Author's Note

Hey, friends. Your old friend Joker here. Just as I have done with Ratchet, I am doing the same for Sideswipe. He is one of my favorite Autobots of the Bayverse universe (alongside Ratchet and Ironhide). Seeing how he was unfortunately underutilized in Michael Bay’s TF films, I like to give him more spotlight and character development. I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter.

P.S. I was feeling a little down earlier, but now I’m feeling much better. You guys are the best, and I appreciate your support and concern. Love you all.

Chapter 1: Sideswipe in Town

EARLY IN THE MORNING

“(Inhales, then exhales) Ahhhh, I do love the smell of awesomeness in the morning!” sighed the rainbow-haired pegasus. She was flying around the hills just outside of Ponyville with a certain companion right below her.

“What type of ‘awesomeness’ are you referring to, Dash?” he asked.

“You know, just you and me hanging around this early in the morning,” said Rainbow. “The sun is rising, the breeze is blowing, it’s a new day, everything! That’s what’s awesome!”

“(Chuckles) Indeed! Heh, I tell you, girl, driving around these big hills remind me of the time I used to race around the buildings on Cybertron!” he exclaimed. “If you ask me, those were the good old days before the war started.”

“Yeah, you told me all about it! I can’t even imagine what Cybertron is like! Oh, do they have clouds in your home planet?” Rainbow asked.

“Of course! Although, if I can be completely honest, clouds on planet earth are much better-looking.” the being stated.

“Really? That’s cool,” said Rainbow Dash.

Finally, they stopped before the entrance to Ponyville where they saw everypony exit their doors and yawn after getting a good night rest. As Rainbow landed on the ground and folded her wings, the Corvette Stingray car slowly ceased its motion. Suddenly, the car transformed into a bipedal robot mode. All the metal parts shape-shifted into their respective body parts to form this being. The metal titan stood next to Rainbow and waved his hand at the welcoming residents.

“Feeling good, Sideswipe?” Rainbow winked.

“Ahhh, yes, I’m good! So happy to take a break from driving for a few hours,” said Sideswipe. “Hmmm, you ponies have something for breakfast, don’t you?”

“Yep! I’m gonna go to Sugarcube Corner for some cupcakes. Wanna join me, buddy?” Rainbow asked.

“Uhh, Dashie, Cybertronians like me don’t eat anything organic, remember?” Sideswipe reminded.

“Oh, yeah! Right...” Rainbow blushed, rubbing the back of her mane. “I guess I’ll see you around after I’m finished with breakfast.”

“Very well then. Oh, and maybe later, I can race you to those mountains over there. We both know you can’t beat the fastest thing on wheels!” Sideswipe boasted.

“HA! As if! I’ll see you there, Swipey!” Rainbow waved, zooming away.

“Man, such a sweet boaster... just like me. Gotta love her, y’know? Anyway, I wonder what her students are doing right now.” Sideswipe thought.

He roller-skated to the School of Friendship where he saw several students lining up together. He also noticed a familiar purple alicorn taking note of their attendance. “Good morning, Twilight! You guys are up early this morning!” he greeted.

“Good morning, Sideswipe!” Twilight greeted back. “I’m having our students getting ready earlier to be on time for a special occasion: attending a stunt show of the Washouts!”

Hearing that name caused the Autobot to raise his metal brow in confusion. “The Washouts? Who are they exactly?” he asked.

“They are a group of highly trained and professional pegasi who perform various stunts. You can come and join us if you want.” Twilight offered.

“I would love to, Twilight, but I have some things to search and discover within the Everfree Forest,” said Sideswipe. “I know there is more energon around that we can both utilize for our good purposes. But thanks for the offer.”

“Oh ok. That’s fine,” said Twilight before turning to her students. “Everyone, say hello to Sideswipe!”

“HI, SIDESWIPE!!” all the students happily yelled. The Young Six in particular came near to the Autobot warrior and gazed on him.

“Yona like Sideswipe! Sideswipe best Autobot!!” Yona said, pounding on the grass.

“I admire your smooth blades, Sideswipe! They look so cool!” Silverstream added. “Can we see them please?”

“Can you transform into your vehicle car box thing again, Sideswipe sir?” Ocellus asked. “I just wish that I and the other changelings are like Transformers.”

“Hey, there, young ones. I understand your love and admiration for me, but I believe that your Headmare Twilight Sparkle has a trip in mind for you all. Right now is not a good time for you guys to see my features.” Sideswipe reminded.

“Awwwwww!!!” the students said, disappointed.

“However, if your Headmare permits you, you can see my features and vehicle mode after this... Washouts thing is over. How does that sound for you younglings, hm?” Sideswipe suggested.

The students looked at Twilight for approval; once she graciously nodded, they looked at each other before excitedly nodding their heads. Twilight smiled and turned to the students. “Great! Follow me! See you later, Sideswipe!”

Sideswipe smiled as Twilight and her students departed from the school premises and went their way. He then wondered around the town while saying hello to those who greeted him. Being friends with those from another world like this one reminded him of the best times he had with the other Autobots and human allies back on earth.

“Man, those were the good times,” thought Sideswipe. “I guess that space bridge incident with Sentinel Prime’s remaining pillars wasn’t such a bad accident after all.”

LATER ON

Rainbow Dash finished her breakfast at Sugarcube Corner. Afterwards, she decided to go to her own fan club where her biggest fan Scootaloo was holding a meeting with the other fans. Once she quietly landed outside, she began to eavesdrop on what was being said inside the fan club as usual. “This ought to be good. I wonder what awesome things they have to say about me this time.” Rainbow whispered to herself.

“Order, order, everypony!” the young pegasus spoke, stomping on the podium. All the fans turned their attention on her as she began. “I hereby call to order this meeting of the Rainbow Dash fan club!”

Rainbow smirked as she eagerly awaited her words. “The first order of business: let’s celebrate the one and only Rainbow Dash! Yay, she’s amazing; now, if there is nothing else that concludes this meeting of the Rainbow Dash fan club, thank you all for coming! Any questions?” Scootaloo speedily spoke.

The fans were all puzzled while thinking if they should ask why this meeting was closing this early or if they should ask if Scootaloo was having any other plans they should know about.

“Huh?” Rainbow wondered, confused by the turn of events. She then noticed the filly pushing the fans out of the clubhouse in a rather excited mood. “What’s going on?” she thought.

The next thing she spotted was very shocking: Scootaloo took down everything related to Rainbow Dash and hung posters of the so-called Washouts on every wall of the clubhouse. Rainbow gasped in surprise.