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!