Dawn of the School Year
It was 5 O’clock of a very cool morning. Cosgrove was well asleep in his house, waiting for the next hour for his alarm clock to ring and start a new year of school. The wind seeped through the window sill. The breeze moved a few loose pieces of paper and the colt’s mane.
“Cosgrove…”
The Hipparion’s ear flicked a little.
“Cosgrove….”
The colt opened his eyes before raising his head. Looking around to find nopony was there, only he and Dapplewood. He did notice that the window was open and walked over to close it.
“Cosgrove….”
The voice whispered in front of him. It repeated again behind him and again further away. Knowing that school will be just a few hours anyway, and Dapplewood was dead asleep, Cosgrove grabbed his saddlebag and walked out of his room. His grandparents were still asleep on the floor, prompting the young pony to apply less pressure on the wooden floor. However, Loopty Hoop opened her eyes at the sound of the front door opening and closing.
He followed each whisper of his name as the sun began to illuminate between the trees. Each voice lead him to the top of a hill. Just as the sun was revealed at the hilltop, Cosgrove shielded his eyes. Upon lowering his hoof, the Hipparion’s eyes widened and began galloping towards the sight. Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop were just behind him when they also astounded at the same sight.
It was… Night Dancer herself.
Her face was a happy one as her “son” embraced her. Tears streamed from his face as his surrogate mother held him close. She noticed her parents showing sad expressions as they approached their deceased daughter. Cosgrove loosened his embrace to allow Night Dancer to embrace her parents. She did give a little chuckle before turning around.
Just as she walked past her child, Night Dancer motioned at her cutie mark. Cosgrove widened his eyes before before looking at his flank. It was no longer a bare yellow, but it is now adorned with an image of a torn piece of cloth being stitched up. Aside from making costumes, Cosgrove has made mistakes in the past and has fixed them.
Just as he looked ahead, he found Night Dancer gone. He began to cry again before a shadow loomed over him again. Looking up, he saw a cloud in the shape of a pony looking down at him. After wiping the tear from his eyes, a time lapse began to occur; Cosgrove began to mature as he stood up, then rose on his hind legs.
He then raised his adult head and emitted a deep bray. The sound can be heard throughout the valley as the sound begins again twice. The view pans up to the sky as Night Dancer’s cloud is also joined by her parents and Schnookums alongside a trio of blinking stars.