Dawn of the Dinosaur

by Jongoji245

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Other, Original Character, Adventure
Length: 10549

Wanting to find his origins once and for all, Cosgrove joins an expedition.

Old Timeline Version: Just a day after recovering from the Battle at Tambelon, Cosgrove is asked by Michelle Marevin to join an expedition to the so called Unfrozen North. When he doesn't return, Applejack comes to rescue him.

New Timeline Version: When the prince of the Pengryph Empire is reported missing, Sunset and Cosgrove have three days to find him. But this journey will do more than finding a lost world.

Occurs in both the Old and New Timelines (After The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone).

Published 2015-10-05 19:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-03-02 16:59:51 UTC

Chapter 1 (Old Timeline): Check Out

The sun began to rise, bringing it’s warm rays to the green fields of Equestria. Further down southeast, the sunlight shined between the weavings of what appears to be a basket. Inside was something wriggling, opening it’s eyes and closing them. The vision is limited, but there are a few good distinguishable shapes. Shadows of birds, crabs, and even a few turtles can be seen crawling.

As the object in the basket cooed, a much larger shadow began to loom over, scaring the other smaller shadows away. The object in the basket looked up as the shadow blocked out the sun. The shadow lifted the cover, revealing itself to be a dark blue mare with violet eyes and relatively long brown mane.

The mare lifted the object out of the basket and looked at it with a soft, gentle look.

“You’ve had quite a journey.”

The object closed it’s eyes again as she rocked the foal to sleep.

The foal opened his eyes again, his view now in a hospital. The foal in question was Cosplay. While in his hospital bed he gave a very long yawn as he stretched his front legs. Just at the end of his yawn, a dark mustard colored doctor unicorn came in.

“Ah, you’re awake.” The doctor lifted a small flashlight with his magic and approached the young Hipparion. He shined the light on his patient’s knee before slowly raising it to the colt’s eyes.

“Okay, follow the light.”

Cosplay’s emerald eyes tracked the light as it shined in one direction at a time. The doctor then placed the flashlight down before lifting up a small rubber hammer. The colt was asked to sit up with his knees exposed. The doctor then gave a small tap, causing the lower leg to jolt up in response.

“Okay, you check out fine. I will send the paperwork to your escorts and you’ll be on your way.”

After the doctor left the room, the colt then hopped off the bed and began stretching his legs. He then walked around the room as his body weight began to apply to his sleepy limbs. He scratched his head, wondering who his escorts are. He then sat at a chair just when the door opened. The hospital doors were pushed open as the young Hipparion walked out and took in his first breath of fresh air in a long while. He then looked behind him to find his escorts.

It was Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop. The two middle aged ponies rubbed their heads on their adoptive grandson before continuing towards his house. Cosplay looked around and noticed that his classmates and parents were carrying school supplies. Loopty Hoop looked behind her.

“Grandma, Grandpa," - The two earth ponies stopped before craning their necks towards the colt - "how long was I in the hospital?”

Lion Tamer looked at his wife before answering “Two... and a half… months."

Cosgrove dropped down on the floor. The battle on Tambelon really took the stuffing right out of him.

“Do not worry, we already bought your school supplies.” Loopty Hoop added.

The Hipparion rose on his feet and continued the walk.

The house had was just the same as it was before being captured. Though the outside has a new addition. The front yard has a 2 meter statue of Schnookums looking down as if greeting new visitors. The base of the statue had a plaque which reads:

In loving memory of Schnookums, the first beast protected under the Custodi Bestia. Let this statue honor his sacrifice during the fight on Tambelon.

-Princess Luna

Cosplay began to choke as he laid his hoof on the sculpted rock.

"Cosgrove..."

The colt looked back to the two earth ponies before leaving the statue.

The three ponies walked a few steps into the house before the door shut on its own. The light suddenly flicked open, revealing a whole menagerie of ponies. The Mane Six, Cosgrove's classmates, the families of his circus friends, a few additional guests, even Princess Luna was there as well.

"Welcome Home Cosgrove!" A party cannon was shot behind them after saying that. The colt gave a small smile before walking over to a table.

"Welcome back, little britches." Said Applejack as she handed him a slice of Fluttershy's carrot cake. The colt looked at the cake before looking back at the farm pony. "What's the matter?"

"Applejack, you were right. I was overprotective of Schnookums because he is the last-"

"Actually a big herd of them was walking through the Everfree Forest." Said Twilight Sparkle

"Was the last of his kind." The Hipparion cleared his throat. "And I am sorry about what happened."

Applejack took off her stetson and slapped it on his head, "Aw shucks, you've been through a lot."

"And certainly slept a lot darling." Rarity added with a chuckle.

"Well..."

Just as the Cosgrove was about to continue a medal was wrapped around his neck. He looked behind him and found that it was Princess Luna who wrapped the medal around him.

"For thy acts of bravery."

Cosplay gave a warm smile as Chelsey, Zipper, Diver, Apple bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo gave him a group hug.

It was six o'clock when the majority of the guests left the house. Cosgrove was just finished washing the dishes as Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop were loading the fridge with leftovers. As the two earth ponies made their bed, they looked at the colt.

“Hey Cosgrove," The young pony craned his neck from the sink "Can we ask you a favor?”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“We have heard much coming from Ponyville and we were wondering if you could give us a tour?”

“I... would be honored.”

The two earth ponies and Hipparion colt laid down on the floor, wrapping a blanket around them and, though he was asleep for long, went to sleep.

1 week, 6 days before school

When the sun rose, Cosplay led his adoptive grandparents through the Everfree Forest. The two earth ponies were concerned about this decision; none of them have ventured to the forest before but have heard some scary stories about it.

They reached their destination at Zecora’s hut. Cosplay knocked on the door and stepped back. After a moment of not answering, Lion Tamer looked through the window.

“Nopony is here.”

“Zecora usually goes out to collect herbs.” Cosgrove added

“How long have you known her?” Loopty Hoop questioned

“Quite a long time actually." - Cosgrove turned to his grandmother - "I’ve heard some good stories about her before actually seeing her in person.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a low baritone sound followed by more lighter toned sounds close by. Knowing that it’s a safe distance from the hut, the three ponies followed the sound. Climbing up a large hill, they met Zecora looking at the horizon. Cosplay stepped ahead and widened his eyes.

The herd of brobdingnags from before have made a game trail in the Everfree as they marched to new feeding grounds. A trumpet far away was joined by one closer to them. There were beasts of large and small sizes.

"Such an amazing sight, they have been on the move since last night." - Zecora turned around and saw the two earth ponies - "Ah who might these two be that you would bring to see me?"

The two ponies cocked their heads at how the Zebra spoke in nursery rhymes.

"These two are my grandparents..." - Cosgrove looked at his "hands" then to his adopted grandparent's hooves - "Few times removed...?"

The two earth ponies gave a small chuckle.

"He has told us so much about you." Loopty Hoop asked

"High praise indeed." - Zecora rubbed the Hipparion's mane -"He has also helped those in need."

Cosgrove walked up to the Zebra before asking, "How're you feeling?"

"The fight on Tambelon would have broken every bone. It is fortunate that a Sleipnir could run as if it had flown."

That was something the Hipparion agreed with a nod.

A while after the visit, the three ponies walked out of the Everfree Forest and to the central part of Ponyville. The group’s next stop was at Sugar Cube Corner, for no visit to Ponyville is complete without a taste of some of the finest pastries in Equestria. The two middle aged ponies had their cheeks full of one cupcake as they enjoyed their unique flavor. The colt smiled at them before giving Pinkie Pie a hoof bump.

They then began walking towards Sweet Apple Acres when Loopty Hoop and Lion Tamer stopped and looked at the large hole in the ground. Police tape was circled around to prevent any pony falling in.

The middle aged mare pointed to the hole, "Wasn't there a library here?"

Cosgrove looked at Twilight's castle. "I'll tell you when we come home."

They walked through the plaza based houses and to the more open spaced farm that is Sweet Apple Acres. The earth ponies looked around; if not for the massive barn then the huge variety of apple trees that dot the horizon.

"So do you get paid?"

"Usually. Besides, its good-"

Their conversation was interrupted by crashing sounds in the chicken coop. Suddenly a red fox darted out with a chicken in its mouth. It was two seconds later when Applejack crawled her way out.

"Wait here." Said Cosgrove before dashing away.

The fox made a left turn around the barn just when the Hipparion jumped at him. Despite Cosgrove being able to run faster than an earth pony of a similar size, his current size prevented him from keeping up with an adult fox. But it isn't about speed.

Just as the fox darted to a bush, Apple bloom darted at the fox turning its direction to the left. Lion Tamer began to run towards the fox. Big Mac joined the chase by leading the fox to the right. The fox looked back as its pursuers were further and further away with each stride. It didn't pay attention when Cosplay's adoptive grandfather stopped the fox in its tracks. The fox tried to move around the middle aged pony, who constantly blocked his advances.

The fox looked back at the charging farmers and circus pony. Cornered, it had to spit out the hen and dash away.
Winona continued the chase for a small distance away from the group before coming back. The hen shook the saliva off its body before strutting away.

"Thank you kindly, Mr. Tamer." Said Big Mac

"You're wel-" the middle aged stallion suddenly got a cramp just as he was raising a hoof. "Oh, I haven't done something like this in so long, phew..."

Cosgrove looked at the sun before turning to his adoptive grandparents.

"There is a salon near the boutique that should help that cramp." Said Applejack.

"Thank you." said Loopty Hoop as she helped her husband out of the farm.

With a wave of his hoof and a tip from Applejack's hat, the colt began to follow them.

As time fades to dusk, Lion Tamer walked without a cramp back to Cosplay's house, though he did walk a little lightly.

"Did that muscular pony have to be so hard?" The middle aged stallion asked

"Don't take it personally." - Cosgrove stretched himself - "Bulk really doesn't know his full strength."

Setting up their bed again, the old stallion sighed with relief as he rested his body. The colt wedged between them as they rested on the floor for the night.

Chapter 2 (Old Timeline): The Lonely Journey

1 week 5 days before School.

It was nine in the morning when a loud knock was heard. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Cosgrove walked to the front door and opened it. He then looked up at a light yellow mare with dark brown hair and blue shirt.

"Hello, I am Michelle Mareven, and i-"

"Sorry, I already paid this month's rent, come back next time." - Cosgrove closed the door. He walked a few steps before walking back and opening the door. The mare was still there. - "What was your name again?"

A few hours have passed as Cosgrove, his adoptive grandparents, and the Mane Six were in a conversation with this Michelle Mareven.

"That is impossible! Nopony has come to the Far North and survived!" Shouted Twilight Sparkle.

"We have proof that the Far North is indeed inhabitable." Said Michelle as she drew out a golden, glowing flower.

"Is that... The Night flower?" Twilight looked at the beautiful flower - "But they went extinct since the Ice Ages."

"A story all too familiar." The zoologist pony said as she looked at Cosgrove.

"What does this mean for him?" Lion Tamer Asked

"If two times the luck, then maybe..." Marevin began eyeballing the colt

Cosgrove's eyes widened. This pony knows just where his kind are. But as he opened his mouth, a violet leg blocked his path.

"But there could be dangers there we haven't faced." Twilight added

"Yeah, what if Santa Hooves is in fact evil. And our childhoods would be ruined forever!"

"Pinkie, this is-" Rarity was going to stop Pinkie before

"FOREVAR!!!"

"How long will it be?"

The other ponies looked at Cosgrove then to the famous explorer

"Five days." answered Michelle

Cosgrove looked at his friends and adoptive grandparents. Lion Tamer gave him a hard look. The young Hipparion lowered his head and gave a slow nod.

"Five days." - Cosgrove raised his head at those words and saw Lion Tamer was face to face with Michelle. -"And he better be back safe and sound."

"Oh don't you worry. He'll be back before you know it" Said Michelle as she gave a good hug around his neck.

Through a periscope available in the barge, I was able to look below the ice as the our ship pushed through. There aren’t any whales or seals, but marine reptiles. From a distance I couldn’t tell one particular species to be either a fish or reptile until one leapt up by accident.

I did jolt a little when I saw a long necked animal with a very toothy grin. Despite its size, I was able to scare it off with a shake of the periscope.

Tank would have loved to be with a massive sea turtle... if he could swim.

6 Days before School

The skies were gray as a band of pegasi flew to the balcony of Twilight’s. Twilight approached the group, hoping to receive good news. Flash Sentry merely shook his head. This was the third search party already with no results. Twilight looked at Applejack before she walked out of the castle. The farm pony saw Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop looking out the window as Applejack approached. They let her in through the door.

Applejack sat on a chair in the living room, with Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop following soon after. She noticed the older mare shaking her hooves.

“They couldn’t find him again." - Applejack notice them drooping their heads - "But there is still hope, Princess Luna could-”

“No…” Applejack drew her ears back at that one “no” from - “We’ve put his life into a stranger’s hooves.”

“Now don’t feel-”

“He was our grandson… Our… grandson…” Loopty Hoop approached a picture stand with Cosgrove’s school photo and flipped it face down.

“You can tell them to stop.” Lion Tamer began to comfort his wife as the farm pony left the house.

As Applejack made her way to the castle, she had visions of what had happened in the past with him. As she walked through the area near the Mayor’s office, she saw an after image of her, Cosgrove, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie tending to an injured Schnookums while he was still alive. F Cementing her visions was the mournful howling Cosgrove would make if he was depressed. Just as she reached the door, her cutie mark glowed.

She raced to the round table and saw the after image of her cutie mark position itself on the far north of the map. Given Twilight’s nod of approval, Applejack immediately raced back to Sweet Apple Acres and began packing.

Meanwhile at the train station, a small bag containing a few bits was slapped on the counter.

"One ticket for the Crystal Empire." Said a determined Applejack.

5 Days until School

Upon exiting the train, Applejack raced north past the Crystal Palace and into the wilderness beyond. Though much more comfortable traveling through in summer, a light form of winter wear would still be recommended.

Applejack's strong physique allowed her to run for long periods. She didn't pay attention at how the environment progressed from a taiga plain to tundra to finally an endless view of ice.

Four days until School

As in our world, during the summer, there is always daylight in the far north, no matter which princess is on duty.

After a rather confusing slumber, Applejack continued on a steady trot. But even on a flat world, there are troubles. With no trees or rocks, the wind bites easily. Then again, that is averted with some leg and mouth warmers. But now there's the albedo effect and that is something Applejack constantly grumbled. Unbeknownst to her, there are dangers underneath the ice.

Conk!

Applejack walked straight to a very tall ice wall. Applejack leaned around; this was a wall going around a very long distance. After a little walking, she found a large cargo ship embedded in ice. Climbing on the ship, Applejack noticed a bad sight; there were frozen bodies being feasted upon by a group of toothed seabirds. How could this be the same ship Cosgrove was on?

The farm pony couldn't find an answer right now as a massive sea creature burst through the ice. After rising a few feet above the rails, it leaned its head forward, slamming the enormous body on the ship causing Applejack to be sent flying. The shaken vessel broke the surrounding ice, with Applejack falling into the water

When she opened her eyes, Applejack found the ocean water to be surprisingly warm. That would explain quite well why there are marine reptiles this far north; Applejack saw the silhouette of a massive sea turtle float past her.

That enjoyment would have to wait. The creature that capsized the boat returned to the ocean. Applejack swam as fast as she could, but the creature's physique allowed a swift paddle. The pony turned around as the beast opened its mouth. Suddenly she was sucked into an ice tunnel just as the beast's mouth closed.

Chapter 3 (Old Timeline): Reunion

While not the largest of fliers, it is fascinating that the Jub Jub Birds up close. The small ones can be feisty; one of our crew was just mobbed by them. I do recall one of the camera ponies filming me as I sat next to a large Jub Jub Bird. The bird didn’t mind our presence at all.

There are true birds on the island, but they aren’t the kind Fluttershy would be with… I can be wrong...

Three Days until School

Throughout the rest of the past day, Applejack lain unconscious on a shoreline. It was with a tug and tear of part of her mane that she finally awoke. She found herself looking stern at a spiky reptile. The little beast hobbled away as the pony got up, picked up her hat and placed it on. She then looked around her surroundings.

"Am ah dead?" She wondered

Inside the ice wall was a fertile paradise. There were waterfalls, large forests and grassy plains. In the far distance was smoke from a volcano. Grazing upon the foliage were large reptiles, not dragons, but something else. Further up the canopy were long necked, large bodied beasts craning their necks up and down to collect a morsel. The skies echoed with the calls of large flying reptiles as they soared above the clouds.

Suddenly from behind Applejack, a roar rang her ear. The farm pony turned around and saw a purple bipedal reptile lunging back and forth along the river bank. The spiny reptiles she saw before huddled around to provide an impenetrable fortress. Backing away, the carnivore turned its attention to the pony.

"Aw road apples..." Applejack began walking away slowly.

As soon as the beast positioned itself, Applejack turned tail and ran. Usually against animals that size, a pony would usually outrun it. The problem is that Applejack is still recovering from being flushed into this new world. The animal soon was a few yards from the pony. But Applejack had one trick up her hooves. As soon as she felt the carnivore's breath, the farm pony darted left towards the forest. The animal skidded on the mud, tried to turn around, but fell on its side into shallow water. In anguish it roared at the sky.

Applejack raced into a dark part the forest. Rays of light pierced through the thickets, illuminating the orange mare's outline. She stopped by a rock to rest.

"My stars. This is more dangerous than findin' a needle in a haystack."

She looked ahead and spotted an elephant in the room, or here a wilderness. The pony trotted forth to a rugged saddlebag. Scraping the dirt off she found the logo of the Barn and Bailey Circus. Cosgrove is indeed here, but Applejack began to doubt him being alive. One of the main compartments is missing, and she dared not think what creature did it.

Applejack flicked her ears at some shuffling noises. Looking behind, she saw another creature, this time different from the one she encountered; Much smaller, around her size, with a large set of eyes facing forward, and it's body was covered in white feathers. In its claws was the missing part of the bag. It shuffled its snout into the bag as another animal nipped at its head, trying to snatched the bag away. The one holding the bag kicked its opponent before being nipped at its neck. Faced with no choice, the captured individual dropped the bag.

The bag fell on the leaf covered ground. Applejack crept up to the bag and grabbed it with her teeth. But as she turned around, she bumped her snout on another animal. Its bright blue eyes were dead focused on the earth pony. Applejack began to eye the bag's contents; inside was what appeared to be a journal. The animal began to growl as a transparent eyelid wrapped around its eyes. Applejack, while looking down, noticed that two of its toes curled upwards.

Applejack caught the birdlike reptile off guard by flinging the bag at it. As soon as it shuffled the bag away, it got an order of apple bucking. The forest echoed with a shriek as the animal "flew" across and slammed to a tree. Applejack gave a decent smirk before noticing the two others stalking her. She began backing away slowly, grabbing the journal in one hoof. Turning to the sound of rustling leaves, Applejack dodged the lunge of the animal she kicked.

The farm pony raced through the dark forest with the pack chasing behind her. Though they lack four legs, they were just as fast. Applejack winced in pain as they kept taking nips off her mane and fur, but still she moved as great as her legs took her. After making it to the large clearing, one was able to get close enough to the mare to aim its bite at her neck. Applejack prepared for the worse.

Or so she thought when she only felt the cool breeze. She looked behind her as the three animals were running the other way. She stopped in her tracks, took off her hat and scraped her head. Just as she looked forward, Applejack was bumped by a large stallion.

After she collapsed on the ground, the stallion yelled at her in a unknown language as he stepped over the orange mare. Applejack laid there looking at the stallion, noticing that it had features like Cosgrove. A beaked bipedal reptile of his size also yelled at her. When she got up and turned around, she became surrounded by multitudes of ponies, each mare and stallion with their own pattern of color. They were also joined by other beaked reptiles as they traveled to whatever destination. Even foals around Pound and Pumpkin Cakes size walked on foot. Towards the back end, the herd began to thin out.

She turned and found Ms. Mareven walking with an injured camera pony next to her, filming the experience. Just as the zoologist opened her happy mouth...

"You have a lot to talk about missy!" Said an angry Applejack.

Michelle closed her mouth and continued walking, not minding the scowl on Applejack's face.

"Walking backwards?" Applejack turned around and found Cosgrove, walking with a beaked animal of the same size. "Well let me know if it gets you there any faster."

The farm pony gave him a very deep hug. Looking at his face, Applejack noticed the bags on his eyes; a testament to the dangerous environment.

"What happened?"

Just as Cosgrove opened his mouth a cackle is heard in the distance. The three individuals turn around and found the same three bird reptiles Applejack ran from.

"I'll tell you away from the Borogoves. Run!"

Applejack flung the colt onto her back before galloping to the herd. The so called Borogoves, outwitted again, gave an irritated snarl.

Size doesn’t mean everything. The Borogoves do give quite a scare. My advice to any future visitors: stay away from the forest and keep away from large fire flies.

2 Days Until School.

As they continued their long walk, Cosgrove explained how this mess started. They first entered the region in an alcove that is now blocked by the cargo ship. There were many casualties to the landing party of twelve; three were killed by a pack of laelaps, five in a stampede, and one by the Borogoves. When Applejack asked about the animal that attacked her when she first arrived, his response,

"Shun the frumious bandersnatch."

Cosgrove then introduced his long lost mud brother, Dapplewood, a Hipsi. From what he gathered in his time here, each one of his kind, upon birth, coincides with the hatching of a Hipsi. From this point, a Hipparion and a Hipsi work as an extension of each other, the former can build a house while the latter can stand alert despite not being able to talk. Despite all those years apart, Dapplewood was able to recognize Cosgrove through a particular scent shared only by each pair.

The direction the herd is going corresponds to an event known merely as The Gathering. Centuries ago, the Hipparion once lived in a large city, but times of civil war have driven themselves out of the city. Overtime, their feuds began to end, and though still travel in separate herds, travel to their ancestral city and record their history. Cosgrove felt that going to the city, he could finally call for Princess Luna with a deserved rest.

Further behind from the herd, a pair of laelaps were fighting over a carcass of one of the ponies. The larger one was able to rip most of the carcass away, leaving the smaller one with only the tail. The victorious laelaps dropped its prize and began to roar when it was smacked to the ground by the even larger bandersnatch. The dark violet animal roared its competition away before wolfing down the corpse. It noticed the tracks of the herd and continued following an unknown scent from the pony it encountered a while back.

While the sun still shined in the North, the hour was when it would begin to set elsewhere. Applejack began to notice her little friend having his head low with an occasional shaking to remove the sleep from his mind. Upon hearing a distant bray, Applejack looked forward and found that the herd is walking towards an ancient city.

They made it.

Applejack stopped the tired foal, who looked up at her with red eyes. With a gentle smile, the two ponies laid down on the ground to rest followed by Dapplewood. Michelle looked at them with concerned faces.

"I think it would safer further down the-"

"We rest here." Said an angry Applejack.

The zoologist furrowed her eyebrow as her camera stallion flopped on the ground, a great sigh of relief coming from his mouth. The made then laid down on the ground and closed her eyes, though her head was still raised to be alert.

Meanwhile much further south, Princess Luna appeared in the hall of dreams and walked to Cosgrove's dreamscape. It was much different from the last time she visited. It was now much more lush while retaining aspects of his circus life and his current home. The animals and inhabitants of the Unfrozen North now roam the dream, though groups of Brobdingnags do feast on the higher trees except the one that resembled Schnookums.

Among the crowd of dreamscape Hipparion, Cosgrove stepped forward to the Princess of the Night.

"Have thou been hurt?"

"Tired, and shaken," Cosgrove raised his head up "How are my grandparents?"

Upon request, Princess Luna took the colt to a vision of a possible future. The two middle aged ponies stood at the reception booth at the Ponyville Express. Cosgrove stepped forward only to be stopped by the Alicorn's wing.

"Three..." - a tear began to stream down Lion Tamer's face - "No... Two one way train tickets... Please..."

Though a vision, Cosgrove was shocked by this news. He drooped his head before the wing blocking him wrapped around to comfort the Hipparion.

"Your Highness... Am I... Just a pony of bad luck?"

The much taller pony looked at him as the vision gradually faded to his dreamscape.

"I have caused so much destruction to Ponyville, I have lost Schnookums and even..." Cosgrove began to tear up as a hoof lifted his chin.

"Thou are not a pony of bad luck, but just very young. You have much in the way to learn." - Luna straightened herself before presenting him a chamber of his recent memories - "On another hoof, you have brought awareness to an unknown species, befriended a chaos spirit, gave a good performance, helped you're friends after Tirek's destruction, ended a centuries long conflict, and now..."

Princess Luna and Cosgrove looked as a golden medal floated between them.

"You found your own people."

Cosgrove held onto the medal as Luna ascended to the light.

"I shall await your arrival at the city."

Chapter 4 (OId TImeline): Ready to Come Home

I have yet to see a rhino, but looking at the Raths as they charge down at each other is the closest I can find. They are somewhat panicky; we kept to a tree for some time as a bull tried to run us down.

While in the tree, a Lumber came by to feast. I teased a little by playing tug of war with a branch. Despite being way larger than a pony, it had a jaw of glass.

24 hours until School

Cosgrove was shaken awake by Dapplewood. The Hipsi pointed to Applejack and Michelle laying a blanket over the stallion. The colt walked up to them. The farm pony had her eyes closed in a stern expression.

"Any news from Luna?" Muttered the farm pony

Cosgrove looked to the ancient city, "We must go to the city."

"We have one problem: we haven't been in good terms with the herd." Said Michelle

Cosgrove glared at the opposite direction before widening his eyes.

"Not that we have a choice." Said Cosgrove as he and Dapplewood raced towards the city. The two older mares looked back. The bandersnatch has caught up to them. Applejack ran a few yards before looking back. Michelle tried to carry the camera before being yanked by the farm pony's lasso. The bandersnatch stepped on the camera as it entered a full stride.

Dapplewood ran in a zig zag motion, much to their confusion. Figuring the idea, Cosgrove began to do the same.

"Trust the native!" He shouted.

Though it felt silly, Applejack and Michelle began moving in a zig zag motion.

The bandersnatch started to become confused. It couldn't turn easily, so it would be pointless to mimic them. It had one trick up its sleeve, but a particularly risky one.

Exerting more of its strength, the bandersnatch was able to reach up to a few feet from the ponies before leaping at them. It missed, slamming its chest on the ground and stopping it dead. It moaned in pain as tried to get back on its toes.

Upon reaching the stone settlement, Dapplewood stopped into a slow walk. The three surviving ponies raced ahead of him a few meters before skidding to a halt and turning around.

"Dapplewood, why have you stopped?" Questioned Cosgrove

"That bander-whats it will be here and-"

Applejack found the bandersnatch merely walking towards the stone settlement. But rather than attacking, it stopped just at the divide line between the grass and the stone pavement. It looked down with a growl before turning to its left and walking to the distant wilds.

The three ponies had their mouths agape as Dapplewood continued walking past them.

The city, an amazing sight as is, is just an old senior in the field of time. Vines now wrap up to the peak of the highest temple. Trees encroach the street, though they have been cut down to not be a problem. The former civilians appear to be enjoying the Gathering. Foals gallop through the legs of their older peers, and herd leaders reassure their bond with an arm shake.

Cosgrove approached a pair of Hipparion making basic trade. They merely growled because of the additional sight of their distant, one-toed cousins. Cosgrove drooped his ears. Applejack rubbed his head.

"Why is it that they do not like me?" - Cosgrove placed his hooves to his chest -"I am of them, but they view me as if I was dead."

Dapplewood lowered his head before motioning the young Hipparion to follow him.

Cosgrove, Applejack, and Michelle followed Dapplewood to a deep cave. Illuminated by various spot fires, this was a memorial hall. Cave paintings were lined up around the cave; every hunt, birth of a foal, rite of passage is recorded on an alcove dedicated to a certain family.

After consistently looking at his kind painting new experiences, Cosgrove stopped at a particularly unpainted alcove. Dapplewood pointed at the more weathered ones. While Michelle held an ecstatic face while looking at the mural, Applejack looked concerned at Cosgrove.

"Of all the alcoves here, why is this one bare?"

"Sugar-"

"Flash flood"

"Sugar-"

"War-"

"Mam!" - The explorer stopped talking - "Shut up."

Michelle was about to ask why before looking at Cosgrove.

The colt stared around the old paintings. The first painting showed the union of a stallion and mare, followed by a blessing between their families, then what appears to be news of a child, a foal being born, gaining a partner, both being blessed.

Then there was a tragedy; the mare, stallion, colt and hatchling were coming back from a food gathering. They stopped to drink by a river when a pack of Borogoves attacked them. The stallion and mare fought to the tooth, but the battle was too great; through mock lunges, the Borogoves were always able to grab the basket the foal was in before being bucked. The hatchling watched from under a sheltered rock as one such occurrence caused the basket to fall in the river. The parents tried to get to the riverbank before being pounced.

They became overwhelmed...

All of that… recorded by Dapplewood. All recent events to now show the Hipsi growing up, alone, a mere shell of his purpose.

Wide eyed, Cosgrove placed his hoof on the painting of the two adult ponies. He lowered his head before Applejack wrapped her arm around his body. Dapplewood approached the colt before the Hipsi is embraced like a plush toy… albeit a scaly one with fuzz.

Given the rather unpainted stone and the availability of the paints, he turned to Applejack...

“Take all the time you need, it’s still night back home.” Said Applejack as she lead Michelle away towards the entrance of the cave.

Cosgrove dipped his hoof into the paint, aimed it at an unpainted part of the wall and began spitting on it.

“All my life, I have wondered just what I am. I thought to myself if Schnookums, Discord, and I were the only ones of our respective kind. Schnookums and I have now found we aren’t alone, although we have went through hay and back… And I feel sorry that Schnookums…. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. But now, I have been too far gone from my ancestral home. I belong to another world… and I miss it. There is one last favor I must do.”

18 hours until School

Cosgrove placed the now empty paint bowl on the ground. After wiping the sweat from his brow, the Hipparion turned around to a very large crowd of his own people. They looked in awe.

To their credit, Cosgrove’s cave drawings show more detail, but what is more amazing that they show events from beyond the wall. The feud regarding Schnookums, outwitting Screwball, reuniting with his friends, the encounter with Monster Zero, the overthrow of Grogar, and returning to the world he was born in.

Cosgrove took a good look at his kin before making his way out of the cave with Dapplewood. One of the foals looked at one particular detail; it showed the foal in the river being held in another mare’s arms.

The two met with Michelle, Applejack, and Princess Luna, the latter actually being quite a sight to the natives. Cosgrove and Dapplewood looked to the Princess of the Night.

“I am ready to come home…” - He looked to a sad Dapplewood, drooping his head before an arm wrapped around him - “We are all ready to come home.”

With a smile, Princess Luna shined her horn and in an instant, the Alicorn, two Earth Ponies, Hipparion and Hipsi disappeared.

16 hours until School

Home… Sweet Home…

The sun has already risen; Princess Luna had gone away, and Michelle Mareven wasn’t with them. Applejack rubbed Cosgrove’s head as both gave a little chuckle.

Cosgrove’s face turned from joy to panic as he raced towards his house with Dapplewood following behind. Applejack tilted her hat before walking towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Back at said house, Mr. and Mrs. Night Dancer slowly walked from his house with sad faces. The middle aged stallion rubbed the door as he is nudged by his wife.

Suddenly, their ears flicked towards the sound of hooves on the dirt racing towards them. They assumed it was Pinky about to give a farewell party. Looking again, they dropped their luggage and began galloping. Cosgrove began to tear up just before he leapt onto his “grandparents” and the two earth ponies embraced him. Tears rolled down their faces after long assuming he was dead.

Dapplewood initially shied away before Cosgrove walked up to him.

“Welcome back to the family.”

Dapplewood tried to curl his cheeks, giving a somewhat weak smile at most. The ponies laughed as they welcomed their newest family member.

6 Hours until School

Throughout the rest of the day, Dapplewood was shown the town. Indigo, Rumble, Dinky and the Crusaders were astonished by their new arrival. Spike was a bit disgruntled at Dapplewood not being able to speak; it would be nice to have another scaly friend that wasn’t a killer.

The family entered Sweet Apple Acres again, just as Applejack and Big Mac loaded the last of the barrels.

“Thank you so much for returning our grandson.”

“Much obliged." - Applejack tipped her hat -"You wouldn’t mind staying over for dinner, now?”

The two earth ponies looked down at the children before looking back at the farmers.

“We’d be honored.”

The two children walked inside the house with their older peers coming in.

It was nighttime when they returned to the house. Cosgrove showed Dapplewood his room before tucking in. Dapplewood merely curled up on top of the blanket.

“You will have quite a life in Equestria." - Cosgrove yawned - "I... promise…”

Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop gave a warm smile before turning off the light.

New Timeline: The Unfrozen North

Far up in Equestria's Northern Hemisphere, well above the tundra of the Crystal Empire, an empire of flightless griffons, or Pengryphs, were busy sealing the Arctic Ocean with pack ice. Underneath the ice, farmers were harvesting schools of fish for the upcoming winter. Overseeing this is Prince Edgar, son of Pengryph King Charlatan as he sent one soldier after another on patrol. Reports of his subjects being missing one by one, and he couldn't take any chances. With a stroke of his dorsal flippers, Edgar swam forward, looking left and right, before looking forward to a red ink substance coagulating in a small section of water. Swimming closer, he found that there are filaments of black feathers. Noticing the water around him, Edgar looked up, seeing the sight of a monstrous sea beast coming over to him.

Back in Continental Equestria, once again Ponyville to be exact, the world was enjoying the summer. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie have just completed their quest in the Griffon capital of Griffonstone, but it would be a while before they will return. Over at a familiar house near the edge of the Everfree, Cosgrove sat in front of Night Dancer's gravestone again, but mourning her isn't his purpose here. Nestled between his dewclaw and main hoof was a white slip. Flipping his wrist, the image displayed a photo of several bipedal mammals, many of whom shared the exact color scheme as he, Chelsey, Zipper, and Diver. One particular addition was a small boy around half their size with yellow-white hair.

"Wherever our world's Dapplewood is," - he stuck the photo behind his ear - "I will find him."

His peace was interrupted when a violet glow enveloped him, quickly teleporting him over to the interior of the Castle of Harmony.

"You didn't have to do that!" Shouted Sunset, pointing her hoof over to the Princess of Friendship.

"Sorry, but matters like this must be addressed as quickly as possible."

"What matter?" Asked Cosgrove.

"Just today," - Twilight levitated an opened scroll - "I have received word from the Pengryph Empire, Prince Edgar has been reported missing."

The two ponies she summoned eyed each other before the Hipparion asked, "Then why don't you go?"

"I am busy organizing the Grand Equestria Pony Summit, and Princess Celestia and Luna are unavailable to help. I have talked with Princess Cadence. She'll give you clearance to the Arctic."

As Twilight left the room the two looked at each other with raised eyebrows when Spike entered the room and patted Cosgrove on the shoulder.

"Lucky you're going away to a wintery paradise, they said it's going to be in the nineties."

Through the Pony Express, it took them three days to reach the Crystal Empire. Another day's journey with Cadence through the mountainous regions near the closed off country of Yak Yakistan. And another day has passed for them, waiting on the edge of a frozen ice bed inside a red and yellow tent. Their slumber was interrupted when a rumble was felt on their hooves and stomachs. Outside of their tent was a massive ice crawler as big as a mountain as high. From atop the high cockpit, a rope ladder was lowered down to their level.

Though the summer has given the Arctic Region eternal sunlight, another two days have passed nonetheless on the ride over to the capital of the Pengryph Empire. As spectacular a sight it is, the driver of the crawler handed them two pairs of sunglasses.

"Wear these, it'll be very bright when you get out."

True to his word, the albedo effect from the ice made the city very blinding. Given a set of heavy studded horseshoes, the two visitors trudged their way towards the palace, barely avoiding the inhabitants as they slid on their bellies down the streets. They soon arrived at the interior of the palace. Not as well decorated as those of Twilight’s new home, but nonetheless, a spectacle Rarity would enjoy. Sitting on the throne was King Charlatan, looking down at his visitors with a scowl unintentional by his heavy brow.

“Welcome to my empire.” - He stepped down from his throne - “Though I was expecting your Princess Twilight to arrive instead of you two.”

“She is currently occupied.” The orange Unicorn replied

“Then you know the situation.” - The Pengryph lead them to his balcony - “Our oceans are usually safe every harvest season,” - he points a claw to the horizon - “but recently, there have been a series of attacks that have claimed my subjects. I have suspicions that my son has been injured, if not dead.”

“What makes you say he isn’t dead?” Asked Cosgrove, getting Charlatan to move his beak down.

“Unless evidence points to such, we have a three day period. Right now, search parties are scouring the water, but as we are clumsy compared to our southern kin, we require land surveillance.” - The king walked back inside, sitting on his throne - “I wish to see him returned to me alive.”

“We will do our best,” - The Unicorn and the Hipparion lowered their heads before the king - “we promise you.”

Back in the crawler again, Sunset and Cosgrove were taken to the last known location.

“Remember, three days.” Said the Pengryph before driving away.

Alone in the icy wilderness, the two ponies looked around, trying to find any clues as to where the Prince was attacked and where to find him.

“What are the natural predators of Pengryphs anyway?” Cosgrove asked.

“Usually polar bears, leopard seals, orcas,” - Sunset looks back, seeing just a shade of the Pengryph city - “But with a city that big, no whale would get a tooth at the King.”

Looking forward, Cosgrove saw what appeared to be a bluff far into the horizon, rising on his hind legs to get a better view.

“Could he have swum that far?”

“Maybe, it’ll take us the rest of the day to get there, even with my magic.” She answered before walking forward before speeding up into a trot, soon to be joined by her protege.

Their search led them straight to a very tall ice wall. The two leaned around; this was a wall going around a very long distance.

“Over there.” Sunset pointed over to a large cargo ship embedded in ice. Wrapped around her sea green aura, Cosgrove was launched over to the deck of the ship. “Do you see the crew?”

“Every last bit of them” - He said. Literally. Scattered around the boat were limp, frozen bodies of Pengryphs and Equestrian traders being feasted upon by flocks of toothed seabirds. Sunset and Cosgrove then walked down in the hull of the ship, the equipment seemed to be relatively intact, though there are some anomalies. The viewing pool to the Arctic Ocean was steaming, with a thermostat reading at seventy-four degrees. Levitating a periscope, Sunset looks inside the steaming water, finding an underwater ecosystem unfitting for the Arctic. There were several types of marine reptiles; aside from sea turtles, there were those that appeared to be shark-like, some best described as a snake threaded through the body of a turtle. One turn of the scope and she was met face to face with a crocodile-like head that burst its snout through the hole. The two ran up to the deck when the animal burst through the ice. Rising a few feet above the rails, it leaned its head forward, slamming the enormous body on the ship causing Sunset and Cosgrove to be sent flying into the water. With ice above them, their only means of escape lied within a tunnel, and they had to swim fast. The creature that capsized the boat returned to the ocean, it’s physique allowed a swift paddle. As Sunset and Cosgrove approached the tunnel a suction drew them into the hole faster, easily sucked inside as the beast's mouth snapped shut. With a few knocks to the head by the wall, the two ponies were knocked out cold.

The next day, Sunset awoke, rubbing her horned head before turning to the unconscious Cosgrove before rubbing him.

“Sweet Mary and-” - His eyes were shot wide awake before feeling a pain in his head - “oh… Where are we?”

Inside the ice wall is a fertile paradise. As they walked along the riverbank, there were waterfalls, large forests, and grassy plains. In the far distance was smoke from a volcano.

“That explains the warm water and marine reptiles.” - Sunset looked around - “Many of which I haven’t even seen before.”

“You’re in for a treat again, boss.” Said Cosgrove as he pointed at the bushes.

Grazing upon the foliage were large reptiles, not dragons, but something else. Four-legged with spiked tails, they moved their narrow heads into the bushes, plucking out the tender leaves. Further up the canopy were long-necked, large bodied beasts craning their necks up and down to collect a morsel. Higher still, the skies echoed with the calls of large flying reptiles as they soared above the clouds.

“Look!” - Sunset pointed to the wet soil, which had a series of clawed feet. The Prince was definitely close.

As they walked along the shore, their hoof steps were joined by a series of much larger stomping noises, becoming louder and heavy enough to shake the earth. Turning around, they found that a large violet, bipedal reptile. Unlike a dragon, it held its body horizontally, balancing the heavy head with a large stiff tail. Having diverted its attention away from the spiny reptiles to the smaller Ponies, it charged forward, roaring at them. On first instinct, Sunset lit up her horn and aimed it at the beast’s leg. Crippled, the animal fell forward, skidding a good distance across the shore before coming to a halt. Taking a long time to get up, the beast looked back to find its prey gone before roaring at the sky.

They raced into a dark part the forest, where the rays of light illuminated their outlines and left very little guidance to the tracks on the floor. After running what seemed to be miles, they stopped.

“Haven’t seen animals like those too?” Asked Cosgrove as he looked around.

“Only fossils” - Sunset watched her friend raise a brow - “Much older ones from the Brobdingnag.”

“How older?”

They heard a screeching sound to their left, rushing to a clearing. There was Prince Edgar, covered in scratches, one of his dorsal flippers limp, and surrounded by three birdlike reptiles around Sunset’s size, with a large set of eyes facing forward, and bodies covered in white feathers. Edgar swiped his claws forward, missing the troodont by a mile. Another one of them jumped on his back, clawing and sinking its teeth into the black feathers. But with a blast of magic, the forest clearing echoed with a shriek as the animal "flew" across and slammed at a tree. The other two stalked forward when Cosgrove, deprived of his tarot cards, drew an alchemy circle into the ground, summoning an illusion of a dragon. Intimidated by this foreign creature, the carnivores ran away.

“Over sixty-five million years to be exact.” - Sunset rubbed her chin - “But how are they here is a question for another visit.”

“Indeed.” - Said Edgar - “My father will expect my return soon.”

“Can you walk?” - Asked Cosgrove, looking around at each bush around and flipping his ears to the ambiance - “There are bigger things here.”

The Pengryph applied all his weight on his feet. “Yes. My legs are okay, it’s the flippers that hurt.” He said, pressing his “wings” against his body.

Retracing their steps lead them back to the river. The large carnivore that chased Sunset and Cosgrove when they got inside was absent, much to their relief. But in its place was a much smaller dinosaur. Beige in color with yellow-white protofeathers running along its back, this particular individual had a striking familiarity.

“Dapplewood?”

The animal perks itself up, turning its head over to the foreign strangers. Curious as a deer, it walked over to the small Hipparion, inching its nose over to him. Just as Cosgrove was about to touch it, the dinosaur lifted its body once again, looking at the woods to its left. Moving its head a little, the animal then darted back into the forest in high speed.

“Wait!” Cosgrove ran after the dinosaur.

“Cosgrove, wait!” Sunset and Edgar went after them.

Though having four legs, the young stallion had a hard time catching up as the dinosaur jumped over fallen trees and dove under brambles. Pushing through one such bush and making a left turn before colliding with another much larger object. Recovering from the recoil, Cosgrove’s eyes widened.

“Cosgrove, why have you-” Sunset’s eyes shrank as she stared ahead.

There were ponies in this large jungle, but the individual standing before them had magenta stripes lacing around her blue body, and most of all, having two additional toes alongside her weight bearing hoof.

“Hello…” He asked of her.

The Hipparion mare looked at him, not shifting her gaze as she raised a hoof. What was expected to be a warm welcome was a hard punch to his face.

After seeing pure black for quite a long time, the world opened up to him, first as a blur, then as a technicolor world as numerous Hipparion both young and old, along with a few bipedal dinosaurs, gathered around. Cosgrove tried to step forward, but every pull and tug had him drawn back. With a contraction of his nostrils, he looked down to find himself up to his chest in tar. He looked to his right, Sunset and Edgar were in the same scenario. But behind the surrounding crowd, the surrounding area appeared to be an ancient city. Vines now wrap up to the peak of the highest temple, trees encroach the street, though they have not been a problem.

The crowd parted in two, revealing a white and black Hipparion in a more elaborate, well if Rarity could call wearing a set of animal skins and an animal skull over his head, garb. The leader looked at Cosgrove the most, shifting his eyes at the other two before grabbing the back of the colt’s neck with his teeth, pulling him out of the tar and brought before what appeared to be a witch doctor.

The witch doctor just looked at him again before motioning a drawing action to the ground and pointing to him. Cosgrove shifted his head a little, noticing a few warriors shifting their spears. With a furrow on his brow, he drew a series of alchemy symbols. He first stepped on the wind symbol, channeling the Arctic wind around them, exciting a few youngers foals as it tickled their ears. The leader wasn’t impressed, so Cosgrove moved over to the fire alchemy symbol, changing his hue into a slight red as he unleashed a small stream of fire into the air. Such witchcraft curled a grin from the populace. Feeling satisfied, Cosgrove tried the copper symbol, shrouding himself in electric sparks. The witch doctor’s eyes widened as the untranscribable calligraphy faded up the colt’s arms, raising his staff and letting out a holler.

As the other Hipparion joined in the holler, the leader signaled four of the warriors to bring out Sunset and Edgar. At the end of his holler, the witch doctor rubbed the tar off of Cosgrove’s flank, revealing his cutie mark. With a stamp of his staff, he summoned the exact dinosaur they met at the riverside. With a tap of the skull adorned end of the stick, the witch doctor thrusts his head up before leaving the rest of the crowd.

Dapplewood tapped Cosgrove’s shoulder to follow him.

Cosgrove, Sunset, and Edgar followed Dapplewood to a deep cave. Illuminated by various spot fires, this was a memorial hall. Cave paintings were lined up around the cave; every hunt, birth of a foal, and rite of passage is recorded on an alcove dedicated to a certain family.

After consistently looking at his kind painting new experiences, Cosgrove stopped at a particularly unpainted alcove. Dapplewood pointed at the more weathered ones. The colt stared at the old paintings. The first painting showed the union of a stallion and mare, followed by a blessing between their families, then what appears to be news of a child, a foal being born, gaining a partner, both being blessed.

Then there was a tragedy; the mare, stallion, colt and hatchling were coming back from a food gathering. They stopped to drink by a river when a pack of Troodon attacked them. The stallion and mare fought to the tooth, but the battle was too great; through mock lunges, the Borogoves were always able to grab the basket the foal was in before being bucked. The hatchling watched from under a sheltered rock as one such occurrence caused the basket to fall in the river. The parents tried to get to the riverbank before being pounced.

They became overwhelmed...

All of that… recorded by Dapplewood. All recent events to now show the Hipsi growing up, alone, a mere shell of his purpose.

“You… are my brother.” - Cosgrove turned to the Dryosaurus - “Aren’t you?”

Taking in the information, the dinosaur nodded up and down.

Wide-eyed, Cosgrove placed his hoof on the painting of the two adult ponies. He lowered his head before Applejack wrapped her arm around his body. Dapplewood approached the colt before the Hipsi is embraced like a plush toy… albeit a scaly one with fuzz.

Given the rather unpainted stone and the availability of the paints, he turned to Sunset and Edgar...

“Take all the time you need.” Said Edgar as he and away towards the entrance of the cave.

Cosgrove dipped his hoof into the paint, aimed it at an unpainted part of the wall and began spitting on it.

After wiping the sweat from his brow, the Hipparion turned around to a very large crowd of his own people. They looked in awe.

To their credit, Cosgrove’s cave drawings show more detail, but what is more amazing that they show events from beyond the wall. The death of Night Dancer, the feud regarding Schnookums, outwitting Screwball, the siege at Canterlot, the encounter with Monster Zero, the overthrow of Grogar, and returning to the world he was born in.

Cosgrove took a good look at his kin before making his way out of the cave with Dapplewood. One of the foals looked at one particular detail; it showed the foal in the river being held in another mare’s arms.

The two met with Sunset and Edgar. “I am ready to come home…” - He looked to a sad Dapplewood, drooping his head before an arm wrapped around him - “We are all ready to come home.”

It was nighttime when Cosgrove, Sunset, and the dinosaur returned to Ponyville. The populace watched in awe at this foreign newcomer. Seeing that they have had dragons, griffons, and even a minotaur visit their town, they don’t mind it that much. They soon arrived back at the Tamer residence, sitting him down at the cemetery.

“Mom, meet my brother” - Cosgrove wrapped a hoof around him - “Dapplewood”

Seeing his reflection on the stone, Dapplewood tried to curl his cheeks, giving a somewhat weak smile at most. The ponies laughed as Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop stretched out their limbs.

“Welcome back to the family.”

Epilogue (Old TImeline)

Dawn of the School Year

It was 5 O’clock of a very cool morning. Cosgrove was well asleep in his house, waiting for the next hour for his alarm clock to ring and start a new year of school. The wind seeped through the window sill. The breeze moved a few loose pieces of paper and the colt’s mane.

“Cosgrove…”

The Hipparion’s ear flicked a little.

“Cosgrove….”

The colt opened his eyes before raising his head. Looking around to find nopony was there, only he and Dapplewood. He did notice that the window was open and walked over to close it.

“Cosgrove….”

The voice whispered in front of him. It repeated again behind him and again further away. Knowing that school will be just a few hours anyway, and Dapplewood was dead asleep, Cosgrove grabbed his saddlebag and walked out of his room. His grandparents were still asleep on the floor, prompting the young pony to apply less pressure on the wooden floor. However, Loopty Hoop opened her eyes at the sound of the front door opening and closing.

He followed each whisper of his name as the sun began to illuminate between the trees. Each voice lead him to the top of a hill. Just as the sun was revealed at the hilltop, Cosgrove shielded his eyes. Upon lowering his hoof, the Hipparion’s eyes widened and began galloping towards the sight. Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop were just behind him when they also astounded at the same sight.

It was… Night Dancer herself.

Her face was a happy one as her “son” embraced her. Tears streamed from his face as his surrogate mother held him close. She noticed her parents showing sad expressions as they approached their deceased daughter. Cosgrove loosened his embrace to allow Night Dancer to embrace her parents. She did give a little chuckle before turning around.

Just as she walked past her child, Night Dancer motioned at her cutie mark. Cosgrove widened his eyes before before looking at his flank. It was no longer a bare yellow, but it is now adorned with an image of a torn piece of cloth being stitched up. Aside from making costumes, Cosgrove has made mistakes in the past and has fixed them.

Just as he looked ahead, he found Night Dancer gone. He began to cry again before a shadow loomed over him again. Looking up, he saw a cloud in the shape of a pony looking down at him. After wiping the tear from his eyes, a time lapse began to occur; Cosgrove began to mature as he stood up, then rose on his hind legs.

He then raised his adult head and emitted a deep bray. The sound can be heard throughout the valley as the sound begins again twice. The view pans up to the sky as Night Dancer’s cloud is also joined by her parents and Schnookums alongside a trio of blinking stars.