Double the Waveby BlacktasticChaptersProlouge Part 1Prologue Part 2Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Prolouge Part 1Last time In the far reaches of space there lies a planet, Cybertron home to the Transformers, once a great civilization for freedom and justice is now desolate graveyard of ruined buildings for the Autobots and Decepticons. These two factions waged war on their home for millions of years, each side gaining victory only to lose it again. Soon the planet's core was shut down by the Autobots leader, Optimus Prime and could no longer support life, so it was abandoned. When both factions crash landed on earth it reignited their war, but with the aid of the humans the heroic Autobots defeated the cruel leader of the Decepticons, Megatron. However his death brought unwelcome change among the Decepticons, his ever traitors second Starscream proclaimed himself king of the Decepticons. While some embraced this change, one Decepticon, who's hope for his cause was waning every day, fled the insufferable leadership of Starscream. However when he tried to depart using the Decepticons space bridge, an energy surge caused a malfunction in his ships engines and he was force to crash land on a new world, in a new land, Equestria. One of it's inhabitants, Vinyl Scratch, witnessed the crash and went to investigate, only to find that personal allies, The Minicons, were up and active trying to restore their friend. The surviving Minicons Rumble, Ravage, Frenzy, and Laserbeak succeeded in restoring their friend and left Vinyl Scratch's fate to him. However, when she offered him a place to hide and to stay he accepted her offer, wishing to start a new life and lay low, he accepted and offered to help her with her own personal problems. Unbeknownst to them the Princess of the Night Luna discovered the Decepticon's crash site and began to research it. When the Decepticon warrior attempted to return to his ship he attacked Luna to keep his presence a secret, unaware of her status in society and awakened in her the power that lay dormant inside her. Defeated in battle, the warrior was taken to the capitol Canterlot and was thrown into the jails. Laserbeak brought word of his defeat to Vinyl Scratch who devised a plan to rescue him with some of his technology. After a daring escape the warrior made his way to the everfree forrest, but not before unkowingly helping the spirit Discord loosen his shackles and give him the idea to revive a currently deceased Starscream. When the warrior got wind of Discords plan he raced back to Canterlot and duel Starscream to the death, winning, but not without receiving his own nearly fatal wounds. However with Vinyl Scratches help he was brought back from the brink of death. After the princesses summond him and his companions to congradulate him on his victory, but punish him for his previous assault on Luna. The punishment, live under Vinyl's care along with another Decepticon broguht back from death, Starscream. It wasn't long after that the Autobots located the once secluded world and they became the new watchers of the Ex-Decepticons, and along with them was a former ally, Shockwave, a brilliant, yet morally depraved, scientist. However Starscreams ambition would not be silenced and it wasn't long after that he joined forces with the Changelings to attack Canterlot city. When the queens victory seemed certain, Shockwave intervened with a plan of his own and he took control of the invading Changling force along with his own allies, the Insecticons. After a heated battle the warrior clashed with Shockwave, but was almost defeated until Vinyl Scratch made use of a severed Cybertronian sonic cannon. However when Shockwave revealed a master plan to kill innocent civilians, Starscream's opportunistic caused him to reveal the location of the captives to one of the Autobots and with his help rescued the civilians, among them the Princesses. With their rescue and the changelings defeat Starscream, the warrior, Vinyl Scratch, and the Minicons were declared heroes, however they were still to be watched by the Autobots to ensure their continued good behavior. Since then a year has passed, the Autobots have declared the former Decepticons rehabilitated and have become legal citizens of Equestria. Starscream has become a permanent member of the Ponyville weather team, Vinyl Scratch has become a renowned celebrity, and the warrior? He's now a simple repairman in the Ponyille part shop, owned by one very famous doctor. This is the continued story of the Decepticon warrior, this is the story of Soundwave. Outside Soundwave's home in Ponyvile, one year after arrival I sighed as I approached the door to my home. Since the newly formed alliance with the Autobots and the Princesses much Cybertronian tech as been circulating among Equestria, and since these ponies have barley even seen half the things we've made I'm left fixing an entire towns mistakes. I was silently hoping I could just crawl into my bed and shut down for the night. That hope was shot down when I was met by a blinding light and a loud "SURPRISE!" I rubbed my optics to adjust to the light that flooded them and witnessed the sight my home had been turned into. Balloons were scattered everywhere, streams hung across the ceiling and what looked like half of Ponyville was jammed into my living room. Across the ceiling there was a banner that bore my branded symbols and in between them it said "Happy 1 year Anniversary!" "Did we surprise you!?" A familiar voice said next to me. I turned to see one of the few organics I actually liked "Yes Vinyl, you did, now please get everyon-pony out of here, my processor is killing me and I've had an unbelievably long day." I complained "Aww but I thought you liked surprises?" Vinyl said, tilting her head. "Who told you- Starscream's behind this isn't he?" Just then the bright red bot, the subject of all my hate calmly approached, a party hat strapped to his equine form's head and tilted off to the side. The smug grin ever plastered on his face directed at me "Enjoying the party?" he asked with sadistic glee. "No. Get out." I said impatiently "Aww Soundwave where's your sense of revelry, of brotherhood, it has been one full planetary revolution and we've been free bot-ponies since then, plus don't you like me anymore?" he said, his voice laced with sarcasm "The day I consider us 'brothers' is the day Unicron devours this world." I replied flatly He laughed sadistically as he placed a party favor in his mouth, blew on it and skipped off merrily to the festivities. I looked to Vinyl with mild annoyance. She shrugged "Sorry bro Screamer made a convincing case." I sighed "Just don't keep this going for too long I half half a dozen orders I need to do tomorrow, on top of the workload I know I'm going to get. Vinyl nodded, "Alright man get some rest." she said sympathetically before going back to the party I climbed the stairs to my room where I was met by another friendly sight, my dearest companion Laserbeak. He was on his perch, waiting eagerly for me to come home. I rubbed his head with my hoof, an act that he'd only let me do, he cooed quietly before meeting my gaze. 'Long day at work again?' he inquired. "Unfortunately. That damn fool Applejack cannot work a simple radio without breaking every button on it. Her and thousand other Equestrians have the same heavy hoofed fashion with all their tech" 'Well tomorrow is a new day' he said in a motivational tone. I ignored the comment as I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over my body. An act that was unnecessary, but Primus be dammed if someone calls me out on slacking off on my organic disguise. I shut my body down, leaving my processor to work at minimal capacity and drifted off to sleep mode. I found myself in the ruins of a burning city, once great monuments shattered. Bots, no, ponies screaming and running for their lives. I searched frantically for my minicons but saw no sign of them, only that of a black mist that was tearing it's way through the city, towards me. I tried to transform but my body wouldn't let me, so I ran, as fast as I could. The black mist slowly gaining speed on me. My mind was focused on nothing else that is until I heard, "Traitor!" a voice shouted from above. I looked up and gazed in astonishment at what I saw, Megatron was staring down at me, his arms crossed "You have abandoned your cause, -OUR- cause! You are a failure and a traitor and must be dealt with like one!" he shouted down at me. I panicked and began trying to stammer a response "M-my lord I-" but I was cut off by the shadow entangling itself around my leg, it's body starting to take a different form. Dark green eyes shone for a moment before turning red. The figure that was gripping my leg was none other than Starscream. "How does it feel knowing that even I was a more loyal solider then you! I stayed with the Decepitcons! I tried to lead them back to glory! While you simply ran away like a coward! And now look who's had to suffer for it!" he turned and pointed me to a white and electric blue mass in the street, blood pooling around it's body. "V-vinyl..." I managed stutter out. I tried to wrest myself free but tendrils of darkness rose up from Starscream's feet and pulled into an abyss which there was no escape. I desperately reached a hoof out for Vinyl only to be dragged under the ocean of darkness. I fell deep into the darkness, my hopes for escape dwindling. Until a bright light flooded my vision, and from it a slender form reaching out to me. I reached out, desperately trying to grasp the hand that was trying to save me, but just as I was about to grasp it I felt a sudden blow to my chest and darkness and a frantic voice filled my senses. "Soundwave wake up! Ya gots ta go to work!" a familiar voice said. Rumble was bouncing up and down on my chest. I growled quietly and pushed him off me. He tumbled onto the floor but jumped back onto his feet in but a moment. I gazed around the room as if to check if it was really my home, or that nightmare's next trick "Yeah wake up Soundwave!" Frenzy echoed, standing beside the bed "Hey don't copy me!" Rumble snapped at Frenzy, ignoring my abuse to him. "Don't copy -me-!" Frenzy replied. Rumble let out a small battle cry and tackled him. The two began wrestling across the floor trying to subdue one another. I sighed and smiled lightly at the sense of normalcy the act made for me. I gave one last scan of the room before my eyes set on Laserbeak's, a look of concern on his face. 'Are you alright?' He asked? "Fine." I replied, "Nothing to worry about, just a small malfunction in my processor." I said calmly, unsure weather or not what I was saying was even true 'Probably from working overtime.' Laserbeak explained simply I nodded, willing to take that logical explanation and made my way downstairs. I grabbed a quick energon cube, ignored the mess left by last night's party, and took off to the workshop to begin the rest of my day, and hope that whatever that dream was would never come true... Prologue Part 2-Meanwhile aboard the Harbinger- I stared in silent shock at the body of our once great leader. His burnt and charred remains lay flat on the med table, his systems failed him before we could even set him up to life support. Starscream eagerly paced around the body, looking it over with a critical optic. When he was satisfied that nothing would happen he turned to me. "How unfortunate our master's last spark of life faded during transit, a true pity," The ever-arrogant Starscream said, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. I pointed to the gaping hole in Megatron's chest, silently wanting an answer how such a specific wound could've been made. "Oh that? I'm not sure what that could have been," Starscream explained calmly. I knew that tone all too well, he was lying, "But with our master...unfortunate demise, an opportunity for the Decepit-" He prattled on about his own greatness, but I shut off my audio receivers, not willing to listen to another 'Great and Powerful Starscream speech.' I continued to silently gaze over my master, Starscream wondered off to go do whatever it is he does, hopefully bury himself in a hole. But there I go...hoping again. I hoped we would've taken Cybertron by now, I hoped Megatron would've easily defeated the Autobots...I hoped he would've gone back to the way he was before that damn Optimus Prime came to be. Megatron was a noble, admirable gladiator, bent on equality for all. I was his loyal companion, with him through the worst trials. I stayed by his side even after all this destruction, in the hopes that when he was victorious that he would return to the way he was. And now...now he's dead, a shell of the former bot he once was, and that insufferable fool is taking charge of a once noble cause. I wasn't going to let him, song long as my spark still burned. I began to walk the halls of the ship, some troops passed me saying Starscream was offended about something I did. I ignored them and kept on until I was in the bridge. Starscream was pacing back and forth having one of his little tantrums, until he spotted me. I could see the rage in his eyes, it was almost hilarious to anger him. "You! How dare you tune out your new master's glorious speech! I have half a mind to kill you!" He was throwing his arms every which way for emphasis, "But you are too useful to me alive, so for now I will go easy on your punishment," he continued on while I silently approached him. "I want you to dump Megatron's corpse off this vessel and then report back to- Hey what are you-" He was silenced by my foot to his face. Starscream cried out, "Guards! Soundwave has gone insane! Destroy him!", he swung at me, but I easily blocked him, he has hardly seen me in battle, and what I am capable of. Beginning combat probability calculations 1.After first block he'll go to swing again, aiming high. Duck low and strike in lower abdomen. 2.Once he's stumbling back, jump, flip, and bring foot down onto the back of his head, knocking him prone 3.Guards will arrive, turn and open fire, no mercy, aim for their heads. 4.Once clear Starscream should recover by now, turn and kick in face again, force will hit him into the console. 5.Activate remote self destruction of the ship Probability of survival of any Decepticons, Zero percent. Deceptcon mission Status:Failure I snapped back into reality and readied myself for his next strike, I however was blindsided, not by his claw, but one of his arm mounted rockets. He was firing point blank, a self destructive move my processor could not have predicted from him. I tumbled back from the detonation, my visor was going offline. I barely saw the deep purple glow in his eyes before losing consciousness. Hours later My systems returned slowly, the dim blue light cascading over my body. I was dangling freely off the ground, my arms chained up to the ceiling. I was in the torture chamber. "Ah good, you're awake." A voice said from the darkness. I looked up and peered into the dark, knowing full well who was going to come out of it. "It's a shame you don't know how to respect authority Soundwave, you would've made such a good second in command. Oh well, I suppose you'll be just as good as scrap metal!" Starscream said sadistically. I faced him down, my visor still clinging barely to my face, I suppose I should be thankful for that, I didn't want him to see my agony. He reached down to his table of torture tools and grabbed a hooked device, emitting energy from the tip, "Ah this will do nicely." He began to slowly bring the blade towards my torso, but a mere inch away the alarms began going off and one of the drones entered the room. "Lord Starscream the Autobots have discovered our location! They're attacking the ship!" Starscream growled in fury as he set the tool down, as he was leaving he turned his head towards me, "I'll be back for you, traitor." Starscream hurried out the door, but the drone stayed and approached me. "Soundwave..." he said emphatically. He stared me down for a moment and drew his blaster. I shut my optics, grateful for a quick death. I only heard two shots go off, but felt nothing, I reopened my optics to see my chains have been loosened by the bolts enough for me to break free of them. I examined the drone closer and smirked behind my visor. "Tell 'em Steve sent ya," he said before charging off into battle. In the halls of the Harbinger I began making my escape, using the chaos being caused by the Autobots as convenient cover. I unfortunately however did not know where there entrance point was so there was a good chance that I would run into them or Starscream. I hoped for neither. "It's Soundwave!" a voice shouted behind me. I turned only to discovered three of the Autobots that were attacking. "Take him down!" The small blue one said. Out numbered, and certainly outgunned I decided to make a tactical retreat. I knew the ships layout from stem to stern and was easily capable of losing them, but I goaded them on, making sure I stayed just within their sights. My goal was simple... "Soundwave!" Starscream shouted at me from down the narrow hall, aiming his rockets at me. The Autobots skidded around the corner and immediately fixed their gazes on both of us. "Lay down your weapons!" Another Autobot shouted. I calmly turned my head towards both opposing sides and set my plan in motion. "Self-destruct activated in t-minutes 3 minutes," The ships A.I announced. 'Activating personal ground bridge device,' my own internal processor said. A green swirling portal opened right before me, I turned to Starscream, giving him a fond farewell salute before entering the vortex. I calmly walked on, as I heard the annoyed yells of Starscream from behind me. I turned my head only to see he was chasing me down through the bridge. I picked up speed, running as fast as I could and began to initiate the portal shut down sequence. I turned my head again only to find Starcream was literally right on top of me, that deep purple glow in his eyes returned as he tackled me down. "Traitor! You will not get away with betraying me! Lord Starscream Emperor of Destruction and Master of-" A swift headbutt silenced his egotistical rambling. He held his face trembling with rage as he stumbled back off of me. I stood my ground waiting for his next strike, until that is I saw a darkness creep in through behind him. I turned and began sprinting again. "Get back you coward and face me!" I heard him shout as he was chasing me down again. I kept my eyes forward this time, but that option turned out to be just as bad as the same darkness began encompassing the exit. He also stopped in his tracks as the darkness began to quickly consume the portal we were in. "You fool I'll kill you before this damned portal closes on us!" He held out his arm one last time and fired his rocket at me, I could only brace myself as just before it hit, darkness consumed my vision, and my systems shut down... Chapter 1Morning in Ponyville If there was one thing that still bothered me since my time on this planet, "Good morning!" "Hello!" "How do ya do?" It is how any sane sentient creature could be this cheery in the morning. I groaned and trudged through town, avoiding eye contact with as many ponies as possible, specifically... "Soundwave!" a shrill voice called from above. Starscream... "What do you want Starscream?" I yelled up to him. He looked down at me from a smug position atop a cloud throne he fashioned. "That's 'Lord' Starscream Master of the Destruction and-" "Starscream!" another voice shouted, he turned and scrambled to undo his cloud throne "R-Rainbow dash I-uh-er-uh" he was tapping his hooves together nervously in his poor attempt to stammer out an excuse "Get back to work! You've got an entire sky to clear today!" Rainbow Dash barked. "Y-yes lord Mega- er Rainbow dash!" and with that he dashed off, leaving Rainbow Dash and I laughing at his ineptitude. Starscream peaked over a cloud to see Soundwave and Rainbow laughing at him. "I'll show them," he muttered "I just need..." just then his ears flicked and he turned his head towards the Doctors new Workshop. A grin, one that he hadn't had in almost a year, returned to his face, "An opportunity." I continued my route to work, a small line had formed up outside, mostly the more privileged of the town's populace. "Daddy I want a new one!" a small pink tiara wearing filly whined. I forget her name, but I knew her too well as her father has brought one too many troublesome Rumble and Frenzy to my attention. They turned to direct their complaints to me, but, and this is going to be the first time I say this positively, the towns mail mare collided with my side with enough force to crack a rib. My disguises rib to be exact, but I didn't have the time nor the patients to put on my act for this morning so I brushed it off. "Good morning Ditzy," I said with all the morning enthusiasm I could muster. "Mrrmf Smroundmrf" She muffled through the letter in her mouth. She spit it out and handed to me, "Letter for you!" she said enthusiastically, "From Princess Luna!" I cocked an eyebrow and took the letter in my hoof, ignoring the angry stares from the impatient customers, and began reading. Dear Soundwave I know this letter must seem sudden, but the circumstances are just as such. An empire, lost to time, has returned, and it is under attack by its former tyrant, King Sombra. My sister has sent her student, Twilight sparkle and her friends to investigate and repel the attack as apart of her trials. While I have faith in my sisters decisions I would feel comfortable if Twilight had some protection from behind the scenes. I want you to travel to the Crystal Empire in the Frozen North ASAP, and protect Twilight if all other options have been expended. You are not to bring Stascream or even inform him of this mission, the less involved he is in politics the safer everyone is I believe. Good luck Soundwave, I believe in you Sincerely, Princess Luna. I checked the back of the letter and saw a map she had posted to it, a black X marked my final destination. I nodded and looked up to Ditzy "Tell the Doctor I have business to take care of." She saluted me and dashed off into the sky. I ignored the continued agitated comments of the customers before running back to my home to get my most essential needs for my mission. "Minicons front and center!" I shouted upstairs, and in no time all my remaining Minicons were standing at attention at my feet, "We've been given a mission by the princess to guard Celestia's pupil from the shadows, and intervene only when necessary. That is why I'm only bringing Laserbeak for this mission." The last sentence was met with disgruntled looks from the twins and Ravage "You three are to stay here and keep the house in order, and keep an eye on Starscream while I'm gone, understood?" They muttered their responses, my eye twitched behind my shades "I SAID UNDERSTOOD!" I shouted, I wasn't going to let them get sloppy and undisciplined. They saluted and replied 'Sir yes sir!' in unison. I turned to leave when, but suddenly I bumped into Vinyl standing in the door way. "What are you doing here?" I asked "I was gonna see how you were doing before you went into work." she explained awkwardly "And how much of that did you hear?" "All of it. What're you gonna do kill me now?" she asked semi seriously "It is Decepticon protocol," the fact I said it so coldly made her go even more pale, "but instead I have another idea in mind." I said sadistically, she gulped as I was soon upon her... Meanwhile just outside the Crystal Empire ..... Systems start up initializing Energon levels: Minimal T-Cog status: Operational Motor Functions: Operational Weapon functions: Offline Visor status: Minimal Laserbeak Status: Functional Beginning Start up sequence Warning: Sub Zero temperatures detected ETA until total shutdown: 30 minutes I groaned to life, my gears and servos cracking the ice that covered my body. I did my best to see through the veil of frost that covered my visor with little result. I decided it was time to call upon my assistant, Laserbeak. I detached him from my chest and sent him forward, a little frost could never stop him. I trudged forward, in hopes that I would find some sanctuary when Laserbeak came back with some interesting data, including the local life forms. Unfortunately they were significantly smaller and I could only hope that I wouldn't have to stand on anything that couldn't support my density, form to my own personal flair, seeing through Laserbeaks optics, I was able to judge my look. My mane and tail had a disheveled look to them, the tips of my wings were pointed, flows of energy surrounded my joints, the visor I once had replaced with elongated facial features, and on my rear was my Decepticon symbol with what looked like displayed sound waves moving across it. It wasn't perfect, nor by any means subtle, but it'd have to do if I wanted to get out of the cold. I let Laserbeak meld into my disguise and trudged forth to the nearby settlement. My eyes were still hounded by the freezing winds, and a sense of dread came into my processor. I pushed the feelings away as I moved forward as quickly as I could, pushing past the winds to the town ahead. The feeling of dread slowly returned and I felt almost as if something was breathing down the back of my neck. 12 minutes until total system shut down I sighed mentally at the situation I was in. My ears suddenly flicked and my body worked faster then my processor and I rolled left. I looked where I was standing and saw that there was a set of dark green eyes with a purple mist flowing from them staring back. With my weapons offline there was only one logical course of action...run. My legs broke free of another layer of ice that had quickly built up and dashed towards the settlement, a shadowy mist hot on my trail. I began to serpentine around spikes of shadow trying to skewer me, however a shadow blade grazed my side causing energon to flow from the wound 3 minutes until system shut down, beginning to shut down all non essential systems 'No no no!' I thought. One of my non essential systems is the energon that goes into my servos, the joints of my body began to feel like they were covered in sludge. A sudden shadowy tendril caught my leg and those damned eyes met face to face with mine. I returned a rebellious look, ready to face my death, but disappointing Starscream's head wasn't on a pike. As I waited for the apparition to strike the final blow, I felt it's eyes shift away from me. The shadowy beast suddenly released it's grip on me and turned away, setting it's sights on some new prey. I took the opportunity to scramble away and drag myself through a protective barrier surrounding the town. I assumed it was to keep the creatures I disguised myself in, and whatever that apparition was, out. Sub zero temperatures fading, emergency auto defrosting initializing A sudden flash of bright light hit my eyes. I turned away trying to shield myself from further damage, however my eyes adjusted quickly and I looked out into the distance. I was certainly intrigued, whatever life forms existed here had devised their own Bio-Dome technology. The previously icy ground was a verdant field of green, and the town was made of some form of crystal, light shining brightly off each structure. I decided to add a pair of black sun shades to my disguise and began limping towards the town. If I found it, then Starscream would find it as well, and I wanted to be the one to find him first. Chapter 2Ponyville I approached the train station ticket booth. A large bag of luggage in my mouth and laserbeak perch on my back "I have important business in the Crystal Empire." I stated plainly "Uh..." the stallion behind the booth said, "Travel to there is only permitted by the princess. So unless you got a-" I placed my hoof on the counter and showed him the royal lunar seal from the letter. He blinked for a moment, "-Welcome aboard then." he finished. I nodded and proceeded onto the train. Once on board I proceeded to the back of the train to avoid contact with Twilight Sparkle and associates. I found a nice booth to set up in. One of the attendants passed by and eyed my luggage "Do you need help with that sir?" "No, and I'm going to have to ask you do not bother me during this trip." The attendant rolled her eyes before trotting back the way they came. Once they were clear out of view I opened my luggage and looked inside "Alright we're clear." I said, prompting the contents of my bag to squeeze herself out of the small hole. "I'm really glad it's bigger on the inside," Vinyl said with a smirk "How'd you get it like that anyways?" "The doctor." I stated plainly "The one who owns the shop? I always thought there was something special about that guy." "He's a time traveler, going around 'fixing things' as a doctor does," I said sarcastically. Vinyl had a thoughtful look on her face and shrugged pushing whatever thoughts she had aside. A few minutes of silence passed by before either one of us said anything, I broke the silence first, "So whatever happened to your brother and friend?" She tilted her head "Octavia and Disc Scratch? Turns out they had been going out for sometime and got married. Don't you remember me telling you that a few months ago?" "No," I said pausing for a moment "So wait, that means Octavia is with your twin right?" "Yeah?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "And you mimicked your brother in just about every way." She rolled her eyes "Where is this going?" "So essential Octavia is married to a male version of you" I finished saying with a smirk "That would be weird if she and I ever hooked up..." Another moment of silence passed over before one of us spoke up, this time it was Vinyl. "So...you said you were gay right?" "By your standards yes." "Now what do you mean when you say 'my standards'" she lifted her hoofs in the air to do air quotes "Well you see me as a male right?" "Yeah?" she added inflection to her word "Well if you think I'm male, and the rest of my population is similar to me, that would make me in your society, homosexual, when technically we're asexual" I said with a bit of an annoyed tone "So when you say you're gay it's because-" "Explaining this a dozen times gets annoying. Why do you ask?" "Hm oh no reason." she said somewhat quickly and turned her gaze out the window. I shrugged it off and proceeded to catch up on the daily news paper while Vinyl dozed off. Meanwhile in Ponyville Starscream sneaked his way into the workshop shortly after Soundwave's departure. He began searching around for something like a madman. The shop was covered in assorted parts and knicknaks which he would toss anything not nailed down out of his way "Where can you hide an entire ship in here," he said to himself. Something however clicked in his head at just that moment "Why," he turned his gaze onto a blue telephone booth "Right in plain sight." he crackle dramatically as he approached the booth. His laugh reached a peak as he placed his hoof on the door handle. His laughter was suddenly silenced when he realized it was locked. "Damn he's crafty!" he shouted. He began pacing across the room "Who would he trust with a key? Soundwave? No. Vinyl? No she's not responsible." His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He opened it to reveal Ditzy Doo. "Hi Starscream!" she said cheerily "Is the Doctor here?" "No now go away" "What about Soundwave?" "No now get out of here!" She frowned, her ears pressed against her head, "Then what are you doing here?" "I was uh... rearranging the shop." Starscream said sheepishly. Ditzy looked at him suspiciously for a moment "Oooookay, I guess if you need help let me know" she said somewhat convinced. Ditzy departed leaving an agitated Starscream behind. He turned his gaze back onto the police box, "Alright then," he ejected his blade from his back, making it pony sized, "Let's get to work." Back at the Cyrstal Empire After a very arduous train ride we finally arrived at our destination. "Here we are then, the Cyrstal Empire." I said aloud. I shook Vinyl up from the nap she had fallen into "Hm wha- Where are we?" "The moon." I replied stoically "At least your sarcasm is getting better." she said with a smirk. As we left the train we noticed the great barrier surrounding the city. I turned to Vinyl, "We have to move, now" "What why?" She asked tilting her head. "Why would they put up a barrier?" I asked her calmly. "To keep some...thing...out?" she said slowly as the realization hit her. "And whatever they're keeping out, must still be out. With us." I began to quickly make a dash for the barrier. Vinyl gulped and followed close behind me. Thankfully whatever was attacking the city didn't find us. We entered the barrier with surprising ease only to be caught off guard by the immense brightness the city gave off. "Good thing we both wear sunglasses" 'Says you!' Laserbeak chimed in, he was attempting to shield his eyes from the bright and sudden light. "Oh you'd look silly with glasses anyways." Vinyl explained as she began eagerly trotting towards the city, "C'mon slow-ponies. We got a super secret mission to do!" I rolled my eyes and begin trotting behind her to keep pace just a few feet behind her. 'Genius it's not a secret if you shout it out. That's Starscream logic right there' "I know but I'm so excited!" Vinyl said bouncing. "I see your still wearing the cybertronian frequency relay." I pointed out the little ear bud she had. "Oh of course dude, how else can I hear Laserbeak? Magic?" she laughed lightly and continued trotting merrily into town. I however kept my stoic expression as we made our way into the city. I had gotten ahead of Vinyl, "Okay we just have to lay low and make sure that the princess' student is kept from harm. Got it?" When there was no response I asked again "Got that Vinyl?" No response "Vinyl?!" I turned to see she was still behind me, but her gaze was fixated on something down the road. I trotted over to her to see what was so interesting. Then I saw it...A pony standing clearly out from the others, with deep purple fur, a ragged mane, and a Decepticon logo clear as day on his flank Chapter 3In a nearby alleyway We moved around the corner away from view, “Who is that?!” Vinyl whispered loudly. “I don’t know.” I replied calmly “What do you mean ‘you don’t know!?” “Do you know everyone onyour planet!” I said a little annoyed. “Well I uh...” she muttered the rest of her sentence. “Didn’t think so,”I turned my head around the wall of the alley we hid in to try and spot the mystery Decepticon, only to find he was no longer there. “Where’d he go?” Vinyl asked, also looking around the corner Whoever these two were I only needed to know one of them was a Decepticon, and if I knew Starscream, this one was doing the dirty work instead. I had quickly positioned myself on the roof of the building adjacent to them after I spotted them out of the corner of my eye. I had no idea why a Decepticon would so quickly ally itself with an organic, perhaps he had been hiding her for some time after Cybertron was evacuated. Whatever the case I could only guess Starscream had gotten to him first, or would eventually, and that was not a chance I wanted to take. I prowled right up to the side of the rooftop, spread my wings and pounced. I was suddenly beset upon by my assailant, we tumbled down the alleyway, a flurry of quick blows was traded as we tumbled. I managed to get a reversal on him and shove him off me. “Identify yourself.” I demanded, only to be met with a cold calculating gaze. I smirked and began my own mental calculations. Battle calculations commencing Wait for lunge, side step, Weak spot sighted, right front appendage is operating at half capacity. Kick in joint causing stumble, Turn, buck, sending target into nearby building Charge forward , stunning target, Smash injured joint, shattering it. Continue assault on face and torso until beaten into Submission Draw blade, decapitate Remove witness similarly Leave scene after disposing of the bodies. Battle calculations commencing, Charge forward, juke target and land behind them, Eject axe from back, catch in mouth and slice injured back leg at the join, crippling target, Jump upward and move into elbow drop onto back, stunning, Roll off, restrain with Vinyl’s assistance and interrogate. The two Soundwaves stood off, each one setting their calculations into motion. They charged forward, their processors coming to the same calculations. Turn and punch his face! The two equal forces of their blows sent each other flying into opposite sides of the alleyway. Vinyl watch with gaping jaw as the two of them hit the floor groaning. Her astonishment slowly turned into stifled giggles, which turned into boisterous laughs. Surprisingly enough the two combatants joined in, their awkward and silent laughs filled the space in the alleyway. Meanwhile back at Ponyville Starscream laid on the floor, panting heavily. He looked over at the confounding doorway where not a scratch had been made in his attempts to slash it open. “Damn...it” he said with panted breaths. “Did you try asking nicely.” A sarcastic voice said from the shops open window. Starscream looked up at the source of the voice, irritation evident in his face. “No I didn’t ask nicely, because I don’t ask nicely!” “Well you should. Who knows where it would get you?” Ditzy said shrugging “Bah shows what you know! It’s not like you have the means to get in,” he paused a moment before a slow realization hit him. He brought his hoof to his face “You have the key don’t you?” Ditzy flashed a small silver key “I might.” “Then give it to me” Starscream said simply. “Say it right.” “No.” He stated simply again “Just say p-p-p” Ditzy started the word “No.” “Pu-pu-pul” “Never going to happen.” “Pul-pul-pule” “I’d rather die.” “You would rather die then just ask nicely?” Ditzy asked, astonished. “Yes.” She looked at him blankly for a moment before shrugging, “Okay bye!” And with that she took off, leaving a frustrated Starscream behind to bang his head against the door, screaming. Meanwhile, just a few yards away from the border of the Crystal Empire The icy winds blew relentlessly over the iced over body buried deep in the snow. An ancient shadow closed in on it, it’s sights set on the source of dark power coming from the bodies heart. “Cyrstalsssss.” It hissed as it’s shadowy tendrils tried to wrap around the dark purple crystal. Just as it was about to seal the deal the body quickly sputtered to life, a clawed hand, covered in a dark purple energy, swatted away the shadow beast from it’s most prized possession. The shadow recoiled and watch in awe as the body came back to life. The body started to rise up from the snow, snow and ice cracking and sliding off it. It stood tall, tall as two story building and it was slender and hunched over. His eyes were deep purple and full of ambition. “Pitiful creature, can’t even harvest dark energon from the dead.” It spoke in a deep almost suave voice. The shadow glared at him, his dark green eyes full of rage at the insult. The brushed some snow off his torso, “Now if you don’t mind I must be off to deal with a...loose end.” The creature tried to walk away but the shadow would not let this insult pass easily. He grabbed his leg, causing the creature to fall over in the snow. It turned with a look of rage in his eyes “You dare disrespect the great and powerful Starscream.” The shadow returned the death gaze “My Crystal!” he shouted as he dove for Starscreams chest again “Your crystal?! And what do you know of dark energon?” his voice calmed slowly The shadow moved closer “It is power...” the shadow breathed out “My power, in -my- palace.” Starscream’s anger towards the shadowy creature subsided as he heard this revelation, and with an ambitious spark in his eye said, “Well then you odd beast, let us talk. I’m sure we have much in common.” The shadow smirked “I am no beast, I am King Sombra.”
Prolouge Part 1Last time In the far reaches of space there lies a planet, Cybertron home to the Transformers, once a great civilization for freedom and justice is now desolate graveyard of ruined buildings for the Autobots and Decepticons. These two factions waged war on their home for millions of years, each side gaining victory only to lose it again. Soon the planet's core was shut down by the Autobots leader, Optimus Prime and could no longer support life, so it was abandoned. When both factions crash landed on earth it reignited their war, but with the aid of the humans the heroic Autobots defeated the cruel leader of the Decepticons, Megatron. However his death brought unwelcome change among the Decepticons, his ever traitors second Starscream proclaimed himself king of the Decepticons. While some embraced this change, one Decepticon, who's hope for his cause was waning every day, fled the insufferable leadership of Starscream. However when he tried to depart using the Decepticons space bridge, an energy surge caused a malfunction in his ships engines and he was force to crash land on a new world, in a new land, Equestria. One of it's inhabitants, Vinyl Scratch, witnessed the crash and went to investigate, only to find that personal allies, The Minicons, were up and active trying to restore their friend. The surviving Minicons Rumble, Ravage, Frenzy, and Laserbeak succeeded in restoring their friend and left Vinyl Scratch's fate to him. However, when she offered him a place to hide and to stay he accepted her offer, wishing to start a new life and lay low, he accepted and offered to help her with her own personal problems. Unbeknownst to them the Princess of the Night Luna discovered the Decepticon's crash site and began to research it. When the Decepticon warrior attempted to return to his ship he attacked Luna to keep his presence a secret, unaware of her status in society and awakened in her the power that lay dormant inside her. Defeated in battle, the warrior was taken to the capitol Canterlot and was thrown into the jails. Laserbeak brought word of his defeat to Vinyl Scratch who devised a plan to rescue him with some of his technology. After a daring escape the warrior made his way to the everfree forrest, but not before unkowingly helping the spirit Discord loosen his shackles and give him the idea to revive a currently deceased Starscream. When the warrior got wind of Discords plan he raced back to Canterlot and duel Starscream to the death, winning, but not without receiving his own nearly fatal wounds. However with Vinyl Scratches help he was brought back from the brink of death. After the princesses summond him and his companions to congradulate him on his victory, but punish him for his previous assault on Luna. The punishment, live under Vinyl's care along with another Decepticon broguht back from death, Starscream. It wasn't long after that the Autobots located the once secluded world and they became the new watchers of the Ex-Decepticons, and along with them was a former ally, Shockwave, a brilliant, yet morally depraved, scientist. However Starscreams ambition would not be silenced and it wasn't long after that he joined forces with the Changelings to attack Canterlot city. When the queens victory seemed certain, Shockwave intervened with a plan of his own and he took control of the invading Changling force along with his own allies, the Insecticons. After a heated battle the warrior clashed with Shockwave, but was almost defeated until Vinyl Scratch made use of a severed Cybertronian sonic cannon. However when Shockwave revealed a master plan to kill innocent civilians, Starscream's opportunistic caused him to reveal the location of the captives to one of the Autobots and with his help rescued the civilians, among them the Princesses. With their rescue and the changelings defeat Starscream, the warrior, Vinyl Scratch, and the Minicons were declared heroes, however they were still to be watched by the Autobots to ensure their continued good behavior. Since then a year has passed, the Autobots have declared the former Decepticons rehabilitated and have become legal citizens of Equestria. Starscream has become a permanent member of the Ponyville weather team, Vinyl Scratch has become a renowned celebrity, and the warrior? He's now a simple repairman in the Ponyille part shop, owned by one very famous doctor. This is the continued story of the Decepticon warrior, this is the story of Soundwave. Outside Soundwave's home in Ponyvile, one year after arrival I sighed as I approached the door to my home. Since the newly formed alliance with the Autobots and the Princesses much Cybertronian tech as been circulating among Equestria, and since these ponies have barley even seen half the things we've made I'm left fixing an entire towns mistakes. I was silently hoping I could just crawl into my bed and shut down for the night. That hope was shot down when I was met by a blinding light and a loud "SURPRISE!" I rubbed my optics to adjust to the light that flooded them and witnessed the sight my home had been turned into. Balloons were scattered everywhere, streams hung across the ceiling and what looked like half of Ponyville was jammed into my living room. Across the ceiling there was a banner that bore my branded symbols and in between them it said "Happy 1 year Anniversary!" "Did we surprise you!?" A familiar voice said next to me. I turned to see one of the few organics I actually liked "Yes Vinyl, you did, now please get everyon-pony out of here, my processor is killing me and I've had an unbelievably long day." I complained "Aww but I thought you liked surprises?" Vinyl said, tilting her head. "Who told you- Starscream's behind this isn't he?" Just then the bright red bot, the subject of all my hate calmly approached, a party hat strapped to his equine form's head and tilted off to the side. The smug grin ever plastered on his face directed at me "Enjoying the party?" he asked with sadistic glee. "No. Get out." I said impatiently "Aww Soundwave where's your sense of revelry, of brotherhood, it has been one full planetary revolution and we've been free bot-ponies since then, plus don't you like me anymore?" he said, his voice laced with sarcasm "The day I consider us 'brothers' is the day Unicron devours this world." I replied flatly He laughed sadistically as he placed a party favor in his mouth, blew on it and skipped off merrily to the festivities. I looked to Vinyl with mild annoyance. She shrugged "Sorry bro Screamer made a convincing case." I sighed "Just don't keep this going for too long I half half a dozen orders I need to do tomorrow, on top of the workload I know I'm going to get. Vinyl nodded, "Alright man get some rest." she said sympathetically before going back to the party I climbed the stairs to my room where I was met by another friendly sight, my dearest companion Laserbeak. He was on his perch, waiting eagerly for me to come home. I rubbed his head with my hoof, an act that he'd only let me do, he cooed quietly before meeting my gaze. 'Long day at work again?' he inquired. "Unfortunately. That damn fool Applejack cannot work a simple radio without breaking every button on it. Her and thousand other Equestrians have the same heavy hoofed fashion with all their tech" 'Well tomorrow is a new day' he said in a motivational tone. I ignored the comment as I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over my body. An act that was unnecessary, but Primus be dammed if someone calls me out on slacking off on my organic disguise. I shut my body down, leaving my processor to work at minimal capacity and drifted off to sleep mode. I found myself in the ruins of a burning city, once great monuments shattered. Bots, no, ponies screaming and running for their lives. I searched frantically for my minicons but saw no sign of them, only that of a black mist that was tearing it's way through the city, towards me. I tried to transform but my body wouldn't let me, so I ran, as fast as I could. The black mist slowly gaining speed on me. My mind was focused on nothing else that is until I heard, "Traitor!" a voice shouted from above. I looked up and gazed in astonishment at what I saw, Megatron was staring down at me, his arms crossed "You have abandoned your cause, -OUR- cause! You are a failure and a traitor and must be dealt with like one!" he shouted down at me. I panicked and began trying to stammer a response "M-my lord I-" but I was cut off by the shadow entangling itself around my leg, it's body starting to take a different form. Dark green eyes shone for a moment before turning red. The figure that was gripping my leg was none other than Starscream. "How does it feel knowing that even I was a more loyal solider then you! I stayed with the Decepitcons! I tried to lead them back to glory! While you simply ran away like a coward! And now look who's had to suffer for it!" he turned and pointed me to a white and electric blue mass in the street, blood pooling around it's body. "V-vinyl..." I managed stutter out. I tried to wrest myself free but tendrils of darkness rose up from Starscream's feet and pulled into an abyss which there was no escape. I desperately reached a hoof out for Vinyl only to be dragged under the ocean of darkness. I fell deep into the darkness, my hopes for escape dwindling. Until a bright light flooded my vision, and from it a slender form reaching out to me. I reached out, desperately trying to grasp the hand that was trying to save me, but just as I was about to grasp it I felt a sudden blow to my chest and darkness and a frantic voice filled my senses. "Soundwave wake up! Ya gots ta go to work!" a familiar voice said. Rumble was bouncing up and down on my chest. I growled quietly and pushed him off me. He tumbled onto the floor but jumped back onto his feet in but a moment. I gazed around the room as if to check if it was really my home, or that nightmare's next trick "Yeah wake up Soundwave!" Frenzy echoed, standing beside the bed "Hey don't copy me!" Rumble snapped at Frenzy, ignoring my abuse to him. "Don't copy -me-!" Frenzy replied. Rumble let out a small battle cry and tackled him. The two began wrestling across the floor trying to subdue one another. I sighed and smiled lightly at the sense of normalcy the act made for me. I gave one last scan of the room before my eyes set on Laserbeak's, a look of concern on his face. 'Are you alright?' He asked? "Fine." I replied, "Nothing to worry about, just a small malfunction in my processor." I said calmly, unsure weather or not what I was saying was even true 'Probably from working overtime.' Laserbeak explained simply I nodded, willing to take that logical explanation and made my way downstairs. I grabbed a quick energon cube, ignored the mess left by last night's party, and took off to the workshop to begin the rest of my day, and hope that whatever that dream was would never come true...
Prologue Part 2-Meanwhile aboard the Harbinger- I stared in silent shock at the body of our once great leader. His burnt and charred remains lay flat on the med table, his systems failed him before we could even set him up to life support. Starscream eagerly paced around the body, looking it over with a critical optic. When he was satisfied that nothing would happen he turned to me. "How unfortunate our master's last spark of life faded during transit, a true pity," The ever-arrogant Starscream said, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. I pointed to the gaping hole in Megatron's chest, silently wanting an answer how such a specific wound could've been made. "Oh that? I'm not sure what that could have been," Starscream explained calmly. I knew that tone all too well, he was lying, "But with our master...unfortunate demise, an opportunity for the Decepit-" He prattled on about his own greatness, but I shut off my audio receivers, not willing to listen to another 'Great and Powerful Starscream speech.' I continued to silently gaze over my master, Starscream wondered off to go do whatever it is he does, hopefully bury himself in a hole. But there I go...hoping again. I hoped we would've taken Cybertron by now, I hoped Megatron would've easily defeated the Autobots...I hoped he would've gone back to the way he was before that damn Optimus Prime came to be. Megatron was a noble, admirable gladiator, bent on equality for all. I was his loyal companion, with him through the worst trials. I stayed by his side even after all this destruction, in the hopes that when he was victorious that he would return to the way he was. And now...now he's dead, a shell of the former bot he once was, and that insufferable fool is taking charge of a once noble cause. I wasn't going to let him, song long as my spark still burned. I began to walk the halls of the ship, some troops passed me saying Starscream was offended about something I did. I ignored them and kept on until I was in the bridge. Starscream was pacing back and forth having one of his little tantrums, until he spotted me. I could see the rage in his eyes, it was almost hilarious to anger him. "You! How dare you tune out your new master's glorious speech! I have half a mind to kill you!" He was throwing his arms every which way for emphasis, "But you are too useful to me alive, so for now I will go easy on your punishment," he continued on while I silently approached him. "I want you to dump Megatron's corpse off this vessel and then report back to- Hey what are you-" He was silenced by my foot to his face. Starscream cried out, "Guards! Soundwave has gone insane! Destroy him!", he swung at me, but I easily blocked him, he has hardly seen me in battle, and what I am capable of. Beginning combat probability calculations 1.After first block he'll go to swing again, aiming high. Duck low and strike in lower abdomen. 2.Once he's stumbling back, jump, flip, and bring foot down onto the back of his head, knocking him prone 3.Guards will arrive, turn and open fire, no mercy, aim for their heads. 4.Once clear Starscream should recover by now, turn and kick in face again, force will hit him into the console. 5.Activate remote self destruction of the ship Probability of survival of any Decepticons, Zero percent. Deceptcon mission Status:Failure I snapped back into reality and readied myself for his next strike, I however was blindsided, not by his claw, but one of his arm mounted rockets. He was firing point blank, a self destructive move my processor could not have predicted from him. I tumbled back from the detonation, my visor was going offline. I barely saw the deep purple glow in his eyes before losing consciousness. Hours later My systems returned slowly, the dim blue light cascading over my body. I was dangling freely off the ground, my arms chained up to the ceiling. I was in the torture chamber. "Ah good, you're awake." A voice said from the darkness. I looked up and peered into the dark, knowing full well who was going to come out of it. "It's a shame you don't know how to respect authority Soundwave, you would've made such a good second in command. Oh well, I suppose you'll be just as good as scrap metal!" Starscream said sadistically. I faced him down, my visor still clinging barely to my face, I suppose I should be thankful for that, I didn't want him to see my agony. He reached down to his table of torture tools and grabbed a hooked device, emitting energy from the tip, "Ah this will do nicely." He began to slowly bring the blade towards my torso, but a mere inch away the alarms began going off and one of the drones entered the room. "Lord Starscream the Autobots have discovered our location! They're attacking the ship!" Starscream growled in fury as he set the tool down, as he was leaving he turned his head towards me, "I'll be back for you, traitor." Starscream hurried out the door, but the drone stayed and approached me. "Soundwave..." he said emphatically. He stared me down for a moment and drew his blaster. I shut my optics, grateful for a quick death. I only heard two shots go off, but felt nothing, I reopened my optics to see my chains have been loosened by the bolts enough for me to break free of them. I examined the drone closer and smirked behind my visor. "Tell 'em Steve sent ya," he said before charging off into battle. In the halls of the Harbinger I began making my escape, using the chaos being caused by the Autobots as convenient cover. I unfortunately however did not know where there entrance point was so there was a good chance that I would run into them or Starscream. I hoped for neither. "It's Soundwave!" a voice shouted behind me. I turned only to discovered three of the Autobots that were attacking. "Take him down!" The small blue one said. Out numbered, and certainly outgunned I decided to make a tactical retreat. I knew the ships layout from stem to stern and was easily capable of losing them, but I goaded them on, making sure I stayed just within their sights. My goal was simple... "Soundwave!" Starscream shouted at me from down the narrow hall, aiming his rockets at me. The Autobots skidded around the corner and immediately fixed their gazes on both of us. "Lay down your weapons!" Another Autobot shouted. I calmly turned my head towards both opposing sides and set my plan in motion. "Self-destruct activated in t-minutes 3 minutes," The ships A.I announced. 'Activating personal ground bridge device,' my own internal processor said. A green swirling portal opened right before me, I turned to Starscream, giving him a fond farewell salute before entering the vortex. I calmly walked on, as I heard the annoyed yells of Starscream from behind me. I turned my head only to see he was chasing me down through the bridge. I picked up speed, running as fast as I could and began to initiate the portal shut down sequence. I turned my head again only to find Starcream was literally right on top of me, that deep purple glow in his eyes returned as he tackled me down. "Traitor! You will not get away with betraying me! Lord Starscream Emperor of Destruction and Master of-" A swift headbutt silenced his egotistical rambling. He held his face trembling with rage as he stumbled back off of me. I stood my ground waiting for his next strike, until that is I saw a darkness creep in through behind him. I turned and began sprinting again. "Get back you coward and face me!" I heard him shout as he was chasing me down again. I kept my eyes forward this time, but that option turned out to be just as bad as the same darkness began encompassing the exit. He also stopped in his tracks as the darkness began to quickly consume the portal we were in. "You fool I'll kill you before this damned portal closes on us!" He held out his arm one last time and fired his rocket at me, I could only brace myself as just before it hit, darkness consumed my vision, and my systems shut down...
Chapter 1Morning in Ponyville If there was one thing that still bothered me since my time on this planet, "Good morning!" "Hello!" "How do ya do?" It is how any sane sentient creature could be this cheery in the morning. I groaned and trudged through town, avoiding eye contact with as many ponies as possible, specifically... "Soundwave!" a shrill voice called from above. Starscream... "What do you want Starscream?" I yelled up to him. He looked down at me from a smug position atop a cloud throne he fashioned. "That's 'Lord' Starscream Master of the Destruction and-" "Starscream!" another voice shouted, he turned and scrambled to undo his cloud throne "R-Rainbow dash I-uh-er-uh" he was tapping his hooves together nervously in his poor attempt to stammer out an excuse "Get back to work! You've got an entire sky to clear today!" Rainbow Dash barked. "Y-yes lord Mega- er Rainbow dash!" and with that he dashed off, leaving Rainbow Dash and I laughing at his ineptitude. Starscream peaked over a cloud to see Soundwave and Rainbow laughing at him. "I'll show them," he muttered "I just need..." just then his ears flicked and he turned his head towards the Doctors new Workshop. A grin, one that he hadn't had in almost a year, returned to his face, "An opportunity." I continued my route to work, a small line had formed up outside, mostly the more privileged of the town's populace. "Daddy I want a new one!" a small pink tiara wearing filly whined. I forget her name, but I knew her too well as her father has brought one too many troublesome Rumble and Frenzy to my attention. They turned to direct their complaints to me, but, and this is going to be the first time I say this positively, the towns mail mare collided with my side with enough force to crack a rib. My disguises rib to be exact, but I didn't have the time nor the patients to put on my act for this morning so I brushed it off. "Good morning Ditzy," I said with all the morning enthusiasm I could muster. "Mrrmf Smroundmrf" She muffled through the letter in her mouth. She spit it out and handed to me, "Letter for you!" she said enthusiastically, "From Princess Luna!" I cocked an eyebrow and took the letter in my hoof, ignoring the angry stares from the impatient customers, and began reading. Dear Soundwave I know this letter must seem sudden, but the circumstances are just as such. An empire, lost to time, has returned, and it is under attack by its former tyrant, King Sombra. My sister has sent her student, Twilight sparkle and her friends to investigate and repel the attack as apart of her trials. While I have faith in my sisters decisions I would feel comfortable if Twilight had some protection from behind the scenes. I want you to travel to the Crystal Empire in the Frozen North ASAP, and protect Twilight if all other options have been expended. You are not to bring Stascream or even inform him of this mission, the less involved he is in politics the safer everyone is I believe. Good luck Soundwave, I believe in you Sincerely, Princess Luna. I checked the back of the letter and saw a map she had posted to it, a black X marked my final destination. I nodded and looked up to Ditzy "Tell the Doctor I have business to take care of." She saluted me and dashed off into the sky. I ignored the continued agitated comments of the customers before running back to my home to get my most essential needs for my mission. "Minicons front and center!" I shouted upstairs, and in no time all my remaining Minicons were standing at attention at my feet, "We've been given a mission by the princess to guard Celestia's pupil from the shadows, and intervene only when necessary. That is why I'm only bringing Laserbeak for this mission." The last sentence was met with disgruntled looks from the twins and Ravage "You three are to stay here and keep the house in order, and keep an eye on Starscream while I'm gone, understood?" They muttered their responses, my eye twitched behind my shades "I SAID UNDERSTOOD!" I shouted, I wasn't going to let them get sloppy and undisciplined. They saluted and replied 'Sir yes sir!' in unison. I turned to leave when, but suddenly I bumped into Vinyl standing in the door way. "What are you doing here?" I asked "I was gonna see how you were doing before you went into work." she explained awkwardly "And how much of that did you hear?" "All of it. What're you gonna do kill me now?" she asked semi seriously "It is Decepticon protocol," the fact I said it so coldly made her go even more pale, "but instead I have another idea in mind." I said sadistically, she gulped as I was soon upon her... Meanwhile just outside the Crystal Empire ..... Systems start up initializing Energon levels: Minimal T-Cog status: Operational Motor Functions: Operational Weapon functions: Offline Visor status: Minimal Laserbeak Status: Functional Beginning Start up sequence Warning: Sub Zero temperatures detected ETA until total shutdown: 30 minutes I groaned to life, my gears and servos cracking the ice that covered my body. I did my best to see through the veil of frost that covered my visor with little result. I decided it was time to call upon my assistant, Laserbeak. I detached him from my chest and sent him forward, a little frost could never stop him. I trudged forward, in hopes that I would find some sanctuary when Laserbeak came back with some interesting data, including the local life forms. Unfortunately they were significantly smaller and I could only hope that I wouldn't have to stand on anything that couldn't support my density, form to my own personal flair, seeing through Laserbeaks optics, I was able to judge my look. My mane and tail had a disheveled look to them, the tips of my wings were pointed, flows of energy surrounded my joints, the visor I once had replaced with elongated facial features, and on my rear was my Decepticon symbol with what looked like displayed sound waves moving across it. It wasn't perfect, nor by any means subtle, but it'd have to do if I wanted to get out of the cold. I let Laserbeak meld into my disguise and trudged forth to the nearby settlement. My eyes were still hounded by the freezing winds, and a sense of dread came into my processor. I pushed the feelings away as I moved forward as quickly as I could, pushing past the winds to the town ahead. The feeling of dread slowly returned and I felt almost as if something was breathing down the back of my neck. 12 minutes until total system shut down I sighed mentally at the situation I was in. My ears suddenly flicked and my body worked faster then my processor and I rolled left. I looked where I was standing and saw that there was a set of dark green eyes with a purple mist flowing from them staring back. With my weapons offline there was only one logical course of action...run. My legs broke free of another layer of ice that had quickly built up and dashed towards the settlement, a shadowy mist hot on my trail. I began to serpentine around spikes of shadow trying to skewer me, however a shadow blade grazed my side causing energon to flow from the wound 3 minutes until system shut down, beginning to shut down all non essential systems 'No no no!' I thought. One of my non essential systems is the energon that goes into my servos, the joints of my body began to feel like they were covered in sludge. A sudden shadowy tendril caught my leg and those damned eyes met face to face with mine. I returned a rebellious look, ready to face my death, but disappointing Starscream's head wasn't on a pike. As I waited for the apparition to strike the final blow, I felt it's eyes shift away from me. The shadowy beast suddenly released it's grip on me and turned away, setting it's sights on some new prey. I took the opportunity to scramble away and drag myself through a protective barrier surrounding the town. I assumed it was to keep the creatures I disguised myself in, and whatever that apparition was, out. Sub zero temperatures fading, emergency auto defrosting initializing A sudden flash of bright light hit my eyes. I turned away trying to shield myself from further damage, however my eyes adjusted quickly and I looked out into the distance. I was certainly intrigued, whatever life forms existed here had devised their own Bio-Dome technology. The previously icy ground was a verdant field of green, and the town was made of some form of crystal, light shining brightly off each structure. I decided to add a pair of black sun shades to my disguise and began limping towards the town. If I found it, then Starscream would find it as well, and I wanted to be the one to find him first.
Chapter 2Ponyville I approached the train station ticket booth. A large bag of luggage in my mouth and laserbeak perch on my back "I have important business in the Crystal Empire." I stated plainly "Uh..." the stallion behind the booth said, "Travel to there is only permitted by the princess. So unless you got a-" I placed my hoof on the counter and showed him the royal lunar seal from the letter. He blinked for a moment, "-Welcome aboard then." he finished. I nodded and proceeded onto the train. Once on board I proceeded to the back of the train to avoid contact with Twilight Sparkle and associates. I found a nice booth to set up in. One of the attendants passed by and eyed my luggage "Do you need help with that sir?" "No, and I'm going to have to ask you do not bother me during this trip." The attendant rolled her eyes before trotting back the way they came. Once they were clear out of view I opened my luggage and looked inside "Alright we're clear." I said, prompting the contents of my bag to squeeze herself out of the small hole. "I'm really glad it's bigger on the inside," Vinyl said with a smirk "How'd you get it like that anyways?" "The doctor." I stated plainly "The one who owns the shop? I always thought there was something special about that guy." "He's a time traveler, going around 'fixing things' as a doctor does," I said sarcastically. Vinyl had a thoughtful look on her face and shrugged pushing whatever thoughts she had aside. A few minutes of silence passed by before either one of us said anything, I broke the silence first, "So whatever happened to your brother and friend?" She tilted her head "Octavia and Disc Scratch? Turns out they had been going out for sometime and got married. Don't you remember me telling you that a few months ago?" "No," I said pausing for a moment "So wait, that means Octavia is with your twin right?" "Yeah?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "And you mimicked your brother in just about every way." She rolled her eyes "Where is this going?" "So essential Octavia is married to a male version of you" I finished saying with a smirk "That would be weird if she and I ever hooked up..." Another moment of silence passed over before one of us spoke up, this time it was Vinyl. "So...you said you were gay right?" "By your standards yes." "Now what do you mean when you say 'my standards'" she lifted her hoofs in the air to do air quotes "Well you see me as a male right?" "Yeah?" she added inflection to her word "Well if you think I'm male, and the rest of my population is similar to me, that would make me in your society, homosexual, when technically we're asexual" I said with a bit of an annoyed tone "So when you say you're gay it's because-" "Explaining this a dozen times gets annoying. Why do you ask?" "Hm oh no reason." she said somewhat quickly and turned her gaze out the window. I shrugged it off and proceeded to catch up on the daily news paper while Vinyl dozed off. Meanwhile in Ponyville Starscream sneaked his way into the workshop shortly after Soundwave's departure. He began searching around for something like a madman. The shop was covered in assorted parts and knicknaks which he would toss anything not nailed down out of his way "Where can you hide an entire ship in here," he said to himself. Something however clicked in his head at just that moment "Why," he turned his gaze onto a blue telephone booth "Right in plain sight." he crackle dramatically as he approached the booth. His laugh reached a peak as he placed his hoof on the door handle. His laughter was suddenly silenced when he realized it was locked. "Damn he's crafty!" he shouted. He began pacing across the room "Who would he trust with a key? Soundwave? No. Vinyl? No she's not responsible." His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He opened it to reveal Ditzy Doo. "Hi Starscream!" she said cheerily "Is the Doctor here?" "No now go away" "What about Soundwave?" "No now get out of here!" She frowned, her ears pressed against her head, "Then what are you doing here?" "I was uh... rearranging the shop." Starscream said sheepishly. Ditzy looked at him suspiciously for a moment "Oooookay, I guess if you need help let me know" she said somewhat convinced. Ditzy departed leaving an agitated Starscream behind. He turned his gaze back onto the police box, "Alright then," he ejected his blade from his back, making it pony sized, "Let's get to work." Back at the Cyrstal Empire After a very arduous train ride we finally arrived at our destination. "Here we are then, the Cyrstal Empire." I said aloud. I shook Vinyl up from the nap she had fallen into "Hm wha- Where are we?" "The moon." I replied stoically "At least your sarcasm is getting better." she said with a smirk. As we left the train we noticed the great barrier surrounding the city. I turned to Vinyl, "We have to move, now" "What why?" She asked tilting her head. "Why would they put up a barrier?" I asked her calmly. "To keep some...thing...out?" she said slowly as the realization hit her. "And whatever they're keeping out, must still be out. With us." I began to quickly make a dash for the barrier. Vinyl gulped and followed close behind me. Thankfully whatever was attacking the city didn't find us. We entered the barrier with surprising ease only to be caught off guard by the immense brightness the city gave off. "Good thing we both wear sunglasses" 'Says you!' Laserbeak chimed in, he was attempting to shield his eyes from the bright and sudden light. "Oh you'd look silly with glasses anyways." Vinyl explained as she began eagerly trotting towards the city, "C'mon slow-ponies. We got a super secret mission to do!" I rolled my eyes and begin trotting behind her to keep pace just a few feet behind her. 'Genius it's not a secret if you shout it out. That's Starscream logic right there' "I know but I'm so excited!" Vinyl said bouncing. "I see your still wearing the cybertronian frequency relay." I pointed out the little ear bud she had. "Oh of course dude, how else can I hear Laserbeak? Magic?" she laughed lightly and continued trotting merrily into town. I however kept my stoic expression as we made our way into the city. I had gotten ahead of Vinyl, "Okay we just have to lay low and make sure that the princess' student is kept from harm. Got it?" When there was no response I asked again "Got that Vinyl?" No response "Vinyl?!" I turned to see she was still behind me, but her gaze was fixated on something down the road. I trotted over to her to see what was so interesting. Then I saw it...A pony standing clearly out from the others, with deep purple fur, a ragged mane, and a Decepticon logo clear as day on his flank
Chapter 3In a nearby alleyway We moved around the corner away from view, “Who is that?!” Vinyl whispered loudly. “I don’t know.” I replied calmly “What do you mean ‘you don’t know!?” “Do you know everyone onyour planet!” I said a little annoyed. “Well I uh...” she muttered the rest of her sentence. “Didn’t think so,”I turned my head around the wall of the alley we hid in to try and spot the mystery Decepticon, only to find he was no longer there. “Where’d he go?” Vinyl asked, also looking around the corner Whoever these two were I only needed to know one of them was a Decepticon, and if I knew Starscream, this one was doing the dirty work instead. I had quickly positioned myself on the roof of the building adjacent to them after I spotted them out of the corner of my eye. I had no idea why a Decepticon would so quickly ally itself with an organic, perhaps he had been hiding her for some time after Cybertron was evacuated. Whatever the case I could only guess Starscream had gotten to him first, or would eventually, and that was not a chance I wanted to take. I prowled right up to the side of the rooftop, spread my wings and pounced. I was suddenly beset upon by my assailant, we tumbled down the alleyway, a flurry of quick blows was traded as we tumbled. I managed to get a reversal on him and shove him off me. “Identify yourself.” I demanded, only to be met with a cold calculating gaze. I smirked and began my own mental calculations. Battle calculations commencing Wait for lunge, side step, Weak spot sighted, right front appendage is operating at half capacity. Kick in joint causing stumble, Turn, buck, sending target into nearby building Charge forward , stunning target, Smash injured joint, shattering it. Continue assault on face and torso until beaten into Submission Draw blade, decapitate Remove witness similarly Leave scene after disposing of the bodies. Battle calculations commencing, Charge forward, juke target and land behind them, Eject axe from back, catch in mouth and slice injured back leg at the join, crippling target, Jump upward and move into elbow drop onto back, stunning, Roll off, restrain with Vinyl’s assistance and interrogate. The two Soundwaves stood off, each one setting their calculations into motion. They charged forward, their processors coming to the same calculations. Turn and punch his face! The two equal forces of their blows sent each other flying into opposite sides of the alleyway. Vinyl watch with gaping jaw as the two of them hit the floor groaning. Her astonishment slowly turned into stifled giggles, which turned into boisterous laughs. Surprisingly enough the two combatants joined in, their awkward and silent laughs filled the space in the alleyway. Meanwhile back at Ponyville Starscream laid on the floor, panting heavily. He looked over at the confounding doorway where not a scratch had been made in his attempts to slash it open. “Damn...it” he said with panted breaths. “Did you try asking nicely.” A sarcastic voice said from the shops open window. Starscream looked up at the source of the voice, irritation evident in his face. “No I didn’t ask nicely, because I don’t ask nicely!” “Well you should. Who knows where it would get you?” Ditzy said shrugging “Bah shows what you know! It’s not like you have the means to get in,” he paused a moment before a slow realization hit him. He brought his hoof to his face “You have the key don’t you?” Ditzy flashed a small silver key “I might.” “Then give it to me” Starscream said simply. “Say it right.” “No.” He stated simply again “Just say p-p-p” Ditzy started the word “No.” “Pu-pu-pul” “Never going to happen.” “Pul-pul-pule” “I’d rather die.” “You would rather die then just ask nicely?” Ditzy asked, astonished. “Yes.” She looked at him blankly for a moment before shrugging, “Okay bye!” And with that she took off, leaving a frustrated Starscream behind to bang his head against the door, screaming. Meanwhile, just a few yards away from the border of the Crystal Empire The icy winds blew relentlessly over the iced over body buried deep in the snow. An ancient shadow closed in on it, it’s sights set on the source of dark power coming from the bodies heart. “Cyrstalsssss.” It hissed as it’s shadowy tendrils tried to wrap around the dark purple crystal. Just as it was about to seal the deal the body quickly sputtered to life, a clawed hand, covered in a dark purple energy, swatted away the shadow beast from it’s most prized possession. The shadow recoiled and watch in awe as the body came back to life. The body started to rise up from the snow, snow and ice cracking and sliding off it. It stood tall, tall as two story building and it was slender and hunched over. His eyes were deep purple and full of ambition. “Pitiful creature, can’t even harvest dark energon from the dead.” It spoke in a deep almost suave voice. The shadow glared at him, his dark green eyes full of rage at the insult. The brushed some snow off his torso, “Now if you don’t mind I must be off to deal with a...loose end.” The creature tried to walk away but the shadow would not let this insult pass easily. He grabbed his leg, causing the creature to fall over in the snow. It turned with a look of rage in his eyes “You dare disrespect the great and powerful Starscream.” The shadow returned the death gaze “My Crystal!” he shouted as he dove for Starscreams chest again “Your crystal?! And what do you know of dark energon?” his voice calmed slowly The shadow moved closer “It is power...” the shadow breathed out “My power, in -my- palace.” Starscream’s anger towards the shadowy creature subsided as he heard this revelation, and with an ambitious spark in his eye said, “Well then you odd beast, let us talk. I’m sure we have much in common.” The shadow smirked “I am no beast, I am King Sombra.”
