FIM: Justice, Bolts, and Gearsby JawmaxChaptersPrologue: Spark of Friendship, Spark of LifeChapter 1:Transformation pt.1Chapter 2: Transformation pt.2Prologue: Spark of Friendship, Spark of LifeFIM: Justice, Bolts, and Gears Prologue: Spark of Friendship, Spark of Life Luster Dawn had been living in Ponyville for a little over a year now and she had already learned so much. “So that is how we learned that a broken promise is okay if things happen beyond your control. A true friend will understand.” Professor Silverstream said. Luster wrote her notes when out the window she saw a flash coming from Canterlot and then a rainbow-colored shock wave washed over her and everyone. This was a day that all the world of Equestria would forever be changed. When Luster awoke, she saw that she was now different. “Are these wings? I’m an Alicorn!” “You’re not the only one.” One of her pony classmates said. He like all the other ponies in her class were now Alicorns who were trying out new wings, horns, or both. “Does this mean we’re all princesses and princes now?” One of the young mares asked. Before anyone could answer a loud cheer could be heard outside of the classroom. “Mr. Spot?” Luster asked. The old spot covered Diamond Dog was the school janitor, but he was different. Before his coat was greying and he had to wear dentures but now he was holding them in his paw while having a full set of teeth in his mouth and all the grey was gone. He was young again. “I feel like a scrappy young dog again!” The door to the next classroom opened and Scootaloo came out. “I know I should be freaking out about this horn but look at my wings.” Scootaloo opened her now larger wings. “A dream I thought would never come true. I can finally fly!” Scootaloo almost hit the ceiling. “But how?” Luster asked. “Every creature please try to remain calm!” Luster turned to see the head-mare and vice-head stallion. Her parents Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst. “Mom, Dad! You're both as tall as Princess Twilight and you got that ethereal mane and tail thing going!” It was true their clothes were torn by their growth and the bags under their eyes were gone. Starlight looked like she had stars in her mane while Sunburst’s hair looked like it was made of fire. “It’s just something that happens for older Alicorns Luster.” “But why did this happen? First I saw flash of light from Canterlot and the next thing I knew I have these.” Luster said flapping her new wings flying shortly before falling back to the floor. Starlight lowered her head to look Luster in the eye, something she hadn’t had to do for years. “Sweetheart we need to stay here and try to keep everything under control here at the school. As Twilight’s student you should be able to easily have permission to see her and find out what happened. I just hope it wasn’t the Princess who did this.” “Why?” “Because she knows how got dang angry, I’d be if she did!” It was Applejack along with the rest of the Council of Friendship except for Spike. They were all in a similar state like Luster’s parents “She swore on our friendship she wouldn’t try something like this at my Granny Smith’s funeral! If we’re immortal, then I can never see her or my Mom and Dad ever again!” Applejack was so upset that she accidently fired a beam from her new horn making a hole into one of the classrooms. “Applejack, you and I still have our husbands and kids! You know best sister in-law, friends forever right? And we don’t know Twilight did this! For all we know it’s just one of Discords pranks!” Rainbow Dash tried calm Applejack down. “It’s not Discord. That Light almost destroyed him!” Fluttershy cried. “Personally, I suspect M.A. Larson.” Pinkie Pie said. Rarity paid no mind to what Pinkie said. “Darlings, the simple fact is we won’t know for sure until we hear it from the horse’s mouth. But as far I’m concerned the only problems this gives me is all the wardrobes I’ll have to replace with so many customers getting taller and needing wing holes. Mine included.” Luster Dawn raised her hoof. “In any event we need to get to Canterlot. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, since the four of us just got these wings can you so us how to use them?” After a long and shaky first flight the group arrived in the capitol and just like in Ponyville all ponies had become alicorns. “Twi better have a really good reason to do all this!” Applejack said with a snort. Luster then noticed something. “Wait a minute wasn’t the statue of the three villains over there?” Then they heard a scream. “That was Sunset Shimmer!” Fluttershy said. “She must be under attack from Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis!” Rainbow turned a corner. “No! They’re trying to save me from my tablet!” Sunset the alicorn said as what was her tablet in the human world shot at her. It had changed into a snarling mechanical scorpion with guns instead of claws or a stinger. Tirek now in his slightly muscular form with a black beard instead of a grey one held up a large piece of wall as a shield while Cozy who was back in her alicorn form shot back. The next thing everyone knew was a white yak fell from above and crushed the robot to pieces. “I’ll give this to the Yaks; their form is well suited for the smashing they love.” The voice that came from the yak was that of Chrysalis. She changed form that looked like a large reformed female changeling that was white and teal with pink wings, and teal hair and tail. “What in tarnation is going on here?” Applejack asked. “All I know is that there was this bright light…” Tirek said. “…that showed us the error of our ways…” Chrysalis continued. Cozy finished. “The next thing we know we were free and looking like this. Then we saw that thing was shooting at anything that moved. We had to help…and make up for all the bad things we did.” “I’m sorry I had to break your…whatever that was.” Chrysalis said to Sunset. Sunset waved her hoof. “I can buy a new one in the other world.” "So, you three were just zapped into good?” Rainbow said unbelieving. “Wouldn’t be the first time something like that happened.” Pinkie said. “Sunset what do you know about all this?” Rarity asked. “I had an appointment with Twilight to talk about importing the technology from the human world. The last time I saw her she just got this artifact the seaponies found. She said first she’ll investigate the past before we would talk about changing Equestria’s future. So, I went for a walk and then I saw a flash of light coming from the castle and then my tablet turned into that thing right after I woke up an alicorn.” “Then what are we waiting around here for?” Applejack asked. “You three are coming with us! I don’t know if this was all Twilight or if your had something to do with all this but we’re not letting you out of our sight.” Tirek held up his hands. “Even if this was some plot of ours with so many alicorns the three of us wouldn’t stand a chance. But we do owe Princess Twilight an apology and her guidance in what to do now so we will go with you.” “This day just gets crazier and crazier.” Luster Dawn said as the group made their way to the castle. They found a large crowd in front of it with many guards trying to keep everyone out. “So, are we all new rulers or not?” a mare with a with country accent asked. “Absolutely not!” Blueblood said. “If everypony becomes royalty then the titles and government system will become meaningless!” “Whatever!” a lady griffin said. “Look I’m happy to be young again but now the stores won’t give me my senior citizen discount!” Gallus who was in front of all the other guards tried to calm everyone down. “Listen we can’t let of you in! Not until we get word from either the Princess or Prince Flash Sentry! And with all the chaos this thing is causing we haven’t been able to send anycreature with clearance inside!” “Could you send us?” Luster asked. Ponies screamed at the sight of the supposed reformed villains. “Don’t worry we got them under control.” Luster then whispered. “We think…” Gallus flew up. “Oh, thank Grover! Okay the Council of Friendship and their...guests will go in and then we start addressing your concerns.” “Thank you, Gallus.” Fluttershy said. “You should take a break.” “Thanks professor but we’re too short staffed for that with all the chaos. If anyone other than the Princess needs your help right now it would be Spike. Last I saw him he wasn’t looking too good.” Gallus was right when they got to the throne room, he was laying on his side in front of the throne holding his stomach as he kept belching out scrolls. “Make it *burp* stop.” “Oh, my poor Spikey Wikey!” Rarity said almost pulling out a fainting couch. Sunset Shimmer ran forward. “All of you go on ahead. I'll do a sorting and reply all spell. Look at them all, there must be letters from Yakyakistan to Zebraca and beyond here demanding answers! Not even Twilight has the magical power to cast a spell over the whole world!” Spike pointed to a hallway. “Twilight’s *burp* in her room. *burp* haven’t seen *burp* her since she got that *burp* thing.” “What is this artifact?” Luster Dawn asked. “I’m really getting worried now. No one has seen Princess Twilight since this started and there is no way she would leave Spike like this if she could help it. And where is Prince Flash Sentry? He is captain of the guard why isn’t leading them?” The group came to the door to Twilight’s room and could hear moaning. “She’s in trouble! Hang on Twilight!” Pinkie Pie bucked the double doors open but after two seconds Rarity used her magic to close them almost the whole group was blushing. “Uh, was that her husband Flash Sentry?” Cozy asked. “What were they doing?” Rainbow scratched her head. “So, should we draw straws to see who tells one of our worst enemies the facts of life?” Pinkie Pie pulled book out of her flowing mane that had a picture of a bird and a bee on it. “It’s my fault and I gave Lil’ Cheese the talk last week.” As Pinkie lead Cozy away, a crash was then heard from the room. “Twilight! Twilight wake up!” they heard Flash yell. “Rainbow get a doctor!” Applejack said. After they got Twilight into bed Applejack questioned Flash as a doctor was performing a medical scan spell. Sunset and Spike had joined them. “So, what was happening before we found you two uh, rolling in the hay?” Flash sighed. “I’m not quite sure; Twilight was doing a spell to see if the artifact was dangerous which several unicorns did before we got it, but they never found anything.” “You mean that sphere on the table?” Luster Dawn asked pointing to a gold sphere with odd symbols on it that was a little bigger than her hoof. “What? But it was a cube.” Flash said as the sphere split into segments revealing a glowing light inside before shifting those segments and forming a perfect pyramid. “Never did that before. All I know is that when it was a cube it opened and it began pulling magic out her and not just any magic, it was the Magic of Friendship, rainbows and all. Then there was this burst of light and then I woke up with this coming out of my head.” Flash pointed to his horn. “Twilight’s eyes were glowing but before I could say anything it’s like I fell half asleep and we just went at it. I just couldn't help myself.” “So, Twilight didn’t know that thing would do all this. If I really have become immortal, then it’s not her fault. I got mad at her over nothing.” Applejack hung her head down. “Just like I was learning in class today.” Luster Dawn said placing her hoof at Applejack’s side. Twilight Sparkle stirred in her bed. “What happened?” she asked. Luster Dawn answered. “Well uh cliff notes version the artifact you were studying…” The artifact changed into a perfect cylinder. “Yeah it does that now. Anyway, it used your friendship magic to turn every pony in world into an alicorn as you can see, it also made some creatures younger, and it freed the three worst criminals in Equestria but it’s ok because it turned them good too. They haven’t done anything to us since this whole thing began.” “You’re forgetting that it turned my tablet into a killing machine.” Sunset said. “And it almost destroyed Discord! He’ll be recovering for weeks!” Fluttershy said giving the object the Stare. The only response was it changing shape into a cone. Twilight looked at the gathered trio of troublemakers. “We will discuss what to do with you later in the throne room. Guards escort them there and keep an eye on them. The rest of us need to talk about everything else in private.” “Before you go Cozy do you have any questions about what we talked about?” Pinkie asked. Cozy just seemed to stare into space as she walked away. “Good-bye childhood.” “Funny, Lil’ Cheese said the exact same thing.” After the door was closed Twilight spoke. “This is all I know, that object…” it shifted into a rectangular box. “… was found by the seaponies of seaquestria at the bottom of an underwater crater that dates back to the Mesoponic era.” “But that’s before any civilization!” Spike said who was feeling much better. “Yes, the only conclusion any archaeologist could answer with was that it had to have come from space which I can confirm beyond a doubt.” This led to gasps from the whole room. “While I was connected to it a voice spoke to me in my head. I could feel that this being was one of Life and Order. Which must be why as a being of Chaos Discord was hurt by its power. Most of it was jumbled but it called itself Primus and it said that we have what is needed to save his children. While Flash and I were…intimate, Primus said that he would give five of the children of our world the spark of life that his children have so that these five would be children of our world and his so his other children might understand. That we should raise them in our ways.” “I hate to interrupt your highness, but I am finished.” The doctor said. “Is she okay?” Flash asked. The doctor adjusted his glasses. “Well she is as healthy as a mare in her condition can be.” “Condition?” Twilight asked. “You are pregnant your majesty.” “Of course! While that was all happening, I felt something I could only describe as a presence enter my body.” Flash shook his head. “Now I remember! I saw it! A small ball of light no bigger than the tip of your horn. “It must have made sure we would conceive!” “And there must be four more like it out there! These children are being created so they can show the Magic of Friendship to an alien race!” Pinkie Pie interrupted. “Uh, while I get the super mysterious alien stuff, we’re overlooking something important. Twilight is having a baby!” This led to a bunch of cheers in the room. “Oh, I can’t wait to meet your foal Darling.” Rarity said. Rainbow spoke next. “The kid is going to be awesome no doubt!” “It is going to be so cute whether it’s a filly or a colt.” Fluttershy said. “I said it before, and I’ll say it again any relative of yours is practically family to us Apples.” “Thank you all I know my baby will…my baby…Sweet Celestia! I’m going to be somepony’s Mom! Somepony whose part alien!” Twilight jumped out of bed and began to pace. “What if the other kids pick on them because they would be so different? What if they have unique alien medical needs? Our atmosphere could be toxic to them and they will have to spend their whole lives in a bubble…a bubble!” “Twilight calm down! Whatever happens this baby will have our love and we will handle it together.” Flash said. Twilight took a deep breath and slowly calmed down. “Woah you haven’t Twilighted like that in Moons!” Spike said. Luster Dawn gave Spike a look. “Well given what we all learned and all the changes happening I think she is entitled to her first freak out in in a couple of decades!” Twilight smiled at her student. “Luster, thank you but I’m okay now…mostly. Right first thing we need to do is figure out who else might be having these hybrid children, and we have to address every creature being ageless which would mean we can still die from sickness and injury.” Then the artifact changed into an octagon shaped block. “But first we should find a place to keep this out of the wrong hooves. If it let me do all this by accident who knows what else this thing could do.” Twilight was silent for a moment. “Think about it everypony, this thing is from a civilization that is at least four million years old and travels through space and they NEED us to teach them about friendship! Who knows what we will learn from them! I feel like a filly on Hearthswarming Eve! I can’t wait!” What Twilight didn’t know was the energy from the artifact traveled through space at that moment and was picked up by the scanners of the Decepticon warship the Darksyde. “Air Commander Starscream! Your presence is required on the bridge.” A large purple and black humanoid robot said over the com. Another robot that was mostly red and white with a black head and large wings entered. “This had better be important Barricade. I was in the middle of a lubricate bath.” Starscream spun a wheel on Barricade’s shoulder with his clawed finger. “Just following regulation 478.364 sir.” “Stop leaking the regs political officer and report!” “Communication officer Soundwave has detected something on the scanners and as per regulation 782.492 Beta has sent the results back to the home world! We should be receiving new orders from Emperor Megatron soon!” Starscream pushed Barricade to the deck and walked up to a dark blue robot that had a metal face plate instead of a mouth, a red visor instead of eyes and a large plate on his chest that looked like it could open. “What did you find?” Starscream asked. “Energy signature detected.” Soundwave said in an echoey voice. “Signature is a 99.98% match to priority target.” “Priority target?” Starscream asked. Soundwave pulled an image on the screen of a gold cube with writing on it. “The Allspark! Well THAT should get me back into Megatron’s good graces. Soon my exile will be over, and I’ll be back on Cybertron and my rightful place as Megatron’s second in command. Where is it?” “Scans have placed Allspark location on a remote planet in an unexplored galaxy.” Soundwave showed an image of the planet while a light flashed. “Megatron has issued new commands. Operation Allspark Retrieval. Secondary objectives, construct space bridge to open new galactic theater of war, secure all local sources of Energon. Estimated travel time to target via trans-warp, eighteen stellar cycles.” Starscream tapped his chin. “Well that isn’t long compared to my three and a half million stellar cycle banishment. Blackout set course!” From the helm a grey robot with blades on his back and large red eyes turned after he set course. “Sir readings say that the planet is infested with…ug disgusting…organics! What if they are in possession of Allspark?” Starscream sat in his command chair. “The same thing we do to all organics we Decepticons encounter. We eradicate them all! Nothing shall stand between us and the Allspark!” Back on the planet Equus, deep in the Everfree Forest an ancient starship remains undiscovered by the native life of the planet. In that ship deep in stasis is a large red robot with a blue head that still dreams. “Optimus Prime, soon you must awaken. Soon the five children of Cybertron who are not of Cybertron will need you to guide and teach them. For they are the only ones who can help you protect this world from the coming darkness. The Autobot cause is not lost. They need you. Optimus Prime!” Eleven months after what had been named the Alicorn Event Twilight’s friends and family were waiting in the throne room for news on her foal. “I can’t believe I’m finally going to have a cousin!” Flurry Heart said flying up. “It’s been a long time coming.” Shining Armor said bringing his daughter down. Ever since he got his wings in the Alicorn Event he no longer got air sick. Flash Sentry walked up in front of the throne. He looked at the crowd and smiled. “It’s a colt!” There were cheers all around as a tired Twilight came in levitating a carriage with a small blue alicorn with a grey and purple mane and tail who was wiggling around looking at the world with his light blue eyes. “In honor of the spark of friendship that all of you lit in me…” Twilight said looking at her best friends. “…and the spark of life that gave him to us, I hereby present Prince Nova Spark!” Luster Dawn looked down at the colt and felt a warmth in her heart. “He’s beautiful.” “Franky I’m a little bit disappointed.” Discord said. “He’s part alien! I expected at least a pair of antennae!” Discord snapped his claw and a pair of metal antennae grew out of his own head. “Hey that’s my nephew you’re your talking about Discord!” Spike said. “Don’t listen to him Twilight.” Celestia said. “This little one is perfect the way he is.” Twilight looked down at her son. “Thank you Celestia but there is no need to worry. We know who the other children are and I’m sure just as the Rainboom bound me and my friends together the Event will do the same for them. I know one day he’ll show Equestria and beyond there is more to him than meets the eye.” Theme song Transformers! More than meets the eye! Transformers! Robots in Disguise! Maximals wage their battle to destroy… The evil forces of… The Decepticons! Transformers! More than they appear! Transformers! Justice, Bolts, and Gears! Maximals wage their battle to destroy… The evil forces of… The Decepticons! Transformers! Author's Note I know some might be mad but they left Rainbow and Applejack open to interpterion. Chapter 1:Transformation pt.1Chapter one: Transformation pt.1 In the hills just outside Canterlot there was a peach colored alicorn filly with blue hair and violet eyes. Her cutie mark was the sun with a ray of light going straight down parting two clouds. “Nova Spark! Where are you, big brother?” “Up here Midday Beam!” Midday Beam flew up to a nearby cloud and found the teenage Nova Spark. His cutie mark was a red and white burst of light. “What are you doing here? You’re going to miss your going away party! This is our last chance to hang out before you leave for Ponyville tomorrow!” Nova stared of to the small town in the distance. “I came here to think. Tomorrow I’m going to start in the School of Friendship. I’m not like you or mom, the two of you make friends so easily but except for my title there isn’t really any reason anyone would want to be my friend. I also fall short in being a leader like Mom and Dad. Ponies just won’t listen to me.” “Well I think you have a lot to offer a friend.” Twilight said as she flew up to her children. “Mom!” Midday cheered. “Middy thank your for finding you brother, but you need to tell somepony when you go off on your own.” Midday hung her head. “Sorry Mom.” Twilight then turned to Nova. “And as for you, young stallion, you know a lot about magic.” “Not as much as you do.” Nova said looking at his cutie mark focusing on the white center. “I had a lot longer to learn. The real problem is that you lack confidence because you keep comparing yourself to me. I know I can cast a long shadow Nova, that’s why I think it will do you some good to learn friendship somewhere else. You will find your way.” “So, can we please go back for your party?” Midday asked. “Daddy made our favorite, thin crust daisy and mushroom pizza.” She a big smile. Nova Spark took a deep breath and smiled. “That there is one spell I never can resist. I never could say no to that smile.” “It’s a magic all her own.” Twilight said. The next day Nova Spark stepped off the train at the Ponyville station. Luster Dawn was there to meet him. “Hi Nova Spark. Have a nice ride?” “It was just a twenty-minute ride on the maglev.” Nova said. Luster Dawn then blushed. “Oh right! I’m so used to teleporting or flying to places that I forget that we switched to those after those shock stone crystals began growing in a lot of places after the Alicorn Event.” Luster then mentally facehoofed herself. “Way to make yourself sound old Luster. What are you thinking? You are old compared to him! Yes, he is a nice guy and he is very good looking, but you’ve known him since he was in diapers! You even foalsat him a couple of times! Just put these feelings away.” “So, Mom said you were going to show me to her old castle where I’ll be living in? It’s right next to the school, right?” Nova lifted his luggage with magic. “Right this way, I can give you a tour of the town after your orientation at the school.” Luster Dawn pointed in the direction of the castle and smiled. As they trotted off Nova thought. “She does have a cute smile, but she will never be interested me. Luster probably still sees me as that colt that got zap apple jam on the spell she was working on. I still can’t believe she just laughed it off and tried to make me feel better. She deserves somepony better than me, somepony she could be proud of.” After a short time, they got to the castle. “I’ll take your things to your room while you get to orientation. As you can see the school is right over there.” Luster said going inside. Nova Spark took a deep breath. “Right, well here goes.” Starlight Glimmer was waiting right behind the front door. Naturally she had replaced the clothes that were shredded from her alicorn growth spurt. “Nova Spark, glad you’re here. Feel free to mingle with your new classmates and grab a syllabus, orientation will begin soon.” “Yes, headmare Glimmer.” Nova said. As he walked away Starlight could help but think back to the faculty meeting that they had last week. “I can’t believe that not only we’re going to have five aliens for students…” Trixie said. She was the only fastest to express her surprise and confusion. The other teachers, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream were in stunned silence. Sunburst was the only other staff member that knew the truth before the meeting. “Half aliens.” Starlight corrected. Trixie continued. “…but Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, wants us to spy on them! Her own son included!” Starlight opened her wings. “I know this all is strange but all we are supposed to do is observe them. Twilight said the truth of what they are was hidden from them so they could have normal childhoods. She believes these five coming together might shake something loose and we’ll learn how we can help their off world…cousins. And as near we can tell from scanning spells the only difference between them and others of their kind is that they two additional organs. One by the heart that seems the contain the energy that made them what they are and another near the stomach that we have no idea what it does.” Silverstream then asked. “So, I get that Prince Nova Spark is one of the five. Who are the others?” “I have the files right here.” Ocellus opened the first file. Back in the present Nova Spark picked up a syllabus. “Nova Spark! It’s been years.” It was a female griffon with brown fur, white feathers with blue highlights, and green eyes. “Airazor? Last time I saw you was at Junior Speedsters flight camp.” Nova Spark was surprised to see his old friend. “So, the second hybrid is Princess Airazor of the Griffonstone. Her and Nova Spark are the only ones who know each other.” Ocellus read. “She is the daughter of the appointed Queen Gilda and her husband Zephyr Breeze.” “That was a couple nocreature saw coming.” Scootaloo said. “How’d they have a kid? I didn’t think ponies and griffons could have children together.” “It’s not easy.” Silverstream answered. “The odds are very slim, and any children would be the same kind of creature as their mother.” “It was my aunt Fluttershy’s idea. There was a tiny little accident back home.” Airazor got her index talons close together. Ocellus continued to read. “It says here that her grades in science are excellent.” Sunburst readjusted his glasses. “That may be, but she can get carried away with her experiments. The last one Airazor did she literally blew the roof off her castle!” "I heard something about a explosion?" Nova asked. Airazor got an annoyed look on her face. “Those chemical compounds were theoretically stable!” “We’ll just have to make it clear to her that she can’t use the science lab without a teacher present.” Starlight said. Nova and Airazor were approached by a yellow muscular dragon with red wings and underbelly. He also had orange eyes and two straight horns at the back of his head. “Hey, name’s Grimlock. Could you two show me where my first class is.” The young dragon said trying to read a map. Smolder looked at the next file. “Wait a minute! One of the hybrids is my nephew Grimlock, and Garble and Maar never told me?” Starlight sighed. “With the exception of the those that were with Twilight when she learned about all this and the children’s doctors it was decided only the parents and some of the most powerful creatures like the rulers of the countries that they live in should know in order to protect them.” Smolder then shrugged. “Well this doesn’t change how I fell about him. He’s a sweet guy, loves video games, dreams of being a hero. There’s only one problem…” “I think your holding that map upside down.” Nova Spark flipped the map. “Thanks!” Grimlock pull Nova and Airazor into a crushing hug. “The world will thank you for this one day after I save it!” Grimlock’s tail was wagging like a puppy until it smacked a young male black buffalo with brown eyes in the face. “Hey, watch it!” the Buffalo shouted. “…he’s a bit of a klutz and I say that as a loving aunt.” “You mess with Cliffjumper you get the horns pal!” the Buffalo named Cliffjumper snorted and got ready to charge. “Oh, you better step off!” Grimlock aid with a bit fire coming out of his mouth. “Take it easy guys!” Nova Spark said as he and Airazor got between the two. “Yeah this is a friendship school remember?” Airazor added. Applebloom opened another file. “You’re not the only one learning the truth about a family member today. My cousin Braeburn’s son Cliffjumper is one too. His mother, Strongheart, became chief of the buffalo tribe when her father Thunderhooves retired. Cliffjumper has great pride in his buffalo heritage. He’s headstrong and has the Apple family stubbornness. Not a great combination but when he does a task, he goes at it like a stampede.” “He’ll be the first buffalo student we’ve had in three years.” Sunburst said. Cliffjumper took a deep breath and calmed down. “Just watch where you swing that thing.” Then the front doors swung open and what seemed like a pony in a cloak came in only her to throw it off revealing a zebra with gold colored stripes, blue eyes, and mark on her flank that looked like a sun in a tribal pattern shining a ray diagonally down. Sweetie Belle looked over the last file. “The last of these five would be unusual even if she wasn’t part alien. Sunstreaker is the school’s first zebra student.” “So, we’ll have to listen to a lot of rhyming.” Trixie said. “Only zebra shaman like Zecora talk in rhyme.” Applebloom corrected. Sunstreaker snapped into a pose. “Creatures of the School of Friendship! Your eyes do not deceive. You are graced by the beauty of the one and only Sunstreaker!” “I thought that zebras had black stripes?” Sliverstream asked looking at the picture of Sunstreaker. “According to the file she’s what’s called a Golden Zebra.” Sweetie Belle answered. “One is born every four or five generations and they are considered very beautiful to zebras, so it has made her a little vain. Sunstreaker’s parents are her father Zakkas and her mother Urula.” Applebloom got a surprised look on her face. “Zakkas? That’s the name of Zecora’s son. I was certainly surprised when she told me she told me she left her family behind for her mission to learn about the creatures outside of Zebraca. Is this Zakkas the same one?” Sweetie Belle looked over the file again. “We all were sad when Zecora was called back home after Twilight’s coronation.” Sweetie found a note in the file. “He is her son! Sunstreaker is Zecora’s granddaughter!” Nova Spark extended his hoof to Sunstreaker. “My mother Princess Twilight told me you were coming. She learned a lot from your grandmother. “A pleasure.” Sunstreaker said shaking his hoof. “I’m sure we’ll become good friends.” “Zecora knows the truth about her granddaughter. Since she came back to Zebraca she became one of the zebra king’s trusted advisors.” Starlight said. “Now we are going to teach them just like the other students. We just have to keep an eye out for if they say or do anything that might have to do with their alien heritage.” In the present Starlight began orientation. “Alright students, welcome to this semester of the School of Friendship. For those who are returning welcome back and for our new students in sixty days we’ll have our annual Friends and Family Day so you families can see for themselves the progress you’ve made. We hope that this and others will be an insightful experience for you.” She the muttered to herself. “Very insightful hopefully.” Fifty-three days later at the edge of the solar system the Darksyde came out of trans-warp cloaked. “Commander Starscream, we have arrived at the target system.” Blackout said. Starscream smiled. “Excellent now we begin the hunt for the Allspark.” Barricade then said. “Sir, regulation 374.373 requires that before we begin operations, we do a full scan of the system for all resources the mission requires and hold a briefing with senior staff discussing all threats, targets, and battle strategies. Failure to do so will result in a formal inquiry.” “And how long will this full scan take!?” Starscream growled turning to Soundwave. “Scan in progress. Soundwave reported. “Results of full scan in seven local solar cycles, target planet time.” “Seven solar cycles?! With the Allspark so close?! Can we begin the briefing now using incoming data? We can always update our plans later and I’d rather begin prepping our Vehicon drones for combat than sitting around waiting for scans. Emperor Megatron has been waiting for this for over four million stellar cycles and I do not wish to have him wait any longer for my…our triumphant return home with the Allspark.” Barricade thought for a moment. “It is permitted under subsection Gamma. But the full senior staff must be present.” Blackout activated the comm. “Demolisher, Knockout, repot to the bridge at once for a tactical briefing.” With a loud banging a large camo patterned Decepticon with a visor over one of his green eyes, treads on his legs, gun barrels on his shoulders, and missiles for fingers ran in. “Tactical briefing? That means we’re fighting soon! Oh, I can’t wait! It’s been too long since I blew something up!” “Protocol Demolisher.” Barricade warned. “Right, weapons officer Demolisher reporting for duty!” Demolisher saluted. Next walked in a red and white Decepticon with red eyes and wheels on his back. “Medical officer Knockout reporting for duty. I hope we can get through this without scratching my finish.” Starscream sat in his command chair and pointed to the main screen. “That depends on the resistance we’ll face. What do we know about this system so far Soundwave?” The large screen shown a model of the solar system. “System has orbital anomaly. Eight of the nine planets follow expected orbits of the class 4 star. The star orbits the remaining planet despite insufficient mass. Cause is energy field from target planet.” Knockout looked over the readings. “Well, the phenomenon doesn’t seem to be creating any electromagnetic fields or radiation that could cause us damage.” “Let’s focus on what’s important.” Starscream said. “Have you located the Allspark on that planet?” “Negative, no Allspark activity has been detected since initial incident.” Soundwave replied. “Are we sure that we’re even in the right star system?” Starscream was getting annoyed. “Scans of target planet show large energon deposits not consistent with geology. Crystals have grown in last twenty stellar cycles. Allspark is the only logical explanation.” “Looks like we’ll have to find it the old-fashioned way.” “Can we get to part where we blow something up please?” Demolisher asked. “I too want to know what kind of defenses these organics have.” Blackout added. “Local lifeforms have reached early industrial level of technology enhanced by energon. No space craft detected.” Soundwave reported. “We can take over the planet in five cycles with a long-range orbital bombardment!” Blackout said moving to the weapons station. “Hey that’s my post!” Demolisher yelled. “New data acquired.” Soundwave changed the display to an image of an alicorn. “The most populous intelligent lifeform on planet. Probability of dominance of planet 99.999%. Emits energy with matter altering properties. Energy match to field that alters stars orbit.” Blackout froze just as he was about to push the button that would fire the weapons. “We have to drop the cloak to fire.” Barricade said as he began to panic. “They could destroy this ship by throwing their sun at us. No Decepitcon ever encountered a weapon like this before! There are no regulations for this situation!” Starscream on the other hand was strangely calm. “Barricade relax, while it is true that we shouldn’t attack them from long range we can still use our ground bridge to send troops to the planet. They can’t leave so their greatest weapon would only result in their own destruction. We should hide the space bridge in orbit of one of the other planets in the system though.” Starscream then pointed to a wavelength on the screen. “Look at the energy pattern itself, doesn’t it look familiar? So long as we attack them on the planet itself, we have absolutely nothing to fear. Reclaiming the Allspark is just a matter of time now.” Two days later the Cutie Mark Crusaders were in the office they set up in town after they outgrew their tree house headquarters. Scootaloo was reading a letter and sighed. “What’s wrong?” Applebloom asked. “My parents have been having trouble studying this so-called Ghost Beast.” Scootaloo replied. “Ghost Beast?” Sweetie Belle sounded a little nervous. Scootaloo explained. “For the past five years creatures all over the world have seen a large hairy animal. Before anyone can identify it, the thing disappears in a swirl of light. My parents have spent almost a year tracking it down and all they’d learned is that it is roughly thirty hooves tall, has black fur, and stands on its hind legs. In this letter they almost got a look at its face, but it just disappeared. They’ve tried everything! Traps, bait, spells, traps with spells and bait. Nothing works!” It was then that someone knocked on their door. “Come in.” They all said. “Hello professors.” Nova Spark entered the office looking glum. Sweetie was the first to react. “Nova is something wrong? Did something happen between you and your friends?” “No, Grim, Cliff, Sun, Air, and me are just fine. We had a rough start, but we all are doing fine. It’s just…I have been feeling like my cutie mark is incomplete, like there should be something more there. My talent is that I am good at balancing two or more tasks at once especially spells. I talked to Counselor Trixie about this and she told me that not only do you help ponies find their talents, but you help others who are having problems with their marks.” Applebloom placed a hoof on Nova’s shoulder. “That is true but, we never had somepony say they felt they had an unfinished mark. What do mean by incomplete, how long have you been feeling like this?” “Since the beginning of the year, I guess. I just look at my mark feel like something is missing. That I’m not doing all that I can do and letting everyone down.” “I think most ponies feel like that at some point.” Scootaloo said. “Some feel that because they have a talent in something means they should be the best in the field but fall short. What they forget is that effort, practice, even luck plays a big part too.” Nova Spark perked up just a little bit. “I don’t think that’s my problem but maybe I should try to some new spells or combinations. Thanks.” “Just let us know if you need any more help.” Applebloom said as Nova left. She then turned to her friends. “So, do we think this is just a normal cutie mark problem or something to do with his alien side?” “Hard to tell.” Sweetie Belle said with Scootaloo nodding in agreement. “In either case Twilight would want to know if her son was having problems.” “Still we don’t tell others about ponies cutie mark problems. It’s a real personal thing.” Scootaloo added. Applebloom then had a thought. “Friends and Family day is just a few days away. Let’s wait for him to tell her and only inform her if he tries to avoid talking about it about afterwards.” The Crusaders didn’t see the event that was happening right outside. Nova Spark saw Luster Dawn helping Davenport unload sofas stacked on a wagon when the pile began to topple. While Luster held some up with her magic the two on top still fell but was then held up by the blue glow of Nova’s magic. He had rushed in to lift them and the pair found themselves almost muzzle to muzzle. “Thanks, that could have really hurt. I can always count on you.” Luster said blushing. Nova just smiled and said. “Let me help you unload these.” After they were done Luster asked. “So where were you heading before you saved my flank?” “I was going to look up some new spells to try. See if I can make a something new.” “Have you tried Kirin spells? My friend Summer Storm taught me a few.” “Spells made by other creatures…no, I never tried any, that could be what I’m looking for!” Nova leaped in excitement. Luster smiled knowing she could help Nova. “I know where some are in the castle library. Follow me! I’ll show you!” As they flew back to the castle Nova thought. “Keep it cool Nova. She just wants to repay your kindness; it is NOT a date.” At the same time Luster thought. “What are doing Luster? He’s going to think this is date! He’s been here for weeks and if anything, these feelings just got stronger! You must talk to Mom and Twilight about this! They can talk some sense into you!” That same day in orbit of Equus Soundwave stood on the hull of the Darksyde. “Lazerbeak eject. Operation: Covert Surveillance.” Soundwave’s chest opened and launched what looked like a large flash drive that flew into the atmosphere. Once it cleared reentry it shifted its form with an oscillating sound into a grey and black robotic bird. What no one could see was that Soundwave could see and hear everything Lazerbeak did. This was the best way the Decepticons could gain detailed information of the planet. Without a word Soundwave went back inside to continue his work. The night before Friends and Family day Nova Spark found himself dreaming, he was back in Canterlot but it was covered in fog. “Nova! Nova we need you!” a voice echoed in the air. “Dad?” Nova asked. “Hurry!” Nova Spark ran until he got to the throne room to find metal statues of his father, Spike, his sister, and his mother sitting on the throne. He first came to the statue of Midday Beam as it quickly began to rust. “Big brother… help me.” It said with her voice but when she became covered completely in rust, she fell into a pile rust flakes. “No!” Nova cried then turned to see Spike was almost covered too. “Nova you got to stop this!” Spike said as he fell apart. “Uncle Spike!” The next thing Nova knew the ceiling was torn off by a giant shadowy figure with red eyes. It stood on two feet and had a long tube on its right arm. “Son.” Flash cried falling apart like the others. Strangely Nova saw Grimlock flying toward the shadow. “Hold still so I can punch you!” Grim said but he just flew through the shadow as it laughed in mocking tone. Grimlock landed next to Nova. “Nova Spark? What are you doing in my dream?” “Your dream? This is my nightmare!” Nova snapped. “No! No!” the turned to see Airazor going through a pile of books while Griffonstone crumbled. “Got to find a way to stop it! But none of these books make sense!” Every page was covered in gibberish. “The flames!” Sunstreaker was running to them a savannah behind her covered in fire. “My home is burning!” “Get me out!” In the opposite direction Cliffjumper was in the middle of a lake struggling to keep his head above water. “I’m going to drown!” The shadow laughed again reaching his hand to the rusting statue of Twilight. “Stay away from her!” Nova Spark yelled. Then they all heard a roar from the distance. Cliffjumper was pushed out of the water, the flames were put out, the books vanished, and the Twilight was free of rust. The Shadow screamed in anger and pain as it broke apart. Then the Twilight statue glowed a violet light and a glowing younger version of the ruler of Equestria stepped out of it. “The time has come. Our world needs you all.” She said. Airazor realized what was happening. “Professor Ocellus told me about this. You’re the spirt of the Tree of Harmony!” The young Twilight nodded. “A darkness has come. But with it also comes a time to fulfill a promise made long ago.” They heard the roar again. “Find the Watcher in the Woods. He will help you maximize your potential.” A wind began to blow the five friends away. “Wait I don’t understand!” Nova Spark pleaded. “Transform your destiny!” Was the only reply the tree said. Nova Spark awoke with a gasp. Looking around his room he gathered his thoughts knowing what he needed to do. “I got to talk to the others.” He opened his window and flew down to the school entrance to find his friends sneaking out. “So, we all had that crazy shadow dream.” Cliffjumper said bluntly. “Should we really be doing this?” Airazor asked. “I never cut class before and our families are coming!” “Are you kidding?” Grimlock said punching the air. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole life! The Tree of Harmony has called us on a heroic quest! I’m sure everyone will understand.” Nova Spark thought for a moment. “Well if there really is a Watcher in the Woods then that means we have to go into the Everfree Forest.” Sunstreaker began to move. “My Majaja told me all about that place.” “Majaja?” Cliff asked. “It’s the word my kind use for grandmother. She lived in there for years.” The group followed their zebra friend. “I got a real bad feeling about all this.” Nova Spark said. Starscream was inspecting to vehicon drones. They were transformers without sparks. Identical in looks they were all black and silver with wheels on the ankles, guns on their forearms, and a single red visor for an eye. “Good, all ready for combat but I don’t think we’ll need more than a few.” “Good that means more targets me!” Demolisher said as Soundwave came into the bay. “Language decrypted. Prepare for download.” “Do we have to talk to the fleshies?” Knockout asked as he felt the new information pour into his head. “They probably know where the Allspark is.” Blackout then pounded his fists. “That means we can make them tell us! I’m going to love their pain!” Soundwave turned a nearby monitor on. It had a picture of Princess Twilight Sparkle. “Priority target identified. Leader of most powerful nation. Female.” “Then our first mission will be her capture. We’ll offer to spare he people if she tells us where the Allspark is.” Starscream said with his hand behind his back. Barricade pointed at the screen. “Sir! Regulation 45.867 states termination of enemy commander is required before conquest of alien world is considered complete.” Starscream turned to his political officer. “My dear Barricade you should always show compassion. It’s a good cover for your true motives.” Barricade got a look of realization. “Ah, regulation 2. Use false information to gain an advantage whenever possible.” “It is why we’re called Decepticons after all.” The sun was just coming up over the forest. “So, do we have any idea what this Watcher looks like?” Grimlock asked. “I think we’ll know when we see it.” Nova Spark said moving some branches aside to reveal a river. “Great more water.” Cliffjumper groaned. “Can your guys fly me and Sunstreaker over?” “That’s not a good idea. Look.” Sun pointed to an insect nest hanging over the river. “Flyders.” “Finding a way around could take a long time.” Airazor put her claw in the water. “It’s deep but not fast. We can swim across.” “You sure we can’t make a bridge or something?” Cliff asked looking nervous. Nova Spark turned to Cliffjumper. “If we make too much noise the Flyders are going to bite us. This about your nightmare last night, right?” “I live in the desert. I never learned how to swim.” Cliff hanged his head in shame. Sunstreaker took his hoof. “My Daja, my dad told me this story and Majaja told it to him. A young lion woke up one morning to find that the rains the night before flooded the river and the rock that he slept on was surrounded by water. But his friend a crocodile came up to him and said that the water won’t hurt him. Water is like friendship if you let it lift you up it will take you where you need to go.” She led her friend to the river and helped him float.” “This feels wrong.” Cliffjumper said but they made it to the other side. The other three following. “Let me dry you guys off!” Grimlock said ready to breath fire. “Grim wait!” Nova stopped him. “If you use too big a flame you could burn the whole forest down.” “Oops.” Grimlock said putting his flame out. “Let’s find a clearing and make a fire pit.” Airazor suggested. And they did just that, as they dried off something was circling around them. “You know this has actually been kinda fun.” Nova Spark said. “Going on an adventure with my friends just like my mom in her stories.” “And just like her you make a great leader.” Airazor yawned. “Leader? Me? No.” Cliffjumper chuckled. “Come on Nova you always keep this group from getting into trouble or help get our homework done on time.” “And you always know what to do when I’m feeling homesick.” Sunstreaker added. Airazor continued. “You’re smart and kind, you listen to all points of view.” “If it weren’t for you, I’d break like, twice as much stuff.” Grimlock patted Nova on the back. Nova Spark just shrugged. “I just, do what my mom and dad taught me that’s all.” Then something long, orange, and furry shot out of the trees and wrapped around Nova Spark lifting him up. It was the tail of a giant fox and it had four more. “A kitsune! At least five hundred years old by the number tails.” Airazor said taking off. “Hang on Nova!” Clifffjumper charged at the beast. “We’re coming buddy!” Grimlock said flying beside Cliffjumper. Just as Cliff was about to hit the kitsune’s leg he and Grim found themselves wrapped up too. Nova and Grim tried to use magic and fire to get out but the Kitsune waved its tails around throwing off their aim. “Lookout!” Airazor yelled as a stray magic bolt almost hit Sunstreaker. You hit high, I’ll hit it low.” Sunstreaker told Airazor as she got ready to kick the beast only for the last two tails to catch them. As the Kitsune began to lower Novaspark into its mouth they heard the same roar from the dream they all had. A tree was flung at the monster’s feet and a black furred beast that stood on two legs and had large hands grabbed the tail holding Nova and punched the Kitsune forcing it to drop its prey. “What is that?” Nova asked shocked. “It’s a gorilla from my homeland but I never seen one that big!” Sunstreaker said. The great ape pounded its chest and roared while the Kitsune whimpered and ran back into the forest. “Is this the Watcher in the Woods?” Cliffjumper asked. The gorilla tuned to the five and a glow came from its chest showing a small spark of light. Five more just like it arose from the group of friends but then all the sparks went back inside their bodies. “The dreams were true. You’re the children of Cybertron that are not of Cybertron.” Everyone looked at Sunstreaker confused. “Uh, gorillas don’t normally talk.” She said. “Don’t let my appearance fool you. It’s just another form I take. I am Optimus, an Autonomous Robotic Organism from the planet Cybertron or an Autobot for short.” Nova Spark stepped toward the Autobot. “Thank you saving us. I’m Nova Spark, these are my friends, Airazor, Grimlock, Cliffjumper, and Sunstreaker. A dream told us to find someone in this forest too.” Optimus nodded. “Come with me to my ship. There is much for you all to learn.” Chapter 2: Transformation pt.2Chapter two: Transformation pt.2 Back at the School of Friendship the first guests were arriving. “Grimlock must be getting better, the place is still standing.” Garble said. He had started wearing a green tie. “I just miss our little drake.” Maar was crying. “It seems like it was only yesterday I was teaching him to burp his ABC’s.” The purple dragon with rabbit like ears smiled at the memory. “Well Airazor knows better than to pick up that habit.” Gilda muttered; she now wore a silver tiara. “Now, now my chickadee let’s not bring any negative energy to our visit with our little princess.” Zephyr Breeze only wore a gold sash to show his status as prince consort and was now clean shaven. Nearby Braeburn was carrying an apple pie. “I’m sure Cliffjumper will enjoy this taste of home.” Braeburn said. The fully-grown Strong Heart now worn the traditional headdress of chief. “I really want to meet these friends he wrote about. I was worried you’d be the only non-buffalo he would even talk to.” The front doors opened. “The Ruler of Equestria, Princess of Friendship, and founder of this school Twilight Sparkle.” Gallus announced as Twilight and her family came in. No one saw the robotic bird fly above them as the doors closed. “Thank you, Gallus. Take this chance to visit your friends.” Twilight said as the griffon bowed and walked off. “My old friend it fills me with cheer, to see you and your family here.” It was Zecora and she looked like she was the same as when she lived near Ponyville. “Zecora, it’s good to see you too. Has Sunstreaker’s parents come with you?” Zecora got an annoyed look on her face. “They are not here, I fear. The Zebra King upholds our accord. But only I the guards on the airship did let board.” “Well she’ll be glad to see her grandmother. Now where is Nova Spark?” Starlight and Luster walked up to Twilight. “Princess not to alarm you but we haven’t seen Nova or the others all day.” Starlight said. “Luster says she might know something, but she wants to talk to us in private.” “One of the classrooms will do.” Twilight opened a door and stepped in. After the three were in Luster Dawn closed the door and sighed. “I don’t know about the others, but I think Nova Spark might be avoiding me. He must have figured it out. Mom, Princess, I have fallen in love with Nova Spark. I know! It’s inappropriate and I’m disgusted with myself!” Luster Dawn began to cry. “Luster, how long have you felt this way?” Starlight asked. “I always was fond of him, like a little brother, but since just before he came to Ponyville those feelings grew into something more.” “My most gifted student…” Twilight said. “…I would be very concerned if Nova Spark was still a colt. But he is eighteen, a grown pony. The Alicorn Event changed a lot of things that we are still adjusting to. Someday there will be creatures having feelings for each other that have a difference in age of hundreds or thousands of years. Celestia and Luna have to date much younger stallions. We are still learning but I think that since the two of you are adults there is nothing for you to be ashamed of. The important thing for you to do now is talk to him.” “But he left because I creeped him out!” “You don’t know that Sweetheart.” Starlight pulled her daughter into a hug. Twilight looked Luster in eye. “Luster Dawn. You should know Nova Spark always cared for you. I don’t know how he feels now or if he knows but if he has feelings you too then I would be very happy to one day welcome you into the family.” “That would make us in-laws.” Starlight said with a smile. “Don’t you think you two are jumping ahead little?” Luster blushed at the thought. “We’re just having some fun Luster. But we better increase the number of search parties.” Twilight looked out of the window. "I just hope that Nova and his friends playing hooky is all that’s going on.” “Our target is currently located in this small settlement.” Starscream pointed to an aerial photo Ponyville. He then scrolled the screen to fields south of the town. “We’ll ground bridge in here. Soundwave will stay and operate the bridge. The rest of us will attack with five vehicons as back up.” “At least one for each us just as the regs say.” Barricade said. “Yes. Blackout take us to ground bridge range. Today this planet is ours!” The five students follow Optimus to a lake in the far edge of Everfree. “Majaja never said anything about a lake in the forest.” Sunstreaker said. Optimus walked to the edge of the lake. “Teletraan One, extend boarding tube.” “Confirmed.” A voice from nowhere said as a lot of bubbles broke the surface of the water. “That was my ship’s computer. The only thing to keep me company for the past five years but also in that time I have been traveling, learning about Equus and its people.” Airazor flew in front of Optimus’ face. “That’s how long you’ve been on this planet? I still can believe I’m talking to an ALIEN!” “I do appreciate your excitement. But to answer your question I’ve been here for three and a half million years but I only came out of stasis five years ago.” “Stasis?” Cliffjumper asked. “A very long sleep.” It was then that a metal tube came out of the water and came to shore. It had a door with a symbol on it that looked like red face that opened on its own. “This way.” Nova Spark followed close with the others not far behind. “I know creatures that are over a thousand years old, but you got them beat by a lot.” They came into a large dark room. “Lights.” The whole room was lit up and there were large machines all over, many of them looked damaged. “Welcome to the Ark, excuse the mess. When I came out of trans-warp it was into a meteor storm forcing a crash landing, it has been hard to fix things by myself.” Cliffjumper gave a friendly punch to Grimlock’s side. “Hear that Grim, be extra careful not to break anything.” Airazor began flying around the room. “The level of science needed to make all this. It’s so amazing! I don’t know which one ask about first!” “Airazor my friend you sound like a filly in candy store.” Sunstreaker said. Optimus gave a small chuckle. “Come with me, this next room will be perfect for training.” “Training?” the five all said at once. Optimus led them to a mostly empty room with a control panel to the side. “Now for you to learn why we are all here.” Optimus pressed a few buttons and a hologram of a golden cube appeared. “This is the Allspark. One of Cybertron’s most sacred and important relics. It is the very source of life on Cybertron, the Spark that makes us more than mere machines and gives us an endless supply of Energon, the lifeblood of our people. However, like all great power there were those who coveted it. Thus, one of my kind, one who I’d once thought a friend tried to take the Allspark in hopes to turn it into a weapon; beginning the war. Megatron’s goal is nothing short of conquest of the whole universe and the enslavement of all organic life. To gain the Allspark Megatron recruited loyal followers that would use our people’s ability to transform to disguise themselves as a world’s own technology, to be deceptive constructs, so they took the name Decepticons.” Optimus changed the image to an icon of purple mask with what looked like a crown. “My fellow Autobots and I fought the Deceptions for countless eons, because it is our deepest belief that freedom is the right of all sentient beings. Other races in the universe began to call any life from Cybertron Transformers, no matter what side they were on. We kept the Allspark safe but when Megatron found a new devastating weapon the tide of war turned in his favor. I had no choice but to put the Allspark in an inert state and launched it into space. Lost among the stars. The Autobots lost the war and no new life has been born on Cyberton ever since.” The young creatures were stunned silent at this tale until Nova Spark spoke. “Optimus, we are so sorry. You must have lost friends in that war.” “Many good friends.” A tear fell down Optimus’ face. “But I’m confused, what does this have to do us or this darkness?” “Because the Decepticons are that darkness, they will certainly come because the Allspark is here on Equus. And I need your help to protect this world from the Decepticons.” “How do you know?” Airazor asked. “While I was in stasis Teletraan One was reactivated when it detected a massive burst of life energy eighteen years ago.” Nova Spark then made a realization. “Eighteen…The Alicorn Event. It made creatures ageless and made all of ponies into Alicorns! And that was it just waking up?” “Now you begin to understand. When it was clear that the war was lost and Cybertron grew dark, I left hoping to follow the Allspark’s path. Knowing it can restore our world.” “Why are you talking like we’re from Cybertron?” “During the War for Cybertron I received a vision from Primus, the creator that made the Allspark which is a fragment of his own. He asked me to stand before the Allspark to become a symbol that organic and mechanical life can co-exist in peace. Before I was all machine but now, I am fusion of technology and biological tissue. A Technorganic being just like the five of you.” “What?!” The group shouted. “Remember the lights that came out of you all?” Optimus asked. “No.” Grimlock said. Then everyone was staring at him. “Come on! A lot stuff has been happening today! It’s hard to keep track!” Optimus coughed and continued. “Those were your Sparks, energy that makes a transformer what they are. When you entered the Ark Teletraan One scanned each of you.” The hologram became a cross section of the five. “You have two things no other lifeform from this planet has, first is a spark chamber that holds your spark, second is a transformation cog or T-cog for short. It is the biomech that allows a cybertronian to transform. Eighteen years ago, when the Allspark awakened it must have made five embryos into tenchnorganics like me. The five of you, and I can prove it by teaching you to transform. This is the first step in your training and a vital one.” “There…there is no way that’s true!” Nova Spark’s horn flared with magic when he said this. “It’s okay Nova Spark, I’ll so show you.” Optimus went to the center of the room. “The first step is to feel the balance within yourself. You are not just one form and the balance between the two is just off slightly toward your current form. Feel your spark and use it to just slightly shift the balance the other way. If you do too much in either direction it won’t work.” The next thing everyone knew there was light covering Optimus. When it faded the flesh and fur were replace with metal. Optimus now had blue legs while his hands were still black. The rest of him was red. Then with an oscillating sound part of his legs folded over his feet making it look like he was wearing boots while at the same time extending. His face folded over his chest revealing another head that was blue with sold eyes in a lighter shade. He also had a face plate that split opened exposing his mouth. “This is the form I have had for most of my life. I know it might take some getting used to but I’m sure with practice you’ll be able to do it with barely a thought and greater speeds.” Airazor stepped forward. “Okay you proposed a hypothesis, that I am a transformer. The next step is to perform an experiment to prove or disprove the hypothesis.” She closed her eyes and envisioned things as Optimus said. The flash of light turned her body blue with pink highlighting her edges while her head was still white with a yellow beak but now metallic. She then stood upright with her knees reversing direction, her tail receded inside her. Next Airazor’s upper arms slid an outer layer over her forearms stopping at her wrists. Finally, her face slid over her chest showing another face under her usual with a beak like top, gray face and pink eyes. “Hypothesis confirmed!” Airazor leapt up spreading her wings. “I don’t even need to flap to fly! This is just the best feeling! It’s like I’ve been born all over again!” Airazor said with joy. Cliffjumper snorted. “I don’t know if I like this but if I’m going to try, I’ll give it all I got!” Cliff turned red with silver horns. The bulk of his sides folded over his limbs as he stood on two feet. Wheels were on his calves and his new arms ended in two large silver fists. Then his head split down the middle sliding onto his shoulders showing a new head covered in red except for his silver face, horns and blue eyes. “So, this is what it’s like to have hands. Yeah, I like it!” Cliffjumper said as he began punching the air. “If Cliffjumper can do it then so can I!” Grimlock said. The yellow parts of Grimlock turned green while the red turned yellow. Grimlock’s tail was pulled inside him while his head slid down his right arm. Out of his mouth a black hand came out while Grim’s chest spilt open while a new head folded out onto his shoulders closing after it was in place. Grimlock’s second head was black with two points on top and a large square jaw with fangs. He had a blue visor for eyes. “I feel so much stronger! I have superpowers!” Sunstreaker sighed. “I’d hate to do anything that might change my good looks but with all this evidence I may as well join in.” Sun went from mostly white with gold stripes to mostly gold with white stripes. Like Airazor and Cliffjumper her knees reversed and boot toes to popped out of her back hooves while her tail receded. Her front hooves opened for slender golden hands to come out. Sunstreaker’s face slid down like Airazor leaving only her now solid mane behind which now was on a gold face with two solid green eyes. She looked at her reflection in the metal wall. “Zebra or bot I’m still beautiful! Just a different kind of beautiful!” Nova Spark looked over the new forms of his friends. “I guess it’s *gulp* my turn. It shouldn’t be that hard, finding balance is my thing.” He took a deep breath. Nova turned white while the white part of his cutie mark turned blue. He could feel his face begin to slide down his he started to stand upright. “No!” He yelled surprising everyone as he turned back to normal. “No! Don’t you guys see what this all means?” “Uh, I get to live my dream and save the universe?” Grimlock said. “No! Well maybe. The point is our whole lives we thought we were one thing but we’re really something else! I thought I was a pony but I’m really a robot in disguise! My mom was dead center at the Alicorn Event! She had to have known about the Allspark so that means she knew what I was the whole time and never told me! She lied to me! Her son! If I’m really am her son! I don’t know who or what I am anymore! I need answers and she is going to give them to me!” With that Nova Spark teleported away. “Nova wait please!” Airazor cried. “Let him go Airazor.” Optimus said. “This is all a big shock for him, and he needs time to come to terms with the truth. This was my mistake, I was so eager to show you all the truth, so worried about coming threats, that I didn’t take your feelings into account.” Cliffjumper spoke next “I mean I think we all can understand how he’s feeling. This all so strange.” He said looking at his new hands. “I guess we’re just are enjoying the rush of these new abilities, so we DON’T think about what it all means for us.” Then the wheels on his calves lowered to the floor. “What are those for?” The next thing he knew he was speeding forward into Grimlock whose hand went back into the dragon mouth which began firing out blue blots of energy. One clipped Airazor’s wing causing her to crash into Sunstreaker whose mane fired a blue energy beam that Optimus just managed to duck. The whole thing caused the new transformers to changed back into old selves. Optimus looked at the pileup and sighed. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us.” “Any word from the missing students?” Flash Sentry asked Gallus and the teachers. “No, and I’m getting a bad déjà vu feeling of our first Friends and Family Day.” Gallus gestured to himself and his former classmates. “There’s no way anything like that would happen again right?” Silverstream asked. Twilight, Starlight, Luster, and Midday walked up. “I’m really getting worried now. The day is half over and nocreature has seen them.” Twilight said. Just then Nova Spark appeared. “Nova!” Midday Beam ran up to her brother and hugged him. Nova gave a small smile but then turned his attention to his parents. “You worried us there for a bit son. Where are your friends? Are they okay?” Flash asked. “They’re fine your majesty. Princess Twilight Sparkle, Prince Flash Sentry, may we have a private audience? There is a lot we need to talk about.” Nova said in a sullen tone. Twilight was confused. “Of course, Nova. Starlight may we borrow your office since it is so close?” “Well it was yours so of course.” Starlight Glimmer said. As the older members of her family walked away Midday looked worried. “This isn’t right.” “What do you mean?” Luster Dawn asked. “He was just following the proper protocol of royalty. I’ve seen lots of creatures do that with your parents. “But that’s just it! Mom said that me and Nova NEVER have to bother with that stuff with her and Daddy! Something’s wrong.” After the door to the office was closed Nova went right into what he wanted to ask. “When were you going tell me that I’m different from everypony?” Twilight sighed. “So, you found out. That explains why you were gone today.” “How much do you know?” Flash asked. Nova stomped his hooves shaking the books on the shelves. “I know enough! I know that me and my friends are part alien robots because of an item called the Allspark! That you know about it because it caused the Alicorn Event and everypony knows it started in the palace. You were there! All this time you’ve watching me, studying me like a lab rat!” Twilight tried to hold an air of calm. “Robots…no, that’s not important right now. Nova it is true that we were curious, and at first we didn’t tell you because I was asked to help who made this Allspark and we didn’t want you to feel that you didn’t belong.” “But as time went on, we just began to feel that telling you about all this didn’t matter.” Flash said. “Didn’t matter? Didn’t matter?!” Nova’s yell could be heard down the hallway. Twilight had tears welling up in her eyes. “No, it didn’t matter because the truth and whatever was done by that artifact would never change how we feel about you. You are our son, a kind and noble young pony, and we love you. No special destiny could ever be more important than that.” Nova reared up his horn glowing. “Special? You have no idea what all this Cybertronian stuff is doing to me! The burden placed on our shoulders! And you can never understand how it feels to be pulled between two worlds!” Nova gave a final stomp while teleporting away. Twilight began teleporting to various locations trying to find her son. “Nova! Nova I’m sorry!” A few minutes earlier to the south of Ponyville a swirling green portal opened and the Decpitcons exited. Blackout kicked the ground at his feet until no grass was touching him. “The sooner we find the Allspark and get off this infested rock the better.” Starscream got a wicked smile as the ground bridge closed behind him. “Agreed.” He then turned to the vehicons. “You five will circle the perimeter of the settlement and make sure nothing escapes until further orders are given. The rest of us will attack and draw the target out. Now Transform!” The vehicons turned into something akin to motorcycles but instead of a seat there were gun turrets. Barricade and Knockout transformed into cars and revved their engines. “First one to the settlement gets to blast the target of his choice.” Knockout said as his headlights flashed. “Nothing against it in the regs so I’m game for a race!” Barricade responded. Demolisher transformed into a tank with four short barrel guns and missile launchers on top. “Less talking more shooting!” Blackout jumped and transformed into a helicopter with twin Gatling guns on the side. “A good number of these meat bags can fly. I’m going to enjoy knocking them out of my airspace!” Lastly Starscream transformed a jet and hovered for a moment. “Finally, the time has come! Decepitcons attack!” The group went full speed to the town, guns popped out the sides of the two cars. The group began shooting the buildings, the townsfolk either running, flying away, or using shield spells the protect themselves from the metal things. Several stalls in the town square were either shot by Knockout or bulldozed by Barricade. “Flimsy!” Barricade said. “Yeah, you guys wouldn’t last a cycle on a cybertron turnpike!” Knockout taunted. Blackout looked at the top of Sugar Cube Corner. “What a kind of function could something so stupid looking have? How about a little off top?” The copter began blasting the top of the building before it collapsed. The Cake twins barely got everyone inside into the party cave in time. Demolisher was rolling up to the Carousel Boutique. “Now that looks like something fun to blow up! Hahahahaha!” Demolisher fired all his weapons at the store. Sandbar teleported Yona, a black cat, and himself out before the whole thing went up in a large explosion. “Yes! More, more!” Starscream fired his laser cannons at town hall, filling it with holes. He transformed be into robot mode landed on top of it. “Listen to me! If you creatures wish to survive then you will bring your leader, this Twilight Sparkle to me!” At that moment Nova Spark sat by the lake the Ark rested in. He stared into his own reflection. “Is this face really me? Or is it the other one I haven’t seen yet?” As he continued to stare, he saw the reflection of Optimus in his gorilla form. “What form you are in doesn’t make you who are. Your thoughts and feelings, that is you. The rest, is a container for those things.” Optimus said. “I apologize. I didn’t give you the time you needed to process all this.” Nova sighed. “I haven’t yelled at my parents like that since I was a colt, I don’t even remember what for. I feel so torn, what am I Optimus? A pony or a robot?” Nova asked looking straight at Optimus. “Both and neither. I don’t claim to know why Primus choose to make you the way you are, but I believe it is for a reason. This world has a harmony to it I have not seen in millions of years and it is part you. You have the gentle spirit of a pony and the power of a transformer. They make you stronger than either could be alone.” Suddenly Nova Spark heard Airazor’s voice in his head. “Optimus! We need you back inside!” Nova Spark jumped in surprise. “What the hoof?” “While you were gone, I showed the others how to use the commlink. I’ll show you how to later.” Optimus said. “Nova Spark and I are coming Airazor.” As the pair came in a loud klaxon rang. “I didn’t touch anything!” Grimlock said. Optimus transformed and went to a console with a live feed of what was happening in Ponyville. “Scanners picked something up.” Optimus had a stern look at the image of Starscream. “The Decepticons, they’re already here.” “This is bad.” Sunstreaker said. “Look at the size of them! We haven’t got used to our new bodies and Nova Spark hasn’t even transformed yet so we don’t know what he can do in his robot form! We don’t stand a chance if we fight them!” “Well can’t stand around here doing nothing, our families are there!” Clifferjumper stomped his hoof to drive the point home. “Wait!” Nova said. “My mom is there and so is the rest of the Council of Friendship! They faced all kinds of villains, and that was before Mom’s friends became alicorns too! They’ll use the magic of friendship to put those Decepticons in their place!” “Nova Spark you don’t understand!” Optimus began moving to another room while the others followed. “Remember the weapon I told you about, the one Megatron used to win the war?” They all nodded. The room had a large metal archway at one end opposite of the door. Optimus began interfacing with a set of controls. “Its power is threefold. I was protected from one by my organic side as all of you are but the second was on races that relied on the energies you call magic. If your mother tries to use it against the Decepticons it will end in disaster!” The archway made a green vortex. “This is a ground bridge, I used it to explore Equus. I set the coordinates to the town; I wish you all were much further along in your training, but this is the only way we can protect lives. I know it is dangerous but know that if things get bad, I’ll come and help.” “Well guess it’s time for me to become a hero.” Grimlock gulped. “We’ll do our best Optimus.” Airazor said as she and the others went through the bridge. After they were gone Optimus thought aloud. “Primus help us all if I need to intervene, if the Decepticons learn I’m on this planet they will report it to Megatron and you five are nowhere near ready face him.” Shortly after Starscream made his demands Twilight returned to the school after teleporting all over Equestria trying to find Nova. “I looked in all the places I could think of.” She said dejectedly. “Don’t worry Twi he’ll turn up.” Twilight looked to Rainbow Dash and the rest of her friends. “What are you all doing here?” Pinkie Pie gave Twilight a hug. “We wanted to surprise you silly.” “Flash told us what happened.” Fluttershy said. Rarity wrapped her wing around Twilight. “Don’t worry Darling. He’s probably just scared and confused right now. I’m sure he still loves you both.” Twilight looked at Applejack. “I was wrong, there never was going to be a right time to tell him.” “No, you weren’t.” Applejack said. “Keeping a secret and telling a lie aren’t always the same thing. He wouldn’t understand as a colt and if you told him before now, he would probably do the same thing. Like a rooster catching a pig in the hen house.” “Princess Twilight!” It was Daisy, Lily, and Rose. “The town is under attack by large monsters!” “Their leader says they’ll stop if you come.” “The Horror! The Horror!” Twilight turned to her husband. “Flash get Gallus and the other guards! Protect the townsponies!” “Right!” Flash said. “Girls come with me. I’d rather be facing a new threat to Equestria than think about how my son is mad at me anyway.” As Twilight and the others scrabbled to help no one noticed Midday Beam sneak out a window. “Mom’s going to beat the bad guys like in the stories! Nova’s going to wish he didn’t miss this!” Starscream saw six alicorns in the distance flying toward him. He focused his optics on the purple one taking point. “She’s here. Decepticons cease fire and rally to my position. Vehicons maintain the perimeter.” Starscream leapt down to the ground as the others joined him. Demolisher and Knockout transformed and stood to his left, Blackout and Barricade to his right. As the Council of Friendship landed Starscream introduced himself. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am Starscream of the planet Cybertron, commander of the Decepticon warship Darksyde. We are willing to end our attack on your people if you meet the following conditions. There is a cybertronian relic on this planet, tell us the location of the Allspark and surrender this world and its inhabitants to the rule of the Decepticon Empire and no other lifeforms need be harmed.” “Cybertronian…” Twilight whispered. “What is it Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “Nova Spark called the Artifact the Allspark. These are the aliens that are connected to it and him!” “These tin-plated varmints?” Applejack gave the robots the stink eye. Twilight stepped forward. “I know of this Allspark, it gave me a message and told me you need help. We have something that you might not know you need, and we offer it freely. We offer you friendship.” This made Blackout laugh. “Friendship? With inferior organic lifeforms?” “What did you say?” Rainbow Dash said flying to Blackout’s eye level. Starscream pointed his arm mounted gun at the rainbow pony. “You don’t realize what you are up against. Our weapons and technology far outstrip yours. Our empire has lasted for millions of stellar cycles, spans entire galaxies! We have conquered thousands of worlds and hundreds of species! And with the Allspark no one will stand in the way of our destiny of ruling the universe! So, let’s cut through the signal noise. Your only hope for survival is to give it to us!” Twilight took a deep breath. She looked to her friends who gave her confident looks. “I have faced many who think that they are more powerful than us. They thought that because we value friendship that we are weak, but again and again they fail!” The Mane Six glowed. “I have seen the power of this Allspark of yours and I will never let anyone use to hurt others! Do you want to know why our enemies fail? It’s because they never understand the what we hold dear is the greatest magic of all! That friendship is magic!” Midday Beam watched from an alley as a magic rainbow came up from the six mares and fell on the alien invaders. “Go Mom!” But as the rainbow faded the Decepticons looked unscathed. “I’m sorry was that supposed to do something?” Starscream said with a wicked smile. “It was pretty tough.” Demolisher chuckled while scratching his chest plate. “I don’t understand it never failed before!” Twilight was shocked. “Yeah usually one magic friendship rainbow laser and we win.” Pinkie Pie said slightly deflating. “Let me explain.” Starscream began. “Megatron, our lord and master, gifted his followers with dark energon.” Starscream’s and the others’ eyes and Decepticon emblems glowed a ghostly purple. “Among its benefits are enhancing our strength, reducing our power consumption, and completely nullifying any of the energy you call magic used against us! Your greatest weapon is useless as long as dark energon flows through our veins!” Starscream then pointed his gun at Twilight. You had your chance to cooperate, now I’ll show this world its useless to fight us by destroying the leader of the most powerful nation and they will blame you when we find the Allspark by tearing this planet apart!” “Twilight!” Flash Sentry flew between the beam and his wife using a shield spell Shining Armor taught him taking the shot point blank. The shield broke into pieces pushing the group away and flinging Flash a nearby building with his wings making a cracking sound before he groaned in pain. “Daddy!” Midday flew to her father’s side. Twilight rushed to her family. “I think his wings are broken!” A shadow fell over them. Twilight looked up to see Starscream standing over her, the other Decepticons laughing. “Starscream please, do what you want with me but don’t hurt my family!” Twilight could see a light rising from Starscream’s weapon before he said. “Begging, it’s what you organics do best.” “Leave them alone Starscream!” Everyone turned to see Nova Spark and his friends. “Nova Spark don’t!” Twilight pleaded. “The lifeforms on this planet are hopelessly stubborn!” Starscream growled. “Don’t you get it?! We are larger, stronger, and more powerful than you are! Compared to us you are lowly animals!” Memories echoed thought Nova’s mind. “Feel the balance within yourself.” “You will find your way.” “I can always count on you.” “Maximize your potential.” “Stronger than either could be alone.” “Transform your destiny!” Nova Spark once again turned white with the same shift in his cutie mark. As he went upright his knee shifted and a boot toe emerged. His front hooves opened, and blue hands came out. Like before his face slid down onto his chest leaving a white face with solid blue eyes framed by what looked like a box like blue helmet. What no one would notice until later was a symbol appeared as part of his cutie mark. “He’s technorganic…” Starscream was in shock as most of the Decepticons. Only Knockout did something by beginning a scan. “And he’s not the only one!” Airazor said as she and the others transformed. “Sweet Celestia.” Twilight whispered. Knockout then got a worried look on his face. “Starscream they have Autobot signatures.” “That not all. We have inherited their cause.” Nova Spark said holding his hand in front of him, his horn launched out of his chest becoming a spiral sword that he caught. It had a rounded section above the grip. “How did you do that?” Cliffjumper asked. “These forms are just as much a part of us as the ones we’ve had all of our lives. Don’t think of them as new or different and your instincts will let you do things you didn’t know you could.” Nova turned to Starscream. “You called us animals but both the technological and the organic maximize our potential. We’re not animals we’re Maximals!” “Maximals? I like the sound of that!” Grimlock said. “Enough of this!” Starscream yelled. “Scrap them! But this Nova Spark is mine!” The Decepticons attacked. “Try to get them to follow you to where they already attacked! We got to limit the risk of anyone else getting hurt!” Nova Spark ordered. Nova Spark spread his wings and took flight with Starscream while the rest took off in different directions. Cliffjumper tried to charge Barricade only for his fist to hit a purple rectangular force field. “And that is why they call me Barricade.” The larger bot said holding up his hand to project the field. The wheels on Cliffjumper’s legs lowered and began speeding around in circles. One of the spikes on his shoulders became charged with energy. “Like I say, mess with Cliffjumper…” He got behind Barricade and hit him behind his knees, causing him to collapse. “…and you get the horns!” “Let’s see you fight what you can’t see!” Blackout let a pulse out of his chest that hit Cliffjumper making his eyes go black. “My eyes!” “I got you Cliff!” Airazor dove in picking up her teammate. “You won’t get away you half-flesh filth!” Blackout transformed and followed them firing. “Any ideas?” Cliff asked. Airazor turned around with curved blade popping out the sides of her wings striking the just beneath Blackout's rotor. “Happy landings con.” “Nooooo!” Blackout crashed into the remains of a building. Cliffjumper’s eyes lit back up. “Good, that jerks party trick wares off. In another part of town Sunstreaker was under heavy fire. “There is no way a puny thing like you can match the fire power of the mighty Demolisher!” The Decepticon had his arms fold to point his shoulder guns at the Maximal. Sunstreaker pointed her arm and from the top a grappling claw shot out and latched on to a wooden beam. She leapt up and swung around the larger bot and kicked him the back making him stumble, twist, and fall on his back. “Firepower? Maybe.” Sun fired a beam from her head crest into Demolisher’s face knocking him out. “Brainpower? More than a match.” Knockout speeded by with Grimlock hanging on his hood. “Ready for a pit stop?” He hit the brakes sending Grim into a collapsed wall. Knockout transformed and a buzz saw blade replace his hand. “You don’t look so good.” Knockout said firing a gun in his other hand. Grimlock crossed his arms blocking the shots. “You wouldn’t know this but I’m a doctor. How about we do a little exploratory surgery and see what’s wrong?” Knockout’s blade spun at high speed. “Actually, I’d like a second opinion!” Grimlock’s hand went in his dragon head and he fired an energy bolt into Knockout’s chest blackening it. Knockout looked furious. “Do you know long it will take to buff that out?” Grimlock’s only response was firing more bolts shooting an arm off and forcing him to the ground. Looking around Knockout grabbed his arm. “Vehicons activate evacuation sequence.” In the skies high above Nova’s sword clash with Starscream’s claws. “You underestimated us. We may be smaller than you, but we are just as strong!” “You have no idea with whom you are dealing with!” Starscream shouted. “I waited too long and worked too hard for my triumphant return to Cybertron to let technorganic freaks like you get in my way!” Starscream slashed Nova giving him a small cut on his waist which began to leak a blue liquid as he fell to ground. Through the pain Nova Spark pushed his sword and it bent around the rounded section. He squeezed his finger on part of the grip that was really a trigger. A blue bolt fired and hit Starscream in the chest causing him to fall too. As he fell, he saw the Vehicons rolling in, firing their weapons at the Maximals to drive them off while the used magnetic arms to drag the Decepticons to an open ground bridge. “What? I didn’t order a retreat!” The two then hit the ground. “Nova Spark! Are you okay?” Sunstreaker asked. Nova got up. “I’m fine. I’m more solid now and this isn’t a deep cut. Guess this is energon.” The group then looked at Starscream who was standing up too. “Surrender Starscream, you’re out numbered!” Starscream saw the fifth vehicon coming up from behind them. “Never!” He flew up and fired at the drone blowing it up and knocking the Maximals on their faces. “You’d do that to one of your friends?” Nova asked looking up. “One lifeless vehicon is more than worth it to beat you! We have dozens more!” Starscream felt pain and covered the hole in his chest Nova made. “Don’t you think you’ve won! Our war is just beginning! You hear me! You’ll all pay!” Starscream then flew into the ground bridge portal and it vanished. The Maximals picked themselves up and put their weapons away up and walked back to the center of Ponyville were a lot of creature were gathering to see if the threat had passed. “Nova Spark!” Princess Twilight called. “I am so proud of you! You proved yourself a fine leader today. I knew all you needed was some confidence.” “I guess I just needed to find my own balance.” Nova said looking at his changed cutie mark. “Wow! Should we throw you a new markmitzva?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Has anyone found Airazor?” Gilda asked. “Right here mom.” Airazor raised her hand. Her parents were unsurprisingly shocked at her new look. “Princess is that you?” Zephyr Breeze asked. “It’s okay. We can all change back and forth whenever we want.” Cliffjumper explained. “That voice…” Braeburn said. “Cliffjumper?” Strongheart finished. “Grimlock is that you?” Grable asked. “A, B, C.” Grimlock burped though no one was sure how he did it as a robot. “That’s our little Grim.” Maar said. “Sunstreaker, is this a dream? Your body now has a metal gleam?” Zecora gasped. “No, Majaja, you’re not dreaming. Don’t I look beautiful?” Sunstreaker struck a pose. “How’s dad?” Nova Spark asked Twilight. “Their taking him to the hospital now. Thankfully it wasn’t one of the places attacked.” Twilight pointed to Flash Sentry being loaded onto an ambulance wagon. “Dad!” Nova moved toward his father when Midday Beam stood between them. “Go away!” Midday began using her magic to throw small bits of broken buildings at her brother’s metal body making clanging noises. “Middy?” Nova was confused. “Don’t call me that! You’re not my brother! You’re just like the thing that hurt Daddy! I never want to see you again!” Midday was shaking and had tears of anger. “Maximals do you hear me?” It was Optimus over the comms. “That explosion caused some real damage to you. I’m ground bridging you back for repairs.” When the portal appeared Airazor explained. “It’s just going to take us somewhere we can recover from our battle damage. We’ll be back.” “Mom?” Nova Spark looked at Twilight with concern. “Go, I’ll talk with your sister.” Twilight waved goodbye to him. “You can explain everything later.” And so, they went back to base. “Welcome back team.” Optimus greeted. “You performed exceptionally for your first mission. With no fatalities of the local population this what I hope to be just the first of your victories.” “It doesn’t feel like a victory.” Nova said. “My sister…Optimus she’s afraid of me!” “Give her time Nova. Like you she and others will need to adjust to the truth of what you are.” Optimus lead them to a room with five large boxes attached to one wall. “This is the medical bay. These repair chambers can fix your damaged bodies if it isn’t too severe.” The five Maximals each went into one chamber. “Rest and recover for now. The Decepticons will be doing the same. It is now a race to find the Allspark and end this war once and for all.” With that Optimus closed the chambers and the repairs began. “Knockout! Why did you retreat without my order?” Starscream demanded. “With all due respect commander. We were having our tailpipes handed to us by bots less than half our size! Barricade couldn’t stand, let alone fight! Blackout has crash trauma! It was hard getting them into the repair chambers because…oh yes, one them shot my arm off!” Knockout said trying to reattach his limb. “And Demolisher is still trying to reboot his systems!” Demolisher was on a metal slab still out cold while the other two were in chambers like the ones Maximals were in. “Well as commanding officer I should have priority treatment.” Knockout stopped and looked at Starscream’s chest wound. “Mostly superficial, minimal energon loss, but if that little white bot’s shot went just a little deeper, he could have snuffed your spark.” This made Starscream growl. “R-chambers are full. I could fix it if had both hands, so I need to get back to my own repairs.” Soundwave entered the room. “Megatron requests a briefing Starscream. Presence mandatory.” “I take it on the bridge.” The commander groaned as he left. “Hey Soundwave, help me reattach my arm.” Knockout said. Starscream stood before the main screen as the image of grey robot with a grey helmet like head and red eyes came on. “My Emperor.” He said as he kneeled. “Starscream, your exile was almost over. All you had to do was secure the Allspark and you may have had the chance to reclaim your former position. Why has this not happened?!” “We’ve run into a slight complication master. We’ve found an Autobot resistance cell on this planet, they interfered.” Megatron’s eye glowed purple and Starscream fell in pain like his veins were on fire. Small bolts of purple lightning danced on his body. “I will not except failure! Not from anyone, not for any reason!” “But master! They weren’t ordinary Autobots! They were Technorganic!” Starscream yelled in pain. The pain stopped and Megatron’s eyes returned to normal. “Technorganic? Was Prime with them?” “No, my Emperor. One of the native lifeforms said she seen the Allspark’s power. I think they used to make these technorganic Maximals.” Megatron snarled in disgust. “If you ever wish to return home Starscream then you will find the Allspark and destroy these abominations!”
Prologue: Spark of Friendship, Spark of LifeFIM: Justice, Bolts, and Gears Prologue: Spark of Friendship, Spark of Life Luster Dawn had been living in Ponyville for a little over a year now and she had already learned so much. “So that is how we learned that a broken promise is okay if things happen beyond your control. A true friend will understand.” Professor Silverstream said. Luster wrote her notes when out the window she saw a flash coming from Canterlot and then a rainbow-colored shock wave washed over her and everyone. This was a day that all the world of Equestria would forever be changed. When Luster awoke, she saw that she was now different. “Are these wings? I’m an Alicorn!” “You’re not the only one.” One of her pony classmates said. He like all the other ponies in her class were now Alicorns who were trying out new wings, horns, or both. “Does this mean we’re all princesses and princes now?” One of the young mares asked. Before anyone could answer a loud cheer could be heard outside of the classroom. “Mr. Spot?” Luster asked. The old spot covered Diamond Dog was the school janitor, but he was different. Before his coat was greying and he had to wear dentures but now he was holding them in his paw while having a full set of teeth in his mouth and all the grey was gone. He was young again. “I feel like a scrappy young dog again!” The door to the next classroom opened and Scootaloo came out. “I know I should be freaking out about this horn but look at my wings.” Scootaloo opened her now larger wings. “A dream I thought would never come true. I can finally fly!” Scootaloo almost hit the ceiling. “But how?” Luster asked. “Every creature please try to remain calm!” Luster turned to see the head-mare and vice-head stallion. Her parents Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst. “Mom, Dad! You're both as tall as Princess Twilight and you got that ethereal mane and tail thing going!” It was true their clothes were torn by their growth and the bags under their eyes were gone. Starlight looked like she had stars in her mane while Sunburst’s hair looked like it was made of fire. “It’s just something that happens for older Alicorns Luster.” “But why did this happen? First I saw flash of light from Canterlot and the next thing I knew I have these.” Luster said flapping her new wings flying shortly before falling back to the floor. Starlight lowered her head to look Luster in the eye, something she hadn’t had to do for years. “Sweetheart we need to stay here and try to keep everything under control here at the school. As Twilight’s student you should be able to easily have permission to see her and find out what happened. I just hope it wasn’t the Princess who did this.” “Why?” “Because she knows how got dang angry, I’d be if she did!” It was Applejack along with the rest of the Council of Friendship except for Spike. They were all in a similar state like Luster’s parents “She swore on our friendship she wouldn’t try something like this at my Granny Smith’s funeral! If we’re immortal, then I can never see her or my Mom and Dad ever again!” Applejack was so upset that she accidently fired a beam from her new horn making a hole into one of the classrooms. “Applejack, you and I still have our husbands and kids! You know best sister in-law, friends forever right? And we don’t know Twilight did this! For all we know it’s just one of Discords pranks!” Rainbow Dash tried calm Applejack down. “It’s not Discord. That Light almost destroyed him!” Fluttershy cried. “Personally, I suspect M.A. Larson.” Pinkie Pie said. Rarity paid no mind to what Pinkie said. “Darlings, the simple fact is we won’t know for sure until we hear it from the horse’s mouth. But as far I’m concerned the only problems this gives me is all the wardrobes I’ll have to replace with so many customers getting taller and needing wing holes. Mine included.” Luster Dawn raised her hoof. “In any event we need to get to Canterlot. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, since the four of us just got these wings can you so us how to use them?” After a long and shaky first flight the group arrived in the capitol and just like in Ponyville all ponies had become alicorns. “Twi better have a really good reason to do all this!” Applejack said with a snort. Luster then noticed something. “Wait a minute wasn’t the statue of the three villains over there?” Then they heard a scream. “That was Sunset Shimmer!” Fluttershy said. “She must be under attack from Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis!” Rainbow turned a corner. “No! They’re trying to save me from my tablet!” Sunset the alicorn said as what was her tablet in the human world shot at her. It had changed into a snarling mechanical scorpion with guns instead of claws or a stinger. Tirek now in his slightly muscular form with a black beard instead of a grey one held up a large piece of wall as a shield while Cozy who was back in her alicorn form shot back. The next thing everyone knew was a white yak fell from above and crushed the robot to pieces. “I’ll give this to the Yaks; their form is well suited for the smashing they love.” The voice that came from the yak was that of Chrysalis. She changed form that looked like a large reformed female changeling that was white and teal with pink wings, and teal hair and tail. “What in tarnation is going on here?” Applejack asked. “All I know is that there was this bright light…” Tirek said. “…that showed us the error of our ways…” Chrysalis continued. Cozy finished. “The next thing we know we were free and looking like this. Then we saw that thing was shooting at anything that moved. We had to help…and make up for all the bad things we did.” “I’m sorry I had to break your…whatever that was.” Chrysalis said to Sunset. Sunset waved her hoof. “I can buy a new one in the other world.” "So, you three were just zapped into good?” Rainbow said unbelieving. “Wouldn’t be the first time something like that happened.” Pinkie said. “Sunset what do you know about all this?” Rarity asked. “I had an appointment with Twilight to talk about importing the technology from the human world. The last time I saw her she just got this artifact the seaponies found. She said first she’ll investigate the past before we would talk about changing Equestria’s future. So, I went for a walk and then I saw a flash of light coming from the castle and then my tablet turned into that thing right after I woke up an alicorn.” “Then what are we waiting around here for?” Applejack asked. “You three are coming with us! I don’t know if this was all Twilight or if your had something to do with all this but we’re not letting you out of our sight.” Tirek held up his hands. “Even if this was some plot of ours with so many alicorns the three of us wouldn’t stand a chance. But we do owe Princess Twilight an apology and her guidance in what to do now so we will go with you.” “This day just gets crazier and crazier.” Luster Dawn said as the group made their way to the castle. They found a large crowd in front of it with many guards trying to keep everyone out. “So, are we all new rulers or not?” a mare with a with country accent asked. “Absolutely not!” Blueblood said. “If everypony becomes royalty then the titles and government system will become meaningless!” “Whatever!” a lady griffin said. “Look I’m happy to be young again but now the stores won’t give me my senior citizen discount!” Gallus who was in front of all the other guards tried to calm everyone down. “Listen we can’t let of you in! Not until we get word from either the Princess or Prince Flash Sentry! And with all the chaos this thing is causing we haven’t been able to send anycreature with clearance inside!” “Could you send us?” Luster asked. Ponies screamed at the sight of the supposed reformed villains. “Don’t worry we got them under control.” Luster then whispered. “We think…” Gallus flew up. “Oh, thank Grover! Okay the Council of Friendship and their...guests will go in and then we start addressing your concerns.” “Thank you, Gallus.” Fluttershy said. “You should take a break.” “Thanks professor but we’re too short staffed for that with all the chaos. If anyone other than the Princess needs your help right now it would be Spike. Last I saw him he wasn’t looking too good.” Gallus was right when they got to the throne room, he was laying on his side in front of the throne holding his stomach as he kept belching out scrolls. “Make it *burp* stop.” “Oh, my poor Spikey Wikey!” Rarity said almost pulling out a fainting couch. Sunset Shimmer ran forward. “All of you go on ahead. I'll do a sorting and reply all spell. Look at them all, there must be letters from Yakyakistan to Zebraca and beyond here demanding answers! Not even Twilight has the magical power to cast a spell over the whole world!” Spike pointed to a hallway. “Twilight’s *burp* in her room. *burp* haven’t seen *burp* her since she got that *burp* thing.” “What is this artifact?” Luster Dawn asked. “I’m really getting worried now. No one has seen Princess Twilight since this started and there is no way she would leave Spike like this if she could help it. And where is Prince Flash Sentry? He is captain of the guard why isn’t leading them?” The group came to the door to Twilight’s room and could hear moaning. “She’s in trouble! Hang on Twilight!” Pinkie Pie bucked the double doors open but after two seconds Rarity used her magic to close them almost the whole group was blushing. “Uh, was that her husband Flash Sentry?” Cozy asked. “What were they doing?” Rainbow scratched her head. “So, should we draw straws to see who tells one of our worst enemies the facts of life?” Pinkie Pie pulled book out of her flowing mane that had a picture of a bird and a bee on it. “It’s my fault and I gave Lil’ Cheese the talk last week.” As Pinkie lead Cozy away, a crash was then heard from the room. “Twilight! Twilight wake up!” they heard Flash yell. “Rainbow get a doctor!” Applejack said. After they got Twilight into bed Applejack questioned Flash as a doctor was performing a medical scan spell. Sunset and Spike had joined them. “So, what was happening before we found you two uh, rolling in the hay?” Flash sighed. “I’m not quite sure; Twilight was doing a spell to see if the artifact was dangerous which several unicorns did before we got it, but they never found anything.” “You mean that sphere on the table?” Luster Dawn asked pointing to a gold sphere with odd symbols on it that was a little bigger than her hoof. “What? But it was a cube.” Flash said as the sphere split into segments revealing a glowing light inside before shifting those segments and forming a perfect pyramid. “Never did that before. All I know is that when it was a cube it opened and it began pulling magic out her and not just any magic, it was the Magic of Friendship, rainbows and all. Then there was this burst of light and then I woke up with this coming out of my head.” Flash pointed to his horn. “Twilight’s eyes were glowing but before I could say anything it’s like I fell half asleep and we just went at it. I just couldn't help myself.” “So, Twilight didn’t know that thing would do all this. If I really have become immortal, then it’s not her fault. I got mad at her over nothing.” Applejack hung her head down. “Just like I was learning in class today.” Luster Dawn said placing her hoof at Applejack’s side. Twilight Sparkle stirred in her bed. “What happened?” she asked. Luster Dawn answered. “Well uh cliff notes version the artifact you were studying…” The artifact changed into a perfect cylinder. “Yeah it does that now. Anyway, it used your friendship magic to turn every pony in world into an alicorn as you can see, it also made some creatures younger, and it freed the three worst criminals in Equestria but it’s ok because it turned them good too. They haven’t done anything to us since this whole thing began.” “You’re forgetting that it turned my tablet into a killing machine.” Sunset said. “And it almost destroyed Discord! He’ll be recovering for weeks!” Fluttershy said giving the object the Stare. The only response was it changing shape into a cone. Twilight looked at the gathered trio of troublemakers. “We will discuss what to do with you later in the throne room. Guards escort them there and keep an eye on them. The rest of us need to talk about everything else in private.” “Before you go Cozy do you have any questions about what we talked about?” Pinkie asked. Cozy just seemed to stare into space as she walked away. “Good-bye childhood.” “Funny, Lil’ Cheese said the exact same thing.” After the door was closed Twilight spoke. “This is all I know, that object…” it shifted into a rectangular box. “… was found by the seaponies of seaquestria at the bottom of an underwater crater that dates back to the Mesoponic era.” “But that’s before any civilization!” Spike said who was feeling much better. “Yes, the only conclusion any archaeologist could answer with was that it had to have come from space which I can confirm beyond a doubt.” This led to gasps from the whole room. “While I was connected to it a voice spoke to me in my head. I could feel that this being was one of Life and Order. Which must be why as a being of Chaos Discord was hurt by its power. Most of it was jumbled but it called itself Primus and it said that we have what is needed to save his children. While Flash and I were…intimate, Primus said that he would give five of the children of our world the spark of life that his children have so that these five would be children of our world and his so his other children might understand. That we should raise them in our ways.” “I hate to interrupt your highness, but I am finished.” The doctor said. “Is she okay?” Flash asked. The doctor adjusted his glasses. “Well she is as healthy as a mare in her condition can be.” “Condition?” Twilight asked. “You are pregnant your majesty.” “Of course! While that was all happening, I felt something I could only describe as a presence enter my body.” Flash shook his head. “Now I remember! I saw it! A small ball of light no bigger than the tip of your horn. “It must have made sure we would conceive!” “And there must be four more like it out there! These children are being created so they can show the Magic of Friendship to an alien race!” Pinkie Pie interrupted. “Uh, while I get the super mysterious alien stuff, we’re overlooking something important. Twilight is having a baby!” This led to a bunch of cheers in the room. “Oh, I can’t wait to meet your foal Darling.” Rarity said. Rainbow spoke next. “The kid is going to be awesome no doubt!” “It is going to be so cute whether it’s a filly or a colt.” Fluttershy said. “I said it before, and I’ll say it again any relative of yours is practically family to us Apples.” “Thank you all I know my baby will…my baby…Sweet Celestia! I’m going to be somepony’s Mom! Somepony whose part alien!” Twilight jumped out of bed and began to pace. “What if the other kids pick on them because they would be so different? What if they have unique alien medical needs? Our atmosphere could be toxic to them and they will have to spend their whole lives in a bubble…a bubble!” “Twilight calm down! Whatever happens this baby will have our love and we will handle it together.” Flash said. Twilight took a deep breath and slowly calmed down. “Woah you haven’t Twilighted like that in Moons!” Spike said. Luster Dawn gave Spike a look. “Well given what we all learned and all the changes happening I think she is entitled to her first freak out in in a couple of decades!” Twilight smiled at her student. “Luster, thank you but I’m okay now…mostly. Right first thing we need to do is figure out who else might be having these hybrid children, and we have to address every creature being ageless which would mean we can still die from sickness and injury.” Then the artifact changed into an octagon shaped block. “But first we should find a place to keep this out of the wrong hooves. If it let me do all this by accident who knows what else this thing could do.” Twilight was silent for a moment. “Think about it everypony, this thing is from a civilization that is at least four million years old and travels through space and they NEED us to teach them about friendship! Who knows what we will learn from them! I feel like a filly on Hearthswarming Eve! I can’t wait!” What Twilight didn’t know was the energy from the artifact traveled through space at that moment and was picked up by the scanners of the Decepticon warship the Darksyde. “Air Commander Starscream! Your presence is required on the bridge.” A large purple and black humanoid robot said over the com. Another robot that was mostly red and white with a black head and large wings entered. “This had better be important Barricade. I was in the middle of a lubricate bath.” Starscream spun a wheel on Barricade’s shoulder with his clawed finger. “Just following regulation 478.364 sir.” “Stop leaking the regs political officer and report!” “Communication officer Soundwave has detected something on the scanners and as per regulation 782.492 Beta has sent the results back to the home world! We should be receiving new orders from Emperor Megatron soon!” Starscream pushed Barricade to the deck and walked up to a dark blue robot that had a metal face plate instead of a mouth, a red visor instead of eyes and a large plate on his chest that looked like it could open. “What did you find?” Starscream asked. “Energy signature detected.” Soundwave said in an echoey voice. “Signature is a 99.98% match to priority target.” “Priority target?” Starscream asked. Soundwave pulled an image on the screen of a gold cube with writing on it. “The Allspark! Well THAT should get me back into Megatron’s good graces. Soon my exile will be over, and I’ll be back on Cybertron and my rightful place as Megatron’s second in command. Where is it?” “Scans have placed Allspark location on a remote planet in an unexplored galaxy.” Soundwave showed an image of the planet while a light flashed. “Megatron has issued new commands. Operation Allspark Retrieval. Secondary objectives, construct space bridge to open new galactic theater of war, secure all local sources of Energon. Estimated travel time to target via trans-warp, eighteen stellar cycles.” Starscream tapped his chin. “Well that isn’t long compared to my three and a half million stellar cycle banishment. Blackout set course!” From the helm a grey robot with blades on his back and large red eyes turned after he set course. “Sir readings say that the planet is infested with…ug disgusting…organics! What if they are in possession of Allspark?” Starscream sat in his command chair. “The same thing we do to all organics we Decepticons encounter. We eradicate them all! Nothing shall stand between us and the Allspark!” Back on the planet Equus, deep in the Everfree Forest an ancient starship remains undiscovered by the native life of the planet. In that ship deep in stasis is a large red robot with a blue head that still dreams. “Optimus Prime, soon you must awaken. Soon the five children of Cybertron who are not of Cybertron will need you to guide and teach them. For they are the only ones who can help you protect this world from the coming darkness. The Autobot cause is not lost. They need you. Optimus Prime!” Eleven months after what had been named the Alicorn Event Twilight’s friends and family were waiting in the throne room for news on her foal. “I can’t believe I’m finally going to have a cousin!” Flurry Heart said flying up. “It’s been a long time coming.” Shining Armor said bringing his daughter down. Ever since he got his wings in the Alicorn Event he no longer got air sick. Flash Sentry walked up in front of the throne. He looked at the crowd and smiled. “It’s a colt!” There were cheers all around as a tired Twilight came in levitating a carriage with a small blue alicorn with a grey and purple mane and tail who was wiggling around looking at the world with his light blue eyes. “In honor of the spark of friendship that all of you lit in me…” Twilight said looking at her best friends. “…and the spark of life that gave him to us, I hereby present Prince Nova Spark!” Luster Dawn looked down at the colt and felt a warmth in her heart. “He’s beautiful.” “Franky I’m a little bit disappointed.” Discord said. “He’s part alien! I expected at least a pair of antennae!” Discord snapped his claw and a pair of metal antennae grew out of his own head. “Hey that’s my nephew you’re your talking about Discord!” Spike said. “Don’t listen to him Twilight.” Celestia said. “This little one is perfect the way he is.” Twilight looked down at her son. “Thank you Celestia but there is no need to worry. We know who the other children are and I’m sure just as the Rainboom bound me and my friends together the Event will do the same for them. I know one day he’ll show Equestria and beyond there is more to him than meets the eye.” Theme song Transformers! More than meets the eye! Transformers! Robots in Disguise! Maximals wage their battle to destroy… The evil forces of… The Decepticons! Transformers! More than they appear! Transformers! Justice, Bolts, and Gears! Maximals wage their battle to destroy… The evil forces of… The Decepticons! Transformers! Author's Note I know some might be mad but they left Rainbow and Applejack open to interpterion.
Chapter 1:Transformation pt.1Chapter one: Transformation pt.1 In the hills just outside Canterlot there was a peach colored alicorn filly with blue hair and violet eyes. Her cutie mark was the sun with a ray of light going straight down parting two clouds. “Nova Spark! Where are you, big brother?” “Up here Midday Beam!” Midday Beam flew up to a nearby cloud and found the teenage Nova Spark. His cutie mark was a red and white burst of light. “What are you doing here? You’re going to miss your going away party! This is our last chance to hang out before you leave for Ponyville tomorrow!” Nova stared of to the small town in the distance. “I came here to think. Tomorrow I’m going to start in the School of Friendship. I’m not like you or mom, the two of you make friends so easily but except for my title there isn’t really any reason anyone would want to be my friend. I also fall short in being a leader like Mom and Dad. Ponies just won’t listen to me.” “Well I think you have a lot to offer a friend.” Twilight said as she flew up to her children. “Mom!” Midday cheered. “Middy thank your for finding you brother, but you need to tell somepony when you go off on your own.” Midday hung her head. “Sorry Mom.” Twilight then turned to Nova. “And as for you, young stallion, you know a lot about magic.” “Not as much as you do.” Nova said looking at his cutie mark focusing on the white center. “I had a lot longer to learn. The real problem is that you lack confidence because you keep comparing yourself to me. I know I can cast a long shadow Nova, that’s why I think it will do you some good to learn friendship somewhere else. You will find your way.” “So, can we please go back for your party?” Midday asked. “Daddy made our favorite, thin crust daisy and mushroom pizza.” She a big smile. Nova Spark took a deep breath and smiled. “That there is one spell I never can resist. I never could say no to that smile.” “It’s a magic all her own.” Twilight said. The next day Nova Spark stepped off the train at the Ponyville station. Luster Dawn was there to meet him. “Hi Nova Spark. Have a nice ride?” “It was just a twenty-minute ride on the maglev.” Nova said. Luster Dawn then blushed. “Oh right! I’m so used to teleporting or flying to places that I forget that we switched to those after those shock stone crystals began growing in a lot of places after the Alicorn Event.” Luster then mentally facehoofed herself. “Way to make yourself sound old Luster. What are you thinking? You are old compared to him! Yes, he is a nice guy and he is very good looking, but you’ve known him since he was in diapers! You even foalsat him a couple of times! Just put these feelings away.” “So, Mom said you were going to show me to her old castle where I’ll be living in? It’s right next to the school, right?” Nova lifted his luggage with magic. “Right this way, I can give you a tour of the town after your orientation at the school.” Luster Dawn pointed in the direction of the castle and smiled. As they trotted off Nova thought. “She does have a cute smile, but she will never be interested me. Luster probably still sees me as that colt that got zap apple jam on the spell she was working on. I still can’t believe she just laughed it off and tried to make me feel better. She deserves somepony better than me, somepony she could be proud of.” After a short time, they got to the castle. “I’ll take your things to your room while you get to orientation. As you can see the school is right over there.” Luster said going inside. Nova Spark took a deep breath. “Right, well here goes.” Starlight Glimmer was waiting right behind the front door. Naturally she had replaced the clothes that were shredded from her alicorn growth spurt. “Nova Spark, glad you’re here. Feel free to mingle with your new classmates and grab a syllabus, orientation will begin soon.” “Yes, headmare Glimmer.” Nova said. As he walked away Starlight could help but think back to the faculty meeting that they had last week. “I can’t believe that not only we’re going to have five aliens for students…” Trixie said. She was the only fastest to express her surprise and confusion. The other teachers, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream were in stunned silence. Sunburst was the only other staff member that knew the truth before the meeting. “Half aliens.” Starlight corrected. Trixie continued. “…but Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, wants us to spy on them! Her own son included!” Starlight opened her wings. “I know this all is strange but all we are supposed to do is observe them. Twilight said the truth of what they are was hidden from them so they could have normal childhoods. She believes these five coming together might shake something loose and we’ll learn how we can help their off world…cousins. And as near we can tell from scanning spells the only difference between them and others of their kind is that they two additional organs. One by the heart that seems the contain the energy that made them what they are and another near the stomach that we have no idea what it does.” Silverstream then asked. “So, I get that Prince Nova Spark is one of the five. Who are the others?” “I have the files right here.” Ocellus opened the first file. Back in the present Nova Spark picked up a syllabus. “Nova Spark! It’s been years.” It was a female griffon with brown fur, white feathers with blue highlights, and green eyes. “Airazor? Last time I saw you was at Junior Speedsters flight camp.” Nova Spark was surprised to see his old friend. “So, the second hybrid is Princess Airazor of the Griffonstone. Her and Nova Spark are the only ones who know each other.” Ocellus read. “She is the daughter of the appointed Queen Gilda and her husband Zephyr Breeze.” “That was a couple nocreature saw coming.” Scootaloo said. “How’d they have a kid? I didn’t think ponies and griffons could have children together.” “It’s not easy.” Silverstream answered. “The odds are very slim, and any children would be the same kind of creature as their mother.” “It was my aunt Fluttershy’s idea. There was a tiny little accident back home.” Airazor got her index talons close together. Ocellus continued to read. “It says here that her grades in science are excellent.” Sunburst readjusted his glasses. “That may be, but she can get carried away with her experiments. The last one Airazor did she literally blew the roof off her castle!” "I heard something about a explosion?" Nova asked. Airazor got an annoyed look on her face. “Those chemical compounds were theoretically stable!” “We’ll just have to make it clear to her that she can’t use the science lab without a teacher present.” Starlight said. Nova and Airazor were approached by a yellow muscular dragon with red wings and underbelly. He also had orange eyes and two straight horns at the back of his head. “Hey, name’s Grimlock. Could you two show me where my first class is.” The young dragon said trying to read a map. Smolder looked at the next file. “Wait a minute! One of the hybrids is my nephew Grimlock, and Garble and Maar never told me?” Starlight sighed. “With the exception of the those that were with Twilight when she learned about all this and the children’s doctors it was decided only the parents and some of the most powerful creatures like the rulers of the countries that they live in should know in order to protect them.” Smolder then shrugged. “Well this doesn’t change how I fell about him. He’s a sweet guy, loves video games, dreams of being a hero. There’s only one problem…” “I think your holding that map upside down.” Nova Spark flipped the map. “Thanks!” Grimlock pull Nova and Airazor into a crushing hug. “The world will thank you for this one day after I save it!” Grimlock’s tail was wagging like a puppy until it smacked a young male black buffalo with brown eyes in the face. “Hey, watch it!” the Buffalo shouted. “…he’s a bit of a klutz and I say that as a loving aunt.” “You mess with Cliffjumper you get the horns pal!” the Buffalo named Cliffjumper snorted and got ready to charge. “Oh, you better step off!” Grimlock aid with a bit fire coming out of his mouth. “Take it easy guys!” Nova Spark said as he and Airazor got between the two. “Yeah this is a friendship school remember?” Airazor added. Applebloom opened another file. “You’re not the only one learning the truth about a family member today. My cousin Braeburn’s son Cliffjumper is one too. His mother, Strongheart, became chief of the buffalo tribe when her father Thunderhooves retired. Cliffjumper has great pride in his buffalo heritage. He’s headstrong and has the Apple family stubbornness. Not a great combination but when he does a task, he goes at it like a stampede.” “He’ll be the first buffalo student we’ve had in three years.” Sunburst said. Cliffjumper took a deep breath and calmed down. “Just watch where you swing that thing.” Then the front doors swung open and what seemed like a pony in a cloak came in only her to throw it off revealing a zebra with gold colored stripes, blue eyes, and mark on her flank that looked like a sun in a tribal pattern shining a ray diagonally down. Sweetie Belle looked over the last file. “The last of these five would be unusual even if she wasn’t part alien. Sunstreaker is the school’s first zebra student.” “So, we’ll have to listen to a lot of rhyming.” Trixie said. “Only zebra shaman like Zecora talk in rhyme.” Applebloom corrected. Sunstreaker snapped into a pose. “Creatures of the School of Friendship! Your eyes do not deceive. You are graced by the beauty of the one and only Sunstreaker!” “I thought that zebras had black stripes?” Sliverstream asked looking at the picture of Sunstreaker. “According to the file she’s what’s called a Golden Zebra.” Sweetie Belle answered. “One is born every four or five generations and they are considered very beautiful to zebras, so it has made her a little vain. Sunstreaker’s parents are her father Zakkas and her mother Urula.” Applebloom got a surprised look on her face. “Zakkas? That’s the name of Zecora’s son. I was certainly surprised when she told me she told me she left her family behind for her mission to learn about the creatures outside of Zebraca. Is this Zakkas the same one?” Sweetie Belle looked over the file again. “We all were sad when Zecora was called back home after Twilight’s coronation.” Sweetie found a note in the file. “He is her son! Sunstreaker is Zecora’s granddaughter!” Nova Spark extended his hoof to Sunstreaker. “My mother Princess Twilight told me you were coming. She learned a lot from your grandmother. “A pleasure.” Sunstreaker said shaking his hoof. “I’m sure we’ll become good friends.” “Zecora knows the truth about her granddaughter. Since she came back to Zebraca she became one of the zebra king’s trusted advisors.” Starlight said. “Now we are going to teach them just like the other students. We just have to keep an eye out for if they say or do anything that might have to do with their alien heritage.” In the present Starlight began orientation. “Alright students, welcome to this semester of the School of Friendship. For those who are returning welcome back and for our new students in sixty days we’ll have our annual Friends and Family Day so you families can see for themselves the progress you’ve made. We hope that this and others will be an insightful experience for you.” She the muttered to herself. “Very insightful hopefully.” Fifty-three days later at the edge of the solar system the Darksyde came out of trans-warp cloaked. “Commander Starscream, we have arrived at the target system.” Blackout said. Starscream smiled. “Excellent now we begin the hunt for the Allspark.” Barricade then said. “Sir, regulation 374.373 requires that before we begin operations, we do a full scan of the system for all resources the mission requires and hold a briefing with senior staff discussing all threats, targets, and battle strategies. Failure to do so will result in a formal inquiry.” “And how long will this full scan take!?” Starscream growled turning to Soundwave. “Scan in progress. Soundwave reported. “Results of full scan in seven local solar cycles, target planet time.” “Seven solar cycles?! With the Allspark so close?! Can we begin the briefing now using incoming data? We can always update our plans later and I’d rather begin prepping our Vehicon drones for combat than sitting around waiting for scans. Emperor Megatron has been waiting for this for over four million stellar cycles and I do not wish to have him wait any longer for my…our triumphant return home with the Allspark.” Barricade thought for a moment. “It is permitted under subsection Gamma. But the full senior staff must be present.” Blackout activated the comm. “Demolisher, Knockout, repot to the bridge at once for a tactical briefing.” With a loud banging a large camo patterned Decepticon with a visor over one of his green eyes, treads on his legs, gun barrels on his shoulders, and missiles for fingers ran in. “Tactical briefing? That means we’re fighting soon! Oh, I can’t wait! It’s been too long since I blew something up!” “Protocol Demolisher.” Barricade warned. “Right, weapons officer Demolisher reporting for duty!” Demolisher saluted. Next walked in a red and white Decepticon with red eyes and wheels on his back. “Medical officer Knockout reporting for duty. I hope we can get through this without scratching my finish.” Starscream sat in his command chair and pointed to the main screen. “That depends on the resistance we’ll face. What do we know about this system so far Soundwave?” The large screen shown a model of the solar system. “System has orbital anomaly. Eight of the nine planets follow expected orbits of the class 4 star. The star orbits the remaining planet despite insufficient mass. Cause is energy field from target planet.” Knockout looked over the readings. “Well, the phenomenon doesn’t seem to be creating any electromagnetic fields or radiation that could cause us damage.” “Let’s focus on what’s important.” Starscream said. “Have you located the Allspark on that planet?” “Negative, no Allspark activity has been detected since initial incident.” Soundwave replied. “Are we sure that we’re even in the right star system?” Starscream was getting annoyed. “Scans of target planet show large energon deposits not consistent with geology. Crystals have grown in last twenty stellar cycles. Allspark is the only logical explanation.” “Looks like we’ll have to find it the old-fashioned way.” “Can we get to part where we blow something up please?” Demolisher asked. “I too want to know what kind of defenses these organics have.” Blackout added. “Local lifeforms have reached early industrial level of technology enhanced by energon. No space craft detected.” Soundwave reported. “We can take over the planet in five cycles with a long-range orbital bombardment!” Blackout said moving to the weapons station. “Hey that’s my post!” Demolisher yelled. “New data acquired.” Soundwave changed the display to an image of an alicorn. “The most populous intelligent lifeform on planet. Probability of dominance of planet 99.999%. Emits energy with matter altering properties. Energy match to field that alters stars orbit.” Blackout froze just as he was about to push the button that would fire the weapons. “We have to drop the cloak to fire.” Barricade said as he began to panic. “They could destroy this ship by throwing their sun at us. No Decepitcon ever encountered a weapon like this before! There are no regulations for this situation!” Starscream on the other hand was strangely calm. “Barricade relax, while it is true that we shouldn’t attack them from long range we can still use our ground bridge to send troops to the planet. They can’t leave so their greatest weapon would only result in their own destruction. We should hide the space bridge in orbit of one of the other planets in the system though.” Starscream then pointed to a wavelength on the screen. “Look at the energy pattern itself, doesn’t it look familiar? So long as we attack them on the planet itself, we have absolutely nothing to fear. Reclaiming the Allspark is just a matter of time now.” Two days later the Cutie Mark Crusaders were in the office they set up in town after they outgrew their tree house headquarters. Scootaloo was reading a letter and sighed. “What’s wrong?” Applebloom asked. “My parents have been having trouble studying this so-called Ghost Beast.” Scootaloo replied. “Ghost Beast?” Sweetie Belle sounded a little nervous. Scootaloo explained. “For the past five years creatures all over the world have seen a large hairy animal. Before anyone can identify it, the thing disappears in a swirl of light. My parents have spent almost a year tracking it down and all they’d learned is that it is roughly thirty hooves tall, has black fur, and stands on its hind legs. In this letter they almost got a look at its face, but it just disappeared. They’ve tried everything! Traps, bait, spells, traps with spells and bait. Nothing works!” It was then that someone knocked on their door. “Come in.” They all said. “Hello professors.” Nova Spark entered the office looking glum. Sweetie was the first to react. “Nova is something wrong? Did something happen between you and your friends?” “No, Grim, Cliff, Sun, Air, and me are just fine. We had a rough start, but we all are doing fine. It’s just…I have been feeling like my cutie mark is incomplete, like there should be something more there. My talent is that I am good at balancing two or more tasks at once especially spells. I talked to Counselor Trixie about this and she told me that not only do you help ponies find their talents, but you help others who are having problems with their marks.” Applebloom placed a hoof on Nova’s shoulder. “That is true but, we never had somepony say they felt they had an unfinished mark. What do mean by incomplete, how long have you been feeling like this?” “Since the beginning of the year, I guess. I just look at my mark feel like something is missing. That I’m not doing all that I can do and letting everyone down.” “I think most ponies feel like that at some point.” Scootaloo said. “Some feel that because they have a talent in something means they should be the best in the field but fall short. What they forget is that effort, practice, even luck plays a big part too.” Nova Spark perked up just a little bit. “I don’t think that’s my problem but maybe I should try to some new spells or combinations. Thanks.” “Just let us know if you need any more help.” Applebloom said as Nova left. She then turned to her friends. “So, do we think this is just a normal cutie mark problem or something to do with his alien side?” “Hard to tell.” Sweetie Belle said with Scootaloo nodding in agreement. “In either case Twilight would want to know if her son was having problems.” “Still we don’t tell others about ponies cutie mark problems. It’s a real personal thing.” Scootaloo added. Applebloom then had a thought. “Friends and Family day is just a few days away. Let’s wait for him to tell her and only inform her if he tries to avoid talking about it about afterwards.” The Crusaders didn’t see the event that was happening right outside. Nova Spark saw Luster Dawn helping Davenport unload sofas stacked on a wagon when the pile began to topple. While Luster held some up with her magic the two on top still fell but was then held up by the blue glow of Nova’s magic. He had rushed in to lift them and the pair found themselves almost muzzle to muzzle. “Thanks, that could have really hurt. I can always count on you.” Luster said blushing. Nova just smiled and said. “Let me help you unload these.” After they were done Luster asked. “So where were you heading before you saved my flank?” “I was going to look up some new spells to try. See if I can make a something new.” “Have you tried Kirin spells? My friend Summer Storm taught me a few.” “Spells made by other creatures…no, I never tried any, that could be what I’m looking for!” Nova leaped in excitement. Luster smiled knowing she could help Nova. “I know where some are in the castle library. Follow me! I’ll show you!” As they flew back to the castle Nova thought. “Keep it cool Nova. She just wants to repay your kindness; it is NOT a date.” At the same time Luster thought. “What are doing Luster? He’s going to think this is date! He’s been here for weeks and if anything, these feelings just got stronger! You must talk to Mom and Twilight about this! They can talk some sense into you!” That same day in orbit of Equus Soundwave stood on the hull of the Darksyde. “Lazerbeak eject. Operation: Covert Surveillance.” Soundwave’s chest opened and launched what looked like a large flash drive that flew into the atmosphere. Once it cleared reentry it shifted its form with an oscillating sound into a grey and black robotic bird. What no one could see was that Soundwave could see and hear everything Lazerbeak did. This was the best way the Decepticons could gain detailed information of the planet. Without a word Soundwave went back inside to continue his work. The night before Friends and Family day Nova Spark found himself dreaming, he was back in Canterlot but it was covered in fog. “Nova! Nova we need you!” a voice echoed in the air. “Dad?” Nova asked. “Hurry!” Nova Spark ran until he got to the throne room to find metal statues of his father, Spike, his sister, and his mother sitting on the throne. He first came to the statue of Midday Beam as it quickly began to rust. “Big brother… help me.” It said with her voice but when she became covered completely in rust, she fell into a pile rust flakes. “No!” Nova cried then turned to see Spike was almost covered too. “Nova you got to stop this!” Spike said as he fell apart. “Uncle Spike!” The next thing Nova knew the ceiling was torn off by a giant shadowy figure with red eyes. It stood on two feet and had a long tube on its right arm. “Son.” Flash cried falling apart like the others. Strangely Nova saw Grimlock flying toward the shadow. “Hold still so I can punch you!” Grim said but he just flew through the shadow as it laughed in mocking tone. Grimlock landed next to Nova. “Nova Spark? What are you doing in my dream?” “Your dream? This is my nightmare!” Nova snapped. “No! No!” the turned to see Airazor going through a pile of books while Griffonstone crumbled. “Got to find a way to stop it! But none of these books make sense!” Every page was covered in gibberish. “The flames!” Sunstreaker was running to them a savannah behind her covered in fire. “My home is burning!” “Get me out!” In the opposite direction Cliffjumper was in the middle of a lake struggling to keep his head above water. “I’m going to drown!” The shadow laughed again reaching his hand to the rusting statue of Twilight. “Stay away from her!” Nova Spark yelled. Then they all heard a roar from the distance. Cliffjumper was pushed out of the water, the flames were put out, the books vanished, and the Twilight was free of rust. The Shadow screamed in anger and pain as it broke apart. Then the Twilight statue glowed a violet light and a glowing younger version of the ruler of Equestria stepped out of it. “The time has come. Our world needs you all.” She said. Airazor realized what was happening. “Professor Ocellus told me about this. You’re the spirt of the Tree of Harmony!” The young Twilight nodded. “A darkness has come. But with it also comes a time to fulfill a promise made long ago.” They heard the roar again. “Find the Watcher in the Woods. He will help you maximize your potential.” A wind began to blow the five friends away. “Wait I don’t understand!” Nova Spark pleaded. “Transform your destiny!” Was the only reply the tree said. Nova Spark awoke with a gasp. Looking around his room he gathered his thoughts knowing what he needed to do. “I got to talk to the others.” He opened his window and flew down to the school entrance to find his friends sneaking out. “So, we all had that crazy shadow dream.” Cliffjumper said bluntly. “Should we really be doing this?” Airazor asked. “I never cut class before and our families are coming!” “Are you kidding?” Grimlock said punching the air. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole life! The Tree of Harmony has called us on a heroic quest! I’m sure everyone will understand.” Nova Spark thought for a moment. “Well if there really is a Watcher in the Woods then that means we have to go into the Everfree Forest.” Sunstreaker began to move. “My Majaja told me all about that place.” “Majaja?” Cliff asked. “It’s the word my kind use for grandmother. She lived in there for years.” The group followed their zebra friend. “I got a real bad feeling about all this.” Nova Spark said. Starscream was inspecting to vehicon drones. They were transformers without sparks. Identical in looks they were all black and silver with wheels on the ankles, guns on their forearms, and a single red visor for an eye. “Good, all ready for combat but I don’t think we’ll need more than a few.” “Good that means more targets me!” Demolisher said as Soundwave came into the bay. “Language decrypted. Prepare for download.” “Do we have to talk to the fleshies?” Knockout asked as he felt the new information pour into his head. “They probably know where the Allspark is.” Blackout then pounded his fists. “That means we can make them tell us! I’m going to love their pain!” Soundwave turned a nearby monitor on. It had a picture of Princess Twilight Sparkle. “Priority target identified. Leader of most powerful nation. Female.” “Then our first mission will be her capture. We’ll offer to spare he people if she tells us where the Allspark is.” Starscream said with his hand behind his back. Barricade pointed at the screen. “Sir! Regulation 45.867 states termination of enemy commander is required before conquest of alien world is considered complete.” Starscream turned to his political officer. “My dear Barricade you should always show compassion. It’s a good cover for your true motives.” Barricade got a look of realization. “Ah, regulation 2. Use false information to gain an advantage whenever possible.” “It is why we’re called Decepticons after all.” The sun was just coming up over the forest. “So, do we have any idea what this Watcher looks like?” Grimlock asked. “I think we’ll know when we see it.” Nova Spark said moving some branches aside to reveal a river. “Great more water.” Cliffjumper groaned. “Can your guys fly me and Sunstreaker over?” “That’s not a good idea. Look.” Sun pointed to an insect nest hanging over the river. “Flyders.” “Finding a way around could take a long time.” Airazor put her claw in the water. “It’s deep but not fast. We can swim across.” “You sure we can’t make a bridge or something?” Cliff asked looking nervous. Nova Spark turned to Cliffjumper. “If we make too much noise the Flyders are going to bite us. This about your nightmare last night, right?” “I live in the desert. I never learned how to swim.” Cliff hanged his head in shame. Sunstreaker took his hoof. “My Daja, my dad told me this story and Majaja told it to him. A young lion woke up one morning to find that the rains the night before flooded the river and the rock that he slept on was surrounded by water. But his friend a crocodile came up to him and said that the water won’t hurt him. Water is like friendship if you let it lift you up it will take you where you need to go.” She led her friend to the river and helped him float.” “This feels wrong.” Cliffjumper said but they made it to the other side. The other three following. “Let me dry you guys off!” Grimlock said ready to breath fire. “Grim wait!” Nova stopped him. “If you use too big a flame you could burn the whole forest down.” “Oops.” Grimlock said putting his flame out. “Let’s find a clearing and make a fire pit.” Airazor suggested. And they did just that, as they dried off something was circling around them. “You know this has actually been kinda fun.” Nova Spark said. “Going on an adventure with my friends just like my mom in her stories.” “And just like her you make a great leader.” Airazor yawned. “Leader? Me? No.” Cliffjumper chuckled. “Come on Nova you always keep this group from getting into trouble or help get our homework done on time.” “And you always know what to do when I’m feeling homesick.” Sunstreaker added. Airazor continued. “You’re smart and kind, you listen to all points of view.” “If it weren’t for you, I’d break like, twice as much stuff.” Grimlock patted Nova on the back. Nova Spark just shrugged. “I just, do what my mom and dad taught me that’s all.” Then something long, orange, and furry shot out of the trees and wrapped around Nova Spark lifting him up. It was the tail of a giant fox and it had four more. “A kitsune! At least five hundred years old by the number tails.” Airazor said taking off. “Hang on Nova!” Clifffjumper charged at the beast. “We’re coming buddy!” Grimlock said flying beside Cliffjumper. Just as Cliff was about to hit the kitsune’s leg he and Grim found themselves wrapped up too. Nova and Grim tried to use magic and fire to get out but the Kitsune waved its tails around throwing off their aim. “Lookout!” Airazor yelled as a stray magic bolt almost hit Sunstreaker. You hit high, I’ll hit it low.” Sunstreaker told Airazor as she got ready to kick the beast only for the last two tails to catch them. As the Kitsune began to lower Novaspark into its mouth they heard the same roar from the dream they all had. A tree was flung at the monster’s feet and a black furred beast that stood on two legs and had large hands grabbed the tail holding Nova and punched the Kitsune forcing it to drop its prey. “What is that?” Nova asked shocked. “It’s a gorilla from my homeland but I never seen one that big!” Sunstreaker said. The great ape pounded its chest and roared while the Kitsune whimpered and ran back into the forest. “Is this the Watcher in the Woods?” Cliffjumper asked. The gorilla tuned to the five and a glow came from its chest showing a small spark of light. Five more just like it arose from the group of friends but then all the sparks went back inside their bodies. “The dreams were true. You’re the children of Cybertron that are not of Cybertron.” Everyone looked at Sunstreaker confused. “Uh, gorillas don’t normally talk.” She said. “Don’t let my appearance fool you. It’s just another form I take. I am Optimus, an Autonomous Robotic Organism from the planet Cybertron or an Autobot for short.” Nova Spark stepped toward the Autobot. “Thank you saving us. I’m Nova Spark, these are my friends, Airazor, Grimlock, Cliffjumper, and Sunstreaker. A dream told us to find someone in this forest too.” Optimus nodded. “Come with me to my ship. There is much for you all to learn.”
Chapter 2: Transformation pt.2Chapter two: Transformation pt.2 Back at the School of Friendship the first guests were arriving. “Grimlock must be getting better, the place is still standing.” Garble said. He had started wearing a green tie. “I just miss our little drake.” Maar was crying. “It seems like it was only yesterday I was teaching him to burp his ABC’s.” The purple dragon with rabbit like ears smiled at the memory. “Well Airazor knows better than to pick up that habit.” Gilda muttered; she now wore a silver tiara. “Now, now my chickadee let’s not bring any negative energy to our visit with our little princess.” Zephyr Breeze only wore a gold sash to show his status as prince consort and was now clean shaven. Nearby Braeburn was carrying an apple pie. “I’m sure Cliffjumper will enjoy this taste of home.” Braeburn said. The fully-grown Strong Heart now worn the traditional headdress of chief. “I really want to meet these friends he wrote about. I was worried you’d be the only non-buffalo he would even talk to.” The front doors opened. “The Ruler of Equestria, Princess of Friendship, and founder of this school Twilight Sparkle.” Gallus announced as Twilight and her family came in. No one saw the robotic bird fly above them as the doors closed. “Thank you, Gallus. Take this chance to visit your friends.” Twilight said as the griffon bowed and walked off. “My old friend it fills me with cheer, to see you and your family here.” It was Zecora and she looked like she was the same as when she lived near Ponyville. “Zecora, it’s good to see you too. Has Sunstreaker’s parents come with you?” Zecora got an annoyed look on her face. “They are not here, I fear. The Zebra King upholds our accord. But only I the guards on the airship did let board.” “Well she’ll be glad to see her grandmother. Now where is Nova Spark?” Starlight and Luster walked up to Twilight. “Princess not to alarm you but we haven’t seen Nova or the others all day.” Starlight said. “Luster says she might know something, but she wants to talk to us in private.” “One of the classrooms will do.” Twilight opened a door and stepped in. After the three were in Luster Dawn closed the door and sighed. “I don’t know about the others, but I think Nova Spark might be avoiding me. He must have figured it out. Mom, Princess, I have fallen in love with Nova Spark. I know! It’s inappropriate and I’m disgusted with myself!” Luster Dawn began to cry. “Luster, how long have you felt this way?” Starlight asked. “I always was fond of him, like a little brother, but since just before he came to Ponyville those feelings grew into something more.” “My most gifted student…” Twilight said. “…I would be very concerned if Nova Spark was still a colt. But he is eighteen, a grown pony. The Alicorn Event changed a lot of things that we are still adjusting to. Someday there will be creatures having feelings for each other that have a difference in age of hundreds or thousands of years. Celestia and Luna have to date much younger stallions. We are still learning but I think that since the two of you are adults there is nothing for you to be ashamed of. The important thing for you to do now is talk to him.” “But he left because I creeped him out!” “You don’t know that Sweetheart.” Starlight pulled her daughter into a hug. Twilight looked Luster in eye. “Luster Dawn. You should know Nova Spark always cared for you. I don’t know how he feels now or if he knows but if he has feelings you too then I would be very happy to one day welcome you into the family.” “That would make us in-laws.” Starlight said with a smile. “Don’t you think you two are jumping ahead little?” Luster blushed at the thought. “We’re just having some fun Luster. But we better increase the number of search parties.” Twilight looked out of the window. "I just hope that Nova and his friends playing hooky is all that’s going on.” “Our target is currently located in this small settlement.” Starscream pointed to an aerial photo Ponyville. He then scrolled the screen to fields south of the town. “We’ll ground bridge in here. Soundwave will stay and operate the bridge. The rest of us will attack with five vehicons as back up.” “At least one for each us just as the regs say.” Barricade said. “Yes. Blackout take us to ground bridge range. Today this planet is ours!” The five students follow Optimus to a lake in the far edge of Everfree. “Majaja never said anything about a lake in the forest.” Sunstreaker said. Optimus walked to the edge of the lake. “Teletraan One, extend boarding tube.” “Confirmed.” A voice from nowhere said as a lot of bubbles broke the surface of the water. “That was my ship’s computer. The only thing to keep me company for the past five years but also in that time I have been traveling, learning about Equus and its people.” Airazor flew in front of Optimus’ face. “That’s how long you’ve been on this planet? I still can believe I’m talking to an ALIEN!” “I do appreciate your excitement. But to answer your question I’ve been here for three and a half million years but I only came out of stasis five years ago.” “Stasis?” Cliffjumper asked. “A very long sleep.” It was then that a metal tube came out of the water and came to shore. It had a door with a symbol on it that looked like red face that opened on its own. “This way.” Nova Spark followed close with the others not far behind. “I know creatures that are over a thousand years old, but you got them beat by a lot.” They came into a large dark room. “Lights.” The whole room was lit up and there were large machines all over, many of them looked damaged. “Welcome to the Ark, excuse the mess. When I came out of trans-warp it was into a meteor storm forcing a crash landing, it has been hard to fix things by myself.” Cliffjumper gave a friendly punch to Grimlock’s side. “Hear that Grim, be extra careful not to break anything.” Airazor began flying around the room. “The level of science needed to make all this. It’s so amazing! I don’t know which one ask about first!” “Airazor my friend you sound like a filly in candy store.” Sunstreaker said. Optimus gave a small chuckle. “Come with me, this next room will be perfect for training.” “Training?” the five all said at once. Optimus led them to a mostly empty room with a control panel to the side. “Now for you to learn why we are all here.” Optimus pressed a few buttons and a hologram of a golden cube appeared. “This is the Allspark. One of Cybertron’s most sacred and important relics. It is the very source of life on Cybertron, the Spark that makes us more than mere machines and gives us an endless supply of Energon, the lifeblood of our people. However, like all great power there were those who coveted it. Thus, one of my kind, one who I’d once thought a friend tried to take the Allspark in hopes to turn it into a weapon; beginning the war. Megatron’s goal is nothing short of conquest of the whole universe and the enslavement of all organic life. To gain the Allspark Megatron recruited loyal followers that would use our people’s ability to transform to disguise themselves as a world’s own technology, to be deceptive constructs, so they took the name Decepticons.” Optimus changed the image to an icon of purple mask with what looked like a crown. “My fellow Autobots and I fought the Deceptions for countless eons, because it is our deepest belief that freedom is the right of all sentient beings. Other races in the universe began to call any life from Cybertron Transformers, no matter what side they were on. We kept the Allspark safe but when Megatron found a new devastating weapon the tide of war turned in his favor. I had no choice but to put the Allspark in an inert state and launched it into space. Lost among the stars. The Autobots lost the war and no new life has been born on Cyberton ever since.” The young creatures were stunned silent at this tale until Nova Spark spoke. “Optimus, we are so sorry. You must have lost friends in that war.” “Many good friends.” A tear fell down Optimus’ face. “But I’m confused, what does this have to do us or this darkness?” “Because the Decepticons are that darkness, they will certainly come because the Allspark is here on Equus. And I need your help to protect this world from the Decepticons.” “How do you know?” Airazor asked. “While I was in stasis Teletraan One was reactivated when it detected a massive burst of life energy eighteen years ago.” Nova Spark then made a realization. “Eighteen…The Alicorn Event. It made creatures ageless and made all of ponies into Alicorns! And that was it just waking up?” “Now you begin to understand. When it was clear that the war was lost and Cybertron grew dark, I left hoping to follow the Allspark’s path. Knowing it can restore our world.” “Why are you talking like we’re from Cybertron?” “During the War for Cybertron I received a vision from Primus, the creator that made the Allspark which is a fragment of his own. He asked me to stand before the Allspark to become a symbol that organic and mechanical life can co-exist in peace. Before I was all machine but now, I am fusion of technology and biological tissue. A Technorganic being just like the five of you.” “What?!” The group shouted. “Remember the lights that came out of you all?” Optimus asked. “No.” Grimlock said. Then everyone was staring at him. “Come on! A lot stuff has been happening today! It’s hard to keep track!” Optimus coughed and continued. “Those were your Sparks, energy that makes a transformer what they are. When you entered the Ark Teletraan One scanned each of you.” The hologram became a cross section of the five. “You have two things no other lifeform from this planet has, first is a spark chamber that holds your spark, second is a transformation cog or T-cog for short. It is the biomech that allows a cybertronian to transform. Eighteen years ago, when the Allspark awakened it must have made five embryos into tenchnorganics like me. The five of you, and I can prove it by teaching you to transform. This is the first step in your training and a vital one.” “There…there is no way that’s true!” Nova Spark’s horn flared with magic when he said this. “It’s okay Nova Spark, I’ll so show you.” Optimus went to the center of the room. “The first step is to feel the balance within yourself. You are not just one form and the balance between the two is just off slightly toward your current form. Feel your spark and use it to just slightly shift the balance the other way. If you do too much in either direction it won’t work.” The next thing everyone knew there was light covering Optimus. When it faded the flesh and fur were replace with metal. Optimus now had blue legs while his hands were still black. The rest of him was red. Then with an oscillating sound part of his legs folded over his feet making it look like he was wearing boots while at the same time extending. His face folded over his chest revealing another head that was blue with sold eyes in a lighter shade. He also had a face plate that split opened exposing his mouth. “This is the form I have had for most of my life. I know it might take some getting used to but I’m sure with practice you’ll be able to do it with barely a thought and greater speeds.” Airazor stepped forward. “Okay you proposed a hypothesis, that I am a transformer. The next step is to perform an experiment to prove or disprove the hypothesis.” She closed her eyes and envisioned things as Optimus said. The flash of light turned her body blue with pink highlighting her edges while her head was still white with a yellow beak but now metallic. She then stood upright with her knees reversing direction, her tail receded inside her. Next Airazor’s upper arms slid an outer layer over her forearms stopping at her wrists. Finally, her face slid over her chest showing another face under her usual with a beak like top, gray face and pink eyes. “Hypothesis confirmed!” Airazor leapt up spreading her wings. “I don’t even need to flap to fly! This is just the best feeling! It’s like I’ve been born all over again!” Airazor said with joy. Cliffjumper snorted. “I don’t know if I like this but if I’m going to try, I’ll give it all I got!” Cliff turned red with silver horns. The bulk of his sides folded over his limbs as he stood on two feet. Wheels were on his calves and his new arms ended in two large silver fists. Then his head split down the middle sliding onto his shoulders showing a new head covered in red except for his silver face, horns and blue eyes. “So, this is what it’s like to have hands. Yeah, I like it!” Cliffjumper said as he began punching the air. “If Cliffjumper can do it then so can I!” Grimlock said. The yellow parts of Grimlock turned green while the red turned yellow. Grimlock’s tail was pulled inside him while his head slid down his right arm. Out of his mouth a black hand came out while Grim’s chest spilt open while a new head folded out onto his shoulders closing after it was in place. Grimlock’s second head was black with two points on top and a large square jaw with fangs. He had a blue visor for eyes. “I feel so much stronger! I have superpowers!” Sunstreaker sighed. “I’d hate to do anything that might change my good looks but with all this evidence I may as well join in.” Sun went from mostly white with gold stripes to mostly gold with white stripes. Like Airazor and Cliffjumper her knees reversed and boot toes to popped out of her back hooves while her tail receded. Her front hooves opened for slender golden hands to come out. Sunstreaker’s face slid down like Airazor leaving only her now solid mane behind which now was on a gold face with two solid green eyes. She looked at her reflection in the metal wall. “Zebra or bot I’m still beautiful! Just a different kind of beautiful!” Nova Spark looked over the new forms of his friends. “I guess it’s *gulp* my turn. It shouldn’t be that hard, finding balance is my thing.” He took a deep breath. Nova turned white while the white part of his cutie mark turned blue. He could feel his face begin to slide down his he started to stand upright. “No!” He yelled surprising everyone as he turned back to normal. “No! Don’t you guys see what this all means?” “Uh, I get to live my dream and save the universe?” Grimlock said. “No! Well maybe. The point is our whole lives we thought we were one thing but we’re really something else! I thought I was a pony but I’m really a robot in disguise! My mom was dead center at the Alicorn Event! She had to have known about the Allspark so that means she knew what I was the whole time and never told me! She lied to me! Her son! If I’m really am her son! I don’t know who or what I am anymore! I need answers and she is going to give them to me!” With that Nova Spark teleported away. “Nova wait please!” Airazor cried. “Let him go Airazor.” Optimus said. “This is all a big shock for him, and he needs time to come to terms with the truth. This was my mistake, I was so eager to show you all the truth, so worried about coming threats, that I didn’t take your feelings into account.” Cliffjumper spoke next “I mean I think we all can understand how he’s feeling. This all so strange.” He said looking at his new hands. “I guess we’re just are enjoying the rush of these new abilities, so we DON’T think about what it all means for us.” Then the wheels on his calves lowered to the floor. “What are those for?” The next thing he knew he was speeding forward into Grimlock whose hand went back into the dragon mouth which began firing out blue blots of energy. One clipped Airazor’s wing causing her to crash into Sunstreaker whose mane fired a blue energy beam that Optimus just managed to duck. The whole thing caused the new transformers to changed back into old selves. Optimus looked at the pileup and sighed. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us.” “Any word from the missing students?” Flash Sentry asked Gallus and the teachers. “No, and I’m getting a bad déjà vu feeling of our first Friends and Family Day.” Gallus gestured to himself and his former classmates. “There’s no way anything like that would happen again right?” Silverstream asked. Twilight, Starlight, Luster, and Midday walked up. “I’m really getting worried now. The day is half over and nocreature has seen them.” Twilight said. Just then Nova Spark appeared. “Nova!” Midday Beam ran up to her brother and hugged him. Nova gave a small smile but then turned his attention to his parents. “You worried us there for a bit son. Where are your friends? Are they okay?” Flash asked. “They’re fine your majesty. Princess Twilight Sparkle, Prince Flash Sentry, may we have a private audience? There is a lot we need to talk about.” Nova said in a sullen tone. Twilight was confused. “Of course, Nova. Starlight may we borrow your office since it is so close?” “Well it was yours so of course.” Starlight Glimmer said. As the older members of her family walked away Midday looked worried. “This isn’t right.” “What do you mean?” Luster Dawn asked. “He was just following the proper protocol of royalty. I’ve seen lots of creatures do that with your parents. “But that’s just it! Mom said that me and Nova NEVER have to bother with that stuff with her and Daddy! Something’s wrong.” After the door to the office was closed Nova went right into what he wanted to ask. “When were you going tell me that I’m different from everypony?” Twilight sighed. “So, you found out. That explains why you were gone today.” “How much do you know?” Flash asked. Nova stomped his hooves shaking the books on the shelves. “I know enough! I know that me and my friends are part alien robots because of an item called the Allspark! That you know about it because it caused the Alicorn Event and everypony knows it started in the palace. You were there! All this time you’ve watching me, studying me like a lab rat!” Twilight tried to hold an air of calm. “Robots…no, that’s not important right now. Nova it is true that we were curious, and at first we didn’t tell you because I was asked to help who made this Allspark and we didn’t want you to feel that you didn’t belong.” “But as time went on, we just began to feel that telling you about all this didn’t matter.” Flash said. “Didn’t matter? Didn’t matter?!” Nova’s yell could be heard down the hallway. Twilight had tears welling up in her eyes. “No, it didn’t matter because the truth and whatever was done by that artifact would never change how we feel about you. You are our son, a kind and noble young pony, and we love you. No special destiny could ever be more important than that.” Nova reared up his horn glowing. “Special? You have no idea what all this Cybertronian stuff is doing to me! The burden placed on our shoulders! And you can never understand how it feels to be pulled between two worlds!” Nova gave a final stomp while teleporting away. Twilight began teleporting to various locations trying to find her son. “Nova! Nova I’m sorry!” A few minutes earlier to the south of Ponyville a swirling green portal opened and the Decpitcons exited. Blackout kicked the ground at his feet until no grass was touching him. “The sooner we find the Allspark and get off this infested rock the better.” Starscream got a wicked smile as the ground bridge closed behind him. “Agreed.” He then turned to the vehicons. “You five will circle the perimeter of the settlement and make sure nothing escapes until further orders are given. The rest of us will attack and draw the target out. Now Transform!” The vehicons turned into something akin to motorcycles but instead of a seat there were gun turrets. Barricade and Knockout transformed into cars and revved their engines. “First one to the settlement gets to blast the target of his choice.” Knockout said as his headlights flashed. “Nothing against it in the regs so I’m game for a race!” Barricade responded. Demolisher transformed into a tank with four short barrel guns and missile launchers on top. “Less talking more shooting!” Blackout jumped and transformed into a helicopter with twin Gatling guns on the side. “A good number of these meat bags can fly. I’m going to enjoy knocking them out of my airspace!” Lastly Starscream transformed a jet and hovered for a moment. “Finally, the time has come! Decepitcons attack!” The group went full speed to the town, guns popped out the sides of the two cars. The group began shooting the buildings, the townsfolk either running, flying away, or using shield spells the protect themselves from the metal things. Several stalls in the town square were either shot by Knockout or bulldozed by Barricade. “Flimsy!” Barricade said. “Yeah, you guys wouldn’t last a cycle on a cybertron turnpike!” Knockout taunted. Blackout looked at the top of Sugar Cube Corner. “What a kind of function could something so stupid looking have? How about a little off top?” The copter began blasting the top of the building before it collapsed. The Cake twins barely got everyone inside into the party cave in time. Demolisher was rolling up to the Carousel Boutique. “Now that looks like something fun to blow up! Hahahahaha!” Demolisher fired all his weapons at the store. Sandbar teleported Yona, a black cat, and himself out before the whole thing went up in a large explosion. “Yes! More, more!” Starscream fired his laser cannons at town hall, filling it with holes. He transformed be into robot mode landed on top of it. “Listen to me! If you creatures wish to survive then you will bring your leader, this Twilight Sparkle to me!” At that moment Nova Spark sat by the lake the Ark rested in. He stared into his own reflection. “Is this face really me? Or is it the other one I haven’t seen yet?” As he continued to stare, he saw the reflection of Optimus in his gorilla form. “What form you are in doesn’t make you who are. Your thoughts and feelings, that is you. The rest, is a container for those things.” Optimus said. “I apologize. I didn’t give you the time you needed to process all this.” Nova sighed. “I haven’t yelled at my parents like that since I was a colt, I don’t even remember what for. I feel so torn, what am I Optimus? A pony or a robot?” Nova asked looking straight at Optimus. “Both and neither. I don’t claim to know why Primus choose to make you the way you are, but I believe it is for a reason. This world has a harmony to it I have not seen in millions of years and it is part you. You have the gentle spirit of a pony and the power of a transformer. They make you stronger than either could be alone.” Suddenly Nova Spark heard Airazor’s voice in his head. “Optimus! We need you back inside!” Nova Spark jumped in surprise. “What the hoof?” “While you were gone, I showed the others how to use the commlink. I’ll show you how to later.” Optimus said. “Nova Spark and I are coming Airazor.” As the pair came in a loud klaxon rang. “I didn’t touch anything!” Grimlock said. Optimus transformed and went to a console with a live feed of what was happening in Ponyville. “Scanners picked something up.” Optimus had a stern look at the image of Starscream. “The Decepticons, they’re already here.” “This is bad.” Sunstreaker said. “Look at the size of them! We haven’t got used to our new bodies and Nova Spark hasn’t even transformed yet so we don’t know what he can do in his robot form! We don’t stand a chance if we fight them!” “Well can’t stand around here doing nothing, our families are there!” Clifferjumper stomped his hoof to drive the point home. “Wait!” Nova said. “My mom is there and so is the rest of the Council of Friendship! They faced all kinds of villains, and that was before Mom’s friends became alicorns too! They’ll use the magic of friendship to put those Decepticons in their place!” “Nova Spark you don’t understand!” Optimus began moving to another room while the others followed. “Remember the weapon I told you about, the one Megatron used to win the war?” They all nodded. The room had a large metal archway at one end opposite of the door. Optimus began interfacing with a set of controls. “Its power is threefold. I was protected from one by my organic side as all of you are but the second was on races that relied on the energies you call magic. If your mother tries to use it against the Decepticons it will end in disaster!” The archway made a green vortex. “This is a ground bridge, I used it to explore Equus. I set the coordinates to the town; I wish you all were much further along in your training, but this is the only way we can protect lives. I know it is dangerous but know that if things get bad, I’ll come and help.” “Well guess it’s time for me to become a hero.” Grimlock gulped. “We’ll do our best Optimus.” Airazor said as she and the others went through the bridge. After they were gone Optimus thought aloud. “Primus help us all if I need to intervene, if the Decepticons learn I’m on this planet they will report it to Megatron and you five are nowhere near ready face him.” Shortly after Starscream made his demands Twilight returned to the school after teleporting all over Equestria trying to find Nova. “I looked in all the places I could think of.” She said dejectedly. “Don’t worry Twi he’ll turn up.” Twilight looked to Rainbow Dash and the rest of her friends. “What are you all doing here?” Pinkie Pie gave Twilight a hug. “We wanted to surprise you silly.” “Flash told us what happened.” Fluttershy said. Rarity wrapped her wing around Twilight. “Don’t worry Darling. He’s probably just scared and confused right now. I’m sure he still loves you both.” Twilight looked at Applejack. “I was wrong, there never was going to be a right time to tell him.” “No, you weren’t.” Applejack said. “Keeping a secret and telling a lie aren’t always the same thing. He wouldn’t understand as a colt and if you told him before now, he would probably do the same thing. Like a rooster catching a pig in the hen house.” “Princess Twilight!” It was Daisy, Lily, and Rose. “The town is under attack by large monsters!” “Their leader says they’ll stop if you come.” “The Horror! The Horror!” Twilight turned to her husband. “Flash get Gallus and the other guards! Protect the townsponies!” “Right!” Flash said. “Girls come with me. I’d rather be facing a new threat to Equestria than think about how my son is mad at me anyway.” As Twilight and the others scrabbled to help no one noticed Midday Beam sneak out a window. “Mom’s going to beat the bad guys like in the stories! Nova’s going to wish he didn’t miss this!” Starscream saw six alicorns in the distance flying toward him. He focused his optics on the purple one taking point. “She’s here. Decepticons cease fire and rally to my position. Vehicons maintain the perimeter.” Starscream leapt down to the ground as the others joined him. Demolisher and Knockout transformed and stood to his left, Blackout and Barricade to his right. As the Council of Friendship landed Starscream introduced himself. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am Starscream of the planet Cybertron, commander of the Decepticon warship Darksyde. We are willing to end our attack on your people if you meet the following conditions. There is a cybertronian relic on this planet, tell us the location of the Allspark and surrender this world and its inhabitants to the rule of the Decepticon Empire and no other lifeforms need be harmed.” “Cybertronian…” Twilight whispered. “What is it Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “Nova Spark called the Artifact the Allspark. These are the aliens that are connected to it and him!” “These tin-plated varmints?” Applejack gave the robots the stink eye. Twilight stepped forward. “I know of this Allspark, it gave me a message and told me you need help. We have something that you might not know you need, and we offer it freely. We offer you friendship.” This made Blackout laugh. “Friendship? With inferior organic lifeforms?” “What did you say?” Rainbow Dash said flying to Blackout’s eye level. Starscream pointed his arm mounted gun at the rainbow pony. “You don’t realize what you are up against. Our weapons and technology far outstrip yours. Our empire has lasted for millions of stellar cycles, spans entire galaxies! We have conquered thousands of worlds and hundreds of species! And with the Allspark no one will stand in the way of our destiny of ruling the universe! So, let’s cut through the signal noise. Your only hope for survival is to give it to us!” Twilight took a deep breath. She looked to her friends who gave her confident looks. “I have faced many who think that they are more powerful than us. They thought that because we value friendship that we are weak, but again and again they fail!” The Mane Six glowed. “I have seen the power of this Allspark of yours and I will never let anyone use to hurt others! Do you want to know why our enemies fail? It’s because they never understand the what we hold dear is the greatest magic of all! That friendship is magic!” Midday Beam watched from an alley as a magic rainbow came up from the six mares and fell on the alien invaders. “Go Mom!” But as the rainbow faded the Decepticons looked unscathed. “I’m sorry was that supposed to do something?” Starscream said with a wicked smile. “It was pretty tough.” Demolisher chuckled while scratching his chest plate. “I don’t understand it never failed before!” Twilight was shocked. “Yeah usually one magic friendship rainbow laser and we win.” Pinkie Pie said slightly deflating. “Let me explain.” Starscream began. “Megatron, our lord and master, gifted his followers with dark energon.” Starscream’s and the others’ eyes and Decepticon emblems glowed a ghostly purple. “Among its benefits are enhancing our strength, reducing our power consumption, and completely nullifying any of the energy you call magic used against us! Your greatest weapon is useless as long as dark energon flows through our veins!” Starscream then pointed his gun at Twilight. You had your chance to cooperate, now I’ll show this world its useless to fight us by destroying the leader of the most powerful nation and they will blame you when we find the Allspark by tearing this planet apart!” “Twilight!” Flash Sentry flew between the beam and his wife using a shield spell Shining Armor taught him taking the shot point blank. The shield broke into pieces pushing the group away and flinging Flash a nearby building with his wings making a cracking sound before he groaned in pain. “Daddy!” Midday flew to her father’s side. Twilight rushed to her family. “I think his wings are broken!” A shadow fell over them. Twilight looked up to see Starscream standing over her, the other Decepticons laughing. “Starscream please, do what you want with me but don’t hurt my family!” Twilight could see a light rising from Starscream’s weapon before he said. “Begging, it’s what you organics do best.” “Leave them alone Starscream!” Everyone turned to see Nova Spark and his friends. “Nova Spark don’t!” Twilight pleaded. “The lifeforms on this planet are hopelessly stubborn!” Starscream growled. “Don’t you get it?! We are larger, stronger, and more powerful than you are! Compared to us you are lowly animals!” Memories echoed thought Nova’s mind. “Feel the balance within yourself.” “You will find your way.” “I can always count on you.” “Maximize your potential.” “Stronger than either could be alone.” “Transform your destiny!” Nova Spark once again turned white with the same shift in his cutie mark. As he went upright his knee shifted and a boot toe emerged. His front hooves opened, and blue hands came out. Like before his face slid down onto his chest leaving a white face with solid blue eyes framed by what looked like a box like blue helmet. What no one would notice until later was a symbol appeared as part of his cutie mark. “He’s technorganic…” Starscream was in shock as most of the Decepticons. Only Knockout did something by beginning a scan. “And he’s not the only one!” Airazor said as she and the others transformed. “Sweet Celestia.” Twilight whispered. Knockout then got a worried look on his face. “Starscream they have Autobot signatures.” “That not all. We have inherited their cause.” Nova Spark said holding his hand in front of him, his horn launched out of his chest becoming a spiral sword that he caught. It had a rounded section above the grip. “How did you do that?” Cliffjumper asked. “These forms are just as much a part of us as the ones we’ve had all of our lives. Don’t think of them as new or different and your instincts will let you do things you didn’t know you could.” Nova turned to Starscream. “You called us animals but both the technological and the organic maximize our potential. We’re not animals we’re Maximals!” “Maximals? I like the sound of that!” Grimlock said. “Enough of this!” Starscream yelled. “Scrap them! But this Nova Spark is mine!” The Decepticons attacked. “Try to get them to follow you to where they already attacked! We got to limit the risk of anyone else getting hurt!” Nova Spark ordered. Nova Spark spread his wings and took flight with Starscream while the rest took off in different directions. Cliffjumper tried to charge Barricade only for his fist to hit a purple rectangular force field. “And that is why they call me Barricade.” The larger bot said holding up his hand to project the field. The wheels on Cliffjumper’s legs lowered and began speeding around in circles. One of the spikes on his shoulders became charged with energy. “Like I say, mess with Cliffjumper…” He got behind Barricade and hit him behind his knees, causing him to collapse. “…and you get the horns!” “Let’s see you fight what you can’t see!” Blackout let a pulse out of his chest that hit Cliffjumper making his eyes go black. “My eyes!” “I got you Cliff!” Airazor dove in picking up her teammate. “You won’t get away you half-flesh filth!” Blackout transformed and followed them firing. “Any ideas?” Cliff asked. Airazor turned around with curved blade popping out the sides of her wings striking the just beneath Blackout's rotor. “Happy landings con.” “Nooooo!” Blackout crashed into the remains of a building. Cliffjumper’s eyes lit back up. “Good, that jerks party trick wares off. In another part of town Sunstreaker was under heavy fire. “There is no way a puny thing like you can match the fire power of the mighty Demolisher!” The Decepticon had his arms fold to point his shoulder guns at the Maximal. Sunstreaker pointed her arm and from the top a grappling claw shot out and latched on to a wooden beam. She leapt up and swung around the larger bot and kicked him the back making him stumble, twist, and fall on his back. “Firepower? Maybe.” Sun fired a beam from her head crest into Demolisher’s face knocking him out. “Brainpower? More than a match.” Knockout speeded by with Grimlock hanging on his hood. “Ready for a pit stop?” He hit the brakes sending Grim into a collapsed wall. Knockout transformed and a buzz saw blade replace his hand. “You don’t look so good.” Knockout said firing a gun in his other hand. Grimlock crossed his arms blocking the shots. “You wouldn’t know this but I’m a doctor. How about we do a little exploratory surgery and see what’s wrong?” Knockout’s blade spun at high speed. “Actually, I’d like a second opinion!” Grimlock’s hand went in his dragon head and he fired an energy bolt into Knockout’s chest blackening it. Knockout looked furious. “Do you know long it will take to buff that out?” Grimlock’s only response was firing more bolts shooting an arm off and forcing him to the ground. Looking around Knockout grabbed his arm. “Vehicons activate evacuation sequence.” In the skies high above Nova’s sword clash with Starscream’s claws. “You underestimated us. We may be smaller than you, but we are just as strong!” “You have no idea with whom you are dealing with!” Starscream shouted. “I waited too long and worked too hard for my triumphant return to Cybertron to let technorganic freaks like you get in my way!” Starscream slashed Nova giving him a small cut on his waist which began to leak a blue liquid as he fell to ground. Through the pain Nova Spark pushed his sword and it bent around the rounded section. He squeezed his finger on part of the grip that was really a trigger. A blue bolt fired and hit Starscream in the chest causing him to fall too. As he fell, he saw the Vehicons rolling in, firing their weapons at the Maximals to drive them off while the used magnetic arms to drag the Decepticons to an open ground bridge. “What? I didn’t order a retreat!” The two then hit the ground. “Nova Spark! Are you okay?” Sunstreaker asked. Nova got up. “I’m fine. I’m more solid now and this isn’t a deep cut. Guess this is energon.” The group then looked at Starscream who was standing up too. “Surrender Starscream, you’re out numbered!” Starscream saw the fifth vehicon coming up from behind them. “Never!” He flew up and fired at the drone blowing it up and knocking the Maximals on their faces. “You’d do that to one of your friends?” Nova asked looking up. “One lifeless vehicon is more than worth it to beat you! We have dozens more!” Starscream felt pain and covered the hole in his chest Nova made. “Don’t you think you’ve won! Our war is just beginning! You hear me! You’ll all pay!” Starscream then flew into the ground bridge portal and it vanished. The Maximals picked themselves up and put their weapons away up and walked back to the center of Ponyville were a lot of creature were gathering to see if the threat had passed. “Nova Spark!” Princess Twilight called. “I am so proud of you! You proved yourself a fine leader today. I knew all you needed was some confidence.” “I guess I just needed to find my own balance.” Nova said looking at his changed cutie mark. “Wow! Should we throw you a new markmitzva?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Has anyone found Airazor?” Gilda asked. “Right here mom.” Airazor raised her hand. Her parents were unsurprisingly shocked at her new look. “Princess is that you?” Zephyr Breeze asked. “It’s okay. We can all change back and forth whenever we want.” Cliffjumper explained. “That voice…” Braeburn said. “Cliffjumper?” Strongheart finished. “Grimlock is that you?” Grable asked. “A, B, C.” Grimlock burped though no one was sure how he did it as a robot. “That’s our little Grim.” Maar said. “Sunstreaker, is this a dream? Your body now has a metal gleam?” Zecora gasped. “No, Majaja, you’re not dreaming. Don’t I look beautiful?” Sunstreaker struck a pose. “How’s dad?” Nova Spark asked Twilight. “Their taking him to the hospital now. Thankfully it wasn’t one of the places attacked.” Twilight pointed to Flash Sentry being loaded onto an ambulance wagon. “Dad!” Nova moved toward his father when Midday Beam stood between them. “Go away!” Midday began using her magic to throw small bits of broken buildings at her brother’s metal body making clanging noises. “Middy?” Nova was confused. “Don’t call me that! You’re not my brother! You’re just like the thing that hurt Daddy! I never want to see you again!” Midday was shaking and had tears of anger. “Maximals do you hear me?” It was Optimus over the comms. “That explosion caused some real damage to you. I’m ground bridging you back for repairs.” When the portal appeared Airazor explained. “It’s just going to take us somewhere we can recover from our battle damage. We’ll be back.” “Mom?” Nova Spark looked at Twilight with concern. “Go, I’ll talk with your sister.” Twilight waved goodbye to him. “You can explain everything later.” And so, they went back to base. “Welcome back team.” Optimus greeted. “You performed exceptionally for your first mission. With no fatalities of the local population this what I hope to be just the first of your victories.” “It doesn’t feel like a victory.” Nova said. “My sister…Optimus she’s afraid of me!” “Give her time Nova. Like you she and others will need to adjust to the truth of what you are.” Optimus lead them to a room with five large boxes attached to one wall. “This is the medical bay. These repair chambers can fix your damaged bodies if it isn’t too severe.” The five Maximals each went into one chamber. “Rest and recover for now. The Decepticons will be doing the same. It is now a race to find the Allspark and end this war once and for all.” With that Optimus closed the chambers and the repairs began. “Knockout! Why did you retreat without my order?” Starscream demanded. “With all due respect commander. We were having our tailpipes handed to us by bots less than half our size! Barricade couldn’t stand, let alone fight! Blackout has crash trauma! It was hard getting them into the repair chambers because…oh yes, one them shot my arm off!” Knockout said trying to reattach his limb. “And Demolisher is still trying to reboot his systems!” Demolisher was on a metal slab still out cold while the other two were in chambers like the ones Maximals were in. “Well as commanding officer I should have priority treatment.” Knockout stopped and looked at Starscream’s chest wound. “Mostly superficial, minimal energon loss, but if that little white bot’s shot went just a little deeper, he could have snuffed your spark.” This made Starscream growl. “R-chambers are full. I could fix it if had both hands, so I need to get back to my own repairs.” Soundwave entered the room. “Megatron requests a briefing Starscream. Presence mandatory.” “I take it on the bridge.” The commander groaned as he left. “Hey Soundwave, help me reattach my arm.” Knockout said. Starscream stood before the main screen as the image of grey robot with a grey helmet like head and red eyes came on. “My Emperor.” He said as he kneeled. “Starscream, your exile was almost over. All you had to do was secure the Allspark and you may have had the chance to reclaim your former position. Why has this not happened?!” “We’ve run into a slight complication master. We’ve found an Autobot resistance cell on this planet, they interfered.” Megatron’s eye glowed purple and Starscream fell in pain like his veins were on fire. Small bolts of purple lightning danced on his body. “I will not except failure! Not from anyone, not for any reason!” “But master! They weren’t ordinary Autobots! They were Technorganic!” Starscream yelled in pain. The pain stopped and Megatron’s eyes returned to normal. “Technorganic? Was Prime with them?” “No, my Emperor. One of the native lifeforms said she seen the Allspark’s power. I think they used to make these technorganic Maximals.” Megatron snarled in disgust. “If you ever wish to return home Starscream then you will find the Allspark and destroy these abominations!”
