Beast Wars: Friendship is Magic

“Warning: Internal pod scanners compromised.  Opening pod and awakening occupant.”

A loud beep rang throughout the Maximal’s audio receptors.  His optics were met with the cap of his pod hissing as it unlatched itself from the rest of the craft.

The Maximal wrapped his fingers around the lid and shoved it open with a grunt.  His optics were met with a mostly barren wasteland.  Cacti were scarce, but present.  Tumbleweeds careened with the direction of the wind, small insects scurried about mounds of dirt and rocks.

A desert.

“Computer, give diagnostics,” he said, eyeing his surroundings.

“Planet unknown, further data is required.  Detecting low traces of Energon in this region.”

The executive officer knelt down, scooping up a handful of sand.  Letting the sediment components slip through the cracks in his fingers, his optics narrowed.

The others could be scattered in different sectors of this planet.  I must find them as soon as possible.

His objective clear, the Maximal steeled himself for his search.

Then he heard what sounded like laughter and partying.

His attention having been received, the Maximal turned to the general direction of the sound, his optics catching faint shapes of buildings in the distance.  Zooming in, he saw that there was some kind of town.  Most of the structures were wooden, likely making the inhabitants primitive, but there was at least some form of life here.

The style of the town’s infrastructure reminded him of the humans’ old western folklore and tales.  Town in the middle of the desert, wooden buildings, complete with a saloon and a one-way street for those classic showdowns.  Everything fit.

What didn’t fit, however, was the inhabitants of the town themselves.  He expected there to be humans, but what he saw in their place were several four-legged, Equine lifeforms.  That and larger, furrier beings with horns on the sides of their heads.

Equines?  I’ve heard of them in my human research, but I’ve never encountered a species that could talk or even occupy a civilization.  Further inspection may be required.  I’ll have to blend in, so as not to cause unnecessary panic.  One of those larger creatures should suffice as a form.

The Maximal downloaded the form into his databanks and the transformation took place, turning him into the large, horned beast.

A Buffalo.

The Maximal made his way towards the town with the plan to keep a low profile in mind.

Upon entering the small community, his disguise had thoroughly convinced the locals that he was one of them.  Having avoided a town-wide panic, he moved onto his next order of business.

Finding his team.

Unfortunately, he didn’t know where to start.  But he knew that he had to get a lead and soon.  At this point, his crew could be injured or even offline.

He couldn’t dwell on that idea.  Worrying wasn’t going to get him anywhere and he needed to stay focused.

The Maximal executive officer observed an earth pony, accompanied by a young female buffalo, passed by him.  His eyes followed them where he came to note their attire.  The female Buffalo's small size stood out from amongst the other male specimens he’d observed thus far.  She also appeared to be wearing articles of clothing that looked to be from what the humans called "Native Americans".  Looking over the earth equine, it was rather clear that he resembled one of those “Cowboys” (or "Cowponies" in this case) who roamed the wild west, if the town itself wasn't enough indication.  From his observations, these native buffalo and western themed ponies all lived together peacefully.

He couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.

“So, the rumors are true?  Princess Celestia herself is going to be one of the pie judges this year?” the female buffalo asked.

"You betcha!  Our family has been running ourselves ragged trying to perfect our Apple Family Apple Pie.  When the Princess is coming all the way from Canterlot to act as judge, you gotta pull out all the stops!" the Earth Equine replied.

The Buffalo's ears twitched.

Princess? This world, or at least this sector, must be ruled under a monarchy form of government with a royal system.

All things considered, the Maximal was already forming a believable sounding story in his mind.  Now the only thing left to do before putting his story into play was think of an appropriate name.  His mind ran wild with different designations. After a few nanoclicks, his mind was made up.

“WATCH OUT!”

A panicked voice broke the Maximal from his calculations.  Whirling around, he spotted an incoming avalanche of barrels tumbling towards him.

Rather than turn tail and run, he held his ground.  He planted his feet firmly into the dirt and lowered his head.  The barrels slammed into the Buffalo's skull, driving him back a few feet, dust kicking in all directions, but the Maximal remained firm in his stance, slowly bringing the barrels to a stop.  Buffalos were known for being physically strong and durable creatures, but it wasn't every day to see one stop a rush of so many heavy barrels coming their way, let alone head on.

This feat caught the attention of the townsfolk, including the small female Buffalo and her companion.

So much for not bringing attention to myself.  I suppose it couldn’t be helped.

The Maximal let out a deep breath as he backed away from the now stationary barrels.

One of the male Equines galloped towards the Buffalo, heaving as if they’d had a near panic attack.

"Oh, golly gee, I'm terribly sorry about that!  The rope just snapped and the barrels started filing out like a bunch of rabbits in a carrot field!  You okay?" he sputtered, concerned over any possible injuries he may have caused.

“I’m fine, there was no harm done.” The Maximal replied.  “It was an accident.”

“Are you sure there, partner?  Nothing broken or anything?”

“I assure you that I am fine.” He nodded.  “Everything happens for a reason."

"Wow, mister, Ah’ve gotta say Ah've never seen a Buffalo do that before!" stated the Cowpony equine the Maximal had observed earlier.

"Even I didn't think it was possible." the female Buffalo added.

The executive officer remained calm and continued with smooth, deliberate precision.

“Thank you, it was nothing.”

"Though, why didn't you just try to move out of the way?" The Cowpony asked as he adjusted his hat.

"The barrels would have likely injured another bystander who wasn't as physically able or caused unwanted property damage."

"Huh, never thought of it that way," the earth equine rubbed his chin. "Y’know, Ah don't think Ah've seen you around here before.”

"Neither have I, and I know everyone in my tribe." the female Buffalo concurred.

"I am... relatively new around these parts." He scratched his head.  Technically, he was telling the truth as he had, indeed, not been anywhere like this before.  But he was hoping to keep where he came from under wraps.

"My Buffalo tribe is very reclusive. I decided that I wanted to see things outside of my tribe," he said.

"Ah see.  Well then, welcome to Appleloosa, sir!  My name is Braeburn and this here is Little Strongheart!" The Cowpony said.

"It's very nice to meet you." the female Buffalo greeted with a smile.

"Likewise," replied the Maximal. "My name is Stronghold.  This is quite the town you’ve settled yourselves in, Braeburn.”

"Ah know, ain't it grand!? Braeburn said with a prideful grin. "We settler ponies built all this in just the past year, ain't it something?!  And as you can see, we have all of the finest comforts.  Like horse-drawn carriages, horse-drawn, horse-drawn carriages, local watering hole, the Salt Block, our wild west dances, our mild west dances, and--"

Braeburn’s rambling was cut off when Little Strongheart covered her companion's mouth.  "He said it was quite the town, Braeburn.  He didn't say he wanted a full on tour of it."

"Uh, right.  Sorry 'bout that." Braeburn’s smile was now more sheepish.

Stronghold gave a small chuckle. "I'd say that it's quite the accomplishment for you and your people."

"So Stronghold, what brings you here?" Little Strongheart asked.

"I was actually planning on looking for some mode of transportation, particularly one that travels long distances," he explained. "Would anything like that be around here?"

"Sure do!  We’ve got ourselves a train that can take you anywhere you wanna go in Equestria!" Braeburn said.

Stronghold smiled.

At least they had advanced that far, technologically speaking.

"Do you know where I may speak with your highest authority figures? As in where I may go to meet them, by any chance?"

"You mean the mayor of Appleloosa?" Braeburn asked.

"I think he means Princess Celestia." Little Strongheart corrected.  “You don’t need a train to see the mayor.”

"Little Strongheart is correct. I have some urgent business that may require their attention." Stronghold said.

“What kind of urgent business?” Braeburn followed up.

Stronghold tried to muster up a plausible excuse but the words were evading him.

“It’s… a personal matter that involves my tribe, and I’d very much rather speak to your monarchs about the matter."

"Oh my, we're sorry to hear that." Little Strongheart frowned.

"Well if that’s the case, we’ll help get you on that train faster than a jackrabbit in a foot race!" Braeburn declared.

“While I appreciate the gesture, I’m afraid I lack any methods of payment.” Stronghold lowered his eyes to the floor.

"That I can help you with!"

All three turned to the earth equine who Stronghold had assisted moments ago.

"Pardon me, I couldn't help overhearing that you needed some help with transportation?"

“Yes?” Stronghold blinked.

“Well good sir, my team and I were gonna be taking the train to bring our cargo to the good folks that ordered it; the cargo that you saved moments ago!  So, as thanks, we'll bring you along and drop ya off wherever you wish!  It’s the least we could do after we nearly ran you over.”

“Very well, I will accompany you.  Thank you for your generosity.” Stronghold gratefully smiled.

"My pleasure! Oh silly me, I forgot to introduce myself!  The name's Matchstick." the pony said as he held out a hoof.

"Stronghold," The Maximal replied as his own hoof shook Matchstick’s.

"Well, what do ya know?  Luck looks to be on your side, my friend." Braeburn chuckled.

Stronghold nodded.  “I must be off now.  It was good to make your acquaintance.  I do hope to return, one day.”

"We'd be happy if ya did, partner!" the Cowpony beamed happily.

"It was very nice to have met you, Stronghold." Little Strongheart grinned.

With a wave, Stronghold bid his newfound friends farewell, then followed Matchstick to the train station.

Wherever his friends may be, he was determined to find them.