To say things didn’t go to plan was…well for many of the Decepticons they weren’t sure if the plan was a success or a failure, on the one hand the whole point was to lure the Autobots out to test their strength and cut it down a size if possible which they have done. On the other hand however they had not only lost more troops then expected but they also unintentionally gave the Autobots new allies with unknown abilities.

For the Lord of Destruction himself who was standing on the Bridge of the Nemesis there were more downsides then upsides to be seen in the aftermath of today’s clash.

“Well that sure as scrap didn’t go to plan.” Breakdown said as he and the other Decepticons were on the bridge with Megatron.

“Gee you don’t say!” Knockout exclaimed frustrated at Breakdown for stating the obvious so bluntly.

Megatron meanwhile ignored the two as he continued to stare out of the Nemesis's view screen. Whilst his face was that of a neutral expression Megatron was seething with rage inside, as he replayed one particular moment he reached a hand to the left side of his face.

He hated Optimus Prime with all his spark but in a way he respected the Autobot leader for being able to keep pace with him for so long, but for some small organic to try and intervene?

“Be warned human” Megatron thought as though he could reach out and send those thoughts directly to that human female. “Nobody interrupts our little game and lives very long”

Nearby Starscream looks at Megatron with questioning concern, it wasn’t that often that he’d be in this particular mood. Even when he lost against Optimus Prime, Megatron's mood wasn’t as…dangerous as it is now, the fact that it was an organic that struck him in his eye was probably one of many reasons why Megatron was in such a mood.

If Starscream was his old self perhaps he could use this to his advantage, now however.

“Lord Megatron?” Starsrceam asked both to get his master’s attention and to prevent a shouting match from developing.

There was a moment of silence before the Lord of Destruction spoke, “Though we were unable to eliminate the autobots as we had hoped, we still gained something.”

“The fact they have a Space-Bridge.” Starscream commented.

“Indeed” Megatron agreed “We can also assume that the Autobots have more numbers then we previously thought given our recent battle”

“Not to rain on the parade as the humans say” Knockout began “But how exactly does that help us?”

It was then that Megatron turned around to face the other high-ranking Decepticons.

“Tell us Knockout, how can the Autobots have a Space Bridge?” He asked.

Knockout opened his mouth but then promptly shut it as he thought about it some more, a Space Bridge wasn’t something that one carries into battle afterall and would require extensive facilities.

And the only way the Autobots would have those would be because…

“Their ship must still be functional.” Knockout said.

“Affirmative.” Megatron said, allowing himself a small smile as he turned to look at Soundwave.

“I trust you can find the right frequency that the Autobots use and locate their crashed ship?” Megatron asked his most loyal lieutenant.

In response Soundwave’s visor began displaying readouts and diagrams which correspond to that of a Space Bridge translation frequency, after the short display was over and he’s visor returned to its black normal self Soundwave nodded which gave Megatron a chance to smile.

“Excellent Soundwave!” He exclaimed, ignoring Starscream’s roll of his eyes.

“If only simply killing Prime would solve our problems” the seeker said.

“Oh don’t you worry Starscream Prime’s death may not guarantee our victory but it will shatter the Autobots' will, even if only for a-” Megatron said before another Decepticon spoke up.

“Lord Megatron! We’re receiving a transmission from mine 667/A priority red” He said.

“Patch it through.” Megatron said as he turned back to the view screen in front of the bridge.

“Lord Megatron” A voice said over the comms “we found something that may require you immediate attention.”

Megatron didn’t say anything for a long moment before finally “Understood we’ll be there soon Megatron out.”

“Priority red?” Breakdown asked Knockout as Megatron walked out of the bridge with Soundwave and Starscream in tow.

“Pretty much means something BIG is happening and that big M is needed.” Knockout explained “Though if it isn’t as bad or important like they say then Megs will make sure they don’t…make that mistake again” To visualise Knockout raised his hand to his throat before slowly sliding it across and making a noise, Breakdown got the gist immediately before Megatron called out to them.

“Knockout! Breakdown! To me!”

“Duty calls.” Breakdown simply said before the two filled out of the bridge.

Mine 667/A is one of the deepest and richest Energon mines that the Decepticons have found so far, the cave entrance was small, barely big enough for the most average Cybertronian to pass through, however it is small enough to go unnoticed by the primitive humans.

As Megatron and the other Decepticons pass through the entrance into the mine itself, they could see several crystalised forms of Energon jutting out from the sides and ceiling of the tunnel they were now heading through towards the central chamber.

There were a few Decepticons manning the mining equipment who paused only for a moment at the appearance of their leader, their gaze turning back to their work before Megatron could see them lacking.

As they crossed the chamber the group came upon a Decepticon who was giving instructions to a couple of miners before noticing Megatron.

“Report.” Megatron said as the Decepticon Foremen bowed before his master.

“We found…” The foremen began before he hesitated.

“Found what?” Megatron asked but the foremen still hesitated.

“Answer your master!” Starscream shouted, drawing one of his blades towards the Decepticon’s throat.

“A GOLDEN AGE SPACE BRIDGE!” The foremen shouted.

There was silence for a very long moment before Megatron spoke again “A space Bridge from the Golden age?”

“Yes! Lord Megatron!” The foremen said before gesturing to a passageway.

They were soon in one of the newer chambers of the mine which was much like the others but for one key difference.

“By Primus” Starscream said in awe as he and the rest of the Decepticons looked on, standing in the far wall across from them was a large halo shaped device its golden exterior faded with time but no less recognisable to those in the know.

“Is it operational?” Megatron asked not taking his eyes off the massive golden age construct.

“We’re not sure about that Lord Megatron but if so then powering it won’t be a problem.” The Decepticon Foremen explained gesturing to the large amount of Energon in the chamber.

“If this were operational..” Starscream began.

“Then we’d be able to reach Cybertron and receive reinforcements, enough to conquer this planet.” Megatron finished.

“If this thing still works.” Knockout commented.

“And if it doesn’t?” Breakdown asked.

“Then at least if or when the Autobots find this they wouldn’t be able to use it either” Megatron said though he would obviously prefer not to hand over this piece of Cybertronian technology over as a matter of pride.

“Soundwave!” Megatron yelled, getting the Decepticon’s attention.

“Whilst the location of the Autobot Base remains the priority, see if you can spare some time to assist in this endeavour.” The lord of destruction ordered to which the comms officer nodded.

“Carry on Foreman ” Megatron said to said Decpticon before walking back out of the chamber.

Omega Base: Moments after the Battle on the Nemesis

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING YOUR HIGHNESS!?” Fowler shouted as he ran up to Twilight who was standing with her hands to her knees catching her breath.

They were currently back in the Space Bridge bay where several Autobots were currently assisting others and Ratchet tending to a couple of wounded bots.

“I uh” Twilight tried to say but was still very much out of it.

“Agent Fowler.” Optimus Prime said unexpectedly catching the eyes of most within the large room.

“Whilst what Twilight did was indeed reckless, her actions were of the purest intention and to be frank if I were in the same position I would’ve acted no different and it was ultimately her choice as freedom is a right all living beings should have.” Optimus said, surprising both Twilight and Fowler.

“I was sure to get a few words from Optimus but not like this.” Twilight thought and whether through their barely understood connection or not Twilight felt a swell of respect for the Autobot leader.

Fowler for his part just stared at Optimus for a moment before sighing “Best just leave it will” he thought before speaking out loud “With that out of the way anyone care to-”

“TWILIGHT!” Pinkie suddenly shouted tackling said Alicorn turned human to the floor still in her Cybertronian armour.

Soon the others were gathering around Twilight as she was raised back up by Pinkie.

“H-Hi girls-” Twilight started to say before Sunset beat her to it.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE TWILIGHT!?” She shouted whilst grabbing Twilight’s shoulders.

“Huh! Uh Sunset?!” Twilight muttered only to be interrupted again.

“Did these guys have something to do with you!?” Rainbow asked, looking around at the Autobots who were busy with taking care of their own in the aftermath of the battle.

“Umm kinda? Can we take this somewhere else?” Twilight asked looking to Optimus Prime for help.

“I believe that can be arranged.” The Prime said before motioning for the humans to follow him.

Omega base: port observation room

“So let me get this thing straight.” Applejack started once they were all settled in “This whole thing started yesterday because you touched Mr.Prime over here?”

Twilight shifted her weight around a bit, she and the others were on a Cybertronian sized table in the observation room. Sunset, Fluttershy and Wallflower were sitting next to each other with Bumblebee behind them whilst Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity and Agent Fowler stood to the side. After a quick round of introductions Twilight told the girls everything that happened after they split up yesterday.

“Pretty much AJ” Twilight said.

“Don’t blame her Miss Apple” Fowler said “I was the one who told Twilight that it’d be best if we keep that incident close, though I should’ve known that the cons would’ve tried something to get to her.”

Applejack said nothing but just looked at her arm, her body still inside her new Cybertronian Armour.

“What about our new looks?” She asked.

“You mean our AWESOME new looks!?” Rainbow Dash corrected.

“Well” Twilight started “Right before the missile from Starscream was it? Hit us something…magical? No, I think otherworldly would be the best way to describe it, something otherworldly..connected with me and from what I understand caused a chain reaction which..”

“Which caused the large sphere of energy to appear where you and your friends were.” Optimus added, he and several other Autobots including Ironhide, Bulkhead, Arcee, Bumblebee, Ratchet and Perceptor were also in the observation room.

Twilight nodded before continuing “Next thing I know I was in a white abyss or something and then a voice spoke to me, said that these suits were a gift.”

“A gift?” Sunset said “A gift from who?”

Twilight felt the whole room had their eyes on her as she tried to find the words to explain, she knew that her friends knew nothing about the primes that Optimus mentioned earlier today and she didn’t quite know how best to say it.

Eventually though she just came out and said it “I think it was one of the thirteen primes”

That got a reaction out of all present but more the Cybertronians then the seven new humans.

“The Primes!? THE Primes!?” Bulkhead shouted in surprise followed by the other Autobots with the expectation of Optimus who simply had a look of surprise on his face.

“Uh care to fill us in?” Sunset asked her face, mirroring the other Rainbooms in their confusion.

Optimus Prime then gave a brief lesson on the Thirteen Primes explaining who they are and how they impacted Cybertronian culture, whilst many of the Rainbooms were listening it was Sunset and Twilight who were listening most intently. Twilight especially as whilst she did get the very basics of the Thirteen she was still interested in how these first Cybertronians shaped the course of their world, it was during this however that no one seemed to notice Pinkie stretching out one of her arms.

Which then suddenly turned into a blaster and fired off a burst.

“WOAH!” Bulkhead shouted as the blast pinged his shoulder.

“Hehehehe oops” Pinkie apologised sheepishly.

“Back on topic, is there any way to get these suits off them?” Agent Fowler asked.

At that Rainbow turned to face Fowler “Why would we take these off? Now we can fight those con-guys!”

“You wanna fight those guys again!?” Fowler exclaimed.

“Well..it's not like I wanna go and find them, it's just that now we can defend ourselves!” Rainbow explained.

“She has a point, mister Fowler,” Rarity said, nodding to her fellow Rainboom.

“Considering the fact that the Decepticons have now seen that they are more than meets the eye, the Rainbooms will become a constant target.” Optimus added before suddenly bright lights enveloped the armoured rainbooms with the expectation of Twilight.

After a few moments the lights faded revealing the girls back in their normal attire.

“Uh what just happened?” Rainbow Dash asked with slight disappointment in her voice.

“Given the limited readings I was able to take,” Perceptor said whilst looking at his wrist computer “It would appear that your suits have returned to a pocket dimension of a sort, which was possible through your magic.”

“Pocket dimension?” AJ asks “Is that possible?”

“There have been cases of Cybertronians possessing the ability to access a pocket dimension though such an ability was rare even before we left Cybertron.” Optimus explained.

“So I’m guessing there’s no way to get rid of our cool suits?” Rainbow said in a slightly hopeful voice.

“Not without potentially disastrous consequences.” Percepter said.

Fowler looked at the Autobot for a moment then turned to the Rainbooms and then to Prime before saying “Prime can we talk in private?”

Optimus nodded before addressing the Rainbooms “It would be best if you all stay here for now whilst I talk with Agent Fowler.”

With that the two walked out of the room and into the adjacent hallway

“Answer me this Prime” Fowler said once the two were alone in the hallway.

“Are you really gonna have the girls fight in YOUR war?”

Optimus to his credit looked at Fowler with a neutral expression before giving his answer.

“Whilst I very much agree that this war should stay between my kind Agent Fowler the sad truth is that if the girls wanted to partake of their free will I can’t in good conscience refuse them as I’ve said before freedom is the right of all sentient beings.”

Fowler just looked at the Autobot for a moment before lowering his head and said “But they're just kids.”

Optimus gave a look of sympathy before saying “I am not saying that they’ll be taking part in battle if we can avoid it but know that the Decpticons won’t hesitate to target them if it means to give them an advantage over us.”

Fowler didn’t have a reply to that as he can see the Cons taking advantage of the bot’s own sense of honour by attacking the girls.

“I’m guessing there’s a reason you can’t just have some of your people play bodyguard for them?” He asked.

“Whilst that would have been an acceptable outcome due to the fact that we are few in number and the more simple fact that the Decepticons could strike anywhere on your planet my Autobots will need to be ready to counter whatever plans they have, perhaps simultaneously” Optimus replied

“So all hands on deck huh?” Agent Fowler concludes.

“Unfortunately so” Optimus said with a nod “though given the opportunity I can see if we can’t sort out a rotation of Autobots for them.”

“But not permanent guards right?” Fowler asked.

“That’s about right,” Ironhide said as he came walking up to the two.

“Ironhide? Agent Fowler requested to speak with me alone.” Optimus said surprised that one of his old friends would do something like this, not that he was mad but caught off guard.

Shrugging his shoulders Ironhide said “Just wanted to add my voice to yours Prime” He then look down towards Fowler “I know you don’t like them getting involved Fowler and if our enemy was anyone else they wouldn’t but the Cons will do anything target anyone if it means they can snatch victory from their enemies. At the very least we won’t let them get into the thick of it as much as possible and even if they do we’ll make sure they’re ready.”

Fowler let those words sink in before he replied “You mean to say you’ll train them?”

“Got a problem with that?” Ironhide asked.

Fowler thought for a moment, on the one hand he didn’t like the idea of alien robots training humans to potentially fight in their war no matter how much those aliens wish it would be otherwise. On the other hand however he agreed with Optimus that as long as the Cons were around the Rainbooms were in danger and he can’t bring in Uncle Sam because one he doubt nothing short of a full military detachment could wound let alone kill a Decepticon and two there would undoubtedly be a lot of bureaucratic nonsense that Fowler as a soldier at heart didn’t see as worth it.

So with a sigh he spoke “I don’t like it but if you're absolutely certain there’s no other option.”

Optimus gave Fowler another look of sympathy “I fear that may be so Agent Fowler.”

Back in the observation room the Rainbooms had dispersed to indulge in their own affairs.

Sunset, Fluttershy and Wallflower were talking with Bumblebee with Fluttershy acting as the translator, Rarity and Applejack were having a conversation with Fixit and Rainbow and Pinkie were chatting with Arcee and Bulkhead respectively.

As for Twilight however she was still sitting on the table looking out of the window of the observation deck, she still had her Cybertronian Armour on not because she couldn’t figure out how but rather she didn’t want to yet though she couldn’t say why if you ask her.

So she just sat there watching the marine life outside beyond the observation window.

“Twilight?” Sunset asked as she walked up to her mentor and friend.

Twilight turned her head towards her before replying “What is it Sunset?”

“Are you having trouble getting out of that armour?”

“Ah no it's not that” Twilight started “Well it does have something to do with these suits but..”

“It’s about who gave us them isn’t it?” Sunset concluded.

Twilight nodded before looking back at the window “Along with many other things” She added.

Sunset moved to sit with her joining her in the sightseeing.

“Still can’t believe all that’s happened was because those Decepticons just happened to see you touching Optimus’s truck mode.” Sunset commented “I mean talk about coincidence right?”

“Hehe right.” Twilight agreed.

watched the two ponies turned humans as they sat together whilst Bumblebee looked over her, the young scout then noticed Wallflower looking at him as if to say something.

“You okay?” Bumblebee beeped to which Fluttershy translated.

“Oh yes I..um just wanted to say thank you for rescuing mE” Wally squeaked out the last bit as Bumblebee moved his head down to level with her head.

“Ah it was nothing” The young Autobot beeped and if possible he would’ve smiled.

“So um ah how is it that Fluttershy seems to understand you but the rest can’t?” Wally asked.

“The Autobots can.” Fluttershy said “Though I’m not sure why I can, with them it makes some sense since their umm…”

She paused to look at Bumblebee again.

“Robots?” The scout beeped.

“Well you don’t act like robots so I um..” Fluttershy tried to argue but couldn’t quite find the words.

To her surprise Bumblebee raised his fist to Flutters to which she bumped her own against his.

“None taken” he beeped.

Just then Optimus, Ironhide and Agent Fowler came back into the room catching the attention of all present.

“Autobots” Optimus started “And humans” he added nodding to the Rainbooms.

“What’s happening yall?” AJ asked.

“As you all know the situation you found yourselves in is in no small part because of me and my fellow Autobots” Optimus began “Because of this regardless of the truth the Decepticons will consider you targets.”

“Th-They will?!” Wallflower said, shuddering.

“Yup unfortunately” Ironhide confirmed.

“Primus I'd be shocked if they DIDN’T” Bulkhead muttered.

“In either case” Optimus continued “Considering your recent abilities Ironhide and I have agreed to give you training.”

“Ah hell yeah so-!” Rainbow cheered only for Optimus to dispel that notion.

“NO! While it is unavoidable that you humans will get caught in the crossfire this training will only be for your self defence, this fight is still our own and it is too early for any of you to commit to it if my understanding of human education systems is accurate.” The Prime said after raising his voice a bit, a very uncommon thing for him to do.

“You mean school and the like?” Applejack asked.

“Indeed Miss Apple.” Optimus replied.

Twilight for her part stared at the Autobot leader for a moment before turning her gaze to her hand, the very same one that transformed into a blaster to save Optimus from a blow from Megatron.

It could have easily gone wrong and Twilight didn’t know how she would cope with hurting or even killing someone who risked their own life to save her friends, what’s more just before she got back to the portal she saw Megatron giving her a brief but hard gaze of rage.

The Decepticons would come for them Twilight knew and whilst she didn’t think the Autobots would leave them to that fate she knew she and her friends would have to learn to fight if only to ensure that they didn’t hurt anyone with their new found abilities.

Twilight then looked back at Optimus Prime for a moment before saying “When do we start?”

One Month Later

“Okay rookies!” Ironhide said from a control room which was connected to a large training room where the Rainbooms would be doing their latest exercise.

“Today we’ll be putting what you’ve learned this past month to practice, several turrets are gonna pop out and attack you. All you have to do is work together to destroy all of them and as an extra bit challenge you are to refrain from using your comms, got it?” Ironhide continued as the Rainbooms were on the far side of the training room getting ready.

There was a chorus of acknowledgement as Optimus walked into the control room and stood next to Ironhide.

“Where’s Fluttershy old friend?” He asked as he surveyed the present Rainbooms.

“Apparently she and Wallflower had scheduled a get together and are just now heading home, Bee’s with them so I’d let it slide especially since out of the seven she’s probably the least capable unless we have more time to train her.” Ironhide replied.

“Time which we may not have.” Optimus stated as he watched Twilight get jumped scared by Pinkie which ended up with the whole group laughing due to the nature of the jump scare.

“Yeah.” Ironhide agreed before addressing the Rainbooms.

“Session starts in 40 seconds, rookies!”

The girls start to get ready, their bodies tense and loaded like springs.

Out of the corner of her eye Twilight spotted Optimus and nodded.

Then out of the ceiling, floor and walls turrets sprang up, just as several platforms began rising from the floor changing the terrain of the room from a straight flat surface to an ever changing landscape.

Instantly the turrets began firing blue bolts of energy at the Rainbooms.

The girls ran forward as soon as the bolts started flying, returning fire as best as they could.

As the girls ran the training gauntlet Ironhide smirked a bit before saying “Why not make it unexpectedly interesting?”

He then tapped a few keys on the main console and moments later the Turrets began better coordinating their fire to try and separate the Rainbooms.

“Woah nelly!” AJ shouted as she and Rainbow dodged a barrage of blaster bolts which had the intended effect of separating them from the others.

“This way AJ” RD said as the two made their way through the largest of the shifting platforms to try and get some cover.

Just then a Turret sprang from the floor.

“Watch it!” Applejack shouted from behind Rainbow as the Farm girl fired a blaster bolt from her arm blaster and smashed the Autobot turret to pieces.

“Jezz it's like Ironhide DOESN’T want us to pass!” Rainbow exclaimed as she and AJ began blasting other Turrets as their cover shifts again to allow them to see each other.

“This isn’t like a school test Dash!” AJ deadpanned as she dove over RD to blast at another turret.

“You know what I mean!” The athlete shouted back as she dodged another blaster bolt.

AJ then looked around before shouting “Have you seen the others!?”

“Uh” Rainbow glanced around the shifting platforms and caught a glimpse of pink “Over there!”

Just before she could take a step towards them however Rainbow jumped back as a blaster bolt nearly hit her.

“Man, he really doesn't want to make this easy for us!” She shouted blasting the offending turret to pieces.

“Gee ya think!?” AJ deadpend as she used her strong legs to roundhouse kick another turret.

Just as another turret zones in on her.

“AJ!” Rainbow shouted as she jumped between her and the blaster blot taking the shot in her chest, sending her flying into a raised platform.

“Dash!” AJ shouted skidding over to the fallen athlete “You okay?”

“I’m gonna feel that in the morning,” Rainbow said as she stood up.

“Then let's move” The Farm girls said as the two Rainbooms continued their way through the ever changing maze of platforms.

“On your right Sunset!”

“On it!” Sunset replied as she blasted a turret before it could blast either of them off the tall platform they forced on top of.

Twilight and Sunset were back to back with each covering each over’s back whilst they shot at any turret that began to fold out of their hiding place.

“You know” Twilight started as she blasted another turret “Despite how this looks and feels this is easy compared to not telling my friends about what’s going on here”

When she’d first told Princess Celestia about how the Autobots will train both her and her human friends the Solar Alicorn advised Twilight to keep quiet about most of the affair, mostly to prevent panic from spreading as whilst her friends could be trusted the same couldn’t be said for those her friends may interact with and if Zecora was any indication the last thing anypony wanted was a fear of a invading army of metal giants coming over to invade Equestria.

Still despite the necessary of it Twilight found it quite hard to keep completely quiet about the situation with the Decepticons and Autobots.

“Seriously Twilight!?” Sunset exclaimed.

“Huh?” Twilight muttered as Sunset blast another turret to dust.

“At least you can give your friends some hints as to what you’re doing here whereas we can’t talk about this at all openly.” Sunset explained as she and Twilight continued blasting turrets back to back.

Twilight for her part couldn’t help but say “Sorry”

That got Sunset to laugh under her helmet “Hey no need to feel bad Twi I was just-JETS!” She shouted the last part as she spotted a rather heavy looking turret firing at their platform.

As one both Ponies turned humans jumped off the platform and activated their jetpacks on their Cybertronian Armours.

“You okay Sunset?!” Twilight called out through their suit’s comms network.

“Yeah! And I can see Rares and Pinks over there!” Sunset replied before an icon popped on Twilight’s HUD.

“Follow me!” She called out as she and Sunset flew through the air on their jetpacks towards Rarity and Pinkie’s location.

“Hi guys!” Pinkie shouted cheerfully as she blasted another turret behind without looking.

Rarity meanwhile used both of her blasters to destroy a couple of other turrets on her end.

“Oh I’m glad you’re safe darlings!” She said after she noticed the two landing next to her and pinkie.

“Where’s AJ and Dash!?” Sunset asked.

“Over here!” AJ shouted as she and Rainbow came running towards them dodging blasters bolts and returning the curtesy via their own arm blasters.

Meanwhile back in the control room Agent Fowler came through the door with Cliffjumper at his side.

“How’s it going today?” The ex-Ranger asked.

The two senior Autobots turned from the ongoing training session to look at Fowler with Optimus kneeling down to look at the human.

“They are improving.” Ironhide said to which Fowler crossed his arms.

“That bad?” He asked plainly.

“Not quite Agent Fowler whilst it is true that they still have much to learn they are indeed getting to the point where they can do battle with a Deception together.” Optimus explained as he stood back to his full hight and turned back to the training room where the Rainbooms have finished off all the remaining turrets.

The girls were still standing but clearly in a state of fatigue, Twilight however gave Optimus a shaky thumbs up.

“I believe that would do for today Ironhide” The Prime said whilst looking at Twilight with a very small smile.

port observation room: Several minutes later

In the month since the Rainbooms have begun their training with the Autobots the Portside Observation Room has become the main human common area on Omega Base.

With help from the Rainbooms themselves the Autobots were able to get the resources and amenities required for the girls to have a safe place to rest without the fear of being harmed by the much larger Cybertronians.

At present the common area was just a place on the Cybertronian sized table where a blanket, a human sized table, a few human chairs and a portable toilet were placed.

Twilight didn’t know if the others wanted something more private and enclosed like a normal house or if they’re fine with just what can amount to a picnic area in a enormous room.

“Something on your mind Twilight Sparkle?” Optimus said as he walked to the place on the table where Twilight sat looking out the observation room’s window.

For her part Twilight didn’t turn to look at the Autobot leader though even before he spoke Twilight knew he was there, it was apparently in part thanks to the connection the two seemed to have formed.

Over the past month when she was over and not doing training Twilight was helping Ratchet and Preceptor in understanding the nature of her’s and Prime’s connection that they formed. So far they’ve concluded to a degree that the positive energies of both the Matrix and Twilight’s magic were attracted to each other and intertwined with one another over the past month, it was unknown what sort of long term effects this connection would have on the two of them but even if in the long term the connection would harmful Preceptor explained that trying to remove it would be just as harmful and so they’ve resolved to learn and observe.

“Just thinking is all Optimus.” Twilight said to him after a moment.

“About the connection we share I take it?” The Prime asked to which Twilight just nodded, another thing about their connection is that their guesses were horrifyingly accurate enough for Preceptor to dismiss the guess work theory entirely.

“It’s wired isn’t it?” Twilight began “That out of possibility hundreds of others we specifically were able to form this connection we now share.”

“Perhaps it is fate” Optimus muttered his eyes having a downcast look to them “fate that we were to meet, for what I do not know still I do not regret having met you Twilight Sparkle.”

At that Twilight turned to Optimus and asked “What do you mean regret? Is this about the war between your people?”

“In a way” He answered before continuing “During the later stages of the war our planet’s core was shutting down halting it production of life giving Energon, in order to restore the core my Autobots and I took this ship in search of the Legendary All-Spark. An ancient relic of Cybertron’s golden age which is said to be the only source other then our planet’s core that is capable of producing Energon, that search lead us here.”

“And Megatron followed you I guess?” Twilight guessed.

Optimus didn’t reply instead he looked away from Twilight and thought back to when he had fought Megatron on the Nemesis. The shocked look on his face when he mentioned the All-Spark all too evident in the memory but that could possibly mean-

“Optimus!” An Autobot soldier who Optimus recognises as A-618 burst into the room startling most present.

“What is it-?” Optimus began to ask before 618 answered for him which took everyone present by storm.

“It’s Fluttershy sir she was injured by Megatron!”

One Hour earlier: American Midwest

On top of one of the Midwest’s large and secluded mountains Soundwave was searching the ground in front of him for signs of more of what he’d just uncovered.

He’d sent a transmission to Lord Megatron as he’d very much like to see it for himself.

As Soundwave continued his scans he brought his right hand up to his face plate, its purple hue seemingly seeping out of the hard and dark purple crystal.

Dark Energon.

During the war back on Cybertron the Decepticons were able to use their life source’s dark counterpart to gain a successful advantage over the Autobots, though it was Megatron who was able master it and to such an extent that it increased his fighting power by large margins.

With this recourse even a single sample Megatron would be able to over power Optimus in a one on one fight.

Speaking of Lord Megatron.

“Soundwave report” Megatron said as he landed near his communication officer.

As per usual Soundwave didn’t speak instead held out the piece of Dark Energon before his Master.

As soon as his optics saw it Megatron stood there for several long moments not moving or making a sound before he gave small but evil smile to Soundwave.

“Well well WELL” He said taking the crystal from Soundwave.

Holding it up high Megatron inspected the Dark Energon sample.

“It would seem Shockwave’s scans were true after all, Dark Energon resides on this very planet and its inhabitants are none the wiser.” Megatron said lowering the sample “With Dark Energon reunited with my spark I may very well be finally able to destroy Optimus Prime once and for all.”

He then places the sample away in an unseen storage compartment “Still the question now becomes, how do I lure Prime out on my own terms?” Megatron wonders out loud.

Soundwave didn’t respond for a moment but just as was about to leave Soundwave’s visor lit up with a live video from LaserBeak his last symbiotic mini-con partner.

The video showed that the mini-con was tailing a familiar yellow Autobot as he sped down a nearby road if the GPS system Soundwave was displaying alongside the video was accurate.

Megatron looked at the video for a moment and was about to say something when the video switched to a thermal view showing the heat sources of two humans inside Bumblebee.

“Soundwave” Megatron began smiling at his most trusted servant “what would I do without you”.

“And then just like that we all got our memories back” Fluttershy said whilst she was in the driver’s seat of Bumblebee’s alt-mode with Wallflower Blush in the seat next to her.

They were currently on their way back to Canterlot city after Bumblebee had agreed to drive Fluttershy to her Grandmother’s place for her birthday, Wallflower had asked to come with mostly to get out and hang out with Fluttershy since the others were at Omega base training with the Autobots.

“Wow so Sunset willingly gave up her memories for you guys? That’s a Autobot moment right there if I heard one.” Bumblebee beeped as he continued to drive along the highway, Fluttershy had just finished telling Bumblebee about the incident with Wallflower and the memory stone she used to have.

“It was very brave of her” Wallflower commented.

“You okay Wally?” Bumblebee beeped to which Fluttershy translated for him.

“I’m okay Bumblebee just trying not to be embarrassed by the whole story.” Wallflower replied.

Bumblebee was about to reply when he noticed in his rear vision a dot in the over wise clear blue Midwest skies.

“Is that?” Bee thought with growing dread as the dot in the sky became more defined and clear.

“BumbleBEE!?” Fluttershy said before the Autobot Scout gunned his engines and sped down the highway with his human charges.

Immediately as Bumblebee sped away blaster bolts began raining down on the highway around the Yellow Autobot.

“W-What’s-“ Wallflower asked only to be interrupted by Bee swaying from side to side on the highway.

“It’s Soundwave!” Bumblebee beeped as he dodged another salvo from the Decepticon whilst activating his comms.

“Bumblebee to base! Bumblebee to Base do you read!?” Static was the only thing following the Scout’s plea.

“Scrap! He’s jamming me” Bumblebee thought as he decided to take a detour taking a hard left off the highway and into the open plains of the Midwest with Soundwave in hot pursuit.

It wasn’t long however till Soundwave began picking up human air craft on scanners via LaserBeak, two to be precise and was about to turn to engage when Megatron cut in.

“Focus on the Autobot Soundwave, I’ll deal with these humans” With that Megatron’s alt-mode a curved and alien looking aircraft sped past Soundwave towards the two Human interlopers.

It wasn’t long before the Lord of destruction had the human fighters in his optics, though to his very rare surprise the craft in question were of a model not seen amongst human forces in the past.

“Perhaps I’ll take this chance to vent my anger on this humans” Megatron thought to himself as he noticed the two craft vectoring in on him as one.

Speeding past the two primitive craft Megatron quickly turned his Alt-Mode around and fired his blaster at the first Human craft.

The shot went wide but that was intentional as the two humans began to separate from each other on instinct, using his superior manoeuvrability Megatron got behind one of the fighters as it sped away trying to outrun the Decepticon leader. Unfortunately for him Megatron was faster both in terms of speed and reflexes for as soon as he got a lock he fired a blast that struck the craft in its engine block completely disintegrating the craft along with its pilot who haven’t even the chance to eject.

Just then Megatron’s sensors detected that he was locked on and two missiles were heading his way.

Having expected and even planned for this Megatron backfliped his Alt-Mode whilst Transforming as soon as it seemed like the missiles were about to hit.

Using his fusion cannon Megatron fired a blast at the last remaining Human craft which struck it in the wing causing the pilot to eject.

Transforming back into his Alt-Mode Megatron aimed himself at the human or rather the lines connecting him to his parachute with predictable results.

“Now for the Autobot” Megatron thought as he varied back towards Soundwave who was still in pursuit of said Autobot.

Bumblebee meanwhile was still dodging Soundwave’s attacks but a few had scored hits on his chassis.

It was then that Bee noticed Soundwave breaking off his next attack run which set off alarm bells in his mind.

“What is it-“ Fluttershy asked before out of nowhere where Megatron swooped down over the Autobot firing his Fusion cannon right in front of Bumblebee causing him to flip over end over end.

Time seemed to slow down for the scout as he transformed whilst souring through the air in an attempt to cushion Wally’s and Flutter’s fall and before Bee knew it his optics went dark.

“On the right 127!”

“Got it!”

“Command this is Alpha Six! Decepticons has the pass I repeat! The Decepti-“

“INCOMING!”

Bumblebee awoke with a start as his HUD and optics came back online, he was face down on the ground and as far as the young bot could tell he wasn’t hurt so bad that he couldn’t move. As he got shakily to his knees he looked around for the girls, Wallflower was laying on her back nearby to the left of the Autobot and aside from a few bruises she seemed unharmed but unconscious. As he searched for Fluttershy however Bumblebee could’ve sworn he was still back in that dream.

There standing just a few feet away was Megatron.

And he was holding Fluttershy in his hand.

“How pathetic” Megatron spat then said as he squeezed ever so slightly and still causing Fluttershy great pain.

“A simple gesture of my hand and you already suffer? Such is the nature of organics I suppose” He said before casually tossing Flutters aside towards Bumblebee who was able to reach for her and pull her under his bulk with Wallflower.

It was then that he noticed a Cybertronian sized Data stick slid to a stop before him.

“Give that to Optimus, he’ll know.” Megatron said before transforming back into his alt-mode and flew away.

Bumblebee just watched the Decepticon leader fly away for a few moments before activating his comms again, this time he actually got a reply.

“Bumblebee!? Thank Primus we’ve been trying to get into contact-“

“No time! I need an immediate space bridge on my location along with a medical team ASAP! Fluttershy and Wallflower are wounded and need immediate attention NOW!” Bumblebee said his beeps erratic and frantic as he scooped the two humans in his arms.

Soon enough a space bridge vortex opened and six Autobots came rushing out with two of them in a white and red colour scheme.

“By Primus.” One of the Autobot medics muttered as he and his partner moved to tend to the trio.

Soon the Autobots were making their way back to the space bridge with the four regular Autobots taking up a security screen around Bumblebee and the medics before they disappeared in the green vortex.

Present

Optimus Prime stared at the data stick Bumblebee had given him completely ignoring the world around for the time being.

He was currently in the medical bay where Ratchet had Fluttershy in one of the Cybertronian sized beds with the Rainbooms and Agent Fowler standing on the same bed near her.

The chief Autobot medic himself was tapping at one of the terminals and looking at its readouts.

“Ahhh scrap” Ratchet said frustrated.

“What?” Sunset asked her voice overflowing with emotion and concern.

“Well aside from the obvious injuries, there are signs here that sadly don’t have an easy Cybertronian equivalent.” Ratchet explained calmly.

“So wait you can’t fix her!?” Rainbow asked almost shouting.

“I’m trained to treat injured Cybertronians not organics let alone humans!” Ratchet deadpanned.

“So you can’t help her Doc?” Agent Fowler asked.

“I can monitor her and check her vitals but without knowing what can and can’t harm her I can’t risk any sort of procedure.” Ratchet explained.

“So you need a Human expert?” Fowler clarified.

Ratchet did a double take before saying “Are any of you knowledgeable in human medicine?”

Fowler shook his head “ but I know someone who does” he said.

That got him looks from most in the med-bay.

“You want to actually bring someone else in?” Arcee asked him.

“Do any of you have any knowledge about human bodies?” Fowler asked.

None of the Autobots said anything in response but whilst the others were talking about how best to get Fowler’s contract here Twilight noticed something.

It felt like a burning sensation one so hot that she guessed it could melt metal but it was contained as if something was doing its very best to stop the flame from bursting out.

Twilight then noticed the sensation moving away and at that moment Twilight looked around to find Optimus but he wasn’t anywhere in the Med-bay.

“Where is-” She thought before noticing the control panel next to the Med-Bay’s door which had a noticeable dent in it.

Optimus Prime with an Ion Blaster mag locked to his back walked down the halls of Omega Base with purpose, so much so that those who happened upon him could feel it in the air.

Prime merely nodded to them as he passed trying not to appear as he felt for he felt rage bowling in his Spark.

It was surprising even to him that he could even feel rage at all let alone rage as violent as his at the moment, still in some twisted and cruel way he was glad that he could feel anger as it also means he could feel joy as well and that meant the war and weight of leadership hasn’t robbed Optimus of his emotions yet.

“Huh oh Optimus!” A voice said as Optimus noticed he was in the Space Bridge Bay.

“What brings you down here?” The voice said again which belonged to an Autobot manning the console which controls the space bridge.

“I need to use the Space Bridge.” Optimus said as he stood in front of the Autobot “Alone” he added.

“Alone?” The Autobot repeated in confusion “As in to the destination?”

“Indeed soldier” Optimus replied holding up the Decepticon data stick for the Autobot to see.

“Isn’t that?”

“Megatron has called me to a Tria-Con duel and I intend to answer.” Optimus replied.

The Autobot despite not having a mouth or eyes recoiled in slight shock at Prime’s declaration.

“Wha-! Optimus with all due respect are you insane!?” The Autobot said placing himself between the controls and Prime.

“Please stand aside.” Optimus said calmly.

“Optimus please at least let the others know first! You’ve got to realise that this is a trap!-“

“I know” Optimus said again in a calm voice before unexpectedly striking with his fist where the stomach would be if the Autobot was a human.

The strike was such that the Autobot lost his balance and would’ve fallen to the ground had Optimus not stepped in and held him down to a resting position by the Space Bridge’s control console.

“Primus forgive me.” Optimus said solemnly as he got to work on the console, before long the SB’s green vortex roared to life and the Autobot leader took a moment before proceeding to and through the portal.

“Optimus?”

The voice of Twilight Sparkle halted Prime in his tracks and he turned to look at the pony turned human with worry in her eyes.

“Where am I going is your question yes?” Optimus said to which Twilight nodded “When Bumblebee returned with Fluttershy and Wallflower he also brought a Data Stick which contained a message from Megatron challenging me to a Tria-Con duel which is different from a normal duel but I doubt Megatron would care if it was actually what he was asking for.”

“Then what is he asking for and more importantly why are you going? This won’t make Fluttershy better and it puts you at risk.” Twilight asks

“Because if I don’t then Megatron may simply find another way and besides” Optimus said turning back to the portal adding “Revenge can just as dangerous if one does not pursue that desire as it is like a fire, even if I don’t say it’s hungry it’ll still cause harm to those around me, I know because it has happened with Megatron before, I’m sorry Twilight but I must do this and this alone”

With that Optimus walked into the green vortex which closed behind him.

Author's Note

And with that the third chapter is Complete!

Sorry about the long wait guys I wanted to take my time and get this as good as I could possibly can whilst also doing some editing on the previous chapters.

Next chapter will see the iconic showdown (You know the one) and after that one more chapter to finish off this little introduction arc, after that I have ideas.

Meaning that much like TFP’s first season most of this story will be episode centric with not much in the way of an overall story but will lay the groundwork for the plot of the sequel (Yes I’m doing a sequel, haven’t gotten around to even drafting it yet as it’s still ideas in my head but it’s definitely featuring a plot) and other things I have planned.

Thanks for sticking around till now and TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!