A Maximal Crusader

Chapters

Stake Out
An Apple in Great Valley Drive
What Happened...
Epilogue

Stake Out

Mid December, 2015

In a dark night, one room was very much a lit. A user moved the mouse around, scrolling through the user settings of a Facebook account. A few clicks showed a message.

“Are you sure you want to close your account, Anon-a-Miss?” - the user aimed the cursor over to the yes button - “This account will be taken down within 24 hours. We will miss you Anon-a-miss.”

The user then closes the web page, points the cursor at the shutdown button and clicked on it, darkening her room as it faded into black.

February 12th, 2016

Amidst the frigid weather in the Centennial State, the warm fuzzy feeling that develops in everyone’s hearts. And it is no exception in Canterlot High. A recent budget increase gave the opportunity to bring over a Valentines Day Dance. Now in the middle of the week, holiday decorations dotted across the halls, ranging from streamers to red and pink confetti. At the gymnasium, many of the student body were hard at work setting up the decorations. Especially among the Rainbooms, some have witnessed some of the help gathering the courage to ask their special somebody to the dance.

“Awwwww!” - Cooed Pinkie Pie as her hair wiggled - “Seeing them always gives me the wiggles.”

“Indeed, Pinkie.” - Rarity said in a soothing voice as she added as she taped a pink and purple heart on a backed up bleacher - “Valentine's Day brings out the strangest in us.”

The party planner held her eyes half closed as she leaned over to the fashionista, “Someone has a special somebody?”

“What, no, no, no, no, no!” - Rarity shuffled back - “You can’t possibly assume that I-”

Once again, the skeptical faces of her closest friends got the best of her. She looked away, muttering a few indistinguishable words.

“I'm sorry, what was that?” Asked Applejack as she held her hand behind her ear.

Rarity whined a little before answering, “I'm asking Fancy Pants to the dance.”- The Rainbooms gasped - “What? We’ve been close before the Friendship Games.”

“Yeah, but a person from Crystal Prep?” Rainbow Dash chuckled.

“Well, I don't see you expanding your tastes outside the athletes!”

Rarity’s backlash made the others shout out, “Oh!”

Sunset and Twilight chuckled before the former turned to find Flash Sentry stepping towards them.

“Hey, Twilight.”

“Oh, hi Flash.” Twilight said in a nervous tone.

“I was wondering… With the dance a while away…” Flash stretched out his hand.

Since transferring over to Canterlot High, Flash had often asked her to any event he found. Granted it was a method to expand Twilight's comfort zone, but attempts to asking their Twilight out on a date was moot. This time, she merely looked away, not even answering him.

"Take that as a 'no.'" Sunset answered for her.

“Oh, okay.” With a saddened look, Flash turned around and exited the gym. Closing the doors behind him, he let out a sigh.

“Still no luck with Twilight, huh?” - Flash turned to find Cosgrove leaning back on a locker, looking at a section newspaper with tired eyes. The article in question related to a few reports of monsters raiding stores and warehouses. - “You seem to have much better luck with the Princess, not the human.”

He had a point; Both during the Fall Formal and the Battle of the Bands, the Pony Twilight developed an interest in the lead Rocker, and the two have passionately embraced each other in both. Flash scratched his head, before turning to the Maximal.

“Of course, you have been mean to her during the whole Anon-a-Miss fiasco.”

Flash gritted his teeth, “So were you before you-!” - Flash saw Cosgrove flip his bloodshot eyes away from the printed text, intimidating the larger teen - “Sorry…”

Cosgrove breathed through his nostrils before reading the text again. After a long silence, Flash leaned on the lockers with him. “So, plan on taking a date to the dance?”

“No.”

Noticing his flustered tone, Flash raised an eyebrow. “You… Don’t plan on going to the dance?”

Cosgrove folded the newspaper in half before walking down the hall. “Depends if that stake out doesn’t last much longer.”

As he continued to walk down the hall, Flash looked away for a moment before saying, “Can I say one thing about you?” - The Maximal stopped in front of a trash can, not turning his head away - “Even before you got your beast mode… I’m glad you haven’t… Done... You know...”

“Noted…” Hearing Flash walk back into the gym, Cosgrove opened the folded newspaper. The front page displayed a photo of a press conference between Victor Veloci and David Xanatos shaking hands. The way the transforming Dakotaraptor looked at the camera had him spit on the paper before tearing it in half and throw it in the garbage.

As the end of the school day bell approached, he shuffled over to the hall where his locker is. Just as he neared his left, he heard sniffles getting louder and louder as he got closer.

Just at the corner, Apple Bloom sat on the floor, with her back to the locker, looking down as she sniffled again.

“You alright?”

Apple Bloom looked up to find Cosgrove standing next to her. Every year, the students’ get new lockers, and in this sophomore year, Cosgrove and Apple Bloom’s lockers are in an alternating pattern across from each other, with their closest friends scattered around the hall. Being friends since Elementary school, they didn’t mind that much, especially now that they have mastered their magical talent.

“I’m… Fine…” Apple Bloom sniffled, not enough to convince the police man’s son otherwise.

“Doesn’t seem that way.” - He sat down next to her - “Let me guess: Garble?”

The Crusader turned her head to him, showing a split lip, widening the Maximals’ tired eyes.

“Who fought better?”

His answer was made again when they heard Garble coming to his locker. Cosgrove brought his neck back; whatever Garble said, Apple Bloom returned with a black eye and a busted cheek. One of Estes Park’s notorious bullies scowled at them, receiving a growl from the Maximal.

He took a deep breath, “Much as I don't like him either, you knew that he posed no overall threat.”

“And she’s lucky she didn’t get expelled.” - The two looked over to see Granny Smith looking down at her granddaughter with furrowed brows. Not the first time the two have fought in school when push came to shove, but each one is worth a scolding from her older peers. Knowing what this would mean, Apple Bloom simply got onto her feet and joined with her grandmother, who turned back to Cosgrove. - “You’re coming back on that stake out of your’s?”

Cosgrove nodded; for the past three weeks, each Maximal had their part of the city to investigate, Cosgrove has Sweet Apple Acres and part of Great Valley Drive. With a small yawn, he opened his tired eyes to see the two joining up with Applejack as they exited the school. Looking at the tile floor for a while, he too got up and gathered his items for another day. As he exited the school, Flash got a glimpse before turning over to the remaining Rainbooms and Maximals.

“Does it seem like to you that Cosgrove has gotten a little… ruthless?”

Chelsey, Tex, Zipper, and Diver looked at each other before the last answered, “We all haven’t been much the same since the whole Anon-a-miss thing. Once this stake out blows over, it'll cool off.”

Sunset placed a finger on his chin. Cosgrove isn’t his father, but whatever got his father into the character he had today is starting to creep into his son now. Only one other pressure will make him snap.

Just a short while after the Apple’s reached their home, Apple Bloom was in the dining room, working on her school work for the weekend. Fighting a rival is one thing, being grounded was another. She just finished her math work when her eyes picked up her phone screen lighting up. Leaning over, she saw Scootaloo’s picture before promptly picking it up. “Hi, Scootaloo.”

“Hey Apple Bloom, you available for Crusading?”

“Sorry, I can’t.” - Apple Bloom’s bow drooped as if they were another pair of ears before shooting back up - “Wait, you’re not grounded?”

“No, just a little extra work around the house after I’m done.”

“What?!” - Sweetie Belle exclaimed, having dialed Apple Bloom’s number shortly after Scootaloo had - “Mom grounded me for the weekend, and I didn’t lay a finger on Garble!”

Apple Bloom rubbed her temples, “I hope he has a much worse punishment. Tell you two what, we’ll meet up at the dance this Sunday.”

“Gotcha.”

“See you then.”

Hanging up the phone, Apple Bloom finished the last couple problems, packing up her bag before walking to her stairs, her eyes picking up another anomaly outside, one of a yellow and violet kind. She looked at her hand, lifting each finger regarding her imposed restrictions. She can’t go on crusades into town, but with Cosgrove’s stakeout on their property, it wouldn’t be breaking the rules as long as she is careful. With a nod, she flipped her backpack onto her bed, running back downstairs and opening the door to find her brother just about to enter her home. As usual, his relatively blank expression gained suspicions, having been told about the fight at school.

“I’m… just about to check on the chicken coop!” Big Mac’s expression didn’t falter, prompting Apple Bloom to add more to the appeal with a large grin.

“Eeyup.” He answered, walking around his sister to the living room.

Apple Bloom ran out of the house, following the displaced grass to her left. It wasn’t long before she spotted Cosgrove kneeling next to a tree. Rubbing dirt between his fingers, the Maximal took a sniffle as he rose up and turned around when-

“Howdy.”

“Gah!” - Cosgrove jumped back a few feet, landing his rear onto the ground - “Hi, Apple Bloom, checking out the farm?”

Apple Bloom looked around, seeing if anyone was watching before answering, “I can’t go on crusades for the weekend and-”

“You do not want to get bored, so you’re asking to join my stake out?” Cosgrove said with a raised brow, receiving an answer with a nod.

“We can cover more ground… at least.” Apple Bloom added, hoping to convince him as she did her brother.

Cosgrove took a shallow breath before turning around, “Maybe a change in strategy can be helpful.” - He walked towards the barn - “Here let’s get the chiller and spiller.”

With the great thanks to the barn, the retro-mutagen guns were just as fit as the livestock around them.

“A mutantsaur?” - Apple Bloom grabbed the spiller - “I thought your team took care of that by Thanksgiving?”

“So have we all.” - He shifted through his backpack, taking out a series of photos, including photos comparing the size of one of their animal's footprints to the mutantsaur - “From what I have gathered, it’s one of your pigs.”

Widened eyed at first, she furrowed her brow, “Something’s tellin’ me that it could also be a wild boar.”

In any case, pigs are troublesome pests. If it is a wild boar, or worse a mutant one, the team would get quite a few lethal gashes, even if they remove the mutagen.

“I’ve tried baiting it, playing a series of sounds from a boombox, but it’s always been eluding me. And right now,” - Cosgrove kicked a bit of dirt - “I’m up to my neck.”

Apple Bloom walked by the Maximal, standing just outside before placing her fingers in her mouth and gave out a loud whistle. As the sound echoed the land, the farmer called upon her magic, sprouting her ears before giving out another loud whistle. Curious, Cosgrove call upon his ears and measured them; they're longer than Apple Bloom’s, but half as wide. But even then, he should have been able to track the animal by smell.

Apple Bloom’s ears flicked forward, “It’s one of ours.”

True to her word, a bison-sized hog did trot over from a nearby orchard. It is hairless, a godsend for Cosgrove’s worry, but the cold has made the mutagen seep at the surface of the animal. Putting the chiller down, he grabbed the spiller and sucked out the mutagen, changing the pig from a size not unlike their prize hog Piggington to a squeaker just hardly reaching above their ankles. Apple Bloom picked it up and put it back in the pig pen.

Recollecting the pig's trail, the two have found the source of the problem at a ravine. Sometime between the fiasco with Veloci and now, the freezing mud oozed out the mutagen, and earlier before the stake out, the piglet escaped and literally swam in it. With a huff, Cosgrove aimed the spiller and sucked up the mutagen, cleaning it up for good.

“Well, that ends the-” The ledge underneath her boots gave way. With a snatch and tug, Cosgrove pulls her a good distance from the ravine. In the silence of the orchard, the Maximal and the Crusader looked at each other. Cosgrove could just prop her back up, but beneath those tired eyes, he couldn’t help but look at her. The amber eyes, a cream skin tone, her red hair touching his wrist, a raindrop landing on her cheek.

Raindrop on the cheek? Propping her back up, the two looked at the cloudy sky, feeling more raindrops dripping onto their skin. It is with the sound of thunder that they realized that they’ve worn out their welcome outside. Just two seconds slower than the clouds, their clothes and hair soaked a little of the rain, Apple Bloom’s bow especially dropped down.

“I thought they said it wouldn’t rain this month?” Said Cosgrove as he hung his head low, shifting his drenched hair forward.

“The new weatherman hasn’t been that honest.” Added Apple Bloom as she squeezed the water out.

Stepping inside the house, they took off their shoes, leaving them on the floormat as they walked towards the stairs.

“So, sugar cube,” - Apple Bloom jolted, turning to her left to find her sister towering over her - “how are those chickens?”

Apple Bloom was in for it now, there are worse things than being grounded, but such punishments haven’t been exercised until probably now. “Well, uh-”

“I saw her in the coop. They’re fine…” - Cosgrove interjected - “and she helped me with my stake out.”

Applejack curled a dimple, though still having a suspicious brow as she looked at her sister. “Much as I don’t agree with you lying to Mac, helping Cosgrove is greatly appreciated. Go, get yourselves dried up.”

The two soaked sophomores walked up the stairs, going to the closet and grabbing a couple towels. Apple Bloom walked into her room, untying the ribbon and hanging it on a clothes rack. Cosgrove meanwhile stayed in the restroom, wiping off rainwater from his hair and skin.

“(What was up with that? Did I just pull a Flash Sentry?) Cosgrove shakes his head. - “(Must have been the sleep kicking in. I’m really going to bed after this.)”

The Maximal's thought was interrupted with a few loud knocks on the door, “You all right in there?”

“Oh uh, yeah.” - He opened the door, seeing the mistress of the house at the other side - “I didn’t get that much wet.”

Applejack chuckled, “So what was it by the way?”

“Just one of your squeakers. Little guy has been swimming in mutagen.” - He scratched his head before looking up at the ceiling - “Well it sounds like the weather is letting up. I’d better thank Apple Bloom before” - he stops to yawn - “the sleep starts to get to me.”

"Much obliged." Said Applejack as she let Cosgrove out of the bathroom.

He walked down the hall, stopping over at a door displaying an insignia of various shades of red-pink with an apple in the center. Since they have mastered “Ponying up,” such newfound power requires a new insignia, and so the Crusaders have since made badges that they would wear on their shirts. Cosgrove knocked on the door.

“Be just a minute.” - He heard the rustling of clothes and slamming of dressers before the door opened - “Yes?”

“Just wanted to say thanks for your help.” He looked up, seeing the room much to his surprise. Apple Bloom’s room was very large.

Apple Bloom easily noticed his curiosity and opened her door wider. “I’ve never shown you my room have I?”

To be fair, Cosgrove hasn't been in the house much of the time, for a majority of his time spent at Sweet Apple Acres were outdoor related from birthdays, to herding sheep on a horse, to removing dead apple trees with his friends. Even parties are spent outside. But he considered respect for the interior.

“Oh, I shouldn’t…”

“Consider it between teams.” - Apple Bloom opened the door wide - “We wouldn’t be a team if we don’t show our assets.”

She did help him close a case, he owed her this much. Cosgrove stretched his body, pulling his eyelids and releasing them. Applejack peaked from the middle of the stairs, watching her sister lead him into her room.

Inside, the astonished Cosgrove looked around the room. On one corner of the bedroom was the bed itself, in front of it the closet with various styles of clothing. On another corner was a desk with a turned on desktop computer.

“This is how we render our videos and upload them to Youtube.” - She then turned him around, over, leading him to a corner with a set of microphones and a small violin - “This is where we record our songs. Scootaloo has the video camera we use to record the footage of our music videos.”

Cosgrove looked around, finding a blank corner with a target board on the floor. “And that?”

Apple Bloom came to his line of sight, pointing at said corner, “Sometimes we stand here and think of great ideas.”

The Maximal looked around, opening his jaw as he kept his lips together. This is one reason why the Crusaders were great at the Battle of the Bands versus most of the Maximals just scat singing. Cosgrove nodded, turning his head to a small radio, seeing a blank CD inside before reaching the radio. “Do you make CD’s of your songs? They’re pretty good.”

“Don’t-!”

In a small jolt, his finger clicked on the play button rather than the eject button, playing the refrain of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” Noticing his shoulders relaxing again, Apple Bloom stopped the radio.

“That was…” Cosgrove was pulled by the arm out of her room.

“Well, it was nice helping you, but I have school work that needs to be done.” With that, Apple Bloom pushed him out into the outside world of the coming twilight.

Cosgrove gaped his mouth for a moment, then closed it and left the premises. As he approached the car, the Maximal took out his cell phone, setting the recipient to every one of his team, and sent a text.

“Stake out complete, turned out to be a baby pig rolling in mutagen. Thank also to Apple Bloom.”

The text was sent to everyone, quickly being received by everyone as soon as it was sent. From afar, Applejack watched from her window as Cosgrove entered his car and leave their land. The apple farmer turned around, walking over to Apple Bloom’s room.

“What that all about?” She asked, leaning on the entrance with her arms crossed.

“He touched something he shouldn’t.” - Her sister wasn’t convinced, Apple Bloom shied away - “I’m sorry… I haven’t seen him look so… so...”

“Calm?” - Applejack pressed the play button on the radio, continuing the song again - “I couldn’t blame you, it’s quite beautiful.”

“You... really think so?”

“After spending quite some time on his part of a stakeout, I wouldn’t say why not.” - Applejack chuckled - “Y’know, he has learned a lot about us, yet we don’t know much about his family.”

As Applejack walked away, Apple Bloom turned off the radio before sitting on her bed. She raised her hand again, counting off the facts she does know. But so far she could only count that 1) he has a brother, and 2) his parents are very busy police officers. Cosgrove wasn’t the only boy her age in this town, but whether it was his intent or not, one thing that she always noticed is him going through just about anything, including his loss with Night Dancer.

But even boys like him screw up sometime.

Five years before today

As Applejack had suggested for herding sheep, Cosgrove began to learn how to ride a horse. It took a few tries to get comfortable while in a walk, a few more for the trot, and quite a few more for a canter. On one such day, Apple Bloom watched Cosgrove get the horse into a canter for halfway around the track before trotting the rest of the way, stopping right next to her.

“You’d getting quite good at this, maybe a few weeks, we could race around.” - Apple Bloom rubbed the horse’ snout, before noticing the future Maximal rubbing his hair - “What’s up?”

“Apple Bloom, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.”

The Crusader relaxed her shoulders, eyes widened, as she was about to be popped the question. “Yes…?”

Scratching his head, Cosgrove took in a breath. “Do you have freckles?”

A record label scratched in her head, almost making her fall off the fence post. “Pardon?”

“Do you have freckles?” - Cosgrove lifted his hand, uncurling each “finger” - “Applejack has freckles, Big Mac has freckles, even your cousin Babs has freckles…”

He continued on with that one simple fact, not paying attention to Apple Bloom as she unfastened the cinch, causing him to shift to his right has she not caught him by the collar of his shirt. But the save wasn’t mutual, as she looked at him with furrowed brows.

“No.” With a little push, Cosgrove spun off the horse, landing hard on the ground, shielding his head as the beast walked over him. Lying there like a beaten dog, he watched as Apple Bloom left in a huff.

Today

But how else since he’d improve? Many things. Finding Sunset Shimmer a new family, helping Pip in being school president of their elementary school, risking his life to find his brother in a land of dinosaurs (with help of course), the list goes on. But why? That could be one such question… along with how he could move objects with bound fingers.

Then it occurred to her: one of her history course assignments asked to find a person outside of her family who participated in a historical event. In one of her family' neighborhood gatherings, Tremor, the elderly patriarch of Cosgrove's family, mentioned at earshot that he did participate in the Korean War. The assignment called for a short paragraph, but the more information is usually better.

Apple Bloom took out her phone again, scrolling down to his name. But giving the fact that he is dead tired, it wouldn’t be the most polite of moves to call him if he is asleep. But it’s fortunate that he has a younger brother. Switching to the text mode, she scrolled over to Dapplewood’s name. She took a deep breath and texted to him.

“Hey Dapplewood, is your brother home?”

She waits a while before her phone buzzes.

“Yeah, he’s dead asleep. Thank you for helping him :)”

At this rate of being thanked, she could just as well be the town hero. But such a coincidence was not her mission and began typing a reply when.

“Dinner’s ready, y’all.” Applejack called out.

Apple Bloom finished her reply before walking over to the kitchen. Unlike their Equestrian counterparts, they do eat meat, but for the most part, it consisted of fruit, vegetables, and pasta, a result from part of their share of the yearly harvests. After being served a plate, the youngest of the family twirled her fork, balling up as much pasta as she could before she felt another buzz. Taking a bite, she took out her phone and looked at the screen.

“I talked it over with Mom and Dad: they’re okay.”

“Who are ya texting to, sugar cube?” asked Applejack, noticing her face lit up by the screen.

Her sister looked up, noticing her family looking at her with curious faces before putting the phone back in her pocket. “I’ve been thinking about what you have said, and my history assignment needed me to talk to someone outside of the family, and I know I’m grounded, but it would be for a day.”

Apple Bloom watched her sister widened her eyes. Applejack understood, but she didn’t expect her sister to come up with a decision so fast. But as Apple Bloom is grounded for the weekend, Applejack became skeptical as to whether this was an excuse to go with her friends or not. She looked for any signs that she could be lying. Seeing that there hasn't, Applejack relaxed.

“Your first personal crusade.” She chuckled, seeing Apple Bloom in front of her.

“One… day!” Said Apple Bloom, emphasizing each word by poking her sister’s shoulder.

“Whatever you say.” Said Granny Smith, taking a few bites of mashed potatoes.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed before chuckling.

Author's Note

Originally, it was Diamond Tiara Apple Bloom had a fight with, but as as the former's Equestrian counterpart became much more kind, the bully was changed.

An Apple in Great Valley Drive

Friday passed on to Saturday, the sun rising over the Appalachians to the Great Plains. The cold still persisted in the hills of Estes Park, and it won’t get warm until the afternoon. As usual, some parents went to work.

In Great Valley Drive, Dapplewood, being the more rested of the Thunderfoot youngsters, woke up, took his shower, and got dressed. Finding his grandfather absent for the day, he turned to the cereal box on top of the fridge. With his eleventh birthday on the horizon, a growth spurt should come along. For now, he would have to use another measure outside of jumping. Taking a few steps back, he “Ponied” up before hitting his domed skull hard on the kitchen appliance, grabbing the box as it fell off the top.

Pouring in the mixture of sweetened corn puffs and milk, the youngest Maximal hopped down the stairs to the lower living room, turning on the TV to an upcoming episode of “The Lion Guard.” As he chewed each spoonful, he looked at the grandfather clock next to the video cabinet. It will be time before his brother would wake up, and, maybe sooner, maybe later, a certain guest will come over.

A couple "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" episodes later and Dapplewood cocked his head to a loud thump upstairs. Now well rested, Cosgrove looked at his phone. No missed calls or unread texts. Putting it down, he then twisted and turned every joint in his body, echoing his room with every loud snap and pop that would make Rarity sick to her stomach. With one shake of his body, his bed head was restored to its original position. Also taking his shower and changing his clothes, he walked over to the kitchen, ready to take out last night’s dinner when his emerald eyes took notice of a red sticky note on the fridge.

“‘Someone coming today’” - Cosgrove raise one of his brows - “‘be prepared’?”

Ding! Dong!

Cosgrove turned his attention away from his planned meal, walking down the carpeted stairs and looking through the peeping hole. He drew his neck back and opened the door.

“Apple Bloom?” - He asked, looking at her face to face - “What brings you over here?”

"My history assignment wants me to ask a person about a historical event" - Apple Bloom peaked around the inside of the house - "Is your grandfather home?"

"He's currently in surgery." - Cosgrove scratched his head - "You could have called me."

"Dapplewood said you were already asleep when I texted him."

Down the neighborhood, Sunset walked out of her house, carrying her guitar case when her eyes spotted the Crusader and Maximal at the front door talking to each other. She couldn’t help but watch this development as she placed the instrument in the trunk of her car. Back at the two, Cosgrove looked at his brother as he spied at them with eyes above the couch. Looking forward again at his guest, he began to stretch again.

“Well,” - Cosgrove stretches his leg - "maybe I can fill you in on what I know as we walk?"

“Sure.” As Apple Bloom joined with him to a walk to the backyard, Sunset hopped into her car and drove off. At this point in time, the backyard is much more open while there are still quite a few trees clustered out back. The Maximal leaned on one such tree, rubbing his back up and down as Apple Bloom steadied her pencil on her notebook.

“My grandfather was just around eighteen when the lottery called him in. After he got trained, his troops were stationed in Osagawara Islands before being deployed to the Korean Penninsula.” - Cosgrove's weight began to uproot the tree - "After a few years time-" The tree uprooted, hitting the muddy ground with a huge thud.

Apple Bloom scribbled the notes and looked up, noticing Cosgrove lost his track of thought. “Has he won any medals?”

“Of course." - The Maximal lead her back to the front of the house. Dapplewood turned around on the couch, seeing his brother and guest entering and walking over towards his grandfather's room. Simply consisted of a queen sized bed, a dresser, and a closet, it doesn't take long for the grandson of the patriarch to find a display case. Complementing the deep forest green backdrop was a Red Cross, a Purple Heart, and a Victoria Cross next to a photo of his grandfather in uniform so many years ago. While the monochromatic photo didn't show any scars, the veteran did have his left arm bandaged at the time.

"Did he get shot right there?" Apple Bloom pointed to the spot in the photo.

Cosgrove rubbed his lower lip with his "index" finger."

"I've never asked him that." He put the display back on the dresser before turning to Apple Bloom. "Would you want to stay for dinner and find out?" When he saw Apple Bloom lower her shoulders, Cosgrove waved his arm towards the front yard. “Or do you want your sister or I to drive you back home?”

“The other reason I wanted to be here is because well,” - She lifted her arms and waved them at him - “you know us very well, but we don’t know much about your family beside you and your brother. And my sister is in band practice right now. I’d be honored to stay for dinner.”

Cosgrove scratches the back of his head.

“Well…” - He waves his arms around the space of the house - “Care for a tour then?”

Dapplewood peaked from the first step of stairs, watching Cosgrove and Apple Bloom head towards the former’s room.

“My room isn't as nice as yours," - He opens the door to his deep blue room - "but it’s a roof over my head.”

Apple Bloom turned her head back and forth, seeing the right wall having a bulletin board with old drawings of costumes among other such as a map of the city. Looking straight ahead was a display case holding Cosgrove's formal suit. The frame of the case is painted wood.

“Wasn't this Schnookums’ cage?” - Apple Bloom's suspicion was answered as she felt the monitor lizard crawl around her yellow boots - “Where does he sleep?”

Cosgrove laid on his bed once more, patting his belly to summon the beast to crawl up and lay on top of him. Apple Bloom cooed as she scratched the reptile’s back, removing an old scale or two.

“Sometimes I have to shuffle around to get comfy and-” Cosgrove caught Apple Bloom opening his closet, finding the most unlikely object she would suspect. It was a saddle, similar in shape to their western saddles, but custom made to the last stirrup and painted Maximal insignia.

“This is awfully good,” - She lifted the accessory, flipping it upside down, revealing the fleece underside - “but it’s too small.”

Cosgrove lifted his head as he could with a massive lizard on top of him, “Too small?”

“You got the width and the length of the cinch right,” - She flipped the saddle before sitting down on the bed - “but the seat is eight inches long, an adult saddle is twice as long. Still, not bad for a first try.”

Their eyes caught Dapplewood spying at them, Cosgrove looking at the saddle again when he answered, “Could it fit Dapplewood at his current age?” - He asked, receiving a nod from Apple Bloom - “Not a complete loss then too.”

Apple Bloom looked at the tooth marks on his arm, placing the saddle back to the closet before leaning down at Dapplewood. “Did you get any scars?”

After staying still for a moment, the farm girl got an answer when Dapplewood opened his mouth and ran a finger on the roof of his mouth. She looked inside, finding a light pink scar running from the roof of his mouth to just near his tonsils.

“Got that on accident while chewing on a coat hanger.” - Cosgrove looked away, curling his lips - “It wasn’t pretty.”

Apple Bloom noticed a couple graphic novels on the large dresser and stood up to take a closer look. She looked to the one on her left, the cover showing a mourning Mare Do Well holding her killed apprentice against a black backdrop. She then looked to the one on her right, seeing the cover of The Prankster holding a camera with a crooked smile. As she looked at the covers, Dapplewood approached his brother, making a few suggestions to ask. One such question had Cosgrove move Schnookums aside and sit up.

"I can't ask her that!" He outbursted.

"Ask me about what?" Apple Bloom looked down at the two boys, her head cocked to the left.

The older of the two brothers looked at his brother before pinching his brow.

"Okay, stop me if I go too far." - He took a deep breath - "Does it bother you that you do your usual activities, everyday, every night... Without saying hello..."

Apple Bloom lowered her shoulders and sat down.

"The truth is, I hardly remember their faces. But when I was really little, I used to have this dream where I was picked up and shushed to sleep with the most beautiful voice I ever heard." - She looked at the two brothers, Dapplewood in particular - "It didn't hurt to ask."

Over at Canterlot High, the Rainbooms were preparing to practice another song written by Fluttershy. Rarity and Applejack noticed Sunset feeling a little uneasy.

“Something wrong, Sunset?” asked Applejack.

Wrapping the guitar strap over her shoulder, Sunset turned around. “I saw your sister at Cosgrove’s house as I left.”

“Oh, yeah.” - Applejack tunes her bass, picking each string for the right note - “Apple Bloom needed information for her history assignment. And I mentioned to her before that we didn’t know so much from his family, well...” - - “Look, I’d know if she was using that as an excuse. Besides, she could use the company while she’s grounded.”

“Oh,” - Rarity cooed as she plugged in the electric keyboard - “company between a girl and a boy… And well, his brother.”

“It ain’t a date, Rarity.” - Applejack turned to the fashionista - “After that stake out, Cosgrove should deserve a break.”

“What if we are celebrating too soon?” - Sunset got Applejack’s attention - “What if that mutant pig was just one of many?”

“Hey!” - Rainbow Dash stopped the conversation - “Are we going to be talking about mutant pigs, or are we going to rock?”

Applejack looked back at the note stand, going to the first page when her cell phone buzzed in her pockets. The cover of the phone had a dual picture of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

“Pardon me this one minute.” She asked before walking into the hall.

It was already past four pm when Cosgrove prepared to warm up last night's dinner. Apple Bloom sat at the table. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the family comes home.

“Cosgrove?”

“Yes?” He responded, turning his upper body towards his guest.

“In all the years you’ve lived here, what do you think of me?” - Cosgrove stopped his walk over to the microwave, about to answer her question - “Outside of the usual.”

Out of the usual. Cosgrove began to ponder. Obviously, it saying she is pretty is out of the question. But he couldn't blame himself as every one of the Apple Family is an attractive individual; even Granny Smith was quite a catch back in her day. She is honest, but honesty runs in the family, so he could scratch that. Then there are things that he could recall from experience.

“Well for one, you’re tough. And that's more than just working on your family’s farm your whole life, you can beat me and Chelsey in an arm wrestling contest, and let’s not forget that fight you had with Diamond Tiara in Seventh Grade.”

Apple Bloom’s bow droops down, “You saw that?”

Cosgrove nodded before gently pinching his chin, “You are among, if not the most, most determined person I have ever seen. I remember you having a fun time learning French.”

Dapplewood watched as the conversation unfurled before his Maximal brother and the Crusader. As Apple Bloom stood up and walked towards him, Dapplewood noticed a detail he didn’t quite grasp on each encounter. Granted Apple Bloom is two months older than Cosgrove, but whether it was the shoes they wore or not, the two are of equal height.

“And?”

After Cosgrove places the food in the microwave, he leaned on the counter.

“Well… How can I put it?” He tapped his conjoined fingers together before twirling them around “In every friendship and family, there is someone that keeps it together. For the Maximals, it’s me. For the Crusaders…”

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened when he pointed a finger at her. Those three things he said about her, all of which are true. She is indeed tough, she is indeed determined, and she keeps her family and closest friends together through thick and thin.

Apple Bloom licked her lips, but before she could ask another question, the front door opened and closed, echoing the halls with each collective footstep, before the masters of the house revealed themselves. Having only seen them mostly from the annual neighborhood parties at her home, the farmer did notice quite a few details; their dead tired eyes, massive height, and hair that's gaining white hairs as the years went by. The second fact still intimidated her as they sat on the chairs around the table.

“I hope you made yourself comfortable?” Said Clamp Jaw in a surprisingly calm voice, very much different from the warning he gave his son when they first caught Schnookums.

“Eeyup.” Apple Bloom said in relief.

A while into dinner, the Thunderfoot family were telling their life stories.

“And while we weren’t looking,” - Claire took a bite of beef stroganoff - “this donkey was walking across the road when BAM!” - she slapped her hands together.

“Did the donkey-?”

“Oh no, it didn’t die,” - Clamp Jaw chuckled - “but boy did the spit took a long while to take off.”

“That’s nothing to what happened in Hawaii.” Cosgrove turns to his guest “Mom and Dad were driving to a local town to try some of the cuisine there. No one was there, so they left. When they got back to the hotel and turned on the news channel, they saw the exact same town” - he swiped his hand around - “smothered in lava.”

“Whoa…” - Apple Bloom scratched her head, looking over to the parents - “And this was before any of them were born?"

“Mmhmm.” They answered, before chuckling.

Tremor chuckled, shifting his bandaged shoulder around.

“How’s your arm, Grandpa?” Asked Cosgrove.

“Still hurts like hell.” He answered before taking another bite -“And I feel that a piece of me is missing.”

“What happened to your arm?” Apple Bloom asked, not noticing the worried looks of his son and daughter in law.

Claire raised a finger, “I don’t think that’s an appropriate-”

Tremor silenced her, straightening himself up and clears his throat before turning his head to Apple Bloom.

“August Eighteenth, Nineteen Fifty One. It was the hottest day of my service, and the battle was one to match. My platoon was on its third day, surrounded by the Norters with no food, little water, less ammo. I was tending to one of my wounded when a squad of them launched out of the jungle! One stabbed me in the shoulder with a bayonet, ain’t no way out.” - he flicked his eyes at his grandchildren - “But with the present evidence, I wasn’t ready to die that day. I kicked him away, tore off the gun, fired three others and the one that attacked me well… he’ll be seeing pitch black his entire life…”

Every table sitter both blood and friend had their mouth slightly agape. The silence was broken for a split second when Apple Bloom’s spoon slipped into her bowl. With an inside cough, Tremor stabbed two chunks of beef.

“New to you… But a typical war story.” He finished before pulling the meat clean off the fork.

Clamp Jaw, in one of the few times his stern face didn't appear stern, leaned towards his son.

“You’d want to take her home now.”

Still taking in Tremor’s war story, the two didn’t talk for a while on the drive back to Sweet Apple Acres. When the traffic light is taking too long to change, the silence had to be broken.

“I’m sorry you heard that.” Said Cosgrove, shifting his eyes to his friend.

As soon as the light went green, he applied weight on the gas pedal, pushing the car forward.

Apple Bloom looked at the driver, “Do you worry about what happens next? I mean, Applejack, Sunset, all of them are going to graduate in a few months.”

Cosgrove lowered his eyes for a while before looking straight at the road.

“I do. When they leave for college, it would be up to us. And we would only be around for two more years. And whatever happens in town when we’re in college, I won’t be there to protect Dapplewood, and Mom and Dad are becoming older, slower…”

He had a point. Between the last time a person would call home and the next, a lot of things can happen, some good, some bad. One wouldn’t think that his parents would get killed, but they do.

Soon, they arrived at the farmhouse. Stepping out of the car, the two looked at the night sky, their faces illuminated by the moon as the saw their breath leave their nostrils.

“I’ll see you both at the dance then?” he asked, getting a nod in return before the Maximal got in the car.

The Crusader was halfway to her house, becoming uncertain once again as she turned around, but Cosgrove’ brake lights were far away. Taking out the keys, she entered her house and walked up the stairs to her room, sorting her blankets.

“So, how were they?” Asked Applejack.

“There really is a lot more to them than we realize.” - Apple Bloom sat on her bed - “Especially their father. and the stories they tell really are worth a laugh. And I got everything I needed for the assignment.” - she looked down, retaining her smile - “Cosgrove’s really lucky to have a family like that.”

Applejack curled a smile, “Good.” - She turned her head to the window, figuratively watching Cosgrove return to his home - “Nothing bad happened?”

Apple Bloom shook her head, “Nope.”

“Good. Glad you enjoyed the visit.” - Applejack turned away once more from her sister’s room before something reached into her mind - “Oh I got called from Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle…”

The mention of their names had her worry, she did forget to give them a call before coming over.

“I told them that you and Cosgrove helped out around the house.” She answered

Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, “But, that was yesterday.” - As one of the few times she lied, Applejack pursed her lips looking up at the ceiling. - “I won’t tell anybody, it’ll be our secret.”

Calmed, her sister closed the door, leaving Apple Bloom to prepare for her slumber. She looked at her mirror, watching herself change from a happy person to a worried one.

“Yeah… Our little secret…”

Back at his home in Great Valley Drive, Cosgrove ate a few more of his leftovers when Dapplewood came into his view, pointing at him, formed a heart shape with both hands, then pointed to the outside world.

“She’s very sweet, and a good friend.” - Cosgrove looked down - “But you do remember Flash having a crush on Sunset before having a crush on Twilight.”

Dapplewood shifted through his phone again, playing the recording, “Still, not bad for your first try.”

The complement on his first attempt on making a saddle made him smile, “But we’ll see, we’ll see.”

What Happened...

The following morning, the Apple Family have just prepared breakfast, a meal necessary for the work ahead. But between the four farmers, one wasn't enjoying the meal.

“Is there something wrong, Apple Bloom?” Asked Granny Smith.

Apple Bloom stirred her porridge before looking up. “Applejack, Mac, Granny, I have to tell you something.”

Back at Great Valley Drive, Cosgrove was just fitting his white tux. When he moved his arms, the suit moved with him. Outside of his room, Dapplewood was chewing on his cereal when he heard his brother walk by.

“I’m going to get my suit tailored, Dapplewood.” He yelled out before walking out the door.

With a fast drive over to the Carousel Boutique, Rarity had Cosgrove stand on a platform, measuring his shoulders and torso.

“So, have a special somebody you plan to bring to the dance?”

Cosgrove remained stiff as a tree when he answered, “No.”

Rarity stopped measuring, looking up from her glasses. “Not even a certain farm-”

“She would tell me if she wanted to.” Cosgrove interrupted, looking down at the fashionista “Seeing as she is grounded along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.”

Rarity looked at him, jerking a little of the thread before continuing her work. “One of the qualities a lady likes in a gentleman is respect, and you have it.”

“What would a gentleman find in a lady?” He asked, getting pricked in the finger on accident.

“Oh dear! I am so sorry!” - Rarity snipped the knot off the needle, replacing it with a new one - “But to answer your question, it really is up to you darling.” - She turned around again to grab another roll of similar threads, temporarily leaving him at the mercy of her cat - “But even then there is the character of a lady that one appreciates.”

Having finished her adjusting, Cosgrove moved his arms around; No discomfort, nor awkward movement. “This'll work. Thanks, Rarity.”

“I will need to do some fixing on the trim.” - Rarity walked towards the staircase - “Wait here while I get the red thread.”

Cosgrove, alone again, felt Opalescence scratch at his khakis, loosening one of the brown stripes.

“Will you stop that!” he yelled with a stamp of his foot.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the family was dead quiet. Big Mac and Granny looked at Apple Bloom with disappointment, while Applejack held her hand over her head.

“You haven't told this to anyone else before now?” - She asked, looking to find her sister shaking her head slowly - “Then I suggest you do, starting with Cosgrove, after you've asked him about Cogsworth.”

Apple Bloom looked up, lip quivering, “Wh-what happened with Cogsworth?”

“They never said…” - Applejack stood up from her chair grabbing the dishes - “But if you don't tell him, and he finds out on his own... we’re gonna lose him.”

Apple Bloom looked at her grandmother and brother, their angered looks enough to justify the seriousness of what she just told them. She took out her phone, sniffling as she found his name on the bright screen.

Back at the Thunderfoot residence, Cosgrove just placed the refurbished tuxedo in the display case. With a smirk, he took out his math book, comparing his answers to those in the back when he felt a buzz in his pocket. He took out his phone, seeing Apple Bloom’s school picture on the cover.

“What’s up, Apple Bloom?” He answered

“Hi, Cosgrove.” - Apple Bloom answered from the other side of the line, trying hard not to voice her sadness - “Can I ride with you to the dance?”

Cosgrove raised an eyebrow, “Applejack’s not going to the dance?”

“Oh she is,” - Apple Bloom tried to come up with a convincing answer - “we just have so many cases of apple cider that we would need the passenger seat.”

Cosgrove took a look at the program of the dance, studying the hour of the dance before answering, “Yeah, I’ll come by. Five O’ Clock sound fine to you?”

Back at the other side of the line, Apple Bloom tightened her lips, holding back her tears, “Yeah, that’s fine.”

“See you-” The phone hung up before he could finish. The Maximal took a look at his clock - “Better finish up on those problems.” He said, taking out a pencil and correcting his progress.

The hours become minutes by the time he put on his good pants and white tuxedo. Dapplewood stood behind him, eating a small bag of Ginger Snaps.

“Keep the comms open while I’m gone, okay?”

Dapplewood nodded as he crushed a cookie into pulp. As his brother reached the front door, he whistled, racing to the top of the stairs to give him an A-Okay gesture with a wink. Cosgrove gave his little brother a sarcastic look before opening the door and walking to his car.

Taking the usual route over to Sweet Apple Acres, he found that, true to her word, the truck was indeed being loaded to the brim with crates of Fizzy Apple Cider. Though his entrance was calm as he helped load the rest of the crates, his welcome felt lukewarm as he noticed Big Mac’s furrowed brow.

“That’s the last of it.” - said Applejack, rubbing her head before hearing the front door open.

Apple Bloom walked out of the house in her Fall Formal dress. Her expression too struck Cosgrove as odd; events like these excite her and her fellow Crusaders.

“Is there something wrong, slugger?” Asked Applejack, noticing his confused look.

“Nothing.” - Cosgrove shook his head - “Nothing’s wrong.” - the daily glow receded over the mountains, signaling them to move.

“Let’s be off.” Said Applejack as she entered the truck.

As they drove towards school, the Maximal slowly furrowed his brow. Far as he knows, this is the first time the school had a Valentine’s Day dance in a long while, so why does it feel gloomy? They soon reached Canterlot High, where several pairs of students of the opposite sex entered the school. Though riding in the same car, a dance can have several other purposes besides dating. Having been out of the loop thanks to the stake out, meeting up with his fellow Maximals would be the first on Cosgrove's mind and no doubt the same would be for the Crusaders.

“Well,” - Cosgrove turned the ignition key, silencing the engine’s purr before stepping out - “better not keep them-”

“What happened to Cogsworth?”

Cosgrove stopped in his tracks, turning back to the Crusader standing still in the snow. Back inside, the Rainbooms, the Crusaders, and the Maximals, respectively sans a member, gathered around the lobby, waiting for them. For the first, they didn’t have to wait for long.

“Hey, AJ!” Pinkie Pie noticed the Honest Bearer’s disappointed face.

“Applejack?” - Fluttershy stepped to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder - “What’s wrong?”

“Is Apple Bloom with you?” Asked Sweetie Belle, receiving a scowl from Applejack.

“You two come with me.” Applejack motioned Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo before walking to her right, her slow pace could mean only one thing.

“Applejack,” - Rainbow jogged up to her friend - “what’s going on?”

Applejack took out her phone, flipping the touch screen over to Dapplewood’s phone number. The youngest Maximal himself was watching a rerun of "Sharknado", a freshly made orecchiette dinner in his lap when his grey-purple eyes spotted his phone screen lighting up, showing Applejack’s picture.

“Dapplewood, patch over to your brother’s phone.”

Back outside, Apple Bloom looked forward as Cosgrove walked towards her, looking flustered.

“Please, I need to know.”

“Apple Bloom,” - Cosgrove swung his arm around - “what happened between us and Cogsworth is none of your-”

“Teammates never keep secrets!” Apple Bloom interrupted him

Cosgrove kept a furrowed brow before walking back to his car, sitting on the front bumper. In a Transformers Prime style flashback, a large group of students gathered around Twilight, berating her, jeering at her, cursing her name.

“Twilight was so desperate to prove she wasn’t Anon-a-Miss. Your sister and the other Rainbooms unavailable, she came to us.” - the Maximals next to Twilight as she was hard at work, showing evidence that her computer was devoid of any proof she is Anon-a-Miss - “Twilight, thank God, didn’t contain everything. But there is only one other Techie with the skill to be able to nab online info: Cogsworth.” - The Maximals were now in Cogsworth’s house, each party bantering one another - “We came to his house for a little talk. He said that he had nothing to do with it, only that this fiasco was bugging his computer. But I am not a person willing to take any chances.” - In one quick jab, the Maximized Cosgrove tore out the internal hard drive before leaving - “Since then, Cogsworth cut me off from his friend's list, and I haven’t spoken to him since.” - The flashback finished with Cosgrove looking forward with a predatory glare - “He had it coming either way.”

Apple Bloom lowered her head, “It wasn’t Cogsworth.”

Her date turned back, “It wasn't? Then who? Trixie?” - The farmer lifted a shaky fist, lip quivering, before pointing to herself - “You?”

“And Sweetie Belle… and Scootaloo…” - Apple Bloom sniffles - “Ever since Twilight transferred over here, I got jealous because Applejack was hanging out with her instead of the family. So I created the account and posted my sister’s nickname there. It didn’t work as we hoped, so Sweetie Belle posted about Rarity’s Closet of Shame, then Scootaloo posted about Rainbow Dash. When everyone started posting everyone’s information…”

Back home, Dapplewood threw his dinner at the TV screen, hissing at his phone.

Apple Bloom watched as Cosgrove lurched back, his lips twitching as he tried his damnedest to contain his anger, “Cosgrove, I am so sorry!”

Cosgrove stepped into her view, towering over as he drew his face over to hers - “Every single insult Diamond Tiara threw at you. And throughout this time… That I thought…” - He narrowed his eyes - “You’d be the last person to get jealous.”

Such a glare gave the Crusader something that she could easily be honest about: she was afraid. If the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree, he could easily tear her apart here and now. But had it been for her better judgment, none of this would have happened. But now she and her closest friends have caused more damage than Roma Candle, the Dazzlings, and Principal Cinch ever done. She stood straight up, holding her arms close to her body.

She closed her eyes, ready for the worst. A hard punch, a loud scream, the sound of him transforming into his beast mode. She could only wonder as her view was in total darkness.

“We hurt someone dear to us… I won’t ruin ours.”

Apple Bloom opened her eyes to find her date gone from her sight, shifting her hazel brown eyes to her left, seeing him locked in a full embrace. Cosgrove looked straight ahead with eyes sad, angry, and tired.

“It’s a deep scar… but like the ones I bear, it will fade.”

Such an honest opinion coming in her ear, Apple Bloom teared up, crying as she joined the embrace, her sobs echoing the front courtyard as snow floated down to the floor.

Back inside Principal Celestia’s Office, the schoolmaster released the PA system button, pinching her temples as she took in the confession. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked up with sorrowful eyes as their friends and relatives, who had very much the opposite expressions, Rainbow Dash and Rarity especially. The Maximals were also very sour, having gone in a wild goose chase that severed ties with a classmate they have been with since Elementary School.

“We’re so sorry…” Weeped Sweetie Belle as she rubbed the side of her hand across her face.

“And you should,” - Rarity narrowed her eyes - “you are lucky no one was hurt enough that… that…”

“She gets the point, sugar cube.” Applejack finished before Rarity went too far.

“Posting private information like gossip will not be tolerated ever,” - Vice Principal Luna leaned forward - “Is that understood?”

Celestia picked up the phone, drawing it close to her mouth. “And to be sure, you three will serve detention for the rest of the semester.”

Not wanting any further discipline or harm, the two Crusaders agreed with a wholehearted, “Yes.”

Back outside, Apple Bloom and Cosgrove slowly released each other from the embrace.

“Thank you… for understanding.” Apple Bloom said as slid her thumb across his knuckles before looking at his face. There were still hints of anger, but not anywhere close to exploding

The Maximal and Crusader looked up, seeing the snow intensifying before the former took off his tuxedo, wrapping it around her before they approached the front foyer just as a blast of ice sealed the doors shut. Cosgrove and Apple Bloom turned around, seeing two pairs of glowing eyes. Having fought a corporate Dakotaraptor and aged high priest respectively, They assumed a battle position, ready to fight for their home once more. Judging by their silhouette, they appeared to be their age.

“Rogue Wondercolt or Shadowbolt?” Asked Apple Bloom.

The bearers of the glowing eyes stepped forward into the light, the one on the left bearing blue-green and white armor, the other have blue and white armor. Both stood on digitigrade toes and have little stubs for wings.

The blue one cackled before the green one answered, “Neither.”

In a shift of science and sorcery, the two beings became beasts twice their usual size, the green one that can easily be described as a dragon, the other appearing to be a bear with a bird head and wings.

Cosgrove snarled before gesturing to the farm girl, “After you?”

“I will Make my Mark for My Heart is as Strong as a Horse!” Apple Bloom chanted, sprouting her ears and ponytail.

“Cosgrove, Maximize!” He roared, gaining his more animalistic qualities.

The two cyborg beast's rose on their hind legs, accepting their challenge. Cosgrove was the first to charge, rushing to the ursagryph with claws thrashing about, the volley of teeth and beak missed by the bopping of each one’s headbutts.

The dragon charged at Apple Bloom, jumping into the air with a flap of his wings. But brute force can be no match for technique, as is improved with thanks from the Mummies. Now with a clear conscience, Apple Bloom slid to the left, grabbing the beast by the neck and tossing him over to the doors.

Such a thud echoed in the hallways, alerting the Rainbooms and the remaining members of the Crusaders and Maximals to run towards the foyer. But with the doors sealed tight, they watched the battle ensue outside before rushing to the parking lot doors.

The battle was turning against the Crusader and the Maximal. This is their first time having to fight beings with mechanical aspects; even Cosgrove’s claws only scratched the armor. And metal is much sharper than bone, and Cosgrove was beaten to the point of bleeding before the beast he fought rose on his hind legs and slapping him to the ground. The ursagryph turned his attention to Apple Bloom, who was holding the dragon by the horns, the inside of his beak glowing orange. The farmer would have been charbroiled had the ursagryph’s beak hadn’t been shut, stopping the stream of flame from reaching her. Turned around, the beast was met beak to muzzle as a completely feral Cosgrove gave him a Don Bluth-esque glare, baring his blood dripped teeth before tossing him aside.

In the shadows, another spectator watched the battle.

“It’s the perfect blend of science and sorcery.” - The interloper tapped his fingers together - “Skystalker and Darksteel can change form at will, they can fly by mechanical means, they use magic without tiring, and best of all, they are one hundred percent obedient.” -The magic seeping from the medallion around his neck intensified, intensifying a violet glow from his eyes. Pressing a button, the left armrest sprouted out a small gun barrel - “But a bullet is a bullet.”

He looked to his left, Skystalker managed to buck Apple Bloom off, pinning her to the ground with one of his claws. He looked to his right, Cosgrove put up a better fight now but was still weakened enough for Darksteel to knock him aside and pin him down. The choice is his to make: One of the girls who were responsible, or the person supporting her. And with the latter spilling blood over the snow, the person took aim at the Maximized human, narrowing his eyes as he lifted his finger at the trigger.

Apple Bloom squirmed as Skystalker’s toothed maw glowed a bright blue, ready to end her here and now.

“Get yer claws off my sister!”

The only warning Skystalker ever got when another lasso wrapped around his neck, pulled away from his prey. Applejack swung the mechanical beast in one massive arc, smacking Darksteel off Cosgrove. The spectator turned his head to the parking lot, the other power ready members bursting out and attacking the two mechanical beasts. With a flare from his nostril, he backed away into the shadows. Darksteel and Skystalker fended off their enemies as long as they could, exposing large areas of grass as they unleashed their dragon fire. But the combination of Equestrian magic, Egypt-Tsu, and Dinosaur savagery proved too much for them. With a couple roars, the two interlopers turned around and fled the schoolyard.

The victory was short-lived right away; Cosgrove had lost so much blood that he reverted to his human body, lowering his shoulders before falling forward on the ground.

Epilogue

Darkness and silence, before his brain picked up a faint beep. A few seconds later, another beep, then several more in rhythm. He opened his eyes, back to the safety of a hospital bed, looking down to see his bandaged chest. Cosgrove was just about to take another deep breath when a pair of light tan arms wrapped around him.

“Hey, hey! Take it easy, Dapplewood.” He said in a shallow tone, looking at the door to see his parents walk into his room, sitting down in a couple chairs to be at his level.

“You are such a trooper.” Said Claire, placing her hand on her oldest son - "You've been out for two days."

The teenager widened his eyes, taking in the news of being out of the loop.

“You’ve” - Cosgrove shuffled to an upright position before being pushed back down by his father - “stopped what happened from reaching the press?”

Clamp Jaw nodded, “But we still need to address who attacked you and Apple Bloom.”

At the waiting room, Detective Horsetails was writing down the information regarding the two monsters that attacked Apple Bloom and Cosgrove. The Crusader held a sketchbook, drawing the best figures she could remember.

“Those two,” - Apple Bloom applied shading to the drawing - “they had an insignia I’ve never seen before.”

With damaged limbs, Cosgrove managed his best to sketch out their insignia, appearing to be at best the head of a demonic ram.

“Thank you for this information.” Said the detective as she took the sketchbook.

The masters of the Thunderfoot house left the room before the man turned around to the bed - “Would you like to see your visitors, son?”

Cosgrove looked down; With a fantastic night of getting his body busted, bruised and scarred, comfort is the best course of action. “Yes, please.”

The father moved outside, closing the door on the way. Cosgrove looked to find his brother glaring at him. “I’d suspect you kept the lines open?”

Dapplewood took out his cell phone, scrolled through his records before playing, “‘You?’”

“‘And Sweetie Belle… and Scootaloo...’”

Just as Dapplewood turned off the phone, Cosgrove looked straight ahead, saying, “And... she is sorry…”

The boy turned to find Apple Bloom at the door, stepping forward to look down at the youngest member of the family. Dapplewood blinked once, revealing his beast mode’s eyes as he hissed like a rat cornered to a wall. Responses to posts regarding his information were as severe those posted about Derpy, Twist, Pipsqueak, Golden Caramel and the like. And being a young man whose actions are much louder than words, it was a matter of time before he would unleash his fury.

“You have a right to be mad,” - The young farmer saw Dapplewood’s fists curl up - “I wouldn’t blame you.”

The youngest Maximal curled his lips even further, grabbed Apple Bloom by her shirt, and aimed his free fist at her head. The youngest Apple didn’t beg him to stop, just looking at him with the same guilty eyes. Dapplewood blinked again, returning his eyes back to their normal, slowly lowering his fist before pushing her back. Still giving her a frustrated look, he pointed to himself, swung his hand around before raising it up and pointing to her. Sparing the beatdown relieved Apple Bloom, but not by much.

Back at the living room, the Thunderfoot parents joined up with their neighbors and their school principals. Lion Tamer studies the drawn insignia.

“I know this insignia…” - The middle-aged man placed the sketchbook on the coffee table - “The insignia of the Tambelon Predacons.”

The two principals shuddered at that name, drawing the police officers faces with concern.

“I thought that school was closed.” Said VP Luna, looking at her older sister.

“So have I.” - Celestia parted two of the blinds, spying the tranquil neighborhood before looking the other way - “Grogar never had the chance to declare them his own intellectual property before his reported death.”

“Whatever,” - Rainbow Dash flicked her wrist - “fifteen of us against two of them, it would be a piece of cake!” - Rainbow’s boast wasn’t met with cheering - “What? It’s true.”

“Why stop at two?” Said Twilight.

The thought alone made Pinkies hair deflate as she took a gulp.

“The Maximals…” Added Rarity

“And the Predacons…” Said Fluttershy, twisting her pink hair as the thought ran through her

The Maximals themselves looked at each other before Chelsey finished, “We got a beast wars on our hands…”

An old soldier himself, Tremor removed his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is a very dangerous development.”

Celestia and Luna turned around, the former asking, “What will you require of us?”

Clamp Jaw turned to their younger generation - “I would require that you lay low.”

Sunset stepped forward, “Mr. Thunderfoot, if the past is any indication, we may be the only defense against what’s coming.”

Clamp Jaw furrowed his brow, “Then I suggest you all get your act together,” - he pointed to the east - “Or they will.”

With the room door open, Applejack took a peek as Dapplewood looked aloof to her sister. “Apple Bloom.”

Hearing her name, Apple Bloom stood up and walked to her sister.

“Get well soon, okay?” Asked Applejack. receiving an answer with a nod before Cosgrove drifted off into sleep once more.

The end of the next school day began the sentence. The Crusaders sat in desks populating a gray room, trying to avoid the curious look from Discord. Usually, his room is cluttered with useless junk, but with what happened by three sophomore students, the best works of art free of distraction. But ultimately, detention was a relief compared to the glares and backtalk from classmates both their age and older. It’s only with a presence of a Rainboom or Maximal nearby that they haven’t gotten hurt by Garble, Gilda, or the Diamond Dogs.

The Draconequus’ duplicate looked at the clock before saying, “I shall see you again tomorrow.”

Grabbing their belongings, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo exited the empty school, looking out to find the cars of their respective relatives. As their friends took different routes to their homes, Applejack shifted her head slightly, noticing her sister holding her head with one arm. When they got back to their home, following the silence of the engine, the eldest sister took a deep breath.

"Apple Bloom," - her sister shifted her head a little - "When things are at their darkest, that's when you look for the light."

The two entered their house, Applejack watching Apple Bloom slowly walk up the stairs to her room. Having done her homework while in detention, she sat on her bed, looking down on the floor.

Back at the hospital entrance, a wheeled figure looked at the large building.

"Not so tough now are you?" He sneered before retreating to the shadows.