Chapter 10 You Gotta Care, You Gotta Share
The next morning, Starscream and Rainbow Dash confronted Twilight about his defect. Leaving the Decepticons completely and aiding in the defense of the planet, he made it clear that he wanted nothing more with the Decepticons and with his help they could guarantee victory over the Decepticons. Twilight was just as delighted as Rainbow Dash and immediately wrote a letter to Celestia requesting there presents and sent via Spike.
“So what is this letter about Twilight?” Spike asked sitting at the kitchen table after he sent the letter.
“Well you see, after extensive research from um…” Twilight struggled to come up with a term that was around the truth instead of straight forward lying.
Applejack only shook her head “Twi, no offense but Ah think their going to find out eventually.”
“Find out what dear?” Rarity asked no sure what they were talking about. All of them were in the kitchen excluding Granny Smith who was having her nap.
“But don’t you think that-” Rainbow Dash began.
“I am a Decepticon.” Starscream said out of the blue with all of them turning to them “I am one of the invaders of your planet.”
“What!” Rarity said surprised “You vial, how can you even-”
“Yeah, what kind of-” Scootaloo yelled as well.
“Hey, hear him out!” Rainbow Dash defended forcing Rarity and Scootaloo to be quite mostly because they were surprise that she of all of them was defending him.
“Thank you.” Starscream said somewhat annoyed but he expected that reaction “Through this mysterious entity that is prominent on this planet called magic, I’ve been transformed in a pony. My time with you ponies made me realize that I have no desire to be with Megatron and the other Decepticons, or rather, I realized I don’t have to return, not this time.”
“Okay, that’s good to know. But why are you telling us now?” Fluttershy asked.
“Because you’ll find out eventually. When we go see your rulers, I have to explain why I am able fight them. Without my help, the Decepticons we win the next encounter.”
Spike jumped out of his chair and onto to the table “Wait, wait, wait, I thought the princess’ were getting those new weapons…that other pony had… ”
“If you talking about that one Pony’s arsenal, it will not be effective enough. Knowing Megatron, he’ll call in plenty of reinforcements. The technology he used was equivalent to Earth’s, it wouldn’t be very effective, at least not this time.”
“What did you mean by reinforcements? There are more of you meanie Decepticons!?” Pinkie asked.
Starscream chuckled “The Decepticon army is massive compared to yours.” Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped “But Megatron can’t use it, also it would be a waste of energy, something we are not capable of doing right now. Besides, if he wants this to go smoothly he would need to keep a good number of them to stay on Earth and Cybertron to prevent the Autobots from interfering.”
“So…why are you betraying them?” Spike asked still skeptical.
The ex-seeker turned to the dragon and answered lightly “Because…I have friends here.”
“Clie-” it was there the young dragon burped out a letter “Ah a letter!” he took the letter and began to read it.
Dear Twilight Sparkle, My most faithful student,
I am pleased to hear that you may have something that can aid us in this troubled time. My wounds have healed and I have resumed my rule. My sister was able to efficiently outfit our military with these new weapons, and at an efficient rate I might add. I always did have faith in her.
I have sent a carriage to bring you to the palace.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
“Alright! Once Starscream tells them everything, we’ll win for sure!” Rainbow said excitedly.
“Now hold on Rainbow. My personal views aside, we have to make sure Screamer get’s a word out. That said” Applejack turned her attention to Starscream who was already facing her “I recommend yah keep your trap shut.”
“For once mare, I have to agree.” He answered.
It was then that the pink mare jumped on the kitchen table and got uncomfortably close to the ex-transformer. Her expression was a glare straight into his eyes actually making him back away a bit. So much so that Pinkie was able to jump off the table. The other ponies were just surprise at the sudden reaction but also seemed to be hostel at the same time. Starscream backed away into a wall as the pink mare got closer and closer to his face, intimidating him more so than any of the others.
There was a pause for a few seconds but before any pony could say anything “What was it like being a transformer?”
Starscream’s look of stress turned to annoyance immediately “What?”
“What was it like? Did you guys have parties?”
The others merely chuckled at the sight as Starscream got progressively annoyed with the questions “It was different from a ponies and no we didn’t have parties…at least not often…”
“Oh! Did you get all sorts of presents at your parties?”
“Not really” Starscream said moving to the side trying to avoid the excited pink mare to Twilight “Please tell me your mode of connivance will be here soon.”
“Well considering the urgency of what you have to offer, I’m sure that they will be here shortly.” Twilight explained.
“Wait, you told her about me and the Decepticons?” he asked somewhat concerned.
“No, no, I just told her that we have a break through that may aid us.”
“…I guess that’s the safest way to get there.”
“Right. Knowing Celestia though, they should be arriving almost-”
“Look everyone, I can see it!” Applejack called from the other room.
All of them ran outside to see the carriage land right in front of the farmhouse. It was an elegant design that was mostly white. The color scheme was very similar to all of Celestia’s stand out colors. The frame was the aqua green and the door framed with light blue. It was propelled by two grey stallion pegasus with gold armor.
“Well, I won’t say that your rulers are not efficient…” Starscream said surprised at their speed, though he was aware of this entity of magic and of course the distance was not significantly far but still was rather impressed.
“The princess has requested your presents, you and your friends.” The stallion said looking directly at Twilight, showing that she was talking to her specifically.
“Yes, thank you.” She turned to her friends “Alright let’s go everypony!” And with that, all of the entered the carriage. To Starscream’s surprise, it was able to fit all of them.
“Can we come?” Applebloom asked as she tried to jump in.
Applejack chuckled “Sorry Sugarcube, but this is a serious matter. Y’all stay witya brother alright?”
The yellow filly sighed sadly with her friends also sadden “Alright…”
“Y’all be able to handle them Macintosh?” Applejack asked.
“Eeyup!” he said with a soft smile he usually had.
She smiled at him and then waved at the little fillies as the other ponies inside had a seat inside. The carriage was slightly larger than most. Instead of six seats, it had eight, obviously to accommodate Starscream. The remaining seat was occupied with Twilight’s saddle bags, which Spike sat on, which she sat next to.
After all of them were set up properly, the carriage started their way back to the palace. During the trip, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie were all talking about their miserable time when they went to the gala. Starscream mostly just looked out the window, clearly concerned about the upcoming events.
Telling the group about his previous endeavors and form was one thing, but telling their ruler while he was vulnerable was something entirely different. This group he was comfortable with, he trusted them and they trusted him, well at least Rainbow Dash and Twilight did anyway. But at the palace he was going to their rulers, their highest position and most powerful, both in political and physical power, the one who successfully turned him into one of their kind. He could only hope for the best at this rate. He made his decision. He was on their side, his position with the Decepticons was no more…he actually had to smirk at that.
“Doing alright Screamer?” The cyan pegasus asked. She was sitting right next to him.
“I suppose. I can’t say that I’m looking forward to it. I can’t imagine this going smoothly.” Starscream said honestly. He smirk at the idea, he’s been more honest with them than his entire existence with the Decepticons.
“I won’t worry about it.” Rainbow Dash said dismissively “Egghead here is the Princess favorite student. I’m pretty sure that she’ll hear you out.”
Twilight rolled her eyes at her nickname that Rainbow Dash gave her but let it slide “She’s right. Celestia is my teacher, I’m sure that she’ll let you speak if I you let me introduce you.”
“Yeah, so pretty much wait till Twilight says you can talk.” Rainbow simplified.
“Fair enough. Have your rulers made any attempts to prepare against them?” The ex-seeker asked.
“Aside from making more of those weapons that stallion used, I don’t know.”
“Eh, doesn’t matter! Screamer here will tell us how to take them down.” The female pegasus said confidently.
“Hmph, this may be best chance I’ll ever get to defeating Megatron.” Starscream snickered at the irony of the situation.
Within a short time all of them arrived at the palace and were escorted by several guards, all of them armed with firearms that Duke provided. None of the guards spoke with them except for when they departed and one guard told them to follow them. As Starscream expected the whole palace to be this elaborate in such an extreme care. He wasn’t accustom to such pleasantries, not to say that Cybertron didn’t have elaborate buildings as well, mostly in Iacon City but that was before the war.
“Wow, they really making sure that we’re protected huh?” Spike said aloud who was currently riding on Twilight’s back.
“Well considering what we’re about to offer, I’m sure they don’t want anything to happen to us, all things considered.” Twilight explained and then turned to Starscream “Remember, let me do the talking till I say you can.”
“As you command, mighty Twilight Sparkle.” He said with sarcasm mostly because he was tired of hearing the same instructions. Twilight merely rolled her eyes as they continued.
Within a short period of time and going through many corridors and hallways they finally made it to the thrown room. They were surprised to see both Princess’ were sitting there waiting for them. Both Princess Celestia and Luna were sitting side by side both with a look of hope on their faces.
Starscream was shocked at the sight. They were larger than they were. He didn’t really get a look at Celestia when he was transformed. They were both grand in their flowing manes and royal garb. It really was a sight to see, especially since he was so small now compared to them.
“Twilight Sparkle, My Most Faithful Student” Celestia said joyously as before when she visited her student.
“Guards” Luna addressed them “Thou’s presents is no longer needed. Vacate the thrown room immediately. We thank you for bringing them in safely.”
“Yes your highness.” All the guards said in unison and walked out the main doors.
“It’s so good that you’ve come to us with information that can protect Equestia. What have you to offer my student?” Celestia asked.
Twilight took a few steps forward “Celestia, Luna, since the attack on Ponyville, we’ve met someone who was vastly knowledgeable about the Decepticons.”
“Is this the Stallion to whom you have brought forward?” Luna asked while also making an observation.
Starscream was about to say something but Rainbow nudged him with her hoof since she knew full well that Starscream was going to say something. Starscream only glared at her to which she smirked at his reaction.
“Yes Luna” Twilight said then turning back to Starscream and motioned him with her hoof “Please introduce yourself.”
Starscream walked beside Twilight and faced the two rulers. He had to be honest, he was quite intimidated. “Rulers of Equestia, I am Starscream, I am Megatron’s Second-in-Command.”
There was a pause from all of them. The only sound uttered was Celestia gasp when he introduced himself. But before she could say anything the ex-seeker continues “From the initial attack of Ponyville, I was transformed into your race.”
“How has thou become from a massive machine to our race when thou is immune to our magic?” Luna asked thou sounded more like a demand, considering she now learned she was talking with their enemy.
“I’m not sure.” He replied passively since the question has been asked so many times already “Regardless, my time with Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and all of the others, I learned something. Even before my transformation, I felt that we Decepticons have no business here.”
Celestia’s angered expression softens when he explained what Twilight and the others taught him and could tell he was telling the truth.
“My time with them showed me that this is a planet that must be preserved. From what I understand, this planet is heavily reliant on this entity called magic.”
“This is true, Starscream.” Celestia began standing on all fours “My planet has been in harmony for many years, aside from a few mishaps here and there. We’ve had no need for developing more advanced weapons for conventional warfare.”
“But I have. I’ve been with the Decepticons for millions of steller cycles. And was Megatron’s highest officer. If you’re going to be defending Equestia you’re going to need me.”
“Starscream” Celestia began “If what you are saying is true, than allow me to let you join in preparing for battle.”
Starscream finally had the confidence to give his signature smirk “With pleasure my dear Celesita.”
“Thou have much to offer. We personally thank you for your defect from the Decepticons. Please enlighten us with your information.” Luna commanded.
Within an hour Starscream was already talking with Luna and other ponies all about the Decepticons. He was talking about all the major Decepticons in great detail. Being both Second-in-Command and a scientist, he knew all their weaknesses and knew how to exploit them, even with Earth level technology. By his side was Rainbow Dash, if for anything to protect him, they knew very well that not all ponies would trust him, but he accepted this even on the trip here.
The others were occupied as well. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were working the armor, making adjustments as well as testing them. Applejack tested them with her hoofs as Rarity took care of all the measurements and other minor details that she felt that were major details much to Applejack’s cringe. Fluttershy was taking care of the many animals that were in the area. Due to the situation with the Decepticons, many of those who maintain the garden were busy with other tasks, so Fluttershy made it her duty, despite what happened at the Gala last time. And Spike was with Duke Hoof’em, expecting to learn something about attracting mares.
Twilight however was with her teacher in Celestia’s personal bedroom. Both of them were over looking her notes that she took when all the times she talked to Starscream. Even though Starscream gave much information about himself and his former race, it didn’t explain how magic was ineffective against them.
“I’m sorry Celestia. This is all I have. Starscream told me that magic was something he wasn’t exposed to, I’m sure he doesn’t know why either.” Twilight said dejectedly looking back at her notes. Both of them were lying on the bed looking at her notes.
“I understand my student. You did your best. And we are not without hope, if it wasn’t for you and your friends, Starscream wouldn’t have found Friendship.”
Twilight blushed lightly at being flattered by her teacher “Hmph, yeah I guess, in a way, Starscream is kinda like me, aside from out interest in science.”
Celestia smiled “Twilight Sparkle, in recent time, before this issue with the Decepticons, I felt that you were greatly educated in many ways and friendship is becoming you’re strongest field.” Twilight looked at her teacher directly now “I knew you been greatly taught when you helped my sister on Nightmare Night, but now that you have showed this to somepony to has not been exposed to friendship before, I must say that is quite an accomplishment.”
“Um…thanks. But really I think it was Rainbow Dash who really broke that into him.”
“Because of this, I am giving you a choice.” Twilight attention was now at its zenith “After this conflict is over, would you like to return to Canterlot to continue your other studies? Or you like to continue living in Ponyville and start an alternative form of me educating you.”
Twilight stopped and was surprised at that proposition. If this was a year ago she would’ve been all for it. But she’s gotten so close to her friends over the years that she couldn’t imagine leaving. And if anything, she knew there was more to Friendship than what she has learned.
She shook her head “N-No…I can’t. I’ve…no…I have to stay in Ponyville. I know there is so much more to learn about friendship, and Starscream even with Rainbow Dash, I think he’ll need more help and so will Rainbow Dash. Besides, they have to send friendship reports too.”
Celestia was surprised but smiled “I understand my faithful student.”