Cozy Towers

Ranger Dash emerged from the door, and found herself on some kind of mountainous pasture. It was dim, so it was presumably evening time. But it was difficult to tell, due to the dense fog that surrounded her. There was some kind of glowing object in the sky. Perhaps the full moon, blocked mostly by the fog.

"Alright. I see what you're putting down. These doors are like portals that magically bring us to some kind of mini world of your conjuring up. So... where the heck am I?"

"Hehehehe..." A faint, but eerie laugh could be heard in the dense fog.

"What? Who are you?"

A pony stepped out of the fog. A pegasus filly, actually. They wore a uniform that looked like the Wonderbolts uniform, but much more... shadowy. A Shadowbolt!

"Me? I'm only just the best flier in all of Equestria! I mean, Spiketopia."

"What? No way. I'm the best flier there is."

"You think so, Rainbow Dash? Puh-lease! You'll never reach your full potential. You're soooo weighed down by your friends."

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!"

"Face it, Rainbow Dash. If you're having to split Wonderbolts training with friendship time, it's going to take so much longer to reach your peak. Take it from me. I had no friends, and no family I left behind when I went to the School of Friendship. And what happened? In just a matter of days I formulated a plan and had you and your friends all trapped in Tartarus, and I nearly succeeded in draining all the magic from Equestria! And it's all because I never let friendship distract me from my goals."

"Twilight was right. You really don't understand friendship. Friendship isn't a distraction!"

"Oh yeah? Prove it! Let's race! And see who's the better flier!"

"You're on!"

Rainbow Dash and the dark filly stood behind a white starting line drawn in the ground. They were nearly geared up to race, but it was so foggy, that it wasn't clear exactly what lay ahead of them.

"So uh, where's the finish line?"

"You don't know? HA!"

They heard a bang sound, and suddenly the dark filly was off to the races!

"Hey! Wait for me!"

Rainbow Dash flew after her, but she couldn't keep pace with her for long. Shortly after, Dash lost sight of her, and couldn't see anything besides the surrounding fog.

Dash nearly hit a large pointed rock, but she reacted in time and weaved around it. Dash had done so many zigs and zags though, that she couldn't even tell which way she'd just come from. She was totally lost!

"Oh no. I lost. But even worse, I'm lost!"

Ponkmo made her way through the portal in the door. A scene started to form, and she was back in Ponyville. Nothing too out of the ordinary yet. That was until she heard the sound of somepony crying. That pony turned out to be Cozy Glow. The sad filly was sitting sad and alone on the grass.

“Cozy Glow?"

“That’s me... and... *gasp* You’re Pinkie Pie!” Cozy came to life when she saw it was Pinkie Pie in front of her.

"Hold yourself, Cozella. I'm on a mission to infiltrate your castle and disarm your lasery weapon of destruction!"

“But, Pinkie Pie, I mean you no harm. I only wanted to say... it’s my birthday!”

“...It is?”

“Yeah. And I was hoping the most awesome super duper party pony would plan for me a spectacular birthday party!”

“Well, why didn’t you say so? Leave it to Pinkie Pie to plan you a super duper party you won’t soon forget!”

“Oh, but I have some very specific requirements.”

"Oookie-dokie... lokie." Pinkie said, raising her eyebrow. "Such as what?"

"Oh, not much. Except I want everypony in Ponyville to come. I also need streamers, balloons, a large birthday cake, my own special birthday dress, and... lots of fun activities. And it all has to be tailored specifically for me."

But Pinkie had never planned a party for Cozy Glow before. She didn't really know much about Cozy Glow to begin with. Planning a party especially for her might prove difficult, but she believed she was up to the task.

"That'll be no trouble at all!"

Raremare stepped out of the light, and found herself inside of Carousel Boutique in Ponyville. She quickly heard the bell ring, and in came a familiar pegasus filly.

*gasp* "Cozy Glow!"

"Golly, you must be Rarity. Just the mare I wanted to see."

"It sure is. And though I have no idea how I got here, or why I'm here, I am sure as Celestia NOT providing you with any service."

Cozy started to tear up.

"But, Oh golly. You're really going to deny me your service because of our past encounters?"

"Past? Darling, you took over an entire sovereign nation of Spiketopia! You're charging some kind of giant laser beam nonsense as we speak!"

"I-I just wanted a nice dress." Cozy teared up some more.

Rarity reminded herself that any crying from Cozy was likely all just a ruse. But it couldn't hurt to at least hear her out.

*sigh* "Well... what do you want?"

Cozy sprung to life at the question.

“Make me a dress I like. That's all you have to do to pass your trial. Fail to do so, and I lock you in the dungeon.”

"I accept your challenge, Cozy!"

"It won't be easy. I'm a very picky client. My dress has to be perfect! I'm a cute and lovable angel, so my dress should say as much!"

"Got it!"

The Applebarian stepped out of the light, and found herself outside, in front of some important but boring looking building in Manehatten.

"Now what in tarnation has that filly come up with this time?"

A voice called out for our apple pony.

A familiar looking blue maned pegasus filly with glasses, and a collared shirt flew up to Applebarian.

"Excuse me, are you Applejack?"

"I'm not Applejack. Mah name's The Applebar-"

"No, you're Applejack. And I think you better come with me." they said.

Cozy Glow led Applejack into the building. Inside was a big courtroom, with a jury of angry looking Cozy Glows.

"What in tarnation is going on?! I'm a barbarian, not a lawyer! And I thought we were playin' Ogres & Oubliettes, not a courtroom simulation."

“Applejack! You are on trial for the stoning of Cozy Glow!”

“Wha? Why me?”

“My plaintiff, Cozy Glow, is proposing that you willingly lied about her nature, and made up defamatory statements, which led to her being turned to stone!”

“How in Equestria is that possible? I've hardly said a word about Cozy!”

"That's what we're here to find out, as you defend yourself in trial."

Applejack was seated in the defendant's chair. To her right, at another table, sat a stone statue of Cozy Glow. The jury box was filled with many Cozy Glows, and the judge was another Cozy Glow, with a powdered wig, and a long black gown.

"This is ridiculous. Y'all got nothing on me."

"Then I suppose this should be easy. Shouldn't it?" Cozy said, with a cocky looking grin.

Beautyshy's door led to the top the castle. It appeared to actually be Cozella's castle, and not an illusion.

Beautyshy saw her friend Captain Wuzz tied to Cozella's torture device.

*gasp* "Captain Wuzz!"

"Beautyshy, please! Keep back!"

"It's no use, Beautyshy. Right now your friends are dealing with the most devious scenarios I could come up with for them!"

"So then, what's my test?"

"Well, to be honest, I couldn't come up with anything for you. I mean, what was I supposed to come up with? Fluttershy has to overcome her stage fright? Bleh! So, like with Twilight, I'm cutting to the chase with you. Give me your Element!"

"My what?"

"I mean. *ahem* That special necklace of yours."

Beautyshy looked at her necklace. The jewel was indeed butterfly shaped, but she wasn't aware it had any power.

"No. You can't have my Element, Cozella!"

"I see. Well, either it's your Element, or Discord's magic. Either way, I'm not afraid to make a mess out of things!"

Cozella dialed the laser to its lowest setting, which created a small but piercing beam right besides Captain Wuzz. She was threatening to cut him in half.

"This is your final warning! Tell me how to control your chaos magic, or I'll dissect the answer out of you!

"NEVER!".

"I see. Well, let's see what fate has in store for you."

Cozella conjured up her 20 sided die yet again, and gave it a throw.

The die landed face up with a 9.

"Errgh. Not enough for a clean laser cut. Guess we'll have to go old fashion for your torture."

Cozella turned the wheel, stretching out Discord more.

"Did you say you were infinitely expandable? Or that you were expendable? I guess we'll find out! HEHAHAHAHA!!!"

"Leave my friend alone, you fiend!!"

"Never, Beautyshy!"

"Um. I didn't say anything..."

"Huh?"

Cozella turned around, and saw the wizard Garbunkle standing atop the castle roof as well.

"Ah. Garbunkle! So you've returned to try to save your friend? How commendable. But I'm afraid it's too late. He's as toast as Sir McBiggin is."

"Why, Cozella? Why go to all this length?"

"I don't know. Something about the Squizard's powerful beak was compelling me towards it. And I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity at that sick power grab!"

"Why would you betray your allies just for a grab at power?"

"I didn't betray you. You refused to be my servants under my new rule as Empress."

"This land doesn't belong to you! The citizens of Spiketopia deserve better than to live under your tyrannical rule!"

"I see. I see. Well. If that's what you think, then come and take Spiketopia back from me!"

"You're on!"

"I can be on too."

"It's a one on one magic duel!"

Garbunkle and Cozella challenged each other to a magic duel, and the battle immediately commenced.

It was Garbunkle's turn first. Garbunkle rolled his die, but it was a mere 6.

"What's the matter, Garbunkle? Can't roll a double digit number?"

Garbunkle attempted to cast a zap attack on Cozella, but its effect was negligible.

"Let's see how a real O&O champ does it."

Cozella rolled her dice, and rolled a 14.

"Ooh. Another high roll! Golly, how does she do it!?"

Cozella put a magical binding spell around Garbunkle.

"Please stop this!"

"Stop!? I can't stop. You can't stop me! NO ONE CAN STOP, EMPRESS COZY GLOW!"

Cozella cast a powerful magical beam attack, dealing a critical blow to Garbunkle.

"As if you ever stood a chance."

A trap door opened beneath Garbunkle, and he fell down a long vertical shaft.

"So much for your Spike in shining armor, Captain Wuzz. Now, about your chaos magic!"

"Stop! You can't do this!"

"Why? What would be lost?"

"He's my friend! I can't stand the thought of losing him! Surely you don't know what it's like to lose a close friend."

Cozella weighed the situation carefully.

"Will you promise to spare my friend if I give you my Element?"

"Hmm... You're not bluffing, are you?"

Beautyshy undid her necklace, and held it out.

"Here. Do we have a deal?"

Cozella turned off the laser, and dialed back the wheel, releasing the tension stretching out Captain Wuzz. She then swiftly swiped the Element away from Beautyshy.

"It's a deal. And now that makes for two Elements."

Cozella detached the jewel from the necklace, and held it up to her crown. She held the Element of Kindness up to her crown, and it became magically infused with the crown.

"Your friend is spared. And I promise my laser will bring no harm to Captain Wuzz. However, he is still my prisoner. And he won't get his freedom until he tells me how to control chaos magic! And until he does, TwiShine's shack is next on my laser's hit list."

Cozella held her crown in her hooves, and was in disbelief that these powerful artifacts were now in her possession.

"That's two Elements down. Now I only need four more. And I have a special feeling that the remaining Elements will be delivered to me very soon."

Back in Rarity's trial, she had finished fitting Cozy with an exceptionally well detailed dress. A pink princess dress, bedazzled with sparkling jewels. But would it pass the test?

Cozy stood in front of the mirror, and assessed her dress.

"So, what do you think?"

Cozy carefully thought about the dress. She smiled at her image, and things seemed to be going well. But suddenly, she nodded in disapproval.

"WHAT!? I put all my heart and soul into it!"

"I'm more a fan of things woven with blood, sweat and tears."

"So... you don't like it?" Rarity asked, breaking into tears.

"It's... fine. It's just missing something. That cherry on top. I need..."

Cozy looked at Rarity and her necklace.

“I want THAT gem!"

Cozy pointed at Rarity's Element.

“This?! Oh, but, darling. This one I simply can’t give up.”

“Then I guess you won’t pass the test then.”

Rarity thought long and hard about this one. Give up her Element to Cozy Glow just to pass this test? Was it a worthwhile sacrifice to make? Well, there seemed to be no other way out of this situation.

Rarity caved in, and outfitted Cozy Glow with her Element of Generosity.

"OoooOOooh. So shiny and sparkly!" Cozy said, grinning.

"So what do you think now, darling?"

"I love it!"

Rarity beamed with excitement.

"But you still fail."

Rarity's mood immediately went into shock and horror.

"WHAT!? But you said make a dress you like. I succeeded, no?"

"The dress? Oh no, this thing's still a wreck. I was talking about this Element. So shiny, so powerful!

Rarity gasped. She'd fallen right into Cozy's trap. And now, she was about to fall through Cozy's trap door.

"And since you failed to make a dress that I liked, you failed the test. So..."

A trap door opened underneath Rarity, and she fell way down.

Pinkie Pie had decorated the entire park for Cozy's birthday. Pink table covers, with gift bags, balloons, and a ginormous cake, big enough to feed every filly in Ponyville for a week!

That wasn't all. There was a bouncy castle for fillies to bounce around and play in.

Cozy Glow inspected Pinkie Pie's work.

"Impressive work, Pinkie Pie."

"Thanks."

"There's just um..."

"Did I forget something, Cozy Glow?"

"Maybe. I don't know. I guess I was maybe expecting a bit more of a... fun factor?"

"Oh there's lots of fun to be had. Every filly loves a good bouncy castle. Later we can play musical chairs! Oh! And then-"

"I got it! I know what's missing!"

"You do? What is it?"

"There's one party game missing."

"There is? What is it? I'm teeming with excitement!"

Cozy put a blindfold over Pinkie.

"Oh. I see. Wait, never mind. I don't see. I can't see anything right now! So let me guess, we're playing that sensory game where you place something in my hoof and I have to guess what it is. No wait. Even better, it's, it's-"

Cozy removed the blindfold, revealing that Pinkie Pie was tied to the side of a tree.

"Um, Cozy. This doesn't look like much fun."

"Oh, but it is! Everypony get ready for Pin the Tail on Pinkie Pie!"

Cozy blindfolded the filly in front, and Pinkie Pie, and then swiped Pinkie's Element away from her and flew away.

Pinkie Pie fidgeted around, and broke herself free, and rushed over to Cozy.

"Give me that back!"

"AAH!!"

Cozy flew into the large bouncy castle. Pinkie followed her inside, cornering her. Pinkie bounced up and down, causing Cozy to drop the element.

Cozy and Pinkie bounced up and down, trying to catch the Element, which was also bouncing.

"Mine!"

"No, it's mine!"

The two frantically fought for the Element in the bouncy castle. But eventually, Pinkie caught the Element.

"I got it!"

*pop*

The ground underneath Pinkie popped.

"Oh, Pinkie. Don't you know these things are rated only for fillies?"

Cozy flew past Pinkie, swiping the Element, and swiftly exiting the deflating bouncy castle.

"Wait! Don't leave me!"

Pinkie tried to escape, but the castle was deflating too quickly. The bouncy castle collapsed, and deflated, trapping Pinkie Pie underneath a heavy layer of nylon.

Outside, Cozy looked at the Element of Laughter in her hooves, and laughed at Pinkie's misfortune.

The fillies all looked at Cozy with disbelief, and disappointment.

"Oh, grow up, kiddos. This party is over, however, help yourselves to some cake."

Back in the courtroom, Applejack was getting grilled by the lawyer Cozy Glow.

"Now then, I have a statement prepared that will utterly blast your flank into pieces."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Very well. Allow me to begin. *ahem* "Our defendant, Applejack, touts herself as being the Element of Honesty. Therefore, we can safely assume that anything she believes must be the "objective truth". Let's see how she holds true to that. On the day of the Ending, you clearly did not do anything to stop Discord from turning Cozy to stone. Now, let me ask all of you. Is it fair to say that Cozy Glow is undoubtedly different from Lord Tirek and Queen Chrysalis?"

"Well, ...I mean, she's shorter than them."

"Because she's a FILLY! And to be honest, I don't think it's fair to treat Cozy Glow, with the same standard as those OLD villains! Therefore, I state that her punishment is unfair!"

The jury nodded and chattered in agreement.

"And so, by allowing Discord to turn Cozy Glow to stone, and laughing at her defeat need I add, you were making a firm statement that Cozy deserved it. Which I just reasoned with you, is objectively NOT TRUE! She's a filly! She didn't deserve to be turned to stone! Therefore, you acted dishonestly! Any honest pony would've objected to the horrific thing that happened. But you didn't! GUILTY!"

"...Say what now? I'm not followin' yer circular reasonin'."

"I've presented my evidence, and the jury is nearly ready to make a verdict. So, one more time, Applejack. How do you plead?"

"Fer the last time, NOT GUILTY! I didn't say anythin' dishonest about Cozy Glow! You can't make all these stretches and assumptions about me. I only spoke about Cozy Glow, on account of what EVERYPONY could plainly see! An' if anypony was responsible for her gettin' turned to stone, it's HERSELF!!"

*gasp*

The entire jury of Cozy Glow's let out an immense audible gasp.

Even Lawyer Cozy was in shock, and had to readjust her glasses.

"The defendant has spoken, has the jury reached a verdict?"

"We have, your honor.

“We, the Cozy's, find Applejack GUILTY of misusing her element of Honesty! Therefore, she doesn’t deserve it. Seize her Element!”

Lawyer Cozy swiped Applejack's necklace from her, and hoofcuffed her hooves together.

"Well, hang on! This ain't a fair trial!"

“Life's not fair. Applebrain. Now imprison her!”

A trap door opened beneath Applejack's seat, and she fell down a vertical shaft.

Rainbow Dash frantically flew through the fog, but it was no good. She was hopelessly lost. She eventually gave up, and landed on the ground.

"It's no use. I've failed. And if I failed, then that means Spiketopia is doom!"

She pressed her hooves to her face, and started crying.

But suddenly, Garbunkle fell from the sky, and landed in Dash's grasp.

"Garbunkle! What are you doing here?"

"Never mind me. We need to stop Cozy and her pursuit for your Elements of Harmony."

Dash checked herself, and indeed her necklace was missing. Cozy must've swiped it sneakily at some point.

"Our Elements? I thought she already had the Elements, errr, something."

"I'm still not sure of all the specifics yet, but what I know for certain is you must beat Cozy Glow in this race!"

"But I can't. I can't see through this thick fog. I don't know where I'm going. There's no point."

"You must go, Rainbow Dash. You must fly and win. I know you can do it."

"But Cozy is probably already at the finish line!"

"Or, maybe she isn't. You ever hear the story of the tortoise and the mare? I reckon Cozy might be resting on her laurels. You're more than fast enough to catch up and win!

"You're right. I'm not letting myself be out done by that bratty filly. I'll show her how fast I can really go!"

Rainbow Dash revved up her wings, and took off flying at great speed. Which direction was she going? It didn't matter. She just needed to build up speed.

"Woo hoo! Where am I going? Doesn't matter! Because I am Rainbow Danger Dash!"

Rainbow went so fast, she broke the sound barrier, and created a Sonic Rainboom! The gigantic boom blew away the fog layer, and cleared up the area.

Dash could now see the finish line atop a hill, and Shadowbolt Cozy Glow simply lounging around.

Shadow Bolt Cozy heard the sound of something rushing through the air, and opened her eyes. She panicked when she saw Dash speeding to the finish line. She tried to get herself going, but before she could even leave the ground, Dash zipped through the finish line.

"Oh yeah. Uh-huh!"

Dash suddenly heard some crying. She looked over saw Cozy crying in frustration.

"Hey, don't sweat it, squirt. You gave it a good go."

*sniff* "I did?"

"Yeah. You're a good flier, kid. Keep it up, squirt."

Cozy hugged Rainbow Dash. Dash embraced her as well.

Cozy then smiled, and flew away. Dash felt pretty good too. She didn't seem so bad.

"Wait, did she just congratulate me?"

The scene started to fade away, Dash and Garbunkle wound up back in the castle foyer.

"So now we're back here?"

"Cozella got what she wanted, so the illusion spell has dissipated, and we're back in the castle. Come on, let's see how the rest of our friends are doing."

Dash and Garbunkle exited the chamber, and checked in on TwiShine's room. And what they found inside shocked them.

*gasp* "TwiShine! Oh no!"

"That fiend got to TwiShine! What do we do?"

"Hmm. I have an idea. Maybe I can peer into her mind and find a way to undo the curse. I don't have much magic left, but I have to do it."

Garbunkle rolled a double lucky 14. With his role, he cast a mind reading spell, to peer into the mind of TwiShine.

Inside of Twilight's mind, she envisioned herself sitting on the stairsteps of her castle, arguing with herself out loud.

"What is it with Cozy Glow? What is it with everypony? I'm doing my job as Princess just fine. What do they know? Cozy got what she deserved! I don't recall her asking for my forgiveness at any point. I only recall getting yelled at, and having lasers fired at my face!"

Twilight saw Cozy Glow walking up and approaching the castle.

"Oh, this is rich. The little trouble making filly thinks she can challenge me all by herself. I'm ready now, Cozy, because I know to expect the worst from you." Twilight said.

Cozy stood just a few meters away from the stairsteps, and stared at Twilight, anxiously.

"Welcome, Cozy Glow. What brings you to my former home?" Twilight asked.

Cozy simply stood, and didn't reply.

"You know, I don't care if ponies complain that a filly was turned to stone. I don't care if that somehow tarnishes my image. And besides, the reason I released you from stone had nothing to do with the complaints. I freed you from stone, because I knew it didn't make a difference either way. There really was no point in turning you to stone in the first place. Face it. Now everypony knows you for who you are. Your manipulation tactics won't ever work again. So what are you left with without that, huh? Nothing. You really think you can stand up to me? I don't need much to defeat you. I don't need powerful magic, or lucky dice rolls. I can defeat you all on my own."

Cozy still kept silent, and stood firm.

"Not backing away? I stand corrected then. Seems to me that you simply can't go unchecked, and I must deal with you for good." Twilight said.

Twilight gripped Cozy Glow with her magic, and held her upside down.

"Twilight!" exclaimed a voice.

Twilight turned around, and saw it was Spike who had appeared.

"Spike. Excellent timing." she said.

"Twilight, listen. This isn't what it seems. Your mind is trapped, and you need to approach this very delicately in order to escape." Spike explained.

"Right. Now, help me to deal with Cozy Glow, Spike." Twilight said.

"What? NO! Twilight, this isn't what it seems!" Spike said.

"No, of course it isn't! She's the most dangerous evil force in Equestria! If we don't turn her to stone, she'll fry our brains with her big ol eyes! Now help me to finish her off!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Twilight, please! I know she's done bad, but she doesn't deserve this!" Spike exclaimed.

"She hasn't just done bad. She's the baddest bad! " Twilight exclaimed. "Lest we forget we left her in stone for a reason! It's because we never intended on reforming Cozy Glow! We were just going to leave her in stone for eternity!! WAHAHAHA!!"

Spike flicked Twilight's horn, which caused her binding spell to dissipate.

"What are you doing, Spike? Are you going against a direct order of mine?" Twilight asked.

"What has gotten into you, Twilight!!?!!" Spike exclaimed.

"I'm just setting things right. We should've kept to our word, and left Cozy Glow in stone for forever!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Is that what you think, Twilight? Is this how you really want to deal with Cozy Glow?" Spike asked.

Twilight looked at Cozy, laying upside down on the ground. Something which now seemed especially... helpless.

Twilight's angry expression faded, as she started to feel pity for Cozy.

"...Spike? Oh gosh, Spike. What am I doing?" Twilight asked.

"I believe you were about to have totally rational conversation with Cozy Glow." Spike said.

"Right. I'd be glad to." Twilight said.

*ahem* "Cozy Glow. I know you're probably none too pleased with me right now. For how I just treated you, as well as the other two times where we punished you, and essentially left you behind. But I assure you, it isn't as it appears. I... Cozy Glow, there was a time where we were friends. And for some reason you threw it all away. That's why I figured you didn't understand friendship, or simply didn't want it. And the raid on Canterlot further confirmed that to me."

Cozy turned her head away from Twilight, and started to tear up.

"The truth is, we don't know much about you, Cozy. But if you were willing to open up, and show me the real you, I'd be more than happy to listen, and see the best in you. I hope that eventually you'll decide that friendship is something you'd want to embrace."

Cozy still didn't speak a word.

"I promise, once this little game is over, things are going to be different. I'm not going to make any assumptions. I'm going to see you for the real you, and do my best to show you why friendship might be something you'd wanna embrace for real. And I promise to be there every hoofstep of the way." Twilight said.

Twilight extended her hoof to Cozy.

"There's still the opportunity to forgive you, Cozy. But it has to be something you want. So what do you say, Cozy?"

Cozy paused, but soon lunged forward and Twilight.

Cozy said something verbally with her mouth, but Twilight didn't hear her voice. It seemed like Cozy was thanking her.

"You're welcome, Cozy." Twilight said.

But suddenly, Cozy started to glow, and fade away.

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

Cozy Glow had fully faded away, leaving something behind...

"Woah..." Spike said.

Twilight trotted up slowly, and picked up the artifact.

"So, not exactly what you expected to see from Cozy, huh?" Spike asked.

"Actually, this is perfect." Twilight said.

"Huh?" Spike asked.

"Upon closer inspection, the artifact looked just like one of Twilight and her friends' Elements. But its color was unique, and hadn't formed into the shape of a cutie mark yet.

"I don't think the stuff we said will necessarily be lost on her. I have a really good feeling for the future." Twilight said.

The scene started to dissolve, and Twilight could feel herself awakening.

Back in the castle, TwiShine's stone curse had been undone, and she turned back to normal.

"TwiShine! You're okay!"

"I sure am. Thanks to your reasoning, Garbunkle. Thank you."

"No problem."

"I knew I made the right choice appointing you as Royal Advisor."

Garbunkle smiled.

"Um. What's that?"

"What's what? *gasp*

The stone that once covered TwiShine dissipated, and collected together and formed something.

"What's happening, TwiShine?"

"Something's forming."

The rock layer broke, and inside was a gemstone. It appeared to be the same mysterious artifact TwiShine saw in her dream.

"What exactly is it?"

"I'm not totally sure yet. But I have a strong hunch about it. We should hold onto it."

TwiShine put the gem in her inventory bag.

TwiShine, Dash, and Garbunkle exited the door, and were back in the main room. They heard some rumbling, and suddenly, their friends Raremare, Applebarian, and Ponkmo tumbled out of their doors.

"She took my Element!"

"Mine too!"

"I argue that I succeeded in my assignment, and she still took it from me!

"I'm not really sure what to make of my trial. But it sure wasn't fair!"

"But did we succeed in disarming the super laser?"

"I didn't see any sort of power source."

"Me either. In fact, those rooms are just empty rooms armed with magic illusion spells!"

"Could it be...?"

"I think we did fall into Cozella's trap. She lured us here, knowing we'd be searching for a way to disarm the weapon. But in actuality, she was after your powers. And now she has them!"

"But she doesn't really have the Elements of Harmony. They're just imaginary, and are just part of the game world. Her having them doesn't have any impact on the actual Equestria, does it?"

"Hmm... Wait, where's Beautyshy?"

Everyone heard a loud booming sound above them.

"Something big is happening on the castle rooftop! We need to get up there! NOW!!"

Our heroes rushed up the big spiral staircase to the top of the tower. They busted through a locked trap door at the top, and leaped up to the castle roof.

"Cozy Glow!"
"Cozy Glow!"
"Cozy Glow!"
"Cozy Glow!"
"Cozy Glow!"
"Cozy Glow!"

They all shouted simultaneously.