Frustration, disappointment, anger, confusion, depression, and failure.
Individually, each emotion would serve as a mental and emotional blow to handle. But combined together, especially all at once, they result in an overbearing weight not all can handle so easily. For Miles Prower, he was feeling that to the biggest extremes he could control himself to suffer without completely breaking down.
He walked through the streets of Ponyville during an early spring’s afternoon, the comprehensive burden of recent events left him in a state of self-harming through mental and emotional suffering. With the help of some of his oldest foes, Tirek had escaped from Tartarus, and began a thieving rampaging across multiple dimensions far beyond his home world of Equestria. It came to a point that the once-existing allegiance he had with the Brotherhood of Darkness was extinguished as he did so many others, including Miles and his best friends, could not accomplish. With his newfound stolen magic, he was able to overpower Galvatron and Dark Oak, the leaders of the Brotherhood, and stole any and all traces of their magic and revert them back to her original states.
A weakened Dark Oak and Megatron approached Team JAG and the Master Four, informing them of the danger Tirek had become, and offered a new allegiance between Team and Brotherhood to stop him. Many were reluctant, but it was ultimately decided to agree on this new armada and face their common enemy. Miles was one of an only few that still refused to this truce, his past events with them reinforcing his stubbornness and absolute refusal to that day. It began to overtake his judgment, and for the first time, it took him too far as he directed too much focus on his beloved fiancé.
His beloved has meant, does mean, and will always be the most important friend he was blessed to have as a best friend and a loved one. No one got closer to him than she had become, and he refused to let anything happen to her if it meant she could be lost forever. He had lost her before, and had nearly lost her multiple times afterwards, so it was only fair that the new alliance made his paranoia for her well-being reach levels beyond his norm. He needed to do whatever it took to keep her safe, but he never expected, for the first time in his life, he let himself go too far and leave his beloved in an upset state.
It was the best option he had to work with. To keep her safe, and keep her as far away from the Brotherhood as their reach could not grab on, he made sure to lay down ground rules with the members of the Brotherhood of Darkness. Refusing them accessing to certain locations and certain worlds, not coming within a certain distance with her, not to even engage them in conversation without certain others in the same vicinity, and every other precaution he could try to reinforce, he did. Many could understand why he was doing it, but those closest to him knew he was going much farther than they thought he could ever go. His actions got so overwhelming that his beloved could not take anymore, and it resulted in something he never saw coming.
The fox and his flower had their very first argument.
It was not loud enough to echo across the corridors of Team JAG Headquarters, but it was enough to end up being held within the castle of Ponyville’s resident princess, Twilight Sparkle. Both sides started to yell, and both sides showed just how upset the whole ordeal was making them. He was expressing his anger, while she expressed her sadness. As he only got angrier about everything, it began to overcome his judgment further and force him to say the wrong things in the wrong way, and with no other way left to get through to him, his beloved ordered him to leave. She demanded to be alone as tears flowed down her cheeks like waterfalls. He realized the wrong he had done, but it was too late to immediately fix things as he wasn’t given much of a choice but to leave her presence for a while. Twilight, who she and her family unintentionally overhearing the fight, escorted him out and reassured things will be fine after letting a few hours pass.
He did not share the same enthusiasm as the Sparkle family did. The way he acted, he thought he ruined a decade of friendship and love with his best friend forever. He didn’t know how he allowed himself to act like that. He had never acted that way to his beloved before, and now that he has, he felt as despicable as how he saw his worst enemies. He needed to clear his mind somehow, but he was too distracted to think of where exactly to go or what exactly to do, so he did the only thing he thought of doing. Stepping down the front stairs of Twilight’s castle and making his ways towards the town, he went for a walk.
Taking a walk wasn’t something he did on his own so often, at least not to the extent of a mental overboard. Every step he could was like he was taking a kick to the core as his walking made the distance between him and where he left his beloved grow more and more. There wasn’t an idea of what he could do, or where he could go next. Any audible sound around him, even the voices of greeting townsponies, couldn’t help him escaped the mental asylum he left himself trapped inside.
What felt like hours that had passed were only minutes going by as the position of Celestia’s sun had only moved ever so slightly as he walked. Then again, he barely picked his head up to see the sights around him unless he needed to check to see where he was going. His upper limbs just swayed as he walked along, the hands on the ends barely forming a closed fist, and his head remained bowed with his fox ears drooped down and his eyes maintaining a glare of brokenness. All that seemed to be the best idea was to keep walking on, and perhaps something would smack him in the face, even though he deserved a lot more for how he acted.
But fortunately for him, that search only came so close as he nearly walked into a door that had flung open right in front of him. His senses managed to pick himself up enough to avoid being smacked right on the forehead by just a couple inches, and put him his alertness back on in full. The source of the door’s forceful opening came from a beaked creature that was much bigger than the size of the average pony. Tails only got a brief look at it before it noticed him first.
“Hi there,” said the creature, who looked down at him as if nothing happeend. “You’re that Tails fellow I kept hearing about with the superpowers and rock band, right? Glad to hear you’ll be helping Princess Twilight with stopping Tirek again.”
At a loss of words and communication skills at the moment, Tails could only respond with a simple hand wave and a very forced grin. “Uh, thanks. Glad to help,” he forced out of his mouth.
“We’re glad to have it. Now please excuse me, for I have some chaotic critiquing to conjure,” replied the creature, and then he opened his wings and took flight. As Tails saw him fly towards the Everfree Forest, he got a better look at who that creature was. His voice sounded male, and judging by the eagle front half and more mammal back half of his overall body, it was a first judgment that it was a griffon, the half-eagle, half-feline hybrid. However, instead of a feline half, and judging by the hooves and silver feather cutie mark, the back half of the body was of pony origin instead. There was a name for such a creature, but unfortunately his mindset was not in the right place to dig into the vast knowledge many have given him a title for.
Once the creature was out of sight, Tails redirected his sight to the door that nearly made contact with his head. The more he thought about it, even if with full force, the door would only still provide a fraction of the consequential pain he deserved to take physically. It was unnaturally masochist, but then again it had a greater feel of deserved defeatism in any way he saw as fitting. Taking a better look at where the door was set, it was placed on the door frame of a standard looking Ponyville home, but it was designed a little differently than most other homes. He then noticed a sign set about a third of the way down the door, set with golden letters on a dark brown hardwood:
Ponyville Psychiatry & Psychology Offices
He didn’t have the idea right off the bat, but he knew that it sounded familiar to him. It was no secret that there were clinical doctors in town other than those at Ponyville Hospital or the more traditional and shaman ways of Zecora. The issue was trying to find the exact reason that this office had some kind of familiarity to him that he just couldn’t put a gloved finger on, and yet, he had an idea. It wasn’t an idea he expected to have that day, if not at all for the matter, but given what he was having trouble handling, there wasn’t anything more he was willing to risk losing. He decided to walk around the door, and then shut it behind him as he entered the office.
The door clicked shut behind him as he took a glance around the front lobby. It was quiet and vacant, even the secretary’s desk having no secretary pony behind it. He walked forward to see if there was actually a secretary there, perhaps crouched down to get something out of a lower desk drawer, but looking over the front, he found nopony in sight. Then his sight drew him up to the wall behind the desk that put the names of the office’s professionals on display, and showed whether or not they were available. There were red tags, which he indicated as unavailable or out of the office, and most of the names listed had that next to their names. All of them, saving one towards the bottom that had a green tag, indicating that there was someone available, and an arrow pointing to his right.
There was a hallway where the arrow pointed, and after memorizing the name next to the green tag, he made his way down that direction. It was a brief trek, perhaps less than twenty seconds, when he came up to a beautifully designed solid wood door. It had a beautiful oak finish that shined brighter than the bark of some of the healthiest trees in Sweet Apple Acres. There wasn’t a scratch, even as much as the slightest sign of ware or tare, to be found on it, but there was something else on the door. It was the name of the room’s occupying professional in clinical psychology, read in a black scripted font on a golden plate in an upper center place on the door:
Dr. Wolf
He knew what he decided he was going to do, but at the same time, felt completely frozen in place. He wanted to raise his hand and knock on the door, but there was a mental force holding him back from doing anything more than to stand there. This wasn’t where he needed to be, from what his mind was trying to rationalize. The only place he needed to go was back to Twilight’s castle and repair the damage he had done, and could only hope that he could find forgiveness from his beloved. But deep down he knew that wasn’t the best option, at least not yet. Judging by how the sun shined through a nearby window, it was barely over an hour, perhaps close to two hours, after having left the castle. At one point, he thought the sign could be wrong and there was no one inside, or maybe he misread the name on the front sign. That is, until he heard a sound from the other side of the door.
“Hmm hmmm, hm hmm hmm hm hmm hm hm hmm hmmm, hm hmm hmm hm hmm hmmm hm hmm hmmmm, hm hmm hmmm, hm hmm hmmm hmm hmmm, hmmm hmmmmm. Hm hmm, hm hmm hmm hm hmm hmm hm hm hmmm, hm hmm hmm hm hm hmm hm hm hmm hmmm, hm hm hm hm hm hmm hm hmmm, hmm hmmmmm…”
Judging by the sound, it sounded as if the voice on the other side was singing something. Judging more carefully, Tails could recognize it from a song he and his friends from the Team JAG Band had performed in recent history. Regardless of what the sound was recognized as, he knew that who he decided to seek was on the other side of the door, and he was in that office for a reason. He sensed a way he could get help for himself and his beloved from this place somehow, and if it meant having her forgiveness and her love back, he would do whatever it would take to make it happen. So, with one deep inhale through his nose, the two-tailed fox raised a lightly clenched fist and knocked on the door.
*knock*knock*knock*
The musical sounds on the other side of the door were interrupted as the one supplying it heard the knocks on the door. With a welcoming tone, Tails heard the room’s occupant call out “Come in.” He reached down for the door handle and turned it open, pushing it in and allowing himself to see inside the office. Taking a step inside, his eyes wondered in the direction where he thought he heard the voice was directed from, and he found who he was looking for, but not what he expected.
Standing on their back two limbs was a white canine creature, standing at a nearby desk that had an assortment of open books lying out across it. The creature wore an attire of a dark grey vest over a white dress shirt and dark purple tie, and a darker grey pair of formal trousers. A small pair of glasses sat atop of his snout, no arms needed to stretch up to his ears to be kept in place. Little did Miles Prower come to realize that the name was a more literally way of describing the room’s occupant that is Ponyville’s most well-known psychologist, Dr. Wolf.
“Uhm,” Tails said, still mentally registering the wolf he saw in front of him. “Sorry for barging in like this, but you are Dr. Wolf, correct?”
“I am,” the wolf replied. “Were you expecting someone else?”
“No, you seem to fit your name well.” Tails uttered that out through a nervous chuckle, but realized how his words sounded in their phrase. “I-I didn’t mean to sound-“
The doctor shared a humorous chuckle himself as he said “It’s quite alright. If I got a bit for every time I hear that from those I meet…” When his chuckle settled, he took a brief glance at the newcomer to his office and tried to put pieces together. “If my assumption is correct, you would be Mr. Miles Prower, a friend of Princess Twilight’s?”
“Yes, I am.” The two-tailed fox walked forward and reached his hand out to shake the doctor’s paw, to which he gladly did when given the offer. “I hope I’m not interrupting your time by showing up here unannounced.”
“That’s quite alright. I must admit that it is an honor to meet such a recognized being and hero from a place beyond Equestria,” Dr. Wolf assured, their handshake coming to an end. He then found that his compliment forced out a wince from his new visitor. “Might I ask what brought you to my office?”
“Oh, well… I, uh…” The words Tails was searching for couldn’t find their way into an answer to give. “The thing is… I guess… I guess I’m here because I remember one of my friends from here in Ponyville mentioning having seen you a couple times. I forget who told me exactly, but they said you were a very helpful listener.”
Dr. Wolf smiled happily. “I always try to lend a helping paw in some way or form. I have met with several of your friends including Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, even Princess Twilight…”
“Fluttershy…” Tails murmured to himself before realization struck with a fairly distant memory. “That’s it! That’s who I heard about you from.”
He recalled back during his first time in Equestria. During his stay, when he was unsure of what happened with his friends back home or his beloved following a battle with Dark Oak, it started with him recovering at Twilight’s old library. Whenever somepony tried to help him, it included trying to talk things out several times, but his depression kept him from being so open to any of them. Fluttershy had mentioned about talking to a ‘Dr. Wolf’ at one point, and also mentioning how he was very supportive and tried to provide all the best help that was provided during each meeting. Since then, the name just became a lost memory in the fox’s subconscious.
“Ah yes, Miss Fluttershy.” Hearing the wolf speak again snapped the fox from his realization. “I have had the pleasure of making her acquaintance some time ago, and she always stops in when she feels the need to ask a few questions. In fact, she was here for another session just a few weeks ago, and somewhere during our discussion she mentioned that you and your fiancé, Miss Cosmo, were coming by for multiple visits.”
Another painful wince crossed the fox’s face as he was told that. His mental fragility began to show through his expression as he let out a deep sigh of sounding despair before facing him again. “Well, Doctor, that’s the main reason why I’m here. I’m currently having some very, very disturbing trouble with her and I was hoping I could ask for your help.”
“But of course,” Dr. Wolf replied, showing little to no hesitation in acting upon the request. “My last appointment ended earlier than usual and my next one doesn’t start until much later, so I have some time to spare.” He gestured an open paw towards his couch sitting alongside the wall opposite of the door. It was a chaise lounge in design, very closely resembling a certain unicorn’s fainting couch, and had a royal purple color for the material. It fit well with the décor of the doctor’s office, especially with his olden style chair with a lavender shade of material bordered by a rich and polished wood border, arms and legs. It faced in the same direction as the open end of the chaise lounge, as what many others could claim to find in a psychologist’s office.
“Please go and make yourself comfortable, Mr. Prower.”
Tails nodded and replied “Thank you, but you may call me by my nickname Tails if you’d prefer. That’s what others tend to call me here anyway.”
“Whatever makes you more comfortable,” Dr. Wolf replied. As the fox went to take his seat, the doctor walked back over to his desk and collected a clipboard with paper and a pen. Both then got into their respective seats, the fox sitting with his back straight up on the chaise lounge and the wolf making himself comfortable as he set the clipboard and pen to his side for the moment. Both now sitting comfortably, the doctor motioned to begin with his calm and collected demeanor.
“So, Mr. Prower, tell me what’s on your mind.”
“Alright,” Tails said, “I am having problems with recent events that have resulted in having a fight with Cosmo earlier today. It was the first fight we ever really had and it had escalated far beyond than what it could have been, but I didn’t control myself enough to allow that.”
“I see,” said Dr. Wolf. “I’m sorry to hear about that. Might I ask what brought that up?”
“Several things really. It’s over issues that I have spent the better part of the last decade trying to handle, but as I said, recent events have caused things to get out of hand. You see, as I’m sure you’ve already heard about, Lord Tirek escaped from Tartarus and has been causing trouble in worlds far beyond Equestria. He’s become far more powerful than any recorded history that was shared with my friends and me from both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. He ended up beating two of the oldest enemies of Team JAG, and they came to us offering a truce in order to stop Tirek as he’s out on a thieving rampage right now. Both sides ended up agreeing to the truce… but I didn’t support it.”
The doctor took a second to recollect the not too distant past when Princess Twilight announced about Tirek’s actions to Ponyville. “Ah yes, I do recall that announcement being made a couple weeks ago. It is truly a pity that some just won’t learn the difference between right and wrong. What about these events caused you to get upset, and how does it connect to Miss Cosmo?”
“Everything. Everything about it connects to Cosmo,” Tails said in a blunt and frustrated manner. “I’ve been fighting against Megatron and the Brotherhood of Darkness for over a decade now, and my friends and I faced Dark Oak and his army of Metarex ten years ago. All they did was try to hurt those that didn’t deserve their cruelty, and remake worlds into their own twisted image. I can’t say that I’d be able to count how many battles of the numerous wars and danger zones that I had been a part of, and yet my friends – my family – we kept charging in with all we had to give every time.
“But the times that really hit home for me was during the Metarex War ten years back. Before then, I always felt on the sidelines, even when being called into action and fight besides some of the most powerful beings to ever exist and save worlds and dimensions time after time; beings that call family to this day. But when the Metarex were brought to our attention, it was Cosmo who did so, who warned us of the fate worlds across our galaxy were going to suffer if we couldn’t find a way to stop them. From the moment I first met her, she was always someone I got along with and enjoyed spending more and more time doing whatever you could think for us to do. She was, and has always been, a wonderful girl with a beautiful soul that she wears on her shoulder every day. I found myself lost without her, and at the same time, I had rediscovered myself and who I wanted to be.
“Then, the war reached its end, and she died after trying to act as martyr to save our galaxy. I was broken, and depressed, but above all else I was alone and only wanted to continue suffering that I didn’t believe could be changed. That’s when my friends in Team JAG came up with a plan, the Team JAG Band Revival Concert, and not only did we bring Cosmo back to life but her entire clan as well. Ever since then, no matter what happened, we were together. We began to live together, we have done practically everything together, and above all else, we were always in love. I love all my friends and my family, old and new, but Cosmo does far more than I could ever imagine. My life became perfect. Life has its flaws, but it did feel perfect so long as I had her by my side.”
Tails gritted his teeth for a second before continuing, an attempt to keep his anger in check. “So imagine how angry and uncomfortable I got, knowing I now have to work with the very monsters that have hurt her and broke me down completely. It’s not a pill I’m going to swallow.”
“I see,” Dr. Wolf replied. “I can understand having found that special someone in our lives and wanting nothing but to make sure that such bliss can be taken away or halted in any, especially when even their smallest contributions make the biggest and greatest impact. Judging by your history, I can imagine that you have always kept Miss Cosmo’s best interests and safety at heart and have gone above and beyond to keep her safe. Was there ever an instance before recent events that made you feel you’ve gone too far or nearly putting yourself there?”
“No. I’ve always kept Cosmo’s best interest at heart and she’s shown only her appreciation, because she knows why I do what I do. If there was one time we nearly had a disagreement was when I decided to start a business.”
“And what happened?”
“Well, nothing much really. I told her I was going to dedicate more time to my work and start a company for software and technology for crafts that worlds unlike Equestria have at greater extents. She only argued on that, with my other commitments, I’d be overextending myself and work into exhaustion, which at one point she was right. Now I found a rhythm to manage everything and not be overloaded, all the while keeping my same levels of commitment to her, if not even more.”
“That is interesting,” the doctor replied, intrigued with the famed fox’s skills, but only for a moment. “It would seem that the both of you share the care and concern in the other’s best interest, and your history shows for that quite well. But to go back to matters of present, you are currently working with those who have hurt you the most to work together on fighting a common foe. Has this been a first for you to have to set so much of your pride aside in order to resolve a problem?”
“No,” the fox answered, “no it isn’t. I’ve worked alongside several others who were once my enemies and are now some of my friends through Team JAG. There have been multiple occasions across many dimensions where members of both Team JAG and the Brotherhood put their differences aside and worked together. It’s just… this time, it is very, very different.”
“I can see that, Mr. Prower, but there’s only so much that happens we can try to control. We can’t manage to make sure every single thing that could go wrong doesn’t end up that way, and we have to accept some realities that we must deal with. Now seeing how this is, as you put it, a very different situation, what kind of things have you done differently as compared to past experiences?”
A long sigh and his eyes facing the ground put Tails in the calmest state he could allow himself to explain. “I said no. I refused the thought of working with the worst beings I could imagine, but I was outnumbered by everyone else. Twilight and the other Princesses agreed to allow Team JAG to control the matter as this fell under interdimensional affairs, and my friends from back home, as likeminded as we were about it, are going along with this too; even Cosmo agreed to this. I thought she’d be terrified by having Dark Oak and Megatron around, yet she showed no signs of any. I thought she kept all her fears inside for nobody to see.
“I was wrong. I was right, but I was so wrong.”
“How so?”
“Well, I kept close to her a lot more than usual, and not always to just spend it enjoyably. With the Brotherhood, and her… her murderers, were lurking about, I needed to keep her safe from whatever may happen. I checked down every path we would travel on and monitor the farthest radius my abilities and technology were capable of, and I kept a log of who was traveling in and out of our world with times and dates. But above all else, I kept her the farthest distance between Dark Oak and Megatron from her that I could make possible, locking down every door and location where she was and they weren’t. It was the best plan I had, and it was holding up well for a while. Unfortunately, it was too well.”
Dr. Wolf began to write a few quick notes on his clipboard of the conversation thus far. “Sometimes our best efforts can be taken too far, even if we have the best intentions behind those actions. It is understandable and recognized that you wanted to keep Miss Cosmo protected, but as with many things we try to accomplish, one can only do so much without creating some form of exhaustion, regardless of action or receiving said action.” He paused his writing, and set the clipboard back down on his lap to face the fox eye to eye. “Did it reach the point when Miss Cosmo had to tell you to calm down and cease your actions altogether?”
“Yeah, she did. It was from our fight earlier, when I went farther than I should have,” Tails answered in shame, adjusting his figure with his head bowed and his elbows resting on his legs to support his upper body from lowering further.
“And what entailed in this?”
“Well…” Tails had to pause himself, seeing that his explanation involved some classified information between Team JAG and the Princesses. “Well, it was from a development in trying to stop Tirek. I won’t go into too much detail, with all due respect Doctor. I don’t want to say anything too disturbing for you to hear, considering it’s being kept a secret to most of Equestria for right now.”
“Your wishes are respected, but I will tell you that whatever it is you choose to say here will remain in this office, Mr. Prower. If it’s something you’re open enough to say, I give you my word to not repeat to anypony.”
“I… I guess… alright then. We tracked Tirek down in a dimension where there’s an inclined amount of magic; magic that can be stolen. Several members of the Team and the Brotherhood managed to corner him at one point, but we underestimated just how powerful he has truly become. Aku, a member of the Brotherhood of Darkness that had a good chance in defeating Tirek, ended up losing his magical powers as a result of our attempt. It forced us to retreat to the nearest civilizations in need of protection, and if necessary, relocation to make sure more innocent lives weren’t…” There was a momentary pause as he reflected on the casualties that were remembered. “Seeing a child fall to the ground, disappear under a cloud of debris and only finding a stuffed pony toy was the last straw.”
The Doctor covered a paw over his muzzle, keeping himself from potentially displaying a dropped jaw as he frowned sadly. His eyes noticed the fox’s hands barely begin to shake, the fingers fighting themselves from becoming clenched fists. Just above them, his patient’s bowed head displayed built up anger finding its way out through furrowing eyebrows and angry shut eyes.
“Tirek is one matter. He has shown to becoming the biggest threat in strength and mind Team JAG has faced outside the Brotherhood’s combined forces. But to me – and perhaps, only me – he is still nothing. He’s nothing compared to Cosmo’s murderers being so close to her, and I can’t change that. They’re closer to her than ever with a dangerous enemy nearby, and I can’t change that! She’s in danger and I can’t protect her, like I always promise I would! How can I keep Cosmo safe with death at every turn!?”
It took a minute, but Dr. Wolf needed to find the right words to say. His patient sat there with a bowed head and now two clenched fists as his body began to shiver angrily. Perhaps it was best for this minute of silence, but it didn’t help the Doctor to not see the rage-powered eyes the fox was able to hide from view.
“Mr. Prower,” Dr. Wolf said, “do you require a moment to calm down a little?” Tails raised his head to look at him, seeing the furrowed eyebrows over now red and teary eyes.
“Calm down? How do I calm down?!” Tails began to let some of his rage spill out of him, like a faucet letting out burning hot water onto bare skin. “My best friend – my fiancé – is surrounded by death! How can I keep calm with that involved?! What if I can’t save her from dying again?! What if no one else can again?! What if I’m not strong enough for her?!”
“I can’t lose her again… I’m not strong enough…”
Tails bowed his head again, facing straight down at the floor and angrily forcing the tears out from his eyes. One tear after another fell onto the hardwood floor underneath his seat, and he didn’t care. His hands let go of the chaise lounge as one arm draped across his legs as the other reached his hand up to cover his eyes.
The Doctor now saw the core problem his patient was having, and he sat there silently as he saw the two-tailed fox expunge his anger and sadness. He needed to grant this time to allow the negativity out, to free it from the body of a soul that, like anyone else, could only hold so much. It was a long, quiet minute of near silence, but it was a minute worth the investment as Tails showed to having a better time collecting himself. Upon that sight, the Doctor spoke again.
“Tails…” Dr. Wolf said, using the nickname for the first time, “it is my own opinion that, without question, you care about your loved ones more than anything. From what you have told me, you have had to deal with more in your youth than what most ponies in Equestria would have to deal with in a lifetime. However, underneath your bravery and determination is a fear of loss that you allowed to fully surface after your lifelong effort to suppress it. I won’t say that your fear is unwarranted, nor is it unnatural, but I will say this-
“The best way you can keep Miss Cosmo safe is to do something for yourself first. You need to find a way to overcome your feeling of weakness that you can’t always protect her, and trust in those closest to you because they have both of your best interests at heart, just as you do for her every day. I can see that calling a truce with direct sources of your past miseries and demises is more difficult to act on rather than consider, but from what you’ve told me, it seems to be the best efforts for you, your friends, and Team JAG to accomplish your current mission. You need to trust and rely on them just as much as you put forth that for Miss Cosmo.”
The fox listened carefully to everything the Doctor was telling him, trying to ingest the advice into them entirely. There was his stubborn side that wanted to argue something that was pointing out to him, but he couldn’t think of any way to rebel the truth. Dr. Wolf was right. He wasn’t the biggest supporter of the position he and his friends were currently in, but the matters at hand were far greater than his overprotectiveness, albeit justified or not. The actions his friends chose were for the best of all worlds and dimensions, and they wouldn’t go to extremes if it meant deliberately hurting each other.
But even with all that in mind, Tails still couldn’t find an answer to what he was asked for.
“But Doctor…” He cleaned his eyes off with his hand that covered them, using his glove to absorb the tears out and help him focus clearly on the wolf. “I don’t know what can happen. I do have trust in my friends, and I do see what we have to do, but Cosmo… I… I can’t stand the mere thought of losing her again. What if my contributions or my roles aren’t strong enough? What if I can’t protect Cosmo from being lost again?”
Dr. Wolf only smiled gently. “I believe you are capable of that,” he told him confidently. “I am aware of your feats, both from your past and since your beginning in Equestria. You’ve combatted dragons and many other fierce adversaries. You have already faced Tirek before, saving Nyx Sparkle from a similar fate you fear for Miss Cosmo. You are gifted with great strengths and skills most others could only imagine, and I know you can use them to work for a promising future.” He could see his support was breaking through to Tails as he began to blush modestly and stifle a chuckle. “After all, you and Cosmo have your wedding coming up soon, correct? Do you plan to make that dream come true for her, and for yourself?”
Tails nodded and replied with more optimism in his tone. “You have no idea. Twilight has been a huge help organizing it with Amy, not to mention preparing her role in the wedding too. She even said she got a special guest to play music for both the wedding and the reception. We were supposed to meet them tomorrow if nothing comes up.”
“Well I’m sure that your best efforts will be greatly rewarded,” replied the Doctor. “Take away from this session what we discussed and I have little doubt you will allow your fears to get in the way of your intentions again.”
Both canines got back up on their legs to stand again, with the fox taking a deep breath when he was back up on his feet. After his exhale, he walked over and extended his hand out again. “Thank you, Dr. Wolf. It was nice to talk to someone new about this stuff with. It’s good to get an outside opinion every now and again…” He paused at a thought that crossed his mind after what he had just said. “…and right now some other outside opinions can help prevent Tirek from destroying Equestria.”
Upon hearing what Tails said, Dr. Wolf grinned and extended his own hand out. “You are certainly welcome, Tails. I wish you all the wealth your actions can reward you.”
Suddenly, Tails’s face turned back to shock at a business-esque realization. “Oh shoot! I don’t have any bits! I’m sorry, Doc, but I don’t have the means to pay you for the ses-”
“Don’t worry about payment,” the wolf said, cutting off the panic with a raised palm. “Consider this session my way of repaying you for stopping Tirek last time. I’m not one who worry too much about financial compensation in the first place. Just remember that if you need a lending ear again, I always have openings to listen again.”
“I’ll remember that,” replied the fox. “Thanks again. I think it’s time that I get going and get out of your fur. I’ve already taken up enough of your free time already, and I want to make sure I don’t interrupt any other-”
He then found himself cut off again, not by a silent gesture but more by something shaking the building. The sensation caught both fox and wolf off their guard, and it was only brief and not likely an earthquake. Tails learned a lot about Ponyville’s geology from Twilight, so he knew the town was one of the last places in Equestria that could experience a natural earthquake. The reason behind the sudden quake came from the sounds of another being’s voice, one that sounded as if they were yelling with all the air in their lungs.
“Well… that would be my next appointment,” Dr. Wolf stated, neither upset nor surprised by what he heard.
The fox looked at the wolf curiously. “Who the heck could do that?”
“Oh, he’s one of my usual patients. I’m not at liberty to say who, but he’s a pony I’ve met several times regarding his burning temper and satiric personality.”
“So… it’s a fiery joker?”
“To many of his fans, yes.”
Tails didn’t want to question it any further. Instead, he decided it was best just to depart from the office and make his way out the building before running into this next patient. The Doctor led him over to the door and showed the kind gesture of opening it to allow the current patient out and the following one to enter. “I look forward to good news from you next time our paths may cross, Mr. Prower. Please extend a greeting to Princess Twilight and Nyx from me if their castle is your next destination.”
The fox nodded and replied “Of course.” But before he could exit, there was something he noticed the Doctor say that provoked his curiosity. “Doctor, if I may ask one more question, you called every Princess we’ve mentioned by their royal title other than Nyx. She’s had a royal title since the Equestria Games, so why didn’t you call her by her title?”
“That I can answer openly: she doesn’t like being treated like a Princess, so I don’t wish to offend her by doing so in her presence or not,” he answered.
Tails took that information he was already aware of himself and admired it. “Thank you, Dr. Wolf. You’re a great being to be so helpful. I’ll see you again sometime.”
“Take care, Mr. Prower,” Dr. Wolf said, and watched the two-tailed fox exit his office in confident strife. His focus then turned towards the source of the outbursting yells coming from the down the opposite end of the hallway. Fortunately, he did not see any signs of anything burning or the sounds of anything being smashed as he listened to the sounds of a certain brick red unicorn stomping down the hallway, openly voicing his frustrations over Equestria’s alicorn populace.
It was another lovely afternoon in Ponyville, the sun shining brightly as ponies carried on with their business in whimsy. They greeted one-another with cheerful smiles and waving hooves, with the exception of a sky blue pegasus who caught sight of the Lord of Chaos himself, Discord, and she kept flying after him calling out a name. "Senpai! Let's go and hang, Senpai!" Those who saw that only turned away and left the matter in the capable hooves of resident princess, Twilight Sparkle, and some extra assistance from an iconic two-tailed fox.
While that happened, several others did recognize another certain being, a bipedal young woman walking the streets to find a certain citizen of Ponyville. Anypony who recognized her called out her name and said "Good to see you!" and "Congratulations!" The young lady greeted each pony and thanked them as she walked along, making her way to a certain building her beloved had mentioned about a couple months ago. Her search was accomplished as she found the building, and an open door with Starlight Glimmer walking out smiling.
/)∞(\
Dr. Wolf was going over the notes of his most recent session with Starlight Glimmer, comparing today's with that of her first session last week. It was at the request of Princess Twilight for her new pupil to see Ponyville's top psychiatrist, especially after the Tirek battle in the Crystal Empire several weeks ago. Dr. Wolf kindly offered his services, and so far his sessions with his newest patient was proving very well. She openly identified her issues and explained how some things bothered her and what other things were worse, and between the two perspectives they were making a good headway to help better herself.
This was how most appointments went for Equestria's sole canine psychiatrist. Then again, the reputation of Dr. Wolf was quick to spread after rumors of the Elements of Harmony and Miles Prower visiting his office passed along. It wasn't his place to confirm or deny such happenings, but when his patients had openly confirmed it to be true, he garnered quite the recognition. Just about everypony who felt the need to seek his help had started coming to him, including couples and families.
Yes, it was quite a demand on his part, and his schedule had always kept his workload full. He didn't mind, however, as he always enjoyed lending a listening ear and providing helpful advice. He enjoyed his work, he had many friends, and his lovely lady wolf to come home to. Many can say Dr. Wolf was a workaholic, but they couldn't argue against how happy he was.
When the Doctor was done comparing his notes for Starlight, he got up from his seat and went to his desk. He opened his drawer full of files with all his notes for each of his patients. "Well that covers what I can for Starlight today," he said, thinking aloud to himself. After storing his notes, his digits trekked through the upper lining of the dividers in search. "There is more time to spare than I anticipated, so I suppose it's a good time to double-check the notes for the rest of my day."
His search was short as he found the first folder he needed. It contained the information taken regarding a well-known stallion who was trying to handle things with his 'celebrity' status, and his behavior when out in the Badlands. Before the folder could be opened, there were three knocks at the door, much to the Doctor's surprise. It took only a second to realize that the color chart in the main lobby most likely had the green tag next to his name still. No matter, he thought, and he called out to his new visitor.
"Come in," he said, setting the closed folder down on his desk. The door opened and who was on the other side entered. When Dr. Wolf saw who had entered, he noticed this wasn't a pony from Ponyville, or even a creature from Equestria. The being was a young female adult, bipedal and standing tall enough to be another head's height above Twilight Sparkle. She had blue eyes and whitish skin, no fur other than the grassy green hair flowing down from her head, and wearing a green and white long skirt with a colorful gem on the chest. What stood out the most was the pair of pink, blooming roses atop of her head, just above where some can guess her ears were.
With all the patients he's had in his office, Dr. Wolf wouldn't question what exactly had entered, but he did not need to guess who this was. He, along with all of Equestria, was far too familiar to who this interdimensional warrior and peace-bringer was, hailed as an icon, a heroine, and a dear friend to the Elements of Harmony and the Sparkle family. Then again, it's not hard for anypony to miss the sight of Mrs. Cosmo Prower.
"Hello, Doctor," Cosmo greeted, "it's nice to see you."
"Ah, Miss Cosmo," Dr. Wolf replied. "Oh, pardon me, I suppose Mrs. Prower would be more appropriate."
Cosmo giggled, raising her left hand up to her chin and unintentionally showing off her wedding ring. "It's quite alright. I'm still getting used to the new name."
"So what may I ask brings you to my office today? I assumed you and your husband were still busy with the Team JAG Band's concert festivals currently going on."
"Yes, JAGFest is still going on, but it's more flexed out this year than last time. There's a week-long break between each show, and this week we're vacationing in Equestria before the show tomorrow night," Cosmo replied, and then stepped up closer to the curious canine. "I was taking a walk when I ran into Starlight outside. After she told me you were here, I wanted to stop in and thank you for your help. I didn't get the chance to properly do so at the wedding."
Dr. Wolf smiled. "That's very kind of you, Mrs. Prower, but I-"
"Please, Doctor, call me Cosmo."
"Very well, Cosmo. As I was saying, there's no need to thank me. I'm just happy to provide my assistance to anyone who asks for it. If anything I should thank you and Tails again for inviting my lady and myself to attend your special day."
"Then I guess we're mutually agreeable on not needing thanks from others," mused the Seedrian. She recalled her beloved asking about inviting a few last second attendees to their wedding, and the small panic it put Amy and Twilight in organizing that at the last second. From what Tails had explained, it was his way for thanking Dr. Wolf for his services, especially since Tails didn't have the bits to pay back then.
"Personally, I do owe you gratitude for your help, even if it was only once. Tails had been watching his behavior when working with others and protecting me." Cosmo's grateful demeanor all of a sudden turned to remorse as she added "It means a lot to know my burdening doesn't stress him out too much anymore."
The Doctor raised an eyebrow in confusion about what she said. "Your burdening? Do you mean your husband's concern for your safety?"
"Well, no," she replied hesitantly. "It's more of me providing him with..." She paused, her hesitance becoming too great to control.
"Cosmo, is there something on your mind?" Dr. Wolf asked. "Is it something you wouldn't mind talking about?"
"Wha-do I-no, no," Cosmo stuttered as she broke out from her trance. "I couldn't intrude like Tails. He was lucky you had free time and I'm here-" She stopped. At the sight of the Doctor raising a paw.
"You are no intrusion at all. I have plenty of time to lend a listening ear before my next appointment arrives. If you'd like to talk, please make yourself comfortable and I'll be happy to listen."
Dr. Wolf motioned a paw towards his couch. When she saw it, Cosmo couldn't help but recognize its structure and design as a near splitting image to Rarity's 'infamous' fainting couch. She thought about the offer, talking about a matter that was in her life for several years with a professional. It wasn't an idea she was against, but there was never a presented opportunity until now. She threw the idea back and forth in her mind a couple times before forfeiting to taking up the offer.
"Alright," she said with a nod, "I suppose talking about it would be nice."
"Then by all means, tell me what's bothering you," Dr. Wolf said, and he walked over to his chair and took a seat. Cosmo followed suit, walking over and finding a comfortable seat, sitting upright on the couch on the edge. When she saw him sitting in his seat, a pen and notepad in his paws and ready to help, she took a deep breath and started things off.
"I've had this feeling of burden for a long time, going far back to when I first met Tails and my friends on Mobius. When we were fighting the Metarex, I would often cause some sort of accident or make a foolish decision that would endanger myself, or worst of all everybody. They would have to rescue me time and time again, but no one was or is as protective to me as Tails is for me. He's gone up against impossible odds and risking himself to protect me. It's one of the main reasons I love him so much, watching himself put himself in deadly situations to protect those who can't protect themselves, especially for me. I know it sounds selfish, but having him care for me that much compared to anyone else made me feel special."
"There's nothing selfish about that, Cosmo," Dr. Wolf said. "It's quite obvious that Tails has always cared so much about you. Any couple that loves each other devotes all their care and respect for one-another."
"I know, and as I said it's one of the reasons I fell in love with him. Whenever I've needed help, any moment when I'm in danger, Tails fights his way to me and protects me. But there are times... times when it's not the fault of an enemy or action that causes me to be in danger. There have been instances that I put myself in that position, or our enemies know how to use me to get to Tails or the others.
"I... feel like a target sometimes. I feel like a target to hurt Tails because I'm not strong enough to protect myself. That makes me feel like I'm a burden."
"I see," replied the Doctor. "You said that you've felt this way for many years, but I couldn't imagine being the first to hear about this. I can assume Tails and your friends are aware of your feelings, correct?"
Cosmo answered with a nod and said "Since I first met everybody, really."
"And it's clear to see that your friends support you and for your well-being, if my known history of your past is correct. Doesn't the support from those closest to you help take this burden and put it behind you? Isn't it true that your friends put themselves in the same risk as you do if not more often, especially your husband?"
"It helps... sometimes," she confessed, "but watching them on the battlefield doesn't help. My friends have had much more experience fighting their enemies, spending years fighting Dr. Eggman before the Metarex, and because of that they handle themselves a lot better. Tails wasn't much for going on the front lines with them, not without being armed with one of his inventions or ships. He didn't really start doing that until he met me, and he'd put himself in harm's way to keep me safe. Sometimes I fight alongside him, but my role is small compared to what he does with his capabilities. He's grown so much stronger since he met me. He reminds me of that whenever I express my burdening feelings."
Dr. Wolf was taking brief notes on his notepad as she explained herself. He kept his writing brief, jotting down key words that described her situation and/or related emotions. A small star was added next to what he could connect with Tails's notes and work something off of his session. Normally he would have couples come in together to see him, but in the case of Tails and. Cosmo, he wanted to research what he could to help them more as one item. Whether or not they come in at the same time was only an assumption for the time being.
He set his pen down and addressed his patient. "Cosmo, the fact that you're willing to put yourself in such dangerous situations for the best of others is the most selfless act of kindness anyone could ask for. For that, I commend you on being such a caring person to Equestria and the many world's beyond."
"Thank you," she replied.
"However," he continued, "you denounce your actions as a negative while your friends are more than willing to do the same, if not more than your efforts. Your husband sees that, and I believe it is safe to say that, and he doesn't worry about the outcome of your positive efforts. From how I see it, it's the returning actions of your enemies that cause you to feel like a burden, as they are your response to your positive actions. The fact that you all continue to put your best foot forward and fight on after all this time is commendable and honorable.
"But the main problem sounds as if you putting in your efforts doesn't have the same positive reward as Tails and your friends. Not every effort, even here in Equestria, results with the best intentions. You all put your very lives on the line for the same goal, so for yourself and yourself alone, what makes your efforts more of a burden compared to anyone?"
"Because I want my family!" Cosmo exclaimed, her once reserved state no longer present. "I want to spend my life enjoying time with my friends and relatives! I want to wake up next to the man I love every morning for as long as we'll live together! I want to have a family with Tails! I want to watch our lives grow stronger like he does! I want to be strong like him and help create a beautiful future for us together! I DON'T want him to keep watching me nearly, if not actually, die again! I don't want to die again!"
Cosmo tried to fight the overwhelming sadness within her, but that effort failed as she began to whimper. She bowed her head, let tears flow from her eyes and covered her mouth with one of her hands. The fear she expressed was finding a way out, and she had to let it flow through rather than keep it in.
As he watched his patient's sad state continue, Dr. Wolf got up and went back to his desk. A fresh box of tissues sat on top, so he grabbed that and walked it over to his patient. He set it next to her, and then grabbed a tissue to hand to her. "It is understandable what you fear, Cosmo," he said, handing the tissue off and returning to his seat. "You wish what happiness you desire like any other who has found lifelong love and meaning, but there's still a matter I believe you keep failing to see."
After a brief pause to allow Cosmo to control herself, he continued with "Like your husband and your friends, you continue down a similar stride for peace and cooperation between worlds of all different types. You are willing to risk your lives to do that when the time calls for it, but not every confrontation requires power. Where your reasons for being on front lines is clear, I know for a fact that you accelerate in other areas on your quest for peace. You have a tendency to find a connection and develop a friendly relationship with just about every new world you come in contact with, and the same goes for Tails as well. In my perspective, that is a far greater ability to have than possess incredible skills of strength and powers of magic and energy. Wouldn't you agree?"
"I... I suppose so," she replied, calming herself and using the tissue to dry the tears off her face. "Forgive my honesty, Doctor, but I was already told that from many others before."
"Does that help your feeling of burden to dissipate?"
Cosmo shook her head. "It's a compliment I've always been grateful to receive, but it doesn't change that feeling deep down. Since the Metarex War, I've always tried to be like Tails and the others to help create a life for everybody the best it could be. Unfortunately, my determination is taking over by stubbornness and I'll let myself be put in jeopardy more than anyone else. Back then, I believed I found my purpose, and I always try to follow that path along with the wonderful life I've been blessed with."
"Hmmm..." Dr. Wolf hummed, pondering the right direction to go towards. Cosmo left the door open for him to ask for more clarity on her feelings, but like any other patient of his, was it worth the chance yet? He knew the vague details, but was asking for more history the best idea? It wasn't his favorite option. However, in his line of work, Dr. Wolf knew that asking tough questions was both a last resort when needed, and the important step forward for any patient.
"Cosmo, would you be willing to tell me about when you found your then-discovered purpose? Would talking about one of your instances regarding your behavior help find a defense against your burden?"
Cosmo took her turn to contemplate. Stories such as that were never easy to tell, but now was a time where talking about it was more than informational: it would possibly be helpful. The most obvious option - the most painful one - was the strongest to support herself, but then a thought came to her. She thought of another event. The most recent event to take place, the battle in the Crystal Empire, could be somewhat helpful if not just as important. Would the resurfacing heartache be worth it in the long run? Tails wasn't there to help be supportive, but deep down she knew he couldn't always be there to support Cosmo, much to her dislike.
"Well..." Her decision was difficult, but in order for the psychologist to help her, there was really one option. Cosmo sighed, sounding defeated, and then said "Alright, perhaps that could help. There's actually two instances I'd want to talk about, if that's fine with you."
The Doctor smiled kindly. "Of course, whatever you're most comfortable with. Which one would you like to start with?"
"The last day of the Metarex War, the first time I died..."
/)∞(\
Cosmo told Dr. Wolf her entire story of the day the Metarex War ended. The Meatrex's revealed plans, the battle to stop the galactic forestation process, Dark Oak's last resort, everything that led to her final moments: her realization of her purpose, her transformation and act of martyr, Tails's heartache, the near salvation to her sacrifice, and lastly Galvatron's appearance. It wasn't like how she and Tails showed their Ponyville friends their past and more like how the tale was told to the Princesses and the Cutie Mark Crusaders during the Equestria Games. There were a couple moments where she had to pause for collection, but it was the end of the story where she started to cry. It hurt, and it hurt so badly, even after over a decade having gone by since that day. Fortunately for her, the Doctor was very patient and allowed her time to get the heartache out. She only hoped that somewhere out in Ponyville, her husband didn't sense her pain.
When she calmed down some, Dr. Wolf asked of how Tails and their friends fixed the damage from that day. Cosmo explained how the Team JAG Band came together and held the Revival concert, and reiterated what her beloved explained to her regarding the collected energy and channeling it through Chaos Revival. She also touched on how the Band's concerts and efforts throughout the years benefitted the worlds and dimensions they had visited. Focusing on the positive aftermath was good for the Doctor to hear, and for the Seedrian to reflect on.
The whole subject of Revival had a double benefit. For Dr. Wolf, it was expanding his understanding on just what Team JAG and their namesake musical project's overall meaning to exist: to be helping others. The organized coalition of heroes fought for prosperous opportunities across dimensions, and the Band would bring beings together for a common reason while giving the performers a fun form to relax to, and help promote the music industry to boot. Not only that, but how energy is built and recycled with each show amazed him. People and planets would rejuvenate watching several friends mimic musicians from different places as they pretend to be rock stars, a label that Equestria has done more than identify them as. It was all incredible, and the Doctor continue to be amazed at Team JAG's nearly infinite endeavors.
As for Cosmo, her benefit came at recalling just what treasures she had in life. Because of the friendships she made during the Metarex War, the Seedrian race was given a second chance to thrive for nothing but to right the wrongs of the Metarex. Thanks to the Master Four and everyone connected to the Band, she had the opportunities to visit and explore different worlds and see peace and sanctuary tie them all together like one of Rarity's glorious fashion lines. Thanks to everyone that made Team Sonic, mostly so from Tails, they helped her have a family again.
Thanks to them, she wouldn't be sitting there alive and well. Thanks to Tails, she wouldn't be happy at all. Unfortunately, the reminder of where exactly she was brought up her feeling of burden again. She tried to mask it and not look as bad as she allowed herself to express earlier, but the canine across the room could read her like an open book.
"I have to admit, your friends' feats are very impressive," Dr. Wolf said. "To accomplish such things with only sheer will power and to help someone else speaks volumes for what Team JAG is capable of when world's work together. Of course for you and your husband, their help to reunite you both is a priceless gift."
Cosmo grinned and nodded. "It is. My life wouldn't be if it wasn't for everyone, especially Tails. He made me feel special, and accepted into a species my people fought against so long ago." Her grinning face wiltered away as she added "If only so many battles didn't involve me, maybe things could be easier for him. That way he wouldn't have to worry about my safety, even if I'm trying to help others."
"Hmmm..." Dr. Wolf pondered aloud for the some-teenth time, thinking about Cosmo's last statement. "You said there was another instance regarding you feeling like a burden. What is entailed in this other event that differs from that final day of your war with the Metarex?"
The Seedrian took no long breath to answer him. "It was Tirek's attack on the Crystal Empire."
"Oh." A shocked expression crossed the Doctor's face. He had heard in news pressings and announcements by the Princesses how the battle was straining, but he wasn't a fool. He knew that it was multiple times worse than Tirek's previous fight between Twilight Sparkle, the Elements of Harmony, and Team JAG's finest. He had heard rumors throughout Ponyville, and the truth from the eyes of patients that were there that day, telling him of times where bones broke, anger unleashed, even fatalities. The latter was heard about, but never detailed to him. In all reality, he had no idea what to expect or what consequences were the battle's results.
Above all else, he saw the discomfort Cosmo had to even start talking again. Clearly if this was something bothering her as much as her first story, it would not be easy to revisit. With that in mind, the Doctor eased himself by putting on a kind smile and gave his patient one friendly reminder. "If you're not comfortable to talk about this, Cosmo, I will not press the issue. I am here to help, not force anything out of you."
His patient shook her head side to side, and then replied "It's alright. I'm willing to talk about this." With another long inhale and longer exhale, she relaxed herself as much as she could. She began from the moment the battle commenced, when Tirek had reached his destination.
"Tirek made his way through Equestria and reached the Crystal Empire, immediately aiming for the kingdom's castle. We waited until we got the signal to launch the counterstrike, and Sonic and Tails led the charge. I was with Amy, and my mission was ground defense at the castle. As we flew over, I saw Tirek's army fighting against my friends. Changelings were knocked down and out of the sky, but more kept swarming in. We were lucky to have cleared the citizens before they all arrived. I watched Tirek destroy homes by just stepping on them. Tails worked to fight him with the Master Four while everyone else focused on the army, and Chrysalis and Sombra.
Amy got me close enough to jump and float down near the Crystal Heart. That's where I found most of the ponies holding back the front lines. Starlight Glimmer and Sunbrust were working with Shining Armor and Cadance to create a powerful shield around the castle, and they even got to use the power of the Crystal Heart. They saw me coming and opened it enough for me to enter and closed it back up. Sadly, our enemies were too cunning, and Sombra used his power to turn himself and portions of soldiers into smoke, find crevices in the ground and emerge within the shield.
"I didn't question the danger of fighting. I ran after them inside the castle with Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. We all knew Twilight was still inside, as well as Celestia and Luna. Nyx, the CMC and Flurry Heart were all in there, a few of the last ponies Tirek didn't siphon magic from. There was already enough damage by him, and he had his sights for Twilight and Nyx... and Tails and I."
Dr. Wolf nodded in understanding, jotting down some notes as he did. He didn't need to mention what Tirek's mission would be to go after those four specifically. Each of them had a hand and hoof in his previous defeat, and revenge was his goal the Princesses addressed the citizens about.
"We raced as fast as we could getting to Twilight and the kids,". Cosmo continued. "The Changelings chased us if not getting ahead of us, so we had to fight our way there. I've seen my friends fight before, but I've never seen Fluttershy lose her temper like that day. She gave them a Stare that could paralyze Shadow when livid," she mused.
"Rainbow Dash and I made it to where the others were, but we couldn't beat Sombra. From what I could understand, Tirek made him stronger than before, and Twilight and Nyx's shield magic was starting to falter. Dash tried distracting Sombra as I used my Keyblade's magic to enhance the shield, and so far, it was working. But we were tricked. Sombra was actually Chrysalis in disguise and the others were her Changelings, and we were caught off guard so much that Rainbow Dash was struck down by her wing. I did what I could to shield us and run, but by then we were surprised again when an explosion blew a hole through the wall.
"They were in the room next door. We were one room off. We saw through there Twilight and the kids cornered by the real Sombra, and beyond that a hole leading outside with Tirek not far in distance. Megatron and Dark Oak were there as well, fighting on our side and trying to hold the monster back with their own army of Decepticons and Metarex soldiers. Tirek, however, pushed them aside like they were nothing. He eyed the fillies, and they began to grow fearful and cry, but Twilight kept a brave face and stood in front of them. That's when... when..." Cosmo paused for a moment, approaching the worst part of the day for her.
"Tails got between everypony and Tirek, charging at him with all his might and landing a few hits. It was just the distraction for us as Jason and Shadow charged in to fight Sombra and Chrysalis, so we tried to use that advantage to run off. But we didn't make it anywhere, not when I stopped frozen hearing the man I love scream in pain. Tirek had him crushed in his hands, and then he threw Tails down and into the ground. I panicked, again. I saw him in pain and was scared how badly hurt he was. It was that moment of fear that caused everybody I was with to become trapped in Tirek's magic, all of us being drug out to him against our will.
"When we got back outside, he was grinning maliciously saying he was finally close to having his revenge. The moment we were brought out of the castle, however, my friends already fighting managed to strike him from behind, and that caused him to lose focus and drop us from his magic. Tails had recovered enough to help catch me and Rainbow Dash, and Twilight got everypony else down with her magic. But the moment Tirek regained his focus, he focused on Tails and forcefully levitated him up and steal Tails's magic. Twilight and I reacted immediately, her flying us up to try and save him. I told her to throw me up at Tails and she shot me up with her magic, and I used all my might to knock. Tails away and force Tirek's focus on me..."
Cosmo had to pause another time, having to take a deep breath as her eyes became misty with tears. "Tirek's focus changed onto me, and he absorbed my energy right out of me. It wasn't like before when he absorbed only a pony's magic; he took my magic, my life force, everything he could steal from me he did. Everything turned cold, and my vision became hazy. I felt like I was losing my life again! Twilight tried to save me by flying in front of me, but that monster blasted us with his magic! She slammed into me and took most of the attack, and we smashed against the castle and then dropped hard onto the ground! I threw myself between my love and that monster and felt as if I died again! I burdened Tails with my recklessness again!"
Cosmo became overcome with sobbing, her head bowed and hands covering her eyes. Her pain, fear, and regret took over for the second time, and her soul couldn't hold it in again. For several seconds, all there was was her letting the pain out to the point she could regain control. Her breathing became out of rhythm as she choked on her sobs, coughing to let the choke get out. When she lowered her hands, her eyes fixated on her left hand, staring at the engagement ring and wedding band on the ring finger. It was the second most beautiful sight for her eyes to see, but it didn't help ease her.
"I throw myself in harm's way so often... so damn often," she sobbed, using language she would never use at all. "What kind of wife am I for Tails if I risk of him losing me again? It's not fair for him. It's not fair for us."
A small moment of silent passed, just long enough for the Doctor to speak up. "It's very clear that you are a caring heart-driven wife, Cosmo. Your dedication to risk your own well-being for his is proof of that, and the love you have for each other has become, if I say, legendary because of just how far you two push yourselves to go. Not to mention that such dedication, with its consequences, hasn't separated you both again as you are here in my office. With that said, your efforts are proven not in vain. Wouldn't you agree with that, Cosmo?"
"Well... yes," she replied. "When I was out, Tails and the others kept fighting. They kept fighting Tirek until some of the stolen magic was taken out of him. Tails fought harder than anyone else combined, but... but he wasn't entirely there. A dark side of him was unleashed when I was attacked, a side that was believed to be a consequence from using the Chaos Emeralds. His power was amplified through his anger, but his mind only focused on killing Tirek...
"My Tails wanted to kill. He even fought Sonic and the others just to attack Tirek. My recklessness put him in a blind rage that nearly hurt my friends. I couldn't see or speak to him, but somehow I could feel him, and he could feel me. Our hearts have a special connection only a very few have, and only when I finally broke through did he reel himself back. From that point, I reawakened and Tails turned his negative energy into a new ascended state. With his new power, use of Chaos Control and the power of the Elements, Tirek was taken care of once and for all."
Dr. Wolf listened carefully as he wrote down more notes on his notepad. When she had stopped, he continued to write as he said "I can recall the Princesses stating that your husband and yourself worked with the Elements of Harmony in order to claim victory during your battle. Didn't you also help Twilight and the others during the climax, or was your role more on the lines of moral support."
"No, I didn't-" Cosmo found herself having to pause, recalling the events of the battle's end in more detail. "Well, I did give home my Keyblade to use, and I gave him strength through the connection we have."
"So you supported him with the love you have for him?"
"Well, essentially, yes."
"Then I think you're missing the most vital reason why your burden should have no weight to it," he said, setting his notebook down and putting his focus towards his patient. "Your bond, Cosmo, is one that Tails and yourself have proven to care about more than anything else in all the years you have been together. Through that you have both grown in strength and maturity, and you value sharing yourselves to each other in order to achieve that. What you both do to better those around you is a result of you watching each other grow and what you see your spouse do. Tails puts himself on the front lines as a warrior and tactician in order to give others a better chance for survival, and right behind him is you, providing him with your faith and moral support that encourages him, along with your willingness to follow him into danger and do what he does to your greatest extent.
"From my perspective, the burden that you hold onto is derived from the fact that your actions that follow his doesn't always measure up in the battlefield, at least in terms of combat. However, that does not make you any weaker. You are a passionate and caring woman, Cosmo, someone who is willing to put her complete faith into those who you believe them and encourage to do better in whatever ways they specialize in. It doesn't matter if you're a weaker fighter compared to others. What matters most, especially to Tails, is that you believe in him. You believe in him more than every being in every other universe put together, and in turn he believes in you because you give him something no one else can provide: the love of his life, or in your case, his wife.
"A burden is seen as weighing down the best what one can provide to anyone and anything, and you are anything but a burden to those in your life. You constantly support your friends and their endeavors, and the fact that you and Tails are married is symbolic proof that he reciprocates that support to you more than anyone else can receive. Yes, you have faced the darkest of days and suffered degrees of pain no one would wish on even their most hated enemies, but you overcame them. You overcame them together, and again, your bond proves that.
"So don't confuse your burden with your role in the lives of others, because you leave a greater impact as who you are than as a target. Continue what you do because you provide the greatest strength to those who needed most, and show that in return at their greatest lengths. Does that make sense to you, Mrs. Prower?"
Cosmo took his words in deeply. All of his points were valid and how he described her did make sense to her. She did have a purpose of helping her beloved in some of the toughest challenges, but her role, as much as she already knew, did have greater purpose outside of combat.
"Yes," she said in return, "yes it does. I've always known I wouldn't be able to compare my strength as a fighter to Tails or many of my friends. Even with the training I've received from my friends, I always had an uneasy feeling of fighting. Fighting can lead to tragedies and heartache, and after experiencing everything with the Metarex I never want to see it happen again. I've kept the belief that plants and animals could live in peace in our galaxy, but after meeting Tails and Team JAG I wanted to see all sentient creatures live together in peace.
"I still plan to support everyone in any way I can, and I will be there for Tails however he needs me. It's like you said, I can still provide them with my help through my own abilities, but now I need to focus harder at how much assistance certain circumstances can limit me to. There's never going to be a day I will fight like a Saiyan, strategize tactics for a military, or even slay an enemy with a weapon. That's simply not me, nor is it what I believe in. However, I'm still going to be there when I'm needed, even if it's more limited.
"In fact," she continued, her mind recalling a certain career path, "I suppose I've already started that after all."
"Oh? How so exactly?" Dr. Wolf asked.
"Well, one of my friends is a diplomat along being a crime fighter," explained the Seedrian. "She negotiates and forges working relationships with many people from her world and beyond, and that inspired me to do the same. My mother is the leader of the Seedrian race and I've been shadowing her for some time now. She has been teaching me everything she knows about representing herself and her people, including how to find peace between races and planets across the galaxy and beyond. One day I hope to be just like her and find ways to bring peace to all different beings of all the different dimensions. It won't happen all at once, but I'm still willing to try and help others have what I gained with my friends."
The Doctor grinned as she explained her idea. He could already tell that the problems she was facing did have a good chance for resolve. "Well, Cosmo, it seems that you have a goal to meet that will help you in more ways than you intend. I'm sure your husband will support your endeavors just as much as you do for him."
Cosmo nodded and replied "Oh he does so much already. He comes with me whenever he can and tries to offer suggestions from time to time. When I first told him my idea, the first thing he said was that there'd be nobody better in Team JAG to accomplish interdimensional peace. Even to this day, he'll ask me about what I'm experiencing and listen to every little thing I say, and I've only been doing this since I met everypony here in. Equestria. He always put me before anything else and it means everything to me."
"Then it looks like you'll be starting down the right path, Cosmo. With such an admirable goal and the support of those surrounding you, I have a good feeling that your feelings of burden will dissipate before you know it."
"I hope so. I never want to feel like I'm more harm than good to my husband again. He means everything to me, and if he can better himself for me, I will do the same for him." Cosmo stood up from her seat and walked up to where the canine sat in his chair. She gave him a polite bow and said "Thank you, Dr. Wolf. Your helpful guidance will allow me to hopefully better myself in the future."
The Doctor stood out of his seat as well, leaving his notepad and pen sitting on his seat. "I'm glad I could be of service. If there's any a time you'd like to talk about things further, I'm always available for another discussion."
"I'll keep that in mind," she responded thoughtfully. She then reached inside her dress where an inner pocket was hidden, pulling out a small collection of bits she was given a few days ago upon her and her friends' arrival. "Here we go. This should cover the appointment, at least I hope so."
The Doctor eyed the bits handed over to him. What she had was indeed the right amount for any other regular appointment. However, this was an impromptu session, and unfortunately he was part of a psychology union that had certain bylaws for their practices, including increased pay for unscheduled sessions. But there was nopony else like Dr. Wolf, who gives more than just his professional services.
He held his paw up as if shielding her bits away from him and said "There's no need to worry about payment, Cosmo. I allowed your husband a free session when he was in my office, and I'm more than happy to grant you the same. Consider it my sign of gratitude for allowing my lady and I to attend your wonderful wedding."
Cosmo looked at him surprised. "Oh, I couldn't let you do that. Are you sure?"
"I am," he replied happily.
The Seedrian's smile grew as she took her handful of bits and returned them to her pocket. "Thank you very much, Doctor," she told him, "but I would still like to repay you somehow. Tails and I are having dinner with some friends out in town this evening. We'd be happy for you and your wife to join us."
"I'll keep that in mind," said the good doctor. He was planning to take lunch after his next session at home anyway, so having the chance to ask his lovely Lady Wolf was better done sooner rather than later. "Take care of yourself, Cosmo, and enjoy the rest of your vacation here."
"I will, and you take care as well, Doctor," replied the Seedrian. She then made her way to the door and began to let herself out. Before she could exit, she found herself in a pause after a thought came to mind. "Dr. Wolf?"
The Doctor, who had been turning to walk towards his desk, turned back around to face her. "Yes?"
"A few days before Tirek's attack, Tails and I were talking about our wedding decisions. Of all beings to appear, Megatron managed to sneak up and overhear us. He asked about what purpose our wedding had, and Tails said how it was our greatest promise to be together forever. He looked at us blankly for a moment, and then he told us 'I can see that. You've proven that all the time. I know you two will be the key to victory.' Next thing I know, he asked for Tails's help in improving some of his programming and offered to provide me a trip home. Tails agreed, and Megatron used his technology to transport me from Team JAG Headquarters to our home on Mobius."
Cosmo then faced the Doctor again, this time her eyes lined with happier tears and a gentle smile. "You are an excellent person, Dr. Wolf, and that moment with Tails proves it. Thank you for all you do for everyone, and everypony."
Dr. Wolf smiled kindly and replied "You're welcome, Mrs. Prower. I'll see you and Miles this evening."
And with that, Cosmo made her departure as she stepped out and closed the door behind her. The moment he heard the door click itself shut, the canine psychologist raised one of his paws to his chest, taking in a deep calm breath. As he exhaled, the paw gestured out in front of him, reaching full extent as the deep breath ended. Looking towards a direction adjacent to him, as if there was an unseen audience to talk to, he smiled joyously and said what he always does after working his profession with a soothing and content voice:
"It's good to be helping."
