Rise of the Maximalsby Jongoji245ChaptersPrologue: Humble Beginnings.New NeighborsThe Last Days of SummerThe Great Valley Drive AdventureCosgrove's New Job\Into the JunkyardThe Meaning of FamilyHistory Repeats ItselfEpilogueBonus Chapter: Of Kings and Wingmen Prologue: Humble Beginnings.Estes Park, Colorado, January 1997 There were once a man and a woman who had been betrothed for a while. But happy as they were, luck was not on their side. The man was recently laid off and struggled to find work. Their only hope for survival was the nearby food drives, but those were often fleeting. Nearby their apartment a splendid garden could be seen, which was full of the most beautiful flowers and herbs. It was, however, surrounded by a high wall, and no one dared to go into it because it belonged to Hydia and her daughters Reeka and Draggle, declared to be the worst of neighbors. One day, the hunger became too much and the woman became ill. Alarmed, the man asked, "Ember, what's wrong?" Ember tried to reply, but could only respond with a cough. Time was now of the essence, if the man couldn't find work, he would have to steal, whatever cost that would be as long as his wife and child could survive. At twilight, he clambered down over the wall into Hydia's garden, hastily clutched a handful of rampion, and made a salad of it. It tasted so good to her - so very good, that the next day Ember longed for it three times as much as before. If he was to have any rest, her husband knew he must once more descend into the garden. Therefore, in the gloom of evening, he let himself down again; but when he had clambered down the wall he was terribly afraid, for he saw Hydia standing before him. 'How can you dare,' - said Hydia with an angry look - "descend into my garden and steal my rampion like a thief? I should have you arrested!' "Please," answered the Husband, "let mercy take the place of justice, I only did because my wife is sick and is expecting a child." Hydia allowed her anger to be softened, and said to him, "If that's what you want, I will allow you to take away with you as much rampion as you will, only I make one condition, you must give me the child which your wife will bring into the world; it shall be well treated, and I will care for it like a mother." The man in his terror consented to everything before telling his wife. Estes Park, Colorado, June 16th/1997 Nine months have passed, and Ember gave birth to a healthy girl. As happy as they were, they still had a deal to keep. "I am sorry to hear that you are placing this child for adoption." - Said Doctor Horse - "Do you have a name for her?" Noticing that it was just before evening, Ember looked at her daughter one last time. "Shimmer... Sunset Shimmer..." - Ember's tears dripped on her child's nose With Sunset put up for adoption, she was left in the nursery with several other children, many of whom will become very important in her life. Hydia watched the innocent child from behind the window as she gave a toothy grin. Ashley Valley, Utah. November 7th/1999 In the eve of the eighth day of November, a miracle has happened. In the Regional Medical Center, a woman was recovery from delivering her first child, her husband sitting beside her. As they waited for their new arrival to return, they rubbed their heads together. The husband turned to the sound of a door opening. The lead medic, Dr. Lipschitz, held their child, a yellow baby boy with a slight peach fuzz of purple hair. For the first time, Claire held her child in her arms. Clamp Jaw, having to wait quite a while, turned to the doctor. "So what's wrong with him?" asked Clamp. "Mr. Thunderfoot, your son has ectrodactyly." answered Dr. Lipschitz Claire pulled down the sheet to find her son's condition; one each of his hand, his ring-pinky and index and middle fingers were conjoined, giving them the appearance of claws. "Your son's fingers aren't fused by bone." - The doctor took out a slip and began writing on it - "I can refer you to McNamera/Troy-" "No." Clamp Jaw interrupted, placing his hand on the slip. "Sir, if you let him grow with this condition," - "Lipschitz lowered his glasses - "your son may have difficulty writing, let alone grasping a pencil efficiently." "And if we did surgery now, we'd be bankrupt." Clamp Jaw rebuked. Having to keep his reputation, the doctor respected his decision with a nod. Clamp Jaw turned back to his wife. "What will you name him?" Claire looked at her son as he shuffled in his blue sheet. "Cosgrove... After my great grandfather." "Cosgrove..." Clamp Jaw looked at his son before nudging his wife. New NeighborsEstes Park, Colorado. May 22nd/2005 As the sun rose high over the mountainous region of Colorado, the city became crowded with people as they resumed their daily business. Adults went to work, their children were just about to finish their school year. When the sun's rays reached Hydia's residence, it was much different place than what it was eight years ago. The vegetable garden was long gone, replaced by trash over the years. The house itself has become what the neighbors call dark dank and dreary. How they were able to keep the authorities away is unknown, especially since the house is home to a child. Speaking of whom, a much older Sunset Shimmer awoke when the sun's rays shined on her face. The girl stepped out of her crudely made bed and walked to her cracked mirror. With a mere huff, she pulls out a hairbrush that almost had no bristles, what should have taken a few brush strokes took around one hundred. "Sunset," - Shouted Hydia from behind the door - "where are you!" Sunset put down the brush, "Coming, mom!" Quickly putting on her shoes, Sunset quickly ran down the stairs and met her "mother" glaring at her. "What did you call me?" Hydia hissed "Sorry, Hydia." Sunset apologized "You should be," - the aged woman stepped towards her adopted daughter until she fell on the stairs - "because now you have a lot of work to do." - Hydia walked away before stopping and turned around - "three months worth if I may add." Sunset groaned at that statement. The joy of being at school five days a week for nine months was so she could be away from her home. Picking up a trash pick and garbage bag, Sunset walked to the trash infested garden. A few hours into her work and Sunset managed to fill 10 heavy duty trash bags. She took out a water bottle when a banana peel landed on her head. Sunset turned her head to find Reeka and Draggle lazing on a garbage pile. Reeka ravenously wolfed down one sandwich before moving on to the next one while Draggle laid underneath the shade of a torn parasol. The much older red head watched Sunset return to her work before looking at her sister. "Reeka, why don't you help Sunset?" - asked Draggle "What?!" - rebuked Reeka - "I helped her the last time! I'm eating!" "Oh yes," - Draggle added - "always eating." Sunset ignored their banter and continued her work. "They haven't been any help anyway." Sunset whispered to herself. A few minutes of trash picking and she found something of an oddity, a hole in the wall, no doubt as a result of lack of maintenance over the years. Being located far into the trash heaps, this could provide a good getaway spot. Throwing away the trash pick and garbage bag, Sunset was about to enter the hole when- "Sunset!!" Roared Hydia. Defeated, for now, the child drew away from the hole, picked up the pick and trash bag and ran back to her home. Just a half hour away, an Isuzu Rodeo and a moving truck drove towards the city. In the car, Clamp Jaw and Claire, now expecting her second child, sat in the front while Cosgrove, now six months away from his sixth birthday slept in the back. Clamp, because of his daring behavior, was removed from Utah's SWAT force when both he and his wife were offered positions for the Estes Park Police Department. When they reached the metro, Claire turned her head to her dormant son. "Cosgrove, we're here." Cosgrove slowly awoke, rubbing his face with his three-fingered hands. Upon seeing the crowded city, Cosgrove leaned on the windows of the car, his face beaming as he watched the children play and adults walking up and down the streets. Their destination, however, takes them away from the town. Their home was in a much more sparse location, with trees both alive and dead clouding the backside of their home. Parking the truck near the driveway and their car at the front yard, the Thunderfoot family stepped out onto the ground of Colorado. Clamp Jaw, Tremor, and the truck driver began unloading the truck while Cosgrove helped his mother walked inside. "Well, what do you think, Cosgrove?" asked Claire while looking at her son. "It's great," - Cosgrove turned to an empty space - "right, Dapplewood?" Claire raised an eyebrow as Cosgrove listened to nothing. He started doing this in pre-school when his classmates started teasing him. With a new child on the way, this could change. "Honey, why don't you-" - Suddenly Claire felt a sharp pain before stumbling onto her knees. "Mommy?" - Cosgrove asked. Claire was breathing rapidly, "Go get your father." Cosgrove ran as fast as his legs could to Clamp Jaw and began tugging at his pants. "What's wrong, Cosgrove?" - Clamp Jaw looked at the house before running inside to meet up with his wife- "Claire?" "It's time..." Tremor watched Clamp Jaw carry his wife back to the car and drove away in a blink of an eye. Cosgrove tugged at his grandfather. "Will Mommy be okay?" Asked Cosgrove with a sad look on his face. "She will, Cosgrove." - Tremor rubbed his grandson's head - "She will." As Tremor helped the truck driver bring the boxes into his house, Cosgrove dug into one of the boxes with his name labeled on it and pulled out a ball. "Come on, Dapplewood!" - Cosgrove turned to his imaginary friend - "Let's play!" Cosgrove kicked the ball around the truck and followed it far from the house. His grandfather was about to grab the opened box when he noticed Cosgrove was missing. Cosgrove kicked the ball hard into the air. When it landed on the hill, it rolled down fast until it bumped into a leg. "Ha!" - Cosgrove reached the ball - "Beat ya, Dapplewood!" When he reached for the ball, Cosgrove stopped and looked up at the person in front of him. It was a girl slightly taller than him, with peach skin with lighter blotches across her body and face. "Hi!" - Greeted Chelsey, causing her visitor to fall onto the ground. Curious, she also fell back onto the dirt, using her legs to drag herself towards him - "I'm Chelsey!" As soon as he saw her stretch out her hand, Cosgrove pulled his hands back. The slightly taller child furrowed her eyebrows before flat out pulling out one of his three fingered hands. Cosgrove winced, ready for whatever teasing this stranger is going to give him. What happened was not what he expected; Chelsey positioned his fingers and did a handshake. "What's your name?" Asked Chelsey. "Cosgrove." - the boy then turned to his imaginary friend, wrapping his arm around the empty air - "and this is Dapplewood." Though plain as day, kid's their age would believe just about anything. Chelsey grabbed the imaginary friend's hand and shook it. "Aw, Chelsey!" - The two children turned to find another girl about three years older - "What has Mom told you about playing in the-" "Look, Janey! Friend!" Chelsey answered. The older sister gave a smile, "Haven't seen you around here, what's your name?" "Cosgrove!" - The children turned again to Tremor walking towards them - "Don't ever run away like that again!" Tremor picked up his grandson and walked back towards home. Chelsey picked up the ball they left behind. "He seemed very sweet." Janey added. It was well into midnight. All the boxes were stacked into their owner's respective rooms. Cosgrove was dead asleep in his room, all snug in his temporary stand in bed. His grandfather is still awake, waiting for his son and daughter-in-law to come in with the new arrival. Tremor bided his time by going deep into a crossword puzzle from today's paper, occasionally taking a sip of coffee to remove the sleep from his eyes. Ten till one in the morning, the door handle began to wiggle. ... As the sun rose once again, Cosgrove awoke to the smell of burning food. When he walked into the living room, he saw his mother and father together, the former holding something in her arms. Cosgrove walked towards them. "Cosgrove," - Clamp Jaw looked at his first child - "meet your brother, Dapplewood." Cosgrove looked closer to find a light tan child with a small tip of yellow-white hair coming out of the head cover. Cosgrove gently rubbed his newborn brother's cheek, "He is real..." They were then interrupted by a series of knocks on the door. Cosgrove and his father walked to the door and opened it, revealing Chelsey, Janey and their parents, the latter of whom tower over Clamp Jaw's already tall stature. "Hi there!" - Announced Large Marge - "Our daughters found your son yesterday and we would-" Clamp Jaw shushed them, "There is a child asleep upstairs." "Oh, sorry." - Big Hooves apologized - "Can we take this inside?" Clamp Jaw glared at his first child before turning to his neighbors, giving them a snide grin. "Please..." The man of the house answered, waving his arm to let them in. The two eight-nine foot adults walked inside, followed by Janey and Chelsey, who gave Cosgrove back his rubber ball. The family grouped together in front of Claire and the newborn. "Oh my," - Large Marge lowered her massive upper body towards the baby - "congratulations!" When he opened his eyes for the first time in his life, Dapplewood saw the towering figure. Scared, Dapplewood began to cry, but no sound was heard. The neighbors and Cosgrove were confused as Claire calmed the baby. "Mommy," - Cosgrove asked - "is Dapplewood broken?" "Cosgrove!!" - Berated Tremor "Dad, please." - Clamp Jaw lowered himself to his son's height - "This is complicated, but Dapplewood won't be able to talk." "What do you mean, Daddy?" - Cosgrove asked confusingly. "When you get older," - Clamp Jaw rose to his full height - "you'll understand, son." Cosgrove looked at his baby brother as he calmed down. What will become of him? How will he go through school? The future has much on its mind, pray that it will be kind. June 4th, 2005 With Summer Vacation rolling about, the risk of crime increases. Having recovered from the birth, Claire joined her husband in the police department, leaving only Tremor to care for the two children over the summer. It became apparent that a sitter will be needed. One day in his room, Cosgrove was playing with a two-month Dapplewood when a knock was heard. "Hello, I am here for the babysitter position." said a voice. "Ah, come in!" Tremor greeted Cosgrove turned to the sounds of footsteps approaching the door of his room. When his grandfather opened the door, Cosgrove saw a slightly blue skinned woman with long brown hair and violet eyes alongside him. "Cosgrove, Dapplewood," - Tremor announced - "I would like you to meet Night Dancer." The young adult crouched down to their height. "Hello, Cosgrove." - Said Night Dancer As if there was some form of spiritual bond, Cosgrove immediately hugged Night Dancer to her surprise. Tremor widened his eyes, amused by this action. "He likes you already!" - Tremor walked up to them - "when would you like to start?" Calming herself, Night Dancer turned to the grandfather. "I can start today..." The Last Days of SummerAugust 1st, 2005 School is approaching once again. Children moaned and complained while their parents rushed around to gather school supplies. As a few acts of desperation, high schoolers would spend a few good nights on the town. One imprisoned kid wants this opportunity. On one such night, Sunset Shimmer finally began her first escape plan. While her "sisters and mother" were dead asleep, Sunset snuck out of the window and into the trash garden. Having marked the route to the break in the wall, Sunset easily moved through the garbage piles to said hole. Looking back at that dreadful prison, Sunset sneered before she began scooting her small frame through the hole. Occasionally the edges of the rock would tug at her hair and scraped her knees, but it's worth being free for once in the Summer. With one last push, Sunset was free and began to run as fast she could away from her prison. The further she ran, the less pungent the air as it became replaced by the more sweet smell of pastries, flowers, and fruit. The sun rose over an area of the town plaza called Turtle Park, so aptly named because of the large turtle statues that scatter across the grassy landscape near the river. A few hours after, Cosgrove and Chelsey played around the park as Night Dancer watched them from afar while watching Dapplewood as he happily squirmed in his cradle. The two more active children clambered on the statue of a soft shell turtle, taking the amazing sight of the horizon from the plaza in front to the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Cosgrove continued to look around until he spotted someone underneath the jaws of the snapping turtle statue. Curious, he and Chelsey hopped down and approached the figure. It was Sunset Shimmer, dead asleep after running around town last night. Grabbing a nearby twig, Chelsey poked her several times. "Night Dancer," - Cosgrove called out - "There's a dead girl under one of the statues." Sunset's eyes slowly opened as the sound of scattered pebbles revealed Night Dancer's presence. "Cosgrove, Chelsey, step away from her!" - Night Dancer berated them. Sunset curled back, holding up her arms in defense. "Please," - She begged - "don't hurt me." The two children and young adult looked at each other before turning to Sunset again. "We wouldn't hurt you." - Night Dancer answered before looking around - "Are your parents here?" Sunset merely shook her head at that answer. Night Dancer gave out her hand, "Why don't you come with us?" Sunset was uncertain of this stranger, but her compassion made her far different from Hydia. Sunset took Night Dancer's hand and walked over to her car along with the others. A short drive later, and they arrived at Night Dancer's family home. Her parents, Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop, were at work, and so would be a matter of time to get things done. When they are inside, Sunset was amazed at how tidy Night Dancer's home is compared to that of Hydia's. Night Dancer handed Sunset a towel and a robe. "The shower's over there." - Night Dancer pointed to the restroom - "Hand me your clothes when you're done." Closing herself inside, Sunset inhaled the sweet scent of cinnamon candles before proceeding with the ordeal. A few minutes later, the eight-year-old, wrapped head to toe in bath towels, walked to Night Dancer's living room, Night Dancer herself carrying her filthy clothes to the laundry room. She sat on a chair while Cosgrove, Chelsey, and Dapplewood sat and stared at her. "What is your name?" Asked Cosgrove. "Shimmer, Sunset Shimmer." She answered "Sunset Shimmer, huh?" - Chelsey chuckled - "Funny name." Sunset gave the piebald girl a snide look, "So are you brother and sister?" "What? No!" - Cosgrove rebutted - "Chelsey's my neighbor, Dapplewood's my brother." Cosgrove held his baby brother's hand and waved it a little, much to his amusement. Sunset noticed Cosgrove's hands being different from all of them in this household. Cosgrove, noticing her stare, released his baby brother's hands. "Yeah..." - Cosgrove added - "everyone's scared of my hands." "Oh, that's not..." - Sunset lowered her head in shame - "I'm sorry..." The slightly younger children looked at each other before turning to her. "Where are you from?" Asked Chelsey. Sunset looked away for a moment before seeing Night Dancer come back up with Sunset's clothes. Quickly she changed back into her clothes before running back outside. "Hey, wait!" - Night Dancer beckoned, but Sunset was long gone - "What was that girl?" "Sunset Shimmer." Answered Cosgrove. The sun began to shrink back into the Rockies when Sunset made her way back to her home. Much as she loved the sweet smell, Sunset had to dirty herself again to prevent her "mother" from becoming a tad suspicious. Upon doing so, she returned to find Hydia standing there, tapping her foot with her eyebrow raised while her daughters hid behind a ragged couch. The small human approached her before examining Sunset from head to toe before stepping back again. "To your room, now!" Ordered Hydia, pointing to the upstairs bedroom. Sunset slowly walked upstairs to her room. When she entered her room and sat on the bed, her eyes began to stream tears as she remembered the utter compassion the strangers have given her outside her prison. It's still a few weeks away before school starts again, but this one night is one she wouldn't forget. August 20th, 2005 The weekend prior each new school year, the Apple Family hosts a party for their surrounding neighborhoods. With Cosgrove's home in Great Valley Drive being among them, his family and Chelsey's were invited. One could take a bike over to Sweet Apple Acres, but it's better to drive over there. By noon, a dozen cars are parked in the grassy lot next to the house itself, their owners and children gathering at the front porch. "Welcome to our annual get together at Sweet Apple Acres!" - Granny Smith announced, holding a megaphone - "Ahm Granny Smith and this here's my grandchildren Big Mac, Applejack, and Apple Bloom." "Howdy!" Greeted Applejack and Apple Bloom "Eeyup." Greeted Big Mac "We hope y'all have a fun time here today, now let's do it to it!" - Granny Smith finished. As the families dispersed, Cosgrove and Chelsey were being talked by their parents. "And stay near the house." - finished Big Hooves - "Are we clear?" "Yes, sirs." - Chelsey and Cosgrove answered. With a warm smile, Claire gave the two children a good rub on the head before they moved along into the crowd before they meet up with Apple Bloom. A few other families gathered around the Thunderfoots as they greeted them, admiring Dapplewood along the way. Granny Smith walked among her neighbors, each one greeting the elderly matriarch. While she looked around, she accidentally bumps into Tremor. "Oh, pardon me..." - Granny Smith looks up at the taller elderly man - "Sir..." "Pardon accepted," - Tremor lowered his head before fidgeting his glasses - "little lady." "Little lady?" Granny Smith chuckled Further away, Apple Bloom led Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Chelsey and Cosgrove through a slightly more forested part of the farm to a clubhouse. "Okay, Crusaders" - Sweetie Bell turned to Cosgrove and Chelsey - "and guests, what shall we do for our last crusade before going back to school?" "We can try butterfly catching." Said Apple Bloom "Nah, we tried that already." Said Scootaloo - "How about sack racing?" "We did that last month." Said Apple Bloom. While they continued, Cosgrove spotted a spotted collar lizard crawling in between the group, rested a little, then scurried away. "Why not lizard catching?" Cosgrove added, looking at the reptile running. The children looked at each other before chasing the lizard through the forest. When the lizard went under a log, Cosgrove dug his arm inside, trying to pry the reptile out. The Crusaders and Chelsey then scattered to find other specimens. Chelsey found a horned lizard perched on a rock. She pokes it a few times before narrowly missing a jet of blood squirted from the beast's eye. The Crusaders had their sights on a few whiptail lizards before chasing them individually. Cosgrove continued shuffling in the hole before seeing the collared lizard jump out of a hole. Being the fastest lizard species in Colorado, the reptile easily outran the six-year-old before suddenly a much larger lizard snatched it in the bushes. "Hey, guys" - Cosgrove turned to the others - "I've found something!" Back at the party, Big Hooves, Clamp Jaw, Big Mac, Applejack and Rarity looked around for the other children. "Ah swear Apple Bloom can get more ambitious than a jack rabbit." Said Applejack "Eeyup." Added Big Mac "Tell that to my son..." Clamp Jaw added out of earshot before turning to find the children holding a two-foot long monitor lizard across them. "Crusaders Lizard Catchers!!" They all exclaimed, bringing the older individuals to attention, each giving their respective relative a glare. "Can we keep him?" asked Cosgrove, before seeing his father raise his head, eyes looking down. The Crusaders closed their eyes. "Don't-!" Ordered Applejack a little too late when the trio of girls shot opened their eyes, trying to cute him out. Clamp Jaw still kept a stern face when his hand gained a mind of its own and grabbed a police phone. "Detective Horsetails," - Clamp buzzed - "recall the case about a stray monitor lizard in Colorado?" "Yes?" - Answered Mae's voice from the other side. "You can close it." - Clamp answered. "Understood." Clamp crossed his arms and lowered his massive upper torso to his son. "We already have a three-month-old boy in the house," - Clamp growled - "if you can't handle a pet, he's going to be marked 'kill on sight.' Am I clear?" Cosgrove reeled his neck back, "Yes, sir." Clamp Jaw walked away from the children, Big Hooves joining him when Applejack and Big Mac walked up to them. "Come on," - Applejack turned them towards the barn - "let's build a crate for the critter." The Great Valley Drive AdventureAugust 22nd, 2005 While each school has a different starting date, it has now begun in Great Valley Elementary. To those living in the street of the same name, its a quick walk down and across the street, but a little further to where Sunset resides, it may require a bus. Inside one of the classrooms, the students talked to each other when a teacher walked inside. "Okay, class let's take our seats." - Announced Mrs. Puff - "Now this is a big milestone for you as you make your journey throughout your academic careers. We'll start first with our introductions, my name is Mrs. Puff." "Hi, Mrs. Puff." greeted the class in a happy tone. "Now," - Puff pulls out a list, "let's start off from A-Z." Upbeat music plays as each student walked up to the chalkboard. "Howdy, I'm Apple Bloom." "Boysenberry." "Button Mash." "Chelsey Berger Meister Meister Berger." "Cosgrove Thunderfoot." "Cogsworth." "Diamond Tiara." "Dinky Hooves." "Featherweight." "First Base." "Indigo Blue." "Noir." "Pipsqueak." "Rumble." "Scootaloo." "Shady Daze." "Silver Spoon." "Sweetie Belle" "Truffle Shuffle." "Twisth." "Zipper." The next few hours later, the recess bell rang, allowing children of many ages, segregated by grade, to roam the grassy playground. Chelsey and Cosgrove sat on the top of the jungle gym when they spotted a familiar figure. While it wasn't surprising that most students go to recess in elementary school, Sunset Shimmer was not playing alongside them, instead, she is studying phenomena from her textbooks. When she looked back up, she found two of the kids she met before. "Hey, Sunset!" Cosgrove greeted. "Oh..." - Sunset curled back, uneasy again - "hi..." "Oh, I forgot you ran out on us the last time we met," - Cosgrove stretched out his hand, revealing his condition - "I'm Cosgrove." Skepticism reached the older child again when a small angelic version of her appeared on her right shoulder. "Don't judge them by their appearance." - Scolded the angel - "After all they helped you." "Don't get you hopes up kid!" - a more demonic version appeared on her left shoulder - "You're much better looking than they are!" "They do have much happier families than we do, mind you!" Sunset shook her head back to reality, noticing Cosgrove having the same expression from before as he held his hand in front of her. Sunset held his hand for a while, feeling the unusual touch, then shook it. Chelsey stretched out her hand. "And I'm Chelsey." The piebald girl added before her hand was shaken. The two younger classmates sat next to her and looked at the text of the book. "So- sodium chlor-" - Cosgrove strained his mind trying to say the phrase - "So-" "Sodium Chloride." Sunset finished, rubbing Cosgrove's head. "So why don't you want to play?" - Chelsey asked. Sunset lowered her book, "I..." They are interrupted when they turned to Garble and his gang kicking someone on the chain link fence. Cosgrove and Chelsey immediately ran towards the fighting crowd, much to Sunset's disapproval. “You better not spread your little disease, freak!” Clump shouted as he continued his punishment. “Hey!” - Shouted Cosgrove- "Leave him alone!" The bullies turned around and surrounded them, revealing the multiple-fingered boy Zipper wrapping his arms around his stomach. Garble, noticing their features, crossed his arms with a smug grin. "Well, well, looks like crab hands and blotchy make quite a couple." Garble chuckled. Cosgrove growled at the phrase "crab hands" and quickly charged at him. The orange-haired bully angled his arm, preventing Cosgrove from reaching him as he flailed his "claws." Pushing the smaller boy back to the ground, Garble laughed at his feeble attempt before looking at his partners. "You know, these two can also benefit from learning a thing or two" - Garble cracked his knuckles - "about the pecking order here." Just as the pack of bullies stepped forward when Sunset Shimmer threw her textbook at Garble's head. The gang turned to find her stomping towards them, bridging herself between them and their next prey. “Every other hair you pick from them and you’ll be answering from me!” Sunset raised herself up a few inches, making her head reach up to Garble's chest. This surprised Garble; this is their third year in school but this was the first time she actually took initiative. "Look's like the coral snake finally decided to slither out of the rock." Said Spyro. That crack caused the silence to break with the sound of laughter as Garble reeled back to his friends. Sunset's cheeks flushed red before she weaved through the crowd, picked up Zipper and began walking back to the other two children. Chelsey and Cosgrove lifted up Zipper as they carried him to the Nurse' Office. Sunset lowered herself to grab her book when Clump kicked her in the stomach. Noticing, this Cosgrove tried to run back when another older student, Crescendo, stopped him. Sunset moaned as Garble and his pack circled around her. "Of course, we know what to do when we see a snake." Garble raised his foot above her head, prompting Sunset to close her eyes. Suddenly, the bully was snatched away and turned around, revealing an even taller boy. Hooflock stared at him while Flash Sentry brought Sunset up to her feet. "You messed with a friend of my partner," - Hooflock lifted Garble to his height - "and when you mess with her you gotta do something about it." The slightly older boy flicked Garble's nose twice before tossing him to the ground. With a simple crack from Hooflock's neck, Garble, and his pack ran clean away past Crescendo's group of children. The younger trio of children looked forward to Flash and Hoof bringing an injured Sunset to them. "Friends of yours?" asked Cosgrove. "Yeah," - Sunset groaned before waving her hand at Flash Sentry - "this is Flash Sentry, Hooflock, and Crescendo." "And we're the Anti-Bully Coalition Force!" Flash announced proudly. "Pphhh!" - First Base walked between the two groups - "That is a lame name, bro." Hooflock and Crescendo silently agreed to that by looking at each other. "So," - Flash turned to Sunset Shimmer - "who are the newbies?" "This is Cosgrove, Chelsey and..." Sunset looked at the person she saved, not having met him before. "Zipper." - The boy in question answered - "And Ithankyouforsavingme, Ijustdon'tunderstandwhytheywouldpickonmeforhavingmorefingersthantheyhave." His classmates stared at him, amazed at how fast Zipper could talk. Zipper returned the same expression, "What?" "You going to be okay?" Asked Cosgrove "Yeah," - Sunset waved her hand - "just go on ahead." With an uncertain look on their face, the three younger children turn around and walked towards the Nurse' office. Crescendo leaned onto her brother, "I feel sorry for them. They don't seem that different from us." Sunset placed a hand on her chin, taking her friend's statement into account. Once the last school bell rang, Chelsey, Cosgrove, and their new friend Zipper began their short journey home. "Hey!" - the three younger children turned to the same older individuals from before, Sunset approaching them - "We talked this over and we thought, why don't you hang out with us?" Cosgrove, Chelsey, and Diver looked at each other before giving their older peers a nod. October 20th - 31st, 2006 A year of hanging out with the coalition force, the three individuals become much more brave, especially when it comes to the scariest part of the year. The force has gained two additional members; providing the means to win first place in last year's school science fair, Cogsworth has been referred to the anti-bullying force, using his custom-made gadgets to provide an edge. Much has changed for Dapplewood, his eyes have turned from birth blue to his gray-purple and just starting to walk. But still being unable to talk, it has been tough for him to communicate. It has been solved somewhat when he was given a whistle. Noticing this concern, the Doo family, Derpy and Dinky's family, met with the Thunderfoot family. One somewhat warm Halloween day and the family met with the Syrup family, who have made a small business educating the blind, Deaf, and the Mute. While the adults discuss terms, Strawberry's own daughter Golden Caramel tried to communicate with Dapplewood with a somewhat amateur sign language. Dapplewood turned to his older relatives walking away, leaving only Cosgrove to watch over him. As the day closes, Sunset snuck out from her prison of a home and joined with her group. Flash had to watch over his brother, and Hooflock and Crescendo went with their family to an out of state gathering. Having heard of Cosgrove's whereabouts from Chelsey, they walked up to the Syrup residence and noticed Cosgrove and Dapplewood struggling with sign language. Intrigued by the idea, Sunset, Chelsey, and Zipper looked at each other. "One year without candy wouldn't hurt." Said Sunset with a shrug before joining in. March 30th, 2007 As the state of Colorado is warmed by the spring sun, many activities closed for last Winter open again. On one weekend, students from the Elementary School arrive at the swimming pool just as it opens for the summer. As was unusual to them, Sunset Shimmer was absent this time. In her place was Night Dancer. Confident with Cosgrove being responsible enough to leave him on his own, Dapplewood, now two years old, was her focus now. The little boy paddled along in a floaty with Night Dancer waist deep in the water watching him. "Okay, Dapplewood" - Night Dancer called - "come on over!" Dapplewood kicked the water as hard as his little legs could, slowly making his way to his babysitter. Underneath the deep end, the force of the repeated kicks disturbed the meditations of a much older child. Glaring up to the surface, she ascended rapidly to the surface. With a loud splash, the water revealed a light gray, slightly overweight, girl with blonde hair. "Oh not again," - Diver groaned - "just when someone swims for the first time, they get cocky and swim to the deep end." Dapplewood looked at the much older child. "Look, do you want my help or not?" "Dapplewood can't talk." Cosgrove answered from the edge of the pool. Diver looked at Cosgrove, then to the younger boy. "Well," - Diver smacked her lips - "that's a first." Using her head, Diver began to push the floatation device over to shore. Chelsey lifted Dapplewood to his feet. Having been out of the water for quite a while, Diver's body droops under gravity. "And next time, stay on the shore." - Diver berated Night Dancer rubbed the child's wet hair. "Thank you for the help." "I save just about three kids a day that come to the deep end." "Really?" - Said Chelsey - "Haven't heard of that before." "Well, now you know." Diver began turning her bulky body back to the water. "Hey!" - Cosgrove caught her attention - "What's your name?" Diver turned around, "Diver." Cosgrove's New Job\Into the JunkyardAuthor's Note I accidentally closed my browser without saving at one point, so this may not be perfect the second time. Edit: added a little scene at the end of this chapter because it has been in my mind for a while now. Cosgrove's New Job\Into the Junkyard April 14th, 2006 The sun rose once again over the Centennial State, but this day was not one of fun. Sunset was hard at work making a soup for Hydia. But this time she has become clever about it. During a visit at Sweet Apple Acres, she came across a patch of Deadly Night Shade. Eating in large doses can make the horses sick and even kill a man, but with a small amount it can be used as a sleeping drug. "A pinch of Deadly Night Shade," - Sunset added the sample into the pot before grabbing a cup of cinnamon - "a few shakes of cinnamon, and" - she then grabs another container of chicken broth - "chicken broth should help." "Sunset," - Hydia roared - "is that soup ready yet?" "Coming!" Hydia was watching her very old TV on her rugged couch when the adopted daughter brought the soup over to her. "Ah, chicken broth!" - Hydia was about to dig in when her crooked nose caught a whiff - "And cinnamon?" Sunset flinched, "Oh, I thought you like cinnamon?" "Nothing is more suspicious than cinnamon," - Hydia brought a spoonful of the soup to Sunset's face - "until you try it. I won't eat a spoonful." Sunset, knowing what she put inside, became hesitant. "I'm not hungry." - Sunset accidentally flicked the spoon aside - "Oops!" Hydia lurched back on her couch, "You want me to starve!" - she hissed as Sunset bent down to pick up the spoon - "An old woman for whom you owe your very life!" Sunset placed the spoon in the soup, "I don't think it's that bad." - when she lifted the spoon out of the soup, the broth actually seeped through a few holes before she took a "sip" - "See, scrumptious!" Delighted with this, the hag grabbed the bowl and wolfed it down, unaware of Sunset's grin. A few hours later, Hydia was out cold, much to Sunset's chagrin. After generously giving her a blanket, Sunset ran out the front door towards the school where she would meet up with her friends. Just as she was across the street when she heard the crashing of a tree. Curious, she approached the homestead, noticing the slight dull-green color scheme before a tree landed right in front of her. "Sorry!" Tremor apologized before pulling the tree towards a dump pile Cosgrove took notice of her before running towards her. "What's going on here?" Asked Sunset "Doin' a little outdoor renovation," - Cosgrove waved a hand - "somehow the estate has a massive backyard, full of dead trees, so we gathered the neighborhood and began tearing them down." Sunset furrowed her eyebrow, "shouldn't this be way more difficult?" "They have weak roots," - Cosgrove turned to a nearby tree - "watch." Cosgrove quickly ran to the tree, preparing for impact... August 5th, 2008 Cosgrove pushed down a tree, but not the dead tree in their backyard. This was a dead apple tree. At one point last year, a passing Big Mac took notice of the work and immediately referred them the month before now. With four more helpers, the work became much faster and by July, the tree Cosgrove knocked down was the last one needed to be removed. "Good going there, slugger!" Applejack complemented with a pat on the back. "It's too bad my friends aren't here today." - Cosgrove turned to the apple farmer - "So, what's next?" Applejack scratched her head, "Well we do have something for you, but you may need to know how to ride a horse." Getting the idea, Cosgrove leaned forward. "Herding can be done on foot?" - he asked, receiving an answer with Applejack putting her hands in her pockets and making an uncertain face. A while later, we view a quiet, grassy plain with a few rabbits and prairie chickens browsing. Gradually, the peace is disturbed by rumbling, becoming loud enough to cause the small animals to scatter. Soon, the field is greeted with a flock of stampeding sheep, their baying accompanying their hoof steps. To the right side, their dog Winona ran with them to keep them in line. A good distance behind, Cosgrove, all tuckered out, almost collapsed has he not used a cane to support himself. When a shadow loomed over him, he turned to find Applejack riding one of their horses. "You win..." Cosgrove wheezed. Applejack smiled, "Go and get yourself cleaned up, I can handle this." With a nod, Cosgrove and Applejack moved passed each other in the opposite direction. After washing his face in an outside sink, Cosgrove spotted Apple Bloom leading an old cow out of the barn. "Hey, Apple Bloom," - Cosgrove walked up to her - "watcha doing with the cow?" "She's not producin' enough milk and..." Apple Bloom slowly revealed her small hunting rifle Cosgrove rubbed the old beast one last time, "Must be hard to lose something close to you, huh?" "We have livestock die each year," - Apple Bloom added before handing him the rope - "then we put them out to market." "Still a noble-" - Cosgrove stopped in the middle of tying the rope to a post - "into market you said?" "Yessum." Apple Bloom answered as she took out a bullet. Cosgrove walked out of firing range, standing a foot to the farmer's right. "I may have to ask Dad about this," - Cosgrove continued when Apple Bloom took aim - "but a cow like this can make a good crockpot of -" August 16th, 2008 The following Neighborhood gathering, Cosgrove landed a steaming crock pot on the table with a loud thud. "Kale and bovine stew!" Cosgrove finished. The other guests took a whiff of the crockpot before Big Mac served a bowl. Granny Smith was given the bowl and ate a spoonful. "Feels a little strange, sonny." Said Granny Smith "Eeyup." Big Mac "Well usually it's bison meat, but the meat store ran out." - Cosgrove waved his hand - "Otherwise it's the same recipe." August 19th, 2008 By a chance accident courtesy of her two oafish daughters, Hydia found out Sunset's use of Deadly Night Shade. The adopted mother immediately had the bacon haired girl in her room, holding a bag of ice on her head. "You've ruined me for the last time, you wretched girl!" - Hydia slammed the door, the echo ringing her ear - "Oh, my head!" Over the wall, Cosgrove, Dapplewood, Chelsey, Zipper, Diver, Cogsworth, Flash Sentry, First base, Crescendo, and Hooflock walked along the sidewalk. The slightly introverted Hooflock amused himself when he lifted Dapplewood off the ground from time to time. Diver rubbed her hands along the wall when her hand caught the large crack, stopping her in her tracks. "Woah," - Diver looked into the crack, the others looking inside soon after - "you know what this means?" "Nuh uh!" - Cosgrove berated - "we are not stealing things!" "Just a peek." Diver sucked up her ponch and shuffled inside the hole The others waited a while before noticing Diver not coming back. "What do you see?" Asked Crescendo "That's the thing-" echoed Diver's voice from the crack- "I can't see." The others looked to each other, "She's stuck." Starting with Dapplewood, one by one they enter the crack and shuffle towards the Merpony's human counterpart. Cosgrove, Chelsey, and Zipper began pushing her. "It's too bad your not a skinny girl," - Cosgrove applied more pressure on her - "'cause this is really difficult!" Taking that as an insult, Diver sucked up a breath, unintentionally loosening herself and causing them to fall into the junkyard. Immediately the five youngsters pinched their noses at the awful smell. "Pee yoo!" First Base adds "what is that smell?" The older individuals walked out before they too flinched at the smell. "Gyuh!" Flash Sentry glared at Diver "you happy now?" "Not really." She answered Getting accustomed to the smell, they explored the junkyard. Sunset, hearing the many footsteps outside, looked outside. "Who would want to live in a place like this?" Asked Chelsey "Hey!" Sunset beckoned their attention. "Sunset?" Flash Sentry cocked his head "what are you doing here?" Sunset shushed him, "Not the best place to explain, look can you guys distract Hydia so I can get out?" Dapplewood asked with a series of hand gestures when Hooflock collapsed a pile of garbage. "Sounds good to me." Cosgrove responded. Sunset went to work on making a rope from her ragged covers. Outside the anti-bullying coalition force found a more musical method to their madness. At the end of the song, Hydia slammed the door with a broom in her hand. "Showsover." Said Zipper before he quickly ran towards the crack in the wall. One by one, the rest of the coalition ran through. Diver, of course, got stuck and would have been whacked by the old crone's broom had it not been for them pulling her in at the last minute. After they got clean away, Hydia, gaining this new knowledge, hobbled back to Sunset's locked door. "Sunset, you can come out now, child." - she cooed as she took out a key - "but only if you-" Upon opening the door, Hydia found the cover rope and growled - "Gone again!!!" A good distance to the playground, most of them were shocked at Sunset's story. "You have to tell my parents!" Said Cosgrove. "How will that help?" Sunset responded. Dapplewood answered that with a series of hand signals, calming his older friend. It's not that Sunset doesn't know how to report to the police, but with only one phone in Hydia's bed chamber, well... A few hours later and the Man and Woman of the Thunderfoot Home walked inside to the smell of their favored dish: Kale and Bison (er, Bovine) Stew. While Clamp Jaw went to his room to change, Claire walked into the kitchen to find her sons and father in law, the first two giving an ecstatic grin. "Happy to be a new member of Cosgrove's school?" Claire asked before getting a cup. Dapplewood nodded before nudging his brother. "Yeah, and so do we!" Cosgrove added. Claire immediately dropped her cup, spilling water over the white tile floor. She turned her head to her sons, who (with Dapplewood implying so) gave a nervous chuckle as they noticed their mother's twitching eye. "Cosgrove, Dapplewood," - the two boys turned to find their father having a firm grip on Sunset's shoulder "does this belong to you?" Cosgrove eyed his brother before nervously saying, "Surprise." Releasing her, Clamp Jaw and his wife sat on the chairs in front of their children. "Children, you know better than to bring a stranger in!" Claire berated "Sunset's not a stranger she's a-" Cosgrove was interrupted by a slam on the table. "We're talking!!!" Clamp Jaw roared, silencing him. As they continued, Sunset noticed Dapplewood fidgeting his fingers as a subtle sign language, announcing her cue to speak. "They did the right thing to bring me out of that prison!" That exclaim caught Clamp's attention as he turned his glare at her before looking back to his sons. "Cosgrove, take your brother to your room, we'll continue this later." He ordered Immediately Cosgrove picked up his brother and ran to his room, hastily closing the door in the process. "Please sit down." - Clamp brought Sunset to attention before she sat down. Tremor gently pinched her wrists, feeling a gentle pulse. "Tell us everything truthfully," Claire added "any falsified report can and will lead to conflict with the law." Not only was Cosgrove and Dapplewood at risk, but now she too as well. With a great breath, she told them everything, from how she did hard labor, with injuries to acclimate with them, to the description of her foul caretakers. Clamp and Claire turned to Tremor who gave a slow nod. "Based on this account, your caretakers are deemed unfit." Clamp Jaw stated "Granted a warrant, we will provide an investigation. Now, we cannot house you under suspicion of arbitrary confiscation but we can provide a temporary household until this matter is resolved and another citizen adopts." Claire leaned forward, "In the meantime, we advise you to take caution, should this Hydia prove even more hostile. Are we clear?" Sunset nodded, "Yes." - as she got up to Cosgrove's room, Sunset turned around- "What should I tell your children?" The man and wife looked at each other, raising their own eyebrows. "Your dad said you're grounded for the rest of the month." Sunset told Cosgrove who was setting up a floor blanket. "Better than being beaten with an old cane." He said before lying on the floor with his brother and a now much larger Schnookums. Out of courtesy, Sunset slept on Cosgrove's Queen size mattress while her hosts slept on the floor. A few hours after turning off the light, she woke up, eying the two boys dead asleep. Dapplewood held the much larger Schnookums like a teddy bear while his brother laid on his tummy, his chin supported by the pillow. They were disturbed when they found Sunset scooting in between the sheets before giving each one of them a hug. "Thank you so much." She said with a sniffle. "Oh, anything for a friend." -Cosgrove yawned- "and maybe when this is over, we can find where you came from..." Sunset became puzzled, "Where I came from?" Cosgrove was already dead asleep, and so too is Dapplewood holding the monitor lizard once more. Looking up at the ceiling, Sunset curled a smile before entering tonight's slumber. August 20th/2008, around 5 AM It was the smell of burnt coffee that slowly awoke the flame-haired girl from her sleep. Looking out the window, the night sky was starting to become purple. Looking at the cuckoo clock, school would not start until eight. Looking to her left and right, Cosgrove and Dapplewood have been noticeably displaced, the former now on his back one foot away and the latter lying on top of Schnookums. How the monitor lizard puts up with this, Sunset didn't know. Her ears did pick up a muffled conversation. Rising on her feet, Sunset tiptoed across the room, gently pressing her head on the door. At the other side, the conversation in question was coming from the kitchen. Clamp Jaw and Claire sat across the table from Night Dancer, having been called in earlier this morning. "How long will this be?" Asked Night Dancer. "At least until Detective Horsetails turns up any evidence regarding Sunset's biological parents." Clamp Jaw answered. Sunset arched her head back after hearing that before placing her head back on the door, holding an index finger between her teeth. "This is a very serious matter," Claire leaned forward "we can choose another probable foster parent." Night Dancer looked at her hands as she shuffled her fingers one after the other before looking up and answered, "I will be honored to look after her for the time being." Just after saying that, a loud thump was heard, drawing their attention towards the boy's room. A quick peek from the father showed everything to be normal. But in truth, while she laid by her side with her back to the door, Sunset had her eyes open, excited about the possibility of seeing her parents for the first time. The Meaning of FamilyAugust 20th/2008 "They're going to find your real parents?!" Flash asked. "Keep it down!" - Cosgrove berated - "Even walls have ears." "Anyway, it is great to finally see your parents." Crescendo added. "Yeah..." Sunset had a sad tone in her voice. "What's wrong?" Asked Chelsey "There are just so many questions to ask, like why did they leave me with them." Sunset lowered her shoulders "what if I have to move away?" "Maybe you wouldn't have to" - Hooflock added, wrapping his arms around his friends - "seeing you are already in much better company." As they noticed Sunset's face brighten up, they thought of other positive thoughts. "And you know, there is a house for sale in our neighborhood" - Diver pointed in a direction away from school - "you wouldn't have to use a bus." True, Sunset did have to work fast early in the morning just to catch the morning bus. "You really think so?" Asked Sunset with a happy, but yet calm manner. Throughout the song each of her friends explain the pros of being part of the neighborhood. Cosgrove mentions just how much Sunset had changed how proud her parents would be. Zipper explains how she and her friends taught them to be more courageous while running circles around her. Diver mentioned the possibility of them swimming, though Cosgrove retorts that they should take this slowly. Chelsey mentions that though her family could be much taller than hers, it would be great hanging out with them. September 3rd/2008 Throughout the rest of August, Night Dancer had volunteered to house Sunset as the investigation continues. On the first day of September, Sunset and Night Dancer sat across from each other on a table. The latter of the two noticed Sunset's uneasy face as she merely stirred her cereal. "You've been awfully quiet, Sunset." - Night Dancer walked up to her - "what's wrong?" "Night Dancer, I haven't got a chance to say this when we first met," - Sunset lowered the spoon - "I want to say-" Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. Opening the door, Night Dancer met with Mae Horsetails, the police department's detective and Indigo Blue's mother. "We have much to discuss." - Mrs. Horsetails sat on in front of Sunset, placing a file on the table - "Now, Ms. Shimmer, as you are aware, we have been conducting an investigation for the past few weeks. And..." Pushing the file towards her, Sunset opened it, revealing a whole trove of birth certificates, family trees, and financial records. When she found the adoption form signed around the same time as her birth, she began to frown. "Why did they leave me with them?" "According to a couple witnesses," - Detective Horsetails cleared her throat - "Hydia threatened to arrest them for stealing from her garden before you were born." Sunset then noticed a piece of newspaper: a morgue article. According to this, Ember and Jetfire , her parents were reported dead, the first by suicide a few days after her husband's death by an accident at a factory. Immediately she dropped the pieces of newsprint. Mae sorted the papers back into the folder before standing up. "We hoped to contact any of your extended relatives, but almost none had an available." - closing the folder, Mae began walking towards the door - "We deeply apologize if this does not bring much good news." Just as Night Dancer locked the door after the detective left, Sunset immediately ran to her room, slammed the door and began to cry. The woman kept her distance for a few good hours before knocking on the door. Slowly opening the door, Night Dancer found her guest curled upright on the bed, her head between her knees. She sat next to her. "I am so sorry," Night Dancer rubbed Sunset's shoulder "I knew how much this meant to you." Sunset raised her tear stained face, "I am just so confused, if I don't have a family to begin with, then what is a family in the first place?" Throughout the song, Sunset first asks if a family looked like her, sleeps beside her or thinks that they're the best people. Night Dancer answers that family is more than just being friends, and that the center of it all is love, no matter the difference. At the end of the song, Sunset hugged Night Dancer. She looked to the horizon, thinking about what to do next. The following evening, The woman of the house was on the phone. "Hello, Claire?" - Night Dancer turned to her guest sleeping soundly on the bed - "I am thinking about adoption." History Repeats ItselfNovember 12th - December 2nd/2012 Three years have passed since the investigation and much has indeed changed in the mountain town of Estes Park. Now much older, Sunset, Flash, Crescendo and Hooflock (the first of them as he is older by three years), along with many other classmates have since graduated from Great Valley Elementary and have enrolled in Canterlot High. Their younger companions, ironic to be free from the torment of older bullies, have succumbed to boredom. In time, the coalition force broke apart, with only Cosgrove (now slightly more muscular and began sporting his facial hair on his lower jaw), Chelsey (now the tallest student with Hooflock and Big Mac now in Canterlot High), Zipper (now among the most athletic along with Scootaloo and Rumble) and Diver (who received the honor of being their class' premiere swimmer) and Dapplewood (just as tall as his brother when he entered Kindergarten and has taken an interest in saxophone lessons). With Night Dancer being Sunset's adopted parent, the latter would meet with them occasionally on holidays. Being a parent does fill a gap in Night Dancer's life that has been widening as the years went by. In the meantime, she has gained a full-time job at the Barn and Bailey Entertainment, 20 minutes away in good weather. But even in a different dimension, certain events good or bad happen. It was Thanksgiving Day and the families of Great Valley Drive gathered in Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop's homestead, placing each of their dishes on the table. "What's keeping Night Dancer?" asked Loopty Hoop - "she's never late to help us set up." "Heh, heh," chuckled Cosgrove "she's not the only person." Indeed, in the Centennial State Winter comes early and leaves a while after Spring comes. A good distance away, Clamp Jaw and Claire drove up to an accident on the highway. A few other highway cop cars were parked alongside to control traffic. "Officer Blurr," Clamp Jaw shook hands with the highway cop "any reason why you would want to call a city patrol unit?" Blurr waved his arm, "Do you recognize this vehicle?" The two Thunderfoot adults inspected the wrecked car. While Clamp noticed the familiar license plate, Clair inspected the inside of the car. In horror, she covered her mouth. "Oh... My... God..." A couple hours later and everyone was at the table, trying to stall their appetites long enough for the missing individuals to return. "So..." Zipper broke the silence "shallwesayourrthanks?" "Uhm," - Chelsey held a glass - "I'm thankful for having a wonderful summer over at Pismo Beach. Dapplewood made a series of hand signals, translated by his brother as, "I'm thankful for improving my saxophone skills and my brother and his friends for staying with me." Sunset fumbled her glass before announcing, "I'm thankful to have such great friends... so much that I have found that you all are the closest to my family." After a moment of silence, Dapplewood stood up, walked over to Sunset and gave her a hug, before his brother and friends gave her a hug too. Suddenly the door was immediately opened, showing the snow-covered Clamp Jaw and Claire putting away their coats and hats. As the children sat back on their chairs, the policemen joined their neighbors, but the silence became nerve wracking. "How was work?" Asked Cosgrove before being silenced by a raise of his father's hand. "At 5:05 PM today, Night Dancer has been found... Killed... by an accident on the freeway." - Clamp Jaw answered, trying not to break down - "We apologize to the friends and loved ones." As this news sank in, the people at the table joined hands. "Dear God," Loopty Hoop whispered "please watch over our daughter as she joins your Holy Domain. Please tell her that we love her just as you have wanted us to." She sniffles "In your name we pray." Though the prayer was over, no one ate, but began to weep, starting with Cosgrove, then Dapplewood, and so forth. As the Thunderfoot family returned to their home, Cosgrove took out his scrapbook, looking at every picture he could find that had Night Dancer in in the frame. Dapplewood, dragging his bed sheet, walked over to his brother as he took a peek at the scrapbook. Trembling, Cosgrove snapped the book shut before embracing his younger brother, shedding tears once more. He could hear the sniffles and hisses from him even though Dapplewood was in fact screaming. Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop had Sunset stay for the time being. When Lion Tamer walked down to the restroom, he heard his adopted granddaughter crying from behind the door. The first Friday of December, the funeral commenced, with the majority of Great Valley Drive watch as their departed member was lowered into the hole. March/2013 Wounds like these are hard to recover. Akin to the Pony Cosgrove being cared for by Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop after their daughter's death, so too is Human Sunset cared for by their human counterparts. As they sort through her clothing they did come across a black jacket with orange chevrons and boots to match. "We don't usually keep all her old clothes, but," - Lion Tamer turned to their foster child, holding the items - "maybe they would look good on you." Trying on the leather jacket and boots, Sunset found that they are a good fit, though a matching set of clothes would work better later on. Noticing Night Dancer's portrait, she droops her shoulders. Taking out her phone, she dialed up the numbers of her friends. Sorry, I'm not available at the moment. But Dapplewood says hi. answered Cosgrove's voice message. Not available at the moment. answered Chelsey's voice message. Sorry Ican'ttalkathemomentbutifyouleavemeamessagei'llcomebacktoyou. Answered Zipper's voice message, though here, it was barely audible. Meditating, please leave a message Said Diver. After the beep of each phone, Sunset answered, "Hey... It's Sunset. I just wanted to call to check up on you guys. I am so sorry that Night Dancer had passed away. Cosgrove, I know how much she meant to you. I mean," - She sniffled, trying not to break down - "you were with her since we were kids. Whatever it takes... I'll make this right, I promise." Hanging up the phone, Sunset pinched the bridge of her nose before looking at the Night Dancer's portrait again. The once talkative Zipper hasn't spoken much since but is often seen making a jog around the neighborhood. Chelsey took this loss the most; every day she would throw a tantrum on an old Volkswagen before sobbing. Diver sought out meditation, using the indoor swimming pools to calm herself. At Sweet Apple Acres, Cosgrove sat on a hilltop, underneath a tree, the horse he rode grazing nearby. Onward he stared into the horizon as the ghost of last Winter vanished the Rockies in a veil of mist. His ear flicked to the sound of heavy hoof steps. Looking over, Cosgrove found an unusual sight: Granny Smith also rode a horse to his sitting spot. "Wheweee, forgot how riding a horse could be so refreshing." - Granny complemented before struggling to dismount. With a little help, she does before she looked around - "Mighty fine spot this is." Cosgrove leaned on the tree, his eyes closed and brow furrowed. "Ah remember when Applejack would come her often... After my son and daughter in law passed on." Cosgrove flicked his head to the elderly woman, "Passed on? For how long?" Granny Smith lowered her head, "Since Apple Bloom was two..." Cosgrove looked around; all this land for the past ten years was managed effectively by Granny Smith's grandchildren. Granny placed a hand on his shoulder "You see, sonny, the reason we Apples have a neighborhood get together is because we view the people around us as family." Enlightened by this fact, Cosgrove helped Granny onto her horse before turning to his horse. "Did the pain ever went away?" Cosgrove asked. "Not all the way." Granny steered the horse towards the Barn "But it will in time." After mounting the horse, Cosgrove looked up to find the sun's rays piercing the clouds. Holding the reins, he crossed his heart before bringing the horse to a gallop. Dismounting, he clocked himself out and took the bus back home. Further away, Dapplewood was with the Syrup Family. Strawberry watched the depressed boy from inside as her daughter tried to comfort him. They were interrupted when Cosgrove's shadow loomed over them. "Dapplewood, it's time to get our family together." - Confused, Dapplewood made a few slow hand signals - "where it all began ten years ago." Taking out his cell phone, Cosgrove sent a message that soon reached Chelsey, Zipper, Diver, and Sunset's phones. Taking them out the same time at different places, they read the message: Meet me and my brother at Turtle Park. Cosgrove Being the closest to Turtle Park, Sunset took a bus over to the park. In a form of coincidence, she found an unlikely sight. Reeka and Draggle were being attacked by a school gang known as the Diamond Dogs. They also came from Great Valley Elementary, and now are among the gangs fighting for dominance in Canterlot High. “Gems!” - Rover stretched out his hands - “Give us gems!” "You heard her, Draggle give them money!" Reeka bumped her sister. "No, you!" Draggle rebuked. Rover lifted them up and growled. “Leave them alone!” Both sisters and the Diamond Dogs looked over to find Sunset Shimmer walking towards them. Rover and Fido paid no mind to them as they approached their new challenger. Spot gave a cruel chuckle as his partners towered over her. Sunset charged at the gang, but on a three to one scale, the fight was not on her side. Reeka and Draggle watched as their former sister got pummeled to the ground. Rover kicked her in the stomach, Spot punching her in the face before Fido grabbed her and flung her to the side. Sunset spat out blood as she tried to get up when Rover lifted his foot over her head. “Hey!” “Ooooohhhh!!!” Rover pulled his ears down before turning around. “What now!?” It was Cosgrove and Dapplewood standing before them, the latter just baring his teeth. The Diamond Dogs looked in confusion at just two small children. “Any hair you pick from them” - Cosgrove placed each of his hands into the other, popping his knuckles while cracking his neck - “You have to deal with us.” Despite his threatening growl, the Diamond Dogs merely laughed at Cosgrove’s threat. However, noticing his determined look, Sunset began figuring out their intention when Dapplewood took out his whistle and blew a sharp blast. The Diamond Dogs covered their ears to protect them from the pitch. While they weren't looking, Sunset tackled Fido, and Cosgrove rammed Rover. Dapplewood continued to make repeated whistles, especially in front of Spot. The smaller Diamond Dog reached out and plucked the whistle from Dapplewood's neck, crushing it in his hands. The larger members recovered and fought back, effortlessly pummeling the daylights out of them. Spot was just about to punch Dapplewood when Diver shoved him away with her great bulk. As she inched up to Spot, Chelsey tackled Fido long enough for Sunset to escape, and Zipper leaped onto Rover, Cosgrove recovering and joining him shortly. Sunset pulled her former stepsisters away from the skirmish. "You came back to us," said Draggle "But why?" Reeka added "We haven't been kind to you all your life." "Because looking back now," - Sunset looked at the battle - "you deserve a life I have now even before I was born." Diver and Spot, both around the same size and girth, pushed and pulled each other, their shoes leaving marks on the grass. Spot pulled away a fist and punched her in the stomach. He would have done so again had Dapplewood not bite down hard on his arm. Down on her knees for a while, Diver curled up and somersaulted at the small Diamond Dog. After toppling over onto his stomach, Diver body slammed him, pinning him down. "You two shouldn't be the ones who also have to suffer like I have." Zipper, the agilest of the four, toyed around with Rover, pulling his red jacket, kicking him in the ankles. At one point the leader grabbed him by the shirt and was just about to punch him. That’s when Cosgrove, the power side of the duo, rammed him. Rover pushed away the boy’s flailing “claws” and legs with one of his great arms when Zipper pulled his hair. Cosgrove then placed his feet onto Rover’s chest and began stamping him down. "And now, with one problem gone, we can start building our own lives. Our own families." Reeka and Draggle stood up and gave Sunset a hug. "We wish you the best." Said Draggle before scampering away with her sister. Despite being the tallest of the five younger children, Chelsey was still outsized by Fido. They pulled and tugged at each other, but Fido’s upper body strength allowed him to lift her off the ground. Tilting her body, the large Diamond Dog punched her hard in the stomach before flinging her to the floor. Chelsey wrapped an arm around her stomach as she tried to recover. Fido clenched both fists and raised them up in the air. Just when was about to slam them onto the girl, he spotted a red and yellow blur coming right at him. Using Chelsey as a footstool, Sunset leaped onto Fido’s shoulders. She took off her jacket and wrapped it around his face. Fido reeled back as Sunset tugged at the sleeves, while constantly shuffled to avoid being grabbed by his arms. Chelsey slowly got up and rammed the brute, toppling him over. The freshman then wrapped around his legs, raising a fist. “YOU” - Chelsey punched Fido in the stomach - “PUNCHED” - she punches him again - “ME!!” Chelsey wrapped a fist behind behind her hand and slammed them to his stomach. Rover struggled to get up as Cosgrove slowly applied pressure to his chest, "Stop Stop!! We surrender!!!" All the other fighters released the Diamond Dogs, but Cosgrove still had his foot on Rover's chest. "You all fight like animals!" Rover complemented "Even if spootsy named gang split up." "We are not the 'Anti-Bullying Coalition Force'" - Cosgrove said in a whiny voice before bending down to Rover, looking furious - "We're under a new name. We are the Maximals, and this is our territory, where our pack first met." Rover noticed Sunset Shimmer kneeling down, seeing the bloodied face as she looked at him. "I do not want to see you mess around with my family and friends." Cosgrove lifted Rover by the collar, "Understand..." he growled. "Yes, kid." Sunset pulled Rover's ear, "It's Cosgrove!" "Yes, Mr. Cosgrove and Ms. Shimmer!" Rover said in a polite tone before scurrying away from them as fast as they could. Noticing the rest of the newly Christened Maximals growling (or in Dapplewood's case, hissing through his teeth) at them, Spot and Fido Immediately scurried away from the park, Cosgrove almost snatching the first. The yellow and violet preteen roared in their general direction, much to their bemusement, before returning to them. "Maximals?" Asked Chelsey. "Think about it, in a way we have been treated like animals. They can have weird features" - Cosgrove pointed to his hands and Zipper's - "be tall or fat" - he points to Chelsey and Diver before kneeling to Dapplewood - "some can't make a sound," - he then turns to Sunset Shimmer - "and you, you have been caged for most of your life, but then you found all sorts of friends in shapes and sizes." Thinking about it, they warmed up to the idea as Cosgrove took his leave. "Better than Flash' name." Added Diver before she and the others joined him. Sunset caught up to him, before seeing his eyes turn to her. "I got your message, too." - Said Cosgrove - "And I forgive you." Sunset smiled, though the teeth are still stained with blood from the fight before she almost collapsed. The others decidedly helped Cosgrove carry her the rest of the way home. Author's Note Originally I was going to have Principal Celestia adopting Sunset, but keeping a slight parallel to the Pony World, I changed it to have Night Dancer's family to foster here. EpilogueFebruary/2014 The past two years has been among the happiest Sunset has ever had. With help from her friends, she earned the Spring Fling Crown, gained the attention she needed, and above all, gained a loving family at last. She still looked to the same caring faces of her friends since the day she met. By her Junior year, Sunset gained a new wardrobe. Nowadays, fitting her new jacket and boots, she wore a blue skirt and jeans. She has gained a driver's license, with a class allowing her to drive a motorcycle with restrictions. Now there is still one piece of business to attend to. With Pinkie Pie being the party planner, the Apple Family providing food (especially their Fizzy Apple Cider), and Rainbow Dash being the captain of every sports team, Sunset managed a niche by providing tours to new or prospective students. Sunset looked at her Spring Fling portrait from two years ago. The next two years the crown has been taken by Rainbow Dash and Rarity respectfully. Sunset sighed, "You'll never forget that day." "Sunset Shimmer," - Vice Principal Luna buzzed - "please report to the front foyer." The fire-haired student walked to the front and cross her arms. "So, ready to take another look at Canterlot High?" The group she is tutoring today are once again Cosgrove, Chelsey, Diver, Zipper, and Cogsworth, now grown into their current proportions. Cosgrove approached her before handing Sunset an unusual item: a badge that resembled an MLP style pony head in an abstract red (without a further look it would've resembled a Smilodon). "We sure are," - Cosgrove stepped back with a toothy grin - "Boss." As they walk along the courtyard, music began to play. Throughout the song, many pictures taken over the next two years were shown. One picture showed the Maximals at Sweet Apple Acres watching Sunset complete the horseback obstacle course (with a rule of third showing Cosgrove watching Big Mac mark her time. The next picture, taken with an underwater camera, showed them holding their breath, Diver giving a smirk. The next picture showed the Maximals with Hooflock as he prepared to graduate. The next picture showed them helping the Crusaders make Pipsqueak the student body president at Great Valley Elementary. After the end of the song, the Maximals took notice of Fluttershy being harassed by Garble's gang. Cosgrove looked at Sunset, who motioned him with her eyes. "You really suit your name quite well, Flutterdork!" Garble laughed before being poked on the shoulder, revealing the Maximals. "Sunset said we should meet face to -" Quickly Cosgrove raised his fist and punched it at Garble, knocking him out cold. Bonus Chapter: Of Kings and Wingmen Bonus Chapter: Of Kings and Wingmen February 2nd/ 2013 Almost three months had passed since the unfortunate accident, but the wound still ran deep. Beginning her second semester back at school, Sunset fared little better. With the Spring Fling nearby, everyone was getting ready. Current contestants for the title Princess are Trixie, Lightning Dust, and herself. The score balanced between her and Trixie, a few more votes would be needed to tip the scales. Sunset sat alone at the lunch table. Not making any eye contact with her classmates. She looked at today's meal, pasta with meatballs. But appetizing the meal was, she didn't feel ready to satiate her hunger. "Coral snake..." A voice echoed in her head. In her line of vision, the noodles became alive, slithering off the tray and table "Red and Yellow, make a dead fellow." When the bell rang, Sunset snapped back into focus, her food becoming limp again. With a hiss, she stood up, threw the contents of the tray, placed it in the dish bin and walked out of the lunch room. "Are you crazy?!" In their free hour after lunch, Crescendo yelled at her brother "Have you just forgotten that Sunset is still grieving over Night Dancer?!" "No." Hooflock answered "Flash and I just thought that maybe a little date between them would cheer her up." Crescendo pinched her temples. "You are so..." Hoof tensed his face. "What? What are you going to say?" "You're two years older than the three of us, why can't you ever think for yourself?" Hooflock raised a brow, "Are you saying I'm stupid?" "No." Answered Crescendo with a sad tone in her voice "You can be loyal to anybody, but can you be loyal to everybody?" As Crescendo turned and left, her question struck the dumbfounded Junior. As math class continued, Hooflock riddled in deep thought. He tried to recollect any memory of Flash Sentry being a friend to him. "Well there was the time he brought me to a bunch of girls..." He thought to himself before realizing "No, they hung out with him more than me." "Oh, there was a time when I helped his band carry their equipment..." He shook his head again "Only myself, without thanks." Hooflock furrowed his brow, "What about-" "Hooflock!" The Junior turned to his teacher, Square Root with his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised "care to tell the class the square root of five hundred forty-six?" Snapped back into focus, realizing his own life as a whole, twitched a muscle or two on his face before answering, "Twenty-six point three six six six four two eight nine one zero nine!" The entire class was shocked at this outburst, for this was the first time they heard him spoke that loud before. The professor took a deep breath, "Correct." As the school day ended, Hooflock tried to maintain his anger as he walked down the halls to his locker. "Hey, Hooflock!" The older student curled his lip as Flash walked from behind "Have you set up the little display at Sunset's locker?" "No." Flash tapped his shoulder, "Well, we can get it set up-" "You mean I can get it set up tomorrow?" Flash turned to see his partner looking furious "Like how the girls swoon over you after you introduced me to them, or how I carried every single piece of equipment for your band, or how about you just speak for me when I can clearly speak for myself!" The other students watched as the goliath spoke against one of the most popular students in the school. Flash splayed his arms out, looking confused. "What, why are you talking like that?" Flash then soft punched Hoof's shoulder "C'mon, you're my wingman." "Exactly!" He barked back "I'm two years older than you and you treat me like a gun ready to be disposed of when the barrel's busted! If this was how I have been played all these years, then I shouldn't be your friend at all!" Hooflock stormed forward, ignoring everyone's reaction as he reached his locker. Flash clenched his fists before waving him off. "Fine! Be an ass!" Flash turned around towards the Freshman locker hall "I'll just ask her my-" Flash was stopped when he spotted Sunset Shimmer, packed up to leave for the day, scowling at him. The jock gave a nervous chuckle. "You know, if you were also my friend, why haven't you helped me for all these years when I was in that hellhole? Or better yet, when you noticed I had" she pulls her shirt collar, revealing a more healed whip mark but still present "this around my neck. I was lucky to have ran away the first time because I have found many better friends that are two to six years younger than the both of us!" A tear rolled down her eye as she stormed off towards the doors. "You can ditch offering to be my date, in fact, if I were you, I wouldn't go to the Spring Fling at all!" With a slam of the doors, the student body looked at him, two wrongs don't make a right after all. "You have a lot to think about." Said Crescendo as she walked by to join her brother. Back outside, Sunset continued her walk back to her home. When she was passing by the cemetery, she turned around and found Cosgrove and Dapplewood making a small snowman near Night Dancer's burial stone. As the younger brother smoothed out the ephemeral piece, Cosgrove turned to find their neighbor behind the scarf. After looking at each other for a while, Cosgrove returned to his brother. Sunset took a breath of cold air and continued her journey back home.
Prologue: Humble Beginnings.Estes Park, Colorado, January 1997 There were once a man and a woman who had been betrothed for a while. But happy as they were, luck was not on their side. The man was recently laid off and struggled to find work. Their only hope for survival was the nearby food drives, but those were often fleeting. Nearby their apartment a splendid garden could be seen, which was full of the most beautiful flowers and herbs. It was, however, surrounded by a high wall, and no one dared to go into it because it belonged to Hydia and her daughters Reeka and Draggle, declared to be the worst of neighbors. One day, the hunger became too much and the woman became ill. Alarmed, the man asked, "Ember, what's wrong?" Ember tried to reply, but could only respond with a cough. Time was now of the essence, if the man couldn't find work, he would have to steal, whatever cost that would be as long as his wife and child could survive. At twilight, he clambered down over the wall into Hydia's garden, hastily clutched a handful of rampion, and made a salad of it. It tasted so good to her - so very good, that the next day Ember longed for it three times as much as before. If he was to have any rest, her husband knew he must once more descend into the garden. Therefore, in the gloom of evening, he let himself down again; but when he had clambered down the wall he was terribly afraid, for he saw Hydia standing before him. 'How can you dare,' - said Hydia with an angry look - "descend into my garden and steal my rampion like a thief? I should have you arrested!' "Please," answered the Husband, "let mercy take the place of justice, I only did because my wife is sick and is expecting a child." Hydia allowed her anger to be softened, and said to him, "If that's what you want, I will allow you to take away with you as much rampion as you will, only I make one condition, you must give me the child which your wife will bring into the world; it shall be well treated, and I will care for it like a mother." The man in his terror consented to everything before telling his wife. Estes Park, Colorado, June 16th/1997 Nine months have passed, and Ember gave birth to a healthy girl. As happy as they were, they still had a deal to keep. "I am sorry to hear that you are placing this child for adoption." - Said Doctor Horse - "Do you have a name for her?" Noticing that it was just before evening, Ember looked at her daughter one last time. "Shimmer... Sunset Shimmer..." - Ember's tears dripped on her child's nose With Sunset put up for adoption, she was left in the nursery with several other children, many of whom will become very important in her life. Hydia watched the innocent child from behind the window as she gave a toothy grin. Ashley Valley, Utah. November 7th/1999 In the eve of the eighth day of November, a miracle has happened. In the Regional Medical Center, a woman was recovery from delivering her first child, her husband sitting beside her. As they waited for their new arrival to return, they rubbed their heads together. The husband turned to the sound of a door opening. The lead medic, Dr. Lipschitz, held their child, a yellow baby boy with a slight peach fuzz of purple hair. For the first time, Claire held her child in her arms. Clamp Jaw, having to wait quite a while, turned to the doctor. "So what's wrong with him?" asked Clamp. "Mr. Thunderfoot, your son has ectrodactyly." answered Dr. Lipschitz Claire pulled down the sheet to find her son's condition; one each of his hand, his ring-pinky and index and middle fingers were conjoined, giving them the appearance of claws. "Your son's fingers aren't fused by bone." - The doctor took out a slip and began writing on it - "I can refer you to McNamera/Troy-" "No." Clamp Jaw interrupted, placing his hand on the slip. "Sir, if you let him grow with this condition," - "Lipschitz lowered his glasses - "your son may have difficulty writing, let alone grasping a pencil efficiently." "And if we did surgery now, we'd be bankrupt." Clamp Jaw rebuked. Having to keep his reputation, the doctor respected his decision with a nod. Clamp Jaw turned back to his wife. "What will you name him?" Claire looked at her son as he shuffled in his blue sheet. "Cosgrove... After my great grandfather." "Cosgrove..." Clamp Jaw looked at his son before nudging his wife.
New NeighborsEstes Park, Colorado. May 22nd/2005 As the sun rose high over the mountainous region of Colorado, the city became crowded with people as they resumed their daily business. Adults went to work, their children were just about to finish their school year. When the sun's rays reached Hydia's residence, it was much different place than what it was eight years ago. The vegetable garden was long gone, replaced by trash over the years. The house itself has become what the neighbors call dark dank and dreary. How they were able to keep the authorities away is unknown, especially since the house is home to a child. Speaking of whom, a much older Sunset Shimmer awoke when the sun's rays shined on her face. The girl stepped out of her crudely made bed and walked to her cracked mirror. With a mere huff, she pulls out a hairbrush that almost had no bristles, what should have taken a few brush strokes took around one hundred. "Sunset," - Shouted Hydia from behind the door - "where are you!" Sunset put down the brush, "Coming, mom!" Quickly putting on her shoes, Sunset quickly ran down the stairs and met her "mother" glaring at her. "What did you call me?" Hydia hissed "Sorry, Hydia." Sunset apologized "You should be," - the aged woman stepped towards her adopted daughter until she fell on the stairs - "because now you have a lot of work to do." - Hydia walked away before stopping and turned around - "three months worth if I may add." Sunset groaned at that statement. The joy of being at school five days a week for nine months was so she could be away from her home. Picking up a trash pick and garbage bag, Sunset walked to the trash infested garden. A few hours into her work and Sunset managed to fill 10 heavy duty trash bags. She took out a water bottle when a banana peel landed on her head. Sunset turned her head to find Reeka and Draggle lazing on a garbage pile. Reeka ravenously wolfed down one sandwich before moving on to the next one while Draggle laid underneath the shade of a torn parasol. The much older red head watched Sunset return to her work before looking at her sister. "Reeka, why don't you help Sunset?" - asked Draggle "What?!" - rebuked Reeka - "I helped her the last time! I'm eating!" "Oh yes," - Draggle added - "always eating." Sunset ignored their banter and continued her work. "They haven't been any help anyway." Sunset whispered to herself. A few minutes of trash picking and she found something of an oddity, a hole in the wall, no doubt as a result of lack of maintenance over the years. Being located far into the trash heaps, this could provide a good getaway spot. Throwing away the trash pick and garbage bag, Sunset was about to enter the hole when- "Sunset!!" Roared Hydia. Defeated, for now, the child drew away from the hole, picked up the pick and trash bag and ran back to her home. Just a half hour away, an Isuzu Rodeo and a moving truck drove towards the city. In the car, Clamp Jaw and Claire, now expecting her second child, sat in the front while Cosgrove, now six months away from his sixth birthday slept in the back. Clamp, because of his daring behavior, was removed from Utah's SWAT force when both he and his wife were offered positions for the Estes Park Police Department. When they reached the metro, Claire turned her head to her dormant son. "Cosgrove, we're here." Cosgrove slowly awoke, rubbing his face with his three-fingered hands. Upon seeing the crowded city, Cosgrove leaned on the windows of the car, his face beaming as he watched the children play and adults walking up and down the streets. Their destination, however, takes them away from the town. Their home was in a much more sparse location, with trees both alive and dead clouding the backside of their home. Parking the truck near the driveway and their car at the front yard, the Thunderfoot family stepped out onto the ground of Colorado. Clamp Jaw, Tremor, and the truck driver began unloading the truck while Cosgrove helped his mother walked inside. "Well, what do you think, Cosgrove?" asked Claire while looking at her son. "It's great," - Cosgrove turned to an empty space - "right, Dapplewood?" Claire raised an eyebrow as Cosgrove listened to nothing. He started doing this in pre-school when his classmates started teasing him. With a new child on the way, this could change. "Honey, why don't you-" - Suddenly Claire felt a sharp pain before stumbling onto her knees. "Mommy?" - Cosgrove asked. Claire was breathing rapidly, "Go get your father." Cosgrove ran as fast as his legs could to Clamp Jaw and began tugging at his pants. "What's wrong, Cosgrove?" - Clamp Jaw looked at the house before running inside to meet up with his wife- "Claire?" "It's time..." Tremor watched Clamp Jaw carry his wife back to the car and drove away in a blink of an eye. Cosgrove tugged at his grandfather. "Will Mommy be okay?" Asked Cosgrove with a sad look on his face. "She will, Cosgrove." - Tremor rubbed his grandson's head - "She will." As Tremor helped the truck driver bring the boxes into his house, Cosgrove dug into one of the boxes with his name labeled on it and pulled out a ball. "Come on, Dapplewood!" - Cosgrove turned to his imaginary friend - "Let's play!" Cosgrove kicked the ball around the truck and followed it far from the house. His grandfather was about to grab the opened box when he noticed Cosgrove was missing. Cosgrove kicked the ball hard into the air. When it landed on the hill, it rolled down fast until it bumped into a leg. "Ha!" - Cosgrove reached the ball - "Beat ya, Dapplewood!" When he reached for the ball, Cosgrove stopped and looked up at the person in front of him. It was a girl slightly taller than him, with peach skin with lighter blotches across her body and face. "Hi!" - Greeted Chelsey, causing her visitor to fall onto the ground. Curious, she also fell back onto the dirt, using her legs to drag herself towards him - "I'm Chelsey!" As soon as he saw her stretch out her hand, Cosgrove pulled his hands back. The slightly taller child furrowed her eyebrows before flat out pulling out one of his three fingered hands. Cosgrove winced, ready for whatever teasing this stranger is going to give him. What happened was not what he expected; Chelsey positioned his fingers and did a handshake. "What's your name?" Asked Chelsey. "Cosgrove." - the boy then turned to his imaginary friend, wrapping his arm around the empty air - "and this is Dapplewood." Though plain as day, kid's their age would believe just about anything. Chelsey grabbed the imaginary friend's hand and shook it. "Aw, Chelsey!" - The two children turned to find another girl about three years older - "What has Mom told you about playing in the-" "Look, Janey! Friend!" Chelsey answered. The older sister gave a smile, "Haven't seen you around here, what's your name?" "Cosgrove!" - The children turned again to Tremor walking towards them - "Don't ever run away like that again!" Tremor picked up his grandson and walked back towards home. Chelsey picked up the ball they left behind. "He seemed very sweet." Janey added. It was well into midnight. All the boxes were stacked into their owner's respective rooms. Cosgrove was dead asleep in his room, all snug in his temporary stand in bed. His grandfather is still awake, waiting for his son and daughter-in-law to come in with the new arrival. Tremor bided his time by going deep into a crossword puzzle from today's paper, occasionally taking a sip of coffee to remove the sleep from his eyes. Ten till one in the morning, the door handle began to wiggle. ... As the sun rose once again, Cosgrove awoke to the smell of burning food. When he walked into the living room, he saw his mother and father together, the former holding something in her arms. Cosgrove walked towards them. "Cosgrove," - Clamp Jaw looked at his first child - "meet your brother, Dapplewood." Cosgrove looked closer to find a light tan child with a small tip of yellow-white hair coming out of the head cover. Cosgrove gently rubbed his newborn brother's cheek, "He is real..." They were then interrupted by a series of knocks on the door. Cosgrove and his father walked to the door and opened it, revealing Chelsey, Janey and their parents, the latter of whom tower over Clamp Jaw's already tall stature. "Hi there!" - Announced Large Marge - "Our daughters found your son yesterday and we would-" Clamp Jaw shushed them, "There is a child asleep upstairs." "Oh, sorry." - Big Hooves apologized - "Can we take this inside?" Clamp Jaw glared at his first child before turning to his neighbors, giving them a snide grin. "Please..." The man of the house answered, waving his arm to let them in. The two eight-nine foot adults walked inside, followed by Janey and Chelsey, who gave Cosgrove back his rubber ball. The family grouped together in front of Claire and the newborn. "Oh my," - Large Marge lowered her massive upper body towards the baby - "congratulations!" When he opened his eyes for the first time in his life, Dapplewood saw the towering figure. Scared, Dapplewood began to cry, but no sound was heard. The neighbors and Cosgrove were confused as Claire calmed the baby. "Mommy," - Cosgrove asked - "is Dapplewood broken?" "Cosgrove!!" - Berated Tremor "Dad, please." - Clamp Jaw lowered himself to his son's height - "This is complicated, but Dapplewood won't be able to talk." "What do you mean, Daddy?" - Cosgrove asked confusingly. "When you get older," - Clamp Jaw rose to his full height - "you'll understand, son." Cosgrove looked at his baby brother as he calmed down. What will become of him? How will he go through school? The future has much on its mind, pray that it will be kind. June 4th, 2005 With Summer Vacation rolling about, the risk of crime increases. Having recovered from the birth, Claire joined her husband in the police department, leaving only Tremor to care for the two children over the summer. It became apparent that a sitter will be needed. One day in his room, Cosgrove was playing with a two-month Dapplewood when a knock was heard. "Hello, I am here for the babysitter position." said a voice. "Ah, come in!" Tremor greeted Cosgrove turned to the sounds of footsteps approaching the door of his room. When his grandfather opened the door, Cosgrove saw a slightly blue skinned woman with long brown hair and violet eyes alongside him. "Cosgrove, Dapplewood," - Tremor announced - "I would like you to meet Night Dancer." The young adult crouched down to their height. "Hello, Cosgrove." - Said Night Dancer As if there was some form of spiritual bond, Cosgrove immediately hugged Night Dancer to her surprise. Tremor widened his eyes, amused by this action. "He likes you already!" - Tremor walked up to them - "when would you like to start?" Calming herself, Night Dancer turned to the grandfather. "I can start today..."
The Last Days of SummerAugust 1st, 2005 School is approaching once again. Children moaned and complained while their parents rushed around to gather school supplies. As a few acts of desperation, high schoolers would spend a few good nights on the town. One imprisoned kid wants this opportunity. On one such night, Sunset Shimmer finally began her first escape plan. While her "sisters and mother" were dead asleep, Sunset snuck out of the window and into the trash garden. Having marked the route to the break in the wall, Sunset easily moved through the garbage piles to said hole. Looking back at that dreadful prison, Sunset sneered before she began scooting her small frame through the hole. Occasionally the edges of the rock would tug at her hair and scraped her knees, but it's worth being free for once in the Summer. With one last push, Sunset was free and began to run as fast she could away from her prison. The further she ran, the less pungent the air as it became replaced by the more sweet smell of pastries, flowers, and fruit. The sun rose over an area of the town plaza called Turtle Park, so aptly named because of the large turtle statues that scatter across the grassy landscape near the river. A few hours after, Cosgrove and Chelsey played around the park as Night Dancer watched them from afar while watching Dapplewood as he happily squirmed in his cradle. The two more active children clambered on the statue of a soft shell turtle, taking the amazing sight of the horizon from the plaza in front to the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Cosgrove continued to look around until he spotted someone underneath the jaws of the snapping turtle statue. Curious, he and Chelsey hopped down and approached the figure. It was Sunset Shimmer, dead asleep after running around town last night. Grabbing a nearby twig, Chelsey poked her several times. "Night Dancer," - Cosgrove called out - "There's a dead girl under one of the statues." Sunset's eyes slowly opened as the sound of scattered pebbles revealed Night Dancer's presence. "Cosgrove, Chelsey, step away from her!" - Night Dancer berated them. Sunset curled back, holding up her arms in defense. "Please," - She begged - "don't hurt me." The two children and young adult looked at each other before turning to Sunset again. "We wouldn't hurt you." - Night Dancer answered before looking around - "Are your parents here?" Sunset merely shook her head at that answer. Night Dancer gave out her hand, "Why don't you come with us?" Sunset was uncertain of this stranger, but her compassion made her far different from Hydia. Sunset took Night Dancer's hand and walked over to her car along with the others. A short drive later, and they arrived at Night Dancer's family home. Her parents, Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop, were at work, and so would be a matter of time to get things done. When they are inside, Sunset was amazed at how tidy Night Dancer's home is compared to that of Hydia's. Night Dancer handed Sunset a towel and a robe. "The shower's over there." - Night Dancer pointed to the restroom - "Hand me your clothes when you're done." Closing herself inside, Sunset inhaled the sweet scent of cinnamon candles before proceeding with the ordeal. A few minutes later, the eight-year-old, wrapped head to toe in bath towels, walked to Night Dancer's living room, Night Dancer herself carrying her filthy clothes to the laundry room. She sat on a chair while Cosgrove, Chelsey, and Dapplewood sat and stared at her. "What is your name?" Asked Cosgrove. "Shimmer, Sunset Shimmer." She answered "Sunset Shimmer, huh?" - Chelsey chuckled - "Funny name." Sunset gave the piebald girl a snide look, "So are you brother and sister?" "What? No!" - Cosgrove rebutted - "Chelsey's my neighbor, Dapplewood's my brother." Cosgrove held his baby brother's hand and waved it a little, much to his amusement. Sunset noticed Cosgrove's hands being different from all of them in this household. Cosgrove, noticing her stare, released his baby brother's hands. "Yeah..." - Cosgrove added - "everyone's scared of my hands." "Oh, that's not..." - Sunset lowered her head in shame - "I'm sorry..." The slightly younger children looked at each other before turning to her. "Where are you from?" Asked Chelsey. Sunset looked away for a moment before seeing Night Dancer come back up with Sunset's clothes. Quickly she changed back into her clothes before running back outside. "Hey, wait!" - Night Dancer beckoned, but Sunset was long gone - "What was that girl?" "Sunset Shimmer." Answered Cosgrove. The sun began to shrink back into the Rockies when Sunset made her way back to her home. Much as she loved the sweet smell, Sunset had to dirty herself again to prevent her "mother" from becoming a tad suspicious. Upon doing so, she returned to find Hydia standing there, tapping her foot with her eyebrow raised while her daughters hid behind a ragged couch. The small human approached her before examining Sunset from head to toe before stepping back again. "To your room, now!" Ordered Hydia, pointing to the upstairs bedroom. Sunset slowly walked upstairs to her room. When she entered her room and sat on the bed, her eyes began to stream tears as she remembered the utter compassion the strangers have given her outside her prison. It's still a few weeks away before school starts again, but this one night is one she wouldn't forget. August 20th, 2005 The weekend prior each new school year, the Apple Family hosts a party for their surrounding neighborhoods. With Cosgrove's home in Great Valley Drive being among them, his family and Chelsey's were invited. One could take a bike over to Sweet Apple Acres, but it's better to drive over there. By noon, a dozen cars are parked in the grassy lot next to the house itself, their owners and children gathering at the front porch. "Welcome to our annual get together at Sweet Apple Acres!" - Granny Smith announced, holding a megaphone - "Ahm Granny Smith and this here's my grandchildren Big Mac, Applejack, and Apple Bloom." "Howdy!" Greeted Applejack and Apple Bloom "Eeyup." Greeted Big Mac "We hope y'all have a fun time here today, now let's do it to it!" - Granny Smith finished. As the families dispersed, Cosgrove and Chelsey were being talked by their parents. "And stay near the house." - finished Big Hooves - "Are we clear?" "Yes, sirs." - Chelsey and Cosgrove answered. With a warm smile, Claire gave the two children a good rub on the head before they moved along into the crowd before they meet up with Apple Bloom. A few other families gathered around the Thunderfoots as they greeted them, admiring Dapplewood along the way. Granny Smith walked among her neighbors, each one greeting the elderly matriarch. While she looked around, she accidentally bumps into Tremor. "Oh, pardon me..." - Granny Smith looks up at the taller elderly man - "Sir..." "Pardon accepted," - Tremor lowered his head before fidgeting his glasses - "little lady." "Little lady?" Granny Smith chuckled Further away, Apple Bloom led Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Chelsey and Cosgrove through a slightly more forested part of the farm to a clubhouse. "Okay, Crusaders" - Sweetie Bell turned to Cosgrove and Chelsey - "and guests, what shall we do for our last crusade before going back to school?" "We can try butterfly catching." Said Apple Bloom "Nah, we tried that already." Said Scootaloo - "How about sack racing?" "We did that last month." Said Apple Bloom. While they continued, Cosgrove spotted a spotted collar lizard crawling in between the group, rested a little, then scurried away. "Why not lizard catching?" Cosgrove added, looking at the reptile running. The children looked at each other before chasing the lizard through the forest. When the lizard went under a log, Cosgrove dug his arm inside, trying to pry the reptile out. The Crusaders and Chelsey then scattered to find other specimens. Chelsey found a horned lizard perched on a rock. She pokes it a few times before narrowly missing a jet of blood squirted from the beast's eye. The Crusaders had their sights on a few whiptail lizards before chasing them individually. Cosgrove continued shuffling in the hole before seeing the collared lizard jump out of a hole. Being the fastest lizard species in Colorado, the reptile easily outran the six-year-old before suddenly a much larger lizard snatched it in the bushes. "Hey, guys" - Cosgrove turned to the others - "I've found something!" Back at the party, Big Hooves, Clamp Jaw, Big Mac, Applejack and Rarity looked around for the other children. "Ah swear Apple Bloom can get more ambitious than a jack rabbit." Said Applejack "Eeyup." Added Big Mac "Tell that to my son..." Clamp Jaw added out of earshot before turning to find the children holding a two-foot long monitor lizard across them. "Crusaders Lizard Catchers!!" They all exclaimed, bringing the older individuals to attention, each giving their respective relative a glare. "Can we keep him?" asked Cosgrove, before seeing his father raise his head, eyes looking down. The Crusaders closed their eyes. "Don't-!" Ordered Applejack a little too late when the trio of girls shot opened their eyes, trying to cute him out. Clamp Jaw still kept a stern face when his hand gained a mind of its own and grabbed a police phone. "Detective Horsetails," - Clamp buzzed - "recall the case about a stray monitor lizard in Colorado?" "Yes?" - Answered Mae's voice from the other side. "You can close it." - Clamp answered. "Understood." Clamp crossed his arms and lowered his massive upper torso to his son. "We already have a three-month-old boy in the house," - Clamp growled - "if you can't handle a pet, he's going to be marked 'kill on sight.' Am I clear?" Cosgrove reeled his neck back, "Yes, sir." Clamp Jaw walked away from the children, Big Hooves joining him when Applejack and Big Mac walked up to them. "Come on," - Applejack turned them towards the barn - "let's build a crate for the critter."
The Great Valley Drive AdventureAugust 22nd, 2005 While each school has a different starting date, it has now begun in Great Valley Elementary. To those living in the street of the same name, its a quick walk down and across the street, but a little further to where Sunset resides, it may require a bus. Inside one of the classrooms, the students talked to each other when a teacher walked inside. "Okay, class let's take our seats." - Announced Mrs. Puff - "Now this is a big milestone for you as you make your journey throughout your academic careers. We'll start first with our introductions, my name is Mrs. Puff." "Hi, Mrs. Puff." greeted the class in a happy tone. "Now," - Puff pulls out a list, "let's start off from A-Z." Upbeat music plays as each student walked up to the chalkboard. "Howdy, I'm Apple Bloom." "Boysenberry." "Button Mash." "Chelsey Berger Meister Meister Berger." "Cosgrove Thunderfoot." "Cogsworth." "Diamond Tiara." "Dinky Hooves." "Featherweight." "First Base." "Indigo Blue." "Noir." "Pipsqueak." "Rumble." "Scootaloo." "Shady Daze." "Silver Spoon." "Sweetie Belle" "Truffle Shuffle." "Twisth." "Zipper." The next few hours later, the recess bell rang, allowing children of many ages, segregated by grade, to roam the grassy playground. Chelsey and Cosgrove sat on the top of the jungle gym when they spotted a familiar figure. While it wasn't surprising that most students go to recess in elementary school, Sunset Shimmer was not playing alongside them, instead, she is studying phenomena from her textbooks. When she looked back up, she found two of the kids she met before. "Hey, Sunset!" Cosgrove greeted. "Oh..." - Sunset curled back, uneasy again - "hi..." "Oh, I forgot you ran out on us the last time we met," - Cosgrove stretched out his hand, revealing his condition - "I'm Cosgrove." Skepticism reached the older child again when a small angelic version of her appeared on her right shoulder. "Don't judge them by their appearance." - Scolded the angel - "After all they helped you." "Don't get you hopes up kid!" - a more demonic version appeared on her left shoulder - "You're much better looking than they are!" "They do have much happier families than we do, mind you!" Sunset shook her head back to reality, noticing Cosgrove having the same expression from before as he held his hand in front of her. Sunset held his hand for a while, feeling the unusual touch, then shook it. Chelsey stretched out her hand. "And I'm Chelsey." The piebald girl added before her hand was shaken. The two younger classmates sat next to her and looked at the text of the book. "So- sodium chlor-" - Cosgrove strained his mind trying to say the phrase - "So-" "Sodium Chloride." Sunset finished, rubbing Cosgrove's head. "So why don't you want to play?" - Chelsey asked. Sunset lowered her book, "I..." They are interrupted when they turned to Garble and his gang kicking someone on the chain link fence. Cosgrove and Chelsey immediately ran towards the fighting crowd, much to Sunset's disapproval. “You better not spread your little disease, freak!” Clump shouted as he continued his punishment. “Hey!” - Shouted Cosgrove- "Leave him alone!" The bullies turned around and surrounded them, revealing the multiple-fingered boy Zipper wrapping his arms around his stomach. Garble, noticing their features, crossed his arms with a smug grin. "Well, well, looks like crab hands and blotchy make quite a couple." Garble chuckled. Cosgrove growled at the phrase "crab hands" and quickly charged at him. The orange-haired bully angled his arm, preventing Cosgrove from reaching him as he flailed his "claws." Pushing the smaller boy back to the ground, Garble laughed at his feeble attempt before looking at his partners. "You know, these two can also benefit from learning a thing or two" - Garble cracked his knuckles - "about the pecking order here." Just as the pack of bullies stepped forward when Sunset Shimmer threw her textbook at Garble's head. The gang turned to find her stomping towards them, bridging herself between them and their next prey. “Every other hair you pick from them and you’ll be answering from me!” Sunset raised herself up a few inches, making her head reach up to Garble's chest. This surprised Garble; this is their third year in school but this was the first time she actually took initiative. "Look's like the coral snake finally decided to slither out of the rock." Said Spyro. That crack caused the silence to break with the sound of laughter as Garble reeled back to his friends. Sunset's cheeks flushed red before she weaved through the crowd, picked up Zipper and began walking back to the other two children. Chelsey and Cosgrove lifted up Zipper as they carried him to the Nurse' Office. Sunset lowered herself to grab her book when Clump kicked her in the stomach. Noticing, this Cosgrove tried to run back when another older student, Crescendo, stopped him. Sunset moaned as Garble and his pack circled around her. "Of course, we know what to do when we see a snake." Garble raised his foot above her head, prompting Sunset to close her eyes. Suddenly, the bully was snatched away and turned around, revealing an even taller boy. Hooflock stared at him while Flash Sentry brought Sunset up to her feet. "You messed with a friend of my partner," - Hooflock lifted Garble to his height - "and when you mess with her you gotta do something about it." The slightly older boy flicked Garble's nose twice before tossing him to the ground. With a simple crack from Hooflock's neck, Garble, and his pack ran clean away past Crescendo's group of children. The younger trio of children looked forward to Flash and Hoof bringing an injured Sunset to them. "Friends of yours?" asked Cosgrove. "Yeah," - Sunset groaned before waving her hand at Flash Sentry - "this is Flash Sentry, Hooflock, and Crescendo." "And we're the Anti-Bully Coalition Force!" Flash announced proudly. "Pphhh!" - First Base walked between the two groups - "That is a lame name, bro." Hooflock and Crescendo silently agreed to that by looking at each other. "So," - Flash turned to Sunset Shimmer - "who are the newbies?" "This is Cosgrove, Chelsey and..." Sunset looked at the person she saved, not having met him before. "Zipper." - The boy in question answered - "And Ithankyouforsavingme, Ijustdon'tunderstandwhytheywouldpickonmeforhavingmorefingersthantheyhave." His classmates stared at him, amazed at how fast Zipper could talk. Zipper returned the same expression, "What?" "You going to be okay?" Asked Cosgrove "Yeah," - Sunset waved her hand - "just go on ahead." With an uncertain look on their face, the three younger children turn around and walked towards the Nurse' office. Crescendo leaned onto her brother, "I feel sorry for them. They don't seem that different from us." Sunset placed a hand on her chin, taking her friend's statement into account. Once the last school bell rang, Chelsey, Cosgrove, and their new friend Zipper began their short journey home. "Hey!" - the three younger children turned to the same older individuals from before, Sunset approaching them - "We talked this over and we thought, why don't you hang out with us?" Cosgrove, Chelsey, and Diver looked at each other before giving their older peers a nod. October 20th - 31st, 2006 A year of hanging out with the coalition force, the three individuals become much more brave, especially when it comes to the scariest part of the year. The force has gained two additional members; providing the means to win first place in last year's school science fair, Cogsworth has been referred to the anti-bullying force, using his custom-made gadgets to provide an edge. Much has changed for Dapplewood, his eyes have turned from birth blue to his gray-purple and just starting to walk. But still being unable to talk, it has been tough for him to communicate. It has been solved somewhat when he was given a whistle. Noticing this concern, the Doo family, Derpy and Dinky's family, met with the Thunderfoot family. One somewhat warm Halloween day and the family met with the Syrup family, who have made a small business educating the blind, Deaf, and the Mute. While the adults discuss terms, Strawberry's own daughter Golden Caramel tried to communicate with Dapplewood with a somewhat amateur sign language. Dapplewood turned to his older relatives walking away, leaving only Cosgrove to watch over him. As the day closes, Sunset snuck out from her prison of a home and joined with her group. Flash had to watch over his brother, and Hooflock and Crescendo went with their family to an out of state gathering. Having heard of Cosgrove's whereabouts from Chelsey, they walked up to the Syrup residence and noticed Cosgrove and Dapplewood struggling with sign language. Intrigued by the idea, Sunset, Chelsey, and Zipper looked at each other. "One year without candy wouldn't hurt." Said Sunset with a shrug before joining in. March 30th, 2007 As the state of Colorado is warmed by the spring sun, many activities closed for last Winter open again. On one weekend, students from the Elementary School arrive at the swimming pool just as it opens for the summer. As was unusual to them, Sunset Shimmer was absent this time. In her place was Night Dancer. Confident with Cosgrove being responsible enough to leave him on his own, Dapplewood, now two years old, was her focus now. The little boy paddled along in a floaty with Night Dancer waist deep in the water watching him. "Okay, Dapplewood" - Night Dancer called - "come on over!" Dapplewood kicked the water as hard as his little legs could, slowly making his way to his babysitter. Underneath the deep end, the force of the repeated kicks disturbed the meditations of a much older child. Glaring up to the surface, she ascended rapidly to the surface. With a loud splash, the water revealed a light gray, slightly overweight, girl with blonde hair. "Oh not again," - Diver groaned - "just when someone swims for the first time, they get cocky and swim to the deep end." Dapplewood looked at the much older child. "Look, do you want my help or not?" "Dapplewood can't talk." Cosgrove answered from the edge of the pool. Diver looked at Cosgrove, then to the younger boy. "Well," - Diver smacked her lips - "that's a first." Using her head, Diver began to push the floatation device over to shore. Chelsey lifted Dapplewood to his feet. Having been out of the water for quite a while, Diver's body droops under gravity. "And next time, stay on the shore." - Diver berated Night Dancer rubbed the child's wet hair. "Thank you for the help." "I save just about three kids a day that come to the deep end." "Really?" - Said Chelsey - "Haven't heard of that before." "Well, now you know." Diver began turning her bulky body back to the water. "Hey!" - Cosgrove caught her attention - "What's your name?" Diver turned around, "Diver."
Cosgrove's New Job\Into the JunkyardAuthor's Note I accidentally closed my browser without saving at one point, so this may not be perfect the second time. Edit: added a little scene at the end of this chapter because it has been in my mind for a while now. Cosgrove's New Job\Into the Junkyard April 14th, 2006 The sun rose once again over the Centennial State, but this day was not one of fun. Sunset was hard at work making a soup for Hydia. But this time she has become clever about it. During a visit at Sweet Apple Acres, she came across a patch of Deadly Night Shade. Eating in large doses can make the horses sick and even kill a man, but with a small amount it can be used as a sleeping drug. "A pinch of Deadly Night Shade," - Sunset added the sample into the pot before grabbing a cup of cinnamon - "a few shakes of cinnamon, and" - she then grabs another container of chicken broth - "chicken broth should help." "Sunset," - Hydia roared - "is that soup ready yet?" "Coming!" Hydia was watching her very old TV on her rugged couch when the adopted daughter brought the soup over to her. "Ah, chicken broth!" - Hydia was about to dig in when her crooked nose caught a whiff - "And cinnamon?" Sunset flinched, "Oh, I thought you like cinnamon?" "Nothing is more suspicious than cinnamon," - Hydia brought a spoonful of the soup to Sunset's face - "until you try it. I won't eat a spoonful." Sunset, knowing what she put inside, became hesitant. "I'm not hungry." - Sunset accidentally flicked the spoon aside - "Oops!" Hydia lurched back on her couch, "You want me to starve!" - she hissed as Sunset bent down to pick up the spoon - "An old woman for whom you owe your very life!" Sunset placed the spoon in the soup, "I don't think it's that bad." - when she lifted the spoon out of the soup, the broth actually seeped through a few holes before she took a "sip" - "See, scrumptious!" Delighted with this, the hag grabbed the bowl and wolfed it down, unaware of Sunset's grin. A few hours later, Hydia was out cold, much to Sunset's chagrin. After generously giving her a blanket, Sunset ran out the front door towards the school where she would meet up with her friends. Just as she was across the street when she heard the crashing of a tree. Curious, she approached the homestead, noticing the slight dull-green color scheme before a tree landed right in front of her. "Sorry!" Tremor apologized before pulling the tree towards a dump pile Cosgrove took notice of her before running towards her. "What's going on here?" Asked Sunset "Doin' a little outdoor renovation," - Cosgrove waved a hand - "somehow the estate has a massive backyard, full of dead trees, so we gathered the neighborhood and began tearing them down." Sunset furrowed her eyebrow, "shouldn't this be way more difficult?" "They have weak roots," - Cosgrove turned to a nearby tree - "watch." Cosgrove quickly ran to the tree, preparing for impact... August 5th, 2008 Cosgrove pushed down a tree, but not the dead tree in their backyard. This was a dead apple tree. At one point last year, a passing Big Mac took notice of the work and immediately referred them the month before now. With four more helpers, the work became much faster and by July, the tree Cosgrove knocked down was the last one needed to be removed. "Good going there, slugger!" Applejack complemented with a pat on the back. "It's too bad my friends aren't here today." - Cosgrove turned to the apple farmer - "So, what's next?" Applejack scratched her head, "Well we do have something for you, but you may need to know how to ride a horse." Getting the idea, Cosgrove leaned forward. "Herding can be done on foot?" - he asked, receiving an answer with Applejack putting her hands in her pockets and making an uncertain face. A while later, we view a quiet, grassy plain with a few rabbits and prairie chickens browsing. Gradually, the peace is disturbed by rumbling, becoming loud enough to cause the small animals to scatter. Soon, the field is greeted with a flock of stampeding sheep, their baying accompanying their hoof steps. To the right side, their dog Winona ran with them to keep them in line. A good distance behind, Cosgrove, all tuckered out, almost collapsed has he not used a cane to support himself. When a shadow loomed over him, he turned to find Applejack riding one of their horses. "You win..." Cosgrove wheezed. Applejack smiled, "Go and get yourself cleaned up, I can handle this." With a nod, Cosgrove and Applejack moved passed each other in the opposite direction. After washing his face in an outside sink, Cosgrove spotted Apple Bloom leading an old cow out of the barn. "Hey, Apple Bloom," - Cosgrove walked up to her - "watcha doing with the cow?" "She's not producin' enough milk and..." Apple Bloom slowly revealed her small hunting rifle Cosgrove rubbed the old beast one last time, "Must be hard to lose something close to you, huh?" "We have livestock die each year," - Apple Bloom added before handing him the rope - "then we put them out to market." "Still a noble-" - Cosgrove stopped in the middle of tying the rope to a post - "into market you said?" "Yessum." Apple Bloom answered as she took out a bullet. Cosgrove walked out of firing range, standing a foot to the farmer's right. "I may have to ask Dad about this," - Cosgrove continued when Apple Bloom took aim - "but a cow like this can make a good crockpot of -" August 16th, 2008 The following Neighborhood gathering, Cosgrove landed a steaming crock pot on the table with a loud thud. "Kale and bovine stew!" Cosgrove finished. The other guests took a whiff of the crockpot before Big Mac served a bowl. Granny Smith was given the bowl and ate a spoonful. "Feels a little strange, sonny." Said Granny Smith "Eeyup." Big Mac "Well usually it's bison meat, but the meat store ran out." - Cosgrove waved his hand - "Otherwise it's the same recipe." August 19th, 2008 By a chance accident courtesy of her two oafish daughters, Hydia found out Sunset's use of Deadly Night Shade. The adopted mother immediately had the bacon haired girl in her room, holding a bag of ice on her head. "You've ruined me for the last time, you wretched girl!" - Hydia slammed the door, the echo ringing her ear - "Oh, my head!" Over the wall, Cosgrove, Dapplewood, Chelsey, Zipper, Diver, Cogsworth, Flash Sentry, First base, Crescendo, and Hooflock walked along the sidewalk. The slightly introverted Hooflock amused himself when he lifted Dapplewood off the ground from time to time. Diver rubbed her hands along the wall when her hand caught the large crack, stopping her in her tracks. "Woah," - Diver looked into the crack, the others looking inside soon after - "you know what this means?" "Nuh uh!" - Cosgrove berated - "we are not stealing things!" "Just a peek." Diver sucked up her ponch and shuffled inside the hole The others waited a while before noticing Diver not coming back. "What do you see?" Asked Crescendo "That's the thing-" echoed Diver's voice from the crack- "I can't see." The others looked to each other, "She's stuck." Starting with Dapplewood, one by one they enter the crack and shuffle towards the Merpony's human counterpart. Cosgrove, Chelsey, and Zipper began pushing her. "It's too bad your not a skinny girl," - Cosgrove applied more pressure on her - "'cause this is really difficult!" Taking that as an insult, Diver sucked up a breath, unintentionally loosening herself and causing them to fall into the junkyard. Immediately the five youngsters pinched their noses at the awful smell. "Pee yoo!" First Base adds "what is that smell?" The older individuals walked out before they too flinched at the smell. "Gyuh!" Flash Sentry glared at Diver "you happy now?" "Not really." She answered Getting accustomed to the smell, they explored the junkyard. Sunset, hearing the many footsteps outside, looked outside. "Who would want to live in a place like this?" Asked Chelsey "Hey!" Sunset beckoned their attention. "Sunset?" Flash Sentry cocked his head "what are you doing here?" Sunset shushed him, "Not the best place to explain, look can you guys distract Hydia so I can get out?" Dapplewood asked with a series of hand gestures when Hooflock collapsed a pile of garbage. "Sounds good to me." Cosgrove responded. Sunset went to work on making a rope from her ragged covers. Outside the anti-bullying coalition force found a more musical method to their madness. At the end of the song, Hydia slammed the door with a broom in her hand. "Showsover." Said Zipper before he quickly ran towards the crack in the wall. One by one, the rest of the coalition ran through. Diver, of course, got stuck and would have been whacked by the old crone's broom had it not been for them pulling her in at the last minute. After they got clean away, Hydia, gaining this new knowledge, hobbled back to Sunset's locked door. "Sunset, you can come out now, child." - she cooed as she took out a key - "but only if you-" Upon opening the door, Hydia found the cover rope and growled - "Gone again!!!" A good distance to the playground, most of them were shocked at Sunset's story. "You have to tell my parents!" Said Cosgrove. "How will that help?" Sunset responded. Dapplewood answered that with a series of hand signals, calming his older friend. It's not that Sunset doesn't know how to report to the police, but with only one phone in Hydia's bed chamber, well... A few hours later and the Man and Woman of the Thunderfoot Home walked inside to the smell of their favored dish: Kale and Bison (er, Bovine) Stew. While Clamp Jaw went to his room to change, Claire walked into the kitchen to find her sons and father in law, the first two giving an ecstatic grin. "Happy to be a new member of Cosgrove's school?" Claire asked before getting a cup. Dapplewood nodded before nudging his brother. "Yeah, and so do we!" Cosgrove added. Claire immediately dropped her cup, spilling water over the white tile floor. She turned her head to her sons, who (with Dapplewood implying so) gave a nervous chuckle as they noticed their mother's twitching eye. "Cosgrove, Dapplewood," - the two boys turned to find their father having a firm grip on Sunset's shoulder "does this belong to you?" Cosgrove eyed his brother before nervously saying, "Surprise." Releasing her, Clamp Jaw and his wife sat on the chairs in front of their children. "Children, you know better than to bring a stranger in!" Claire berated "Sunset's not a stranger she's a-" Cosgrove was interrupted by a slam on the table. "We're talking!!!" Clamp Jaw roared, silencing him. As they continued, Sunset noticed Dapplewood fidgeting his fingers as a subtle sign language, announcing her cue to speak. "They did the right thing to bring me out of that prison!" That exclaim caught Clamp's attention as he turned his glare at her before looking back to his sons. "Cosgrove, take your brother to your room, we'll continue this later." He ordered Immediately Cosgrove picked up his brother and ran to his room, hastily closing the door in the process. "Please sit down." - Clamp brought Sunset to attention before she sat down. Tremor gently pinched her wrists, feeling a gentle pulse. "Tell us everything truthfully," Claire added "any falsified report can and will lead to conflict with the law." Not only was Cosgrove and Dapplewood at risk, but now she too as well. With a great breath, she told them everything, from how she did hard labor, with injuries to acclimate with them, to the description of her foul caretakers. Clamp and Claire turned to Tremor who gave a slow nod. "Based on this account, your caretakers are deemed unfit." Clamp Jaw stated "Granted a warrant, we will provide an investigation. Now, we cannot house you under suspicion of arbitrary confiscation but we can provide a temporary household until this matter is resolved and another citizen adopts." Claire leaned forward, "In the meantime, we advise you to take caution, should this Hydia prove even more hostile. Are we clear?" Sunset nodded, "Yes." - as she got up to Cosgrove's room, Sunset turned around- "What should I tell your children?" The man and wife looked at each other, raising their own eyebrows. "Your dad said you're grounded for the rest of the month." Sunset told Cosgrove who was setting up a floor blanket. "Better than being beaten with an old cane." He said before lying on the floor with his brother and a now much larger Schnookums. Out of courtesy, Sunset slept on Cosgrove's Queen size mattress while her hosts slept on the floor. A few hours after turning off the light, she woke up, eying the two boys dead asleep. Dapplewood held the much larger Schnookums like a teddy bear while his brother laid on his tummy, his chin supported by the pillow. They were disturbed when they found Sunset scooting in between the sheets before giving each one of them a hug. "Thank you so much." She said with a sniffle. "Oh, anything for a friend." -Cosgrove yawned- "and maybe when this is over, we can find where you came from..." Sunset became puzzled, "Where I came from?" Cosgrove was already dead asleep, and so too is Dapplewood holding the monitor lizard once more. Looking up at the ceiling, Sunset curled a smile before entering tonight's slumber. August 20th/2008, around 5 AM It was the smell of burnt coffee that slowly awoke the flame-haired girl from her sleep. Looking out the window, the night sky was starting to become purple. Looking at the cuckoo clock, school would not start until eight. Looking to her left and right, Cosgrove and Dapplewood have been noticeably displaced, the former now on his back one foot away and the latter lying on top of Schnookums. How the monitor lizard puts up with this, Sunset didn't know. Her ears did pick up a muffled conversation. Rising on her feet, Sunset tiptoed across the room, gently pressing her head on the door. At the other side, the conversation in question was coming from the kitchen. Clamp Jaw and Claire sat across the table from Night Dancer, having been called in earlier this morning. "How long will this be?" Asked Night Dancer. "At least until Detective Horsetails turns up any evidence regarding Sunset's biological parents." Clamp Jaw answered. Sunset arched her head back after hearing that before placing her head back on the door, holding an index finger between her teeth. "This is a very serious matter," Claire leaned forward "we can choose another probable foster parent." Night Dancer looked at her hands as she shuffled her fingers one after the other before looking up and answered, "I will be honored to look after her for the time being." Just after saying that, a loud thump was heard, drawing their attention towards the boy's room. A quick peek from the father showed everything to be normal. But in truth, while she laid by her side with her back to the door, Sunset had her eyes open, excited about the possibility of seeing her parents for the first time.
The Meaning of FamilyAugust 20th/2008 "They're going to find your real parents?!" Flash asked. "Keep it down!" - Cosgrove berated - "Even walls have ears." "Anyway, it is great to finally see your parents." Crescendo added. "Yeah..." Sunset had a sad tone in her voice. "What's wrong?" Asked Chelsey "There are just so many questions to ask, like why did they leave me with them." Sunset lowered her shoulders "what if I have to move away?" "Maybe you wouldn't have to" - Hooflock added, wrapping his arms around his friends - "seeing you are already in much better company." As they noticed Sunset's face brighten up, they thought of other positive thoughts. "And you know, there is a house for sale in our neighborhood" - Diver pointed in a direction away from school - "you wouldn't have to use a bus." True, Sunset did have to work fast early in the morning just to catch the morning bus. "You really think so?" Asked Sunset with a happy, but yet calm manner. Throughout the song each of her friends explain the pros of being part of the neighborhood. Cosgrove mentions just how much Sunset had changed how proud her parents would be. Zipper explains how she and her friends taught them to be more courageous while running circles around her. Diver mentioned the possibility of them swimming, though Cosgrove retorts that they should take this slowly. Chelsey mentions that though her family could be much taller than hers, it would be great hanging out with them. September 3rd/2008 Throughout the rest of August, Night Dancer had volunteered to house Sunset as the investigation continues. On the first day of September, Sunset and Night Dancer sat across from each other on a table. The latter of the two noticed Sunset's uneasy face as she merely stirred her cereal. "You've been awfully quiet, Sunset." - Night Dancer walked up to her - "what's wrong?" "Night Dancer, I haven't got a chance to say this when we first met," - Sunset lowered the spoon - "I want to say-" Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. Opening the door, Night Dancer met with Mae Horsetails, the police department's detective and Indigo Blue's mother. "We have much to discuss." - Mrs. Horsetails sat on in front of Sunset, placing a file on the table - "Now, Ms. Shimmer, as you are aware, we have been conducting an investigation for the past few weeks. And..." Pushing the file towards her, Sunset opened it, revealing a whole trove of birth certificates, family trees, and financial records. When she found the adoption form signed around the same time as her birth, she began to frown. "Why did they leave me with them?" "According to a couple witnesses," - Detective Horsetails cleared her throat - "Hydia threatened to arrest them for stealing from her garden before you were born." Sunset then noticed a piece of newspaper: a morgue article. According to this, Ember and Jetfire , her parents were reported dead, the first by suicide a few days after her husband's death by an accident at a factory. Immediately she dropped the pieces of newsprint. Mae sorted the papers back into the folder before standing up. "We hoped to contact any of your extended relatives, but almost none had an available." - closing the folder, Mae began walking towards the door - "We deeply apologize if this does not bring much good news." Just as Night Dancer locked the door after the detective left, Sunset immediately ran to her room, slammed the door and began to cry. The woman kept her distance for a few good hours before knocking on the door. Slowly opening the door, Night Dancer found her guest curled upright on the bed, her head between her knees. She sat next to her. "I am so sorry," Night Dancer rubbed Sunset's shoulder "I knew how much this meant to you." Sunset raised her tear stained face, "I am just so confused, if I don't have a family to begin with, then what is a family in the first place?" Throughout the song, Sunset first asks if a family looked like her, sleeps beside her or thinks that they're the best people. Night Dancer answers that family is more than just being friends, and that the center of it all is love, no matter the difference. At the end of the song, Sunset hugged Night Dancer. She looked to the horizon, thinking about what to do next. The following evening, The woman of the house was on the phone. "Hello, Claire?" - Night Dancer turned to her guest sleeping soundly on the bed - "I am thinking about adoption."
History Repeats ItselfNovember 12th - December 2nd/2012 Three years have passed since the investigation and much has indeed changed in the mountain town of Estes Park. Now much older, Sunset, Flash, Crescendo and Hooflock (the first of them as he is older by three years), along with many other classmates have since graduated from Great Valley Elementary and have enrolled in Canterlot High. Their younger companions, ironic to be free from the torment of older bullies, have succumbed to boredom. In time, the coalition force broke apart, with only Cosgrove (now slightly more muscular and began sporting his facial hair on his lower jaw), Chelsey (now the tallest student with Hooflock and Big Mac now in Canterlot High), Zipper (now among the most athletic along with Scootaloo and Rumble) and Diver (who received the honor of being their class' premiere swimmer) and Dapplewood (just as tall as his brother when he entered Kindergarten and has taken an interest in saxophone lessons). With Night Dancer being Sunset's adopted parent, the latter would meet with them occasionally on holidays. Being a parent does fill a gap in Night Dancer's life that has been widening as the years went by. In the meantime, she has gained a full-time job at the Barn and Bailey Entertainment, 20 minutes away in good weather. But even in a different dimension, certain events good or bad happen. It was Thanksgiving Day and the families of Great Valley Drive gathered in Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop's homestead, placing each of their dishes on the table. "What's keeping Night Dancer?" asked Loopty Hoop - "she's never late to help us set up." "Heh, heh," chuckled Cosgrove "she's not the only person." Indeed, in the Centennial State Winter comes early and leaves a while after Spring comes. A good distance away, Clamp Jaw and Claire drove up to an accident on the highway. A few other highway cop cars were parked alongside to control traffic. "Officer Blurr," Clamp Jaw shook hands with the highway cop "any reason why you would want to call a city patrol unit?" Blurr waved his arm, "Do you recognize this vehicle?" The two Thunderfoot adults inspected the wrecked car. While Clamp noticed the familiar license plate, Clair inspected the inside of the car. In horror, she covered her mouth. "Oh... My... God..." A couple hours later and everyone was at the table, trying to stall their appetites long enough for the missing individuals to return. "So..." Zipper broke the silence "shallwesayourrthanks?" "Uhm," - Chelsey held a glass - "I'm thankful for having a wonderful summer over at Pismo Beach. Dapplewood made a series of hand signals, translated by his brother as, "I'm thankful for improving my saxophone skills and my brother and his friends for staying with me." Sunset fumbled her glass before announcing, "I'm thankful to have such great friends... so much that I have found that you all are the closest to my family." After a moment of silence, Dapplewood stood up, walked over to Sunset and gave her a hug, before his brother and friends gave her a hug too. Suddenly the door was immediately opened, showing the snow-covered Clamp Jaw and Claire putting away their coats and hats. As the children sat back on their chairs, the policemen joined their neighbors, but the silence became nerve wracking. "How was work?" Asked Cosgrove before being silenced by a raise of his father's hand. "At 5:05 PM today, Night Dancer has been found... Killed... by an accident on the freeway." - Clamp Jaw answered, trying not to break down - "We apologize to the friends and loved ones." As this news sank in, the people at the table joined hands. "Dear God," Loopty Hoop whispered "please watch over our daughter as she joins your Holy Domain. Please tell her that we love her just as you have wanted us to." She sniffles "In your name we pray." Though the prayer was over, no one ate, but began to weep, starting with Cosgrove, then Dapplewood, and so forth. As the Thunderfoot family returned to their home, Cosgrove took out his scrapbook, looking at every picture he could find that had Night Dancer in in the frame. Dapplewood, dragging his bed sheet, walked over to his brother as he took a peek at the scrapbook. Trembling, Cosgrove snapped the book shut before embracing his younger brother, shedding tears once more. He could hear the sniffles and hisses from him even though Dapplewood was in fact screaming. Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop had Sunset stay for the time being. When Lion Tamer walked down to the restroom, he heard his adopted granddaughter crying from behind the door. The first Friday of December, the funeral commenced, with the majority of Great Valley Drive watch as their departed member was lowered into the hole. March/2013 Wounds like these are hard to recover. Akin to the Pony Cosgrove being cared for by Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop after their daughter's death, so too is Human Sunset cared for by their human counterparts. As they sort through her clothing they did come across a black jacket with orange chevrons and boots to match. "We don't usually keep all her old clothes, but," - Lion Tamer turned to their foster child, holding the items - "maybe they would look good on you." Trying on the leather jacket and boots, Sunset found that they are a good fit, though a matching set of clothes would work better later on. Noticing Night Dancer's portrait, she droops her shoulders. Taking out her phone, she dialed up the numbers of her friends. Sorry, I'm not available at the moment. But Dapplewood says hi. answered Cosgrove's voice message. Not available at the moment. answered Chelsey's voice message. Sorry Ican'ttalkathemomentbutifyouleavemeamessagei'llcomebacktoyou. Answered Zipper's voice message, though here, it was barely audible. Meditating, please leave a message Said Diver. After the beep of each phone, Sunset answered, "Hey... It's Sunset. I just wanted to call to check up on you guys. I am so sorry that Night Dancer had passed away. Cosgrove, I know how much she meant to you. I mean," - She sniffled, trying not to break down - "you were with her since we were kids. Whatever it takes... I'll make this right, I promise." Hanging up the phone, Sunset pinched the bridge of her nose before looking at the Night Dancer's portrait again. The once talkative Zipper hasn't spoken much since but is often seen making a jog around the neighborhood. Chelsey took this loss the most; every day she would throw a tantrum on an old Volkswagen before sobbing. Diver sought out meditation, using the indoor swimming pools to calm herself. At Sweet Apple Acres, Cosgrove sat on a hilltop, underneath a tree, the horse he rode grazing nearby. Onward he stared into the horizon as the ghost of last Winter vanished the Rockies in a veil of mist. His ear flicked to the sound of heavy hoof steps. Looking over, Cosgrove found an unusual sight: Granny Smith also rode a horse to his sitting spot. "Wheweee, forgot how riding a horse could be so refreshing." - Granny complemented before struggling to dismount. With a little help, she does before she looked around - "Mighty fine spot this is." Cosgrove leaned on the tree, his eyes closed and brow furrowed. "Ah remember when Applejack would come her often... After my son and daughter in law passed on." Cosgrove flicked his head to the elderly woman, "Passed on? For how long?" Granny Smith lowered her head, "Since Apple Bloom was two..." Cosgrove looked around; all this land for the past ten years was managed effectively by Granny Smith's grandchildren. Granny placed a hand on his shoulder "You see, sonny, the reason we Apples have a neighborhood get together is because we view the people around us as family." Enlightened by this fact, Cosgrove helped Granny onto her horse before turning to his horse. "Did the pain ever went away?" Cosgrove asked. "Not all the way." Granny steered the horse towards the Barn "But it will in time." After mounting the horse, Cosgrove looked up to find the sun's rays piercing the clouds. Holding the reins, he crossed his heart before bringing the horse to a gallop. Dismounting, he clocked himself out and took the bus back home. Further away, Dapplewood was with the Syrup Family. Strawberry watched the depressed boy from inside as her daughter tried to comfort him. They were interrupted when Cosgrove's shadow loomed over them. "Dapplewood, it's time to get our family together." - Confused, Dapplewood made a few slow hand signals - "where it all began ten years ago." Taking out his cell phone, Cosgrove sent a message that soon reached Chelsey, Zipper, Diver, and Sunset's phones. Taking them out the same time at different places, they read the message: Meet me and my brother at Turtle Park. Cosgrove Being the closest to Turtle Park, Sunset took a bus over to the park. In a form of coincidence, she found an unlikely sight. Reeka and Draggle were being attacked by a school gang known as the Diamond Dogs. They also came from Great Valley Elementary, and now are among the gangs fighting for dominance in Canterlot High. “Gems!” - Rover stretched out his hands - “Give us gems!” "You heard her, Draggle give them money!" Reeka bumped her sister. "No, you!" Draggle rebuked. Rover lifted them up and growled. “Leave them alone!” Both sisters and the Diamond Dogs looked over to find Sunset Shimmer walking towards them. Rover and Fido paid no mind to them as they approached their new challenger. Spot gave a cruel chuckle as his partners towered over her. Sunset charged at the gang, but on a three to one scale, the fight was not on her side. Reeka and Draggle watched as their former sister got pummeled to the ground. Rover kicked her in the stomach, Spot punching her in the face before Fido grabbed her and flung her to the side. Sunset spat out blood as she tried to get up when Rover lifted his foot over her head. “Hey!” “Ooooohhhh!!!” Rover pulled his ears down before turning around. “What now!?” It was Cosgrove and Dapplewood standing before them, the latter just baring his teeth. The Diamond Dogs looked in confusion at just two small children. “Any hair you pick from them” - Cosgrove placed each of his hands into the other, popping his knuckles while cracking his neck - “You have to deal with us.” Despite his threatening growl, the Diamond Dogs merely laughed at Cosgrove’s threat. However, noticing his determined look, Sunset began figuring out their intention when Dapplewood took out his whistle and blew a sharp blast. The Diamond Dogs covered their ears to protect them from the pitch. While they weren't looking, Sunset tackled Fido, and Cosgrove rammed Rover. Dapplewood continued to make repeated whistles, especially in front of Spot. The smaller Diamond Dog reached out and plucked the whistle from Dapplewood's neck, crushing it in his hands. The larger members recovered and fought back, effortlessly pummeling the daylights out of them. Spot was just about to punch Dapplewood when Diver shoved him away with her great bulk. As she inched up to Spot, Chelsey tackled Fido long enough for Sunset to escape, and Zipper leaped onto Rover, Cosgrove recovering and joining him shortly. Sunset pulled her former stepsisters away from the skirmish. "You came back to us," said Draggle "But why?" Reeka added "We haven't been kind to you all your life." "Because looking back now," - Sunset looked at the battle - "you deserve a life I have now even before I was born." Diver and Spot, both around the same size and girth, pushed and pulled each other, their shoes leaving marks on the grass. Spot pulled away a fist and punched her in the stomach. He would have done so again had Dapplewood not bite down hard on his arm. Down on her knees for a while, Diver curled up and somersaulted at the small Diamond Dog. After toppling over onto his stomach, Diver body slammed him, pinning him down. "You two shouldn't be the ones who also have to suffer like I have." Zipper, the agilest of the four, toyed around with Rover, pulling his red jacket, kicking him in the ankles. At one point the leader grabbed him by the shirt and was just about to punch him. That’s when Cosgrove, the power side of the duo, rammed him. Rover pushed away the boy’s flailing “claws” and legs with one of his great arms when Zipper pulled his hair. Cosgrove then placed his feet onto Rover’s chest and began stamping him down. "And now, with one problem gone, we can start building our own lives. Our own families." Reeka and Draggle stood up and gave Sunset a hug. "We wish you the best." Said Draggle before scampering away with her sister. Despite being the tallest of the five younger children, Chelsey was still outsized by Fido. They pulled and tugged at each other, but Fido’s upper body strength allowed him to lift her off the ground. Tilting her body, the large Diamond Dog punched her hard in the stomach before flinging her to the floor. Chelsey wrapped an arm around her stomach as she tried to recover. Fido clenched both fists and raised them up in the air. Just when was about to slam them onto the girl, he spotted a red and yellow blur coming right at him. Using Chelsey as a footstool, Sunset leaped onto Fido’s shoulders. She took off her jacket and wrapped it around his face. Fido reeled back as Sunset tugged at the sleeves, while constantly shuffled to avoid being grabbed by his arms. Chelsey slowly got up and rammed the brute, toppling him over. The freshman then wrapped around his legs, raising a fist. “YOU” - Chelsey punched Fido in the stomach - “PUNCHED” - she punches him again - “ME!!” Chelsey wrapped a fist behind behind her hand and slammed them to his stomach. Rover struggled to get up as Cosgrove slowly applied pressure to his chest, "Stop Stop!! We surrender!!!" All the other fighters released the Diamond Dogs, but Cosgrove still had his foot on Rover's chest. "You all fight like animals!" Rover complemented "Even if spootsy named gang split up." "We are not the 'Anti-Bullying Coalition Force'" - Cosgrove said in a whiny voice before bending down to Rover, looking furious - "We're under a new name. We are the Maximals, and this is our territory, where our pack first met." Rover noticed Sunset Shimmer kneeling down, seeing the bloodied face as she looked at him. "I do not want to see you mess around with my family and friends." Cosgrove lifted Rover by the collar, "Understand..." he growled. "Yes, kid." Sunset pulled Rover's ear, "It's Cosgrove!" "Yes, Mr. Cosgrove and Ms. Shimmer!" Rover said in a polite tone before scurrying away from them as fast as they could. Noticing the rest of the newly Christened Maximals growling (or in Dapplewood's case, hissing through his teeth) at them, Spot and Fido Immediately scurried away from the park, Cosgrove almost snatching the first. The yellow and violet preteen roared in their general direction, much to their bemusement, before returning to them. "Maximals?" Asked Chelsey. "Think about it, in a way we have been treated like animals. They can have weird features" - Cosgrove pointed to his hands and Zipper's - "be tall or fat" - he points to Chelsey and Diver before kneeling to Dapplewood - "some can't make a sound," - he then turns to Sunset Shimmer - "and you, you have been caged for most of your life, but then you found all sorts of friends in shapes and sizes." Thinking about it, they warmed up to the idea as Cosgrove took his leave. "Better than Flash' name." Added Diver before she and the others joined him. Sunset caught up to him, before seeing his eyes turn to her. "I got your message, too." - Said Cosgrove - "And I forgive you." Sunset smiled, though the teeth are still stained with blood from the fight before she almost collapsed. The others decidedly helped Cosgrove carry her the rest of the way home. Author's Note Originally I was going to have Principal Celestia adopting Sunset, but keeping a slight parallel to the Pony World, I changed it to have Night Dancer's family to foster here.
EpilogueFebruary/2014 The past two years has been among the happiest Sunset has ever had. With help from her friends, she earned the Spring Fling Crown, gained the attention she needed, and above all, gained a loving family at last. She still looked to the same caring faces of her friends since the day she met. By her Junior year, Sunset gained a new wardrobe. Nowadays, fitting her new jacket and boots, she wore a blue skirt and jeans. She has gained a driver's license, with a class allowing her to drive a motorcycle with restrictions. Now there is still one piece of business to attend to. With Pinkie Pie being the party planner, the Apple Family providing food (especially their Fizzy Apple Cider), and Rainbow Dash being the captain of every sports team, Sunset managed a niche by providing tours to new or prospective students. Sunset looked at her Spring Fling portrait from two years ago. The next two years the crown has been taken by Rainbow Dash and Rarity respectfully. Sunset sighed, "You'll never forget that day." "Sunset Shimmer," - Vice Principal Luna buzzed - "please report to the front foyer." The fire-haired student walked to the front and cross her arms. "So, ready to take another look at Canterlot High?" The group she is tutoring today are once again Cosgrove, Chelsey, Diver, Zipper, and Cogsworth, now grown into their current proportions. Cosgrove approached her before handing Sunset an unusual item: a badge that resembled an MLP style pony head in an abstract red (without a further look it would've resembled a Smilodon). "We sure are," - Cosgrove stepped back with a toothy grin - "Boss." As they walk along the courtyard, music began to play. Throughout the song, many pictures taken over the next two years were shown. One picture showed the Maximals at Sweet Apple Acres watching Sunset complete the horseback obstacle course (with a rule of third showing Cosgrove watching Big Mac mark her time. The next picture, taken with an underwater camera, showed them holding their breath, Diver giving a smirk. The next picture showed the Maximals with Hooflock as he prepared to graduate. The next picture showed them helping the Crusaders make Pipsqueak the student body president at Great Valley Elementary. After the end of the song, the Maximals took notice of Fluttershy being harassed by Garble's gang. Cosgrove looked at Sunset, who motioned him with her eyes. "You really suit your name quite well, Flutterdork!" Garble laughed before being poked on the shoulder, revealing the Maximals. "Sunset said we should meet face to -" Quickly Cosgrove raised his fist and punched it at Garble, knocking him out cold.
Bonus Chapter: Of Kings and Wingmen Bonus Chapter: Of Kings and Wingmen February 2nd/ 2013 Almost three months had passed since the unfortunate accident, but the wound still ran deep. Beginning her second semester back at school, Sunset fared little better. With the Spring Fling nearby, everyone was getting ready. Current contestants for the title Princess are Trixie, Lightning Dust, and herself. The score balanced between her and Trixie, a few more votes would be needed to tip the scales. Sunset sat alone at the lunch table. Not making any eye contact with her classmates. She looked at today's meal, pasta with meatballs. But appetizing the meal was, she didn't feel ready to satiate her hunger. "Coral snake..." A voice echoed in her head. In her line of vision, the noodles became alive, slithering off the tray and table "Red and Yellow, make a dead fellow." When the bell rang, Sunset snapped back into focus, her food becoming limp again. With a hiss, she stood up, threw the contents of the tray, placed it in the dish bin and walked out of the lunch room. "Are you crazy?!" In their free hour after lunch, Crescendo yelled at her brother "Have you just forgotten that Sunset is still grieving over Night Dancer?!" "No." Hooflock answered "Flash and I just thought that maybe a little date between them would cheer her up." Crescendo pinched her temples. "You are so..." Hoof tensed his face. "What? What are you going to say?" "You're two years older than the three of us, why can't you ever think for yourself?" Hooflock raised a brow, "Are you saying I'm stupid?" "No." Answered Crescendo with a sad tone in her voice "You can be loyal to anybody, but can you be loyal to everybody?" As Crescendo turned and left, her question struck the dumbfounded Junior. As math class continued, Hooflock riddled in deep thought. He tried to recollect any memory of Flash Sentry being a friend to him. "Well there was the time he brought me to a bunch of girls..." He thought to himself before realizing "No, they hung out with him more than me." "Oh, there was a time when I helped his band carry their equipment..." He shook his head again "Only myself, without thanks." Hooflock furrowed his brow, "What about-" "Hooflock!" The Junior turned to his teacher, Square Root with his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised "care to tell the class the square root of five hundred forty-six?" Snapped back into focus, realizing his own life as a whole, twitched a muscle or two on his face before answering, "Twenty-six point three six six six four two eight nine one zero nine!" The entire class was shocked at this outburst, for this was the first time they heard him spoke that loud before. The professor took a deep breath, "Correct." As the school day ended, Hooflock tried to maintain his anger as he walked down the halls to his locker. "Hey, Hooflock!" The older student curled his lip as Flash walked from behind "Have you set up the little display at Sunset's locker?" "No." Flash tapped his shoulder, "Well, we can get it set up-" "You mean I can get it set up tomorrow?" Flash turned to see his partner looking furious "Like how the girls swoon over you after you introduced me to them, or how I carried every single piece of equipment for your band, or how about you just speak for me when I can clearly speak for myself!" The other students watched as the goliath spoke against one of the most popular students in the school. Flash splayed his arms out, looking confused. "What, why are you talking like that?" Flash then soft punched Hoof's shoulder "C'mon, you're my wingman." "Exactly!" He barked back "I'm two years older than you and you treat me like a gun ready to be disposed of when the barrel's busted! If this was how I have been played all these years, then I shouldn't be your friend at all!" Hooflock stormed forward, ignoring everyone's reaction as he reached his locker. Flash clenched his fists before waving him off. "Fine! Be an ass!" Flash turned around towards the Freshman locker hall "I'll just ask her my-" Flash was stopped when he spotted Sunset Shimmer, packed up to leave for the day, scowling at him. The jock gave a nervous chuckle. "You know, if you were also my friend, why haven't you helped me for all these years when I was in that hellhole? Or better yet, when you noticed I had" she pulls her shirt collar, revealing a more healed whip mark but still present "this around my neck. I was lucky to have ran away the first time because I have found many better friends that are two to six years younger than the both of us!" A tear rolled down her eye as she stormed off towards the doors. "You can ditch offering to be my date, in fact, if I were you, I wouldn't go to the Spring Fling at all!" With a slam of the doors, the student body looked at him, two wrongs don't make a right after all. "You have a lot to think about." Said Crescendo as she walked by to join her brother. Back outside, Sunset continued her walk back to her home. When she was passing by the cemetery, she turned around and found Cosgrove and Dapplewood making a small snowman near Night Dancer's burial stone. As the younger brother smoothed out the ephemeral piece, Cosgrove turned to find their neighbor behind the scarf. After looking at each other for a while, Cosgrove returned to his brother. Sunset took a breath of cold air and continued her journey back home.
