The Advent of Godzillaby Jongoji245ChaptersPrologueChapter 1 (Old Timeline): Restoring PonyvilleChapter 2 (Old TImeline): Enter GojiraChapter 3 (Old Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus Movement Epilogue (Old Timeline)Chapter 1 (New Timeline): Restoring Ponyville/Celestia's ProphecyChapter 2 (New Timeline): Enter GojiraChapter 3 (New Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus ProjectEpilogue (New Timeline)PrologueFar away in the Badlands, an expedition is being carried out. Recently, geologists have reported a mountain range that previously not existed in previous times. Believing that these could be the remains of an ancient city made invisible akin to the Crystal Empire, they’ve enlisted Daring Do to supervise the expedition. Pegasi flew to the tops of the mountains, chopping out bits for study. Unicorns then wrote notes regarding the mountain range. Earth ponies lifted and moved apart boulders and fossils. One pair of earth ponies uncovered a pair of craters 30 feet from the summit of the mountains. Daring Do assembled a band of ponies and entered one of the craters. Despite being in the Badlands, the caves had a constant breeze. Opposite of the other ponies’ chagrin, the tan pegasus became awful suspicious of the apparent rhythm of the breeze. Back at the surface, a unicorn begins to analyze a sample of the rock under a microscope. At his side lie an assortment of known rocks so he could compare. He places a rock into an unfilled spot in the assortment. “It’s translucent and purple, yet there is no grain size.” the unicorn wondered as he rubbed his head. “There is only one pony I know who can help.” Back at the craters, Daring Do travels deeper, her hooves gradually becoming drenched in mud as the breeze becomes notably stronger. “What do you mean it isn’t a rock?” The unicorn commented to a gray earth pony mare with a purple mane and gray-blue tunic. “I know a rock when I see one,” - Maud listlessly looked down at the supposed rock - “and that is not a rock.” Frustrated, the unicorn bit out a piece of his hoof and looked at it under the microscope. His eyes widened as he placed the sample next his nail. Back at the cave, one of the expedition ponies walked towards the wall with a pick ax. She begins chipping at the wall, but surprisingly to no avail. She raises the pick ax high and slams it into the wall. After pulling it out, a red stream comes out of the hole. “Uhm… Is that normal?” She nervously asks. After Daring Do walked up to the stream, the wall began to shake. Sniffing the stream, something was very much wrong. “Everyone out, NOW!” She ordered. In sync, the tremors increased. Everypony began to run for cover as the ground cracked and the mountains moved. In a period of five minutes, the ground exploded, covering the air above with dust. Daring Do was in a good distance away as she noticed something moving in the dust. The figure appeared to turn in a circle, looked up at the sun and bellowed. Author's Note For an extended prologue, watch "Godzilla vs Megaguirus." Chapter 1 (Old Timeline): Restoring PonyvilleFor the past few weeks Ponyville has been in shambles thanks to a super being known as Tirek. With help from a convinced Discord, all the inhabitants of Equestria had their magic drained to fuel the centaur’s strength. It was with the combined strength of the Mane Six and their newfound power from the Tree of Harmony that sealed him away. The damage will take a long time to fix both physically and mentally. In the destruction, The Ponyville Library was destroyed and only a precious few of the books that were checked out prior to it’s destruction survived. Construction crews are being stretched thin as the destruction was global. Feeding them was another problem. Ponies have money to spend on food, but food wasn’t there for the most part. The main food markets brought very little of their harvests. Even Sweet Apple Acres didn’t bring as much a yield as usual, but they still had an asset on their sleeve. As in any trade, marketing is key. Worried about Cosplay in light of recent events, Chelsey, Zipper and Diver came to Ponyville to check up on him. They were still a little shaken after receiving back their magic essence like the others, but not too badly. They stayed behind to help out at Sweet Apple Acres. When one of the ponies in town noticed the three and Cosplay, she brought over her friends to watch them do a street performance. As more and more came, Cosplay stopped the performance. “If you are going to watch us perform, buy an apple!” He remarked. At a rate of 4 bits per pony buying an apple, the stand made enough money to buy new apple seeds in one day. Having enough supplies keep up with the demand was another challenge, though. Zipper ran across the acres and back with a total count of the remaining trees; around 1,954 trees. “That’s not a good number is it?” “...Nope.” Things became a little more complicated when Applejack left with the rest of the Mane Six to a destination sent by the Castle of Harmony. After two days, all trees with readily available apples were exhausted. Cosplay’s circus pals had to learn a few skills. Chelsey, roughly the size of Applejack, strained a few muscles pulling the plow with Big Mac close. Zipper helped Cosplay and Winona with herding the cattle. Diver helped with making the apple cider with Granny Smith. Schnookums provided help by providing holes for the new apple seeds but otherwise stayed out of the way. A little further north from the Badlands, a very loud buzzing sound was heard as an army of Changeling drones clustered together around a large object. Aside from indications of a tail, legs, and hands, the object was indistinguishable. A series of lights came in and out of the cluster before accumulating in a massive pulse. The sky rained with changelings as whatever creature they were attacking continued it’s journey, leaving footprints and tail draggings. Another day passed by. The seeds are firmly planted in the ground. But it would take quite a while before the trees grow in place of the destroyed ones. After planting the last seed on the ground, Applebloom wiped the sweat off her brow. Cosplay patted the ground as his friends came up to him as well as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. “I can see why you like to work in the farm. It’s a great workout!” Chelsey complemented. “Butwestilhaveaproblemwiththelackoftrees, whichmeanslackofapples, whichmeansfewerpeopletofeedto, makingallthishardworkimpossible!” Zipper quickly explained. “Stop whining! They have problems like this in the past. Besides, the only thing that is keeping us from losing it is that we are feeding our friends too.” Cosplay remarked “Darn tootin’ young un!” Granny Smith replied as she slowly walked towards the sweat covered children. “Back in my day, ponies settled more with less. Nowadays, ponies want everything. Tv, video games, internet. Spoiled bunches, no offense…” “None taken.” Granny Smith continued her afternoon walk. “Unless you Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” Scootaloo whispered, resulting in a good chuckle from Sweetie Belle. Granny Smith’s comment did give Cosplay an idea. “Hey Applebloom, weren’t you working on a growth potion for the science fair?” The cream colored filly began to grasp at what he is thinking. Motioning the group to the club house, she placed a book on the table and began to recall the steps she took before the incident with Tirek. “Ah will need these last few items; an eggshell of a bluejay, a few drops morning dew, and a patch of mint leaves.” As Apple bloom spoke the remaining ingredients, the other ponies gathered said materials in the around the farm. Mixing them in a brew, they looked in awe as the potion had a golden glow to it. Scootaloo placed a small apple next to the potion. Filling a small dropper with the potion, Apple bloom carefully placed a drop on the apple. The group looked closely at the apple before it grew to twice it’s size. Small scale down, they applied one drop for a planted seed and found a sapling popping out the ground. They then added a drop to three more seeds just to be safe. While it would take time, the trees should be able to grow faster now. Making a rope fence around the new batch of apple trees, they labeled a sign as “Big Apples.” Diver looked up to the sun as it slowly drifted toward the west. “Guess we will see you tomorrow then?” The merpony asked Cosgrove nodded. As the three circus ponies made their way out of the acres, the Crusaders and Cosplay turned their heads to the sound of rustling as Schnookums consumes the trees uprooted in the fight with Tirek. The only sound he has been making for the past few weeks was a slow rumble. Cosgrove knew why: Though bigger than him, not even Schnookums could stand up to the power of Tirek and only watched as the massive centaur sucked his surrogate father dry of magic. After the incident the Brobdingnag kept a good distance from him, even when working in the farm. Schnookums ate one last uprooted tree before making his leave. Cosgrove waved goodbye to the Crusaders before trotting after the beast. Being around ten meters tall, talking to him wasn’t easy. Galloping ahead of him, Cosplay ran to the top of a hill. “Schnookums wait!” The Brobdingnag slowed his pace before turning his head at the colt. “I forgive you for not saving me. Don’t feel so down, no one blames you.” Schnookums slowly opened up his mask and emitted a slow reassuring rumble. Cosgrove then turned around and began to walk when he was suddenly lifted by his tail. The colt pulled himself onto Schnookums’ snout as he began to walk along the edge of the Everfree towards his house. “You are such a worrypuss…” As the sun finally set and the moon was high in the sky, the saplings became full grown trees. As they have labeled in the sign, the trees are slightly larger and have more apples at ready. One grows too fast and falls on the ground. A fruit fly lands on the succulent apple and begins to ingest as much as it could. The fly grew twice it’s size. It buzzed away as more fruit flies gathered around. Suddenly the fly was caught by a praying mantis. Spreading it’s wings, it carried the victim over to it’s mate. Passing the meal over, she consumes it while he deposits it’s seed. The male does not notice that the female is now four times as big as the male when she in turn begins to devour him. Too heavy to fly, she begins to lays her eggs while consuming any fruit fly flying too close to her. At a river close by, a fisher pony pulls out a net, only to find a small trout. He gave a huff when a large salmon plopped on his boat. He gives a confused moan as another large salmon plops onto his boat. He turned to the second fish as tens more of large fish began hopping onto his boat. The weight of so much fish was too great to support the boat. The stallion tried to swim to the surface as he saw a something… gigantic swim by him. When he caught his breath, he saw a large mound of water ahead. Chapter 2 (Old TImeline): Enter GojiraMorning comes by again as one of the “big apple” trees is being bucked by the band of children. Despite the force of even kicking them in unison, the apples still wouldn’t fall off easily. Chelsey became agitated by the bugs and stepped away from the tree. “Out of the way!” The young horse shouted as she charged head first into the tree. Stars circled around her head as she faltered onto her haunches. An apple does fall onto her snout and into the bucket. “Well that worked…” Sweetie Belle remarked before being given a harsh look from the larger mare as she rubbed her sore head. A shadow loomed over them as Schnookums slowly walked over to the tree. He extended his hand, grabbed the branches, and began shaking it violently. One by one, the large apples fell off the tree and into the bucket, with the group cheering at the success. Schnookums can’t smile, but the best affection he could give is a small lick from the tip of his tongue. He then moved over to the next tree and began shaking it. “This day couldn’t get any better…” “Actually it would if these mantis’ stopped nipping on me.” Scootaloo said as she fluttered up and down on the mantis’ “Mantis’ shouldn’t do that.” Cosgrove remarked as he stamped his hoofs on the nipping pests “And how many mantis’ have you seen?” Diver commented as she slapped one with her tail. Cosgrove kicked one the size of a large rabbit when he turned and pointed his hoof. “Certainly not that one!” Diver turned around and saw a mantis the size of a jaguar. The insect began to charge at the ponies when it received a good head butt from Big Mac. Toppled over, the red pony reared up and slammed his hooves on it’s head. “Disaster averted, Big Mac!” Applebloom congratulated with a smile. “Nope…” Big Mac remarked He was dead on about that. More jaguar sized mantis’ are prowling towards them, joined as well by a few bear sized ones too. Shnookums brought himself between the foals and the mantis’ before being joined by Big Mac and Chelsey. “Cosplay, you and your friends go get help.” Chelsey Just after she say’s that a mantis leaps at her and latches onto the horse with it’s claws. Chelsey bucked and brashed the mantis against a tree. Out of options, she jumped and fell on her back. The bug twitched a little before expiring. Cosgrove stopped in his tracks and looked back as the bugs continued to swarm the three who stayed behind. “We’ll never be able to get help fast enough.” “How much help can we do?” Sweetie Belle replied as a mantis crept behind her. Zipper was about to open his mouth when a pumpkin flew out of nowhere and cleaved it’s head. The six foals looked forward and saw Grannie Smith with an army helmet next to a catapult used every Nightmare Night. “Never had this much fun in years!” the elder mare yelped. Cosgrove motioned the Crusaders and Diver “You four help load up the catapult!” “But what about Big Mac!” “Just go! Zipper and I will handle it!” “Andjusthowthetwoofuswillhandlebearsizedinsects?!” “It’s tornado season!” “Tornadoseason?! It’salreadypast-" Zipper stopped for a moment "Ohhhhhh!” Cosgrove ripped out a claw from the decapitated mantis and galloped towards the three fighters. Zipper began running around in a large circle. A lion sized mantis leapt at Schookums, responding in kind with a tailwhip. The mantis flew over in direct course to Big Mac, receiving a can of apple bucking as is splattered along a tree. Chelsey was up on her hind legs sparring with a bug her size when the mantis grappled the mare when she was in distance. She pushed and shoved to keep her face away from the shearing mandibles. Cosgrove leapt on the back of the assailant. “Surprise!” He shouted as he lopped off the insect’s head with the claw. “Show off…” A distance away from Ponyville a large group of ponies are having fun on the riverbank. Three ponies were on boogieboards riding on the currents brought by the wind. A lifeguard scanned around seeing if anypony was in trouble when she noticed an anomaly in the distance. She grabbed her binoculars and found that is was massive wave. She grabbed the whistle wrapped around her neck and blew as hard as she could. Everypony began rushing out of the water, the mother’s grabbing their foals. A foolish surfer stayed behind, ignoring the lifeguard’s louder blasts as she tried to bring him back. As the surfer reached the wave, it increased in size and bursted. The speed of the wave was too much to react to and the surfer was flung across to a tree along the bank. A massive shadow soon loomed over the bank. Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the battle is growing much more tense. The mantis’ now have elephant size companions. Schnookums just bit off one of their heads and began using the body as a two handed weapon. One of the mantis’ latched itself onto his back and is biting into his plates. “Okay a little to the left, no a little too far left!” Granny Smith ordered the fillies as they moved the catapult. “Unleash the Payload!” Pulling a lever, the catapult launched another pumpkin and smacked the mantis off Schnookums’ back. “Bullseye!” Diver yelped Zipper began to move faster and faster until he was just a blurr. Big Mac, Chelsey, and Cosgrove were able to retreat. Schnookums was in a grapple with five of the bugs. Knowing it is now or never, Schnookums detaches his limbs and the tip of his tail and burrows underground. As the bugs feast on the detached remains, one by one, they are flung into the air. The tornado can be seen in Ponyville, especially in the Mayor’s office before she saw the gigantic monster making it’s way towards the tornado. Once every last bug was removed, Zipper slowed down and began to pant heavily.The Crusaders, Granny Smith, and Diver looked out from the barn as Big Mac, Chelsey, and Cosgove walked towards the exhausted Sleipnir. Cosgrove gave Zipper a soft pat on the back. But the peace was again broken as three massive shadows loomed over them. “Don’t tell me, there are three gigantic mantis’ behind me?” “Eeyup.” “Think we’ll survive this?” “...Nope…” “Bring it on…” The four once again assumed defensive poses at the super giant mantis’ as a fourth even larger shadow loomed above them. Schnookums popped his head as the shadow continued to loom. The ponies’ pupils shrank at the sight of the figure. Grannies’ mouth was agape long enough for her dentures to fall off before wrapping her lips around her snout. Cosgrove slowly began to eye the figure. They were standing face to face with a monster they haven’t seen before. It was clearly reptilian though the head sported a curious pair of ears. On it’s back lied three rows of back plates with the largest near the hip region before tapering down to the tail. It’s eye’s were blood red with a yellow iris. The monster shuffled it’s plantigrade feet and began to inhale. After a “small” growl, the monster gave a mighty roar so loud it actually shook the ground. The ponies in the farm covered their ears, though it was pointless to try. Further away, the ponies could hear the roar without having to cover their ears, though it does cause a stir in the nursery. Even far away in her chambers, Princess Celestia heard a faint echo of the roar. One of the mantis’ charged at the monster, only to get a whack from it’s massive tail. However, when the monster turned around, another one latched it’s claws around the neck. The monster struggled a little before clamping its jaws and severing the mantis’ arm at the shoulder. It then grabbed the insect and slapped it hard enough on the ground that the abdomen was smashed flat. The first mantis that attacked it leapt onto the monster’s back and started raking it’s claws back and forth. Though only taking off bits and pieces of scales, each scale was the size of a small boulder; Everypony in the field ran their way to the barn. The monster then wrapped it’s tail around the joint between the thorax and the abdomen and brought it forth to it’s claws. Using as much strength as it could, the monster ripped the mantis apart. The last gigantic mantis scuttled back a little into the trees. As it went deeper, the massive insect’s became more and more obscure. The monster looks back and forth as each short burst of buzzing the mantis leaps out and inflicts damage on the massive reptile. At one point the mantis slashes it’s ankle, toppling the beast. The spiny monster breathed heavily as it regained its footing. The mantis aimed itself towards the beast’s back and leapt. At a few meters from it’s destination, the monster suddenly turned and snapped at the mantis’ cranium. The wings sprout open as it’s limbs twitched before becoming limp. The monster spat out the carcass and roared to the sky. The juice from the insect flew off the teeth, making a mess when it splotched on the ground. The beast turned and walked towards the barn. The ponies cowered as the monster’s size became more apparent. They dared looking up at the skyscraper figure. It’s face donned a large set of eyebrows and unintentionally gave them a fierce scowl. It flared it’s nostrils as it emitted a small rumble. Suddenly a large blast comes from behind and hits the monster in the back. The beast turns around and spots a winged figure in the sky. With the Mane Six on their newfound quest, Princess Luna took charge of watching Ponyville in their absence. With much firepower and agile flying skills, the beast could not dismiss her as mere fly. It’s back plates began to grow a light orange, with the radiating heat to match. “Everyone to the storm shelter!” Big Mac shouted Everypony and Winona made their way to the underground shelter. When he entered the shelter Cosplay glanced back. Just as the red stallion closed the doors, an orange glow filtered through the door. A static humm also can be heard outside. Dust crept it’s way from the ceiling of the shelter as the monster moved about outside. Winona shook in fear as the battle continued, prompting a reassuring hug from Big Mac. Gradually the sound began to fade, but for safety’s sake, they kept inside the storm shelter well into the evening. It was noon the next day when the group crawled out of the underground shed. Their eyes widened at the result of last night. All across Sweet Apple Acres, there were tail draggings, foot prints about five feet deep at least, and burned trees from a dying forest fire. The carcasses of the insects from before were gone, most likely crushed after last night. Construction crews were also underway, removing the burned and damaged material while also planting new apple trees. Princess Luna stood tall, monitoring their progress. The group bowed in thanks as the Princess of the Moon approached them. “Are thou hurt? Anything broken?” “Eenope.” “What was that thing?” Apple Bloom asked “Yeah it looked a lot worse than Tirek!” Added Scootaloo “I have been asked these questions by the other civilians of Ponyville, I cannot answer them… This is a being we have never seen before. I have issued a name to my men.” “Which would be?” “Monster Zero.” Chelsey rose on her back feet and looked at the direction of the footprints. Luna looked in the same direction, “I have driven the beast far away from any inhabited area. There shouldn’t be any trouble until I come up with a destruction plan. In the meantime, it is best if you evacuate to a safer area until the threat has been eradicated.” “Leave Ponyville?" Cosgrove stepped forward "After the trouble we’ve just been through with Tirek!?” “Unless thou have any other ideas.” The three toed colt drew his eyes and ears back. Chelsey stood beside him and answered, “Yeah he does! He could tame that thing like he did to Schnookums!” “Schnookums was potato when I found him," Cosgrove looked at his taller friend "would it be any easier to tame a thirty story lizard?!” The young horse drew back before looking at the Princess of the Moon. “I am giving you three days to evacuate.” The Alicorn lit up her horn and disappeared. The news was grim for the whole Apple family and the colt. Granny Smith lowered her head at the thought of leaving the place her side of the family made. The circus ponies showed a great deal of sympathy. All those days in helping gone to waste. Spike was later seen running towards the farm with a scroll in claw. Weaving through the crowds of construction ponies, the young dragon made it to the group of ponies. Huffing and puffing, Spike stretched out his arm and handed the scroll to Big Mac. Removing the seal, Big Mac eyed the scroll before handing it to Granny Smith. The elderly pony gave a slight smile before handing it over to her youngest granddaughter. The scroll read. Dear Sweet Apple Acres, Our adventure was quite a tough cow to wrangle. We were lead to a village where ponies there had equal signs for cutie marks. Pinkie had a very good hunch there was somethin’ wrong with this place. Turns out that Starlight Glimmer formed an equalist society where everypony had no special talent. Thanks to Fluttershy, we were able to make a lier out of that mare. We couldn’t catch her, but everypony was able to make their lives for the better. We will be returnin’ soon. Love, Applejack. Applebloom handed the scroll back to Spike. Cosgrove looked at the farmers as Granny Smith gave him a nod. “Can you send a reply letter?” Spike took out a quill and a new scroll. Dear Applejack, You’re family is doing fine, the farm is doing well… But I hate to be the bearer of bad news. While you were away, another giant monster, a lot bigger than Tirek, ravaged Sweet Apple Acres. Princess Luna was able to drive it away. We are given three days to evacuate Ponyville until the threat is rid of. We’ll write where we are. Be very careful when you come back. My apologies, Cosplay Upon writing the last few words, Spike wrapped the scroll and blew on it, sending the message in green fire to it’s destination. “Guess I should start packing then.” Sweetie Belle said as she began walking to the Carousel Boutique. Scootaloo followed behind as well. No doubt the same was said at her foster home. Cosgrove drooped his ears before waving to the Apple Family and walked away as well, his circus friends following him. Spike looked at the group of ponies and began to ponder. “Hey," Spike caught three of their attention - "why don’t you stay in Twilight’s Castle until they return?” “We appreciate the offer. But I think it’s best for us to leave.” - Cosgrove turned his head around - “I’ll be back here when it’s all over.” The group continued to walk towards Cosgrove's house as Schnookums poked his head out of the burrow. “The question now is, where I will go?” Cosgrove turned around and saw his friends scratching their heads. “... What?” “We never said we came alone…” Answered Chelsey Cosgrove cocked his head as the door opened behind him. He looked up to a brown stallion with blue hair and a lion taming cutie mark and a chartreuse mare with red hair and a hula hoop cutie mark. Cosgrove looked at their familiar forms, “You’re faces…” “It has been quite a while…" Loopty Hoop began tearing up - Cosgove...” The colt immediately hugged the two ponies, who returned the gesture in kind. “Look at you" - Lion Tamer lifted his adopted grandson - "You've grown up quite a bit.” “I am sorry…" - Cosgrove turned his head to his grandmother - "I shouldn't have run away. I was full of-” “It’s okay," Loopty Hoop nudged her head against her grandson "We miss her just as much as you…” Cosplay laid his head down onto their chest. “There is much to talk about on the way back.” Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop began walking walking but noticed Cosgrove rubbing his house door. Diver placed her hoof on his shoulder, “When you are ready meet us at the train station.” The group of ponies left his side as the colt walked into his house and began to pack his bags. The night settled in as Cosplay kept thinking to himself, “It’s only temporary, it’s only temporary.” This is something even worse than anything he has ever seen. Whatever sorcerer brought this abomination to the world must have been out of his mind. Morning came too late. No doubt Celestia was with this hunting party as well. Cosplay walked with his suitcase in his mouth. He wanted to make his first stop at Sweet Apple Acres to say goodbye. He placed his suitcase down and knocked on the door. Waiting a while, he placed his ear on the door if there were anypony inside. No sound, not even Winona's paws could be heard. He looked around the barn and found wagon tracks. As he turned around to leave he spotted an apple blossom high on a tree. Focusing on the blossom, the colt crouched down and sprang upwards up the trunk, grabbing the branch with his incisors. Even for a small branch, it proved a handful as Cosplay gnawed on the branch while using his back legs to leverage. Before he knew it, the branch broke off, leaving a light tan scar as Cosplay fell into a large hole. Climbing out of the hole, he gently placed the blossom down and shook off the dust from his fur. Upon looking ahead, he saw that the hole was a footprint. It wasn’t the footprint of the monster, but it matched that of Schnookums. Cosplay followed the trail, noticing that each footprint got larger and larger until finally reaching a massive tunnel. Cosgrove gave a soft growl before turning around to the train station. Author's Note Is there a term for describing an child's adopted grandparents? I've looked everywhere but I couldn't find it. Chapter 3 (Old Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus Movement Chapter 3 (Old Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus Movement The Mane Six made their way back to the train tracks and managed to catch a train. While five of the Mane Six sat comfortably on the seats, Applejack walked tediously back and forth. They had received the reply letter, but have yet received secondary letters regarding their new locations. In that light as well, the train took a different route to Canterlot, not Ponyville. “Applejack darling, you must really calm down.” “How can Ah calm down when my family and close friend are missin’ because of some monster?!” “Maybe this monster Cosgrove described was just exaggerating. Nothing can stand over thirty stories and live.” “Perhaps it is a big thing of burnt pudding!” The other five, especially Applejack, gave Pinkie the look. “That… Shoots… Lasers…” As the train passed through a tunnel, Fluttershy looked to the window to her left and saw something that made her eyes widen. “Um girls… there is something you have to see.” The rest of the group alongside everypony else on the train looked and saw it. The monster was just as Cosgrove described it, although there are now patches of charcoal black here and there on the skin. Every soldier stallion was hard at work driving it away from Canterlot’s general direction. With no logical reasoning of building a Burmese Tiger Trap of that size as has been done to Schnookums, there were more electric netting entangled in the spines to attract the lightning. But even this proved entirely fruitless. The monster merely walked it’s way through the army before turning around and sweeping it’s tail against any and all siege machines. Monster Zero continued walking towards Canterlot while emitting a short grumble. At the city ramparts, unicorns lined up ready to unleashed their magical payload at the beast. Suddenly, the ground erupted underneath Monster Zero’s feet, causing it to plummet to the ground. The dust and gravel cleared very soon. Schnookums, now somehow thirty eight meters tall, had arrived just in time. Giving a bellow and shaking off the dust, the Brobdingnag faced his newfound opponent, who in turn gave a short gruff snarl. Schnookums charged at the monster before being given an uppercut, sending the former flying down to a mountain face. The train made it to it’s destination. Everypony wanted to go to the ramparts, but aside from the Mane Six, none would make it past the guards. Rainbow Dash gave flew to a higher latitude to have a much better view. The two beasts can be faintly heard down below. Applejack eyed Twilight, while raising an eyebrow. “I stand corrected…” As Schnookums tried to get up, he was kicked by Monster Zero. The red beast, with his newfound strength, grabbed a massive boulder and flung it at Monster Zero. While no bruise can be seen, the patched monster emitted a groan. Schnookums bellowed twice before receiving a roar back. The fight was on! Schnookums enclosed his mask and charged. The two clashed their bodies together, slamming their fists, heads, and legs constantly. Monster Zero, with his size advantage, bit Schnookums by the back of the neck and flung him to the mountain again. The red monster began seeing three Monster Zeroes as the beast walked towards him, growling. The full Monster Zero roared before giving a good tail reverse, making Schnookums fall to his belly. The larger monster cracked his neck in mere agitation, groaned, then made another roar before stomping on the Brobdingnag. Schnookums would just as well have been killed had it not been for a sudden Rainboom to the back of Monster Zero’s head. Enraged at what he believed a blue fly, the beast snapped back at Rainbow Dash. The beast’s dorsal plates began to glow green this time, but was interrupted when Schnookums turned him around and upchucked a yellow bile at his eyes. Rainbow sniffed the air, noticing a familiar scent. Upchucking caused Schnookums to shrink in size until he was his original ten meters. In a fit of literal blind rage, Monster Zero kicked Schnookums a good distance. The soldier ponies at the ramparts began to fire their magic at the larger beast. Schnookums bellowed in pain as he began to burrow to a safer distance. Monster Zero screeched at the city before changing course into further wilderness. “That… was.... AWESOME!!!” Meanwhile, much further away, the group of circus ponies both current and former arrived at their destination. It was a simple two floor cottage, akin to Fluttershy’s though the outside was a simple brown. While Chelsey, Diver and Zipper walked into the home to settle in, Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop lead Cosgrove to the back yard. Looking ahead, the colt saw a stone sticking up in the shade of a large tree. The three ponies walked up to the stone and looked at the writing. Night Dancer Hopeful Daughter Faithful Performer “And loving mother…” Upon saying that, the colt lowered his head, his purple mane softly pressed against the stone. Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop Dancer slowly looked at each other before giving a weak smile. The elderly stallion placed his hoof on the colt’s shoulder. Cosgrove looked back and walked towards the house. The following evening, everypony was asleep after their long journey. Chelsey had a blanket wrapped around her as she slept on the velvet rug. Zipper and Diver slept on opposite sides of the couch, to much of their slight discomfort; Zipper subconsciously pushed Diver’s tail with one of his legs while did the same with her tail. Mr. and Mrs. Night Dancer slept their bed in a cuddle. To the room of their left, a door slowly opened revealing Cosgrove. The colt quietly walked across the short hall and down the stairs. Chelsey, hearing a little sound, slowly opened one of her eyes and saw Cosgrove walk outside. Not wanting to disturb the others, the young horse slowly got up. Cosgrove walked back to the burial site with the apple blossom in his mouth and placed it in front of it. The colt then lied down on the ground and slowly closed his eyes. He slowly opened his eyes when he heard grass rustling again with a series of loud thumps. Cosgrove looked to his side as Chelsey sat down next to him. She grabbed part of her blanket and slid it down to cover up the smaller pony. Cosgrove began to lower his head when Zipper crawled underneath the blanket between him and the larger mare. Diver hobbled over and scooched herself to Cosgrove’s left side. The striped colt wore a curved smile on his face as his looked at the stars before going back to sleep. Mr. and Mrs. Night Dancer looked out from the window to see the four foals sleeping outside next to the burial site. The then looked at each other before rubbing their heads against each other. In his dreamland, Cosgrove rubbed his head on the past image of Night Dancer herself. While not actually feeling her soft hair on his face, it was still more strong a feeling between a mother and child. As the image faded away, Cosgrove walked over to a vision of an apple tree and sat down. “She really loved you didn’t she?” The colt’s ears pricked up and looked behind him to find a pair of dark violet wings on the other side of the tree. “Yeah.... It’s something that I will have a hard time forgetting…” The colt said before giving a deep breath. “How’s Schnookums?” “He fought valiantly to keep Monster Zero from reaching Canterlot." Luna tilted her head to her left We are currently pushing him to the south, towards the frigid ice caps of Shetlandia.” “What will you do there?” “My sister and I shall transport him to another realm.” “Definitely something easier than done." - Cosgrove moved his head around -"Need my help?” “...Nay…” Luna rose up from her haunches and began to walk from the tree. “Rest well for now child… You deserve it…” To her credit, the Alicorn does speak a good truth. The two princesses have fought much larger beings thanks to their godlike powers. Cosgrove, whatever thing he be, is just a small foal and fighting a thirty story monster is just too much. Resting his head against the dream tree, Cosgrove gazed at the dreamscape around him as the view pulls back into the real world. There is now a soft red glow coming from the rising sun. The young ponies were still asleep, though they are now in different sleeping positions. A while later a shadow loomed over them, causing Cosgrove to open his eyes. It was Schnookums. He was badly bruised from his fight with Monster Zero, alongside claw and tooth marks. Cosgrove squinted at his large surrogate son, causing the Brobdingnag to pull back. The colt looked down before resting his head back on the ground. The large creature closed his mask and sat down. A few hours have passed as we look at the open sea. The waves are calm as one can tell with the slow breeze. From the horizon, an albatross flies towards the viewer and lands on a rock. It isn’t alone on the rock, as the view draws out to reveal terns, gannets, pelicans, and cormorants on not one, but the entire dorsal column of spikes that were disturbing the seafront. As Luna has spoken, Monster Zero is indeed traveling south. And he is not alone. A vast armada of Victorian Era style steamboats and galleons surrounded the beast, each with their own crew of soldier ponies armed and ready to the tooth. Strangely, the monster does not attack them, then again, so doesn’t the armada. Over the course of two months, the whole armada made their journey to the south pole. However, three fourths of the way there, they lost the monster’s visual in the wind and total darkness of the south hemisphere winter. This was the perfect opportunity. When they decided to turn back, one of the shipmates spotted a blue glow in the ocean, followed by another, and another from out of the water. The captains of each ship began shouting orders as the blue lights revealed the monster’s silhouette. The ships moved too late when the beast fired a blue fire from it’s mouth, vaporizing a few unlucky ships. The unicorns unleashed their magic on Monster Zero, causing the beast to flinch and begin to move towards the interior of the frozen wastes. Princess Celestia and Luna, donning heavy layers of clothing, took flight after him. The wind was far worse deeper inside than it was at the shore. Their horns were constantly alit to guide their way. The only form of evidence that would betray Monster Zero’s presence is an occasional howl, but even that was largely masked by the wind’s howl as well. Perching on a mountain sheltered from the wind, Luna fired a blast into the air. At the peaks of it’s ascent, the blast exploded and flared slowly. As the flare descended, they saw the beast as it’s back plates pumped with blue lights. The princesses took evasive action and attacked the beast. Using the wind and snow to cover their vision, they made hit and run attacks. The beast merely bellowed in pain and anger as it could not see it’s opponent’s. It looked up to the sky and fired it’s dragon fire at the clouds, creating a large enough hole to see the two alicorns. The Princess of the Night was spot on in his point of view. The monster began to charge it’s attack when Princess Celestia appeared right behind her, raising the sun. The light, combined with the reflecting ice caps, produced a blinding effect. The monster howled in pain and in blind rage fired around it’s general vicinity, trying to get at least one of the Alicorns. However, hitting the snow at the tops of the mountains, the monster’s feet got buried in snow. Luna and Celestia looked at each other and gave themselves a nod of approval. Swooping around the monster, they fired at the surrounding mountains. Gradually, the snow and ice immobilized the beast; it couldn’t turn around and use it’s tail. The monster became covered in ice, leaving only the head and neck exposed. The two Alicorns lit up their horns and shot a spell at the beast. The magic pulsed through the monster and gave the monster a rainbow color. Rays of lights shined vertically from the monster. As it faded out, the monster made the largest roar. Even when the beast has vanished, the roar can be heard in echo. “And so it ends…” Celestia whispered Epilogue (Old Timeline)With the threat gone, word began to spread that large settlements such as Ponyville and Manehatten can be inhabited again. The Mane Six, along with a few inhabitants made it back to Ponyville and began to set up. Twilight still had a hard time coping with the loss of the Golden Oaks Library, and often helped her friends longer than they would want. They have come up with an ingenious idea; using the roots of the library, they hung up ornaments containing pictures of memories from their past adventures. Cosgrove, Zipper, Chelsey, and Diver packed up their suitcases. Cosgrove came up to Schnookums who was lying down waiting for the colt to climb up. “You have truly matured." Lion Tamer complemented "She would’ve been so proud.” “She would be proud of you too…” - Cosgrove hugged his adoptive grandparents tightly -“I can always come back for a visit.” “Just do me a favor, don’t do anything out of the ordinary. Just come home safely.” The middle aged mare asked of him. Cosgrove hopped onto Schnookums. The two older ponies looked up as the Brobdingnag rose to his feet. “Don’t worry, I will.” “Goodbye Cosgrove!” “Have a good time at Ponyville!” “Tell Princess Twilight we said hi!” As the three circus ponies waved goodbye, Schnookums began to turn around and walk in the direction of Ponyville. Again, following along the edge of the Everfree Forest was a sure found fast way of reaching the town, if one was so big he wouldn’t mind the Timberwolves. Cosgrove and Schnookums gave each other the silent treatment through most of the journey. When the two could clearly see his house, Cosgrove tapped the armored mask. “Don’t ever do anything that crazy again, is that clear…?” Schnookums eyed his surrogate father before given a soft rumble in agreement. Upon arriving at the house, Schnookums lowered his head to allow the colt to hop down. The two parted ways; the Brobdingnag to the Everfree and the colt to Sweet Apple Acres. Walking past the border, Cosgrove found that every apple tree has been planted, though there are forty holes in the ground. The livestock has been treated with care as well. He sat down at one of the apple trees and breathed softly. The general area he called home is still in one piece. “Welcome back!” Cosgrove looked to his right and found Applejack walking towards him. The colt scooted over to allow the orange mare to sit down next to him. Applejack rubbed the colt’s purple mane, adding further gratitude to him. “Ah saw Schnookums fight that overgrown lizard. Is he…?” “He’s okay." - Cosgrove turned to the farmer -"And the rest of your family?” “They should be here in about two days.” While saying that, Applejack handed Cosgrove a mug of apple cider. Cosgrove sniffed the mug before looking at the sky. He noticed that one of the clouds was in the shape of a pony. Applejack noticed him giving a large smile. “You all right there?” “It’s just that things have gone along so fast… and unexpected.” Cosgrove took a sip of the apple cider. Licking the froth from his lips, he furrowed his expression as Cosgrove smacked his lips. “What apple did you make this from?” “Oh, I made it from those large apples.” Cosgrove’s iris and pupils shrank at that one statement. “Oh no….” Chapter 1 (New Timeline): Restoring Ponyville/Celestia's ProphecyFor the past few weeks, Ponyville has been in shambles thanks to a super being known as Tirek. With help from a convinced Discord, all the inhabitants of Equestria had their magic drained to fuel the centaur’s strength. It was with the combined strength of the Mane Six and their newfound power from the Tree of Harmony that sealed him away. The damage will take a long time to fix both physically and mentally. In the destruction, The Ponyville Library was destroyed and only a precious few of the books that were checked out prior to its destruction survived. Construction crews are being stretched thin as the destruction was global. Feeding them was another problem. Ponies have money to spend on food, but food wasn’t there for the most part. The main food markets brought very little of their harvests. Even Sweet Apple Acres didn’t bring as much a yield as usual, but they still had an asset on their sleeve. As in any trade, marketing is key. Worried about Cosplay in light of recent events, Chelsey, Zipper and Diver came to Ponyville to check up on him. They were still a little shaken after receiving back their magic essence like the others, but not too badly. They stayed behind to help out at Sweet Apple Acres. When one of the ponies in town noticed the three and Cosplay, she brought over her friends to watch them do a street performance. As more and more came, Cosplay stopped the performance. “If you are going to watch us perform, buy an apple!” He remarked. At a rate of 4 bits per pony buying an apple, the stand made enough money to buy new apple seeds in one day. Having enough supplies keep up with the demand was another challenge, though. Zipper ran across the acres and back with a total count of the remaining trees; around 1,954 trees. “That’s not a good number is it?” “...Nope. Things became a little more complicated when Applejack left with the rest of the Mane Six to a destination sent by the Castle of Harmony while Sunset Shimmer was asked by Celestia to meet with her. After two days, all trees with readily available apples were exhausted. Cosplay’s circus pals had to learn a few skills. Chelsey, roughly the size of Applejack, strained a few muscles pulling the plow with Big Mac supervising her. Zipper helped Cosplay and Winona with herding the cattle. Diver helped with making the apple cider with Granny Smith. Cogsworth, inside the mech Galgameth, uprooted demolished trees and placed them into a salmon spawning ground. A little further north from the Badlands, a very loud buzzing sound was heard as an army of Changeling drones clustered together around a large object. Aside from indications of a tail, legs, and hands, the object was indistinguishable. A series of lights came in and out of the cluster before accumulating in a massive pulse. The sky rained with changelings as whatever creature they were attacking continued it’s journey, leaving footprints and tail draggings. Over at the towers of Canterlot, Sunset walked into the throne room where Princess Celestia awaited. "You wanted to see me, Princess Celestia?" Sunset asked. "Sunset Shimmer, I have heard from Twilight a lot about you feeling troubled lately." - Celestia walked down from the throne - "Please, tell me what troubles you. "I feel... left out..." - Sunset moved her head down - "With Twilight and the others gone..." Celestia's wingtip raised her former student's chin, "Because Twilight and her friends are still connected with the Elements of Harmony, they go to where the Castle of Harmony calls them. But fate may have another journey for you." "How?" Sunset asked. "Follow me..." Celestia took Sunset Shimmer to a part of a castle that she has never seen before. Inside were a series of incomplete stained glass windows and a table with a book on top. "Sunset, do you recall the lecture of The Oracle?" The Sun Princess asked. "The one who can foresee the future?" - Sunset moved trotted to her side - "I personally thought she was a legend." - She notices her former mentor silent - "She's real?" "Indeed, my friend." - Celestia opened the book, revealing sketches of windows that are currently on display before moving to more unfinished ones - "And she still communicates with me in my dreams. Whatever I see then I draw or add them." - She then points to the unfinished stained glass windows - "when the events have fully realized, they are displayed in the hallway." "Is that why Spike is shown on the stained glass window when you said that only Twilight alone can save the Crystal Empire?" Celestia nodded - "fate works in mysterious ways." The Alicorn turned a page to the point in history when Sunset is expelled, to her being forgiven by Twilight, to even Night Dancer's passing. "You knew Night Dancer will die," - Sunset glared at her mentor - "and you never acted?" "One of many I never acted upon" - Celestia lowered her head in shame - "I cannot interfere with time itself, and even if I would, Night Dancer would die by other causes." Sunset teared up, "Why do you show me this?" "Because..." - Celestia wrapped a hoof around her student - "I have had a recent vision..." Turning a page revealed a series of sketches, the most amazing of which showed Sunset Shimmer being ascended as a pair of wings sprouted from her back. The present tense Unicorn smiled when she noticed something of an oddity. It was a Hipparion holding the decapitated head of a Pegasus while being surrounded by a new set of the Elements of Harmony. Celestia, noticing her student's worried expression, answered, "I have only seen a glimpse of this, it may not be what it appears." Sunset immediately hugged her mentor, her mentor doing the same before walking away towards her tower. Another day passed by. The seeds are firmly planted in the ground. But it would take quite a while before the trees grow in place of the destroyed ones. After planting the last seed on the ground, Applebloom wiped the sweat off her brow. Cosplay patted the ground as his friends came up to him as well as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. “I can see why you like to work here. It’s a great workout!” Chelsey complemented. “Butwestilhaveaproblemwiththelackoftrees, whichmeanslackofapples, whichmeansfewerpeopletofeedto, makingallthishardworkimpossible!” Zipper quickly explained. “Stop whining!" - Cogsworth remarked - "They have problems like this in the past. Besides, the only thing that is keeping us from losing it is that we are feeding our friends too.” “Darn tootin’ young un!” Granny Smith replied as she slowly walked towards the sweat covered children. “Back in my day, ponies settled more with less. Nowadays, ponies want everything. Tv, video games, internet. Spoiled bunches, no offense…” “None taken.” Granny Smith continued her afternoon walk. “Unless you Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” Scootaloo whispered, resulting in a good chuckle from Sweetie Belle. Granny Smith’s comment did give Cosplay an idea. “Hey Applebloom," - Cosgrove turned to Apple Bloom - "weren’t you working on a growth potion for the science fair?” The cream colored filly began to grasp at what he is thinking. Motioning the group to the clubhouse, she placed a book on the table and began to recall the steps she took before the incident with Tirek. “Ah will need these last few items; an eggshell of a bluejay, a few drops morning dew, and a patch of mint leaves.” As Apple bloom spoke the remaining ingredients, the other ponies gathered said materials in the around the farm. Mixing them in a brew, they looked in awe as the potion had a golden glow to it. Scootaloo placed a small apple next to the potion. Filling a small dropper with the potion Apple bloom carefully placed a drop on the apple. The group looked closely at the apple before it grew to twice its size. Small scale down, they applied one drop for a planted seed and found a sapling popping out the ground. They then added a drop to three more seeds just to be safe. While it would take time, the trees should be able to grow faster now. Making a rope fence around the new batch of apple trees, they labeled a sign as “Big Apples.” Diver looked up to the sun as it slowly drifted toward the west. “Guess we will see you tomorrow then?” The merpony asked Cosgrove nodded before he, Cogsworth, Chelsey, Zipper, and Diver made their way out of the farm. As the sun finally set and the moon was high in the sky, the saplings became full grown trees. As they have labeled in the sign, the trees are slightly larger and have more apples at ready. One grows too fast and falls on the ground. A fruit fly lands on the succulent apple and begins to ingest as much as it could. The fly grew twice its size. It buzzed away as more fruit flies gathered around. Suddenly the fly was caught by a praying mantis. Spreading its wings, it carried the victim over to its mate. Passing the meal over, she consumes it while he deposits its seed. The male does not notice that the female is now four times as big as the male when she begins to devour him. Too heavy to fly, she lays her eggs while consuming any fruit fly flying too close to her. At a river close by, a fisher pony pulls out a net, only to find a small trout. He gave a huff when a large salmon plopped on his boat. He gives a confused moan as another large salmon plops onto his boat. He turned to the second fish as tens more of large fish began hopping onto his boat. The weight of so much fish was too great to support the boat. The stallion tried to swim to the surface as he saw a something… gigantic swim by him. When he caught his breath, he saw a large mound of water ahead. Chapter 2 (New Timeline): Enter GojiraReturning from Canterlot, Sunset left the train to find Ponyville as she left it, though as she entered the town square, the Unicorn did find a few abnormal mantids the size of cats on a few of the shopper bins and even roosting on the destroyed Library. Her question will have to wait as Sunset continued her journey to Sweet Apple Acres. Over at Sweet Apple Acres, where the mantids really became a problem, one of the “big apple” trees is being bucked by the band of children. Despite the force of even kicking them in unison, the apples still wouldn’t fall off easily. Chelsey became agitated by the bugs and stepped away from the tree. “Out of the way!” The young horse shouted as she charged head first into the tree. Stars circled around her head as she faltered onto her haunches. An apple does fall onto her snout and into the bucket. “Well, that worked…” Sweetie Belle remarked before being given a harsh look from the larger mare as she rubbed her sore head. A shadow loomed over them as Cogsworth's machine grabbed the tree and shook it, releasing the bounty of large apples. Steering the Galgameth to the next one, Cogsworth spoke, “This day couldn’t get any better…” “Actually it would if these mantis’ stopped nipping on me.” Scootaloo said as she fluttered up and down on the mantis’, crushing them under her hooves. “Mantis’ shouldn’t do that.” Cosgrove remarked as he stamped his hoofs on the nipping pests “And how many mantis’ have you seen?” Diver commented as she slapped one with her tail. Cosgrove kicked one the size of a large rabbit when he turned and pointed his hoof, “Certainly not that one!” Diver turned around and saw a mantis the size of a jaguar. The insect began to charge at the ponies when it received a good head butt from Big Mac. Toppled over, the red pony reared up and slammed his hooves on it’s head. “Disaster averted, Big Mac!” Applebloom congratulated with a smile. “Nope…” Big Mac remarked He was dead right about that. More jaguar-sized mantis’ are prowling towards them, joined as well by a few bear sized ones too. Cogsworth changed his machine's weaponry to the Spazer beam as he joined Big Mac and Chelsey. “Cosgrove, you and your friends go get help.” Chelsey Just after she say’s that a mantis leaps at her and latches onto the horse with its claws. Chelsey bucked and brushed the mantis against a tree. Out of options, she jumped and fell on her back, crushing the beast. The bug twitched a little before expiring. Sunset arrived at the farm when she noticed the fight beginning Cosgrove stopped in his tracks and looked back as the bugs continued to swarm the three who stayed behind. The Hipparion turned to his friends, “We’ll never be able to get help fast enough.” “But how much help can we do?” Sweetie Belle replied as a mantis crept behind her. Zipper was about to open his mouth when a pumpkin flew out of nowhere and cleaved it’s head. The six foals looked forward and saw Grannie Smith with an army helmet next to a catapult used every Nightmare Night. “Never had this much fun in years!” the elderly mare yelped. Cosgrove motioned the Crusaders and Diver, “You four help load up the catapult!” “But what about Big Mac!” asked Apple Bloom “Just go!" - Cosgrove turned around - "Zipper and I will handle it!” “Andjusthowthetwoofuswillhandlebearsizedinsects?!” “It’s tornado season!” Cosgrove grinned “Tornadoseason?! It’salreadypast-" Zipper stopped for a moment "Ohhhhhh!” Cosgrove ripped out a claw from the decapitated mantis and galloped towards the three fighters. Zipper began running around in a large circle. While the Galgameth strafed, a lion-sized mantis leaped at Cogsworth. The mechanic struggled to get it off when a sea-green blast shot it off. Turning the upper body of the machine, Cogsworth found that it was Sunset who fired at the mantis. One bug flew in a direct course to Big Mac, receiving a can of apple bucking as is splattered along a tree. Chelsey was up on her hind legs sparring with a bug her size when the mantis grappled the mare when she was in distance. She pushed and shoved to keep her face away from the shearing mandibles. Cosgrove leaped on the back of the assailant. “Surprise!” He shouted as he lopped off the insect’s head with the claw. Chelsey snorted, “Show off…” A distance away from Ponyville a large group of ponies are having fun on the riverbank. Three ponies were on boogie boards riding on the currents brought by the wind. A lifeguard scanned around seeing if anypony was in trouble when she noticed an anomaly in the distance. She grabbed her binoculars and found a massive wave. She grabbed the whistle wrapped around her neck and blew as hard as she could. Everypony began rushing out of the water, the mother’s grabbing their foals. A foolish surfer stayed behind, ignoring the lifeguard’s louder blasts as she tried to bring him back. As the surfer reached the wave, it increased in size and burst. The speed of the wave was too much to react to and the surfer was flung across to a tree along the bank. A massive shadow soon loomed over the bank. Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the battle is growing more intense. The mantis’ now have elephant size companions. Cogsworth changed between the gun barrels to fire at more mantis' in one shot. One such elephant mantis leaped onto him, toppling the machine to the ground. “Okay a little to the left, no a little too far left!” Granny Smith ordered the fillies as they moved the catapult. “Unleash the Payload!” Pulling a lever, the catapult launched another pumpkin and smacked the mantis off Schnookums’ back. “Bullseye!” Diver yelped Zipper began to move faster and faster until he was just a blur. Big Mac, Sunset, Chelsey, and Cosgrove were able to retreat. Not able to easily flee, Cogsworth had the Galgameth slam it's limbs into the ground, securing its place. One by one, the giant bugs are flung into the air. The tornado can be seen in Ponyville, especially in the Mayor’s office before she saw the gigantic monster making it’s way towards the tornado. Once every last bug was removed, Zipper slowed down and began to pant heavily. The Galgameth ripped itself out of the soil. The Crusaders, Granny Smith, and Diver looked out from the barn as Big Mac, Chelsey, Sunset, and Cosgrove walked towards the exhausted Sleipnir. Cosgrove gave Zipper a soft pat on the back. But the peace was again broken as three massive shadows loomed over them. Cosgrove drew his ears back, “Don’t tell me, there are three gigantic mantis’ behind me?” “Eeyup.” “Think we’ll survive this?” Sunset added “...Nope…” “Bring it on…” Cogsworth growled as a gun barrel began to spin. The others once again assumed defensive poses at the super giant mantis’ as a fourth even larger shadow loomed above them. The ponies’ pupils shrank at the sight of the figure. Grannies’ mouth was agape long enough for her dentures to fall off before wrapping her lips around her snout. Cosgrove slowly began to eye the figure. They were standing face to face with a monster they haven’t seen before. It was clearly reptilian though the head sported a curious pair of ears. On it’s back lied three rows of back plates with the largest near the hip region before tapering down to the tail. It’s eye’s were blood red with a yellow iris. The monster shuffled it’s plantigrade feet and began to inhale. After a “small” growl, the monster gave a mighty roar so loud it actually shook the ground. The ponies in the farm covered their ears, though it was pointless to try. Further away, the ponies could hear the roar without having to cover their ears, but it does cause a stir in the nursery. Even far away in her chambers, Princess Celestia heard a faint echo of the roar. One of the mantis’ charged at the monster, only to get a whack from its massive tail. However, when the monster turned around, another one latched its claws around the neck. The monster struggled a little before clamping its jaws and severing the mantis’ arm at the shoulder. It then grabbed the insect and slapped it hard enough on the ground that the abdomen was smashed flat. The first mantis that attacked it leaped onto the monster’s back and started raking its claws back and forth. Though only taking off bits and pieces of scales, each scale was the size of a small boulder; Everypony in the field ran their way to the barn. The monster then wrapped it’s tail around the joint between the thorax and the abdomen and brought it forth to its claws. Using as much strength as it could, the monster ripped the mantis apart. The last gigantic mantis scuttled back a little into the trees. As it went deeper, the massive insect’s became more and more obscure. The monster looks back and forth as each short burst of buzzing the mantis leaps out and inflicts damage on the massive reptile. At one point the mantis slashes it’s ankle, toppling the beast. The spiny monster breathed heavily as it regained its footing. The mantis aimed itself towards the beast’s back and leaped. At a few meters from its destination, the monster suddenly turned and snapped at the mantis’ cranium. The wings sprout open as it’s limbs twitched before becoming limp. The monster spat out the carcass and roared to the sky. The juice from the insect flew off the teeth, making a mess when it splotched on the ground. The beast turned and walked towards the barn. The ponies cower as the monster’s size became more apparent. They dared to look up at the skyscraper figure. It’s face donned a large set of eyebrows and unintentionally gave them a fierce scowl. It flared it’s nostrils as it emitted a small rumble. Suddenly a large blast comes from behind and hits the monster in the back. The beast turns around and spots a winged figure in the sky. With the Mane Six on their newfound quest, Princess Luna took charge of watching Ponyville in their absence. With much firepower and agile flying skills, the beast could not dismiss her as a mere fly. It's back plates began to grow a light orange, with the radiating heat to match. “Everyone to the storm shelter!” Big Mac shouted After unlocking Cogsworth from the Galgameth, Everypony and Winona made their way to the underground shelter. When he entered the shelter Cosplay glanced back. Just as the red stallion closed the doors, an orange glow filtered through the door. A static hum also can be heard outside. Dust crept it’s way from the ceiling of the shelter as the monster moved about outside. Winona shook in fear as the battle continued, prompting a reassuring hug from Big Mac. Gradually the sound began to fade, but for safety’s sake, they kept inside the storm shelter well into the evening. It was noon the next day when the group crawled out of the underground shed. Their eyes widened at the result of last night. All across Sweet Apple Acres, there were tail draggings, footprints about five feet deep at least, and burned trees from a dying forest fire. The carcasses of the insects from before were gone, most likely crushed after last night. Construction crews were also underway, removing the burned and damaged material while also planting new apple trees. Princess Luna stood tall, monitoring their progress. The group bowed in thanks as the Princess of the Moon approached them. “Are thou hurt? Anything broken?” “Eenope.” “What was that thing?” Apple Bloom asked “Yeah, it looked a lot worse than Tirek!” Added Scootaloo “I have been asked these questions by the other civilians of Ponyville, I cannot answer them…" - Luna closed her eyes - "This is a being we have never seen before. I have issued a name to my men.” Sunset stepped forward, “Which would be?” “Monster Zero.” Chelsey rose on her back feet and looked at the direction of the footprints. Luna looked in the same direction, “I have driven the beast far away from any inhabited area. There shouldn’t be any trouble until I come up with a destruction plan. In the meantime, it is best if you evacuate to a safer area until the threat has been eradicated.” “Leave Ponyville?" Cosgrove stepped forward "After the trouble we’ve just been through with Tirek!?” “Unless thou have any other ideas.” The three-toed colt drew his eyes and ears back. Chelsey stood beside him and answered, “Yeah he does! He could tame that thing like he did to Schnookums!” “Schnookums was potato when I found him," - Cosgrove looked at his taller friend - "would it be any easier to tame a thirty story lizard?!” The young Horse drew back before looking at the Princess of the Moon. “I am giving you three days to evacuate.” The Alicorn lit up her horn and disappeared. The news was grim for them. Granny Smith lowered her head at the thought of leaving the place her side of the family made. The circus ponies showed a great deal of sympathy. All those days in helping gone to waste. Spike was later seen running towards the farm with a scroll in claw. Weaving through the crowds of construction ponies, the young dragon made it to the group of ponies. Huffing and puffing, Spike stretched out his arm and handed the scroll to Big Mac. Removing the seal, Big Mac eyed the scroll before handing it to Granny Smith. The elderly pony gave a slight smile before handing it over to her youngest granddaughter. The scroll read. Dear Sweet Apple Acres, Our adventure was quite a tough cow to wrangle. We were lead to a village where ponies there had equal signs for cutie marks. Pinkie had a very good hunch there was somethin’ wrong with this place. Turns out that Starlight Glimmer formed an equalist society where everypony had no special talent. Thanks to Fluttershy, we were able to make a liar out of that mare. We couldn’t catch her, but everypony was able to make their lives for the better. We will be returnin’ soon. Love, Applejack. Applebloom handed the scroll back to Spike. “Can you send a reply letter?” She asked Spike took out a quill and a new scroll. Dear Applejack, We're doing fine, the farm is doing well… But I hate to be the bearer of bad news. While you were away, another giant monster, a lot bigger than Tirek, ravaged Sweet Apple Acres. Princess Luna was able to drive it away. We've been given three days to evacuate Ponyville until the threat is rid of. We’ll write where we are. Be very careful when you come back. My apologies, Apple Bloom Upon writing the last few words, Spike wrapped the scroll and blew on it, sending the message in green fire to its destination. “Guess I should start packing then.” Sweetie Belle said as she began walking to the Carousel Boutique. Scootaloo and Cogsworth followed behind as well. No doubt the same was said at her foster home. Cosgrove droops his ears before waving to the Apple Family and walked away as well, Sunset, Spike, and his circus friends following him. Spike looked at the group of ponies and began to ponder. When they reached Cosgrove's home, Loopty Hoop and Lion Tamer quickly ran towards them before embracing each one. "Oh thank Celestia you are all safe!" Cried Loopty Hoop. “The question now is, where we will go?” Said Chelsey "Canterlot is our best bet." Sunset answers "At first light tomorrow, we board the train." "Even if you just went there?" Cosgrove chuckled. The group of ponies left his side as the colt walked into his house and began to pack his bags. The night settled in as everyone went to sleep. But Cosgrove had trouble sleeping. This is something even worse than anything he has ever seen. Whatever sorcerer brought this abomination to the world must have been out of his mind. Morning came too late, presumably because Celestia joined the hunt as well. Their alarm clocks stirred the residents of the house as they rushed to grab their bags. Cosgrove gave a soft growl before joining them to the train station. Chapter 3 (New Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus ProjectCogsworth had managed to evacuate, carrying his parents as the Galgameth flew over one of the many trains that careened their way towards Canterlot. The passengers inside the train sat quietly, a child or two disrupting the silence with a question like, "What will happen now, Mama?" The doors of one train car opened, revealing the announcer. "Attention, everyone!" - He announced as he walked down the car - "We will be arriving at Canterlot in two hours. I repeat, we will be arriving in Canterlot in two hours." Back up front, the conductor shoveled coal, adding more nutrition to the engine to ensure that they arrived on schedule, and the safer he and his clients would be from the monster for Canterlot has some of the best security in Equestria. When he looked up after shoveling another pile of coal, his eyes widened. "By Celestia's-!!!" He pulled on the brake lever immediately, bringing the passengers of the train jerking forward. As hard as the locomotive skidded to a halt, it was the presence of a massive foot that brought it to a, immediate stop. After recovering from their wounds, Sunset and her posse looked at each other. "Anyone, okay?" She asked. Lion Tamer had a crooked forelimb that he soon snapped back into shape. The PA system buzzed as the other passengers began to panic. "Attention, attention, please leave the train in a calm and order manner. I repeat-" Zipper looked out the window, opening his mouth wide. It was Monster Zero, right in front of them. "Wegottamove, now!" He yelled before the train cars tilted upwards. Monster Zero off the engine with his teeth, holding it and swinging his head back and forth before flinging the car over to the army as they lit up their horns. The Mane Six made their way back to the train tracks and managed to catch a train. While five of the Mane Six sat comfortably on the seats, Applejack walked tediously back and forth. They had received the reply letter, but have yet received secondary letters regarding their new locations. In that light as well, the train took a different route to Canterlot, not Ponyville. “Applejack darling, you must really calm down.” “How can Ah calm down when my family and close friend are missin’ because of some monster?!” “Maybe this monster Cosgrove described was just exaggerating. Nothing can stand over thirty stories and live.” “Perhaps it is a big thing of burnt pudding!” The other five, especially Applejack, gave Pinkie the look. “That… Shoots… Lasers…” As the train passed through a tunnel, Fluttershy looked to the window to her left and saw something that made her eyes widen. “Um, girls… there is something you have to see.” The rest of the group alongside everypony else on the train looked and saw it. The monster was just as Cosgrove described it, although there are now patches of charcoal black here and there on the skin. Every soldier stallion was hard at work driving it away from Canterlot’s general direction. With no logical reasoning of building a Burmese Tiger Trap of that size as has been done to Schnookums, there were more electric netting entangled in the spines to attract the lightning. But even this proved entirely fruitless. The monster merely walked it’s way through the army before turning around and sweeping its tail against any and all siege machines. Monster Zero continued walking towards Canterlot while emitting a short grumble. At the city ramparts, unicorns lined up ready to unleashed their magical payload at the beast. Just before the train arrived, Twilight flew out of the train car, lighting up her horn. Seeing a familiarly winged creature to the one he fought before, Monster Zero roared at her. Resisting the wind from his massive lungs, Twilight fired a blast into his gullet. The monster began to groan as Twilight returned to the ramparts. "Twilight, what in Equestria were you thinking?" Asked Rarity, having seen Twilight encounter a being much bigger than Tirek. "Remember that virus Hydia infected you with?" Rarity nodded to her question "My form as an Alicorn should enhance the virus enough to infect something that big." The beast continued to groan as he shambled forward. Suddenly, the ground erupted underneath Monster Zero’s feet, causing it to plummet to the ground. The dust and gravel cleared very soon. An aged Brobdingnag, thirty-eight meters tall, emerged from a long state of hibernation. Giving a bellow and shaking off the dust, the Brobdingnag faced his newfound opponent, who in turn gave a short gruff snarl. He charged at the monster before being given an uppercut, sending the red beast flying down to a mountain face. The train made it to its destination. Everypony wanted to go to the ramparts, but aside from the Mane Six, none would make it past the guards. Rainbow Dash gave flew to a higher latitude to have a much better view. The two beasts can be faintly heard down below. As Brobdingnag tried to get up, he was kicked by Monster Zero. The red beast, with his newfound strength, grabbed a massive boulder and flung it at Monster Zero. While no bruise can be seen, the patched monster emitted a groan. The Brobdingnag bellowed twice before receiving a roar back. The fight was on! Schnookums enclosed his mask and charged. The two clashed their bodies together, slamming their fists, heads, and legs constantly. Monster Zero, with his size advantage, bit him on the back of the neck and flung him to the mountain again. The red monster began seeing three Monster Zeroes as the beast walked towards him, growling. The full Monster Zero roared before giving a good tail reverse, making Schnookums fall to his belly. The larger monster cracked his neck in mere agitation, groaned, then made another roar before stomping on the Brobdingnag. He would just as well have been killed had it not been for a sudden Rainboom to the back of Monster Zero’s head. Enraged at what he believed a blue fly, the beast snapped back at Rainbow Dash. The beast’s dorsal plates began to glow green this time but was interrupted when his larger opponent turned him around and upchucked a yellow bile at his eyes. Rainbow sniffed the air, noticing a familiar scent. In a fit of literal blind rage, Monster Zero kicked the beast a good distance. The soldier ponies at the ramparts began to fire their magic at the larger beast. The Brobdingnag bellowed in pain as he began to burrow to a safer distance. Monster Zero screeched at the city before changing course, shambling once more towards the river that flowed from the waterfall at the castle. An hour later, Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight were in a war room, trying to find the location of Monster Zero. Suddenly a guard opens the door and runs inside, bowing before the Royal Highness' and took off his helmet. "Your Majesty, we have received news that Monster Zero has passed through Las Pegasus, no reported injuries among civilians." "Prepare our carriage," - Luna ordered - "We will drive him to the south," - wrapping the enemy dot, Luna dragged it down to the South Pole - "towards the frigid ice caps of Shetlandia.” “What will you do?” Asked Twilight “My sister and I shall transport him to another realm.” Answered Celestia before turning over to Twilight Sparkle "I require that you stay here, and monitor things on this end." "As you wish." Twilight walked out to meet with the other Elements, now joined by Sunset and her posse. They look up, seeing the carriage and a whole platoon of armored Pegasi flying to the west. Much further in said direction, Victorian ere style ships bombard the monster with cannonballs as he was waste deep in water after leaving the river delta. The virus was getting the better of the beast, and before long, he submerged into the water, leaving his dorsal plates exposed to the wind. The boats surrounded the beast, each with their own crew of soldier ponies armed and ready to the tooth. Strangely the monster does not attack them nor does the armada. Over the course of two months, the whole armada made their journey to the south pole. However, three-fourths of the way there, they lost the monster’s visual in the wind and total darkness of the south hemisphere winter. This was the perfect opportunity. When they decided to turn back, one of the shipmates spotted a blue glow in the ocean, followed by another, and another from out of the water. The captains of each ship began shouting orders as the blue lights revealed the monster’s silhouette. The ships moved too late when the beast fired a blue fire from its mouth, vaporizing a few unlucky ships. The unicorns unleashed their magic on Monster Zero, causing the beast to flinch and begin to move towards the interior of the frozen wastes. Princess Celestia and Luna, donning heavy layers of clothing, took flight after him. The wind was far worse deeper inside than it was at the shore. Their horns were constantly lit to guide their way. The only form of evidence that would betray Monster Zero’s presence is an occasional howl, but even that was largely masked by the wind’s howl as well. Perching on a mountain sheltered from the wind, Luna fired a blast into the air. At the peaks of it’s ascent, the blast exploded and flared slowly. As the flare descended, they saw the beast as it’s back plates pumped with blue lights. The princesses took evasive action and attacked the beast. Using the wind and snow to cover their vision, they made hit and run attacks. The beast merely bellowed in pain and anger as it could not see it’s opponents. It looked up to the sky and fired it’s dragon fire at the clouds, creating a large enough hole to see the two alicorns. The Princess of the Night was spot on in his point of view. The monster began to charge it’s attack when Princess Celestia appeared right behind her, raising the sun. The light, combined with the reflecting ice caps, produced a blinding effect. The monster howled in pain and in blind rage fired around it’s general vicinity, trying to get at least one of the Alicorns. However, hitting the snow at the tops of the mountains, the monster’s feet got buried in snow. Luna and Celestia looked at each other and gave themselves a nod of approval. Swooping around the monster, they fired at the surrounding mountains. Gradually, the snow and ice immobilized the beast; it couldn’t turn around and use it’s tail. The monster became covered in ice, leaving only the head and neck exposed. The two Alicorns lit up their horns and shot a spell at the beast. The magic pulsed through the monster and gave the monster a rainbow color. Rays of lights shined vertically from the monster. As it faded out, the monster made the largest roar. Even when the beast has vanished, the roar can be heard in echo. “And so it ends…” Celestia whispered Epilogue (New Timeline)With the threat gone, word began to spread that large settlements such as Ponyville and Manehatten can be inhabited again. The Mane Six, along with a few inhabitants made it back to Ponyville and began to set up. Twilight still had a hard time coping with the loss of the Golden Oaks Library and often helped her friends longer than they would want. They have come up with an ingenious idea; using the roots of the library, they hung up ornaments containing pictures of memories from their past adventures. Looking at the hole in the ground, Sunset found that the destruction had destroyed several of the flasks, causing the chemical contents inside to burn parts of the wood floor. Uprooting the tree also caused the earthen stairs down to be rubbed off. But salvaging the remaining pieces to equipment was not all hard. She looked up as the Galgameth lifted up the fax machine. Much further away at the Tree of Harmony, Cosgrove, Lion Tamer Chelsey, Zipper, and Diver were positioning the other salvaged equipment in a section of the library, one of the many homely aspects to make Twilight comfortable in her new home. As the evening soon loomed, the inhabitants of Ponyville gathered around, each one holding a mug of apple cider Mayor Mare made an announcement, thanking everypony for their contribution to restore Ponyville. At the end of the speech, they all cheered, stamping the ground with one of their hind legs. Excited for her reward, Rainbow Dash took a sip of the apple cider. Noticing a weird taste, she furrowed her expression as the Pegasus licked the froth from her snout. “What apple did you make this from?” She asked as she smacked her lips. “Oh, I made it from those large apple trees.” Applejack answered. The children's eyes became pinpricks at that one statement. “Oh, no….” Back in a heavily forested region, a large herd of bipedal, mostly hairless, clothed, mammals packing up their belongings in mechanical wagons. Three groups of them were putting the last few things. A blue headed male of the species perked up his head when he heard a sound of a snapped twig. He turns around, scanning the environment behind him. "C'mon, Flash!" One of his friends called out "We're gonna be behind!" Giving one last look, he hops onto his motorcycle, dragging the piggyback trailer as he joined the others out of the forest. For a moment, the sound was left to the wind and birds. THOOM!!!!
PrologueFar away in the Badlands, an expedition is being carried out. Recently, geologists have reported a mountain range that previously not existed in previous times. Believing that these could be the remains of an ancient city made invisible akin to the Crystal Empire, they’ve enlisted Daring Do to supervise the expedition. Pegasi flew to the tops of the mountains, chopping out bits for study. Unicorns then wrote notes regarding the mountain range. Earth ponies lifted and moved apart boulders and fossils. One pair of earth ponies uncovered a pair of craters 30 feet from the summit of the mountains. Daring Do assembled a band of ponies and entered one of the craters. Despite being in the Badlands, the caves had a constant breeze. Opposite of the other ponies’ chagrin, the tan pegasus became awful suspicious of the apparent rhythm of the breeze. Back at the surface, a unicorn begins to analyze a sample of the rock under a microscope. At his side lie an assortment of known rocks so he could compare. He places a rock into an unfilled spot in the assortment. “It’s translucent and purple, yet there is no grain size.” the unicorn wondered as he rubbed his head. “There is only one pony I know who can help.” Back at the craters, Daring Do travels deeper, her hooves gradually becoming drenched in mud as the breeze becomes notably stronger. “What do you mean it isn’t a rock?” The unicorn commented to a gray earth pony mare with a purple mane and gray-blue tunic. “I know a rock when I see one,” - Maud listlessly looked down at the supposed rock - “and that is not a rock.” Frustrated, the unicorn bit out a piece of his hoof and looked at it under the microscope. His eyes widened as he placed the sample next his nail. Back at the cave, one of the expedition ponies walked towards the wall with a pick ax. She begins chipping at the wall, but surprisingly to no avail. She raises the pick ax high and slams it into the wall. After pulling it out, a red stream comes out of the hole. “Uhm… Is that normal?” She nervously asks. After Daring Do walked up to the stream, the wall began to shake. Sniffing the stream, something was very much wrong. “Everyone out, NOW!” She ordered. In sync, the tremors increased. Everypony began to run for cover as the ground cracked and the mountains moved. In a period of five minutes, the ground exploded, covering the air above with dust. Daring Do was in a good distance away as she noticed something moving in the dust. The figure appeared to turn in a circle, looked up at the sun and bellowed. Author's Note For an extended prologue, watch "Godzilla vs Megaguirus."
Chapter 1 (Old Timeline): Restoring PonyvilleFor the past few weeks Ponyville has been in shambles thanks to a super being known as Tirek. With help from a convinced Discord, all the inhabitants of Equestria had their magic drained to fuel the centaur’s strength. It was with the combined strength of the Mane Six and their newfound power from the Tree of Harmony that sealed him away. The damage will take a long time to fix both physically and mentally. In the destruction, The Ponyville Library was destroyed and only a precious few of the books that were checked out prior to it’s destruction survived. Construction crews are being stretched thin as the destruction was global. Feeding them was another problem. Ponies have money to spend on food, but food wasn’t there for the most part. The main food markets brought very little of their harvests. Even Sweet Apple Acres didn’t bring as much a yield as usual, but they still had an asset on their sleeve. As in any trade, marketing is key. Worried about Cosplay in light of recent events, Chelsey, Zipper and Diver came to Ponyville to check up on him. They were still a little shaken after receiving back their magic essence like the others, but not too badly. They stayed behind to help out at Sweet Apple Acres. When one of the ponies in town noticed the three and Cosplay, she brought over her friends to watch them do a street performance. As more and more came, Cosplay stopped the performance. “If you are going to watch us perform, buy an apple!” He remarked. At a rate of 4 bits per pony buying an apple, the stand made enough money to buy new apple seeds in one day. Having enough supplies keep up with the demand was another challenge, though. Zipper ran across the acres and back with a total count of the remaining trees; around 1,954 trees. “That’s not a good number is it?” “...Nope.” Things became a little more complicated when Applejack left with the rest of the Mane Six to a destination sent by the Castle of Harmony. After two days, all trees with readily available apples were exhausted. Cosplay’s circus pals had to learn a few skills. Chelsey, roughly the size of Applejack, strained a few muscles pulling the plow with Big Mac close. Zipper helped Cosplay and Winona with herding the cattle. Diver helped with making the apple cider with Granny Smith. Schnookums provided help by providing holes for the new apple seeds but otherwise stayed out of the way. A little further north from the Badlands, a very loud buzzing sound was heard as an army of Changeling drones clustered together around a large object. Aside from indications of a tail, legs, and hands, the object was indistinguishable. A series of lights came in and out of the cluster before accumulating in a massive pulse. The sky rained with changelings as whatever creature they were attacking continued it’s journey, leaving footprints and tail draggings. Another day passed by. The seeds are firmly planted in the ground. But it would take quite a while before the trees grow in place of the destroyed ones. After planting the last seed on the ground, Applebloom wiped the sweat off her brow. Cosplay patted the ground as his friends came up to him as well as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. “I can see why you like to work in the farm. It’s a great workout!” Chelsey complemented. “Butwestilhaveaproblemwiththelackoftrees, whichmeanslackofapples, whichmeansfewerpeopletofeedto, makingallthishardworkimpossible!” Zipper quickly explained. “Stop whining! They have problems like this in the past. Besides, the only thing that is keeping us from losing it is that we are feeding our friends too.” Cosplay remarked “Darn tootin’ young un!” Granny Smith replied as she slowly walked towards the sweat covered children. “Back in my day, ponies settled more with less. Nowadays, ponies want everything. Tv, video games, internet. Spoiled bunches, no offense…” “None taken.” Granny Smith continued her afternoon walk. “Unless you Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” Scootaloo whispered, resulting in a good chuckle from Sweetie Belle. Granny Smith’s comment did give Cosplay an idea. “Hey Applebloom, weren’t you working on a growth potion for the science fair?” The cream colored filly began to grasp at what he is thinking. Motioning the group to the club house, she placed a book on the table and began to recall the steps she took before the incident with Tirek. “Ah will need these last few items; an eggshell of a bluejay, a few drops morning dew, and a patch of mint leaves.” As Apple bloom spoke the remaining ingredients, the other ponies gathered said materials in the around the farm. Mixing them in a brew, they looked in awe as the potion had a golden glow to it. Scootaloo placed a small apple next to the potion. Filling a small dropper with the potion, Apple bloom carefully placed a drop on the apple. The group looked closely at the apple before it grew to twice it’s size. Small scale down, they applied one drop for a planted seed and found a sapling popping out the ground. They then added a drop to three more seeds just to be safe. While it would take time, the trees should be able to grow faster now. Making a rope fence around the new batch of apple trees, they labeled a sign as “Big Apples.” Diver looked up to the sun as it slowly drifted toward the west. “Guess we will see you tomorrow then?” The merpony asked Cosgrove nodded. As the three circus ponies made their way out of the acres, the Crusaders and Cosplay turned their heads to the sound of rustling as Schnookums consumes the trees uprooted in the fight with Tirek. The only sound he has been making for the past few weeks was a slow rumble. Cosgrove knew why: Though bigger than him, not even Schnookums could stand up to the power of Tirek and only watched as the massive centaur sucked his surrogate father dry of magic. After the incident the Brobdingnag kept a good distance from him, even when working in the farm. Schnookums ate one last uprooted tree before making his leave. Cosgrove waved goodbye to the Crusaders before trotting after the beast. Being around ten meters tall, talking to him wasn’t easy. Galloping ahead of him, Cosplay ran to the top of a hill. “Schnookums wait!” The Brobdingnag slowed his pace before turning his head at the colt. “I forgive you for not saving me. Don’t feel so down, no one blames you.” Schnookums slowly opened up his mask and emitted a slow reassuring rumble. Cosgrove then turned around and began to walk when he was suddenly lifted by his tail. The colt pulled himself onto Schnookums’ snout as he began to walk along the edge of the Everfree towards his house. “You are such a worrypuss…” As the sun finally set and the moon was high in the sky, the saplings became full grown trees. As they have labeled in the sign, the trees are slightly larger and have more apples at ready. One grows too fast and falls on the ground. A fruit fly lands on the succulent apple and begins to ingest as much as it could. The fly grew twice it’s size. It buzzed away as more fruit flies gathered around. Suddenly the fly was caught by a praying mantis. Spreading it’s wings, it carried the victim over to it’s mate. Passing the meal over, she consumes it while he deposits it’s seed. The male does not notice that the female is now four times as big as the male when she in turn begins to devour him. Too heavy to fly, she begins to lays her eggs while consuming any fruit fly flying too close to her. At a river close by, a fisher pony pulls out a net, only to find a small trout. He gave a huff when a large salmon plopped on his boat. He gives a confused moan as another large salmon plops onto his boat. He turned to the second fish as tens more of large fish began hopping onto his boat. The weight of so much fish was too great to support the boat. The stallion tried to swim to the surface as he saw a something… gigantic swim by him. When he caught his breath, he saw a large mound of water ahead.
Chapter 2 (Old TImeline): Enter GojiraMorning comes by again as one of the “big apple” trees is being bucked by the band of children. Despite the force of even kicking them in unison, the apples still wouldn’t fall off easily. Chelsey became agitated by the bugs and stepped away from the tree. “Out of the way!” The young horse shouted as she charged head first into the tree. Stars circled around her head as she faltered onto her haunches. An apple does fall onto her snout and into the bucket. “Well that worked…” Sweetie Belle remarked before being given a harsh look from the larger mare as she rubbed her sore head. A shadow loomed over them as Schnookums slowly walked over to the tree. He extended his hand, grabbed the branches, and began shaking it violently. One by one, the large apples fell off the tree and into the bucket, with the group cheering at the success. Schnookums can’t smile, but the best affection he could give is a small lick from the tip of his tongue. He then moved over to the next tree and began shaking it. “This day couldn’t get any better…” “Actually it would if these mantis’ stopped nipping on me.” Scootaloo said as she fluttered up and down on the mantis’ “Mantis’ shouldn’t do that.” Cosgrove remarked as he stamped his hoofs on the nipping pests “And how many mantis’ have you seen?” Diver commented as she slapped one with her tail. Cosgrove kicked one the size of a large rabbit when he turned and pointed his hoof. “Certainly not that one!” Diver turned around and saw a mantis the size of a jaguar. The insect began to charge at the ponies when it received a good head butt from Big Mac. Toppled over, the red pony reared up and slammed his hooves on it’s head. “Disaster averted, Big Mac!” Applebloom congratulated with a smile. “Nope…” Big Mac remarked He was dead on about that. More jaguar sized mantis’ are prowling towards them, joined as well by a few bear sized ones too. Shnookums brought himself between the foals and the mantis’ before being joined by Big Mac and Chelsey. “Cosplay, you and your friends go get help.” Chelsey Just after she say’s that a mantis leaps at her and latches onto the horse with it’s claws. Chelsey bucked and brashed the mantis against a tree. Out of options, she jumped and fell on her back. The bug twitched a little before expiring. Cosgrove stopped in his tracks and looked back as the bugs continued to swarm the three who stayed behind. “We’ll never be able to get help fast enough.” “How much help can we do?” Sweetie Belle replied as a mantis crept behind her. Zipper was about to open his mouth when a pumpkin flew out of nowhere and cleaved it’s head. The six foals looked forward and saw Grannie Smith with an army helmet next to a catapult used every Nightmare Night. “Never had this much fun in years!” the elder mare yelped. Cosgrove motioned the Crusaders and Diver “You four help load up the catapult!” “But what about Big Mac!” “Just go! Zipper and I will handle it!” “Andjusthowthetwoofuswillhandlebearsizedinsects?!” “It’s tornado season!” “Tornadoseason?! It’salreadypast-" Zipper stopped for a moment "Ohhhhhh!” Cosgrove ripped out a claw from the decapitated mantis and galloped towards the three fighters. Zipper began running around in a large circle. A lion sized mantis leapt at Schookums, responding in kind with a tailwhip. The mantis flew over in direct course to Big Mac, receiving a can of apple bucking as is splattered along a tree. Chelsey was up on her hind legs sparring with a bug her size when the mantis grappled the mare when she was in distance. She pushed and shoved to keep her face away from the shearing mandibles. Cosgrove leapt on the back of the assailant. “Surprise!” He shouted as he lopped off the insect’s head with the claw. “Show off…” A distance away from Ponyville a large group of ponies are having fun on the riverbank. Three ponies were on boogieboards riding on the currents brought by the wind. A lifeguard scanned around seeing if anypony was in trouble when she noticed an anomaly in the distance. She grabbed her binoculars and found that is was massive wave. She grabbed the whistle wrapped around her neck and blew as hard as she could. Everypony began rushing out of the water, the mother’s grabbing their foals. A foolish surfer stayed behind, ignoring the lifeguard’s louder blasts as she tried to bring him back. As the surfer reached the wave, it increased in size and bursted. The speed of the wave was too much to react to and the surfer was flung across to a tree along the bank. A massive shadow soon loomed over the bank. Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the battle is growing much more tense. The mantis’ now have elephant size companions. Schnookums just bit off one of their heads and began using the body as a two handed weapon. One of the mantis’ latched itself onto his back and is biting into his plates. “Okay a little to the left, no a little too far left!” Granny Smith ordered the fillies as they moved the catapult. “Unleash the Payload!” Pulling a lever, the catapult launched another pumpkin and smacked the mantis off Schnookums’ back. “Bullseye!” Diver yelped Zipper began to move faster and faster until he was just a blurr. Big Mac, Chelsey, and Cosgrove were able to retreat. Schnookums was in a grapple with five of the bugs. Knowing it is now or never, Schnookums detaches his limbs and the tip of his tail and burrows underground. As the bugs feast on the detached remains, one by one, they are flung into the air. The tornado can be seen in Ponyville, especially in the Mayor’s office before she saw the gigantic monster making it’s way towards the tornado. Once every last bug was removed, Zipper slowed down and began to pant heavily.The Crusaders, Granny Smith, and Diver looked out from the barn as Big Mac, Chelsey, and Cosgove walked towards the exhausted Sleipnir. Cosgrove gave Zipper a soft pat on the back. But the peace was again broken as three massive shadows loomed over them. “Don’t tell me, there are three gigantic mantis’ behind me?” “Eeyup.” “Think we’ll survive this?” “...Nope…” “Bring it on…” The four once again assumed defensive poses at the super giant mantis’ as a fourth even larger shadow loomed above them. Schnookums popped his head as the shadow continued to loom. The ponies’ pupils shrank at the sight of the figure. Grannies’ mouth was agape long enough for her dentures to fall off before wrapping her lips around her snout. Cosgrove slowly began to eye the figure. They were standing face to face with a monster they haven’t seen before. It was clearly reptilian though the head sported a curious pair of ears. On it’s back lied three rows of back plates with the largest near the hip region before tapering down to the tail. It’s eye’s were blood red with a yellow iris. The monster shuffled it’s plantigrade feet and began to inhale. After a “small” growl, the monster gave a mighty roar so loud it actually shook the ground. The ponies in the farm covered their ears, though it was pointless to try. Further away, the ponies could hear the roar without having to cover their ears, though it does cause a stir in the nursery. Even far away in her chambers, Princess Celestia heard a faint echo of the roar. One of the mantis’ charged at the monster, only to get a whack from it’s massive tail. However, when the monster turned around, another one latched it’s claws around the neck. The monster struggled a little before clamping its jaws and severing the mantis’ arm at the shoulder. It then grabbed the insect and slapped it hard enough on the ground that the abdomen was smashed flat. The first mantis that attacked it leapt onto the monster’s back and started raking it’s claws back and forth. Though only taking off bits and pieces of scales, each scale was the size of a small boulder; Everypony in the field ran their way to the barn. The monster then wrapped it’s tail around the joint between the thorax and the abdomen and brought it forth to it’s claws. Using as much strength as it could, the monster ripped the mantis apart. The last gigantic mantis scuttled back a little into the trees. As it went deeper, the massive insect’s became more and more obscure. The monster looks back and forth as each short burst of buzzing the mantis leaps out and inflicts damage on the massive reptile. At one point the mantis slashes it’s ankle, toppling the beast. The spiny monster breathed heavily as it regained its footing. The mantis aimed itself towards the beast’s back and leapt. At a few meters from it’s destination, the monster suddenly turned and snapped at the mantis’ cranium. The wings sprout open as it’s limbs twitched before becoming limp. The monster spat out the carcass and roared to the sky. The juice from the insect flew off the teeth, making a mess when it splotched on the ground. The beast turned and walked towards the barn. The ponies cowered as the monster’s size became more apparent. They dared looking up at the skyscraper figure. It’s face donned a large set of eyebrows and unintentionally gave them a fierce scowl. It flared it’s nostrils as it emitted a small rumble. Suddenly a large blast comes from behind and hits the monster in the back. The beast turns around and spots a winged figure in the sky. With the Mane Six on their newfound quest, Princess Luna took charge of watching Ponyville in their absence. With much firepower and agile flying skills, the beast could not dismiss her as mere fly. It’s back plates began to grow a light orange, with the radiating heat to match. “Everyone to the storm shelter!” Big Mac shouted Everypony and Winona made their way to the underground shelter. When he entered the shelter Cosplay glanced back. Just as the red stallion closed the doors, an orange glow filtered through the door. A static humm also can be heard outside. Dust crept it’s way from the ceiling of the shelter as the monster moved about outside. Winona shook in fear as the battle continued, prompting a reassuring hug from Big Mac. Gradually the sound began to fade, but for safety’s sake, they kept inside the storm shelter well into the evening. It was noon the next day when the group crawled out of the underground shed. Their eyes widened at the result of last night. All across Sweet Apple Acres, there were tail draggings, foot prints about five feet deep at least, and burned trees from a dying forest fire. The carcasses of the insects from before were gone, most likely crushed after last night. Construction crews were also underway, removing the burned and damaged material while also planting new apple trees. Princess Luna stood tall, monitoring their progress. The group bowed in thanks as the Princess of the Moon approached them. “Are thou hurt? Anything broken?” “Eenope.” “What was that thing?” Apple Bloom asked “Yeah it looked a lot worse than Tirek!” Added Scootaloo “I have been asked these questions by the other civilians of Ponyville, I cannot answer them… This is a being we have never seen before. I have issued a name to my men.” “Which would be?” “Monster Zero.” Chelsey rose on her back feet and looked at the direction of the footprints. Luna looked in the same direction, “I have driven the beast far away from any inhabited area. There shouldn’t be any trouble until I come up with a destruction plan. In the meantime, it is best if you evacuate to a safer area until the threat has been eradicated.” “Leave Ponyville?" Cosgrove stepped forward "After the trouble we’ve just been through with Tirek!?” “Unless thou have any other ideas.” The three toed colt drew his eyes and ears back. Chelsey stood beside him and answered, “Yeah he does! He could tame that thing like he did to Schnookums!” “Schnookums was potato when I found him," Cosgrove looked at his taller friend "would it be any easier to tame a thirty story lizard?!” The young horse drew back before looking at the Princess of the Moon. “I am giving you three days to evacuate.” The Alicorn lit up her horn and disappeared. The news was grim for the whole Apple family and the colt. Granny Smith lowered her head at the thought of leaving the place her side of the family made. The circus ponies showed a great deal of sympathy. All those days in helping gone to waste. Spike was later seen running towards the farm with a scroll in claw. Weaving through the crowds of construction ponies, the young dragon made it to the group of ponies. Huffing and puffing, Spike stretched out his arm and handed the scroll to Big Mac. Removing the seal, Big Mac eyed the scroll before handing it to Granny Smith. The elderly pony gave a slight smile before handing it over to her youngest granddaughter. The scroll read. Dear Sweet Apple Acres, Our adventure was quite a tough cow to wrangle. We were lead to a village where ponies there had equal signs for cutie marks. Pinkie had a very good hunch there was somethin’ wrong with this place. Turns out that Starlight Glimmer formed an equalist society where everypony had no special talent. Thanks to Fluttershy, we were able to make a lier out of that mare. We couldn’t catch her, but everypony was able to make their lives for the better. We will be returnin’ soon. Love, Applejack. Applebloom handed the scroll back to Spike. Cosgrove looked at the farmers as Granny Smith gave him a nod. “Can you send a reply letter?” Spike took out a quill and a new scroll. Dear Applejack, You’re family is doing fine, the farm is doing well… But I hate to be the bearer of bad news. While you were away, another giant monster, a lot bigger than Tirek, ravaged Sweet Apple Acres. Princess Luna was able to drive it away. We are given three days to evacuate Ponyville until the threat is rid of. We’ll write where we are. Be very careful when you come back. My apologies, Cosplay Upon writing the last few words, Spike wrapped the scroll and blew on it, sending the message in green fire to it’s destination. “Guess I should start packing then.” Sweetie Belle said as she began walking to the Carousel Boutique. Scootaloo followed behind as well. No doubt the same was said at her foster home. Cosgrove drooped his ears before waving to the Apple Family and walked away as well, his circus friends following him. Spike looked at the group of ponies and began to ponder. “Hey," Spike caught three of their attention - "why don’t you stay in Twilight’s Castle until they return?” “We appreciate the offer. But I think it’s best for us to leave.” - Cosgrove turned his head around - “I’ll be back here when it’s all over.” The group continued to walk towards Cosgrove's house as Schnookums poked his head out of the burrow. “The question now is, where I will go?” Cosgrove turned around and saw his friends scratching their heads. “... What?” “We never said we came alone…” Answered Chelsey Cosgrove cocked his head as the door opened behind him. He looked up to a brown stallion with blue hair and a lion taming cutie mark and a chartreuse mare with red hair and a hula hoop cutie mark. Cosgrove looked at their familiar forms, “You’re faces…” “It has been quite a while…" Loopty Hoop began tearing up - Cosgove...” The colt immediately hugged the two ponies, who returned the gesture in kind. “Look at you" - Lion Tamer lifted his adopted grandson - "You've grown up quite a bit.” “I am sorry…" - Cosgrove turned his head to his grandmother - "I shouldn't have run away. I was full of-” “It’s okay," Loopty Hoop nudged her head against her grandson "We miss her just as much as you…” Cosplay laid his head down onto their chest. “There is much to talk about on the way back.” Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop began walking walking but noticed Cosgrove rubbing his house door. Diver placed her hoof on his shoulder, “When you are ready meet us at the train station.” The group of ponies left his side as the colt walked into his house and began to pack his bags. The night settled in as Cosplay kept thinking to himself, “It’s only temporary, it’s only temporary.” This is something even worse than anything he has ever seen. Whatever sorcerer brought this abomination to the world must have been out of his mind. Morning came too late. No doubt Celestia was with this hunting party as well. Cosplay walked with his suitcase in his mouth. He wanted to make his first stop at Sweet Apple Acres to say goodbye. He placed his suitcase down and knocked on the door. Waiting a while, he placed his ear on the door if there were anypony inside. No sound, not even Winona's paws could be heard. He looked around the barn and found wagon tracks. As he turned around to leave he spotted an apple blossom high on a tree. Focusing on the blossom, the colt crouched down and sprang upwards up the trunk, grabbing the branch with his incisors. Even for a small branch, it proved a handful as Cosplay gnawed on the branch while using his back legs to leverage. Before he knew it, the branch broke off, leaving a light tan scar as Cosplay fell into a large hole. Climbing out of the hole, he gently placed the blossom down and shook off the dust from his fur. Upon looking ahead, he saw that the hole was a footprint. It wasn’t the footprint of the monster, but it matched that of Schnookums. Cosplay followed the trail, noticing that each footprint got larger and larger until finally reaching a massive tunnel. Cosgrove gave a soft growl before turning around to the train station. Author's Note Is there a term for describing an child's adopted grandparents? I've looked everywhere but I couldn't find it.
Chapter 3 (Old Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus Movement Chapter 3 (Old Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus Movement The Mane Six made their way back to the train tracks and managed to catch a train. While five of the Mane Six sat comfortably on the seats, Applejack walked tediously back and forth. They had received the reply letter, but have yet received secondary letters regarding their new locations. In that light as well, the train took a different route to Canterlot, not Ponyville. “Applejack darling, you must really calm down.” “How can Ah calm down when my family and close friend are missin’ because of some monster?!” “Maybe this monster Cosgrove described was just exaggerating. Nothing can stand over thirty stories and live.” “Perhaps it is a big thing of burnt pudding!” The other five, especially Applejack, gave Pinkie the look. “That… Shoots… Lasers…” As the train passed through a tunnel, Fluttershy looked to the window to her left and saw something that made her eyes widen. “Um girls… there is something you have to see.” The rest of the group alongside everypony else on the train looked and saw it. The monster was just as Cosgrove described it, although there are now patches of charcoal black here and there on the skin. Every soldier stallion was hard at work driving it away from Canterlot’s general direction. With no logical reasoning of building a Burmese Tiger Trap of that size as has been done to Schnookums, there were more electric netting entangled in the spines to attract the lightning. But even this proved entirely fruitless. The monster merely walked it’s way through the army before turning around and sweeping it’s tail against any and all siege machines. Monster Zero continued walking towards Canterlot while emitting a short grumble. At the city ramparts, unicorns lined up ready to unleashed their magical payload at the beast. Suddenly, the ground erupted underneath Monster Zero’s feet, causing it to plummet to the ground. The dust and gravel cleared very soon. Schnookums, now somehow thirty eight meters tall, had arrived just in time. Giving a bellow and shaking off the dust, the Brobdingnag faced his newfound opponent, who in turn gave a short gruff snarl. Schnookums charged at the monster before being given an uppercut, sending the former flying down to a mountain face. The train made it to it’s destination. Everypony wanted to go to the ramparts, but aside from the Mane Six, none would make it past the guards. Rainbow Dash gave flew to a higher latitude to have a much better view. The two beasts can be faintly heard down below. Applejack eyed Twilight, while raising an eyebrow. “I stand corrected…” As Schnookums tried to get up, he was kicked by Monster Zero. The red beast, with his newfound strength, grabbed a massive boulder and flung it at Monster Zero. While no bruise can be seen, the patched monster emitted a groan. Schnookums bellowed twice before receiving a roar back. The fight was on! Schnookums enclosed his mask and charged. The two clashed their bodies together, slamming their fists, heads, and legs constantly. Monster Zero, with his size advantage, bit Schnookums by the back of the neck and flung him to the mountain again. The red monster began seeing three Monster Zeroes as the beast walked towards him, growling. The full Monster Zero roared before giving a good tail reverse, making Schnookums fall to his belly. The larger monster cracked his neck in mere agitation, groaned, then made another roar before stomping on the Brobdingnag. Schnookums would just as well have been killed had it not been for a sudden Rainboom to the back of Monster Zero’s head. Enraged at what he believed a blue fly, the beast snapped back at Rainbow Dash. The beast’s dorsal plates began to glow green this time, but was interrupted when Schnookums turned him around and upchucked a yellow bile at his eyes. Rainbow sniffed the air, noticing a familiar scent. Upchucking caused Schnookums to shrink in size until he was his original ten meters. In a fit of literal blind rage, Monster Zero kicked Schnookums a good distance. The soldier ponies at the ramparts began to fire their magic at the larger beast. Schnookums bellowed in pain as he began to burrow to a safer distance. Monster Zero screeched at the city before changing course into further wilderness. “That… was.... AWESOME!!!” Meanwhile, much further away, the group of circus ponies both current and former arrived at their destination. It was a simple two floor cottage, akin to Fluttershy’s though the outside was a simple brown. While Chelsey, Diver and Zipper walked into the home to settle in, Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop lead Cosgrove to the back yard. Looking ahead, the colt saw a stone sticking up in the shade of a large tree. The three ponies walked up to the stone and looked at the writing. Night Dancer Hopeful Daughter Faithful Performer “And loving mother…” Upon saying that, the colt lowered his head, his purple mane softly pressed against the stone. Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop Dancer slowly looked at each other before giving a weak smile. The elderly stallion placed his hoof on the colt’s shoulder. Cosgrove looked back and walked towards the house. The following evening, everypony was asleep after their long journey. Chelsey had a blanket wrapped around her as she slept on the velvet rug. Zipper and Diver slept on opposite sides of the couch, to much of their slight discomfort; Zipper subconsciously pushed Diver’s tail with one of his legs while did the same with her tail. Mr. and Mrs. Night Dancer slept their bed in a cuddle. To the room of their left, a door slowly opened revealing Cosgrove. The colt quietly walked across the short hall and down the stairs. Chelsey, hearing a little sound, slowly opened one of her eyes and saw Cosgrove walk outside. Not wanting to disturb the others, the young horse slowly got up. Cosgrove walked back to the burial site with the apple blossom in his mouth and placed it in front of it. The colt then lied down on the ground and slowly closed his eyes. He slowly opened his eyes when he heard grass rustling again with a series of loud thumps. Cosgrove looked to his side as Chelsey sat down next to him. She grabbed part of her blanket and slid it down to cover up the smaller pony. Cosgrove began to lower his head when Zipper crawled underneath the blanket between him and the larger mare. Diver hobbled over and scooched herself to Cosgrove’s left side. The striped colt wore a curved smile on his face as his looked at the stars before going back to sleep. Mr. and Mrs. Night Dancer looked out from the window to see the four foals sleeping outside next to the burial site. The then looked at each other before rubbing their heads against each other. In his dreamland, Cosgrove rubbed his head on the past image of Night Dancer herself. While not actually feeling her soft hair on his face, it was still more strong a feeling between a mother and child. As the image faded away, Cosgrove walked over to a vision of an apple tree and sat down. “She really loved you didn’t she?” The colt’s ears pricked up and looked behind him to find a pair of dark violet wings on the other side of the tree. “Yeah.... It’s something that I will have a hard time forgetting…” The colt said before giving a deep breath. “How’s Schnookums?” “He fought valiantly to keep Monster Zero from reaching Canterlot." Luna tilted her head to her left We are currently pushing him to the south, towards the frigid ice caps of Shetlandia.” “What will you do there?” “My sister and I shall transport him to another realm.” “Definitely something easier than done." - Cosgrove moved his head around -"Need my help?” “...Nay…” Luna rose up from her haunches and began to walk from the tree. “Rest well for now child… You deserve it…” To her credit, the Alicorn does speak a good truth. The two princesses have fought much larger beings thanks to their godlike powers. Cosgrove, whatever thing he be, is just a small foal and fighting a thirty story monster is just too much. Resting his head against the dream tree, Cosgrove gazed at the dreamscape around him as the view pulls back into the real world. There is now a soft red glow coming from the rising sun. The young ponies were still asleep, though they are now in different sleeping positions. A while later a shadow loomed over them, causing Cosgrove to open his eyes. It was Schnookums. He was badly bruised from his fight with Monster Zero, alongside claw and tooth marks. Cosgrove squinted at his large surrogate son, causing the Brobdingnag to pull back. The colt looked down before resting his head back on the ground. The large creature closed his mask and sat down. A few hours have passed as we look at the open sea. The waves are calm as one can tell with the slow breeze. From the horizon, an albatross flies towards the viewer and lands on a rock. It isn’t alone on the rock, as the view draws out to reveal terns, gannets, pelicans, and cormorants on not one, but the entire dorsal column of spikes that were disturbing the seafront. As Luna has spoken, Monster Zero is indeed traveling south. And he is not alone. A vast armada of Victorian Era style steamboats and galleons surrounded the beast, each with their own crew of soldier ponies armed and ready to the tooth. Strangely, the monster does not attack them, then again, so doesn’t the armada. Over the course of two months, the whole armada made their journey to the south pole. However, three fourths of the way there, they lost the monster’s visual in the wind and total darkness of the south hemisphere winter. This was the perfect opportunity. When they decided to turn back, one of the shipmates spotted a blue glow in the ocean, followed by another, and another from out of the water. The captains of each ship began shouting orders as the blue lights revealed the monster’s silhouette. The ships moved too late when the beast fired a blue fire from it’s mouth, vaporizing a few unlucky ships. The unicorns unleashed their magic on Monster Zero, causing the beast to flinch and begin to move towards the interior of the frozen wastes. Princess Celestia and Luna, donning heavy layers of clothing, took flight after him. The wind was far worse deeper inside than it was at the shore. Their horns were constantly alit to guide their way. The only form of evidence that would betray Monster Zero’s presence is an occasional howl, but even that was largely masked by the wind’s howl as well. Perching on a mountain sheltered from the wind, Luna fired a blast into the air. At the peaks of it’s ascent, the blast exploded and flared slowly. As the flare descended, they saw the beast as it’s back plates pumped with blue lights. The princesses took evasive action and attacked the beast. Using the wind and snow to cover their vision, they made hit and run attacks. The beast merely bellowed in pain and anger as it could not see it’s opponent’s. It looked up to the sky and fired it’s dragon fire at the clouds, creating a large enough hole to see the two alicorns. The Princess of the Night was spot on in his point of view. The monster began to charge it’s attack when Princess Celestia appeared right behind her, raising the sun. The light, combined with the reflecting ice caps, produced a blinding effect. The monster howled in pain and in blind rage fired around it’s general vicinity, trying to get at least one of the Alicorns. However, hitting the snow at the tops of the mountains, the monster’s feet got buried in snow. Luna and Celestia looked at each other and gave themselves a nod of approval. Swooping around the monster, they fired at the surrounding mountains. Gradually, the snow and ice immobilized the beast; it couldn’t turn around and use it’s tail. The monster became covered in ice, leaving only the head and neck exposed. The two Alicorns lit up their horns and shot a spell at the beast. The magic pulsed through the monster and gave the monster a rainbow color. Rays of lights shined vertically from the monster. As it faded out, the monster made the largest roar. Even when the beast has vanished, the roar can be heard in echo. “And so it ends…” Celestia whispered
Epilogue (Old Timeline)With the threat gone, word began to spread that large settlements such as Ponyville and Manehatten can be inhabited again. The Mane Six, along with a few inhabitants made it back to Ponyville and began to set up. Twilight still had a hard time coping with the loss of the Golden Oaks Library, and often helped her friends longer than they would want. They have come up with an ingenious idea; using the roots of the library, they hung up ornaments containing pictures of memories from their past adventures. Cosgrove, Zipper, Chelsey, and Diver packed up their suitcases. Cosgrove came up to Schnookums who was lying down waiting for the colt to climb up. “You have truly matured." Lion Tamer complemented "She would’ve been so proud.” “She would be proud of you too…” - Cosgrove hugged his adoptive grandparents tightly -“I can always come back for a visit.” “Just do me a favor, don’t do anything out of the ordinary. Just come home safely.” The middle aged mare asked of him. Cosgrove hopped onto Schnookums. The two older ponies looked up as the Brobdingnag rose to his feet. “Don’t worry, I will.” “Goodbye Cosgrove!” “Have a good time at Ponyville!” “Tell Princess Twilight we said hi!” As the three circus ponies waved goodbye, Schnookums began to turn around and walk in the direction of Ponyville. Again, following along the edge of the Everfree Forest was a sure found fast way of reaching the town, if one was so big he wouldn’t mind the Timberwolves. Cosgrove and Schnookums gave each other the silent treatment through most of the journey. When the two could clearly see his house, Cosgrove tapped the armored mask. “Don’t ever do anything that crazy again, is that clear…?” Schnookums eyed his surrogate father before given a soft rumble in agreement. Upon arriving at the house, Schnookums lowered his head to allow the colt to hop down. The two parted ways; the Brobdingnag to the Everfree and the colt to Sweet Apple Acres. Walking past the border, Cosgrove found that every apple tree has been planted, though there are forty holes in the ground. The livestock has been treated with care as well. He sat down at one of the apple trees and breathed softly. The general area he called home is still in one piece. “Welcome back!” Cosgrove looked to his right and found Applejack walking towards him. The colt scooted over to allow the orange mare to sit down next to him. Applejack rubbed the colt’s purple mane, adding further gratitude to him. “Ah saw Schnookums fight that overgrown lizard. Is he…?” “He’s okay." - Cosgrove turned to the farmer -"And the rest of your family?” “They should be here in about two days.” While saying that, Applejack handed Cosgrove a mug of apple cider. Cosgrove sniffed the mug before looking at the sky. He noticed that one of the clouds was in the shape of a pony. Applejack noticed him giving a large smile. “You all right there?” “It’s just that things have gone along so fast… and unexpected.” Cosgrove took a sip of the apple cider. Licking the froth from his lips, he furrowed his expression as Cosgrove smacked his lips. “What apple did you make this from?” “Oh, I made it from those large apples.” Cosgrove’s iris and pupils shrank at that one statement. “Oh no….”
Chapter 1 (New Timeline): Restoring Ponyville/Celestia's ProphecyFor the past few weeks, Ponyville has been in shambles thanks to a super being known as Tirek. With help from a convinced Discord, all the inhabitants of Equestria had their magic drained to fuel the centaur’s strength. It was with the combined strength of the Mane Six and their newfound power from the Tree of Harmony that sealed him away. The damage will take a long time to fix both physically and mentally. In the destruction, The Ponyville Library was destroyed and only a precious few of the books that were checked out prior to its destruction survived. Construction crews are being stretched thin as the destruction was global. Feeding them was another problem. Ponies have money to spend on food, but food wasn’t there for the most part. The main food markets brought very little of their harvests. Even Sweet Apple Acres didn’t bring as much a yield as usual, but they still had an asset on their sleeve. As in any trade, marketing is key. Worried about Cosplay in light of recent events, Chelsey, Zipper and Diver came to Ponyville to check up on him. They were still a little shaken after receiving back their magic essence like the others, but not too badly. They stayed behind to help out at Sweet Apple Acres. When one of the ponies in town noticed the three and Cosplay, she brought over her friends to watch them do a street performance. As more and more came, Cosplay stopped the performance. “If you are going to watch us perform, buy an apple!” He remarked. At a rate of 4 bits per pony buying an apple, the stand made enough money to buy new apple seeds in one day. Having enough supplies keep up with the demand was another challenge, though. Zipper ran across the acres and back with a total count of the remaining trees; around 1,954 trees. “That’s not a good number is it?” “...Nope. Things became a little more complicated when Applejack left with the rest of the Mane Six to a destination sent by the Castle of Harmony while Sunset Shimmer was asked by Celestia to meet with her. After two days, all trees with readily available apples were exhausted. Cosplay’s circus pals had to learn a few skills. Chelsey, roughly the size of Applejack, strained a few muscles pulling the plow with Big Mac supervising her. Zipper helped Cosplay and Winona with herding the cattle. Diver helped with making the apple cider with Granny Smith. Cogsworth, inside the mech Galgameth, uprooted demolished trees and placed them into a salmon spawning ground. A little further north from the Badlands, a very loud buzzing sound was heard as an army of Changeling drones clustered together around a large object. Aside from indications of a tail, legs, and hands, the object was indistinguishable. A series of lights came in and out of the cluster before accumulating in a massive pulse. The sky rained with changelings as whatever creature they were attacking continued it’s journey, leaving footprints and tail draggings. Over at the towers of Canterlot, Sunset walked into the throne room where Princess Celestia awaited. "You wanted to see me, Princess Celestia?" Sunset asked. "Sunset Shimmer, I have heard from Twilight a lot about you feeling troubled lately." - Celestia walked down from the throne - "Please, tell me what troubles you. "I feel... left out..." - Sunset moved her head down - "With Twilight and the others gone..." Celestia's wingtip raised her former student's chin, "Because Twilight and her friends are still connected with the Elements of Harmony, they go to where the Castle of Harmony calls them. But fate may have another journey for you." "How?" Sunset asked. "Follow me..." Celestia took Sunset Shimmer to a part of a castle that she has never seen before. Inside were a series of incomplete stained glass windows and a table with a book on top. "Sunset, do you recall the lecture of The Oracle?" The Sun Princess asked. "The one who can foresee the future?" - Sunset moved trotted to her side - "I personally thought she was a legend." - She notices her former mentor silent - "She's real?" "Indeed, my friend." - Celestia opened the book, revealing sketches of windows that are currently on display before moving to more unfinished ones - "And she still communicates with me in my dreams. Whatever I see then I draw or add them." - She then points to the unfinished stained glass windows - "when the events have fully realized, they are displayed in the hallway." "Is that why Spike is shown on the stained glass window when you said that only Twilight alone can save the Crystal Empire?" Celestia nodded - "fate works in mysterious ways." The Alicorn turned a page to the point in history when Sunset is expelled, to her being forgiven by Twilight, to even Night Dancer's passing. "You knew Night Dancer will die," - Sunset glared at her mentor - "and you never acted?" "One of many I never acted upon" - Celestia lowered her head in shame - "I cannot interfere with time itself, and even if I would, Night Dancer would die by other causes." Sunset teared up, "Why do you show me this?" "Because..." - Celestia wrapped a hoof around her student - "I have had a recent vision..." Turning a page revealed a series of sketches, the most amazing of which showed Sunset Shimmer being ascended as a pair of wings sprouted from her back. The present tense Unicorn smiled when she noticed something of an oddity. It was a Hipparion holding the decapitated head of a Pegasus while being surrounded by a new set of the Elements of Harmony. Celestia, noticing her student's worried expression, answered, "I have only seen a glimpse of this, it may not be what it appears." Sunset immediately hugged her mentor, her mentor doing the same before walking away towards her tower. Another day passed by. The seeds are firmly planted in the ground. But it would take quite a while before the trees grow in place of the destroyed ones. After planting the last seed on the ground, Applebloom wiped the sweat off her brow. Cosplay patted the ground as his friends came up to him as well as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. “I can see why you like to work here. It’s a great workout!” Chelsey complemented. “Butwestilhaveaproblemwiththelackoftrees, whichmeanslackofapples, whichmeansfewerpeopletofeedto, makingallthishardworkimpossible!” Zipper quickly explained. “Stop whining!" - Cogsworth remarked - "They have problems like this in the past. Besides, the only thing that is keeping us from losing it is that we are feeding our friends too.” “Darn tootin’ young un!” Granny Smith replied as she slowly walked towards the sweat covered children. “Back in my day, ponies settled more with less. Nowadays, ponies want everything. Tv, video games, internet. Spoiled bunches, no offense…” “None taken.” Granny Smith continued her afternoon walk. “Unless you Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” Scootaloo whispered, resulting in a good chuckle from Sweetie Belle. Granny Smith’s comment did give Cosplay an idea. “Hey Applebloom," - Cosgrove turned to Apple Bloom - "weren’t you working on a growth potion for the science fair?” The cream colored filly began to grasp at what he is thinking. Motioning the group to the clubhouse, she placed a book on the table and began to recall the steps she took before the incident with Tirek. “Ah will need these last few items; an eggshell of a bluejay, a few drops morning dew, and a patch of mint leaves.” As Apple bloom spoke the remaining ingredients, the other ponies gathered said materials in the around the farm. Mixing them in a brew, they looked in awe as the potion had a golden glow to it. Scootaloo placed a small apple next to the potion. Filling a small dropper with the potion Apple bloom carefully placed a drop on the apple. The group looked closely at the apple before it grew to twice its size. Small scale down, they applied one drop for a planted seed and found a sapling popping out the ground. They then added a drop to three more seeds just to be safe. While it would take time, the trees should be able to grow faster now. Making a rope fence around the new batch of apple trees, they labeled a sign as “Big Apples.” Diver looked up to the sun as it slowly drifted toward the west. “Guess we will see you tomorrow then?” The merpony asked Cosgrove nodded before he, Cogsworth, Chelsey, Zipper, and Diver made their way out of the farm. As the sun finally set and the moon was high in the sky, the saplings became full grown trees. As they have labeled in the sign, the trees are slightly larger and have more apples at ready. One grows too fast and falls on the ground. A fruit fly lands on the succulent apple and begins to ingest as much as it could. The fly grew twice its size. It buzzed away as more fruit flies gathered around. Suddenly the fly was caught by a praying mantis. Spreading its wings, it carried the victim over to its mate. Passing the meal over, she consumes it while he deposits its seed. The male does not notice that the female is now four times as big as the male when she begins to devour him. Too heavy to fly, she lays her eggs while consuming any fruit fly flying too close to her. At a river close by, a fisher pony pulls out a net, only to find a small trout. He gave a huff when a large salmon plopped on his boat. He gives a confused moan as another large salmon plops onto his boat. He turned to the second fish as tens more of large fish began hopping onto his boat. The weight of so much fish was too great to support the boat. The stallion tried to swim to the surface as he saw a something… gigantic swim by him. When he caught his breath, he saw a large mound of water ahead.
Chapter 2 (New Timeline): Enter GojiraReturning from Canterlot, Sunset left the train to find Ponyville as she left it, though as she entered the town square, the Unicorn did find a few abnormal mantids the size of cats on a few of the shopper bins and even roosting on the destroyed Library. Her question will have to wait as Sunset continued her journey to Sweet Apple Acres. Over at Sweet Apple Acres, where the mantids really became a problem, one of the “big apple” trees is being bucked by the band of children. Despite the force of even kicking them in unison, the apples still wouldn’t fall off easily. Chelsey became agitated by the bugs and stepped away from the tree. “Out of the way!” The young horse shouted as she charged head first into the tree. Stars circled around her head as she faltered onto her haunches. An apple does fall onto her snout and into the bucket. “Well, that worked…” Sweetie Belle remarked before being given a harsh look from the larger mare as she rubbed her sore head. A shadow loomed over them as Cogsworth's machine grabbed the tree and shook it, releasing the bounty of large apples. Steering the Galgameth to the next one, Cogsworth spoke, “This day couldn’t get any better…” “Actually it would if these mantis’ stopped nipping on me.” Scootaloo said as she fluttered up and down on the mantis’, crushing them under her hooves. “Mantis’ shouldn’t do that.” Cosgrove remarked as he stamped his hoofs on the nipping pests “And how many mantis’ have you seen?” Diver commented as she slapped one with her tail. Cosgrove kicked one the size of a large rabbit when he turned and pointed his hoof, “Certainly not that one!” Diver turned around and saw a mantis the size of a jaguar. The insect began to charge at the ponies when it received a good head butt from Big Mac. Toppled over, the red pony reared up and slammed his hooves on it’s head. “Disaster averted, Big Mac!” Applebloom congratulated with a smile. “Nope…” Big Mac remarked He was dead right about that. More jaguar-sized mantis’ are prowling towards them, joined as well by a few bear sized ones too. Cogsworth changed his machine's weaponry to the Spazer beam as he joined Big Mac and Chelsey. “Cosgrove, you and your friends go get help.” Chelsey Just after she say’s that a mantis leaps at her and latches onto the horse with its claws. Chelsey bucked and brushed the mantis against a tree. Out of options, she jumped and fell on her back, crushing the beast. The bug twitched a little before expiring. Sunset arrived at the farm when she noticed the fight beginning Cosgrove stopped in his tracks and looked back as the bugs continued to swarm the three who stayed behind. The Hipparion turned to his friends, “We’ll never be able to get help fast enough.” “But how much help can we do?” Sweetie Belle replied as a mantis crept behind her. Zipper was about to open his mouth when a pumpkin flew out of nowhere and cleaved it’s head. The six foals looked forward and saw Grannie Smith with an army helmet next to a catapult used every Nightmare Night. “Never had this much fun in years!” the elderly mare yelped. Cosgrove motioned the Crusaders and Diver, “You four help load up the catapult!” “But what about Big Mac!” asked Apple Bloom “Just go!" - Cosgrove turned around - "Zipper and I will handle it!” “Andjusthowthetwoofuswillhandlebearsizedinsects?!” “It’s tornado season!” Cosgrove grinned “Tornadoseason?! It’salreadypast-" Zipper stopped for a moment "Ohhhhhh!” Cosgrove ripped out a claw from the decapitated mantis and galloped towards the three fighters. Zipper began running around in a large circle. While the Galgameth strafed, a lion-sized mantis leaped at Cogsworth. The mechanic struggled to get it off when a sea-green blast shot it off. Turning the upper body of the machine, Cogsworth found that it was Sunset who fired at the mantis. One bug flew in a direct course to Big Mac, receiving a can of apple bucking as is splattered along a tree. Chelsey was up on her hind legs sparring with a bug her size when the mantis grappled the mare when she was in distance. She pushed and shoved to keep her face away from the shearing mandibles. Cosgrove leaped on the back of the assailant. “Surprise!” He shouted as he lopped off the insect’s head with the claw. Chelsey snorted, “Show off…” A distance away from Ponyville a large group of ponies are having fun on the riverbank. Three ponies were on boogie boards riding on the currents brought by the wind. A lifeguard scanned around seeing if anypony was in trouble when she noticed an anomaly in the distance. She grabbed her binoculars and found a massive wave. She grabbed the whistle wrapped around her neck and blew as hard as she could. Everypony began rushing out of the water, the mother’s grabbing their foals. A foolish surfer stayed behind, ignoring the lifeguard’s louder blasts as she tried to bring him back. As the surfer reached the wave, it increased in size and burst. The speed of the wave was too much to react to and the surfer was flung across to a tree along the bank. A massive shadow soon loomed over the bank. Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the battle is growing more intense. The mantis’ now have elephant size companions. Cogsworth changed between the gun barrels to fire at more mantis' in one shot. One such elephant mantis leaped onto him, toppling the machine to the ground. “Okay a little to the left, no a little too far left!” Granny Smith ordered the fillies as they moved the catapult. “Unleash the Payload!” Pulling a lever, the catapult launched another pumpkin and smacked the mantis off Schnookums’ back. “Bullseye!” Diver yelped Zipper began to move faster and faster until he was just a blur. Big Mac, Sunset, Chelsey, and Cosgrove were able to retreat. Not able to easily flee, Cogsworth had the Galgameth slam it's limbs into the ground, securing its place. One by one, the giant bugs are flung into the air. The tornado can be seen in Ponyville, especially in the Mayor’s office before she saw the gigantic monster making it’s way towards the tornado. Once every last bug was removed, Zipper slowed down and began to pant heavily. The Galgameth ripped itself out of the soil. The Crusaders, Granny Smith, and Diver looked out from the barn as Big Mac, Chelsey, Sunset, and Cosgrove walked towards the exhausted Sleipnir. Cosgrove gave Zipper a soft pat on the back. But the peace was again broken as three massive shadows loomed over them. Cosgrove drew his ears back, “Don’t tell me, there are three gigantic mantis’ behind me?” “Eeyup.” “Think we’ll survive this?” Sunset added “...Nope…” “Bring it on…” Cogsworth growled as a gun barrel began to spin. The others once again assumed defensive poses at the super giant mantis’ as a fourth even larger shadow loomed above them. The ponies’ pupils shrank at the sight of the figure. Grannies’ mouth was agape long enough for her dentures to fall off before wrapping her lips around her snout. Cosgrove slowly began to eye the figure. They were standing face to face with a monster they haven’t seen before. It was clearly reptilian though the head sported a curious pair of ears. On it’s back lied three rows of back plates with the largest near the hip region before tapering down to the tail. It’s eye’s were blood red with a yellow iris. The monster shuffled it’s plantigrade feet and began to inhale. After a “small” growl, the monster gave a mighty roar so loud it actually shook the ground. The ponies in the farm covered their ears, though it was pointless to try. Further away, the ponies could hear the roar without having to cover their ears, but it does cause a stir in the nursery. Even far away in her chambers, Princess Celestia heard a faint echo of the roar. One of the mantis’ charged at the monster, only to get a whack from its massive tail. However, when the monster turned around, another one latched its claws around the neck. The monster struggled a little before clamping its jaws and severing the mantis’ arm at the shoulder. It then grabbed the insect and slapped it hard enough on the ground that the abdomen was smashed flat. The first mantis that attacked it leaped onto the monster’s back and started raking its claws back and forth. Though only taking off bits and pieces of scales, each scale was the size of a small boulder; Everypony in the field ran their way to the barn. The monster then wrapped it’s tail around the joint between the thorax and the abdomen and brought it forth to its claws. Using as much strength as it could, the monster ripped the mantis apart. The last gigantic mantis scuttled back a little into the trees. As it went deeper, the massive insect’s became more and more obscure. The monster looks back and forth as each short burst of buzzing the mantis leaps out and inflicts damage on the massive reptile. At one point the mantis slashes it’s ankle, toppling the beast. The spiny monster breathed heavily as it regained its footing. The mantis aimed itself towards the beast’s back and leaped. At a few meters from its destination, the monster suddenly turned and snapped at the mantis’ cranium. The wings sprout open as it’s limbs twitched before becoming limp. The monster spat out the carcass and roared to the sky. The juice from the insect flew off the teeth, making a mess when it splotched on the ground. The beast turned and walked towards the barn. The ponies cower as the monster’s size became more apparent. They dared to look up at the skyscraper figure. It’s face donned a large set of eyebrows and unintentionally gave them a fierce scowl. It flared it’s nostrils as it emitted a small rumble. Suddenly a large blast comes from behind and hits the monster in the back. The beast turns around and spots a winged figure in the sky. With the Mane Six on their newfound quest, Princess Luna took charge of watching Ponyville in their absence. With much firepower and agile flying skills, the beast could not dismiss her as a mere fly. It's back plates began to grow a light orange, with the radiating heat to match. “Everyone to the storm shelter!” Big Mac shouted After unlocking Cogsworth from the Galgameth, Everypony and Winona made their way to the underground shelter. When he entered the shelter Cosplay glanced back. Just as the red stallion closed the doors, an orange glow filtered through the door. A static hum also can be heard outside. Dust crept it’s way from the ceiling of the shelter as the monster moved about outside. Winona shook in fear as the battle continued, prompting a reassuring hug from Big Mac. Gradually the sound began to fade, but for safety’s sake, they kept inside the storm shelter well into the evening. It was noon the next day when the group crawled out of the underground shed. Their eyes widened at the result of last night. All across Sweet Apple Acres, there were tail draggings, footprints about five feet deep at least, and burned trees from a dying forest fire. The carcasses of the insects from before were gone, most likely crushed after last night. Construction crews were also underway, removing the burned and damaged material while also planting new apple trees. Princess Luna stood tall, monitoring their progress. The group bowed in thanks as the Princess of the Moon approached them. “Are thou hurt? Anything broken?” “Eenope.” “What was that thing?” Apple Bloom asked “Yeah, it looked a lot worse than Tirek!” Added Scootaloo “I have been asked these questions by the other civilians of Ponyville, I cannot answer them…" - Luna closed her eyes - "This is a being we have never seen before. I have issued a name to my men.” Sunset stepped forward, “Which would be?” “Monster Zero.” Chelsey rose on her back feet and looked at the direction of the footprints. Luna looked in the same direction, “I have driven the beast far away from any inhabited area. There shouldn’t be any trouble until I come up with a destruction plan. In the meantime, it is best if you evacuate to a safer area until the threat has been eradicated.” “Leave Ponyville?" Cosgrove stepped forward "After the trouble we’ve just been through with Tirek!?” “Unless thou have any other ideas.” The three-toed colt drew his eyes and ears back. Chelsey stood beside him and answered, “Yeah he does! He could tame that thing like he did to Schnookums!” “Schnookums was potato when I found him," - Cosgrove looked at his taller friend - "would it be any easier to tame a thirty story lizard?!” The young Horse drew back before looking at the Princess of the Moon. “I am giving you three days to evacuate.” The Alicorn lit up her horn and disappeared. The news was grim for them. Granny Smith lowered her head at the thought of leaving the place her side of the family made. The circus ponies showed a great deal of sympathy. All those days in helping gone to waste. Spike was later seen running towards the farm with a scroll in claw. Weaving through the crowds of construction ponies, the young dragon made it to the group of ponies. Huffing and puffing, Spike stretched out his arm and handed the scroll to Big Mac. Removing the seal, Big Mac eyed the scroll before handing it to Granny Smith. The elderly pony gave a slight smile before handing it over to her youngest granddaughter. The scroll read. Dear Sweet Apple Acres, Our adventure was quite a tough cow to wrangle. We were lead to a village where ponies there had equal signs for cutie marks. Pinkie had a very good hunch there was somethin’ wrong with this place. Turns out that Starlight Glimmer formed an equalist society where everypony had no special talent. Thanks to Fluttershy, we were able to make a liar out of that mare. We couldn’t catch her, but everypony was able to make their lives for the better. We will be returnin’ soon. Love, Applejack. Applebloom handed the scroll back to Spike. “Can you send a reply letter?” She asked Spike took out a quill and a new scroll. Dear Applejack, We're doing fine, the farm is doing well… But I hate to be the bearer of bad news. While you were away, another giant monster, a lot bigger than Tirek, ravaged Sweet Apple Acres. Princess Luna was able to drive it away. We've been given three days to evacuate Ponyville until the threat is rid of. We’ll write where we are. Be very careful when you come back. My apologies, Apple Bloom Upon writing the last few words, Spike wrapped the scroll and blew on it, sending the message in green fire to its destination. “Guess I should start packing then.” Sweetie Belle said as she began walking to the Carousel Boutique. Scootaloo and Cogsworth followed behind as well. No doubt the same was said at her foster home. Cosgrove droops his ears before waving to the Apple Family and walked away as well, Sunset, Spike, and his circus friends following him. Spike looked at the group of ponies and began to ponder. When they reached Cosgrove's home, Loopty Hoop and Lion Tamer quickly ran towards them before embracing each one. "Oh thank Celestia you are all safe!" Cried Loopty Hoop. “The question now is, where we will go?” Said Chelsey "Canterlot is our best bet." Sunset answers "At first light tomorrow, we board the train." "Even if you just went there?" Cosgrove chuckled. The group of ponies left his side as the colt walked into his house and began to pack his bags. The night settled in as everyone went to sleep. But Cosgrove had trouble sleeping. This is something even worse than anything he has ever seen. Whatever sorcerer brought this abomination to the world must have been out of his mind. Morning came too late, presumably because Celestia joined the hunt as well. Their alarm clocks stirred the residents of the house as they rushed to grab their bags. Cosgrove gave a soft growl before joining them to the train station.
Chapter 3 (New Timeline): The Anti Megalosaurus ProjectCogsworth had managed to evacuate, carrying his parents as the Galgameth flew over one of the many trains that careened their way towards Canterlot. The passengers inside the train sat quietly, a child or two disrupting the silence with a question like, "What will happen now, Mama?" The doors of one train car opened, revealing the announcer. "Attention, everyone!" - He announced as he walked down the car - "We will be arriving at Canterlot in two hours. I repeat, we will be arriving in Canterlot in two hours." Back up front, the conductor shoveled coal, adding more nutrition to the engine to ensure that they arrived on schedule, and the safer he and his clients would be from the monster for Canterlot has some of the best security in Equestria. When he looked up after shoveling another pile of coal, his eyes widened. "By Celestia's-!!!" He pulled on the brake lever immediately, bringing the passengers of the train jerking forward. As hard as the locomotive skidded to a halt, it was the presence of a massive foot that brought it to a, immediate stop. After recovering from their wounds, Sunset and her posse looked at each other. "Anyone, okay?" She asked. Lion Tamer had a crooked forelimb that he soon snapped back into shape. The PA system buzzed as the other passengers began to panic. "Attention, attention, please leave the train in a calm and order manner. I repeat-" Zipper looked out the window, opening his mouth wide. It was Monster Zero, right in front of them. "Wegottamove, now!" He yelled before the train cars tilted upwards. Monster Zero off the engine with his teeth, holding it and swinging his head back and forth before flinging the car over to the army as they lit up their horns. The Mane Six made their way back to the train tracks and managed to catch a train. While five of the Mane Six sat comfortably on the seats, Applejack walked tediously back and forth. They had received the reply letter, but have yet received secondary letters regarding their new locations. In that light as well, the train took a different route to Canterlot, not Ponyville. “Applejack darling, you must really calm down.” “How can Ah calm down when my family and close friend are missin’ because of some monster?!” “Maybe this monster Cosgrove described was just exaggerating. Nothing can stand over thirty stories and live.” “Perhaps it is a big thing of burnt pudding!” The other five, especially Applejack, gave Pinkie the look. “That… Shoots… Lasers…” As the train passed through a tunnel, Fluttershy looked to the window to her left and saw something that made her eyes widen. “Um, girls… there is something you have to see.” The rest of the group alongside everypony else on the train looked and saw it. The monster was just as Cosgrove described it, although there are now patches of charcoal black here and there on the skin. Every soldier stallion was hard at work driving it away from Canterlot’s general direction. With no logical reasoning of building a Burmese Tiger Trap of that size as has been done to Schnookums, there were more electric netting entangled in the spines to attract the lightning. But even this proved entirely fruitless. The monster merely walked it’s way through the army before turning around and sweeping its tail against any and all siege machines. Monster Zero continued walking towards Canterlot while emitting a short grumble. At the city ramparts, unicorns lined up ready to unleashed their magical payload at the beast. Just before the train arrived, Twilight flew out of the train car, lighting up her horn. Seeing a familiarly winged creature to the one he fought before, Monster Zero roared at her. Resisting the wind from his massive lungs, Twilight fired a blast into his gullet. The monster began to groan as Twilight returned to the ramparts. "Twilight, what in Equestria were you thinking?" Asked Rarity, having seen Twilight encounter a being much bigger than Tirek. "Remember that virus Hydia infected you with?" Rarity nodded to her question "My form as an Alicorn should enhance the virus enough to infect something that big." The beast continued to groan as he shambled forward. Suddenly, the ground erupted underneath Monster Zero’s feet, causing it to plummet to the ground. The dust and gravel cleared very soon. An aged Brobdingnag, thirty-eight meters tall, emerged from a long state of hibernation. Giving a bellow and shaking off the dust, the Brobdingnag faced his newfound opponent, who in turn gave a short gruff snarl. He charged at the monster before being given an uppercut, sending the red beast flying down to a mountain face. The train made it to its destination. Everypony wanted to go to the ramparts, but aside from the Mane Six, none would make it past the guards. Rainbow Dash gave flew to a higher latitude to have a much better view. The two beasts can be faintly heard down below. As Brobdingnag tried to get up, he was kicked by Monster Zero. The red beast, with his newfound strength, grabbed a massive boulder and flung it at Monster Zero. While no bruise can be seen, the patched monster emitted a groan. The Brobdingnag bellowed twice before receiving a roar back. The fight was on! Schnookums enclosed his mask and charged. The two clashed their bodies together, slamming their fists, heads, and legs constantly. Monster Zero, with his size advantage, bit him on the back of the neck and flung him to the mountain again. The red monster began seeing three Monster Zeroes as the beast walked towards him, growling. The full Monster Zero roared before giving a good tail reverse, making Schnookums fall to his belly. The larger monster cracked his neck in mere agitation, groaned, then made another roar before stomping on the Brobdingnag. He would just as well have been killed had it not been for a sudden Rainboom to the back of Monster Zero’s head. Enraged at what he believed a blue fly, the beast snapped back at Rainbow Dash. The beast’s dorsal plates began to glow green this time but was interrupted when his larger opponent turned him around and upchucked a yellow bile at his eyes. Rainbow sniffed the air, noticing a familiar scent. In a fit of literal blind rage, Monster Zero kicked the beast a good distance. The soldier ponies at the ramparts began to fire their magic at the larger beast. The Brobdingnag bellowed in pain as he began to burrow to a safer distance. Monster Zero screeched at the city before changing course, shambling once more towards the river that flowed from the waterfall at the castle. An hour later, Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight were in a war room, trying to find the location of Monster Zero. Suddenly a guard opens the door and runs inside, bowing before the Royal Highness' and took off his helmet. "Your Majesty, we have received news that Monster Zero has passed through Las Pegasus, no reported injuries among civilians." "Prepare our carriage," - Luna ordered - "We will drive him to the south," - wrapping the enemy dot, Luna dragged it down to the South Pole - "towards the frigid ice caps of Shetlandia.” “What will you do?” Asked Twilight “My sister and I shall transport him to another realm.” Answered Celestia before turning over to Twilight Sparkle "I require that you stay here, and monitor things on this end." "As you wish." Twilight walked out to meet with the other Elements, now joined by Sunset and her posse. They look up, seeing the carriage and a whole platoon of armored Pegasi flying to the west. Much further in said direction, Victorian ere style ships bombard the monster with cannonballs as he was waste deep in water after leaving the river delta. The virus was getting the better of the beast, and before long, he submerged into the water, leaving his dorsal plates exposed to the wind. The boats surrounded the beast, each with their own crew of soldier ponies armed and ready to the tooth. Strangely the monster does not attack them nor does the armada. Over the course of two months, the whole armada made their journey to the south pole. However, three-fourths of the way there, they lost the monster’s visual in the wind and total darkness of the south hemisphere winter. This was the perfect opportunity. When they decided to turn back, one of the shipmates spotted a blue glow in the ocean, followed by another, and another from out of the water. The captains of each ship began shouting orders as the blue lights revealed the monster’s silhouette. The ships moved too late when the beast fired a blue fire from its mouth, vaporizing a few unlucky ships. The unicorns unleashed their magic on Monster Zero, causing the beast to flinch and begin to move towards the interior of the frozen wastes. Princess Celestia and Luna, donning heavy layers of clothing, took flight after him. The wind was far worse deeper inside than it was at the shore. Their horns were constantly lit to guide their way. The only form of evidence that would betray Monster Zero’s presence is an occasional howl, but even that was largely masked by the wind’s howl as well. Perching on a mountain sheltered from the wind, Luna fired a blast into the air. At the peaks of it’s ascent, the blast exploded and flared slowly. As the flare descended, they saw the beast as it’s back plates pumped with blue lights. The princesses took evasive action and attacked the beast. Using the wind and snow to cover their vision, they made hit and run attacks. The beast merely bellowed in pain and anger as it could not see it’s opponents. It looked up to the sky and fired it’s dragon fire at the clouds, creating a large enough hole to see the two alicorns. The Princess of the Night was spot on in his point of view. The monster began to charge it’s attack when Princess Celestia appeared right behind her, raising the sun. The light, combined with the reflecting ice caps, produced a blinding effect. The monster howled in pain and in blind rage fired around it’s general vicinity, trying to get at least one of the Alicorns. However, hitting the snow at the tops of the mountains, the monster’s feet got buried in snow. Luna and Celestia looked at each other and gave themselves a nod of approval. Swooping around the monster, they fired at the surrounding mountains. Gradually, the snow and ice immobilized the beast; it couldn’t turn around and use it’s tail. The monster became covered in ice, leaving only the head and neck exposed. The two Alicorns lit up their horns and shot a spell at the beast. The magic pulsed through the monster and gave the monster a rainbow color. Rays of lights shined vertically from the monster. As it faded out, the monster made the largest roar. Even when the beast has vanished, the roar can be heard in echo. “And so it ends…” Celestia whispered
Epilogue (New Timeline)With the threat gone, word began to spread that large settlements such as Ponyville and Manehatten can be inhabited again. The Mane Six, along with a few inhabitants made it back to Ponyville and began to set up. Twilight still had a hard time coping with the loss of the Golden Oaks Library and often helped her friends longer than they would want. They have come up with an ingenious idea; using the roots of the library, they hung up ornaments containing pictures of memories from their past adventures. Looking at the hole in the ground, Sunset found that the destruction had destroyed several of the flasks, causing the chemical contents inside to burn parts of the wood floor. Uprooting the tree also caused the earthen stairs down to be rubbed off. But salvaging the remaining pieces to equipment was not all hard. She looked up as the Galgameth lifted up the fax machine. Much further away at the Tree of Harmony, Cosgrove, Lion Tamer Chelsey, Zipper, and Diver were positioning the other salvaged equipment in a section of the library, one of the many homely aspects to make Twilight comfortable in her new home. As the evening soon loomed, the inhabitants of Ponyville gathered around, each one holding a mug of apple cider Mayor Mare made an announcement, thanking everypony for their contribution to restore Ponyville. At the end of the speech, they all cheered, stamping the ground with one of their hind legs. Excited for her reward, Rainbow Dash took a sip of the apple cider. Noticing a weird taste, she furrowed her expression as the Pegasus licked the froth from her snout. “What apple did you make this from?” She asked as she smacked her lips. “Oh, I made it from those large apple trees.” Applejack answered. The children's eyes became pinpricks at that one statement. “Oh, no….” Back in a heavily forested region, a large herd of bipedal, mostly hairless, clothed, mammals packing up their belongings in mechanical wagons. Three groups of them were putting the last few things. A blue headed male of the species perked up his head when he heard a sound of a snapped twig. He turns around, scanning the environment behind him. "C'mon, Flash!" One of his friends called out "We're gonna be behind!" Giving one last look, he hops onto his motorcycle, dragging the piggyback trailer as he joined the others out of the forest. For a moment, the sound was left to the wind and birds. THOOM!!!!
