Cyberquestriaby Reddened ChaosChaptersChapter 1: ArrivalChapter 2Chapter 3: Journey to the Crystal EmpireChapter 1: ArrivalOn a distant star, a planet in fact, named Equis, there is a race of anthropod beings known as ponies, in their nation of Equestria, they live happily, but as it is, they are about to find out that there is more to them than meets the eye. One of them, a green pegasus named Red, for his crimson mane, and the crimson highlights on his wings, is getting ready to meet with his friend Zecora, for a dinner date. Red wore a white, short sleeved T-shirt and a pair of gray athletic shorts. On his shoulder were hints of his cutie mark. He and Zecora had been together for a little over a year, ever since he had moved to Ponyville. It was a warm day, the middle of summer, and the scenery was perfect, even in the Everfree. He shortly arrived at her home, and had already made some reservations at a local cafe at Ponyville, one where they could enjoy normal food, and where she wouldn't be shunned or feared due to her appearance, being a Zebra and all. He smiled, and knocked on the door. "Zecora? It's me, Red!" He said smiling happily. "Just a moment," the zebra said behind her door, "I must get the mints." Red chuckled "Aww, okay Zecora, I'll wait, but in my opinion, you don't need them." he said smiling. "I would much rather be prepared, so that we may have a kiss shared." Red chuckled "Aww, very well, We still have time for the reservations, since I already planned for how long it'll take us to get there." He explained smiling. Red waited for another five minutes before his marefriend walked out. She wore a gray, sleeveless shirt, which showed her tribal tattoo, and her midriff, a pair of gray, knee length shorts, with golden hoops on her arms, more specifically, her wrists, and on her neck. Red smiled at the beautiful Zebra, and offered her his arm. "Shall we my dear?" he asked as he moved to walk with her to the cafe. Zecora put her arm around his, and said, "Indeed. Now off with great speed." With that, the two of them set off to the cafe that Red had reserved. Unknown to them, or anypony else, though, was that a particular being was entering their planet's orbit, and nothing would be the same. Equis orbit Optimus Prime. A legend among the autobots. He had left the planet Earth a few months ago in order to find his creators, the same who had put out a bounty on him. He hadn't had a lead on them, except for a small amount of information about a place called, "The Sanctuary," that he had found in the old Knights ship. Fortunately, this included the spatial coordinates, a place he recognized as where one of his old friends had decided to stay behind, though the reason had been forgotten. As it was, Optimus was approaching the planet known as Equis. How long had it been since he had been there...Eons? He didn't remember, but what he did know, was that it was a safe place to rest for a while, possibly to refuel himself, before he would continue on his quest. He soon began to head for the planet. Equestria surface Red smiled as he and Zecora got to the cafe, and sat down on the seats, and soon had ordered their food and drinks. "So, how have things been going Zecora? Any updates?" He asked his marefriend smiling. "No. Things have been going slow." Before Red could respond, a commotion was heard at the door. "It's him." "But I thought he moved to Canterlot to be a guard." "Apparently not." "Somehting's going on." Red and Zecora turned to look, and saw a unicorn stallion with a black coat, almost as black as Nightmare Moon's, and his mane and tail were the same, but with accents of Red and orange. He wore Royal guard armor, and it's customized look, one that gave a good range of arm movement and offered great protection everywhere but the shoulders, spoke to the fact he was part of the special operations branch, the ones that came in when ever something big was up. On his shoulder was a cutie mark that had two Katana's, one white, the other a coral shade of orange (yes, that's a real color) over a red octagon. His armor was cyan with highlights of light orange. "Hmm? What the hay's going on now?" Red asked, looking over at the stallion, recognizing him. "Lone...what are you doing here?" Lone walked to where Red and Zecora were sitting, the ponies parting for him as if he were royalty. "Captain Zero 'Red' Star, Ret.," he said once he was at their table, "Princesses Celestia, Luna, Sparkle, and Mi Amore Cadenza request you presence in Canterlot immediately. It is important." Red sighed. "Very well...I was here to share a meal with my marefriend...darn it all..." He said sadly as he looked to Zecora "Always something isn't it?" He asked smiling as he took her hand. "I'll be there shortly." He said smiling. "Actually," Lone said, holding a hand up to stop him, "as commander of the special operations division, I can easily modify certain parameters of my orders, so long as the original goal, and that would be to get you to Canterlot. Plus, they never said just you had to come to Canterlot," he said with a smile. "Plus, I brought a chariot with me, so we can leave now." Red smirked, and Zecora nodded giving him the go ahead, as he looked to the waiter. "We'll take our order to go please!" he said as he paid the check, and He and Zecora got their food and soon exited, boarding the Chariot. "So, what have you been up to for the last year?" Lone asked. Red and Zecora ate on the chariot, as Red began to speak. "Well...Nothing much, just practicing to keep my skills sharp. I may be retired but that doesn't mean I can't still fight...Zecora and I have been growing closer at least...and I've also been trying to study those markings on my ancestors sword....they are definitely alien in my opinion...I can't even make sense of them..." He said. "That might have to do with why I came and got you, then. A few hours ago, the observatory picked up an object entering the outer orbit of the planet, and thought they saw it was steering itself. The Princesses want you there, due to the stories your family passes down," Lone said. Red took a gulp of his food and drink before nodding along as he was being briefed. "Really? Hmm. What do we know about the object? Anything? Like it's size? Shape?" "No. It' too far away to make out any details, but they're keeping an eye on it, so we'll know anything they know once they find out." "I see...interesting...but very well." He said as he and Zecora finished their lunch, and drinks by the time they arrived at the Castle. When they touched down, Red and Zecora were surprised to see all four princesses, as well as the Element bearers. Lone got off the chariot and went to stand in front of the alicorns. He saluted and said, "Major Lone Shadow reporting, your Highness'. Mission successful." Red approached smiling, and giving them a simple two fingered salute. "Yo! Luna, Celestia, Twilight, Cadence. How's it going?" He asked smiling. "Hello, Red," Celestia said. "It's good to know that that you're doing well. "Indeed," Luna said. "And is that fair Zecora I see?" She nodded "Indeed I am here by his side, as due to the time of our collecting, we had to eat on our ride." She said bowing respectfully, smiling happily. The Element bearers weren't surprised, as the two of them had been together for a little under six months. "Hey there, Red," Rainbow said, flying over to his side. Red smiled and hugged Rainbow. It was no surprise, as Dash was known for being a bit of a tease, and Some claimed She and Red were like brothers and sisters one minute, and the next, were like lovers. "Red, would you mind telling the others the story your family passes down?" Luna said. "I could spin a tale or two.." Red smiled at Luna, as they all got comfortable for Red to tell his story. "Eons ago, way back before ANY of us were around, even our fair princesses Celestia and Luna," He began, drawing attention to the two oldest ponies in the room, as he explained the stories passed down through the generations of his family line. "We were supposedly visited by mechanical beings, great knights who were claiming planets for the name of their creators. One chose to stay behind, perhaps he liked our fair equis. And, later, ended up dying off, as he sowed the seeds of the next generation, and they continued, on and on. Until we get to today. Now Yes, I realize, that this story is completely CRAZY.....and quite frankly, unbacked. The only true...proof, of this, I could have, is the very same sword that I got from the generations of it being passed down along with the story. It has runes on the side of the blade that Nopony can truly translate...and clearly is very old...and very knightly...not like much we have today...." he explained. "That sword is the only abilty of proof I have to the stories that were passed down through my family...and trying to research it has only led me to believe that it is an alien marking set on there.....and it's my firm belief that every single pony in Equestria.....is in some way or form, related to these possible alien visitors that had first settled here all those years ago. I know it's crazy, and I'm not asking you to believe it, because even I know how crazy it sounds. All I'm doing is sharing what I personally have come to think, after trying to look into that blade's markings, and the story that's been passed down." Red explained as he drew to a close. "That's. . . quite the tale," Rarity said, "but what does that have to do with the object?" "Because the ponies in the observatory think it to be alien in nature, as it appears to be guiding itself," Celestia said. "But how could a mechanical being have anything to do with birth?" "No idea about the birth thing...I mean, if they are mechanical then, I suppose it would lend to assume that they possibly built the next generation, and that just continued on, so that we are all more built then born...I honestly do not know, and I don't think I'd want to know." Red said elaborating on the question that Celestia had proposed. "I don't see how that's possible," Twilight said, a hand on her chin, "because if we were, then we wouldn't have any emotions, as every science fiction story agrees that robots of any kind are emotionless." Her eyes widened in panic. "What if these are aliens coming to visit? What if they want to make first contact and establish trade relations with us? What do we do? Oh, I wish I had made a checklist for something like this!" "No need to fear. Twilight Sparkle," Luna said. "My sister and I have sent word to the other nations. Yakyakastan, whatever leadership for Griffonstone, Cadence is already here, and the Changelings." "WHAT!?" Cadence yelled in the Royal Canterlot Voice, due to her still having, for lack of a better term, issues with changelings, even if she hadn't seen any since the wedding. "Auntie, why did you invite them? Don't you remember what happened the last time they were in Canterlot?!" "Twilight the universe is a very vast place, and there are MANY things we don't understand. For you see, as I explained, assuming those stories are true, one of the alien knights, who stayed behind, due to reasons of unknown. Was it because he liked it? Because he saw something here he wanted to watch over? Nopony knows now. As the reason was lost to time. But I ask you this Twilight. IF those science FICTION stories you speak of are indeed correct, and robots are nothing but emotionless machines," He began, drawing attention to the fact that the stories she is referring to, are works of fiction, "Why is it that that knight chose to stay on our planet?" He asked, presenting the question of why. He then turned to Cadence and gently placed her back "Cadence, relax. Don't worry. I'm sure everything will be fine...after all...if this object truly is alien, then good OR bad, we need to practically have a representitive from all life here, be it Ponies, Yaks, Griffons, or even Changelings. If it's an invader looking to take over, then we must band together to stand and fight. If it's peaceful, then we can all show a warm welcome." He explained, hoping to relax Cadence. "Dashie, tell me, what do you think of my story?" He asked smiling to the rainbow maned lover. "Fine. Cadence said, crossing her arms. "But if they step out of line, I expect you all to say that I was right." "Oh, so scary," Rainbow said, which got a laugh from the others, and a small chuckle form Lone, who stood at attention. "As for the story, it'd make for an awesome book, but even I doubt it's real." Red chuckled, as he hugged her. "Well...fair enough. But, I don't even claim to believe the story myself. All I'm doing is explaining it to all of you, due to the circumstances going on." He explained smiling. As soon as he finished speaking, though, a normal royal guard ran in and said, "Your Highness' we have sighted the changeling delegation approaching. Queen Chrysalis is with them." "Well, I suppose we should meet with them," Celestia said as they all went to the royal gardens. Equis Orbit; upper atmosphere Optimus Prime is growing closer and closer, as he continues to cut through the atmosphere of Equis, flying down. By now, he's already disengaged the jets on his legs to allow gravity to do it's work and propel him downward. He soon is able to see the scenery, and it reminds him of Earth to a degree with the beautiful trees, garden plains, and the mountains and oceans he can see. He moves to aim for an ocean or a body of water to be able to cool his circuits from the atmospheric reentry, along with for a much safer landing rather than landing on land and causing damage to whatever the inhabitants are. Infact, he begins to notice small specks of the inhabitants, though he cannot yet make out what they are for the time being. However, he moves his trajectory to avoid the growing pile near a garden close to a castle, and instead aims for the nearby body of water. Castle Gardens; Equestria Red and the others arrive, and he smiles, Rainbow and Zecora by his side. "Hello Queen Chrysalis. How have you been fairing?" He asks, as they bow in respect to her own crown. "Why should I answer you?" she said with a raised eyebrow. "You are not royalty." "Maybe not, but at the very least we can be nice and treat each other as friends here, given the situation." He explained, looking to the skies soon, as if trying to look for the strange object that was being tracked as coming to the planet. "I will when you earn it," she said coldly. "This may be Equestia, but that doesn't mean I have to entirely conform with what you think is royalty." "Says the one who impersonated one of them." He snarked as he watched the skyline, keeping his guard up though, both for whatever this object is, and for the sake of Chrysalis. "That's because I was trying to feed my subjects. You ponies wouldn't understand what it's like to be in the mind of someling as they're dying, knowing you can't do anything to help them, regardless of whether you want to or not," she said, venom in her voice. "No. But you don't know just how friendly we ponies can be. You could have just came to us diplomatically and we would have happily accepted you." He said, as Luna and Celestia nod in the affirmative. "Plus...we know what it feels like to be desperate." Red spoke. "Have you not read the stories of our kind? I have, and every single one depicts us as monsters who steal and eat children, are the demons from the darkest depths of Tatarus, not even worthy of living. When you have to suffer through that, I may consider speaking to any but other royalty." The changeling queen then looked to the solar and lunar alicorns. "The only reason I came here was because my entourage and I were promised safety, Celestia. I am interested in this object, but if it land in the badlands, then my hive will keep it for ourselves. Is that clear?" "We understand, and you were promised safety. Even lodging during your stay. IF it lands in the badlands, you can have the most rights to it. But we would respectfully like to be able to investigate what it is, and perhaps find out more about it." Celestia said agreeing to her terms. "So long as your scientists don't take any part with out my express, and written, permission, I can live with that," Chrysalis said as a gray pony in a white labcoat came rushing in. "Your Majesties, we finally have a few details for the object." "And what are they?" Luna asked as Twilight brought out a scroll and pen. "As far as we can tell," the scientist said, "it's roughly pony in shape and size. It's travelling at mach three speeds (three times the speed of sound, for those of you who don't know what that means) and, as far as we can tell, is going to land in Canter lake, on the other side of the mountain." Red looked to them all. "Well then, I suppose we should get down there to investigate and greet this object..." He mused. "Do we have an estimated time of arrival/Impact?" he asked the scientist. "At it's current speed," the scientist said, "a half hour, maybe a whole hour. It seems to be trying to slow itself down using skydiving forms." "I see...Interesting.....Princess Luna...should Dashie and I go up to try and encounter the object in midair, to try and assist in slowing it down? considering how it's clearly trying to do so?" He asked looking at her. "I wouldn't recommend that, as those on the telescopes have noticed a metallic glint coming from it. It obviously knows what it's doing as well," the scientist said. Red's eyes widened at the mention of a metallic glint, and so did the eyes of the other ponies. Red blinked "I don't believe it.....it's actually true!? Could that story I gave...be true!?" He said aloud. "We should get to Canter Lake...so that we can meet this thing." He said looking to Luna. "What's he talking about," Chrysalis asked, to which Red replied by telling her the same story he told the others. "I agree with him," she said after she heard the story. "You do?" Red asked. "Yes. If this is what you think it is, then it may very well prove that story of your true, and I personally prefer to know the truth about matters like that." "Thank you for agreeing with me Chrysalis. I'm honored by that sentiment." He said as he soon spread his wings for them to go and get to the lake to be able to see the landing of the mystery object. He then remembered not all of the group could fly. "Hmm..." He went to Zecora and held her, to fly her, as he motioned for Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity to be carried by some of the others. Either that, or they took the chariot that Lone brought. Amazingly enough, Lone used his own magic, his horn glowing a lime green similar to changeling flames, to hover in the air, to the amazement of all but the princesses. "I made it a requirement that any unicorns in the spec ops had to come up with either a new spell, or a new use for an existing one. I just combined a gravity spell with a limiting and cloud walking spell, and this is the result," he said, shrugging. "Not bad. Not bad at all. Now, Everyone, if you can't fly...all three of you, Pick a partner to carry you." Red explained as he held Zecora smiling. After everyone had been paired up, the scientist staying behind, they flew off to the other side of the mountain, and down onto the shores of the lake, Twilight geeking out the entire way, and Pinkie, well, Pinkie-ing out. Needless to say, the latter got very annoying. They touched down fifteen minutes after they left the castle, the only sign of the object being a small red speck in the sky. After everyone had been paired up, the scientist staying behind, they flew off to the other side of the mountain, and down onto the shores of the lake, Twilight geeking out the entire way, and Pinkie, well, Pinkie-ing out. Needless to say, the latter got very annoying. They touched down fifteen minutes after they left the castle, the only sign of the object being a small red speck in the sky. Red looks at it. "Hmm...there it is...The secret to if my whole story is true..." He said standing beside Both Zecora, and Rainbow Dash, hugging them excitedly. "Oh Dashie...I wish Scoots was here to see this...but then again at the same time it's good, because she wouldn't be hurt if this proves to be a bad thing." He said explained, showing excitement. "Yeah, but on the other hand, this is going to be awesome," she squealed like a school filly at the thought. Mid-Equis atmosphere They must really wish to meet me, even if they don't know me, Optimus thought as he saw a group of natives on the lake he was aiming for thanks to his optics zoom function. He began to tilt to the left, and compensated by tilting right. It was then a strange feeling came over him, like one that had always been present on his home world. Energon, he thought as he recognized the feeling, and it was coming form every direction, as far as he could tell. As he came closer, he could make out details of the landscape much more clearly. There were few hills, and, on the other side of the mountain, a city hanging from the mountain, one he assumed the natives had come from. When he was a few thousand feet above the lake, he braced himself for impact using a human diving technique. He rolled himslef into a sphere, and waited for impact. Back at the lake, Red moved for them all to get back a safe distance as the object got closer and closer "INCOMING!!!" He shouted as the object landed in the water with a large splash, water erupting from the lake, and dowsing the entire group like a sudden rainstorm, as steam was pouring from the lake surface, where the object had landed...Red began to approach and inspect it. It was a while before what had crashed into the lake surfaced, and it was amazing. It was shaped like an earth pony, only it had a more mechanical look to it. It's body was mostly red with blue accents in the shape of flames. On it's back was a sword that Red knew was related to his family heirloom. Judging from the body build, it was a male of his species, what ever it was. "We need to get him out of there," Lone said as he walked up to the pool, his horn alight. When he tried to lift the stranger, he was surprised by the ease, due to the fact it looked like a machine, and a pony sized machine would be hard to lift. He brought him to the shore, chest up, and said, "Too bad we can't tell if he's unconscious or not." Red spoke "That sword...t-that looks just like the one used by my ancestors..." He exclaimed as he pointed it out. Before long, their new visitor spoke, standing just as tall as they were. "I am very much conscious...or rather, alive...and I am quite alright, even if a bit stiff." He explained, as he rolled his neck, and his arms a bit. Red spoke to him first. "Who are you?" "My name is Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots." Red blinks, and grows wide eyed, as he stares at Optimus, even backing up as something clicked in his mind. "It IS true...the story passed down through my family...it's true....Your sword...Optimus sir...may I see it please?" He asked motioning to the blade that Optimus had on his back. Optimus studied Red with curious eyes as he reached for his sword, and said, "Indeed you can, but may I ask why?" Red nodded "Sir...I have one...that is very similar...if not the exact same....it has been passed down through generations of my family....along with a story that a group of metallic knights, not unlike you, once landed here on Equis, billions of years ago give or take an eon, and one of them stayed behind, to live, because of reasons unknown, most believe that it was because he liked the planet and chose to stay and live there...The sword was passed down through generations...now to me...as I have it at my home.....so, I'd like to see yours...to see if they match, like I believe they do..." He explained, carefully reaching out to take the sword from Optimus, to hold it in his own hands. As he examined it, Optimus' mind was processing (no pun intended) that little tid bit of information. He knew one of his old comrades had stayed behind on this planet, but he had forgotten the reason as to why. It made sense, though, as he and the other autobots had stayed on earth for some time, and a few of them were still there, protecting Cade Yeager and his family. "I don't believe it...it's the same...they appear to be the exact same...I mean sure this one looks like it's seen some recent use, but..it's the exact same as the one that had been passed down from my family..." he said, as he handed the sword back to Optimus. "But how is that possible," Luna asked, keeping an eye on Optimus. "Because one of the Knights that were my comrades billions of years ago, had indeed chosen to stay here. The reason why I'm afraid even I have forgotten. But that is why they would appear to be the same......though now I am also curious of the sword that you said that your family had...You have it at your home you said?" Optimus asked, as Red nodded in confirmation. "Yes sir...it's at home resting on a wall, on display." He explained. "Would you like to see it for yourself? To see if you could even recognize it?" He asked. "Yes, I would," Optimus said before Twilight bombarded him with questions. Red chuckled and soon walked away a bit beore placing a hand on Twilight's shoulder "Please try not to overload our new friend Twilight." He said, as he looked to Luna. "If you don't mind Princess, I will be back shortly, I must go and get the heirloom that I have inherited.." he said smiling, and bowing to Luna. He looked to Rainbow "Would you like to come with me? Or shall I bring our daughter back by myself?" He asked Rainbow smiling. "I guess I should come too," Rainbow said as the two lifted up and made their way to Ponyville. "Well, now that that's taken care of," Celestia said, turning to Optimus. "I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria, and this is my sister, Luna, the other co-ruler, and Princess of the night." Optimus nodded "It is an honor to meet both of you." He sakd bowing in his own gesture of respect for their own power. He then looked to at Chrysalis, Twilight, and Cadence. "Who are you three then? Princesses, or Rulers as well?" He asked looking at them, in curiosity, particularly at Chrysalis, due to just how different she was from the other four ponies. Chrysalis straightened up and bowed. "I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, that live in the Badlands." She said, bowing to Optimus. "OH...sorry, sir...I am Twilight Sparkle. Princess of Friendship." She said, bowing as well, as soon Cadence stepped forward. "And I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. but you can call me Cadence. I'm the Empress of the Crystal Empire to the North. "It's an honor to meet all of you, a great Honor." He said smiling happily, nodding to each of them. It was then he noticed the others. "And who are they?" They smiled "Well. I'm Applejack. It's a pleasure to meet ya Sir." The orange one said. "I'm Rarity. I must admit, your armor plating is certainly dirty, but at the same time, it's also quite an impressive coloration...they certainly fit you well!" She said. "I'm...Um....Fluttershy..." The yellow one said as she tried to hide. "I'm Pinkie Pie! Nice to meet ya Optimus!" She said happily, giggling. "And the Rainbow haired one you saw leave with Red, is named Rainbow Dash. They, along with Princess Twilight, make up a powerful force, known as the Elements of Harmony." Luna explained, as Optimus nodded along. "They are powerful magical artifacts from our history." Celestia said. "Please, if you'll come with us, we can explain. Red will meet us at the castle I'm sure." She said as she offered to lead the autobot commander to their castle. "Of course," Optimus said, which slightly annoyed Rarity and Twilight from the way he responded, but they let it slide, as he was from a different world. Those with wings spread said limbs, and Twilight, Fluttershy, and Lone, using his flight spell, picked up the two earth ponies, a Zebra, and one unicorn while Celestia went to pick Optimus up,who declined, then activated his thrusters. They lead him to the castle through the air, soon landing and heading inside to the throne room where the Princesses sat down on their thrones. Ponyville, Forest Red smiles, and arrives at his log cabin with Rainbow Dash, and opens the door, going to his room to get the sword of his ancestors, as he looked around "Scootaloo? Scootaloo? C'mere, Mom and Dad want to take you to see something VERY cool." He called out for her. "Knowing her, she's probably off crusading or something," Rainbow said. "Let's hope they don't have anything flammable." Both pegasai shivered at this. "I hope she's alright..." Red said, as he put away the sword, and soon went to leave with Rainbow Dash, to head back to Canterlot, and to Optimus Prime. A few seconds later, a small fireball erupted from the forest, and three fillies yelled, "OH COME ON!" It was a few minutes later that the two pegasai landed in Canterlot. As soon as they landed, a guard directed them to the throne room. Red nodded and soon the two entered the throne room. "Optimus sir, you wished to see it, well. Here it is." Red said, as he approached the Autobot, and offered the sword he had inherited to the Prime. Optimus took the sword in his hand and closely examined it. "This is indeed one of the swords of the Knights Temenos, an ancient group of cybertronians, my self included, that searched for new planets. We eventually found this one, and one of my comrades decided to stay behind as a guardian to the native species." Luna's eyes widened, as she recognized this from something similar. "Was his name Alpha Trion?" Optimus thought about it. "Hmm...I believe it was Alpha Trion...Yes..." He explained as he looked at Luna. "Why Alpha Trion chose to stay behind for certain is unknown, other than to simply protect the planet...but the rest of the reasons behind it I do not know." He said. "How is it you know of him," he asked. Luna blushed slightly, bringing a book out from behind the thrones. "He's become a legend that parents like to read to their children. I must admit that I've been captivated by the story." "You aren't the only one, your Highness," Lone said from beside her throne. "You enjoy it too?" Lone shrugged. "It's a good read." Optimus nodded. "It would make sense for the exploits to be recorded in history, so that it could be remembered through all time." He explained. "Looks like this is a case of legends coming to life," Chrysalis muttered. "So, tell us, Optimus," Celestia said, "where is it you lived before here." "If by that, you mean where I was before coming here, a plant called Earth, a world much like my homeworld, Cybertron, in the fact that the race that lived there, a species called human, was much like my own people. I arrived there many years ago, as I once thought it would be an excellent world to call home, and for many years, it was. The Autobots and I fought along side the human's military to fight our old enemy, Megatron, and his Decepticons. Unfortunately, after one of our own betrayed us to the Decepticons and destroyed a human city, killing nearly all of its inhabitants, the government of one of their many nations deemed all of us a threat, and began to hunt us." Optimus paused here, clenching his fist in sadness, and remembrance of his lost comrades. "I lost many friends during the intervening years between that and my departure. As far as I know, only three of my soldiers remain, as well as four ancient warriors." As he spoke, Twilight wrote it all down, hoping that he would eventually share more information. "And why is it that you left," Chrysalis asked. "I left," Optimus said, reaching to his waist to grab the seed he had been carrying since he left Earth, "so that I could dispose of this." "What is it," Twilight asked. "The humans called it a seed, as when it is detonated, causes a material they call transformium, due to it's capabilities to change its form, to come from what ever was in the blast radius, killing anything that was alive. I have seen the effects of a small one, and that caused the death of a human, a friend of the one who helped me. I was hoping to find a location to hide this, so that my creators couldn't find it, or others use it for malicious intent." "How did you retrieve it in the first place?" Cadence asked. "By killing a bounty hunter by the name of Lockdown. He had no remorse, was an efficient killer, so much that one would think him a decepticon. It was because of him and a human military group called 'Cemetery Wind' that killed my friends and comrades." "And what happened to Megatron," Lone asked, so that he knew if he needed to prepare the guard. "During the battle of that human city, the same the traitor, my mentor, Sentinel Prime, destroyed, I killed him, but his mind survived, and, with the unwitting help of a human corporation, built himself a new body, now with the name 'Galvatron.'" Red smiled as he listens to Optimus Prime's story. Very interested in the entire thing. "Very interesting...what do you think happened to Galvatron now then? As you were no doubt busy with Lockdown, so what could Galvatron have done?" He asked looking. "I do not know. What I do know is that he should still be on Earth." "At least, you would hope so right Optimus?" Rainbow asked as they were all watching and listening. "Yes. If he should arrive, he could cause untold amounts of destruction, even if you all are the same size as our species, unlike the humans that only reached what they would call our ankles." "Hmm...Couldn't you...I don't know, teach us ways to Fight back? If he's as powerful as you say, even if we outnumber him a hundred to one, Numbers wouldn't matter much to one who is trained very well." Luna spoke. "I am afraid I can not until I know what kind of technology your kind possesses," Optimus said. Red nodded along "Well...I suppose our tech, is more stuff akin to primitive items that you would think of...such as a Chariot..." He explained. "Mostly using Swords, and Spears..similar melee weapons." He said to the Prime. "Against an enemy like Galvatron, those weapons would be useless. Only cybertronian weapons and explosives can damage Cybertronians. The only exception are small projectiles the humans call bullets to the optics, or the eyes." Red nodded. "So, wouldn't something like this sword, actually work against him?" Red asked motioning to the Temenos Sword, that he had inherited from Alpha Trion through his family line. "Yes, as it is of cybertronian make," Optimus said. Red nodded. "Well sir...perhaps you could teach me a thing or two to fight against one such as him? or, heaven forbid, you?" He asked, as he also shown a clear desire to actualy spar with Optimus. "Very Well. I accept." He said as he drew his own sword with Red adopting a stance, as the two were led to a field to fight now, whilst the others watched. Chapter 2Canterlot Training Field Red smiled, taking a stance with the Blade of Alpha Trion. "So, care to go first Optimus?" he asked as he had kept his stance waiting. "Not at all," Optimus said as he raised his sword and shield in a combat stance, and charged, Red smiled, as he blocked the sword and tried kicking Optimus back. The Autobot leader anticipated this, and jumped back to avoid it, slicing downward as he did so. Red dodged, as part of his main was cut off. "Not too bad. You're certainly worthy of being the commander of the team you managed." He said, as he moved back to his stance, before glancing back "Hey, Lone, toss me a shield please!" He said before looking to Prime. "If you don't mind, I'd like to...even the playing field" he said having the sword in his right hand, left hand being open for a shield. Lone used his magic to fling a shield to Red, saying, "Heads up." Red caught it on his left arm, and had it strapped on, to fight, as he brought it forward. "Thanks for waiting Optimus. Now, let's go." He said as he charged forward to fight again. The fight was quick, as the two blocked sword strikes with their shields, and just jumped back when the other tried to kick them. All in all, it was a boring sparring match for the by-standers. Or, at least it was after the first five minutes. "Hey! WHAT'S THAT!?" Rainbow called out, ten minutes into the fight, pointing to the sky, as the two stopped, Red noticing it first and pointing it out, as Optimus turned and blinked in surprise "No...Impossible." "What is it," Lone asked Optimus. "That is the ship of the one who hunted me down on Earth. It must be one of Lockdowns cohorts after me, as I killed him back on Earth." As he spoke, the ship began to make it's way to Ponyville. "We need to go. Now," Lone said. "Definitely." Red said as he and Optimus had stopped their fight and dashed off to stop the ship. Those with wings took flight and grabbed those that couldn't fly, Lone activating his custom spell, and Optimus his thrusters, and the group flew off to Ponyville. Thirty minutes later They arrived at Ponyville, as the ship got closer, it was giant, and looked mostly round, with poles at about 4 different spots, though the ship itself looked about as big as a city in itself. "That's the ship of the one who hunted you," Chrysalis said, a little in awe at the size, but a little terrified at the same time. "Yes, that's the ship the bounty hunter Lockdown used on Earth to hunt me. What I would like to know is how he found this planet," Optimus said. He then remembered something Cade Yeager told him. The seed had a tracking function. Red watched "We need to try and get it away from the city...or find out what's going on..." He explained. "Perhaps we should evacuate the town too." He said. "It won't work," Optimus said. "The ship can launch fighters. Whoever is leading them will simply use them to corral and take the citizens of this town prisoner, if not kill them, just to get to me. Even if I run today, he'll just use the civilians to lure me back." "Then what can we do? Other than try to stand and fight where they are all in danger?" Red asked Him. "You won't be able to do anything, Red," Optimus said, drawing his sword and shield, "but I can." Red sighed, looking to Zecora, and the others. "Maybe you are the only one capable, but there's gotta be something WE can do...I can't just stand idly by and do nothing." He said. "Well," Lone said, "you have a sword from his planet; me, the Princesses, Queen Chrysalis, and Miss Rarity have magic; Pinkie has her. . . randomness and Applejack has her strength; Rainbow and Fluttershy have flight, and Zecora. . . yeah you got me there. I just don't know her well enough." "She's good with a spear as I recall." He explained, as he looked out. "That may be true but, I don't know what we can do to assist Prime in this fight...I mean He's the one most capable yes, but I'm the only one with a sword to fight as well..." he said, as he looked out to watch. "He was talking about manufactured weapons when he said only certain metals and explosives could harm them. I don't think he said anything about natural weapons, and I'm certain Pinkie has a few explosives laying around," Lone said with a smile, lighting his horn. "Maybe...though I'm not sure how well those would work...But let's go, and see if we can back him up at all!!" Red called as he went to run in to fight alongside the Autobot commander with the others. "Red!? What are you all doing? This is MY fight." he said in surprise when Red came up beside him, his sword bared to fight. "Maybe so, but it's OUR Planet, and you can be shocking sure that we'll fight to defend it, even if we're outmatched by the invading force here." Red called back. "I suppose, but be careful," Optimus said. "I would hate to see one of you come to harm because I allowed you to fight." Red nodded "Don't worry, we protect our own..." he said. "And quite frankly, I'd be more than honored to battle alongside the one who led my ancestors." Red admitted honestly. "I did not lead them, Optimus said. "But regardless, I imagine they would fight along side us if they were still alive," Optimus said as they charged into battle. Red smiled, as they fight, heading along, and the entire force begins to fight now, to take the ship and get it to leave them alone. the fight seems to go on for 30 minutes, close to an hour even, before something else happened, that Optimus never would have expected. "OPTIMUS!!" a voice Optimus recognized but didn't expect to hear said from behind him and the others as he drove his sword through one of the dog like creatures he had encountered on Earth before he left. He pulled his sword out and turned around, and shock filled him as he saw the one he cut in half on Earth. "Lockdown," Optimus nearly growled. "How are you here," he said, pointing his sword at the bounty hunter. Optimus noticed differences, though. The body looked brand new, none of the fade that came from who knows how many years of combat. Even the scar on his face was gone. Lockdown and another similar to him, but different all the same, were coming down fro the ship on a hover platform. "Simple, really," he said before eyeing the others. "I see you found new pets." "We aren't pets," Rainbow said, but Applejack held her back from charging him. "As for how I'm here, Optimus, I'm the best hunter our creators have had, and, as a precaution should I die in combat, created a second body for me, and linked the two, so that the memories of the first, the one you killed, would go to me, the second body. I came here to this pitiful planet so I could finish my mission. Don't worry, though. You won't be alone on the trip." He turned to the other robot and said, "Axor, bring him out." Another robot, walked out, with a devilish smirk on his face. His look was patterned to look quite similar to Lockdown himself, though he himself actually DID have the scar on his face unlike the new version of Lockdown that Optimus was looking at he was also a bit thicker built than Lockdown was, as he walked out, and he also had the same amount of fade, and some scars on him, no doubt from years of traveling with the nefarious bounty hunter. With him, was a chain, along with a silver transformer that Optimus knew very well...bulky, and devilish looking, with a large, glowing yellow hole in his torso, with red eyes, was none other than Galvatron. "Surprised," the one called Axor said. "We went to Earth to capture him first, then followed the seed's tacking feature here. I thought you'd be smarter that that, Optimus Prime. It would seem the legends were exaggerated." Red walked next to Optimus. "That the one you were talking about? The enemy who was named Megatron?" He asked, as he watched the trio of bots. "Yes, that's the one who was once Megatron." Galvatron looked up, and narrowed his eyes. "Ah, Optimus. It would seem we meet again," he said in a raspy voice. Red watched with keen eyes, as they looked out, watching as more of the dogs began to appear by Lockdown's group. "Surrender, Optimus," Lockdown said, "and I'll spare the pitiful fleshlings of this planet. We both know how much you care for organics. You can leave the seed here. I have no use for it. Who knows, they might kill themselves trying to use it." After three seconds of internal deliberation, Optimus, throwing down his shield and sword, and said, "I surrender." "I thought so," Lockdown said, grinning. "Kill them," he said calmly. Optimus' eyes widened as much as they could, and he reached for his weapons, but Axor blasted them away with his gun, and used it to tie the Autobot's wrists together. Before he could do anything, he heard a scream form behind him, and saw a pack of the dogs surrounding Zecora and Rainbow, one of the latter's wings having blood spilling off it. Red gasped in horror. "NO! ZECORA! RAINBOW!!!" He called, growling, before something unexpected happened. His right arm transformed, physically opening up and morphing it's shape, to a stange looking augmented weapon, no longer having a hand there in fact, now it was a Blaster. It also held extra portions, that covered the end of the cannon, and a few pipes from the side, as it matched his own coloration of green. Not having time to gawk at the fact that he now had a GUN FOR AN ARM, he pointed it at the dog pack that were surrounding Zecora and the bleeding Rainbow Dash, and began to fire at them, as pockets of molten metal fired out from the cannon and blasted the dogs, killing them, and saving his marefriends. "What the hay...just happened!?" He said, before he quickly turned his blaster on Lockdown and Axor, and fired, both severing the restraints on Galvatron himself, AND striking Axor in the head sending him sprawling to the ground. Once Galvatron was freed, he jumped off the platform and attacked his ancient, technically speaking, enemy. "Die, Prime," he said as he delivered an uppercut that missed. Unfortunately, when it missed, it severed Prime's restraints, as he pushed him back, and got his weapons as well. He looked to Galvatron. "We have a shared enemy Galvatron. Please, help us deal with him first." Optimus pleaded. "Never, Prime," Galvatron said, transforming his own arm into a weapon and pointing it at Optimus. "I could care less about them. What I want is to kill you, like what should have happened back on Cybertron." "Maybe, but you care about being able to fight me. If Lockdown captures me You'll never get the chance. You help us destroy them both, and stop Lockdown for good, and then you and I can take our battle to the stars where we can fight until one of us falls." Optimus said, appealing to Galvatron's ego. "And how do I know you won't attack me as soon as I turn my back on you, like I would. We both know you want me dead.." "Because my focus is more on protecting these new friends, and stopping Lockdown before he puts any more innocents into danger from chasing me." He said right back. "We both know I care nothing for innocents!" Galvatron spat as Lockdown snuck up behind him. "No, but you care about yourself." Lone said. "Which I'm sure Lockdown will make you his personal bitch of a pet if you don't help Optimus take him down." He said, pointing out Lockdown. As he pointed, his own arm turned into a weapon as well, only his arm became a weapon with two barrels, and each looked like it had three smaller barrels, and it matched his color scheme. He instinctively knew how to use it somehow, and fired off a shot that went by Lockdown's head. Red began to fire on Lockdown as well, pushing him back, as Galvatron growled at the insult from Lone, being reminded of goading into helping Optimus stop Sentinel Prime by a Human girl back when he was Megatron. At least with Sentinel, he was someone he was working with for a common goal. Lockdown did not share that, and Galvatron turned and fired his own shot at Lockdown, who had retreated back to the platform and was quickly ascending on it. Axor followed close behind as the ship began to fly back up to orbit. Optimus looked at Galvatron. "So...my old friend.....will you help us for now?" "I will not help you, Prime," Galvatron said as his arm turned back to normal, "but the people of this planet, as, whether they know it or not, they are our people." Red seemed the least bit surprised by this. "Seems legit...considering the story passed down from my family...considering I'm distantly related to Alpha Trion myself." He admitted as Galvatron looked at him in surprise, as Red's arm began to change back to normal, as he looked at it, still in awe. "Then what WILL you do Galvatron? Helping them to better fight against our common enemy, would mean you essentially are assisting me in this mission." Optimus explained, though he also was quite surprised at the fact that the two ponies arms had turned into Cybertronian weapons. "Learn what I can of this world. Someone kept their history a secret, and I will punish them for that," Galvatron said as he walked off. "Galvatron, sir...wait!" Fluttershy said, as she approached the other leader. "Please...at current we wouldn't stand a chance against that guy Lockdown...if You and Optimus worked together, You two could not only train us to better fight against him, but I'm sure you two could do anything together like that." She said, her eyes pleading him to stay and work with prime. "I know a few stories of my history as I'm distantly related to Alpha Trion, one of the Knights who stayed behind here." Red said as he walked forward. "If you stay with Prime to help us, I'd be glad to tell you..." he explained. "Impossible," Galvatron said. "Alpha Trion disappeared exploring a world he stayed behind on, and there is no proof he had a family." "Then explain this" Red said, motioning to Alpha Trion's Sword, which he had inherited from his family. "Prime confirmed it's the real deal, and Alpha Trion's story is as I'm sure Luna, and Lone here would state, is actually available as a readable book here." He explained, as Luna nodded, confirming it. Lone, however, had his hand on his chin thinking. His eyes then widened. "At the end of the book, it said he disappeared." He looked around. "In the north. More specifically-," "The Frozen North." He said finishing the line. "Perhaps.....the Frozen North...close to the Crystal Empire where Cadence rules, is where we may find the answers..." He elaborated, as Galvatron was certainly interested, both in the story, and just what had gone on at the planet. "And what's that?" Optimus asked, as he was curious as well, having only heard it during introductions. "My empire is an entire city, basically made out of Crystals, quite a beautiful one as I would say, that is actually a place filled with love and happiness." Cadence explained, referring to how the Empire was certainly a beautiful one. In his raspy voice, Galvatron said, "I find that unlikely. Most likely, it's an artifact that projects a shield, and it requires multiple users to telepathically activate it, and with you all, it can only transmit when ever your processors are on a calm, almost euphoric state." "Well...that's a fairly accurate way to explain it...as the Crystal Heart does protect us from attack...AND can only truly work when all the ponies living there are happy..." Cadence admitted, agreeing with Galvatron's observation. "No, it's magic," Applejack said, her Apple family stubbornness showing. "And here we go," Lone whispered as he turned his weaponized arm into a normal one and back a way quickly, as did all the others but Optimus and Galvatron. And threw up an invisible barrier over Applejack as well. Galvatron spoke. "I don't expect your somewhat primitive processor to understand our own Science, despite the fact that TWO of your own kind have demonstrated an ability similar to our own." He said gesturing to himself and Optimus. "So I'm just gonna say you call it what you want. Plus as I recall, alot of times, science that is not understood is commonly referred to as Magic anyway." He said sneering at the farmer mare. "And I say you're stupid." At this, even Optimus backed away, and those that already had took cover, though Applejack didn't notice. Lone was the closest, next to Optimus, that is. "This...could get very ugly..." Red commented as they were all backing away. "Got any popcorn Pinkie?" he asked showing an eager look just to see them fight. "Sure, Red," Pinkie said as she brought a popcorn machine out of now where and they and the others began to get bagfuls. "You dare speak to me like that?" Galavtron asked angrily. "Apparently so, otherwise, Ah wouldn't have call ya stupid." "It would seem your vocal processors are on the fritz as well. It makes you sound like what the disgusting humans call a redneck." "Should we stop them," Luna asked. "No, I think they need to air this out," Chrysalis said. "And if they kill each other," Twilight said. "I doubt Lone would let that happen," Celestia said. "He did face down a manticore and hydra at the same time without a scratch, which is why he's the Captain of the special operations division. "Ya, and I took on two Chimera, and two Manticore at the same time." Red said, proving his own well earned veteran status of the special ops division, before he had retired, as he beegan to munch on the popcorn. "Besides, I bet he's already put an invisible barrier around Jackie anyway..." Red mused. "Yes, but you came out bleeding heavily, and, in Lone's favor of points if this turns into a contest, it was a fully grown Manticore and a Hydra with fifty heads," Luna said. "Hmph. Still took them down on my own." He muttered as Rainbow and Zecora both came close and hugged their coltfriend. "It's alright Red. You're always awesome in my book. Especially now since you saved both of us, AND discovered that we can apparently change our arms into guns...I wonder what I'll get..." "Are you insulting ma intelligence," Applejack asked, her eyes narrowed. "Yes, I am," Galvatron said. Lone rolled his eyes, deciding to break this up. He walked up to the middle ground of the two and held them apart. "Would the both if you shut it!? Two different worlds, it can be argued about later. Personally, I don't care about this argument, but right now, we're stuck with one another, and will show respect. "Got it? The two begrudgingly agreed to accept the terms. Rainbow Dash meanwhile, is testing out her own abilities, as she ends up transforming her hand into a smaller blocky type gun, that clearly had rapid fire capabilities. "Oooohhh~ this is SO cool!" She said, as she changed it back hugging Red happy that her coltfriend discovered such an awesome ability. "What exactly does that do," Luna asked. "No idea, but it looks cool," Rainbow said. "That, Rainbow Dash, is a Subsonic Repeater. It's one of the fastest firing weapons in our arsenal." Optimus explained. "The one your...uhh...coltfriend shown is a Path Blaster, and Lone was showing the Neutron Assault Rifle. Both his weapon and yours are not that accurate due to what type of weapon they are, but, Yours is faster whilst his is slightly more accurate." He said. "I wonder if I've got more than one weapon then..." Red mused, as he looked to Optimus and Galvatron. "Do you think we actually have more than one weapon...Built into us?" "Most likely," Optimus said, "that's how the more ancient weapons in the war were used, though the quickly became outdated." "Huh...because they became your actual arms rather than just being held in your hands huh? Well...could either of you possibly tell us how to activate the other ones?" he asked curiously. "No," Optimus replied. "You'll need to find those out on your own." Red nodded "Fair enough...thought I could ask either way sir..." He said smiling. "I suppose we should prepare to probably depart for the Crystal Empire then?" He asked looking to both leaders and the other ponies. "No, that would be best put off for tomorrow, so that you all can learn more about your new abilities." Luna nodded "Agreed..." She said still in shock of such a thing. "Perhaps You and Galvatron could stay inside the ruins of the old castle my sister and I used to rule from in the everfree Forest." Celestia suggested to Optimus. "As long as I'm far way from Prime as possible," Galvatron snarled. "There are rooms on both ends of the ruins....all we ask is that you two...at least TRY to work together for our shared foe..." She asked, as the two princesses of Equestria moved to lead the two leaders on to the ruins. Red looked at his arms, and moved to try and transform his right one into something other than his new Path Blaster. "I think that is all we can do," Optimus said as he and his former enemy made their way to the forest. Red looked at AJ. "Why don't you try to change your hand like we did." he said. "No way," Applejack said. "Y'all can, but Ah won't allow mahself to be part robaht." "Oh, then I guess I'm just gonna be more awesome than you are eh AJ?" Rainbow said, taunting the farm mare to get her to do it, knowing that AJ's pride, and her Ego, wouldn't allow her to be behind Rainbow for very long due to both being rivals. "Please, RD. We both know that Ah have more 'awesome' in my pinkie finger then you have in your whole body." Rainbow smirked "Oh really? cause as far as I can tell, you're LESS awesome than me, since I just got 20% MORE awesome because we can change our arms into weapons since we're part robot!" "Ya ain't gonna tempt me, Dash." "C'mon AJ, we both know you're boiling under the surface because I'm now more awesome than you..." She said snickering. Twilight meanwhile, is attempting to transform her own arm, and manages to do so, turning it into a path blaster that looked slightly different from Red's. "Hmm...interesting..why does mine look different?" She asked. "Perhaps Mine's a more upgraded form than yours is Twilight?" Red said, noticing this, as he changed his into his own model, which clearly shown that his seemed a bit more advanced, as though it had more upgrades added to it where as Twilight's looked like a bare bones version. "Ya. Ain't. Gonna. Tempt me," Applejack said slowly to the cyan pegasus. Fortunately, before things could get worse, the CMC ran into the town, screaming about metal men. "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The trio was screaming. "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Scootaloo screamed the most as she lept up to him, and he caught her holding her. "What's wrong Scoots?" he asked. "Two, metal men are walking through the forest with the Princesses..they look dangerous..." She told him. "Heh...don't worry, it's alright Scootaloo....infact, the Red and blue one's our friend. the silver one I'm not too sure about just yet...but I think he'll help us somehow...besides, your mom and I did have something cool we wanted to show ya.." he said smiling. It was then Scootaloo noticed Red's weapon arm. "Cool right?" he said changing it back to normal. "And Dashie can do it too!" He said motioning to the rainbow headed mare who's still trying to goad AJ into doing it. "Turns out those stories passed down by my family are true!" "Cool," Scootaloo said in a whisper, though her friends were still a little scared. Red nuzzled Scootaloo, before kneeling down and stroking Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle's heads with his right arm. "It's alright both of you, don't worry. We're still ourselves." He said smiling, as he set Scoots down. "Hmm...I think we should probably go to the castle's training grounds to be able to both try out changing our arms, and being able to get more weapons to work...and to see what they can do huh?" He asked smiling. "I suppose," Lone said. "You got any better ideas for testing our capabilities?" He asked Lone, as he crossed his arms, approaching Zecora "Would you like to stick with us for a while? Or head home?" He asked referring to either his house, or the hut she stayed at normally. Zecora nodded as soon as the first suggestion left his mouth. Red smiled kissing her, as they went to head off to Canterlot then. Author's Note Red's first weapon IS the Path Blaster, however unlike the picture, he actually has the fully upgraded model from Fall of Cybertron. sadly, I'm unable to find a picture of the weapon with all the upgrades on it. If anyone can actually produce a picture of the Path Blaster in the game with all the upgrades, I would be MOST appreciative. also now we get into the gimmick of this story, where, the Ponies of Equestria are all actually related to the transformers. though they can't fully transform. only their arms into weapons, and their legs have thrusters in them for small flight, and for speedy running like Shadow the Hedgehog...Now, I'm offering any reader who LIKES this story to have a hand in it! Basically, the Mane 6, The Princesses, Lone, and Red, each get to wield 3 long range weapons, and two melee weapons. and I will detail below what they wield, that Lone and I have decided on. However, I will allow any reader who likes this story and who wants to help, to suggest a weapon for any one of the mane 6, or the princesses, that have not been filled up or decided on. And I will be altering this Note with any suggestions given. Red: Path Blaster (Fully upgraded), Ion Blaster (War For Cybertron version.) and Eclipse Rockets, along with wielding the Temenos Sword, An Energon Axe, and war hammer. Lone: Neutron Assault Rifle (fully upgraded), Photon Burst Rifle, X-18 Scrapmaker; Energon Sword and Atomic Mace Celestia: Luna: Cadence: Twilight: Path Blaster (no upgrades), Gear Shredder Rainbow Dash: Subsonic Repeater, E.D.K. TechVolt, Sling Shock; Battle Blade. Applejack:Thermo Rocket Launcher, A-4 Pulsar Cannon, and Scatter Blaster; Axe and Hammer as Melee Rarity: Fluttershy: Energon Repair Ray, Electro Bolter Pinkie Pie: Queen Chrysalis: Zecora: A spear, which can transform into a nucleon charge rifle, and the Electro Bolter. Nightmare Moon*: Riot Cannon (Fully Upgraded), Thermo Rocket Launcher, X-18 Scrapmaker and Dual Battle blades. Nightmare herself is gonna show up later...and, Zecora's also an exception to the rule because her arms can't transform, so her weapon will to compensate, when she gets the weapon. Every other normal pony character (aka, Not Zecora, Not Mane 6, or Princesses/Chrysalis) will wield only One Melee, and One Long range weapon. Any weapon given to the Mane 6, or the Princesses, must be an equippable weapon from either War for Cybertron, Fall of Cybertron, or Rise of the Dark Spark. the Ranged weapons must be one from any of those three games. The Melee weapons can be ones used by any transformer in the series. which is why Nightmare will have dual swords, since Drift and Wheeljack use them. Also, Red is the Only one who has the Ion Blaster. Chapter 3: Journey to the Crystal EmpireThe entire group arrives at the Canterlot training grounds, and begin to set up targets for them to test out their abilities on. At least, everyone except for Applejack, who still refuses to acknowledge the fact that she could also change her arms into weapons like the others could. On the way there, a few of the others, including Rarity and Fluttershy, were able to transform their arms as well. Fluttershy managed to turn her arm into a long cylinder type weapon, that had a three pronged claw on it, and glown with a healing white light, clearly this was meant to be a tool for healing somepony. "Wonder what that does," Lone said. "No idea...maybe it's meant to be a medical tool?" Fluttershy guessed. "We can ask Optimus later," Twilight said. Red looked at Rarity. "Hmm...looks like a sniper rifle of some form..." He said, as hers was a small block section, that opened up at the side, but also had a long barrel stretched out of the end, clearly used for sniping foes at long range. infact she was able to see 10 times off froom them with it's scope. "Interesting..." She said. Both changed their arms back. The group arrived not long after the two mares discovered their abilities. They all arrive at the target range. "So...shall we try this out?" "Sure," Lone said as he turned his arm into the neutron assault rifle. Rainbow changed her arm into the Subsonic Repeater, as Twilight and Red got their Path Blasters online, and Rarity and Fluttershy transformed their own arms. "So, what are we shooting for targets," Rainbow asked. "Don't know, but I think we should hold off on Fluttershy and Rarity's practice, if only because we don't know what they do." Lone said. "Eh, I think we could at least let Rarity try, if only because hers looks kinda like a sniper rifle...we can at least see what it'll do right?" Red said softly. She nodded "Of course darling!" She said happily, and changed her arm back to it, and took aim, at a lone apple tree in the distance. far out of range of any of the other weapons percieved vision or reach, as she aims, and fires, and they can see an apple fall from it. Even Rainbow would admit that even Rarity could rival her "awesomeness", given the range of the shot. "Definitely a sniper rifle." Red said seeing that. "So....who's next?" he asked smiling. "Stand aside," Rainbow said as she brought her weapon up. As she did so, Lone discretely put a shield over him and the others, just as a precaution. Red nodded "Go for it Dashie!" he said as he was looking his own over. Rainbow fired on the nearest thing, which was a crumbling stone wall, and she fired until the gun was dry. "Nice job Dashie!" Red said smiling as he kissed her, before stepping forward as Dash's weapon reloaded itself. Red himself took aim at another crumbling wall, one that wasn't littered with holes from hers, and blasted a larger chunk out of the center. Lone went next, firing off controlled bursts at a dead tree nearby, getting good grouping with the shots. When his gun was empty, ti too reloaded itself, and the tree was cut halfway through from the shots. Red smiled, as they applauded, as Twilight stood up to take a shot at the same wall Red hit. She fires and makes a smaller hole than his was, further proving the theory that his weapon is a more advanced model. Given that her blast zone was about half the size of the blast he made, it would be safe to guess that he's got twice the firepower she does. Unfortunately, though, none of the others had gotten weapons, and they were forced to end it there. Meanwhile at the forest, Celestia and Luna, had led Optimus and Galvatron over to the old ruined castle, which was still fairly usable. "Pitiful," Galvatron said, "like Earth." "I don't know about Earth, but this was due to my sister and I having a little...fight, about 1000 years ago." Celestia explained." "Considering how often he betrayed me, I hope you can forgive me being distrusting." Galvatron said in a rather smooth voice, despite it's raspiness. "Of course," Celestia said. Luna was still wary. "I'm gonna be keeping my eyes on you anyway, Galvatron...I am not exactly trusting of you either way." She said. "A wise policy, Equine." He said smirking as he went back inside his room. A few minutes later, after the two sisters helped the cybertronians get settled in, the two alicorns made their way to Canterlot. Back in Canterlot, the group begin to go to their own bedrooms to sleep, with Red, sleeping with Zecora and Rainbow Dash. Red nuzzles both "Goodnight my darlings." He cooed softly at both of them. Both Rainbow and Zecora said goodnight to him, and all three of them drifted off into sleep. Red smiles, kissing both as he drifted off, into the world of dreams, and what he would find there, was something very surprising to him. Red's dreamscape resembled an enlarged version of his house. From the outside, it looked like an exact duplicate, but on the inside, there were many doors, each leading to a different memory. "Wow....still amazes me..." Red said softly as he began to trot along, looking to see what kind of memory he'd relive this night for his dreams. As Red walked among his dream, he felt like something was watching him. It was when he was at the memory of him and Rainbow adopting Scootaloo that he heard a voice. "Hello, Red." "What the?" He asked as he turned around looking. "Who?" Red looked in awe, as he was face to face, with none other than Nightmare Moon herself, clad in light blue greaves, with silver trim for designs of the armor, a dark blue blouse that was the color of Luna's fur, along with her own cutie mark on the sides, as her liquid night colored fur was exposed on her thighs, with silver and light blue skirt armor around her waist and sides, and a breastplate of the same color with pauldrons to match, along with light blue gauntlets with silver trim around her lower arms, and her helmet was fitted around her head, as she wore a dark, and yet pleased smile on her muzzle, looking at him with her cat like eyes as he stared back in shock. She certainly was extremely beautiful, as her chest was quite large in size, one would say it's close to Celestia's size, if not larger, and her rear was also nothing to laugh at. Red was in shock at seeing her. "Nightmare...Moon..." Nightmare spread her arms and said, "Indeed," she said. "Afraid?" An eyebrow rose on her head. "Not at all, if anything, I'm honored." Red said smiling, as he looked at her. "Oh, and why is that? I wished to bring eternal night, and kidnapped Celestia. Were you not a guard at that time?" "You may, and I realized to begin with what eternal night would bring," she said, "that is why I had a spell ready that would cause moon light to have the same effect as sun light. Are you not curious as to how I'm here?" "Of course I am, dear Nightmare" He said as he approached her, and when he was within arms reach, he reached out to touch her himself. "Well, as you know, I have the same powers as Luna. The Elements did not destroy me entirely," Nightmare said, slight anger in her voice at this part, "instead, they simply destroyed my physical form, which is how I took over the Element of Generosity. After that, I was forced to remain in the dreamscape of the planet. Most of those who claim they see Luna in their dreams, when it's not the more, for lack of a better word, sick ponies, it's actually me disguised as Luna." "Interesting...though I thought I saw you a few times..." He said. "But tell me this, what brings you to me?" He asked curiously, as he gently touched her shoulder. "I simply wished to meet one of the descendants of Alpha Trion, 'Tis a shame he went missing." "Yeah...I'm related to him, very distantly, considering how far back that was....You knew of him? You KNEW him?" He asks the mare, very interested. "Well of course, as the both of us have been cursed to exist on Equis without our physical bodies, only our souls left, and we can not reveal ourselves to others." "Didn't stop you from doing just that now." Red countered smirking, as he had his hand on her shoulder, and gently touched her hand. "I'm honored to meet you..." "Two things. One: Thank you, and second: I meant in the physical world." "Fair enough...and if I may be so bold....you are very beautiful, Nightmare Moon." He said smiling at her. "SO...how might I be able to help you, since you're here to see me it would seem." "No, not unless you know of a spell, or what ever they will be called now, that can give me a physical body." "No, I don't.......but I think I may know somepony who does..." He said as he looked at her, happy to spend time with her. The next day They are all in Canterlot, as Optimus and Galvatron are brought back by Celestia and Luna, as the group met together now. "So, are you two ready," Cadence asked. "Indeed we are," Optimus said. "Great," Twilight said, "but it'll be a few more hours until we're ready. We need food, after all." Red nodded as he met up with Lone when they went to eat and secretly told him of last night's dream he had. "Seriously?" Lone whispered, as they were just a few feet away. "Are you sure you just weren't high?" Red nodded "Yes, I'm positive. No way I'd imagine her." Lone raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to point out that you once said that she was among the, if not the most, beautiful mare?" "No, because I already told her she was beautiful." He said. "Plus. She said herself, she knew Alpha Trion. Do you honestly think I would be able to dream that up?" Red asked, bringing up a good point. "Okay, A: you just reiterated my point with your supposed rebuttal, and B: she may have been lying to get you to do this," Lone said. "I won't believe it until you can give me good evidence as to that you saw her, and I want her to still be alive as much as you, and that's why I'm not going to tell Princess Celestia or the others." "She was asking if I knew a spell that would give her a real body again. I gave her your name." Red said. Lone groaned "Are you seriously that devoid of sense as to giving her the names of ponies. Unless I see her in my dreams in the next week and convinces me she's telling the truth, I'm not helping you, Red." "Hmph. Shut your mouth already. I'm telling the truth." He said. "When I see it, I'll believe it," Lone said just as Luna walked over to them. "And what are you two talking about?" Red shook his head "Oh, nothing Princess, just about how amazing this entire thing has been revealed to be." He said referring to what they could do. "And...about how beautiful you look today." He said smiling at her. "Why thank you, Red," Luna said. "And you, Lone?" "Simply discussing something with Red, as well as thinking about how beautiful the night sky is, seconded only by you, and I have seen quite a fair amount of stuff many would consider beautiful, your Highness, so I know what I'm talking about when I say you are the most beautiful mare I have seen in my life." Red looks away, still feeling left out, considering he felt that Lone was just better at things than he...He's honestly surprised that he had managed to attract both Rainbow dash and Zecora. and seeing Lone begin to try and attract the fair Princess Luna herself, he gets up and goes to sit by Rainbow and Zecora. "I can see that you are upset, my love," Zecora said, "but not all is as easy as putting on a glove." "Yes I know...but it's known far and wide, that nopony loves the nighttime more than I, so why must her affection appear to fall for that guy..." Red said, referring to how he had always loved the night, infact it was a part of his very SOUL, as evidenced by his Cutie Mark, and yet, here Lone was, nothing more than a pretender, who seemed to be winning over Luna much better. "Yeah," Rainbow said. "'Sides, you already got us." She then whirled around and looked Red in the eye. "Unless we aren't good enough for you, that is." She actually had a bit of anger in her voice and eyes. "Don't ever think that. Don't you dare ever think that Dashie." He said staring right back as he shown great sadness in his own eyes. "I could never bare the weight of the pain of losing you girls...I'm not strong enough for that....and I never will be." Red said, as he hugged Rainbow, holding back his tears. Rainbow kissed him. When she ended the kiss three seconds later, she said, "Then stop complaining that you don't have one mare you love when you have two." Red smiled a bit. "Right...gotta be strong for Scoots right?" he asked happily. "Indeed," Zecora said. "Plus, you make a handsome steed." Red smiled, nuzzling her back, and kissing her. "Pitiful. This is why I have no emotions. They make one weak," Galvatron said in his usual voice. "Shut up Galvatron." Red said, boldly defying the Decepticon leader. "Am I the only one who doesn't want to piss off an alien who has no problems killing," Lone said, which got a few laughs from the ponies and zebra. Red growled in anger as he just stood up and walked out slamming the door as everyone looked on, Luna even feeling a bit sad for the stallion who had served her so loyally and fervently during his time in service. "I swear," Lone said, going after Red to apologize, "why is it he can't take a joke?" Red is alone, trying to practice with his sword. Lone walked up to him, and it didn't go unnoticed. "What?" was all Red said. Red waited for an answer, as he continued his practicing, before transforming his arm and taking a few shots at some farther off targets. "I just wanted to apologize, Red. It was a joke. Why'd you decide to come here, because it was a joke that looked like it was taking a jab at you?" "Because....I love Luna...just as much as I do Rainbow and Zecora, just as much as I've admired Nightmare....I've always had a soft spot for Luna...I've served her faithfully during my entire career as her guard...nopony loves the night more than I do...and yet here you are, and she seems to be fawning for you far more than she ever did for me...it may look like I only care about her looks but I know her much better than you do...and I love her for more than just those beautiful looks of hers..." He said defending himself. "I'm sorry too...but I ain't afraid of Galvatron...just like I'm not afraid of you..." He said. "I just...really got annoyed at what happened." He explained as his hand changed back. "And why do you think I'm interested in Luna," Lone asked as he crossed his arms, his words getting a surprised and curious look from Red. "The fact that just like I did, you complimented her looks, and the night sky and everything, when she came over to us earlier." Red said. "Not just that," Lone said, his voice taking on a somewhat sad tone. "It's because, like her, I was lonely as a child. My parents died in a fire, my brother was killed when he was a week old, and no family wanted to adopt me as a kid. Why do you think I helped you and Rainbow Dash out with the house you were building for Scootaloo? It's because I can identify with her, due to the both of us being orphans. The difference?" Lone paused. "She got a family. I didn't. She has someone who cares for her, three someones, to care for her, that wait for her to come home from school everyday because they missed her, not because she brings in a paycheck." "Maybe so my brother..but, You know I do care about you, as a fellow guardsmen...and I can't thank you enough for helping with building my house...I just, want you to know that, much like with you, I can relate to Luna....I always felt growing up that nothing I did was good enough for those above me...even then, I still feel that way like with Luna now.....I always felt alone for the longest time...till I met and fell in love with Zecora and Dashie, even then, I still sometimes feel alone....on top of that, at times, when I do the right thing, I still feel horrible guilt over it, and worse, I can constantly worry on IF I even did the right thing to begin with..." He explained, trying to show, and explain to his friend why he cared about Luna so much. "Exactly. You've had it better then me," Lone said. "At the orphanage, I was always the weakest one, and when ever I actually did something, someone else would completely destroy it, or take credit. You have two mares who love you, and I have none. You got into the guard on your first try. I had to try three times, and even then, it was me killing that Manticore and Hydra that got me in. The worst part. It was exaggerated by the papers, and nothing I did convinced others of the truth. I'd rather not take credit for something I did then take credit for something I didn't do. You had it perfect, though. Your exploits were never exaggerated, the rest of the spec ops liked you to start off with, and you just kept getting more respect. Hell, I was the one who got you into the captain position when I stopped the changelings from getting to Luna during the invasion, and guess what the papers said. 'Newly promoted Captain Zero 'Red' Star of Special Operations guard division saves Lunar Princess.' No mention of the others, who were pissed at it, but I didn't care, because I was happy for you. Now, it's time something went my way for once. I've earned." Red glared at him. "You think you've had it bad? Hay no. I was LAUGHED at, because I believed the stories I was told as a foal by my family, that I believed that we all were SOMEHOW related to that robotic knight who stayed behind, whom we now know, was Alpha Trion. I was laughed at because I believed it all. Even the Princesses didn't take my belief of that seriously, UNTIL THE OTHER DAY WHEN OPTIMUS FELL FROM THE SKY. When I was a foal I was constantly picked on, both because of that, AND because I was the runt of the group. When I was 10 I looked like I was still a five year old. I was constantly getting into trouble because I fought with the other bullies who would pick on me for that, because I had to show them that I wasn't going to tolerate being picked on. And don't you DARE bring up that changeling invasion. I remember that very well, considering Dash was involved in the fight too, and I got tricked by one of those changelings who was posing as Dash at the time and attacked me. I was the one who was protecting Luna. NOT you, so don't try taking credit for 'helping me get promoted' when I earned that bucking promotion. You were trying to protect Celestia, along with helping the others whilst I was protecting Luna." Red corrected, having a VERY vivid memory of the changeling invasion. "We were both protecting her, but you got all the credit. Celestia? Please. We both know she didn't even ask for us to be there in the altar room, and on that matter, the reason why you didn't see me is because I was on the roof tops, making sure you weren't flanked. Do you have any idea as to the amount of changelings on those roofs?" "Yes. I do infact have an idea as to the amount on the roofs, and I tell you it was worse on the ground." He said, countering just as badly. It was then Rarity walked up. "And just why are you two arguing over who had the hardest life?" she asked. "Because He's trying to claim that he was protecting Luna at the invasion when I know that's bullroar. I was tricked by at least ONE changeling pretending to be my Dashie and that made me madder than a bear with a bee in it's ass, so you can be DAMN sure I was protecting Luna with everything I had, and that I recall it VERY well." Red explained to the mare as he began to walk away. "Even though I made sure they weren't flanked by every changeling that was after Luna," Lone said. "It doesn't matter who had the worse life Lone Shadow. What matters more is what's going on now, that you're both alive and well. That LUNA is alive and well. What does it matter who got the credit at that point? That's in the past." She said. "I had nearly been ruined before, because a former friend of mine took credit for my work. You don't see me whining about it now do you Lone?" She asked staring at him, with her sapphire eyes. "Red's had it hard. YOU had it hard. Luna likes you both, she trusts you both. Maybe she trusts Red a bit more due to longer experience with him than you, So what if he knows her better than you? So what if he had been better later in his life than you were? What does it matter now? Not a single thing." She said, effectively ending the argument with the speech summed up as 'that was the past, get over it and shut up.' She then spoke again. "If you two both happen to like Luna, then both of you ask her on a date or something. Let LUNA choose who she wants more." She suggested. "I know, but it all came out because he was, if I had to guess, mad at me for flirting with Luna." He looked at the castle. "As for the date thing, once Red calms down enough to at least put on an act of listening to me." "Well, you clearly were flirting with her Darling...Plus your joke didn't exactly help him feel better considering how you chose to do that too." She said referring to his jabbing at Red, even if it was a joke, when he mouthed off to Galvatron. "Do I need to point out it was also a jab at Applejack, seeing as how she did the same?" "No because I believe he said something first." "But it was Applejack who pissed him off first, back in Ponyville," Lone retorted. "Should still try to be nice and apologize Darling." Rarity said back as she soon walked away from him. "I will when he calms down." Rarity had left him there. Meanwhile, the others were getting ready for the trip. Red's polishing the sword he had as he soon puts it away hanging on his back, as he smiles, going to Rainbow. "So, Ready Dashie?" "Yeah, I am," she said. Red snickered "No you're not." He then kissed her, giving her a loving hug. "Now you are." he cooed when he broke it. "Red, please," she said, blushing, "you know I have an image." Red snickered "I know, I just like to mess with ya like this on purpose~" he cooed kissing her cheek again. "Well, just don't with the others around, please?" Red snickered "Fine fine. if you INSIST." he cooed still giving her a gentle nuzzle. "Thank you," she said before going off to practice shooting again before they left. Red smiles watching her leave, as he is approaching Applejack. "C'mon Jackie, why don't ya give it a shot?" "Because ah don't see tha need for stuff like that." "How about you could DIE if you don't do it?" He asked her, countering her stubbornness. "Easy. I'm too stubborn ta die," she said, crossing her arms. "Jackie....." he sighed, shaking his head, putting a hand on it. "What if those guys were threatening your friends? Your family? Don't you want the power to be able to protect them?" "Well, yeah, bit y'all have those powers, so I don't see why ah need to use them." "Because what if we're not around!? You are the only one who can truly protect your family, and if I were you, I'd want all the power I can get to protect those who are dearest to me." "But I ain't you, and my family can take care of themselves." "UGH. APPLEJACK IF YOU DON'T SWALLOW YOUR DAMN PRIDE AND ACTUALLY EMBRACE YOUR TRUE ANCESTRY, YOU, AND EVERYPONY ELSE YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT WILL DIE!!!" "Well, sorry," Applejack said sarcastically, "but we apples are a traditional folk, and ah know that using robot arms for weapons aint tradition!" Red growled in annoyance at her, as he just went and sat down to finish eating for a bit. Lone, being smart and having an invisible shield around him, walked up to Red and said, "Before you try to throw me out a window, hear me out. How about we both ask Luna out on a date, and let her decide? We can't try anything romantic before hand, and we ask for dates at different times." "Tch, sounds like a plan to me. Who gets to go first?" "I don't know, I didn't think you'd go with it," Lone said. "Rock,paper, scissors?" "Whatever." He said putting out his fist. Lone did the same, and they did two games of rock, paper, scissors, and Red won both. Red smirked "Okay. I'll ask her soon enough...though let's also agree on this: We let each other know when our date is, that way, we know when it's going on, but we are NOT allowed to be there, or interfere. This is to be Luna's choice, on whom she wishes to be with, either you, or me. And Neither one of us, should dare show up at the location of the date, Just to try and screw over the other, so I tell you when Mine is, you tell me when yours is, and you can't come to wherever she and I go, and likewise, I can't go where yours is. If you show up to where I'm going just to try and screw over my date with Luna, I'll kick your ass." He said. "Agreed?" He offered his hand. "You don't need to say that, Red. You know I wouldn't sabotage you." "And despite my own dislike for you at times, it would go against my character to sabotage you." He said nodding. "So, we agree then." he said. "Yep." "Excellent." Red said, as he soon walked off. Meanwhile, Celestia and Luna were talking with the two cybertronians as to how they were going to travel. "Well. I don't know about you or the others Princess, but Galvatron and I can transform into a faster, vehicle form." Optimus explained. "Which begs the question as to why we can not," Luna said. "I would wager, that your Techno Organic species, has only so much actual cybertronic parts that the only thing you may be able to transform would be your arms...maybe your legs, but I don't think you can transform, because, you physically would not be able to." He replied, thinking about it. "Perhaps," Luna said. "Hmm..." Prime said "Maybe, you might not be able to transform your body to an actual vehicle form, but, Maybe you might be able to create or summon some form of vehicle due to a transwarp space storage pocket.....or as you might call it, a magic portal to store stuff you don't need until you need it." He explained. "That sounds possible, but where we would we get them," Celestia said. "Hmm. during my travels, and time on Earth, I've seen a great deal of their vehicles...perhaps you and the others may be able to take the data I have to create such things?" he asks. "How would that work?" Optimus shrugged. "...Magic?" He suggested using their own reasoning. "Perhaps, sister," Luna said to Celestia, "we could use a scrying spell to see what the human vehicles look like." "I can't believe this," Galvatron said, his anger obvious, even with his normal voice. "The humans, at least, were more advanced in technology that all of you. How is it you haven't yet been conquered by another nation?" "Because the two of us you are looking at now have control over the sun and the Moon, My pupil Twilight and her five friends have effectively weaponized Friendship, AND I have a niece who basically commands the power of Love itself." She said. "That sounds like a terrible piece of hatchling entertainment," Galvatron said. At the sisters looks of confusion, Optimus said, "The cybertronian term for our young." "I'll go and get Twilight, Cadence, and Chrysalis. We're going to need our combined magic to see to a far away planet," Celestia said as she made her way to the others." Red, meanwhile, approaches Luna. "Princess Luna, may I possibly ask you something in private?" "Of course, Red," she said. "If you two will excuse me," she said to the two cybertronians before following Red. Red smiled, walking with Luna, before he sighed, and began to speak. "Okay....please hear me out....Luna, I know about how important this whole situation is...but I wanted to ask, if, sometime soon, perhaps when we've learned a bit more from the arctic North....if you'd like to go out for dinner with me?" he asked smiling at her, extremely nervous. "Of course," Luna said. "I do like to get to know my subjects," she said with a smile. "Thank you Luna.....what would be a good time for you?" He asked smiling. "Perhaps in an hour," she said. Red nodded "Sounds fair...perhaps by that time we may have reached the empire, or a sufficent place to stop and enjoy some dinner together." he explained. Red smiled as he was at least, looking forward to it. Lone, meanwhile, was talking with Applejack. "Applejack, I get what you're saying," he said. "I do, but don't you think you're reaching Applebucking season levels of stubbornness?" "Eenope," she said. "Nothing you or the other say will make me try out those new powers." "And this, AJ, is why i don't particularly like your family." "Why? 'Cause we're earth ponies?" "No, it's because you can be too stubborn for your own good. Look at applebucking season. You refused help, given freely by all your friends, because you said you would do the entire farm. News flash: you're the Element of Honesty, not keep-every-promise-I-make. And, as much as I'm certain you're going to hate me for this, I honestly think Flim and Flam could have helped your farm!" "And why's that? They're no good scammers." "No, they aren't. Or at least, they weren't the first time they came to Ponyville. They would have increased your profits during cider season, damn it." "How? They were charging us seventy-five percent of our profits!" Lone massaged his fore head. "You're under the assumption that they would be making only one barrel of cider, when, in fact, they made six for every one your family made. You cost, what, two bits per mug?" "What's that got ta do with this?" "Simple. You and your family was too stubborn to use common sense, like you are right now. What if Axor and Lockdown come after your family, huh? Granny Smith is too old to fight, and Applebloom is too young to do anything in combat. The only one who could do anything is your brother, and I'm certain they'll kill him. If you don't decide to actually use your powers, they could win, and then come after your family. Think with logic for once, or they're going to pay for it." "You forgot that them scammers ALSO had been selling lies to everypony INCLUDING my granny a little while back when they came around. Plus, during that contest we had for the cider off, they also made horrible cider." she countered, clearly very annoyed. "News flash: they did so quicker then intended. I'd like to see your family do the same and keep the taste," Lone said. "I was there, and I tasted both ciders; you didn't. There was no noticeable difference in taste. Here's a little math. Two bits per mug, and twenty mugs per barrel for easy math. You had about five barrels per day. Again, for easy math. That's about two hundred bits each day. They made six to your one. Keeping the two bits per mug and twenty mugs per barrel, lets multiply two hundred times five, one thousand, and add that to the already existing two hundred. They'd take seventy-five percent of it, which is nine hundred, leaving your family three hundred, which is one hundred more. A small amount, yes, but the more sold, the more you get. I won't disagree with you on the elixir point, I agree with you there. "Except that it did help your grandmother. Yes, it wouldn't have worked with any one else. But did it harm your grandmother directly?" She growled and punched him. "She almost died you shameless, insensitive snake." she hissed, as she began to walk away, him having struck a nerve. As she walked away, Lone thought, Why I am glad I placed a magic shield there after first meeting her. As he got up, Twilight came walking over. "Uh, Lone, what happened?" "Well, I tried to use logic to get Applejack to try to use her powers, citing her stubbornness, even using the Flim Flam brothers, who, by the way, were in the right in the contest, to show it, and she instantly assumed I was someone who wanted them to succeed the second time around." "Well, the tonic did cause Granny Smith to jump out of a tower." "And whose direct fault is that, exactly, because I doubt those two, greedy as they are, would want a dead pony associated with their product." "Theirs, because they gave Granny Smith false courage that she could do anything using their tonic. You REALLY don't know when to stop do you, considering the Bros were, and ARE, a VERY sensitive subject for her and her family." She said. "You REALLY shouldn't be trying to push her buttons like that. Believe me, she'll use her powers....eventually..." Twilight said. "i know, but she's the one who over reacted to it. All I said was that she can still be too stubborn for her own good, and that most, not all, but most, of that whole issue wasn't the brother fault. Yes, the elixir was fake. Yes, they lied about it, but it was Granny Smith, and I mean no offense to her, who wanted to jump off that tower and try a stunt I think we can both agree even Rainbow wouldn't try." "Yes, but the difference there is Rainbow probably could have survived it." Twilight mused, considering what her friend has done...and hit... "I won't apologize for rationalizing the first thing. I talked to others, and they agreed. I said to her that I didn't agree with them on the second. But I will apologize to her for bringing them up. And yes, Rainbow would have survived, but my point still stands: it was Granny Smith who did the stunt of her own will, not mind control, unless you could consider a placebo mind control." She just sighs. "Whatever, then get to work....and hope she doesn't beat you to a pulp." She said as she began to walk away. "Right," Lone said before going to pack his backpack. Twilight smiled, giving him a hug. Meanwhile, Red goes back to Zecora and hugs her. "Are you ready for the journey," the zebra said. "I hope we can see the sea." Red smiled kissing her "Yes, I am. I can't wait, because I love to spend time with you~" He cooed. "That is good. Now, what for food?" "Hmm. Not sure, perhaps we should try to gather and pack up some food for the travel my love?" "That is best. I shall pack it with zest." A few hours later Red, wearing a tuxedo, stood outside Luna's room. Luna comes out, wearing a beautiful, dark blue dress, that is both conservative, and at the same time, exotic, in that it exposes much of her back, but she also reveals a decent amount of cleavage, and it hugs her perfect hour glass frame. Red smiled, offering his hand, and arm. "Shall we, my dear?" Luna nodded, taking his arm, as they left, heading on to a local restraunt, the Eclipse Cafe. After being seated at the spot underneath the Moon's light, the date that Red was to have with Luna, officially began. "Well Red, tell me about yourself...what is something you like to do?" She asked him. Red smiled "Well I actually do enjoy practicing with the sword at the lake near my house...it's very relaxing, and gives a wonderous view of the Night sky...but other than that, I actually really enjoy playing Video Games." He said smiling, as Luna looked surprised. "Video Games? Well, I've got quite a collection." She said smiling. "Perhaps later, we could play a few, see who's better?" Red asked, giving her a playful smirk, and confident as well. "Perhaps we shall, when this dinner is done?" She mused, as Red nodded. "I'd love to take you on Luna." He said. "Well, what about You? Anything that ponies Don't know, that you could tell me?" He asked. "Well," the alicorn said, "secretly, as it would make 'Tia worry, I would, at least, like to see if I could tame Nightmare, make her see what she wanted to do was harm ponies. I doubt I could forgive her for trying to kill her, but I would at least want to make her see the error of her ways and regret them." "I see...Well...that's quite interesting...never would have expected you to want to...reform, Nightmare...I'd have expected that out of Celestia, but not you." He mused in response smiling. "You forget, we shared a body. If any pony understood her during those times, it was me." Red nodded "Fair enough...." He said, as he mused about telling her about Nightmare visiting him in his dreams. "Quite an interesting tale." he said..."But now, Luna, tell me, can you dance?" He asked, as he motioned to the dance floor. "Why, yes, I can," she said as the two of them made their way to the dance floor. "Then let us see how well you can Luna, I hope your banishment didn't make you TOO rusty in the art of dance~" he said playfully as Luna began to laugh in good humor. "Yes, let's see if You can keep up with me!" She said as the two began to dance together, blending quite well. The two danced for an hour before realizing what time it was, and rushed off to the castle. Red smiled "We should have a date like that again some time!" He said. Luna nodded as they arrived shortly after "Indeed we should!" She said as they shared a quick hug before entering together. They went to their separate rooms and got dressed for the journey. A few minutes later, they exited the rooms and made their way to the castle gates, only to see what Luna could only assume were human vehicles, albeit enlarged for them. Red spoke up. "So...are these, what you called, Human vehicles, Optimus?" He asked, looking to Luna, and then to Optimus himself. "Indeed," Optimus said. "Princess Celestia requested for a way to quickly travel to your Crystal Empire." "Interesting." Red said as he began to approach them. There were two vehicles that caught his attention instantly. One was a vehicle with what looked like blades at the top, and a cylindrical tail going to the back, which ended in four smaller blades. The opposite appeared to be rounded, with glass halfway up. On the sides were more cylinders, which, if looked closer, had five smaller cylinders each. "That," Lone said with a pleased smile, "is what Optimus calls a gunship, a way of transport that comes with various ways to attack and defend." Red nodded along. "Interesting...what is this called Prime?" he asked, as he motioned to a dark blue two wheeled vehicle, that contained some lights around the front and back, and handle bars, infact, it wasn't unlike that of a foal's bicycle, except this was much more advanced...Red also noticed that though it was a dark blue in the major color, it possessed green flames in extra coloration. "It is what humans call a motorcycle," Optimus said. Red smiled as he moved to get on. "I think I like...Mine!" He said laughing a bit. Other vehicles included what Optimus called a fighter jet, which Rainbow had wanted, as well as a jet, though, according to Optimus, due to the high potential for combat, it had been slightly modified to be able to go as fast as the fighter jet, and had the same weaponry. Rarity took the modified Jet. Applejack however, still was clearly refusing to accept even a single one of the vehicles. Lone simply looked at the others with an expression that said Is she really serious here? Fortunately, it was this reason he got the gunship. Red approached Applejack. "Jackie. We need you to let go of your pride. Please, let it go, we need ya here. Your pride is going to just hold you back, and it WILL get you killed if you don't swallow it and accept these new powers we have or the vehicles." "Fine," she said, "but only so ah don't slow anypony down." "Good thing the gunship is meant for transport," Lone said as he made his way to said vehicle. Red smiled "Then why don't ya try to tap into your own powers? We see what You got?" he asked, as he gently hugged her. "No, I'm only riding in that. . . thing so we can get there quicker, not to use those new powers y'all got." "For the love of...JAQUILINE G. APPLE. SWALLOW YOUR DAMN PRIDE SO THAT YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR FAMILY. YOUR FRIENDS. YOUR DAMN HOME!!!" Red yelled, finally losing his cool at AJ's stubbornness. AJ glared at him, her eyes having a murderous hate at someone using her birth name, something not even Lone did earlier. "What did ya say," she said in an anger filled voice while marching to him, her fists balled. An apple promptly spatters over the back of her head, from somepony they didn't expect: Applebloom. "He said, fer ya to let go of your pride Sis. You're getting to be as stubborn as when Big mac hurt himself and ya absulutely refused help from your friends to harvest the apples, and insisted on doing them alone. AND as stubborn as when Big Mac and ya went to go deliver some pies and ah was supposed to be staying home alone, but instead, ya came back to check on me, and decided that ah wasn't able to stay alone yet, when in actuality, ah was perfectly capable!!!" "Oh great, there's two of them now..." Galvatron muttered noticing the yellow pony's accent. "Sis, Please, for the love of apples will you swallow your pride, and just accept what's going on!?" "Applebloom, how'd ya get here? You're supposed ta be at the farm." She looked unamused. "I follow you all around the place at times. I snuck on the train after Red and Rainbow Dash got Scootaloo yesterday." She explained. "WHAT?! Applejack and the rest of the mares yelled. "There goes an audio receptor," Galvatron said. "That's not the point Applejack. Tha point is, yer bein' TOO stubborn again, so swallow your pride already!" AJ replied by saying, "No. Now, go back home!" "By mah self?" her sister said sarcastically. Applebloom simply walked forward, and slapped her sister. "SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE ALREADY. GEEZ. I'M BETTER THAN YOU ARE AT TIMES LIKE THIS, ALL BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANNA SWALLOW THAT DAMN PRIDE OF YOURS. IT'S BIGGER THAN CELESTIA'S HIPS!" she yelled, as Celestia herself blushed, due to an obvious reason. "I said ta gat home!" the elder farmer yelled. "Honestly, I wasn't as much trouble at your age than you are." "Yes ya were." She said as she just walked away, clearly angry at her sister. "Honestly, that filly will drive me ta drink." "You did the same thing Jackie." Rainbow said, clearly taking Applebloom's side, as did every one else. "SO, shall we be going?" Red asked looking to Luna, as he got back on the motorcycle. "Yes, I think that's best," Luna said. Lone smiled. "Then may I be kind enough to offer the co-pilot seat, Princess?" "Then let me show you to your seat. Also, earth ponies and unicorns that don't have a vehicle is to ride with the two of us as well." He looked over to Optimus and Galvatron. "You two too, unless you want to ride with Rarity." Twilight was slightly horrified about Lone picking Luna for the copilot, but she got onto the air ship with Lone. Galvatron promptly transforms into his vehicle state, looking something like a vehicle called a truck. "I think I'll just follow you all anyway." He said as the headlights flashed. "Good luck keeping up, losers!" Rainbow yelled as she got into the jet. "Uh, how do I start it?" Red was on his motorcycle, as he began to notice a switch, as Dash similarly noticed another one, as Red flipped it, and instinctively kicked on the pedal that was on the side, as the thing flared to life roaring. Rainbow did the same, and the jet's engine roared to life. "Cool," she said as the cockpit canopy automatically closed and sealed. Red smiled, as he revved the engine, by twisting one of the handlebars. "So, shall we get going guys?" he called to the others, as Optimus soon transformed, his body folding in on itself like Galvatrons did, turning him into a truck of similar make and model. "Good luck keeping up, Red," Lone said as he turned the engine for the gunship on, something he learned by using the same scrying spell Celestia and the others had used to observe the various vehicles by watching human pilots, and brought it up into the air, and pointed it north. Next stop, the Crystal Empire," he said. Red nodded as everyone began to take off, or in the case of Red, and the two cybertronians, Drive off, rushing to the north, heading for the empire. As Lone and the others in the gunship flew north towards, Luna asked about Lone. "So, Lone," she said, "what do you do for fun?" Lone shrugged. "Mostly, I just read, but I do game on occasion. A little writing, too." "Oh. What games do you play?" "Haylo and Mass Effect, mostly, as well as some Destiny." "Really? You play those. The last has absolutely no story, and the first has gone down in quality since ownership changed." "So? Both have a lot to give to their genres, and why are you complaining about story with Destiny? I agree it has little story, but that is because it's simply a prologue in it's franchise." "I suppose." "And, if I may ask, what do you do for fun?" "Gaming, but I do enjoy science as well. I also dabble in engineering, so I'm curious as to how you can pilot this so well, even after watching a trained professional." "It's my talent," Lone said. "I just need observe some one doing something, and I can remember it with perfect recall." "That is impressive. How did you discover it?" Lone shrugged and smiled as he recalled that day. "Me and my dad, who was in the normal guard, were out in Ponyville visiting some family, and he was working on a project for the guard, which were collapsible spears. "On the fourth day of our visit there, he left one of them in his work shop, the basement of my grandparents house, and I happened to stumble on to it. I found the spear, which he was having trouble with. I saw him working on it earlier, and I figured I'd try to help him, so I walked over to it, and began to work on it. An hour later, when he entered the work shop, he found me spinning it around like a pro, and extending it and collapsing it with a flick of my wrist. I was so focused, I hadn't noticed my cutie mark appear on my shoulder. When he called me out, I thought I was dead. But he was so happy I discovered my talent, we went out for ice cream, and I helped him with his stuff until I became a guard, and even then, when I'm on leave, I help him out with whatever he's on then." "You helped make the spears the guards use these days?" "Yeah, but the credit goes to my dad." "Impressive," Luna said. "Thanks," Lone said. The two continued to talk for a few hours before the Empire came into view. Red smiled from aboard his motorcycle "Optimus Prime, Welcome to the Crystal Empire." He called to the larger red and blue truck. "I see, it's very pleasing to my optic circuits." He said as the headlights flashed from him talking. Red watched for where the others were to land. The others in the air were arriving first, as Red, Galvatron and Optimus were close below, looking for where they'd land. Lone and those in the gunship were the first to land, but the crystal guards quickly surrounded them, thinking they were under attack. The moment Cadence stepped out of the gunship though, the guards instantly stood down. "Princess, what is this thing?" one of the guards asked. "A new transport. I have multiple new ones with my friends...please relax." "Of course, your highness," the same guard said Red came in on his motorcycle. Red waves as he approaches. "Hey guys." "Hey, Red," Lone said as he exited the gunship. "In case you're wondering, Rainbow and Rarity are still up there, trying to figure out how to land, even if it is, basically, the exact opposite of how they took off." "We need to hurry up and get them down before they run out of fuel and crash..." "How? I doubt that we can talk with them at this distance, or their speed," Lone said as Optimus and Galvatron drove in. "How the hay would I know?" Red asked back as he noticed them doing so. "Perhaps I can help with that," Optimus said as he transformed back to his robot mode. Galvatron transformed back as Red looked "How so Prime?" He asked. "A human invention built into all their military vehicles, as well as most of their aircraft that they called radio." "Then by all means, let's see if you can help them land." "On it," Lone said as he went back into the gunship and activated the radio. Red watched, as he followed, to try and help somehow. "Rainbow? Rainbow? Rarity, do you copy?" "Uh, Lone, where are you, and how are you talking to us," Rainbow said. "Well, can you tell me and Rarity how to land?" "Just do the opposite of what you guys did for take off, with the exception being you still need a large, straight piece of land to, well, land," Lone said. "OH.....okay." Rainbow said as they went to land. "Uh, princess," one of the guards said, "what is that," he said, pointing towards Optimus. "Something that's on our side. As is the other one." She said referring to Galvatron as well. "Oh, Okay Princess." The guard said. "So, this is the Crystal Empire," Galvatron said as he turned back to his robot form. "Prime, is it me, or do you sense energon in the crystals?" "What's energon?" Chrysalis asked. "Energon is what powers us....our lifeblood...it's an energy source...in a way, you could basically say it's like what you would call 'Blood'." He explained. "Wow," Twilight mouthed. "Do you think that's what our blood actually is?" "It's possible...I'm uncertain." He explained. "I suppose the best way to find out would be to gut one of you like what the humans would call a trout and see what would happen." Galvatron sneered. "No," Lone and Red said. "It was a simple observation." Galvatron said, defending his comment, despite it being a threat anyway. "Galvatron, why are you defending that?" Optimus asked, as it was out of character for his enemy to defend something like that with an observation. "Even when you wished to kill Sam Witwicky, you had a reason that would have made sense." "I was making a simple observation. In the case of that fleshling, He had cybertronian knowledge of the primes stuck in his head. We thought it best to tear out his brain to get it out of him. As you even admit, it would have made sense to some degree...In this case it's merely an option, which I stated as an observation." "No," Lone and Red said again. He rolls his eyes, and just crosses his arms. Rainbow and Rarity came in a for a landing shortly after this, though it was a bumpy one. Red rushes over, and hugs both happy that they were alright. "Great you're alright. thank goodness." "Jeez, Red," Rainbow said. "Did you really doubt me, the best flier in Equestria?" "Oh, stop it," Rainbow said, blushing a little. Red smiled, and kissed her cheek. "Well, either way, I'm just glad you're alright." "Yeah, so am I," she said. Red smiled as soon the group was together. "When will we begin our search?" Galvatron asked. "Tomorrow, Galvatron," Celestia said. "For now, we need to plan it out. Red nodded "Makes sense, the trip here would be a bit exhausting anyway wouldn't it?" He asked looking at Zecora. In orbit Lockdown and Axor stood in the bridge of their ship, over looking the planet they had found, when one of their numerous underlings walked up behind them and said, "Sirs, our scanners have picked up a large energon reading in the northern part of the continent you were on. Requesting permission to send seekers to retrieve it?" "No," Lockdown said calmly before turning to Axor. "Axor, I want you to recon the location, and let me know if Prime or any of his allies are there." "Understood." Axor replied, as he quickly left the ship, and headed out in that direction.
Chapter 1: ArrivalOn a distant star, a planet in fact, named Equis, there is a race of anthropod beings known as ponies, in their nation of Equestria, they live happily, but as it is, they are about to find out that there is more to them than meets the eye. One of them, a green pegasus named Red, for his crimson mane, and the crimson highlights on his wings, is getting ready to meet with his friend Zecora, for a dinner date. Red wore a white, short sleeved T-shirt and a pair of gray athletic shorts. On his shoulder were hints of his cutie mark. He and Zecora had been together for a little over a year, ever since he had moved to Ponyville. It was a warm day, the middle of summer, and the scenery was perfect, even in the Everfree. He shortly arrived at her home, and had already made some reservations at a local cafe at Ponyville, one where they could enjoy normal food, and where she wouldn't be shunned or feared due to her appearance, being a Zebra and all. He smiled, and knocked on the door. "Zecora? It's me, Red!" He said smiling happily. "Just a moment," the zebra said behind her door, "I must get the mints." Red chuckled "Aww, okay Zecora, I'll wait, but in my opinion, you don't need them." he said smiling. "I would much rather be prepared, so that we may have a kiss shared." Red chuckled "Aww, very well, We still have time for the reservations, since I already planned for how long it'll take us to get there." He explained smiling. Red waited for another five minutes before his marefriend walked out. She wore a gray, sleeveless shirt, which showed her tribal tattoo, and her midriff, a pair of gray, knee length shorts, with golden hoops on her arms, more specifically, her wrists, and on her neck. Red smiled at the beautiful Zebra, and offered her his arm. "Shall we my dear?" he asked as he moved to walk with her to the cafe. Zecora put her arm around his, and said, "Indeed. Now off with great speed." With that, the two of them set off to the cafe that Red had reserved. Unknown to them, or anypony else, though, was that a particular being was entering their planet's orbit, and nothing would be the same. Equis orbit Optimus Prime. A legend among the autobots. He had left the planet Earth a few months ago in order to find his creators, the same who had put out a bounty on him. He hadn't had a lead on them, except for a small amount of information about a place called, "The Sanctuary," that he had found in the old Knights ship. Fortunately, this included the spatial coordinates, a place he recognized as where one of his old friends had decided to stay behind, though the reason had been forgotten. As it was, Optimus was approaching the planet known as Equis. How long had it been since he had been there...Eons? He didn't remember, but what he did know, was that it was a safe place to rest for a while, possibly to refuel himself, before he would continue on his quest. He soon began to head for the planet. Equestria surface Red smiled as he and Zecora got to the cafe, and sat down on the seats, and soon had ordered their food and drinks. "So, how have things been going Zecora? Any updates?" He asked his marefriend smiling. "No. Things have been going slow." Before Red could respond, a commotion was heard at the door. "It's him." "But I thought he moved to Canterlot to be a guard." "Apparently not." "Somehting's going on." Red and Zecora turned to look, and saw a unicorn stallion with a black coat, almost as black as Nightmare Moon's, and his mane and tail were the same, but with accents of Red and orange. He wore Royal guard armor, and it's customized look, one that gave a good range of arm movement and offered great protection everywhere but the shoulders, spoke to the fact he was part of the special operations branch, the ones that came in when ever something big was up. On his shoulder was a cutie mark that had two Katana's, one white, the other a coral shade of orange (yes, that's a real color) over a red octagon. His armor was cyan with highlights of light orange. "Hmm? What the hay's going on now?" Red asked, looking over at the stallion, recognizing him. "Lone...what are you doing here?" Lone walked to where Red and Zecora were sitting, the ponies parting for him as if he were royalty. "Captain Zero 'Red' Star, Ret.," he said once he was at their table, "Princesses Celestia, Luna, Sparkle, and Mi Amore Cadenza request you presence in Canterlot immediately. It is important." Red sighed. "Very well...I was here to share a meal with my marefriend...darn it all..." He said sadly as he looked to Zecora "Always something isn't it?" He asked smiling as he took her hand. "I'll be there shortly." He said smiling. "Actually," Lone said, holding a hand up to stop him, "as commander of the special operations division, I can easily modify certain parameters of my orders, so long as the original goal, and that would be to get you to Canterlot. Plus, they never said just you had to come to Canterlot," he said with a smile. "Plus, I brought a chariot with me, so we can leave now." Red smirked, and Zecora nodded giving him the go ahead, as he looked to the waiter. "We'll take our order to go please!" he said as he paid the check, and He and Zecora got their food and soon exited, boarding the Chariot. "So, what have you been up to for the last year?" Lone asked. Red and Zecora ate on the chariot, as Red began to speak. "Well...Nothing much, just practicing to keep my skills sharp. I may be retired but that doesn't mean I can't still fight...Zecora and I have been growing closer at least...and I've also been trying to study those markings on my ancestors sword....they are definitely alien in my opinion...I can't even make sense of them..." He said. "That might have to do with why I came and got you, then. A few hours ago, the observatory picked up an object entering the outer orbit of the planet, and thought they saw it was steering itself. The Princesses want you there, due to the stories your family passes down," Lone said. Red took a gulp of his food and drink before nodding along as he was being briefed. "Really? Hmm. What do we know about the object? Anything? Like it's size? Shape?" "No. It' too far away to make out any details, but they're keeping an eye on it, so we'll know anything they know once they find out." "I see...interesting...but very well." He said as he and Zecora finished their lunch, and drinks by the time they arrived at the Castle. When they touched down, Red and Zecora were surprised to see all four princesses, as well as the Element bearers. Lone got off the chariot and went to stand in front of the alicorns. He saluted and said, "Major Lone Shadow reporting, your Highness'. Mission successful." Red approached smiling, and giving them a simple two fingered salute. "Yo! Luna, Celestia, Twilight, Cadence. How's it going?" He asked smiling. "Hello, Red," Celestia said. "It's good to know that that you're doing well. "Indeed," Luna said. "And is that fair Zecora I see?" She nodded "Indeed I am here by his side, as due to the time of our collecting, we had to eat on our ride." She said bowing respectfully, smiling happily. The Element bearers weren't surprised, as the two of them had been together for a little under six months. "Hey there, Red," Rainbow said, flying over to his side. Red smiled and hugged Rainbow. It was no surprise, as Dash was known for being a bit of a tease, and Some claimed She and Red were like brothers and sisters one minute, and the next, were like lovers. "Red, would you mind telling the others the story your family passes down?" Luna said. "I could spin a tale or two.." Red smiled at Luna, as they all got comfortable for Red to tell his story. "Eons ago, way back before ANY of us were around, even our fair princesses Celestia and Luna," He began, drawing attention to the two oldest ponies in the room, as he explained the stories passed down through the generations of his family line. "We were supposedly visited by mechanical beings, great knights who were claiming planets for the name of their creators. One chose to stay behind, perhaps he liked our fair equis. And, later, ended up dying off, as he sowed the seeds of the next generation, and they continued, on and on. Until we get to today. Now Yes, I realize, that this story is completely CRAZY.....and quite frankly, unbacked. The only true...proof, of this, I could have, is the very same sword that I got from the generations of it being passed down along with the story. It has runes on the side of the blade that Nopony can truly translate...and clearly is very old...and very knightly...not like much we have today...." he explained. "That sword is the only abilty of proof I have to the stories that were passed down through my family...and trying to research it has only led me to believe that it is an alien marking set on there.....and it's my firm belief that every single pony in Equestria.....is in some way or form, related to these possible alien visitors that had first settled here all those years ago. I know it's crazy, and I'm not asking you to believe it, because even I know how crazy it sounds. All I'm doing is sharing what I personally have come to think, after trying to look into that blade's markings, and the story that's been passed down." Red explained as he drew to a close. "That's. . . quite the tale," Rarity said, "but what does that have to do with the object?" "Because the ponies in the observatory think it to be alien in nature, as it appears to be guiding itself," Celestia said. "But how could a mechanical being have anything to do with birth?" "No idea about the birth thing...I mean, if they are mechanical then, I suppose it would lend to assume that they possibly built the next generation, and that just continued on, so that we are all more built then born...I honestly do not know, and I don't think I'd want to know." Red said elaborating on the question that Celestia had proposed. "I don't see how that's possible," Twilight said, a hand on her chin, "because if we were, then we wouldn't have any emotions, as every science fiction story agrees that robots of any kind are emotionless." Her eyes widened in panic. "What if these are aliens coming to visit? What if they want to make first contact and establish trade relations with us? What do we do? Oh, I wish I had made a checklist for something like this!" "No need to fear. Twilight Sparkle," Luna said. "My sister and I have sent word to the other nations. Yakyakastan, whatever leadership for Griffonstone, Cadence is already here, and the Changelings." "WHAT!?" Cadence yelled in the Royal Canterlot Voice, due to her still having, for lack of a better term, issues with changelings, even if she hadn't seen any since the wedding. "Auntie, why did you invite them? Don't you remember what happened the last time they were in Canterlot?!" "Twilight the universe is a very vast place, and there are MANY things we don't understand. For you see, as I explained, assuming those stories are true, one of the alien knights, who stayed behind, due to reasons of unknown. Was it because he liked it? Because he saw something here he wanted to watch over? Nopony knows now. As the reason was lost to time. But I ask you this Twilight. IF those science FICTION stories you speak of are indeed correct, and robots are nothing but emotionless machines," He began, drawing attention to the fact that the stories she is referring to, are works of fiction, "Why is it that that knight chose to stay on our planet?" He asked, presenting the question of why. He then turned to Cadence and gently placed her back "Cadence, relax. Don't worry. I'm sure everything will be fine...after all...if this object truly is alien, then good OR bad, we need to practically have a representitive from all life here, be it Ponies, Yaks, Griffons, or even Changelings. If it's an invader looking to take over, then we must band together to stand and fight. If it's peaceful, then we can all show a warm welcome." He explained, hoping to relax Cadence. "Dashie, tell me, what do you think of my story?" He asked smiling to the rainbow maned lover. "Fine. Cadence said, crossing her arms. "But if they step out of line, I expect you all to say that I was right." "Oh, so scary," Rainbow said, which got a laugh from the others, and a small chuckle form Lone, who stood at attention. "As for the story, it'd make for an awesome book, but even I doubt it's real." Red chuckled, as he hugged her. "Well...fair enough. But, I don't even claim to believe the story myself. All I'm doing is explaining it to all of you, due to the circumstances going on." He explained smiling. As soon as he finished speaking, though, a normal royal guard ran in and said, "Your Highness' we have sighted the changeling delegation approaching. Queen Chrysalis is with them." "Well, I suppose we should meet with them," Celestia said as they all went to the royal gardens. Equis Orbit; upper atmosphere Optimus Prime is growing closer and closer, as he continues to cut through the atmosphere of Equis, flying down. By now, he's already disengaged the jets on his legs to allow gravity to do it's work and propel him downward. He soon is able to see the scenery, and it reminds him of Earth to a degree with the beautiful trees, garden plains, and the mountains and oceans he can see. He moves to aim for an ocean or a body of water to be able to cool his circuits from the atmospheric reentry, along with for a much safer landing rather than landing on land and causing damage to whatever the inhabitants are. Infact, he begins to notice small specks of the inhabitants, though he cannot yet make out what they are for the time being. However, he moves his trajectory to avoid the growing pile near a garden close to a castle, and instead aims for the nearby body of water. Castle Gardens; Equestria Red and the others arrive, and he smiles, Rainbow and Zecora by his side. "Hello Queen Chrysalis. How have you been fairing?" He asks, as they bow in respect to her own crown. "Why should I answer you?" she said with a raised eyebrow. "You are not royalty." "Maybe not, but at the very least we can be nice and treat each other as friends here, given the situation." He explained, looking to the skies soon, as if trying to look for the strange object that was being tracked as coming to the planet. "I will when you earn it," she said coldly. "This may be Equestia, but that doesn't mean I have to entirely conform with what you think is royalty." "Says the one who impersonated one of them." He snarked as he watched the skyline, keeping his guard up though, both for whatever this object is, and for the sake of Chrysalis. "That's because I was trying to feed my subjects. You ponies wouldn't understand what it's like to be in the mind of someling as they're dying, knowing you can't do anything to help them, regardless of whether you want to or not," she said, venom in her voice. "No. But you don't know just how friendly we ponies can be. You could have just came to us diplomatically and we would have happily accepted you." He said, as Luna and Celestia nod in the affirmative. "Plus...we know what it feels like to be desperate." Red spoke. "Have you not read the stories of our kind? I have, and every single one depicts us as monsters who steal and eat children, are the demons from the darkest depths of Tatarus, not even worthy of living. When you have to suffer through that, I may consider speaking to any but other royalty." The changeling queen then looked to the solar and lunar alicorns. "The only reason I came here was because my entourage and I were promised safety, Celestia. I am interested in this object, but if it land in the badlands, then my hive will keep it for ourselves. Is that clear?" "We understand, and you were promised safety. Even lodging during your stay. IF it lands in the badlands, you can have the most rights to it. But we would respectfully like to be able to investigate what it is, and perhaps find out more about it." Celestia said agreeing to her terms. "So long as your scientists don't take any part with out my express, and written, permission, I can live with that," Chrysalis said as a gray pony in a white labcoat came rushing in. "Your Majesties, we finally have a few details for the object." "And what are they?" Luna asked as Twilight brought out a scroll and pen. "As far as we can tell," the scientist said, "it's roughly pony in shape and size. It's travelling at mach three speeds (three times the speed of sound, for those of you who don't know what that means) and, as far as we can tell, is going to land in Canter lake, on the other side of the mountain." Red looked to them all. "Well then, I suppose we should get down there to investigate and greet this object..." He mused. "Do we have an estimated time of arrival/Impact?" he asked the scientist. "At it's current speed," the scientist said, "a half hour, maybe a whole hour. It seems to be trying to slow itself down using skydiving forms." "I see...Interesting.....Princess Luna...should Dashie and I go up to try and encounter the object in midair, to try and assist in slowing it down? considering how it's clearly trying to do so?" He asked looking at her. "I wouldn't recommend that, as those on the telescopes have noticed a metallic glint coming from it. It obviously knows what it's doing as well," the scientist said. Red's eyes widened at the mention of a metallic glint, and so did the eyes of the other ponies. Red blinked "I don't believe it.....it's actually true!? Could that story I gave...be true!?" He said aloud. "We should get to Canter Lake...so that we can meet this thing." He said looking to Luna. "What's he talking about," Chrysalis asked, to which Red replied by telling her the same story he told the others. "I agree with him," she said after she heard the story. "You do?" Red asked. "Yes. If this is what you think it is, then it may very well prove that story of your true, and I personally prefer to know the truth about matters like that." "Thank you for agreeing with me Chrysalis. I'm honored by that sentiment." He said as he soon spread his wings for them to go and get to the lake to be able to see the landing of the mystery object. He then remembered not all of the group could fly. "Hmm..." He went to Zecora and held her, to fly her, as he motioned for Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity to be carried by some of the others. Either that, or they took the chariot that Lone brought. Amazingly enough, Lone used his own magic, his horn glowing a lime green similar to changeling flames, to hover in the air, to the amazement of all but the princesses. "I made it a requirement that any unicorns in the spec ops had to come up with either a new spell, or a new use for an existing one. I just combined a gravity spell with a limiting and cloud walking spell, and this is the result," he said, shrugging. "Not bad. Not bad at all. Now, Everyone, if you can't fly...all three of you, Pick a partner to carry you." Red explained as he held Zecora smiling. After everyone had been paired up, the scientist staying behind, they flew off to the other side of the mountain, and down onto the shores of the lake, Twilight geeking out the entire way, and Pinkie, well, Pinkie-ing out. Needless to say, the latter got very annoying. They touched down fifteen minutes after they left the castle, the only sign of the object being a small red speck in the sky. After everyone had been paired up, the scientist staying behind, they flew off to the other side of the mountain, and down onto the shores of the lake, Twilight geeking out the entire way, and Pinkie, well, Pinkie-ing out. Needless to say, the latter got very annoying. They touched down fifteen minutes after they left the castle, the only sign of the object being a small red speck in the sky. Red looks at it. "Hmm...there it is...The secret to if my whole story is true..." He said standing beside Both Zecora, and Rainbow Dash, hugging them excitedly. "Oh Dashie...I wish Scoots was here to see this...but then again at the same time it's good, because she wouldn't be hurt if this proves to be a bad thing." He said explained, showing excitement. "Yeah, but on the other hand, this is going to be awesome," she squealed like a school filly at the thought. Mid-Equis atmosphere They must really wish to meet me, even if they don't know me, Optimus thought as he saw a group of natives on the lake he was aiming for thanks to his optics zoom function. He began to tilt to the left, and compensated by tilting right. It was then a strange feeling came over him, like one that had always been present on his home world. Energon, he thought as he recognized the feeling, and it was coming form every direction, as far as he could tell. As he came closer, he could make out details of the landscape much more clearly. There were few hills, and, on the other side of the mountain, a city hanging from the mountain, one he assumed the natives had come from. When he was a few thousand feet above the lake, he braced himself for impact using a human diving technique. He rolled himslef into a sphere, and waited for impact. Back at the lake, Red moved for them all to get back a safe distance as the object got closer and closer "INCOMING!!!" He shouted as the object landed in the water with a large splash, water erupting from the lake, and dowsing the entire group like a sudden rainstorm, as steam was pouring from the lake surface, where the object had landed...Red began to approach and inspect it. It was a while before what had crashed into the lake surfaced, and it was amazing. It was shaped like an earth pony, only it had a more mechanical look to it. It's body was mostly red with blue accents in the shape of flames. On it's back was a sword that Red knew was related to his family heirloom. Judging from the body build, it was a male of his species, what ever it was. "We need to get him out of there," Lone said as he walked up to the pool, his horn alight. When he tried to lift the stranger, he was surprised by the ease, due to the fact it looked like a machine, and a pony sized machine would be hard to lift. He brought him to the shore, chest up, and said, "Too bad we can't tell if he's unconscious or not." Red spoke "That sword...t-that looks just like the one used by my ancestors..." He exclaimed as he pointed it out. Before long, their new visitor spoke, standing just as tall as they were. "I am very much conscious...or rather, alive...and I am quite alright, even if a bit stiff." He explained, as he rolled his neck, and his arms a bit. Red spoke to him first. "Who are you?" "My name is Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots." Red blinks, and grows wide eyed, as he stares at Optimus, even backing up as something clicked in his mind. "It IS true...the story passed down through my family...it's true....Your sword...Optimus sir...may I see it please?" He asked motioning to the blade that Optimus had on his back. Optimus studied Red with curious eyes as he reached for his sword, and said, "Indeed you can, but may I ask why?" Red nodded "Sir...I have one...that is very similar...if not the exact same....it has been passed down through generations of my family....along with a story that a group of metallic knights, not unlike you, once landed here on Equis, billions of years ago give or take an eon, and one of them stayed behind, to live, because of reasons unknown, most believe that it was because he liked the planet and chose to stay and live there...The sword was passed down through generations...now to me...as I have it at my home.....so, I'd like to see yours...to see if they match, like I believe they do..." He explained, carefully reaching out to take the sword from Optimus, to hold it in his own hands. As he examined it, Optimus' mind was processing (no pun intended) that little tid bit of information. He knew one of his old comrades had stayed behind on this planet, but he had forgotten the reason as to why. It made sense, though, as he and the other autobots had stayed on earth for some time, and a few of them were still there, protecting Cade Yeager and his family. "I don't believe it...it's the same...they appear to be the exact same...I mean sure this one looks like it's seen some recent use, but..it's the exact same as the one that had been passed down from my family..." he said, as he handed the sword back to Optimus. "But how is that possible," Luna asked, keeping an eye on Optimus. "Because one of the Knights that were my comrades billions of years ago, had indeed chosen to stay here. The reason why I'm afraid even I have forgotten. But that is why they would appear to be the same......though now I am also curious of the sword that you said that your family had...You have it at your home you said?" Optimus asked, as Red nodded in confirmation. "Yes sir...it's at home resting on a wall, on display." He explained. "Would you like to see it for yourself? To see if you could even recognize it?" He asked. "Yes, I would," Optimus said before Twilight bombarded him with questions. Red chuckled and soon walked away a bit beore placing a hand on Twilight's shoulder "Please try not to overload our new friend Twilight." He said, as he looked to Luna. "If you don't mind Princess, I will be back shortly, I must go and get the heirloom that I have inherited.." he said smiling, and bowing to Luna. He looked to Rainbow "Would you like to come with me? Or shall I bring our daughter back by myself?" He asked Rainbow smiling. "I guess I should come too," Rainbow said as the two lifted up and made their way to Ponyville. "Well, now that that's taken care of," Celestia said, turning to Optimus. "I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria, and this is my sister, Luna, the other co-ruler, and Princess of the night." Optimus nodded "It is an honor to meet both of you." He sakd bowing in his own gesture of respect for their own power. He then looked to at Chrysalis, Twilight, and Cadence. "Who are you three then? Princesses, or Rulers as well?" He asked looking at them, in curiosity, particularly at Chrysalis, due to just how different she was from the other four ponies. Chrysalis straightened up and bowed. "I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, that live in the Badlands." She said, bowing to Optimus. "OH...sorry, sir...I am Twilight Sparkle. Princess of Friendship." She said, bowing as well, as soon Cadence stepped forward. "And I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. but you can call me Cadence. I'm the Empress of the Crystal Empire to the North. "It's an honor to meet all of you, a great Honor." He said smiling happily, nodding to each of them. It was then he noticed the others. "And who are they?" They smiled "Well. I'm Applejack. It's a pleasure to meet ya Sir." The orange one said. "I'm Rarity. I must admit, your armor plating is certainly dirty, but at the same time, it's also quite an impressive coloration...they certainly fit you well!" She said. "I'm...Um....Fluttershy..." The yellow one said as she tried to hide. "I'm Pinkie Pie! Nice to meet ya Optimus!" She said happily, giggling. "And the Rainbow haired one you saw leave with Red, is named Rainbow Dash. They, along with Princess Twilight, make up a powerful force, known as the Elements of Harmony." Luna explained, as Optimus nodded along. "They are powerful magical artifacts from our history." Celestia said. "Please, if you'll come with us, we can explain. Red will meet us at the castle I'm sure." She said as she offered to lead the autobot commander to their castle. "Of course," Optimus said, which slightly annoyed Rarity and Twilight from the way he responded, but they let it slide, as he was from a different world. Those with wings spread said limbs, and Twilight, Fluttershy, and Lone, using his flight spell, picked up the two earth ponies, a Zebra, and one unicorn while Celestia went to pick Optimus up,who declined, then activated his thrusters. They lead him to the castle through the air, soon landing and heading inside to the throne room where the Princesses sat down on their thrones. Ponyville, Forest Red smiles, and arrives at his log cabin with Rainbow Dash, and opens the door, going to his room to get the sword of his ancestors, as he looked around "Scootaloo? Scootaloo? C'mere, Mom and Dad want to take you to see something VERY cool." He called out for her. "Knowing her, she's probably off crusading or something," Rainbow said. "Let's hope they don't have anything flammable." Both pegasai shivered at this. "I hope she's alright..." Red said, as he put away the sword, and soon went to leave with Rainbow Dash, to head back to Canterlot, and to Optimus Prime. A few seconds later, a small fireball erupted from the forest, and three fillies yelled, "OH COME ON!" It was a few minutes later that the two pegasai landed in Canterlot. As soon as they landed, a guard directed them to the throne room. Red nodded and soon the two entered the throne room. "Optimus sir, you wished to see it, well. Here it is." Red said, as he approached the Autobot, and offered the sword he had inherited to the Prime. Optimus took the sword in his hand and closely examined it. "This is indeed one of the swords of the Knights Temenos, an ancient group of cybertronians, my self included, that searched for new planets. We eventually found this one, and one of my comrades decided to stay behind as a guardian to the native species." Luna's eyes widened, as she recognized this from something similar. "Was his name Alpha Trion?" Optimus thought about it. "Hmm...I believe it was Alpha Trion...Yes..." He explained as he looked at Luna. "Why Alpha Trion chose to stay behind for certain is unknown, other than to simply protect the planet...but the rest of the reasons behind it I do not know." He said. "How is it you know of him," he asked. Luna blushed slightly, bringing a book out from behind the thrones. "He's become a legend that parents like to read to their children. I must admit that I've been captivated by the story." "You aren't the only one, your Highness," Lone said from beside her throne. "You enjoy it too?" Lone shrugged. "It's a good read." Optimus nodded. "It would make sense for the exploits to be recorded in history, so that it could be remembered through all time." He explained. "Looks like this is a case of legends coming to life," Chrysalis muttered. "So, tell us, Optimus," Celestia said, "where is it you lived before here." "If by that, you mean where I was before coming here, a plant called Earth, a world much like my homeworld, Cybertron, in the fact that the race that lived there, a species called human, was much like my own people. I arrived there many years ago, as I once thought it would be an excellent world to call home, and for many years, it was. The Autobots and I fought along side the human's military to fight our old enemy, Megatron, and his Decepticons. Unfortunately, after one of our own betrayed us to the Decepticons and destroyed a human city, killing nearly all of its inhabitants, the government of one of their many nations deemed all of us a threat, and began to hunt us." Optimus paused here, clenching his fist in sadness, and remembrance of his lost comrades. "I lost many friends during the intervening years between that and my departure. As far as I know, only three of my soldiers remain, as well as four ancient warriors." As he spoke, Twilight wrote it all down, hoping that he would eventually share more information. "And why is it that you left," Chrysalis asked. "I left," Optimus said, reaching to his waist to grab the seed he had been carrying since he left Earth, "so that I could dispose of this." "What is it," Twilight asked. "The humans called it a seed, as when it is detonated, causes a material they call transformium, due to it's capabilities to change its form, to come from what ever was in the blast radius, killing anything that was alive. I have seen the effects of a small one, and that caused the death of a human, a friend of the one who helped me. I was hoping to find a location to hide this, so that my creators couldn't find it, or others use it for malicious intent." "How did you retrieve it in the first place?" Cadence asked. "By killing a bounty hunter by the name of Lockdown. He had no remorse, was an efficient killer, so much that one would think him a decepticon. It was because of him and a human military group called 'Cemetery Wind' that killed my friends and comrades." "And what happened to Megatron," Lone asked, so that he knew if he needed to prepare the guard. "During the battle of that human city, the same the traitor, my mentor, Sentinel Prime, destroyed, I killed him, but his mind survived, and, with the unwitting help of a human corporation, built himself a new body, now with the name 'Galvatron.'" Red smiled as he listens to Optimus Prime's story. Very interested in the entire thing. "Very interesting...what do you think happened to Galvatron now then? As you were no doubt busy with Lockdown, so what could Galvatron have done?" He asked looking. "I do not know. What I do know is that he should still be on Earth." "At least, you would hope so right Optimus?" Rainbow asked as they were all watching and listening. "Yes. If he should arrive, he could cause untold amounts of destruction, even if you all are the same size as our species, unlike the humans that only reached what they would call our ankles." "Hmm...Couldn't you...I don't know, teach us ways to Fight back? If he's as powerful as you say, even if we outnumber him a hundred to one, Numbers wouldn't matter much to one who is trained very well." Luna spoke. "I am afraid I can not until I know what kind of technology your kind possesses," Optimus said. Red nodded along "Well...I suppose our tech, is more stuff akin to primitive items that you would think of...such as a Chariot..." He explained. "Mostly using Swords, and Spears..similar melee weapons." He said to the Prime. "Against an enemy like Galvatron, those weapons would be useless. Only cybertronian weapons and explosives can damage Cybertronians. The only exception are small projectiles the humans call bullets to the optics, or the eyes." Red nodded. "So, wouldn't something like this sword, actually work against him?" Red asked motioning to the Temenos Sword, that he had inherited from Alpha Trion through his family line. "Yes, as it is of cybertronian make," Optimus said. Red nodded. "Well sir...perhaps you could teach me a thing or two to fight against one such as him? or, heaven forbid, you?" He asked, as he also shown a clear desire to actualy spar with Optimus. "Very Well. I accept." He said as he drew his own sword with Red adopting a stance, as the two were led to a field to fight now, whilst the others watched.
Chapter 2Canterlot Training Field Red smiled, taking a stance with the Blade of Alpha Trion. "So, care to go first Optimus?" he asked as he had kept his stance waiting. "Not at all," Optimus said as he raised his sword and shield in a combat stance, and charged, Red smiled, as he blocked the sword and tried kicking Optimus back. The Autobot leader anticipated this, and jumped back to avoid it, slicing downward as he did so. Red dodged, as part of his main was cut off. "Not too bad. You're certainly worthy of being the commander of the team you managed." He said, as he moved back to his stance, before glancing back "Hey, Lone, toss me a shield please!" He said before looking to Prime. "If you don't mind, I'd like to...even the playing field" he said having the sword in his right hand, left hand being open for a shield. Lone used his magic to fling a shield to Red, saying, "Heads up." Red caught it on his left arm, and had it strapped on, to fight, as he brought it forward. "Thanks for waiting Optimus. Now, let's go." He said as he charged forward to fight again. The fight was quick, as the two blocked sword strikes with their shields, and just jumped back when the other tried to kick them. All in all, it was a boring sparring match for the by-standers. Or, at least it was after the first five minutes. "Hey! WHAT'S THAT!?" Rainbow called out, ten minutes into the fight, pointing to the sky, as the two stopped, Red noticing it first and pointing it out, as Optimus turned and blinked in surprise "No...Impossible." "What is it," Lone asked Optimus. "That is the ship of the one who hunted me down on Earth. It must be one of Lockdowns cohorts after me, as I killed him back on Earth." As he spoke, the ship began to make it's way to Ponyville. "We need to go. Now," Lone said. "Definitely." Red said as he and Optimus had stopped their fight and dashed off to stop the ship. Those with wings took flight and grabbed those that couldn't fly, Lone activating his custom spell, and Optimus his thrusters, and the group flew off to Ponyville. Thirty minutes later They arrived at Ponyville, as the ship got closer, it was giant, and looked mostly round, with poles at about 4 different spots, though the ship itself looked about as big as a city in itself. "That's the ship of the one who hunted you," Chrysalis said, a little in awe at the size, but a little terrified at the same time. "Yes, that's the ship the bounty hunter Lockdown used on Earth to hunt me. What I would like to know is how he found this planet," Optimus said. He then remembered something Cade Yeager told him. The seed had a tracking function. Red watched "We need to try and get it away from the city...or find out what's going on..." He explained. "Perhaps we should evacuate the town too." He said. "It won't work," Optimus said. "The ship can launch fighters. Whoever is leading them will simply use them to corral and take the citizens of this town prisoner, if not kill them, just to get to me. Even if I run today, he'll just use the civilians to lure me back." "Then what can we do? Other than try to stand and fight where they are all in danger?" Red asked Him. "You won't be able to do anything, Red," Optimus said, drawing his sword and shield, "but I can." Red sighed, looking to Zecora, and the others. "Maybe you are the only one capable, but there's gotta be something WE can do...I can't just stand idly by and do nothing." He said. "Well," Lone said, "you have a sword from his planet; me, the Princesses, Queen Chrysalis, and Miss Rarity have magic; Pinkie has her. . . randomness and Applejack has her strength; Rainbow and Fluttershy have flight, and Zecora. . . yeah you got me there. I just don't know her well enough." "She's good with a spear as I recall." He explained, as he looked out. "That may be true but, I don't know what we can do to assist Prime in this fight...I mean He's the one most capable yes, but I'm the only one with a sword to fight as well..." he said, as he looked out to watch. "He was talking about manufactured weapons when he said only certain metals and explosives could harm them. I don't think he said anything about natural weapons, and I'm certain Pinkie has a few explosives laying around," Lone said with a smile, lighting his horn. "Maybe...though I'm not sure how well those would work...But let's go, and see if we can back him up at all!!" Red called as he went to run in to fight alongside the Autobot commander with the others. "Red!? What are you all doing? This is MY fight." he said in surprise when Red came up beside him, his sword bared to fight. "Maybe so, but it's OUR Planet, and you can be shocking sure that we'll fight to defend it, even if we're outmatched by the invading force here." Red called back. "I suppose, but be careful," Optimus said. "I would hate to see one of you come to harm because I allowed you to fight." Red nodded "Don't worry, we protect our own..." he said. "And quite frankly, I'd be more than honored to battle alongside the one who led my ancestors." Red admitted honestly. "I did not lead them, Optimus said. "But regardless, I imagine they would fight along side us if they were still alive," Optimus said as they charged into battle. Red smiled, as they fight, heading along, and the entire force begins to fight now, to take the ship and get it to leave them alone. the fight seems to go on for 30 minutes, close to an hour even, before something else happened, that Optimus never would have expected. "OPTIMUS!!" a voice Optimus recognized but didn't expect to hear said from behind him and the others as he drove his sword through one of the dog like creatures he had encountered on Earth before he left. He pulled his sword out and turned around, and shock filled him as he saw the one he cut in half on Earth. "Lockdown," Optimus nearly growled. "How are you here," he said, pointing his sword at the bounty hunter. Optimus noticed differences, though. The body looked brand new, none of the fade that came from who knows how many years of combat. Even the scar on his face was gone. Lockdown and another similar to him, but different all the same, were coming down fro the ship on a hover platform. "Simple, really," he said before eyeing the others. "I see you found new pets." "We aren't pets," Rainbow said, but Applejack held her back from charging him. "As for how I'm here, Optimus, I'm the best hunter our creators have had, and, as a precaution should I die in combat, created a second body for me, and linked the two, so that the memories of the first, the one you killed, would go to me, the second body. I came here to this pitiful planet so I could finish my mission. Don't worry, though. You won't be alone on the trip." He turned to the other robot and said, "Axor, bring him out." Another robot, walked out, with a devilish smirk on his face. His look was patterned to look quite similar to Lockdown himself, though he himself actually DID have the scar on his face unlike the new version of Lockdown that Optimus was looking at he was also a bit thicker built than Lockdown was, as he walked out, and he also had the same amount of fade, and some scars on him, no doubt from years of traveling with the nefarious bounty hunter. With him, was a chain, along with a silver transformer that Optimus knew very well...bulky, and devilish looking, with a large, glowing yellow hole in his torso, with red eyes, was none other than Galvatron. "Surprised," the one called Axor said. "We went to Earth to capture him first, then followed the seed's tacking feature here. I thought you'd be smarter that that, Optimus Prime. It would seem the legends were exaggerated." Red walked next to Optimus. "That the one you were talking about? The enemy who was named Megatron?" He asked, as he watched the trio of bots. "Yes, that's the one who was once Megatron." Galvatron looked up, and narrowed his eyes. "Ah, Optimus. It would seem we meet again," he said in a raspy voice. Red watched with keen eyes, as they looked out, watching as more of the dogs began to appear by Lockdown's group. "Surrender, Optimus," Lockdown said, "and I'll spare the pitiful fleshlings of this planet. We both know how much you care for organics. You can leave the seed here. I have no use for it. Who knows, they might kill themselves trying to use it." After three seconds of internal deliberation, Optimus, throwing down his shield and sword, and said, "I surrender." "I thought so," Lockdown said, grinning. "Kill them," he said calmly. Optimus' eyes widened as much as they could, and he reached for his weapons, but Axor blasted them away with his gun, and used it to tie the Autobot's wrists together. Before he could do anything, he heard a scream form behind him, and saw a pack of the dogs surrounding Zecora and Rainbow, one of the latter's wings having blood spilling off it. Red gasped in horror. "NO! ZECORA! RAINBOW!!!" He called, growling, before something unexpected happened. His right arm transformed, physically opening up and morphing it's shape, to a stange looking augmented weapon, no longer having a hand there in fact, now it was a Blaster. It also held extra portions, that covered the end of the cannon, and a few pipes from the side, as it matched his own coloration of green. Not having time to gawk at the fact that he now had a GUN FOR AN ARM, he pointed it at the dog pack that were surrounding Zecora and the bleeding Rainbow Dash, and began to fire at them, as pockets of molten metal fired out from the cannon and blasted the dogs, killing them, and saving his marefriends. "What the hay...just happened!?" He said, before he quickly turned his blaster on Lockdown and Axor, and fired, both severing the restraints on Galvatron himself, AND striking Axor in the head sending him sprawling to the ground. Once Galvatron was freed, he jumped off the platform and attacked his ancient, technically speaking, enemy. "Die, Prime," he said as he delivered an uppercut that missed. Unfortunately, when it missed, it severed Prime's restraints, as he pushed him back, and got his weapons as well. He looked to Galvatron. "We have a shared enemy Galvatron. Please, help us deal with him first." Optimus pleaded. "Never, Prime," Galvatron said, transforming his own arm into a weapon and pointing it at Optimus. "I could care less about them. What I want is to kill you, like what should have happened back on Cybertron." "Maybe, but you care about being able to fight me. If Lockdown captures me You'll never get the chance. You help us destroy them both, and stop Lockdown for good, and then you and I can take our battle to the stars where we can fight until one of us falls." Optimus said, appealing to Galvatron's ego. "And how do I know you won't attack me as soon as I turn my back on you, like I would. We both know you want me dead.." "Because my focus is more on protecting these new friends, and stopping Lockdown before he puts any more innocents into danger from chasing me." He said right back. "We both know I care nothing for innocents!" Galvatron spat as Lockdown snuck up behind him. "No, but you care about yourself." Lone said. "Which I'm sure Lockdown will make you his personal bitch of a pet if you don't help Optimus take him down." He said, pointing out Lockdown. As he pointed, his own arm turned into a weapon as well, only his arm became a weapon with two barrels, and each looked like it had three smaller barrels, and it matched his color scheme. He instinctively knew how to use it somehow, and fired off a shot that went by Lockdown's head. Red began to fire on Lockdown as well, pushing him back, as Galvatron growled at the insult from Lone, being reminded of goading into helping Optimus stop Sentinel Prime by a Human girl back when he was Megatron. At least with Sentinel, he was someone he was working with for a common goal. Lockdown did not share that, and Galvatron turned and fired his own shot at Lockdown, who had retreated back to the platform and was quickly ascending on it. Axor followed close behind as the ship began to fly back up to orbit. Optimus looked at Galvatron. "So...my old friend.....will you help us for now?" "I will not help you, Prime," Galvatron said as his arm turned back to normal, "but the people of this planet, as, whether they know it or not, they are our people." Red seemed the least bit surprised by this. "Seems legit...considering the story passed down from my family...considering I'm distantly related to Alpha Trion myself." He admitted as Galvatron looked at him in surprise, as Red's arm began to change back to normal, as he looked at it, still in awe. "Then what WILL you do Galvatron? Helping them to better fight against our common enemy, would mean you essentially are assisting me in this mission." Optimus explained, though he also was quite surprised at the fact that the two ponies arms had turned into Cybertronian weapons. "Learn what I can of this world. Someone kept their history a secret, and I will punish them for that," Galvatron said as he walked off. "Galvatron, sir...wait!" Fluttershy said, as she approached the other leader. "Please...at current we wouldn't stand a chance against that guy Lockdown...if You and Optimus worked together, You two could not only train us to better fight against him, but I'm sure you two could do anything together like that." She said, her eyes pleading him to stay and work with prime. "I know a few stories of my history as I'm distantly related to Alpha Trion, one of the Knights who stayed behind here." Red said as he walked forward. "If you stay with Prime to help us, I'd be glad to tell you..." he explained. "Impossible," Galvatron said. "Alpha Trion disappeared exploring a world he stayed behind on, and there is no proof he had a family." "Then explain this" Red said, motioning to Alpha Trion's Sword, which he had inherited from his family. "Prime confirmed it's the real deal, and Alpha Trion's story is as I'm sure Luna, and Lone here would state, is actually available as a readable book here." He explained, as Luna nodded, confirming it. Lone, however, had his hand on his chin thinking. His eyes then widened. "At the end of the book, it said he disappeared." He looked around. "In the north. More specifically-," "The Frozen North." He said finishing the line. "Perhaps.....the Frozen North...close to the Crystal Empire where Cadence rules, is where we may find the answers..." He elaborated, as Galvatron was certainly interested, both in the story, and just what had gone on at the planet. "And what's that?" Optimus asked, as he was curious as well, having only heard it during introductions. "My empire is an entire city, basically made out of Crystals, quite a beautiful one as I would say, that is actually a place filled with love and happiness." Cadence explained, referring to how the Empire was certainly a beautiful one. In his raspy voice, Galvatron said, "I find that unlikely. Most likely, it's an artifact that projects a shield, and it requires multiple users to telepathically activate it, and with you all, it can only transmit when ever your processors are on a calm, almost euphoric state." "Well...that's a fairly accurate way to explain it...as the Crystal Heart does protect us from attack...AND can only truly work when all the ponies living there are happy..." Cadence admitted, agreeing with Galvatron's observation. "No, it's magic," Applejack said, her Apple family stubbornness showing. "And here we go," Lone whispered as he turned his weaponized arm into a normal one and back a way quickly, as did all the others but Optimus and Galvatron. And threw up an invisible barrier over Applejack as well. Galvatron spoke. "I don't expect your somewhat primitive processor to understand our own Science, despite the fact that TWO of your own kind have demonstrated an ability similar to our own." He said gesturing to himself and Optimus. "So I'm just gonna say you call it what you want. Plus as I recall, alot of times, science that is not understood is commonly referred to as Magic anyway." He said sneering at the farmer mare. "And I say you're stupid." At this, even Optimus backed away, and those that already had took cover, though Applejack didn't notice. Lone was the closest, next to Optimus, that is. "This...could get very ugly..." Red commented as they were all backing away. "Got any popcorn Pinkie?" he asked showing an eager look just to see them fight. "Sure, Red," Pinkie said as she brought a popcorn machine out of now where and they and the others began to get bagfuls. "You dare speak to me like that?" Galavtron asked angrily. "Apparently so, otherwise, Ah wouldn't have call ya stupid." "It would seem your vocal processors are on the fritz as well. It makes you sound like what the disgusting humans call a redneck." "Should we stop them," Luna asked. "No, I think they need to air this out," Chrysalis said. "And if they kill each other," Twilight said. "I doubt Lone would let that happen," Celestia said. "He did face down a manticore and hydra at the same time without a scratch, which is why he's the Captain of the special operations division. "Ya, and I took on two Chimera, and two Manticore at the same time." Red said, proving his own well earned veteran status of the special ops division, before he had retired, as he beegan to munch on the popcorn. "Besides, I bet he's already put an invisible barrier around Jackie anyway..." Red mused. "Yes, but you came out bleeding heavily, and, in Lone's favor of points if this turns into a contest, it was a fully grown Manticore and a Hydra with fifty heads," Luna said. "Hmph. Still took them down on my own." He muttered as Rainbow and Zecora both came close and hugged their coltfriend. "It's alright Red. You're always awesome in my book. Especially now since you saved both of us, AND discovered that we can apparently change our arms into guns...I wonder what I'll get..." "Are you insulting ma intelligence," Applejack asked, her eyes narrowed. "Yes, I am," Galvatron said. Lone rolled his eyes, deciding to break this up. He walked up to the middle ground of the two and held them apart. "Would the both if you shut it!? Two different worlds, it can be argued about later. Personally, I don't care about this argument, but right now, we're stuck with one another, and will show respect. "Got it? The two begrudgingly agreed to accept the terms. Rainbow Dash meanwhile, is testing out her own abilities, as she ends up transforming her hand into a smaller blocky type gun, that clearly had rapid fire capabilities. "Oooohhh~ this is SO cool!" She said, as she changed it back hugging Red happy that her coltfriend discovered such an awesome ability. "What exactly does that do," Luna asked. "No idea, but it looks cool," Rainbow said. "That, Rainbow Dash, is a Subsonic Repeater. It's one of the fastest firing weapons in our arsenal." Optimus explained. "The one your...uhh...coltfriend shown is a Path Blaster, and Lone was showing the Neutron Assault Rifle. Both his weapon and yours are not that accurate due to what type of weapon they are, but, Yours is faster whilst his is slightly more accurate." He said. "I wonder if I've got more than one weapon then..." Red mused, as he looked to Optimus and Galvatron. "Do you think we actually have more than one weapon...Built into us?" "Most likely," Optimus said, "that's how the more ancient weapons in the war were used, though the quickly became outdated." "Huh...because they became your actual arms rather than just being held in your hands huh? Well...could either of you possibly tell us how to activate the other ones?" he asked curiously. "No," Optimus replied. "You'll need to find those out on your own." Red nodded "Fair enough...thought I could ask either way sir..." He said smiling. "I suppose we should prepare to probably depart for the Crystal Empire then?" He asked looking to both leaders and the other ponies. "No, that would be best put off for tomorrow, so that you all can learn more about your new abilities." Luna nodded "Agreed..." She said still in shock of such a thing. "Perhaps You and Galvatron could stay inside the ruins of the old castle my sister and I used to rule from in the everfree Forest." Celestia suggested to Optimus. "As long as I'm far way from Prime as possible," Galvatron snarled. "There are rooms on both ends of the ruins....all we ask is that you two...at least TRY to work together for our shared foe..." She asked, as the two princesses of Equestria moved to lead the two leaders on to the ruins. Red looked at his arms, and moved to try and transform his right one into something other than his new Path Blaster. "I think that is all we can do," Optimus said as he and his former enemy made their way to the forest. Red looked at AJ. "Why don't you try to change your hand like we did." he said. "No way," Applejack said. "Y'all can, but Ah won't allow mahself to be part robaht." "Oh, then I guess I'm just gonna be more awesome than you are eh AJ?" Rainbow said, taunting the farm mare to get her to do it, knowing that AJ's pride, and her Ego, wouldn't allow her to be behind Rainbow for very long due to both being rivals. "Please, RD. We both know that Ah have more 'awesome' in my pinkie finger then you have in your whole body." Rainbow smirked "Oh really? cause as far as I can tell, you're LESS awesome than me, since I just got 20% MORE awesome because we can change our arms into weapons since we're part robot!" "Ya ain't gonna tempt me, Dash." "C'mon AJ, we both know you're boiling under the surface because I'm now more awesome than you..." She said snickering. Twilight meanwhile, is attempting to transform her own arm, and manages to do so, turning it into a path blaster that looked slightly different from Red's. "Hmm...interesting..why does mine look different?" She asked. "Perhaps Mine's a more upgraded form than yours is Twilight?" Red said, noticing this, as he changed his into his own model, which clearly shown that his seemed a bit more advanced, as though it had more upgrades added to it where as Twilight's looked like a bare bones version. "Ya. Ain't. Gonna. Tempt me," Applejack said slowly to the cyan pegasus. Fortunately, before things could get worse, the CMC ran into the town, screaming about metal men. "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The trio was screaming. "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Scootaloo screamed the most as she lept up to him, and he caught her holding her. "What's wrong Scoots?" he asked. "Two, metal men are walking through the forest with the Princesses..they look dangerous..." She told him. "Heh...don't worry, it's alright Scootaloo....infact, the Red and blue one's our friend. the silver one I'm not too sure about just yet...but I think he'll help us somehow...besides, your mom and I did have something cool we wanted to show ya.." he said smiling. It was then Scootaloo noticed Red's weapon arm. "Cool right?" he said changing it back to normal. "And Dashie can do it too!" He said motioning to the rainbow headed mare who's still trying to goad AJ into doing it. "Turns out those stories passed down by my family are true!" "Cool," Scootaloo said in a whisper, though her friends were still a little scared. Red nuzzled Scootaloo, before kneeling down and stroking Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle's heads with his right arm. "It's alright both of you, don't worry. We're still ourselves." He said smiling, as he set Scoots down. "Hmm...I think we should probably go to the castle's training grounds to be able to both try out changing our arms, and being able to get more weapons to work...and to see what they can do huh?" He asked smiling. "I suppose," Lone said. "You got any better ideas for testing our capabilities?" He asked Lone, as he crossed his arms, approaching Zecora "Would you like to stick with us for a while? Or head home?" He asked referring to either his house, or the hut she stayed at normally. Zecora nodded as soon as the first suggestion left his mouth. Red smiled kissing her, as they went to head off to Canterlot then. Author's Note Red's first weapon IS the Path Blaster, however unlike the picture, he actually has the fully upgraded model from Fall of Cybertron. sadly, I'm unable to find a picture of the weapon with all the upgrades on it. If anyone can actually produce a picture of the Path Blaster in the game with all the upgrades, I would be MOST appreciative. also now we get into the gimmick of this story, where, the Ponies of Equestria are all actually related to the transformers. though they can't fully transform. only their arms into weapons, and their legs have thrusters in them for small flight, and for speedy running like Shadow the Hedgehog...Now, I'm offering any reader who LIKES this story to have a hand in it! Basically, the Mane 6, The Princesses, Lone, and Red, each get to wield 3 long range weapons, and two melee weapons. and I will detail below what they wield, that Lone and I have decided on. However, I will allow any reader who likes this story and who wants to help, to suggest a weapon for any one of the mane 6, or the princesses, that have not been filled up or decided on. And I will be altering this Note with any suggestions given. Red: Path Blaster (Fully upgraded), Ion Blaster (War For Cybertron version.) and Eclipse Rockets, along with wielding the Temenos Sword, An Energon Axe, and war hammer. Lone: Neutron Assault Rifle (fully upgraded), Photon Burst Rifle, X-18 Scrapmaker; Energon Sword and Atomic Mace Celestia: Luna: Cadence: Twilight: Path Blaster (no upgrades), Gear Shredder Rainbow Dash: Subsonic Repeater, E.D.K. TechVolt, Sling Shock; Battle Blade. Applejack:Thermo Rocket Launcher, A-4 Pulsar Cannon, and Scatter Blaster; Axe and Hammer as Melee Rarity: Fluttershy: Energon Repair Ray, Electro Bolter Pinkie Pie: Queen Chrysalis: Zecora: A spear, which can transform into a nucleon charge rifle, and the Electro Bolter. Nightmare Moon*: Riot Cannon (Fully Upgraded), Thermo Rocket Launcher, X-18 Scrapmaker and Dual Battle blades. Nightmare herself is gonna show up later...and, Zecora's also an exception to the rule because her arms can't transform, so her weapon will to compensate, when she gets the weapon. Every other normal pony character (aka, Not Zecora, Not Mane 6, or Princesses/Chrysalis) will wield only One Melee, and One Long range weapon. Any weapon given to the Mane 6, or the Princesses, must be an equippable weapon from either War for Cybertron, Fall of Cybertron, or Rise of the Dark Spark. the Ranged weapons must be one from any of those three games. The Melee weapons can be ones used by any transformer in the series. which is why Nightmare will have dual swords, since Drift and Wheeljack use them. Also, Red is the Only one who has the Ion Blaster.
Chapter 3: Journey to the Crystal EmpireThe entire group arrives at the Canterlot training grounds, and begin to set up targets for them to test out their abilities on. At least, everyone except for Applejack, who still refuses to acknowledge the fact that she could also change her arms into weapons like the others could. On the way there, a few of the others, including Rarity and Fluttershy, were able to transform their arms as well. Fluttershy managed to turn her arm into a long cylinder type weapon, that had a three pronged claw on it, and glown with a healing white light, clearly this was meant to be a tool for healing somepony. "Wonder what that does," Lone said. "No idea...maybe it's meant to be a medical tool?" Fluttershy guessed. "We can ask Optimus later," Twilight said. Red looked at Rarity. "Hmm...looks like a sniper rifle of some form..." He said, as hers was a small block section, that opened up at the side, but also had a long barrel stretched out of the end, clearly used for sniping foes at long range. infact she was able to see 10 times off froom them with it's scope. "Interesting..." She said. Both changed their arms back. The group arrived not long after the two mares discovered their abilities. They all arrive at the target range. "So...shall we try this out?" "Sure," Lone said as he turned his arm into the neutron assault rifle. Rainbow changed her arm into the Subsonic Repeater, as Twilight and Red got their Path Blasters online, and Rarity and Fluttershy transformed their own arms. "So, what are we shooting for targets," Rainbow asked. "Don't know, but I think we should hold off on Fluttershy and Rarity's practice, if only because we don't know what they do." Lone said. "Eh, I think we could at least let Rarity try, if only because hers looks kinda like a sniper rifle...we can at least see what it'll do right?" Red said softly. She nodded "Of course darling!" She said happily, and changed her arm back to it, and took aim, at a lone apple tree in the distance. far out of range of any of the other weapons percieved vision or reach, as she aims, and fires, and they can see an apple fall from it. Even Rainbow would admit that even Rarity could rival her "awesomeness", given the range of the shot. "Definitely a sniper rifle." Red said seeing that. "So....who's next?" he asked smiling. "Stand aside," Rainbow said as she brought her weapon up. As she did so, Lone discretely put a shield over him and the others, just as a precaution. Red nodded "Go for it Dashie!" he said as he was looking his own over. Rainbow fired on the nearest thing, which was a crumbling stone wall, and she fired until the gun was dry. "Nice job Dashie!" Red said smiling as he kissed her, before stepping forward as Dash's weapon reloaded itself. Red himself took aim at another crumbling wall, one that wasn't littered with holes from hers, and blasted a larger chunk out of the center. Lone went next, firing off controlled bursts at a dead tree nearby, getting good grouping with the shots. When his gun was empty, ti too reloaded itself, and the tree was cut halfway through from the shots. Red smiled, as they applauded, as Twilight stood up to take a shot at the same wall Red hit. She fires and makes a smaller hole than his was, further proving the theory that his weapon is a more advanced model. Given that her blast zone was about half the size of the blast he made, it would be safe to guess that he's got twice the firepower she does. Unfortunately, though, none of the others had gotten weapons, and they were forced to end it there. Meanwhile at the forest, Celestia and Luna, had led Optimus and Galvatron over to the old ruined castle, which was still fairly usable. "Pitiful," Galvatron said, "like Earth." "I don't know about Earth, but this was due to my sister and I having a little...fight, about 1000 years ago." Celestia explained." "Considering how often he betrayed me, I hope you can forgive me being distrusting." Galvatron said in a rather smooth voice, despite it's raspiness. "Of course," Celestia said. Luna was still wary. "I'm gonna be keeping my eyes on you anyway, Galvatron...I am not exactly trusting of you either way." She said. "A wise policy, Equine." He said smirking as he went back inside his room. A few minutes later, after the two sisters helped the cybertronians get settled in, the two alicorns made their way to Canterlot. Back in Canterlot, the group begin to go to their own bedrooms to sleep, with Red, sleeping with Zecora and Rainbow Dash. Red nuzzles both "Goodnight my darlings." He cooed softly at both of them. Both Rainbow and Zecora said goodnight to him, and all three of them drifted off into sleep. Red smiles, kissing both as he drifted off, into the world of dreams, and what he would find there, was something very surprising to him. Red's dreamscape resembled an enlarged version of his house. From the outside, it looked like an exact duplicate, but on the inside, there were many doors, each leading to a different memory. "Wow....still amazes me..." Red said softly as he began to trot along, looking to see what kind of memory he'd relive this night for his dreams. As Red walked among his dream, he felt like something was watching him. It was when he was at the memory of him and Rainbow adopting Scootaloo that he heard a voice. "Hello, Red." "What the?" He asked as he turned around looking. "Who?" Red looked in awe, as he was face to face, with none other than Nightmare Moon herself, clad in light blue greaves, with silver trim for designs of the armor, a dark blue blouse that was the color of Luna's fur, along with her own cutie mark on the sides, as her liquid night colored fur was exposed on her thighs, with silver and light blue skirt armor around her waist and sides, and a breastplate of the same color with pauldrons to match, along with light blue gauntlets with silver trim around her lower arms, and her helmet was fitted around her head, as she wore a dark, and yet pleased smile on her muzzle, looking at him with her cat like eyes as he stared back in shock. She certainly was extremely beautiful, as her chest was quite large in size, one would say it's close to Celestia's size, if not larger, and her rear was also nothing to laugh at. Red was in shock at seeing her. "Nightmare...Moon..." Nightmare spread her arms and said, "Indeed," she said. "Afraid?" An eyebrow rose on her head. "Not at all, if anything, I'm honored." Red said smiling, as he looked at her. "Oh, and why is that? I wished to bring eternal night, and kidnapped Celestia. Were you not a guard at that time?" "You may, and I realized to begin with what eternal night would bring," she said, "that is why I had a spell ready that would cause moon light to have the same effect as sun light. Are you not curious as to how I'm here?" "Of course I am, dear Nightmare" He said as he approached her, and when he was within arms reach, he reached out to touch her himself. "Well, as you know, I have the same powers as Luna. The Elements did not destroy me entirely," Nightmare said, slight anger in her voice at this part, "instead, they simply destroyed my physical form, which is how I took over the Element of Generosity. After that, I was forced to remain in the dreamscape of the planet. Most of those who claim they see Luna in their dreams, when it's not the more, for lack of a better word, sick ponies, it's actually me disguised as Luna." "Interesting...though I thought I saw you a few times..." He said. "But tell me this, what brings you to me?" He asked curiously, as he gently touched her shoulder. "I simply wished to meet one of the descendants of Alpha Trion, 'Tis a shame he went missing." "Yeah...I'm related to him, very distantly, considering how far back that was....You knew of him? You KNEW him?" He asks the mare, very interested. "Well of course, as the both of us have been cursed to exist on Equis without our physical bodies, only our souls left, and we can not reveal ourselves to others." "Didn't stop you from doing just that now." Red countered smirking, as he had his hand on her shoulder, and gently touched her hand. "I'm honored to meet you..." "Two things. One: Thank you, and second: I meant in the physical world." "Fair enough...and if I may be so bold....you are very beautiful, Nightmare Moon." He said smiling at her. "SO...how might I be able to help you, since you're here to see me it would seem." "No, not unless you know of a spell, or what ever they will be called now, that can give me a physical body." "No, I don't.......but I think I may know somepony who does..." He said as he looked at her, happy to spend time with her. The next day They are all in Canterlot, as Optimus and Galvatron are brought back by Celestia and Luna, as the group met together now. "So, are you two ready," Cadence asked. "Indeed we are," Optimus said. "Great," Twilight said, "but it'll be a few more hours until we're ready. We need food, after all." Red nodded as he met up with Lone when they went to eat and secretly told him of last night's dream he had. "Seriously?" Lone whispered, as they were just a few feet away. "Are you sure you just weren't high?" Red nodded "Yes, I'm positive. No way I'd imagine her." Lone raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to point out that you once said that she was among the, if not the most, beautiful mare?" "No, because I already told her she was beautiful." He said. "Plus. She said herself, she knew Alpha Trion. Do you honestly think I would be able to dream that up?" Red asked, bringing up a good point. "Okay, A: you just reiterated my point with your supposed rebuttal, and B: she may have been lying to get you to do this," Lone said. "I won't believe it until you can give me good evidence as to that you saw her, and I want her to still be alive as much as you, and that's why I'm not going to tell Princess Celestia or the others." "She was asking if I knew a spell that would give her a real body again. I gave her your name." Red said. Lone groaned "Are you seriously that devoid of sense as to giving her the names of ponies. Unless I see her in my dreams in the next week and convinces me she's telling the truth, I'm not helping you, Red." "Hmph. Shut your mouth already. I'm telling the truth." He said. "When I see it, I'll believe it," Lone said just as Luna walked over to them. "And what are you two talking about?" Red shook his head "Oh, nothing Princess, just about how amazing this entire thing has been revealed to be." He said referring to what they could do. "And...about how beautiful you look today." He said smiling at her. "Why thank you, Red," Luna said. "And you, Lone?" "Simply discussing something with Red, as well as thinking about how beautiful the night sky is, seconded only by you, and I have seen quite a fair amount of stuff many would consider beautiful, your Highness, so I know what I'm talking about when I say you are the most beautiful mare I have seen in my life." Red looks away, still feeling left out, considering he felt that Lone was just better at things than he...He's honestly surprised that he had managed to attract both Rainbow dash and Zecora. and seeing Lone begin to try and attract the fair Princess Luna herself, he gets up and goes to sit by Rainbow and Zecora. "I can see that you are upset, my love," Zecora said, "but not all is as easy as putting on a glove." "Yes I know...but it's known far and wide, that nopony loves the nighttime more than I, so why must her affection appear to fall for that guy..." Red said, referring to how he had always loved the night, infact it was a part of his very SOUL, as evidenced by his Cutie Mark, and yet, here Lone was, nothing more than a pretender, who seemed to be winning over Luna much better. "Yeah," Rainbow said. "'Sides, you already got us." She then whirled around and looked Red in the eye. "Unless we aren't good enough for you, that is." She actually had a bit of anger in her voice and eyes. "Don't ever think that. Don't you dare ever think that Dashie." He said staring right back as he shown great sadness in his own eyes. "I could never bare the weight of the pain of losing you girls...I'm not strong enough for that....and I never will be." Red said, as he hugged Rainbow, holding back his tears. Rainbow kissed him. When she ended the kiss three seconds later, she said, "Then stop complaining that you don't have one mare you love when you have two." Red smiled a bit. "Right...gotta be strong for Scoots right?" he asked happily. "Indeed," Zecora said. "Plus, you make a handsome steed." Red smiled, nuzzling her back, and kissing her. "Pitiful. This is why I have no emotions. They make one weak," Galvatron said in his usual voice. "Shut up Galvatron." Red said, boldly defying the Decepticon leader. "Am I the only one who doesn't want to piss off an alien who has no problems killing," Lone said, which got a few laughs from the ponies and zebra. Red growled in anger as he just stood up and walked out slamming the door as everyone looked on, Luna even feeling a bit sad for the stallion who had served her so loyally and fervently during his time in service. "I swear," Lone said, going after Red to apologize, "why is it he can't take a joke?" Red is alone, trying to practice with his sword. Lone walked up to him, and it didn't go unnoticed. "What?" was all Red said. Red waited for an answer, as he continued his practicing, before transforming his arm and taking a few shots at some farther off targets. "I just wanted to apologize, Red. It was a joke. Why'd you decide to come here, because it was a joke that looked like it was taking a jab at you?" "Because....I love Luna...just as much as I do Rainbow and Zecora, just as much as I've admired Nightmare....I've always had a soft spot for Luna...I've served her faithfully during my entire career as her guard...nopony loves the night more than I do...and yet here you are, and she seems to be fawning for you far more than she ever did for me...it may look like I only care about her looks but I know her much better than you do...and I love her for more than just those beautiful looks of hers..." He said defending himself. "I'm sorry too...but I ain't afraid of Galvatron...just like I'm not afraid of you..." He said. "I just...really got annoyed at what happened." He explained as his hand changed back. "And why do you think I'm interested in Luna," Lone asked as he crossed his arms, his words getting a surprised and curious look from Red. "The fact that just like I did, you complimented her looks, and the night sky and everything, when she came over to us earlier." Red said. "Not just that," Lone said, his voice taking on a somewhat sad tone. "It's because, like her, I was lonely as a child. My parents died in a fire, my brother was killed when he was a week old, and no family wanted to adopt me as a kid. Why do you think I helped you and Rainbow Dash out with the house you were building for Scootaloo? It's because I can identify with her, due to the both of us being orphans. The difference?" Lone paused. "She got a family. I didn't. She has someone who cares for her, three someones, to care for her, that wait for her to come home from school everyday because they missed her, not because she brings in a paycheck." "Maybe so my brother..but, You know I do care about you, as a fellow guardsmen...and I can't thank you enough for helping with building my house...I just, want you to know that, much like with you, I can relate to Luna....I always felt growing up that nothing I did was good enough for those above me...even then, I still feel that way like with Luna now.....I always felt alone for the longest time...till I met and fell in love with Zecora and Dashie, even then, I still sometimes feel alone....on top of that, at times, when I do the right thing, I still feel horrible guilt over it, and worse, I can constantly worry on IF I even did the right thing to begin with..." He explained, trying to show, and explain to his friend why he cared about Luna so much. "Exactly. You've had it better then me," Lone said. "At the orphanage, I was always the weakest one, and when ever I actually did something, someone else would completely destroy it, or take credit. You have two mares who love you, and I have none. You got into the guard on your first try. I had to try three times, and even then, it was me killing that Manticore and Hydra that got me in. The worst part. It was exaggerated by the papers, and nothing I did convinced others of the truth. I'd rather not take credit for something I did then take credit for something I didn't do. You had it perfect, though. Your exploits were never exaggerated, the rest of the spec ops liked you to start off with, and you just kept getting more respect. Hell, I was the one who got you into the captain position when I stopped the changelings from getting to Luna during the invasion, and guess what the papers said. 'Newly promoted Captain Zero 'Red' Star of Special Operations guard division saves Lunar Princess.' No mention of the others, who were pissed at it, but I didn't care, because I was happy for you. Now, it's time something went my way for once. I've earned." Red glared at him. "You think you've had it bad? Hay no. I was LAUGHED at, because I believed the stories I was told as a foal by my family, that I believed that we all were SOMEHOW related to that robotic knight who stayed behind, whom we now know, was Alpha Trion. I was laughed at because I believed it all. Even the Princesses didn't take my belief of that seriously, UNTIL THE OTHER DAY WHEN OPTIMUS FELL FROM THE SKY. When I was a foal I was constantly picked on, both because of that, AND because I was the runt of the group. When I was 10 I looked like I was still a five year old. I was constantly getting into trouble because I fought with the other bullies who would pick on me for that, because I had to show them that I wasn't going to tolerate being picked on. And don't you DARE bring up that changeling invasion. I remember that very well, considering Dash was involved in the fight too, and I got tricked by one of those changelings who was posing as Dash at the time and attacked me. I was the one who was protecting Luna. NOT you, so don't try taking credit for 'helping me get promoted' when I earned that bucking promotion. You were trying to protect Celestia, along with helping the others whilst I was protecting Luna." Red corrected, having a VERY vivid memory of the changeling invasion. "We were both protecting her, but you got all the credit. Celestia? Please. We both know she didn't even ask for us to be there in the altar room, and on that matter, the reason why you didn't see me is because I was on the roof tops, making sure you weren't flanked. Do you have any idea as to the amount of changelings on those roofs?" "Yes. I do infact have an idea as to the amount on the roofs, and I tell you it was worse on the ground." He said, countering just as badly. It was then Rarity walked up. "And just why are you two arguing over who had the hardest life?" she asked. "Because He's trying to claim that he was protecting Luna at the invasion when I know that's bullroar. I was tricked by at least ONE changeling pretending to be my Dashie and that made me madder than a bear with a bee in it's ass, so you can be DAMN sure I was protecting Luna with everything I had, and that I recall it VERY well." Red explained to the mare as he began to walk away. "Even though I made sure they weren't flanked by every changeling that was after Luna," Lone said. "It doesn't matter who had the worse life Lone Shadow. What matters more is what's going on now, that you're both alive and well. That LUNA is alive and well. What does it matter who got the credit at that point? That's in the past." She said. "I had nearly been ruined before, because a former friend of mine took credit for my work. You don't see me whining about it now do you Lone?" She asked staring at him, with her sapphire eyes. "Red's had it hard. YOU had it hard. Luna likes you both, she trusts you both. Maybe she trusts Red a bit more due to longer experience with him than you, So what if he knows her better than you? So what if he had been better later in his life than you were? What does it matter now? Not a single thing." She said, effectively ending the argument with the speech summed up as 'that was the past, get over it and shut up.' She then spoke again. "If you two both happen to like Luna, then both of you ask her on a date or something. Let LUNA choose who she wants more." She suggested. "I know, but it all came out because he was, if I had to guess, mad at me for flirting with Luna." He looked at the castle. "As for the date thing, once Red calms down enough to at least put on an act of listening to me." "Well, you clearly were flirting with her Darling...Plus your joke didn't exactly help him feel better considering how you chose to do that too." She said referring to his jabbing at Red, even if it was a joke, when he mouthed off to Galvatron. "Do I need to point out it was also a jab at Applejack, seeing as how she did the same?" "No because I believe he said something first." "But it was Applejack who pissed him off first, back in Ponyville," Lone retorted. "Should still try to be nice and apologize Darling." Rarity said back as she soon walked away from him. "I will when he calms down." Rarity had left him there. Meanwhile, the others were getting ready for the trip. Red's polishing the sword he had as he soon puts it away hanging on his back, as he smiles, going to Rainbow. "So, Ready Dashie?" "Yeah, I am," she said. Red snickered "No you're not." He then kissed her, giving her a loving hug. "Now you are." he cooed when he broke it. "Red, please," she said, blushing, "you know I have an image." Red snickered "I know, I just like to mess with ya like this on purpose~" he cooed kissing her cheek again. "Well, just don't with the others around, please?" Red snickered "Fine fine. if you INSIST." he cooed still giving her a gentle nuzzle. "Thank you," she said before going off to practice shooting again before they left. Red smiles watching her leave, as he is approaching Applejack. "C'mon Jackie, why don't ya give it a shot?" "Because ah don't see tha need for stuff like that." "How about you could DIE if you don't do it?" He asked her, countering her stubbornness. "Easy. I'm too stubborn ta die," she said, crossing her arms. "Jackie....." he sighed, shaking his head, putting a hand on it. "What if those guys were threatening your friends? Your family? Don't you want the power to be able to protect them?" "Well, yeah, bit y'all have those powers, so I don't see why ah need to use them." "Because what if we're not around!? You are the only one who can truly protect your family, and if I were you, I'd want all the power I can get to protect those who are dearest to me." "But I ain't you, and my family can take care of themselves." "UGH. APPLEJACK IF YOU DON'T SWALLOW YOUR DAMN PRIDE AND ACTUALLY EMBRACE YOUR TRUE ANCESTRY, YOU, AND EVERYPONY ELSE YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT WILL DIE!!!" "Well, sorry," Applejack said sarcastically, "but we apples are a traditional folk, and ah know that using robot arms for weapons aint tradition!" Red growled in annoyance at her, as he just went and sat down to finish eating for a bit. Lone, being smart and having an invisible shield around him, walked up to Red and said, "Before you try to throw me out a window, hear me out. How about we both ask Luna out on a date, and let her decide? We can't try anything romantic before hand, and we ask for dates at different times." "Tch, sounds like a plan to me. Who gets to go first?" "I don't know, I didn't think you'd go with it," Lone said. "Rock,paper, scissors?" "Whatever." He said putting out his fist. Lone did the same, and they did two games of rock, paper, scissors, and Red won both. Red smirked "Okay. I'll ask her soon enough...though let's also agree on this: We let each other know when our date is, that way, we know when it's going on, but we are NOT allowed to be there, or interfere. This is to be Luna's choice, on whom she wishes to be with, either you, or me. And Neither one of us, should dare show up at the location of the date, Just to try and screw over the other, so I tell you when Mine is, you tell me when yours is, and you can't come to wherever she and I go, and likewise, I can't go where yours is. If you show up to where I'm going just to try and screw over my date with Luna, I'll kick your ass." He said. "Agreed?" He offered his hand. "You don't need to say that, Red. You know I wouldn't sabotage you." "And despite my own dislike for you at times, it would go against my character to sabotage you." He said nodding. "So, we agree then." he said. "Yep." "Excellent." Red said, as he soon walked off. Meanwhile, Celestia and Luna were talking with the two cybertronians as to how they were going to travel. "Well. I don't know about you or the others Princess, but Galvatron and I can transform into a faster, vehicle form." Optimus explained. "Which begs the question as to why we can not," Luna said. "I would wager, that your Techno Organic species, has only so much actual cybertronic parts that the only thing you may be able to transform would be your arms...maybe your legs, but I don't think you can transform, because, you physically would not be able to." He replied, thinking about it. "Perhaps," Luna said. "Hmm..." Prime said "Maybe, you might not be able to transform your body to an actual vehicle form, but, Maybe you might be able to create or summon some form of vehicle due to a transwarp space storage pocket.....or as you might call it, a magic portal to store stuff you don't need until you need it." He explained. "That sounds possible, but where we would we get them," Celestia said. "Hmm. during my travels, and time on Earth, I've seen a great deal of their vehicles...perhaps you and the others may be able to take the data I have to create such things?" he asks. "How would that work?" Optimus shrugged. "...Magic?" He suggested using their own reasoning. "Perhaps, sister," Luna said to Celestia, "we could use a scrying spell to see what the human vehicles look like." "I can't believe this," Galvatron said, his anger obvious, even with his normal voice. "The humans, at least, were more advanced in technology that all of you. How is it you haven't yet been conquered by another nation?" "Because the two of us you are looking at now have control over the sun and the Moon, My pupil Twilight and her five friends have effectively weaponized Friendship, AND I have a niece who basically commands the power of Love itself." She said. "That sounds like a terrible piece of hatchling entertainment," Galvatron said. At the sisters looks of confusion, Optimus said, "The cybertronian term for our young." "I'll go and get Twilight, Cadence, and Chrysalis. We're going to need our combined magic to see to a far away planet," Celestia said as she made her way to the others." Red, meanwhile, approaches Luna. "Princess Luna, may I possibly ask you something in private?" "Of course, Red," she said. "If you two will excuse me," she said to the two cybertronians before following Red. Red smiled, walking with Luna, before he sighed, and began to speak. "Okay....please hear me out....Luna, I know about how important this whole situation is...but I wanted to ask, if, sometime soon, perhaps when we've learned a bit more from the arctic North....if you'd like to go out for dinner with me?" he asked smiling at her, extremely nervous. "Of course," Luna said. "I do like to get to know my subjects," she said with a smile. "Thank you Luna.....what would be a good time for you?" He asked smiling. "Perhaps in an hour," she said. Red nodded "Sounds fair...perhaps by that time we may have reached the empire, or a sufficent place to stop and enjoy some dinner together." he explained. Red smiled as he was at least, looking forward to it. Lone, meanwhile, was talking with Applejack. "Applejack, I get what you're saying," he said. "I do, but don't you think you're reaching Applebucking season levels of stubbornness?" "Eenope," she said. "Nothing you or the other say will make me try out those new powers." "And this, AJ, is why i don't particularly like your family." "Why? 'Cause we're earth ponies?" "No, it's because you can be too stubborn for your own good. Look at applebucking season. You refused help, given freely by all your friends, because you said you would do the entire farm. News flash: you're the Element of Honesty, not keep-every-promise-I-make. And, as much as I'm certain you're going to hate me for this, I honestly think Flim and Flam could have helped your farm!" "And why's that? They're no good scammers." "No, they aren't. Or at least, they weren't the first time they came to Ponyville. They would have increased your profits during cider season, damn it." "How? They were charging us seventy-five percent of our profits!" Lone massaged his fore head. "You're under the assumption that they would be making only one barrel of cider, when, in fact, they made six for every one your family made. You cost, what, two bits per mug?" "What's that got ta do with this?" "Simple. You and your family was too stubborn to use common sense, like you are right now. What if Axor and Lockdown come after your family, huh? Granny Smith is too old to fight, and Applebloom is too young to do anything in combat. The only one who could do anything is your brother, and I'm certain they'll kill him. If you don't decide to actually use your powers, they could win, and then come after your family. Think with logic for once, or they're going to pay for it." "You forgot that them scammers ALSO had been selling lies to everypony INCLUDING my granny a little while back when they came around. Plus, during that contest we had for the cider off, they also made horrible cider." she countered, clearly very annoyed. "News flash: they did so quicker then intended. I'd like to see your family do the same and keep the taste," Lone said. "I was there, and I tasted both ciders; you didn't. There was no noticeable difference in taste. Here's a little math. Two bits per mug, and twenty mugs per barrel for easy math. You had about five barrels per day. Again, for easy math. That's about two hundred bits each day. They made six to your one. Keeping the two bits per mug and twenty mugs per barrel, lets multiply two hundred times five, one thousand, and add that to the already existing two hundred. They'd take seventy-five percent of it, which is nine hundred, leaving your family three hundred, which is one hundred more. A small amount, yes, but the more sold, the more you get. I won't disagree with you on the elixir point, I agree with you there. "Except that it did help your grandmother. Yes, it wouldn't have worked with any one else. But did it harm your grandmother directly?" She growled and punched him. "She almost died you shameless, insensitive snake." she hissed, as she began to walk away, him having struck a nerve. As she walked away, Lone thought, Why I am glad I placed a magic shield there after first meeting her. As he got up, Twilight came walking over. "Uh, Lone, what happened?" "Well, I tried to use logic to get Applejack to try to use her powers, citing her stubbornness, even using the Flim Flam brothers, who, by the way, were in the right in the contest, to show it, and she instantly assumed I was someone who wanted them to succeed the second time around." "Well, the tonic did cause Granny Smith to jump out of a tower." "And whose direct fault is that, exactly, because I doubt those two, greedy as they are, would want a dead pony associated with their product." "Theirs, because they gave Granny Smith false courage that she could do anything using their tonic. You REALLY don't know when to stop do you, considering the Bros were, and ARE, a VERY sensitive subject for her and her family." She said. "You REALLY shouldn't be trying to push her buttons like that. Believe me, she'll use her powers....eventually..." Twilight said. "i know, but she's the one who over reacted to it. All I said was that she can still be too stubborn for her own good, and that most, not all, but most, of that whole issue wasn't the brother fault. Yes, the elixir was fake. Yes, they lied about it, but it was Granny Smith, and I mean no offense to her, who wanted to jump off that tower and try a stunt I think we can both agree even Rainbow wouldn't try." "Yes, but the difference there is Rainbow probably could have survived it." Twilight mused, considering what her friend has done...and hit... "I won't apologize for rationalizing the first thing. I talked to others, and they agreed. I said to her that I didn't agree with them on the second. But I will apologize to her for bringing them up. And yes, Rainbow would have survived, but my point still stands: it was Granny Smith who did the stunt of her own will, not mind control, unless you could consider a placebo mind control." She just sighs. "Whatever, then get to work....and hope she doesn't beat you to a pulp." She said as she began to walk away. "Right," Lone said before going to pack his backpack. Twilight smiled, giving him a hug. Meanwhile, Red goes back to Zecora and hugs her. "Are you ready for the journey," the zebra said. "I hope we can see the sea." Red smiled kissing her "Yes, I am. I can't wait, because I love to spend time with you~" He cooed. "That is good. Now, what for food?" "Hmm. Not sure, perhaps we should try to gather and pack up some food for the travel my love?" "That is best. I shall pack it with zest." A few hours later Red, wearing a tuxedo, stood outside Luna's room. Luna comes out, wearing a beautiful, dark blue dress, that is both conservative, and at the same time, exotic, in that it exposes much of her back, but she also reveals a decent amount of cleavage, and it hugs her perfect hour glass frame. Red smiled, offering his hand, and arm. "Shall we, my dear?" Luna nodded, taking his arm, as they left, heading on to a local restraunt, the Eclipse Cafe. After being seated at the spot underneath the Moon's light, the date that Red was to have with Luna, officially began. "Well Red, tell me about yourself...what is something you like to do?" She asked him. Red smiled "Well I actually do enjoy practicing with the sword at the lake near my house...it's very relaxing, and gives a wonderous view of the Night sky...but other than that, I actually really enjoy playing Video Games." He said smiling, as Luna looked surprised. "Video Games? Well, I've got quite a collection." She said smiling. "Perhaps later, we could play a few, see who's better?" Red asked, giving her a playful smirk, and confident as well. "Perhaps we shall, when this dinner is done?" She mused, as Red nodded. "I'd love to take you on Luna." He said. "Well, what about You? Anything that ponies Don't know, that you could tell me?" He asked. "Well," the alicorn said, "secretly, as it would make 'Tia worry, I would, at least, like to see if I could tame Nightmare, make her see what she wanted to do was harm ponies. I doubt I could forgive her for trying to kill her, but I would at least want to make her see the error of her ways and regret them." "I see...Well...that's quite interesting...never would have expected you to want to...reform, Nightmare...I'd have expected that out of Celestia, but not you." He mused in response smiling. "You forget, we shared a body. If any pony understood her during those times, it was me." Red nodded "Fair enough...." He said, as he mused about telling her about Nightmare visiting him in his dreams. "Quite an interesting tale." he said..."But now, Luna, tell me, can you dance?" He asked, as he motioned to the dance floor. "Why, yes, I can," she said as the two of them made their way to the dance floor. "Then let us see how well you can Luna, I hope your banishment didn't make you TOO rusty in the art of dance~" he said playfully as Luna began to laugh in good humor. "Yes, let's see if You can keep up with me!" She said as the two began to dance together, blending quite well. The two danced for an hour before realizing what time it was, and rushed off to the castle. Red smiled "We should have a date like that again some time!" He said. Luna nodded as they arrived shortly after "Indeed we should!" She said as they shared a quick hug before entering together. They went to their separate rooms and got dressed for the journey. A few minutes later, they exited the rooms and made their way to the castle gates, only to see what Luna could only assume were human vehicles, albeit enlarged for them. Red spoke up. "So...are these, what you called, Human vehicles, Optimus?" He asked, looking to Luna, and then to Optimus himself. "Indeed," Optimus said. "Princess Celestia requested for a way to quickly travel to your Crystal Empire." "Interesting." Red said as he began to approach them. There were two vehicles that caught his attention instantly. One was a vehicle with what looked like blades at the top, and a cylindrical tail going to the back, which ended in four smaller blades. The opposite appeared to be rounded, with glass halfway up. On the sides were more cylinders, which, if looked closer, had five smaller cylinders each. "That," Lone said with a pleased smile, "is what Optimus calls a gunship, a way of transport that comes with various ways to attack and defend." Red nodded along. "Interesting...what is this called Prime?" he asked, as he motioned to a dark blue two wheeled vehicle, that contained some lights around the front and back, and handle bars, infact, it wasn't unlike that of a foal's bicycle, except this was much more advanced...Red also noticed that though it was a dark blue in the major color, it possessed green flames in extra coloration. "It is what humans call a motorcycle," Optimus said. Red smiled as he moved to get on. "I think I like...Mine!" He said laughing a bit. Other vehicles included what Optimus called a fighter jet, which Rainbow had wanted, as well as a jet, though, according to Optimus, due to the high potential for combat, it had been slightly modified to be able to go as fast as the fighter jet, and had the same weaponry. Rarity took the modified Jet. Applejack however, still was clearly refusing to accept even a single one of the vehicles. Lone simply looked at the others with an expression that said Is she really serious here? Fortunately, it was this reason he got the gunship. Red approached Applejack. "Jackie. We need you to let go of your pride. Please, let it go, we need ya here. Your pride is going to just hold you back, and it WILL get you killed if you don't swallow it and accept these new powers we have or the vehicles." "Fine," she said, "but only so ah don't slow anypony down." "Good thing the gunship is meant for transport," Lone said as he made his way to said vehicle. Red smiled "Then why don't ya try to tap into your own powers? We see what You got?" he asked, as he gently hugged her. "No, I'm only riding in that. . . thing so we can get there quicker, not to use those new powers y'all got." "For the love of...JAQUILINE G. APPLE. SWALLOW YOUR DAMN PRIDE SO THAT YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR FAMILY. YOUR FRIENDS. YOUR DAMN HOME!!!" Red yelled, finally losing his cool at AJ's stubbornness. AJ glared at him, her eyes having a murderous hate at someone using her birth name, something not even Lone did earlier. "What did ya say," she said in an anger filled voice while marching to him, her fists balled. An apple promptly spatters over the back of her head, from somepony they didn't expect: Applebloom. "He said, fer ya to let go of your pride Sis. You're getting to be as stubborn as when Big mac hurt himself and ya absulutely refused help from your friends to harvest the apples, and insisted on doing them alone. AND as stubborn as when Big Mac and ya went to go deliver some pies and ah was supposed to be staying home alone, but instead, ya came back to check on me, and decided that ah wasn't able to stay alone yet, when in actuality, ah was perfectly capable!!!" "Oh great, there's two of them now..." Galvatron muttered noticing the yellow pony's accent. "Sis, Please, for the love of apples will you swallow your pride, and just accept what's going on!?" "Applebloom, how'd ya get here? You're supposed ta be at the farm." She looked unamused. "I follow you all around the place at times. I snuck on the train after Red and Rainbow Dash got Scootaloo yesterday." She explained. "WHAT?! Applejack and the rest of the mares yelled. "There goes an audio receptor," Galvatron said. "That's not the point Applejack. Tha point is, yer bein' TOO stubborn again, so swallow your pride already!" AJ replied by saying, "No. Now, go back home!" "By mah self?" her sister said sarcastically. Applebloom simply walked forward, and slapped her sister. "SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE ALREADY. GEEZ. I'M BETTER THAN YOU ARE AT TIMES LIKE THIS, ALL BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANNA SWALLOW THAT DAMN PRIDE OF YOURS. IT'S BIGGER THAN CELESTIA'S HIPS!" she yelled, as Celestia herself blushed, due to an obvious reason. "I said ta gat home!" the elder farmer yelled. "Honestly, I wasn't as much trouble at your age than you are." "Yes ya were." She said as she just walked away, clearly angry at her sister. "Honestly, that filly will drive me ta drink." "You did the same thing Jackie." Rainbow said, clearly taking Applebloom's side, as did every one else. "SO, shall we be going?" Red asked looking to Luna, as he got back on the motorcycle. "Yes, I think that's best," Luna said. Lone smiled. "Then may I be kind enough to offer the co-pilot seat, Princess?" "Then let me show you to your seat. Also, earth ponies and unicorns that don't have a vehicle is to ride with the two of us as well." He looked over to Optimus and Galvatron. "You two too, unless you want to ride with Rarity." Twilight was slightly horrified about Lone picking Luna for the copilot, but she got onto the air ship with Lone. Galvatron promptly transforms into his vehicle state, looking something like a vehicle called a truck. "I think I'll just follow you all anyway." He said as the headlights flashed. "Good luck keeping up, losers!" Rainbow yelled as she got into the jet. "Uh, how do I start it?" Red was on his motorcycle, as he began to notice a switch, as Dash similarly noticed another one, as Red flipped it, and instinctively kicked on the pedal that was on the side, as the thing flared to life roaring. Rainbow did the same, and the jet's engine roared to life. "Cool," she said as the cockpit canopy automatically closed and sealed. Red smiled, as he revved the engine, by twisting one of the handlebars. "So, shall we get going guys?" he called to the others, as Optimus soon transformed, his body folding in on itself like Galvatrons did, turning him into a truck of similar make and model. "Good luck keeping up, Red," Lone said as he turned the engine for the gunship on, something he learned by using the same scrying spell Celestia and the others had used to observe the various vehicles by watching human pilots, and brought it up into the air, and pointed it north. Next stop, the Crystal Empire," he said. Red nodded as everyone began to take off, or in the case of Red, and the two cybertronians, Drive off, rushing to the north, heading for the empire. As Lone and the others in the gunship flew north towards, Luna asked about Lone. "So, Lone," she said, "what do you do for fun?" Lone shrugged. "Mostly, I just read, but I do game on occasion. A little writing, too." "Oh. What games do you play?" "Haylo and Mass Effect, mostly, as well as some Destiny." "Really? You play those. The last has absolutely no story, and the first has gone down in quality since ownership changed." "So? Both have a lot to give to their genres, and why are you complaining about story with Destiny? I agree it has little story, but that is because it's simply a prologue in it's franchise." "I suppose." "And, if I may ask, what do you do for fun?" "Gaming, but I do enjoy science as well. I also dabble in engineering, so I'm curious as to how you can pilot this so well, even after watching a trained professional." "It's my talent," Lone said. "I just need observe some one doing something, and I can remember it with perfect recall." "That is impressive. How did you discover it?" Lone shrugged and smiled as he recalled that day. "Me and my dad, who was in the normal guard, were out in Ponyville visiting some family, and he was working on a project for the guard, which were collapsible spears. "On the fourth day of our visit there, he left one of them in his work shop, the basement of my grandparents house, and I happened to stumble on to it. I found the spear, which he was having trouble with. I saw him working on it earlier, and I figured I'd try to help him, so I walked over to it, and began to work on it. An hour later, when he entered the work shop, he found me spinning it around like a pro, and extending it and collapsing it with a flick of my wrist. I was so focused, I hadn't noticed my cutie mark appear on my shoulder. When he called me out, I thought I was dead. But he was so happy I discovered my talent, we went out for ice cream, and I helped him with his stuff until I became a guard, and even then, when I'm on leave, I help him out with whatever he's on then." "You helped make the spears the guards use these days?" "Yeah, but the credit goes to my dad." "Impressive," Luna said. "Thanks," Lone said. The two continued to talk for a few hours before the Empire came into view. Red smiled from aboard his motorcycle "Optimus Prime, Welcome to the Crystal Empire." He called to the larger red and blue truck. "I see, it's very pleasing to my optic circuits." He said as the headlights flashed from him talking. Red watched for where the others were to land. The others in the air were arriving first, as Red, Galvatron and Optimus were close below, looking for where they'd land. Lone and those in the gunship were the first to land, but the crystal guards quickly surrounded them, thinking they were under attack. The moment Cadence stepped out of the gunship though, the guards instantly stood down. "Princess, what is this thing?" one of the guards asked. "A new transport. I have multiple new ones with my friends...please relax." "Of course, your highness," the same guard said Red came in on his motorcycle. Red waves as he approaches. "Hey guys." "Hey, Red," Lone said as he exited the gunship. "In case you're wondering, Rainbow and Rarity are still up there, trying to figure out how to land, even if it is, basically, the exact opposite of how they took off." "We need to hurry up and get them down before they run out of fuel and crash..." "How? I doubt that we can talk with them at this distance, or their speed," Lone said as Optimus and Galvatron drove in. "How the hay would I know?" Red asked back as he noticed them doing so. "Perhaps I can help with that," Optimus said as he transformed back to his robot mode. Galvatron transformed back as Red looked "How so Prime?" He asked. "A human invention built into all their military vehicles, as well as most of their aircraft that they called radio." "Then by all means, let's see if you can help them land." "On it," Lone said as he went back into the gunship and activated the radio. Red watched, as he followed, to try and help somehow. "Rainbow? Rainbow? Rarity, do you copy?" "Uh, Lone, where are you, and how are you talking to us," Rainbow said. "Well, can you tell me and Rarity how to land?" "Just do the opposite of what you guys did for take off, with the exception being you still need a large, straight piece of land to, well, land," Lone said. "OH.....okay." Rainbow said as they went to land. "Uh, princess," one of the guards said, "what is that," he said, pointing towards Optimus. "Something that's on our side. As is the other one." She said referring to Galvatron as well. "Oh, Okay Princess." The guard said. "So, this is the Crystal Empire," Galvatron said as he turned back to his robot form. "Prime, is it me, or do you sense energon in the crystals?" "What's energon?" Chrysalis asked. "Energon is what powers us....our lifeblood...it's an energy source...in a way, you could basically say it's like what you would call 'Blood'." He explained. "Wow," Twilight mouthed. "Do you think that's what our blood actually is?" "It's possible...I'm uncertain." He explained. "I suppose the best way to find out would be to gut one of you like what the humans would call a trout and see what would happen." Galvatron sneered. "No," Lone and Red said. "It was a simple observation." Galvatron said, defending his comment, despite it being a threat anyway. "Galvatron, why are you defending that?" Optimus asked, as it was out of character for his enemy to defend something like that with an observation. "Even when you wished to kill Sam Witwicky, you had a reason that would have made sense." "I was making a simple observation. In the case of that fleshling, He had cybertronian knowledge of the primes stuck in his head. We thought it best to tear out his brain to get it out of him. As you even admit, it would have made sense to some degree...In this case it's merely an option, which I stated as an observation." "No," Lone and Red said again. He rolls his eyes, and just crosses his arms. Rainbow and Rarity came in a for a landing shortly after this, though it was a bumpy one. Red rushes over, and hugs both happy that they were alright. "Great you're alright. thank goodness." "Jeez, Red," Rainbow said. "Did you really doubt me, the best flier in Equestria?" "Oh, stop it," Rainbow said, blushing a little. Red smiled, and kissed her cheek. "Well, either way, I'm just glad you're alright." "Yeah, so am I," she said. Red smiled as soon the group was together. "When will we begin our search?" Galvatron asked. "Tomorrow, Galvatron," Celestia said. "For now, we need to plan it out. Red nodded "Makes sense, the trip here would be a bit exhausting anyway wouldn't it?" He asked looking at Zecora. In orbit Lockdown and Axor stood in the bridge of their ship, over looking the planet they had found, when one of their numerous underlings walked up behind them and said, "Sirs, our scanners have picked up a large energon reading in the northern part of the continent you were on. Requesting permission to send seekers to retrieve it?" "No," Lockdown said calmly before turning to Axor. "Axor, I want you to recon the location, and let me know if Prime or any of his allies are there." "Understood." Axor replied, as he quickly left the ship, and headed out in that direction.
