Glimmer & Glow

by Yosh-E-O

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Cozy Glow
Length: 19416

There are more ways to bottle up your emotions than you may think. Starlight learns this the hard way through Cozy Glow.

Summer break is upon The School Of Friendship and every pony has plans of how to spend the time away from academics (Sans Twilight)

Starlight has plans, too. However they are ones that only Trixie knows of and even The Great And Powerful illusionist isn't totally aware of what Starlight plans to do upon releasing Cozy Glow from Tartarus.

***

This is a fun story that explores a theory I came up with for how Cozy Glow came to be and why she is the way she is. Enjoy!

Published 2018-10-27 23:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2018-11-28 01:29:38 UTC

Prologue - Summer Break

Summer break was about to start at the School Of Friendship. This meant every pony would get a well-deserved few months to take on projects that would better further their personal goals.

Rarity was excited to spend more time with Sassy Saddles and Coco Pommel to update her boutiques while also doing some planning for the seasons she’d be spending more frequently as an instructor instead of a fashion designer.

Applejack was elated to be a bigger part in supporting the family farm. Her teaching and adventures had put more work on Big Macintosh and the stallion was really hoping to spend more time with his very special some pony, Sugar Belle.

Rainbow Dash was thrilled at the prospect of the extra time for perfecting tricks while ensuring The Wonderbolts were never outshone by The Wash Outs while Pinkie Pie just wanted to plan more parties and start her party planning for the forthcoming semester so she could still do it without taking time away from her educational endeavors.

Fluttershy’s plans were to spend more time in her animal sanctuary along with attending a few conventions with her friend, Tree Hugger. Tree Hugger also planned to come by to help Fluttershy with her gardens so she could make far more appealing herbs, fruits, berries, and nuts for all the critters she cared for.

All who really remained at the school now were Twilight, Starlight, and Spike.

***

“Any plans for your summer?” asked Twilight as she went about sorting student files.

Starlight lowered her head.
“Not really,” she replied somberly. “Not much need for a guidance counselor means I pretty much have my office already in top shape for the fall semester.”

“Why don’t you take a vacation?” suggested Spike as he hefted a number of folders onto Twilight’s desk.

“Yeah,” the Princess Of Friendship added. “Perhaps return to your village and have a little fun catching up with every pony.”

The periwinkle-colored Unicorn put a hoof to her chin and thought on it. This was a good idea but it actually gave her another one.

“I’m going to visit the Dragon Lands with Smolder and Ember,” the purple-scaled dragon stated with pride. “They are going to help me become more ‘Dragonish’.

“It’ll be lonely without you, Spike,” added Twilight. “However I know you are in good hooves, uh, claws.”

Spike gave a piercing look that made Twilight flinch. However he soon followed this by making a goofy face and snuggling into his best friend.
“Oh, Twi,” he said. “Hooves. Claws. They both mean the same thing.”

The purple Alicorn sighed with relief.
“You’ve always been such a good sport about things, Spike,” she stated. “And that is why you are more than just my ‘Number One Assistant’.”

Spike beamed.
“Does this mean I can teach my class on friendship through tabletop gaming?” he asked as he winked his eyes.

“Uhhh…,” trailed Twilight. “I’ll get back to you on that one.”

“YES!” he cheered. “Anything beyond a ‘No’ is still a possibility!”

“Didn’t you have plans with Sweetie Belle and the crusaders today?” inquired Starlight.

“Oh!” he gasped. “I best be off if I want to join them in extreme rock climbing! Later!”

“What?” panicked twilight as Spike went out of view.

“He’ll be fine,” assured Starlight. “I’d honestly be more worried about you spending all summer on lesson plans.”

“But it’s so much fun!” Twilight cheered. “Getting to see all our students will learn over the next semester gives me goose bumps just thinking about it!”

Starlight rolled her eyes while trying to not say anything against Twilight’s idea of ‘fun’.
“Well, then,” she said anxiously. “I suppose I’ll just leave you to it.”

“Have fun!” waved Twilight as she forced a wide smile. “I’m sure you and Trixie have all sorts of great magic shows planned.”

“Yeah,” laughed Starlight as she left the office. “Thinking about giving the ol’ ‘Road To Friendship’ another go.”

Twilight blinked as she thought on how Starlight described the previous attempt to travel a great distance with the blue-coated illusionist.
“Second time’s the charm!” she called back. “Can’t wait to here how it all goes!”

Chapter 1 - Breaking Out Of Tartarus

Starlight was telling a partial truth about her and Trixie going on ‘The Road To Friendship’. The honest aspect being Trixie was traveling with her on a friendship mission. The not so factual part is their trip was to Tartarus to get Cozy Glow.

“You absolutely sure you want to do this?” asked Trixie as she hauled her wagon along the route to Tartarus’ entrance.

“I have to,” replied Starlight with determination. “That filly deserves a second chance just as much as I did.”

“It does seem out of character for the Princess Of Friendship to send a foal to such a place,” added Trixie with a hint of displeasure. “Then again Celestia and Luna seemed okay with it, too.”

“I think Cadence had her doubts,” remarked Starlight as they neared the gate. “However I think she was more concerned on making sure something like that never happened to Flurry Heart.”

“Have you ever thought about being a mom?” asked Trixie with genuine curiosity.

“Me…?” gasped Starlight as she let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “No, no, no. I have enough trouble with the children at the school. Last thing I need is to bring my work home.”

Trixie sighed.
“The great and powerful Trixie understands,” she replied. “A foal would completely cramp my style.”

“Not to mention cramp your wagon,” teased Starlight.

“Precisely!” exclaimed the blue-coated mare who was clad in a purple wizard’s robe. “And just so you know, Trixie is taking no responsibility nor accountability for what you are about to do. We are friends but Trixie has a reputation to protect.”

“You do realize coming with me already makes you an accomplice,” Starlight stated somberly.

Trixie groaned.
“Fine,” she grumbled. “Maybe they’ll let us share a cell in Tartarus together.”

“I don’t think it will come to that,” assured Starlight as she reached into her saddle bag and removed a toothless key.

“Ooh!” awed the magician with the white mane. “What’s that?”

KLUNK
CLICK
CA-KLUNK

The gate to Tartarus started to open as Starlight removed the key.
“It’s a Key Of Unfettered Entrance,” she stated. “This one enchanted by yours truly to have more than one use and to only be used by me.”

“Are you saying you don’t trust your best friend?” whined Trixie.

“It’s not you I don’t trust,” worried Starlight as the gate opened to reveal all the menacing creatures locked within. “It’s them.”

***

Starlight’s protection spells and Trixie’s smoke bombs helped the duo bypass many threats along their journey through ‘Bad Guy Central’.

PWOOSH
CA-CLICK!

“Hey!” cried Cozy Glow as a massive plume of smoke engulfed her just before she was magically yanked out from her cage.

“I got her!” cried Starlight. “Ready for the grand exit, Trix?”

“Sure am!” the Unicorn cried as she mustered all her magic into blasting illusionary, yet quite noisy, fireworks
The denizens of Tartarus were completely distracted by Trixie’s use of magic as Tirek awaited the smoke to clear from his gasping view.
“What’s the meaning of this!” he bellowed before another fit of smoke-induced coughing struck him. It was then that the smoke cleared to reveal Cozy Glow’s cage had been opened without her still inside.

“WHAT!” he bellowed as he stomped angrily about. “You can’t just leave me behind!”

The centaur’s outbursts caught the attention of Cerberus along with other occupants of Tartarus.

“You think I did this?” he cursed angrily. “Would I still be locked in here if I did? Go get that puny pony before she escapes!”

However it was already too late as Starlight had already inserted the key at the gate and made a hasty escape with Trixie and Cozy Glow before any creature could even get close to the magically sealed door.

Chapter 3 - An Old Friend

Young Starlight sat at her window watching as the fillies and colts of Sire’s Hollow were gleefully playing and showing off their Cutie Marks.
“I hate them!” she screamed. “Cutie Marks are stupid!”

FWUMP

Starlight flung herself on her bed and began to sob. Her heart was broken with her parents barely, if ever, at home and her best friend, Sunburst, long gone to Canterlot because he got his Cutie Mark and totally forgot all about her.

FWIP

Through tear-filled eyes, Starlight picked up an old plush that her mother had given her. It was pink in color, had no Cutie Mark, and had blue curls going down her mane.
“At least you are still my friend,” she moped. “You also don’t have one of those horrible Cutie Marks that ruin friendships.”

Starlight squeezed the toy.
“Hi! I’m Cozy Glow!” the toy spoke. “Isn’t life just peachy?”

Young Starlight sighed.
“I wish,” she said as she snuggled the plush toy which had embroidered green eyes.

“Golly!” the toy exclaimed. “It’s super being pals with you!”

Starlight felt warmth radiate from the plush toy. Her mother had given it to her when she was really little as it had an enchantment on it to give off a gentle warmth when it was held close. It also had a faint yellow glow that always helped relax her when she felt nervous or scared.

***

Time passed and Starlight decided that if she was going to get Sunburst back she, too, was going to prove her magical talents as a Unicorn. So, with Cozy Glow at her side, the periwinkle pre-teen Unicorn regularly visited the library and took full advantage of the inter-library loan program to learn all she could. The most important thing she learned was how much her emotions played a part in her magical abilities and how she needed to keep them under control in order to do any of the advanced magic that would get her into Celestia’s School For Gifted Unicorns.

“Hmm,” she pondered as, yet again, a pang of anguish over feeling neglected, isolated, and betrayed rushed through her body. “Magic can’t work if you’re frustrated, Starlight! You need to find a way to stay focused so we can find Sunburst and get him to tell us why he has never wrote nor why his parents say he’s never home nor comes home! Is he avoiding me? Is he too good for me?”

A small storm cloud started to form over Starlight’s head.
“Argh!” she screamed. “I need to vent this out before my Unicorn magic becomes unstable and just makes everything worse!”

She scanned her room and the first thing that caught her eyes was Cozy Glow.

PSHEW

“I’m sorry, Cozy,” she apologized to the plush toy while levitating it over. “It’s a good thing you’re not really alive as I wouldn’t wish these feelings I’ve been having on any pony.”

BZZRTTT
FWOO

Starlight felt herself relax as she fed her negative emotions into the blue-braided stuffed Pegasus.

“Gosh,” Cozy spoke. “Does some pony need a hug?”

“Phew,” sighed Starlight as Cozy said nothing more than she usually did when she was squeezed. However what Starlight didn’t notice were the tears that formed in the dolls eyes as its minky exterior started to harden.

Chapter 4 - Bottled Anger

“I don’t believe you!” raged Cozy Glow. “Do you expect me to believe I’m a doll? Some sort of children’s play thing?”

Cozy Glow’s scarlet eyes burned with anger as she dove towards Starlight.

POOF!
PLOP!

Cozy Glow found her momentum quickly stopped as she plopped to the ground with a crinkle. When she tried to speak she found something had been put into her mouth and each of her hooves were covered in mittens.

“Ooh!” gleed Trixie as she watched the effect of the magical ring that Starlight had attached to her horn. “This could come really handy with those who heckle the great and powerful Trixie.”

Cozy Glow’s eyes continued to burn red as she tried to remove the foal attire she had been magically placed into. However it was to no avail.

“Thought it would be better than a cage if you got out of hoof,” remarked the physically regressed Starlight.

The pink Pegasus crossed her hooves over her chest and looked away with a very displeased expression.

Starlight came over and removed the pacifier in Cozy’s mouth.

“So this is what being Twilight’s lacky has taught you?” Cozy spat. “Humiliate those who get in the way of her ideals?”

“That’s not it at all, Cozy,” replied Starlight. “However I did need to make sure you did listen as I worked my way to a genuine apology.”

“Apology?” flailed the filly. “For sending me to Tartarus? For making a fool out of me? For not just letting things happen the way they were supposed to when I was draining all of Equestria’s magic?”

Starlight grew closer.
“Take a good look at me, Cozy,” stated Starlight. “Now think. What do you remember before joining The School Of Friendship?"

Cozy glared towards Starlight as she thought on the topic.
"I...," she replied. "There was..."

PSHEW!
FWOOM!

Starlight's size grew to that of a young mare.

Cozy Glow's expression seemed to soften for a moment.
"A town...," she trailed. "One where everything was fair and no pony had any advantage over any other pony but... you?"

The periwinkle-colored Unicorn nodded sadly.

"Wait?" questioned Trixie. "You're saying you created her?"

Starlight faced Trixie and lowered her head with shame.
"Do you remember that time I kind of sort of bottled up all that anger I had towards you when you went all tea cup crazy and lost The Cutie Map?" she asked with a shrug.

"I do," admitted Trixie as she turned to her side. "But Trixie is understanding and forgiving and holds no grudge for Trixie should have also been caring and thoughtful."

Cozy Glow stopped her struggling and took in the exchange between the two Unicorns.
"Golly gosh," she said as a look of worry came over her freckled face. "I've always resented friendship and magic and desired to see both destroyed so that I could be the only one in a position of power. The only one who would ever have friends and the one every pony would come to. The one pony whom would never be abandoned as I alone would be the friend of all friends."

"I know," added Starlight. "It's because I made you that way."

Tears started to well up in Cozy's eyes.
"IF what you say is true," she started. "Then you owe it to me to take back all that hate, misery, anguish, and everything else that has made me desire all that you gave to me and ruin my life!"

Starlight felt tears of her own.
"I...," she trailed sadly. "I can't."

Cozy's eyes narrowed as she went to attack Starlight. However the bulk of the diaper and the mittens on her hooves put the assault to a quick end as she fell on her padded rear.

"As I learned with Trixie and my bottled anger," stated Starlight while looking down upon the anguishing foal. "Feelings can't just be 'stowed away' nor 'taken away'. They need to be shared so that we can learn and move on past them."

"And how do you propose I do that?" grumbled the pink Pegasus. "By being your lil' baby doll again?"

Starlight sighed as she looked to Trixie.
"Remove the spell," she said.

"What?" baffled Trixie. "That's the only thing keeping her from trying to rip us to shreds?"

Starlight stomped her hoof.
"I said remove it!" she snapped. "If she tries anything you can use the ring again but, for now, please remove the spell!"

"Okay, okay," Trixie groaned. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

POOF-PAFF-POOF

Cozy Glow was freed of her foalish garments and now facing down Starlight.

Chapter 5 - Our Town

Author's Note

Thank you all for reading this concept on the origins of Cozy Glow and her connection with Starlight. It's been a fun write and it has helped me feel a bit better about Cozy Glow's character.

As a side note, I apologize for not being able to respond to any comments. I'm 100% blind and use special tools to write stories here.

each web site reacts differently to blind software. This one will allow me to post stories and read stories along with leave comments. However I cannot reply to comments. I can also read and respond to messages but not create messages from scratch.

Thanks for your patience. :)

Chapter 5 - Our Town

Starlight was so happy. She had not only managed to discover a way to remove Cutie Marks but also a way to ensure no pony would ever be able to stand against her.

KNOCK-KNOCK

"Come in!" she chimed.

Double Diamond entered into Starlight's house.
"Good news, Starlight!" he announced. "Night Glider and Sugar Belle have decided to be our friends and are ready to take part in the Cutie Unmarking Ceremony!"

"Wonderful!" the periwinkle Unicorn cheered. "Go let everyone in the village know we'll be heading up to The Cutie Vault to properly welcome our new friends to Our Town."

"You got it, Starlight!" gleed Double Diamond as he exited the door.

Starlight got up and smiled. Everything had gone according to plan. It had taken years-and-years of research on how to create Null Cutie Marks while also being able to successfully remove and store them away. She'd have preferred to make them disappear altogether but no magic was strong enough to do that. So she settled for the next best thing by locking the Cutie Marks away as a sort of 'Trophy Room' to honor her efforts at creating that perfect world she had dreamed of since Sunburst abandoned her, her parents separated, and she was left to truly fend for herself.

"Except for Cozy Glow," sighed Starlight. She never left me and she has long been the perfect vessel to store my outrage that prevented me from acquiring the magical power I have now."

So why did you leave her in the caves if she's that special to you?

The voice in Starlight's head caused her to feel truly awful. Cozy was more than a 'doll'. Cozy was her friend when no pony else would give her the time of day. However she had to leave her behind. The amount of magic stored within her could possibly give away that she still had her Cutie Mark. This was a risk she couldn't take.

"At least she's safe back in the moutains," she sighed. "I'll get her once I know no pony can overpower my ability to make all ponies equal and never have reason to abandon each other."

***

"GRAH!" growled Starlight as she returned to the caves she once wandered prior to starting Our Town. Princess twilight sparkle had not only blown her cover but also destroyed all she had worked hard to build for years.

PSHEW

The furious Unicorn lit her horn in a chamber that featured a few pillows, blankets, and...
"cozy Glow," she sighed as she levitated the plush close to her side.

"Golly!" it said. "It sure is peachy having a pal like you!"

The warmth of the plush helped Starlight relax enough to return to her makeshift bed.
"Tomorrow," she said. "Tomorrow we plan the downfall of Princess twilight Sparkle and all her friends!"

***

The first months were hard on Starlight. So, yet again, she sent her anger into the hardening plush body of Cozy Glow. During this time Starlight failed to notice that Cozy was starting to grow in size and say other things.

"I'll never have friends!" Cozy whined. "It's just too hard!"

"But we're fixing that!" assured Starlight from within her secret chamber. "I've nearly mastered the spell I need to take away from Twilight what she took away from me!"

"The magic of friendship is sure strong, huh?" Cozy stated. "But soon all will be equal and everyone will be just tickled pink to be our friends!"

"That's right!" exclaimed Starlight without realizing she was actually talking back to a plush doll that should not be doing such things. "Friendship isn't magic! Friendship is power and I'm going to take that power away from Twilight just as she took it away from me!"

***

The battles through time had worn on Starlight. She knew she had the upper-hoof and how she could eternally stop Rainbow Dash from ever achieving her first Sonic rainboom. However something just made her want to end the whole affair. Something Twilight and Spike said actually got through to her enough to consier putting her vengeful ways aside in hopes that she could find friendship.

However, unknown to any pony, was how connected to Starlight the Cozy glow plush was. The doll had reached the size of a young foal and had even begun to fly. Her once green eyes had become red and were no longer patchwork but real genuine eyes. Her plush body had gained substance and now was skin, bone, and fur. Her wings were just like that of a Pegasi and her mane and tail were now true hairs grown from her own body.

"Golly," she thought as she discovered her mouth not only move but also had teeth. "Where is every pony?"

Cozy had no memory of being a plush toy. However she did have memories. These memories were nightmares that looped over-and-over in her mind.
"Got to get back at Princess twilight Sparkle," she said. "Must achieve equality."

***

Cozy eventually found her way out of the caves and discovered Our Town. It was here she found a home with a small family that took her in as an orphan. However, no matter how hard her adopted parents, the townsfolk, and she herself tried, she could not rid herself of the anger that persisted to haunt her.

***

Cozy spent many days crying as she continued to grow. She'd try to make friends but always feel they were going to abandon her. It also didn't help how she always schemed to ruin friendships to 'feel better'. She also got extremely upset at any mention of Princess twilight Sparkle, her friends, or the magic of friendship.

Then, one day, her adopted parents saw a brochure for a school that they knew their little Cozy glow would be able to find her happiness. This place was Twilight Sparkle's School Of Friendship.

***

Cozy's adopted parents, along with the entire town, came to see her off to become a part of Twilight's school. However the filly had other things in mind.
"Now," she said as a small cackle escaped her mouth. "I'll finally get even with twilight sparkle, her friends, and eliminate the magic of friendship forever!"

PSHEW

The symbol of a rook formed upon her pink flank as she continued to consider all she'd be able to do upon reaching Twilight's school. she was finally going to get that satisfaction that had long escaped her through creating true equality by ruining Twilight Sparkle, her friends, and ensuring no pony had any magic. She'd be the one in power knowing that no pony would ever abandon, nor defeat her, ever again!

Chapter 6 - An Emotional Release

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 7 - Other Marks Of Effort

Cozy entered the School Of Friendship filled with hope and determination. However it was of the ill kind as she knew her goal.
“Take away the magic,” she said to herself. “Make it so Twilight Sparkle has no way of keeping me from getting all the love, care, and friendship I rightfully deserve.”

***

The first weeks at the school were very hard for Cozy. This is because, as was back in Our Town, she found herself more inclined to sabotage friendships than work towards making them. Fortunately she did find herself to quite enjoy lessons on magical artifacts, creatures, and the exploits of all the heroes of Equestria.

One such lesson was about Twilight’s epic battle against Tirek. Tirek was a magic-absorbing creature from another land who had successfully stolen all the magic in Equestria for his own gain.
“Hmm,” thought Cozy as she left that class. “I wonder if there is a way to talk to him? Learn how he managed to not only defeat all the heroes of Equestria but also rid all the land of its magic?”

***

Cozy knew getting in good with Twilight would grant her the access she needed to find a way to speak with Tirek. Unfortunately her inability to make friends, nor be very friendly, prevented her from having such an opportunity.

In time, Cozy learned about the exploits of The Cutie Mark Crusaders. They solved problems for all sorts of creatures. She knew if any pony could help her learn enough about friendship to gain Twilight’s trust it would be them.

***

Twilight was not much on Starlight’s ‘School Counselor’ job. However, after having messed up with The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Cozy Glow knew she had to do something. So, as she paced the school in sorrow over how her one chance to succeed had been defeated by her own actions, she came across a lonely Starlight Glimmer in an office that read 'Guidance Counselor’.

There was something about talking with Starlight that felt, for lack of better words, comforting. It was like an old friend who she’d always known and could trust. Some pony who could set things right while understanding why she did what she did.

***

Cozy’s honesty and desire to learn after making things right with Twilight and the CMC quickly paved the path to becoming Twilight’s ‘Friendship Assistant’. This granted her additional access to places so she could acquire things for Twilight, along with the rest of the staff, if ever they were too busy. It was during such an excursion she learned of how to get letters delivered to Tartarus along with how to get the letters to come back.

***

A special magical seal was all it took to have letters transmit from one location to another so long as they were in proximity of the desired location. So Cozy would write letters directed back towards Our Town for her adopted parents that would be magically whisked to Tartarus once the mail pony had flown within range of its entrance. The magically sealed gate was a breeze to bypass as Cozy had learned about ‘The Key Of Unfettered Entrance’ and how to incorporate some of its magic into each letter. She was truly becoming a genius in the use of the magical arts just as Starlight Glimmer had done.

***

Cozy found it most desirable to keep close to Twilight by going out of her way to meet the head mare’s every whim. Sure her vengeful side got the best of her a few times, most notably when she came to learn of The Tree Of Harmony and its mystical root system beneath the school, but she and Tirek were effortlessly able to maintain proper correspondence up until she knew she had all she needed to put her plan into motion.
“And he wants me to send all the magic to him through the aether so he can access it later to get even with Twilight and her lackeys?” she asked rhetorically. “I’ll compromise by giving him Twilight and her friends while sending the magic I gather into the cosmic void where it will never be able to be used by any pony, or creature, ever again! Equality will be achieved and, with all the professors out of the way, I’ll rise to head mare and have the most friends of all!”

Chapter 8 - Meeting Of The Minds

Cozy continued to cry into Starlight’s fur for quite awhile. All the while the periwinkle-colored Unicorn just kept softly stroking her back.

“Psst,” whispered Trixie. “What do we do now?”

Starlight turned to look at Trixie.
“We wait,” she replied softly. “We let her get it out.”

***

Starlight was never one to let any useful spell not become a part of her magical ‘quick cast’ set. In Our Town she would, at times, use a memory spell to not only understand what others may have on their mind but also plant her own thoughts into theirs. She eventually figured how to do this through the enchanted speakers she had installed in the ‘Reformation House’.

SHOO

“Okay, Cozy,” Starlight said softly. “Time for some one-on-one time.”

***

Starlight’s spell gave her a quick series of flashes of all the memories in which Cozy Glow had from the moment she had become sentient all the way until they were where they were now.
“Oh, my,” thought Starlight as she did her best to not be consumed by Cozy Glow’s emotions. “I don’t know whether I should be impressed that I created this or fearful.”

There was a short pause as Starlight used her relaxation techniques to keep the torrent of negative emotions from overwhelming her.
“Okay…,” she said as she managed to clear a mental path into Cozy’s mind. “You can do this, Starlight.”

WHUM

Starlight became a sort of ‘transmitter’ as her body radiated a blue color. It was during this time she worked to feed her memories of what had happened in the past along with those of the present that Cozy was never aware of.

SHINK!

The guidance counselor felt the environment around her become lighter. The uncontrollable anger and desire for revenge becoming a murmur over the ferocious scream it was upon entering into Cozy Glow’s mind.
“Okay, Starlight,” she congratulated herself. “Time to break the connection and see where we are.”

Chapter 9 - Feeling Peachy

Trixie was pacing where Starlight was lying with Cozy Glow atop her belly. Their eyes appeared locked and unblinking as streams of colored magic were exchanged.
“Come on, Starlight,” worried the illusionist. “This whole thing is making Trixie very nervous.”

“Golly gosh,” said Cozy Glow as she rolled off of the guidance counselor. “I feel… different.”

Trixie gasped and quickly faced towards the curly-haired Pegasus.
“What did you do to Starlight!” she snapped while charging her magic.

Tears began to well up in the green-eyed fillies eyes.

“It’s okay,” assured Starlight while taking a seat beside Cozy Glow and wrapping a hoof around her. “We just did a little catching up.”

Trixie didn’t appear convinced as she maintained the blue aura of magic in her horn.

“Trix,” stated Starlight with a glare. “It’s okay.”

Cozy Glow continued to sob.
“You really do understand, Starlight,” she whimpered. “And I finally feel like things are going to be genuinely peachy after all these years.”

Starlight nodded before nuzzling the filly.
“You and I have a lot to do,” she said. “But what matters is that we’ll do it together.”

“Golly!” beamed Cozy Glow. “I’m just so happy that we’re pals!”

The periwinkle Unicorn smiled as she rubbed the foal’s back.
“Me, too, kiddo,” she added.

“Hold up a second,” stated Trixie. “I’m not only great and powerful but also observant and cautious.”

The snuggling pair looked towards the illusionist who was giving them an accusing glance.

“Your eyes!” boomed Trixie. “Your eyes are different!”

Cozy appeared confused as Starlight looked down into her tear-swollen eyes.
“Cozy!” cheered Starlight. “You’re back to normal!”

“Huh?” wondered the filly. “Normal?”

“Trixie!” called Starlight. “Can you get your hoof mirror from inside the wagon?”

Trixie was still very untrusting of the situation. However she had also realized that Starlight’s stop spell on the ring had worn off.
“Fine!” she snapped. “I’ll get you my hoof mirror if only to prove that something is amiss and that Trixie is right in being cautious.”

***

Trixie returned with the mirror but kept her distance from the pair.
“Starlight!” she cried while levitating the hoof mirror. “Got the mirror!”

“Thanks, Trix!” Starlight replied while using her magic to take the hoof mirror and position it in front of Cozy.

“My…,” the Pegasus trailed while in deep thought. “My eyes… They’re green.”

Starlight nodded her head with a wide smile.
“That’s the color they were before I made the mistake of putting all my negative emotions into you,” she replied. “I think it means you are starting to become your own pony.”

“My own… pony?” Cozy inquired with a smile. “So I won’t be turned back into a doll?”

“No,” replied Starlight. “What I do believe is we should spend some real time together better understanding our feelings.”

Cozy sighed.
“My feelings?” she asked. “I… don’t feel any feelings… Maybe I am turning back into a doll!”

Starlight rubbed the young Pegasus’ back.
“That’s not it at all,” she assured with a slight laugh.

“Then what is it?” panicked the pink pony.

“You no longer are filled with all the negative emotions I burdened you with,” Starlight replied. “You’ve actually been experiencing other emotions but all the anger, sadness, jealousy is no longer your core feelings because I helped you to notice the more positive feelings I had never granted to you.”

“So,” wondered Cozy. “This almost weightless feeling of just being happy to be by your side is not me turning back into your doll?”

“Most definitely not,” beamed Starlight. “It’s the feeling of true friendship.”

Cozy looked towards Trixie who was still giving her a not so friendly stare.
“What about her?” she asked while gesturing towards the illusionist.

Trixie felt nervous upon being pointed at by the villainous filly.
“Umm,” she stammered.

“Trixie actually has quite a bit in common with us,” remarked Starlight. “And perhaps this would make for a great opportunity to get back on ‘The Road To Friendship’ together.”

The blue Unicorn’s mouth gaped.
“But…,” she gasped. “Remember what happened last time?”

Cozy looked very anxiously towards Starlight. Her forest-green eyes showing a far more tranquil Pegasus than the one who had been sent to Tartarus.
“Last time?” she asked. “Did you both go villain again?”

It was Starlight’s turn to feel awkward.
“Oh, no,” she nervously replied. “Our days of being villains are over.”

“Then what happened?” Cozy asked curiously. “Did you do a whole bunch of bad things to get yourself in trouble without Twilight and her lackeys… err… friends finding out?”

“No, no, no,” blushed Starlight.

“We had a disagreement,” Trixie stated plainly. “Some friends aren’t meant to be staying together in crammed spaces.”

Cozy blinked.
“But isn’t friendship all about always being peachy to each other no matter what?” she asked.

“Well…,” trailed Starlight. “Yes and no.”

“I don’t understand,” the little pink Pegasus stated. “You always do things to make other creatures happy so they’ll be your friends and do things for you, right?”

Starlight was lost for an answer as Trixie shrugged.

“Well…,” struggled Starlight. “That’s how I used to view friendship…”

“You mean as power?” beamed Cozy Glow. “Making it so you are the most loved of all and that nobody can do anything to take your friends away?”

Trixie let out a guffaw.
“She’s got you there, Starlight,” she teased.

“Cozy,” sighed Starlight. “I made a lot of mistakes in my life but friends like Twilight and Trixie all believed I could turn over a new leaf and, well, I know I’ll never be able to make up for all that I’ve done but it’s never too late for a fresh start.”

“Well said,” agreed Trixie. “Explains why you’re the guidance counselor.”

“I’m just so gosh golly confused,” the curly-haired Pegasus moped.

“We all have to start somewhere,” added Starlight as she pat at Cozy’s back. “So what do you say? Me, you, and Trixie head out on ‘The Road To Friendship’ together? Get to show your adopted family in Our Town how much you’ve learned and that we’re like sisters?”

“You mean,” flapped Cozy. “Like Rainbow Dash is Scootaloo’s sister?”

Starlight nodded.
“Exactly,” she replied happily.

“There’s still one problem,” noted Trixie as she pointed towards her wagon. “There’s not enough space for us let alone ‘your sister’.”

Starlight smiled.
“Let me take care of that, Trixie,” she said. “Being the student of the Princess Of Friendship does have its perks.”

Cozy gasped.
“No, no, no!” she cried. “She’ll send me back to Tartarus!”

“No she won’t,” assured Starlight while hugging the filly. “Not after I explain our summer plans to get you back on track to being an upstanding pony.”

“How can I ever be a golly gosh super pal after what I’ve done?” grumbled the little pink Pegasus. “I was sent to Tartarus and Tirek made it a point to hurt my feelings each day. That didn’t happen to you, or Trixie.”

“You’re not ever going back to Tartarus,” Starlight said with extreme confidence. “Together we’re going to show the princesses the other part of friendship and how important it is.”

“Other part of friendship?” wondered Trixie.

“Yeah,” wondered Cozy Glow. “Is that like one of those Elements Of Harmony?”

Starlight shook her head.
“Not at all,” she stated. “However it’s just as good as one.”

“And what is it?” Cozy asked eagerly.

“Yes, Starlight,” egged on Trixie. “What is this missing thing the Princess Of Friendship is not aware of."

"Emotion," the Unicorn responded. "Our feelings cannot be controlled but what we do with them is ultimately our decision."

"...," Cozy blinked her eyes as she tried to understand what Starlight was saying.

"You know how you mentioned feeling like you weighed less a moment ago?" asked Starlight with a smile.

"Yeah," replied the pink Pegasus.

"That is you not feeling all the pain of negative emotions," continued Starlight. "I never realized how much my feelings drove my actions and how those emotions made me lash out as I once did."

"But didn't you give me all your negative emotions?" considered Cozy. "I was your vessel for pain so how could you still be in pain when you gave it all to me as a doll?"

"Because using magic to temporarily clear my head never totally rid me of the pain I felt at the hooves of my emotions," Starlight replied while taking in a deep breath. "I learned that lesson first hoof with Trixie awhile back and the end result was downright terrible.

"I'll say," added the white-haired pony. "Your bottle broke and all those ponies took your anger out on me!"

Cozy looked to Trixie and then to Starlight.
"Gosh," she said. "That sounds quite terrible."

Starlight sighed.
"It was," she somberly replied before placing a hoof on cozy Glow. "However not as terrible as what I did to you."

"But Ms. Glimmer," stated Cozy. "You didn't know I'd come to life as a result of all those not so nice feelings."

"I also didn't know how to control those not so nice feelings," added the periwinkle Unicorn. "But you and Trixie have helped me to truly understand how important it is to consider emotions when doing, well, just about everything."

"The great and powerful Trixie is elated that her great and powerful assistant was so humbled by her pressence," boasted the illusionist.

Starlight took to her hooves and used her magic to levitate Cozy glow onto her back.
"Together," she said while gazing towards the horizon. "We'll discover the power of emotion and how it, too, impacts the magic of friendship."

Chapter 10 - Emotional Confrontation

Author's Note

Thank you all for joining me in exploring this possibility for Cozy Glow and why she is the way she is. It helped to really allow me to evolve on how 'emotion', according to Starlight, plays a big part in Unicorn magic and how, perhaps, a missing aspect in which unites The Elements Of harmony are Feelings / Emotion?

Once more, I thank all who have followed and read as I, too, share my thoughts on what would make for a better / more understandable outcome for Cozy Glow.

Chapter 10 - Emotional Confrontation

Starlight spent a lot of time with Cozy Glow just reviewing all that had happened during her life, Cozy's life, and Trixie's life.

"I think I gosh golly got it!" cheered Cozy as she merrily fluttered her wings. "We don't choose our feelings but we do choose how we react upon our feelings!"

Trixie had grown tired of the discussion hours ago but knew how much this all meant to Starlight.
"That's right," the illusionist replied. "Controlling your emotions, just as Starlight has been saying over-and-over-and-over again, is what helps us not only control our magic but not do mean, nasty, evil things."

"Is that sarcasm, Ms. Trixie?" giggled Cozy as she flew alongside the white-haired Unicorn. "Sarcasm isn't very friendly."

"Trixie does have a point," acknowledged Starlight.

"She does?" wondered the curly-haired Pegasus. "How is it being peachy if you say things that aren't nice?"

"Well...," thought Starlight. "What I believe Trixie is trying to tell me is that I've been saying the same thing over-and-over to the point that it has gotten annoying."

"Then why not just say you are annoyed?" baffled Cozy. "Tell Starlight how you feel so you don't become an unfriendly grouch?"

Trixie sighed. It was her turn to talk about feelings and emotions.
"Because," she sighed. "Trixie knows Starlight means well despite her continuous repetition of the same thing over-and-over."

"But you're not being honest?" pursued Cozy.

"But she is being kind," added Starlight. "She cares about my feelings and is giving me a hint that I'm bothering her that I picked up on."

"Gosh!" cried Cozy. "In not being totally honest you can be kind and loyal?"

"Loyal?" Trixie and Starlight inquired in unison.

Cozy felt proud of herself as she flew between the pair that were pulling the wagon.
"Starlight is showing her loyalty by not getting angry at Trixie for mocking her!" she announced cheerfully. "And Trixie is being generous by having been so patient all this time even though she was clearly showing how upset she was with Starlight repeating the same things over-and-over again!"

The two Unicorns looked towards each other for a moment before letting out a shared laugh.

"Laughter!" gleed Cozy. "So all the elements are linked by emotion and action and how you choose to act upon your feelings!"

"I think she's got it," nodded Trixie with a smile.

"Cozy!" called Starlight as the filly flew beside her. "I'm so proud of you!"

"And I'm gee golly delighted that pals can still be pals even if they may not feel all the best about being chums!" cheered Cozy.

The trio was nearing the outskirts of Ponyville. It was here that Twilight Sparkle, Celestia, and Cadence were all awaiting their arrival.

SHOO
FWOO
TING

"What the...?" gasped Trixie as she felt her hooves freeze in place. "I can't move!"

"Neither can I!" panicked Starlight.

"HELP!" cried Cozy as she was covered in a magical bubble and hauled towards where the waiting princesses were.

"STARLIGHT!" cried Twilight. "I can't believe you'd do something like this!"

"Looks like we're about to get that shared cell in Tartarus," worried the blue Unicorn.

"Not... yet!" burst Starlight as she released all her emotion into her magic. This broke the binding spell Celestia and Twilight cast and allowed her to teleport right in front of The Princess Of Friendship herself.

"Starlight?" gasped Twilight with disbelief. "What are you doing?"

"This can't be allowed," Celestia stated firmly as she charged her magic. "Cozy Glow is too much a threat to not keep in the confines of Tartarus."

PYOO!

Celestia cast a stun spell towards Starlight but the periwinkle Unicorn quickly countered by combining a strong shield spell along with one of reflection.

PISH!

"Ah!" cried Celestia as she dropped to the ground.

"Starlight!" growled Twilight as she charged her magic.

Starlight's emotions were dead set on ensuring the safety of Cozy Glow. Cozy Glow was her responsibility and it was up to her to protect her no matter what.
"No...," a voice in her head said. "This is the perfect chance to show the power of emotion and its control."

"Accelero!" Twilight boomed as she cast the speed spell upon herself.

Starlight took a deep breath before unleashing her duplication spell to create three clones to join her own.
"Twilight!" they all cried. "Stop! It's not what you all think!"

Twilight magically destroyed one of the clones with her stun spell.
"How can you say that!" she growled. "I trusted you!"

"And you can still trust me!" the Unicorn barked back as she allowed the other two clones to be dispatched in order to conjure up the regression spell on Twilight.

POOF!

"What?" baffled Twilight as she had not ever been afflicted by such strong magic.

SHING-SWIP
PFEW!

"Ah!" whined Twilight as Starlight removed the magical ring from Trixie and used its powers to bind Twilight in the same foal attire she had once done to Cozy.

Cadence said nothing as her attention was split between holding Cozy Glow and taking in the scene playing out before her.
"If I help twilight," she thought. "Cozy will be able to break free."

"ENOUGH!" boomed Starlight to the now foal Twilight. "YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN AND LISTEN!"

Celestia was still knocked out as Cadence felt panic rush through her body.
"Flurrry...," she thought feeling that she'd be next to feel Starlight's wrath. "I can't... No...."

Twilight was in a full meltdown trying to ignite her magic while stripping herself of the mittens and diaper she was now clad in. However it all nullified her abilities and kept her from doing little more than stomping her hooves down on the grass.

Starlight took a deep breath as she approached the little princess.
"Twilight," she said calm yet firmly. "You trusted that I'd reform and be a better pony. You trusted me to help Trixie on 'The Road To Friendship', and you also trusted me to be your guidance counselor."

Twilight looked up in fear at the only Unicorn whose power could, and just had, outmatched her own.

"Stop this!" cried Cadence. "Please! Stop this now!"

"I am stopping this," said Starlight as she levitated the helpless Twilight in front of her face. "By letting you know that we all have a lot to learn about emotions."

Twilight gaped in disbelief as Cadence looked on with confusion.

"I...," gasped Celestia as she pulled herself up. "I believe Starlight has a point."

Every pony appeared at a loss as Princess Celestia allowed the rest of the spell's effects to leave her body.
"Starlight Glimmer," she requested in a calm voice. "Please return Twilight Sparkle back to normal."

Starlight looked with worry towards the Sun Princess.

"Cadence," Celestia said gently. "Release Cozy Glow."

SPOP

Cozy Glow felt such happy emotions as she was released from the Princess Of Love's magical hold.
"Starlight!" she cried while quickly flying towards the Unicorn.

Celestia looked to watch as Starlight utilized her magic and magical artifact to return Twilight to normal.

There was a moment of silence as every pony regained their composure.
"This is not the place to have such a discussion," stated Celestia as she spread her wings. "I shall now take us to where we all can better learn from what has just transpired."

SHWEE-POOF!

Trixie felt herself stumble as the spell binding her had been broken.
"Hey!" she called. "What about Trixie!"

Chapter 11 - Celestia's Judgment

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 12 - The Road To Feelings

“It was really swell of Princess Celestia to give us all those bits!” cheered Cozy Glow as she fluttered alongside Trixie and Starlight. “The ‘Road To Friendship’ is just gosh golly delightful!”

Trixie gave a forlorn glance towards her periwinkle-colored colleague.
“She doesn’t know,” she whispered.

“No,” replied Starlight without moving her mouth.

“Aren’t you going to tell her?” the blue Unicorn tried to ask as unnoticeably as possible.

“No,” Starlight grumbled as some of her teeth showed through her muzzel.

“Hey!” flapped Cozy between the pair. “What’s with being so gosh darn quiet all of a sudden. You wouldn’t be telling secrets or saying things about me behind my back, would you?”

Trixie gave a cheesy smile as Starlight answered.
“Trixie was just reminding me of how I overspent our bits during our previous ‘Road To Friendship’ adventure,” she said nervously. “I, well, never feel comfortable when my past gets brought up. Especially when it’s a mistake that seems really silly in hindsight.”

Cozy fluttered silently before she spoke again.
“Ponies remind you of the bad things you did?” she asked. “That’s not very friendly.”

“You’re telling me!” quipped Trixie. “The reputation I got after I was humiliated by Twilight made my magic show a joke and I had to take a job working on a rock farm in order to make ends meet.”

Cozy gasped.
“That sounds horrible!” she proclaimed. “So was this before, or after, the whole thing with the Alicorn Amulet?”

Trixie looked to Starlight who returned her a look that said, ‘All yours, Trix!’.

The illusionist sighed upon putting herself into such a position.
“Before,” she replied. “It’s how Trixie got so angry that she used every possible saved bit to buy that accursed artifact so I could humiliate Twilight just as she had humiliated me!”

Cozy looked to Starlight.
“That doesn’t sound like a good way to share your feelings,” she said. “It’s just like how you felt when Twilight took Our Town away from you.”

Starlight smiled.
“You know,” she added. “It’s because of these negative ways of acting on our feelings that helped Trixie and I become friends in the first place.”

“Golly!” chimed Cozy. “So being bad made you all peachy good?”

“Not quite,” nodded Starlight. “It was our choice to make better decisions based on our actions that allowed us to build our magical friendship.”

“And magical it is!” boasted Trixie. “There’s nothing Trixie and her great and powerful assistant can’t do!”

“Except share a cozy wagon together,” added the pink Pegasus. “Right?”

Starlight had noticed how perceptive Cozy Glow was when it came to information. There were often few, if any, details that slipped past her. It was for this reason that she had Trixie distract Cozy while Celestia laid down the rules for the ‘Road To Friendship’ effort to save the little Pegasus from an eternity in Tartarus.

***

“That little Ring Of Regression you have is quite impressive,” noted Celestia as Starlight started her mental flashback to the day before. “I believe I can place a tracking spell on it that will allow me to know the moment it is used along with if you were to ever have it taken off.”

“Anything to help Cozy have a second chance,” pleaded starlight. “I truly think she only needs to learn the proper way to express her emotions in order to become a positive part of pony society.”

PFEW

“Done,” said Celestia after she enchanted the ring that was now around Starlight’s horn. “If it is removed it will not only alert me but also trigger it’s effect on the one wearing along with the one removing it.”

“Basically making it impossible for any pony to make a get away, right?” Starlight more stated in confirmation than asked.

Celestia gave a gentle nod.
“You’ll also be magically linked to Cozy Glow throughout this mission,” she stated calm yet firmly. “Should she travel a distance greater than the eye can see away from you the magic of the ring will activate and you both will be brought back to Canterlot for judgment.”

“I understand,” assured Starlight. “However I know it will not come to that.”

Celestia smiled.
“I have a good feeling as well,” she said calmly. “I’ll inform Twilight and Cadence of our agreement and make sure you are provided the necessary bits to manage this mission.”

Starlight bowed.
“Thank you, Princess Celestia,” she said as humbly as she could.

***

“We did learn a lot from that little, umm, experience,” replied Trixie. “However it did not keep us from being great and powerful friends.”

“Do you remember that time I totally blew off Twilight to be your assistant for that super scary magic trick?” Starlight asked playfully.

“Yeah,” she chuckled. “She was so mad at you because you put her in such an awkward position with Princess Celestia.”

Starlight looked to see if Cozy was still flying close by.
“Then you went way over-the-top and made it seem like you only made friends with me to get back at Twilight,” she said with a wink.

Trixie noticed the wink and winked back.
“Right,” she said humbly. “It’s the first time Trixie realized how much having friendship meant to her.”

Cozy continued to flap about but was definitely taking in all the pair had to share in which she had never heard about before.

“My emotions were everywhere,” added Starlight. “I was upset because Twilight didn’t trust me and I was angry that you only wanted to be my friend to get back at Twilight.”

“Golly!” exclaimed Cozy. “Head mare Twilight doesn’t sound like she’s the Princess Of Friendship she is all cracked up to be, huh?”

“You’d think,” replied both Starlight and Trixie in unison.

There was a pause as the two looked at each other.

“However,” continued Starlight. “It’s knowing the Princess Of Friendship can make mistakes, too, in which allows us to know no pony’s perfect and we all have lessons to learn.”

“Great point, Starlight,” beamed Trixie. “Trixie definitely does feel a bit better when the high-and-mighty Princess Of Friendship gets pancake all over her face.”

“Pancake?” baffled Starlight.

Trixie seemed to glow as she put a hoof to her chest.
“The great and powerful Trixie might have overheard a conversation from a certain pink pony who just might have mentioned Twilight falling asleep in a plate of pancakes during a pancake breakfast,” she stated.

Cozy Glow flew back alongside Trixie.
“You really aren’t that friendly towards head mare Twilight,” she stated. “Does that mean you secretly are just waiting to get back at her? Perhaps with Starlight?”

“No!” the pair of Unicorns replied.

The pink filly gave a really pouty face.
“Gosh,” she pouted. “That wasn’t very friendly either.”

Starlight sighed.
“Sorry, Cozy,” she apologized. “Emotions are hard things to control and, well, we’re just as much on an adventure to discover the power of emotion in friendship as you are.”

“For real?” wondered the curly-haired Pegasus. “So we’re all being tested?”

“You might say that,” replied Trixie.

Cozy grew concerned.
“Is helping me putting you two in danger?” she asked.

There was a very awkward silence except for some uncomfortable gasps and chuckles from the two Unicorns.

“I see,” said Cozy. “You must really care about me to put yourselves in danger to help gee-golly me.”

“Who said anything about being in danger?” Starlight inquired while doing her best to smile towards the filly. “We’ve totally got this!”

“You know,” added the little Pegasus as she smiled a bit. “I think things would have been different if you were Princess Celestia’s student who became the Element Of Magic and crowned Princess Of Friendship.”

Starlight blushed.
“Well…,” she nervously replied. “If I was then you wouldn’t be here, right?”

Cozy thought about what Starlight said for a moment.
“Gosh…,” she thought aloud. “So you’re saying, despite how bad your life was and despite the mean nasty stuff I did to you and every creature at the school of friendship, you’d prefer the you that you are now instead of being the Princess Of Friendship?”

Starlight felt like she was genuinely making progress.
“That’s right, cozy!” she confidently replied. “I’d have never met Trixie, learned all I have learned, and, most importantly, wouldn’t have you as a sister.”

Cozy felt tears forming in her green eyes.
“Sister…,” she sniffled. “You really mean it?”

“Uh-huh,” assured the periwinkle-colored Unicorn.

“I…,” Cozy struggled to say. “I love you, Starlight.”

Starlight beamed as she shared a hug with Cozy Glow.
“And I love you, too,” she replied in a caring tone.

Chapter 14 - Reunion

PSHEW-PYOO
BOOM-CRACKLE

Trixie had used her magic to summon a flurry of ethereal fireworks to herald their entrance into Our Town. This brought all the residents out to see what the ruckus was about.

“Starlight!” called out Double Diamond. “You made it!”

The crowd of gathering ponies watched as Double Diamond, Party Favor, and Night Glider rushed to meet the oncoming group.

“It’s never a dull moment when you’re here!” announced Party Favor as he made a star out of balloons.

"Is she really with you?" questioned Night Glider.

"Yes!" proclaimed Trixie while gesturing to herself. "It is I, the great and powerful Trixie here to amuse you with my most great and powerful assistant!"

Night Glider appeared uncomfortable with the illusionist's response.

"I think she meant to ask if Cozy Glow was with you," stated Double Diamond.

Cozy Glow was hiding behind Starlight when the crowd started to gather.
"I...," she whimpered. "I can't."

"You can," assured Starlight. "Everything is going to be alright."

"If you say so," moped Cozy Glow as she slowly trotted into full view of the gathering crowd. "Go ahead. Tell me what a horrible pony I am and how I deserve to be locked away in Tartarus."

There was a moment of silence.

"Cozy!" called a voice from within the crowd. "You're back!"

The pink Pegasus froze in place as the source of the shout out came forward along with another pony.

SCOOP

"I can't believe it's really you!" cooed the Earth Pony mare as she pulled Cozy into a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Cozy was going to say something until a hoof touched upon her that wasn't the mare's.

"What happened?" a Unicorn stallion asked with heartfelt concern. "We were so worried when we had heard you got sent to Tartarus."

Starlight cautiously approached.
"You two must be Cozy's adoptive parents," she nervously greeted. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh," the black-coated stallion replied with a gesture of his hoof. "We've met before Ms. Starlight."

The periwinkle Unicorn struggled to recall where she had seen the stallion and the royal-blue coated mare.
"Sorry...," she bashfully replied. "Can't say I do... Should I?"

"We were pretty low key," the mare answered. "We were a part of this town when you ruled it as a haven for equality."

"Oh...," the former tyrant gulped. "I am so sorry about that and promise I'm doing all I can to make up for my mistakes."

"We know," the Unicorn replied with a nod. "It was seeing how you could become a better pony that encouraged us to adopt Cozy Glow."

"No pony else would take her," the Earth Pony added. "Poor thing just kept saying, 'Golly! Where's my peachy pal?'."

Cozy looked up at the motherly mare.
"I really messed up, huh?" she more pouted than asked. "You and papa Ebon helped me and cared for me and all I did was cause trouble."

"It's alright, Cozy," Papa Ebon assured. "The fact you are here now with Starlight Glimmer and not in Tartarus proves your Mama Pajamas and I were right to not give up on you."

"Oh!" chimed Starlight. "Emerald Ebon and Minky Pajamas! I remember you two now."

The couple smiled.
"That's us!" Minky beamed as she continued to coddle Cozy.

"Sorry we missed you during the Sunset Festival," Emerald added. "We tend to travel quite a bit in pursuit of our Cutie Marks."

Starlight felt herself break into a cold sweat as she felt all the eyes of Our town upon her.
"Oh...," she stumbled. "You, uh, didn't get yours back from the vault?"

"Never had them to start with," replied Minky. "That's why we came here. To feel like part of a community instead of feeling like an outsider everywhere we went."

Trixie strode alongside Starlight.
"I'm not really liking all the looks we're getting standing out here talking about this stuff," she said. "Think we can go someplace a bit more private?"

Starlight felt like a weight had been lifted off her back.
"Great idea!" she announced a lot louder than she had intended. "Want to go back to my old place and catch up?"
Emerald and Minky took note of the staring onlookers.
"Sounds good," Minky replied. "Is it okay I hold on to Cozy?"

Starlight nodded.
"She seems happy to be with you," she remarked. "Follow me."

"See you later, then, Starlight?" inquired Double Diamond.

The periwinkle Unicorn nodded.
"Definitely," she smiled. "Just, if you can, try to calm the town's ponies down. I imagine they may be a bit worried about Cozy."

Double Diamond saluted.
"You got it, Starlight!" he replied proudly. "You can count on us!"

***

CREEK

"Here we are!" announced Starlight. "Home sweet home!"

Emerald's ears twitched as his horn glew a shade of green.
"Hmm," he thought. "Not often my magic triggers without me doing it myself."

Cozy gestured to be let go by Minky.
"This...," she thought as flashbacks of Starlight's implanted memories filled her mind. "Hurts!"

"Cozy!" cried Minky as she dove for the filly.

"Mama Pajamas!" she cried. "Make it stop!"

PSHEW

"Oh, wow!" gasped Emerald as his horn glew with an even more noticeable green aura. "Now I feel like we're being watched. Kind of like something is all around us."

Starlight, worried something was amiss, used a scanning spell to check for any sort of magical traps, artifacts, or creatures hiding within her old home.
"No ponies here...," she trailed nervously.

"They took it!" wailed Cozy. "They stole it all from me! I hate them! Hate them!"

Trixie approached.
"Things are getting a little weird here, Starlight," she noted with concern.

"I know," replied Starlight.

"NO!" wailed Cozy as she struggled in Minky's hooves. "It was perfect! They ruined it all! They'll pay for this!"

Minky couldn't bear the pain of her adopted filly. so she quickly sat down and cradled her close against her chest.
"Shh," she soothed. "You're alright. Everything is alright. No pony is taking anything away from you."

Every pony watched as the squirming pink Pegasus started to slow her flailing until falling asleep in Minky's hooves.

"Wow," admired Starlight. "How'd you do that?"

The royal-blue coated earth Pony gave Cozy a kiss on the forehead.
"It always worked before," she replied softly. "It's why we thought she'd get better by attending twilight's school. she was always having nightmares about losing friends, getting even with other ponies, or thinking some pony was going to take everything from her."

Starlight's heart sank.
"Oh...," she trailed while trying to not give away that cozy was a doll brought to life by her negative emotions.

Emerald Ebon's horn reduced its glow down to a dim green.
"Now that I think of it," he considered. "My horn always seemed to act up when Cozy got upset like that."

"How did you do that?" wondered Trixie as she saw Cozy glow sleeping peacefully in Minky's hooves. "Trixie has never seen her so, well, relaxed since we broke her out of Tartarus."

"You helped our little Cozy glow?" Minky asked with a smile. "Thank you, Ms. trixie."

"We were only told of Starlight's sacrifice she made to get our cozy out of that horrid place," added Emerald Ebon.

"What?" gasped the illusionist. "No mention of how the great and powerful Trixie played a most intricate part in the greatest escape act to ever be done?"

"Sorry," Emerald shrugged. "Though, not to change the subject, does any pony else feel like their fur is sticking up? Like something isn't quite 'right' in here."

Starlight put a hoof to her chin.
"Could he be sensing all the dark thoughts, emotions, and actions I had while living here?" she considered.

"Oh!" cooed Minky. "She's doing it, honey!"

Emerald Ebon, along with Starlight and Trixie, came over to see a faint glow coming off of Cozy's body.

"Could it be?" baffled Starlight as she recalled one of Cozy's abilities as a stuffed animal.

"She's so warm," the stallion stated while nuzzling her head. "It's really amazing how you get her to do that, sweetie."

Starlight couldn't ignore her suspicions any longer. However she needed time to consider them all before making Emerald and Minky aware of what may be happening to Cozy Glow.
"Hey," she said. "Do you mind taking Cozy back to your house? It's been a long journey and I think she'd be very happy to be back in your loving hooves as Trixie and I settle in here."

"Gladly," replied a joyous Minky Pajamas. "Our little glow worm back in our home would certainly be a most welcome sight."

Plus," added Emerald. "no offense to you but Something about this place gives me the creeps."

Starlight laughed nervously.
"None taken," she replied. "It kind of was where I lived while ruling this village with an iron hoof."

"Then we'll be off," stated the stallion who had a lime-green mane. "We live in the 'Sweet Dreams' shop. Just give a knock and we can talk more about our shared care for Cozy glow."

Starlight nodded.
"Sounds god," she replied. "see you tomorrow."

PSHEW

Emerald used his magic to open the door as Minky carried the sleeping, and still lightly illuminated, Cozy glow in her hooves.
"Until tomorrow," he said.

"Until then!" waved Starlight. There was definitely a lot to think about and she and trixie were going to make things right no matter what residual negative emotions may be looming about from her past.

Chapter 15 - Glimmer Of Hope

Starlight spent nearly the entire night going through her collection of magical tomes in search of an answer as to how to best help Cozy Glow.

“There’s got to be something about Emerald Ebon’s horn…” she pondered while recalling how it seemed to activate while inside of her old home. “And the way Minky was able to get Cozy to turn on her enchantment from when she was still a doll…
Starlight scribbled down more notes while pouring through what material she had available. She wished she had access to Twilight’s library back at The Castle Of Friendship but knew she could manage.
“After all…,” she moaned. “I did keep my ‘How to be a terrible-awful brainwashing tyrant’ books here.”

The periwinkle Unicorn opened a secret compartment with her magic and removed the books she had hoped to never see again.
“Maybe the secret lies in her Cutie Mark…?” she considered. “Maybe she just needs more help to become her own pony by being freed of what I had put inside her…?”

“Starlight,” yawned Trixie. “You really should get some sleep.”

“I will,” she yawned in response. “I just need to consider a few things first.”

Trixie toddled closer.
“Did you want me to be a good friend and stay up with you?” she asked in a way that implied she would but didn’t want to.

“Thanks, Trix,” she replied. “However I’ve got this. I actually think I’m on to something.”

The illusionist yawned.
“Good,” she yawned as she walked back towards the guest room. “It’s hard to be great and powerful without plenty and fulfilling sleep.”

“See you in the morning,” Starlight replied groggily.

“It already is morning,” groaned Trixie. “Look at your clock.”

The periwinkle Unicorn glanced at the wall clock to see that it was nearly 3:00 AM.
“Ugh…,” she sighed. “I’m getting too old for this.”

***

"Golly!" chimed Cozy upon waking up in her bed back at her adoptive parents' home. "It does feel just so peachy to be here again."

The young Pegasus slipped out of her covers and looked out the second story window. There wasn't much to Our Town but it definitely felt more like home than Twilight's school of friendship.

"You must've been really tired," remarked Minky as she peered into the small bedroom. "How is my lil' glow worm today?"

The young Pegasus felt an internal battle of emotions upon seeing the baby-blue haired Earth Pony. Part of her was almost happy to tears while the other was on the verge of throwing a tantrum.

"cozy?" Minky asked with concern. "Are you feeling okay, sweetie?"

SHOOM

Cozy felt her hooves give out from underneath her as a series of images played out around where she stood.

"I BROUGHT YOU HARMONY!" blasted starlight.

"YOU LIED TO US!" retored Double Diamond.

There was a brief pause

"QUIET!" exploded Starlight as she faced Twilight Sparkle.

Another brief pause.

"She'll pay...," growled the periwinkle Unicorn as she flipped through a series of books she had tucked away in her mountain lair. "No matter what it takes. No matter how long it takes. I'll make her pay for what she did to me. For what every pony has done to me."

"COZY!" panicked a voice. "WAKE UP! IT'S OKAY!"

PWOOM

The pink Pegasus found herself in Minky Pajamas' hooves being cradled with Ebon Emerald right beside her.

"Mama...," the blue-haired filly gasped. "Help me..."

The two older parents exchanged a look.
"Of course, sweetie," assured Minky. "Mama and dada are here for you."

Cozy was still regaining herself after she was assaulted by all those awful images of Starlight Glimmer.
"Is," she started. "Is Starlight coming?"

"Soon," replied Emerald. "Perhaps you just need some more rest?"

Cozy Glow was feeling every emotion possible all at once. However the comforting hold that Minky provided helped to keep her from being overwhelmed by the current situation.
"Can I stay with you, Mama Pajamas?" she asked with hope in her eyes.

Emerald Ebon nodded.
"I'll open the store and you two enjoy a little cuddle time," he said with a smile.

***

Emerald delighted in the work he and his wife did within Our Town. He had a sort of 'sense' for what would make a pony feel happy before hitting the hay for the day. He couldn't quite understand it but all the recommendations to come to their shop they heard about had to mean they were doing something right.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK

"Oh!" he gasped in surprise as he made sure all the stock looked just right. "Be right there!"

CA-CLICK!

"Hey!" the lime-green haired Unicorn greeted. "Should have figured it was you, Starlight."

"How's cozy?" asked a very frazzled Starlight Glimmer. Even when she did get to sleep she really couldn't sleep. She was running on fumes and sheer determination at this point.

"My great and powerful assistant meant to say 'Good morning'," added Trixie. "she didn't really sleep well last night."

Emerald took a closer look and could see the posture of Starlight was not one for some pony who had rested well. Her eyes also drooped and appeared bloodshot.
"I'm sorry you didn't sleep well, Starlight," he stated. "Though, if it's any small comfort, our shop is ideal for getting that good night's sleep you've been having a hard time getting."

"Thanks, Emerald," she said. "I need to see Cozy. I think I know how to help her."

Trixie nudged her friend.
"Being a bit too blunt," she whispered with concern. "Not very 'friendly'."

Exhaustion had definitely taken it's toll on Starlight. However, if she was right, she knew she could help Cozy be her own pony and she didn't want to waste a moment of time making it so.

"Come on in," welcommed the green-eyed Unicorn. "cozy Glow is upstairs with the Mrs."

"Is she okay?" panicked Starlight.

Emerald waved out his hoof and smiled.
"Her eyes seem a different color than I remember," he noted. "Outside of that, though, she seems the same Cozy we brought in from that relentless search for her friend."

"So you noticed the eyes?" Starlight pressed.

"Hard to miss," shrugged Emerald. "I was guessing it was a result of all that messing with Equestria's magic she did. Kind of one of those side-effects you hear Unicorns talk about when performing difficult, or new, magic."

The periwinkle Unicorn put a hoof to her chin.
"Hmm," she considered. "You make a good point there, Emerald."

"I do?" he replied with surprise.

"Actually," continued Starlight. "Would it be okay if you and Minky closed the store for the day? I could really use your help to help Cozy Glow."

"Of course!" exclaimed the black-coated stallion. "We'd be delighted to do anything we can to aid in making our lil' glow worm be happy."

Trixie glanced around the shop.
"Bedtime stuff?" she asked. "We definitely need to get you some, Starlight. Not to be picky but your old house feels and smells like, well, old house."

"Not now, Trix," Starlight replied. "We've got more pressing matters."

"Geez," frowned the illusionist. "Remind me to not be around when you haven't gotten enough sleep."

"Starlight?" wondered Cozy from the upper floor. "Is that you?"

"Yes!" the Unicorn replied. "It's me and I've got a plan!"

Trixie and Emerald watched as Starlight galloped towards the stairs and headed upward.

"Excuse me," stated Trixie as Emerald went to follow after the former tyrant of the town. "I'd like to apologize for my grumpy and impatient assistant. she's not normally such a, well, grouch."

"She cares for cozy," Emerald replied. "Plus, for some reason, I have a really good feeling."

"A feeling?" baffled Trixie as she noticed the ebon Unicorn's horn gently glow a shade of green. "You don't say..."

Chapter 16 - Caverns Of Conflict

Cozy Glow was very fussy as Starlight lead her, Trixie, and her adoptive parents into the caves outside of Our Town.

“Just send me to Tartarus already!” the pink Pegasus growled as she felt her stomach tighten. “It’s not worth it!”

“It is worth it,” insisted Starlight while lighting the way with her horn. “You are worth it.”

Cozy Glow was curled in on herself as she tried to soothe the pain she was feeling. Her mind could only hear echoes of Starlight’s angry voice plotting to create equality and get revenge on Twilight Sparkle.

“Cozy?” worried Minky. “Want me to hold you?”

“NO!” she boomed. “I DON’T NEED ANY PONY!”

Emerald Ebon’s horn gave off a green flame.
“Whoa, glow worm!” he called out. “Mind your mother!”

Cozy’s face scrunched up as her anger reached its limit.

FWOOM
BAP!

“Ow!” Emerald cried after being smacked in the nose by the pink Pegasus’ hoof.

“YOU AREN’T MY PARENTS!” she screamed. “I’M NOT EVEN A REAL PONY! I’M JUST A DUMB DOLL THAT STARLIGHT GLIMMER ABUSED AND BROUGHT TO LIFE BY FILLING ME WITH HER ANGER AND RESENTMENT!”

FASHEW

Starlight’s magic took hold of Cozy Glow and levitated her so they were face-to-face.
“DON’T SAY THAT!” she emotionally boomed as tears began to form in her eyes. “You are your own pony!”

Cozy Glow flailed as she grumbled and growled within the Unicorn’s ethereal grip.
“Just use the ring!” she wailed in anguish. “Summon Celestia and rid this world of my pointless existance!”

Emerald and Minky were taken aback by what their adoptive filly was saying.

“Oh, my…,” worried Minky. “I’ve never seen her like this.”

“A doll…?” baffled Emerald. “You ‘created’ her?”

Starlight felt her emotions grow conflicted as she took in the adoptive parents concerns, Cozy’s angst, and her own worry about how she knew the whole ‘her fault’ was going to eventually be found out.
“I can’t lose it here,” she thought while her magic became harder to control. “I’ve got to get her back to my old hide out.”

“Hey!” cried Cozy as Starlight galloped at full speed down the tunnels of the cave.

“Starlight!” called Trixie. “Where are you going?”

Emerald Ebon’s hoarn suddenly stopped flaming and went a solid shade of green.
“Follow me!” he cried. “We’ve got to save our lil’ glow worm!”

***

The old lair of Starlight Glimmer appeared just as she had left it.

“It hurts!” cried Cozy. “Make it stop! Make it stop!”

“As I thought,” remarked Starlight as she started to illuminate the room with the mystical lamps she had created years ago. “She is most sensitive in those areas that I forced my feelings on her.”

“Please…,” moaned the young Pegasus. “Make it stop…”

“That’s just what I’m doing, Cozy,” she replied somberly. “I’m going to take it away and own it as I should have so many years ago.”

The blue-haired filly said nothing as she continued to curl in on herself. Starlight’s magic was no longer necessary to keep her from running away.

“Okay…,” gasped Starlight as she charged her magic. “Time to see if this works…”

PASHEW
TAP

Starlight’s and Cozy’s eyes both opened wide as a transparent ray of images rushed from Cozy into Starlight herself.
“Ungh!” the Unicorn strained. Unlike before she was not exchanging memories but taking back those feelings she had implanted into Cozy when she was just a doll.

***

“AHH!” echoed an ear-piercing scream through the cavernous tunnels.

“Starlight!” panicked Trixie.

Emerald’s horn went ablaze with magical green fire.
“Come on!” he announced. “We’ve got to help!”

***

The trio of ponies arrived at Starlight’s old lair to find Cozy Glow fast asleep as the periwinkle Unicorn thrashed about.

“GAH!” Starlight growled as she galloped haplessly about the chamber. “Stay away from me!”

“Starlight…?” worried Trixie as she continued to see her friend pound her hooves on the cave walls, buck wildly, and stomp the ground.

“Cozy!” cried Minky as she scooped the resting filly.

“I feel it…,” Emerald thought aloud. “This room… Her pain…”

SHING!

Emerald Ebon’s flank shined as an image of a heart inside a star appeared.

“Starlight!” rushed trixie towards her friend.

PASHEW

A green aura surrounded Trixie and pulled her back.

“You can’t!” Emerald Ebon called as he held the illusionist in place. “She must own her feelings and come to terms with them!”

Trixie was at a loss for words as Starlight continued to buck about.

“These… are… mine…,” struggled Starlight. “I won’t be overcome!”

Starlight’s blue aura shined around her as she started to slow her movements and focus her thoughts.
“For myself,” she panted. “For my friends.”

Cozy Glow started to give off her ethereal warmth as she rested in Minky Pajamas hooves.
“It’s okay, Cozy,” she cooed. “Everything’s going to be alright.”

Trixie and Emerald watched as Starlight cringed and buckled as her aura brightened around her.

"I'm... over... THIS!" Exploded Starlight as she bathed the room in ethereal crystal-blue light.

Emerald's horn started to glow less-and-less as the light dissipated.
"It feels better now," he remarked. "Whatever haunted this cave is gone."

Starlight wobbled about until her hooves gave out and she collapsed.

"Guidance counselor, Starlight?" questioned Cozy as she opened up her forest-green eyes. "Peachy pal, Starlight?"

Minky tightly embraced Cozy without grasping how the filly had lost a noticeable amount of weight.
"Oh," she cooed while rocking the young Pegasus. "I'm so happy you're alright."

"Golly," she said as a smile crossed her face. "It's swell to be with you, Mama Pajamas."

Trixie was now over by Emerald Ebon as they ensured their Unicorn friend was alright.
"She's still breathing," she announced.

"She's also in a better place," added Emerald. "I now think I understand what my special talent is, too."

Trixie looked to see the yellow star that featured a purple heart inside of it.
"You've got your Cutie Mark," she said.

Emerald nodded.
"I felt it," he replied. "And I know I now must help starlight and Cozy through what remains of their quest to find comfort in their lives."

Chapter 17 - Progress Report

Author's Note

For those who are curious, this story has a bit of a take from a previous tale I wrote about Starlight known as "Starlight's Dream Therapy". This tale can be found over at https://www.fimfiction.net/story/341989/starlights-dream-therapy if you are interested. :)

I bring this up here as, like in the older story, Starlight has a consultation with Princess Luna.

I hope you have enjoyed this emotional adventure along with alternate ending / possibility for Cozy glow.

Chapter 17 - Progress Report

Starlight found herself in a very chaotic environment. All around her were ponies giving her glaring stares as incoherent, yet harsh sounding, statements could be heard.

“I know,” she shrank in on herself. “I know. It’s all my fault. I caused all this pain and I deserve to feel this misery.”

FWOOSH

“That’s quite enough!” boomed a regal voice.

The Unicorn looked up to see Princess Luna coming down towards her.
“Another dream?” she guessed.

“Correct,” replied the Princess Of The Night. “Though this one comes during the day as you have fallen into a deep sleep after taking back much of what you had stored into Cozy Glow.”

Starlight lowered her head.
“I can’t believe I was that evil,” she pouted. “I definitely deserve all that this dream had brought to me.”

“This is not true, Starlight Glimmer,” added Luna as her mane waved elegantly against the violet-hued landscape. “I, too, once felt I deserved to be punished for my past. However you, like I, have met some very special ponies who showed me that the path to foregiveness is foregiving yourself.”

Starlight slumped.
“Why can’t I ever believe that?” she inquired. “I feel like my past actions are always going to haunt me forever.”

“Well…,” trailed Luna nervously. “It doesn’t help how ponies do tend to bring it up more frequently than they need to.”

The Unicorn laughed nervously.
“Oh…,” she replied. “I suppose I dream about that, too.”

Luna just nodded.

“So what do I do?” inquired Starlight.

“My sister and I are quite aware of your progress,” noted the midnight-blue colored Alicorn. “As with the troubles between my sister and I, I believe you are trusting your gut and will succeed in your mission.”

Starlight bowed.
“Thank you, princess,” she said humbly.

“Now!” called Luna. “Awaken!”

***

“I’M AWAKE!” shouted Starlight as she shot out of her bed.

“Woo-hoo!” gleed Cozy Glow as she bounded onto the bed. “My peachy pal is rising and shining!”

“Whoa!” gasped Starlight. “Some pony’s in a good mood!”

“Sure as jam I am!” beamed the filly. “How’s my peachy pal?”

Emerald and Minky walked into Starlight’s room.
“I see our lil’ glow worm found you?”” Minky giggled.

“You sure did a great job helping her feel better,” Emerald added. “You also helped me learn my special talent, too.”

“Oh…?” baffled Starlight. “And what’s that?”

“No, no, no,” dismissed Cozy. “Cutie Mark’s are not peachy-keen.”

Emerald sighed and Minky nuzzled him.
“Sorry, honey,” she said softly.

“She just hasn’t felt the same towards me since I got my Cutie mark,” he responded. “It’s like I’m some sort of monster, or she doesn’t see me as the same pony.

“Cozy,” said Minky. “Your father would really like to-”

“-He’s not my dad,” the little filly interrupted as she narrowed her eyes and crossed her hooves. “And, even if he was, he has a Cutie Mark and thinks he’s better than every pony else.”

“But, sweetie,” cooed Minky as she approached the grumpy filly. “You have a Cutie Mark.”

“Not the same,” she replied while turning her head. “Guidance counselor, Starlight understands.”

Starlight put a hoof to Cozy’s mane. It no longer had all the curls it had earlier. It was now in little pigtails that were much like how Starlight herself had them as a filly.
“You know,” she said with a thoughtful smile towards the pink Pegasus. “How would you like to take another trip on the train to see my hometown?”

“Sire’s Hollow?” Cozy asked. “Gosh, I’m not so sure. Just thinking about it gives me butterflies.”

“It’s okay,” added the Unicorn while rubbing through Cozy’s mane and playing with her pigtails. “It’ll make you feel lots better and, uh…, you can meet my dad!”

“Dad?” baffled Cozy. “Gee-willickers! I don’t know much about him except he was never home.”

Starlight blushed.
“Let’s not mention that when we get to Sire’s Hollow,” she said while patting Cozy on the back. “Okay?”

“Can it just be us?” Cozy asked while giving a really cute look towards Starlight.

The Unicorn looked towards Emerald and Minky before returning her focus to Cozy.
“Mama Pajamas and Papa Ebon will be coming with me, you, and Trixie,” she said. “It’ll be fun.”

Cozy looked towards Emerald Ebon.
“He’s not just going to leave?” she asked with a hint of disbelief. “Do we really need some pony who thinks he is better than every pony else and steals friends?”

Starlight went to lift Cozy up into her lap but ended up flinging herself back into the bed’s headboard.
“Whoa!” she cried. “You seem a lot lighter, Cozy.”

The little Pegasus fluttered her wings.
“Because I feel peachy-keen because you care about me oh-so much!” she cheered. “You really took a weight off my haunches.”

Starlight smiled but had a bad feeling about the notable weight loss Cozy Glow had experienced.
“Could much of her being be only those emotions I filled her with?” she pondered. “What will happen when I take her back to where it all began to finish what I’ve started?”

“Starlight!” called Trixie from another room. “The great and powerful Trixie is ready for a delicious and nutricious dinner before we go, or do, anything!”

Starlight looked to Cozy Glow who seemed to be beaming.
“What do you think, Cozy?” she asked. “Are you up for some dinner?”

“Golly, yes!” she answered. “Let’s go, guidance counselor, Starlight!”

Chapter 18 - The Journey Home

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 19 - What Will Be Will Be

Starlight endured an embarrassing series of ‘terms of endearment’ from her ‘papa’ as they explained how she needed some time alone with Cozy Glow up in her old room.

“…I had no idea you felt that way, swee-Starlight,” noted Fire light. “Who’d ever think you would be able to bring your mom’s old doll to life by storing your emotions inside her.”

Cozy Glow was mellowed out and giving off her ethereal warmth in Minky’s hooves. The filly still appeared very uncomfortable but was not making any additional angry remarks.

“She will be okay, right?” Minky asked as her azure-colored eyes met Starlight’s.

“I’ll see to it,” assured Starlight.

“Can your papa help?” Fire Light inquired as a tear formed in his eye. “If I can do anything to make up for all those lost years-”

“-Dad,” interrupted Starlight while putting her hoof on his side. “I’m a grown mare. I can’t blame you, or mom, for the past. It’s up to me to cope with it and not allow it to hurt my, or Cozy’s, future.”

Fire Light sniffled.
“That’s very big of you, sugar plum,” he struggled to say while embracing his daughter. “I love you.”

Starlight looked more to the others as she patted her dad on the back.
“It’s going to be okay, dad,” she stated. “Cozy and I have this.”

“You should do it now,” added Emerald. “I feel Cozy’s uneasiness growing.”

Trixie trotted alongside Starlight.
“You’re sure you got this?” she asked as tears glinted in her eyes. “I… I can’t lose my only best friend.”

Starlight finally felt herself start to tear up.
"I do," she replied simply as she used her magic to take hold of Cozy Glow and hover her by her side. "Please, no matter what, stay here. I need to focus or I don't think we'll get the happy ending we all want."

"What does that mean?" panicked Fire Light.

Starlight felt a lump in her throat.
"Just stay here," she struggled to say. "No matter what you may hear."

Every pony watched as Starlight quickly made her way towards her room.

"She'll be fine, right?" Fire Light posed to Trixie as he pulled her into a hug. "You're her best friend and you know so much more than I do about her."

Trixie wasn't fond of the fatherly mannerisms of Fire light but humored him all the same.
"Your daughter is amazing," she stated. "You just have to trust her and know she'll be okay."

Fire Light thought on how much his absence as a parent made for his daughter's bitterness along with the creation of Cozy glow. His emotions then gave as he burst into a full out sob that Minky, emerald, and Trixie all tried to soothe.

***

"...Stop," gasped Cozy as they entered into starlight's old room. "Make it stop."

Starlight placed the pained Pegasus upon her bed.
"Believe me, cozy," she stated with resolve. "I'm going to give you all I got and then some."

PASHEW

Starlight lit her horn and did all she could to focus on the spell that would remove all the negative traces from her room along with cozy. This is where it all began and there was a lot she knew she was about to take in.
"The old cave space is nothing compared to what's all here," she said. "But I can do this. I can control the emotion. I can own my feelings."

"Gosh golly help me," moaned Cozy.

Starlight knew she couldn't wait. It had to be now and whatever was going to happen was going to happen.

TAP

Cozy's eyes went wide as Starlight's did the same. Soon after a torrent of images rushed from the filly Pegasus into Starlight.

"Ungh...," growled Starlight. "I... you... NO!"

PAWOOM!

The transfer was nearly complete and the guidance counselor was reaching her limit. Her whole being was telling her to disconnect from Cozy. seperate from her before she exploded from all the emotions she had taken back all at once.
"No...," she stated with gritted teeth. "Emotions are power. Feelings can be acted upon differently. I must not stop. I must finish what I've started."

TING

The foal ring around Starlight's horn lit.
"I'm sorry, every pony," she said while feeling like her teeth were going to grind themselves into dust. "THE CYCLE OF HATE ENDS NOW!"

WHUUUUURRRRR!
CRACK
PSK

The foal ring broke as the room was hammered with waves of ethereal energy that ended in the total disappearance of Starlight Glimmer and Cozy Glow.

***

Starlight didn't know how long she had gone unconcious but did know she wasn't in her room anymore.
"Ow," she moaned as her legs struggled to lift her weight. "I... I..."

"Are amazing," stated a familiar voice.

Starlight felt herself ache as she turned to face Princess Celestia.
"Amazing?" questioned the Unicorn in a gravel-like voice. "I don't feel amazing."

Celestia smiled as Princess Luna teleported herself into Celestia's Dimension.
"Those wings on your back say otherwise," she said.

Starlight gasped as she struggled to look behind herself. Sure enough she had sprouted Alicorn wings. They looked a bit worse-for-wear but they were definitely there.
"I don't understand," she gasped. "How? Why do I feel like I'm on my last moon?"

"Emotions are very powerful," stated Princess Luna. "They are what transformed me into Nightmare Moon."

Starlight suddenly remembered cozy Glow.
"Where is she?" she asked with a cracked tone. "Where's cozy?"

Celestia gestured to a small cloud where a foal-sized pony was now resting.

"Cozy!" cried a very elderly looking Starlight as she tried to trot over towards the filly. Unfortunately her weak legs buckled and she had to be magically rescued from a fall by Princess Celestia.
"You did it, Starlight," remarked the Sun Princess. "She lives because of you."

"However," added Luna. "The spell you cast to give time from your life to infuse her with her own took its toll on you."

Starlight felt tears well up in her eyes.
"So long as she has a second chance," she croaked. "How much time do I have left?"

"That's up to you," replied Celestia. "You became an alicorn as a result of creating new magic. However we Alicorns can transfer our magic to other vessels if need be."

Starlight felt her back slump as her haunches buckled.
"Is it possible to use what made me an Alicorn to restore my life?" she asked.

Princess Luna stepped forward.
"It's something we've never tried," she stated.

"However," Celestia added. "We're willing to help if you wish to try."

Starlight looked to the slumbering filly. she had her hoof in her mouth and was dressed in a very simple diaper. She looked quite adorable.

PSHEW

The elderly Alicorn used her magic to pull at the diaper to see if the rook Cutie Mark was still on her flank. To her delight it was gone.
"Being a princess isn't for me," struggled Starlight. "If I can exchange the eternal life of an alicorn to have my mortal life back as a Unicorn I am all in."

"This won't be easy," warned Luna. "You have to give up all your Alicorn magic to allow us to weave the spell of rejuvination upon you."

Celestia sighed.
"There's a chance you will not make it as a result of how much of your life you gave away to Cozy glow," she added somberly. "If your transformation to alicorn happened after the last ounce of life left you then we won't have time to rejuvinate you."

Starlight took no time in answering.
"It's worth it to try," she replied with determination. "Let's do it."

Luna and Celestia joined horns.

PFEW

"Now, Starlight," stated Luna. "Draw out all your magic and give it to us."

PSHEW

Starlight complied as she managed to start the transfer. However each moment of lost magic made her physical body feel weaker-and-weaker.

"That's it," Celestia soothed. "Just a little more."

THWUMP

Starlight fell to the ground and her eyes had almost gone totally closed as she focused all she had on sending her Alicorn magic to the Sun and Moon princesses.

FWOOF
FWOOF

Starlight's Alicorn wings broke off and dissipated into a cloud of purple vapor.

"NOW SISTER!" cried Celestia.

FWOOO
SHOOOM
TI-TIN-TING-TING

Starlight felt herself losing conciousness as sparkles of light enveloped her frozen-feeling body.

Chapter 20 - And In The End...

CRASH!

“STARLIGHT!” cried Fire Light with panic in his voice. “SWEETIE!”

Trixie, Emerald, and Minky tried to keep him from barging into the room after the loud explosion-like sound that rattled the house. However he just wouldn’t be stopped.

“SUGAR PLUM!” he continued to worry as he scoured through the messy room in search of his daughter. “SILLY FILLY! WHERE ARE YOU?”

Emerald was first to enter after Fire Light.
“Something feels… at peace,” he said while his horn gave off a quick glow.

“Speak for yourself,” remarked Trixie as Starlight’s father kept pouring through the remnants of the room in search of his daughter.

Minky moved alongside her husband.
“Do you feel our daughter?” she asked nervously.

WWHOOO
SPOP!

A gentle hum heralded the sudden appearance of a newborn foal who was swaddled snugly in a print blanket covered in Starlight’s Cutie Mark.

There was a pause in the room as every pony didn’t know what to make of the new arrival.

“Is that, Starlight?” asked Trixie.

Fire Light ran towards the bundled foal.
“No,” he sighed. “Starlight’s mane is purple and not blue. Starlight also smelled different as a foal and she has blue eyes and not green.”

Minky shot up and quickly scooped up the small bundle.
“It’s Cozy!” she cooed with joy. “Oh, how wonderful! Starlight found a way to give her a second chance!”

The foal smiled.

“I think she recognizes me!” Minky cheered. “Oh, how wonderful!”

TING!

“Minky!” cried Emerald. “You got your Cutie mark!”

“I can’t take my eyes off her,” the royal-blue coated Earth Pony replied. “Can you tell me what it is?”

“It’s actually like mine,” he said. “However the heart at the center of your yellow star is pink instead of purple.”

Fire Light had now fallen to the ground and was crying uncontrollably.
“She’s gone,” he sobbed. “My little punky wunk is gone.”

Trixie went over to try and comfort the mourning father. However she more just joined him in crying over their shared loss of some pony very near and dear.

PFFT

Starlight found herself standing before everyone in her room. However no pony noticed.
“Hey,” she said awkwardly. “Any pony looking for me?”

Fire Light dared to open his tear-swollen eyes to see his daughter looking right back at him.
“Sugar Plum!” he called out with joy as he rushed towards his daughter. “You’re alright!”

Starlight buckled from how tightly her father was hugging her.
“Yeah,” she gasped while tapping a hoof against her father’s side. “But you’re choking me.”

“Oh,” said the pleased papa as he let go of his embrace. “I’m just so happy to have you back.”

“It’s good to be back,” she remarked. “It was certainly a close call.”

Trixie ran forward and gave her friend a hug that was as equally tight as Fire Light’s.
“Ooh!” she delighted. “I was so worried I’d never see my great and powerful best friend ever again!”

Starlight was more open about kindly pushing Trixie off of her.
“I was worried, too,” she said while trying to downplay how scary things had just been for every pony in the room. “But let’s just say I had help.”

Emerald Ebon walked towards Starlight.
“I’m so happy you are okay,” he stated. “I don’t know how you did it but Minky and I couldn’t be happier having a chance to raise Cozy Glow as our very own.”

Starlight blushed.
“Yeah…,” she said with a laugh. “It was actually my hope to make sure she didn’t turn back into a doll. However the spell I created to give her life actually almost ended my own.”

“What?” panicked Fire Light. “Why would you do that?”

Starlight gestured over to where Minky was now cradling the newborn Cozy Glow.
“For that, dad,” she said. “To give Cozy Glow a second chance where she can grow up with a loving family without carrying all the hurt, pain, and sadness I unfairly pushed off onto her.”

“Out of curiosity,” asked Trixie. “Where did you go? We came up towards the room and didn’t see any sign of you.”

“That’s a good story,” replied the periwinkle Unicorn. “I suppose it’s safe-to-say I did another form of time travel.”

Trixie gasped.
“I thought you promised never to use time magic again,” she stated.

Starlight laughed nervously.
“I did,” she said. “However, this time, I sacrificed my life to grant new life to Cozy Glow.”

Fire Light, Emerald Ebon, and Trixie were awestruck.

“Starlight,” said Trixie. “What you can do with magic is downright scary sometimes.”

“Trust me,” the Unicorn replied. “I’m not going to do anything crazy like that ever again.”

“I would hope not,” scolded Fire Light. “Throwing away your life like that is very irresponsible , little lady.”

Starlight growled.
“Dad,” she said as calmly as possible. “Grown mare, remember?”

“Grown mare who still needs her papa to keep her out of trouble,” he added firmly.

Starlight lowered her head and sighed.

“So…,” posed Trixie. “Now what?”

Starlight turned to face Minky who was clearly enjoying the joy of having a newborn foal to comfort.
“How about we head back to Our Town and help the new parents get settled?” she posed.

“Ooh!” gleed Trixie. “Does this mean we can still do our magic show?”

The periwinkle Unicorn laughed.
“Of course, Trix,” she said with a smile. “I’m definitely up for fun magic after all I’ve done these past few days.”

“Mind if your dear old dad tags along?” Fire Light more insisted than asked. “I’ve always wanted to see where you ran off to when you left home.”

Starlight sighed.
“Sure,” she gave in. “The more the merrier

***

Two months later, Starlight was reflecting back on how she had started the summer while getting everything ready in her office within The School Of Friendship.
“The Princess Of Feelings,” she thought aloud. “I honestly prefer just being Guidance Counselor, Starlight.”

“It was an impressive thing you did, though,” remarked Twilight as she entered into the office. “Your magical ability never ceases to amaze me. Neither does your ability to show how any creature can be more than their past.”

Starlight blushed.
“Thanks,” she replied simply. “However I only did what I knew was right.”

“Doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest thing,” added the Princess Of Friendship. “I doubted Cozy Glow could ever be reformed. So did Celestia, Luna, and Cadence. Heck even most of Equestria felt she deserved an eternity in Tartarus.”

“But she didn’t,” stated Starlight firmly. “And that is why I trusted my gut and did what I did.”

Twilight nodded.
“And it was the right thing,” she added. “Just like when I doubted you for befriending Trixie and switching Celestia and Luna’s Cutie Marks to help them understand what it was like to be in each other’s hooves.”

“I thought we were done with apologies?” inquired Starlight. “Isn’t the point of friendship to be open-minded along with understanding to each other?”

Twilight looked towards the bokkshelf.
“There are many times I wonder how great a teacher I really was to you, Starlight,” she somberly stated. “Most of the time I think I was learning from you instead of you learning from me.”

“Pfft!” dismissed Starlight as she walked alongside Twilight. “None of what you see as my achievements wouldn’t have been possible if you didn’t show me the power of friendship.”

“Thanks, Starlight,” the purple Alicorn replied. “I still can’t believe you were an Alicorn.”

“I don’t miss it,” replied Starlight. “I also am perfectly okay with knowing I can never achieve such an elevated state ever again as a consequence of what Celestia and Luna did to restore my youth.”

Twilight took a book in her magic and flipped through some pages.
“How’s cozy?” she inquired.

“Actually,” the Unicorn blushed. “It’s Starlight Glow now.”

“Really?” considered Twilight. “So Emerald and Minky changed her name?”

The periwinkle Unicorn felt bashful about having her name associated to the young Pegasus she had saved from the very emotions she had forced upon her.
“I guess so,” she shrugged. “I think they wanted to really give her a fresh start along with thanking me for giving them the foal they could never have.”

“Any plans to visit her before school gets started?” Twilight asked while putting the book back.

Starlight smiled.
“Of course,” she replied before charging her horn and quickly casting a regression spell upon herself. “Lil’ Glim-Glim wants to make sure lil’ glowy always has a friend until she makes her own and is ready to come to our school.”

Twilight admired the toddler-sized Starlight.
“A bit unconventional,” the princess remarked. “However that is what has always made you a great student, excellent guidance counselor, and dear friend.”

“She’s going to have a good life,” Starlight stated before returning to her normal form. “I’m going to see to it as Glim-Glim until she has the confidence to make her first real friends. I won’t let her down.”

Twilight nodded in agreement.
“I know you will, Starlight,” she said.

Starlight moved towards her window and watched as some young ponies played outside.
“Twilight,” she asked. “Do you think I’d make a good mother?”

The Princess Of Friendship smiled as she moved towards Starlight and put a wing around her back.
“I know I’d be honored to have you for a mom,” she confirmed. “You’ll make a great mom, Starlight.”

Starlight felt a knot in her stomach as she thought more on it. Infusing Cozy with her own life energy was like giving birth to her. All her heart was into giving the living doll that second chance. She had once abused her child when she was nothing more than a doll but replacing all the bad with so much good gave her such a sense of joy. She could only hope to have that feeling again through being the parent that she knew she could be. The parent that didn’t need to be like her dad who was always away and couldn’t help but try to overcompensate for lost time.
“I’ll be there for you,” she said softly as a tear rolled down her cheek. The view of the children playing outside making her even more emotional.

“I know you will,” agreed Twilight. “But don’t downplay all you do for our students as our guidance counselor.”

“I look forward to giving it all my all,” Starlight smiled. “Thank you for giving me my second chance, Twilight.”

“You gave it to yourself,” the princess added. “Now I need to check on Spike to see how our ‘To Do’ list is coming along.”

Twilight left the room and Starlight continued to smile out the window.
“One day,” she merrily said as some parents came into view. “That will be me and I will be the happiest pony in all of Equestria.”

***

Starlight Glow was in her crib and reaching up for her mother, Minky, to pick her up.

“You’re such a sweet little bundle of joy, my lil’ glow worm,” the baby-blue haired Earth Pony cooed as she plucked up the foal and sat herself in a nearby rocking chair. “Your dad and I promise to do all we can to ensure you’re the happiest filly ever.”

Minky placed a bottle of milk into Starlight Glow’s hooves.

SPOP
HMMMMM

“Oh…,” wondered Minky as she felt a sudden warmth against her body. She then saw that the baby Pegasus was glowing a gentle shade of orange along with giving off a relaxing amount of heat.

“Seems you still have some magic left in you, lil’ glow worm,” she cooed. “You’re going to turn out as wonderful as the pony you’re named after."

Author's Note

Thank you to all who followed this story. It was not only my take on Cozy Glow and her relationship with Starlight Glimmer but also an outlet for all the emotions I've been feeling in real life.

This story, as most of my works tend to do, 'wrote itself'. I just let my emotions guide me. Kind of how Starlight noted how her emotions influence her magic, I let feelings guide me with no real thought on the overall outcome until it happened. I did want a positive ending but did not know I'd be here until I was here.

This was a joy to put together and, hopefully, a great story that gives more justice to Cozy Glow. See you all next story!

Chapter 13 - Putting It All Out There

Starlight and Cozy slept under the stars as Trixie slept in her wagon as they journeyed to Our Town. It was the first stop on their ‘Road To friendship’ mission and most definitely a strong start on their emotional quest.

“How are you feeling, Cozy?” asked Starlight as the small village came into view.

“My tummy hurts,” the Pegasus replied.

Starlight gestured for Cozy to hold her hoof.
“I’ve got butterflies, too,” she said.

“You’re nervous?” baffled Cozy. . “I thought you already made things all peachy here with every pony?”

“Even when others forgive you,” added Starlight with a sigh as she looked down upon the village she once controlled through stealing Cutie Marks and brainwashing. “It can be difficult to forgive yourself.”

Trixie looked away.
“Even the great and powerful Trixie has such feelings,” she noted somberly. “Twilight and many other ponies trust me but I always feel like that trust could be lost at the drop of a wizard’s hat.”

Cozy felt her stomach ache get worse as the discomfort moved into her chest.
“Starlight…,” she nervously asked while pressing closer into the periwinkle Unicorn’s side. “I… I…”

Some tears formed in Cozy’s eyes as she let out a short sniffle.

PFEW

Starlight used her magic to levitate Cozy into her front hooves before sitting down upon her haunches.
“Cozy,” she said while stroking a hoof through the young Pegasus’ curly hair. “I felt the exact same way when I was invited back for Our Town’s Sunset Festival.”

“That was when you and Trixie saved every pony from Queen Chrysalis and helped Thorax become the new leader of the Changelings?” inquired Cozy.

“That’s right!” replied Starlight cheerfully. “You really pay close attention to detail, Cozy!”

“It’s how I always got my way,” the pink Pegasus replied. “I’d listen so I knew how to exploit every creature so I could be the most beloved friend while ensuring no creature could ever take those friendships away by having any sort of special talent.”

Starlight felt as if she had been bucked in the gut after hearing young Cozy’s statement. It was very much in-line with how she used to be and feel.

“That wasn’t good to say, huh?” asked Cozy upon noticing Starlight’s silence. “Will I ever not have these thoughts and desires?”

Trixie came alongside Starlight as the periwinkle Unicorn continued to comfort the filly.
“I wish I could say you’d lose these thoughts and feelings,” sighed Starlight. “However some feelings never go away and all we can do is find better ways to work with them.”

“For example?” wondered Cozy as she allowed herself to get more comfortable against Starlight’s chest.

“Allow me,” started Trixie. “After the whole thing with the Alicorn Amulet, Trixie wondered if she could ever show her face anywhere ever again. However I soon found that I could put my desire to get even towards getting better as an illusionist. I reminded myself that I could beat twilight by showing how I truly had become the 'great and apologetic' Trixie by going on a new magic show focussed entirely on just being me.”

“And it’s because Trixie did this that she ended up in Ponyville at just the right time when I needed a friend who could relate with me and my past,” added Starlight. “And now you have both of us to relate with and get past all that you regret, too.”

“Golly, Starlight,” said Cozy Glow. “You two sure are showing me a side to friendship I never even heard of during the lessons at Twilight’s school of friendship.”

“That’s why Twilight made me her guidance counselor,” added Starlight in a way that even showed she was surprised at the revelation she had just discovered. “Because I am able to relate with very unique friendship situations.”

“Gee,” thought Cozy. “Friendship is definitely a lot tougher than it seemed when I did all those bad things to just get my way. I was a mean pony and want to not be a mean pony anymore.”

“That’s the spirit!” cheered Starlight as she continued to coddle the filly. “I’ll definitely be with you every step of the way.”

“I know,” the Pegasus replied with a hint of annoyance. “Because you still have that ring on your horn.”

Starlight flinched.

“You don’t trust me to be good,” Cozy further growled. “No pony does.”

THWUMP
FLAP-AP-AP

Starlight held tight to Cozy Glow as she tried to take off.
“That’s not it at all!” she feverishly replied. “I had no choice but to wear the ring and it was the only way I could give us this chance

“You were just going to…,” strained Cozy until all of what Starlight had to say had processed in her mind. “Wait! What?”

Cozy slowed her flapping as Starlight loosened her hold.

The periwinkle Unicorn sighed while looking up towards the hovering Pegasus filly.
“Princess Celestia has linked us through this ring, Cozy,” she stated without breaking eye contact. “If you fail, I fail, too.”

“Oh!” the Pegasus snapped. “So this is about you? Saving your own flank?”

“Hey!” cried Trixie. “If you’d stop thinking of yourself and holding on to the idea that friends are only around to take advantage of each other than you don’t know Starlight at all!”

SWOOP!

Cozy zoomed to face down Trixie.
“What’s that?” she asked while glaring at Trixie. “You’re probably gaining something out of this whole deal, too!”

“Cozy!” stomped Starlight. “That’s enough!”

The Pegasus gave a smirk as she faced down Starlight.
“Why don’t you use your baby ring?” she inquired smugly. “Make me a foal and just end this giant lie.”

“Because!” Starlight burst with emotion. “Because I genuinely care about you, cozy! I care about you so very much and want you to finally learn the magic of forgiving yourself along with knowing how you can be forgiven for your past!”

Cozy saw Starlight beginning to cry and it made her do the same.
“I almost took all magic from Equestria!” she sobbed. “How can any pony ever be forgiven for being so terrible!”

“Because,” whimpered Starlight as she advanced on Cozy for a hug. “I, too, nearly ruined the lives of many and yet I’m still here to make better on all my terrible mistakes.”

“Don’t forget Trixie!” the magician added. “We’re on this ‘Road To Friendship’ together and we each have a traumatic back story that we are all working to feel better about while showing we aren’t the terrible ponies every pony may have thought we were.”

Cozy and Starlight shared a few more tears before parting.
“I’m sorry, Starlight,” apologized the curly-haired Pegasus. “Guess I really have lots to learn and you gosh golly mean it when you say you’re going to help me because it’s what you want to do while gaining nothing in return.”

“But I am gaining something in return,” grinned Starlight.

Cozy appeared nervous.

“I’m gaining you you back a childhood,” the periwinkle Unicorn added. “A chance to start over and be a better pony just like Trixie and I.”

“And you can’t just remove that ring?” she asked. “Prove your trust in me?”

Starlight shook her head.
“Celestia’s rules,” she replied. “If I, or any pony, would remove the ring from my horn it will alert her while also casting its spell on me and whomever removes it.”

Cozy just flapped in place with a pouty expression.
“I see,” she said. “Then we’ll just have to show her and head mare twilight that we’re gosh golly better than they think we are!”

“My thoughts exactly,” grinned Trixie as, deep down, she liked any chance she had to one-up Twilight.

Starlight gestured towards the village below.
“Okay,” she said. “Let’s go meet your adoptive parents and show Our Town we’re more than our past mistakes!”

“Yay!” cheered Cozy Glow as they started down into the village.

Chapter 2 - Reconnecting

Cozy Glow was in a full tantrum as Starlight placed her upon Trixie’s wagon.
“What’s the meaning of this?” she barked. “Did the Princess Of Friendship have second thoughts on sending a filly to Tartarus?”

“Actually,” Starlight answered somberly. “Twilight knows nothing about me breaking you out of Tartarus.”

Cozy’s features narrowed.
“Are you turning against her?” she asked with a grin. “I always knew you had it in for Twilight and her lackeys.”

“Quite the firecracker,” remarked Trixie. “My parents wouldn’t stand if I behaved in such a way. They’d be like, ‘Trixie! You better stop that right now before we cancel your trip to Magic Camp!’.”

Cozy gasped.
“Trixie…?” she asked. “The ‘reformed’ magician who corrupted herself with The Alicorn Amulet so she could exile Twilight Sparkle?”

“Starlight?” grumbled the blue Unicorn. “How does she know about that?”

Starlight gave a nervous smile and laughed in a way that showed her discomfort.
“Twilight’s classes focus on understanding how friendships were made along with history on magical artifacts and events,” she replied. “The Alicorn Amulet came up as one of the topics and, well, so did you and how you reformed.”

The foal Pegasus with the curly mane decided to make a break for it by taking flight.

PSSHEW

“Oh, no, Cozy!” snapped Starlight as she brought the pink-coated filly back down. “We’re not finished yet.”

“Golly,” she said smugly. “So you broke me out of Tartarus to bore me to death with more friendship lessons?”

The periwinkle-coated Unicorn shook her head.
“No,” she replied with a sigh. “It’s more to, uh, reconnect?”

“Reconnect?” Cozy snapped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Starlight looked towards Trixie and gave a nod in which the illusionist returned.

PSSHEW

Starlight levitated a magical ring from her bag that slid down Trixie’s horn.
“Here goes,” she said.

“Here what goes?” inquired Cozy as starlight closed her eyes and focused on utilizing her mystical powers to cast a youth spell on herself.

FWOOSH!

“What?” Cozy gasped upon seeing the filly-sized Starlight. “You? I… I know you…”

“You do,” a more high-pitched speaking Starlight replied while scraping her hoof upon the ground. “I created you.”