Chapter 19: Cosmos Part 2
Time has gone by, and everypony has gathered outside of Twilight's castle. Each of them are given a book and are grouped up. All the ponies are in their groups and are ready to depart to find the stars.
Twilight says, "Now I've given every group a map, your scheduled mode of transportation, protein bars, a detailed timeline. A drawing of the star gem that you are looking for, forms for you to get measurements for any travel expenses…"
"Does she seem a little… more intense than usual?" Applejack says, confused.
"No… this is a pretty normal level of intense for her," Rainbow says.
Sun then thinks, "To be honest, Twilight does seem a little more tense, even for her. And it's not just Twilight acting strange.
Twilight gives Big Mac the map, "And since Starlight Glimmer has to stay in Ponyville to oversee final exams for some of the students, I'd like to thank you, Big Mac for stepping up to help us out. You, too, Zecora, girls. And Cozy, thanks for gathering your friends."
"I'm just excited to be included in one of y'all's adventures," Apple Bloom says.
"We're in the Big Leagues now ponies. Watch out!" Scootaloo says.
"Next step: Our own chairs at the weird map-table-thing!" Sweetie Belle says.
"I don't think it's easy to do that," Cozy Glow replies.
"And a shelf in the fridge with our names on lunch bags that say, 'Do not eat my lunch!" Scootaloo adds.
Twilight reads the book and says, "Okay… Pinkie and Big Mac, you're going to Klugetown."
"Oh, Big Mac and the students have never been. Get ready for some seedy underbelly!" Pinkie shouts.
"Errrr… yup?" Big Mac says, confused.
"Uh!" The students says, confused
"Rainbow Dash and Rarity… you're off to the Crystal Empire," Twilight says.
"Oh, oh! Can I go with them?" Spike asks, eagerly.
Twilight says, "But I already color-coordinated all your paperwork to match mine."
"Pleasssssssse!" Spike begs.
Twilight sighs, "Oh, alright, actuall, it's probably for the best, since you can send me a message if anything comes up!"
"Yes!" Spike cheers.
Twilight then turns to Zecors, "Zecora, you will be in charge of getting the star gem from Griffonstone. Do you think you can handle it on your own? I'm sure I can find another pony to help you."
"With these young ones? I'll be fine. I'm sure their talents will make our own group shine," Zecora says.
Twilight then turns to the young ones, "Sandbar, you, Cozy Glow, and the others will be searching around White Tail Woods."
"You can count on us," Sandbar says.
"Yes ma'am," Cozy Glow says.
Twilight then turns to Sun and Fluttershy, "And I guess after you both get Discord, you three will be heading to the Everfree Forest."
"Yes. He's back at my house feeding Angel Bunny for me. We'll go get him before we head off," Fluttershy says.
"Perfect," Twilight happily says.
Then Twilight says, "Okay everypony! You have everything you should need for your trip. Let's get out there, and find the Stars of the Andalusian Constellation, and…"
"And bring them all to me," Twilight says, and suddenly her eyes turn pink.
Confused, Applejack asks, "You okay there, Twilight?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm just… so excited about the prospect of solving the Astronomical mystery! Ha! See what I did there?
"No. I'm getting out of here before there are more puns. Nope!" Rainbow says, pushing Rarity away.
Screwball walks over and asks, "So where are we going, Twilight?"
"We're going to Canterlot, sweetheart. It will be a train ride from here," Twilight says.
Applejack squints her eyes and asks, "You aren't going to do aht for the whole train ride to Canterlot, are you?
"How about this one? The rotation of the planet really makes my day," Twilight says.
Screwball begins laughing with a smile on her face.
"You're pretty funny Twilight," Screwball happily says.
Then Twilight hugs Screwball, "And you're a sweet Chaotic ball of energy my little Cotton Candy."
"Cotton Candy?" Screwball says, confused.
Applejack then calls out, Does anypony want to switch partners? Trade 'ya an apple… please?" Applejack calls out.
Twilight grabs Applejack by the tail and says, "Come on A.J, let's go. Come on, Screwball."
"Okay," Screwball says.
Screwball thinks, "That's kind of weird. The only ones who really called me Cotton Candy was daddy, and well… my mommy, but… she's been gone a really really long time. And I don't even remember what she looks like."
Sometime later, Twilight, Applejack, and Screwball are on the train to Canterlot. Screwball sticks her head out the window to feel the wind in her mane.
Applejack says, "This is kind of a nice change of pace for us, isn't it? Usually we're headed into some sort of disaster full of villains tryin' to take over Equestria or destroy Ponyville, or wipe out…"
Suddenly, Twilight's eyes glow pink and mutters, "The day is young…"
"What?" Applejack says, confused.
"Oh, nothing," Twilight says.
Suddenly, the train stops.
Screwball happily says, "The train pulled in. Let's go."
Screwball happily hops off the train. Twilight and Applejack follow after her.
Applejack asks, "What's the plan? Ah can't make heads or tails of the schedule you gave me. Did you want to use so many sticky notes? Does it need an appendix with footnotes?"
"We're going to head to the castle. This star… is telling me the next one is close," Twilight says.
Screwball happily says, "Sounds cool, lead the way Mr. Star."
Twilight giggles and walks with Screwball. Applejack is growing very confused. She has never seen Twilight act this close with Screwball. Ever since Twilight has the necklace, she's been acting strange, especially how she is acting motherly towards Screwball.
Applejack walks beside Twilight and says, "Ya know… that necklace-thingy has me a bit concerned."
"It's fine… everything is fine!" Twilight says.
The girls soon walk inside the castle.
"Well, let's go let the princesses know we're here," Applejack says.
But Twilight says, "No."
"What do you mean 'no'? And what are you doing? Where are we going?" Applejack asks.
Twilight then walks to a Grandfather clock and begins to move it, "I mean, they're in the middle of setting the sun and raising the moon. We shouldn't interrupt them. And Celestia showed me this room once. It's where she keeps… things."
"Like what? Treasure?" Screwball asks.
"Let's hope so," Twilight says, walking down stairs.
Applejack and Screwball from behind. The three walk down stairs and the only source of lighting is their door and torches on the wall.
"What kind of things?" Applejack asks.
"Mostly stuff she doesn't want cluttering up the halls upstairs," Twilight says.
The three continue to walk down the stairs until they reach the bottom. They see a few boxes, and other stuff. There's also a barrel that has the sign 'Never Open' on it.
Twilight says, "The Star Gem is here. I can feel it."
"Um. Ah' going to go out on a limb and say that if it's in this room, it's bad," Applejack says.
"Really. Some of this stuff is cool. There's even a cannon here," Screwball says, standing on the cannon.
Then Screwball makes herself dress like a pirate, "It will be great to battle against pirates on the high seas."
Then Twilight and Applejack begin to giggle.
Twilight finishes giggling and says, "It'll be fine. Not everything in here is dangerous."
Then they turn their heads to a blue and yellow designed door with a star on it.
Screwball asks, "Do you think the star is in here?"
Twilight then uses her magic to open the door and the three walk inside.
"See? She also hides all her worthless junk down here, too!" Twilight says.
Screwball looks around and says, "Really. All this stuff is cool."
"Alright, but Screwball, be careful," Applejack says.
"I will," Screwball says, looking around at the stuff she finds.
Just then, Twilight looks to see a chest that has chains and locks around it. Suddenly, her eyes begin to glow pink.
"There it is…" Twilight says.
Suddenly, her eyes become fully pink and the necklace begins to glow too.
Twilight mutters, "Celestia must have found it but never put it on. Curse that pompous princess pony, if she had I'd have been brought back sooner."
Applejack begins to grow concern, "Uh, Twilight? Look here, ah think it's time to take off that necklace… You're getting a little excited."
Twilight angrily turns her head and her voice changes, "Don't Touch It!"
Applejack becomes spooked and she then sees a strange shadow that is not her own.
Screwball walks to Twilight and asks, "Twilight are you okay?"
Applejack gasps and grabs Screwball, "Hold it, sugar. That's not Twilight!"
"Oh, she's still in here. I bring her out when needed. If you prefer, some call me…" Twilight says.
Twilight then says, "Cosmos!"
Applejack falls over with Screwball in her arms. Applejack gasps in shock while Screwball becomes surprised to hear the name. Twilight then stands up and prepares to use her foot to stomp on Applejack.
Applejack grabs Screwball and runs off. She then shouts, "Gah! Get outta my friend!"
"No, I need her to get to him! Now, release my daughter!" The being, Cosmos says, throughout Twilight.
"Daughter? What are you?" Applejack asks.
Twilight swings her hood, "Be still!"
Applejack moves back and Twilight hits a crate that crashes into the wall. Twilight tries to bite Applejack, but she dodges.
Applejack yelps, "Whoa, nelly! Okay, time to quit bein' nice…"
She then places Screwball on the ground and says, "Ahm sorry, Twilight!"
Applejack then kicks Twilight in the stomach with her back legs and sends her flying. Then Twilight crashes into the box.
Dizzy Cosmos says through Twilight, "You're far too physically strong compared to this one."
Applejack hurries over to reach for the necklace as Cosmos says. "So I'll just have to fight…"
"Dirty!" Cosmo adds.
Then uses her magic to make a claw fist from the ground and knocks Applejack.
Screwball gasps, "Applejack!"
Just then, tentacles rise from the ground and open the cage. The next moment, Applejack falls inside the cage and the tentacles lock her in.
Screwball runs to Applejack, "Applejack, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, but…" Applejack says, feeling dizzy.
She then sees Twilight opening the chest.
Applejack screams, "Twilight! Take that darn thing off, it's addling yer' mind!"
"I do believe now I'll go talk to Celestia!" Cosmos says.
Applejack screams, "Twilight! Stop!"
"Twilight, stop! Why are you acting this way?" Screwball asks.
Twilight walks to Screwball and hugs her tight. Then a tear seeps from her eyes. Confused, Screwball looks at Twilight.
Twilight softly smiles and says in a tone that is familiar to Screwball, "I know you might not remember, but I remember you. My sweet little Chaotic girl. I really miss you."
Screwball eyes wide in surprise and begins to shed tears too.
She softly says, "M-mommy?"
"Yes sweetie, but for you. You'll need your rest," Cosmos says, through Twilight.
She then uses Twilight's magic to put Screwball to a deep sleep. Then still in Twilight's body, Cosmos leaves, taking Screwball with her and leaving Applejack trapped in the cage.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Sun reach the cottage. However, when they walk inside, they see a war of food is breaking out between Discord and Angel. Discord also has the salad on his head.
"Finally. Tell your monster of lagomorph that he can just starve," Discord angrily says.
"Oh! You need to use the spring mix, not romaine. I should have told you," Fluttershy says.
Fluttershy then makes another salad for Angel.
But Discord says, "How was your little meeting? You said we're going on a trip? I do hope it's to go Antiquing! A chippendale table for my breakfast nook would be lovely!"
Then Discord wears a scuba suit with a mask, snorkel, flippers on his feet and tail, and holds a conch shell in one hand and holds a door on the other.
"Or perhaps… scrubs diving in the Great Farrier Reef!" Discord says.
Then he changes so he has brown pants, a pink shirt, and a blue sweater tied around his neck, and hold a picnic basket.
"Oh, what about a walk in Gallap park?" Discord suggests.
"Oh, gouda! A cheese plate! Discord says, bringing out cheese.
"Maybe some other time. We're headed to the Everfree Forest to find a fallen star," Fluttershy says.
"A fallen star? In the Everfree Forest?" Discord asks, sounding uneasy.
Sun says, "Um yes. Twilight seems very excited. She said a Constellation fell out of the sky and we're on an adventure to collect all eight pieces.
Sun then uses her magic to levitate the book from her bag.
Nervous Discord asks, "There's no possible chance this could be… The Andalusian Constellation is there?"
"It is," Sun says, sounding confused.
Fluttershy says, "I didn't know you were so well versed in astronomy. That's going to save you from having to read the first 17 pages of Twilight's notes."
Discord tries to remain calm, but nervously says, "This is just… some whim of Twilight's right? A flight of fancy? A hobby? She doesn't think these stars actually exist… right? Right?"
"Oh, no, she found one! And it's pointed the way too all the others!" Fluttershy says.
Sun opens the book to reveal the book and the picture. Discord then gasps in shock.
"Yeah. She put us in charge of the ones in the Everfree Forest so I'd be close to home for all Fluttershy's animals," Sun says.
Fluttershy happily says, "Wasn't that nice of her?"
Discord picks up Fluttershy and exclaims, "She's found one!"
"Oh, yes, it's all quite exciting," Fluttershy happily says.
Sun then notices the look on Discord's face, "Discord you seem to be a bit nervous…"
Sun blinks her eyes and asks, "What's the matter?"
Discord then picks up Sun too and says, "We have to leave."
"What?" Fluttershy asks.
"Why?" Sun adds.
Discord snaps his fingers and they seep down into Discord' dimension. Soon, all three land on the ground in front of Discord's home. Discord then make bubble wrapper and tape appear.
"Discord, what's happening?" Fluttershy asks.
Discord begins to wrap the two mares in them as he explains, "Those stars aren't stars. They are Cosmos. She's well… someone I never expected to see after all this time."
"Cosmos? Who's Cosmos?" Sun asks.
"Cosmos was once a terror upon Equestria. She was… well, she was like me, but she took things too far. She hurt things. It took the combined efforts of the most magical being to lock her away in the stars. The stars were her prison," Discord says, freaking out.
"Oh my," Fluttershy says.
Discord says, "Years ago a shooting star knocked her out of the sky and the stars scattered."
"You seem to know a lot about this," Sun replies.
"I have a… vested interest in keeping Cosmos from coming back. Of course, she wasn't always like this," Discord says.
Fluttershy asks, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Discord then uses his magic to make a lounge chair for himself to lay down while Sun and Fluttershy are sitting on couches.
"Not really, but I suppose I'll have to," Discord says.
Then he explains, "Before the stars fell, I used to monitor them constantly, always afraid she would come back… and lose control again. I thought it was a good thing when they fell spread out across the land… it meant she was that much farther away from being whole. I found one of them. It… called to me… in the Everfree Forest. I hid it away. Under no circumstances can all those stars be reunited."
"Oh, dear," Fluttershy says.
"'Oh dear' isn't the half of it," Discord says.
Fluttershy says, "Well, this is perfect. You know where it is! We should go get it and give it to Princess Celestia. She needs to know about the threat of Cosmos coming back, right?"
"I suppose… but I'd really father be left out of it. This is her we're talking about," Discord says.
Sun says, "Discord, you obviously know more than any of us about what's happening, and need to protect our friends. Let's go get that star and save everypony, okay?"
"You both are being far too calm and reasonable," Discord nervously says.
"Maybe it's because he dealt with stuff like this on a daily basis," Sun replies.
Sometime later, Discord is able to dig the gem up with no problem and Fluttershy is holding it.
Discord says in concern, "I really don't think I should touch it, it… does something to me."
"I wore the one Twilight has with no problem. It should be fine," Fluttershy says.
"When I did, it made me feel funny, so I took it off and gave it back to Twilight," Sun says.
"I really do think we should bury it again. Maybe even deeper. Oh. We could glow it up," Discord says, holding TNT and a detonator.
"Now now. Princess Celestia has a good track record for dealing with horrible monstrosities. She'll know what to do," Fluttershy says.
Then Sun says, "Besides, we've been lucky that nopony has stumbled across it here! Just leaving it buried isn't as secured as bringing it to Princess Celestia. Imagine if a villain found it."
Discord sighs, "Right. You're right. Let's take it to Celestia. I should have eons ago."
Fluttershy looks at it. "It's so pretty. It's sad that it herald's the coming of a monster of unspeakable horror."
"Oh honey, you have no idea," Discord says.
Discord then snaps his fingers and they appear in Canterlot Castle's throne room. They soon see Celestia and Twilight sitting on the thrones, and Luna seems to be trying to get their attention.
Luna worriedly asks, "Sister. Young Twilight, please, just tell me what's happening. You're both acting bizarre! I can help you. Let me help you."
"Fluttershy, that was expedient. Very well done," Twilight says.
"Oh, thank you. But you know Discord was just telling us that…" Fluttershy says.
Discord walks to the curtains, and says, "I'm not a fan of the vibe I am getting from this world. Is anyone else not a fan?"
Discord moves the curtains to reveal Raven, and another unicorn, and Celestia and Luna's pets are tied up. Sun and Fluttershy gasps in shock. Sun then notices Screwball sleeping in Celestia's hooves.
"Screwball?" Sun asks, and walks to her in the princess' arm.
Suddenly, Twilight uses her magic to take the star away and it lands on her hooves.
Fluttershy worriedly says, "Oh! Forceful grabbing isn't very nice! I was going to give it to you nice…"
Sun looks to notice something off and exclaims, "Fluttershy! Discord! Get that star away from her!"
But it's too late, Twilight then places the star around Luna's neck. Then her eyes glow pink as well.
Suddenly, the three princesses say in a dreamy tone, "Discord. Darling. It's-so lovely to see you again."
"Ooooooooooh, no," Discord yelps.
Sun picks up Screwball and worriedly says, "Screwball, wake up. Are you okay? Come on, Screwy. Wake up."
Sun then turns to see Celestia using her horn to make a magical hand and drags Discord by his beard.
"Oh handsome. It's been so long. Come over here and let me look at you," Cosmos says through Celestia.
Then Twilight and Luna use their magic to change the scenery of the throne room.
Discord nervously says, "Ah, Cosmos! My er, well… How are… things?"
"So much better now that you'll be by my side again. Four stars already! I'm beginning to feel like myself again. But my power isn't quite up to snuff just yet," Cosmos says.
"She then pushes Discord on the throne and says, "Remember, darling? How I use covet this seat? It seems all I had to do was wait patiently for it. And now our Reign of Chaos and torment will dominate again. Everypony in Equestria will fear us," Discord says.
Cosmos then uses Celestia to lean her face close to him, "And they'll adore you, darling. Just like you always wanted!"
"Always wanted!" Twilight and Luna sing and dance.
Cosmo happily says, "Wait with me, dearest. It's been so long since I've had company. I've been bored. In space, no one can hear you scream."
Luna mutters, "Oh, I know all about that."
Discord nervously says, "Well Cosmos, you see… I'm actually out of the Chaos and destruction game… gone in a new direction. Restricted. Whole new resume, really!"
"Come again?" Cosmo asks, as the three princesses glare at him.
Discord gets off the throne and says, "Has been for a while now. I'm a reformed. Draconequus. So I think you'll just need to find somepony else to… Reign with?"
"Why is Discord so scared around her?" Sun whispers to Sun.
"I'm not sure, but I think Discord and Cosmoes seems to be in a certain relation than what he is saying," Fluttershy adds.
Suddenly, Cosmo says, "I am so very displeased to hear that, darling."
"So does this mean you'll do some goody two-shoes thing like go behind my back and stop the other ponies from aiding me to completion?" Cosmos angrily says, through Luna.
"What? Me? Never," Discord says, scared.
Then Luna glares at Sun and Fluttershy, "Are… these… what you've attached yourself to? Ugh."
"Um hi… um, Cosmos is it. It's been lovely chatting with you… one of you?" Fluttersahy says, confused.
"Yes. But we think that we should be…" Sun says.
"Leaving! What a good idea!" Discord says.
Sun weakly smiles, "Yes. and we think we should get Screwball home. I'm sure she must be tired from the long day we have."
However, Cosmos says through Luna, "You're selfish, Discord. It's one of the things I adore about you… and I know you. Do you know what would distract you from warning the world about my return?"
"A sternly worded letter?" Discord asks.
"No," Cosmos says.
Then uses her magic to take Screwball from Sun's hooves.
Then zaps the two mare, "If you're too busy trying to save something you care about!"
"What? No," Discord yelps.
The magic strikes Fluttershy and Sun. The next moment, Fluttershy has butterfly wings and antennas, while Sun's wings and antennas and even her mane resembles those of a Breezie.
Cosmos says, "You have my permission to leave, now! And think about you, you'll want to talk to me when the next we meet, my dearest husband."
Discord bitterly says, "Fine, but I'm also taking our daughter with us."
Discord then snaps his fingers and Discord vanishes with Screwball, Sun, and Fluttershy. Cosmo is a little dismayed, but knows she'll claim back her daughter soon enough.
Cosmos says, "They'll be back. He always comes back. And he'll bring our little girl too. And now I'll lavish in the luxury of my new castle, and all the stars will come to me soon enough. Then I'll be able to permanently take my true form."