Rosie's eyes fell on what the tiny little six year old was holding... a tiny upside down white teacup on a tiny white saucer. Rosie cocked an eyebrow, What in Celestia's name is she doing under there with tea, she wondered before an awful suspicion entered her mind about what exactly was hiding under that tea cup.

"Cozy what's under there?" Rosie asked curiously as the filly lowered her curly baby blue head down towards the ground.

"Oh well um... It's nothing." Cozy lied unimpressively with a tiny sheepish smile as Rosie immediately saw through the young girl's deception.

Rosie stared down at her with silent glee, realizing that she was absolutely terrible at fibbing. Well at least she isn't trying to lie to her parents, they'd have me whip her for sure, Rosie thought remembering the last time the twins had broken a vase in the mansion by accident and had been subjected to ten whips each for misbehaving. Although whipping children to discipline them wasn't an issue for Rosie, she just wished their parents would do it instead of ordering her to handle it instead...

"Sigh* Cozy Dizannah Glow, are you lying to me?" Rosie asked with a pout already knowing the answer before sitting down on her rear and crossing her hooves over her maid uniform, showing off how displeased she was at their broken trust with each other. 

Seeing her nanny's displeasure Cozy averted her ruby eyes and looked around the area to keep from meeting Rosie's own suspicious gaze, "Well it's just It's really not that impo-"

"Cozy If you don't tell me the truth then I'm going to have to take that tea cup away from you." Rosie stated sternly, cutting the foal off and igniting her horn with a swirl of blue aura, all in a show of authority to her young charge.

Having nothing else she could do Cozy hung her head somberly in defeat with her ears back and whispered, "It's a cricket."

"A What!?" Rosie shouted before snapping her hooves over her mouth, realizing that the guards would come running if they knew something was wrong. Shoot I hope nopony heard that, Rosie thought before turning around to see two guards trotting down the hallway in their direction. Oh Golly why was I so loud, Rosie thought, knowing that it was her job to keep the mansion clean and the existence of an outside critter so close to the twins would be immediately blamed on her regardless of where it had come from.

"Is there a problem here?" one of the silver guards asked them with Rosie placing herself between Cozy and the two guards to hopefully hid the tea cup that Cozy was holding onto out of their line of sight.

"No it's nothing, just a silly joke little miss Cozy here just told me." Rosie lied with a forced smile, hoping that the two guards were dumb enough to buy the poorly concocted fib she'd just made on the spot. 

"Aaaaaalllllright then, if you say so." one of the guards stated with a raised eyebrow but to Rosie's immediate relief the two hired soldiers took their leave of them and proceeded back to their original guarding positions a few rooms down the hallway.

"Whew." Rosie let out before turning her gaze back on the teacup holding filly, "Cozy why didn't you come get me immediately so I could deal with that... thing you've got."

Cozy looked away, an act Rosie knew all to well, which indicated to her that the filly was struggling with something. "You would've killed him." Cozy whispered, averting her eyes so she didn't have to see if Rosie was angry with her.

But why would she... Oh no, Rosie thought coming to the realization that the young foal at her hooves was actually trying to save the tiny creature's life. It almost made her want to say Awwww at how noble Cozy was being but the idea of sparing an invading critter was too much of a mental block for her to get past... especially since Cozy was right, she wanted to crush that little pest before it made a mess somewhere in the mansion and got her into trouble. Although the more she saw Cozy holding the tea cup so closely to her chest in order to protect it the more Rosie came to realize that there was no way in Tartarus she could knowingly pry that tea cup away from the filly and do what she so desperately wanted to do to the little insect. 

"Sigh* Baby you know those things don't belong in here, right?" Rosie asked down to the filly as she pinched her brow in disdain. Hearing her Cozy snapped her tiny head up to meet Rosie's gaze, since she hadn't demanded the teacup to be hoofed over immediately, in fact if Rosie had to guess the filly was probably searching for a way to convince her to spare the creature's life... not that Cozy had to try that hard anymore. Curse my soft heart...

"Well Um... can't we just put him outside?" Cozy suggested and did the thing Rosie hated the most as Cozy looked up at her with sad yet hopeful eyes, probably preying that she would relent and agree with her idea. Oh Celestia only knew how much she wanted to say no and crush it, but of course once she started glancing into the fillies soft ruby red eyes she was immediately drained of any fight she had left to finish the creature off so it didn't somehow come back and make her life worse with her employers. 

"Ugh* give him here, I'll do it." Rosie said going for the tea cup with her hooves, but to her surprise Cozy pulled the cup closer to her tiny pink chest and shielded it with her tiny wings; all in an effort to keep it out of Rosie's grasp.

"H-how do I know you will?" Cozy asked fearfully, dead set on saving the bug even if it got her into trouble. 

"Well you can come with me if you want to, okay." Rosie said softly knowing that Cozy didn't do well under intense pressure and she was more likely to double down then relent if she was pushed to far. Although the filly hesitated Cozy finally withdrew her tiny pink wings from around the tea cup and released the saucer, with Rosie taking Cozy's prized possession far into the air above the foals head in a bubble of blue magic. You know I didn't sign up for this, Rosie thought as she floated the teacup into an open hoof and started leading the way to the mansion's front door with Cozy trailing closely behind her so they could both dispose of the six legged hopping monstrosity she was holding.





Coming to the mansion's staircase so they could head down to the first floor, Rosie did what she normally did as she picked Cozy up in a magical bubble for easier transport; with the foal floating on her back in the tiny blue encasement she was now in. She had tried letting the twins get down the stairs before obviously but they had always wound up exhausted by the climb down and then the climb back up again, so instead she had deduced that carrying them in her magic was the best alternative; well at least until they got a little older then she was letting them handle it themselves. 

As usual Cozy let herself be lifted into the air without an argument as she was enveloped in Rosie's aura despite her progress with her flying. And oh the flying, Rosie had insisted on getting a Pegasus employed to teach the young foal the basics but alas it seemed her employers were stead fast in their pursuit to have no non-unicorns at the mansion... even if it was for their own daughter's sake, bucking monsters. Instead they had given her a few flight manuals to teach Cozy with instead, which helped of course but besides telling her what to do and learning how to preen a Pegasus's wings (Yeah never thought I'd need that skill in my life) Rosie could do little more than watch. What Cozy really needed was a real Pegasus around to show her the ropes, heck any Pegasus would do, Rosie herself had a few friends she could invite over if only the Spectors would allow it... 

Rosie mentally sighed as she recalled the first time Cozy had seen a fully grown Pegasus's wings in her flight manuals, oh the look on the girls face as she sat there stunned beyond belief. It wasn't her fault though, as of yet she's never actually seen another Pegasus before. What was worse then that though was when she'd randomly caught Cozy desperately trying to levitate her bear emerald despite not actually having a horn of her own, now that was sad, she still remembered trying to explain that there wasn't something wrong with her and that she had just been born differently but... she knew it still bothered the foal immensely. She could only imagine Cozy's discomfort at her misfortune, she probably feels handicapped if Rosie had to guess, almost like she was blind and everypony else could see...

Rosie took another step but realized she was at the bottom of the stairs with her hoof not going down as far as she was intending. Golly I should pay more attention to what I'm doing, Rosie thought as she shook her head slightly at her carelessness and then turned to Cozy who was still swaying in her magical bubble up in the air. She let her filly down gently and dispersed the magic holding her in place; seeing her mobility return Cozy smiled brightly and trotted along as she followed Rosie toward the front exit to the mansion. However before they made it to the door Mr. Spector rounded a corner in his fancy looking black suit and after spotting them he came over to see what they were doing on the ground level instead of the second floor, where the twin's room was.

"Rosie shouldn't you be upstairs with the twins?" Mr. Spector asked as his red eyes briefly glanced at Cozy as she stood as strait as she could and put on her best smile for her father. Oh blast...

"Yes well you see sir I was umm... taking Cozy outside for some air." Rosie fibbed as she watched Mr. Spector lean slightly back and cock an eyebrow.

"Really? Whatever for?" Mr. Spector asked, probably confused at why Rosie hadn't just opened up a window or something for the small Pegasie.

Rosie had to think quick, but remembering Cozy's flight lessons gave her an idea, "Well I did some reading and it appears that Pegasie can't stay cooped up all the time inside otherwise they'll get all antsy and start trotting in place, so instead I thought it was a good idea to take Cozy outside the front door, but um just to the front of course so she could stretch her wings a little bit before I started teaching her..." Rosie stated and mentally crossed her hooves for the okay from her boss, but to her misfortune Mr. Spector didn't seem at all convinced by her lie as his gaze turned to what Rosie was holding.

"And what's under there exactly?" Mr. Spector calmly asked as he indicated the upside down tea cup and as if on cue the cricket made it's well known chirping noise "Cricket*", causing Mr. Spector's eyes to widen slightly in surprise. Darn she could have said it was dirty or something if he hadn't noticed, but now...

"I-It's an insect my lord." Rosie said lowering her head slightly as Mr. Spector's gaze hardened with a swift understanding of the situation before him, "But If I could just toss it out-"

"Nonsense I'll handle this, give it here." Mr. Spector stated sternly as his horn suddenly blazed with red magic and he took the tea cup out of Rosie's hoof without warning. Then without another word he turned away from them with the tiny bug being held hostage as he started trotting away towards the rest room.

"N-" Cozy almost screamed but anticipating the filly's distress Rosie activated her own horn and quickly shut the girls mouth with a makeshift muzzle of blue magic. Seeing the creature in peril Cozy started to rush forward after her father but anticipating this Rosie grabbed Cozy around her waist and pulled the filly to her own chest as Mr. Spector disappeared through the bathroom door. Cozy struggled but Rosie held her firm, intent on not letting Cozy get into trouble so she wouldn't have to add an insult to injury and spank her.

What happened next definitely didn't help the poor filly for as Rosie had suspected they soon heard the sound of a flushing toilet; signifying the end of the poor creature's life as it was swept away to slowly drown to death.

Rosie didn't much care for the critter but glancing down at the crying filly suddenly clinging to her chest in despair was definitely breaking her heart. Not wanting Mr. Spector to see Cozy's sadness over the now deceased bug Rosie dissipated the makeshift muzzle on Cozy's mouth and withdrew a handkerchief from her maid uniform before quickly wiping the tiny girls eyes clean. Once she was done Cozy had a destroyed look of silent anguish on her face with red circles around her eyes from where she had been crying.

But whether Mr. Spector really didn't notice or didn't care he soon reemerged with the tea cup sitting firmly upwards on the tiny saucer as he trotted back over to them.

"Here, and don't be to long outside, Luster still needs another magic lesson before bed." Mr. Spector stated dismissively as he hoofed over the empty tea cup to Rosie and trotted past them up the winding staircase; not even acknowledging Cozy's existence...

(Present Day) 


Well that went well, Curly thought with a smirk as she trotted up her mansion's stone walkway with her two silver guards following behind her. At least it was nice out, the summer day was winding down and the warm air outside had cooled considerably; though that didn't matter much to curly. She didn't much care for outdoor experiences and right now the only thing she was concerned with was to inform her husband of how her trip to see their newest Princess had went.

And oh what a success indeed, Curly had expected her appearance would cause some sort misgivings to Princess Twilight, since that little pest with wings had kept curling her hair long after they'd gotten rid of her, but thankfully Twilight hadn't pushed the issue otherwise she might have had to try an alternative course of action to set their plan into motion. She'd even overlooked my cutie mark, didn't she know the Queen piece was the most dangerous piece in the entire game? Well if today's any indication she'll never figure that out until it's too late... 

Well it doesn't matter anymore anyway I got what I wanted, Curly thought to herself as she climbed the stone steps to the mansion's front door and as with the usual routine they had their maid Brisenya opened the front door for her. The light tan mare they had employed had silver hair that was pinned back in a pony tail and she also had her maid outfit firmly in place without a single lace out of place; Curly especially liked her little black slippers since she could hear the maid's hoofsteps whenever she was trotting throughout the mansion. Though Curly had debated for some time on adding a few more bows to the mare's attire for a little bit of extra cuteness... 

"Oh greetings mistress, was you're trip productive?" Brisenya asked politely, probably wondering why she'd gone out at all since she rarely went to public events, let alone a simple stroll through the city of Canterlot. Oh if only she knew...

"Fairly but believe me I don't intend on making it an average part of my day." Curly said sweetly, not that she had to keep up her charade with the petite mare before her, since the maid had seen first hoof how displeased she could get when she was angry. Exiting the outside world Curly stepped into the mansion and took in a deep inhale of the lavender smell coming from inside. Home at last, Curly thought with satisfaction before turning to her guard escourt that was entering in behind her. 

"You two are dismissed, go back to where you were and return to you're duties." Curly commanded dismissively with a wave of her hoof and watched the two silver plated guards following her leave her company and trot back to their respective guard positions inside the mansion. Loyal pawns indeed...

"Where's my husband?" Curly asked turning back to the maid, who was just getting done closing the front door.

"He's in his study my lady." Brisenya answered before politely bowing her head to leave. Yes that was probably wise, who knew what her little filly Luster could be getting up to without Brisenya there to watch her. Especially since she had just ungrounded her little princess earlier this morning since her punishment for misbehaving was up. You know she really wasn't lying to Twilight when she said Luster was having a few bad days...

Huffing at her daughters lack of reason and this uncouth rebellious faze she was in Curly ascended the manor's tall winding staircase, going all the way up to the top floor where the study was located. It wasn't hard to get to it either since the study was the largest part of the entire mansion, with it's rows upon rows of books and scrolls that would even give the Canterlot library a run for it's money. The Study itself was dome shaped with a second story to house more bookshelves and a large circular window at the very top to view the stars with, other than that it had several smaller windows scattered around it for an added open appeal. Not that anypony could see them since the smaller windows were facing their back yard, which itself was a small garden with a variety of well trimmed shrubs and tiny statues; though nopony had ever really seen it other than their family members and their hired staff. 

So many books... how does he read them all, Curly thought to herself since she had never really indulged the small library like her husband did, oh don't get her wrong she loved learning more about the wonders of magic so she could make herself more powerful but what was the point in a transfiguration spell when you could literally afford anything you ever wanted? Now her husband on the other hoof he was something else, Curly had never seen a pony read so much in all her life until she'd met Skyshown and oh how he loved collecting every last bit of ancient knowledge, something Curly thought he actually enjoyed more than anything else he'd ever been invested in before...

Coming to the study's doors Curly magicked them open with a quick grab of her golden magic. Once the doors squeaked open Curly saw what she'd expected to find as her husband was sitting in his favorite reading chair on the far side of the giant makeshift library. Squinting she could see that his magic was aglow as well since he often created orbs of red magical lights to help him read, not that he had to try that hard since the study was well lit to the point of almost being blindingly eye hurting, and there was also a fire going right in front of him in their far back fireplace. But still Curly could just make out the slowly moving spheres of light that were dancing around his dark purple mane, like a bunch of fireflies caught in a jar.

Not wanting to wait to gloat over her success with Twilight, Curly trotted through the library and went to the only other chair around her husband; something he'd placed there for her convenience since she routinely would find him in here reading away and would want to join him. The chair he'd gotten her was a crimson red one that reminded her of his eyes, his on the other hoof was a dark blue; creating somewhat of a balance of color between them with a small coffee table perched between the two throne-like chairs to house their reading material. But instead of harboring any literature it now housed a set of wine glasses and a bottle of red wine for them to consume, he'd probably gotten Brisenya to get that for them from their wine cellar. Glancing around Curly noted the late afternoon sky in the background through the windows, signaling to her anyway an end to her productively long day. Realizing this was the perfect time for some victory wine Curly trotted up to her seat with her husband glancing over at her before suddenly grinning at her arrival. 

"Nice to see you to dear." Curly said cheerfully before hopping into her armchair and crossing her back hooves over one of the hoof rests, while she leaned her side on the back of the seat instead of sitting in it properly. 

"Salutations dear, so... how did your afternoon stroll go?" Skyshown Spector asked as he read one of his many spellbooks.

"Ugh* you wouldn't believe what I had to do to get the Princess to like me. First I had to hold this baby dragon that was following her around all day, who might I add was way to overweight for me to hold, then I had to convince the Princess to believe that I wasn't Cozy's mother, oh and get this I even had to eat a doughnut, I mean a real disgustingly fatty doughnut instead of all of the nice simple meals they serve at all of the regular diners in Canterlot. Ugh* the mere thought of eating that thing is even making me wossie..." Curly said grabbing her sides in a tight embrace to keep herself from hurling, "Gah* I haven't felt this sick since I was pregnant."

"Oh don't be so overly dramatic, you should be fine dear." Skyshown said not paying her much attention. Which was getting on her nerves, tilting her head Curly read the title of what he was reading, it was in Old Ponish of course so that gave her a good hint that it was ancient arkaic magic related. Hmm... Histories of Grogar's monsters....

"Let me guess you're reading about that Mimic Twilight's hunting?" Curly asked wanting to break his intense reading, which it did as he held the book away from his face and locked his ruby eyes on her.

"As a matter of fact I am. It's quite fascinating really, I had no idea there was a creature that was able to suck the magic out of the living beings around it." Skyshown answered and was that admiration she was picking up from him?

"Well I would be more interested if it wasn't an exact copy of Cozy. I mean how many children do I have now? Three? Four? Ugh* if Luster ever clones herself just bring me the one that'll listen to me and you can keep the rest." Curly jested with an eyeroll, causing her husband to chuckle with glee.

"Ha* as tempting as that is it's got me thinking, if Cozy split herself in half and the aggressive half was turned to stone then wouldn't the other half be kinder? Docile even?" Skyshown stated with a mischievous smirk and a raised eyebrow. Hearing this got Curly to envision the clone with all it's power and all it's potential just out there somewhere, ripe for the taking. Hmm... would she be a rook or a knight? Ugh no what am I thinking she'd be way to much trouble to find. Better just to leave her to Twilight....

"It can't be that powerful, I mean how can it even use any of that magic that it's collected? Wouldn't it need a horn for that or something?" Curly asked, doubting the usefulness of the knockoff doppelganger that was the Mimic Cozy Glow.

"Well if this ancient text is correct then any Mimic can use their magic, it just depends on whether or not they really want to bring it out. Hmm... even so let's assume the worst and say it can't really use any of it's power just yet, I'm almost absolutely certain that with enough time and effort I can figure out how to unlock it but only if I had access to the creature." Skyshown answered and showed off a picture in his book to her of a treasure chest with sharp fangs protruding from it's insides. 

"And what about how it drains magic?" Curly asked raising an eyebrow, "I mean I don't know about you dear but I actually like my magic and just so we're absolutely clear with each other come Tartarus or high water I'm keeping it." 

"Well true I don't exactly have a way to counteract that dilemma, but I'm thinking that the creature needs to have some kind of a magical property to help it with it's consumption, If I'm right a well placed suppression ring may actually cut the creature off entirely; rendering it harmless." Skyshown explained as he elaborated on the creature. However it didn't much matter to Curly, sure Luster's magical power was finite and the Mimic could just keep draining away to horde as much as it wanted but she still had a large doubt in the back of her head that they could actually control the little beast.

"Look dearest I know what you're thinking and No, we already have Luster, we don't need a crazed power absorbing Cozy Glow instead." Curly stated in Luster's defense, true their filly hadn't been as obedient as she'd used to be but she was still set up to meet with Princess Twilight, any deviations to the plan now could put all of their work in jeopardy. Which reminded her...

"Ugh, Speaking of Cozy why couldn't those rioters have just aimed a little higher and lobbed her head off. Then I wouldn't have to worry about her getting in the way and almost ruining any of our plans anymore; I could just bury this whole ordeal and be done with it." Curly stated, envisioning a boulder crashing through the villain's statue and rendering it nothing more than a mound of gravel. Oh the stress release...

"Be that as it may, if you didn't have any success with Princess Twilight it may be time to look for another way to get into the Princess's inner circle, this creature Cozy created for example could be quite useful if we can get it under control." Skyshown proposed, opting to switch their current chess piece for another more obedient one. Not likely, Curly thought; call it motherly love or even disdain for a clone of Cozy Glow but Curly still thought Luster was the far better choice here... all they had to do was rein her in.

"Hmp* I'd not get too ahead of myself if I were you dear, I've already gotten Princess Twilight to agree to meet with Luster; so sorry but I'd take a rain check on that Mimic of yours." Curly boasted gleefully as she celebrated her victory over getting their daughter some one on one time with Equestria's princess. All the while watching her husband as he absorbed all of the new information without even a flicker of his eyes to give off anything Curly could read. 

"And she didn't find out who you were?" Skyshown asked opening back up his ancient book and nonchalantly flipping it to the next page. Stupid book...

"Oh I think she suspected at first but a little helpful push here and there and she was basically following me around Canterlot like she was my newest little puppy, leash and all." Curly explained with a playful pout before leaning back in her armchair and quickly pulling one of the two wine glass off of the coffee table with her magic, sending it up into the air above her head; once above her she started twirling it around in a swirling dance of golden magic for her amusement. You know I think Twilight would fit a cute little doggy collar quite nicely once this is all over, lets see maybe baby blue? No Pink definitely pink, It'll go great with that streak in her hair...

"And was this push you're referring too thanks to the riot you orcastrated or the Mimic I told you about?" Skyshown asked referring to the riot over the statue that Curly had started and the Mimic story he'd gotten from one of the Palace guards who'd overheard Twilight's conversation with the former Princess Luna. If Curly had to guess he was probably wondering if she was trying to steal some of his credit for her success. Poor him, Curly really hadn't done that much to be honest and what she did do she'd done to gauge Twilight's reaction so she could better outwit her more easily. Hmm I guess I found a use for Cozy after all...

"Oh definitely the riot and although I'd like to take full credit for it all I really did was pay a few ponies to spread the word around and start some rabble, everything else was Canterlot's finest doing what they do best... running around like chickens with their heads cut off." Curly answered with a wide smile and drew her hoof over her neck to demonstrate their headlessness, then she picked up the wine bottle off of the table with her magic and poured herself some red wine into her floating glass above her head. 

"Well you should have at least-" Skyshown started to say but stopped as they both heard the doorway to their study open. Sighing at the rude interruption Curly leaned back over the side of her armchair and saw their maid Brisenya trotting into the study frantically. Glancing back at her husband Curly saw him move to get up and deal with their interruption but before he could Curly decided to see about it herself instead... 

"Don't worry I'll deal with it." Curly stated, stopping him in his tracks from getting up and setting her glass of wine and the wine bottle back on the coffee table. Curly then hopped out of her seat and approached Brisenya, with both of them meeting in the middle of the large room.

"Yes, what is it?" Curly asked unamused by the sudden interruption over her victory with playing Twilight Sparkle like a fiddle.

Hearing her annoyed tone Brisenya rubbed her hoof with one of her black slippers and lowered her head slightly in fear, "Well it's Luster My Lady, she's well... she's gone. I think she broke out again."

"What!?" Curly shouted with her voice echoing in the large room, causing Brisenya to take a step back away from her. Curly closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, while also pinching her brow in distress. This was bad, if Luster started trouble it could ruin everything she'd just done with buttering up Princess Twilight. Why can't that girl just stop, Curly thought knowing how emotional Luster had gotten over hearing about what had happened to Cozy. Stupid Foal's going to get thrown in Tartarus if she keeps this up...

Collecting herself Curly stared her maid down with a newfound anger, "You had one primary job you fool. All you had to do was watch one child, One! What? was that to much for you?"

Brisenya started to slightly tremble in fear by Curly's sudden rage, "Well It's just Luster seemed so calm and docile when I left her... I-I didn't think leaving a guard with her was-"

"Oh do you hear that Dear? She thinks, couldn't you tell." Curly said sarcastically back to her husband who was watching the whole ordeal play out from his seat with a blank pokerface.

"Well I mean she-she can levitate herself ma'am. I... how am I supposed to stop her from getting out, superglue the windows shut?" The maid pleaded defensively. 





Curly turned back to the mare with her ears back and grit her teeth in anger, "I want you to take ten guards and head out into the streets of Canterlot until you find her, and let me make myself perfectly clear, don't bother coming back until you have my filly, understood!" Brisenya nodded feebly before hurriedly turning around and started heading back out of the Mansion's study to do as she was told and look for Luster. Ugh* why couldn't Brisenya be more like Rosie, that mare could do it right, she never lost Luster; it was almost tempting for her to call the former maid up to see if they could somehow work something out to get her to come back to the mansion... but of course Curly knew better; there was no way Rosie would come back after they'd gotten rid of that blue haired little pest, she was always way too attached to her...

"Hmph*" Curly huffed as she trotted back to her seat and hopped back into it the same way she did the first time with her legs perched up on an armrest and her side leaning into the chairs back; her tail also branched out in curls as it haphazardly leaning over the side of her chair to dangle over the edge. Soon afterwards she heard the study's doors close behind her as their maid departed to round up some of their silver plated guards and head out into the city of Canterlot to find their little lost princess.

"Ugh* as you were saying." Curly said picking back up her wine glass and taking a small sip to calm her nerves, the sweet taste didn't go unpunished since as she expected it sent her cheeks into a warm glow as she blushed uncontrollably. That usually happened when she had something she desperately wanted in her mouth, Curly guessed it was genetic or something since her own mother had the same problem. After her tastebuds were satisfied and her cheeks cooled she let the glass float in midair until she required it again.

"Well I was saying, you should have sent somepony else to meet with Princess Twilight; for all we know she may still have doubts about you." Skyshown stated cautiously before activating his red magic and picking up his own wine glass to float in the air as he placed it beneath the bottle Curly still had suspended up above her; clearly wanting her to pour him some. 

"Oh please who would I have sent? The maid, or no even better I could have sent that assassin of yours to chat with her instead, now that I would've liked to see." Curly answered as she poured her husband a good serving of red wine, while also thinking of the silent serial killer they had staying in their mansion in case they ever had to send her to... take care of somepony. Although they'd never actually used her skills in Canterlot before, now that the royal sisters had retired and that tramp of a princess had taken over they might just go ahead and end a few obstacles in their way, she guessed she'd just have to wait and see...

"No, I don't think Whisper would have preferred that, she's never been one for a conversation but I could still have gotten somepony else to go instead of you." Skyshown stated before bringing his own glass up to his lips so he could drink some wine with her. 

Awww he's being so protective, Curly thought with a grin, but little did her partner know just how much of a success her late afternoon stroll had actually been, "Oh don't be like that sweetheart, I can handle myself. Heck I even got our dearest Princess to agree to your meeting tomorrow."

To her immediate glee that seemed to do it as Skyshown closed his book shut and put it away on the coffee table, then he put his full attention on her; just the way she liked it, "Really? Well congratulations, I was wondering if I'd have to go and convince her to do that myself tomorrow."

"Don't mention it and as far as getting somepony else involved to do the sweet talking, let me just give you a little piece of advice... you should never send a pawn to do a Queen's job."