The Abyssal Requiem

Watching from the shadows, Cozy Glow reached into her bag and pulled out a bracelet filled with the Ooze before putting it on. Clicking a button, she let out a small droplet and it slowly grew to Cozy’s size. After watching it grow a bit, Cozy Glow said,

“You know what to do. As soon as we get the princesses, we will be out of here. No exceptions!”

When she finished explaining her small plans to the Ooze, it dissolved into the ground and crawled its way to Canterlot. Turning her attention towards Flurry Heart, Cozy Glow says with a vicious smile on her face,

“Now the wait…”

. . .

When the group was finished eating their ice-cream, they got off their seats and immediately went back to the castle. Flurry Heart had no idea why they were heading back home nor why she hadn't seen Cozy Glow yet, but she could feel that something was wrong. So she asked,

“How come we are going back to the castle early?”

“It’s not safe right now, princess.” Tempest answered.

“What do you mean? Nopony attacking us.” Flurry Heart asked as she looked around her surroundings.

“No, but it will inevitably happen. So for now, we need to go back to the castle where it’s safe. And for the time being, we can’t afford to trust nopony.” Starlight said while checking the town.

“I don’t understand. Why are you acting weird now?” Flurry Heart asked, not knowing what the situation is.

“We will tell you when the time is right. Now please be a good princess and trust us.” Tempest said while carrying Flurry Heart.

“Okay…” Flurry Heart said, feeling crushed by their authority.

When they got closer to the castle, Tempest said,

“As soon as we head inside, go to the throne room. The queen needs to hear the details.”

“Right!” Starlight responded.

The trio shortly arrived back at the castle and they were immediately greeted by the castle guards. Upon entering, they immediately accompanied Tempest as they went to Flurry Heart’s room while Starlight walked to the throne room. She was so confused by the situation that she could hardly think about sweets. It was like being pulled into a puzzle room without one’s knowledge and figuring out where the exit was. Flurry Heart couldn’t figure out what was going on and all she could do was comply with Tempest's orders. But then Flurry Heart says,

“I want to see my mom and dad. Where are they?”

“They’re busy, Flurry Heart. As soon as they have finished their duties, you may see them.” Tempest answered.

“But Aunty Tempest, I don’t understand why we need to be here! This is all confusing!” Flurry Heart shouted.

“I don’t care if you don’t like it! This is all for your own good! If you don’t like it, then too bad!” Tempest shouted back.

Flurry Heart flinched at the sound of Tempest’s voice. She had no idea what was bothering her, but she was heartbroken by the unicorn’s sudden treatment. After arriving near her room, Tempest put Flurry Heart down and set her inside.

“Wait here until I or your parents arrive. Don’t leave the room.” Tempest said before closing the door.

As soon as they left, Flurry Heart ran over to her bed, almost ready to cry.

“What did I do…? I just wanted some ice-cream…” Flurry Heart said as she hugged her teddy bear.

. . .

Tempest and the guards walked all over to the castle throne room where Queen Cadance and Shining Armor awaited them along with Starlight and Sunset. After entering the room, the doors immediately closed and it was only them.

“Has anypony followed you?” Cadance asked.

“Nopony has been around us. We should be safe, Your Highness.” Tempest answered.

“I see. Double the patrols and check across the castle for any intruders. Nopony is to enter the castle until further notice.” Cadance ordered.

“Yes, Your Highness! And about your daughter, she was escorted to her room without any hiccups.” Tempest said even further.

“Thank you. Is our daughter okay?” Cadance asked.

“She is confused. She has no idea why she needed to be taken here and she was almost close to crying. Do you think it’s wise, having your daughter in such distress when she is still just a filly?” Tempest asked.

“It’s for her own good. Even if she doesn’t like it, she needs to be protected at all costs. As her queen and as her mother, her safety comes first and I will not tolerate disobedience. Am I clear?” Cadance explained.

“Yes, Your Majesty…” Tempest said, starting to feel regret.

“Now that you confirmed my worries, you are to keep watch for the time being until Cozy Glow has been brought to us. So come to attention!” Cadance commanded as she rose off her throne.

Bowing her head, Tempest complied to her wishes and left the throne room with the guards. Cadance dismissed both Starlight and Sunset as well before proceeding to leave the throne room.

“I hope Flurry Heart is okay. She must be sad about now.” Cadance said in a worried tone.

“You did what all of us would do. As long as she is inside the castle, nopony can get to her. Besides, the Abyss has been gone for ten years and that’s not even including the activities that the creatures have tried to implement against us.” Shining Armor said, trying to comfort his wife.

“I hope you’re right, Shining Armor. Because I have a feeling that something big is coming. And it’s right under our noses. It’s only a matter of time until it reveals itself.” Cadance said, starting to feel nervous.

“How right you are.” a voice called out.

“Who goes there!?” Shining Armor shouted, immediately recognizing the voice and activating his horn along with Cadance.

Queen Cadance and Shining Armor stood close to one another, careful anticipating when they would be attacked. All of a sudden, the windows were blocked off by the Ooze and all that accompanied the married couple was darkness. Cadance and Shining Armor were at a loss for words and they couldn’t discern fact from fiction.

“Whoever you are, reveal yourself! The longer it takes us to find you, the worse your punishment will be!” Shining Armor warned with intense anger in his voice.

“I wouldn’t make threats if I were you~.” a strange new voice said with a threatening giggle.

Having finally heard the voice and confirming their suspicions, it all became with whom Cadance and Shining Armor are dealing with.

“After all, your daughter has a play date to attend~.” this warped voice threatened.

“We knew it…” Cadance said with a low, angry voice.

. . .

Inside the upstairs hallway with various slaughtered guards, Cozy Glow was standing outside Flurry Heart’s room, carrying a scary smile on her face.