//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Mystery Solved // Story: The Inner Conflict // by TheClownPrinceofCrime //------------------------------// IN EQUESTRIA “By the Matrix... this planet does seem to be very... appealing,” Brawn observed. “I’m starting to like it already.” Once Team Athenia transformed in their Cybertronian vehicle modes, they began to drive their way to Canterlot with Twilight guiding them. Discord and Thunderlane were flying next to Rodimus Prime and Red Alert with looks of interest on their faces. “I’ve always wondered what Cybertron looked like,” said Thunderlane. “What is it like over there... if you don’t mind me asking?” “Cybertron is the kind of planet where you will never get the opportunity to rest from battle... at least in my experience. With its Decepticon terrorists threatening its very safety, we must always be on our utmost guard to defend it at all costs.” Rodimus replied. “Really? So you guys are always at war with those scary dudes?” Thunderlane asked. “Yes,” replied Red Alert with a sad tone. “The Autobots and the Decepticons used to be a peaceful race... living in harmony together. But Megatron disrupted that peace and rebelled against our leaders; he claimed that we Autobots have deceived them and have ‘oppressed’ them. Believing his delusions, they followed him and became Decepticons...” “That’s what Megatron told us,” said Discord, eating popcorn with ketchup. “Now they seek to destroy anything that stands in their way. I simply cannot imagine what they have done to your home planet,” Red Alert finished. “However, I believe that every sentient creature possesses the capacity for change. There has to be some good in them.” “Pfff, keep telling yourself that,” scoffed Ironhide. “Besides, they’ll never change their ways. Once a Decepticon, ALWAYS a Decepticon!” “There may be some truth in what Red Alarm—,” Discord said. “Red Alert,” she corrected. “—Red Alert said. Look at me! I was the most brilliant villain at one time, spreading chaos all over Equestria!” Discord explained, wearing purple clothing with clown makeup on his face. He also held a joker card. “That was until my dear Fluttershy came and showed me the error of my ways. So if I can change, so can the ‘Cons!” “That’s quite interesting,” Hot Shot remarked. “Say, what other cool powers do you have? The way you summon your magic looks so awesome!” Discord chuckled in amusement. “Why, it’s just my good ol’ chaos magic doing all the dirty work! Just like the time I and my friends were able to defeat Mega-loser and his lackeys. (Chuckles heartily) I mean, they were basically canon fodder for us to beat down and throw around. Even Megatron couldn’t keep his balance in battle!” The Autobots slightly slowed their pace as soon as he said that. “Did you really? How were you organics able to... do that?!” Ironhide exclaimed. “First, you defeated Megatron and now you toss those Decepti-chops like wrapped up scrap metal? Next, you’re gonna say that you were able to defeat Trypticon... which of course you’re too weak to accomplish.” Red Alert extended her arm in vehicle mode and slapped Ironhide’s roof. “Oww!!” “Knock it off, Ironhide!” Red Alert scolded. “Ok, ok, fine...” Ironhide hesitantly complied. “Hmmm... then it appears to me that you creatures are truly... strong and powerful in a certain... unknown way,” Rodimus noticed as he contemplated on the ponies’ ordeal and story. “Perhaps there is more to you organics than meets the optic sensors.” Eventually, they all arrived at the city of Canterlot. After the Autobots transformed to their robot modes, they noticed that the city was under heavy security and reconstruction. They also noticed four other organics talking with each other at the city’s front gates. Twilight, Discord, and Thunderlane waved at them. “I suppose they are friends of yours, Princess Twilight?” Rodimus asked. “Yep!” Twilight nodded. “Those two alicorns are the rulers of Equestria, and there’s my two other close friends as well!” The four ran/flew down to meet the new visitors and reunite with Twilight. After they finished embracing Twilight, they looked up and noticed the friendly-looking insignias on the Autobots’ chassis. “Welcome, alien visitors! I am Princess Celestia, and this is my sister Luna... we are the co-rulers of Equestria,” Celestia formally welcomed. “You must be the Autobots from Cybertron, correct?” “We are indeed,” Rodimus nodded. “My name is Rodimus Prime, leader of Team Athenia. This is our team’s medical officer: Red Alert...” Red Alert tenderly smiled in acknowledgement. “...our weapon specialist: Ironhide...” Ironhide saluted with a half-smile. “...our muscle of the team: Brawn...” Brawn raised his fists and smashed them together. “...and lastly, our team scout: Hot Shot.” The scout wore a cocky grin and shot flames in the air. “Was that really necessary?” Red Alert asked with an unamused look. “What? It’s for dramatic effect!” Hot Shot excused. “Anyway, it is an honor to be here for any assistance you may need,” Rodimus continued. “Princess Twilight informed me that you have an organic missing. He goes by the name of... Rumble. Is that true?” “Yes,” replied Starlight. “He has been missing for a few days, and we were so worried of what happened to him.” “We even searched all over Equestria for him! I hoped none of the Decepticons captured him or anything like that!” Spike worried. “I’m afraid that may be the case, Spike,” Twilight sadly spoke. “Since we couldn’t find him anywhere in Equestria, it would be logical to reason that one of them captured Rumble.” “But who would that be? Megatron and his team were all defeated!” Luna added. “Hmm, let’s see...” Discord suddenly grew multiple arms around his body. “The robot baddies we took out were Meggy, Screamy, Lugger-Nut or whatever his name was, Blitz-brain with a personality disorder, Shocky, the female Starscream, and the two other jets who had the same voice with Screamy! That’s eight ‘Cons so far! Am I missing anyone?” His new arms disappeared. “You forgot Soundwave, Lockdown, and Laserbeak,” Twilight mentioned. “We defeated them in the Everfree Forest. Wait...” She then realized something after thinking about it. “Could it be...?” “After Shockwave neutralized me, I thought I noticed some dark blue bot grabbing that little colt before I blacked out. I’m not sure though...” Discord recalled, scratching his head. “Dark blue bot... that’s Soundwave! That’s his color scheme!” Spike realized. “Uh... who’s this Soundwave? Is he also a Decepticon?” Red Alert asked. “You never heard of him?” Starlight asked, surprised. The Autobots shook their heads. “Never in the history of the Decepticons.” Rodimus replied. “Well, he was with Megatron and the others to attack me and my friends,” Twilight explained. “If he wasn’t among the others whom we turned to stone and was the ‘dark blue bot’ Discord mentioned, then that means...(gasp)... HE WAS THE ONE WHO CAPTURED RUMBLE!” The others gasped in shock as well. “SOUNDWAVE?! He has my brother?! We have to save Rumble!! We must do something right now!” Thunderlane panicked. “So this is whom we’re now up against? This Soundwave guy?” Ironhide asked. “Well, whatever he is, if he wants to destroy the Autobots...” he activated his iron shield over his chest. “... he will have to get through me first!” “In due time, Ironhide. But for now, we have these little ones who need our help. We may not know who Rumble is, but no innocent being deserves to be harmed by Decepticon hands. It’s time we take action! Team, prepare yourselves to face a new foe!” Rodimus commanded. “Whoever this Soundwave is, he must be stopped... no matter the cost.”