Resting upon the side of a mountain was Canterlot; the beautiful capitol city of Equestria. It's most famous landmark was Canterlot Castle, home of the regal sisters and rulers of Equestria. Gazing out of one its many windows was the elder of the two, Princess Celestia. The white mare had her pink eyes locked on the civilians below as they played and socialized. The sight brought a smile to her lips and warmed her heart. Her eyes then shifted to a couple outside a café, laughing heartily and expressing love for one another in earnest.
Celestia's grin fell at this. She watched the Unicorn smiled as he kissed his Pegasus girlfriend. Though she knew she shouldn't think it, she could not help but wish that she was that mare. She wished that she had someone special to hold her, to love her, to give her comfort in difficult times. However, many of her subjects felt that no one was worthy of her. That all one could do was look but don't touch.
Any further thoughts on her personal life were put on hold by the familiar puff of dragon fire. No doubt her student or one of her friends presenting another report on the magic of friendship.
'Dear Princess Celestia,
You are not going to believe what happened here in Ponyville today. It started off as a normal day until three fillies were kidnapped by a pack of Diamond Dogs. However, help came in the form of a group of armored ponies called the Autobots.'
"Autobots? Rather unusual name."
'They are all very skilled warriors and their technology is amazing. I've only seen small samples of it but I can easily tell their science is centuries ahead of ours. Their weapons can fold in on themselves and become part of their armor which strangely enough looks like they're wearing parts from carriages. The Autobots are an odd collection of ponies, mostly Unicorns and Earth Ponies but I'm a little nervous about one of them. He's an elderly Changeling by the name of Jetfire. The other Autobots say he's harmless and the only thing bad about him is his temper but still. Even the Autobot leader says that he's safe. Speaking of which, the leader of the Autobots is a very surprising pony. His name is Optimus Prime…'
Optimus Prime, she mused in her head. It sounded rather odd but it had strength to it.
'…and he is just full of surprises. When he was fighting the Diamond Dog leader, he was so fierce and so strong but afterwards he became so gentle and soft spoken. Plus he claims he's just a soldier fighting for freedom for all beings. I thought that was a little odd considering his royal stature. Oh, I guess I should have mentioned earlier but Optimus Prime is an Alicorn stallion.'
Those last two words echoed in her mind for what seemed like an eternity. When it finally registered…
"WHAT?!"
She gripped the letter tightly and reread that last part, thinking she may have misinterpreted it but it was as exactly how she had read it and continued on.
'As this letter is being written, I have told Optimus Prime about you and Princess Luna. He says that he would be honored to meet you two. Pinkie Pie is throwing a party (again) to thank them for helping to protect the town and I hope you two will be here to greet them.
Your faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle'
She then bolted to her hooves and dashed down the hall until she reached a certain room. She opened the door and revealed Luna reading a magazine. Luna heard the door slam open and jumped immediately when she heard the sound.
Once she got her bearings together, she said, "Sister, doth thou not know how to knock?"
"Sorry. I just received a letter from Twilight Sparkle saying that there are newcomers here. I was thinking about heading out to greet them," Celestia replied.
"Go ahead. I'll just take care of some business-," the lunar diarch said dismissively.
"One of them happens to be a male Alicorn."
That one sentence made Luna stop in her tracks.
"Did you just say male Alicorn? We haven't had one of those since –"
"I know."
"But how? I always thought that you, I, Rosie, and Cadence were the only ones left. And all the others-"
Luna stopped when she saw her older sister begin to tense up. She then rushed to Celestia's side and began to console her.
"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have brought that up."
"It's okay, I'm fine. For now, let us prepare to meet these Autobots and their Alicorn leader."
Luna gave a simple nod and called for the royal carriage to be readied.
"By any chance, did Twilight Sparkle's letter happen to mention the name of this mystery stallion?"
"Yes, it did. He is called Optimus Prime."
"Hmm, peculiar name."
-------
Celestia and Luna eventually arrived in Ponyville. There, they were immediately greeted by the Mane Six at the town entrance.
"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, we're so glad you could make it," said Twilight.
"We're glad to come, Twilight," Celestia greeted her student.
"Yes, we've heard so much about these Autobots. I assume they're all waiting in Ponyville?" asked Luna.
"Eeyup, except Optimus. He went for a walk but he should be back soon," said Applejack.
At the mention of the Autobot leader and mystery Alicorn stallion, the sisters pressed to hear more.
"And what can thou tell us about this Optimus Prime?" Luna asked.
"I can tell you right now, if you wish," a deep baritone voice from behind spoke up.
The Mane six and the Princesses nearly jumped at the unexpected voice. The royal sisters slowly turned around to find what they could personally describe as a pony Adonis. He was tall, taller than Celestia with a red coat of fur and short blue mane all slicked back except for a lone bang hanging off the side of his horn. His eyes were an electric blue filled with gentleness but conveyed a soul heavy with sorrow. He appeared to be in need of a shave due to the five o'clock shadow on his muzzle but, to the assembled mares, it only added to his appeal. He was dressed in an open red and black jacket with his red wings pressed against it, white shirt and blue jeans. Parked beside him was his armor folded into the Peterbilt truck.
The respective white and navy cheeks of the Alicorn princesses both turned a bright pink. Luna even discreetly wiped away a bit of drool. After all, it would be unseemly for a princess to be seen drooling.
"I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."
The two sisters then greeted the Autobot commander gracefully. Their thoughts were another matter.
"Greetings, I am Princess Celestia." 'HOLY SWEET MOTHER FAUST, JACKPOT!'
"I am Princess Luna, we bid you welcome." 'Tia, don't be so vulgar! Honestly.'
'Oh, like you weren't thinking it too. Look at him, the guy's a perfect ten!'
'Regardless, you shouldn't behave as such. It is very inappropriate of your station.'
'Hey, a girl has needs or need I point out your little Playmare collection?'
'THAT IS NONE OF THY BUSINESS!'
Optimus took note of the two princesses' constant shifting facial expressions, as if they were having a silent argument.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Nope," they both said in unison.
"Okay... Anyway, my men and I have traveled far from home. We mean you no harm and only wish to be accepted here."
"I'm sure that will not be a problem, Mr. Prime," said Celestia.
"Prime is not really my surname; it is more like my rank."
"Is that normal where you're from?" asked Luna.
"Yes"
"Perhaps you can tell us more about where you come from?"
The Mane six were also curious since none of them had explained where they come from or anything of the like.
Optimus remained silent. He spoke with Wheeljack earlier about why the Autobot scientist thought it would best that they don't mention they are aliens from another planet and another dimension, given that they now have become like the denizens of this world; to do so would most likely label them as crazy. Optimus had to agree with Wheeljack's suggestion but if there was one thing Prime didn't like it was lying to someone. They debated until it was decided they would tell the truth but they all would keep certain parts secret so that they may not cause problems for both them and the natives of this world.
"I shall tell you when we have all settled down at the celebration Ms. Pie has arranged. This way you may meet my comrades and so I will only need to tell the story once."
"Why would you only want to tell it once?" asked Pinkie.
"It is a very long story."
Nothing more was said as Pinkie then ushered everyone to Sugarcube Corner where the party awaits. In moments, Sideswipe found his head diving into a barrel filled with water after an apple. A small number of the Autobots; namely Jazz, Mudflap, Bumblebee, and Skids were dancing to the music that was currently playing. The others were off to the side either watching or chatting with the locals.
"I believe introductions are in order. Autobots: fall in and sound off!"
The Autobots quickly snapped at attention and lined up. They each introduced themselves as Optimus and the girls walked by.
"Jazz: first lieutenant."
"Ironhide: weapon specialist."
"Ratchet: medical officer."
"Sideswipe: Close Quarters Combat specialist."
"Wheeljack: team scientist."
"Jolt: technician"
"Skids: infiltrator."
"Mudflap: infiltrator"
"Mirage: espionage and saboteur."
"Arcee: field commander."
"Chromia: special tactics."
"Flare-up: communications"
"Jetfire: seeker and senior strategist."
"Wheelie: infiltrator."
"Brains: intelligence officer."
"Roadbuster: mechanic and squad leader of heavy assault team, the Wreckers"
"Leadfoot: mechanic and heavy assault."
"Topspin: mechanic and heavy assault."
Optimus then approached the yellow scout.
"And this is Bumblebee, our scout."
"Couldn't he have said that himself?" asked Luna.
"Unfortunately no, Bumblebee lost his voice in the line of duty."
One of the townsponies asked what happened; to which Optimus asked all of them to gather round so that he could begin his tale.
"We Autobots come from a place very far away; a place known as Cybertron. Our home was once a powerful empire, peaceful and just. Under my rule along with one whom I once considered a brother: Megatron, we knew no strife or hardship and all were treated equal. But over time, Megatron started to become very aggressive with how things were done and started to come to believe we of Cybertron were a chosen few and all others were beneath us. He formed a group of like-minded individuals, calling themselves the Decepticons. And then one day, without warning, he attacked. I tried to reason with him at first but my pleas fell on deaf ears and he declared himself the sole ruler of Cybertron. With no other choice, I too formed a coalition to combat Megatron and his Decepticons' tyranny and stop it before it got out of hand."
"Did you succeed?" asked Luna.
"No. Our fight soon grew into a full scale civil war, our small groups became vast armies and as a result; Cybertron had been reduced to a barren wasteland consumed by death."
All the Ponyvillians gasped in horror and sorrow.
"They only way we could restore life to our home was through an ancient artifact known to us as the Allspark. However, Megatron sought its power as well as means to create an army of infinite soldiers. Bumblebee was stationed at the Allspark's location when Megatron attacked and as a last resort, he cast the Allspark into the unknown. Infuriated by this, Megatron crushed his Bumblebee's voice box and chased after the cube. He's been mute ever since."
Bee subconsciously rubbed his scarred throat as many ponies glanced at the young scout.
"What happened after that?"
Optimus then told them of their adventures on Earth, omitting certain parts such as humanity's existence due to his uncertainty of the ponies knowledge and/or standing of them as well as parts that may have been too graphic for the younger ears in the audience; (If you don't know what adventures, go see the Transformers trilogy) up until their arrival in the Everfree forest.
"Um, Mr. Optimus, sir?" a tiny voice squeeked out.
Optimus looked down to see a young and small colt, Pipsqueak was his name, Prime believed.
"Aren't you worried the Decepticons followed you here?"
"I am; though I must pray that those fears are unfounded."
------
In a cave on a distant mountain far, far north of Equestria; a group of six scientists from Canterlot was hard at work exploring their latest discovery.
"Dr. Do, what are you hoping to find here?"
The Dr. Do in question was honey-gold Pegasus mare with ruby eyes.
"The locals say this place is supposed to be evil and recently there was a strange incident last night."
"What kind of incident?" one asked, feeling very nervous about the cave being evil.
"A streak of light came out of nowhere and slammed into the mountain last night. They were going on like it's a bad omen. Princess Luna asked for our cooperation in investigating it."
The expedition came to a halt when they reached a fork that branched out in three tunnels. They all then break off into smaller groups of two. Dr. Do and one of the scientists went down the left tunnel, while the remaining four (which, for the time being, will be referred as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) split and went down the middle and right tunnels.
------
Dr. Do walked up in front of her scared companion as they made their way down the long dark stone corridor. The farther they went the more the cave started to become less like a tunnel and more like a hallway. When all of the stalagmites and stalactites had stopped appearing, the two explorers got a better look at the walls and found them to be made of stone bricks. The same could be said for the ceiling and floor.
"I'm starting to think that this mountain isn't a mountain," said Dr. Do.
Their attention was then drawn further down the hall by a bright pale blue light.
------
The center path was very winding but very spacious. It soon lead to a room with writing covering one of the walls. Dr. Alpha approached to translate it while Dr. Gamma held up a torch for better light.
"This is a warning to all living mortals; disturb not the vile creature that lies imprisoned here lest he awaken and bring about eternal darkness upon all creation."
The two scientist stared at one another, confused and fearful of the vague message.
------
The right tunnel didn't last as long as the other two and stopped with a dead end. What was there, however, shocked them.
"What is it?" Dr. Beta asked.
"It's the skeleton of a ram but not any kind I've seen before."
It was true. In life, this ram must have been at least seven feet tall and its two primary horns curved back then down and then forward while a small third horn in between them protruded forward. Its teeth were sharpened to the point they could no doubt tear flesh. Dr. Delta then looked down to see something in the dead creature's chest where the heart would be.
"What's that in its ribcage?" he asked.
"It looks like a… a Unicorn horn."
"It does..." he trailed off as he gripped the severed appendage and pulled it loose.
As the two explorers examined their peculiar find, they didn't see the eye sockets of the monster ram skeleton begin to glow a dull red.
------
There was a sudden cry of terror that echoed through out the cave system. Alpha and Gamma rushed back to see what was the matter. Only to come to a halt in front of a huge shadowed figure with glowing red eyes. It wasn't long before their screams were heard, too.
------
Dr. Do's associate had left her earlier when the first screams were heard. Then came the second screams and she was left in silence. After several minutes, she abandoned her search for the source of the light and went in search of her missing comrades.
"Doctor-" she manged to let out before a large hand grasped her by the neck. She stared in shock at the offending limb's owner: A giant of a ram with dark blue fur with parts looking as if they were rotting but slowly they were going away. He had three black horns and a pair of evil red eyes.
"Hello my dear," he said in a raspy voice.
"W-Who are you?" she managed to wheeze out due to her constricted neck.
"Quite some time must have passed if you don't recognize me. I am your destined ruler. I am the end of all light. You may address me as Grogar of Tambelon."