Chapter 21: Cosmos Part 4

Flying over the horizon, Cosmos uses Celestia and Luna pull a chariot with Twilight, Zecora and Big Mac inside.

Luna says, "Two more stars."

"Then I shall be complete," Celestia adds.

Then Zecora says, "I'll be me without defeat.

Twilight smirks, and says, "Then I'll bring Discord and Screwball to my side… and we'll dismantle this world together."

"Yep," Big Mac adds.

Luna and Celestia continue to pull the chariot to their next destination.

Meanwhile, Rainbow, Rarity, and Spike arrive at the Crystal Empire.

Rainbow complains, "Why did we get the star that was the farthest away? I bet everypony else has theirs already and is back home in their bed."

"Oh, I know. Aren't the chairs on the train just awful to sleep in? And I forgot my satin travel pillow," Rarity says.

They soon begin to leave the train station as Spike carries their luggage, mostly Rarity's on a cart.

"Don't you always carry that fainting couch around with you? Why didn't you sleep on that?" Rainbow asks.

"Oh! I left that at home to make room for my few impending purchases. I can't go to the Crystal Empire and not do a bit of shopping, can I? And I'm in dire need of another bushel of emeralds," Rarity says.

"I was not aware emeralds came in 'bushels," Rainbow replies.

"They do if you're doing it right," Rarity says.

"I like emeralds, but I don't think they have quite the tang of sapphires. A sapphire would really hit the spot right now…" Spike says.

Rarity giggles and passes Spike a Sapphire much to his glee.

Rainbow looks around, "Twilight schedule says Cadence should be meeting us here. Do you see her?"

Suddenly, someone calls out, "Over here!"

The girls and Spike turn their heads to see Cadence sitting on the bench and reading a book. She waves to them with one hoof with a smile.

Cadence closes the book and says, "Welcome back to the Crystal Empire. It's so wonderful to see you all again… and for such an interesting reason! A falling star, how fascinating."

"Uh… did Twilight send you all the paperwork, to? Because if I have been lugging around the six-pound to-do list for days when you already have a copy…" Rainbow says with a straight expression.

"No,no. These are mine. Twilight wrote you were coming and also about the star… I've been doing my own research while waiting for you! It's all indexed, and I've already mapped out the most likely places we'll find it," Cadence says, showing her notes.

Spike sighs, "Sometimes I forget you and Twilight are both off your rocker about this stuff."

"Be grateful for it, Spike, darling. Organization is a key component to any endeavor," Rarity says.

"Your office looks like a tornado hits it half the time," Rainbow says.

"That's organized Chaos," Rarity confirms.

The group of friends walk down the street and Spike is already looking for gems to snack on.

Cadence says, "I'll have your bags sent to the castle. And if you're looking for a crystal star you're in the right place… it's kind of our thing."

"I know!" Spike happily says, munching on the gems.

The group then arrives at the Crystal Market that is known for having a lot of gems, even juice bars and funnel cake. Spike is eyeing on all the gems and wants to eat them.

Cadence says, "Now I think our best bet is to find it somewhere in the Crystal Market. Vendors sell all kinds of gems and crystals here. We can ask if anypony has come across something like it."

"What?! This is going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. This could take weeks," Rainbow exclaims.

Rarity says otherwise, "You say that like you don't have one of Equestria's finest eyes for precious stones standing next to you. I'm wounded, Rainbow Dash, give me ten minute."

Soon, Rarity begins to search for the gem star they need.

Spike grabs some gems as he says, "You'll know it when you see it, because it's the most delicious-looking gem I've ever seen."

"How do you even eat those things?" Rainbow asks, sticking her tongue out.

Then adds, "I mean, seriously. How are all your teeth still in your head?"

"That's an interesting point, Spike. Do you cook them or are they always raw?" Cadence asks, becoming curious about Spike's Gem eating habits.

Spike takes out a gem and says, "Well I'm so glad you asked! You know I do sometimes like to toss amethysts with a little of lemon juice. It brings out their citrusy notes."

Cadence sticks her tongue out in reply.

Spike continues, "Each gem has a different flavor… a lot of non-dragons don't get that."

"Really?" Rainbow asks, confused.

Spike then shows Rainbow the gemstone.

Rainbow licks it and says, ""I'm pretty sure it just tastes like a rock."

Spike then takes a bite out of the gem, and says, "Amusing little gem notes of orange, nutmeg, and a hint of leather. This really is more of a different gem, would pair well with cheese or quartz."

Rainbow sticks her tongue out and says, "Blech!"

"You know, I think if I concentrate I can taste it… maybe," Cadence replies.

Spike holds out the gem and asks, "Want a bite?"

"Uh no. I don't know if my dental plan will cover that," Cadence says.

"Well, more for me," Spike says, and eats the gem.

Just then, Rarity comes out with her body covered in jewelry. She is also wearing a crown that looks exactly like the star they're looking for.

Rarity says, "Got it!"

Rarity removes the crown and shows it to Cadence.

Amazed, Cadence says, "Oh! It's so pretty.

"I know! I think this one has more of a luster than the one I found back in Ponyville," Rarity says.

Then observe it, "There's something off about it, though."

The girls and Spike then look at it with confused looks.

Then Rarity happily says, "I know. It's this setting! Whoever decided to use the prong setting on such a vibrant gem, really. It needs a bezel setting. This will all have to be redone. Spike, get the fliers out of my valise."

"I think you need a new setting," Rainbow replies with a straight face.

Rarity touches the gem on the crown. Suddenly, it breaks off, "Oops!"

"I've got it," Cadence says, and catches it in her hooves.

When the star falls into Cadence's hooves, her eyes begin to glow pink and smoke begins to surround her. While Cadence is becoming possessed by the star, Cozy Glow, Sandbar, and the others are searching through the woods for the lost star piece.

Gallus sighs, "We've been digging for a while. So far, we can't find it."

"Yona is tired," Yona says.

"I'm sure we'll find it," Rose says.

"She's right. We have to. Finding that star. Twilight is depending on us to find it," Cozy Glow says and her eyes glow pink.

Rose glow asks, "Cozy Glow, are you okay?"

"Yeah. you seem more… energetic since you got that star," Crescendo says.

"Never been better. I'm just excited about finding the star," Cozy Glow happily says.

The mutters, "That way I'll become whole once more."

"What was that?" Moon Shell asks.

"It's nothing. Nothing. I'm sure we'll find it," Cozy Glow says with a smile.

Rose Glow is not convinced, she has sensed something off about her sister since they left. She has been so eager to find the crystal and her eyes are different and says something about becoming whole.

Suddenly, Silverstream happily says. "Look guys I found it!"

The others turn to see Silverstream holding the crystal. Suddenly, it disappears as something swoosh past her.

"Huh, where did…." Smolder asks.

The group looks up to see Cozy Glow flying away with the gem.

"Cozy Glow! Where are you going?" Dark Abyss calling out.

Rose Glow quickly says, "Guys, something is wrong with Cozy Glow. She's been acting strange."

"I'm with Rose. I think something is controlling Cozy Glow and it has something to do with that star she's wearing," Crescendo says.

"She must have taken the star we just found. We have to follow her," Sandbar says.

The group then hurries to follow Cozy Glow to see where she's going.

Back in the air, Celestia and Luna feel one of the star's presences.

"The other stars. There you are, my precious. I can feel it!" Cosmos says, though Celestia.

Then Luna says, "Soon, I'll be whole."

"And then with my family I will stroll," Zecora says.

Twilight turns to Zecora, "Maybe taking the rhyming one wasn't the best choice."

"My apologies, but enjoyment I receive from this voice," Zecora says.

"You know. I'm gonna get real sick of it," Big Mac adds.

The four mares begin laughing with glee as a pink smoke trail behind them.

At the Crystal Palace, Flurry Heart is happily sleeping in her crib when a shadow overshadows her. The one is Cozy Glow and is holding the other star in her hoof. She then places it on the tiara that is on Flurry Heart's head. Soon, she is being fallen under Cosmos's spell as well.

While all the events are going on, Discord and the two mares and filly are in his home. They can see Discord is still worried and scared, but also explains to them about his relationship with Cosmos.

"So are you saying that Cosmos is your wife and that means she is Screwball's mother?" Fluttershy asks.

"Yes," Discord sadly says.

"We have no idea you even have a wife and Screwball has a mother. I mean… you two don't seem to talk about your persona lives," Sun says.

"Daddy and I always seem to keep a secret or two about our past. For one, Discord also knew Tirek even before he was sent to Tartarus," Screwball says.

Sun and Fluttershy become surprised to hear it.

"Well, to be honest, I wasn't always out looking to cause trouble. Really. Sometimes… trouble found me," Discord says.

"How did you meet Cosmos?" Sun asks.

"Well, it happened a very long time ago. I was in my own dimension working on my special garden. Suddenly, something blasted through my chaotic sky and landed in the sky… more like crashes to the ground," Discord says.

Flashback:

Eons ago, Discord was working on his special garden that is made of baseballs. Suddenly, something flew right through the skies, literally. When it lands on the ground, it leaves a loud boom with a crater.

"Great balls of fire!" Discord exclaims.

He carefully walks over to see someone reaching his claws out. Suddenly, smoke reveals to be a draconequus, and a female one. She has blue claws, a purple and black scorpion tale, antlers of a gazelle, long pointed ears like a bat, a fin hood like a snake and strange yellow like eyes. Seeing the creature leaves Discord awestruck.

The creature says, "Ah, flinging myself through the stars can be quite a challenge… my momentum got away from me for a bit. Thank you for the use of your path of dirt to break my fall."

She then says, "Oh well, this is quite the place. I see you're also a fan of the disorderly?"

"I… yes! Why, yes, I am," Discord quickly says, feeling embarrassed.

The girl asks, "Could stand a little touch here and there, though. You know curtains, tentacles, little things. You don't mind, do you?"

Soon Discord decides to create the Chaos, the new creature might like.

Then make a suit on an elegant table.

Discord says, "Oh, not at all! Delightful! I'd love to talk to you more about… Disorderly things, miss…?"

"You can call me… Cosmos," Cosmos says.

Discord happily says, "Discord… now, tell me how you feel about Chaos."

"I… adore it," Cosmos says, taking interest.

Flashback Ends:

Sun and Fluttershy are surprised to hear how they first meet each other.

"Wow! That is surprising," Sun says.

"Yes. At first, she was playing hard to get at the time. She surely knows how to play it well," Discord says.

"This isn't going to get too mushy is it?" Screwball asks.

"Maybe a little. Anyway, we tricked out a dimension or two… but she soon grew bored. She wanted more. I know just the place to introduce her to," Discord says.

"And that's Equestria." Fluttershy asks.

"Yes. she was the first thing I ever knew that I couldn't control. She was unpredictable. And well, I like her for that. At first, things were great. Us together, weakening minor havoc on Equestria. That's my style… Mild Chaos. Just enough to get the ponies to remember her," Discord says.

"Sounds like you two had a lot of fun?" Sun asks.

"We did. We were very happy. And when we made our official wedding, it was one of the best days of our lives. Of course, one of the better ones was when we have our first child," Discord says, and hugs Screwball.

"That's me huh?" Screwball asks with a smile.

Discord chuckles, "Who else? When you were born, we were the happiest parents in the world."

Flashback:

Long ago, Cosmos lay down on a bed while holding a Screwball that is wrapped in a blanket. She is a baby pony with purple swirls for eyes and white and light purple curly hair.

Cosmos giggles and says, "She sure looks a lot like a pony and it doesn't make sense."

"Then again, with us, it doesn't make sense," Discord says.

"I see what you mean. Still, she has unusual eyes like you do," Cosmos says.

"True, but she has a nice purple shade, like you do. No doubt about it, she's our daughter," Discord says.

"I know. I'm sure she will love to have fun and Chaos when she grows up. What do you think about her having a propeller beanie," Cosmos says.

"Exactly what I'm going to say," Discord happily says.

The Chaotic parents laugh and their baby laughs along with them. What surprises them is that suddenly, Screwball makes a bottle of chocolate milk appear and drinks it in one sitting. Then throws it out the window and it explodes. Then the baby smiles and giggles.

Discord and Cosmos happily say, "She's our daughter alright!"

Flashback Ends:

"During the time, Cosmos, Screwball, and I were very happy. At least that's what I thought," Discord says.

"But you soon come to realize that Cosmos powers and satisfaction is never enough," Sun suspects.

"I'm afraid so. For the time, I kept the princesses on a trail of illusions, detouring them away from us, letting us live happily as a family and have fun… But then Cosmos refused to leave Equestria. She was obsessed with making it hers, shaping it to her own liking… even though she'd gone too far. I'm not sure when it happened, but suddenly everypony was in danger. Chaos was never enough for her… she wanted havoc, mayhem. And she believed we wanted that to," Discord sadly says.

"But you never did," Fluttershy replies.

"Yes. I wanted all of us to be a happy family, but Cosmos is taking all of this too far. I had no choice, but to help Celestia and the others banish her to space where she became the stars you all know now," Discord says.

"I'll bet it must have been really hard for you to do that to Cosmos," Sun sadly says.

"It was. It was the only way to stop this, and to protect Screwball from that mayhem," Discord says.

"I'm surprised that nopony ever heard of Cosmos," Fluttershy says.

"Yeah. I remember reading in school and they never mention Cosmos, only you. I ended up believing that you were the only creature of your kind. Until we met Eris," Sun says.

"That's because it made them forget," Discord says.

"You what?!" Sun asks, shocked.

"Once Cosmos had been imprisoned, I felt it best that all of Equestria forget about her. If anyone knew what those stars were, It would be too dangerous. Some villains might find a way to release her, maybe even use her," Discord says.

He then frowns and says, "So from then on, everything that has happened was blamed on yours truly. Equestria healed… for the most part."

"You mean there's still evidence of hers?" Fluttershy asks.

"Some. You know the Everfree Forest? Before Cosmos, it was really a special garden she made for Screwball before she went out of control. I still come around… I couldn't deny my nature, of course, and I still adore Equestria except now I wasn't thought of as a silly nuisance, but as a threat. All the ponies… hated me. And I felt broken…" Discord says.

"But what happened to Screwball at the time?" Sun asks.

"Screwball was too young and I didn't want her to be a part of any of this, so I sent her to Eris in her dimension and told her everything. She agreed to watch over Screwball at that time," Discord says.

"You mean to be turned into stone? Wait, that means…" Fluttershy asks, shocked.

"I'm not saying that… exactly. How was I to know it would be for a thousand years? Anyway… here we are. All caught up," Discord says.

Sun, Fluttershy, and Screwball become sad to hear what really happened.

"That was quite the story," Fluttershy says.

"It was," discord sadly says.

"Still, I can't believe you were willing to take the blame for her. Everyone thought you were a threat, but you were actually a trickster. Cosmos ended up being the real threat, but you made sure the blame goes to you. And you felt that you should be punished for what happened," Sun sadly says.

"I suppose. I'm the one who brought Cosmos to Equestria in the first place," Discord says.

"Still, it's up to Comos on how to act, not yours. Still, Discord, Sun and I are probably thinking the same thing, and we know you're not going to like it," Fluttershy says.

"And we do think the same idea. I guess we should apologize in advance," Sun says.

"Okay," Discord says.

Sun and Fluttershy calmly say, "We have to go back and help."

Suddenly, Discord screams, "What? No. I'm going near her again! NO WAY!"

Suddenly, Discord remembers, "Wait, she knows where I live. We should go somewhere. Tahiti seems nice. I'll just pack our bags. Yes! The propics! We can wear loud shirts and solve crimes! Shave ice for every meal!"

"We should take a vacation. How does six months off sound to you," Discord says, taking the clothes and shoving them in the suitcase.

"Discord," Fluttershy calmly says.

Discord then puts furniture in front of the door, "Ooh. you're right! We'll winter in Saddle Arabia! Just make it a full year!"

"Discord," Sun firmly says.

"Let's not even go to your place to pack! You know, spontaneity," Discord says.

Just then, Screwball shouts, "DADDY!"

Discord then comes to a stop and turns to see the three girls.

"Look we know that Comsos scares you, but we have to go help our friends," Fluttershy says.

"She's right. I know your uh, relationship with Cosmos didn't happen the way you expected, but you can't run from her forever. You're gonna have to face her," Sun says.

"They're right daddy. We gotta face mommy and help our friends," Screwball says.

She sighs and says, "You're the only ponies I would do this for, I'll have you know."

"We knew you'd make the selfless decision," Fluttershy happily says.

"Right, well, if we're going to a confrontation with the scariest being in Equestria who has a very good reason to dislike you and Sun in particular, Fluttershy… you're going to stay right where I can keep an eye on you," Discord says, and snaps his fingers.

Soon, Discord has Fluttershy and Sun in carries. Flutters on at front side of Discord and Sun on his back.

Sun thinks, "I can't believe Discord put us in a device for babies!"

Then Discord says, "Let's be off!"

Discord then snaps his fingers and everyone disappears. Soon, they find themselves in Canterlot Castle.

"Oh my," Discord says.

"Wow! Mommy really did a number on the castle," Screwball says.

"Where is everypony?" Fluttershy asks.

Sun looks out the window, "All of Canterlot looks deserted."

"No, I don't think it is… I'm afraid I know where all these ladybugs come from," Discord says, seeing the bugs flying around.

Sun and Fluttershy gasp in shock to realize those bugs are the ponies of Canterlot. Suddenly, a can with a familiar appearance comes running by chasing the big.

"Oh my, Capper!" Fluttershy says, shocked.

Discord then uses his magic to free Raven, the other unicorn, and the pets.

Discord says, "Let's check the old secret libraries."

"You know about the old secret libraries?" The unicorn stallion asks.

"Pfft, please, Mustache. This is me we're talking about," Discord says.

He then snaps his fingers to appear in the old library to see Applejack and Apple Bloom fighting over a magazine while everyone else, excluding Pinkie, are bored. Discord then uses his lion claw to break the bars and free the others.

Pinkie yelps, "O think I broke my llama."

Applejack notices, "Fluttershy! Sun! You… you both look different."

"Long story," Sun says.

Pinkie holds the llama, "Oh, not. He's fine."

"Thank goodness you're all okay," Sun says.

Then Fluttershy asks, "Where is everypony else? The princesses? The castle is empty."

"You mean the princesses aren't here anymore? What about Zecora and Big Mac? Pinkie Pie said they all were under the influence of those, I now know, awful star rocks," Applejack says.

Sun groans, "You mean Cosmos."

"Who?" The Crusaders asks.

"Long story short, she's my mommy and is my daddy's fine. She's a chaotic being like daddy, but was way too out of control so my dad helped the princesses and other royals imprison her," Screwball says.

"Oh," The Crusaders reply, dumbfounded.

"Well, if y'all are here, then they must have gone to where the last stars are… the Crystal Empire and WhiteTail woods," Applejack says.

"They might be in the empire, because no one has been controlled there. That star Cozy Glow must have possessed her, and might take the last one to Cosmos," Sun says.

"And the empire is where Rarity is," Sweetie Belle says, worried.

"And that's where Rainbow is," Scootaloo adds.

"I still say we all go to Tahiti," Discord says.

"We can go on vacation after saving Equestria," Sun calmly says.

Discord then snaps his fingers and the group are on a red and blue boat.

Discord says, "Well, if that's on the table, let's be off!"

"Wait. No. Leave the fillies behind!" Applejack panics.

Discord says, "Too late. I'm committed."

"Woohoo! Promotion time, we're going to save Equestria!" Scootaloo shouts.

Soon, the group are on their way to the Crystal Empire and stop Cosmos. They also quickly stop to pick up Sandbar and the others. Turns out, Sun is right. Cozy Glow has taken the star and taken it to the Crystal Empire, and said that she's going to get Flurry Heart.

At the empire, the three princesses, Big Mac, and Zecora arrive on the chariot.

Rarity hurries over, "Oh good, Twilight! Over here, Twilight! We found the star for you!"

However, the princesses and the other two simply walk past them.

"Hey! What's with the cold hello?" Rarity asks.

Cadence places the star around her neck. At the same time, Cozy Glow arrives and has the necklace on and has the star on Flurry Heart's little tiara.

Cadence says, "Finally all of my stars… together again. At last I can become myself, after all this time…"

"Um…" Rainbow says, confused.

Cosmos then makes the stars glow and all the ponies who possess one link together, "I feel delightful!"

The three are shocked to see what is happening.

Spike says, "I vote we take cover and reassess the situation."

"Seconded!" Rainbow panics.

The group quickly hid behind the boulder as Cosmos says, "However… I believe I can feel even better."

Cosmos then uses her magic to combine all the ponies together. Soon, she becomes a fighting fused version of the five princesses, Zecora, Big Mac, and Cozy Glow. Cosmos also wears armor that has her star gems on it. The two mares and Spike peek out of the rock to see this.

"Well, there's something you don't see everyday," Spike says.

Suddenly, Discord, Fluttershy, Sun, Screwball and the others appear.

Discord happily says, "Oh! Good, there you are. That was a bit of luck. Now let's all deal with this horrible mess of Cosmos. She's just the worst, but I think if we all put our heads together we can…"

As Discord talks, every creature becomes scared, making Sun and Fluttershy confused. Every creature points to Discord as Sun and Fluttershy look behind them. They become shocked to see what is behind them.

Sun nervously says, "U-u-u-um Discord…"

Discord nervously asks, "She's right behind me, isn't she?"

"Hello, darling…" Cosmos says.

Every creature quickly looks and gasps in shock to see Cosmos has been reborn and fused with the princesses and the others.