Cozy Glow Part 3

“I can’t believe it, Twilight Sparkle. You disappointed me more than you can imagine. Because of your incompetence we lost Luna forever and Pinkie Pie for who-knows-how long.” Celestia was out of her mind and scolded Twilight in front of everyone else. Twilight wanted to just vanish under the amount of rage coming from the throne. She never expected Celestia to become that kind of upset. Celestia was a frightening appearance for sure.

“B-but it wasn’t my fault. I swear I did everything I could to stop Pinkie from doing that!” Twilight was on the verge of tears. “Just give me one more chance and I promise I will make up for everything. I will do missions for free; I will replace Pinkie until she is on her hooves again, I…” Twilight stammered.
But Celestia raised her hooves and silenced Twilights excuses immediately.

“Enough. How can I trust you ever again? I am almost beginning to think that you wanted this disaster to happen. Are you still a spy? Did you do this to harm me? Pinkie was your obligation, your duty and your task. And you failed gloriously, no matter if you did it on purpose or not.”

Applejack and Cozy Glow entered the throne room. They could sense the tension in the air. Something was about to happen. Now that was their chance. She nodded to Cozy Glow and the light blue maned pony stepped in front of Twilight spreading both her arms and protecting her from Celestia’s fury.
“Your highness, if you allow me to speak.” Cozy Glow began and sounded a bit shy.
“Speak.” Celestia abruptly said, still keeping an eye on Twilight.

“It wasn’t her fault. Even you and Luna weren’t able to keep her in place, you should know.” Cozy Glow continued.
“How dare you.” Celestia began and looked at Cozy Glow. The pinkish grey pony looked back and raised her left hoof. There wasn’t any sign of fear and gained confidence every second she spoke.
“I don’t want to appear rude but it is a fact. If you look closely at the chain of events it was your and Luna’s fault from the beginning.” Cozy Glow accused her and seemed to be right.
Silence.
Cozy Glow spoke on: “You recruited an unwilling human and almost drove him insane. Afterwards you trusted that specific person with every mission without having any second thoughts? In fact, you ought to be charged, not Twilight!”

That was a shock and nobody even dared to say anything against that claims. Deep inside they knew Cozy Glow was right. But Twilight was the only one in the room who was wondering where Cozy Glow took the information from. Was it Chrysalis?
“I say it again. How dare you to interrupt me and having the insolence to blame your superior pony? You are new and you should know that you are moving on very thin ice here, Cozy Glow.”

Deep inside Celestia had to admit she was to blame. For everything. She was the one who convinced Jack of that darn water and turned him to a crazy plush pony. She was the one who planned to recruit Pinkie Pie on the first place and she was the one who sacrificed her sister in the end.

“I know your loss and you have my compassion. But Ponyville has to grow and your friendship-lessons that you put me through showed clearly that we still have much to do. There is no room for emotional weakness and any mistake would cost our cause. Nobody of us wants to let that happen, don’t we?”

Every pony in the room nodded affirmatively. Apart from Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie who were located in the “get-well-soon room” (Pinkie named it like this for some strange reason), next to Screwloose’s “kennel” everyone else was in the near of Celestia and witnessed that uprising against the royal pony.

“I vouch for Cozy Glow.” Applejack interrupted and hugged the curled pony strongly.
“She passed every pony test with ease and had the best grades of everyone here. And she is right. All of us know that.” she added.
Despite having no reason to trust Cozy Glow, Twilight found hope. Was she wrong about her gut feelings? Was Cozy Glow in fact a friend of her who she could put her trust in? Maybe the Cartoon show was just a cartoon show nevertheless, no destiny. Every pony could choose to stand up against the pre-written nature of her specific pony character. Nothing was carved in stone. Twilight couldn’t help but thank Cozy Glow for letting her off Celestia’s hook and hugged the little and somehow cute pony.

“Everything is going according to plan. They begin to trust me. Even Twilight Sparkle. This might prove easier than I expected.” Cozy Glow thought and grinned.

“Yes, you are right. The last days have taken a high toll on all of us, maybe I lost my nerves too soon.” Celestia apologized.
“There is no time for accusations and such. There is still someone after us and the sooner we take care of this risk, the sooner we can sleep again.” Cozy Glow mentioned calmly.
“Yes, yes. You are talking about your crime investigation partner I suppose. I would suggest another mission then.” Celestia said.
“Since I don’t have any authorities right now, Twilight can take the planning and observation part and I am going to assist her with that. Don’t you agree, Twilight?”
Twilight nodded. She wished Cozy Glow was keeping her out of this and wanted to take a vacation, far away to calm down her stress-level.

Celestia took over the word again: “Yes, there are two problems in detail: First we need to make sure that those pesky policemen and -women don’t snoop around our business anymore. Second: your ex-partner in crime fighting, Steve. Rarity needs a break, I know, but she can craft one more suit for your partner and I suggest Sassy Saddles, since our poor Rarity could use an assistant more than anyone else. What am I talking about? I just order her to make the suit. I am the only high pony right now. No suggestions anymore. I demand it.”
She stood up and raised her voice: “I am the royal pony; don’t you ever dare to betray me. Every act against MY beloved Ponyville will be severely punished. Rarity: Craft a Sassy Saddles outfit for Steven Haines at once. Cozy Glow can help you with the measuring. Meanwhile Twilight proves her loyalty and plans the complete operation.” She cleared her throat and continued “Operation: wipe-out. A small group breaks in the police station, erases all relevant data and their memories with Trixie’s device. Since Trixie failed as well, right on her first mission, she just watches the whole operation like everyone else. Since Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash being occupied with Pinkie’s recovery, Rarity having other commitments and not being ready for any missions, yet, apart from creating her masterpieces for us… Spike having stomach problems- again.” she rolled her eyes “I have no other option than sending Twilight, Cozy Glow and Applejack on this hazardous mission, no contradiction.”

Rarity did her part, she created a wonderful Sassy Saddles fursuit, perfectly fitting for Steve’s proportions. Trixie created another mind-wiping -and even a short-time cloaking device with a range for a group of two ponies.

“Let’s go then!” Applejack exclaimed and pushed everybody in the van. It had a moving-company paint job. Nobody would suspect anything. The moon was rising and Twilight, Applejack and Cozy Glow were heading to their destination; two destinations, to be exact. One was the precinct Steve was employed in and the other one was Steve’s home.

“We act as we planned, no interpretations, no lone-pony action. Understood?” Twilight made her point clear. She wasn’t allowing any mistakes anymore.
“Crystal clear.” Cozy Glow replied with a smirk.

The plan was as follows: The device would be used to sneak in the police building. When they entranced the server room, they would have a thin time window to insert a special USB stick that was slowly taking out the computer system, every relevant file would vanish without a trace. No suspects, no jury, no jail, no problem. Just in case the police cars had to be tampered with. Cozy Glow was directly instructed to cut the fuel pipes. For her inner peace, Twilight showed her the brake cables that in no way had to be touched.

Cozy Glow nodded and the plan started. Applejack ventured up the stairs and carefully avoided any physical contact with any police officer. The plush outfit didn’t make that undertake any easier. She inspected the key hole, nobody seemed to be inside. Then she entered the room and slowly leaned the door ajar. After five minutes she returned. Her part was successful.
But Cozy Glow wasn’t back yet. The police officers were returning any minute and Twilight’s nervosity grew with every passing second.

“Why is she taking so long? Come, on Cozy, I know you can do it.” Twilight said, more to herself than to Applejack who had just taken a seat.
Then a siren wailed. The alarm must have gone off. Everything went out of their hooves. Twilight could see several profiles of the police-workers. They were running down the stairs, right to the direction where Cozy Glow was located. Applejack hold Twilight back who was desperate to save both, the recruit and the mission as well.
Then, with a daring jump. Cozy Glow escaped through a window on the first floor. The police force could do nothing but stare at the strange image. Cozy Glow rushed inside the van and slammed the door shut.
“What are you waiting for? Put the pedal to the metal!” Cozy Glow screamed at them.
With screeching tires, the van vanished in the alleyways. Twilight could see them running to their cars and trying to follow them. Everything but the last bit of the mission went smoothly and Twilight allowed herself to relax a bit.

“Time for step two, don’t you think?” Cozy Glow suggested and nudged Twilight in the side.
Waking out from here short daze, Twilight reacted confused, looked at Cozy Glow, nodded and steered the vehicle further on to Steve’s apartment.
As soon as they reached the property, Twilight held the all too enthusiastic Cozy Glow back.
“Wait a second. Would you please explain what happened?” Twilight demanded.
“Nothing in particular. I must have tripped over a wire or something. The alarm went off and all of them were running right back at me. Don’t worry, I did everything you told me and they won’t be able to follow us.” Cozy Glow answered and shrugged her shoulders.
“I guess everything went kind off okay, Twilight. Don’t be so paranoid and let her do her thing.” Applejack said from behind.
“Yes… Fine then. Since Steve is your partner after all you might already know his house and every room by heart. I think it is best if I assist you…” Twilight began but Cozy Glow denied the proposal and Applejack held her back again.
“With your shaky hooves we might make more mistakes than we can afford. As you said, one little mistake and the mission or even the village might be done for.” Applejack warned and stared directly in Twilight’s eyes. Sometimes this pony was more intimidating than anything. Then she noticed that not only her hooves were shaking but her whole body was trembling as well. The events of the last days had been too much of a pressure for her. She forced herself to relax, looked at Cozy Glow, at Steve’s house, at Applejack and finally back at Cozy Glow again. After a few seconds she asked Cozy Glow:
“Do you think you are ready for this?” she asked.
“More than ready. I will make you proud.” Cozy Glow promised.
“Fine, here I go but you need to stay in touch if anything doesn’t work out as planned. I wished we have a plan b, c and d… Applejack, better you should better stay here as well. You need to take care about Twilight’s well-being and I don’t want to spook my friend too soon.” Cozy Glow ordered and Twilight knew her plan hasn’t been perfect. Maybe she should just sit back for a while and go on a vacation. It was about time considering everything she had done for Ponyville.
“Everything will work out just fine, trust me.” Cozy Glow ensured and, after some struggling, ditched the costume, first the head, then the stubborn zipper; with some help, of course.
Thomas stepped out and they discussed the plan.

“Let’s dot this and remember…” Twilight noticed.
“When anything goes wrong or seems fishy, I contact you guys right away.” Thomas answered like a soldier. He exited the car and walked to Steve’s door. It didn’t take long until Steve’s voice pressed through the speaker.
“Thomas? Is that really you? What on earth happened? There was an explosion and we found DNA- traces on some fabrics, your DNA. The clothing we collected, your clothing, was barbecued… I thought you were dead…” Steve’s relieved voice said. But Thomas answered that he might better explain everything later on away from the eyes of the streets. No curious eyes.
“Come on in. I am really interested about your story.” his former colleague said and invited him inside. The door mechanism buzzed and Thomas rushed through the door.
“So far so good…” Twilight said as her eyes were following closely the steps of the latest addition to the ‘herd’.
“Everything will work out just fine. We are grown-up ponies, don’t you think? He can handle it and even if he plans to escape there still is a tracer in his shirt. Nothing can go wrong. Pony of no return. Relax and enjoy the show.” Applejack reassured her.

Thomas didn’t waste any time. He walked straight in and locked the door. With his back to the wall, he leaned to the side and peaked outside the window. The ponies were still waiting.
“So, Thommy, would you tell me now what happened? Where have you been?” Steve began and offered a cup of tea to his friend.
“Do you see those maniacs in the car outside?” Thomas asked him and sat on the couch nearby. He took the tea and took a slight sip.
“Don’t tell me…”
“Yes, they caught me, kidnapped and sedated me in that place where you found my belongings. They are a serious threat.” Thomas began, crossed his legs and leaned back.
“How could you escape then?”
“What do you think? I had no damn choice, and I was running dry anyway. I accepted their damn game and offered to help them. They didn’t trust me at once but in the end I even was allowed to plan this little mission. But something went wrong, horribly wrong.” Thomas continued and contemplated.
“What do you mean? What mission? What game?” Steve wasn’t sure what to think of all this.
“Ah, I see, you have a free day today. So that’s why you weren’t at the precinct.” Thomas mocked him and grinned.
“Come on, just spit it out already” Steve looked out the window again and some individuals were beginning to move inside.
“Maybe you should call the precinct or switch on the TV for a change.” Thomas suggested.
“…Several casualties… bombings… suspects unknown… anthromorphic ponies left the scene…” the television informed.
“Don’t tell me…”
“Exactly, it was their doing. They forced me to take part in this. But I need your help to stop them.” Thomas explained.
“Why don’t we call the authorities then?”
“And risk more people becoming victims of their schemes? No way. We need to infiltrate them. We need to become a virus in their damn village or whatever it is and destroy it from the inside, piece by piece.”
“You want me to become an unofficial sleeper agent?”
“Something like that. You wanted to play in my league. Now is your chance. Your only chance.” Thomas replied and looked to the van again. Time was running thin.
“Since my workplace is blown to smithereens… I am technically unemployed. Fine, I agree. What is your plan then?” Steve confronted.
“Pick some underwear and your dearest personal belongings and follow me outside. You won’t need much. Those naive ‘ponies’ (he lifted two fingers on each hand to point the emphasis of this word) out there will provide you with everything you need.”
“Everything I need is here. I won’t play that little game of yours. That’s it. I just pull every single one of them out with my friend here (he patted his holstered ’45 handgun) and end this damn issue once and for all.”


With those words Steve ran outside. He pulled his weapon and aimed directly at the driver.
“This is the police. Get out of the car now and lie down with your hands behind your head. Refuse and I start to open fire.” Steve commanded.
The person on the driver’s seat retreated to the back of the van.
“Leave the car now or I will use deadly force!”
No reaction inside.
Steve was having enough of it and forced the door open. He was shocked to see two individuals, a purple and a orange pony-costumed pony cowering in the back. They were scared. Whoever those persons were they at least seemed harmless. But he trusted his friend and was about to pull both of them outside. Then he noticed two empty costumes. One of them was looking exactly like the light pink plush toy on Thomas’ seat a few days ago, and the other one, light blue with orange hair on the head and a horn… would fit perfectly to his body…
Right at that moment Thomas subdued his friend with a syringe. Steve’s vision went foggy and he lost his consciousness within seconds.

“Took you long enough.” Twilight stood up and folded her arms.
“Mission accomplished then?” Thomas asked nervously.
“You are damn right it is!” Applejack hugged him.
“Let’s return home. It has been a long day.” Twilight finally said.

The van left the scene and vanished behind the next corner…


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Pony of no return, and another victim... who can ever stop the never-ending plush-ponyfication crusade?