//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 (New Timeline): Enter Gojira // Story: The Advent of Godzilla // by Jongoji245 //------------------------------// Returning from Canterlot, Sunset left the train to find Ponyville as she left it, though as she entered the town square, the Unicorn did find a few abnormal mantids the size of cats on a few of the shopper bins and even roosting on the destroyed Library. Her question will have to wait as Sunset continued her journey to Sweet Apple Acres. Over at Sweet Apple Acres, where the mantids really became a problem, one of the “big apple” trees is being bucked by the band of children. Despite the force of even kicking them in unison, the apples still wouldn’t fall off easily. Chelsey became agitated by the bugs and stepped away from the tree. “Out of the way!” The young horse shouted as she charged head first into the tree. Stars circled around her head as she faltered onto her haunches. An apple does fall onto her snout and into the bucket. “Well, that worked…” Sweetie Belle remarked before being given a harsh look from the larger mare as she rubbed her sore head. A shadow loomed over them as Cogsworth's machine grabbed the tree and shook it, releasing the bounty of large apples. Steering the Galgameth to the next one, Cogsworth spoke, “This day couldn’t get any better…” “Actually it would if these mantis’ stopped nipping on me.” Scootaloo said as she fluttered up and down on the mantis’, crushing them under her hooves. “Mantis’ shouldn’t do that.” Cosgrove remarked as he stamped his hoofs on the nipping pests “And how many mantis’ have you seen?” Diver commented as she slapped one with her tail. Cosgrove kicked one the size of a large rabbit when he turned and pointed his hoof, “Certainly not that one!” Diver turned around and saw a mantis the size of a jaguar. The insect began to charge at the ponies when it received a good head butt from Big Mac. Toppled over, the red pony reared up and slammed his hooves on it’s head. “Disaster averted, Big Mac!” Applebloom congratulated with a smile. “Nope…” Big Mac remarked He was dead right about that. More jaguar-sized mantis’ are prowling towards them, joined as well by a few bear sized ones too. Cogsworth changed his machine's weaponry to the Spazer beam as he joined Big Mac and Chelsey. “Cosgrove, you and your friends go get help.” Chelsey Just after she say’s that a mantis leaps at her and latches onto the horse with its claws. Chelsey bucked and brushed the mantis against a tree. Out of options, she jumped and fell on her back, crushing the beast. The bug twitched a little before expiring. Sunset arrived at the farm when she noticed the fight beginning Cosgrove stopped in his tracks and looked back as the bugs continued to swarm the three who stayed behind. The Hipparion turned to his friends, “We’ll never be able to get help fast enough.” “But how much help can we do?” Sweetie Belle replied as a mantis crept behind her. Zipper was about to open his mouth when a pumpkin flew out of nowhere and cleaved it’s head. The six foals looked forward and saw Grannie Smith with an army helmet next to a catapult used every Nightmare Night. “Never had this much fun in years!” the elderly mare yelped. Cosgrove motioned the Crusaders and Diver, “You four help load up the catapult!” “But what about Big Mac!” asked Apple Bloom “Just go!" - Cosgrove turned around - "Zipper and I will handle it!” “Andjusthowthetwoofuswillhandlebearsizedinsects?!” “It’s tornado season!” Cosgrove grinned “Tornadoseason?! It’salreadypast-" Zipper stopped for a moment "Ohhhhhh!” Cosgrove ripped out a claw from the decapitated mantis and galloped towards the three fighters. Zipper began running around in a large circle. While the Galgameth strafed, a lion-sized mantis leaped at Cogsworth. The mechanic struggled to get it off when a sea-green blast shot it off. Turning the upper body of the machine, Cogsworth found that it was Sunset who fired at the mantis. One bug flew in a direct course to Big Mac, receiving a can of apple bucking as is splattered along a tree. Chelsey was up on her hind legs sparring with a bug her size when the mantis grappled the mare when she was in distance. She pushed and shoved to keep her face away from the shearing mandibles. Cosgrove leaped on the back of the assailant. “Surprise!” He shouted as he lopped off the insect’s head with the claw. Chelsey snorted, “Show off…” A distance away from Ponyville a large group of ponies are having fun on the riverbank. Three ponies were on boogie boards riding on the currents brought by the wind. A lifeguard scanned around seeing if anypony was in trouble when she noticed an anomaly in the distance. She grabbed her binoculars and found a massive wave. She grabbed the whistle wrapped around her neck and blew as hard as she could. Everypony began rushing out of the water, the mother’s grabbing their foals. A foolish surfer stayed behind, ignoring the lifeguard’s louder blasts as she tried to bring him back. As the surfer reached the wave, it increased in size and burst. The speed of the wave was too much to react to and the surfer was flung across to a tree along the bank. A massive shadow soon loomed over the bank. Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the battle is growing more intense. The mantis’ now have elephant size companions. Cogsworth changed between the gun barrels to fire at more mantis' in one shot. One such elephant mantis leaped onto him, toppling the machine to the ground. “Okay a little to the left, no a little too far left!” Granny Smith ordered the fillies as they moved the catapult. “Unleash the Payload!” Pulling a lever, the catapult launched another pumpkin and smacked the mantis off Schnookums’ back. “Bullseye!” Diver yelped Zipper began to move faster and faster until he was just a blur. Big Mac, Sunset, Chelsey, and Cosgrove were able to retreat. Not able to easily flee, Cogsworth had the Galgameth slam it's limbs into the ground, securing its place. One by one, the giant bugs are flung into the air. The tornado can be seen in Ponyville, especially in the Mayor’s office before she saw the gigantic monster making it’s way towards the tornado. Once every last bug was removed, Zipper slowed down and began to pant heavily. The Galgameth ripped itself out of the soil. The Crusaders, Granny Smith, and Diver looked out from the barn as Big Mac, Chelsey, Sunset, and Cosgrove walked towards the exhausted Sleipnir. Cosgrove gave Zipper a soft pat on the back. But the peace was again broken as three massive shadows loomed over them. Cosgrove drew his ears back, “Don’t tell me, there are three gigantic mantis’ behind me?” “Eeyup.” “Think we’ll survive this?” Sunset added “...Nope…” “Bring it on…” Cogsworth growled as a gun barrel began to spin. The others once again assumed defensive poses at the super giant mantis’ as a fourth even larger shadow loomed above them. The ponies’ pupils shrank at the sight of the figure. Grannies’ mouth was agape long enough for her dentures to fall off before wrapping her lips around her snout. Cosgrove slowly began to eye the figure. They were standing face to face with a monster they haven’t seen before. It was clearly reptilian though the head sported a curious pair of ears. On it’s back lied three rows of back plates with the largest near the hip region before tapering down to the tail. It’s eye’s were blood red with a yellow iris. The monster shuffled it’s plantigrade feet and began to inhale. After a “small” growl, the monster gave a mighty roar so loud it actually shook the ground. The ponies in the farm covered their ears, though it was pointless to try. Further away, the ponies could hear the roar without having to cover their ears, but it does cause a stir in the nursery. Even far away in her chambers, Princess Celestia heard a faint echo of the roar. One of the mantis’ charged at the monster, only to get a whack from its massive tail. However, when the monster turned around, another one latched its claws around the neck. The monster struggled a little before clamping its jaws and severing the mantis’ arm at the shoulder. It then grabbed the insect and slapped it hard enough on the ground that the abdomen was smashed flat. The first mantis that attacked it leaped onto the monster’s back and started raking its claws back and forth. Though only taking off bits and pieces of scales, each scale was the size of a small boulder; Everypony in the field ran their way to the barn. The monster then wrapped it’s tail around the joint between the thorax and the abdomen and brought it forth to its claws. Using as much strength as it could, the monster ripped the mantis apart. The last gigantic mantis scuttled back a little into the trees. As it went deeper, the massive insect’s became more and more obscure. The monster looks back and forth as each short burst of buzzing the mantis leaps out and inflicts damage on the massive reptile. At one point the mantis slashes it’s ankle, toppling the beast. The spiny monster breathed heavily as it regained its footing. The mantis aimed itself towards the beast’s back and leaped. At a few meters from its destination, the monster suddenly turned and snapped at the mantis’ cranium. The wings sprout open as it’s limbs twitched before becoming limp. The monster spat out the carcass and roared to the sky. The juice from the insect flew off the teeth, making a mess when it splotched on the ground. The beast turned and walked towards the barn. The ponies cower as the monster’s size became more apparent. They dared to look up at the skyscraper figure. It’s face donned a large set of eyebrows and unintentionally gave them a fierce scowl. It flared it’s nostrils as it emitted a small rumble. Suddenly a large blast comes from behind and hits the monster in the back. The beast turns around and spots a winged figure in the sky. With the Mane Six on their newfound quest, Princess Luna took charge of watching Ponyville in their absence. With much firepower and agile flying skills, the beast could not dismiss her as a mere fly. It's back plates began to grow a light orange, with the radiating heat to match. “Everyone to the storm shelter!” Big Mac shouted After unlocking Cogsworth from the Galgameth, Everypony and Winona made their way to the underground shelter. When he entered the shelter Cosplay glanced back. Just as the red stallion closed the doors, an orange glow filtered through the door. A static hum also can be heard outside. Dust crept it’s way from the ceiling of the shelter as the monster moved about outside. Winona shook in fear as the battle continued, prompting a reassuring hug from Big Mac. Gradually the sound began to fade, but for safety’s sake, they kept inside the storm shelter well into the evening. It was noon the next day when the group crawled out of the underground shed. Their eyes widened at the result of last night. All across Sweet Apple Acres, there were tail draggings, footprints about five feet deep at least, and burned trees from a dying forest fire. The carcasses of the insects from before were gone, most likely crushed after last night. Construction crews were also underway, removing the burned and damaged material while also planting new apple trees. Princess Luna stood tall, monitoring their progress. The group bowed in thanks as the Princess of the Moon approached them. “Are thou hurt? Anything broken?” “Eenope.” “What was that thing?” Apple Bloom asked “Yeah, it looked a lot worse than Tirek!” Added Scootaloo “I have been asked these questions by the other civilians of Ponyville, I cannot answer them…" - Luna closed her eyes - "This is a being we have never seen before. I have issued a name to my men.” Sunset stepped forward, “Which would be?” “Monster Zero.” Chelsey rose on her back feet and looked at the direction of the footprints. Luna looked in the same direction, “I have driven the beast far away from any inhabited area. There shouldn’t be any trouble until I come up with a destruction plan. In the meantime, it is best if you evacuate to a safer area until the threat has been eradicated.” “Leave Ponyville?" Cosgrove stepped forward "After the trouble we’ve just been through with Tirek!?” “Unless thou have any other ideas.” The three-toed colt drew his eyes and ears back. Chelsey stood beside him and answered, “Yeah he does! He could tame that thing like he did to Schnookums!” “Schnookums was potato when I found him," - Cosgrove looked at his taller friend - "would it be any easier to tame a thirty story lizard?!” The young Horse drew back before looking at the Princess of the Moon. “I am giving you three days to evacuate.” The Alicorn lit up her horn and disappeared. The news was grim for them. Granny Smith lowered her head at the thought of leaving the place her side of the family made. The circus ponies showed a great deal of sympathy. All those days in helping gone to waste. Spike was later seen running towards the farm with a scroll in claw. Weaving through the crowds of construction ponies, the young dragon made it to the group of ponies. Huffing and puffing, Spike stretched out his arm and handed the scroll to Big Mac. Removing the seal, Big Mac eyed the scroll before handing it to Granny Smith. The elderly pony gave a slight smile before handing it over to her youngest granddaughter. The scroll read. Dear Sweet Apple Acres, Our adventure was quite a tough cow to wrangle. We were lead to a village where ponies there had equal signs for cutie marks. Pinkie had a very good hunch there was somethin’ wrong with this place. Turns out that Starlight Glimmer formed an equalist society where everypony had no special talent. Thanks to Fluttershy, we were able to make a liar out of that mare. We couldn’t catch her, but everypony was able to make their lives for the better. We will be returnin’ soon. Love, Applejack. Applebloom handed the scroll back to Spike. “Can you send a reply letter?” She asked Spike took out a quill and a new scroll. Dear Applejack, We're doing fine, the farm is doing well… But I hate to be the bearer of bad news. While you were away, another giant monster, a lot bigger than Tirek, ravaged Sweet Apple Acres. Princess Luna was able to drive it away. We've been given three days to evacuate Ponyville until the threat is rid of. We’ll write where we are. Be very careful when you come back. My apologies, Apple Bloom Upon writing the last few words, Spike wrapped the scroll and blew on it, sending the message in green fire to its destination. “Guess I should start packing then.” Sweetie Belle said as she began walking to the Carousel Boutique. Scootaloo and Cogsworth followed behind as well. No doubt the same was said at her foster home. Cosgrove droops his ears before waving to the Apple Family and walked away as well, Sunset, Spike, and his circus friends following him. Spike looked at the group of ponies and began to ponder. When they reached Cosgrove's home, Loopty Hoop and Lion Tamer quickly ran towards them before embracing each one. "Oh thank Celestia you are all safe!" Cried Loopty Hoop. “The question now is, where we will go?” Said Chelsey "Canterlot is our best bet." Sunset answers "At first light tomorrow, we board the train." "Even if you just went there?" Cosgrove chuckled. The group of ponies left his side as the colt walked into his house and began to pack his bags. The night settled in as everyone went to sleep. But Cosgrove had trouble sleeping. This is something even worse than anything he has ever seen. Whatever sorcerer brought this abomination to the world must have been out of his mind. Morning came too late, presumably because Celestia joined the hunt as well. Their alarm clocks stirred the residents of the house as they rushed to grab their bags. Cosgrove gave a soft growl before joining them to the train station.