The Reasonable Reformation

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.