Beast Wars: Battle for Equestria

Tigratron watched with his gun drawn as the guards of the Crystal Empire slowly backed away from Silverbolt and Blackarachnia. But, while he was grateful that his life was spared, Silverbolt couldn't help but think that this particular Maximal was someone he had met long ago.

"They won't be harming you anymore," said Tigatron, lowering his weapon as Air Razor came flying in. "I'm sorry that had to happen to you."

"Um, thanks for helping us," replied Silverbolt, feeling slightly confused. "But, your voice…sounds familiar. Didn't you use to be…?"

"You mean we used to be," interrupted Air Razor, transforming from falcon to robot. "If you were wondering if we used to be Tigerhawk, then you are correct. Thank the Vok for doing so. But, the empire is on lockdown and we can't be out here. Tarantulas is threatening to attack the empire again."

Blackarachnia then turned and looked back towards the snow covered edges of the Crystal Empire. She knew that the Predacon that treated her more like a servant was alive once again and hellbent on targeting her as an act of revenge.

"Tarantulas is alive?" asked Silverbolt.

"And he is not alone," answered Tigatron. "He is being aided by another Predacon named Barricade. He was out here earlier today and attacked the co ruler of this empire. Air Razor and I have sworn to protect the rulers and their subjects from any more Predacon attacks."

"If there is anything we can do to help…"

"We could greatly use your help in patrolling the empire," remarked Air Razor. "There is no doubt that Tarantulas will attack again and we must be ready."

Hoping that he could transform, Silverbolt called out his transformation code and went from Fuzor Beast to robot mode.

"Blackarachnia, maximize!" called Blackarachnia, following her mate suit. However, hearing Blackarachnia call out the Maximal transformation code left Tigatron and Air Razor speechless. "Is something the matter? I no longer work for Megatron, you know."

"Uh, uh, yes," stammered Tigatron as he and Air Razor returned to their patrol.

"Not everyone is going to accept you as a Maximal right away," said Silverbolt as Blackarachnia stormed off in disgust.

…

Meanwhile, up in their bedroom, Shining Armor was being bedded due to his injuries while Cadence sat down with him.

"Who are these creatures and what do they want with us?"

"Shining Armor, I wish I could answer that for you, but I can't," sighed Cadence, stroking her husband's hoof. "But, all I know is that this is just another threat against us and against Equestria. What's more, this threat could have killed you, Shining Armor."

"Yeah," he winced, feeling a slight pain go throughout his body. "Had it not been for those two creatures, we would have indeed been killed. I guess what Princess Celestia said about these transforming creatures is indeed true, but I can't help but wonder if we have to…"

"Evacuate? I think we might have to if the threat grows larger. To be honest, I haven't been this scared since our wedding."

"Me too, Cadence," sighed Shining Armor, trying to look over at his wife. "Me too."

Just then, they heard a knock at the door and a Crystal Guardspony came in, handing what appeared to be a piece of parchment in his aura. Taking the parchment, Cadence read what was on it.

"Two more of the transforming creatures have come to aid the creatures already protecting the empire," Cadence read off of the scroll. "I'm not really sure how long that we can hold our ground from these creatures. Perhaps it would be best if we evacuate now before it is too late."

Sighing, Cadence threw the parchment on the floor in disgust.

"If only if it were that easy, Cadence," sighed Shining Armor. "I mean, we don't have a long lasting invisibility spell to protect us from these creatures. What's more, where could we go? Canterlot may be a last resort, but that's where the creatures will most likely target since it is the Capitol of Equestria."

"We may not have a choice, Shining Armor," retorted Cadence, her voice filled with frustration as she paced back and forth. "Canterlot may be the only option and Ponyville is right on the road to Canterlot, so whoever is protecting us will need to protect the road to Canterlot. Besides, where else would we go that would give us unlimited protection? No magic in Equestria will protect us from these creatures!"

In a fit of rage, Cadence slammed her hoof down hard on the floor and the echo rang out throughout the castle and out through the empire.

"I'm sorry, I," cried Cadence, collapsing into her husband's chest, several tears flowing down her face. "I just…don't know what to do, Shiny. I just don't know what to do."

"The only thing you can do is be strong, Cadence," he said, stroking her mane. "Be strong for our daughter, for our subjects, for me."

But, no matter what words of comfort her husband was trying to give her, Cadence couldn't erase the fear that was building up inside of her. Just then, they saw Air Razor flying into the room and transforming to her robot mode.

"Is everything all right?" she asked. "I heard a loud bang and…"

"It's all right," interrupted Cadence. "I'm sorry, I just have been going through some rough spots, that's all."

"We've all been going through rough spots," said Air Razor in a gentle voice as she placed her hand on Cadence's shoulder. "Trust me, I know how hard it is to protect your loved ones. If you wish to head for a safer location, we can help you evacuate, even though that's easier said than done."

"I appreciate your support," groaned Shining Armor. "As long as those evil transforming creatures are out there, we cannot take any chances if we stay here. The Crystal Heart may get destroyed in the process and that is something we cannot risk happening to us."

"You are also aware," cautioned Air Razor. "That not all of your subjects will be wanting to leave, even if you make such an order mandatory."

"Yes, we are aware," said Cadence, looking back towards Air Razor. "It's just that…what can we do to stop something like this from happening? What do these creatures want with us anyway? What did we ever do to them?"

Air Razor just couldn't find any words to answer Cadence's desperate questions. All that mattered was that the ponies she and her fellow Maximals swore to protect remained under that protection.

…

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville just after the sun had been lowered, Rainbow Dash and several Wonderbolts were out on patrol when they saw movement on the road leading towards Canterlot.

"What's that?" she whispered to Spitfire and Soarin', pointing down towards the movement.

"Seems like trouble," cried Spitfire, flying down towards the disturbance. "Let's check it out."

Landing on the ground, the Wonderbolts carefully moved towards the source of the movement, the same location where Dinobot II had made his attack on Lyra and Bon Bon earlier in the day.

"Hey!" called Rainbow Dash, showing off a light at the figure. "Come out with your hooves up!"

"I don't have hooves," the creature growled, the sound of his voice directing towards them. "I am not even one of you."

"Then, come into the light!" barked Spitfire and the light revealed that the source of the disturbance was none other than Steeljaw, who was in his wolf beast mode and growling menacingly. Seeing the growling wolf made Spitfire go from feeling brave to feeling afraid. "Wonderbolts, fall back!"

Spitfire's screams proved too late as Steeljaw quickly charged at the three wonderbolts, attacking them savagely. When it was all said and done, Rainbow Dash weakly opened her eyes and weakly looked around to see that Spitfire and Soarin' were gone, only their goggles and pieces of their uniforms remained.

"No," she groaned weakly before falling unconcisious again. However, the attack did not go unnoticed.

"What in Equestria…?" gasped Luna, who had just happened to be flying by with Nightscream. "Rainbow Dash!"

Luna flew down towards the injured element of loyalty and knowing time was of the essence, placed Rainbow Dash on her back and flew her back to Canterlot as fast as her wings could carry her.

…