Episode 43: (Cozy Glow Arc) Conflict & Communication

Scene 43.0: Canterlot, Twilight's Castle, Sometime Past Midnight, Over 8 Years Ago

Overlooking the Royal Garden from a vantage point are two hooded pony figures with one of them being the same height as Chrysalis while the other is the same height Shadow's Alicorn Form, look at the stone prison of Tirek, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow.

??? (Female Creature):

The magic surrounding their prison seems to be weakening. Why is that?

??? (Male Creature):

Everyone thinks that when Princess Twilight Sparkle came into power by succeeding Celestia and Luna was a "Peaceful" Transition…It wasn't. There are many who hates the Elements of Harmony and the Integration of every race in Equestria under the banner of Friendship. But there are many who do not desire this and want to remain segregated in order to prove their superiority over everyone. That's why the magic of their prison surrounding them is falling apart. The one who sealed them away was not the Princesses, But Discord Himself. The Negative Power that hates Twilight and her Friends is making these 3 stronger, not the stone prison weaker. One of those who hates the Elements of Harmony and Princess Twilight Sparkle the most is General Volcanus of the Dragon Lands as he was one of the many dragons that is still against Dragon Lord Ember's allegiance with both Twilight and Thorax.

(Evil Smile)

His contempt towards Spike is so great, it's going to be funny when they find out their connection to one another. Even Volcanus' Daughter will mellow out when she finds out about their connection.

??? (Female Creature):

(Furious)

I'm not interested in the History of Equestria, Blight! Telling me on why the magic of their stone prison is weakening was what I wanted to know, you fool!

Blight Terror:

Old Habits Die Hard, My Dear Lady Imago. Still…

(Serious Expression)

…Even if we recruit this Terrible Trio into our Cadre…they will betray us like they did Discord.

Lady Imago:

So how are we going to avoid that from happening to us?

Blight Terror:

Using a Forbidden Relic and Technique created by the Original Platinum Shadow. We infuse the following elements within one of them – Chaos Magic and a Fragment of the Mother Black Heart Crystal created by the Fallen Ancient. But when the Fallen was sealed away, the Mother Crystal disappeared…until I found it just recently in the Arctic North.

Lady Imago:

(Shocked)

You found it!?

Blight Terror:

(Evil Smile)

Indeed!

(Pulls Out Small Black Crystal)

I plan on mass producing his genius into these condensed and compact crystals. The Essence of the Fallen is within the Mother Crystal which can amplify anyone's power to whomever wears it. But if the crystal is given to a certain subject…they will undergo a unique metamorphosis.

Lady Imago:

(Annoyed)

I might have been around you for a while but that doesn't mean I understand your crazy ideas! Explain it like in Simplified Ponish like everycreature else!

Blight Terror:

(Amused Smile)

Very Well. The Original Platinum Shadow's Influence had the power to bring about a drastic awakening within those who embrace his will. For example – Pinkie Pie is the Element of Laughter. If she's infused with the Fallen's Power…she would do an 180 and become the Element of Disharmony known as "Suffering". There are so many cogitations related to Pinkie Pie's Element of Laughter that always lead to a Positive Outcome. But twist her element to be the opposite like Discord did, Laughter becomes Disdain, but not Suffering. With The Fallen's Power…Laughter can be twisted into Suffering. In many Alternate Realities, Pinkie Pie embraced Suffering and has done many heinous acts in said realities like Cannibalism, Murder and even Demonic Rituals. The reason of that is because when the Original Platinum Shadow and the Ancients faced off against Luminescence, he was known as The Element of Purity, one of the 3rd Most Powerful of All of the Elements aside from the Element of Life and the Element of Unity which later would evolve into the Element of Sorcery that Star Swirl represents and then the Element of Magic which Twilight now wields. However…Something happened that switched his Element from Purity to Corruption and none of his brothers or sisters know what brought about this strange change. But…

Lady Imago:

But?

Blight Terror:

That story is for another time. Right now we need to delve on who will be more compatible with this prototype.

Lady Imago:

(Annoyed)

You Sonnuva! Fine! Get on with it! Who are we going to give this crystal to? Tirek is already corrupted because of his feud with his father that became a deep contempt towards his entire family and kingdom. Chrysalis? There's no hope for her as she's the same as she has always been.

Blight Terror:

(Evil Smile)

You know her better than anyone since you two are—

Lady Imago:

(Death Glare)

Finish that sentence and you will never see the future you wish to bring about!

Blight Terror:

You'd be a fine Element of Terror, my dear.

Lady Imago:

Enough Games! Which is the one you will…

(Amused Demeanor, Laughing)

Cozy Glow!? That's the one you will go for!?

Blight Terror:

Cozy Glow is the youngest so manipulating her will be far easier. Plus…she already bonded with Discord's Chaos Magic and infusing the essence of this crystal into her…She will undergo a very interesting metamorphosis. Cozy will be my first Guinea Pig for my Black Heart Crystal Experiment. One that will take a maximum of 10 years to complete…Minimum 7 to 9 years.

Lady Imago:

By the sound of it, you are expecting some side effects out of it.

Blight Terror:

Indeed.

(Evil Glowing Eyes [Chaos Sight], Surprised, Evil Smile)

Interesting…

Lady Imago:

What is?

Blight Terror:

I knew Cozy Glow had a secret to her, but this is a lot more than I had hoped for.

Lady Imago:

What Secret?

Blight Terror:

A Chaotic Secret.

***

Scene 43.1: Forest of Maya [Northwest from Mount Aris], 12:30 PM, Day 81 Of 365

Upon entering the Forest of Maya, Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow are separated as they are on their own, lost within it as a very thick mist clouding their vision, blinding them from where to go. As they try to find each other they both encounter their recently troubling inner demons…

Phase 1:

The Case Of Diamond Tiara

As Diamond Tiara wanders around looking for Cozy Glow, she somehow arrives in front of her parents' home in Ponyville which shocks her as she knows she's not in Ponyville and yet all of her senses & feelings are telling her that this is real, but deep down something is off. As Diamond Tiara worryingly enters the house, she hears noises she dreads to remember and it is coming from the kitchen as she slowly heads there. As she opens the door, she sees her mother, Spoiled Rich fixing herself up as Diamond Tiara in anger glares at the Pony next to her mother with lipstick marks all over his face and neck, getting his toolbox in a hurry and leaving just as quickly. As they are left alone, Diamond Tiara looks at her mother with disgust and wants to slap her as Spoiled Rich notices this and smiles at her daughter condescendingly.

Spoiled Rich (?):

(Evil Smile)

You had to ruin the moment like you always do? We were getting to the good part.

Diamond Tiara:

(Furious, Disgusted, Glare, Holding Back Sadness)

How can you betray daddy like this!?

Spoiled Rich (?):

(Laughing Mockingly)

Your dear daddy hasn't given me the happiness I want as of late, so I have no choice but to look elsewhere.

Diamond Tiara:

You're despicable!

Spoiled Rich (?):

You are my daughter, Diamond Tiara! You really think you will not cross the line I did!? One day you will find Platinum Shadow unappealing and boring! And once you do…

(Demonic Expression [Golden Cat Eyes, Snake Tongue, Vampire Fangs, Gator Skin])

…you will betray him just like I did to your father!

Diamond Tiara:

SHUT UP!!! SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!!! I will never do that to Shadow! Do you hear me!? NEVER!!!

(Demon) Spoiled Rich (?):

Never Say Never, Diamond Tiara. Karma Hates To Hear That Word So Much, She Will See It As A Challenge And Make You Regret Actually Saying It!

At that moment, Diamond Tiara leaves the house in anger, unfazed that her mother transformed into a demon, but in reality she didn't noticed due to the power of the forest and as she exits the house; she appears at her family shop: Rich's Barnyard Bargains as she surprisingly sees more mature version of herself working the counter as usual except next to her "Future Self" is a picture of her and Shadow being married. Diamond Tiara is surprised to see this, but notices that her "Future Self" looks tired and bored even though it looks like she's living a good life with Shadow as her husband and a young son who is in a picture with a full grown Cozy Glow behind him and hugging him. At that moment, a more bigger and muscular "Future" Blaze enters the shop looking for Shadow.

(Adult) Blaze (?):

Hey, Dia! Is Shadow around?

(Adult) Diamond Tiara (?):

(Saddened)

He and Daddy are in a business trip.

(Adult) Blaze (?):

Again? That's the 6th time in less than 3 months. We were supposed to work on the new plans for the School Event this Hearth's Warming Eve. Speaking of school…where is White Knight?

(Adult) Diamond Tiara (?):

(Smiling [Weirdly])

He's with his Big Sis Cozy having loads of fun.

(Adult) Blaze (?):

(Smiling)

Cozy has come a long way. You managed to help her in a lot of ways.

(Adult) Diamond Tiara (?):

She has helped me too for as long as we have been together.

(Adult) Blaze (?):

I'm glad to hear that.

(Adult) Diamond Tiara (?):

I want your help too, Blaze.

(Adult) Blaze (?):

Sure. With Shadow traveling with your dad, I'm free until he gets back.

(Adult) Diamond Tiara (?):

(Evil Smile)

I want you to play with me too.

(Adult) Blaze (?):

Meaning?

(Adult) Diamond Tiara (?):

It's a game Cozy and my son is playing right now. Ever since I gave birth to him, I promised her she can be his special somepony. With Shadow away and knowing what Cozy and my son are doing, I feel lonely and frustrated. We can play in the backroom where nocreature can bother us.

Diamond Tiara:

(Shocked)

What…!?

(Adult) Blaze (?):

(Evil Smile)

What about Silver Spoon? Doesn't she work here too?

(Adult) Diamond Tiara (?):

She's on a date with her husband for the entire day and they will be playing the same game we will be playing. Well?

To Diamond Tiara's shock, her "Future Self" leads "Future" Blaze to the backroom and locks the door behind them. But what really disturbed her was that her "Son" and Cozy were playing the same type of game as she rushes out the shop to stop it only to see her "Future Self", "Future" Cozy and Spoiled Rich laughing, pointing and taunting Diamond Tiara say repeatedly "Never Say Never" in a mocking and condescending tone. Suddenly a beautiful Anthropomorphic Alicorn that resembles the Ancients, but her colors are bright and lively: Blonde Mane, Light Brown Coat but the usual black outfit, snaps all of them away like a dream.

??? (Anthropomorphic Female Alicorn):

(Mild Laughter)

Oh, my. Looks like my mist made you see something that you dread from your past and will torment your future.

Diamond Tiara:

(Surprised)

You…You look like an Ancient. But your colors…

Maya (Anthropomorphic Female Alicorn [Ancient Alicorn Of (???) Chaos]):

(Evil Smile)

I'm beautiful, aren't I? My name is Maya and this is my forest. I assumed you are here to see the Ancient of Wisdom.

Diamond Tiara:

Are you Gran—?

Maya:

(Furiously Throws Large Tree Behind Diamond Tiara)

.........…

Diamond Tiara:

(Shocked, Scared)

.........…

Maya:

(Laughing, Hiding Anger Behind Dark Smile, Waving Hand)

Oops! My Hand Slipped. Whatever you do…don't you EVER call me "Granny"! Okay, Pumpkin?

Diamond Tiara:

If you are not Shadow's Teacher, then who are you?

Maya:

I'm just a prankster that gets her kicks seeing my victims suffer from their most painful memories of their past and make them show up in the future. Yours is the Betrayal your Mother did to You and your Father and you emulating her in your adult years.

Diamond Tiara:

(Annoyed)

Why You!!!

Maya:

Tell me…Do you hate her that badly?

Diamond Tiara:

After what she did, of course I do.

Maya:

So you hate yourself.

Diamond Tiara:

(Furious)

WHAT!? What do you mean by that!?

Maya:

Children are Literally their Parents' Clones. Half of Your Father's Essence was used to breed life into you and the Other Half is Your Mother's. If you Hate either of them, then by default YOU Hate Yourself. Fun Fact – When a Child like yourself who loved your parents as dearly as you have…ends up hating one of their said parents like you are doing now…you will end up becoming like them in the future…Just like the vision you saw. If neither of you settle this feud with each other…

(Evil Smile)

…This Future Will Become A Reality Because "The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree". Or Is It "Like Mother Like Daughter"? For you see…"The Sins of the Mother Will Be Passed Down To Their Daughters". In other words…If your Mother Betrayed You and Your Father like this, As Her Daughter…You Will Continue The Tradition…Willingly Or Not, As Half Of Your Soul Is From Her. No Matter How Much You Ignore It, You Will Never Escape It. You Either Face It Or Ignore It. But right now that's…Not Important. What is important is something else. You will find Cozy Glow through that path on your right. Once you find her, you will find the Ancient of Wisdom you are looking to help you. Until then…little girl.

Phase 2:

The Case of Cozy Glow

Diamond Tiara wants to give Maya a piece of her mind about that, but helping Cozy Glow comes first before her own problems as she rushes to help her. She opens the door and is blinded by powerful flash of light. Meanwhile in another part of the forest, Cozy Glow walks around the area and is scared of what she sees: parts of the forest distorted in a weird static form similar to a virus ruining a computer program. As Cozy moves around the area, she sees in horror herself sealed away in a blackish purple crystal that is being eaten alive by the distortion there. She runs to the crystal to save herself, but is stopped by an old yet distinguished looking mare by getting in her way. This old mare resembles Maya's colors, but slightly faded due to her old age.

??? (Old Mare):

That was a close one. Don't you ever do that, sugar. That is "Memory Curse". A Power that The Fallen wielded when he was around.

Cozy Glow:

The Fallen? You mean…The Ancient Platinum Shadow? Then you must be Granny Goodshoes.

Granny Goodshoes (Old Mare):

Indeed on both counts.

(Curious Stare At Cozy Glow & Crystal Sealed Cozy Glow)

Huh! Looks like things just got interesting. What is your name little one?

Cozy Glow:

I'm Cozy Glow.

Granny Goodshoes:

The one allied with Chrysalis and Tirek? I see. May I ask of you a question of dire importance?

Cozy Glow:

(Worried)

Yes?

Granny Goodshoes:

(Serious Stare)

How is that worthless son of mine doing?

Cozy Glow:

(Nervous Smile)

Do you old timers all consider Shadow as your son?

Granny Goodshoes:

He IS our son except to Zenith Azimuth. He sees Young Shadow more like a Best Friend than an offspring.

Cozy Glow:

(Annoyed)

If that's true, I can understand you asking about him…

(Furious)

…even though I am more worried about ME RIGHT NOW!!!

Granny Goodshoes:

(Proud Smile)

Well done, child. That's the Number 1 Rule when you are currently in peril and on your own – Worry About Yourself Instead Of Others.

Cozy Glow:

(About To Snap But Takes Deep Breath & Relaxes)

Would you kindly tell me why I appear inside that crystal?

Granny Goodshoes:

Oh! That? That's…

Cozy Glow:

That's?

Granny Goodshoes:

…Not Important.

Cozy Glow:

(Furious)

THAT'S ME WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, YOU CRAZY CRONE!!!

Granny Goodshoes:

(Evil Aura, Glowing Evil Eyes)

Hoo! So You Have Chosen Death…

Cozy Glow:

(Spooked)

Sorry about that! It's just that—

Granny Goodshoes:

Can you blame us Ancients we consider everything as "Not Important"?

Cozy Glow:

Why do you think that? There's always something important around you.

Granny Goodshoes:

When you live as long as we Ancients have, everything around us becomes "Not Important".

Cozy Glow:

(Evil Smile)

You are lying. You say that Nothing Is Important to you, but I can think of 1 Thing you cannot say that so casually and freely.

Granny Goodshoes:

You dare challenge an Ancient in such a manner? Blasphemy. I accept your challenge, but be forewarned, Child – Get it wrong and you will perish here consumed by the corrosion of this place.

Cozy Glow:

Platinum Shadow.

Granny Goodshoes:

(Furious Glare)

.........…

Cozy Glow:

(Condescending Smile, Insulting Yet Cutesy Attitude)

If most of you Ancients consider him your son, then you can't say with confidence that he is "Not Important".

Granny Goodshoes:

You…Little…

(Laughing Hysterically)

…Sassy Minx!!! Touché!!! No wonder that boy likes you! You act like most females he encountered in his journeys. One of them being Ananas Reinette better known as Prosecutor Fraulein. Did you know she was his very first girlfriend? His second one was very overprotective dragoness named Etna. I suggest that you look into that yourself as the story behind that is pretty juicy.

Cozy Glow:

Are you really the Ancient Element of Wisdom or the Element of Gossip?

Granny Goodshoes:

(Annoyed Smile)Nobody likes a Smart-Ass.

Cozy Glow:

Funny! And here I thought you do since you raised Shadow to be a Smart-Ass.

Granny Goodshoes:

I'm leaving.

Cozy Glow:

(Furious)

HOLD IT!!! I came here for you to help me and I'm not letting you get away! Tell me!! Why am I inside that Crystal!?

Granny Goodshoes:

That is your current situation. A Very Complicated Situation.

Cozy Glow:

What do you mean?

Granny Goodshoes:

Right now there are 3 Minds fighting for control of this body. You, Yourself and Thy. If either of them takeover this body…The Others Will Cease To Exist.

Cozy Glow:

(Shocked)

Three!? But—

Granny Goodshoes:

You only met one. I'm not surprised. The 3rd one will always remain hidden until she cannot turn a blind eye to her erasure.

(Evil Eyes [Chaos Sight])

Judging by you Aura, you are the Positive Karma.

Cozy Glow:

Karma?

Granny Goodshoes:

All life in the world has an Aura, but what is the energy that propagates and strengthen one's aura? It's Karma. Karma is the power that enhances and strengthen our auras. Even if the Aura has an evil glow, the Karmic Energy of our Actions can give it an alternate shape.

Cozy Glow:

I thought the color of the aura determines your allegiance.

Granny Goodshoes:

That's a big lie. It's the shape of the Aura that determines what type of creature are you. Your Aura is bright and shiny, but your Karmic Actions will determine your place in the world. My son's Aura is as Black as the Night, but his actions shaped his aura in a pleasant and welcoming shape. You see…a blind creature can never see the Color of One's Aura, no different to not able to see at all. Eyes create deception, so you need to rely on your other senses to determine who is good and who is evil. If Shadow believes in you, then that means he feels that there is good in you.

Cozy Glow:

(Saddened)

Him and Diamond Tiara both. Only they believe in me meanwhile everycreature else rather see me stay in my stone prison.

Granny Goodshoes:

Since you are the Positive Karma and you encountered your Negative Karma, then the hidden one is—

Cozy Glow:

Is?

Granny Goodshoes:

(Evil Smile)

…Not Important.

Cozy Glow:

(Furious)

WOULD YOU KNOCK IT OFF!?!?!?

Granny Goodshoes:

Let's head to my home. If we stay here, the corruption will end us in a very horrifying way.

Cozy Glow:

Wait!

Granny Goodshoes:

What?

Cozy Glow:

What about Diamond Tiara? We can't just leave her behind! And Please Don't Say "Not Important"…

Granny Goodshoes:

Do not fear. I'm sure she's fine. I can assure you she's already at my cabin.

Cozy Glow:

You saw her before me?

Granny Goodshoes:

No. An acquaintance of mine found and talked to her.

Cozy Glow:

How can you be so sure?

Granny Goodshoes doesn't answer opting to only smile and head towards a nearby door as Cozy annoyingly follows her in. As they enter it, they see Diamond Tiara exit the room on the other side as she stares right at both Granny Goodshoes & Cozy Glow from the other side of the room as Cozy is surprised to see Diamond Tiara show up at the same time as them that they both rush to each other and give themselves a hug as they were worried for one another. Granny Goodshoes smiles and offer them both dinner as the time they spent in the Forest was too long. She reveals that the forest has a mind of its own as it has a bad habit of accelerating or slowing down time on a whim, but never regressing/turning it back. After eating dinner, Diamond Tiara is distrustful of Granny Goodshoes as she believes that she & Maya are one and the same.

Granny Goodshoes:

Staring is not polite, dearie.

Diamond Tiara:

Sorry if I offended you…Maya.

Granny Goodshoes:

(Old Woman Laughter)

So you met my daughter.

Diamond Tiara:

(Shocked)

Your Daughter!?!?!?

Granny Goodshoes:

(Amused Laughter)

Oh-Ho-Ho-Ho! Allow me to tell you something educational. I believe you know the story of Mistmane…on how she sacrificed her own youth and beauty to help her friend.

Diamond Tiara:

As Shadow would say – I smell a copyright infringement.

Granny Goodshoes:

(Furious, Hiding Fury Behind Friendly Smile, Heinous & Scary Onomatopoeia Laughter)

I'll teach that Moronic Son of Mine a Lesson He Will Never Forget.

Diamond Tiara:

(Scared, Nervous Smile)

Sorry I even said that. Please tell me how is that annoying mare your daughter?

Granny Goodshoes:

My Brethren and Myself have been alive for Eons and us, the females of the Ancients lost the ability of Procreation due to our Natural Clock running out unlike the males whose clock practically doesn't run out unless they are unhealthy which does not happen as they are always in top health. But I found a way to bypass it. I had to sacrifice my eternal youth and most of my power in order to give birth to Maya, but I could not do it in the Chaotic Void out of fear my child would cause a disturbance and instability of the realm. So I decided to have her here in this forest. Her birth gave this forest its power…Maya's Power is the power by which the universe is made to appear; the illusion of the phenomenal world, as opposed to its true or spiritual reality.

Diamond Tiara:

So that's why I saw what I did!

(Furious)

Wait! "Illusion of the Phenomenal World, As Opposed To Its True Or Spiritual Reality"? Are you saying that I am Misjudging my Mother's Actions!?

Granny Goodshoes:

Maya never attacks anyone without a reason. She's a well-behaved 16-Year-Old Princess.

Diamond Tiara:

(Shocked)

HOLD IT!!! You mean to tell me that your daughter is younger than Shadow!? BUT SHE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A 16-YEAR-OLD!!!

Granny Goodshoes:

Ancients age at the same pace as their mental development. If their mental development is high, they age accordingly. Since Maya is an intellectual, her body will reach adulthood before her teens. But of course I am a responsible parent and refuse to allow her to date anyone until she reaches her 20s…I'd go as far as her 200s. But I know you aren't here for us. You are here for your current situation.

Cozy Glow:

Yes. You see—

Granny Goodshoes:

I already know as I mentioned it to you earlier. But it is late right now and you both need your rest. Tomorrow we will deal with your dilemma and do not worry. The food you just ate will keep you stable for the entire night.

Cozy Glow:

So what Shadow said is true – you are wise.

Granny Goodshoes:

Wisdom is all about not taking chances, anticipating possible outcomes as many times as possible and surviving as long as you can with the help and love of your friends & family. Maya will be here in a moment and I don't want her to be in danger.

Diamond Tiara, Cozy Glow:

(Nervous Smile)

You are quite overprotective.

Maya:

(Enters The House, Carefree Smile)

Mama! Are the stuck-up witches asleep yet?

Diamond Tiara, Cozy Glow:

(Furious)

YOU BRAT!!!

Granny Goodshoes:

(Annoyed Stare)

Maya!

Maya:

(Annoyed, Pouting)

But they are! Only Witchcraft can make Aniki fall for this stuck-up hag!

Diamond Tiara:

You little—! Wait!! ANIKI!?!?!?

Granny Goodshoes:

Didn't I tell you? Shadow and Maya were raised to be siblings. Shadow is such good big brother to my Maya that she's a little overprotective of him.

Maya:

I'm not protecting him! I just think he can do better than these floozies!

Cozy Glow:

(Condescending Angelic Smile)

That's rich coming from a girl that has never left her sweet and isolated yet lonely forest.

Maya:

(Furious)

Want to fight, short-stack!?

Cozy Glow:

Ha! I was right! You are a savage jungle girl!

Maya:

Why I outta—!!!

Granny Goodshoes:

(Furious, Loud Voice [Similar To Canterlot Royal Voice])

BEHAVE YOURSELVES!!!

(Normal Voice, Clears Throat)

Maya! These are our guests and Shadow's Friends. I raised you better than this!

Maya glares at Cozy Glow with great anger and heads to her room, scoring a victory against the Daughter of the Ancient. When they went to the room Granny Goodshoes set for them, Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow have to share the bed since the room once belonged to Shadow when he would stay there with Granny Goodshoes and Maya during his youth; but they need to share it since it is not only a single, but a Full Size Bed. After taking a bath, they ready themselves to sleep as Cozy notices that Diamond Tiara is troubled by something, but waits for her to settle in before asking.

Cozy Glow:

Are you alright, Dia? Did that Savage Bimbo say something to you?

Diamond Tiara:

(Sad Smile)

I'm fine…it's just that…she knows how to push my buttons.

Cozy Glow:

She is the daughter of Ancient of Wisdom, so she's going to be an annoying Smart-Ass.

Diamond Tiara:

What really makes me the most angry is that she's Shadow's Foster Sister and…

(Saddened)

…is this why Shadow is the way he is? Is this why Shadow…always act the way he does…?

Cozy Glow:

I'm…

(Saddened)

…pretty sure it is. Being raised with these kinds of creatures…can have an effect on not just him, but others like him…

(Flashes Back To Foster Parent, Thinking)

…even me…

(Out Loud)

So…what did she tell you?

Diamond Tiara:

.........…

Cozy Glow:

I can understand if you don't want to.

Diamond Tiara:

My mom betrayed my dad…I…caught her in the act. She was trying to deny it, but I know what I saw. I…I saw him covered in lipstick marks and they were both so very…

Cozy Glow:

Could it be that they were defensive because they were really not up to that?

Diamond Tiara:

I doubt it…

Cozy Glow:

Does your mom use lipstick?

Diamond Tiara:

N…No…

Cozy Glow:

Has she ever done anything that she anything she shouldn't during that time before it happened? Or something out of character for her?

Diamond Tiara:

No…wait…actually…she was acting a lot more angrier than usual, but when talking to me or daddy, she would act kind and sweet like nothing was happening.

Cozy Glow:

Did her kindness felt dishonest in any way?

Diamond Tiara:

No. It felt like how she's always been…

Cozy Glow:

Then why stay angry with her? Wait! How long have you stopped talking to her?

Diamond Tiara:

Almost 3 months now…a couple of days before meeting Shadow.

Cozy Glow:

(Shocked)

3 MONTHS!?!?!? WAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAIT!!! Is there something important that was going to happen in that time!?

Diamond Tiara:

Nothing that month or the month after and this month…

(Shocked)

…No…Way…It's not like her to plan this far ahead…unless…

Cozy Glow:

(Pleased Smile)

There you have it. But you shouldn't forgive her right away. Let her explain what happened then forgive her, but don't do it too fast. Make her sweat a little so if she even thinks of trying to do it one day only to remember that you won't forgive her if she does tries.

Diamond Tiara:

(Warm Smile)

Thank you, Cozy…

(Yawns, Closes Eyes, Falling Asleep)

…I'm glad…that we are...friends…

Cozy Glows:

(Thinking)

Friends? This feels different than I'm with Tirek and Chrysalis. Why? Why!?

(Crying)

Why This Feels Different Yet So Pleasant At The Same Time? Why Does This Feels Much Better Than I'm With Them? Why Do I Feel…I Rather Be Dia's Friend Than Them? I actually don't to lose either them or Dia. I want all of us to be friends together…but…Dia will never accept Tirek and Chrysalis after all that has happened. And they are still dead set in conquering Equestria and make…creatures like Dia suffer. How…? How can I make them be accepted by those around them and make them see things like Dia and Shadow have helped me? Maybe…I can ask Granny Goodshoes or Shadow for help to find somecreature to help them just like they helped me. Even though Shadow is younger than me and everycreature I know…he seems to know how to make things work…Almost like…he's done it before…

Unknown to Cozy Glow, Granny Goodshoes and Maya are keeping tabs on both Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow not only by surveying the room, but also their minds as Maya is furious that Cozy Glow is actually the first mortal close to figuring out something about Shadow that none has done before that she started preparing a vanishing spell to send them into oblivion only for her mother to stop her.

Maya:

(Furious)

What are you doing, Mama!? We need to protect Aniki's Secret from getting out!!!

Granny Goodshoes:

At what cost, Maya? A Secret Is A Monstrous Beast. If you try to keep this beast hidden by force, it will go rabid to the point that keeping it hidden will no longer be possible. Every fool believes that they can keep secrets hidden forever. As I mentioned – Secrets Has A Will Of Their Own. Mortals And Even A Child Of The Ancients Like You Cannot Keep A Secret Hidden For Long As Said Secret Will Always Find A Way Out. The Moment It Does, That Secret Will Stop Being A Secret And Will Be Burned Into The Hearts And Memories Of All, Thus Becoming Cemented Into Reality. What I'm trying to say is…we can only protect your brother's secret for so long, but one day we should just need to accept the fact that we did our best to make sure that ever living being accepts Shadow on Who He Is Now Than What He Was.

Maya:

(Worried, Saddened)

But…

Granny Goodshoes:

(Hugs Maya)

I know how you feel my child, but this is an unavoidable fate for all, not just Shadow. All Secrets Will See The Light When Their Comes, Whether You Are Ready Or Not. Treat The Truth Respectfully And It Will Remain Hidden Long After You Are Gone. But Abuse It And The World Will See It And You As An Abomination.

Maya looks at the sleeping Cozy Glow & Diamond Tiara as she gives in a sigh of defeat and decides to gives them a chance because she knows that Shadow isn't in any danger as he has been acting more and more compassionate and humble towards everycreature around him; even though he acts like a jerk from time to time as well. Back in Ponyville while going to sleep in his bed, Shadow abruptly sneezes out of nowhere and he knows why that is.

Shadow:

(Annoyed)

"Sneezy, Sneezy. Achoo. Someone Special Is Thinking About You"…Yeah, Right! Maya and the girls must be saying something bad behind my back. No matter. I hope they get along and help Cozy wit her situation. Hmm…Now that I think about it…if they succeed in helping her, Cozy will ask me to help Tirek and Chrysalis. Helping Chrysalis is going to be a little easier since I can ask Captain Pharynx for that. But Tirek…Tirek is going to be a challenge. I have no idea who can help him…if it's true he has issues with his father like me…I don't think I'd be the best choice for that since I haven't resolved the issue myself.

(Yawn)

I better sleep now or I'll lose the chance for overthinking it.

As Shadow goes to sleep, Blight Terror smiles evilly as he sees them all on his Counterfeit Cutie Map as things are going as well as he hoped, but is slightly annoyed too that Cozy is becoming aware of Shadow's Secret, that he needs to do something about it before she decides to either tell somecreature or worse: Shadow himself.

To Be Continued…