//------------------------------// // Prometheus Unbound Part 1: Noble Savage // Story: Equestria Girls: The Rubicon // by Jongoji245 //------------------------------// The static on the television monitors soon cleared, revealing dark silhouettes of Chrysalis and Sombra, their eyes glowing as they looked at the television monitor. “Citizens of Estes Park:” - Sombra growls - “your families are no longer safe. We have gained a ground bridge of our own, and plan to put it to good use.” “Starting tonight,” Chrysalis added “we will take each one member of the most important families in the city. If your guardians are watching, here are our terms. Reveal the location of Equestria to the world and we will consider surrendering. If not… we will consider openings for new super soldiers.” The tv paused as the view is drawn back to the local law enforcement discussed their options before tonight. Police officers shuffle back and forth, answering call after call, acknowledging that they're on the case. Clamp Jaw was one such person answering the telephone “The video is untraceable, the audio is untraceable.” Clamp Jaw rubbed his temples “We got people scared shitless about tonight. And we can only provide so much police force that we will still lose one or two people a night.” “Don’t stress yourself too much, Dad.” Said Cosgrove from his phone “We’ll think of something fast.” “No promises.” Clamp Jaw finished before hanging up. When he hung up, Cosgrove turned around to find his friends hard at work on battle strategies, likely hit lists, and the possible locations of their enemies. “I say let’s go out their, full force, rainbows blazing, and take them out!” Shouted Rainbow Dash as she slammed her hands on the table. “Yeah, and go on another wild goose chase.” - Applejack took off her stetson and fanned herself - “We don’t know where in the Centennial State they are.” “I’ve tried the theme park.” Said Diver. “I’vespiedthewarehousewewereimprisoned, noonewasthere.” Said Zipper. “And of course, the sewers are still stuffed with rubble.” Added Chelsey. All known possible locations searched with no result, Sunset and Twilight began to ponder, wondering their next move before the latter snapped her fingers. “What about that limb Flash gave us?” she asked as she turned her upper body to the discarded limb on the table. Sunset approached the limb, pressing a few buttons to transform the limb into a variety of shapes, including extending a blade right in front of Fluttershy. The Crystal Prep Honor student saw a power symbol among the buttons, pressing it revealed a small interface displaying a percentage. “Only thirty-seven percent, not strong enough to trace it back to Cogsworth automatically. But, maybe we can use the threat to our advantage...” - Sunset signaled Applejack to come over before pulling the limb apart with a crowbar, revealing the small bright core of the limb - “Bingo.” “Ooooo.” Pinky cooed as she fingered the glowing orb. Twilight brought the core to a scanner, filling the HUB databanks with the information related to the power source, and the ability to track it. “Now all we need is bait.” “Uhm… Bait…?” Fluttershy cringed; if one thing leads to the other, the possibility of her being used as bait would be inevitable. “No, no, not live bait.” - Said Rainbow Dash - “You know, something convincing.” Rarity tapped her chin before widening her eyes, “I have been making a very elaborate the past week that I would be honored to donate.” “I can have Masquerade make a good dummy.” Said Pinkie Pie. “Do what you can before nightfall.” Sunset asked dismissing. Though Cosgrove remained behind. “What would we do with them when we find them?” Cosgrove asked in an uncertain tone, giving his mud-sibling a reason to worry. “We’ll try to capture at least one, but our goal is to retrieve the Eye of Fashoom.” - Sunset placed her hand on Cosgrove’s shoulder - “We can’t guarantee Cogsworth would be our friend again, and I wouldn’t blame him, but we must at least try.” “And if he doesn’t…” Cosgrove recalled the memory of him, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and the injured Zipper at the container facility in Ashley Valley. The Cogsworth of the past held the Eye of Fashoom as he joined Darksteel and Caterina. “The next we meet, we won’t rest until one of us loses our heads.” Back to reality, Sunset raised Cosgrove’s head up. “Get some rest, we may need it if the plan works.” - As she watched Cosgrove leave the HUB, she took out her phone and dialed a number. It took a while before the phone clicked - “Adagio, I need a favor.” Outside of the HUB, Apple Bloom, having eavesdropped the small talk, watched Cosgrove leave head towards the school. This can be her one chance to redeem herself, to bring Cogsworth back on their side. But if she tried to do it alone, she could risk everyone’s life, let alone hers. She looked at the Wondercolt statue at the front yard; the fact that there is another Twilight and Sunset Shimmer in another world could mean that there is someone could help her or give her some advice. She walked to the portal, took a deep breath and began to reach. “Apple Bloom,” - Before she could place her fingers through the looking glass, Apple Bloom turned to find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, the second of the two raised her hand - “What are you doing?” “Girls, I need you to do me a favor?” - Apple Bloom asked, adding more to her friend’s worry - “Can you keep watch until I come back?” “Apple Bloom,” - Sweetie Belle walked forward - “Sunset and Twilight said we might disturb the balance by going into the portal.” Said Sweetie Belle’s. “Only one of us.” - Apple Bloom pointed at the door - “The Twilight in there did it, besides it should be a short while.” “Apple Bloom, wait!” Scootaloo spoke too late as Apple Bloom ran through the portal. She looked at Sweetie Belle, who give her the exact same look. “Applejack’s not going to like this…” She muttered. Apple Bloom is pulled forward like taffy as it reached the other side of the gateway. She closed her eyes as she passed through the light, hearing herself land on a floor with a loud thump. She opened her eyes to see a vast library of blues and teals, a few wooden tables, and a dinosaur on parch paper looking at her. Before long, a set of deep yellow legs with two additional fingers along each side appeared. She looked up and saw a colt a surprised look on his face. “Apple Bloom?” - He moved his neck side to side before looked at her face again - “Or do you go by another name on the other side?” Apple Bloom placed her hooves on the crystal ground, groaning as her form raised her body off the ground. She looked down at the colt and the approaching dinosaur; being a teenager, she is now the height of the Snails in this world. She looked at her body, seeing that much of her red hair is missing with the mane on one side of her body, and a patch of fur on her flanks adorned with a mark similar to her insignia. “Has anything wrong happened in the other world?” - The colt asked before turning his body - “Do you guys need Twilight?” “No, Cosgrove.” - The colt looked back at the taller mare with a questioning smirk on his muzzle at mentioning of his name - “Nothing is wrong, it’s just… Is there someone who has any knowledge regarding Galgameth?” Cosgrove’s mouth agape, he turned to the dinosaur next to him, “Dapplewood, continue your work.” - He raised his hoof and waved it back - “Follow me.” Looking both ways before coming out of the library, the Hipparion lead the human turned pony through the halls, down the stairs, and through a dark tunnel. With very little light in the tunnel, Apple Bloom could only keep walking forward, squinting her eyes to see a small light. As she moved closer, the light became bigger before it began to split like an ameba. This was a computer lab with an earthen floor and eroded stairs. The Crusader wondered if this was something else, but such is not the point of her visit. One turn of her head and she jumped back at the sight of a suit of armor the size of an elephant. She approached the armor, inspecting every detail, but the boll weevil head was a clear give away of its identity. “Apple Bloom, Cogsworth. Or have you already met?” Cosgrove introduced Apple Bloom to his world’s Cogsworth, the same size as the colt who introduced him, his back legs supported by a wheeled harness, and a series of nodes attached to his back. He pulled himself towards the teenager, looking up and down. “Don’t be surprised, I actually thought an older Apple Bloom would be a bit more muscular.” - Apple Bloom jerked her head back at the remark, though Cogsworth did clear his throat - “So there is a Galgameth in your world? Well, let me tell you that Galgameth is no cakewalk.” “I know…” added Apple Bloom, recalling the recent battles they had. “Before I can help you, answer me this:” - Cogsworth backed away towards the computer monitors - “why did you want to come all this way if this meant getting in trouble when you get back?” Apple Bloom drooped her ears, looking the other way as they waited for their answer. “Did the other me… Shared people’s information?” The two colts looked at each other, then looked at her before Cosgrove answered, “All three of them did a few years back.” Apple Bloom looked at Cogsworth, pointing to the machine “And did it made you…?” Cogsworth looked the other way, rubbing his right arm as he tried to find a more appropriate answer. “I had… another reason.” - Turning his paralyzed body, the mechanic opened a few computer files containing design specs of the armor itself. - “Here is what you need to know.” For one hour, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo waited anxiously for Apple Bloom to come back. They kept looking around for any sign of their older friends would walk by, especially Applejack. Their anxiety was relieved when Apple Bloom finally returned, carrying a glass jar strapped to her back with what appears to be a brass vacuum hose. “What on earth is that?” Asked Scootaloo as she pinched the hose. “I’ll explain later.” - Apple Bloom looked down at her watch, seeing the hands just reaching five o’clock before jogging towards home - “I’ll see you girls tomorrow.” The Crusader ran as fast as she could towards the town. As with the impending threat, the town was in a mass panic; super stores were crowded with people gathering supplies and food. The streets were even packed with traffic from smart cars to buses as they sought safer, more unknown locations. Apple Bloom weaved through the crowds as she could, eventually reaching her home, and even there fared little better. Townsfolk who have placed an order of a few bushels of apples arrived in truckloads; Big Mac, and a few traffic officers stood by the entrance to lead the crowd out of farmland in their haste. Apple Bloom snuck ran around the picket fence next to the orchard, reaching her house just fifteen minutes after. She turned around slightly upon reaching the door, about to grab the handle when the door appeared to open on its own. “And where have you been?” Said Applejack as she crossed her arms. A while later, Apple Bloom sat on the couch, the harness on the chair in front of her while her sister paced around. “So let me get this straight: Sunset told Cosgrove that we would try to take one of them?” She asked, getting an answer with a nod. The Element of Honesty grabbed the harness by the hose - “And this is going to help us?” “That’s what they said.” Answered Apple Bloom before she drew her lips into her mouth. “They?” - Applejack leaned forward, raising an eyebrow at the rather fishy, and soon realized dangerous idea - “You went through the portal, didn’t you?” “Yes…” - Apple Bloom’s bow drooped down then look down at the floor - “If they could do it, so could I…” “But why would you want to do this?” - Applejack sat next to her sister - “Would it matter for you to capture one of those Predacons?” “Because Cogsworth would still be around and cause disaster… Because of me.” Apple Bloom’s lips began to quiver. “Well getting yourself killed wouldn’t show that you care.” - As Apple Bloom closed her eyes, Applejack rubbed her back - “Look, I don’t like this idea, but at least think about it before going too far.” “Okay…” - Apple Bloom hugged her sister - “I promise.” The darkest part of the following evening, a red ground bridge portal illuminated the sleeping city. Two Changeling drones came out of the portal, scanning the suburban town for any potential victims. Their pearl blue eyes spotted a target, a female figure standing next to a light post, the warm wind blowing her yellow and blue dress. The beasts kept to the shadows as they approached the figure. With a few clicks from their fangs, they snatched the figure, wrapping their chitinous claws around her mouth as they reached the portal, returning the darkened part of the world to its original lights and shadows once the portal closed. At street light above where the figure was, a bird-like figure erected his head and looked back. “Suckers.” - Zipper drew out a small radar, grinning a the information relayed into the HUB computers, showing up as a red dot deep into the Rockies the next day. “We will come into the caves at full force.” Sunset turned over to Cosgrove “Cosgrove, you will get the Maximals and Crusaders into the back caves and flank them out.” “You got it.” Cosgrove acknowledged. “Sonata and Aria have volunteered to seal the entrance of the caves. Once they are sealed, the rest of us will enter from an above shaft.” The debriefing over, Sunset looked at everyone about to undergo the dangerous mission “This won't be easy; many of us won't come out unscathed. Any questions?” Chelsey was the first to raise her hand, “What would we do with the Predacons? What about Chrysalis, Sombra, and Grogar?” Sunset took a deep breath, “For now, imprisonment.” “Yeah, we'll need a zoo to keep them in.” Added Rainbow, giving Pinkie Pie something to chuckle about; Chelsey, Diver, and Zipper not so much. “Prepare the artillery transports,” - Cosgrove chimed to his father - “we move immediately.” Our heroes prepare for the assault, warming up their powers for the upcoming battle. For some, they require actual human weapons. Applejack grabbed her lasso, Cosgrove put on a pair of knuckle dusters (a touchy subject, for they are illegal to own in Colorado), Scootaloo wielded a few police batons, Tex grabbed a belt of gas grenades and SWAT shield. While they have prepared, Apple Bloom looked at the large vacuum, recalling her visit in Equestria as she did. “When I fought the robot, I used an EMP spell.” - Cosgrove rubbed his chin - “It should work on your counterpart for at least awhile.” “But if what you say is true, and probably is, given your family nature” - Cogsworth pulled forward on the wheelchair- “you are going to need a lot more firepower to get that mind control thing out of him.” Cogsworth rolled over to a cabinet, pulling out the vacuum Apple Bloom now possessed. “Ponyville originally had a Twittermite problem.” - the Hipparion was given the tool before giving it to Apple Bloom, pointing to the container - “This is built to contain their power, it should be able to store the plasma grenade energy you mentioned.” "Good luck." - Cogsworth looked at the hulking suit - "You'll need it." In the present, Apple Bloom looked at the vacuum one last time before picking it up and tightening up the harness. She took a deep breath and turned around. Dapplewood stood before her, studying the new piece of equipment before he took out his phone and chose a recording. “Apple Bloom, Sunset and Twilight said we might disturb the balance by going into the portal.” Said Sweetie Belle’s voice. “Only one of us. The Twilight in there did it, besides it should be a short while.” Said Apple Bloom's voice. “Wait, you’re-?” Scootaloo’s last words before Apple Bloom ran through the portal, cutting off the connection. Apple Bloom and Dapplewood looked at each other. Whatever the Crusader was planning, it would be just as crazy as their siege mission. She walked forward, kneeling before the boy. “Look, I know things have been rough on the whole lot of us these past few months, and I know you don’t have much of a reason to trust me.” - Seeing the boy look away from her, Apple Bloom gently pinched his chin and turned his head towards her - “Please, give me this chance to make it right for all of us.” As is his character, Dapplewood just stared at her. After the Anon-a-Miss fiasco and the botched up Valentine's Dance, Dapplewood continued to ponder at her idea. Being a person with the inability to speak, he kept to himself on their little secret. The boy slowly drew a smile when he felt a vibration in his pockets. He picked up his phone and answered it on speaker phone. “Dapplewood, Apple Bloom, let’s go!” Said Sunset on the other side. The boy looked back at Apple Bloom, giving her a wink before leaving the room and joining up with his boss. Back at the mountain lair, the two Changelings that came back screamed as Sombra tore them into pieces. The person they brought back was a dummy with very convincing doll eyes and wig. “Stupid bugs!” - He growled before smashing the mannequin - “Can’t tell which is real or fake.” “Logically it is only such that they would be attracted to the scents sprayed on by the mannequin.” Said Skystalker, receiving a glare from the crystallized human. At the mouth of the cave, Cogsworth watched the landscape change color as the sun reached the mountains. No word has come whether the people he once called friends are going to admit defeat or not. It is only a matter of time before they perform hit and run attacks. They could only fight so much, someone will find out and Cogsworth's team will be the last thing for them to worry about. “Why still think about them, Cogsworth?” The mechanic shook his head. “They didn't stop you two years ago in Camp Friendship, they never bothered calling you.” Cogsworth groaned, baring his teeth as he clenched his fist. So much of his mind was at war with itself. Cosgrove was his friend for so long, why take the side of his enemies? How could one misunderstanding lead to this? Cogsworth's answer will have to wait, for his audio receptors were picking up heavy gnashing sounds. Putting on the helmet, Cogsworth zoomed in, finding the two armored transports coming towards his direction. A new development for him, the Predacon pondered at how they were finally able to find their base. As the suit is techno-organic in nature, the armor grew over his uncovered arm, but with a steady power source, the original limb can remain alive, and worse retain his memories. “Chrysalis, Sombra, we have an-” Cogsworth's receptors quickly picked up a sonic scream so powerful it even blew him to the side before sealing up the front of the cave. The mechanic looked up and saw that Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze were in the air, dorsal fins and tails with glowing blue eyes instead of the original red. Igniting his thrusters, Cogsworth flew towards the city, shooing away the two Sirens with a few blasts of the plasma cannon. “Galgameth!” Sombra roared, but there was no response before turning to Skystalker. “What's going on?!” “We have two personnel carriers coming towards us,” the cyborg dragon pulled up a holographic map “ETA twenty minutes.” “They’ll be torn apart in minutes!” Said Chrysalis before she turned to her Changelings. “Go, feed!!” No questions asked, the swarm awoke and flew out of the vertical shaft to the sun-bleached plains. Immersing themselves in green goo, the Changelings dove towards the vehicles. One one the beasts landed too close and got crushed before it would emerge from its crater. Nevertheless, a majority of the assaulting beasts overwhelmed the personnel carries, their thick sharp claws making short work of the light armor. One Changeling tore off the lid, hissing at his enemies before giving a dumbfounded look. He turned to the next car, finding one of his rookery brothers with the same expression. “They are not in the vehicles!” The drone communicated to his Queen. “Then find them!” Shouted the mutated woman. “No need to, ladybug!” The shaft the Changeling drones flew out of glowed green, Rainbow Dash being the first to land in the tunnel, followed by Pinkie Pie as she made a tae kwon do pose. “Time to party!” Pinkie Pie drew out her party cannon and began firing pastries as her closest friends joined them. Sunset activated her magic, aiming her hands at Sombra and Chrysalis. The two leaders gritted their teeth, but then smiled as their elite soldiers surrounded the Rainbooms. Grogar came out of the shadows behind them, easily towering the two. “You must be very stupid for coming alone.” Growled the giant goat when a roar echoed the cave. The Preds turned to find Cosgrove and his Maximal posse ready for action. “Not alone, mutton man.” Said Diver before she joined in the charge, throwing a few punches at Squirk. The anthropomorphic cephalopod squirted steaming hot ink at her eyes, wrapped her in his tentacles and tossed her aside. Cosgrove and Zipper focused their efforts on Grogar, the stronger of the two trading blows on the goat’s chest. When the Maximal gets swatted away and is about to be stomped on, Zipper grabbed the goat by the nape and carried him across the cave, slamming the goat on the wall. Grogar batted the humanoid pterosaur before going on all fours and charging at Cosgrove, who halted the beast in his tracks by holding him by the horns and used the momentum to toss him aside. “That's for Dapplewood, you bastard.” Cosgrove grunted before being rammed by Darksteel. Cosgrove won’t have the Ursagryph’s way this time and quickly tossed him over to Rainbow Dash. Her smaller stature once again proving useful, the athlete flew figure eights around the quadropedic Predacon, delivering several quick blows. As Rarity also took on Caterina, Pinkie Pie against Rep, Chelsey and Tex against Skystalker, the Crusaders against Porcina and Blackarachnia, Chrysalis realized that without the drones, they were outnumbered by a difference of five. “We must retreat!” - Chrysalis called out to her subordinates. Back outside, Sonata and Aria continued to unleash their sonic screams at Cogsworth as he swerved about and U-turned - “Galgameth, secure the crystal then regroup on my mark.” Blackarachnia grabbed the real Porcina and lifted her up the shaft. Caterina and Squirk hopped on Darksteel and escaped as well followed by Skystalker and Rep, leaving Chrysalis, Sombra, and Grogar to be surrounded by their enemies. “This isn’t over.” Sombra growled as he entered his shadow form, shrouding his colleagues in black mist and leaving without a trace as Rainbow Dash found out when she ran into the mist while it came out of the top shaft like volcano ash. With the front entrance gone,Cogsworth went to the back tunnels. Using infrared imaging, the mechanic saw numerous heat signatures so close together that it appeared to be one large mass. When he saw one of the red silhouettes reach for her head, Cogsworth raised a radio antenna. “Fluttershy, Dapplewood. How are you doing in collecting the relic?” - Try as she could, all she could hear is static. The mention of the two individuals turned Cogsworth’s attention to a separate, much smaller heat signature - “I can’t get a signal in these tunnels.” Down at said location, Fluttershy and Dapplewood were busy prying out the gem. Physically it seemed impossible, for the Eye of Fashoom was supported by a ringlet of hooks on their crudely made ground bridge. Fluttershy opened up the cabinet next to the ring, finding simple wires of various colors while noticing two thicker wires. Using her finger, she found the locking mechanism to the gem. Her ears flicked to a clicking sound, the caretaker turned around before letting out a yelp. Cogsworth held the barrel of a plasma right at her. Dapplewood rushed forth , bridging himself between the gun and his supervisor at the pet store. “Dapplewood, get out the way.” - Cogsworth motioned the gun one way, though it didn’t stop the boy from moving, standing firm as he shifted his eyes to the amulet around his neck - “What are you looking at?” Fluttershy slapped his hand on the button, illuminating the chamber in a red light. Using the split second of Cogsworth’s distraction, Dapplewood grabbed the gun barrel, aimed it at the console and fired at it. The gem was sent upward before the boy caught it in his hands before rushing at the portal. By the time Cogsworth recovered and aimed his gun, the tunnel faded out, taking Dapplewood and the gem to destinations unknown. The caretaker curled back as Cogsworth’s face pinched and turned into a deeper shade of red. He aimed his weapon at her, frightening her even more with the infamous “kill shot.” “No! Not Here!” he screamed in his mind. “Yes, one less person to worry about.” Said another voice. Cogsworth gritted his teeth, replacing the guns with drills, burrowing into the rock just as the Rainbooms arrived. Recovering the scared Fluttershy, the team rushed out of the tunnels, went around the mountains to see the completely totaled personnel carriers, with the Changeling swarm, having not received word on their retreat, on patrol. “I’ll text Dapplewood!” Said Pinkie Pie as she reached for her phone. “No!” Sunset said too late. A few seconds was all it took before Cogsworth erupted from the ground, ascending into the air faster than a Canada goose. “All drones, direct your attack on the intruders!” He ordered through the radio. The Changelings turned their attention to the magic signatures of the enemies at their fallen hive. Hissing in rage, the landscape echoed with the rapid flapping of wings as they charged forth by the dozens. “He’s on his own.” Muttered Zipper in a slightly scared tone. The people at Estes Park looked up at the black dot zipping by. With a force greater than a jackhammer, Cogsworth left a small crater in the asphalt upon landing. As he stood up, he found one of the most unlikely places to hide, an abandoned construction site. “So, you want to play hide and seek?” - He walks forward - “It’s okay… I’ll play fair and won’t use the heat vision.” Entering the metallic skeleton, Cogsworth looked around back and forth, waving and pointing his plasma cannon at any possible noise. From pigeon wings to water droplets, to rats scurrying for darker places, all that was needed was a loud clang. Five floors searched and he opted to use his scanner. “No phone signal detected.” - Said his interface. Cogsworth tapped another button, bringing up another interface - “Zero magic signature detected.” - He tried another radar, seeing a very steady and slow heart rate. “He knows he’s being hunted…” - Cogsworth tapped at the boll weevil snout - “Interesting…” Searching floor after floor, the fox hunt began to agitate him by the time he reached the top of the construction site. At last Cogsworth found what he came for. The boy was sitting on a dusty metal folding chair. His arms were tucked inward as if holding something. Beneath the mask, the Predacon sneered as he quietly stepped forward. Slowly drawing out his blade, Cogsworth placed his hand on the smallish Maximal, gripping his shoulder, then spun the chair around. He aimed his blade, taking aback at what he saw the mishmash of a wash mop, an old work shirt, and towels. In its arms wasn’t the Eye of Fashoom, but a helmet marked with words that read, “Gotcha.” Cogsworth staggered forward, keeping his balance while sparks echoed the construction site. Dapplewood lodged a steel rod on into one of his thrusters, pulling it out and jabbed into the other. “Propulsion units heavily damaged” - Said the interface - “Flight mode disabled.” Cogsworth turned around and looked at the boy he had seen since Cosgrove’s first day at school in Estes Park. Underneath the neutral stare of the mask, his face was furious. Behind Dapplewood was the Eye of Fashoom, just one turn and he could grab it and run clean away. “What was it that Sunset asked, ‘That you should seek help on larger bullies?’” - Cogsworth’s answer a snorted nod from Dapplewood, he drew out a plasma cannon - “You’ll be all alone then.” Putting on the sunglasses, Dapplewood began to glow. His feet extended and losing a few toes, his head balding with a longer-horned snout and growing a small tail, the boy accepted the challenge by forcing air along his throat to make a sound like a vulture. Dodging a few blasts, the boy rushed and vaulted onto Cogsworth. As the mechanic thrashed about, Dapplewood grabbed a sledgehammer and started thwacking at the boll weevil snout, bending it down before concentrating on the eyes. Cogsworth grabbed the boy and thrown him forward, cursing his name as he thrashed wildly. As he did, Dapplewood grabbed his phone and began texting. The message reaching the HUB in a heartbeat, Twilight quickly typed in the coordinates and pressed the button. The bridge appearing before him, Dapplewood rushed forward and prepared to leap at the boom tube. He was just a finger away when a grapple wrapped around his leg and pulled back, sending the gem flying at the portal and to the other side before the bridge closed. Sunset’s group started to tire as wave after wave of Changelings came after them. The less physically strong of the group such as Fluttershy and Rarity got nips and claw marks before they were tossed aside. “This is harder than that horde mode we played at Pinkie’s!” Said Applejack before she uppercuts a Changeling. Flapping his wings in quick succession, Zipper captured the humanoid bugs in a twister. Rainbow Dash, circling around the makeshift tempest, swooped in and sucker punched them out one by one. “But this is much more awesome!” She exclaimed before returning to the fight. Sunset lashed one of the beasts in a green tendril, pulling it forward before sending it flying with a pulse. “Sunset,” - Twilight buzzed - “I got good news and bad news!” “Spit it out!” Sunset ordered before another Changeling smacked her. “Goods news is I got the Eye of Fashoom.” Sunset blasted the Changeling that assaulted her, finding enough space before tapping into her comm. “And Dapplewood?” “That’s the bad news.” - Twilight kept tapping for the exact coordinates to no avail - “I can’t get a lock on him, but I can get an approximate position.” Sunset turned to her Maximal second in command as he pounded a bug into goop, “Cosgrove, Twilight is about to open another portal.” - On cue said portal opened - “Go, we’ll cover you!” As the sophomore Maximal rushed into the boom tube, a spying Changeling swooped down and latched it’s claws at his shoulders. Once he ran out the other side, Cosgrove pulled the Changeling off his back, slamming his knuckle dusters on the beast’s head. The Changeling shielded itself with its perforated arms before biting onto his shoulder. As he yelled in pain, the Changeling pushed back to gain some distance. Higher up the construction site, the battle between Cogsworth and Dapplewood continued. With plenty of debris and large objects to use for cover and weaponry, the boy’s small size worked to his advantage. Grabbing a few steel rods his height, Dapplewood made a series of hit and run maneuvers. Cogsworth tried to swing his long sword, but the heavy blade gave the boy an open spot to attack. Cogsworth growled before changing the sword into a glass canister containing compressed air. Unable to use his visor, the mechanic aimed the canister at any possible source of sound. Hiding atop a container, Dapplewood saw the Predacon let his guard down for one moment before crouching down and pouncing at him. In one quick moment, Cogsworth shattered the container onto the boy’s face, getting him a full dosage of the compressed air. The boy fell on the floor, straining himself as his joints ached and his respiratory system become swollen. Even breathing through his mouth was laborious as Dapplewood flopped on the floor like a hooked trout. “Just as I figured. Valley fever runs in your family.” - Cogsworth squatted down - “But to you it’s just like mustard gas.” - The mechanic watched the boy’s face become blue while his eyes rolled back. Using a little bit of his blade, Cogsworth made an incision at Dapplewood’s neck, sparing him from suffocation as the air rushed down his esophagus. Standing tall again, Cogsworth eyed the discarded cell phone. Twilight heard her cell phone ring again, picking it up and seeing Dapplewood’s profile picture. “Dapple-!” “Get a ground bridge to the following coordinates…” Said the exact opposite person she would expect. Cosgrove pinned down the Changeling, grabbed both of its jaws and began to pulled them apart long enough to hear a loud snap. With the battle at the mountains and his now slain enemy, the Maximal hunched down and began to pant. He remembered his mission when his ears picked up the woosh sound of the ground bridge. With what remained of his stamina, Cosgrove rushed up each floor, reaching the fifth story when he heard the portal close. “Twilight, did Dapplewood get through?” “No, we did.” - Cosgrove’s eyes widened; Cogsworth was on the other side of the line, holding Dapplewood’s phone with surprising dexterity - “Now listen very carefully: bring the rock to the Morrison Basin, alone, and you get your brother. And I suggest you bring one of those rainbow-colored apples, because once that wound closes, Dapplewood will have a minute before the valley fever kicks the bucket.” Hearing the jeopardy of his brother being choked by a biological deficiency, Cosgrove gritted his teeth when he hung up. “That’s just prime…” He said with a twitching lip. “Cosgrove, what’s your status?” Sunset asked from the comm unit. Cosgrove tapped into his earpiece again,“He took him, boss. And he wants me to bring the Eye of Fashoom alone.” “Alone?” - Sunset said with an uncertain tone in her voice - “Return to base immediately, we’ll-” “Twilight,” - Cosgrove interrupted - “send a ground bridge to the Morrison formation.” “Cosgrove, we have to be smart about this” - Sunset chimed back to Twilight’s frequency - “Twilight, have us regroup at Canterlot High.” Twilight took off her glasses and rubbed her temples. What orders should she take? On one side, there is the person who saved her from herself during the Friendship Games. On the other side was one of their best subordinates… No… best friends. And now that friend’s little brother has contracted a deadly allergy, and in need of immediate care. She looked down to see Spike place his paw on her knee, looking at her with puppy eyes.With a groan, she reached out to the control panel of the HUB. “You better get to the gem first before Cogsworth does.” She answered as she typed the coordinates to the fossil formation. “Twilight!” - Sunset exclaimed before coming back to Cosgrove’s frequency - “ Cosgrove, stop what you are-” Cosgrove cut off Sunset’s communication before he ran into the ground bridge. When he reached the other side, the first thing he saw was the gem itself as Twilight had warned. After the portal dissipated, Cosgrove looked around the fossil formation, looking for any sign of his brother. Or for that matter, if Cogsworth was going to snipe him. “Come out, Cogsworth.” - Cosgrove looked around - “This has to end.” Leaving the sounds to the wind and the occasional eagle, Cosgrove’s ears picked up metallic clangs against footsteps. Cogsworth walked up the hill, holding an Apatosaurus skull in his hand. The sight of the armor being damaged surprised the Maximal. He wouldn’t have to use a bridge if he could still fly. Stopping twenty feet away from his former colleague, Cogsworth dropped the skull, shattering the lower jaw as it collided with the rock. “You think that losing my legs, or a smashed hard drive is what really drove me mad? Or is this the real me?” He asked when he placed his foot on the skull and crushed it into dust. He then shifted his leg back, raising his fists and circling them around. “Mano y Mano, monstruo?” There is no way to get him to talk now, not without a fight. Cosgrove clenched his hand, popped his neck, and began to walk forward. Cogsworth walking in sync, the two quickly came to a sprint, raising their fists before giving each other a blow to the face. The two stagged back; Cosgrove spat blood onto the rock, while Cogsworth rubbed the gauntlet on his bloodied gums. “Not bad.” - Cosgrove complemented while moving his shoulder - “Even though Dapplewood busted some of your toys.” “You disobeyed my orders, Twilight!” For one straight minute, Sunset berated Twilight for following Cosgrove’s suggestion and not hers. And now there are two people in need of help if Cosgrove survived the fight at all. The rest of the group stood back, not wanting to be dragged into the chasting. Applejack soon gained courage and walked towards the angered Sunset and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Sunset-” “Not now, Applejack!” - Sunset yelled, pulling her clutched shoulder forward before turning to Twilight - “If Cosgrove doesn’t survive this, I would never-!” “Now that’s enough!” - Applejack spun Sunset around and held her steady - “Look, this can be a good thing too. Cosgrove left a window for us to treat Dapplewood!” “Yeah!” - Pinkie Pie put on her spy suit, muffling her voice as she crawled on the floor - “We just sneak over, grab Dapplewood, bring him over her, and presto! We have saved two birds with one stone.” “No!” - Sunset retorted, pulling the Pink Wonder’s skin tight mask - “I won’t have any more of us risking their lives.” “He did say come alone…” - Twilight muttered, getting everyone’s attention before she turned back to the control panel - “I can send you fifty meters away from the coordinates Cogsworth gave me.” Sunset’s mind boggled with confusion and anger. As her conscience cleared as it counted to ten, she figured they had a point. Cosgrove distracting Cogsworth so that one party can retrieve Dapplewood and have him hospitalized can be a good idea, and even better when they provide an ambush to finally get Cogsworth via a second party. “We can do that.” - Scootaloo added as she crossed her arms while Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stood next to her - “I mean all we have to is follow the roar right?” Scootaloo is proven right; various pheasants and prairie hens scattered around as a loud roar echoed the basin. Cogsworth dug his feet into the ground as he held back Cosgrove’s advances. Stepping on his metallic shoes, the Maximal gave the Predacon a good shove bringing him down on the ground. A few meters away, a curious prairie dog popped out of his hole just in time to see Cogsworth uppercut Cosgrove by the chin. The two then held each other at arm’s distance again, twisting and pulling to find an advantage. “You know, for all it’s worth, we’re just god's.” - Cogsworth added as he twisted his arms left - “Think about, you a wildman, and I a walking armory. We can do great things!” Cosgrove pushed himself forward, bringing his face closer to the Predacon’s. “That’s not how things are done.” Cogsworth operated the mechanical tail, aiming it at Cosgrove’s left leg. With a quick jab to the leg and injecting the anesthetic, the Maximal staggered. Cogsworth pulled Cosgrove close, spun him around, and held him in a headlock. Cosgrove tried to get back up, but the serum stopped even his pinkie toe from moving. “So what really gets into your skin?” - Cogsworth tightened his grip around Cosgrove, inching his blade towards the Maximal’s face - “That I’m your biggest failure or I have become a better Maximal than you?” Cosgrove reached back, grabbed Cogsworth by the face, and rolled forward, freeing himself from the vice grip. “Maximals don’t kill!” “Yeah?” Cogsworth got back up on his feet “But they can get others to fear them, and bring their loved ones in danger!” “What?” - Cosgrove shook his head as he raised his arms - “What are you talking about?” “I was there to see your little conversation with Apple Bloom.” - We are sent into Cogsworth’s perspective of the Valentine’s Day Dance in a Mirage Comics style - “The fear in her eyes as she confronted the anger burning in you, just waiting to come out. You think that forgiving her will make her swoon over you? She fears you, Cosgrove. And from her will come her friends, family, and even yours.” - We come out of the vision, seeing Cosgrove a little shaken. At a distance, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo peeked from behind a rock, watching Cogsworth extend his blade - “And now, your little brother is placing his trust on you while the valley fever strangles him.” Seeing Cogsworth point in the general direction, the Crusaders snuck around, finding Dapplewood sitting upright against a rock as he tries to make another breath. Taking out a slice of Zap Apple, Sweetie Belle opened his mouth wide and shoved it as deep into his swollen mouth as she could. The youngster closed his mouth and gulped down the slice, feeling the hard skin travel down his throat and slap into his stomach. The acids working with the fruit slice, the healing magic worked with the inflamed respiratory system. The air passages open, Dapplewood took in a deep breath before coughing. Back at Cosgrove and Cogsworth, the former just stood there as his mind began to open. Is this what he really is, a walking powder keg with a lit fuse. Has he really dragged his friends further in mud? So many questions ran throughout his mind, biting into his nerves. “Face it, Cosgrove. Your friends bring harmony, you and your posse just enforce it.” Cogsworth saw Cosgrove looked up at him with feral eyes, prompting the mechanic to draw forth his blade. “Is that how Sunset would want? is that how your brother would want? Is that how Night Dancer would want?” Cosgrove growled as his body began to glow. His body size increased, his face becoming more ape-like, his fingers and toes clawed, and growing a spiny tail, the Maximal got on all fours, curling back his lips before letting out a loud bray. As he charged forth, Cogsworth grabbed the beast by the head and brought him down on the floor, holding Cosgrove steady as he aimed the blade at his neck. The Maximal was quick to roll over, shuffling back before he gave the Predacon a smack with his tail. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo carried the exhausted Dapplewood towards a ground bridge. Apple Bloom kept turning back and forth to the fight between the beast and the armored man. Sweetie Belle noticed this before turning around. “Apple Bloom, come on!” Sweetie Belle begged as Apple Bloom returned to the battle. “Come on, Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo beckoned, having Sweetie Belle to continue on. When they reached Canterlot High, an ambulance was already stationed. Medical officials came running with a stretcher, standing it erect before taking Dapplewood. Fluttershy was quick to notice one Crusader absent, “Where’s Apple Bloom!?” When Cosgrove stood on his hind legs, Cogsworth jumped up at him, using the momentum to climb on his back and dig the blade deep. Cosgrove howled in pain, tossing and turning wild to shake Cogsworth off and give him a slap with his paw. He continued to howl while he tried to reach for the blade. Cogsworth struggled to sit straight, watching the Maximal return a death glare. All gloves are off, Cosgrove began to charge with as much speed his injured legs can offer. Cogsworth drew his plasma cannon. “Energy too low to use weapon.” said his interface. “Then switch to life functions!” Cogsworth orders as Cosgrove ran closer. “Use of life function energy will result in organ failure.” “Override!” He ordered, giving the barrel of the cannon its usual glow before releasing a shot that seared the skin on Cosgrove’s front left leg. Like a horse falling in a race, Cosgrove fell forward, slamming his chest on the dirt. Cogsworth rolled to his left, dodging the fallen body as it skidded to a stop. The mechanic strained himself up, wrapping his arm around his stomach as he felt a bit queazy. He turned to see Cosgrove moaning in pain as he tried to get up. He walked forward, using his foot to pin the Maximal’s head. “That’s your problem, Cosgrove.” - Cogsworth squatted down - “You only care for your fighting spirit, and got everyone else to fight. But don’t worry.” - Cogsworth aimed the plasma cannon at Cosgrove’s head - “I’ll do you fast, old pal.” “No.” - Hearing the familiar southern accent, Cogsworth turned around. Apple Bloom was behind him, holding the Twittermite vacuum in her hand - “Please… If it makes you any happier, take me instead.” Cogsworth raised an eyebrow before lifting his foot and grabbing Cosgrove by the hair. “No tricks?” he warns, raising the broken blade against the Maximal’s throat. Apple Bloom raised her arm and began with a crossing motion. “Cross my heart… Hope to fly… Stick a cupcake in my eye.” Cogsworth moved his pursed lips around, then drew the blade and plasma cannon back and turned Cosgrove’s head towards him. “You will watch this.” - He hissed before turning back to Apple Bloom and pointed at the horizon - “Turn around and walk ten paces.” Turning around like so, Apple Bloom began the walk. As she took her second step, she heard Cogsworth place his foot on Cosgrove’s side. Her third and fourth steps, Cogsworth opened his chest region, supporting himself by anchoring the tail stinger to the ground. As the final step drew near, the Crusader closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The darkness of her closed eyes soon brightened up, showing her homeland from a proportionally larger perspective. Apple Bloom giggled and squealed as she chased her older siblings around the yard. But her legs were still a little wobbly and soon fell down face first on the grass. “Mama, mama!” - Apple Bloom heard as she lifted her head and cried. When she opened her teary eyes, she saw a pair of thick boots underneath a flowery gown, kneeling down to pick her up. “Hush now, little blossom.” Said a soothing voice as she rocked the baby. Hushed to a sniffle, Apple Bloom looked up with sleepy eyes. The best she could see the person carrying her was a yellow blur before she drifted into sleep. Apple Bloom opened her eyes as she took her ninth step. Cogsworth had the Plasma Grenade at full charge; he had to lean forward just a bit to balance himself further. Cosgrove shut his eyes and drew his ears back. “Adios.” The Predacon jerked back and released the energy. As it spiraled towards her, Apple Bloom turned around, raised the vacuum, and pulled the trigger. Cogsworth’s eyes widened as his most powerful weapon was sucked up into the chamber, giving it a bright glow. Now fully exposed, and out energy to defend himself, Apple Bloom aimed the vacuum and pulled the trigger. The grenade trailed back, hitting Cogsworth at his chest, and is sent flying a good distance from Cosgrove. The Predacon tried to get up, but the energy drained and later used against him was too much and so he fainted. Apple Bloom walked over to Cosgrove, who just breathed faintly. Placing the rest of the Zap Apple in his mouth, the Crusader grabbed the embedded blade and began to pull, drawing out blood as it oozed from the wound. Chewing the apple, Cosgrove stopped the bleeding before he changed back into his human form. Standing back up, the two sophomores walked over to Cogsworth and picked him up. As they staggered under the weight of the armored teenager, Apple Bloom leaned her head forward; the amulet wasn’t destroyed, but the gem at the center was cracked. Either way, the fact that Cogsworth is still breathing gave them relief. Their bodies were given a touch of a blue-green hue as another ground bridge opened up. Exiting the portal were Sunset, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. The rainbow haired athlete was taken aback as she saw the rough and tough tumble the Maximal and Crusader risked death for. Sunset took a glance at her close friend as she walked by him and picked up the gem. “Twilight, get another ambulance ready.” Sunset communicated through her comm unit as she turned back to her friends - “We’re taking a prisoner.”