The Reasonable Reformation

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8

Chapter 1

You see that happy filly jumping for joy on the front cover? Yep. That's me. Look at her. Look how filled with joy she is. The little pegasus filly with all her friends. That's me. What, you never expected her to be the center of attention surrounded by friends? Yeah, me either. I never thought I'd see the day. But wait, how did this all happen? Well, it didn't happen overnight. Here, I'll start where it all began. Or, rather, where things continued from where we left off. Ever wondered what happened after that? Well, I wouldn't have to wait long, but I was surprised when I realized that me, Lord Tirek, and Queen Chrysalis were turned to stone? Well, fortunately, it wasn't for forever, but it still was quite a bit of time. Cycles repeat, and it was only a matter of time before Twilight attempted to reform the villain of the week in stone. I was first on her list, you can probably guess as to why. If your guess is because I'm the cutest, you're on the right trail. But anyway, The main story begins somewhere chilly. To see my lowest point, we must journey ironically enough to the top of Equestria.

On the top of a snowy mountain, was a deep cave, guarded by a magic force field. Inside the cave, was a sleeping pink pegasus filly, dressed in a purple parka, and snow hat.

Slowly, Cozy Glow began to awaken.

"Ugh... Oh, oh golly. What is this? Where am I now?" she said to herself.

She saw somepony standing at the mouth of the cave.

"Cozy Glow?" said a voice at the cave entrance.

"Huh? What's going on?! Twilight?! What kind of sick thing do you have planned this time?!" Cozy asked.

"Cozy, wait!" Twilight exclaimed.

Cozy flew at her, but was stopped by a barrier.

"Ow!" Cozy exclaimed. "Wait, this looks familiar."

"Let's start over. *ahem* Greetings, Cozy Glow." Twilight said, with a welcoming smile.

"Greet... ings?" Cozy asked, not expecting the formal greeting.

"How are you feeling, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"Uh... fine, I suppose. But, I'm very confused as to what's going on." Cozy said.

"You're imprisoned." Twilight said. "Does this setting look familiar?"

"Not really." Cozy replied. "Looks like a dreary cave."

"Actually, it's the cave that once held the bewitching bell." Twilight said. "We're at the top of Mt. Everhoof."

Knowing this, Cozy did now recognize her setting.

"Oookay? What are you getting at, Twilight?!" Cozy asked, anger.

"Cozy Glow, I'm here to talk." Twilight said.

Cozy was fueled with anger, but she quelled herself, and spoke to Twilight.

"...Very well. What would you like to talk about, Professor Sparkle?" Cozy asked, surprisingly calmly.

"When we defeated you on that fateful day, we did something that I've been thinking about a lot. I know you're probably not too happy about what we did to you on that day, but we did what we had to do in order to stop your evil doing."

"Hmph." Cozy puffed her chest at Twilight.

"It was never meant to be permanent, because I already knew that there was no way a you could be evil forever. And based on what I've learned about you recently, I have good reason to believe that you have what it takes inside you after all." Twilight explained.

"Pfft. What makes you think that, Twilight?" Cozy asked.

"Your "friend" Lord Tirek explained it to me. He explained that this area holds quite the significance to you. This is the location where you and the others nearly embraced friendship, after your successful trek up the mountain, and retrieval of Grogar's bell." Twilight said.

Cozy's pupils dilated, and she was surprised that Twilight had known about this specific moment. "Oh, did he? Well, big deal!" she exclaimed. "I don't need your fake sympathy. Why are you doing this? What do you want from me?!"

"I'm here to give you another chance. A chance to take a different path, and learn what friendship is really about." Twilight explained.

"Well, you should've offered that to me earlier. Why didn't you?" Cozy asked. "You had me truly well and defeated. Why did you let Discord do that to me?"

"Because I knew it wasn't going to be for long! I'd never let anypony remain like that forever!" Twilight said.

"You sure! If that's the case, why didn't you interject!?"

"I was never planning on leaving you in stone for forever. Nor was I planning to leave you in Tartarus forever. That's not how I do things. I was always planning on coming back to you eventually." Twilight explained.

"Well, you could've told me that before you let them do that to me! I was scared to death! I thought I literally was going to stay that way forever. That my short life was over!" Cozy cried. "I was so terrified. I never would've thought that I would ever get turned to stone. I was truly shocked."

"Cozy! I-" Twilight said, but Cozy spoke up.

"You're cruel for letting them do that to me!" Cozy exclaimed. "You know, I miiight've considered reformation if you had said something earlier. But after the cupcake, forget it!"

"Cozy, listen! I know we took extreme measures, but they were necessary measures. However, enough time has passed that I feel now is the time to reach out to you, and give you that other chance." Twilight explained.

"Are you really willing to let me go now?" Cozy asked.

"Well, it's going to be a process. You've spent enough time in stone, but I can't fully set you free until I'm sure that you're fully reformed." Twilight said. "You cannot be freed until you can be a well behaved member of Equestrian society. So I would like for you to apologize for all that you've done, and promise me up and down that you won't ever do any more evil."

"Hmph. Okay... so, what's in it for me?" Cozy asked.

"I'm willing to teach you what making friends is really about. I know you understand friendship more than you give yourself credit for. I couldn't show you the importance of making true friends before, but I'm willing to put in the leg work this time, and do whatever it takes to show you the importance of making real friends this time." Twilight said. "That's why I unfroze you from stone. I believe you're capable of more. I don't believe you need to be imprisoned, or seen as a threat, Cozy. I've thought a lot about you. And I have reason to believe you're capable of being a pony for good. I believe you are capable of living and being a part of Equestria, and having your own close friends. You might be surprised with what you uncover about yourself, Cozy. That's what's in it for you, Cozy."

Cozy looked at Twilight and raised her eyebrow.

"But, as you know, I am the Princess of Friendship. It's my duty to bring friendship to all who wish to have it. I know you've rejected friendship before, but perhaps that was my fault for not trying hard enough, or perhaps I was missing a real understanding of you. Either way, things are going to be different. I am going to try to reform you. If you don't want friendship, that's totally up to you, but I'm going to make sure that I give it my all, and do my best to show you what friendship can really mean for you, Cozy."

"Hmm. So you're serious about helping me out this time, huh?" Cozy said, looking up slightly.

Twilight nodded. "So, Cozy Glow?" Twilight extended her hoof out to Cozy Glow.

Cozy looked around, and thought hard about what Twilight's offer meant. Finally, she spoke her mind.

"...No." Cozy said.

"No?" Twilight asked.

"You heard me, Twilight. Why should I? I have doubts about your intentions. If you truly cared about me, you would've done something on that very day, not wait a long time, and come in with all this trickery."

Now she doesn't want trickery? Twilight thought in her head.

"...Very well, Cozy Glow. If that is what you wish then I'm afraid all I can do is leave you trapped in this cave." Twilight said.

"But why?" Cozy asked.

"You're more than just a trickster. Your actions led to the near disastrous ends of Equestria more than once." Twilight said.

"I'm a big thinker." Cozy replied.

"And so long as you have such high ambitions, then I'm afraid I can't let you go anywhere." Twilight said.

Twilight turned around and started to leave.

"Where are you going, Twilight?" Cozy asked.

"I'll be back later." Twilight replied. "While I'm gone, think about this. I decided to reach out to you. If I hadn't, you would've remained trapped in stone for a long long time. And if you think you can escape and try to make more friends than me, then consider that everypony saw you for who you are. Everypony's seen you as an out of control raging alicorn. Who's going to be friends with that?"

Twilight stretched out her wings, flapped them, and took flight, leaving Cozy all by herself.

Cozy was left to herself to think all on her own. While in stone, she was still capable of having thoughts, so really, this wasn't much more freedom than what she had before. At the very least she could now breathe, feel her own hooves, and see the outside world. Cozy clapped her hooves together, and breathed out just to make sure that was really back. She still had a difficult time believing it. She had feared that she would be in stone for forever. But now that she was released, things hadn't gotten easier, or clearer. The future seemed more confusing than ever.

Cozy sat down and put her hoof to her chin, and thought aloud.

"Think, Cozy. What are you going to do when stupid Twilight returns? Are you really going to give in to her silly plan? Or are you going to show her who's boss, and overthrow their goody goody four-hoof flanks for good?"

Cozy looked at the cave ceiling, tapping her chin.

"How do you top being an alicorn though?" Cozy asked herself. "Even as an alicorn I couldn't defeat her. Trapping her in Tartarus didn't work either. Every single time, her friends came to her rescue. Hmm. Her friends..."

"Friendship really is powerful. And somehow she knows how to use it against you better than you do." Cozy said to herself in her reflection in the ice. "It's going to take a while to make more friends than her. If that's even possible now..."

Cozy saw herself wearing the winter outfit, and was reminded of her first exhibition to the top of the mountain.

"You worked really well with those two. Up until you didn't. Could we have won if we were better at working together?" Cozy wondered to herself. "We were outnumbered though. Is it a numbers game Or the quality of friends?"

"Were we going to go our separate ways once we succeeded, or were we gonna stick together? Was that our downfall?"

Cozy leaned back, and rubbed her hoof against the gravel ground.

"Now what do I do...?"

Twilight herself had lots of thinking to do as well. She wasn't going to leave Cozy alone forever. She truly needed to consider Cozy's needs, and how to meet them.

Twilight flew down to a cabin at the base of the mountain. Spike was waiting for her there.

"So, how'd it go?" Spike asked.

"It's a start, but we still got some work to do." Twilight replied.

"You don't seem too cheery. Everything okay?" Spike asked.

"Everything's fine. Things just... might take a little longer than I thought." Twilight admitted.

"Why set an timeline for these things?" Spike asked.

"Yeah. It's just, I've been thinking that... maybe turning her to stone was the wrong approach after all. All it seems to have done is make her angrier." Twilight said.

"Yeah, tough call." Spike said. "Well, we can't take it back. But don't think that that means you can't get through to her."

"I thought I got through to her. I thought she was one of my star pupils. But it was all a ruse. She's smart, but I don't see any indicator so far that she'd wanna make friends with any-"

Spike spoke up and interrupted Twilight.

"Twilight, listen!"

Twilight took a step back when Spike had shouted.

"Sorry for yelling. I just wanted to say, think about why you're here doing this. You weren't gonna leave her in stone forever. You want to help her, and she'll realize that soon enough and come around." Spike said.

"You're right, Spike." Twilight said, smiling.

Twilight gave Spike a warm hug.

"Will you join me to see Cozy next time around?" Twilight asked.

"Sure. I'm with you through this whole thing, Twilight." Spike said.

The next morning, Twilight flew back to the top of Mt. Everhoof, with Spike riding on her back.

They saw Cozy Glow laying down in the cave. They didn't want to be intrusive and wake her up.

"What do you see, Twilight?" Spike asked.

"She's asleep. She looks so peaceful." Twilight said.

"She looks so... lonely." Spike said.

Cozy started to awake. The filly ruffled around, and lifted her head. She looked out the mouth of the cave, and saw Twilight and Spike looking all blurry. Soon as her vision cleared up, the two came into view, and seeing them made her must unhappy.

"Hmph. Back so soon? Just so you know, I haven't changed my mind." Cozy said.

"That's fine. I just came to check up on you and see how you were doing." Twilight said.

"Quit wasting your time, Twilight." Cozy said.

"I'm not giving up on you, Cozy." Twilight said.

"Hmph. Weirdo." Cozy said.

Cozy turned away from Twilight, though she couldn't help but be intrigued by Twilight's strange behavior.

"Well, you did come back and reach out to me. I don't think anypony else is gonna do that." Cozy said, under her breath.

Twilight and Spike tilted their heads, and tried to listen in on what Cozy was whispering.

Cozy turned around and glared at the two of them.

"You know, this is rather cruel. Dangling my freedom in front of me, and only giving it to me if I do what you want me to do." Cozy said.

But to Cozy's surprise, the magical forcefield dissipated, and faded away.

Twilight extended her hoof out.

She's kidding, right? She just released me, and she's expecting me to accept her offer? Cozy thought.

"What is this?" Cozy asked.

"Cozy?" Twilight said.

Cozy looked at Twilight. There wasn't a hint of uncertainty. There was a hint of true sincerity in her gaze. Cozy then looked to her side, and then at Twilight's hoof, with a most dubious and unsure look in her eyes. She looked up at Twilight's face once more, and saw a warm and inviting smile grow onto her face. Quite the sight she never thought she'd see. Cozy then gazed at the landscape behind Twilight. The top of the mountain was still a chilly and windy sight. Though she probably could make the trek down the mountain safely, what was realistically waiting for her below? There was an extremely low chance anyone would want to be her friend after witnessing what she'd done. But did really matter if power was more important to her than friendship? After much internal struggle, Cozy went with what seemed to be easiest path forward in this moment.

*groan* "Fine, Twilight." Cozy said.

Cozy bumped her hoof to Twilight's, and accepted her offer.

Twilight beamed with excitement.

"Eee! Excellent! I'm so excited!" she exclaimed joyfully.

"Yep. Congratulations, Twilight. You um... I'll go along with this. Just so long as there's no caveats." Cozy said.

"Finally! Now, we have lots of work to do, Cozy." Twilight said.

"Sounds like there's caveats to me..." Cozy said.

Back at the base of the mountain, Twilight and Cozy sat around a firepit. Spike was leaning against the cabin while watching them.

The mood was mildly tense. Cozy was completely focused on roasting her marshmallow, and was seemingly trying to ignore Twilight completely. Twilight thought of some questions that could maybe break the ice.

"So, Cozy. Do you wanna talk about the School of Friendship?" Twilight asked.

"...Not really." Cozy replied, continuing to focus on her roasting.

"I see." Twilight replied.

Cozy attempted to keep as low key and quiet as possible It may have been best to let the mood set, but Twilight decided to speak anyway.

"So, um... Why'd you do what you did, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"...I don't know. I just thought that if I was in charge of the School of Friendship, I could make even more friends than you. Especially if you were locked in Tartarus." Cozy said.

"And are you proud of what you did?" Twilight asked.

"...Hmph." Cozy kept her lips tightly shut.

"Are you sorry for what you did?" Twilight asked.

*groan* Cozy groaned.

"Well, alright. Forget about what happened in the past. Are you ready to move forward and apologize to everypony?" Twilight asked.

Cozy looked down. And didn't answer.

Just the sound of the popping of the fire.

Cozy reeled in her marshmallow, and ate it in one bite. Twilight and Spike looked at each other, both feeling unsure.

Cozy finished chewing her marshmallow, and swallowed it.

"How was it, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"Tasty. I hadn't eaten a decent meal in a long while." Cozy replied. "So, explain to me what exactly we're doing next?"

"Well, since your actions were so... large, they can't be pushed aside without addressing them. So, when we get back to Ponyville, I want you to apologize to everypony who you did wrong by." Twilight said.

"Uh-huh. And why would I want to do any of that?" Cozy asked.

"Because, Cozy, I believe that showing signs of sincerity is the first step on your reformation path. Whether you feel sorry yet or not, I believe rebuilding a few bridges would do you some good." Twilight explained.

"And if I don't, what are you going to do? You gonna lock me back in Tartarus? Or are you okay with turning me back to stone? And what are the chances you wince if that were to happen?" Cozy asked.

"Cozy, you need to let go of those things. I'm giving you the opportunity to have a fresh start." Twilight said.

"I don't want a fresh start. I want..." Cozy said, her voice trailed off.

"What do you want, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

*sniff* "I just want you to leave me alone!!" Cozy exclaimed.

Cozy ran from the firepit, and leapt into a mound of snow, burying her head in the snow.

Twilight and Spike looked at each other, and then slowly approached Cozy.

"Cozy? Cozy, are you okay?" Twilight asked.

Twilight patted Cozy's head with her hoof.

Cozy muffled and made a vague groaning sound.

"How does that feel, Cozy? Do you like it when I rub your head?" Twilight asked.

Cozy made more muffled groans.

"Please say something, Cozy. If I don't know what's bothering you, it's harder for me to help you." Twilight said.

*Grrr* "Why can't you just leave me alone?" Cozy's muffled voice asked. "You're so overbearing."

"I'm sorry if it's felt that way so far. But I want you to know I'm here to guide you. I'm not hear to make decisions for you, or tell you what to think. I believe this is something you can do on your own." Twilight said.

Cozy lifted her head out of the snow, and looked at Twilight. Twilight and Spike could see that Cozy had a couple of tears in her eyes.

Cozy cleared her throat before speaking. "You really think so?" she asked, looking unsure.

Twilight nodded. "I know so."

Cozy looked at Twilight, and they, for the first time, exchanged a smile.

"Ready to come with us to Ponyville, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

Cozy panned her gaze from side to side, still uncertain, but she finally looked at Twilight and gave her a response. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose." she said.

Such a lucky filly to have the full attention of the Princess of Friendship. You would hope that she would recognize this and and listen to what she says, right? Well, let's just say, old habits die hard.

Chapter 2

Twilight gave Cozy Glow a tour of Ponyville. Cozy was still getting used to being in her normal form, after being a statue for so long. She had trouble walking in a straight line at times, so Twilight would nudged her occasionally to help her maintain balance. They'd even sometimes stop take a break in town.

Ponyville citizens were initially excited when they saw Princess Twilight, but would then back track when they saw Cozy Glow was with her.

Cozy noticed the ponies and their behavior. She figured what Twilight said was true. Ponies recognized her, and remembered what she did on that fateful day.

"Can we just leave this place? I don't wanna be seen by any more ponies." Cozy said.

"It's alright, Cozy. Maybe interacting directly with ponies will quell your concerns." Twilight said.

Cozy waved to Bon Bon, who looked at her nervously. Bon chose to keep going the way she was, except at a brisker pace.

Cozy glared at Twilight. A glare which said. 'See? Told you so.'

"I see what you're getting at. Alright, um... let's try, Sugarcube Corner." Twilight suggested. "I heard from the CMC that you have a history with this place."

"I guess you can say that." Cozy said, disinterested.

The two of them entered Sugarcube Corner, and were greeted by Mrs. Cake immediately.

"Oh, Princess! Welcome." Mrs. Cake said, bowing down.

"Thanks, Mrs. Cake. No need for the royal decree. We're friends. And we've been friends since before I was Princess." Twilight said.

"What brings the Princess down to Sugarcube Corner all by herself?" Mrs. Cake asked.

"Actually I'm not alone. There's somepony familiar who'd like to see you." Twilight said.

"Oh? Well who could it be?" Mrs. Cake asked.

Cozy poked her head above the counter and revealed herself to Mrs. Cake.

"Oh, it's uh... it's her." Mrs. Cake said, taking a step back nervously.

Cozy looked at Twilight, with an angry scorn. Twilight nudged Cozy in response.

*ahem* "Golly, Mrs. Cake. Um, how have things been in the time since I've seen you?" Cozy asked.

Mrs. Cake didn't reply, and she appeared frightened.

"You uh... do you still use your rainbow sprinkle shakers?" Cozy asked.

"I can't do this, Princess. I don't feel safe with the alicorn filly in the shop." Mrs. Cake said.

"But she's not an alicorn any more. And she's not evil any more either. Errr um, she never was... I guess..." Twilight said, tripping on her words.

Twilight took some deep breaths, and took a moment to catch herself.

*ahem* "Is there something you'd like to say to Mrs. Cake, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

Cozy stared at Mrs. Cake for a few moments, watching her shake in fear. Cozy then gave a simple side to side nod, signifying a 'no'.

Twilight tried to quell Mrs. Cake's worries, but she wasn't having it. All she could do was sweat nervously, and make excuses.

"Oh! You hear that? I think I can hear Pound Cake crying. I better go check on him. Hehe..." Mrs. Cake zipped away from the scene.

Cozy glared at Twilight once more, and gestured her hoof at her.

"Well, I didn't say this would be easy." Twilight said.

"You talking to me? Or yourself?" Cozy asked.

Twilight let out a hearty sigh.

Yep. Talk about burnt bridges. Those favors I'd done for Bon Bon and Mrs. Cake were totally erased by my heinous actions. I probably could've gotten by okay if the draining spell was the worst of my actions, since few ponies outside of the School of Friendship knew I was responsible for nearly draining all the magic. But on that fateful day, everypony was there! Everypony saw me as an alicorn. Everypony saw me get turned to stone. I don't remember if Mrs. Cake herself was there, but it didn't matter. The word was out, and everypony knew about me. Like it or not, that's what defined me. That's all ponies knew me for now.

Cozy exited Sugarcube Corner, in a bad mood. Twilight followed close behind.

"Now do you know what I have to deal with?" Cozy asked.

"I know you're going through a rough time, but if you want to see things get better, you can't let the past bog you down." Twilight said.

"What about them? They won't let go either." Cozy said.

"Well, why didn't you apologize to her?" Twilight asked.

"Because I'm not sorry." Cozy replied.

"Adjajkldfaj." Twilight had a verbal meltdown. "So you're upset about how ponies are treating you, but you're not actually sorry?" she asked.

Cozy nodded up and down, affirming this.

Twilight bit her hoof in befuddlement. She took a breath, and tried to calm herself.

"But if you don't like how ponies react to seeing you, wouldn't you want to make things better? Apologizing is a way of showing ponies that you're a better pony now." Twilight explained.

Cozy tapped her hoof and thought about Twilight's reasoning. "I suppose that makes sense... but I'm not going back into Sugarcube Corner for a while." she said.

"Alright. Maybe Mrs. Cake just needs more time to cook. However, I remain optimistic. I think it's time to reintroduce you to some more familiar faces." Twilight said, grinning.

Twilight led Cozy Glow to the castle of friendship. Cozy looked up at the tall foreboding Crystal castle. Cozy then looked at Twilight, with her head tilted.

"Remember this place, Cozy?" Twilight.

"I'm not sure if I've ever been so close to this place before..." Cozy answered.

"Oh, yeah. I think you're right." Twilight said.

The two of them made their way to the entrance. The door was being managed by a rather dapper looking dragon, with his fins combed, wearing a bow tie, and held his arms behind his back.

*ahem* "Greetings. To whom does the castle welcome today?" Spike said, in a fancy accent.

"What are you doing, Spike?" Twilight asked.

"I just thought I'd make your arrival at the castle more formal, and important." Spike said.

"Thanks, Spike." Cozy thanked, to the surprise of everyone.

"Well, uh... Anyway, right this way, mah ladies. The Council of Friendship awaits you inside." Spike said.

Spike opened the door and held his arm out, gesturing for them to enter.

"The Council of Friendship is my friends by the way." Twilight whispered to Cozy.

Twilight led Cozy through the large castle hallways. Cozy panned her head from side to side, taking in the sheer scope of the large interior.

They eventually reached the door to the library where Twilight's friends were.

"Now, Cozy. I've invited all my friends together to see you. This will be a good chance to apologize, and start rebuilding friendships." Twilight said.

Cozy turned her head away from Twilight, and didn't reply.

"Hey. Come on, Cozy. It's going to go fine. Just remember, apologizing is meant to show them just how much you've changed." Twilight said.

"Alright..." Cozy said, softly.

"You have changed, right?" Twilight asked.

Cozy looked at Twilight blankly, not giving an answer.

"Here, I'll enter first, and break the ice." Twilight said.

Twilight entered the room, and saw her friends all relaxing. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were slouching together on a large couch. Rarity was knitting. Fluttershy, sat next to Pinkie Pie on a bigger couch. And Starlight was there as well.

"Twilight!" everypony greeted.

"It's so lovely to see you again, Darling. I mean, Princess." Rarity said.

"Darling will do. Err um, Twilight." she said, giggling.

"We're so glad to see you again, Twilight!" Pinkie said.

"Yay." Fluttershy said softly.

"Thanks, everyone. Anyway, how have things been here in Ponyville?" Twilight asked.

"Things are as swell as can be, Twilight." Applejack replied.

"Mrs. Cake says she saw you earlier." Pinkie said.

"Oh, she said that?" Twilight asked.

"How has the royal life been treating you?" Starlight asked.

"Canterlot? Oh, right. Canterlot's been um... things are running smooth, that's for sure." Twilight said. Although she didn't actually know, for she hadn't been in Canterlot for some number of days.

"What brings you here, Twilight? Why have you called us here?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Thanks. I was just getting to that. *ahem* Girls, there's somepony I'd like to reintroduce you all to." Twilight said.

"Ooo. A little reunion." Pinkie said.

"Who might it be?" Applejack asked.

The door swung open, and in came Cozy Glow. She entered slowly, and kept her head was turned the other way, as she seemed nervous.

"Girls, I want you to say hi to Cozy Glow." Twilight introduced Cozy.

Cozy looked up, and put on an uneasy grin.

Everypony's jaws opened wide, as they were in complete shock and surprise as to what they saw. Everypony was shocked.

"You did tell them about this before, didn't you?" Cozy whispered.

"So, you ended up doing it, I can see." Rarity said.

"I see you've been helping out Cozy Glow after all." Fluttershy said.

"Did you even tell them you were going to free me from stone?" Cozy whispered again. But Twilight brushed this off, and spoke to Cozy.

"Yep. I've been with Cozy for some time now. So uh, ahem. Cozy Glow, is there something you'd like to say to our friends?" Twilight said to Cozy.

Cozy kept quiet which made for an eerily awkward mood. Finally she spoke.

“…Them first.” Cozy said.

“Fair enough. We're playing Chess, and Cozy requests that you make the first move.” Twilight said.

Twilight's friends all looked at each other awkwardly, but no one felt like speaking first. Up until Applejack decided to speak.

“Um… long time no see, Cozy Glow.” Applejack said.

Cozy silently nodded her head, glaring at Applejack.

Twilight laughed nervously.

“Okay. Is there something you’d like to say to them now, Cozy?” Twilight asked.

Cozy nodded no.

The silence from both sides was painfully awkward. Twilight once again let out an uneasy laugh.

"So... What have you been up to, Cozy Glow?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Cozy didn't answer, so Twilight answered for her.

"Cozy Glow has spent the past couple of days in the northernmost region of Equestria. I thought that the chilly air of Mt. Everhoof would do her some good. Plus, she has a special connection to the mountain." Twilight said.

"Oh? How so?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, it's quite the story. But needless to say, I think Cozy knows more about friendship than she's led us to believe." Twilight explained.

"Yeah right..." Cozy said, under her breath.

Pinkie Pie zipped up to Cozy Glow, and glared at her with one protruding eye.

"What are you doing!?" Cozy asked.

Pinkie had finished examining Cozy, and zipped back to Fluttershy's side.

"Well, what did you determine, Pinkie?" Fluttershy asked.

"Inconclusive. With a hint possibility of a possible unwelcome surprise in store." Pinkie answered.

Twilight's friends looked at each other, with dubious, and unsure looks.

"Look, Darling. We can see what you're doing. But, are you sure about this?" Rarity asked.

"I am. Look, I know we've had a rocky time with Cozy Glow in the past, but this is our chance to do what's right." Twilight said. "...Right, Cozy?"

Twilight and Spike looked at Cozy, who was still very quiet.

"Come on, Cozy. Say something. Cozy." Spike whispered.

"But I don't wanna." Cozy whispered back.

"I hate to say this to you, Twilight, but nothing so far has distilled confidence in me to trust her." Starlight said.

"Yeah... I don't feel too safe being anywhere near her either." Rainbow Dash added.

"I'm with her." Applejack added.

Pinkie looked awfully skeptic as well.

"How about you, Fluttershy?" Twilight said.

Fluttershy didn't speak. She merely nodded no, with a tear in her eye.

"What would it take to convince you guys? What if Cozy apologized, and truly felt sorry for what she did, and really wanted to make friends?" Twilight asked.

"A lot." Starlight put simply.

Cozy thought to herself. Hmph. Guess that settles that. Those ponies are undoubtedly my enemies. No point in entertaining the thought of reconciling with them now. So, what’s my next plan?

Yeah. So if you thought my reunions with Mrs. Cake and Bon Bon were awkward, this was a whole 'nother level. Most ponies just saw me as the angry out of control alicorn, but Twilight's friends saw me as something worse. A deceiver. They'd lost all trust in me, and weren't comfortable taking a word I said seriously. What was I supposed to do about that?

Twilight led Cozy down one of the hallways. It was hard to get a read on how Cozy was feeling. Spike followed them from a slight distance.

Twilight opened one of the hallway doors, and led Cozy inside. Cozy found herself in a small little spare bedroom. It was now that Twilight decided to tell Cozy what was on her mind.

"Cozy Glow. What was that?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"What were you expecting? You expecting me to put on a smile, and give those miserable mares a hug!?" Cozy asked, in a sassy demeanor.

"What I expected is that you were going to uphold your end of the deal. That would at least put in some effort and attempt to make up and apologize!" Twilight said.

"I told you, I'm not sorry for what I did." Cozy said.

"And why aren't you sorry!?" Twilight asked.

"Because, I... I'm just not! Okay! Besides, I seriously doubt any of them are ready to accept an apology and forgive me anyway." Cozy said. "I read the room, unlike you, and I could tell immediately they were suspicious of me. They won't ever get over that." Cozy said.

"Cozy, you said you'd give redemption a chance. I think if you took that promise seriously, and gave an honest apology to my friends, you might just be surprised at the outcome." Twilight said.

"Honesty? What good would that do if your friends don't see me as an honest pony to begin with!?" Cozy asked, raising her voice.

"Can't you just think of this as a fresh start, Cozy?" Twilight said.

"Tell that to them." Cozy responded.

Twilight looked down, and didn't know what to say to Cozy next.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I think we're done here. So I'm just going to leave." Cozy said. "You tried, but, it's obvious I'm simply not fit for redemption. So, until next time, Princess."

"I'm afraid I can't allow you to leave. You're grounded, Cozy." Twilight said.

"Wait, WHAT?!" Cozy exclaimed.

Cozy witnessed Twilight close the door to her room, and heard the bolt lock click.

"What the?! You can't ground me! What is this?!" Cozy shouted at the door.

"Like I said, Cozy. I can't grant you your freedom until you've reformed!" Twilight said.

"Who are you to tell me what to do?!" Cozy shouted.

"I'm the Princess of Friendship, and what I say goes! I thought I made this clear earlier! Don't you understand!?" Twilight shouted.

"...I mean, I understand. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." Cozy said.

Twilight groaned. She leaned her back against the door, and then slid and slouched onto the floor.

Spike had followed close behind and had watched the whole scene unfold. He now decided to approach Twilight once she had finished yelling.

"Well, that could've gone better." Spike said.

"Tell me something I don't already know, Spike." Twilight said, irritated.

Spike paused, and took a step back.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." Twilight said, feeling choked up.

"It's alright. I get it. You're just frustrated with this." Spike said.

"I thought we were onto something. She seemed fairly cooperative back on Mt. Everhoof. But now... I don't know. I may have to rethink my entire methodology." Twilight said.

"I get she's being difficult, but I can't exactly blame her based on how most folks have reacted to seeing her." Spike said.

"I can't control how ponies react to seeing her. This is the consequence of her actions. I wish she'd own up to it and do something about it." Twilight said.

"Maybe she's just worried that a simple apology won't change anyone's minds." Spike said. "Look, I know a thing or two about what it feels like to be feared by ponies, so maybe I just can't help but give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she still interested in redemption, but is just having a hard time seeing what everyone thinks of her. "

"So then, what do you think we should try next?" Twilight asked.

"Think about this. Who gave Discord a chance? Pretty much only Fluttershy. Why did Discord reform? Because Fluttershy was his friend. You and I are Cozy's friends, but we need to take this a step further. She needs to make more friendships, and it starts with others giving her a fresh start." Spike explained.

"More friendship... fresh start... Hmm..." the gears in Twilight's head started turning.

While Twilight was thinking, Spike looked outside and saw the sun was getting awfully low in the sky.

"Now's probably not the best time to mention this, but um, how much longer are you and I going to be away from Canterlot?" Spike asked.

"Oh right. Let's see. Return to Canterlot when..." Twilight scratched her head and thought for a bit.

"Do you not want to go back until Cozy's reformed?" Spike asked.

"Well... I mean, I feel like we're very close to some kind of breakthrough." Twilight said.

"I'm not disagreeing, but this may take even longer than you anticipate. If you keep saying that, you'll never even be able to do your job as Princess of Friendship." Spike said.

"I AM doing my job as Princess of Friendship!" Twilight exclaimed.

"I suppose you are. But Canterlot needs us back soon, Twilight." Spike said.

"Twilight. The longer you're away from Canterlot, the more out of shape Equestria might become." Spike said.

"I'll return to Canterlot, when I'm finished with business." Twilight said.

Twilight trotted off, leaving Spike to himself, and Cozy still locked in the room.

"I suppose that's as good an answer as I can hope for at this time." Spike said to himself.

The whole time, Cozy Glow had her ear pressed to the door and had listened to their conversation carefully.

Hmm. Twilight's setting aside her Princess duties to help me? And she won't go back until I've been reformed? Hmm... Now there’s a plan. Cozy thought.

Yep. See what I mean by old habits? Not only is she infuriatingly stubborn, that devious filly is always thinking of ways to cause chaos. Anyway, if you were the Princess of Friendship, and were really stubborn as well, what do you think would be the most logical next move? It probably wouldn't be what actually came next.

Chapter 3

It was early morning in Ponyville once again. Cozy Glow was resting under a thick layer of bedsheets, inside of her small little castle bedroom. The sun came through the window, which woke Cozy up.

Cozy woke up easily, and she had a devious grin on her face from last night's plan. She'd been looking forward to this morning since the night before. Her plan was simple. Keep Twilight away from Canterlot as long as possible, making it more difficult for her to run Equestria, thus throwing everything into chaos.

"Oh, Twilight. I'm not your worst enemy. You're your own worst enemy. Your kindness will be your downfall." Cozy said to herself.

Cozy then heard knocking on the door, which caused her to zip her lips immediately. If Twilight caught onto her plan, that would ruin the surprise element, and she'd just said her whole plan out loud.

"Cozy Glow? I hear some rustling. Are you awake?" Twilight asked through the door.

"Uh, yeah. I'm awake. Twilight." Cozy replied.

"Good. May I have a word with you?" Twilight asked.

"Um... *gulp* sure, Twilight." Cozy said.

Twilight unlocked the door, and opened it. She saw Cozy clumsily get out of bed, and stand up.

"Everything okay, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah. Totally. I mean, um. So, what would you like to talk about, Twilight?" Cozy asked, calmly.

"I know yesterday wasn't a particularly fun day for you, but I hope today will be a fresh start for you." Twilight said.

"Yeah. Uh-huh?" Cozy said.

"Today's going to be extra special. My friends and I all have a fun day planned for you today." Twilight said.

"Oh?" Cozy asked, with a genuine tint of curiosity.

"Yes. I had a word with my friends after your meeting with them yesterday, and all promised that today would be a better day." Twilight explained.

Cozy itched her head with intrigue.

"Okay. So where are they?" Cozy asked.

Twilight led Cozy to the entrance hall, where she saw Twilight's friends packing beach supplies.

Twilight's friends looked at Cozy, and appeared much more cheery and happier than the previous day.

"Good morning, Cozy Glow!" they all greeted her warmly.

"Thanks. What's going on here though?" Cozy asked.

We're going to the beach! And you're invited. Come on, Cozy!" Rainbow Dash said.

"The... beach?" Cozy said, feeling confused.

"Yes, darling. The shoreline. Where land meets water." Rarity said.

"Specifically the beaches at the base of Mount Aris." Pinkie added.

"But, what about yesterday?" Cozy asked.

"Well. Twilight talked to us after our meeting, and she made a good point. We feel bad about how we treated you, and we'd like to get things started on a better hoof." Fluttershy said.

"Plus, today's a new day anyway." Pinkie said.

"And Twilight's right. Plenty'a time's passed since that day, and you were already adequately punished for it. Since ya're here, let's all consider this a fresh start." Applejack said.

Cozy raised her eyebrow and still wasn't sure what to make of any of this.

Twilight looked at Cozy and smiled. "So what do you say, Cozy? Ready for a fresh start?" she asked.

Cozy put her head to her hoof and thought. A fresh start. And a free trip to the beach?

"Come on, Cozy. It'll be fun. I think you'll find that special feeling you've been missing." Spike said.

Cozy weighed the pros and cons. Wasn't her goal still to eventually overtake Twilight? What could giving in to their request add or take away from that goal? And were they planning any ulterior motives themselves?

"Alright. What could go wrong?" Cozy replied.

Cozy looked at Twilight's friends once again, and just now realized one pony who was missing from the scene.

"Wait, where's Starlight?" Cozy asked.

"Oh, Starlight? She said she didn't want to come." Applejack answered honestly.

"Oh? Well, why not?" Cozy asked.

Twilight bit her lip, and reframed from giving an honest answer.

"You know, don't worry about that right now. Just focus on having fun, okay?" Twilight said.

"Okay." Cozy said softly.

"Good. Now, ready to go swimming?" Twilight asked.

"I um... uh..." Cozy still wasn't sure what to make of this. Seemed like quite the stretch. Besides, she didn't care much for swimming, or beaches.

The mane 6 and Spike had arrived at the Hippogriff village at the base of Mount Aris, with Cozy in tow-zy. Twilight and friends waved to the resident Hippogriffs, and Seaponies of the area. Cozy Glow, rather than waving, hung her head low, and kept a low profile. She remembered that the Hippogriffs were there too on that fateful day, and she didn't want to take any chances.

Finally, they arrived at the sandy shoreline. Everypony followed Twilight's lead and plopped onto the sandy beach.

Twilight nodded at Rarity, and then the two of them used their magic to set up their base. Lots of towels for everypony to lay on. As well as umbrellas to provide them all with shade.

"So... what are we going to be doing at the beach exactly?" Cozy asked.

"The usual beachgoing fun." Twilight said.

And Twilight was ready for relaxation. She and Spike sat on beach chairs next to each other. They were wearing matching purple sun shades.

"That's it? No friendship lesson? No assignment?" Cozy asked.

"Nope. Just make yourself home at the beach and have some fun." Twilight said.

Cozy didn't like this answer though. It didn't explain why. Why go from such a methodical reformation plan, to seemingly no plan at all?

"I don't know what you're planning here, Twilight. But I'm not going to fall for it." Cozy said, feeling suspicious.

Twilight simply smiled and shrugged off Cozy's comment. Twilight's lack of worry seemed out of character for her. But Cozy was determined to keep her eyes peeled.

"So... what kind of beach fun even is there to be had?" Cozy asked.

"Take a look for yourself, Cozy." Twilight said.

Cozy looked at the beach and saw Twilight's friends scattered across the beach, finding their own activities.

Pinkie Pie had sectioned off a portion of the beach to be the site of her sandcastle building fun.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack were running up and down the beach, tossing a flying disc back and forth.

Fluttershy had already made herself known to all the local wildlife. She was speaking to the local crabs and seagulls of the beach. She even befriended an otter.

Rarity had found a spot to sunbathe, and laid herself down.

"You're just going to let me wander around the beach, and just sit back and watch?" Cozy asked.

"Mhm." Twilight replied.

"You seem unreasonably open today, Twilight." Cozy said.

"Because I've mellowed out. See, that's the magic of the beach, Cozy. There isn't any place more relaxing." Twilight answered.

"Sure you don't want to play it safe and return to Ponyville?" Cozy teased.

"Nope." Twilight answered, calmly.

Cozy scratched her head once again.

"Oh? Alright then." Cozy said.

"So, who do you want to play with first?" Twilight asked.

Cozy looked at each of Twilight's friends, but nothing seemed particularly suited to her interests.

"You know, I'll have to think about this for a moment." Cozy said.

Twilight and Spike lifted their shades and looked at each other.

"Not what you expected?" Spike asked.

"I don't know what to expect. Cozy's wildly unpredictable. I'm positive this will do her some good, I'm just not sure how yet. We'll let that happen on its own though." Twilight said.

"You sure about this?" Spike asked. "Unpredictable isn't a good quality if you're going to let her roam free here."

"I believe that we're going to see some meaningful progress here." Twilight said.

Cozy Glow decided to wander off from everypony, and relax on her own. She found what seemed to be a decent spot, and laid herself down.

Cozy closed her eyes and relaxed, letting herself be immersed in the moment. She watched the waves form, crash onto the beach, and then fall back to the ocean. A repetitious action, yet satisfying to watch nonetheless. The sound was the best part. The water crashing, and the wind blowing really captivated Cozy. It was so relaxing, she eased into a zen like state, where it seemed nothing aside from those waves existed, or mattered.

...

After a few moments though, Cozy snapped out of the moment, and opened her eyes.

Gah! Don't lose focus, Cozy. You were never going to let Twilight reform you, were you? she said in her head.

If not, then what was the point of listening to her, and going along with what she says? echoed a differently toned voice in her head.

Twilight thinks she has me figured out, but she's wrong! Your plan is subtle, you just gotta prevent yourself from reforming. Right now you need to do something mischievous. Nothing too extreme that they put you back in stone, but mischievous enough that she keeps mentoring you, and stays away from her duties in Canterlot. Hmm. A fine line, eh? This might actually be tougher than I thought.

Cozy looked at Twilight's friends having fun, and then a lightbulb went off in her head.

I don't know how honest you all are being, but I'm about to test your Elements. she thought, with a sinister grin.

Twilight and Spike continued to lay back and relax, whilst their friends continued their activities.

Cozy first approached Rainbow Dash and Applejack, and their catching game.

"Golly. You two are just throwing a flying disc at each other?" Cozy asked.

"You betch'a." Applejack replied.

"More specifically we're trying to have the most consecutive catches in a row without one of us missing." Dash explained.

"What's your rally score at now?" Cozy asked.

"66 consecutive rallies thus far." Applejack replied.

"We're aiming for at least 70. That would beat the Cloudsdale record, and it'd be a darn shame to miss it by just one point." Rainbow Dash said.

"Oh? I guess I should be careful around you guys." Cozy said.

"Don't worry about messing us up, squirt. Nothing can break my concentration." Rainbow Dash said.

"So it'd take something extreme to cause you to lose focus. Noted..." Cozy said.

Cozy Glow lost herself in her head thinking of all the mischievous ways she could sabotage their game. She even giggled slightly out loud.

"You wanna give it a go, Cozy?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Huh? What? Oh. You sure you want me to play?" Cozy asked. "I mean, I wouldn't want to disrupt your game."

"We're sure." Applejack said.

"Consecutive rallies doesn't mean it has to be in one sitting. Come on. You're a pegasus, let's see you flex those wings." Rainbow Dash said.

Cozy Glow stood opposite Rainbow Dash, with her legs spread wide. Dash was reeling back her hoof, getting ready to throw.

"Alright, Cozy. Get ready." Dash said.

Rainbow Dash threw the disc. Cozy Glow made a great big jump towards the disc, but she missed, and landed belly first and skid across the sand.

"You okay, Cozy?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Cozy sat up and wiped the sand off of her.

"I'm fine. I've had to endure worse." she said.

"That was quite the admirable dive you made." Applejack said.

"Yeah. I guess I'm no good at your game though..." Cozy said, shamefully.

"Don't give up so easily. It was only your first attempt." Dash said. "Try this next time. Think about where the disc is going to be, and aim there, instead of where it is in the present time."

"Hmm. That makes sense. Alright, I'll try that next." Cozy said.

Cozy Glow once again got into position. Rainbow Dash threw the flying disc once again. Cozy jumped for it, and this time caught it perfectly.

"There ya go, Cozy." Applejack said.

"That's what I'm talking about." Dash added.

"Again! But this time stand farther away!" Cozy exclaimed.

Dash once again stood. This time, they stood quite the distance from each other.

"Now that I know you got the moves, I'm giving it all I got."

Cozy nodded, appearing quite confident anyway.

Dash through the disc, and Cozy flew for it, but missed.

Dash and AJ gasped, but Cozy didn't give up. She turned around in the air, and flew after the disc. She dove for it, stretched her front limbs out, and it landed in her hooves, right as she landed on the sand.

"Nice catch, Cozy!" Applejack said.

"Sick flying as well." Dash added.

"Thanks." Cozy said, while giggling.

Cozy was having a fun time, but that was a problem for her plan.

"I mean, pfft. Whatever. Easy game." she said, all of the sudden appearing disinterested.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at each other, perplexed.

Next, Cozy Glow intruded on Rarity.

Rarity was laying down on a beach chair, when all of the sudden, something blocked out the sun.

"What happened? Has the night won?!" Rarity exclaimed, in a panic.

Rarity sat up and saw that Cozy Glow had placed a large umbrella over her, blocking out the sun.

"You looked like you were just cooking in this sun, so I moved an umbrella over you, Ms. Rarity." Cozy said.

"But, darling, I'm sun bathing. That's kind of the point." Rarity said.

"I thought ponies came to the beach to bathe in the ocean." Cozy said.

"My my. Girl really hasn't gone out much..." Rarity said, under her breath.

"Well if you don't want it, I suppose I can just put it back." Cozy said.

"Yes. I would appreciate that, darling." Rarity said.

Cozy lifted the umbrella out of the sand, but suddenly, the wind was starting to pick up the umbrella.

The wind was quite strong, and Cozy nearly lost her grip. This gave her a potential idea.

Cozy Glow next decided to check in on Fluttershy. Fluttershy had spent her beach time communicating with the local wildlife.

Fluttershy had two seagulls, three crabs, and even an otter.

"What have you got here, Fluttershy?" Cozy asked.

The critters chirped, and made loud noises.

"Oh, I've just been getting to know the local wildlife of this beach. Hehe." Fluttershy said. "My favorite part of the beach no doubt is the diverse ecosystem of animals that call this region their home. Though it's not the season, baby sea turtle hatching is also among my favorite things to see."

"That sounds incredible, Fluttershy." Cozy said, showing genuine interest in Fluttershy's exposition.

"And the otters lay on their bellies in the open ocean, and open up mollusks, so they can feed themselves, and their babies." Fluttershy explained.

Cozy was fascinated by Fluttershy's explanation.

"Wow... I mean, whatever. They're just a bunch of dumb sea creatures." Cozy said.

Cozy turned her head away, and trotted off.

Fluttershy and her critters looked quite disheveled.

"She's uh... new to this whole friendship thing. Don't mind her too much." Fluttershy said to the beach critters.

Finally, Cozy Glow checked out Pinkie's sandcastle construction zone. Cozy was actually quite impressed by Pinkie's work.

"Those are some big sandcastles you've made so far, Pinkie." Cozy said.

"Thanks! I put a lot of hard work, sweat, tears, and fun into these sculps." Pinkie said.

Cozy was surprised at how tall Pinkie was able to make a sandcastle. It didn't seem possible, like it shouldn't be standing.

"You know, the taller a structure gets, the less stable it becomes." Cozy said, with a devious smile.

"Yep. I'm well aware. That's why structures need a wider and stronger base. To support all the weight. But it also comes down to-" Pinkie said.
'-simple center of gravity principle. That's why nearly all ancient pony civilizations tended to build tall structures that were more pyramid-esque in shape." Cozy added.
"Pyramids are after all the most stable shape for a tower-" Pinkie added.

"-while also being the most efficient, requiring only a modest amount of building material."
"-while also being the most efficient, requiring only a modest amount of building material."
They said, simultaneously.

The two of them looked at each other, surprised at each other's niche interest in architecture. They then both started laughing together. But upon realizing this, Cozy shook herself, and snapped out of the moment.

"NO!!! No! No! NO!! You're not supposed to be having fun! I'm not supposed to be having fun! I'm supposed to be conquering you!" Cozy exclaimed.

Cozy started to have a meltdown. Her tantrum caught the attention of everypony on the beach.

"Woah, Cozy. Calm down." Rainbow Dash said.

"It's alright. Just relax." Applejack said.

"What's the matter, Cozy?" Fluttershy asked.

"Your guy's plan to manipulate me to be good nearly got to me! But you can't fool me! You think I can't do any harm? I can do plenty of harm!" Cozy exclaimed.

Twilight and Spike sat back and lowkey watched the events unfold.

"Um, Twilight..." Spike said to Twilight, nervously.

"Yeah, I see, Spike." Twilight said.

"Should we do something?" Spike asked.

"Not yet. Just keep watching her." Twilight replied, calmly.

Cozy picked up an umbrella, and closed it. Cozy felt a gust of wind behind her, and let go of the umbrella, sending it flying through the air like a pin missile.

"Look out!"

"AHH!!"

Everypony ducked for cover.

The umbrella ended up impacting and impaling the tallest sandcastle. It went all the way through, though the structure stayed standing.

"My sandcastle!" Pinkie exclaimed, running to her sandcastle's aid.

"Golly-oopsie. I guess I should've been more careful." Cozy said, innocently.

Everypony's eyes widened, and they all looked at one another.

"Did you just try to... She tried to-" Rainbow Dash started fuming.

"Now Rainbow, calm yerself. She was just tryin' to have fun with us." Applejack said.

Cozy puffed out her chest and slowly flew towards Twilight's friends.

"You call that fun?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I call it evil!" Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and AJ backed away slowly, they bumped into Pinkie Pie beside the castle. They all had their backs against the tall sandcastle, and watched Cozy inch towards them.

Cozy then flew to the top and kicked the giant sandcastle, causing the whole structure to collapse onto the mane 5.

Twilight and Spike gasped at what they'd just witnessed.

Inside the pile of sand, Twilight's friends were fine, but feeling a bit claustrophobic.

"That's it! We gave her a chance, but she's still a brat! Can we just be done with this already!?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"No! It isn't what Twilight wants us to do." Fluttershy said.

"Then how do we fight against her without throwing hooves?" Applejack asked.

"We're not fighting! We have to follow Twilight's lead and be her friend no matter what!" Fluttershy said.

"Okay, but I'm like, really peeved right now." Dash said.

Pinkie Pie started giggling.

"Why are you laughing Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Because you said a funny word." Pinkie said, giggling.

"How can you laugh at this? She tried to impale us!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"I'd never been more scared of anything ever." Rarity added.

"Exactly. It was pretty spooky." Pinkie said, continuing to laugh.

"How could you laugh in the face of... oooohhh, that's it!" Applejack exclaimed.

Outside the sand pile, Cozy wiped her hooves clean of sand, and looked behind her looking most satisfied.

"And that takes care of that." Cozy said, wiping her hooves clean.

Twilight and Spike sat up, and looked at Cozy. They were quite shocked at what they'd just witnessed.

"Cozy Glow? What happened? Why'd you bury my friends?" Twilight asked, feeling disappointed.

Cozy put on her sad face, and teared up. "Oh? Are they hurt? I-I'm so sorry. I guess I still have a lot to learn about friendship. I was just trying to-"

Cozy heard giggling from inside the sand pile.

"WHAT?!" she exclaimed, dropping the act.

Pinkie emerged from the sand pile, laughing hysterically.

"That was so much fun, Cozy!" Pinkie exclaimed.

The rest of Twilight's friends emerged from the pile of sand and were laughing as well.

Cozy's jaw was dropped. She couldn't believe it. Twilight and Spike were also surprised.

"Twilight, look!" Spike said, ecstatically

*gasp* "Giggling at the ghosties." Twilight said.

"Do it again, Cozy!" Fluttershy exclaimed.

"Do it with even more sand!" Rainbow Dash shouted, joyfully.

"NO! You were all meant to be buried alive until... *panting* Cozy was so angry, and hot, she ran out of breath.

"D'awww. Is somepony out of bweath?" Rarity teased.

Cozy collapsed face first into the sand. She mumbled something into the sand.

Twilight and friends initially looked concerned. But then Pinkie winked at Twilight, which reminded her of what to do.

"You know, Cozy. I was kinda worried when I saw what happened. But, hehe, it was kinda funny what you did, actually." Twilight said.

Cozy groaned into the sand.

"And you wanna know something else? I've been able to tell the real you apart from the fake you for a while now. Since I've seen both, the difference is quite pronounced actually." Twilight said. "You were trying so hard to create chaos and mischief. Emphasis on trying, because I can already see that it's already your natural tendency to be good."

Cozy rolled over onto her back, and faced Twilight and friends.

"No... you guys aren't supposed to be having fun. I'm not supposed to have fun. You're supposed to be my enemies." Cozy said.

"And why is it supposed to be that way?" Twilight asked.

"Because... that's how it's always been. Even yesterday." Cozy said.

"Cozy, I told you, today's a new day." Twilight said.

"But if I'm not your enemy, then what am I?" Cozy asked.

"Our friend." everypony said simultaneously.

Cozy froze. Her pupils dilated, and she stared into space.

"Is she okay?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Should we say something?" Rarity asked.

Cozy was still frozen, as if she couldn't hear anypony.

"I think some compliments couldn't hurt." Spike said.

"Thanks, Cozy Glow, for making this the most exciting beach adventure ever!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"You sure know how to bring on the fun." Fluttershy added.

Cozy's eyes returned to normal, and she spoke. "Um... thanks?" Cozy rubbed her mane, and was flattered by the compliments.

Twilight looked at Cozy Glow, and saw a hint that she was starting to smile. Cozy was nearly there, now she just needed that last push, and Twilight thought of what she thought was the cherry on top.

"I take it you've all had enough of the beach?" Twilight asked.

Everypony gave an affirmative nod.

"How about we pack things up for now, and go on a little journey?" Twilight asked.

"Can't we just go home now?" Cozy asked.

"I don't know. I still got a bit of adventure swelling within me. Who's up for a trip to the top of Mount Aris?" Twilight said.

There was a delayed reaction from Twilight's friends. But Twilight cocked her head, and did a fake cough.

"Oh. Yeah!" they cheered.

"A climb to the top of what now?" Cozy asked, dazed.

Cozy looked up and saw just how far up it was to the top of Mount Aris.

"Fine. I'll join you guys. On one condition. I want you to find a nice little cave for me to hibernate in. I can't take much more of this..." Cozy said, tired.

Chapter 4

The mane 6, Spike, and Cozy were all trekking up the trail to the lookout point atop Mount Aris. After a long day of beach fun, the ponies were tired, but fortunately, there was a nice path to the top, even though it was steep.

Cozy trailed behind everypony else. Whether she was tired, or disinterested, or both, was tough to say. Twilight thought of a way to get Cozy's interest.

Twilight fell herself to the ground, and begged for help. "Help me, Cozy. I can't quite pull myself up." she said.

"Yeah you can. Quit pretending." Cozy exclaimed.

"Ahh. My wings. You'll... you'll have to come up with something, Cozy." Rainbow Dash said.

"I don't know if we can make it to the end of the trail if we don't work together." Pinkie added. "We're going to need you to use your special talents to help us."

Cozy was hardly amused by their obvious acting.

"Oh please. This is a walk in the park compared to Mt. Everhoof. Seriously, this is just a steep trail. Everhoof was a daring death defying trek to the top that I accomplished. And if you're trying to recreate the "magic" that happened there, I'm afraid you're just grasping at straws." she shouted.

Cozy flew ahead of everypony, presumably just to end the day sooner.

Twilight's friends looked at her, with looks of worry. They all huddled together and spoke within their circle.

"What do we do now?" Applejack asked.

"Well, what are we doing wrong?" Fluttershy asked in return.

"I think she has a point. Perhaps by pretending, we are talking down to her a tad." Rarity said.

"Cozy's obviously a very talented mountaineer, so I think I know what to do." Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash left the huddle and flew after Cozy..

"Wait, Rainbow Dash." Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash had caught up to Cozy and spoke to her.

"Hey, Cozy." Rainbow Dash said.

"Hmph." Cozy pouted.

"I just wanted to ask. You can't just casually mention that you climbed to the highest and most challenging summit in Equestria without breaking down how you accomplished that.

"Huh. Well, if you must know, I probably could've made it to the top on my own, but that old gate keeper pony wouldn't let me. But when I returned with Tirek and Chrysalis, that's when the real journey began. See, we-"

Twilight and co trailed behind as Cozy and Rainbow conversed. They smiled, as it seemed explaining her accomplishment perked up Cozy.

Finally, with only a few more minutes of sunlight left, everypony reached the end of the trail, where the Hippogriffs built their palace.

"And that's how I made it to the top of Mt. Everhoof." Cozy said.

"Sweet story, Cozy." Twilight said.

"It is. But hey, were you listening in on me?" Cozy asked.

"We couldn't help but overhear just a little bit." Applejack said.

"But we were really impressed by what we heard." Pinkie said.

"Oh? Well... thanks." Cozy said.

"But, you did leave out my favorite part." Twilight said.

Cozy knew exactly what Twilight was referring to.

"Pfft. Whatever. Not like there was anything meaningful there. That's the last time I let myself get carried away on the top of a mountain." Cozy said.

"But, Cozy. We've already reached the top of a mountain." Twilight said, joyfully.

"Oh. So we have. Huh. Well, about time." Cozy said, trying to sound unimpressed.

"So, how do you feel Cozy?" Fluttershy asked.

"I feel... well, I don't know how I feel." Cozy replied. "It was an easy trip, but it actually did feel kind of nice... I mean, no it didn't. I was bored stiff the whole way up."

Spike something

"Cozy Glow, why do you keep insisting on pushing back? You keep correcting yourself like you've got something to hide. Why are you so hesitant to go with the flow." Spike asked.

"Because..." Cozy knew why, but had trouble thinking of a way to say it.

The mane 6 saw more of Cozy's conflicted nature. They weren't sure what to do next. But then Twilight remembered the next step of her plan.

"Well, what are we standing around for? Let's take in the view." she said.

Spike gently nudged Cozy to face the direction of the landscape below. And wow. Cozy looked out and saw all of Equestria, and her breath was taken away at the sight.

"Wow. What a view." she said.

The sun was touching the western horizon, and cast extremely long shadows all throughout Equestria.

"Looks like the sun's going down." Twilight said.

"I can see that. yawn It's been a long day..." Cozy said, with her tiredness showing through her soft voice.

Cozy continued to look out. She could practically see all of Equestria from here. The southern tip of Equestria, the desert. To the grassy midlands where Ponyville sat. The hill which hosted Canterlot stood very tall. Even the summit of Mt. Everhoof could be barely seen poking up from the horizon.

"Equestria's a big, wide place, home to many creatures." Twilight said.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I suppose it is..." Cozy said, still tired.

"But we're glad you're here with us." Spike said.

Cozy had the longest blink she'd ever had, and looked at Twilight and Spike.

"Me?" she asked.

Twilight's friends all nodded.

"But... even after everything I've done, you honestly think that?" Cozy asked.

Her friends all nodded again.

"Of course we do. Now..." Twilight tried to quell her excitement, as she prepared for the highly anticipated question. "Are you ready to be our friend, Cozy?"

Cozy was somehow surprised to hear this question once again. She should've been expecting it, but something about this moment caused her to let her guard down, and hearing the question now somehow got through to her. Cozy put her head down and thought hard.

"Cozy?" Twilight asked.

Shh " She's thinking." Spike said.

Cozy took in her surroundings closely. She had reached the summit of Mount Aris, it was sort of like the time she'd reached the top of Mt. Everhoof. Except while that mountain was at the northern tip of Equestria, this island lay in the southern ocean, practically on the other side of the land. But just like that time spent on Everhoof, she didn't just feel the elevation of the high peak. She felt like she was literally teetering on an edge.

Back then, she chose to follow through with Chrysalis and her backstabbing plan, and never looked back. And all that resulted in was misery and suffering for her. Even before the punishment, her entire alliance was still built on mistrust, and likely would've broken apart once their mission was complete. Yet here she was again, as unlikely as it seemed, on the edge teetering on two pathways. Cozy realized that Twilight and her friends spent the whole day trying to please her, but really, it was all building up to this moment. If she turned away this opportunity, there might not ever be another one like it. Staring once again out to the vast landmass that was Equestria. Was it worth trying to claim all of it, and make it hers? How many friends could she possibly hope to make if she chose treachery? How would she fare living alone in the wilderness? She had nowhere else to go after all.

After some much needed deep thinking, Cozy took a deep breath, and turned around, and for the first time, she smiled at Twilight and said: "Alright, fine."

"Really!!?" Everypony gasped, and looked at Cozy, in amazement, and part in disbelief.

Cozy took a step back, slightly intimidated by everyone's reaction. The mane 6 realized this, and quelled their excitement.

ahem "I mean, you mean it, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"So, that's it? You're good now?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, I guess I so." Cozy said. "Evildoing just doesn't make much sense any more. I already achieved more power than I could reasonably hope to control. But it never seemed to end well for me. Why bother chasing power if I know it isn't going to end well? And besides, if you are all really willing to give me a chance, who am I to pass it up?"

"Indeed. I'm very proud of you, Cozy. Very well put. There's still one more thing we need to see from you, Cozy." Twilight said.

"Huh? Oh, right." she said.

Cozy cleared her throat.

"I'm... uh..." Cozy started to say something, but she seemed to have trouble getting her thoughts out.

"Go on, Cozy. No need to be shy." Twilight said.

"Okay... I'm *sniff* I'm... I'm sorry." Cozy apologized.

"Thank you, Cozy. But, um, anything else?" Twilight asked.

"And... I'm sorry I trapped you in Tartarus. I'm sorry I tried to drain all the magic. And I'm sorry that I led... *sniff* a direct attack on Canterlot... *sniff* am I forgetting anything?" Cozy's voice choked up the more she apologized.

Twilight giggled slightly at Cozy's question at the end.

"Oh, Cozy. Apology accepted." Twilight said. "Huh?"

It was then that Twilight noticed something about Cozy. She was starting tear up.

Twilight's friends all noticed this too, and jumped in and spoke.

"Apology accepted." Rainbow Dash said.

"Huh?" Cozy heard Rainbow Dash, and looked up, surprised.

In fact, all of Twilight's friends joined in and welcomed her.

"We forgive you, Cozy. You've shown tremendous growth, and we have every reason to believe you." Rarity said.

"Gee. Thanks, guys." Cozy said, still tearing up.

"And you know what, on the subject of apologies, we're sorry for what we let happen to you, Cozy." Rarity said.

"Yeah. We're all sorry for letting all that stuff happen to you, Cozy Glow." Rainbow Dash said.

Applejack removed her hat before speaking. "I suppose we got all caught up in our victory, we didn't take the time to properly think over what ought'a be done about ya."

"Yeah. We're sorry for taking things too far. I believe you deserved better on that day." Spike said.

Twilight's friends all nodded in agreement with Spike's statement.

"You don't have to apologize. I'd say it was honestly pretty necessary." Cozy said.

"Yes we do. Cozy, you were scared you were gonna remain that way forever. You said so yourself." Twilight said.

Cozy turned her head, to hide how sad she felt being reminded of how awful it felt.

"I never figured we'd be leaving you in stone for forever though. I always figured we'd get to you sooner or later." Pinkie said.

"I never thought there was any doubt. I figured Discord was just setting you up to be reformed later, just like how he was." Fluttershy said.

"Mhm. Before, at the School of Friendship, I said that you didn't understand friendship, Cozy. But now I have no doubt in my mind that you not only understand the reason to make friends, you like having true true friends after all." Twilight said.

Twilight held her hoof forward.

Cozy wept, and backed up a little.

She then looked behind her once again, at the vast unknown landscape of Equestria. But in front of her stood Twilight, offering her hoof once again. There was only one choice in Cozy's mind. She lunged forward and hugged Twilight.

Twilight smiled and looked at Cozy warmly.

"There's just one more thing I don't understand. How can you guys possibly forgive me for all I did?" Cozy asked.

"Quite easily, actually. Especially now that you've owned up to your actions." Twilight said.

Twilight and friends then heard Cozy's breath choke up.

"Cozy? Are you okay?" Spike asked.

Cozy moved her head back, and they could see she was crying.

"Are you okay, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

*sniff* "I-I... I just can't believe this is happening. I just assumed we'd be enemies for life. I never suspected I'd be on your radar for redemption. Nor did I think I wanted it. I didn't give much thought to you guys, or your friendship lessons, but now I..." *sniff*

Twilight wiped the tears from Cozy's face, and then stroked her mane.

The sun had disappeared behind the horizon. The sky turned from orange, to red, and it was starting to get a little darker outside.

"You seem very tired, Cozy. Why don't we fly home and have a rest?" Twilight said.

*yawn* "That does sound nice..." Cozy said, still even more tired.

Cozy nudged her head against Twilight, and then collapsed beneath her, and fell asleep.

"Awww. The filly's lost all her energy." Rarity said.

Twilight sat down, rested Cozy onto her lap, and put her hoof to Cozy's mane. Twilight's friends huddled in closely.

"Thank you all for joining me on this journey. I couldn't have done it without you." Twilight said.

"Say no more, Twilight. Making friends is what we're all about, isn't it?" Pinkie said.

"Yeah. I suppose this isn't anything too surprising. Still, it's nice to finally see it happen." Twilight said.

"Yep. It was only a matter of time." Spike added.

Never thought you'd see the day, uh? Yep. Twilight laid her friends out strategically, led me down their path, and had me cornered. Check, and mate. You love to see it though, don't ya? Ahh. Poor, Cozy. Call it cheesy, or sappy, or whatever you want. Me personally, it just warms my heart to see me treated so nicely. It's all I can imagine wanting for myself at this point. I thought that just having ponies follow me in the School of Friendship for the sake of power was what I needed, but Twilight and her friends found a better, less destructive way to fill my needs. Mmm. And although this was the moment I realized it was okay to embrace friendship, it wasn't the end of the growing pains that came along with rejoining Equestria. I'll tell you all about that in the next chapter though. Thanks for reading along so far, everypony. You guys are awesome.

Chapter 5

It was the next morning. The sun began to rise, as it did every morning. Inside the castle of friendship, Cozy Glow laid asleep in her little room. The bright sunlight came through the window woke her up slowly. She let out a hearty yawn, and opened her eyes.

"Eergh. What a night." she said to herself.

Cozy stepped out of her room, and was immediately greeted by Twilight Sparkle.

"Good morning, Cozy Glow." Twilight said, with a large grin.

"Um, good morning, Twilight." Cozy said, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Everything alright, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"I think so. Though, I just had the craziest dream last night. I dreamt that we went to Mount Aris, and you guys sparked all these deep emotional connections within me... and I gave in and reformed." Cozy explained.

"But, Cozy, it wasn't a dream. It was real." Twilight said.

"It was?" Cozy asked.

Twilight nodded.

Cozy shook her head.

"Oh. Thank hoofness. I was worried it was just a dream, and that it wasn't real." Cozy said. "Or worse, that this whole thing is still another delusion dreamt up while I'm in stone."

Cozy clapped her hooves together to make sure things were real.

"Well, we're glad you're here, and that you're our friend for real." Twilight said.

"Thanks. And you know, I'm glad too. I truly am. I uh... I look forward to working alongside you, and not having to resist your kind gestures." Cozy said.

"I'm glad to hear, Cozy. And I'm looking forward to having you under my wing, as we work towards making more friends." Twilight said.

Cozy gave a light smile. She was just relieved to have Twilight be a little less of a nuisance, but it did feel nice.

Twilight and Cozy entered the library, and saw Starlight stood atop a tall ladder, organizing books. Cozy was excited to speak to Starlight, and tell her about her day yesterday.

"Good morning, Starlight!" Cozy said with a cheery tone. "How are you doing?"

Starlight looked at Cozy for a moment, but turned back around, and didn't reply back.

"I see. Well, I can't wait to tell you about yesterday. Oh, we had the most fun day ever yesterday! I wish you were there. Me, Twilight, and her friends we all..."

Despite Cozy's speech, Starlight seemed tuned out of the whole thing, which served to sour Cozy’s mood slightly.

"Is she even listening to me?" Cozy asked.

Twilight looked at Cozy nervously.

"Maybe we should leave Starlight be for now." Twilight said.

"But... I wanna tell her about our beach day. I wanna tell her how I felt becoming friends for real." Cozy said.

Twilight thought about it.

"Alright, Cozy. Just, be mindful." Twilight said.

Cozy nodded.

"Starlight. Can you please come down from the ladder and talk?" Twilight asked.

Starlight still insisted on keeping herself quiet, and did not come down.

"Is she alright?" Cozy asked.

"I think so." Twilight said.

"Well, I'm not so sure." Cozy said. "Can you talk to her for me?"

"I'll do it. I'm wondering what Starlight's thinking myself." Twilight said.

"Starlight! Would you please come down and talk, Starlight?" Twilight asked.

Starlight didn't seem up to it, but she did finally decide to come down.

"Is everything alright, Starlight?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah. Everything’s fine.” Starlight said.

"Would you like to talk, Starlight?" Twilight asked.

"Um..." Starlight looked at Cozy.

"Mind if we talk some other time?" Starlight asked.

Cozy looked down. Twilight wasn't having it though.

"Would you be more comfortable if we talked in private, Starlight?" Twilight asked.

"Sure, Twilight." Starlight said.

Cozy left the library so they could chat on their own. But she stayed close, and listened through the door. Even though they were in the other room, Cozy could hear their conversation quite clearly.

"What did you want to say, Twilight?" Starlight asked.

"Well, as you might've noticed. Cozy Glow's been acting a little friendlier this morning. There's a whole story behind that she began to explain."

"That's good." Starlight said.

"So, what do you think?" Twilight asked.

"About what?" Starlight asked.

"About Cozy? Have you come to accept Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"...So, is that really it?" Starlight asked.

"Is what it?" Twilight asked.

"You think she's completely reformed now? Do you fully trust Cozy Glow now?" Starlight asked.

"Of course. We had so much fun with her yesterday." Twilight said.

"I see. Well, that's... I suppose that's good." Starlight said.

"You don't sound so sure." Twilight said.

Starlight bit her lip, and was starting to look visibly frustrated.

"Starlight. Spit it out! Do you trust Cozy, or not?" Twilight asked.

"No! No I don't. Okay? Is that what you want me to say?" Starlight asked.

*gasp* "Starlight..." Twilight said.

"I hate to break it to you, Twilight, but how do you know you can really trust her? How can we know that everything she's said about redemption so far is for real, and isn't part of her latest scheme?" Starlight asked.

"What? No way. You should've been there on the beach getaway. I think something really clicked in her." Twilight said.

"Or, that's just what she wants you to think, and this is all just part of her latest scheme." Starlight said.

"Starlight, please listen. She's good now. She's sweet, and she's my friend." Twilight said.

"She was sweet before, and she was our friend before. She was your right hoof pony in the School of Friendship. And you saw as well as I did how that turned out." Starlight said.

"Of course I saw, Starlight. I was there in the School of Friendship. I saw what her make-believe demeanor looked like, and I saw her on Mount Aris yesterday. She's a totally different pony now. I highly doubt she even could be pretending at this point." Twilight said.

"Well, I still have my doubts." Starlight said. "She misused our trust in her, nearly drained all the magic from Equestria, nearly destroyed me, and nearly had you trapped in Tartarus forever. Her weapon of choice was deception. Why should we trust her ever again?!”

Cozy gasped upon hearing this. Cozy looked down, and then looked quite peeved. After hearing Starlight say that, Cozy left, and tuned out the rest of their conversation.

Twilight took a long pause before replying.

"Because... look, I completely fully understand why you'd be so skeptical. But I promise you, I've seen some truly meaningful growth and development within her. She's truly starting to see friendship in a brighter light. And I believe it isn't for pretend." Twilight said.

"Do you really think so, Twilight?" Starlight asked.

"I know so. She's a totally different pony now. Look, she caught us by surprise with her insincere soupy sweetness before. But we've seen the real her now, and this is a new her. I understand the hesitancy, but I don't think you should write her off, or just keep continue too be cautious. I think she'd be grateful if you listened to what she had to say. And I think you'd very soon see for yourself the progress she's made."

"Hmm... *sigh* Look, Twilight. You had trust in her before, and we all got burnt for it. I just don't want that to happen again." Starlight said.

"I see. But look, Cozy is capable of learning. She has her own issues, and we've been working through those with her. You trust me, don't you?" Twilight asked.

"Of course I trust you, Twilight." Starlight replied.

"Then please join me in giving Cozy Glow a chance." Twilight said. "You know as well as anypony how hard it can be to be forgiven. It all starts with opening up and giving her a chance. Me and the rest of the girls already have. So please, I ask you nicely."

"...Alright. But I'm keeping my eyes peeled." Starlight said.

"Whatever it takes for you." Twilight said.

Twilight and Starlight exited the room. They made it out soon enough to see Cozy in the distance trotting away.

"Cozy Glow!" Twilight called out.

Cozy turned her head around.

"Where are you going, Cozy? Starlight would like to speak to you." Twilight said.

Cozy Glow nervously approached Twilight and Starlight.

"Um. Heya, uh, Starlight. Is everything alright?" Cozy asked.

"Yeah. Everything's fine. What's on your mind, Cozy?" Starlight asked.

*ahem* "Well, as you might've heard, me, Twilight, and her friends, all went on this amazing beach journey yesterday. Wish you could've been there. We all had so much fun on the sand, and then we all went to the top of Mount Aris, where we..." Cozy said.

"I see." Starlight said.

"But, before I explain any more, there's something more important I need to get out. *ahem* Starlight, I'm sorry. I-I'm... sorry that I tried to drain all the magic... and that I pushed you into the spell... and I'm sorry for... what I did to Canterlot. It was wrong for me to do those things, and I'm just grateful that you're okay."

Cozy was choked up apologizing to Starlight. She turned her head away in shame.

"...It's okay, Cozy." Starlight said.

"It's okay? So uh... do you forgive me, Starlight?" Cozy asked.

"It's fine, Cozy. Don't sweat it." Starlight said.

"Don't... sweat it?" Cozy replied.

"Yeah. Everything's cool." Starlight said.

Starlight then left.

Cozy went into her room alone.

"Cozy?" Twilight asked.

Cozy then closed the door to her room.

Twilight wanted to say something more, but she didn't want to be too pushy, so she left Cozy to herself.

Cozy Glow was laying on her back on her bed, alone in her room, still frustrated with Starlight.

"Don't sweat it? DON'T SWEAT IT?! What's that supposed to mean? How can you be so nonchalant about this whole thing!?"

*Grr* "What's her problem?" Cozy asked herself.

"What's your problem?" Cozy replied to herself.

"I said I was sorry. My spell was stopped, okay? The magic didn't go away forever. Y'all got the last laugh after my Canterlot attack. What more does she want!?"

Cozy sat up, but only let her anger swell up even more.

"You don't trust me Starlight? Well, maybe you're right. I'll show you. You're afraid, of me? I'll give you a reason to be afraid!"

"I'll show her. I'll show her something to fear! I'LL-"

Cozy was then startled by some knocking on her door.

"AH!" she exclaimed.

The knocking startled her, which caused her to back up, and accidently bump into a bookshelf, knocking down some books.

"Don't come in, Twilight! My room's a... a mess!" Cozy exclaimed.

Cozy picked up everything, and tried to reorganize.

"It's me." said the voice. And it wasn't Twilight's voice.

"Spike?" Cozy said.

"Yeah. Can I come in?" Spike asked. "I just want to talk."

"Uh..." Cozy looked around, and everything seemed fine. "...Sure, come in."

The door opened, and in came Spike.

"Hey, Cozy. Woah! What happened in here?" Spike asked.

"Nothing." Cozy said, hiding her guilt.

"You alright, Cozy?" Spike asked.

"I'm fine. What do you want, Spike?" Cozy asked.

"Twilight told me about what happened, and I wanted to make sure you were okay, Cozy." Spike said.

"Oh, that? Don't worry about it. It's not like I'm bothered by what Starlight said." Cozy said.

Spike looked around at the sudden mess in her room.

"Right..." he said, doubtfully. "Listen, it's alright. She'll come around in time."

"Hmph." Cozy pouted.

"Twilight's speaking to Starlight again. She'll probably come around much sooner than you think. Would you be interested in apologizing again? Spike asked.

"Why should I have to apologize again? If she doesn't want to forgive me, then that's an issue she needs to overcome on her own." Cozy said.

"Can't you approach this with an open mind? I mean, that's what we're asking of her." Spike said.

Cozy looked down, still pouting. She then looked up back at Spike.

"Please just leave me be for now, Spike." Cozy said, who was starting to weep again.

Spike nodded, and granted what Cozy requested.

Spike exited the room. But he was surprised by Twilight and Starlight standing right outside.

"Is Cozy Glow inside?" Twilight asked.

"She is. But, um..." Spike wasn't sure how to explain Cozy's predicament.

"Should I come back later?" Starlight asked.

"No. Don't go just yet. See-" Twilight started to say, before Spike spoke up.

"Actually... yeah. I don't think Cozy's ready. I think you should come back later, Starlight." Spike said.

"Ookay. Well, just let me know when you're all ready." Starlight said.

Starlight trotted off, leaving Twilight and Spike on their own.

"So, any progress with Starlight?" Spike asked.

"Not sure if I'd call it progress, but I think I understand more of what Starlight's going through." Twilight said.

"Yeah. Same with me and Cozy." Spike said.

"Starlight said she'd be willing to hear out Cozy, though I suppose the damage has been done?" Twilight asked.

Spike nodded.

*sigh* "If only there was a way for them to come together and reconcile." Twilight said.

"Let's just give them time." Spike said.

"Alright. Poor Cozy. I didn't think talking to Starlight would be this difficult for each other. I just want to help her." Twilight said.

"I know you do." Spike said.

Twilight and Spike left Cozy to herself for now.

Inside Cozy's room, Cozy laid on her back on her bed, thinking about today's events, and arguing with herself.

"Just admit it. There's nothing you can do to win her over. She'll always think you're a liar, and a deceiver. She'll never trust you. Nor will Bon Bon, or Mrs. Cake, or..."

*gasp* "Not even the... the Cutie Mark Crusaders?"

*Cozy nodded no*

"So then what about Twilight and her friends? They seem to trust me now. Are they the fools?"

"You're the fool for thinking you can be anything other than you're meant to be."

"But, we had so much fun together on Mount Aris. They seemed so inviting to me."

“Face it. Twilight and her friends are a bunch of weirdos who will forgive anyone, no matter the severity of what they did. Starlight’s setting your expectations correctly. Even if you maaaybe could convince her to trust you by making her question her logic, why bother? Do you really want to go through that song and dance for everypony in Ponyville? What’s the point of making friends if you have to trick ponies into liking you? Isn’t that what you were doing before anyway?”

Cozy stressed out, and was not looking forward to trying to make any more friends.

"Why is this so hard still!? Things were looking g up after yesterday, but, Starlight raises an excellent point. You can never be fully trusted."

"And if I can't be trusted, then I'm just playing Twilight and her friends for fools once again. What good am I to them here anyway?" Cozy looked out her window.

"Forget this. Forget them. This just isn't going to work out..."

Cozy opened the window, and climbed onto the window sill.

"Hmm. Shouldn't you tell Twilight about your plan?" Cozy tapped her chin and thought about it.

Even if Twilight could figure it out where Cozy was going, she figured she would write a little note explaining her reasoning for her following actions.

Some time later, Twilight knocked on Cozy Glow's door.

"Cozy Glow? You in there? Is it alright if I come in?" she asked.

But she was met with silence.

"Cozy?"

Twilight opened the door, and went inside, but Cozy Glow was not in the room. Instead, there was just an open window.

"Oh no..."

Twilight then discovered a note on the bed.

Thank you so much for all that you've done for me, Twilight Sparkle. I've thought a lot about what I've learned, and I've learned a lot about friendship because of you. However, I feel as though this whole 'make new friends thing' isn't going to work. You've done all you can for me I feel. So I felt it best to use my newfound friendship skills, and continue where things left off for me, and make friends with ponies my own size at the place where it all began.

Twilight met with Spike and discussed what to do.

"Now what do we do?" Spike asked.

"We look for her, obviously." Twilight replied.

"Why do you think left?" Spike asked.

"We could probably make an educated guess, but let's not waste time thinking about that." Twilight said.

"I hope Starlight doesn't find out about this." Spike said.

"Find out about what?" Starlight asked, who walked in on the two of them unexpectedly.

"GAH! Uh... no we were just um..." Spike tried to hide what was happening, but Twilight figured she'd may as well say.

"Cozy left the castle on her own." Twilight said.

Starlight paused, and then responded.

"Oh. Well, I hope she's okay." Starlight said.

"Hope nothing! You're coming with me to help find her, Starlight!" Twilight said, sternly.

Starlight pouted her lips, but quickly quelled herself.

"Very well." she said.

Nerves between the two unicorns was getting tense, so Spike interjected with something to ease the nerves.

"Hey, um. We still have her records in the School of Friendship. Maybe if we study them close enough, it could give us some clues on where she'd go." Spike said.

Neither pony had much to say at this moment though.

"Great idea, Spike. You always come up with the best ideas." Spike said with his best Twilight impression.

"I'd be happy to help you with this friendship problem, Twilight ol buddy. I’m glad we’re such good friends." Spike added, with his Starlight impression.

"What are you doing?" Twilight asked.

"Just lightening the mood.." Spike said.

In the School of Friendship, Twilight, Starlight, and Spike entered into the room of the Headmare, and found a strange surprise. A blue unicorn magician giving a practice speech.

"And that is why as Vice Headmare, I shall-"

"'Vice Headmare'?" Starlight asked, interrupting Trixie.

"What? It could still happen." Trixie said.

"Whatever. I need to see my student records." Twilight said.

"Fret not. I haven't touched a thing in here. Your records are all-"

Before Trixie finished her sentenced, Twilight opened a tall filing cabinet with her magic, and pulled out Cozy's student folder.

Twilight and Spike shifted through Cozy's records. They found information in regards to her supposed tastes, as well as where she came from before moving to the School of Friendship.

"...Um, Spike. How upset was Cozy when you spoke earlier?" Twilight asked.

"...I think based on what she wrote in her note, she definitely went back to her home town." Spike said.

"Then that's where we're heading. Immediately. You me, Starlight, and all our friends. We're all bound for-" Twilight said, before Trixie interrupted.

*ahem* “I don't suppose all your friends includes the Great and Powerful-" Trixie said, but was interrupted by Twilight.

"Yes, you can come. We could use some pony to make sure Starlight doesn't try any more funny business." Twilight said.

"Any more?" Starlight asked, raising her eyebrow.

"What did Starlight do this time?" Trixie asked.

"We'll explain everything later. For now, just get ready. We're about to head out soon." Spike said.

Chapter 6

Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, as well as Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Trixie had arrived Sunny Valley after a long train ride. Sunny Valley was a far away village, and is the original home town of Cozy Glow.

Starlight and Twilight's bickering didn't stop after the train ride there though. In fact, it only seemed to escalate as they explored the quiet village.

"I'm not saying I didn't do anything wrong. Or that I wasn't rude to her. But pegging all of this on me is a little unfair." Starlight said.

"I never said this was your fault. Where'd you get that idea!?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, that's just the impression I got when you were so insistent that I tag along on this journey." Starlight shot back.

"Oh? So you don't want to be here?! Do you not like Cozy Glow?!" Twilight asked.

"I never said any of those things! Now you're putting words into my mouth!" Starlight exclaimed.

"Hey! Chill out, girls. We're all on the same page, aren't we?" Spike asked.

"Are we? I'm not sure you want to accept Cozy Glow as a friend!" Twilight sassed.

"And why should I?! Just because you said so?!" Starlight sassed back.

"Hey! HEY! Break it up you two!" Spike exclaimed.

Spike physically put himself in between Twilight and Starlight.

"Please just stop arguing. Let's start from the beginning. Starlight, Twilight's on mission to reform Cozy Glow, as she's done with many old villains, even you. And I think it would make her pleased if you looked at Cozy with an open mind, and were willing to accept the possibility that maybe she has actually changed." Spike said. "And Twilight. I think you should take a moment to understand why Starlight may be having difficulty talking directly to Cozy."

Starlight and Twilight looked at each other, and then both started to look sad.

"Listen, Starlight, I just wanted to know why you acted so dismissive around Cozy earlier." Twilight said.

"It's just cause... you know, like I said before.

"I guess I just haven't seen reason to believe how this assignment is different than her School of Friendship tenure." Starlight said.

"Well, why didn't you come with us to Mount Aris, Darling?" Rarity asked.

"You should've seen how much fun she had on the beach, and how happy she was on the top of the mountain." Fluttershy said.

"I'm sure she was. All of you insist she was, so I guess that's on me for intentionally avoiding her." Starlight said.

"So you want more evidence that Cozy's changed, but you constantly avoid her, so you have less opportunity to see her change." Spike said.

Starlight looked at Spike, and sighed. "I haven't been handling this particularly well. I've been keeping my emotions bottled up. And Trixie knows how well that turned out the last time."

Trixie nodded in agreement.

"You guys worked so hard to get through to her, and I single handedly undid all the progress you made with her. I'm sorry, Twilight." Starlight said.

"It's okay, Starlight. And I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have been so dismissive of your feelings." Twilight said.

"You weren't being dismissive of my feelings. I was being dismissive of Cozy's feelings." Starlight said.

"Oh, come here. Let's hug it out, Starlight." Twilight said.

Twilight and Starlight gave each other a nice warm forgiveness hug.

"Woo hoo!" Pinkie cheered.

Starlight wiped away her tears. *sniff* "Come on, let's go help Cozy Glow."

Twilight smiled and gave an affirmative nod. "And it seems like we've reached our destination."

Everypony stood outside a large building. The signboard in the front displayed its proper title. The Sunny Valley Orphanage.

"A little on the nose, but it looks like this is the place." Spike said.

Everypony was nervous, but they trudged forward. Twilight opened the large entrance door with her magic, and led everypony inside slowly. Twilight was last to enter, shutting the door behind her.

Inside, it was very quiet. Almost a little unnerving in fact. There were three bored looking fillies sat around the lobby floor. A green-ish pegasus was laying on the beige carpet. A purple pegasus who twiddled with her mane, and an earthpony who kept their whole face planted down.

Twilight had to just trot past them for the time being, as she made her way to the front informational desk, helmed by a gray mare, reading a newspaper.

*ahem* "Greetings, ma'am. Is this the Sunny Valley orphanage?" Twilight asked.

"Yes it is. Who wants to kno... P-P-Princess Twilight?!" the mare was astonished when they looked and saw it was the Princess.

"Indeed it is." Twilight said.

"Ah. Oh. Um. W-What brings the Princess here of all places?" they asked.

"I'm here for some important matters, Miss..." Twilight replied.

"Miss Hardwinkle." the mare introduced her name.

"Miss Hardwrinkle, we were hoping to see our friend, assuming she's here of course." Twilight said.

"Oh? And whom might that be?" she asked.

"Her name is Cozy Glow." Twilight said.

"Cozy Glow? Hmm. Let's see." Miss Hardwinkle picked up a stack of papers, and shifted through them. "Cozy Glow? Cozy Glow. Hmm... Nope. Sorry, nopony named Cozy Glow here, nor has there ever been." the mare said.

"Never has been? That's so strange. Cozy's records show this is her hometown." Spike said.

"She's about yay high. Pegasus. Blue mane. Off-yellow bow. And she's pink. But not Pinkie Pie pink. It's more like a... pale pink." Rarity said, pointing at Pinkie Pie's pink coat.

"Well, there is a pony matching that description named uh..." The mare picked up some papers and tried to read them. "...Huh. I can't read this scratchy hoofwriting..."

"Well, is the pony of that description here?" Starlight asked.

"Oh yes. She hasn't left the building since she came back. Her room is down the left hall. Six doors down." Miss Hardwinkle said.

"That's probably her. I think we should get moving." Starlight said.

Twilight nodded, and then took a moment to thank the receptionist. "Much obliged, Miss-"

"Don't mention it." she said, interrupting Twilight.

Twilight and everyone slowly made their way down the hall, but in the process, they were being followed by the three little ponies from the lobby. Their little breaths were taken away just by the sight of an alicorn Princess.

Twilight turned around and gave a nervous smile and wave to everypony.

Twilight was surprised when one filly tugged on her tail.

"Hi, Princess Twilight Sparkle! My name's Miranda. Will you adopt me?!" she cried.

Suddenly, another filly came, and latched onto her wing. "No! Adopt me! My name's Ziggy!" she shrieked.

"Oh. I'm so sorry everypony. I'm just here for one pony in particular." Twilight said.

"Awww." they all groaned.

"Why her!?" Ziggy asked.

"Yeah! Why are you gonna adopt her?" Miranda added.

"I'm not gonna adopt her. I mean uh... I um..." Twilight bit her lip.

Spike stepped up to Twilight's side to crowd control the fillies.

*ahem* "The princess has important matters to discuss with an important figure concerning all of Equestria." Spike said.

"But..." they all said, sad.

"Us and Cozy have a history together, and right now we need to make things right." Starlight added.

The fillies looked at the mane ponies with wide and saddened puppy eyes.

Trixie sought give the fillies something, so she handed them special tickets.

"You needn't fret, my dear fillies. You three can have free front row seat tickets to Tr-r-r-ixie's combination magic show, and Headmare inauguration ceremony. That's a promise. Wink." Trixie said, winking.

But the fillies didn't seem impressed.

"Headmare inauguration? Of what school?" Starlight asked.

Everypony kept walking down the hall. Though it seemed rude to turn their backs on the fillies.

"We can't just brush these kids aside, can we?" Rarity whispered to Twilight.

"We'll come up with something. But for now, Cozy needs our help." Twilight whispered back.

They all finally made it to the sixth room down the correct hall.

"This should be the room." Twilight said.

"You ready, Twilight?" Spike asked.

Twilight nodded affirmatively.

Twilight knocked on the door, and waited for a moment, but there was no response back.

"Cozy Glow? Are you in there? It's me, your friend Twilight. Can I come inside, please?" Twilight asked.

...Still no response.

"I just want to talk to you. You don't have to let anypony else in if you don't want to." Twilight added. "Come on, Cozy. I know you're in there, and I know we hurt your feelings. So please, come out and we'll make things right."

After a period of silence, the door did unlock, and open. It opened only slightly, and there seemed to be nopony to greet anyway. Twilight took it as a gesture to come in though.

Twilight opened the door the rest of the way, and peaked her head inside. Inside, she saw Cozy Glow laying down on a bed.

"Cozy Glow?" Twilight asked.

"Oh. Hey, Twilight.." Cozy said, quietly.

"May I come in, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

Cozy nodded without speaking. Twilight entered the room, while her friends waited outside.

"Are you okay, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"Yep. Never brighter..." Cozy said, deadpan.

Cozy didn't seem as bright as she said though. She seemed bored, and disinterested in interacting with anyone.

"Why'd you run away without telling me directly? All you left us was a note." Twilight asked.

"So... I didn't think you'd approve of my idea, so I just did it on my own." Cozy explained. "I didn't want to completely leave you in the dark though, so I gave you a clue, which you seem to have picked up on."

"But, why run away in the first place?" Twilight asked.

*sigh* "Well, if you read my note thoroughly, it should've made plenty of sense. But I'll explain it again. I will admit, you guys showed me a real fun time on the beach. I was starting to look up and be hopeful that things were going to turn out better. But, Starlight kind of set my expectations back in line." Cozy explained. "I appreciate the legwork you and your friends have put in, but I think you guys are the exception, rather than the rule. I just started to doubt that the whole "make new friends thing" was going to work..."

"Doubt?" Twilight asked.

Cozy nodded slowly. "Yeah. With nothing seemingly going right back in Ponyville, I thought there'd be nothing better for me to do than to have a fresh start. Which meant coming back to the place where it all started for me." Cozy explained.

Everypony looked at each other, sad. Listening to Cozy's woes filled Starlight with even more guilt.

"I'm sorry, Cozy." Twilight said.

"Oh, don't worry about me. It's been great here. You guys were worried I didn't have friends, but these are my original squad. Ziggy, Miranda, and Little Trombonist." she said with a phony grin.

Though, Cozy mentioning the three fillies just made them back away.

Cozy's sadness once again started to come out. "Oh, who am I kidding? This is exactly what I was afraid of happening when I considered reformation. I've lost all my identity. I'm not a villain any more, but I'm no good as anyone's friend. What do I have at this point?"

The rest of Twilight's friends entered the room.

"But, Cozy, you still have us as your friends." Rainbow Dash said.

"Yeah you say that, but..." *sniff* Cozy said.

"All the love and support from your friends means nothing if you don't feel it inside, huh, Cozy?" Spike said. "So what's wrong? What's troubling you?"

"Nothing. I'm just facing the facts." Cozy said. "I'm a reformed villain stuck in the middle of villainy, and good doing. There's no point in returning to villainy, but, not enough ponies want to trust me anyway."

"Well, what about you? Do you trust yourself, Cozy?" Spike asked.

"Maybe I... don't? *sniff* I've made such deliberate attempts at destruction. I don't know how any of you can trust me again." Cozy said, tearing up.

"We've been over this, Cozy. It ain't that big a deal now." Applejack said.

"And besides, it's alright to have a few past boo boos. We've all made mistakes or have done things we aren't proud of." Rarity said.

"Yeah right..." Cozy said.

"Uh, yeah is right. We've made soooo many mistakes. I don't know where to begin with all my mistakes." Spike said.

"Yeah? Like what?" Cozy asked.

"Like that time I became Applejack's assistant. Pfft. Talk about four left hooves. Am I right, Applejack?" Spike said, nudging Applejack. But she seemingly didn't want to add onto his point, leading to an awkward pause from everyone.

Rarity was next to speak. *ahem* "Well, as for me, probably my greatest regret was the time I overworked my friends to win the Manehatten Fashion show. I mostly wanted to win so I could get back at Suri Polomare for stealing my fabrics, but I got so carried away that I didn't consider my friends well being." she said.

Fluttershy chimed in as well. "There was the time I went too far with Iron Will's lessons, and became a huge meanie to all my friends. I thought being assertive was what I needed, but soon realized what a big meanie I became."

"I um, well, I suppose I can be a little overbearing at times. I may have been part of the reason that sent the Apple Family Barn crumblin', made Apple Bloom run away, and sent Holder's Boulder plummeting into a quarry." Applejack added.

Pinkie thought deeply, searching for a past mistake of hers. "Uh.... nope. I've never wronged anypony." she said.

Everypony looked at Pinkie with heavy skepticism.

"Okay. There was the time I scared Fluttershy into hiding because I made fun of her deeper voice. I uh, didn't mean to harm her. But that was an important lesson for me, that I should be more careful about what I say to a friend." Pinkie said.

"And while we're at it, let's not forget the time Rainbow Dash got in a trade dispute because she traded me for a signed Daring Do book." Fluttershy added.

Cozy thought to herself. Wow, these ponies were jerks to Fluttershy.

"Okay, maybe we don't have to relive every mistake we've made." Rainbow Dash said, trying to cover her tail.

Twilight snickered listening to her friends looking back on some of their less proud moments.

"Point is, each of us have all made loads of mistakes. Some of them caused great inconveniences to each other." Twilight said. "We all care for each other deeply, but sometimes our actions lead to unforeseen consequences."

Cozy was touched by their stories, but she wasn't fully won over yet.

"No... No. You're all still missing the point. You all just made a bunch of innocent little mistakes, that for the most part came from a good place. I literally tried to take over Equestria. I had every ill-intent you can imagine. That's so different from any of your little mishaps." Cozy said.

"But you don't anymore. Right, Cozy?" Spike asked.

Cozy wept. "No, I... don't?"

"You're a wiser pony than you were before, and you've promised you won't make those mistakes again. It actually isn't all that different after all." Twilight said.

"Is that so? But how can I believe in myself when no pony else does?" Cozy asked.

*ahem* "Because, Cozy. You shouldn't let what others say get you down. You need to truly believe in what you believe. Um, what you believe now, that is." Spike said.

"Indeed. I want you to truly believe in your reformation, Cozy. I know you can do it." Twilight said.

Cozy still seemed unsure.

"And besides, you're going to prove to everypony how much you've changed by showing them first hoof that you're a new and better pony! And it all starts here, with an old friend." Twilight said, directing her attention to Starlight.

Cozy looked at Starlight, which made her feel especially unsure.

Starlight felt unsure herself, but she knew it was her time to say something to Cozy.

"Hi, Cozy Glow." Starlight said, quietly, but openly.

"Starlight?" Cozy asked.

Cozy and Starlight slowly walked towards each other. Starlight held firm, but Cozy was uneasy, and quickly swelled up with emotions.

*sniff* "Oh, Starlight. I'm so sorry. I'm so ashamed of what I was before." Cozy said, crying. " I nearly destroyed everything, and you." *sob*

Starlight hugged Cozy Glow, and patted her back.

"It's alright, Cozy. Though, you don't have to totally reject who you were before. It's a part of who you are. We all start from some place different, and take different steps through life. Sure that stuff was iffy at best, but it's a step leading up to your reformation process. It's not an easy journey, but, no need to be ashamed of where you've started." Starlight said. "I can see you're on a path of recovery, and I don't want to be a roadblock any longer. I'll be here for you every step along the way, as your friend."

"My friend?" Cozy asked.

Starlight nodded. "Mhm. I'm sorry, Cozy Glow. I shouldn't have closed myself off to you like that. It wasn't fair. I should've been more open to seeing you for how you really are now. I thought I wouldn't be able to trust you, but, I think I just didn't trust myself."

Cozy hugged Starlight tighter.

"Hooray!" Pinkie cheered.

Starlight and Twilight patted Cozy on the head, which made her smile, and her eyes closed and looked like this ^^

"Thanks for coming all this way for me, guys." Cozy said. "It feels good when others help you out."

"It's the least we could do." Twilight said. "We were worried for you, and wanted to be sure you were okay."

Cozy rubbed her own mane, humbled by the words Twilight had said to her.

"Come on. Bring it home." Pinkie said.

Everypony hugged Cozy in a big group hug.

Cozy was comforted by the group hug. Even Starlight joined. She felt the warmth, and the heart. She felt welcomed by all of the mane six.

The three fillies watching the scene cooed, and went Awwww.

"Thanks, everyone." Cozy whispered.

Eventually, the group hug finished.

"Thanks, Starlight. I uh... I never really thought of it that way before. But thanks for putting it in perspective for me." Cozy said. "I uh... I feel much better about myself now."

Cozy Glow finally had a smile on her face. The mane 6 cheered her up, filled her up with a newfound sense of motivation.

"So, is that it? We all good?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Cozy nodded. "All good." she said, smiling.

"Alright. Come on, Cozy. Let's head back to Ponyville." Twilight said.

"Awww....." the fillies said, in disappointment this time.

"Don't you worry too much, squirts." Rainbow Dash said. "We won't forget about ya."

Cozy climbed onto Twilight's back and they started to head out. But they were about to head out, but they were stopped by Miss Hardwinkle the receptionist.

"And where do you think you're going, Princess?" she asked.

"I'm taking Cozy Glow home with me." Twilight said.

"Home? Is she your daughter?" she asked.

"No, she isn't. But, I've been taking care of her since she was released from-" Twilight started to say.

"Hmmmm. Nope! Sorry, Princess. But I cannot let Cozy Glow go, until somepony formally adopts her."

*gasp* Everypony gasped.

"Can't you make an exception for The Princess of Friendship?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"And besides, Cozy already moved to the School of Friendship. Why's she forced to be here now?" Rarity asked.

Cozy rubbed her mane nervously.

"So... I never stopped living here technically. Technically, I forged some signatures in order to move from Sunny Valley, to the School of Friendship. And then I ended in you know where, and then I was turned to you know what for you know how long." Cozy explained.

"Riiight." Spike said.

"What do we do now?" Fluttershy asked.

Everypony either rubbed their manes, or scratched their heads, thinking of a way to get Cozy out of this one. Cozy herself didn't seem too concerned though.

"Hey, don't sweat it, guys." Cozy said.

"What?!" Everypony said simultaneously.

"Listen, it's okay, Twilight." Cozy said. "I appreciate what you've done so far, but you don't have to come up with any more solutions. I think you've done enough."

"...What?" Twilight asked.

"Thanks for coming to see me, guys. It's filled me with a newfound sense of confidence." Cozy said. "I think I know what to say and what to do in order to make more friends on my own."

"That's so sweet. So then, you're just fine staying here?" Starlight asked.

Cozy then started to look a little more unsure. Cozy walked up the the window and leaned against it. She then spoke out to the landscape.

*exhale* "I hope that a nice mare finds me. I hope she's the nicest, most caring mare. Somepony who isn't just willing to give me another chance, but who cares for how I grow up, and is willing to put in the effort to make sure that I grow up the right way, and that I'm cared for. It's not something I ever really had. And, in my pursuit of power, and friendship, I think that's... really all I've been missing."

Twilight teared up while listening to Cozy's spiel.

"Oh, Cozy..." Twilight said.

Cozy turned around, and saw Twilight staring at her.

"Twilight?" Cozy asked.

"Is that all you want, Cozy? Somepony to take you under their wing?" Twilight asked.

Cozy nodded.

The two stared at each other for a little bit.

"If that's what you truly want, then-"

The moment was interrupted by a puff of smoke appearing next to Cozy, and Trixie suddenly appearing beside her.

"Tr-r-rixie's got the hint! I'll take her!" Trixie exclaimed.

"NO!!" Twilight and Cozy frantically exclaimed simultaneously.

"No?" Trixie asked.

"I mean... hehehehe." Twilight and Cozy laughed together, which confused Trixie, and most otehr ponies. The joyful moment was cut by Miss Hardwinkle's harsh glare at Twilight.

*gulp* "So uh..." Twilight said, nervously.

"Is there something you're trying to say, Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Miss Hardwinkle asked.

"Eeum. Err. Um....." Twilight twisted her words and barely knew what to say. But shortly, Twilight came up with an idea.

"Umm...... I got it!" Twilight said.

"What? Have you decided?" she asked.

"Can't Cozy come with us... while we try to find a suitable home for her?" Twilight suggested.

"Hmmm. So you aren't ready to adopt her. But you'll find somepony who's willing to?" Hardwinkle asked.

Twilight nodded.

"Hmmmm.... Oh, alright. But you have just three days to find her a suitable home and caregiver for her, otherwise I better see her back here." she said.

"That's more than enough time, Miss Hardwrinkle." Twilight said.

"Mhm..." the mare adjusted her glasses, and gave a doubtful scorn at Twilight. Nonetheless, she seemed to agree with the plan, and left Cozy with Twilight.

"Alright. So, it looks like you're coming with us after all, Cozy." Twilight said, smiling.

Cozy smiled back at Twilight.

"Thanks, Twilight. Thanks to all of you. Thanks for coming to assist me in my time of need."

"Don't sweat it, darling." Rarity said.

"It's the least we can do for you, Cozy Glow." Fluttershy said.

"Well, there's still more we can do for Cozy." Twilight said. "So. What do you want to do when we get back to Ponyville, Cozy?"

"Hmm..." Cozy tapped her hoof and thought hard. "I want ponies to like me for the real me. I'm done with putting on fake demeanors and tricking them into liking me. I'm ready to show Equestria the new me."

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's get to it!" Twilight said.

Twilight's confidence and cheery mood made Cozy's smile wider.

"And I know exactly where I would like to start." Cozy said.

Cozy Glow stood nervously in front of the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse. The mane six and Spike hid in a nearby bush, watching over Cozy. They were there to make sure that things would go well, but they still wanted to stay hidden from the CMC, as they all wanted Cozy to do this on her own.

Cozy was feeling extremely anxious. She turned her head the other way, and saw Twilight peaking her head out. Twilight silently assured Cozy that she could do it. Cozy took a deep breath, and then she was ready.

Cozy Glow gently knocked on the door of the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse.

"Who is it?" said a pony inside. Cozy however remained silent, as she was still nervous. She looked behind herself again, but Twilight and friends were now obscured by the bushes. She was on her own for this task.

Scootaloo opened the door, and saw Cozy Glow.

"Cozy Glow?" Scootaloo asked.

"Um. Hi, Scootaloo." Cozy said, nervously.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle heard Cozy's voice, and looked over at her in disbelief.

"Hey, um. Cutie Mark Crusaders. *gulp* It's uh... it's been a while since we've last seen each other." Cozy said.

"Uh-huh. It sure has." Sweetie Belle said, sounding skeptical.

"What brings ya 'round here, Cozy Glow?" Apple Bloom asked.

Cozy Glow was quaking in her hooves, and shaking anxiously. She was too nervous to even speak.

Twilight bit her hooves anxiously as she watched the events play out. "Come on, Cozy."

*gulp* "I'm... *sniff* I'm so sorry, Cutie Mark Crusaders. I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo." Cozy apologized.

The CMC all looked at each other

"I appreciate what you three did for me. You were my first friends in Ponyville. Truth be told, that cry outside your clubhouse was genuine, though maybe just a bit overexaggerated. I had poor grades and no friends because I didn't understand friendship. Nopony ever showed me friendship, that's why I came to the school, but it was initially a failure. You three really did change everything for me. Y-Your kindness really did mean a lot to me. And I misused it. You taught me about friendship, and got me in the door, and I chose to do some terrible things. I know it's probably hard for you three to wanna trust me again, but I would love nothing more than to be your friend for real." *sob*

Cozy broke down in tears by the end of her speech, which didn't seem planned. The CMC looked at each other, still processing what to make of Cozy Glow.

"Oh, who am I kidding? You three have every reason to be skeptical. I don't know what I was expecting. I'm just gonna leave you three be and-"

Scootaloo lunged forward and hugged Cozy Glow by surprise.

Cozy gasped, and had her breath taken away.

"I don't understand what you're doing." Cozy said, stunned.

"Oh, Cozy Glow. We missed you so much." Scootaloo said.

"R-Really?" Cozy asked.

"Yeah. Tutoring you really was some of the most fun ever. We were sad when we found out what you were doing." Apple Bloom said.

"It was? But then... how can you three be so receptive to me after what I did?" Cozy asked.

"Because, we've been wantin' to forgive you. This entire time, Cozy." Apple Bloom.

"Y-You have?" Cozy asked, tearing up.

Sweetie Belle nodded. "When we saw what happened to you, we were even more sad. We thought we'd never hear from you again, or ever get the chance to reconcile." she said.

"But we're happy to see you again. And hearing from you now that our friendship was truly meaningful after all is something that we're all happy to hear." Scootaloo said.

Cozy wiped away her tears. She couldn't believe how considerate the CMC were. Somehow she was expecting the opposite.

"Are you ready to reconnect and rebuild our friendship?" Scootaloo asked.

Cozy nodded confidently. "Absolutely!"

The CMC all surrounded Cozy and gave her big group hug.

Seeing Cozy Glow hug it out with the CMC made the mane 6 come out of the bush and cheer.

"Woohoo!" they all cheered.

"Huh? What are our sisters doing here?" Apple Bloom asked, feeling surprised.

"Oh, don't mind us, sis. We're just sittin' an' watchin, making sure things went okay.'" Applejack said.

"We're just here watching over Cozy. Though, I can see she had the confidence to talk through things on her own." Twilight said.

Cozy rolled her eyes playfully.

"Thank you, Cutie Mark Crusaders." Cozy said.

"No problem!" the three said simultaneously.

"So will you help me out then?" Cozy asked.

"Sure. How can we help?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Would three being willing to help me to make a good impression on Ponyville?" Cozy asked.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea! You can count on us!" Apple Bloom said.

The mane 6 all emerged from the bush cover, and stood besides Cozy.

"And you can count us in too, Cozy Glow." Twilight said, putting her hoof to Cozy.

Cozy was surrounded by all of her friends. It was quite the list now. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Starlight Glimmer, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle.

"Thank you, everyone. It feels good to finally belong somewhere." Cozy said, smiling.

It sure does. *Phew* That was a mouthful of a chapter. Wasn't it touching though? The heartbreak? The low points? The uplifting bits? Didn't it just warm you up? Eh, I thought it was touching. And trust me, things are going to get even better for me from here on out. Just you wait. Things are going to turn out great for the once mischievous and power seeking pegasus filly.

Because SPOILER ALERT: It didn't take Twilight three days to find me a suitable home.

Chapter 7

There was a crowd of students gathered in front of a large stage built in front of the School of Friendship. Today, there was a graduation ceremony taking place. But not a typical graduation ceremony. This was a special impromptu ceremony celebrating the accomplishment of one filly in particular.

Apple Bloom stepped up to the podium in the middle of the stage, and started to speak.

*ahem* "Thank you all fer comin' this fine afternoon." Apple Bloom said. "As tutors of the School of Friendship, we're proud to introduce y'all to the school's latest graduate!"

"A graduate? In the middle of the semester?" Smolder whispered to her friends.

"Um. Who exactly is graduating?" Gallus asked to Apple Bloom.

"Well, yer about to find out in just a few short moments. All ah can say is, you may be a little surprised. But I assure ya, this is fer real." Apple Bloom said.

Just behind the stage, there was Cozy Glow, whom was getting dressed up by Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Starlight was backstage as well, making sure things were going smoothly. Cozy was dressed up in a graduation gown and cap. Though she appeared dressed for the part, she seemed a bit unsure.

"Um, Twilight?" Cozy asked.

"Yes, Cozy?" Twilight replied.

"I'm nervous." Cozy said.

"Well, you said you wanted to make a good impression on everypony sooner than later, so the CMC and I came up with this idea, and you agreed to it.” Twilight said.

"I know, but do I really have to show off to everypony like this?" Cozy asked.

"It isn't showing off. It's showing off... how much you've learned about friendship for real." Twilight explained.

“It’s just, if there are any creatures in Equestria who saw my evil nature, it's the School of Friendship. Even the student 6 are in attendance.” Cozy said.

“Which is precisely why I think this moment is so important.” Twilight said.

"They'll be happy to see the new you, Cozy." Spike said.

“Yeah, but…” Cozy said, nervously.

Twilight draped her wing over Cozy Glow.

"Hey, Cozy. You can do this. You’ll do great. I know you will." she said.

Cozy's eyes twinkled and glistened. There was no feeling better than being assured by Twilight.

Cozy nodded affirmatively. *sniff* "Okay, Twilight." she said.

Apple Bloom received the signal from Starlight that the graduate was ready to come up.

"Alright. That's enough prelude from me. Everypony give it up for..." Apple Bloom said.

Cozy Glow walked onto the stage, and waved nervously at everyone.

Everypony gasp at the sight of Cozy Glow. Cozy was put off by how shocked everyone was, but she trotted up to the podium anyway, and started speaking.

*ahem* "Greetings, every creature." Cozy said.

Cozy looked at the confused audience. She took a deep breath to calm herself down.

"I wanna start by saying thank you to all of you for coming to my graduation ceremony and speech." she said.

The crowd remained fairly quiet. Which I suppose is good, it meant they were listening, but Cozy found it a little unnerving.

"I know a few of you may be surprised to see me again... I'm sure a few of you might be thinking she doesn't deserve a friendship diploma. She's just trying to trick us again." Cozy said.

Twilight looked at Cozy, and gestured for her to change the subject.

"But uh... enough about what I'm afraid of you all are thinking. Here's what I have to say. *ahem* This might sound unbelievable coming from me, but Twilight Sparkle and her friends have taught me so much about friendship over these past few days. I'm no longer the power seeking filly you all remember me as. Now, I finally get it.” Cozy said "Twilight was right. Power isn't the reason to have friends. You don't make friends to have them do your bidding. You make friends for the connections you make with them. Friends make you feel good, they're there to help you when you need them, and you do the same for them in return. Your friends want to be your friends because they feel the same way about you."

The student six looked at one another. A few of them appeared skeptical, while some seemed intrigued.

"I never understood that before. I wanted Twilight's position as Headmare, because I saw how many friends she had, and how powerful she was. And I wanted that for myself. But like I said, power isn't the reason to make friends. All the power in the world is meaningless compared to the feeling that special spark with your friends." Cozy said.

There was neither clap, nor groan from the audience. Mostly a feeling of bewilderment. Starlight stepped onto stage to ease things.

"Very well put, Cozy Glow. I believe it's quite clear that you've learned a lot about friendship in such a short amount of time. I think being able to trust Cozy to do good is reason enough to call for celebration." Starlight said.

"Indeed. And although there will always be more to learn about friendship, I also wanted to announce that I've made the personal decision to not return to the School of Friendship. My time at this school is done." Cozy said.

There was a small gasp from the audience.

"But, we'd hate to see Cozy leave the school empty hoofed. So, considering how much she's accomplished, we still wanted to reward that. That is why, to commemorate her leaving the school, I present Cozy Glow with her very own School of Friendship diploma!" Starlight said.

Starlight handed Cozy Glow a furled up diploma. This did come as to a shock to many audience members. Mostly the student 6, who were baffled.

"Thank you, Headmare Starlight. Though, I don't think I necessarily need this diploma to prove my newfound knowledge of friendship. Even so, I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who showed me kindness in the School of Friendship in the past, even if I didn't express it back truthfully at the time. This place still feels like my old home.”

Cozy could see the student six ruffling their feathers. At least for those whom had feathers.

"Now before any of you get up in claws, this diploma's blank. This whole ceremony is purely recreational." Cozy giggled.

Cozy unfurled and showed off the blank diploma.

"Then why are we here?" Gallus asked.

"I just wanted to... reconnect with some of my old pals at the School of Friendship before I move to Canterlot. Very soon, I will be moving to Canterlot, where I will live under the careful watch of Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Cozy explained. "I figured you'd like to know what I've been up to all this time, and where I'll be going. I thought some of you would be happy for me."

The crowd was still fairly quiet, though they were starting to lighten up to her.

"But you know, speaking about friendship is one thing. Doing kind things is another. And I have something nice I would like to do for three little fillies." Cozy said.

Three little fillies stepped onto the stage. They were the ones from Sunny Valley orphanage, where Cozy Glow was also from.

"These are some fillies who I've known for a long time. Ziggy, Miranda, and Little Miss Trombonist. They don't have many friends, but I hope some of you will be their friends, as I welcome them to the School of Friendship!" Cozy said.

The three fillies smiled nervously. Starlight shook each of their little hooves, welcoming them to the School of Friendship.

"And trust me. Just because they're from the same town as me, doesn't mean they're anything like me. So you all needn't to worry about a thing." Cozy said, giggling.

A small amount of applause did start to emanate from the crowd.

"You know, I think I'm actually sort of... glad, for Cozy Glow." Silver Stream said.

"Yona think so too. But, Yona not supposed to trust cute pony?" Yona said.

Sandbar stood up. "Cozy Glow? Is this all for real?" he asked.

*Cozy nodded* "As real as it gets." she said.

Twilight came out onto the stage, and put her hoof to Cozy's shoulder. Twilight also winked at Cozy, which made her smile.

Seeing Twilight so openly accepting of Cozy Glow gave a sense of confidence in the crowd.

"Cozy Glow!" a pony from the audience called out. "So you're really Twilight's right hoof pony? What's that feel like?"

"What was it like being an alicorn!?" another voice cried.

"What does suspended animation feel like?!" said another voice in the crowd.

Cozy and Twilight looked at each other, playfully.

"It looks like I got a lot of questions to answer." Cozy said, joyfully.

"Then I'll let you get to it, Cozy." Twilight said, smiling.

Cozy leaped down from the stage, and engaged in fun conversations with everypony, and every creature. Starlight and Spike stood next to Twilight and watched over Cozy.

"Another friendship lesson successfully taught." Spike said.

Twilight continued watching Cozy interact with all the students. Making good conversation with them, and having a good time.

"How's it feel?" Starlight asked.

"It's even better than I could've imagined." Twilight said.

"I've got my eyes open, but, I'm willing to give you another chance." Gallus said.

"Yona agree." Yona said.

"If Twilight trusts you, I guess that's as good as it gets." Smolder said.

"Thanks, guys. I'm not asking for much. But I appreciate you all giving me the benefit of the doubt." Cozy said.

"Have you heard any word on if Princess Twilight will try to reform Chrysalis soon?" Ocellus asked.

"Um. I don't know for sure. But I do know that there have been talks." Cozy said.

One colt walked up to Cozy and asked a particularly pressing question.

"Rumor has it that you're Princess Twilight's new daughter. Is there any truth to this?" he asked.

Cozy took a step back and silently gasped when she heard their question.

"Uh... Let's just say, I'm looking forward to spending time under the Princess's wing." Cozy said, smiling.

The CMC fought through the crowd, and all came up to Cozy to congratulate her.

"Way to go, Cozy!" Apple Bloom said.

"We're so proud of you, Cozy Glow!" Sweetie Belle said.

"We're so proud of you for graduating!" Scootaloo said.

"Oh, thank you so much, Cutie Mark Crusaders." Cozy said. "But, it was more ceremonious, than official."

"We're proud of you regardless. I think you do deserve some big recognition for how far you've come." Scootaloo said.

"Good luck on your journey in Canterlot, Cozy." Sweetie Belle said.

"Yeah... Canterlot, huh." Cozy said, slowly.

"We're sure going to miss you when you leave for Canterlot." Scootaloo said.

"Yeah... ... I'm going to miss you all too." Cozy said.

The three of them gave Cozy a big group hug. Though, Cozy couldn't help but wonder about the future.

I'm not sure I want to say good bye to them... Cozy thought i her head.

Later that day, when the sun was nearly about to set:

Outside of the Castle of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle was nearly ready to head back to Canterlot, with Spike and Cozy Glow by her side.

Starlight Glimmer, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were all gathered to say good bye.

"So, this is it, huh?" Rarity asked.

"For now. Until we're all needed to come together again. Which, may not be that far in the future after all." Twilight said.

"Even though, we already had a good bye when you left for Canterlot the first time, I'm still feeling choked up." Rainbow Dash said.

"Me too." Pinkie said.

The mane six and Spike swelled up with emotions, and all gave each other a big group hug.

Cozy saw the mane 6 all hugging each other, so she turned her attention to the CMC. She stood in place, not knowing what to say just yet.

"What's on your mind, Cozy?" Scootaloo asked.

"Thinking about something?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Is somethin' the matter, Cozy Glow?" Apple Bloom asked.

"No, I'm fine. I'm uh... I'm just going to miss you three." Cozy said.

"Likewise, Cozy." Scootaloo said.

Cozy started to weep.

"It's just... you three were the very first friends I made while in the school. You were the first ones who extended their hooves out to me. I guess, it's just difficult for me to say good bye to you guys."

The CMC gave Cozy a big group hug.

"Oh! I love you, Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Cozy said, weeping.

"We love you too, Cozy Glow." they said simultaneously.

Everypony was finished hugging. Cozy turned her attention to the mane 6 once again.

"Thank you, everypony. I really mean it. None of this would've been possible without your reach. Literally. I would've been stuck in stone for a really long time if no one reached out to me. That's what I was most worried about, but I really do appreciate everything you've done for me, mane 6. You guys didn't have to give me another chance. I probably wouldn't have given me a second chance after all the things I did." Cozy said.

"Nah. It wouldn't have felt right leaving you in stone for all that time." Rainbow Dash said.

"An besides, we got to see the real you, and saw that you ain't so bad." Applejack said.

"In fact, you're actually really sweet." Fluttershy said.

"Oh, you're too kind, really." Cozy said, blushing. "You all didn't have to do this. You all chose to do it."

"Of course we're willing to offer friendship. So long as you're ready to accept it. We never thought for a moment that a filly was truly definitely out of the question for redemption. We always planned on reaching out to you. We just weren't expecting Twilight to do it so soon, and to be so sure about it." Rarity said.

"Though, I guess that's on us. It shouldn't have come as any surprise." Fluttershy said.

"I guess I'm the one who was mistaken all this time. I thought that you guys were really willing to seal me away forever, and not even consider my feelings. Boy did you all prove me wrong." Cozy said. "I convinced myself that what I was doing would get me what I wanted. I had no idea that friendship from you guys could be something I truly wanted, or would enjoy so much. Thank you all."

"You're welcome!" they all said.

"I'm proud of you, Cozy." Starlight said.

"Thank you, Starlight. That means a lot coming from you."

Starlight and Cozy gave each other a big hug.

"You know, it feels good not having to worry about scheming, or keeping up some fake appearance. It's nice to just relax and let ponies enjoy you for the real you." Cozy said.

With hugs and goodbyes given, it was time to go. Cozy Glow stood next to Twilight and Spike, as they were all ready to fly to Canterlot.

"Until next time, everypony." Cozy said, with a twinkle in her eye.

Everypony waved bye to her.

"You ready, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

Cozy nodded.

"I am." she said.

Twilight, Cozy, and Spike all took flight, and flew for Canterlot.

Everypony below continued to wave good bye, as they flew into the sunset.

"And there they go." Sweetie Belle said.

"I really am gonna miss her. Feels like we just reconnected with her, only for her to leave a short while later." Apple Bloom said.

"That's because, that's exactly what happened." Scootaloo said.

"Well, still. It'd've been nice to have gotten to know more about this new Cozy Glow." Apple Bloom said.

"I'm with you there." Scootaloo said.

"Even so, we should all be proud of her. And support her for this next chapter of her life." Sweetie Belle said.

"Right. So, it's back to our usual day to day lives then?" Apple Bloom asked.

"...Suppose so." Scootaloo said.

The CMC's respective sisters approached them and put their hooves around them, as they all watched the trio fly off.

"Hey, come on. Don't fret too much, squirt. She's in good hooves with Twilight." Rainbow Dash said.

"Yeah. You're right, Rainbow Dash. I know exactly what that feels like." Scootaloo said, smiling.

Everypony swelled up somewhat. It was uplifting to see Cozy Glow in a better place. Not too long ago, such a thing seemed inconceivable. But they were all pleasantly surprised by Cozy Glow's true nature. None of them really considered, or could've thought that Cozy could be anything other than what they witnessed beforehand. But, thanks in part to their perseverance , and willingness to understand Cozy Glow, her true colors started to glow. And what they found wasn't scary. They found a friend, who was actually pretty sweet.

Author's Note

I apologize for the long wait between chapters. At first, I put the story down so I could work on Cozy Towers, as I ended up having a mad scramble to get it done and refined in time for the due date. (And then the due date got extended after I already submitted and declared the story done. Oh well.)

And then further delays because I started to focus on other projects, and cause I wasn't sure how many more chapters I would need to wrap up this story. So, for the sake of delivering something, here it is. There's still one more chapter to go. Sorry it's taken this long.

Chapter 8

Golly. It's me, Cozy Glow again. Thank you all so much for reading my story all the way to the end! Well, not quite the end. There's still this chapter to get through! I want to thank you all once again for reading the story of my redemption. I didn't think anyone would be too interested in that sort of story by this point, but I'm thankful that many of you still were.

Anyway, the story. So, where did we leave off? Last we saw me, I was flying to Canterlot to live with Twilight Sparkle and Spike. You might think that that was the end. Cozy Glow lived with her caretaker, the Princess of Friendship in Canterlot and lived happily ever after, right? Well, there's a bit more to it than that. And that's exactly what I'd like to tell you all about today. Which brings us back to Ponyville, where one day... actually, why don't I just show you?

Some time after Cozy's departure, it was life as usual once again in Ponyville.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were in attendance in Ms. Cheerilee's classroom. Though today's lesson wasn't really captivating them.

Scootaloo let out a big *sigh*

"You alright, Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I am. It's just, there's nothing exciting, or interesting going on today." Scootaloo said.

"Yep. That's just how it is. Exciting stuff only comes every now and again." Sweetie Belle said.

Their boredom would soon be cured though, as there was suddenly a knock on the classroom door.

"Hmm? Who could that be?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Ah. Right on schedule. Now class, I have a very exciting announcement I've been itching to tell you all about." Cheerilee said.

Cheerilee opened the door, and on the other side was Starlight Glimmer.

"Welcome, Starlight Glimmer!" Cheerilee greeted.

"Thanks. I'm just as excited as you are to be here." Starlight said.

"What's goin' on here?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Well, Cheerilee and I have an exciting announcement to make." Starlight said.

"What is it?" Scootaloo asked.

"We're pleased to announce that there's a new student who will be joining you fillies and foals here." Cheerilee said.

*gasp* "A new student? Who is it?!" The CMC said simultaneously.

"Everypony, give a big warm welcome to your new classmate, Cozy Glow!" Starlight said.

Cozy Glow stood at the entryway, and gave a nervous smile and wave. ~~Her mane was styled completely differently! Her curls were gone, and her mane now flowed down naturally, with swirls at the ends. She now wore her bow around her neck like an ascot.~~

*gasp* "Cozy Glow?!"

The CMC were aghast with excitement, and ran up and the group hugged Cozy Glow.

"We're classmates!" they exclaimed.

"We sure are, Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Cozy said, cheerfully.

"Yep. Cozy Glow is now a student here in my class. I know some of you might be aware of her complicated past. But I assure you, she's just about the friendliest filly I'd ever met. And from talking with Princess Twilight, and Starlight, I couldn't be more excited to welcome her here." Cheerilee said.

Yep, it was me. At long last, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and I were classmates! But instead off getting them into the School of Friendship, I ended up joining their school.

During recess, Cozy Glow sat peacefully on one of the swings. Scootaloo sat on the swing next to her, while Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom sat near.

"So you graduated from the School of Friendship, and are enrolling in our school? How does that work?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Don't read too much into it. Even though I graduated from the School of Friendship, I still felt like I wanted to learn stuff, and be a part of Ponyville." Cozy said. "We all wanted to go to school together, and now that wish is finally fulfilled."

"It sure is, Cozy!" Scootaloo said.

"So then, what happened with Canterlot? Did things not work out with Twi...?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Cozy paused, and hesitated for a moment.

"You okay, Cozy?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"You know... Canterlot wasn't really what it was all cracked up to be." Cozy said.

"Huh?" The CMC all said.

"Don't get me wrong, it was nice and all, but after thinking it over, I realized that I missed my friends in Ponyville too much. So, Twilight and Spike said I could move in with Starlight in the Castle of Friendship if I wanted to." Cozy explained.

"But aren't you going to miss Twilight and Spike then?" Scootaloo asked. "They are your family now after all."

"I am, but...*sniff* I know they respect my decision." Cozy said.

Cozy seemed a little down, so the CMC leaned in close to Cozy, and gave her a hug.

"I'm so glad we're friends, Cutie Mark Crusaders." Cozy said.

"So are we." Scootaloo said.

At the end of the day, class was dismissed. The school bell rang, and fillies rushed out of the schoolhouse. The CMC and Cozy were the last to exit.

"Where you headin' next, Cozy?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Well, I'm still adjusting to living in Ponyville. I think I'll take things easy and just head to the Castle of Friendship." Cozy said.

"Well alright. You take things easy if you need to, Cozy." Sweetie Belle said.

"Thank you. I'll be seeing you again real soon, Cutie Mark Crusaders." Cozy said.

Cozy Glow trotted to the Castle of Friendship. Cozy had arrived, and was greeted by Starlight, who was waiting for her outside.

"Cozy Glow!" Starlight greeted.

"Hi, Starlight!" Cozy greeted in return.

Cozy walked up the steps and was hugged by Starlight. Starlight then led Cozy inside.

"So, Cozy. How was your first day in Cheerilee's school?" Starlight asked.

"It was wonderful! I had such a good time reconnecting with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. And not to mention, all the other school ponies I got to talk to." Cozy explained.

"That's wonderful to hear, Cozy!" Starlight said.

Later that day, Cozy Glow was in the castle library. She was sat at a desk, reading a book. She also had a blank book and quill on the desk next to her.

"Whatcha reading, Cozy Glow?" Starlight asked.

"It's the book Cheerilee assigned to us for the week. It's about Burnferno the Great versus Grogar." Cozy said.

"Huh, funny that. Anyway, how is it so far, Cozy?" Starlight asked.

"Oh this book is awesome! I've been having SO much fun reading!" Cozy said. "Burnferno might be out strengthened by Grogar by all metrics, but he refuses to give up, cause he know he has to fight for what's right!"

"Sounds like you're really captivated by the book so far." Starlight said.

"Yeah. And you know what? I think I want to start writing my own stories some time soon." Cozy said.

"Oh? What do you have in mind, Cozy?" Starlight asked.

"Probably something humble to start. Not some big epic adventure. But maybe more slice of life sort of stories. That's more my speed for now. But, maybe I can work myself up to the point of writing longer adventures." Cozy said.

"I look forward to reading what you come up with, Cozy." Starlight said, winking.

"Thanks, Starlight." Cozy said, smiling. But that smile faded suddenly, and Starlight noticed.

"Is something wrong, Cozy?" Starlight asked.

"No. I mean. Um... It's not a big deal right now." Cozy said.

"Oookay. Just know, I'm all ears anytime you need me, Cozy." Starlight said.

Cozy was enjoying the book. Truly. But there was something on her mind which kept her uneasy.

Cozy Glow laid in her bed that night trying to sleep. She watched the moon outside trace a path through the sky. She thought of Twilight the whole time, as it was her duty now to raise the Sun and Moon. But there was another reason to have Twilight on the mind.

This was her first night since being reformed where she didn't have Twilight to tuck her into bed. It felt a little cold, being away from her new caretaker. But this was her own decision. She chose to live with Starlight in Ponyville over Twilight in Canterlot. But, it was still probably better this way after all. Right?

I still remember how nerve-racking my first day in Canterlot was. The prying eyes of the Royal Guards, and the doubtful scorns that ponies still gave to me.

Even though Twilight gave all of her guards, and all personnel in the castle word that I was good, it still felt a little weird. It was hard to feel like I belonged there. It sort of felt like I hadn't earned my spot in Canterlot.

To make matters worse, it wasn't often I got to interact with Twilight or Spike. Twilight had assigned me to be her eyes on the streets of Canterlot. My duty was to trot through the streets, and make sure things were good. And for the most part, they were. Which sounds nice, but with no problems to solve, it grew dull very quickly. I didn't really fit into Canterlot's high society crowd anyway. I couldn't help but miss my friends in Ponyville.

I kept my thoughts to myself for a while. But, sooner or later, Twilight was bound to notice my uneasiness. So, I thought I'd expressed myself sooner rather than later.

One day, Cozy Glow entered the throne room, and trotted up to Twilight and Spike at the end of the room.

Twilight noticed Cozy coming her way, and greeted her.

"Cozy Glow!" Twilight greeted.

Cozy smiled and greeted her back. But, the smile faded pretty soon. By the time Cozy made it to Twilight, she looked at her caretaker with an uneasy face.

"What's wrong, Cozy Glow?" Twilight said.

"Oh, not too much. Things are going well, really. It's just... well, I'll be honest, I sure do miss Ponyville." Cozy explained.

"Is that so?" Twilight asked.

"I know I just moved here to Canterlot so I could be with you. A-a-and don't get me wrong, I do enjoy being under your care. More than anything really. I'm just not sure if I'm a good fit for Canterlot, and it's hard not to think about my friends in Ponyville." Cozy said.

"Oh, Cozy. So, you say you miss your Ponyville friends?" Twilight asked.

Cozy nodded.

Twilight and Spike looked at each other, and then back at Cozy.

"Well, would you like us to do something about it, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"Oh. I mean, you don't have to... Well... um..." Cozy said.

"Why don't we talk it over, Cozy." Twilight said.

Cozy nodded.

And so, the rest was history. At least to that point. I politely explained my situation to Twilight, and to her credit, she and Spike were very understanding the whole way through. After some hugs, Twilight and Spike suggested if I would like to live in Ponyville instead of Canterlot. I wasn't quite sure about it, but they gave me time to decide. After thinking it over that night, I had made up my mind. Which then brings us back to the present time.

Although the first day in Ponyville was a wonderful time, what did Twilight think of my decision? Did she miss me as much as I missed her? Or was she glad to have me out of her mane finally? I wasn't sure. And not knowing was eating me up.

The next day of school was a peaceful and relaxing one as well. Cheerilee's homework assignments were quite the change of pace compared to the School of Friendship, I must say.

After getting off school that day, I was surprised to see Starlight waiting for me outside the schoolhouse.

"Starlight?" Cozy asked.

"Hey, Cozy." Starlight said.

"Hello. But, what brings you here?" Cozy asked.

"I just thought I'd pick you up today. Since, you know. This is all new to you. Help ease you into the setting."

"Right. That's um, quite thoughtful of you, I suppose." Cozy said.

"But first, how does a quick little visit to Sugar Cube Corner sound?" Starlight asked.

"Sure. I could go for some tasty sweets." Cozy said.

Cozy and Starlight arrived at Sugar Cube Corner, but before entering, Starlight paused Cozy in place.

"Wait here, Cozy." Starlight said.

Starlight went inside of Sugar Cube Corner, while Cozy waited outside. Cozy heard some bustling inside. But she couldn't possibly imagine what the hold up was. Finally, Starlight popped out of the door.

"Okay, you can come in now. But, you gotta keep your eyes closed." Starlight said.

"Oookay." Cozy said, playfully. Now this is getting silly, she thought.

Cozy closed her eyes, and Starlight led her up the steps into Sugar Cube Corner.

"When can I open my eyes?" Cozy asked.

"Right... now." Starlight said.

Cozy opened her eyes.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COZY!" Cozy was greeted by a happy birthday surprise by all her friends. The CMC, Mane 6, even including Twilight and Spike.

"...It's my birthday today?" Cozy asked.

"Yep! It sure is." Twilight said.

Pinkie Pie put a party hat onto Cozy's head.

"How do you guys know for sure?" Cozy asked.

"Your records were actually very detailed." Spike replied, holding up Cozy's files.

"The more worrying question is, how did you forget your own birthday?" Rarity asked.

"Who in Equestria would do something so silly?" Pinkie asked.

"I guess since I haven't celebrated it in so long, I haven't had to think about it in a long time either." Cozy said.

Cozy Glow looked around Sugar Cube Corner. All her friends were here. And they were here for her. They were here because she was their friend.

"This is a real surprise." Cozy said, smiling.

"I mean, it is a surprise party." Twilight said.

"No, I mean, it's just... it's still hard to believe. It wasn't so long ago that you guys, the mane 6, Cutie Mark Crusaders, were my enemies. And I would've done anything to grab power and step all over your hooves. But now things are totally different. We're friends now, and at this stage, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm still very grateful to all of you. None of you had to forgive me, or even let me out of stone in the first place. I'm just more glad than anything else I got that second chance, because now... the way things are... I don't think it could've turned out better..." Cozy said, with a teary eye.

"Cozy, are you okay?" Spike asked.

"I-I-I'm fine. It's just... *sniff* I'm just so grateful... for all of you. *sob* I really owe you all one. I wouldn't be here were it not for all of your great acts of kindness and forgiveness towards me. I suppose that's why I'm so emotional." Cozy answered.

"Oh, Cozy." Twilight said.

The mane 6 and CMC all hugged Cozy Glow. It was a bit crowded, but Cozy enjoyed their embrace.

"I didn't really know anything about friendship. Really, I didn't. I thought I did, and I thought I knew what I wanted. But, that was before I realized friendship could feel like this.

Cozy stood in front of her birthday cake, which contained a [REDACTED] number of candles. it was a triple layer strawberry and vanilla cake, coated with pink frosting.

"Go on, Cozy. Go and blow out the candles." Twilight said.

Cozy blew out all her candles with one breath. She didn't wish for anything in particular. She already had everything she wanted. Well, almost everything...

Everypony cheered for her. Cozy smiled nervously, but something seemed amiss, as her face drooped, and looked sad.

"Is something the matter, Cozy?" Twilight said.

"Was I totally off with the flavor? I mean, based on what we know about you, I was really sure you'd like-" Pinkie said.

"No, the cake's great. There's just um..." Cozy said, with her voice trailing off.

Everypony stared at her, with a look of concern. Cozy was too nervous to speak her mind in front of them all though.

"I um... Is it alright if we talk about it alone, Twilight?" Cozy asked.

"Of course. Pinkie, do you mind if we talk upstairs?" Twilight asked.

"Of course you can. Just watch out for the hidden Party Cannons." Pinkie said.

"Will do. Alright, come on, Cozy. Wait here, everypony. We'll be right back." Twilight said.

"Do you want us to wait for you before we start eatin', Cozy?" Apple Bloom asked.

"You guys can start eating. Just save a couple of slices for me, please." Cozy said.

And with that, Twilight and Cozy went upstairs alone.

Twilight and Cozy were upstairs in Pinkie Pie's room.

"So, what's up, Cozy?" Twilight said.

"Oh, it's not much. I-I just... I hope you aren't upset." Cozy said.

"I'm not upset about anything. Why would I be upset?" Twilight asked.

"About me moving away from Canterlot." Cozy said.

"I think signing that form, and officially taking me under your wing as your filly was the greatest act of kindness you've shown me. I think that proved to me just how serious you are about caring for me. And how did I repay you? I didn't even want to live in your hometown, or be involved with any of your princess duties. I didn't contribute anything meaningful to your royal duties. I guess I'm still kind of a lousy friend..." Cozy said.

Twilight looked at Cozy, teary eyed.

"I understand now. Look, I totally get it, Cozy. But, let me tell you something, Cozy. There's nothing wrong with spreading your wings and flying far from the nest." Twilight said.

*sniff* "Is that so?" Cozy asked.

"Even though you're living in Ponyville now, I'll still be your caretaker. It doesn't change that fact, and it doesn't change my opinion about you. You do what's right by you. And if you feel more at home in Ponyville, that's absolutely okay with me. I'm very proud of you, Cozy." Twilight said.

Cozy's heart was filled with warmth.

"So then, I... *sniff* Gee, thanks, Twilight. That's a huge relief to know." Cozy said.

Twilight extended her hoof to Cozy. Cozy walked up to Twilight slowly, and gave her a great big hug.

"I love you, Cozy." Twilight said.

"I love you too, m-" Cozy said.

Cozy was interrupted by the sudden going off of a party cannon.

"Woah, GOLLY! Pinkie wasn't kidding. That scared the living pony lights out of me." Cozy said, startled.

Twilight and Cozy giggled together.

"Okay. All good, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, all good. Thanks for being so reasonable, Twilight." Cozy said.

"Of course. And let's not forget, you are my official Advisor on Reformations." Twilight said. "If you would like to help me in a meaningful way, as you put it, how would you like to help me with an important assignment?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, I'd love to! What is it?" Cozy asked.

Twilight whispered in Cozy's ear.

"Oh of course I'll help you with that. Frankly, I was kind of wondering what's taken so long to get to them." Cozy said.

"Well, you know, one bridge at a time." Twilight said.

"And I'll be happy to cross that bridge with you." Cozy said, smiling.

"Now let's go back downstairs and finish the fun and activities." Twilight said.

Cozy nodded.

Cozy and Twilight went back downstairs. Everypony was eating the delicious birthday cake. Cozy took liked that everyone was was enjoying the cake baked on her behalf.

Everypony noticed Cozy, but kept it lowkey. The CMC went up to Cozy to make sure she was doing okay.

"So, how you feelin', Cozy?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Better than ever!" Cozy replied.

"Sweet!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said simultaneously.

"Thanks for asking. I'm so glad you guys are my friends. Every single one of you." Cozy said, smiling.

You know, I thought I didn't think I'd ever be redeemed, cause I didn't think I'd ever want it. While in stone, I was ready to come up with a super extreme revenge plan, so, you can imagine my surprise when I saw the elaborate set up Twilight came up with for me by trapping me in Everhoof.

Sounds a little odd wording it that way, but, I think Twilight was fair in letting me choose what I wanted, and I concluded on my own that I was done with villainy. I've served my time, and it was now time for a change. A different kind of ending, so to say.

Yeah, I really did learn what friendship could be, all thanks to just a few simple acts of kindness. Well, come to think of it. If you add the mane 6 and CMC together, that's nine friends! Add Spike and Starlight, then that's eleven! Each and every one of them extending a hoof (or claw) of kindness really does add up when they all do it.

The rest of my birthday was just wonderful. Rarity got me a fancy little gala dress as a birthday gift.

Pinkie, well, this whole party was her courtesy.

The day ended with a heartfelt goodbye to Twilight and Spike, as they flew back to Canterlot once the party was over.

Starlight led me home to the Castle of Friendship. I told Starlight that Twilight had something important for me to do at the end of the week. Starlight wondered what it was, but I left her in the dark for funsies. She had a strong hunch as to exactly what our plan was anyway.

You're probably wondering yourselves. Or maybe you're astute and you already know. In either case, why don't I just show you?

Just outside the gates of Tartarus, stood Twilight Sparkle, and Cozy Glow.

Cozy Glow this time was wearing around her body a purple sash, with a shining emblem with Twilight's cutie mark on it. She felt she had to look the part for important royal duties.

"So, Cozy Glow. As my official Advisor on Reformations, our assignment is that we enter Tartarus, and speak to Lord Tirek." Twilight said.

Cozy nodded, affirmatively. "Heh. It's good being your righthoof pony. Except, for real this time." Cozy said, smiling.

Cozy and Twilight exchanged a playful laugh together.

"Ready to see how your old pal Tirek is holding up, Cozy?" Twilight asked.

Cozy nodded confidently. "Ready as I'll ever be."

"Then let's do this." Twilight said.

Twilight used her magic to create a portal that led directly inside of Tartarus.

Twilight and Cozy stayed close, and ventured inside of Tartarus. Thus beginning Cozy Glow's career as Twilight's true right hoof pony. It seemed rather fitting, actually.

And whatever challenges lay ahead, Cozy Glow was ready to tackle them, together with her new mom.

The End

Author's Note

No, I am not planning of on writing an continuation where Cozy speaks to Tirek and Chrysalis. At least not at this time.

Any who. Thank you all so much for reading my latest story. Sorry this chapter took SOOOOO long. That was partly due to putting the story down to write Cozy Towers, but then I ended up with a severe case of writer's block, that made it very difficult to work on this last chapter. It was so tough I put the chapter on the back burner for even longer, as I worked on other stuff(we'll come back to that.) It wasn't until fairly recently that I managed to overcome that block and finally write a finale chapter I was satisfied with.

I think I mean it for real this time when I say, this is probably the last Cozy Glow fanfiction I plan on writing. I believe I've just exhausted nearly possible story I can conceivably write about Cozy Glow. Maybe another fringe case for a short story or two, but this story was intended on being short project. And it ended up being a lot more challenging than I anticipated. Plus, I don't necessarily have to just write Cozy Glow stories after all.

And you know, taking a step back and looking where things are, I've been writing Cozy Glow fanfiction for 5 years now. A lot has changed in these five years. My thoughts and feelings towards the finale of MLP: Fim has changed, even fairly recently.

But moreover, I think it is time to move on to other ventures. As I alluded to early, some of that other stuff I've been wanting to try is... well, I want to try story telling via other mediums besides literature. Maybe... drawing them out? Now, I don't know how far I'll get with this, but I am excited to try new things regardless. I'll be sure to post updates to that if anything comes of it. We'll certainly see.

But until then, this has been me. Thank you all so much for reading all the way through. I always enjoy writing for Cozy Glow, and I hope that this was just a cozy little story for all you Cozy fans out there. See ya soon!