Episode 45: (Cozy Glow Arc) Emotional

Scene 45.0: Train To Applewood, 9:41 AM, Day 85 Of 365

The next day after discussing on what to do, Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara take the train from Mount Aris to Coltifornia, but as they are traveling, Cozy Glow can't help but to lose herself in thought as she looks out the window with a sad yet lifeless look on her face which worries Diamond Tiara seeing Cozy like this.

Diamond Tiara:

(Pokes Cozy)

Cozy? Are you alright?

Cozy Glow:

(Surprised)

Eek! What? What!?

Diamond Tiara:

(Worried Smile)

Are you alright? You look out of it.

Cozy Glow:

(Sad Expression)

I…I haven't seen Grim Apex since he was locked up in prison.

Diamond Tiara:

What did he do?

Cozy Glow:

All I know is that he disobeyed a direct order from the Governor.

Diamond Tiara:

What was it exactly? The order I mean.

Cozy Glow:

I don't know all of the details, but he was supposed to look for a Pegasus Mare only to bring back a dismembered bloodied wing belonging to her. The Governor labeled him a murderer and locked him up. The following months I saw a newspaper of Twilight becoming a Princess and decided to go to Ponyville and start anew. Then…I saw Tirek when I started living there as he claimed his seemingly assured victory. Seeing him at his full power…he reminded me of Grim.

Diamond Tiara:

Is that why you became Tirek's Pen-Pal? Because he reminded you of the stallion that took care of you?

Cozy Glow:

(Sad Nod)

...........................…

Diamond Tiara:

(Thinking)

We both know how bad Tirek is and if Grim Apex is anything like Tirek, things won't go well. I really hope I'm wrong here.

Scene 45.1: Applewood, 9:41 AM

The Dazzlings arrive at Applewood before Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow does as they begin their search of Grim Apex. Just like Cozy Glow is at the moment telling Diamond Tiara, The Dazzlings arrive at the Coltifornia City Hall where Grim Apex is presumed by working, but as they are about to request a visit to meet the Governor, much to their surprise, they see Governor Goldnon exit the building as the Mass Produced Black Heart Crystals begin to glow in their saddlebag, signaling to them that Goldnon's heart is compatible with the dark power Blight Terror gave them and they are not surprised by this given the history of the stallion they know him to be. Instead of meeting with Grim Apex as intended, The Dazzlings decide to visit Goldnon first as they follow him to his home. Upon arriving there, they sneaked in and see that he is no different than the Goldnon from the human world: Charming, Good Looking, Smooth Talker and a Smile that can captivate the weak-minded similar to the poisonous snake that he is, as the Dazzlings finds those traits of his disgusting as he is the opposite of Shadow, who doesn't need to look good to convince others that he is a good being, but instead they know his actions speak louder than that. As they look around on details they can use to exploit Goldnon before he gets back to his office of his home. While searching, Sonata is in shock of what she finds: The Dismembered Pegasus Wing mounted inside a special frame in order to preserve it and what horrifies her the most is the name on the plate there – "My Beloved Stardust Memory". When Adagio and Aria approaches Sonata, her murderous side arises as they look at her sister with a twisted smile that resembles the Psychotic Pinkamena (Pinkie Pie's Id) as Sonata's colors darkens and her mane and coat spikes up like that of a demon.

Adagio:

(Worried, Staying Calm)

Sonata. Calm down…

Cantata Dusk (Sonata's Id):

(Evil Twisted Smile)

CaN wE eNd HiM? No OnE wIlL cArE.

Aria:

(Sweating, Staying Calm)

We could, but Blight did tell us to infuse these crystals into everyone that are compatible with.

Cantata Dusk:

(Faces Aria Up-Close, Cold Murderous Stare)

SiNcE wHeN yOu StArTeD fOlLoWiNg HiS oRdErS, aRiA? WhO cArEs!? We DoN't. We'Re GoInG tO dO iT! FoR oUr SwEeT sHaDoW's DeAr MaMa, We WiLl AvEnGe HeR!

Adagio:

Perhaps we don't have to. We can have someone else do it for us.

Cantata Dusk:

Go On…

Adagio:

Listen closely Cantata, because I won't repeat myself again.

After Adagio explains her plans to Cantata Dusk as both Aria and herself make Sonata's Id see reason, lucky for them, unlike Pinkamena, Cantata Dusk can see reason in her sisters words, as she begrudgingly returns control back to Sonata. The 3 of them wait there until Goldnon returns so they can manipulate him into embracing a Black Heart Crystal. While waiting there, the girls remember the time they followed the Shadow from the Human World one day holding a bouquet of flowers; their jealousy reach a boiling point as they thought he was meeting either Sunset or Trixie since neither of them couldn't tell who he was interested in. As soon as the reached where he was going, they see him in a cemetery, kneeling in front of a grave and placing the bouquet there. Once he got up, he smiles at the grave and leaves there without noticing the girls following him. They approach the grave, they see a framed picture of a beautiful woman on it as the tombstone's words says: "Here Lies Stardust Memory. Wife, Mother And Hero Detective". Later that night, he returns to the apartment with ingredients for dinner that night and since it was Tuesday, he decides to make them their favorite tacos, spicy burritos for himself because he like to eat ultra hot spicy food and the girls hate eating food that spicy, so he goes for burritos so the girls don't accidentally eat the spicy Mexican Food. While he starts preparing the minced meat, the girls hug him from behind as he wonders what has gotten into them, but decides not to ask as he continues his cooking, he smiles warmly and says "Thank You" which the girls can't help but to sob for him. Later during dinner, the Dazzlings asks Shadow about his mom, Stardust Memory, which he starts telling them tons of things like a proud little kid talking about his parents. Unlike Equestria Platinum Shadow, Human World Platinum Shadow loves and is proud of Both of his Parents which begs the question to them: "Why The Difference Is So Great Between These 2 Worlds? Why Can't Equestria's Shadow Love Both of his Parents like the Shadow of the Human World?" which bring a deep sadness to them the more they think about it as they remember seeing pictures of Shadow as a kid hanging around both Stardust and Jack. While they are lost in thought, the doors to the office opens as their dealings with Goldnon are about to begin…

Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow arrive at Applewood 6 hours later close to 4 PM as they hope visiting hours at the prison isn't over. They rush as fast as possible in order to reach it before time's up, but unfortunately they arrive over an hour later as visiting hours have already concluded and the officers at the gate are asking them both to come back tomorrow. Distraught at what they heard, they decide to listen to them and return the next day. However one of the guards goes after them to make sure they don't leave as he reveal to them that the Governor has given the prison orders to allow a Pink Earth Pony Mare and Pegasus Filly to meet with Grim Apex. They were both happy to hear this, but at the same time they can't help but to feel that something is definitely wrong here. As they wait in the detention center, they feel a cold wind inside the prison which is very rare to feel a breeze like that inside an area with no windows nearby and far away from the door as multiple shadows creep around them unnoticed. As they wait there, Cozy Glow is nervous to reunite with the stallion that raised her and try to find out the full truth of her origins with Diamond Tiara, worried for her well-being as she feels something bad is going to happen. At that moment, Grim Apex enters the detention center wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with a scary demeanor on his face, but as soon as he sees Cozy, his scary looks turn into a sad yet stoic one as he sits at his chair, ready to talk to Cozy.

Grim Apex:

(Deep Strong Voice)

I never thought I would see you again, Cozy. Last I heard you were in your own prison along with two others I never would have wanted you to associate with: Tirek and Chrysalis. Those two are beneath you, I cannot believed you actually approached them.

Cozy Glow:

(Saddened, Annoyed)

Well I would have never done so if you didn't get yourself arrested like this! You have no right to judge me or my friends!

Diamond Tiara:

(Saddened, Worried)

Cozy…Please, calm down. We are here for answers, not to start a fight.

Cozy Glow:

(Defeated Sigh)

Alright, Dia. Grim…I need to know…what is my connection to Princess Minerva?

Grim Apex:

Minerva…your birth parents were survivors to her nation. They were also gifted scientists and scholars. My boss, a collector of sorts, wanted to know the secrets of the Fallen Princess, but your parents refused to heed his request. He order me to execute them once we found out the entire story. I followed through with his orders, much to my surprise I found out that your mother just gave birth to you. After learning of this, I suffered something I never felt in my years as an enforcer for my boss – A Heavy Guilty Crushing My Conscience. I took it upon myself not to reveal it to him and raise you in secret.

Cozy Glow:

(Distraught, Furious, Holding Back Tears)

...........................…

Diamond Tiara:

(Furious, Glares At Grim Apex)

I don't believe you! If you really were a Cold-Blooded Enforcer as you claim, why take pity on Cozy Glow!?

Grim Apex:

(Glares Menacingly At Diamond Tiara)

I might be a Cold-Blooded Enforcer, but I do have a Code to follow, Miss. I do not hurt Pregnant Mares and Foals, that also includes making said Foals Orphans, but my boss might look like a nice stallion, but his heart is as black as the abyss. If I didn't follow through, he would have found out about you, Cozy and you would be dead right now along with your mother. I was forced to do it in order to—

Cozy Glow:

(Demonic Red Aura, Golden Right Eye/Ruby Red Left Eye, Raspy Voice, Furious Yet Tearful Glare)

—TO KEEP ME SAFE!?!?!? HOW IS KILLING MY MOTHER KEEPING ME SAFE!?!?!?

Grim Apex:

(Stern Yet Sad Glare)

Please understand that my boss would have seen your mother as a loose-end and in our line of work, Loose-Ends need to be Straightened-Out. That is why I had to do it.

Diamond Tiara:

(Saddened)

Cozy…He's…not wrong.

Cozy Glow:

(Shocked)

Dia…!?

Diamond Tiara:

While growing up…Daddy had to deal with shady figures like this creep and his boss…one day…something happened he got scared to the point that he desperately wanted out and if he didn't…me and Mom…

Grim Apex:

How did your father managed to get out?

Diamond Tiara:

(Warm Smile)

Jack-Of-All-Trades…Father of my Coltfriend, Platinum Shadow and the Husband of Stardust Memory.

Grim Apex:

(Shocked)

Did you say…Stardust…Memory!?

Diamond Tiara:

(Worried, Surprised)

You knew her…!?

Grim Apex:

(Serious Stare)

You need to leave. NOW!

Cozy Glow:

(Furious)

HOLD IT!!! I CAME HERE FOR ANSWERS AND I'M NOT LEAVING UNTIL I GET THEM!!!

Grim Apex:

My former boss is obsessed with Stardust Memory and still believes she is alive. If what you told me is true, Stardust Memory IS Alive and Well.

Diamond Tiara:

(Serious Expression)

No, she isn't. She passed away over 9 Moons Ago because of the injuries she sustained.

Grim Apex:

I see…I found a dismembered wing of hers when my boss asked me to bring her to him and I was allowed to use force to do all it takes to take her back. Sadly that was all I found of her and he blamed me for her death. That is why I am here, he locked me up for something beyond my control.

Cozy Glow:

I say you deserve it for what you did to my parents.

Diamond Tiara:

The same can be said of all your other victims. If Shadow was here, he would say this was Karmic Justice.

Grim Apex:

Not completely.

Diamond Tiara:

What do you mean by that?

Grim Apex:

It is true I got what I deserve by being locked up in here, but the True Monster, My Boss is still free continuing the work he loaded off me and giving it to somecreature else. Even though I was his Top Enforcer, I am easily expendable and replaceable thanks to his Influence, Power & Wealth. The only thing he considers irreplaceable are things that he cannot own, to have them at all cost even by force if necessary…Just like Stardust Memory and the secrets of Princess Minerva.

Cozy Glow:

Which I am a clone of.

Grim Apex:

Whomever told you that must have been delusional.

Cozy Glow:

I found a memo of a scientist in your belongings when you were brought here. I couldn't make out the entire thing, but it said something about cloning Princess Minerva. So I thought…

Grim Apex:

You are not a clone, but you do possess something my boss wants – the Secret to Minerva's Power.

Cozy Glow:

So I'm related to Minerva then?

Grim Apex:

No. Your parents were Scientists, so their plan was to clone Minerva. Why would those related to One of the Most Powerful Princesses before Celestia's Rule want to clone her? A Descendant would just have to wait until she is reborn later down the generations. Only those who are not blood related would resort to cloning. No…they hid Minerva's Secrets inside your body using a spell to do so. However…before your mother met her end, she openly admitted to me that by infusing Minerva's Secrets within you, it had the power to warp your mind and change you for the worst as Minerva was a very unstable mare with the power to destroy the world on a whim. Those secrets have the power to warp the mind to whomever comes in possession of it. Your Parents believed since you were naught but a newborn, your mind would be flexible enough to withstand her influence.

Diamond Tiara:

Is that why your Ex-Boss wants it?

Grim Apex:

Yes. Minerva's Power is so great, not even the combined might of the Elements of Harmony and the other Alicorn Princesses would be a match for her.

Diamond Tiara:

(Thinking)

I wonder how Minerva was really defeated if what Apex says is true. I highly doubt Alexander could do it all by himself if Minerva was really that powerful. I should ask Granny Goodshoes on what really happened when we get back.

Cozy Glow:

(Shocked)

So I'm—

Grim Apex:

"The Guardian Of A Great Force. The Power You Hold Can Bring Forth Either Salvation Or Destruction At The Whim Of The User". Those were your mother's last words she wanted me to part with you when you came asking for questions.

Cozy Glow:

Then tell me…tell me everything about them. Don't leave out any detail.

Grim Apex:

I will leave out 1 – The name of my former boss. Even if you do know his name, you cannot do anything to him. He is that out of reach. You would be lucky if you had Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony to help you find some evidence, then maybe you would have a chance. But due to your history with them, I highly doubt they will aid you so willingly.

Cozy Glow:

...........................…

Grim Apex:

I will take your silence as confirmation of the facts between you and the Elements of Harmony. Let us begin. We do not have much time.

(Notices Camera Zooming In, Avoid Looking At Camera)

20 Moons Ago, I started my career as an Enforcer for a very wealthy crime family, followed their every order and performed every hit accordingly. Unlike the one who put me here, his parents understood my Code of Conduct, my duty as an Enforcer. When I was ordered to end my targets, they understood that I would only terminate the males while I let the mothers live another day to care for their young. Once they reach a certain age, I would resume my duty and terminate the mother, years later I complete it by finishing off the last of my targets once the come of age. Things remained unchanged for the following 4 Moons…when I met your parents. My boss at the time had just became the successor of his family criminal organization. But for as long as I have known him…he was a mentally unstable…Psychopathic in every sense…obsessed with fairy tales of magic & sorcery; once he got wind of Cozy Glow's Parents connection to Minerva, he wanted it all…So he decided to barter at first only to be scrutinized and turned away. That awoken his wrath towards them and without giving them another chance to reconsider…

Diamond Tiara:

(Furious, Disgusted)

He ordered their execution.

Grim Apex:

Unfortunately…I already told you how it all transpired, I do not need to repeat myself.

Cozy Glow:

(Reverts To Normal, About To Cry)

Let's get out of here, Dia…I don't want to be in this place anymore…

Diamond Tiara:

(Saddened)

Alright…

Grim Apex:

Do not leave just yet.

Diamond Tiara:

(Glares At Grim Apex)

Why shouldn't we!?

Grim Apex:

You said that Stardust Memory has a son and his name is Shadow. It seems you are acquainted with him.

Diamond Tiara:

(Furious)

You failed to kill his mother, so now he's full grown you want to kill him for you to be redeemed by your ex-boss!

Grim Apex:

No. I want you to listen to this so you can go to him and tell him what happened to his mother a long time ago.

Diamond Tiara:

(Sits Back Down Hesitantly)

...........................…

Grim Apex:

I think it was…40 or possibly 30 Moons Ago…It was Stardust Memory was the best flier in all of Equestria, but something happened that changed her as she issued her last performance as a Wonderbolt one day, after that, she disappeared. My former boss was obsessed with her as he wanted her as a Trophy.

Diamond Tiara:

(Disgusted)

A…Trophy…Wife…

Grim Apex:

Worse. If she put up a fight, he was willing to kill her, hire a taxidermist and admire her for as long as he lived.

Diamond Tiara:

(Shocked, Disturbed, About To Throw Up)

You don't mean…

Grim Apex:

I did say he was Psychopathic. He was obsessed with Stardust Memory to the point of Necrophilia.

Diamond Tiara:

(Covers Her Mouth, Shocked, Thinking)

Sweet Twilight Help Us…

Grim Apex:

From beginning to end, he would go after her and every single time she would deny him. After a few rejections, he decided to take her by force only for her to beat down his men.

Cozy Glow:

Not you?

Grim Apex:

The duties of an Enforcer is to act as Bodyguard to my current employer in public or carry out Hit Jobs in his name in secrecy. As a Bodyguard, I cannot sully my hooves on 1 enemy, if I did, others would see an opening and attack my employer while I'm distracted. That is why Mob Bosses are surrounded by multiple gunmen and only a few Enforcer Bodyguards no more than 2, 3 or 4. Five is too much, but it is the maximum number a Mob Boss can take with him unless he leaves his lifelines unsecured like his safe-houses, emergency exits and even his family. That is why most Mob Bosses only take up to 2 Enforcers on average with him. However…when he found out that Stardust Memory is retiring after the death of her father, the boss was not having it. This time he was going to make her his that not even death will do them apart that he decided to use all of his resources to do so. I will be honest…the many times I have seen her fight, she was always confident with her skills as a fighter, but this time…the trauma of losing her father transformed her into a hardened warrior…she was…a completely different mare. She destroyed all of us, even me who is a Hulking Earth Pony and her, a petite little thing. I never knew she was this strong or maybe…she went through something that made her that way. That was the last we saw of her, but the boss was not having it and scoured the world looking for her. We found her, but it ended the same. One day we got word she was living with a strange-looking pony, wrapped in bandages like a mummy.

Diamond Tiara:

(Normal Behavior, Out Loud)

That must have been Jack.

Grim Apex:

Not soon after, the mummy was nowhere to be seen except for a pony with a coat as Black as the Night and a Silver Mane. He practically left them all crippled. He said that if we went looking for Stardust Memory again, it would be the last mistake we would ever make as his eyes glowed ominously golden.

Diamond Tiara:

Golden…Eyes…?

Grim Apex:

However, seeing the boss annoyed that all of our best men were being torn apart, I was sent to deal with the black pony and retrieve Stardust Memory, but I was only able to collect one of her wings. The boss thought I overdid it and destroyed the body. That is all I wanted to say. Tell her son…that when everycreature that was her enemy in Equestria learn that she was his mother, they will come for his head. It is only a matter of time.

Diamond Tiara:

(Furious Glare)

Like you?

Grim Apex:

My time as an enforcer is long pass. I have no interest in settling old scores. As for you, Cozy…I'm sorry…for everything.

Cozy Glow:

(Not Looking At Grim Apex)

I would forgive you…if I didn't know the truth…of you being the one who…who—

Cozy storms out of the room as she starts to tear up as she rushes from there with Diamond Tiara following not far behind her, but not before giving a spiteful glare at Grim Apex as he is returned to his cell. As Diamond Tiara catches up to Cozy Glow, she collapses on the ground, sobbing like never before. Before Diamond Tiara can help Cozy, a group of suits surround them and forces them into a carriage to take them to an undisclosed location as they used chloroform to knock the girls out. Meanwhile inside his cell, Grim Apex lays in bed and pull a picture of Cozy Glow's Parents holding a newborn Cozy Glow from a book as 3 female condescending laughter can be heard near him; it is The Dazzlings dressed up as police officers of the prison.

Adagio:

(Condescending Smile)

My, my, my…look what we have here.

Aria:

(Condescending Smile)

A musclehead that gave his ex-boss what he has been searching for, for a very long time.

Sonata:

(Condescending Smile)

All that effort to keep her safe down the waterhole!

Grim Apex:

As long as they leave before morning, Goldnon won't go after them. I made sure not to say his name during the whole thing.

Adagio:

What would you say if you knew that he has the means to get it now than wait until tomorrow?

Grim Apex:

(Stern Glare)

You gave it to him.

Adagio:

Guilty as charged. Pun intended if you catch my drift.

Grim Apex:

(Furious)

Why you—!

Adagio:

Calm down there, big guy. We can help you get them back, but we can't get directly involved.

Grim Apex:

Tell me or I will crush you with my bare hooves.

The Dazzling smiles at each other evilly as they present to him the Custom Black Heart Crystal that Blight designed for him. Without hesitation, Grim Apex slams the crystal into his chest granting him a power that he never felt before as he escapes from prison in order to rescue both Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara.

Scene 45.2: Applewood, Goldnon Safe-House, (North Coltifornia), 12:36 AM, Day 86 Of 365

Phase 1:

Black Heart Chaos

Diamond Tiara wakes up when hears the screams of Cozy Glow as she is horrified in seeing Goldnon, transformed into a creature resembling a handsome-looking fallen angel with a golden body, eyes & mane, his wicked smile plastered across his face as he is trying his best in removing Minerva's Secrets from Cozy's body through sheer force, by using the power of the Black Heart Crystal, not caring if the filly dies in the process. Diamond Tiara tries to scream for him to stop, but notices that she's gagged and tied up that she can't do anything at all. Diamond Tiara desperately tries to break free, only to be beaten up and mocked by Goldnon's thugs as Diamond Tiara cries and curses herself to be unable to help her friend. Suddenly among Cozy's Screams and the Thugs' Laughter, a large beast burst into the safe-house from the roof, crush about 4 to 5 of them to death, the monster starts killing the thugs with massive blows like they were hit by a speeding heavy rig that nothing is left of the thugs but crimson droplets. The large beast sets his sights at the transformed Goldnon as he charges him like a rampaging bull. They clash in mortal combat as the beast turns out to be Grim Apex transformed just like Goldnon. Much to the surprise of the Dazzlings who are collecting the data for Blight from afar, they notice the Black Heart Crystal transforms its hosts in different ways but they can't make out on why that is. As the fight rages on, Grim Apex is losing to Goldnon even though Grim Apex has a Customized Crystal, which should make him the Most Powerful Black Heart Monster and yet he's still losing the battle which the Dazzlings cannot understand.

As Goldnon was about to deal the finishing blow, Cozy's Id takes over and starts fighting back as she laughs maniacally. The more she fights, the more Cozy's body starts undergoing the same type of transformation that both Goldnon and Grim Apex went through. Fearing that is going to happen, Diamond Tiara tries to get out of her bonds so she can stop this, but no matter how hard she tries, she can't get out of it, then she remembers the Crystals both Granny Goodshoes and Maya gave them. But the only crystal she can use right now is the red one and if she does, she can't fight back; but what choice does she have? Diamond Tiara destroys her bonds using the red crystal, setting herself free and tries to stop the fight, only to be knocked back really hard by Goldnon. Normally Cozy's Id wouldn't care for the suffering of others, but for some reason, the Real Cozy was still aware of her surroundings which she's able to direct her Id's power to land a deadly attack at Goldnon effectively and true, leaving him near death's door. The Shadows following Cozy and Diamond Tiara that day are Lord Thanatos' Sisters, The Keres are oozing out of the walls from the shadows they traveled from. As they start laughing heinously that instills great fear into Diamond Tiara's heart; The Keres fly all around Cozy's Id whispering ominously on how to end Goldnon for what he did to her parents and since they are the Spirits of Violent Deaths, they show her how her parents were murdered, forcing Cozy's Id to become more violent and aggressive, making her look even more demonic that instead of taking pleasure in Goldnon's demise, she is attacking him with pure unfiltered rage. Weakly, Diamond Tiara crawls towards them and begs Cozy's Id to stop as she does so crying her eyes out. Cozy's Id, seeing Diamond Tiara like this starts to hesitate and that moment of faltering gave Goldnon the chance to deal a powerful retaliatory blow to her. Goldnon stands up and mocks Cozy as he stands on top of her body, readying to finish her off. But instead, the almost dead Grim Apex grabs Goldnon from behind with a bearhug and crushes him to death so hard, Goldnon is split in half along with his Black Heart Crystal which disintegrates into nothing before it hits the ground. The Keres laugh as they collect the souls of all who died violently with the exception of Grim Apex whose injuries are that severe, but his death will be a peaceful one, as an injured Diamond Tiara holds Cozy Glow around her hooves as the filly reverts back to her normal appearance. Lord Thanatos appears nearby which Diamond Tiara is not surprised to see.

Lord Thanatos:

I do not instill fear within you, child?

Diamond Tiara:

Yes and no, because I know you are not here for us.

Lord Thanatos:

My sisters were feeling famished and sensed where they can have their fill this night. So much violent deaths in so little time was naught but a banquet for them. As well…I sense the power of Platinum Shadow all around us. More so inside these 3 – Grim Apex, Goldnon and Cozy Glow. It seems the future of the Downfall of Equestria is progressing along a lot sooner than foreseen.

Diamond Tiara:

(Distrustful Stare)

What do you mean by that?

Lord Thanatos:

The Power of Platinum Shadow can be sensed all around us. Most notably those I mentioned, nevertheless…

(Looks At Cozy Glow)

…the one whose power feels oddly is her. I not only sense Platinum Shadow, but Minerva as well. Both powers are very similar to its masters, but at the same time…they feels so much apart from them. It is almost as this young child is a vessel to hold the fragments of 2 Fallen Deities.

Diamond Tiara:

So Cozy Glow really doesn't have a Black Heart Crystal inside of her?

Lord Thanatos:

It is complicated as you mortals say in situations similar to this one. The power within Cozy Glow has the same properties as the original, but it is fragmented to the point, it is naught but a flawed replica. But be forewarned…combining these incompatible powers can result in a very dire consequences. But I cannot lie, Cozy Glow's heritage is the reason her body can harness that large amount of power.

Diamond Tiara:

(Surprised)

What!? What are you talking about?

Lord Thanatos:

You are staying with the Former Element of Wisdom. You can ask her for all of the details of the Gifted Lineage of Cozy Glow, but right now…the young lady needs to give her last farewell to the one who raised her. Allow me to assist in this…

(Snaps Claws)

Cozy Glow:

(Wakes Up Slowly, Sees Grim Apex, Shocked, Saddened)

GRIM!!!

Diamond Tiara:

(Saddened)

I'll take you to him.

(Carries Cozy To Grim)

Grim Apex:

Cozy Glow…

Cozy Glow:

(Crying, Angry)

You fool! Why…!? Why!? Why did you had to come here!?

Grim Apex:

I…I was given a choice…An Offer I…couldn't refuse…it was either my life…or yours. I couldn't just forfeit your life to keep mine…not after all I sacrificed so you could live.

Cozy Glow:

(Notices Lord Thanatos, Thinking)

I want to tell him off! I want to tell him that he's not my father to care that much…but…telling him that now that he's going to die…it's not right. If I see him again in the next life…I will not only tell him off but…I will…

Grim Apex:

(Holds Cozy Glow's Face)

I'm glad I came back…and got to see you…one last time. Cozy…Can I ask you a favor?

Cozy Glow:

(Annoyed, Saddened, Hiding Sadness Behind Spoiled Attitude, Out Loud)

I shouldn't even let you. But…since this is your last rites, I'll let you.

Grim Apex:

Please…lead a happy life. Forget everything that made you into a villain. Seek a better life…

(Looks At Diamond Tiara)

…and I believe she can help you achieve it far better than I ever could. Can I have your name, miss?

Diamond Tiara:

Diamond Tiara, but my close friends call me "Dia".

Grim Apex:

Thank you…for helping Cozy Glow where I failed to do so.

Cozy Glow:

You were always such a brute…but…you were my brute.

Grim Apex:

And you…my princess.

With those words, Cozy Glow starts to sob loudly as Grim Apex signals Lord Thanatos that he is ready to go, the God of Death nods and starts to walk away with his soul as Grim Apex breathes his last as the Dazzlings are curious on why Goldnon, who was wearing a Mass Produced Crystal be more powerful than a Customized Crystal designed to be more powerful in every aspect over an MS Crystal. They decide to confront the creator of these Crystals, Blight Terror for this as they have a good idea on his real identity…

Scene 45.3: Arctic North, Blight Terror's Castle, 3:03 AM

As Blight is spying on Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow, he isn't surprised to "notice" the Dazzlings appearing before him and he acts without a care in the world with Lady Imago sitting by his side.

Blight Terror:

I hope you can tell me something that I don't know because this will be a waste of time.

Adagio:

More like you need to tell us what WE don't know this time, Blight! Or should we call you…Jack-Of-All-Trades!

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

(Appears From Behind Blight Terror's Throne Along With Jewel)

You honestly believe Blight & I are One and the Same? Ridiculous!

Aria:

(Shocked)

No…Way…

Sonata:

(Surprised)

Papa!? You mean…you aren't Blight!?

Blight Terror:

I'm offended you believed Jack was me and me alone. But I'm glad that you are aware that is not the case.

Jewel:

(Furious Glare)

Next you would assumed that I am Imago. I have every right to flay you 3 alive for that!

Lady Imago:

I keep telling you morons that my name is "Lady" Imago!!! Never forget that!

Adagio:

(Furious)

Whatever! We don't care! We have questions here and thanks to Jack & Jewel being here, we have a few more now. First! How in Frozen Hell Goldnon managed to overpower Grim Apex!? Goldnon had a Mass Produced Crystal which there is no way can be more powerful than the custom crystal you made for Grim Apex. Why did that happened?

Blight:

There is a very simple explanation for that. Jack? Will you do the honors?

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

Very well. It is as Blight says girls – it is very simple. We saw the order of events, but will you tell us, in your own words, who did you visited first?

Aria:

(Annoyed Sigh)

Goldnon then Grim Apex later that night. That doesn't—

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

Wrong. And here I thought you were smarter than this, Aria. Allow me to explain…Before Grim Apex saw Cozy Glow, his heart was a dark void. That all changed when he saw her again. Even if his heart was still full of darkness then, meeting Cozy Glow restored some semblance of light within it. Even if it was a small glimmer of light, it was more than enough to hamper Grim Apex to access the full power of the crystal. The Power of the Black Heart Crystal can only be unlocked by heavily relying on all of the darkness within your own heart. If you use its power in order to do something selfless like saving those 2, the crystal will not empower you as much because you are not using the darkness in your heart at its full potential. Goldnon's heart was not a dark void, but in reality it is a dark endless abyss. A heart so dark, any light that enters just disappears in an instant. That is why the Mass Produced Model used by Goldnon outperformed the Custom Model used by Grim Apex. That goes to show that even a Mass Produced Model, something that everyone can get a hold off, can surpass even the exclusive One-Of-A-Kind version if used correctly. Having A Superior Item Does Not Decide The Battle.

Adagio:

At least we won't need to take those crystals since we have our Shadow's Element of Life Fragments we are wearing right now.

Blight Terror:

True, you are incompatible with the Black Heart Crystal so long as you are wearing those. But know this! Even though that element has been divided into 3 pieces, one for each of you to own, the power of that element has been downgraded to 1/3rd of its original form.

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

That is a positive, really. 2 of the same Elements of Harmony from 2 different worlds in one location can create a dangerous paradox that could tear both worlds apart. That is why Princess Twilight Sparkle rarely visited the Human World after their Twilight appeared wielding her own Element of Magic. So long as you keep it from being restored, we will all be safe. Although…why would your Shadow do that? My son would never treat his mother's memento like that.

Adagio:

It was his way to apologize to us for marrying Sunset Shimmer instead of one of us or Trixie.

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

Trixie Lulamoon? Starlight Glimmer's Counselor and Best Friend? She's Half His Age Here In Equestria!

Aria:

In the Human World, Shadow is 3 to 5 years older. We first met him after Sunset and Trixie graduated from Canterlot High. He was hired to provide security for the ceremony.

Sonata:

(Sighs Lovingly)

That was the day he first arrested us and it was for crashing the graduation trying to get revenge on Sunset and her friends. It was love at first sight for me!

(Perverted Smile, Nosebleed, Blushing, Love Struck)

He was so dreamy…

Adagio, Aria:

(Thinking, Annoyed, Blushing, Slight Nosebleed)

That was because we accidentally went to the wrong changing room and saw him getting changed. Not that I'm complaining, he was easy on the eyes…especially down there…

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

I would like to hear all of it, but it will have to wait. If my son of that world had a relationship with Trixie, I won't doubt he will interact with her, but not on the same level. Who else was he closed to?

Adagio:

(Out Loud)

Vice-Principal Luna. They had a weird dynamic. Almost like the Cadance and Shining Armor from that world. We thought they had a deep relationship, but Shadow would always call her "Senpai" whenever they were alone.

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

She was his Upperclasswoman? So he was a year or 2 younger than Luna. Weird.

Aria:

(Out Loud)

What is?

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

The Shadow and Luna of this world hate each other. Something's off.

Sonata:

(Normal Demeanor)

Not really.

Jack-Of-All-Trades:

Meaning?

Sonata:

They hated each other during their school years from what Shadow told me during our alone time. But something happened that they became close friends. I'll try to remember what was it so I'll tell you later.

Adagio, Aria:

(Furious)

HOW DARE YOU HAVE AN ALONE TIME WITH HIM, YOU CHEATER!!!

Sonata:

(Akanbe Towards Adagio & Aria)

Meh!

Blight Terror:

Well, it seems the Black Heart Crystal Test is a success. But Cozy Glow's hidden items and potential still remains dormant for now, but not for long. All she needs is one more push for them to awaken. I already have something ready for that. You three, return to Ponyville. I will monitor the rest from here. But be on standby, I have a few targets for you to go after once this is over.

Adagio:

Will Cozy Glow join us? Or will she actually be reformed?

Blight Terror:

There is also a third option followed by 2 possibilities – her Id replaces her. Whatever her Id chooses will be either joining us or bring about the end of all on her own.

Adagio, Sonata:

(Shocked)

...........................…

Aria:

What do you mean by that?

Blight Terror:

(Evil Sneer)

Cozy Glow's Id was not hers originally. That entity is in reality…

Everycreature is in shock upon hearing Blight's revelation. What is the truth behind Cozy Glow's Id that none were expecting to hear?

To Be Continued…