Transformers and Equestria Girls: Robots in Disguise

Chapters

Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 1
Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 2
Recon Misson and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 3
Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 4
Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 5
Friendship Games, Part 7/The Rainbooms Meet The Autobots
Recon Team/The Power of Dark Energon
Guardians for the Rainbooms
A Brand New Friendship
Adjusting
Agent Fowler Captured/Rescue Plan
Rescuing Fowler/Everfree Recon Battle, Part 1
Rescuing Fowler/Everfree Recon Battle, Part 2
Rescuing Fowler/Everfree Recon Battle, Part 3
Comfort from a Prime
The Tragic Voyage
Rainbow Rocks
Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 6

Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 1

During the starting peak from the light of dawn, the Ark’s systems started rebooting back online, “Deactivating cryogenic stasis therapy. Reawakening all Autobots.” The Autobots on the ship reawakened from cryogenic stasis, and then felt woozy.

“How long have we been in stasis?” Optimus asked. “According to the ship’s log, we’ve been out for a couple megacycles,” Windblade replied. “Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt?” Bumblebee asked. “Hmm…” Optimus pondered until he walked over to the bridge and pressed a button. “Teletraan 1, scan the area. See where we are.”

The Ark released a satellite probe as it unfolded its satellite wings and began spinning, “Scanning…”

The ship’s computer showed a picture of Canterlot City and the Everfree Forest.

“I never recognized a planet like this one before, have you?” Wheeljack asked. “Nope. Not entirely,” Bulkhead replied.

“Optimus, we should probably scout for any Decepticons, if there are any on this planet,” Windblade suggested. “Whatever this planet is, exactly,” Smokescreen said. “Understood. Scan a vehicle form first, and report what you find,” Optimus ordered. “For now on, we are to disguise ourselves to not attract attention to any signs of inhabitants to this planet, so until further notice, we’re robots in disguise.”

Windblade nodded and then looked at Bumblebee, “Bee, with me.” Bumblebee nodded, and then walked over to her and then they left the ship to start their mission. “Good luck out there, Bumblebee,” Smokescreen said, as Bumblebee gave him a nod.

While outside, Bumblebee and Windblade walked around the forest scouting for any Decepticons on watch, until they found no signals on their scanners. “That’s odd. It’s like there’s not a single one of them on foot,” Windblade said. “Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt-boop-zzt?” Bumblebee asked.

“Not exactly. But… Optimus did say find a vehicle form, so I guess we better get started,” Windblade said, until she and Bumblebee split up to find themselves an Earth based vehicle mode.

Bumblebee quietly walked around a campsite, until he spotted a yellow hatchback with black stripes, “Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt-boop-zzt.” Bumblebee then pulled down his battle mask and scanned the data on the vehicle, and then kept it.

Windblade suddenly stopped near an airbase and saw a VTOL fighter jet, “Hmm… I guess this one will do.” She then scanned it and as Bumblebee came back, they were ready. “Okay. Let’s try them out!” Windblade said, as she and Bumblebee transformed into their new vehicle modes.

Bumblebee revved his engines as Windblade hovered in the air with her propellers.

“Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt!” Bumblebee bleeped excitedly.

“Okay, Bee. We need to stay focused and search for any Decepticons in this area, so let’s get going,” Windblade said. “Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt-boop-zzt,” Bumblebee replied, as he and Windblade continued to recon and search for some Decepticons in hiding via vehicle mode.

Somewhere in the sky, onboard the Decepticon warship, the Nemesis, the Decepticons were scouting the planet for Energon or any signs of the Autobots.

“Any sign of them yet?” Starscream asked. “Not yet, Commander Starscream, but we’re doing the best we can,” a Vehicon replied. “I see. Keep trying. The Autobots can’t be that far,” Starscream said.

The blue Decepticon named Soundwave entered the bridge.

“Soundwave! Uhh… I wasn’t expecting you to appear on such notice,” Starscream said.

“Of course you didn’t. You somehow weren’t expecting me,” Soundwave replied with a metallic robotic tone.

“Indeed. So, have you found anything useful of any sort? Or any global surveillance?” Starscream asked.

“I’m afraid not. I’ve searched throughout most of the area, but no sign of the Autobots anywhere. I’ve already sent Barricade, Dead End, Wildrider and Breakdown to investigate, but separately, along with other Vehicon troopers,” Soundwave replied.

“Well, double your search efforts! We must find the Autobots and obliterate them!” Starscream said.

“Yes, Starscream,” Soundwave said. “But shouldn’t we be tracking Lord Megatron’s signal? Even if he survived?”

“Perhaps you’re right. But for now, since Megatron’s absent, I’ll take over, meaning you report to me. Are we clear?” Starscream asked, as Soundwave nodded. “Good.”

Meanwhile, a swarm of Vehicon seekers in jet mode and troopers in car mode were scouting for any sign of the Autobots.

Suddenly, one Decepticon named Barricade, who was a black, purplish gray and white sporting police cruiser, was scouting the area as well, until he received a signal.

“Hmm… interesting. Starscream, come in. I’ve detected another energy radiation signature. It appears to be from this planet, but it’s not Energon,” Barricade said. “I see. Report what you find! And do not fail me!” Starscream ordered. “Yes, Starscream,” Barricade replied, and then the Decepticon cop car searched for the energy source.

On the Nemesis, Starscream was still waiting for the report from Barricade, and suddenly felt impatient as he started thinking to himself.

‘Only 4 million solar cycles of searching, and the Allspark is out there, hidden on such an remote sector. I can feel it! And once I find it, the Decepticons will have no choice but to follow my leadership!’

“Those accursed Autobots will soon pay for what they’ve done to Megatron!” Lugnut shouted. “Take it easy, Lugnut. We’ve got more things to worry about than just hunting down Autobots,” Onslaught said. “I understand, Onslaught!” Lugnut said.

“SILENCE! I’m trying to think,” Starscream said, and then he continued thinking to himself.

In the city, Sunset Shimmer ran over to the school, and so did the others after getting an emergency text from Rainbow Dash.

“I got your text, Rainbow Dash! Did something come through the portal? Is Equestrian magic on the loose? Did Twilight come back with a problem that only we can solve?!” Sunset asked.

“Has a giant cake monster covered all the cakes in the world in cake?!” Pinkie asked while stuffing her face with cupcakes, leaving Sunset unamused.

“Um, not exactly,” Rainbow Dash said, holding her guitar. “Uh, I don't understand,” Sunset commented confusingly.

Applejack then started to explain everything, “Well, Sunset, I was just tellin' Rainbow Dash here that a broken guitar string doesn't really qualify as an emergency.”

“It totally does!” Rainbow Dash retorted. “Really, Rainbow Dash!” Rarity commented, wearing her red glasses, and had measuring tape around her neck and a plush ball with sewing pins on her wrist. “I was in the middle of sewing a very complex appliqué on my latest frock.”

“And I was just about to tuck everyone in for the night at the shelter,” Fluttershy said, comforting her bunny Angel with a hug and cradle. “Now we'll have to start stories all over again.”

“Why would you send all of us an emergency text for a guitar string?” Sunset asked. “Well, I was going to pony up and show our fans some awesome guitar licks, but I kinda need all six strings to do it. Got any extra?” Rainbow Dash asked.

They all groaned, until Sunset found some spare guitar string in her bag, “Here. But everyone finished practicing for the day. I'm pretty sure all the music rooms are locked.”

“No problem. The acoustics in the hallway are perfect for power chords.” Rainbow then played some chord from her guitar. “C'mon! Let's go!”

The Mane 5 minus Sunset entered the school, until Applejack turned around facing Sunset, “You comin', Sunset?”

“I'll catch up in a bit,” Sunset said, as Applejack went into the building, allowing Sunset to write a letter to Princess Twilight, ’Dear Princess Twilight, how's life treating you in Equestria? Any cool new magic spells? It's been pretty quiet here at CHS since the Battle of the Bands. We still pony up when we play music, which Rainbow Dash just loves to show off. But I still can't quite grasp what it's all about. I would love to hear what you think about it when you get a sec. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer.’

A bus suddenly pulled up, allowing a hooded passenger to get off, until it pulled away. The hoodie girl took out a scanner and looked around for something with it. She then turned around and found out the energy readings were coming from the portal to Equestria.

Once she touched it, Sunset saw the girl and then spoke to her, “Hey! What are you doing?!” The girl started running, until Sunset ran after her. “Wait! Stop!”

The hoodie girl got back onto the bus, leaving Sunset confused, “Who was that?” Sci-Twi sighed in relief after getting back on, and she then arrived back at Crystal Prep Academy, and began working on a spectrometer she was inventing.

Meanwhile, Windblade and Bumblebee saw energy readings coming from those six girls, until Windblade decided to report it to Optimus himself.

“Windblade and Bumblebee to Optimus, do you read me? A couple of human girls have this strange energy signature from inside their bodies. It’s not something related to the Allspark or anything Cybertronian,” she explained.

“Understood. Bumblebee, scout for any other sources that might relate to await for further orders if you find anything to report. Windblade, return to base,” Optimus replied, as he was out near the ship while the other Autobots went out to scan a few vehicle forms, until Optimus saw and scanned a convoy truck packed with a trailer. He then transformed and drove off for some exploring.

Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 2

Back at Canterlot High, Sunset and her friends were reading some books in the library while Sunset explained what happened earlier, “She was definitely doing something to the statue – or was going to.”

“Do you think she came through the portal from Equestria?” Fluttershy asked, petting her bunny. “No, I'm pretty sure I woulda noticed that. I think she was from over here,” Sunset said.

“Well, that's a relief. The last thing we need is another magical so-and-so bent on world domination comin' over from Equestria,” Applejack said, placing both her feet on the table and kicking back, until Sunset made a smirk of agreement.

Rarity then scoffed, “Agreed. I have no interest in another fight against the powers of evil magic. The wear and tear on my wardrobe is just too much to keep up with.”

“Still, a mysterious figure snooping around the portal? Don't you wanna know what she was up to?” Sunset asked. Fluttershy shuddered nervously, “I don't even wanna guess.”

Rainbow Dash then ran over to the group with a yearbook in her hand, “Well, you don't have to. Because I've totally figured out who it was!”

“Ooh, ooh! A nighttime statue cleaner? A magical portal maintenance maintainer? A gardener?!” Pinkie Pie asked in excitement, until Rainbow Dash shoved her backwards for personal space. “Seeing as how they got off a bus from the city and got back on a bus headed to the city, I'll bet they go to...” All but Sunset Shimmer replied with Rainbow Dash, “Crystal Prep.”

“Yep. With the Friendship Games starting tomorrow, they'd totally try to prank us by defacing the Wondercolts statue,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Why would anyone take a bus all the way from the city for that?” Sunset asked. “Because the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts are our biggest rivals?” Applejack replied.

“Because that's just what the students at Crystal Prep would do?” Rarity replied.

“Because even though they beat us in everything – soccer, tennis, golf – they still have to gloat!” Rainbow Dash said, showing Sunset a picture of the Crystal Prep students giving the Wondercolts statue a makeover.

“Seems kinda silly to me,” Sunset commented removing the book from her face.

“Silly?!”

The Mane 5 felt offended by Sunset’s comment, until Rainbow Dash looked at her sternly, “So I guess you think the Friendship Games are silly, too.”

“Well, it's not like we'll be fighting the powers of evil magic,” Sunset said. “No. We'll be fighting against a school full of meanies. Not everything has to be magical to be important,” Fluttershy said. “You're right. I'm sorry. I know it's a big deal,” Sunset said. Rarity scoffed, “That's putting it mildly, darling. They're still revamping the playing field in preparation.”

“I just don't understand why there's this big rivalry. Aren't the "Friendship Games" supposed to be about our two schools getting along?” Sunset asked.

“Well, it's kinda hard to get along with someone who beats you at everything,” Applejack said, until Rainbow Dash smacked the yearbook out of her hand. “Not anymore! This time, things are gonna be different.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked. “Oh, you'll find out,” Rainbow Dash replied, and then smirked with a smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Bumblebee decided to do a little driving around town, until he saw how peaceful the planet they were on was, and then he was suddenly shot by a storm of missiles, and making him bump into a stone wall in robot mode.

“What was that?!” he asked with his buzzing voice while getting up, until he saw a big green jet flying towards him, before it turned into a Decepticon named Skyquake, as he shoved him towards the wall.

“DID YOU THINK YOU COULD HIDE?!” Skyquake asked, as Bumblebee kicked him in the face, and did a backflip landing on his feet, before Skyquake pulled out a huge mini gun. “Now you’ll die screaming… like your friends!”

Bumblebee then put on his battle mask and then fought Skyquake in melee combat, swung a tree log at the Decepticon before he flew in midair until he punched Bumblebee in the chest. Skyquake then grabbed the little Autobot and flew up the cliff, until Bumblebee punched the rocket turbines on his back and used his stingers on him, causing Skyquake to fall, but Bumblebee once again landed on his feet, until Skyquake shot bullets from his mini gun at Bumblebee, damaging some of him, before he grabbed the Autobot on the chest.

“Tell me where your friends are hiding,” Skyquake said.

“Boop-zzt!” Bumblebee replied.

“Is that right?” Skyquake asked, until he lowered the Autobot farther towards the cliff. “Then let’s make it official.”

Skyquake then dropped Bumblebee causing the Autobot to tumble severely and then he landed on the ground heavily damaged, until Skyquake came back.

“Autobot Bumblebee, as a member of the Autobot Rebellion of Resistance, you are a traitor to Cybertron, and are hereby sentenced… to death.”

Bumblebee then grabbed a missile from Skyquake’s arm, and then jammed it into his chest, where his spark chamber was, and as he backed away, Bumblebee fired his stinger at the missile and then it suddenly blew up, leaving Skyquake in pieces until some parts of him were left, including his upper body, his legs, and one of his arms. His eyes then turned off, meaning he was dead.

Somehow Bumblebee was still damaged, until he fainted and fell down, before he saw some his vision blurring. Until his optics turned off, he could see a red and blue shadowy figure with blue optics appearing.

At the gymnasium, a woman named Principal Celestia, and her sister, Vice Principal Luna gathered all of the students for an assembly. “As I am sure you all know, tomorrow, Canterlot High School will be hosting our fellow students from Crystal Prep Academy as we join together in the spirit of excellence, sportsmanship, and fidelity to compete in the Friendship Games,” she announced, as the students made some unenthused cheering and sparse applause. “Since the games only happen every four years, I'm sure you're all curious what goes on.”

“You mean other than us losing?!” Flash Sentry called out, leaving the two principals unamused.

“And that is exactly why I've asked Rainbow Dash to come up and give you all a little, um... context,” Principal Celestia said, as Rainbow Dash snatched the microphone from her, as it made some feedback noise. “Thank you, Principal Celestia,” Rainbow Dash then cleared her throat. “I know a lot of you might think there's no way we can beat a fancy school like Crystal Prep at anything.”

“Unless it's a "losing to Crystal Prep" competition! 'Cause we're really good at that!” Pinkie Pie commented by yelling. Rainbow Dash groaned, and then continued, “And I know that CHS has never won the Friendship Games even once.”

“Oh, dear. I hope this speech isn't meant to be motivational,” Rarity whispered to Sunset, as Rainbow Dash started her speech. “Crystal Prep students are super athletic, super smart, and super motivated. But there's one thing they aren't. They aren't Wondercolts!”

We've fought magic more than once
And come out on top

Chorus

Oh, oh

Rainbow Dash

There's other schools, but none can make those claims

Chorus

Na, na-na-na-na, oh

Rainbow Dash

Together we are Canterlot
Come and cheer our name

Chorus

Oh, oh

Rainbow Dash

This will be our year to win these games

Rainbow Dash and chorus

We'll always be Wondercolts forever
And now our time has finally arrived
'Cause we believe in the magic of friendship
And you know, at the end of the day, it is we who survive

[instrumental break]

Students

Hey!

Rainbow Dash

We're not the school we were before

Students

Before!

Rainbow Dash

Yeah, we're different now

Chorus

Oh, oh

Students

Hey, hey!

Rainbow Dash

We overcame the obstacles we faced

Chorus

Overcame the obstacles we faced

Students

Hey!

Rainbow Dash

We're Canterlot united

Students

Unite!

Rainbow Dash

And we'll never bow

Chorus

Oh, oh

Students

Hey, hey!

Rainbow Dash

So get ready to see us in first place

All

We'll always be Wondercolts forever
(Three! Two! One! Go!)
And now our time has finally arrived
(Our time is now!)
'Cause we believe in the magic of friendship
And you know, at the end of the day, it is we who survive
At the end of the day, it is we who survive

Na, na, na-na-na-na
Wondercolts united together
Na, na, na-na-na-na
Wondercolts united forever

Na, na, na-na-na-na
Wondercolts united together

Rainbow Dash

We'll always be Wondercolts forever
And now our time has finally arrived
'Cause we believe in the magic of friendship
And you know...

At the end of the day, it is we who survive
At the end of the day, it is we who survive!

The students were cheering after Rainbow Dash formed pony ears, wings, and a long ponytail.

Outside the town and near the school, Optimus was starting to read Rainbow Dash’s energy readings from her anatomy while driving in his truck mode. “Strange. These energy readings Windblade predicted are coming from the roof. This is definitely not Cybertronian. Hopefully, the Decepticons aren’t too worried about this than we are.”

After Rainbow Dash gave a thumbs up to the school band members, she looked at her friends pleased from her performance. “Rainbow Dash, that was amazing! Even I feel like we can win!” Fluttershy said.

“I feel like my school pride is at an all-time high!” Rarity squealed. “Is anybody else wonderin' how Dash ponied up without playin' her guitar?” Applejack asked. “I know, right? It's probably because I'm so awesome!” Rainbow Dash commented, while still feeling proud of herself and her pride.

“Maybe,” Sunset said. “I mean, you are awesome, but there's gotta be more to it than that, right? It just seems so random.”

“Well, it would be nice if you girls could get a handle on it. We'd like to keep magic as far away from the Friendship Games as possible. We don't want to be accused of cheating,” Vice Principal Luna said.

“We don't need magic to defeat those hoity-toity Crystal Preppers,” Rarity scoffed, as they all except Luna, Rarity and Sunset agreed with comments, until Rarity giggled.

“Still, the Friendship Games are serious business. We don't want any surprises. Especially the kind that could cause us to forfeit. Sunset Shimmer, you came here from a world of magic. Perhaps you can get to the bottom of our magical development,” Vice Principal Luna commented. “I'll do my best,” Sunset confirmed, as the vice principal left.

“Okay. Anybody have any guesses what the events are gonna be?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Pie eating? Cake eating?” Pinkie commented holding a pie and cake in each hand, and then gasped as she splattered them together, making a mess. “Pie-cake eating?!”

“They won't even let us see what they're doin' to the field. You think they'd at least tell competitors what they're competing in,” Applejack said, licking some cake frosting off her finger.

“It could be anything,” Fluttershy commented.

“Anything?! How will I ever pick the right outfit?!” Rarity asked nervously. “I really wanna help, but I think I better go focus on figuring out why Rainbow Dash ponied up. See ya later!” Sunset said, as she started walking over to the library.

“Seems like she's got everything under control. Nothing to worry about,” Pinkie Pie commented.

Sunset struggled to search for answers on the magical energy surge, but found no answers due to stress. “Ugh!” She sighed in depression, and then started writing to Princess Twilight in her journal. ’Hey, Twilight. Haven't heard back from you yet. I guess you must be pretty busy with your role as princess. But I could really use your advice right now. You see, I've been given the job of keeping magic under control here at CHS, even though I still haven't quite wrapped my head around it. And now after seeing Rainbow Dash pony up the way she did, it makes me think her magic might be... changing. Everyone is looking to me to figure things out and I really don't wanna let them down. But I'm not sure I have enough experience with friendship magic to solve this.’

Optimus saw Sunset’s depression from his virtual radar and then felt sorry for her, before he drove off back to base.

Recon Misson and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 3

Meanwhile, back on the Nemesis, Soundwave went to Starscream to report what happened. “Starscream, Skyquake’s life signal is terminated.”

“Autobots…” Starscream growled. “But he ran into the Autobot called Bumblebee in the Everfree Forest area before he was destroyed,” Soundwave explained. “Other Decepticons haven’t found anything to report on the mysterious energy radiation signature. I haven’t found its source either.”

“Soundwave, can you track the source of the readings, including its origin in another way?” Starscream asked, as Soundwave nodded. “Laserbeak, eject. Location: Canterlot City. Operation: find the source of unknown energy readings and retrieve information.” Soundwave then opened the cockpit on his chest and then let Laserbeak out so the red and black bird-like surveillance drone could start his mission as he flew out of the ship.

At Crystal Prep, Sci-Twi walked through the hallway carrying her books. As the school bell rang, she took a deep breath and walked through the students, who rudely bumped into her as she spoke, “Excuse me. Sorry. Pardon me.”

Later on, this world’s Spike was sleeping on Sci-Twi’s chair, until he heard her come in and then he panted over to the door, before she accidentally bumped it into him.

Sci-Twi then sat down and looked around for her dog, “Spike? Spike?!”

Spike barked as he emerged from the trash can and went over to his owner.

Sci-Twi giggled, “There you are, you silly dog.”

Spike barked, and then licked her face. “Okay, okay!” Sci-Twi giggled, until Spike turned around and sat down on her lap, and panted. “Last night's field test confirmed it, Spike. With this device, I can track and contain the bizarre energy coming from Canterlot High,” Sci-Twi explained, showing her device to Spike, until he started growling after he heard the school’s name.

Sci-Twi stroked his green hair on his furry head, “I know you didn't like me going over there, but I just couldn't wait. And soon, I'll have all the time I need. All of Crystal Prep is gonna be there for the Friendship Games. I just hope all that "rivalry" nonsense doesn't get in the way of my research, because I’m nearly there. If I can collect enough data on these EM frequencies, I should be able to extrapolate the waveforms to determine their origin. That would practically guarantee my entrance into the Everton Independent Study Program! Whoa!” She then fell backwards.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and entering the room was a young and beautiful woman named Dean Cadance. She looked down at Sci-Twi being kissed by her dog, “Twilight, you know the rules against pets.”

“Well, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadance. He's the focus of my research project. Human-canine cohabitation: effects and implications,” Sci-Twi explained.

“If you say so. But Principal Cinch is highly allergic, so I suggest you put on a clean shirt,” Dean Cadance said.

Sci-Twi put Spike down, “Why?”

“Because she wants to see you,” Dean Cadance replied. Sci-Twi suddenly felt excited, “Ooh! Maybe she has news about my application to Everton!”

“I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Are you sure that's what you really want?” Dean Cadance asked. “Why wouldn't it be? A program that allows me to focus all my attention on my own advanced math and science projects? What a dream come true!” Sci-Twi replied with excitement.

“But there aren't any classrooms with other students. You'll be doing everything on your own,” Dean Cadance said in concern.

“That is why it's called an "independent study program",” Sci-Twi said.

Dean Cadance then smiled at Sci-Twi and then spoke up to her calmly, “I just don't want you to miss out on anything. That's all. Being around other people isn't a bad thing. Sometimes it's how you learn the most about yourself.”

“I guess,” Sci-Twi replied, feeling unsure. “Well, I’m glad we’ve had this talk. Meet you in Principal Cinch's office in a few minutes?” Dean Cadance asked, receiving a nod from Sci-Twi until Dean Cadance left the room with the door closed.

Sci-Twi turned to Spike, who was playing with a tug rope, “What's she so worried about? Everton is exactly what I need right now.” She then sighed, “It's not like I have anything left to learn at Crystal Prep.”

She then left her personal laboratory and then started her way to Principal Cinch’s office, but decided to wander around the school halls.

Sci-Twi

I've walked through all these halls before
I've been in and out of every door, oh-whoa-oh
There's nothin' in this school that I don't know
In every class, my grade's the best
The highest score on every test
I think that means it's time for me to go

I know there's more that's out there
And I just haven't found it yet
I know there's more that's out there
Another me I haven't met

This school is full of people
But still I don't belong
They only dream of winning
Look at me like something's wrong
Maybe I'm better off alone
Will I find what I'm lookin' for
If I just do it on my own?

I know there's more that's out there
Something to fill this hole inside
I know there's more that's out there
And I'm not afraid to try

There's only so much this school can offer
And I'm not saying that it's wrong
But I know there's more that's out there
'Cause I've been searching all along

Beyond these rooms, beyond these walls
So much to learn, I can't see it all
There's somethin' out there callin' me
And it's a mystery that I can't wait to see

'Cause I know there's more that's out there
Another place, another way
And I know there's more that's out there
And I'll find out someday!

I'll find out someday...

The door creaked open as Sci-Twi entered Principal Cinch’s office, and then sat on the chair near her desk.

The door creaked halfway closed as she saw her brother Shining Armor, who was wearing a black t-shirt underneath a dark blue zip up hoodie, black pants, and dark bluish gray sneakers.

“Shining Armor? Why is my brother here?” Sci-Twi asked. “As a member of the military, and former alumni of Crystal Prep, Principal Cinch thought he could provide some unique perspective by supporting you,” Dean Cadance said.

“Perspective on what?” Sci-Twi asked, until Principal Cinch turned around facing Sci-Twi. “Why, the Friendship Games, of course. You competed in the games before you graduated for military training, did you not, Shining Armor?”

Shining Armor cleared his throat, “I did.”

“And you happen to recall who won?” Principal Cinch asked. Shining Armor chuckled, “Ha ha, Crystal Prep did. We always win.”

“Correct. We always win,” Principal Cinch said.

“Why did you ask to see me?” Sci-Twi asked.

Principal Cinch then spoke up to Sci-Twi, “Twilight, I'll be honest. It doesn't matter whether or not Crystal Prep wins or loses.” She then wiped a smudge on a trophy, and then put it back. “The important thing is we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation. And it is that reputation... my reputation that is responsible for everything we have here. For everything you've done here. And you've done quite a lot, haven't you?”

“I don't know. I guess,” Sci-Twi replied.

“Oh, don't be modest. You're the best student this school has ever seen. What I can't understand is why my best student wouldn't want to compete,” Principal Cinch commented.

“In the Friendship Games?” Sci-Twi asked.

Shining Armor then spoke for her, “Look, Twily, I know it's not really your thing, but representing the school is kind of a big deal. Plus, they could really use your help.”

Principal Cinch then looked at a file of Canterlot High’s increase of records, “It seems Canterlot High is undergoing something of a renaissance. Test scores are up, grades, even athletics are on the rise. You see, they are developing somewhat of a reputation. This can not happen!”

“Principal Cinch, I can't possibly participate in the games. My work here is very—”

“Ah, yes. Your work. Cadance, could you and Shining Armor find my contact sheet for the Everton Independent Study program?” Principal Cinch asked.

Dean Cadance replied, “Of course.”

She and Shining Armor then left the room after the door closed.

Principal Cinch then looked at Sci-Twi sinisterly, “I understand you've applied. You see, one of the advantages of having a reputation is a certain amount of influence in such things. So, let me offer you a deal. In return for contributing your agile mind to these games, I will use my influence to guarantee your application is approved. Though, I suppose I could also have it... denied. What do you think I should do?”

Sci-Twi continued packing her bag for Canterlot High, until Spike growled as he was tugging a sweatshirt. “Ugh! Come on, Spike! I was always gonna go to Canterlot High for the Friendship Games.” She then got the sweatshirt back and then placed it in her bag. “The only difference now is that I have to compete. Besides, it's not like Principal Cinch gave me much of a choice.”

Poor Spike whimpered sadly, until Sci-Twi comforted her dog, “I know, Spike. I don't like it either. I probably won't be able to collect anywhere near as much data as I thought. But maybe I can still get some.”

Spike whimpered at her again.

Sci-Twi then held her dog for a hug, “Spike, I wouldn't leave without you.” She then placed Spike in her backpack, “Just remember to be quiet. And try not to shed, okay?” The door creaked closed as Sci-Twi looked at her laboratory one last time.

Sci-Twi then walked over to the bus where Dean Cadance was standing, “Dean Cadance, I'm not really sure where to go. Can you help?”

“One second, Twilight,” Dean Cadance replied as she was busy checking on the students.

“You could try the end of the line!” Sour Sweet commented sourly. Sci-Twi turned around facing Sour Sweet and Sunny Flare, “What did you say?”

“Just that someone as smart as you should definitely go first,” Sour Sweet replied sweetly. “I... I didn't mean to. I was just asking,” Sci-Twi said.

Dean Cadance then smiled and spoke to Sci-Twi, “This is the right bus, Twilight. Go ahead.”

“But... I didn't mean to cut in front,” Sci-Twi said apologetically. Sour Sweet scoffed sourly, “Well, it's too late now.”

The bus door opened, as Indigo Zap looked at Sci-Twi very closely, “Are we gonna win?!?!”

“I... I don't know,” Sci-Twi replied.

Indigo Zap made a buzzer sound, “Wrong answer!! Try again! Are we gonna win?!?!”

Sci-Twi suddenly felt uncomfortable, “Um... I guess? I-It's just... I mean... I heard that CHS is doing well now. With their reputation. And, I mean, it's not better than ours, of course. But we can't let them do it, you know? Win, I mean? Right?”

The students felt confused and embarrassed about what she just said.

“You're gonna have to take a seat!” the bus driver shouted. Sci-Twi then went to the back to find a seat, and saw Sugarcoat next to her, “Hi, Sugarcoat.”

Sugarcoat then spoke unsympathetically but honestly, “That was a really bad speech. You should consider not speaking in public.”

The bus’s engine started, as Sci-Twi looked at Spike in her backpack and petted him, “Well, Spike, at least I've got you with me.”

There was suddenly rock music playing on Lemon Zest’s headphones. “Dude, you have gotta hear this!” she yelled, as she placed her headphones onto Sci-Twi’s head, and she started vibrating.

Outside the school, Bulkhead was doing some exploring of the city. “Not a bad place, but I kinda didn’t like the way they treated that girl right there. Maybe she needed a friend to talk to. Huh, the same energy readings are back. Better check them out.” Bulkhead then drove off to the source of the energy readings to investigate: Canterlot High’s statue and the Mane 6.

Author's Note

Just so you know, I will make sure that the Autobots and Decepticons have a battle and meet the Rainbooms, but not right now.

Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 4

Back at Canterlot High, Laserbeak appeared and stealthily watched over the Rainboom practicing some music with their band set, and as they were finished their ponytails, wings and ears magically disappeared.

Back on the Nemesis, the Decepticons watched from Laserbeak’s point of view. “Did you see that?!” Barricade asked. “I sure did!” Brawl replied. “We should attack that pathetic Earthling academy building and take their energy from within!” Lugnut hollered. “YOU IDIOT! DO YOU WANT TO GET CAUGHT AND CAPTURED BY THE AUTOBOTS?!” Blitzwing asked in his angry face, before he switched to his crazy face. “Hahahahaha! But I’d love to see them do it again!”

“Ah, zip it, Blitzwing! We don’t have time for this,” Onslaught commented. “But their energy powers might be useful…” Blitzwing commented, but with his normal face.

“You got that right,” Blast-Off agreed. “Too bad we’ll have trouble finding the Allspark or the Autobots more than just spying on some magical flesh creatures,” Vortex commented.

“Do not fret, fellow comrades. Due to Soundwave’s efforts, we’ll soon reclaim what is rightfully ours!” Starscream spoke.

“Uhh, Starscream, not everyone’s gonna buy it,” Breakdown commented.

Back at Canterlot High, the Rainbooms were putting their musical equipment away.

“I hope the Friendship Games have a music competition, because we would totally rock it!” Rainbow Dash said, playing some chord.

“Um, we're supposed to keep magic out of the Friendship Games, remember?” Sunset asked in reminder, until Rainbow Dash scoffed.

Rarity was placing some blush powder on her cheeks, “Easier said than done, darling. I'm sure in Equestria, magic does whatever you want. But...”

“This isn't Equestria,” Sunset finished for Rarity. “Well, when it comes to magic, I'm sure you'll figure it out,” Applejack said.

“Magic? Equestria?” Starscream asked, then he thought to himself. ‘This could lead us to something useful, and we’ll use their so-called magical cosmic energy to lead us to the Energon so we can find it and use its power to crush the Autobots forever, and I will lead the Decepticons to victory!’

“And while Sunset works on keeping the magic out of the games, I've been working on what to put in!” Rarity giggled.

“Rarity, what'd you go an' do?” Applejack asked.

“Well, I had a little time on my hands, and since we don't know what the Friendship Games' events are, I made a few options for uniforms!” Rarity explained, showing them the outfits she made.

“You really didn't have to do that,” Rainbow Dash said as she blushed while wearing a soccer uniform.

“I know,” Rarity said feeling flattered.

Applejack then held some outfits on two hangers, “No. You really didn't have to.”

“I know!” Rarity giggled.

Outside the school, the bus for Crystal Prep arrived, and Principal Celestia was talking with Principal Cinch, “Vice Principal Luna can help your students get settled if you'd like me to show you around, Principal Cinch. There have been quite a few changes since your last visit.”

“Oh, yes, Principal Celestia. I'm sure that would be fascinating,” Principal Cinch replied.

Meanwhile, Vice Principal Luna was hugging Dean Cadance with happiness, “Oh, it's always such a pleasure to see you, Dean Cadance. Even if it means another defeat.” Dean Cadance smiled softly, “Thank you, Vice Principal Luna, but I hear it's not going to be so easy this time.”

Sci-Twi walked off the bus, but Indigo Zap shoved her as she passed by, “Comin' through!” Sci-Twi then landed on Sunny Flare.

Sunny Flare looked at her sternly, “Seriously?”

“Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to,” Sci-Twi apologetically told Sunny Flare who got up, but groaned as Sunny Flare didn’t accept her apology, until she got up and turned to Sour Sweet. “Oh, sorry. Why don't yougo ahead?”

Sour Sweet then commented sweetly, “You are such a sweetie!” until she sourly hushed her next comment with a hiss, “I am watching you!”

There was rock music on Lemon Zest’s headphones again, “Ahh! Yeah!” She then made rocking out sounds.

Sugarcoat then came out the bus last, “You are kinda being a doormat right now.”

Sci-Twi’s device suddenly hummed as it got a signal, and then she went to investigate.

Sweetie Drops and Lyra Heartstrings saw Sci-Twi walking inside, “Hi, Twilight.”

Sci-Twi then entered the school and continued her search.

“Hey, Twilight!”

“Hi, Twilight.”

“Hey, you. Lookin' good.”

“Um, hi,” Sci-Twi replied.

“Hey, what's happenin'?”

“Really nice to see you.”

“Twilight, how ya doin'?”

“Twilight, yo! *clicks tongue*”

Sci-Twi then felt confused, “Hi. Hello. Uh, good.” She then bumped into Flash Sentry as her glasses fell off.

“Twilight? I almost didn't recognize you. When did you start wearin' glasses?” Flash asked.

“Um, like, since forever,” Sci-Twi replied.

“Oh, so how long are you here for?” Flash asked.

“Just for the Friendship Games,” Sci-Twi replied.

Flash then helped Sci-Twi with her glasses, “Right. Of course. We'll totally win with you here.” Sci-Twi looked at Flash until her device started beeping, “Uh, I gotta go.”

Flash looked confused after seeing Sci-Twi leave, “Uh, okay. Bye? Aw.”

Back in the band room, Rarity checked to see if the outfits fit the others, but Applejack was confused, “Uh, Rarity, these outfits are great, but why would you put so much time and effort into clothes we might not even wear? You're gonna exhaust yourself before the games even start.”

“Oh, pff. Kch. Fff. Ts!” Rarity scoffed. “Don't be silly, darling! Putting effort into clothes is what I live for, and spending time on my friends fills me with energy!”

The Rainbooms had amazed reactions as Rarity floated with a purple magical aura, and grew her pony ears and ponytail.

“And magic, too, I guess,” Sunset commented.

Sci-Twi’s device continued beeping, until it started to drain all of Rarity’s magic, and making her feel exhausted.

The Decepticons were in shock and so were the Autobots.

Rarity somehow felt she was out of breath, “Actually, Applejack, now that you mention it, I suppose I coulduse a tiny break.” She then fainted as Applejack caught her. “I told you.”

The door opened as Sci-Twi entered, leaving the Rainbooms amazed, “Twilight?!”

Sci-Twi was confused, “Uh, yes?”

“Well, I'll be. You shoulda told us you were comin',” Applejack said, as Sunset felt relieved.

“Darling, those glasses. What are you wearing? It's so... severe,” Rarity asked.

“My uniform?” Sci-Twi replied.

“Your uniform for what?” Fluttershy asked,

Sci-Twi then replied, but still felt confused, “For... Crystal Prep. But why does everyone at this school know who I am?”

“Did you just say "Crystal Prep"?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Spike barked as he popped out of the bag.

“Spike!” Fluttershy and Rarity said as they were about to pet him.

Sci-Twi gasped and jerked herself backwards, “You know my dog's name, too?”

Meanwhile, Principal Celestia gave Principal Cinch the tour, “And our music program has especially taken off.” She then gasped after seeing Sci-Twi, “Twilight?” Sci-Twi grunted, “This is getting ridiculous!”

“I must apologize for the curiosity of my prized student,” Principal Cinch sympathetically commented, after walking over to Sci-Twi.

“Your student?” Principal Celestia asked.

“Correct. As you can see, the smart ones are always curious,” Principal Cinch replied. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I'll return her to check in with the rest of her classmates. Come along, Twilight.” She then walked with Sci-Twi to escort her out the school.

Principal Celestia was now confused, “I didn't know Twilight had a twin sister.”

“She doesn't! That Twilight is obviously the Twilight from this world since it couldn't possibly be the Twilight from the pony world since the Twilight from the pony world doesn't go to Crystal Prep or wear glasses,” Pinkie Pie said in a hyperactive explanation.

Principal Celestia was about to reply, but she suddenly thought, “Never mind.” She then walked away.

Sci-Twi then started explaining what she was doing to Principal Cinch, “I'm sorry, Principal Cinch. I was just following these strange readings. Actually, they led me to those girls and—”

Principal Cinch then cut her off, “Twilight, what you do in your free time is of little interest to me, but while you're here, I... all of Crystal Prep, in fact, require your complete focus.”

“But why does everyone at this school seem to know me?” Sci-Twi asked.

“Perhaps they're trying to confuse you. Perhaps they're trying to lure you away,” Principal Cinch replied.

“It didn't feel like anyone was trying to lure me,” Sci-Twi said.

“I don't know what they're planning, but I guarantee, it isn't to help us win,” Principal Cinch answered and motioned Sci-Twi to go with her classmates.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime, along with Bumblebee, Windblade and Bulkhead were watching from behind the forest.

“This is getting interesting by the minute,” Optimus pondered. “Optimus, do you really think six human girls can do anything to us?” Windblade asked. “I’ve seen the behavior on that ‘Cinch’ creature. She almost sounded deceiving like a Decepticon.”

“Patience, Windblade. We’ll get into details, but I think they might be the answer to something else,” Optimus said.

Bumblebee asked what it was in bleep.

“I do not know, old friend. For now, we continue the recon, but be on watch in case any of the Decepticons are out here watching,” Optimus said, as he transformed into vehicle mode, until he heard a radio call from Ratchet. “Optimus, Bumblebee’s awake, but was badly damaged. You better come look.”

“I’m on my way, Ratchet,” Optimus said, as he drove off back to base. “You two, keep watch and report to me what you find.”

In the hallway, the Rainbooms were disappointed about their reaction with Sci-Twi. “I can't believe our world's Twilight goes to Crystal Prep!” Rarity said.

“You're saying that Twilight's gonna play against us? Not a chance! She'd never do that!” Rainbow Dash commented.

“Our Twilight wouldn't,” Fluttershy commented.

Sunset Shimmer then spoke angrily, “Our Twilight is a princess in Equestria and an expert in friendship magic! And if she was here, we'd have already figured out why magic is randomly popping up during pep rallies and costume changes.” The other 5 felt concerned about Sunset, until she took a deep breath, and answered, “Sorry. I'm just frustrated that I haven't heard back from her.”

“She's a princess in Equestria. Probably got problems of her own to deal with,” Applejack said.

“We certainly can't expect her to drop everything and pop through the portal whenever. Especially if it's to deal with something as minor as a few random pony-ups,” Rarity said.

“But they aren't minor! Magic came into this world when I stole Twilight's crown. It's taken a lot for me to earn everyone's trust. If we have to forfeit the games because I can't think of a way to keep it under control...” Sunset then leaned against the locker.

“Oh, Sunset, I'm sure you'll be able to figure things out,” Fluttershy said sweetly.

“You're the one who helped us understand what was goin' on with the sirens. Remember?” Applejack asked.

“I guess. But Twilight was the one who really figured out what we needed to defeat them,” Sunset said.

“But don't you remember, darling? What we needed to defeat them was you,” Rarity said, as she fixed the bang on Sunset’s hair.

Sunset sighed with a soft smile, “All right.”

They all cheered for her enthusiasm, and proud to see her happy again.

“Come on, guys! Let's see if we can find any info about the events and come up with a strategy,” Rainbow Dash commented, as 5 of them minus Sunset left, while the red/yellow haired girl stood there thinking. “You comin', Sunset?”

“I'll... catch up with you guys in a bit,” Sunset said, and then after Rainbow Dash gave her a thumbs up, Sunset went outside towards the portal with her journal.

She sighed as she saw nothing was written in her journal, “Still no reply.”

Sci-Twi’s device was humming again, but it was pointing at the statue.

“Maybe there's another way I could reach her,” Sunset said, until her hand was caught in the magical aura draining from the statue and her body. “Hey, let go!”

Sci-Twi and Sunset both screamed after the device stopped draining all that magic.

Sunset got up and looked down at Sci-Twi, “What did you do?!” Sco-Twi felt nervously shy about what she had done.

“Twilight, you have to check in with the others,” Dean Cadance said, as Sci-Twi went over with her classmates.

The Decepticons somehow got evidence of Sci-Twi’s device. “Laserbeak, return immediately,” Soundwave commanded, and then Laserbeak flew back to the Nemesis making a cawing noise.

Sunset then got up, and as she touched the statue, it was only solid marble quartz and concrete, “Where's the portal?” She grunted while trying to open it up, but had no luck. The portal was gone! “Where's the portal?!”

Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 5

Back on the Ark, as it was still working, Ratchet finished fixing Bumblebee’s damaged wounds, and then help him with his optical sensors. “That’s it, follow the light. Good. Good. Can you hear anything?”

Bumblebee nodded. “Good, now try to move, but carefully,” Ratchet said, until Bumblebee moved carefully and slowly, spoke but with a few buzzing bleeps. “How did I do it you ask? Well, most of your gears and circuits were damaged, and you looked badly damaged from the crash, but thankfully your spark was still pulsing, so I had to find someway to make sure they looked normal,” Ratchet explained. Bumblebee thanked him with thankful buzzing bleeps.

“It was my pleasure, Bumblebee,” Ratchet said.

“How is he, Ratchet?” Optimus asked.

“He appears to be normal, but he’ll need a little more time to recover from the battle, and from that direct hit during the crash,” Ratchet explained. Bumblebee then asked Optimus if there was something he could do while recovering.

“Well, Windblade and Bulkhead haven’t reported back, so maybe you oughta check on them, and continue your mission,” Optimus suggested. Bumblebee nodded and then drove off in vehicle mode.

“Optimus, it appears that the Decepticons are now hiding somewhere on this planet,” Ratchet said.

“Looks that way, Ratchet,” Optimus replied, agreeing with Ratchet.

Later on, in the gymnasium, the students of both schools were glaring at each other during a welcoming party for Crystal Prep Academy.

In the hallway, the girls were wearing school spirit outfits Rarity had made for them as they were on their way to the party.

“What do ya mean the portal's gone?” Applejack asked. Sunset opened the door and then replied, as they entered the gym, “I mean it's gone. It's closed. It's not there anymore!”

“How'd that happen?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I don't know. But it has something to do with that Twilight,” Sunset replied, pointing at Sci-Twi searching for more of the magic without looking where she was going.

“What in tarnation is she up to?” Applejack asked, as Sci-Twi bumped into Indigo Zap as she spilled her drink, and snarled at Sci-Twi.

“Leave this to me,” Sunset replied, walking over to Sci-Twi. “Twilight, what have you been up to?”

Sci-Twi then felt nervous, “Me? Oh, I was just, uh—”

Indigo Zap then defended her, “Who wants to know?!”

“Um, we do,” Rainbow Dash replied.

“All right, everyone. Let's not get too competitive before the games even start,” Applejack said, calming them down.

“The games aren't really competitive since we've never lost,” Sugarcoat commented.

“That's not a very nice thing to say,” Fluttershy commented.

“Sorry, dearie, but these games aren't about being nice,” Sunny Flare said.

“Well, you might use a little tact,” Rarity said, pinching her fingers.

Sci-Twi backed up from the confrontation, until she bumped into Pinkie Pie from behind.

“Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie!” she said, reaching out her hand.

“Oh, hi. I'm Twilight,” Sci-Twi replied until Pinkie Pie shook her hand like crazy. “I know. You look just like my friend. Her name is Twilight too.”

Sci-Twi fixed her hair and braided it back into her bun, “That's... heh, weird.”

Pinkie Pie looked at the device hanging around Sci-Twi’s neck, “What's that?”

“It's sort of a spectrometer. I built it to track EM frequencies, but it can also contain anomalies,” Sci-Twi was suddenly beat as Pinkie Pie smiled as usual. “It measures things.”

“Like the party?” Pinkie Pie asked.

Sci-Twi looked around at the students who were not enjoying themselves, “Yeah, though it doesn't look like much of a party to me.”

“I know. Something is definitely missing,” Pinkie Pie said, until an idea popped into her head, “Come on!” Sci-Twi then yelped as Pinkie Pie dragged her with.

“Hello, everyone! I'd like to take this opportunity to greet all of our visitors from Crystal Prep Academy and welcome them to CHS,” Principal Celestia greeted warmly.

Sci-Twi grunted while shoving big present boxes with Pinkie Pie, “What in the world is in these?”

“Party cannons, of course!” Pinkie Pie replied unboxing the party cannons.

“And lastly, I would like to recognize the twelve students that CHS has elected to compete. I don't think we could have chosen a better group to represent the excellence, sportsmanship, and friendship the games stand for,” Celestia announced while some of the competing students, including the Rainbooms.

While creating a diversion, Pinkie Pie swapped the vegetable platter with cupcakes, and turned off the lights to let the disco ball reflect its colorful spinning beams, and asked a girl named Vinyl Scratch to play some party music, and then everyone started dancing and conversing.

“Um, are you sure this is a good idea?” Sci-Twi asked, seeing Pinkie Pie placing her hands on the rope pulley levers.

“Absolutely!” she replied, and then fired the confetti and balloons from her party cannons with a squeak.

Pinkie Pie suddenly grew her pony ears and ponytail, before floating with a pink aura, “Ooh, floaty!”

Sci-Twi’s device started humming and then began draining all of Pinkie Pie’s magic, until she returned to her normal state. “Aw! Oh. I am party pooped.”

A sparkling flash of light appeared from Sci-Twi’s device and it opened a small portal to Equestria, until she closed her device and it powered down, and the portal somehow disappeared.

Before the fun would continue, there was a thumping on the microphone, and made some feedback and the partying stopped, until it was Cinch who rudely stopped the party. “I'd like to thank Principal Celestia for her unconventional welcome. It's been four years since the last Friendship Games, but it feels as though nothing has changed. Canterlot High continues to pick its competitors in a popularity contest and Crystal Prep continues to field its top twelve students. It is a comfort to know that even after so many years of losses, your school remains committed to its ideals, however misguided they may be. I wish you all the best of luck, regardless of the inevitable outcome.”

“Oh…” Pinkie Pie moaned in depression.

“I'm sorry, Pinkie. I thought your party additions were really swell,” Applejack said, comforting her friend.

“They definitely broke the ice,” Fluttershy said.

“Yes. If only that Principal Cinch hadn't frozen it again,” Rarity said in total disgust.

“Yeah, she's awful,” Pinkie Pie said.

Suddenly, Sunset and Rainbow Dash walked over to the group. “Wow, Pinkie, what happened to you?” Sunset asked.

“I don't know. Everyone started having fun after Twilight and I fired the party cannons and I ponied up,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Of course you did,” Sunset said. “But then the magic just drained right out of me,” Pinkie Pie said wiggling her fingers in a voodoo hand motive.

“Wait, what do you mean "drained out of you"?” Sunset asked.

“Hey. Where is that other Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“Oh. She's right... Uh, well, she was right here,” Pinkie Pie said, as they all saw Sci-Twi was nowhere to be seen or found.

Back on the Nemesis, Starscream felt very impatient and decided to strike now. “Onslaught! Take your team and a couple of Vehicon troopers and seekers, and find those fleshlings, including the purple one with the spectacles, and bring them to me alive, but only find them if you ever find their energy signals!”

“Yes, Starscream,” Onslaught replied, as he then turned to his team. “You heard him! Let’s move! Half of you, come with us!” The Vehicons Onslaught pointed at nodded in reply and followed the Combaticons to the boarding bay.

Vice Principal Luna spoke over the P.A. system, “Good morning, students. I'm sure you're all thrilled to start the first day of the Friendship Games. Our competitors will face off in every aspect of the CHS curriculum, culminating in the elimination equation finale.”

In the main hallway, Dean Cadance, along with Principal Cinch grouchily standing there with crossed arms on the Crystal Prep side, and Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna on the Canterlot High side, “Welcome to the first event, the Academic Decathlon! You'll be scored on chemistry, home-ec and everything in between. But remember, only the six students from each team with the most points will move on to event number 2. Good luck!”

“Incorrect!” Principal Cinch commented, as Sunset sighed in defeat.

Vice Principal Luna then made the announcement as she checked the points, “That means the winner of the Friendship Games' first event is Twilight Sparkle and Crystal Prep!” Sci-Twi felt proud, but the Crystal Prep students sighed and made a scattered applause.

The Rainbooms suddenly came over to congratulate Sunset.

“That was awesome!” Rainbow Dash said. “Truly amazing!” Rarity commented.

“But we didn't win!” Sunset said, still feeling disappointed.

“That was as close to winnin' as Canterlot's ever been,” Applejack said.

Dean Cadance then made another announcement, “After a careful tally of the points, we'd like to present the students moving on to the Friendship Games' second event.”

The students then made a round of applause, and the Rainbooms cheered that they were still in the tournament.

Sci-Twi felt disappointed that none of the Crystal Prep students supported her, until she saw her classmates walking off the stage, and as she went to go catch up, she bumped into Flash Sentry again.

“Congratulations! You were really great!” he said, until Sci-Twi’s device beeped again.

“I'm sorry. Excuse me,” she said, taking her leave.

“Okay, then,” Flash said, until he felt disappointed. “Aw.”

Later on, out in the forest reserve area, the red Autobot Cliffjumper was driving around the dirt road in vehicle mode, and talking with his partner, which was the Autobot Arcee, “So there I am on a lookout, when out of nowhere, these high beams light up my rearview. And then it hits me I'm illegally parked!”

Arcee, who was a blue motorcycle with pink platings, answered her partner’s comm link, “Another parking ticket?”

Cliffjumper then spoke up, “Better. The boot.”

“Big metal tire clamp, impossible to remove.”

Cliffjumper then guessed her right, “Bingo! The local police do that thing and get me all the way down by a block. That's when I kick up my new shiny shoe and BANG!”

Arcee then commented, “Canterlot’s finest soil themselves.”

“You know me, Arcee. - Mess with Cliffjumper…”

“And you get the horns,” Arcee said, as Cliffjumper laughed until she spoke back. “Not sure how that complies with Autobot rule number one - 'Keep a low profile'?”

“What can I say?” Cliffjumper commented. “Patrolling for Energon out here is dull and gets me all on lonesome. Almost makes me miss the Decepticons.”

“Like Canterlot City’s a party? We're alone where ever we travel on this rock, Cliff,” Arcee said.

Cliffjumper suddenly got another energy reading on his radar, “I'm getting a signal.”

“Need backup?” Arcee asked.

“Do I ever need backup?” Cliffjumper replied, until he drove off to the source of the signal, turning out to be blue glowing crystals of Energon. “I just found a hole lot of Energon!” Suddenly, he saw a big shadow underneath him, before he transformed into robot mode. “Decepticons!”

A laser turret underneath the Nemesis aimed at the Autobot, and shot him towards the Energon deposit, until the airdrop bay opened, and out came 6 Vehicons. “Arcee, about that backup?”

Friendship Games, Part 7/The Rainbooms Meet The Autobots

The crowd was cheering for both schools.

“Since the score's tied, the final event will determine the winner of the Friendship Games,” Dean Cadance said.

“Somewhere on campus, a pennant from each school has been hidden. The first team to find their school's flag and bring it back wins,” Vice Principal Luna said, holding the pennants.

“And as soon as our teams are ready, we'll begin,” Dean Cadance said.

Meanwhile, the Rainbooms are feeling exhausted and really let down, due to all of their magic being stolen.

“I don't feel like playing these games anymore,” Fluttershy said.

“But we have to play. This is the last event!” Rainbow Dash said. Rarity scoffed, “It's a little hard to focus with all the magic stealing and portal opening.”

“And I feel awful about what I said to Twilight,” Sunset said, feeling upset.

“Especially since she obviously didn't mean to do all the stuff she did. She's actually really nice,” Fluttershy said, as Sunset facepalmed herself.

“Let's just get through this last event and prove we're not a bunch of cheaters. Then you can go over and apologize,” Applejack said.

Sci-Twi looked sad and nervously uncomfortable about the final event, meaning she didn’t want to hurt the Rainbooms or put them in danger.

“I know I'm asking you to beat a team that isn't playing fair, but Canterlot High must be made to understand that even with magic at their disposal, beating Crystal Prep is simply not an option,” Principal Cinch said.

“What if they grow wings again?” Sugarcoat asked.

“A fair question. Though I believe we can now fight fire with fire,” Principal Cinch said, walking over to Sci-Twi, who motivated her hand to Spike asking him to hide. “I've seen what your device can do, Twilight. Containing magical energy is fine, but have you considered releasing it?”

Sci-Twi was nervous, “But I don't even understand how it works.”

“But you'd like to. And since our opponents have already used it to stay competitive, I see no reason why we shouldn't do the same,” Principal Cinch said. “Unless, of course, you have no interest in Everton. Though, honestly, I think there's more knowledge packed in that little device than any independent study program could offer. So it’s your choice.”

Sci-Twi then looked at her classmates, and then Cinch gently shoved her forward, until as Sci-Twi nervously walked over to the center of the school yard.

Fluttershy pointed at Sci-Twi as she took it off her neck as it was spinning diagonally, as the Rainbooms saw what was happening, including Bumblebee and the Autobots.

“If both teams are ready...”

Spike ran over to try to stop her.

Sci-Twi then touched her device, until she saw all that magic inside before her eyes enchantedly changed color.

“...the last event of the Friendship Games begins...”

Sunset was concerned about what was going to happen.

“Twilight, no!” Spike yelled, trying to stop her. Sci-Twi then opened it.

“Now!”

There was a burst of energy from the device as she opened it up, and both the Rainbooms and Shadowbolts were shocked to see what was happening.

Somewhere far from the school while driving, Optimus and a small team of Autobots were watching. “BY THE ALLSPARK OF CYBERTRON!” Optimus exclaimed.

Sci-Twi struggled, as she tried to break free from the orb of magic, “Heeeeeeeeeelllllllp... meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Uhh! Ahh!”

Sci-Twi suddenly became something else. Her skin changed darker purple, she had a demonic dress with a long tail, fingerless gloves and boots with glowing shoes, and her eyes were glowing with a flaming mask, and her hair was streaked up like a ball of fire, and she had a laser horn on her head, along with a huge pair of demonic archangel wings. She became… Midnight Sparkle!

Principal Cinch cowardly backed away while the Shadowbolts realized what they’ve unleashed, and Spike whimpered as he was scared too.

Midnight Sparkle cackled with evil laughter, and turned to Sunset, “You were right! I didn't understand magic before, but I do now!”

Midnight Sparkle’s horn lit up, and as her eyes lit up as well, she unleashed a beam of energy from her hand, and destroyed the statue, revealing a portal to Equestria.

Sunset was shocked and concerned about what she was seeing, “Equestria!”

Suddenly, the ground cracked with purple cracks and so the students started panicking as more portals of Equestria scared them.

Sunny Flare suddenly saw Principal Cinch running to hide, “Hey! Where are you going?!”

“Anywhere to avoid that... monster! And I suggest you do the same!” Principal Cinch replied, as she ran off to find cover. The five Shadowbolts didn’t know what to do.

“Twilight, you can't do this!” Sunset said.

“Why not?! There's a whole other world right there, and it's just filled with magic!” Midnight Sparkle said, blasting open another portal at the school entrance, blocking the principals’ escape.

“But you're destroying this world to get it!” Sunset said.

“So what? There's more magic there, and I want to understand it all!” Midnight Sparkle said, as she unleashed her full power and created a huge hole with an Equestrian sky.

A few students were screaming, as Sunset dodged the attack and grabbed Sci-Twi’s device.

A student was about to fall into the hole, but Applejack grabbed hold and grunted while pulling her up, “Don't let go!”

More students were screaming as Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash helped a few Crystal Prep and Canterlot High students. Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare, Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, and Lemon Zest decided to help.

“Hang on!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Obviously!” Rarity said, while struggling, before she fell into the hole as her hand slipped, until Indigo Zap and Lemon Zest caught her.

“We got you!” Indigo Zap said, as she and Lemon Zest pulled her and the Crystal Prep students she caught back up.

Sunset saw Sci-Twi’s device humming as the Rainbooms’ magic returned, so she confronted Twilight as an idea popped into her head, “This isn't the way! I know you feel powerful right now, like you can have everything you want! I've been where you are, I've made the same mistake you're making! I put on a crown and, just like you, I was overwhelmed by the magic it contained! I thought it could get me everything I wanted!”

Midnight Sparkle suddenly didn’t care, “Oh, you're wrong. Unlike you, I can have everything I want!”

“No, you can't. Even with all that magic and power, you'll still be alone!” Sunset said, as Optimus Prime and the Autobots were listening. “True magic comes from honesty! Loyalty! Laughter! Generosity! Kindness! I understand you, Twilight, and I want to show you the most important magic of all...”

Sunset then transformed into an angelic version of herself, but she had a white and grayish red dress with a fire shaped skirt, orange boots with orange glowing shoes, white fingerless gloves, jewelry with her sun symbol, and a red stripe on her face, and her hair was all the way up, and she had orange glimmering wings that flittered like a pixie, and a orange laser horn pointing straight. She became… Daydream Shimmer.

“...the Magic of Friendship!”

Midnight Sparkle was shocked about Sunset’s new look, and the Rainbooms were as well. Daydream Shimmer closed all the portals with her orange colored magic, and then she and Midnight Sparkle had a magical fight by blasting beams of magic at each other, while creating an explosive clash that was blindingly powerful.

Midnight Sparkle grunted as she and Daydream Shimmer bashed their lasers together, but Midnight’s was stronger than Daydream’s, as Midnight let out an evil laughter.

The students of both schools were terrified, until Spike looked at the girl, “Twilight!” Midnight Sparkle/Sci-Twi looked down at her puppy’s big eyes, “Spike?”

Daydream Shimmer had the upper hand and defeated Midnight Sparkle by freeing Sci-Twi from within.

“Noooo!”

Daydream Shimmer then looked at Midnight Sparkle, and then offered her hand, “Take my hand, Twilight. Let me show you there's another way... just like someone once did for me.”

Sci-Twi then thought about it, until she took Sunset’s hand and they both returned to normal and then Sci-Twi felt guilty, “I am so sorry... I didn't mean for any of this to happen...”

“I know. None of this was your fault. And going by my own experiences, they'll forgive you,” Sunset said, as Sci-Twi hugged her. Spike barked, and then landed onto Sci-Twi as she giggled while hugging her dog.

Principal Cinch angrily stormed towards Principal Celestia, “Principal Celestia, on behalf of Crystal Prep, I demand that you forfeit the Friendship Games! Clearly, CHS has had unfair advantage for quite some time! And it's certainly obvious that your students have been using magic for their own benefit!”

“I'd like to think that saving the world benefits us all,” Principal Celestia said.

“At least they didn't manipulate Twilight into releasing all the stolen magic and turning into a power-crazed magical creature that tried to rip the world apart just to win a game,” Sugarcoat said.

“Wow! That's a lot to take in when you say it all at once,” Pinkie Pie said.

“That's ridiculous!” Principal Cinch retorted.

“Nope, that's pretty much what happened,” Spike said, as Principal Cinch was freaked out.

Sour Sweet then sweetly spoke up, “Actually, we're all to blame.” She then blamed it on Cinch sourly, “Mostly it was her.”

Principal Cinch then angrily retorted, “Obviously my students have been infected with your magic, but I plan on taking all of this up with the school board!”

“Of course, Principal Cinch,” Principal Celestia said. “I'm sure they would be very absolutely and delightfully interested in hearing your story all about the magical schoolgirls with wings.”

“Oh, and the portals to different dimensions,” Vice Principal Luna commented.

“And don't forget to tell them about the talking dog,” Dean Cadance giggled.

“Because that would never ruin your reputation,” Spike said, as Principal Cinch looked at her students and the Rainbooms smirking at her with confidence.

Cinch then growled in frustration, “Very well, but don’t think this’ll be the last time you’ve ever crossed roads with me, which is what you’ll soon regret!” She then cooled down and walked away.

“Well, I know these Friendship Games haven't been what any of us expected, but given what we've all just been through, I think it's fair to declare us all winners,” Principal Celestia said, as the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts cheered together.

Dean Cadance saw Sci-Twi walking over to her, “Yes, Twilight?”

Sci-Twi then spoke up, “Dean Cadance, I've been thinking about it and... I'm not so sure now is the time for me to apply to Everton.”

Dean Cadance was surprised, “Really?”

Sci-Twi nodded, “I may know about a lot of things, but friendship isn't really one of them. And I'm definitely not gonna learn more about it by being alone all the time. And it seems the students here at CHS know an awful lot about the subject.”

Dean Cadance and Principal Celestia knew exactly what Sci-Twi was talking about, until Celestia had an idea, “I think it’s a wonderful idea, Dean Cadance. If you’ll follow me to my office, we’ll talk about having Twilight transferred here to Canterlot High, so in the meantime, Sunset, I need you all to look out for her, just as Princess Twilight once did for you. I'm sure I can count on you girls to help her feel at home. Can you do that?”

Sunset nodded, “You sure can, Principal Celestia.” She smiled and Celestia smiled as well before she, Vice Principal Luna, and Dean Cadance walked inside to her office to talk about the transfer.

After Sci-Twi said goodbye and accepted apologies from the Shadowbolts as they wished her good luck, she suddenly found herself surrounded by the Rainbooms, including Sunset.

Rainbow Dash wrapped her arm around Sci-Twi’s neck. “Looks like you’re gonna be one of us now! This’ll be so awesome!”

Rarity then began to chime in, “Just you wait, Twilight darling! I have a whole list of hairstyles and excellent clothing ideas just for you that really match your style!” She giggled and placed a hand gently over her mouth. “Oh, do pardon my generous enthusiasm, darling.”

“Don’t worry, Twilight. With us around, you’ll do just fine,” Sunset said, as Sci-Twi accepted the friendship from her new friends.

Outside the town district near the school, the Combaticons were on their way over, until they were unexpectedly stopped by Starscream, Lugnut, Blitzwing, the three Stunticons Dead End, Wildrider, and Breakdown, Barricade, Demolisher, Cyclonus and Soundwave.

They transformed into robot mode and confronted their commander. “Starscream? What do you want now?” Onslaught asked.

“Why haven’t you found those Earthlings yet?!” Starscream yelled. “We’ve tried, but no sign,” Brawl said. “I have news that Optimus Prime and those accursed Autobots are here on this wretched mudball of a planet,” Starscream said. “The human females have been located, and they’re headed back to the academy building now,” Soundwave said.

“Excellent, Soundwave,” Starscream said. “Decepticons! We attack immediately, but only seize and capture!” The Decepticons then took flight while others drove.

Later on, after a small nature walk, the girls came back to the school so they can meet up with the principals about Sci-Twi’s transfer to CHS, but as they got there, they saw that every student went home, and Crystal Prep got back onto the bus back to school and headed home.

After talking with the principals, the girls got their bags, and then Sunset looked into her journal. “Still no word from Princess Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Sunset shook her head, “Not yet. But I think I may have figured out how magic works in this world. We pony up when we're showing the truest part of ourselves. I was so busy waiting for someone else to give me the answers that I gave up looking for them myself. I'm sure there will be more magical problems that pop up in this world, but like Applejack said, Princess Twilight has her own problems to worry about in Equestria. We can't expect her to always be around to help us.”

“Maybe I can help, if you’ll give me a chance,” Sci-Twi said. “Of course we’ll accept your help,” Sunset said.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of vehicles approaching.

“Hold on just a second. Ain’t nobody else wonderin’ or noticin’ why those military vehicles are driving with those civilian vehicles?” She asked pointing at the vehicles headed towards them.

“Or why they’re headed straight for us, with fighter jets in the air?!” Rainbow Dash asked.

Suddenly, the military vehicles, fighter jets, and civilian vehicles started to transform into giant robots with distinct features and colors from their vehicle forms, but carried a purple symbol on their shoulders or chest.

Starscream looked down at the seven girls as they sticked together. “Are you the seven ‘magical equine girls’ situated at this educational facility?” He asked, as Sunset stepped forward.

“Yeah?” Sunset replied, as she tried to be brave.

“You have something that belongs to me,” Starscream said. “We have what?!” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The cosmic energy in your bodies! Hand it to me, and we’ll spare your lives!” Starscream commanded.

Blitzwing then formed his crazy face, “But I want to see them pony up! Can I?! Can I?! Can I?!”

“SILENCE, BLITZWING!” Lugnut yelled.

“They want our magic?!” Fluttershy asked while nervously shaking in fear, and hiding behind Applejack. “What do we do?!” Rarity asked.

“RUN!” Sunset and Sci-Twi answered in unison, as the girls screamed and ran for their lives.

“Come back here, you pathetic insects, before I pound you and scramble you into pieces!” Blitzwing called in his angry face.

“We need them alive, you idiot!” Starscream said. “Decepticons, fan out and find them!” The Decepticons then transformed into vehicle mode and spread out to find the girls.

Later on, the girls hid themselves at an abandoned warehouse next to a riverside and a big rail yard guarded by a fence.

As the Decepticons arrived and started looking for the girls, the Rainbooms quietly tried to move without making a sound, but as they safely made another way through, a sound of metal was heard, as Rainbow Dash accidentally bumped into a toolset.

Blitzwing then turned around with his crazy face, “Ooh! Peekaboo! I see you!”

“Run for it!” Sunset said, as they started running.

“You can run, but you can’t hide!” Cyclonus shouted, as he and Demolisher tried to grab them. Soundwave saw them running again, “Laserbeak, Ravage, Rumble, get them!” He then dispatched three of his mini-cons, which were the intelligence droning bird, Laserbeak, the feline saboteur android Ravage, and the humanoid demolition robot, Rumble.

“Get ready to crumble before Rumble, pipsqueaks!” Rumble said, as he went after the girls. Ravage made a snarling sound, and Laserbeak soared through the air.

As the girls ran through the rail yard while the Decepticons kept trying to catch them, they now ended up in a dead end. “We’re trapped! There’s no way out!” Rainbow Dash said, as the girls saw Ravage and Rumble getting closer.

“Looks like you’re out of luck, little ladies!” Rumble said, until a yellow and black hand grabbed him.

Bumblebee then threw Rumble out of the way. Ravage then jumped onto Bumblebee and tried to claw or bite his head off. Bumblebee stung Ravage with his stinger, and then the feline retreated.

Bumblebee then went up to Cyclonus and jumped onto him, stomping the Decepticon on the ground, until he punched Demolisher in the face, causing a slow motion action scene.

Starscream and the other Decepticons appeared, until Lugnut slapped Bumblebee out of the way, and the yellow Autobot landed onto a couple of trains.

“BUMBLEBEE!” Sci-Twi screamed.

“And now, for not complying with cooperation, I’m afraid we’ll have to do this… the harder way after I devour your magical cosmic energy from your pathetic insect bodies!” Starscream said, as he aimed his weapon at the girls.

Suddenly, a truck horn was heard, as Optimus ran into a few Decepticons knocking them over. “What trickery is this?!” Starscream asked.

Optimus then pulled over to the girls and opened one of his side doors, “Get in!”

The girls were shocked that the truck could talk, until Sci-Twi saw the Autobot symbol on Optimus’s trailer. “Come on. Let’s move it,” Sci-Twi said, as she and Sunset got into the truck. “Hey, wait for us!” Rainbow Dash said, as she and the others got in.

As Demolisher kneeled down to see the girls in the truck as they panicked, Optimus honked his horn and drove while Demolisher was trying to stop the Autobot leader from escaping, until Optimus activated his trailer’s laser bullet turret and shot red lasers at Demolisher’s face, before the Decepticon fell over, and Optimus drove on top of the Decepticon while the girls saw the wheel and shifting gears were automatically changing directions as Optimus was driving himself.

“Whoa! Cool!” Rainbow Dash said, as the robot truck landed onto normal ground and drove the girls off to a safer location, but suddenly, a huge robot combined with 5 vehicles which looked like the Combaticons, which was named Bruticus, destroyed the bridge with his fist, and suddenly, Optimus Prime and the girls were trapped in the river surrounded by debris and rubble.

“Here’s something to keep you cozy, Autobot scum!” Blitzwing said, as he aimed his cannons at a metal tower and piled more debris onto Optimus, until the girls were trapped underneath the pillar, and tried to stay upwards and kept breathing so they wouldn’t drown and die.

Before Blitzwing could fire again, a ground bridge portal opened, and out came Bulkhead, Ironhide, Windblade, Jetfire, and Jazz.

“Mind if we join the fun?” Jazz asked, as the Autobots and Decepticons began fighting.

Optimus emerged from the rubble, until he heard a voice. “Help! HELP!”

He saw the girls calling for help since they were trapped in water under a metal tower, and coughing from the smoke of fire and gasping for air.

“We can't get out!” Sunset yelled, as she and the other girls kept coughing and gasping. “Somebody! Save us!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

Optimus then swam over to them. Sci-Twi coughed, “Hurry! The fire! It's coming closer!”

Optimus then tried lifting the tower, but he couldn’t, “Ugh! Ugh! I can't lift it! Too… heavy!” He then reached his arm carefully underneath, “Grab onto me! Keep your heads above water!”

Suddenly, Optimus used his sword and made an exit for the girls. “Hurry! Climb onto my shoulders!” They all got onto his shoulders and held onto some of his parts.

“Catch this, OP!” Jazz’s voice called out, as he tossed a grappling harpoon at Optimus, and then he caught it before Jazz reeled him in like a fishing rod.

Optimus transformed back into vehicle mode and let the girls inside, until Rarity pulled out some blankets and towels, which were still usable.

“Autobots, hold them off while I get the girls to safety!” Optimus ordered, as they all complied and held off the Decepticons while Optimus escaped with the girls inside.

“Starscream, Optimus Prime has the human females with him, and he’s escaping!” Barricade said. “Some plan you had!” Dead End said. “Shut up and keep firing!” Starscream said, as the fight continued.

Later on, the Autobots had the advantage, before the Decepticons were outnumbered by amounts of firepower. “This is a waste of time! Decepticons, retreat!” Starscream yelled as he and the Decepticons returned to the Nemesis after transforming into vehicle mode, while the ones who rode on the ground took their escape through a ground bridge.

The Autobots then went through their ground bridge and returned to base so they can wait for Optimus there.

“Ratchet, set up the patch kit. Bumblebee’s a little bit crippled from the fight,” Bulkhead said, helping the yellow Autobot to the medical bay. “Easy now, Bumblebee. Just hold still,” Ratchet said, as he started fixing Bumblebee. Bumblebee thanked Ratchet and the others for the help once again with thankful bleeps.

“So what happened out there?” Arcee asked.

“Well, we ran into Starscream and some of Megatron’s old lackeys. Looks like Scream’s now calling the shots, since Megatron’s not around,” Bulkhead said. “We almost had them on the run,” Ironhide said.

“Well, just be glad you’re all in one piece,” Wheeljack said.

“Where’s Optimus?” Arcee asked, with a hand on her hip.

“He’s on his way over, with those seven females Bumblebee’s told us about,” Jazz said. “Plus, now’s a good time to get to meet them.”

30 minutes later…

Optimus was driving down the road from across town towards the forest, and towards the canyon side, while the girls were inside the truck either feeling bored, scared, or just sleeping.

“Why are we in the canyon?” Sunset asked. “You’ll see soon enough,” Optimus replied, until he arrived at a huge mountain. Suddenly, mechanical doors opened through the mountain, revealing a drive through tunnel, and then as Optimus entered the interior, it was a hidden bunker made with human and Cybertronian technology, and whatever was left from the Ark.

The girls had amazed reactions about how well it was built, and then Optimus stopped driving and let them out including Spike, before he transformed into robot mode.

The girls went upstairs to see the Autobots’ faces closely, and then looked at Optimus.

“It appears Soundwave discovered your magical cosmic energy signature from your bodies like we did. Which means they’re plotting something,” Optimus said.

“But what do they want with us and our magic anyway? All we did was pony up unexpectedly, since our magic shows our true traits of friendship,” Sunset said.

“I wish I had an answer for you, but I don’t,” Optimus said.

“Excuse me,” Sci-Twi said. “This kinda happened by accident like a few times. All I wanted was to learn about their magic and how it works, but when Principal Cinch blackmailed me to participate in the Friendship Games if I were to apply to the Everton Independent Study Program, she then forced me to unleash it, changing me into Midnight Sparkle, that she-demon you might’ve seen.”

“And after Celestia, our principal of the school we go to, and Crystal Prep’s faculty head, Dean Cadance transferred her over to CHS, we just wanted to relax from those magical mishaps. We never wanted to start a war,” Sunset said.

“Please, don’t blame yourself,” Optimus said. “None of this was your fault. Like you said, it was only an accident, but only before we received the same readings from your magical energy source coming from your school. We had no choice but to watch over you in secret.”

“So, you’re not here to hurt us?” Fluttershy asked.

“Pfft! Please!” Ratchet scoffed.

Rarity gasped in shock with a scoff, “Beg your pardon?!”

“Easy, Ratchet. Let’s not get them startled or offended,” Optimus said.

“Maybe it’s time we introduced ourselves,” Sunset said. “I’m Sunset Shimmer, and where I’m from is a place called Equestria, where three races of ponies inhabit together. This journal I have is where I write to a friend of ours, who’s also a princess. Her name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, but this one is this world’s Twilight.”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, like Sunset said, but I’m also new on the team,” Sci-Twi said.

“I’m Pinkie Pie!” she exclaimed excitedly. “I’m the party planning expert in CHS, and expert at baking cakes and pies!” Bulkhead suddenly chuckled.

“I am Rarity, professional fashionista of the group. War isn’t really my thing, so I’d appreciate it if your warfare didn’t ruin my gorgeous and fabulous dresses,” The other girls groaned.

“I’ll finish it off, y’all. Name’s Applejack. I help run an apple orchard farm. The one with the rainbow colored hair is Rainbow Dash, our school’s sports captain and professional athlete, and the one hiding behind everyone else is Fluttershy, who loves all the little critters in the world.” Applejack explained, as Rainbow Dash nodded, and Fluttershy nervously waved at Optimus. “Hi,” she shyly said.

“So, what are you guys anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“My name is Optimus Prime. We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron, also known as Autobots,” he said. “You already know my scout and reconnaissance officer, Bumblebee.”

“Yeah, we do,” Sci-Twi said. “Thank you for what you did back there,” Fluttershy said. “You were pretty awesome,” Sunset said, as Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with a smirk.

Bumblebee accepted their expressing gratitude with bleeps, and gave them a nod.

“I am Ratchet, Autobot medical officer,” he said. “As you can see, Bumblebee’s vocal processors were damaged in battle during the war. I’m still working on him though.”

“Name’s Bulkhead, former member of the wreckers,” the green Autobot said, introducing himself.

“Call me Arcee, Autobot soldier and recon officer,” she said.

“Name’s Ironhide, Autobot weapons and combat specialist trooper,” he said. “And whatever happens to all of ya I can handle!”

“Name’s Jazz. Autobot trooper and a self-titled Autobot with a groovy taste of victory, justice and freedom. Ya dig?” he said, as Rainbow Dash winked at him. “Wow! I kinda like this one!”

“I’m Smokescreen, Elite Guard trooper and an Autobot warrior meant for speed and action!” he said.

“I’m Windblade, the Autobots’ stealth expert and master of the cyber ninja clan,” she said.

“Call me Scattershot, computer work expert,” he said.

“I’m Wheeljack, the Autobots’ technology expert and tactical engineer, but for short, I’m an inventor of advanced technological science,” he said.

“I’m Prowl, the patrol and law enforcement officer of the Autobots,” the police car robot said.

“I’m Jetfire, sky support officer, and these two beside me are Air Raid, Skydive and Silverbolt, and we’re called Aerialbots, an elite flight strike team of the Autobots,” the big jet robot said, and introduced Air Raid, Skydive and Silverbolt, who were at both sides of him.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” Sunset said. “So… why are you here?”

“We’re here to protect your planet from total annihilation,” Optimus replied. “The ones who tried to harm you are called Decepticons. We must stop them before they conquer your world and destroy your cities as well.”

“So, why else are they here?” Sunset asked.

“A fair question, Sunset,” Optimus said. “In terms they’re here because our planet is uninhabitable, ravaged by centuries of civil war.”

“Why were you fighting a war?” Fluttershy nervously asked.

“Foremost, over complete control of our world’s supply of Energon, the fuel and lifeblood of all Autobots and Decepticons alike,” he replied, as he tapped a side of his head and then started playing a blue hologram from his optics that hit the empty ground near where the Rainbooms were standing, while the others stood back so Optimus could start the story.

Optimus then showed them a view of a holographic planet coming from the ground. The entire planet was made of metal, with lots of lights illuminating the endless cities. The planet was somehow covered by circuit board printed rivers of a strange blue liquid or energy that was glowing in the surface of the planet, but it was how it looked today before they evacuated the planet, and showed all the Autobots and Decepticons fighting by shooting red and purple lasers, along with missiles causing explosions. The girls began to think that must be Cybertron, home world of the Autobots and Decepticons.

“Our civilizations have lived in peace for centuries, but some of us wanted more. The war raged on until it swallowed our once mighty cities. The combat was fierce and endured for centuries. In the beginning, I fought alongside one whom I considered a brother. But in war, ideals can be corrupted. And it was thus, while corrupted by power… that Megatron lost his way,” Optimus said, showing the girls a picture of what Megatron looked like, which scared them.

Pinkie Pie fake yawned, “Is there gonna be a quiz?”

“So, what does Megatron, or any of this, have to do with us?” Sunset asked.

“Megatron hasn’t been seen or heard from since the last time. But if his return was imminent, meaning if he even survived, as I fear, it could be catastrophic,” Optimus said.

“Well, of there’s anything you need, you can count on us! Because we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty on anything!” Rainbow Dash said, as the girls made agreeable comments.

“I appreciate your enthusiasm, Rainbow Dash, but this is our battle, and we must see it through ourselves,” Optimus said.

“But me and Twilight are the ones responsible for the magical mishaps. With our Equestrian magic, we can help you stand up to the Decepticons,” Sunset said.

“So please let us help you!” Sci-Twi said.

“I told you before. This is our battle, and I will not endanger any more innocent human lives,” Optimus said.

“Oh, come now, Optimus darling, you could at least give us a chance. Because I’m not going to risk getting my expensive outfits, including my $110 suede purple leather boots dirty, plus I can come up with the right outfits for us!” Rarity commented.

“I have to agree with Rarity on this one. We did save Canterlot High from being brainwashed by the sirens, and helped Twilight transfer here,” Applejack said.

“I guess I’d be okay with helping out others,” Fluttershy nervously said.

“So, please let us try!” Rainbow Dash said.

“Plus, we know more about this planet than you do! And we can teach you about human cultures,” Sunset said.

“Hmm… maybe you can help us,” Optimus said. “Very well. If you’re going to fight alongside us, you’ll need some personal protection.”

“I know just how to do that!” Rarity said, as she giggled with giddiness. “Allow me to assist with that, little lady,” Wheeljack said. “Oh, Wheeljack, you’re such a gentleman. Thank you ever so much, darling,” Rarity said.

“Anytime,” Wheeljack said. “Optimus, we promise we’ll be the help you deserve,” Sunset said.

“I understand, and as leader of the Autobots, I accept your decision,” Optimus said, as the girls cheered happily.

Meanwhile, back on the Nemesis, Soundwave started getting a transmission, as he approached Starscream.

“Those transmissions are emanating from deep space. I would hate to waste the Energon… unless you are absolutely certain,” Starscream said, as Soundwave nodded. “Affirmative.”

Starscream grunted, “Then lock on to those transmissions’ coordinates and activate the space bridge!”

A Vehicon computer worker typed in on a computer, and it accessed the Cons’ space bridge, and as it opened up into a green vortex, it showed something flying from it, revealing a silver and purple alien jet plane with a purple cannon on top, until it transformed into robot mode, revealing Megatron, the Decepticon leader!

“DECEPTICONS! I have returned!”

Recon Team/The Power of Dark Energon

It was another day in Canterlot County, but on the Nemesis, Starscream was frustrated that they failed to capture the Rainbooms and use their magic to destroy the Autobots and conquer Cybertron.

“I can’t believe those wretched Autobots got in my way!” Starscream yelled angrily. “You wanna know something, Starscream? If you had a better plan, we would’ve nabbed them immediately,” Onslaught said.

“I have to agree with him. You’re pretty much wasting your time,” Barricade said. “Luckily we’ve found this deposit, and finally glad it’s actual Energon.”

“Yes,” Starscream said, as he went to investigate the mine, until Soundwave received a Decepticon life signal.

Down in the mine, Starscream and Soundwave, with Laserbeak on his left shoulder, watched the miners work with the Energon. “Of the Energon deposits we have located while Lord Megatron is away, this one is by far the most significant,” Starscream said.

The mine they were in was the one with the giant amount of Energon in the entire planet and it’s been powering up Megatron’s army for a year. They both looked to each miner cutting giant pieces of blue crystal with their saws or creating new holes to new Energon crystals with the giant drills. After being transformed into cubes, the Vehicons loaded them onto carts and took them to the Nemesis in a elevator, where they can use them to recharge their ship, create more ammo, or fuel up every Con’s systems.

“The drones have successfully been mining the Energon without a pause during his absence, and have amassed quite a stockpile,” Starscream said.

“Affirmative, and we will have enough to support our ship,” Soundwave said. “You there! Fetch me a sample!” Starscream yelled to one of the miners, until he heard a voice.

“STARSCREAM!” the voice hollered, and as Starscream and Soundwave turned around, revealing a pair of two glowing red optics with white pupils in the dark, until it was Megatron, their leader. “I am grateful for your cooperation. But now that I have returned, there’s one thing I must remind you: I will handle the commands.”

Starscream gasped, and then cleared his throat, allowing his leader to walk past him, making the ground rumble, “I understand, Lord Megatron.”

“Lord Megatron, we’re honored to have you back,” Soundwave said.

“And I am so relieved to hear of your resurrecting return, my liege,” Starscream said.

“I appreciate your concerns, but I have survived far more than you can realize, Starscream,” Megatron said. Starscream then nervously chuckled, “Of course you have, master.”

“Soundwave,” Megatron said, as he stared to his mining operation team. “What is the percentage of our Energon supplies?”

Soundwave stopped rubbing Laserbeak’s beak and then looked to his master. On his chest and hologram projector from his wrist appeared many Cybertronian symbols as he calculated the amount of Energon that have collected since they got here.

“The Energon supplies are now at 15% and counting, Lord Megatron,” he answered. “If the miners continue their work, we shall reach to maximum in a large amount of decacycles or more.”

“I see you’ve managed well, Soundwave. Unlike you, Starscream,” Megatron said, as Starscream nervously smiled. “But I need all the Energon from this pathetic organic mudball in my hands,” he said while clenching his hands.

“As you command, Lord Megatron,” Soundwave said, bowing to his leader.

“We shall not fail you, Lord Megatron,” Starscream said.

“With all that Energon, we’ll be at firing strength, and I shall destroy Optimus Prime and his pathetic Autobots once and for all!” Megatron said, while picking up and holding a rock. “Then I will bring order to the universe, wipe out every single Autobot in the galaxy and beyond until Cybertron is rightfully ours, because NO ONE DEFIES THE DECEPTICONS, OR MEGATRON!” he yelled, while crushing the rock with his hand, turning it into dust.

“Yes, Lord Megatron! You will indeed rule supreme!” Starscream commented. “But while you were absent, my liege… Soundwave, the data, please.”

Soundwave, and he showed Megatron a picture of the Rainbooms hugging each other, which surprised him, and some of their magical data on his hologram projector.

“Allow me to explain details about these humanoid females, master,” Starscream commented, as Megatron was intrigued by their magical friendship and abilities. “These seven can use their abilities by using teamwork or ‘friendship’ as they call it, meaning together united as one, they can be unstoppable. We’ve failed to harness their power to destroy the Autobots, including Optimus Prime. Unless we could offer your suggestions, master, if it pleases you.”

“Indeed, Starscream,” Megatron said. “But I also have something I want to show you both. Another reliable source of powerful energy I also require to eliminating the Autobots for good, which means materializing our efforts. The solidified form of the matter the ancient texts referred to as the “Blood of Unicron”!” He took out a purple crystal shard glowing with mist on his hand.

“Unicron the Destroyer…” Starscream said. “According to legend, it is said that his blood is the anti-spark!”

“Plucked from many cosmic shores, gaze upon… Dark Energon!” Megatron said.

“Legend tells that it holds the power to… revive the dead,” Starscream said. “It also tells that it’s also an unstable source of energy. It can also cause chaos uncontrollably in an unexpected growth rate into crystal roots, dominating and destroying every it sees and touches,” Soundwave explained.

“We require only a cadaver to be certain,” Megatron said, before turning to Starscream. “Are you willing to make the ultimate sacrifice?”

“Hehe, that may not be necessary, but I suppose a field test would suffice, so if I may, Lord Megatron?” Starscream said, as Soundwave motioned his arm to allow four Vehicons carry the deceased body of the Autobot Cliffjumper and cuffed in shackles before their leader. “Consider it a welcome home present.” Megatron made a grin as he saw that Starscream killed the Autobot.

Meanwhile, the girls were still with the Autobots at their base in the Everfree Forest.

“So this is your home base…” Sunset said, gazing at the interior. “How did you build it without anyone noticing it?”

“Well, that is quite a funny story,” Wheeljack chuckled. “cause the base is actually our spaceship, the Ark, like Prime mentioned… or whatever’s left of it.”

The girls suddenly gasped, that they were inside of a spaceship, but this one was huge and definitely Cybertronian.

“So how long will you get it repaired?” Sci-Twi asked. “Yeah! Because I wanna see Cybertron!” Pinkie Pie excitedly exclaimed.

“Well, we can’t because it’s out of order since the fight with Megatron and until we crashed here,” Bulkhead said. “Awwww!” Pinkie Pie said in disappointment.

“Speaking of which,” Sci-Twi said, “when did you land on Earth?”

“We believe our accident happened recently the last decacycles before your ‘Friendship Games,’ like how your fellow ‘classmates’ call them, when we saw three organic creatures that were blasted by a beaming bridge of light,” Optimus said.

“Oh, that was us defeating the sirens like we mentioned,” Sunset said. “But Princess Twilight was the one who helped before this Twilight showed up.”

“I see,” Optimus said.

“But what we saw appeared to be a meteor or an asteroid falling from the sky,” Sunset said. “It was your ship… wasn’t it?”

“Yes. We never meant to frighten any of your people. We’re meant as peaceful robotic beings sworn to preserve life, and keep it that way,” Optimus said.

“Well, I kinda used to be like Megatron, but I wanted to conquer Equestria and be treated like a princess, but thanks to Princess Twilight and the others, they offered me a chance with friendship, and then when I helped defeat the Dazzlings, we’ve been friends ever since, and we still make contact with each other,” Sunset explained.

“Well, I’m surprised you’ve learned your lesson, Sunset. Sometimes things the way you want it won’t get you anything,” Optimus said.

“Guys! We’re back!” Rainbow Dash said, pulling in some household equipment, along with Applejack and Rarity. “We’ve got a couch, a table, some chairs, a widescreen tv, and some of my video games to play.”

“I’ve also brought mine,” Sunset said.

“And I thought about setting up a study lab and library for us to use if we have homework or if you guys need help with anything,” Sci-Twi said.

“I appreciate that, Twilight,” Ratchet said.

“Don’t worry about it,” Arcee said. “Ratchet’s grumpy most of the time, but he’s a good bot. Someday, you’ll understand.”

“Okay,” Sunset said.

“Optimus, the automatic transmission systems and customized media screen is set and ready for testing!” Wheeljack said. “And it appears that we’ve got pretty much everything set up as well,” Ratchet said. “Yep! All the equipment we’ve salvaged from the Ark and what we’ve got in store from this missile silo is functional as before. Computers, weapon systems, the ground bridge prototype, and both all of my inventing equipment and Ratchet’s medical equipment, and we’ve managed to finish building a medical bay for all of us! Including my laboratory!”

“Good work, Autobots. Let’s give it a go,” Optimus said, and then Sci-Twi helped Ratchet with the systematics with her computer. “Okay, try it out,” Sci-Twi said.

“And I also thought about setting up this personal router for you girls, because I’ve been studying something called the Internet, but this one’s privately linked so that nothing can track you, since I’ve secretly placed a small microchip in your phones, so that the Cons can’t track you or hunt you down,” Wheeljack said. “Thank you, Wheeljack darling,” Rarity said.

“No problem,” Wheeljack said. “Hey, it works!” Rainbow Dash said, testing the router and the TV.

The Autobots saw their radar and computer network was working successfully.

“Guess human technology works well with Autobot technology,” Sunset said.

“Ya said it,” Applejack commented.

“So, what’s a ground bridge?” Sci-Twi asked Ratchet and Wheeljack, as Bulkhead and Ironhide we’re moving it somewhere closer towards the hangar bay. “Is it some sort of interspace travel?”

“Not exactly,” Wheeljack explained. “Ratchet and I designed the ground bridge as a scaled down version based off of Space Bridge technology that was stolen by the Decepticons during the eve of the war on Cybertron.”

“Since we don't currently possess the means or the Energon required for intergalactic travel,” Ratchet explained.

“You're stuck here. On Earth,” Sunset said.

“With the likes of you, yes. But Wheeljack and I constructed the Ground Bridge to send any bot anywhere on your planet, but it requires the coordinates given before travel,” Ratchet said.

“Wow! Does it work for humans?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Naturally,” Wheeljack said.

“Sunset?” Optimus said, as the girls turned around. “There’s something I’d like to show you.” He then turned to Wheeljack. “It’s time.”

Wheeljack nodded and then out of nowhere came three Mini-Cons, but one looked like a helicopter with red and white paint, the second looked like a dark blue pickup truck, and the third looked like a green race car.

“Hi!” The red one said. “Hello,” Sunset said. “Oh my gosh! Aren’t you just so precious?!” Rarity asked with a beaming smile on her face. “This is so amazing!” Fluttershy said.

“My name is Jolt, and these two are Six-Speed and Reverb. We’re your new Recon Team!” the one called Jolt introduced.

“Nice to meet you,” Sunset said. “I’m Sunset Shimmer. And these are my friends, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, and Pinkie Pie.”

“Nice to meet you all as well! Whatever you need we shall do no matter what!” Jolt said, as Six-Speed and Reverb made beeping noises in agreement.

“Since you’re also Cybertronians, why don’t you try these out?” Sci-Twi suggested, as she showed the Mini-Cons pictures of a helicopter, a race car, and a pickup truck.

“Alright! Begin scan!” Jolt said, as he and the other two scanned the vehicles in the pictures Sci-Twi had and then they started transforming into vehicle mode, and after trying the vehicle maneuvers, they transformed back into robot mode. “Say! It worked!”

“That is awesome!” Rainbow Dash said.

“They’re job is to help retrieve data, and possibly look out for you while we’re busy,” Optimus said.

“Wait, does that mean you’ll let us help, like for real?” Sunset asked. “I never say that. Meanwhile, your safety is my priority for now. So I believe it’s best that you all remain under our watch, to ensure our enemy’s intent,” Optimus said.

“Optimus!” Ratchet said. “With all due respect, the human children are in as much danger here as anywhere.”

“Children?!” Sunset asked with her eyebrow up, as the other girls felt slightly offended.

“They have no protective shell!” the Autobot medic continued. “If they go underfoot, they will go… squish.” Ratchet then stomped his foot on the ground, scaring the girls, including Fluttershy.

“Then for the time being, Ratchet,” Optimus as he laid his hand on his hip. “we must all watch where we step.”

Before anyone else could say anything, the alarm along with green lights filled the room. Optimus walked towards the computer with Ratchet, Wheeljack and Scattershot.

“What’s going on?” Sunset asked.

“Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt,” Bumblebee replied to Sunset.

“Bee said that it’s the proximity sensors,” Fluttershy answered. “There’s someone outside the base.”

“Who do you think it is?” Sci-Twi asked.

Ratchet, Scattershot and Wheeljack started to click buttons. In the screen appeared to be a green military Jeep with camouflage on the sides of the vehicle and out came a man with tan skin, brown eyes and black hair. He wore a grayish blue suit and a white buttoned shirt with a black tie.

“It’s Agent Fowler,” Ratchet said after opening the outside door with the computer.

“But… I thought we were the only human girls who knew about you guys,” Sunset said.

“Special Agent Fowler is our designated liaison to the outside world by his human military government, including their Secretary of Defense and its other leaders,” Optimus replied. “It appears Captain Shining Armor, Lieutenant Spitfire and Major Lennox may have discussed the battle from a few megacycles ago with him, along with their general and their Secretary of Defense, but I also fear… about you. As he tends to visit only when there are issues at hand, I believe it’s best if you’ll let me handle the talking.”

The Rainbooms looked to each other and nodded in reply, meaning that the talk Lennox and Shining Armor had with their government Optimus mentioned, the news that they talked about was surely bad, so they went downwards on the ground level. Suddenly, as the elevator came down, it opened and Agent Fowler walked out of it. By the look of his face, it was not a good one. Optimus walked towards Agent Fowler and stopped five steps in front of him, as he looked up to see Optimus’s face while walking.

“Seven wrecks,” he said. “Half an abandoned rail yard destroyed, and a particular note: numerous reports about giant robots fighting against each other and blowing everything up, including the foundry canisters of explosive gasoline towards the riverfront.” Agent Fowler then saw the Rainbooms feeling embarrassed as they tried to comfort themselves. “Contact with civilians! Team Prime has really gone off rules this time. Wait, don't tell me! You are running a day-care center?“

“Not really, no,” the Rainbooms randomly commented.

“So, anything you care to get off your giant tin chassis, Prime?” Agent Fowler asked.

“We have the situation under control, Agent Fowler,” Optimus replied.

“Let me guess. They’re here, aren’t they?” Agent Fowler asked raising an eyebrow.

“If you’re referring to the Decepticons,” Optimus said. “I have doubts that they’ve ever left. Your planet is much too valuable.”

“Then it’s time to wake up the Pentagon!” Agent Fowler said. “And if they want a war, they’ll have it, along with NEST Command!”

“Hear me, Agent Fowler!” Optimus said, calming him down. “We are your best and possibly your only defense against the Decepticon threat.”

“Says you,” Agent Fowler said.

“Hey, fleshy!” Bulkhead said. “Did anyone get splattered in that rail yard?” He then grabbed the mechanical arm he was looking at, “Team Prime knows when to use force,” Bulkhead then squeezed the machine, breaking it, “and how much to use.”

“BULKHEAD, I NEEDED THAT!” Ratchet argued, as Bulkhead realized it was one of Ratchet’s tools.

“Enough!” Optimus said, as he turned back to Agent Fowler. “Military involvement will only result in catastrophe, and lead to incalculable losses. Perhaps you can condone widespread human casualties, Agent Fowler. I, however, cannot.”

Those words drew Sunset’s attention. Optimus Prime was really an alien, which was a creature that did not belong here on Earth, but being completely different or even superior to the humans, he was concerned about them and their safety like… a true war hero. Sunset had to be honest: in front of her was one of the best leaders of all time besides her former mentor, Princess Celestia, and her sister Princess Luna. Sci-Twi somehow felt the same thing, meaning if she needed or wanted to follow someone to the end of time and space, it’d be Optimus Prime, along with her friends and his Autobots.

“Then do us all a favor and deal with this problem, Prime, under the radar, and we’ll all be fine,” Agent Fowler said. “Now, about the girls…”

With those words, Agent Fowler walked towards the Rainbooms, “Alright, let’s move. I’m taking you all to federal custody. For your own protection.” All the girls began to step back from him nervously, but Fluttershy was the most timidly nervous one. Suddenly, a giant green and black foot stepped in front of the Rainbooms. The government agent looked up and saw Bulkhead and Ironhide glaring at him.

“We’re protecting them,” Bulkhead said.

“Oh, really?” Agent Fowler asked.

“Ya heard him, so unless ya got a problem with that…” Ironhide said, until Jazz finished it. “Just stay cool and back off from the little ladies nice and easy like, and we’ll all be cool. Ya dig?”

“We believe that the Decepticons attacked the girls in hopes to find and download important information from them in hopes to destroy us and conquer your world,” Optimus said. “Now, we must do our part as Autobots to protect them and all humankind at all costs.”

Agent Fowler sighed heavily, “Fine, fine. Since you’ve made a point, I can’t stop you. So, they’re your responsibility now, Prime!” he said while walking back upstairs and headed to the elevator. “But I’ll be watching you.” He then entered the elevator and pushed the close door button, “And I mean it.” The doors then closed, as Bulkhead slowly stood next to Optimus. The girls has no idea Optimus could handle Agent Fowler’s confidence and loyalty to his government, but his self centered stupidity, it surely he couldn’t stand or handle it more than that human any longer.

“Pretty big bearings… for a human,” he said.

“Agent Fowler is concerned for his world, Bulkhead, as he should be,” Optimus said.

“Optimus? You did say Shining Armor, right?” Sci-Twi asked. “Yes, Twilight. Why?” Optimus asked. “He’s… my brother,” Sci-Twi replied.

“Hmm… I suppose the captain is in fact your family as well,” Optimus said. “But I’ll be sure to give him my sympathies for what you’ve experienced.”

“Thank you, Optimus. That’s very nice of you,” Sci-Twi said. “You are welcome, Twilight,” Optimus said.

“Do you think… I should tell him… when the time comes?” Sci-Twi asked. “Yes, I’m afraid so,” Optimus said.

Back in the mine, Megatron, with the Dark Energon shard in his hand, and both Starscream and Soundwave walking with him, went over to the dead Cliffjumper and stopped near his body.

“Let us see if you power born of darkness can reignite the spark!” Megatron said, as he raised his arm up high, and then jammed the Dark Energon shard onto Cliffjumper’s chest, as it began to make pulsing noises, while Starscream slowly back away.

The shard suddenly entered Cliffjumper’s deceased body, and then flowed through him, reactivating him, until Cliffjumper snarled, and then made the same snarling noise, as Megatron, Starscream and Soundwave saw him awaken from his captivity, and was now… A UNDEAD ZOMBIE!

As the zombie Cliffjumper made more damage on freeing himself while two Vehicons converted their hands into their blasters, he charged towards a Vehicon and started to pummel him and tear him to pieces. Megatron was somehow intrigued by the undead Autobot’s behavior, as he watched Cliffjumper squeeze the Vehicon’s head with his bare hand, until another shot his blaster at the zombie, before the undead robot roared at the trooper and began to tear the trooper apart!

“Master?! That's your plan?! Bring Autobots back from the dead to attack us?!” Starscream asked.

“It is only a side effect on the Dark Energon,” Soundwave commented.

“That is no longer an Autobot,” Megatron replied. “Just a mindless beast, its only instinct to destroy anything in it's path.”

As Cliffjumper snarled and raced towards Megatron, the Decepticon leader suddenly popped out his sword from underneath his cannon and slashed it through the undead transformer, until Cliffjumper stopped moving before half his body started to split apart. “There, Starscream, lies the indestructible seed of my latest attempt to crush the Autobots, in hopes of gaining the female’s unstoppable power. The ultimate weapon!” Megatron said, as he pressed his left foot on Cliffjumper and pushed him onto a balcony. “Once I learn to control it…” Starscream and Soundwave saw that it could work.

Ratchet suddenly saw Cliffjumper’s life signal on the radar, and saw a purple energy signal with it. “Blasted Earth tech! Cliffjumper's signal popped back online.”

The Autobots were surprised as Optimus was.

“Who's Cliffjumper?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“How is that possible?” Optimus asked.

“It isn't,” Ratchet replied. “Another bug! The system is chock-full of them.”

“I don’t care! If there's any chance Cliff's alive…” Arcee commented. “Or it might be a trap,” Windblade said. “Ratchet, prepare sickbay. We may need it,” Optimus said, as the Autobots prepared for battle.

“Hey, wait for us! We’re coming too!” Rainbow Dash said, as the girls and Mini-cons ran up to catch up.

“Well, then you girls better suit up!” Wheeljack said.

The girls nodded and then as they found seven circles to step on, they began to glow as glass visors closed and then their clothes changed into jumpsuits with the Autobot insignia on the back side.

“You kids coming or what?” Bulkhead asked, as the girls caught up with them, and then both the Rainbooms and Autobots arrived at the hangar bay, and then the Autobots stood by for transport.

“So, Optimus, how are we going to get there?” Fluttershy asked. “You’ll see, Fluttershy,” Optimus replied. “Okay, I’ve got the coordinates. They’re still in some kind of underground location, but it may be hard to find out what they’re up to,” Sci-Twi said. “I’ve got the signal locked on though.”

Ratchet then walked over to a lever and then typed in the coordinates. “Ground bridge is online!” Ratchet said, as the ground bridge portal opened and was ready for departure. “Autobots, transform and roll out!” Optimus said, as they then transformed into vehicle mode and drove through the ground bridge as the girls quickly got inside the Mini-cons.

A few seconds later, the Rainbooms, Mini-cons and Autobots appeared in the Energon mind through the ground bridge and as the Rainbooms exited the Mini-cons, the Autobots stopped and transformed into robot mode as drew out their weapons.

“Whoa!” The girls said in unison, gazing at all the Energon.

“Whoa! Look at all of this Energon!” Wheeljack said. “Crazy! This may be a whole lot of this stuff to fuel up an entire fleet or even an entire cruiser!” Jazz commented.

“Judging by it's scale, the Decepticons have been tunneling here for quite some time,” Optimus said, until they heard drilling noises.

“Hey!” Bulkhead whispered. “Over here!”

“You all remain here and gather as many Energon as you can,” Optimus said to the girls and Mini-cons. “We may still need a supply of it when we return to base.”

Sunset nodded before Optimus walked over to his Autobots. Arcee looked for a safer spot, until she found one. “Try over there. And if there’s trouble, contact us, and we’ll come back for you,” she said. The girls nodded, and then Optimus looked at the Mini-cons.

Jolt, Reverb, Six-Speed, guard them at all costs,” Optimus said, as the Mini-cons bowed to their leader.

“I could make some lovely jewelry out of this, or maybe something fashionable for a new line of outfits!” Rarity commented.

“Rarity, ya heard what Optimus said. They need this stuff to recharge themselves,” Applejack said, as they kept digging and collecting the Energon. Rarity rolled her eye with a scowl and then continued working.

“I’m still wondering how all of this Energon ended up on Earth,” Sunset commented.

“We’ll, maybe I can answer that,” Jolt replied, as he started explaining the Energon while they all kept loading up the Energon.

As they appeared at Bulkhead’s position, they crouched down.

“What do you think, Optimus?” Smokescreen asked as she and the others observed the miners working hard with the Energon.

“I’m afraid that a stealth attack will not be possible,” Optimus replied as he converted his hands into his ion blasters.

“So, we just go and take ‘em out in any way?” Ironhide asked. “I kinda like your thinkin’, Prime.”

“Of course ya like it. That’s why I’m also a demolition expert than just a computer technician,” Scattershot said.

“I’m usually one for stealth, but I guess action is sometimes a virtue, like my sensei once taught me,” Windblade said, drawing out her sword.

“I’m always meant for action, whenever it’s stealth or nothing,” Smokescreen said with confidence.

After exiting their hiding spot, Optimus and his team then went on ahead, “Let's find Cliffjumper!” They kept moving towards the Decepticons with their weapons ready. Suddenly, a miner saw the Autobots walking closer as he carried an Energon cube. He couldn’t believe it, but they were all there, walking towards them.

“AUTOBOTS!” he yelled, changing his hand into a blaster. “ATTACK!”

Suddenly, a massive battle of red and blue blasts started to fill the cave as the Autobots, who started running towards their enemy, and the Decepticons fought against each other. Suddenly, a drilling machine was headed their way, but Bulkhead lifted it up and tumbled it over like a tree log and smashed the Con with his wrecking ball fist.

As she sprinted towards the Cons, Arcee jumped to avoid the lasers and shot down a miner. With the miner stunned, Arcee landed on top of him, knocking down the Con cold. Taking this much momentum, another Decepticon stepped next to Arcee and tried to punch her, but she jumped in time and landed on top of his shoulders. Grabbing the miner’s head with both her legs, Arcee jumped and spun around, slicing off the Con’s head with both her feet and removing it at the same time. Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Scattershot, Windblade, Smokescreen, Ironhide and Jazz were an unstoppable team. They were cutting, blasting, and punching their enemies like they were nothing.

Optimus ran and shot more Decepticons with his blasters. He then took out another driller and shot the Con driving it.

Optimus then looked forward and saw a massive army of miners and drillers walking towards them. There were indeed too many Decepticons to take down with all of that firepower, but, like always, during times like this, the heroically powerful leader of the Autobots always has a plan, as they all started running.

“Maximum overdrive!” He yelled while transforming into his truck mode.

Following his orders, the other Autobots beside him transformed into their vehicle modes as well. Dodging the Decepticons’ attacks, the Bots ran over every Vehicon, Seeker, and driller in their way.

Suddenly, they made it to the elevator section, and transformed into robot mode as they took cover behind a few boxes.

They all looked at how much more Energon the Decepticons really needed, as Bulkhead whistled, “Quite an operation!”

Suddenly, the miners detected the intruders and fired their blasters at the Autobots, until the bots fired back, killing every miner they saw.

Meanwhile, on the Nemesis, in Megatron’s quarters, he was looking at a huge purple crystal rock of Dark Energon, and spoke to it, “Blood of Unicron, how might I fathom the depths of your mystery, become worthy of wielding your… astonishing power?”

Starscream suddenly appeared from a communication screen, “Lord Megatron! Intruders have been detected in the mines!”

“Optimus?” Megatron asked.

“Indeed,” Starscream confirmed as Megatron growled.

Megatron then turned around and faced Starscream, “I need more time to prepare an appropriate reception for my old friend. Ready the ship for departure!”

“But… But the Energon I've mined! The Autobots will seize it!” Starscream said.

“Then blow the mines!” Megatron yelled, raising his fist up.

Back at the mine, the Autobots and Decepticons were still in a crossfire, until Arcee saw what appeared to be Cliffjumper.

“It's Cliff! I have a visual,” Arcee said.

Optimus then confirmed, “We'll cover you! Go!”

Arcee then made her move, and then transformed into her motorcycle mode, and while driving, dodged the blasters from the Vehicons as she transformed back into a robot and did some somersaults to reach Cliffjumper’s location, and as she made it to the top, she saw him badly wounded, but didn’t know he was infused with Dark Energon.

The Vehicons were still shooting, while the Autobots made a cover fire for Arcee, until she saw the tile Cliffjumper was on began to fall, “Cliff! No!” She then reached for Cliffjumper’s hand and grabbed it. Optimus shot the last two Vehicons and a few rocks tumbled as Arcee looked down at Cliffjumper, “Let's get you home, partner!”

The zombified Cliffjumper snarled at Arcee, as she saw what happened to him, until he tried to pull her down with him, but as his hand slip from hers and fell down screaming and snarling, as the Autobots, including Optimus Prime, watched the undead Cliffjumper meet his demise, until he crashed into a hoard of Energon crystals.

Optimus felt sorry for Arcee, until suddenly, an evil laugh was heard in the entire mine. With a quick reaction, the Autobots looked up to see a red, white and blue jet themed robot staring at them. Arcee gritted her teeth when she and the others recognized the most hated Decepticon in the universe: Starscream.

“Prime!” Starscream shouted. “I'd stick around, but I'm squeamish.”

Starscream showed the Autobots a device he was holding. Clicking a few buttons, the Seeker threw the object away and and jumped, transforming into a jet in midair, before taking off upwards. Long ‘beeps’ were heard as the device continued to fall until it landed right between many Energon crystals.

Bulkhead gasped while his optics widened, as he recognized that sound and knew that it means a bad thing a few minutes, or maybe in a few seconds. “THE JOINT’S GONNA BLOW!” he yelled.

“Autobots, roll out!” Optimus yelled, pointing towards the way they came in.

The Autobots transformed into vehicle mode and started driving, and so did Optimus. They needed to get out of the mine or else they would be burned alive. The ‘beeps’ became shorter until it was heard with a loud explosion that shaked the cave. Blue fire erupted from the hole in the top of the mountain while the Nemesis flew away from its old mine. The fire began to fill the cave as every Energon crystal exploded from the heat, as the Autobots tried to stay far away from the flames. Team Prime was really in trouble.

Author's Note

Artwork owned by Pyrus-Leonidas.

OH NO! Are they gonna die, or will they make it! I don’t know! :pinkiegasp: :twilightoops:

Guardians for the Rainbooms

The Autobots were still driving away from the fire that was destroying every Energon crystal, as it was still chasing them and getting closer any minute. They needed to return to the base, but Optimus needed to confirm something first.

“Ratchet! Are the Rainbooms and Mini-cons already in the base?!” he asked.

“Affirmative, Optimus,” Ratchet replied from the radio comm link, until Pinkie Pie interrupted. “We’ve just retrieved a HUUUUUUUUUGE---”

“PINKIE!” the girls shouted.

“Ratchet! Bridge us back! Use the arrival coordinates! Now!” Optimus yelled.

With that order, a ground bridge portal appeared in front of the Autobots. That was their ticket to the survival. Activating their turbo, the Bots drove towards the ground bridge portal with the fire still chasing them. Since Optimus was last, he could see his team arriving at the base, but he could feel the flames coming closer. As everyone already got in, Ratchet quickly ran towards the ground bridge’s control. He pulled the lever up to close the portal, but not before the flames tried to consume Prime. Optimus reacted to this blazing tsunami of fire and then transformed into robot mode. He flipped into the air and landed outside of the ground bridge with a flipping position.

“That… was… AWESOME!!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, seeing how amazing Optimus made that move. “My goodness!” Fluttershy exclaimed. “Are y’all okay?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, we’re fine. Never been better,” Bulkhead chuckled. “Ya said it, Bulk,” Jazz said.

“You still cracking, Bumblebee?” Smokescreen asked. Bumblebee bleeped that he was still in one piece.

“Cutting it a bit close. How about Cliffjumper?” Ratchet asked, as the Autobots looked with faces of sorrow.

“What happened to you guys, anyway?” Sunset asked, as the girls sat in their hangout space.

Pinkie Pie suddenly asked many questions excitedly, “Was that an explosion?! Was there a fight?! Can we come help fight the next time you need us?! Can we?! Can we?! Huh?! Huh?!”

“Look!” Arcee yelled.

“Are you okay, Arcee?” Rainbow Dash asked, feeling a little concerned for the blue and pink female Autobot.

“Let’s let them handle it, dear,” Rarity said, as they left the Bots alone for some privacy.

Optimus then looked at her, “Arcee, what did you see?”

Arcee then replied with her arms crossed, “Not Cliff. At least. Not anymore. He was mutated. Butchered, like something from those 'Con experiments during the war.” She then moaned and tripped over herself, as Bumblebee bleeped in concern, asking if she was okay. “No. I'm fine! Just dizzy.”

“Robots who get dizzy?” Sci-Twi asked.

“Robots with emotions,” Fluttershy commented.

“Robots who can die?” Sunset asked.

Ratchet checked his scanner on Arcee for anything until he found a purple liquid on her hand, “What is this?”

“Don't know. Cliff was covered in it. Leaking it,” Arcee replied, as Ratchet used a scalpel to remove it as he got a closer look.

Ratchet then had a solution for Arcee, “Go take a decontamination bath. Now!” Bumblebee helped her up and took her over to the medical bay.

“Arcee?!” Rainbow Dash said, as Arcee looked at her. “I’m really sorry about your loss. Will you be okay?” Arcee accepted her sympathies and nodded, until she then left with Bumblebee.

“Excuse me!” a voice called behind Optimus.

Reacting to the voice, Optimus turned back and saw Rarity holding her phone in her hand. He knew what she wanted to ask, so the leader of the Autobots walked towards the Rainbooms and stopped in front of them.

“Yes, Rarity?” Optimus asked, getting her attention.

“I don’t want to bother you or anything, darling,” Rarity said, while checking the phone’s buttons. “but I can’t seem to have any network here. No bars,” she said while showing Optimus her phone.

“A security precaution,” he answered. “The silo walls of this base isolate all radio waves. It has a shield that protects us and cloaks our position from being detected by the Decepticons.”

“Well, if I don’t call my sister, or my parents like right now,” Rarity said, tapping buttons on her phone. “I’m pretty sure the police will be out looking for me.”

Suddenly, Optimus lowered himself closer towards the girls, scaring them. While watching over them during the Friendship Games, the Autobots, especially Optimus and Bumblebee, have learned a few human customs and one that caught Prime’s interest was the laws that were somehow similar to the ones of the Elite Guard. If the police force would soon be searching for Rarity, she surely might’ve caused something bad against the government or the county.

“Have you broken a law?” Optimus asked looking confused.

“Umm… curfew,” Rarity answered. “It’s after 10 pm, and I’ve got family.”

“I better get home too,” Fluttershy said. “I have my animals to care for at the shelter.”

“And I need to get back to my farm as well. My folks are probably worried,” Applejack said.

“Earth customs,” Optimus said, while standing back up straight. “I hadn't considered. But the issue of your safety still remains.” He then turned to the big green Autobot, “Bulkhead, accompany Pinkie Pie and Applejack home.”

“SWEET!” Pinkie Pie yelled. “My folks will freak!”

“And maintenance covert surveillance… in vehicle form,” Optimus continued.

“Curbside duty. Got it!” Bulkhead acknowledged.

“Awww!” Pinkie said sadly.

“Bumblebee!” Optimus said to the yellow Bot. “Since you two have somehow created a bond, you’ll watch over Fluttershy.”

Bumblebee and Fluttershy looked over to each other. Under his faceplate, Bee somehow smiled and a soft shy smile appeared too on the girl’s face and she gently tugged her hair with her fingers. Unlike her friends, the shy girl already trusted the Autobots, but she feels that her trust belongs to the yellow Autobot.

“Still dizzy,” Arcee sighed. “You’re fine, says your physician. Just carry along,” Ratchet said.

“Ratchet!” Optimus said.

“Busy!” Ratchet replied.

“Arcee,” the Autobot leader continued. “Rainbow Dash is your responsibility now.”

“I’m on it, Optimus,” Arcee said, acknowledging his orders. “Looks like I’m your big sister, kid,” she chuckled.

Rainbow Dash somehow didn’t say a word. Of course she trusted the Autobots, but she didn’t like the fact that their planet was now a battlefield of a robotic civil war from outer space.

“Smokescreen,” Optimus said as he turned to the blue and yellow Autobot. “you must make sure that Rarity has a safe trip.”

“Will do, Optimus! Won’t let you down!” Smokescreen replied as he and Rarity left the base.

“Mind if I join in?” Jazz asked. “Be my guest!” Smokescreen replied, as they both started driving Rarity home.

“What about us?” Sunset asked.

“Since I’m the only Autobot left while the others are indeed busy, I shall take care of you both and accompany you both home,” Optimus replied.

“But I’m not…” Sci-Twi said, before Sunset placed a friendly hand in her shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Twilight,” Sunset said. “Optimus knows what he’s doing, right?”

“Affirmative,” Optimus said.

It was night in Canterlot City and Optimus Prime was the only truck driving in the empty streets of the city. Inside him were Sci-Twi, the human world’s Twilight Sparkle, and Sunset Shimmer, who told Optimus about Equestria, what Princess Twilight did during her times in Equestria and the human world. Sunset then told Optimus about her backstory, like when she was Princess Celestia’s former student until what she was now, and how she turned from evil to nice, and then explained what happened during the Friendship Games.

From all of those stories, Optimus was interested about her story of these so called ‘Royal Sisters’, her people known as ‘ponies’ and how pony Twilight became the ‘Princess of Friendship’. As Sunset shared the ponies story, she and Sci-Twi learned more about the Transformers’ culture too.

“So you’re mortals?” Sunset asked. “But how?”

“The time that my kind can live is longer than the organics,” Optimus answered. “but we all die no matter how or what we do.”

“I’m impressed, Optimus,” Sci-Twi said. “I would like to…” she then yawned. “I would like to know more about your kind.” She continued as her eyes began to close.

Suddenly, her head fell onto Sunset’s shoulder. Ignoring her tired and sleepy friend, Sunset continued to talk with Optimus.

“Me too…” Sunset yawned. “I have so many questions to… make…” she said before her eyes closed.

With those words said, Sunset fell asleep with her head resting on top of Sci-Twi’s hair, until they both laid down on the seats they were on.

“Sunset? Twilight?” Optimus asked.

But the only thing Optimus could hear was two cute sounds of soft snoring. After stopping in a parking lot, Optimus turned off his engine and lights, allowing the night to be covered with darkness again. Before Optimus started his watch, he looked inside once more to the two human girls. They were sleeping against each other peacefully. In the war of Cybertron, Optimus somehow learned to never sleep since the survival of his Autobots was the most important thing to him.

“Sleep well then,” he said, as the girls continued to sleep while Optimus stayed with them for the rest of the night.

Back on the Nemesis, Starscream went to his leader’s quarters to speak to him. “I don't think you need to worry about further Autobot interference, Master. Not with Optimus gone,” he said.

“And what evidence do you posses of this fact?” Megatron asked.

“I destroyed the mines, as you instructed,” Starscream replied.

“Optimus is not so easily destroyed. We have millenia worth of battles behind us to prove it!” Megatron said, before he turned back towards the Dark Energon.

“Maybe you should take a break, my Lord,” Starscream said. “I worry that too much contact with the Dark Energon might allow it's properties to… adversely affect you.”

“Or perhaps, Starscream, I have not permitted myself… contact enough!” Megatron commented as he took a shard from the giant boulder of Dark Energon.

Starscream suddenly realized what his leader was about to do, “Wait! Lord Megatron! No! Not your spark chamber! You do not know what it will do!”

Suddenly, it was too late. Megatron already pierced the shard into the spark inside his chest, and suddenly, its power began to flow through his entire body, causing him to react like he was on some kind of overload.

Back at the outpost, Spike was somehow asleep on his doggie bed Rarity got for him for their hangout spot for the base, and Ratchet looked through his microscope to see what the purple liquid is capable of. “Hmm. The base elements of this goo are like nothing I've ever encountered. Must be extremely concentrated to have affected Arcee so rapidly,” he said, while using some forceps to remove the microscopic plate underneath the microscope until some of the fluid fell onto one of his machinery that Bulkhead broke. “Unfortunately, complete results are slow coming without the use of proper diagnostic tools! Thank you very much, Bulkhead!”

As the purple liquid was absorbed into the technological machinery, it began to transform into a monstrous mutation, fueled by Dark Energon, and then began crawling around.

A Brand New Friendship

It was 9:30 and the sun was already up. In a parking lot, a red and blue truck sees Canterlot City slowly began to regain life after a long and quiet night. Optimus feared that Megatron may have been preparing for his next move since he had now returned and is now on Earth. He and his Decepticons were not famous for being quiet at all. Every time the Autobot leader looked to the people of the town, he started to remember what Cybertron looked like before the war destroyed it. His kind may have been the most advanced one in their galaxy and the entire universe, but, to him, the humans were indeed the most impressive race of life that he has ever seen in his entire life. It’s true that humans have had their wars for power and control over previous time, but they still have managed to save their planet and their countries, and people from their villains unlike the Autobots, who have failed to protect their home planet. But if only Autobots and Decepticons could live in peace and coexist once again...

Suddenly, a yawn drew Prime’s attention. He look to the driver seats and saw both Sunset and Sci-Twi waking up. Last night, Sunset told him that she and Princess Twilight, who the Autobots never got to meet, were not humans, but Equestrians, aka ‘ponies’, a small kind of colored equines with magical genetic powers like super strength, gravitational flying, mental telepathy and other abilities, from a planet in an alternate dimension called ‘Equestria’. Sunset also said that she used to be a student of a 1,000 year old alicorn named Princess Celestia, until she betrayed and abandoned her for her selfish conquest for power, and that the other Twilight is a princess in her world, which means that she represents the magic of friendship and protects her kind like the Primes did since the beginning of time. Sunset also did the same during the final event of the Friendship Games, when Sci-Twi was corrupted by Midnight Sparkle’s power, and when the Rainbooms were trying to stop the sirens from conquering the world with their evil musical rhythm and hypnotic singing voices.

“Good morning, Twilight,” Sunset said.

“Good morning, Sunset,” Sci-Twi said.

“Good morning, girls,” Optimus greeted.

“Good morning to you too, Optimus,” greeted Sci-Twi while rubbing her eyes and stretching, before reaching for her glasses.

“I assume you both have a pleasant rest,” Optimus said kindly.

“Yeah, we did,” Sunset said, putting her jacket back on.

Sunset and Sci-Twi chuckled a little. A sense of humor. Another thing that Optimus lost since Megatron’s wrath had brought darkness to the empire of peace of the Transformers. In that moment, the Autobot noticed that both the purple girl and the red and yellow haired girl started to recognize the place they were in. He was taking her and Sunset Shimmer to their homes yesterday, but after the rescue mission and the battle in the Energon mine to rescue Cliffjumper, who was corrupted by Dark Energon, they felt a little tired and decided to sleep with Optimus.

“We sleep right here, didn’t we?” Sunset asked while rubbing the back of her head with a smile.

“Affirmative,” Optimus answered. “After you two started to sleep, I decided to remain here in this location and watch you till was morning, and continue covert surveillance in vehicle form.” He then started turning on his engine.

“Y-You watched us all night?” Sci-Twi asked while blushing. “You...You didn’t need to do that, but thanks,” Sunset said.

When Optimus heard that words, he decided to decline what she and Sci-Twi as said. He was a Prime and an Autobot. It was his sworn duty to protect every innocent life from those who want to destroy everything for power, even if he had to give up his spark to do such a thing.

“Forgive me now, girls,” he said, while driving off the parking lot. “but your safety is my mission now. After all, it's the least I can do after we brought the Decepticons and our war to Earth, since Megatron has now returned.”

“Don’t be hard on yourself.” Sunset said. “I know how hard it is to save a planet, especially when trying to come up with a solution. I’m sure you’ll find ways to make sure Megatron’s beaten soon.”

“I’ve been there too, but I was obsessed with trying to understand with the magic going on at my new school,” Sci-Twi said. “But Principal Cinch blackmailed me into joining the Friendship Games if I wanted to apply to the Everton Independent Study Program, but after the games were over and when Sunset helped me, we all became friends and I decided to transfer to Canterlot High instead, but you may already know that.”

In that moment, Prime understood that Sci-Twi, Sunset and himself were equal. They both may look different, but we like the same thing and we are both leaders. In short, both the little nerdy purple girl and red-haired yellow girl were surely more than meets the eye.

“I understand,” he said “but first you may need to refresh yourselves while I make a little stop here before we go to the Ark.”

After saying those words, Optimus stopped a few steps away from a cafe. Through the truck’s window, Sunset and Sci-Twi saw many people entering and exiting the cafe and some of them were eating some delicious croissants, donuts, muffins, bagels and cinnamon rolls, and drinking some coffee, and other drinks related to it.

“But why?” Sci-Twi asked, while raising up her eyebrow.

“I believe that the humans usually begin their day with a special mealtime of food called ‘breakfast’, am I wrong?” Optimus asked, making the girls chuckle once more.

“GOODBYE, MAUD!” Pinkie Pie yelled while opening the front door. “I’LL SEE YOU GUYS LATER!”

Pinkie Pie then closed the door and turned her attention to a green SUV waiting for her. This vehicle was her and Applejack’s new best friend from another planet, and his name was Bulkhead. Skipping happily towards it, Pinkie stopped in front of it.

“Good morning, Bulky!” she said. “How was your night?”

“Well, I just stayed up all night watching you from being killed by a Con, so somehow it was pretty good, and a lot quiet. Ironhide’s on his way back to base from watching Applejack for me,” he said while opening the door, allowing Pinkie Pie inside. “By the way, why in Primus do you humans would like to have a rock for a pet? I just don’t get it,” he asked while the pink human was set inside of him.

“Oh, you mean Boulder?” Pinkie asked. “Only my sister, Maud Pie, does that, silly. She loves rocks and knows everything about them.”

“And they say that Blitzwing is crazy…” Bulkhead said while he drove away.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe that she was awakened at 10 am by Arcee’s motorcycle engine. Luckily, Rainbow Dash lived alone. The Autobot female has received orders to take the human to the Ark so that Optimus Prime and her team, including the Mini-cons and the Rainbooms, could work together to prevent another Decepticon attack or prepare for an assault to an Energon mine controlled by Megatron. During her driving, Arcee could hear Rainbow Dash frustratingly growling, while wearing her motorbike helmet from the Friendship Games tricross relay. She would never understand humans or their behavior. They are very strange, but also very funny in many ways. In that moment, the girl Autobot decided to break the silence between her and Rainbow Dash.

“Don’t worry, Rainbow Dash,” she said, attracting Rainbow Dash’s attention. “You can still watch your cart and play your video games with Bumblebee and the others,” Arcee said with a giggle.

“Hilarious…” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes . “For a robot, you really have the strangest sense of humor.”

“First, does ‘robotic life form’ mean anything?” Arcee asked, before she continued. “Second, I’m a skilled fighter. And third, I learn from the best.”

“The best?” Rainbow asked. “You mean Optimus Prime, right?”

“Not really, but close,” Arcee replied. “He’s more the kind of a ‘serious bot’ type than ‘funny bot’.”

“I see…” Rainbow Dash said, losing interest in the Bot’s chat.

Arcee noticed that her human was getting bored again. Humans were really weird sometimes, depending on their behavior types. Suddenly, the female Autobot had a idea. Rainbow Dash let out a sudden gasp of shock when the motorcycle started to increase the speed. In that moment, Rainbow Dash held with all her strength on to Arcee’s handles when she began to do a wheelie. Arcee landed her front wheel in the ground and decreased her speed. In a few seconds, a smile suddenly started to appeared in Rainbow Dash’s face.

“THAT! WAS! AWESOME!” she shouted. “Let’s do that again!”

“Are you sure?” asked Arcee “I bet that you will not handle my speed for five seconds. But of course I also thought you might actually enjoy the ride if we weren't getting shy at it,” Arcee chuckled.

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Bring it on, Cee!” she yelled while the Autobot increased the speed once more.

“I can’t believe that you actually needed two hours to choose a simple dress!” Smokescreen said in amazement. “Crazy… How can your sister even survive with you?” Jazz asked in curiosity.

“Excuse me, darling,” Rarity protested, carrying her bag. “but I also couldn’t go to your home with a simple better dress. Better perfect than simple, to be exact.”

“You almost just sound like Ratchet.” Smokescreen commented. “To be honest, you are less worst than him...”

A silent moment fell between the human and both the Autobots. Smokescreen understood that he may have hurt the girl’s feelings. He and Jazz both knew these creatures are more sensitive than Autobots, but... Smokescreen felt more guilty for questioning Rarity.

“I’m sorry, Rarity.” Smokescreen said. “I sounded a lot like someone I knew a few nano-seconds ago…”

“It’s okay, Smokescreen darling,” Rarity said, “Unlike you two, I have my home and you lost yours. I should have more respect for you…”

If Smokescreen was in robot form, he would be smiling right now. A traffic light in front of both sports cars turned red, forcing them to stop while humans began to walk across the street in front of them both. “I see you understand traffic lights,” Rarity said.

“Just doing what we’re meant to do,” Jazz said. “My point exactly,” Smokescreen agreed.

What a nice view that Bulkhead could see while driving out of Sweet Apple Acres with both Applejack and Pinkie Pie inside. This location belonged to Applejack’s family and their job was taking care of an organic food called ‘apples’ from the trees. With this food, as Applejack said last night, they could do other food called ‘pie’ and drinks that they called ‘juice’, especially one called ‘cider’.

You got a nice place here, Applejack,” Bulkhead said. “Earth probably looks like a nice planet to live.”

“Thanks, Bulkhead,” Applejack said, leaning back with her legs on top of the radio so Bulkhead could steer.

“Ooh! Ooh! Tell us about Cybertron! Tell us! Tell us! Huh?! Please?! Please?!” Pinkie Pie excitedly exclaimed.

“Yeah, Bulkhead. I bet that is a good place to live as well,” Applejack said.

“Well…” Bulkhead started. “Before the war, it was a place of peace and joy like Optimus said, both Autobots and Decepticons lived together with each other, before we all split apart, due to our differences.”

“Whoa… Do ya miss the old days, sugarcube?” Applejack asked.

“Sometimes,” the Autobot answered. “All the time to be honest.”

“Huh… So, what was your work like back on Cybertron?” Applejack asked.

“I bet he had the best job of all time!” Pinkie said.

Bulkhead suddenly didn’t know what to say, but he hated mentioning the past. Bulkhead was going to deny telling his story, but Pinkie Pie’s puppy eyes and smile has somehow changed the Wrecker’s idea. He and his old teammates, the Wreckers could face an entire Decepticon army, huge warships, Insecticons, and other worst things that he fought in the war for Cybertron, but he couldn’t resist to a really cute pink human girl?!

Bulkhead groaned, “Well, Pinkie, I, in times before the war, was a… Energon farmer,” Bulkhead hesitated. “I was raised there and mined for Energon during the Golden Age. Before I realized I was capable for more greater things, I moved on and decided to become a Constructicon, which are a construction crew of Cybertronians meant to build things like cities, statues, streets, everything, including new highways and bridges. But I eventually went to the Autobot academy to become a warrior since the war started, but I eventually became a Wrecker, due to my size and strength. My team and I would blow stuff up, like Decepticon ships, and take on any Con in the way. But later on, I left the Wreckers to join up with Optimus. I may be a Wrecker, but I also have a sensitive side in my spark, due to being an Autobot and all. So, as you can see, I can either build stuff or break stuff, whichever works. It’s all I’m good at.”

“Wow! That was pretty tough, going through a life like that,” Applejack said.

“Yeah, but since you girls came into our lives, you all somehow changed my life,” Bulkhead said. “Aww! I’m so happy I could cry,” Pinkie Pie said.

“How about some radio while we’re driving?” Applejack asked, until Bulkhead played some 80’s music. “Now, this is nice…”

This was the most wonderful morning of Fluttershy’s life. She never knew that Bumblebee was so much sweet and gentle like she was. Even with his big metal hands and feet, Bee was very careful with her animals. He said to her that when he and his crew saw Earth’s culture for the first time, her kind and the animals inhabiting it were very interesting to him.

Now, they were in the middle of nowhere, watching a cartoon show Fluttershy loves to watch after playing a video game she loves playing. Fluttershy thought it was so much fun watching it and playing her game with Bumblebee, and she even felt safe with him.

“It’s very nice that a robot like you loves cartoons, Bumblebee,” she said while cleaning a tear from her eye after laughing so much.

“Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt,” Bumblebee said.

“And yes, it sure is nice out here. Watching the view from here makes me happy,” she said. “By the way, did you have a family or any friends, like a best friend or a girlfriend, back on Cybertron, before the war?”

“Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt…” Bumblebee answered sadly.

Fluttershy’s heart suddenly stopped. She couldn’t believe that Bumblebee never had anyone related to him in Cybertron before the war. He also said that he was a nobody before he became a warrior. What a horror it was to live a life during in such a bloody war that may have killed many Autobots or Decepticons.

“I-I’m sorry knowing that, Bumblebee…” she said while rubbing his steering wheel “We...should get to the base, d-don’t you think?”

Bumblebee bleeped in acknowledgement, and then he started driving.

At a local state park, Optimus Prime, along with Sunset Shimmer and Sci-Twi on his shoulder were watching human children and their parents playing on the playground. One human female standing next to a human male with a baby in her arms, along with their other children, have caught the Autobot leader’s attention.

“I still don't understand…” he said.

“Huh?” Sunset asked. “What is it, Optimus?”

“As Autobots, you do realize we’re sworn to preserve life and protect the beings that coexist with it, as I mentioned to you before,” Optimus asked.

“Yes?” Sci-Twi said.

“Yet, you humans seem to develop in age so easily. So… how do you create this little organic creatures?” he asked, pointing at the baby.

“You mean the babies?” Sunset asked while blushing “Well…”

Sunset approached to the Prime’s ear and whispered something into it. Suddenly, Optimus’s optics widened in shock. Sunset and Sci-Twi giggled a little after. Optimus had never heard such a awkward thing in his entire career since the beginning of time.

Back at the outpost, Ratchet was still working on the examination from last night, and the base was somehow quiet. “Thank goodness for piece and quiet,” Ratchet said, as he went back to work. “Houseguests can be such a bother.”

“Good morning, Ratchet,” Spike said, walking over to the doc bot.

“Hello, Spike,” Ratchet said. “Need any help or are you good?” Spike asked.

“I’m pretty much taken care of, but thank you,” Ratchet replied. “Okay,” Spike said, before scratching his face with his hind paw.

While looking through the microscope, he and Spike heard metal clanging loudly, “Huh?!” He then looked around to find out what it was, but then just shrugged his shoulders and looked through the microscope again.

He and Spike suddenly heard metal crawling noises, “Optimus?”

Spike gasped and barked loudly. He and Spike suddenly saw something on the floor crawling towards them, and Ratchet gasped, “BY THE ALLSPARK!!”

The Nokia-bot jumped and charged itself at Ratchet, and began to attack him but it kept crawling around as the medic tried to kill it with a crowbar while Spike barked and tried to stay behind. It suddenly sliced his microscope.

“I needed that!” Ratchet said, until the crawling critter jumped onto the ground as Spike stood in front of the Nokia-bot and growled at it, until the creature leaped towards Ratchet, but suddenly out of nowhere, a blue laser blasted the creature.

Optimus, along with Sunset and Sci-Twi, who went over to Ratchet, saved the medic’s life.

“Ratchet, are you okay?” Sunset asked.

“Yes, I’m fine, Sunset. Thank you,” Ratchet replied.

Sci-Twi saw her puppy, Spike whimpering, until she went over to him, “Spike!” She then picked him up and held him against her for a hug. “Are you okay?” Spike whimpered and cuddled with her chest.

Suddenly, the Nokia-bot re-emerged and was about to attack them both, until Optimus stepped onto it and crushed it with his foot.

“And stay broken!” Ratchet said, as Spike growled, before Sci-Twi shushed him and petted him. “Shhhhhh… It’s okay, Spike. I’m here. It’s over…” Spike then nuzzled with her again.

“Now what could’ve caused that?” Ratchet asked.

Optimus then spoke up, “I have a grave suspicion, Ratchet. Dark Energon.” They looked at the destroyed Nokia-bot, as it was sparking with electricity. Sunset and Sci-Twi knew it meant big trouble.

Author's Note

Looks like the Autobots found out Megatron’s up to something bad! :twilightoops: :pinkiegasp:

Adjusting

Meanwhile, on the Nemesis, Megatron growled with a huge deep exhale, and then felt like himself again, but better in a different way.

Starscream nervously chuckled, “L-Lord Megatron?”

“It's as if the blood of Unicron the Destroyer… flows through my veins!” Megatron said. “As if I hear his very thoughts. I now know what I must do. With this power infused within me, I shall crush Optimus Prime!”

“Lord Megatron, we’ve discovered a different energy signature based on the one before your arrival, but in a different location. Somewhere hidden beneath,” Soundwave said. “Laserbeak has already reported it. I’ve also sent Demolisher and Cyclonus to investigate.”

“I see… Lugnut! Blitzwing! Come!” Megatron said, as two of his loyal servants came. “You’ve called, oh magnificent one?” Lugnut asked. “I have, Lugnut. We’re going to the location Demolisher and Cyclonus are at to investigate the energy readings provided by Soundwave,” Megatron replied, and then he walked out with the other two by his side.

“And what can I do to assist you in any way, Master?” Starscream asked. “Quit groveling! And wait my command,” Megatron replied, and then he, along with Lugnut and Blitzwing walked out of the room, leaving Starscream and Soundwave by themselves.

Out on the flight deck, Megatron, Lugnut and Blitzwing transformed into vehicle mode, while Lugnut was a bomber plane and Blitzwing was a fighter jet, but he also had a two-turreted fighter tank mode. They took off to Demolisher and Cyclonus’ location.

Starscream watched from the bridge, until Soundwave appeared, startling him. “Soundwave! I fear that when our Master reached for the stars, he came down with an unexpected touch of space madness. Lord Megatron has not sound on his judgment since his return.”

Soundwave nodded, and then Starscream turned around to face him. “You did say something about another energy source based on the fleshlings, have you not?”

Soundwave nodded, then Starscream spoke up, “Increase global surveillance.”

Soundwave then played a message Laserbeak recorded, “Quit groveling! And await my command.”

“I’M NOT DEAF!” Starscream said. “But… if Optimus Prime lives, I believe it is in Lord Megatron's best interest that we are to ensure his enemies’ destruction.”

“If the residue Arcee found on Cliffjumper brought your broken equipment to life,” Optimus said, disposing of the infected machinery that attacked Ratchet and Spike. “it would stand to reason that the very same substance brought Cliffjumper back from the dead.”

“That would account for his life signal inexplicably coming back online, but… Dark Energon?” Ratchet said. “It's so scarce seems to be virtually non-existent. What would it be doing on Earth?”

“It was transported. By Megatron.” Optimus answered.

“For what purpose?” Ratchet asked. “I do not know, but I fear worse other than that. Meaning if any other things that would relate to our human friends’ powerful energy, it would cause complete annihilation, in any way,” Optimus said.

“Well, Megatron will need to break through quite a few types of satellites to do that, but where on this world would he find that type of ethereal power?” Ratchet asked.

Suddenly, they heard the Autobots with their human friends return. As the Rainbooms got out, their guardians transformed into robot mode.

“That was awesome!” Rainbow Dash said.

“Can we go again?! Can we?!” Pinkie Pie asked excitedly.

“Welcome back, Autobots,” Optimus said.

“I assume all of you had a pleasant experience with your human companions?” Ratchet asked, as the Autobots confirmed in reply.

Suddenly, Teletraan 1 picked up an energy spike on the radar. Ratchet and Scattershot went over there to investigate.

“Another energy reading, but it’s… based on the girls’ magical energy source from before. By Primus, what next?!” Ratchet asked.

“I fear Megatron may be after it as well,” Optimus said. “Autobots, prepare to…”

The Autobots were waiting for him to say it. “Roll out?” Arcee asked.

“Remain here. Ratchet, Scattershot, you’ll come with me,” Optimus said, as he looked back at the two Autobots who were preparing for departure. “Arcee, we’ll be outside communications range for sometime, so I’m putting you in charge.”

“Hey! He’s biggest! He should be the boss!” Pinkie Pie said, pointing at Bulkhead.

“Uhh… he never picks me,” Bulkhead said.

Arcee then spoke up to Optimus, “Optimus, with all due respect, playing bodyguard is one thing; babysitting’s another. Besides, Ratchet hasn’t been in the field since the war.”

“My pistons may be rusty, but my hearing is sharp as ever,” Ratchet commented, while typing in the coordinates.

“Plus, he’s the best medic we’ve had since before we met him,” Scattershot said.

“For the moment, it’s only reconnaissance,” Optimus said.

“Then why do I hear an edge in your voice?” Arcee asked.

“Arcee, much has changed in the last 24 megacycles. And we all need to adapt,” Optimus said, and then turned to Ratchet. “Ratchet, bridge us out.”

After Ratchet activated the ground bridge, he, Optimus and Scattershot walked through it and disappeared to their destination.

“I’ll set up a defense recon, just in case,” Wheeljack said, as he typed on the computer. “Teletraan 1, run a complete security systems check!”

The base launched a satellite probe and the began spinning around the base once its panels were released, “Scanning…”

“Huh… looks like we’re all clear,” Ironhide said.

“So… what do you think we should do now?” Smokescreen asked, until they heard the sound of the Rainbooms’ musical instruments.

“How about… band practice?!” Pinkie Pie suggested, sitting with her drum set. “I like the sound of that!” Rainbow Dash said, holding her guitar.

“You’re a rock band?” Bulkhead asked.

“This is how we also defeated the Dazzlings with Princess Twilight’s help, and helped save our students from they’re hypnotic spell,” Sunset said.

“I’m still new to this, but I’d like to try,” Sci-Twi said.

“Would you darlings like to watch us perform?” Rarity asked.

“If you don’t mind, that is,” Fluttershy commented.

“Fire away!” Wheeljack said.

“Here are the lyrics, Twilight. Just follow our lead,” Sunset said, as Sci-Twi nodded.

“One! Two! Three! Four!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, tapping her drumsticks together, and then they began playing their song, before their pony parts appeared magically.

The Rainbooms

We've just got the day to get ready
And there's only so much time to lose
Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party
So let's think of something fun to do

We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen
We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right
All our friends are here
And it's time to ignite the lights!

Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail

Bumblebee and Smokescreen suddenly felt like dancing, so they did. Bulkhead, and the others suddenly just listened to the rhythm.

Twilight Sparkle “Sci-Twi”

So what you didn't get it right the first time

Pinkie Pie

Laugh it off, no one said it is a crime

Rarity

Do your thing, you know you're an original

Applejack

Your ideas are so funny that they're criminal

The Rainbooms

Ohhh-ahh!

We've just got the day to get ready
And there's only so much time to lose
Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party
So let's think of something fun to do

We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen
We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right
All our friends are here
And it's time to ignite the lights!

Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail

Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!

Bumblebee made exciting bleeps, and the other Autobots applauded for their performance, until their pony parts disappeared.

“So… you like it, huh?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“That was pretty good. Do you usually perform?” Windblade asked.

“Yeah! We’re a big hit!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“So, now that band practice is over, what do you guys want to do now?” Sunset asked.

“I’m gonna go work on some repairs,” Wheeljack said, walking over to the maintenance section.

“Make sure you’re careful,” Bulkhead said. “Will do, Bulk!” Wheeljack said.

“I’m going to the training simulation room,” Arcee said.

Bumblebee bleeped in reply, that he was coming.

“Count me in!” Smokescreen said.

“I could go with it,” Jazz said.

“I’ll be honored to join,” Windblade said.

Ironhide said.

“We’ll go on patrol and secure the perimeter,” Jetfire said. “Aerialbots, with me.” Air Raid, Skydive, and Silverbolt saluted him and then followed their leader. “We’ll report what happens.” They then ran and transformed into their jet modes, and then took off.

“I’m going for a break,” Prowl said.

“Well, guess our bots are busy, so… what do you say we watch some TV?” Rainbow Dash asked, as the girls made agreeable comments, and as she turned on the TV, one of their favorite cartoons was being played.

Suddenly, the Mini-con Recon Team appeared, and joined the girls by watching TV with them, and Spike slept on Rarity’s lap as she placed her hands on top of his small form to pet him.

“Whatcha girls watching?” Bulkhead asked.

“Just some cartoons we like,” Pinkie Pie replied.

“Interesting…” Bulkhead said,

While watching TV, the girls and Mini-cons laughed together at the funny parts the cartoon was showing. Bulkhead also laughed out loud, making the girls laugh even more.

What all of a sudden, a green alarm started blaring. “Proximity sensors? At this time?” Wheeljack asked.

“I’ll handle it,” Bulkhead said.

Suddenly, the elevator came down, revealing Agent Fowler.

“PRIME?!” he asked, calling for Optimus.

“Uh, Agent Fowler! He’s not here? It’s just us. Hehe…” Bulkhead said. “The others are busy, just so you know,” Wheeljack said.

“Wh-where did he go? Wait, don't tell me, He's out pankacking a mini-mall!” Agent Fowler said. “Now, I don't know what language you 'Bots speak on your planet, but Prime promised he would handle the Decepticons, and blowing a crater in the middle of the mountainside of the Everfree Forest is not what the word 'handle' means to me! So, you tell Prime-!”

The Rainbooms nervously chuckled, until Agent Fowler sighed, “Shouldn’t you all be at home?”

“It’s a free country, dude. We’re teens with attitude,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well, me and my superiors at the Pentagon, including NEST, are practically concerned for your well-being. We’re just trying to help look out for you,” Agent Fowler said.

“Don’t worry, Agent Fowler. We’re fine,” Sunset said.

“But thank you for your concern, darling,” Rarity said, applying some blush on her cheeks.

“We’ve got it covered,” Bulkhead said.

“Alright then, but this isn’t over. Not by a long shot. So be on your watch,” Agent Fowler said, walking back to the elevator.

“Wow, he’s got trust problems,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Fowler’s usually like that,” Bulkhead said.

Agent Fowler Captured/Rescue Plan

Meanwhile, in the Everfree Forest, Optimus, Ratchet and Scattershot were walking around the woods searching for the Decepticons, along with Megatron obviously.

“Optimus, what do we hope to find here?” Ratchet asked.

“The site of the largest non-Cybertronian energy source, but of this “Equestria” which Sunset spoke to me of last night,” Optimus replied.

“So, she and this other Twilight Sparkle, including their equine features they randomly reveal, are from that place?” Scattershot asked.

“Affirmative. But what we’re also witnessing is an example of one of the Cybertronian battlefields in history,” Optimus said.

“On Earth? You must be joking!” Ratchet scoffed.

“Do you recall the period late in the war, when both sides began hiding their Energon spoils off-world?” Optimus asked.

“Of course, that's the reason Energon deposits exist on planets such as this one,” Ratchet replied.

“But that’s also the reason why we had no choice but to ship those deposits off-world to keep Megatron or those Decepti-creeps from getting their scum bag hands on it,” Scattershot said.

“It is also the reason battles came to be waged on planets such as this one. And I fear Megatron's memory is as long as history,” Optimus said, as he sensed something within his optics.

Outside the base, Agent Fowler was on a helicopter flown by a military pilot, as he next to him.

He then spoke through the headset he was wearing, “Sir! Agent Fowler. We have a situation. I'm en-route from the Autobot base. I'll brief you in person.”

Back on the Nemesis, Soundwave played a recording he overheard from his chest. “Agent Fowler, I'm en-route from the Autobot base. I'll brief you in person.”

“Autobot base, eh?” Starscream commented, meaning that the government agent mentioned knew its location, and had the opportunity to strike the Autobots. “Humans. Always the weak link. Fetch me this 'Fowler', So that he may brief us instead.”

Soundwave nodded and pressed a button on his shoulder, “Laserbeak, eject and take flight. Operation: seize and capture.” As the slot on his chest opened, Laserbeak appeared and transformed into his bird mode and made bird sounds while taking off to the destination coordinates.

Back in the desert, Laserbeak followed Fowler’s helicopter, until the pilot got the bird drone on the radar, and then tried to avoid him. “Hey! Big bird, I'm flying here!” Agent Fowler said, while holding on, but suddenly saw Laserbeak up ahead. “What in Uncle Sam's beard!?”

The pilot saw Laserbeak flying around and towards them, but the pilot did his best to avoid being attacked by that Decepticon drone.

“First, anywhere, including freeways or rail yards aren’t safe, now air travel?!” Agent Fowler asked. Laserbeak suddenly bumped into the chopper, but as Agent Fowler looked from behind, and the pilot kept looking the bird, until he leaned the chopper upwards and on ahead, until Laserbeak was far behind and unexpectedly in front of the helicopter, meaning Agent Fowler’s pilot had a lock on the Con.

“You wanna dance, 'Con?” Fowler asked, while the gunner locked on Laserbeak. “I'll lead!” Fowler nodded and the pilot started firing the gun at Laserbeak, but his armor was immune to manmade bullets, until the bird drone went belly up and then shot at the helicopter’s tail and sliced it in half, making the vehicle spin out of control and lose altitude. Suddenly, the pilot and assisting soldiers were already gone, meaning they jumped out and released their parachutes.

“Never an Autobot around when you actually need one!” Fowler said, trying to hang on while the helicopter kept spinning, but suddenly Laserbeak landed on the window, and then grabbed Fowler with his talons before pulling him out, and as Fowler pressed a red button, he was being held by Laserbeak. The helicopter crashed and exploded, until Agent Fowler was being taken by Laserbeak.

Back at the outpost, while the others were going on patrol, Bulkhead and Wheeljack heard an alarm ringing from the computer, and the girls covered their ears.

“What’s that noise?!” Rainbow Dash asked. “Seriously! It’s embarrassing to hear over something as loud as this!” Rarity exclaimed.

“It's an S. O. S. From Fowler,” Wheeljack said, as he tried to open up the message, but it suddenly got erased.

“Did you trace it?” Sunset asked.

“Location scan in incomplete,” Wheeljack said. “Oh, well,” Bulkhead said. “Oh, well? Seriously?!” Rainbow Dash asked. “Don’t you think that was a bit rude?” Rarity asked. “Fowler's a jerk!” Bulkhead said. “Whether you like the guy or not the Decepticons may have him!” Sunset said. “Yeah! Meaning he might need help!” Rainbow Dash said.

“And Agent Fowler knows your location!” Sci-Twi said. “Our location!” Fluttershy whimpered, gently holding Spike and petting him as the puppy whined and whimpered. Rarity suddenly petted the poor dog.

“And did we not just witnessed how fast Fowler backs down from a 'Bot?” Applejack asked. “The 'Cons will totally make him squeal!” Rainbow Dash said. “Yeah! Like a rubber duckie!” Pinkie Pie said, squeaking a rubber duck.

“But we lost the transmission. Fowler could be anywhere,” Bulkhead said. “Maybe I can narrow it down,” Sci-Twi said, as she sat on her chair, and typed on her computer. “About five years ago, the Government started microchipping their agents. You know, like owners do with pets.” The girls were suddenly confused, as she looked back at them. “What? I saw it on TV.”

“Oh…” the girls, Bulkhead and Wheeljack said. “Anyway, if I can hack into the Fed's mainframe, maybe I can pinpoint Fowler's coordinates,” Sci-Twi said.

“You know how to hack?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Wow, you’re really the cleverest person I’ve ever met,” Sunset said. “I try,” Sci-Twi said.

Back on the Nemesis, Agent Fowler was being brought in by a Vehicon trooper pointing his blaster at the human, until he tripped him over as Agent Fowler looked up at Starscream. “Welcome, Agent Fowler,” he said, turning around.

Agent Fowler brushed off his jacket, and looked back at Starcream, “You treat all your guests this nice?”

Starscream chuckled evilly, “Any friend of the Autobots.”

“Autobot? That one of them coin operated wash-my-own-car places?” Agent Fowler asked, lying to the Con.

Starscream somehow wasn’t buying it, “Oh, so that's how it's going to be, hmm? Apparently no one has told you I have no appreciation for human humor.” He then turned to the Vehicon. “Make our guest comfortable.”

The Vehicon walked over to Fowler and then did what Starscream wanted.

Sci-Twi got the coordinates and sent them to Wheeljack, “Latitude 39. 5, Longitude 116. 9.”

“Got it!” Wheeljack said, until he opened the ground bridge.

“OK, wait here,” Bulkhead said, as he walked over. “Aww, don't break up the band!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “No fair!” Pinkie Pie said sadly, as Rarity comforted her.

Bulkhead turned around, “Sunset, you're in charge!” He then ran through the ground bridge until it was deactivated. “Guess we have run out the place,” Sunset said, until they saw Pinkie Pie was missing. “Pinkie Pie? Pinkie Pie?”

After the ground bridge opened, Bulkhead jumped out and landed on the solid rock ground. “Fowler?!” he exclaimed, until he saw Vehicons surrounding the ship for security protocol. “The whole Decepticon shipbay,” he said, while making a stealthy move and then hid behind some rocks and looked at the drones all over the place.

“Psst! Psst! What's the plan?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Pinkie!” Bulkhead whispered, placing a finger on his jaw, until a Vehicon saw Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, and aimed his blaster at the girls.

“Oh… Unwise,” she said.

Author's Note

Could this be the end of Pinkie Pie? :twilightoops:

Rescuing Fowler/Everfree Recon Battle, Part 1

The Vehicon charged his blaster at Pinkie Pie, until Bulkhead hollered, “Pinkie, get down!” Pinkie Pie ran for her life as the Vehicon kept shooting at her, until Bulkhead lunged onto the trooper and punched his face, but the Vehicon clawed Bulkhead’s face, but he stopped the next attack from the Con and punched his face again, until the Vehicon clawed the green Autobot again, before Bulkhead jumped onto the Con and they both clasped hands trying to wrestle with each other.

“Hold him still!” Pinkie Pie yelled, holding a rock and then slammed it onto his head, but didn’t make a dent. Bulkhead placed Pinkie Pie in a hiding spot, and then fought the Vehicon by trying to push each other. “Pinkie, look away!” he yelled.

“But-” Bulkhead cut Pinkie off, “Turn your head away!” Bulkhead then tore out a few wires from the Vehicon’s chest, and then left Pinkie Pie amazed. “Oooooooh!!!” Until he dropped the Vehicon, Bulkhead looked at Pinkie Pie.

Somewhere in the canyon, Arcee and Bumblebee were driving around town. “Arcee, Bumblebee, do you read?” Bulkhead asked through the comm links.

“Loud and clear, Bulkhead,” Arcee replied.

“I have a situation,” Bulkhead said.

“Bulkhead, they're children. Humans, teenagers, just do whatever,” Arcee said, but as they kept driving, they suddenly stopped in shock. “You’re where?! She’s where??!!”

“What should we do?” Fluttershy asked.

“Bulkhead may have not even realized she'd might’ve followed him,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Pinkie Pie hasn't seen the 'Cons in action like we have,” Applejack said. “She has no idea,” Sunset said.

“Those are the coordinates. Their destination is still locked in,” Sci-Twi said, as she activated the ground bridge from her computer.

“Wheeljack, you’re in charge of the base,” Sunset said, as she and the other girls followed her.

“Copy that,” Wheeljack said.

The girls walked through the ground bridge. “Arcee to base, come in. Girls? Listen up, we need you to bridge us back. Hello?” Arcee said through the comm link, but no one was there, since Wheeljack was busy contacting other Autobots in the area to assist, until Windblade, Smokescreen and Jazz responded.

Arcee then growled, “Bumblebee, metal to the pedal!” They both went of to the coordinates Bulkhead was at.

In the brig, Starscream walked over to Agent Fowler, who was in chains, “Agent Fowler, I have one single request that would save your family the pain of grieving,” Starscream said, before placing one of his clawed fingers underneath his chin. “Tell me the location of the Autobot base.”

“No problem. But I need to ask you something first,” Agent Fowler said.

“Yes? I'm listening,” Starscream said.

“I've got an issue with the customer service around here. Can I speak to the manager?” Agent Fowler asked, which made Starscream growl.

“I make the decisions here. I am in charge!” He then turned around, facing to a trooper behind him. “Bring the prod.”

Outside the Nemesis, Bulkhead and Pinkie Pie were waiting for backup. “What's taking Arcee and Bumblebee?” Bulkhead asked.

“But, the Cons could be putting the clamps on Fowler right now! Let's just make the battlefield into a party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, until a ground bridge was opened. “They're here!” Bulkhead exclaimed, but suddenly, the Rainbooms jumped through.

“That was weird… but now we can have fun!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Are your bones vibrating?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Yep,” Sunset said, wrapping her arms around her stomach. Suddenly, the girls saw the Nemesis in front of them, before three Vehicons with their blasters spotted them, “You there!”

“Scrap!” Bulkhead and Pinkie Pie said in unison.

Back in the brig, Starscream, with a prod in his hand, walked back over to Agent Fowler, “I'll ask nicely one last time. - The Autobot base!”

“Sure thing, buddy. Right after you eat my star-sequined shorts!” Agent Fowler protested, until Starscream turned on the prod, and tased Agent Fowler with it.

“As I imagined. Energon and human nervous systems don't mix,” Starscream said.

In the Everfree Forest, they suddenly saw the Decepticons up ahead, and took shelter. “For the first time in my life, Optimus I had hoped that you were wrong,” Ratchet whispered.

“Neither have I, Ratchet,” Optimus said.

“Well, why don’t we get a closer look and find out what they’re getting their dirty servos onto?” Scattershot asked.

“Affirmative, but proceed with caution,” Optimus said, as he and the other two stood up and walked over to the cave where the Decepticons were.

Suddenly, Lugnut turned around and pointed at the intruders, “MASTER, BEHIND YOU!”

Megatron turned around, “Optimus! After the last decacycles of an unexpected reunion between us, it appears we both share the same goal, but with a different purpose, now do we?”

“We’ve got your back, Prime. He’s yours,” Scattershot said.

“I cannot allow you to have the artifact, Megatron. Leave these premises immediately before I have to do what I must,” Optimus said.

“Very well! Demolisher, you and the others get the artifact! Optimus Prime is mine!” Megatron said.

“Yes, master! As you command!” Lugnut said.

Suddenly, Vehicon troopers appeared with their weapons armed and ready. “ENGAGE THEM!” Megatron ordered, as the Autobots and Decepticons fired at each other, while Ratchet and Scattershot had the upper hand, but Optimus went after Megatron.

Rescuing Fowler/Everfree Recon Battle, Part 2

Meanwhile, back at the desert with the Nemesis, the three Vehicons were shooting their blasters at the Rainbooms minus Pinkie Pie, who was worried about them and so was Bulkhead, so he transformed into vehicle mode and opened the doors for them.

“Need a ride?!” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Pinkie!” the girls exclaimed in happiness. “Get in! Now!” Bulkhead said, as the girls got inside, before he drove off avoiding the shooting.

“Thanks, Bulkhead,” Sunset said. “Yeah, thanks,” Rainbow Dash said, as the others were catching their breaths.

“Wow! That was fun, but kinda awful because of the killing and stuff!” Pinkie said.

“Are you alright, dear?!” Rarity asked. “Yep!” Pinkie Pie replied in her normal tone.

“W-Wh-What are you all doing here?!” Bulkhead asked.

“We were worried about Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow Dash said. “What were you thinking anyway?!”

“I just wanted to see how the ground bridge thingy worked, but I started jumping like crazy!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Oh….” the girls said, acknowledging their friend’s explanation.

Bulkhead suddenly stopped by the same hiding spot, and let the girls out, “Everyone out. And this time, please wait here!”

While the Vehicons were still shooting, Bulkhead drove forward, dodging the lasers, until he made it underneath the ship, causing the Cons to cease fire. As he drove through the ramp, he transformed into robot mode and climbed up to the top on a cliff and then jumped onto one of the wings of the ship.

A Vehicon ran over and suddenly got thrown over by Bulkhead as he grabbed him on the foot, and then shot 3 blaster bolts, until the green Autobot jumped onto the flight deck and then ran towards another Con, crushing and beheading him with his wrecking ball fist, and as the third Vehicon was shooting at Bulkhead, he grabbed the dead Vehicon and used it as a shield, until Bulkhead fired back with his blaster, but the Vehicon dodged the blasts before being hit the last time, but as he fired back, Bulkhead landed onto him with his backside crushing him before standing up.

He looked at the girls, but one of them was missing. “WHERE’S PINKIE?!”

He heard a metal knocking inside his chest, until he opened up his torso, revealing Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash catching their breaths.

“Pinkie?” Bulkhead asked.

“I heaved on your floor mats. Sorry,” Rainbow Dash said. Pinkie Pie suddenly giggled.

Bulkhead helped them out, and placed them on the surface to breathe.

“But so far, no thanks to Pinkie, we’re okay,” Rainbow Dash said. Suddenly, a Vehicon charged towards Bulkhead, but he threw him on the ground and punched the Con with his wrecking ball fist twice. Suddenly, two Vehicons appeared on an elevator, but before they could grab Pinkie and Rainbow, Bulkhead fired at the Cons, until they fired back. Bulkhead saw a satellite dish and threw it like a frisbee with his brute strength, as Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash ducked until the dish hit all four of them.

Bulkhead walked over to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie and as they sat on his hand, he lifted them up, before more Cons fired at the three, and Bulkhead covered the girls with his hand and ran towards the hole.

With the other girls, they were concerned.

“You think… t-the-they forgot about us?” Fluttershy asked, while Applejack comforted her. Out of nowhere, four Vehicons caught the other girls and grabbed them.

With Bulkhead and the two girls, he made it inside the hallways with the girls on his hand holding onto each other, and began running. Suddenly, two Vehicons caught them as Bulkhead slid them through as he took them out one by one.

“I think I’m gonna heave again,” Rainbow Dash said, until Bulkhead began running again, and placed the two girls back onto his hand.

The four Vehicons carried the others in their hands.

“Carry them to the brig. Commander Starscream is dealing with the other human there,” the first one said.

The girls now knew where they were holding Agent Fowler, but suddenly Bumblebee and Smokescreen took out the Cons holding the girls hostage in car mode, before Arcee and Windblade caught them, but Jazz only caught Rarity.

“Need a hand, malady?” Jazz asked. “Thank you, dear,” Rarity said, with two fingers on her skirt and walking down on the floor like a proper lady. “Teach those ruffians to handle a lady! Hmph!” she said, whipping a hand through her hair.

“Bumblebee! I was afraid I wouldn’t see you again!” Fluttershy said, hugging her guardian’a metal foot. Bumblebee bleeped to say that she was safe now with him around, and patted her head gently.

“Wheeljack mentioned you needed help,” Windblade said. “And the Mini-cons also felt concerned so we thought they could help,” Smokescreen said, revealing the Recon Team.

“Oh, are you and the others hurt, Baroness Rarity?!” Jolt asked in concern. “I’m fine, darling. But thank you. And please don’t call me ‘Baroness’,” Rarity said. “Sorry,” Jolt said.

“We also appreciate you clearing the front door for us, but storming the Decepticon warship wasn’t exactly on today’s bucket list of activities,” Arcee said.

“Tell me about it,” Sunset said.

The Rainbooms and Autobots ran through the hallways, until Arcee stopped and converted her right arm into a blaster, but accidentally aimed it at Bulkhead, who also aimed his blaster at her. “FRIENDLY!”

“Hello!” Bulkhead and Pinkie said in jinx.

“Whoa, whoa! Why are we pointing guns at each other? Just point them away. We’re on the same team, right?” Jazz said.

“Brought the girls, huh?” Arcee asked, deactivated her weapon.

“You tried to get them to stay behind!” Bulkhead said. “It was Pinkie’s idea in the first place!” Rainbow Dash said. “Well, mostly,” Applejack said.

“We need to find Fowler and get the girls and Mini-cons out of here,” Arcee said.

“He's in the brig,” Sunset and Sci-Twi said in unison.

Back in the brig, Agent Fowler was still hung in chains, and he looked covered in soot.

“My dear Agent Fowler,” Starscream said, walking back over to the human agent. “You do realize the Autobots have abandoned you.” As he got closer, he chuckled evilly, “I am the only one you can rely upon now. So tell me what I want to know or…” he lit up the prod, as it crackled with the same electricity, pointing it at Fowler if he refused to spill the beans.

“Please, no more,” Fowler said softly. “They're in… secret… government base.”

“Go on,” Starscream said, until he and two Vehicons heard a gunfight in the hall, as the two converted their arms into blasters, and Starscream turned back to Agent Fowler. “Yes?”

“In the old steel mill. Or was it under that carnival's fun-house?” Agent Fowler said, until Starscream growled and placed the prod on Agent Fowler again, knocking him out. Suddenly, the blaster noises were heard again, “Someone find out what is going on out there!”

The two Vehicons ran out of the brig to see what was happening.

Back in the hall, the girls hid somewhere safe towards the walls so that the Autobots could take out the Cons and that the human girls and the Mini-cons could be free to walk. They saw the Autobots shooting sparks out of every Vehicon, heads coming off and their bodies being crushed, sliced or stabbed. When they were all taken out, the girls and Mini-cons walked out, and then the Autobots continued moving.

Back at the forest, Scattershot and Ratchet fought the four Decepticon minions, Demolisher, Lugnut, Blitzwing, and Cyclonus as they too fired at the two Autobots.

“Eat this!” Scattershot said, firing his missiles at the Cons. “Wise thinking, Scattershot!” Ratchet said. “Just had to even the odds, doc bot!” Scattershot said.

Optimus was still fighting Megatron, and he had the upper hand. “You will not succeed, Megatron!” Optimus said.

“That’s what you believe, Optimus!” Megatron said, until he blocked his foe’s next punch. “Once I’ve obtained the ultimate power, there’ll be nothing and no one to stop me!”

“Never!” Optimus yelled, as he swung a tree log at him, and punched him in the face.

Scattershot saw Cyclonus and Lugnut heading inside the cave, until he went after them both.

“Scattershot, come back!” Ratchet said, until Blitzwing shot him down and blasted some rocks and trees onto him.

In the bridge of the Nemesis, there was a knock on the door, as a Vehicon went to answer it, until the Autobots entered and shot down every Decepticon in each section until there weren’t any left.

“Clear,” Bulkhead said. The girls and Mini-cons appeared, until Arcee looked down at them, “Wait in here.”

The girls were confused, until Bumblebee made some confused bleeps.

“They're slowing us down and they're easy targets,” Arcee said, converting her arm into a blaster. “They'll be alright in here, as long as they stay put.” She then walked out of the room, with the other Autobots with their weapons ready.

“That… was intense,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Everyone okay?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, but at least we’ll be safe in here, and we’ll be here to guard you all,” Jolt said.

“Look, it’s your fault that we're stuck in this intensity! What were you thinking, Pinkie?!” Rainbow Dash asked Pinkie Pie angrily.

“I just wanted us to help out the Bots like how we usually hang out with each other,” Pinkie Pie said. “Plus, we’re not even hurt or anything. See?”

“But except my outfits?!” Rarity growled.

“Yeah, but we’re supposed to be a band. Doesn't that usually mean to play together?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Hey, hey, now. Let’s just settle down now,” Applejack said.

“This isn’t a party or some kind of carnival’s funhouse! It’s a war zone! We’re supposed to stay away from the Cons! They still want our magic so they can make some kind of weapon of mass destruction, I don’t know!” Sunset said.

“What?! Are you serious?” Rainbow Dash asked. “No wonder you felt concerned!”

“Well, maybe I have some regard for all of you, including your safety!” Sunset said, until she stopped herself. “Great, now I sound like Optimus.”

Fluttershy hid behind Applejack crying, until Rarity hugged her. “What’s the matter, darling?” Rarity asked.

“I’M SCARED!” Fluttershy said. “There, there, dear,” Rarity said softly, patting her head as she kneeled down with Fluttershy laying on her lap. “Shhhhhh shhhhhh… it’ll be alright.” The girls went over to comfort her as well.

“Yeah, we're gonna be fine,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Our bots will come back for us,” Sunset said.

“Yeah, they're gonna take us home,” Pinkie Pie said.

Spike then licked Fluttershy’s cheek, making her giggle.

Sunset suddenly saw something on the Cons’ computer, “Hey, Twilight, what do you make of that?”

The girls walked over to the computer, as Sci-Twi tried to envision it with her knowledge, “It's important. Really important.”

Rescuing Fowler/Everfree Recon Battle, Part 3

Back in the brig, Starscream could hear more blaster sounds, until he looked back at Agent Fowler, who was still in chains, “Wake up! You pathetic lump of flesh!”

Agent Fowler then woke up, but he wasn’t feeling himself, since the Energon infected his nervous system, “Hmm… Grandma? Is it cookie time? Uhh!” He then passed out, as Starscream growled, but suddenly heard a knock on the door.

The door opened, revealing a Vehicon.

“Well?” Starscream asked, but the Vehicon fell down dead, and then Bulkhead shot the Vehicon in front of him, until Starscream was the only one left. He, Bumblebee, Smokescreen, Jazz and Windblade entered the room drawing their weapons, until Starscream drew his, pointing at Agent Fowler. “Not so fast,” he said, until he felt Arcee’s weapon tapping the top of his head, until he looked up at her on the ceiling.

“I wouldn't,” she said.

“Oh, but I might,” Starscream said.

Back in the bridge, the girls were figuring out what the formula was. “We've got to get this to Optimus,” Sci-Twi said.

“How do you know it isn't just a recipe for space-nachos?” Rainbow Dash asked. “There’s space-nachos?!” Pinkie Pie asked happily. “Figuratively speaking,” Rainbow Dash said.

“I only know math when I see it. And that is one serious equation,” Sci-Twi said.

“Can you download it?” Sunset asked.

“I've got a flash drive,” Sci-Twi said, taking a flash drive out of her backpack. “But I don't see anywhere to plug it in. This tech is way alien.”

They suddenly heard footsteps coming, before they saw a Vehicon enter the room, as he looked around seeing the crew dead. The girls and Mini-cons made a run for it. Fluttershy suddenly saw Spike just standing there shaking. She ran over to him, and picked him up, before they were both spotted by the Con as he drew his blaster out at them.

In the brig, the Autobots had a stare down with Starscream, as he was still pointing his weapon at Agent Fowler. “Now, Agent Fowler and I will take our leave,” he said, until Agent Fowler randomly commented.

“The eagle said ’YEAH’!”

Suddenly the Autobot shot their weapons at Starscream, before the cowardly Decepticon transformed into his jet mode and took off.

While the Con charged his weapon, Fluttershy ran with Spike, but Sunset jumped onto her, before the Con began shooting.

“Rarity, take a picture!” Rainbow Dash said.

“Great idea, darling!” Rarity said, taking out her phone. As the Vehicon pointed his blaster as Sunset and Fluttershy, he charged it up.

“Yoo-hoo!” Rarity said, as the Vehicon looked down at her, and she took a picture of him.

“Not of that! Of THAT!” Sunset said, pointing at the computer.

“Oh…” Rarity said, pointing her phone at the screen, and as she took the picture, the Vehicon was now blind blasting around the room, making the girls and Mini-cons run for it.

“Go! Go! Go!” Sunset said, and as the Vehicon walked out of the room, he was about to blast the girls again, but Bulkhead ran into him and tore him apart with his wrecking ball fist, and transformed back into vehicle mode and drove off, until the others, went by, but Arcee and Bumblebee came for the girls, as the girls got into the hatchback.

“I told you to stay put!” Arcee said, with a hologram of a female motorcycle driver, until they both drove off to catch up with the others.

Suddenly, the girls heard Fowler’s voice, “I like pie. Can we stop for pie?”

“You found Fowler! Rock on!” Rainbow Dash said, until Fowler laid on Rarity and Fluttershy’s laps, before Fluttershy placed a blanket on him. “Aww… he must be exhausted.”

Bumblebee then bleeped, explaining what was really happening to the poor guy. “I’m sure I have something that can help,” Fluttershy said. “He said that he was exposed with too much Energon.”

The girls then felt sorry for him, while the Autobots began driving back to base with the Mini-cons following behind.

In the Everfree Forest, Scattershot kept holding off Lugnut in the cave while Ratchet was occupied. But as they were deep inside, Lugnut and Scattershot saw 5 crystals were missing, but two were left.

“Impossible!” Lugnut said. “You will pay dearly for this, Autobot scum!” He was about to deliver a punch, but suddenly, he and Scattershot were face to face with monstrous vines, as they both were thrown out, and scrapped.

“Uhh… maybe we should… call it a day… even though we’re still on opposite sides?” Scattershot asked in suggestion.

“Yes… but for now…” Lugnut said in agreement. “Master, come in!”

Somewhere in the forest, Optimus and Megatron were still fighting, but Megatron was outmatched by Optimus. “Master!”

“Lugnut? What is it?” Megatron asked.

“They’re only two crystals in the cave. Five of them are missing,” Lugnut said.

“It’s true, Optimus. It’s also guarded by some kind of spiritual force of nature. We were attacked by these vines, and it tossed us out. It’s best if we let it be,” Scattershot said. “Ratchet’s also stuck.”

“Understood,” Optimus said.

“Since we’ve been tied, no one gets what we want!” Megatron said, as he and his minions transformed into vehicle mode and flew back to the Nemesis.

Scattershot tried digging out Ratchet, but Optimus came over to help out, until they saw every piece of him still functional, but they saw Ratchet still alive.

“Ratchet, are you still functional, old friend?” Optimus asked. “Yes, I am,” Ratchet replied. “Did we win?”

It appears that the cave guarding the crystals maybe off limits to those who wish to intrude the place,” Optimus explained. “So, it may be impossible to get the artifact to safety, since Megatron was also unable as well.”

“So… now what?” Scattershot asked.

Optimus then thought for a moment.

Comfort from a Prime

Back at the base, Wheeljack helped Ratchet with an arm cast, and as he finished with the torching, Ratchet moved his arm carefully.

“How do you feel?” Wheeljack asked.

“Slightly broken, but I’ll live,” Ratchet replied, and then walked over to the Rainbooms, while Rarity and Fluttershy helped nurse Agent Fowler.

“What happened out there?” Sunset asked.

“We encountered something that relates to Sunset Shimmer’s other world,” Ratchet explained.

“Equestrian magic?” Sunset asked. “Yes, but something from within the cave was guarding it, possibly a vessel of some kind of ancient spiritual creature,” Ratchet said.

“Wow…” Sunset said.

“Bulkhead, you exercised extremely poor judment in allowing the humans and Jolt’s team to accompany you in the battlefield,” Optimus said.

“It won't happen again, Optimus. I promise,” Bulkhead said.

“But it wasn't Bulkhead's fault,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Pinkie Pie, please!” Bulkhead said.

“I just wanted to see if… we could help… like how we usually hang out,” Pinkie Pie explained.

“And we did discover this, darling,” Rarity said, showing Optimus the picture on her phone, as he got a closer look.

“Hmm… Ratchet, have a look. It could be of importance to Megatron,” Optimus said.

“Woah, hold on there now!” Applejack said.

“Megatron's back?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Oh, my,” Fluttershy said nervously.

Ratchet then looked at Rarity’s phone, but got confused, “I don't understand.”

Rarity looked at the photo on her phone, but realized it wasn’t the one she was showing. “Oh! That's the ruffian who tried to blow poor Fluttershy away.”

“At least that's what he looked like before Bulkhead rearranged his grill!” Rainbow Dash said.

“Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy was almost killed!” Sunset said.

“Actually, we were all almost killed, Sunset. You, me, our friends. Even them!” Rainbow Dash said.

“I knew that! And if I had any idea how we could actually find some way to defend ourselves, then I would’ve thought of it sooner, but right now I don’t!” Sunset the grunted in frustration and sat down on the couch with depression on her face.

The Rainbooms, and the Autobots felt worried, until Rarity sat on the handle of the couch and laid Sunset against her lap, and stroked her hair and patted her head.

“It’s alright, darling. We’re not mad at you. We’re just trying to look out for each other like we usually do. Of course we were almost slaughtered, but what matters is that you have us by your side, and we’ll always be there to support you,” she said, as Sunset smiled, and hugged Rarity’s waist.

“Thanks, Rarity,” Sunset said.

“You are very welcome, darling,” Rarity said.

Optimus then spoke up, “Sunset, putting you in harm's way was never our intent. However, it is no longer the safety of you and your friends that is at risk, but the safety of all humankind.”

“I understand,” Sunset said.

“But I fear these battles are beginning to take a toll on our human allies, meaning you, especially other innocent civilians of this planet,” Optimus said.

“Do you always have to be this hard on yourself?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You saved our lives like a few times.”

“Yeah, you should be grateful for our help,” Applejack said.

“I don’t blame you, since it’s my fault, but you all would’ve found out sooner or later,” Optimus said. “Because my kind brought our war to your planet even before my team arrived here. Where did we even go wrong?”

“Nobody is perfect, Optimus darling,” Rarity said, as they all went over towards the Autobot leader. “Not even a lady like me.”

“I know,” he replied. “but it’s our mistakes and not yours. We should be the ones to pay for them.”

Sunset tried to say something, but she hesitated. For once in her life, including theirs, Sunset and her friends had never heard or seen such sadness or regret. They could feel all the guilt and pain in Optimus’s spark.

Sci-Twi even felt sorry for the big bot, so she walked over to him, “I felt the same way during the Friendship Games. But they taught me that you sometimes need to find ways that might lift your spirit back in place.”

“And like Rarity said, we’ll always be here to support you, meaning you can trust us, and we’ll listen if you or at least most of you guys want someone to talk to,” Sunset said. “And we’ll also listen if you need anything.”

“Just… keep yourselves a distance away from the Decepticons, Sunset,” Optimus said. “They’ll still want whatever secrets from your dimension lie dormant on this planet, whatever it takes to conquer your planet’s organic energy. We are the only ones who can stop them and they will use anything valuable to defeat us in any way.”

With those words, Sunset placed her hand on Optimus’s giant metal hand, and then he looked down at her, as she was smiling softly. “I know, but no matter what we do, we’ll always believe in you… Optimus Prime.”

Optimus nodded with a soft smile, meaning that the human females cared for him, and wanted to be there for him and his team.

Back on the Nemesis, Starscream was being punished by Megatron.

“Please, Lord Megatron, I meant no-ARHG!”

Starscream was also being beaten up by his leader, meaning he disobeyed his orders, and let the Autobots infiltrated their base without noticing they were there.

“I ordered you to await my command!” Megatron yelled angrily, as he walked over to Starscream and slapped him with his arm, sending the air commander Con flying, until he landed flat on his stomach and face, and was smoking and sparking, until Megatron walked over again. “And instead, your mindless agenda resulted in the disassembling of my ship! And the delay of my plans!”

Starscream got up and started crawling backwards while Megatron kept moving forward, “My intentions were pure, Master. I only wanted you to be rid of Optimus.”

Megatron then placed his foot onto Starscream, crushing him, “No one rids me of Optimus Prime but me! Do you understand?! DO YOU?!?!”

Starscream then spoke while Megatron kept crushing him, “Lord Megatron, I will make things right, I swear! I know how to set your plans back on course!”

Megatron removed his foot from his commander and then lifted him up on the neck carefully so he can see his face, “Explain, Starscream. Quickly.”

The Tragic Voyage

”Many millions of years ago, war waged between the forces of the heroic Autobots and the brutal Decepticons for control of the planet Cybertron. The Autobots battled valiantly in the name of honor since they sent the Allspark to deep space. Their courageous exploits bringing hope and glory to a beleaguered war torn planet and inspiring countless generations of robots yet to come online.”

Suddenly, a red and white Autobot named Ratchet came over to the bridge of the Autobot ship called the Ark. “What a load of scrap metal. Why do you waste your time with this old history database?” He asked the red and blue Autobot named Optimus Prime.

“All the great Autobot leaders learn from the past,” Optimus replied.

“Pfft! Look around, Optimus. The Great War lasted for centuries, especially when it started 4 stellar cycles ago,” Ratchet said.

Optimus then turned to Ratchet, “I do not disagree, Ratchet. But I have a feeling that this was only the beginning of an new era of either sides and fates. If only the Decepticons weren’t so preoccupied…”

“Trust me, Optimus. You’re better off not knowing. Besides, it looks like the others could use a hand,” Ratchet said, pointing at a screen of a camera recording of a green Autobot named Bulkhead hanging from his wrecking ball fist.

“Guys, my wrecking ball's stuck again!”

“Hmm…” Optimus sighed, as he got up and walked with Ratchet to the hallway.

“Optimus, not to question you or anything, but do you ever get the feeling that we were programmed for something more than just fighting against the Decepticons?” Ratchet asked. “I hopefully wish for this war to be over.”

“I acknowledge your concern, Ratchet. But I assure you that once we supply the ship with enough Energon, we’ll be able to start our intergalactic voyage, and keep Megatron and the Decepticons out of reach if we are to survive,” Optimus said.

“I've got a diagnostics program that can delete that feeling like a bad line of code,” Ratchet said.

“Prime, we could use some help here!” An Autobot named Ironhide called from Optimus’s comm link.

“I’m on my way, Ironhide,” Optimus said, as he and Ratchet transformed into vehicle mode, but Optimus was a Cybertronian convoy truck and Ratchet was a Cybertronian rescue vehicle, and then drove off from the command center to the Ark’s construction site.

Meanwhile, Bulkhead was still stuck, “I don't like heights, you guys!”

Bumblebee, Smokescreen and Jazz ran up some rocks to the top of a metal pillar where Bulkhead’s wrecking ball was stuck. “Just hold on there, big guy. We’ll get ya out in an astro-second,” Jazz said. Bumblebee bleeped in response. “That’s right, Bee! No bot is faster than we are!” Smokescreen said.

Bumblebee used his stingers to weaken the rocks, while Jazz used his laser nunchucks. Smokescreen somehow jumped upwards and used his plasma missile blasters.

Suddenly the pillar collapsed, and tumbled onto Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Bumblebee and Jazz. The Autobot Ironhide drove over to them and transformed into robot mode.

“You bots alright?” he asked. “Yeah, yeah, we’re fine, but uhh… Whoa! Now that’s not what I call removing debris!” Bulkhead replied, then Ironhide helped him, Jazz, Smokescreen and Bumblebee out.

Suddenly, Optimus and Ratchet came over in vehicle mode before they transformed into robot mode.

“Ironhide, Jazz, Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Bumblebee, report,” Optimus ordered.

Bumblebee bleeped about what happened until Jazz spoke up, “What the buzzing bot said was true, commander.” Smokescreen nodded in reply, “But we’ve handled it pretty well. And no one was harmed, really!”

“You know what I can't figure out? Why would we need to mine for Energon from the distant asteroid field near Cybertron?” Bulkhead asked.

“Because, Bulkhead, we have no choice but to leave Cybertron. It’s no longer safe for us to stay here at Iacon. Leaving for refuge is our best best,” Optimus explained.

“Are you sure, Optimus?” Ratchet asked. “Yes, Ratchet. I am. Ironhide, Smokescreen, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Jazz, continue with assisting the construction crew,” Optimus ordered as the 5 Autobots got to work on helping the three construction teams.

Suddenly, a green, white and red Autobot named Wheeljack, and another Autobot named Longarm came over to report the progress on the Ark.

“Glad you’re here, Prime! So, if you’ve got a nanoklik, we’d like to report what progress we’ve got so far,” Wheeljack said.

“Proceed, Wheeljack,” Optimus said as he started hearing Wheeljack’s report. “Good thing is all systems are fully functional, including weapon systems, battle shields, but we’re still working on the Energon fuel reserves and alloy supplements for the heavy artillery,” Wheeljack explained. “I took the honor of doing that, Wheeljack,” Longarm said. “Oh, thank you, Longarm,” Wheeljack replied.

“So, we’re set to launch?” Optimus asked. “Yep,” Wheeljack said. “Whenever you give the word, Prime, and we shall be ready,” Longarm said.

“Understood. AUTOBOTS! HEAR THIS! WE LAUNCH AT APPROXIMATELY 5 DECACYCLES, SO BE PREPARED!” Optimus ordered as the Autobot construction team continued working as fast as they can.

“You heard him! Keep moving, pronto!” Ironhide hollered.

“Optimus, we’ve completed our scouting and no sign of any Decepticons in sight!” An red and white Aerialbot named Jetfire said, along with others named Silverbolt, Air Raid, and Skydive. “Excellent work, Aerialbots. Meet me at the boarding dock at 5 decacycles and prepare for launch,” Optimus said.

“Sir, yes, sir!” The Aerialbots said, as they transformed into their jet modes and took off.

Several hours later, the Ark was fully complete, and then they began to start their intergalactic voyage across the galaxy to find a planet suitable for refuge.

Meanwhile on the ship, the Autobots were in the bridge while others had more several duties aboard the ship.

An Autobot named Arcee suddenly found an unknown signal on the radar, “Optimus, we’re receiving an unidentified spacecraft in this sector. You’re not gonna believe this, but the energy readings appear to be identifying a Decepticon warship.”

“Decepticons… Autobots, maintain your stationary posts until absolutely necessary!” Optimus said, as the other Autobots stayed in their positions.

“It’s following us,” Ironhide said, checking the radar. “Looks like it’s gonna be a blast,” Scattershot said. “I dig ya, Scats,” Jazz said.

“You want action, Optimus? Well, get in line,” Ratchet said.

Bumblebee then asked if Optimus was risking all of his crew for taking on an army of power hungry Decepticons.

“Yes, Bumblebee. But we must remain vigilant, old friend,” Optimus said.

“Wow, if you want vigilance, you go straight from the top,” Bulkhead said. “Got that right,” Scattershot said. “And that’s why he’s called a Prime,” Ironhide said. Bumblebee bleeped in agreement. “You said it, Bee. Optimus has never let us down,” Smokescreen said.

“Decepticons still on our tail and closing on fast,” An Autobot named Windblade said. Bumblebee was shocked as he gasped. “So, uh… how come we don’t see them?” Smokescreen asked.

“Teletraan 1, set course for that portal,” Optimus ordered.

“Why’d you want to do that?” Bulkhead asked. “I think Prime’s got a plan, don’t ya?” Ironhide asked.

“Indeed, Ironhide. Our new mission is to find a suitable planet with enough resources, hopefully if it has Energon to supply enough fuel, and place it, and unexpected inhabitants under complete protection before the Decepticons can do anything with it, or else we’re all finished,” Optimus said, as they started to blast through whatever debris was in their way, until they suddenly saw a big purple flying object in front of them.

“Uhh, Optimus? I don’t think we’ll be able to blast through that!” Bulkhead said as they saw the Decepticon warship that was chasing them.

“Whoa… that ship is huge!” Smokescreen said. “I’ve never seen a Decepticon ship like that up close!” Ironhide said. “No one has and lived,” Ratchet said.

“It’s a command ship, but I fear that this one is based on the one I’ve read in the history database. The Nemesis,” Optimus said.

“Megatron,” Ratchet said. Bumblebee then shuddered with a buzzing sound from his voice. “Yep. It sure looks like it,” Scattershot said. “And we might be in for a big surprise,” Windblade said. “I don’t like the look of it either,” Smokescreen said.

Meanwhile, inside the Nemesis, the red, gray/white and blue Decepticon air commander named Starscream was making a rude comment about their leader, Megatron.

“Megatron is a fool who's been chasing a ghost for centuries. I seriously doubt we'll find out what the Autobots are planning aboard such an insignificant vessel.”

“TRAITOR!” a big one eyed green and purple Decepticon named Lugnut hollered. “Megatron is wise! Megatron is bold! Megatron will return the Decepticons to Cybertron-!”

“And wipe our homeland clean of the stench of Autobot tyranny… blah de blah blah blah!” A spider Decepticon named Blackarachnia said. “Did you memorize that speech, Lugnut, or is it just hardwired into that THICK ONE TRACK PROCESSOR OF YOURS?!”

Suddenly, her arm was frozen by a Decepticon named Blitzwing.

“As usual, Blackarachnia. Your demeanor is irrelevantly unpleasant as that accursed organic mode of yours,” Blitzwing said in his normal tone.

“Blow it out your activator, three face,” Blackarachnia said, before she hissed as she unfroze her arm.

Blitzwing changed his face to his anger side, “THE NAME IS BLITZWING, INSECT! REMEMBER THAT! CAUSE IT’S THE LAST THING YOU’RE EVER GONNA HEAR BEFORE I-!” He then changed to his crazy face, “Express my feelings in song! The itsy bitsy spider…!”

“Oh, so now you want to battle it out, Blitz-brain?!” Blackarachnia asked, as the other Decepticons Brawl, Soundwave, Barricade, Breakdown, Onslaught, the other Combaticons, Cyclonus and Demolisher joined the argument.

“Oh, will you rust buckets just keep it down?!” Starscream yelled.

“NO ONE MOCKS THE WORD OF MEGATRON!” Lugnut said, until they all saw their leader, Megatron enter the room. He was taller than all of them, and looked rather menacing. He was silver with a helmet shaped head, some purple platings on some sections of his body, and he had a purple cannon on his right arm.

As he walked over to the bridge, the Decepticons lined up saluting their leader, until he stopped and looked at the screen.

“Starscream, report,” Megatron ordered. “Energy readings off the scale, my liege! Shall I fire on the Autobots?” Starscream replied.

“Hmm… cripple their ship, but do not destroy it… yet,” Megatron ordered. “Yes, yes, yes! Such a wise and brilliant strategy, oh wise and great leader!” Starscream commented, as Megatron then grumbled.

Suddenly, the Nemesis’ laser cannons were about to shoot the Ark. “TELETRAAN 1! EVASIVE MANEUVERS!” Optimus shouted, as the ship began dodging the lasers coming from the Nemesis’s cannons, but a few parts of the ship were shot at, and nearly crippled.

“DAMAGE REPORT!” Optimus hollered. “Battle shields at 95%! Some of our cannons are failing!” Prowl replied. Bumblebee then bleeped in concern and nervousness. “Just hold on to your servos, Bee!” Smokescreen said.

The Nemesis kept firing at the Ark, but they’ve managed to avoid a few more shots.

Suddenly, Blackarachnia found a copy of the energy signature, “Lord Megatron, I’ve got a match on the energy reading.”

“Sounds like the Autobots are trying to hide something from us,” Brawl said. “Got that right,” Barricade commented.

“I volunteer to deploy and breach the Autobot ship!” Starscream said, kneeling in front of Megatron.

“I didn’t spend the last 4 million solar cycles searching the galaxy just so you can lay your miserable grasp on the ship,” Megatron said, as he grabbed Starscream by the neck. “I will lead the attack to the ship, and crush Optimus Prime for good!” He then released Starscream and walked over to the boarding bay.

“My apologies. Guess I’ll get this fixed then,” Starscream said.

“Starscream, Onslaught, assemble a strike team, and await further orders until it’s time to depart,” Megatron said.

“Understood, Lord Megatron,” Onslaught replied, as Starscream acknowledged his order.

As the Ark passed underneath the Nemesis, Megatron and the other Decepticons prepared to take flight for the Autobots’s ship, until the doors opened up. “What do you want now, Starscream?”

“I just wanted to wish you luck, my liege,” Starscream said. “I appreciate your blessings, Starscream, but I do not believe in luck,” Megatron said, as he jumped out of the ship and transformed into his Cybertronian jet mode, and then flew over to the Ark.

“Neither do I,” Starscream said as he watched from the boarding bay, before he the other Decepticons followed their leader to victory.

While Megatron and the Decepticon calvary was flying towards the Ark, a few seekers and paratroopers were on target.

“Is that…?” Scattershot asked until Optimus cut him off. “Megatron.”

“He never said he was so big,” Bulkhead said. “Bzzt-brpdo-brpzt-boop-zzt!” Bumblebee bleeped, meaning that he never knew Megatron could fly. “Neither did I!” Smokescreen commented.

Megatron flew towards the ship, but as the Autobots ducked for cover, they suddenly heard and felt nothing.

“Huh, guess he wasn’t coming for us,” Cliffjumper said.

Suddenly, they head a large bang from on top the ship, and it was a few towing anchors breaching the ship, and the Decepticons started attacking.

“Ratchet, Wheeljack, seal the whole bridge! Prowl, Arcee, Windblade, hold the ship steady! Ironhide, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, get the guns online! The rest of you, guard the other halves of the ship! Aerialbots, take the cannons from the Nemesis and its towing cables offline! I’ll deal with Megatron, and make my stand!” Optimus ordered as he went to challenge Megatron.

Bumblebee bleeped that he wasn’t ready for evasive action yet as he stayed behind.

“Then consider this an upgrade, old friend. I’m counting on you,” Optimus said as he looked at Bumblebee in the eyes, and then continued his journey. Bumblebee then looked down, until Ratchet looked at the depressed Autobot. “Have faith, Bumblebee,” he said. “He’s got this,” Smokescreen said.

Suddenly, more Decepticons came on the ship, but Bumblebee fired back with his stingers.

“I can’t seem to activate the ship’s guns!” Ironhide said. “Blasted Autobot tech!” Ratchet growled, until he looked at Bumblebee. “It’s up to you now, Bumblebee. Take these fusers and plug it into the ship’s weapons systems so that we can buy Optimus enough time.”

Bumblebee nodded, and then took the blue glowing fusers from Ratchet. He bleeped asking where to go, until Ratchet spoke up, “Just follow the conduits, until you see one leading to your left. It should lead you there. Now, hurry!” Bumblebee nodded, and then went off to the weapons systems maintenance room in the ship. “I’ve got your back, Bee!” Smokescreen said, covering for him so that Bumblebee can head over.

While making his way, a couple of Vehicons were in the way, so Bumblebee took them on with his weapons and went melee on them as well. “Bumblebee! The ship’s weapons systems are approximately 32 meters your way!”

Bumblebee nodded and transformed into his Cybertronian car mode and drove off in a faster way. In a sudden, he arrived at his destination, and then transformed into robot mode, walked over to the generator, and placed the fuser into the insert, until the cannons began shooting at the Nemesis.

“Excellent work, Bumblebee! Now we can hold off the remaining incoming Decepticons so that Optimus can buy us enough time!” Ratchet said.

Suddenly, the ships were starting to appear towards an asteroid field, along with a meteor shower.

“Meteor shower! Meteor shower!” Soundwave alerted, as Windblade fought him.

Both ships were blaring with impact alarms, as more meteors were striking them, and more towing cables were breaching the Ark.

Bumblebee somehow saw Megatron and Optimus Prime fighting each other. He was barely weakened from the warfare that occurred, but he had to push forward.

When Bumblebee stood up, Megatron kicked Prime to the ground. As Optimus stood up, Megatron ripped a massive cannon off a destroyed ship they had been passing by. Megatron pointed it at Optimus Prime. “This ought to do the job!” Megatron shouted.

Bumblebee crawled in closer to hear Optimus speak, “Even if you destroy me, Megatron, others will then rise up to defeat your tyranny.”

“Then I’ll just have to destroy you all!” Megatron shouted and shot the missile at Optimus, until Bumblebee quickly jumped in front of Optimus Prime and shot the missile with his stingers, until the beam collided with the missile, making an explosion on Bumblebee, but left him sparking with electricity and letting out smoke, until he hit Optimus. Prime got up and looked at the sacrifice his scout made.

“Bumblebee…!” Optimus shouted, as Bumblebee bleeped apologetically. “You fought bravely, old friend,” Optimus said, until Bumblebee went into stasis recovery.

Megatron threw down the cannon and spat out, “How pathetic! Such a waste of Energon!”

Optimus lifted Bumblebee up and placed him in a cryogenic stasis pod, and then looked at his hated brother and spoke, “After eons of conflict and warfare, I finally see the truth of your words, Megatron.”

Megatron walked closer to Optimus Prime after letting out his fusion cannon’s sword from underneath.

“And what would that be, Optimus?” Megatron asked, as he brought his cannon on Optimus’s head, until the great leader of the Autobots caught Megatron’s hand before he could bring down the sword. Megatron glared at Optimus and gritted his razor sharp triangular teeth as he spoke.

“This universe, no matter how vast, will never be big enough for you and I to coexist.”

With that, Optimus brought back his fist and punched Megatron straight in the stomach, and the delivered more punches, before delivering an uppercut. Megatron flew back from the massive punch, and landed straight on a platform. He then looked up and saw Optimus Prime walking straight towards him.

Suddenly, a huge tremor shook both leaders, as they could see the impact from the meteor shower and asteroid field were colliding and destroying most of their ships, and they were also headed towards the space bridge.

Optimus and Megatron held on for dear life as they both noticed the space bridge portal was very close now!

“No! The vortex!” Megatron yelled in fear as he felt himself being sucked in.

“The vortex is tearing our ships apart! We’re losing control!” Optimus yelled and tried to steer the ship to a safer portion of the portal as he felt himself being sucked in as well.

Megatron lost his grip, until a few Decepticons flew back to the ship.

“Lord Megatron! Get out of there while you still have a chance!” Starscream said.

“The entire thing’s gonna send us to a distant corner of the galaxy!” Brawl yelled.

Megatron then lost his grip again, and fell out of the Ark screaming as Optimus watched him fall.

As for both efforts, the Ark and the Nemesis were being sucked into that unforgiving portal closer and closer. The tentacles of the Nemesis broke off the Ark, as the ships began spinning from the force of the vortex, and several explosions rocketed through the Ark and Nemesis at they drew near to that portal. Both ships were sucked in violently, before it closed permanently.

In another corner of the galaxy, was a moon that they passed by, but both ships were now entering another planet’s atmosphere. They were entering a planet called… Earth.

Author's Note

Here’s the cast for the Autobots and Decepticons:

Optimus Prime - Peter Cullen
Bumblebee - ???
Ironhide - Mark Ryan
Bulkhead - Kevin Michael Richardson
Arcee - Sumalee Montano
Wheeljack - Christopher Swindle
Ratchet - Jeffrey Combs
Jazz - Phil LaMarr
Smokescreen - Nolan North
Scattershot - Richard Ian Cox
Prowl - Dick Terhune
Jetfire - Troy Baker
Air Raid - Liam O’Brien
Silverbolt - Patrick Saltz
Skydive - Chris Cox
Windblade - Jessica DiGiovanni
Cliffjumper - Billy Brown
Longarm - Corey Burton
Blurr - Brian Drummond
Drift - Eric Bauza
Jetstorm and Slipstream - Roger Craig Smith

Tigatron - Blu Mankuma

Teletraan 1 - Sigourney Weaver

Megatron - Frank Welker
Starscream - Steve Blum
Soundwave - Peter Jessop
Shockwave - Steve Blum
Lugnut - David Kaye
Blitzwing - Bumper Robinson
Brawl - Nolan North
Barricade - Steve Blum
Breakdown - Crispin Freeman
Blackarachnia - Cree Summer
Onslaught - Travis Willingham
Blast Off - Keith Silverstein
Vortex - David Boat
Swindle - Steve Blum
Demolisher - Alvin Sanders
Cyclonus - Don Brown
Sideways - Paul Dobson
Scorponok - Colin Murdock

This is also the theme song I chose for the fanfic:

Rainbow Rocks

Meanwhile at the Canterlot Music Stadium, the Dazzlings started vocalizing.

The Dazzlings

Ah-ha, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ha, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Adagio Dazzle

Welcome to the show

Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze

Ah-ah-ah-ah, ah

Adagio Dazzle

We're here to let you know

Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Adagio Dazzle

Our time is now

Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze

Ah-ah-ah-ah, ah

The Dazzlings

Your time is running out

Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze

Ah, ah, ah

The Dazzlings

Ah-ha, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah...

The Rainbooms suddenly saw the Dazzlings vocalizing from afar. “How are we supposed to play over them from up here?” Rainbow Dash asked, until Vinyl Scratch transformed her car into a portable DJ booth and the Rainbooms cheered.

“Awesome!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Sweet!” Rainbow Dash said.

The Dazzlings

Feel the wave of sound
As it crashes down
You can't turn away
We'll make you wanna sta-a-a-ay

We will be adored
Tell us that you want us
We won't be ignored
It's time for our reward

Now you need us
Come and heed us
Nothing can stop us now

The Rainbooms

Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh
I've got the music in me
Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh

Twilight Sparkle

Don't need to hear a crowd
Cheering out my name
I didn't come here seeking
Infamy or fame

The Rainbooms

The one and only thing
That I am here to bring
Is music, is the music
Is the music in my soul

Gonna break out (Out!)
Set myself free, yeah
Let it all go (Go!)
Just let it be, yeah

Find the music in your heart
Let the music make you start
To set yourself apart

“So the Rainbooms want to turn this into a real Battle of the Bands? Then let's battle!” Adagio asked while smirking, until she and the other two continued singing.

The Dazzlings

What we have in store (ah-ah)
All we want and more (ah-ah)
We will break on through (ah-ah)
Now it's time to finish you!

The Dazzlings’ eyes turned red as they unleashed their full power, and then revealed themselves as the Sirens, and swarmed towards the Rainbooms.

Twilight Sparkle started vocalizing, until the Sirens also started vocalizing, before Twilight dropped the microphone towards Sunset Shimmer, “Sunset Shimmer, we need you!”

The Sirens swarmed around the Rainbooms until Sunset began singing.

Sunset Shimmer

You're never gonna bring me down
You're never gonna break this part of me
My friends are here to bring me 'round
Not singing just for popularity

Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle

We're here to let you know
That we won't let it go

The Rainbooms

Our music is a bomb and it's about to blow

Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle

And you can try to fight
But we have got the light of

The Rainbooms

Friendship on our side!

Got the music in our hearts
We're here to blow this thing apart
And together, we will never
Be afraid of the dark

Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
As the music of our friendship
Survives, survives!

All sans Dazzlings

Got the music in our hearts
We're here to blow this thing apart
And together, we will never
Be afraid of the dark

Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
As the music of our friendship
Survives, survives, survives!

The sky formed a huge alicorn made of energy with a rainbow colored mane and tail. A huge ball of fire suddenly came from the sky and passed by the rainbow laser until it destroyed the Sirens and the Dazzlings’ pendants.

The Dazzlings got back up and then started singing off-key.

The Dazzlings

We will be adored
Tell us that you want us
We won't be ignored
It's time for our reward...

The crowd booed at them as the Dazzlings ran off the stage while the crowd threw tomatoes, eggs and lettuce at them.

“Guess that explains why these were so special to them,” Sunset said, as he held a piece of the pendants. “Without those pendants and the magic you brought here from Equestria, they're just three harmless teenage girls,” Twilight said.

“Rainbooms rule! That was amazing!” Flash Sentry cheered, as he hugged Twilight before they both blushed bashfully. Sunset Shimmer and the other 5 giggled at the cute moment.

“You may have vanquished the Dazzlings, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” she said, before the magician girl disappeared with a puff of smoke.

The Rainbooms, Sunset Shimmer, and Flash Sentry were coughing from the smoke. Pinkie Pie gasped, “She's gone! Oh, wait. There she is.”

Trixie Lulamoon tripped over the stairs, “Trixie's okay!”

“You know, Twilight is going back to Equestria soon. The Rainbooms could really use someone to help Fluttershy on backup vocals,” Rainbow Dash said, until Sunset played guitar riff, “I also play guitar.”

“We'll see,” Rainbow Dash said. “By the way, did anyone notice that ball of fire in the sky?”

“I think I did,” Sunset said. “But we should probably get ready to say goodbye to Twilight tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the Autobot ship was headed towards the lake and mountainside of the Everfree Forest. “Autobots! Brace for impact!” Optimus said as the Autobots held on for dear life, and suddenly, the ship crashed into the mountains, and then made some damage. The Autobots were suddenly knocked out.

The next day, the Rainbooms were at the statue getting ready to say goodbye to Princess Twilight and Spike, the dragon-turned-dog.

“Sure wish you could stay longer,” Applejack said.

“Me too. But I have responsibilities in Equestria that I have to get back to. Its citizens need me. But now I can go through the portal whenever I need to. This isn't goodbye. It's just goodbye 'til next time,” Twilight said, until she looked at Spike. “Ready?”

“Ready!” Spike said, as he and Twilight walked through the portal together.

At the stadium, Sunset was writing a letter to Twilight.

”Dear Princess Twilight,
Missing you already, and I hope you'll be back soon. Things are definitely looking up for me here at Canterlot High. But I know I still have a lot to learn about friendship. Hope you don't mind if I write to you for advice when I need it.
Your friend, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Rainbow Dash took her guitar and looked at Sunset, “You ready or what?” Sunset walked over and grabbed her guitar, “Ready!”

Meanwhile, the human world’s version of Twilight Sparkle gathered a seismic wave and pinned it on her cork board, and then talked to her dog, Spike, “No doubt about it, Spike. There's definitely something strange going on at that school…”

Spike then barked in reply while Sci-Twi stroked her chin feeling curious about Canterlot High’s energy readings.

Recon Mission and First Contact/Friendship Games, Part 6

In the Energon hole, Cliffjumper gave a stern look at the Vehicons who were staring at him, “Fair warning, boys. I'll put a few dents in y'all.” He then transformed into vehicle mode again and drove upwards towards the Vehicons and a ramp up ahead, and as he went towards the sky, he transformed back into robot mode and ground pounded his landing.

Meanwhile, Optimus received a transmission from Arcee, “Arcee to Optimus, the Cons are back! Cliff might be neck-deep in scrap!”

Optimus confirmed her message, “Understood. Ratchet, do you have Cliffjumper's coordinates?”

“I'm locked on his signal, Optimus. But our team's scattered across timezones in the meantime,” Ratchet replied.

Optimus then contacted the other Autobots in Canterlot County, “Arcee, Bulkhead, Ironhide, Jazz, Scattershot, Smokescreen, Wheeljack, Windblade, Bumblebee. Rendezvous back at base prepare to ground bridge.” The Autobots acknowledged his order and drove back to their base.

Back with Cliffjumper, he was slightly being beaten by the Vehicons, as one punched him for the final time, and he landed back with the Energon, but one of his horns was torn off. “You want the horns?” he asked, as he converted his hands into blasters. “You got them!” He then had a firefight with the Vehicons, but suddenly the Energon exploded, leaving a huge blue flame, until two Vehicons survived and carried Cliffjumper, who was damaged and burnt from the explosion.

Back on the Nemesis, Starscream saw the mine was destroyed, “The Energon, it's worthless to me now.” As he growled, he saw the troopers appearing with their Autobot prisoner.

Cliffjumper looked up at the sky commander, “Scream. It's been a while.” he said, coughing up Energon from his mouth. “So, where's your master?”

“Never mind him. I am my own master,” Starscream said, as he jammed his fingers into Cliffjumper’s chest, as the Autobot grunted in pain. “Any more questions?” Cliffjumper saw Energon dripping from his chest as Starscream removed his fingers, and then laid down dead. “Clean that up,” Starscream commanded, as the two picked up the body.

As the Nemesis left, the Autobots appeared from a ground bridge portal, and Optimus was the last, as they all pointed their guns at the Energon field, but lowered them and converted them back into their hands.

“An untapped Energon deposit,” Optimus said.

“What's left of it,” Bulkhead said. “Ya said it,” Ironhide said.

“It looks like they already beat us to it,” Smokescreen said.

“The first Deception activity in three megacycles today,” Ratchet said.

“That we know of,” Optimus said. “If they're scouting for energon, they may be preparing for his return.”

The Autobots then went downwards, but Arcee gasped as she saw one of Cliffjumper’s horns and picked it up.

“No.”

Optimus felt the same way, “Ratchet, can you track his position?”

Ratchet nodded and looked up all their life signals, but Cliffjumper’s was red and made a flatline noise until it faded, “No. Cliffjumper's life signal just went offline.”

Starscream suddenly heard Soundwave come in, “Soundwave, what is it?”

Soundwave played the message his Minicon Laserbeak recorded, which was Arcee’s voice, “Like Canterlot County’s a party? We're alone where ever we travel on this rock, Cliff.”

“Ah, the one called Arcee. Why slay just one Autobot when we still have the advantage of surprise?” Starscream asked, making a slyly grinning face.

Meanwhile, the Autobots made a funeral for Cliffjumper’s loss at the hands of the Decepticons, as Optimus made a speech, “We must not allow our anger over the lost of Cliffjumper to impair our judgement. As of today, only we 13 Autobots remain on this Earth. We owe it to ourselves to the memory of Cybertron, to any Autobots in any galaxy seeking safe harbour, to humankind. And we owe it to the memory of our fallen comrade to survive.” Arcee placed Cliffjumper’s horn on the ground where a flower was. “Arcee?”

“If Cliff's gone, standing around here sulking won't bring him back. So unless anyone minds, I think I'll get back to protecting humankind,” Arcee said, as she drove off for a little stroll.

“Optimus, helping humans will only result in more tragedy,” Ratchet said.

“Your opinion is noted, old friend,” Optimus said in agreement.

Outside the school with Sci-Twi watching, the Rainbooms had a nice chat, until they parted, allowing Fluttershy to be alone, as she took off her backpack and nuzzled with a kitten in her bag, as it purred.

Bumblebee watched from the distance and smiled underneath while in vehicle form.

The leaves from the bush rustled until Sci-Twi appeared. “Do you wanna give her a treat?” Fluttershy asked, as Sci-Twi walked over and sat on her knees. “Guess I'm not the only one to smuggle her pet into school.”

Fluttershy giggled, and then released all of her animals, “Not just one.”

“Oh, wow. All I have is Spike,” Sci-Twi said, taking her puppy out of her backpack, as he panted in excitement. Fluttershy then held Spike, “It really is uncanny. Does he talk?”

“Um, not that I know of,” Sci-Twi replied, feeling confused.

Fluttershy scratched Spike’s furry belly, “Congratulations on winning, by the way. Though, it didn't seem like anyone on your team was very excited about it.”

“No one at my school gets excited about anything they didn't do themselves,” Sci-Twi said sadly.

“That sounds awful,” Fluttershy said, until she had an idea, before walking over to Sci-Twi and holding her bunny. “Here. Hold this.”

Sci-Twi was confused as she held the bunny, “Um, why?”

“Holding a bunny always makes me feel better,” Fluttershy explained while kneeling down towards her level.

“Well, that's ridiculous. But...” The bunny then cuddled and nuzzled with Sci-Twi until she hugged him back, “Ooh. It actually kind of works. I'm on the other team and you just lost. Why are you being so nice to me?”

“You looked like you needed it,” Fluttershy said, until she started glowing in a yellow magical aura, and sprouted out her ears, wings and ponytail and started floating.

Sci-Twi gasped, “Whoa!” Suddenly, her device activated the draining process and started draining all of Fluttershy’s magic, as it opened more portals, until Spike saw a jackrabbit in front of him, before he growled and barked at the antlered bunny and chased after it.

“Spike!” Sci-Twi exclaimed, as she saw Spike jumping through each wormhole, until he got into the yellow energy beam as it started to affect him before Fluttershy held him in her arms feeling tired.

“Spike!” Sci-Twi exclaimed, as she closed her device and then went over to Spike as Fluttershy handed the puppy back to his owner while shuddering and shivering.

Sci-Twi held Spike close to her, “Spike, are you okay?”

“Um, I think so,” Spike replied, not knowing he could talked before he smiled at Sci-Twi. They suddenly screamed at each other before Sci-Twi ran off squealing, as Spike went after her, “Twilight, wait!” Fluttershy sighed in exhaustion, “Bye.”

Bumblebee then contacted Optimus to report what he saw, until his leader replied. “Bumblebee? What is it?” Optimus asked. Bumblebee then told Optimus that the energy from the yellow girl with the pink hair gave the purple glasses girl’s four legged pet the ability to talk like humans. “Are you sure?” Optimus asked. Bumblebee said “yes” in buzz bleep. “Continue your mission. We’ll join you momentarily,” Optimus said. Bumblebee replied in confirmation, until he stayed in vehicle form and watched from there.

Sci-Twi panted as Spike tried to catch up with her, “Twilight, come on! Wait for me!” Spike panted as Sci-Twi was still freaking out. “Why did you run away like that?”

“Um, oh, I don't know. Maybe it has something to do with the glowing girl, or the hole in space. Or my talking dog!” Sci-Twi replied still freaked out.

“Yeah. Weird, right?” Spike asked, scratching his left ear with his left back paw.

Sci-Twi then felt calm and kneeled towards her dog, “Are you okay? How do you feel? What happened? Where did you go?”

“Hey, one question at a time! This is pretty new to me, too,” Spike said.

“Sorry,” Sci-Twi said.

“All I know is I chased that pointy rabbit through the glowy thing and then I was somewhere else. Next thing I knew, I was back in that nice girl's arms and I could talk! I don't really understand why I couldn't before. I mean, it's so easy,” Spike explained.

Principal Cinch’s voice suddenly came, “Twilight.”

Sci-Twi placed Spike in a locker, “Quick! Hide in here!” She then closed the door and stood in front of it.

Principal Cinch then looked down at Sci-Twi, who was playing with one of the small curls on each side her hair, “Who are you talking to?”

“Um, myself. It's a nervous habit,” Sci-Twi nervously replied. “Were you looking for me?”

“Indeed I was. Quite a coincidence that the CHS students moving on to the next event are the same nice girls who were so interested in you, don't you think?” Principal Cinch commented. Sci-Twi was confused, “I'm not sure.”

Principal Cinch then thought of a solution, “Perhaps you should get to know them after all.”

“But I thought you didn't want me to,” Sci-Twi said.

Principal Cinch then explained, “Let's just say I'm covering my bases. Who knows? Perhaps they will reveal to you the secret to Canterlot High's newfound success.”

Sci-Twi felt bad for her decision, “I dunno. Spying feels kind of... wrong.”

“Well, it's your decision, Twilight. It's not as if your application hangs in the balance. On second thought, yes, it does,” Principal Cinch said, walking away, as Sci-Twi felt a crack in her heart.

Spike then came out of the locker, “Man, she's awful. What are you gonna do?”

Sci-Twi sighed, and sat down, “I don't know, Spike. I don't know.” Spike then patted her thigh with his paw.

The Rainbooms were walking down the hallway listening to Fluttershy’s story, “All I did was hand Twilight a bunny. Then I ponied up.”

“I just don't get it. Rarity's magic came out when she made us outfits. Pinkie's when she fixed the party and now Fluttershy,” Sunset said.

“And then Twilight's pendant thingy just pulled the magic right out of me. I couldn't even stand up,” Fluttershy explained.

“Like me at the party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Or me right before we met Twilight!” Rarity said.

“So she's stealing magic?” Sunset asked.

“I don't know. She doesn't seem like the magic-stealin' type,” Applejack said honestly.

“Yeah, but she had something to do with closing the portal. If her pendant can pull in magic, maybe it stole the portal, too,” Sunset thought up.

“How?” Fluttershy asked. “I don't know. And the pony or person or princess who could help me figure this out is completely unreachable now,” Sunset replied, still disappointed that Princess Twilight hasn’t replied yet.

“Which is too bad, because Twilight knows everything about magic and portals and magical portals and portable magics!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, until she landed outside the door with a thud.

Rainbow Dash then helped her up, “For now, let's just focus on beating the Shadowbolts. And as long as this event puts me in a playing field, I don't think we've got anything to worry about.”

Applejack pointed at the next event, which was a tri-cross relay, “Oh, it puts you on a playin' field, alright.” Pinkie Pie gasped loudly as they all saw the obstacles before them.

“Am I the only one who thinks this is overkill?” Sunset asked.

Applejack kicked the dirt with her boot, until she turned to Rarity, “I don't suppose you made motocross outfits.”

“Oh, don't be ridiculous,” Rarity said, until she started getting giddy, and revealed the motocross outfits. “Of course I did!”

Principal Cinch gave the Shadowbolts assignments in two pairs, “You will race in pairs. Indigo Zap and Sugarcoat will handle the motocross.”

Indigo Zap was excited, “Yes!”

Principal Cinch then continued, “Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare have requested the short track.”

Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare gave a high five to each other.

Principal Cinch then made one more assignment, “Since archery is a standard requirement at our school, any of you should be able to do it. Twilight and Sour Sweet will start us off.”

Sour Sweet then commented sweetly, “Well, that's just marvelous!” She then sourly commented, “If you wanna lose before we even start!”

Principal Cinch then looked at Twilight in a sternly and strict stare, “Given that Twilight won the last event single-handedly, I have every confidence that she will be able to pull her weight here. Won't you?”

Later on, the Combaticons were at a military base as it was empty and saw a couple of vehicles before them. “Okay, before we take care of those humans, we’ll need to find some way to divide and conquer, so split up and scan any vehicle form, and then we hit the road. Now, move out!” Onslaught said, as he and his team searched around the base for vehicle forms.

Onslaught scanned an anti-aircraft truck with two big cannons, Vortex scanned a Blackhawk helicopter, Swindle scanned a jeep, Brawl scanned an heavily armored assault tank, and Blast-Off scanned a space shuttle.

“Okay, now let’s carry on what Starscream wants,” Onslaught said, and then they transformed into their new vehicle modes and went off to Canterlot High, while the car Vehicons followed them on the ground with Onslaught, Brawl and Swindle, and the seeker Vehicons followed Vortex and Blast-Off in the air while tracking the energy signature of the Rainbooms’ Equestrian magic.

Back at the school, the second event of the Friendship Games was about to begin.

Dean Cadance then made the welcoming announcement, “Welcome, everyone to the Friendship Games Tricross Relay!”

The crowd of students cheered for the ceremony, until Dean Cadance began explaining the event, “In this event, our qualifying competitors will face off in archery, speed skating, and finally, motocross.” The engine revved on each motorbike.

Dean Cadance took out a airhorn, “So if the competitors are ready...” She then blew the airhorn as the competitors started. “Each competitor must hit a bullseye before their teammates can start the next leg of the relay.”

Sour Sweet and Fluttershy made it over the obstacles and swung over the rope swing, until Sour Sweet shot and scored her three arrows, until Fluttershy nervously made it over and Sci-Twi started to head over to Sour Sweet as Applejack watched, but tripped over the hay bale, and Sour Sweet growled.

Fluttershy’s arrow missed, as Sci-Twi swung over, but she didn’t have enough distance as her tipping toes could hold.

Sour Sweet growled, until Fluttershy’s second arrow made it to the target, and she smiled proudly and then Applejack was clear to go, until Sci-Twi finally climbed up onto the platform.

Applejack breathed deeply as she aimed her arrow and let it go, until it hit a bullseye, allowing Rarity and Pinkie Pie to get an early start, and the crowd started cheering.

“And Canterlot is off to an early lead!” Dean Cadance said, while Sci-Twi’s arrows kept on missing.

Sour Sweet sourly commented, “Well, that's just fantastic!”

“I'm sure glad I don't go to Crystal Prep,” Fluttershy commented. “You said it,” Applejack agreed.

Pinkie Pie felt excited as she and Rarity were in the lead, “Whee!”

Dean Cadance then spoke up, “If CPA can't hit another bullseye soon, they'll be out of this race.” Sci-Twi had tears in her eyes before she wiped them.

“You're really bad at this!” Sugarcoat rudely commented.

“Ugh! I can't take anymore!” Applejack said in a angry tone, as she handed Fluttershy her bow, and walked over to Sci-Twi. “Ya have to stop aimin' at the target.”

Sour Sweet commented in a sweetly sarcastic tone, “Oh, that makes perfect sense! Don't aim at the target! Thanks so much!”

Applejack then explained to Sci-Twi again, “Ya have to stop aimin' at where the target is an' aim at where the target's gonna be.”

Sour Sweet then spoke in the same sweetly sarcastic tone again, “Yeah! Definitely take advice from the person you're competing against!”

Applejack then looked at Sci-Twi, “Do you wanna hit the bullseye or not?” Sci-Twi nodded after sniffing the tears from her eyes. “Then trust me. Take a deep breath,” Applejack said, as Sci-Twi took a deep breath. “And let the arrow go... riiiiight.... now!”

The arrow then made it towards the bullseye and it struck the exact position. The Crystal Prep crowd cheered, as Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest went to catch up with Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah! That's my girl!” Spike said, as he went to her for a hug. Sci-Twi then hugged Applejack instead of just saying thank you.

“See? I was tellin' ya the truth,” Applejack said, as she glowed in a magical aura of orange, and grew her pony ears and ponytail.

Sci-Twi’s device started humming, and suddenly started draining all of Applejack’s magic.

“Eh... what... are... you... doing?!” Applejack asked.

“I don't know!” Sci-Twi replied, until she landed on the dirt, before a wormhole opened and a small monstrous vine appeared.

Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were still in the lead while Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest were catching up. “Canterlot only has two laps to go! But it looks like Crystal Prep is making up for lost time!” Dean Cadance commented.

The Shadowbolts fans cheered for Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest, while Sci-Twi tried to get her device back while the roller skaters kept kicking it out of the way.

Rarity turned to Pinkie Pie, “Come on!” Pinkie then grabbed Rarity’s foot allowing her to give Pinkie Pie a boost, and then the Wondercolts fans were cheering.

Dean Cadance was somehow amazed, “What a finish!”

The engines revved as the four motorbike riders started the motocross relay.

Sci-Twi was suddenly grabbed by the Everfree Forest creature and struggled to break free, but screamed loudly as it roared loudly.

Rainbow Dash then made it over the ramp, “Awesome!”

The crowd was still cheering for the event, and the Everfree Forest creature roared as it still held Twilight hostage.

Rainbow Dash was shocked at how big the creature was, until she dodged the obstacles ahead of her, and the other racers. The crowd gasped at this, especially the principals.

Sugarcoat got caught by the creature’s jaws, and Indigo Zap tried to dodged it. Sunset’s bike’s tires screeched, as Sunset accidentally fell off her bike when the creature almost caught her.

The Everfree Forest creature roared at Sunset, as she rubbed her head. Rainbow Dash turned around and went to get Sunset.

Before the creature ate Sunset, Rainbow Dash grabbed her hand and lifted her up onto her motorbike.

“Dash, you saved me!” Sunset said, holding onto Rainbow’s sides.

“I wasn't about to let my friend become plant food,” Rainbow Dash said, as she began to glow with a blue aura. As she stopped her bike, she sprouted her wings, ponytail and ears.

Principal Cinch looked at Celestia in a confused look, but Celestia shrugged her shoulders smiling nervously.

Rainbow Dash was now floating with her wings flapping so she was hovering, “We can still win this!”

Bumblebee then saw Sci-Twi being held hostage by the Everfree Forest creature, and realized he had to do something, but he didn’t want to disobey Optimus’s orders.

Bumblebee then felt like regretting making contact with humans even though he had to do something, as he drove over to the creature, and then transformed into robot mode, activated his stingers, and shot a electric beam from his stingers that was holding Sci-Twi until she fell from its grasp screaming, before Bumblebee caught her in his hands and ran to somewhere safe.

Bumblebee bleeped, asking if she was okay.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m Twilight by the way,” Sci-Twi replied. Bumblebee said his name as he put her down, and told her to stay where she was to be safe. Sci-Twi nodded and then Bumblebee ran off to destroy the plant monster and save the students so they can finish the relay, as she watched from her hiding place, before she saw her pendant.

“What is that thing?” Luna asked. “I don’t know, but it appears to be helping our students,” Celestia replied.

While Rainbow Dash took out a few vines while Sunset and the two Shadowbolts were racing, Bumblebee blew one up coming for her. Sunset suddenly caught up with Indigo Zap and Sugarcoat, until she made it through the finish line first.

“Canterlot wins!” Dean Cadance said, until the Wondercolts fans started cheering. Dean Cadance saw Principal Cinch glaring in disappointment, “Attention, students, please proceed to the gym.”

Sci-Twi’s device kept humming, until she closed it, and so did the portals.

Bumblebee then saw her device, wondering if she made it with a few curious beeps. “I didn’t mean to,” Sci-Twi said. Bumblebee then accepted her apology and bleeped by saying that mistakes usually happen, and that she had no intention to hurt anyone.

Sci-Twi smiled warmly, “Thank you for saving me, by the way.” Bumblebee nodded, and then drove off.

Back in the stadium, the Rainbooms gathered around. “Is everybody all right?” Applejack asked.

“Better than all right! We won!” Rainbow Dash replied excitedly.

“Yeah, we won, but somebody could've been seriously hurt,” Sunset said feeling angry. “The magic is going haywire and I have no idea how to fix it!”

“Um, excuse me, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I just wanted to learn about the strange energy coming from your school. I didn't know that it was magic or... how it works,” Sci-Twi explained shyly.

“That's okay. Neither do we,” Rainbow Dash said walking over to Sci-Twi, until her device started draining Rainbow Dash’s magic. “Oh, no! Oh, no no no! Not again!” Sci-Twi exclaimed trying to close her device.

Rainbow Dash kept struggling until she felt exhausted.

“I'm sorry! It just started absorbing energy on its own! But I'm not sure how!” Sci-Twi said.

“What do you mean you don't know how?!” Sunset asked angrily as she tried to close it, but a portal opened revealing a nighttime sky.

Principal Cinch watched from behind without them noticing.

“It also causes these corresponding rifts to appear! I don't know how that works either,” Sci-Twi said in an apologetic tone.

“Is there anything you do know?! Like how to get our magic back?! Or how to fix the portal to Equestria?!” Sunset asked angrily.

Sci-Twi was suddenly confused, “Equestria?”

“You're supposed to be so smart, but did you ever think that you shouldn't be messing around with things you don't understand?!” Sunset asked after closing Sci-Twi’s device, and then the portal closed.

“But I wanna understand!” Sci-Twi exclaimed.

“But you don't! And worst of all, you put the lives of my friends in danger!” Sunset snarled.

Sci-Twi’s voice started breaking, “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.” She then ran off sobbing. Spike ran after her, “Twilight, wait!”

Rainbow Dash comforted Sunset after she felt bad for yelling at Sci-Twi.

As Principal Cinch made a sinister smile on what she saw and how to win the Friendship Games, Principal Celestia cleared her throat, and Principal Cinch turned around and saw not only her, but Dean Cadance and Vice Principal Luna with her as well.

“You can't possibly call that a fair race,” Principal Cinch said. “Principal Cinch, we all saw what happened. You can't think CHS had some kind of advantage,” Principal Celestia said.

“Can't I? Even without your trained attack plants, your students have wings!” Principal Cinch said.

“Well, the race certainly had some... extenuating circumstances. Perhaps we should end the games now and declare a tie,” Principal Celestia suggested.

“Principal Cinch just retorted, “A tie? Was this your strategy all along? To force us into accepting you as equals? I think not. The games will continue and Crystal Prep will prevail despite your antics and whatever performance-enhancing regimen your students are on.” She then walked away.

Sunset felt terrible about everything, “I'm sorry I couldn't stop all this from happening.”

Principal Celestia placed her hand on Sunset’s shoulder, “It's not your fault, Sunset.”

“Isn't it? I should know how to control the magic I brought here. But I don't. I let everyone down. And now Principal Cinch thinks we're cheating,” Sunset said.

“It doesn't matter what Principal Cinch thinks,” Principal Celestia said motherly.

“But it does,” Sunset said. “The students here at CHS don't just wanna win. They wanna beat Crystal Prep. It isn't gonna count if the other side doesn't really think they lost. Crystal Prep is never gonna believe we won fair and square if there's magic around. And that magic is only around... because of me.”

Bumblebee suddenly felt sorry for the way Crystal Prep was treating Sci-Twi, or being treated. While driving, Bumblebee suddenly saw two Decepticon signals behind him, until it turned out to be two Vehicons chasing him. They transformed into robot mode and aimed their guns at the yellow Autobot before Bumblebee transformed into robot mode as well, and then took them on.

The two Vehicons then saw two Stunticons named Dead End and Wildrider, as they headed for Bumblebee until they transformed and started beating him up.

“Guess we oughta finish the job,” Wildrider said, as he and Dead End were about to finish him, but suddenly Optimus, Ratchet, Jazz and Bulkhead appeared.

“Just whose misery were you two planning to put out?” Optimus asked, as Bulkhead and Jazz took out the Vehicons. “Nothing! We were just done!” Wildrider replied. “Ratchet, help Bumblebee out,” Optimus ordered as Ratchet walked over to Bumblebee. “Now, as for you the both of you!”

“Till next time!” The two Stunticons said in unison as they drove off to the Nemesis.

“Optimus, he’s still in one piece,” Ratchet said. “Just be cool, little bro, and take it real slow,” Jazz said.

Bumblebee bleeped to thank his friends for the support. “That’s what we’re here for, Bumblebee,” Bulkhead said. “Bumblebee, what happened?” Optimus asked.

Bumblebee then began beeping and told him what happened at the relay, and that he made contact with a human, meaning he disobeyed his orders.

Optimus then felt disappointed, but proud, “Bumblebee, even though you’ve disobeyed a direct order, you’ve somehow made the right decision.”

Bumblebee then told Optimus about Cinch’s behavior towards Sci-Twi and her interest in the girls’ magic, and how innocent Sci-Twi was with a few beeps.

“You saved a human?” Ratchet asked. Bumblebee nodded. “Good thinking, Bumblebee. Now, I think it’s time we’ve paid them a little visit, because they deserve to know the truth about what we’re really after and why we’re here,” Optimus said.