//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: Transformers Prime: Friendship is Magic (A Hub Crossover Special) // by thelastprime //------------------------------// Aboard the bridge of the Nemesis, Megatron stood silently, watching his plan of taking down the Autobots one by one unfold on the monitors. As he continued to view his scheme, he hears the door open from behind him. The lord of the Decepticons turns around to see his second in command approaching him. Dreadwing then kneels before his master. "Lord Megatron," He began, "I have successfully captured the Autobot, Arcee. She is being placed in a holding cell as we speak." "Excellent work, Dreadwing." Megatron complimented his loyal servant, "That's one less Autobot to worry about. When the moment presents itself, then we shall have her executed." Megatron then notices the dents and scratches in Dreadwing's armor. "I take it, that Arcee put up a struggle? She can particularly, be a handful." Megatron asked. "It wasn't just Arcee, my liege, but a rather, formidable pony called Rainbow Dash that gave me some... difficulty." The seeker commander answered. "It would be unwise, to under estimate these natives." "Really now, Dreadwing?" Megatron said in an annoyed tone, "You allowed a weakling organic to match you? Pathetic. No matter... Arcee has been taken prisoner, and your mission has been accomplished. And Dreadwing, I don't EVER want to hear about one of my top lieutenants, having difficulty fighting an organic germ again. You will terminate them without hesitation if you have another altercation with them. Understood?" "Yes, my lord." Dreadwing replied. Then, both Megatron, and Dreadwing hear a ground bridge portal open from behind them. As they look at the portal, they see Knockout, with a grin on his face, walk through. "I take it, judging by your, smug appearance, you have good news?" Megatron asked. "Indeed, Lord Megatron," Knockout answered, "I can officially say, that Bumblebee is no more! He's nothing but a crater at the bottom of a mountain." "And where, pray tell, would your evidence be?" Megatron scoffed, not believing that the medic could accomplish such a feat. "Well, you see, he fell of a cliff, and..." Knockout began to stammer. "NO EXCUSES, KNOCKOUT!" Megatron yelled. "If you truly terminated an Autobot, as so you claim, you are to fetch the remains. I want the corpse brought back here as solid PROOF! Do I make myself clear, Doctor??!!" "Crystal, Lord Megatron." Knockout answered, nearly rattling his armor from shaking in fear. "Enough of your cowering, and return to the laboratory. I will need your scientific expertise later on, when we've obtained the spell to return us to Earth, given that Queen Chrysalis holds up her end of the bargain." Megatron ordered. "As you wish, my liege." Knockout bowed, and exits the bridge with Dreadwing following him out. He then views his monitors again. Megatron gives a slight evil laugh, as he watches his troops about to ambush the Wreckers, who were separated from each other in different locations. Sweet Apple Acres... Applejack rested under one of the trees in her orchard, taking a break after a long day of apple bucking. She then hears heavy footsteps approaching her, and coming into view, was a familiar large green Autobot. Bulkhead then sits down in front of her, with an embarrassed look on his face. "Sheesh, I can't believe I did it again." He said to the cowmare, "It's probably best you don't take me to the market again. That pony, Carrot Top I think her name was, looked like she was about to rip my transistors out after I accidently stepped on her cart." "Now don't you worry about it, big guy." Applejack answered him, "Ya didn't mean to cause such a ruckus. Thanks to the gems Spike found earlier this week, we were able to pay her back." Bulkhead gave a slightly awkward smile to her, as Applejack was still very forgiving towards her other worldly companion. She knew he had no malicious intent. "I'll make it up to you all, I promise." Bulkhead stated as Applejack simply laughed. "You're a pretty hard worker, just like Big Macintosh. The farm's been doin' better than ever since you showed up. Our workload's been cut in half. I can't thank ya enough, Bulk. You've truly been a great help." The Autobot sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Heh, thanks AJ. I'm just glad I was able to be productive, despite all the trouble I caused." he replied. "Think nothin' of it. Why to me, you're officially an honorary member of the Apple Family." This statement caught Bulkhead by surprise. "Well, Gee, I'm honored!" Bulkhead said, "First, I was a construction worker, then a Wrecker, later a member of Team Prime, and now, an Apple Farmer. Guess my resume's getting longer." "And I'm always happy to have ya. All of us are." Applejack answered. "You and your friends seem to have lots of adventures," Bulkhead explained, "there's never a dull moment here. I sure wish Miko could see this. I'm sure she'd enjoy this world." "And who's Miko?" Applejack asked. "She's a human, one of the native lifeforms of Earth. She's a bit of a thrill seeker, and feisty. Miko kinda has a bad habit charging headon into action, though it can get her into trouble alot. Still, she's one of the best friends I ever had, next to Jackie, and you of course. I'm kinda sad the two of you will probably never get to meet. Still, she'd probably never believe me when I tell her about you ponies." "Heh, sounds like Apple Bloom and the rest of the CMC when they're together in one of their crusadin' quests . She seems very rambunctious." Applejack replied. "So, what do these, Hoo-mans, look like?" "Humans," Bulkhead corrected her, "And why tell, when I can show you." And with that statement, the Autobot opened his chest compartment, and pulled out a small photo. He then shows it to the pony. It was a picture of Bulkhead, with a girl sitting on his shoulder. "Well Tarnation!" Applejack said, "Yer friend Miko, looks like what Twi kept describin' about them's folks from that magic mirror world that she went to. Twilight also got turned into one of them while she was there!" "Uhh, what?" Bulkhead asked in confusion, scratching his head. "Long story, Sugarcube." She replied to the bot. "And Spike, from what I hear, got turned into a pooch. Poor kid." The two shared a laugh, as Applejack then gets back on her feet. "Well, that's enough for my break." She stated, "Gotta get back to the harvest. Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom are waitin' for me." "Sure thing AJ, I'll catch up with you, as soon as I fix that leaky roof on your barn. Granny's been bugging me about it for the past few hours." The Bot stated, as he began to walk towards the barn. Applejack simply smiled at Bulkhead as she watched him walk off, but also felt a slight sadness. She knew he would have to return to Earth soon. "I sure am gonna miss the big lug." She thought to herself. She then makes her way deeper into the orchard as she sees Big Macintosh bucking a tree, knocking the apples out of it, as Apple Bloom tried her attempt, kicking another tree, but to no avail. "Dang-nammit" Apple bloom yelled, "I'm never gonna be good at this." "Don't you worry, sugarcube." Applejack reassured her, "It'll take some practice, but you'll get the hang of it." "Eeyup!" Big Macintosh agreed. "I guess." The filly replied, still unconvinced. "I know, why don't ya help your brother out by gettin' the baskets ready?" Applejack instructed. "Sure, I can do that!" Apple Bloom happily stated, as she began to run towards the storage shed. "That filly, always tryin' too hard. But I'm glad she's willing to work hard." Applejack mentioned to her brother. "Eeyup." Big Macintosh again agreed. The two siblings nod to each other, then resume their work. But then, Applejack and her brother hear what appears to be a loud buzzing sound. "What in tarnation is that?" Applejack asked, puzzled by the noise. Big Macintosh simply shrugged. "Hmm, sounds like, bugs. They better not be goin' after the harvest." the cowmare said. The buzzing however, grew louder. Then the source of the noise revealed itself, as it flew over the orchard. What appeared to be a giant beetle soared over the farm, and seemed to zero in on the two ponies. "WHAT IN CELESTIA'S NAME??!!" Applejack shouted in shock, as her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. Big Macintosh jaw hung open, dropping the piece of straw he was chewing on. The giant bug then lands in front of the two ponies, and gives a loud shriek. "I've never seen a bug that big in my entire life!" Applejack shouted, as she and Big Macintosh took defensive stances. The giant beetle then gives another loud bellow, and runs towards them. "Oh no you don't! I don't care how big you are. No pests are gettin' our crop." She bravely stated as Applejack stood her ground. As the bug got closer, Big Macintosh then jumps up, and with his mighty hind legs, bucks it in the head, knocking it a few steps back. "Good work, Big Mac." Applejack complimented, "You got that bug spray around?" "Eeyup!" Big Macintosh answered, as he whips out a spray can. The bug then advances again, shrieking louder than ever. "Let em' have it!" Applejack ordered, as Big Macintosh unloads the spray can right into it's face. The insect simply looks at the ponies, with puzzlement, cocks it's head, then shrieks again. "Horseapples! It didn't work!" the orange mare said in frustration, as she began to grow afraid. Big Macintosh also began to back up, realizing, they may be in over their heads. Suddenly more buzzing sounds could be heard, and to the Apple Siblings' horror, two more giant beetles flew over head to join the one already present. They land next to the original bug, one on each side. They too also give a loud bellow and roar. Then they do something unexpected. To Applejack's and Big Macintosh's surprise, their forms began to change. Moving their shells like giant puzzle pieces, they start to shift and change. Soon they had taken the form of giant monstrous biped creatures with sharp teeth, mandibles, and claws. "Uh, Big Macintosh.... I'm startin' to think, these ain't yer normal garden variety pests." Applejack nervously stammered. "Nope!" Big Mac answered, equally horrified by this revelation. The three monsters then give a loud bellow and shriek, and began to rush towards the ponies. "YIKES!" Applejack yelled. "NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE!!!!!" Big Macintosh shouted as they both began to retreat. As they gallop in their escape, they see their younger sister coming towards them with a basket in her mouth. Apple Bloom, seeing her brother and sister running towards her, puts the basket down, and looks on in confusion. "Applejack? Big Macintosh? What's goin' on?" She asked innocently. "Apple Bloom, RUN! Ya gotta get outta here, NOW!" Applejack shouted to her. "Eeyup!" Big Macintosh replied. "Huh?" Apple Bloom was confused, until she saw the three giant monsters appear out of the thick brush of the trees of the orchard. "AAAAAHHHH!!!" The little filly screamed. Big Macintosh immediately scooped Bloom up and placed her on his back, as the ponies galloped as fast as they could, while the beasts in hot pursuit. One of the bugs then transforms back into beast mode, and flew overhead. It then lands in front of the ponies and cuts them off. It then transforms back into the biped monster and bares it's claws menacingly at the trio. Before they knew it, the Apples were surrounded by the three monsters. "What are we gonna do?" Apple Bloom asked in desperation. "I don't know, but We'll find a way out of this." Applejack answered, doing her best to reassure her sister and keep calm about the situation. As one bug monster began to advance, with it's claws hovering over the ponies, it was getting ready to strike. That's when a honking sound could be heard. A familiar large green SUV then barreled towards them, and before the creature could react, Bulkhead rams into it hard, sending it crashing into a tree. It had hit it so hard, the tree had uprooted. "BULKHEAD! Ya saved us!" Applejack happily shouted to her friend. "I knew I could count on ya!" Bulkhead then transforms into robot mode, and arms his wrecking ball hands. "AJ, Mac, Bloom, you all ok?" "We're fine Bulk." Applejack answered. "Come on, let's get these critters off of our farm!" "What are these things?" Apple Bloom asked. "I can't believe there here. This is bad..... REALLY BAD!" Bulkhead says as he readies himself. "You, know these varmints?" Applejack stated in puzzlement. "AJ, these aren't your ordinary farm pests. These, are INSECTICONS!" The Autobot explained, "They're some of the most dangerous Decepticons that Megatron has in his ranks." This revelation comes to a shock to the three Apple siblings. "Run that by me again?!" Applejack stammered. "If the bugs are here, that means, Old Buckethead is on your world!" Bulkhead said. "Ah, it is none other than the Wrecker." One of the Insecticons said. " I am Bombshock, and by destroying you, we shall avenge our fallen comrade, Hardshell." He then addresses the Insecticon to his right, "Come, Scurrydown, let us tear him to shreds!" "If you miss Hardshell so much, then I'll see to it, you'll meet him soon, bugface!" Bulkhead yelled back. With that, Bulkhead charges at the Insecticons, as two of them engage the Autobot in battle. Applejack and her siblings began to watch, as Bulkhead smashes his wrecking ball into Bombshock's face, knocking him down, as the second Insecticon, Scurrydown, takes a swipe at him. The Autobot catches the fist, and does a spinning hammerfist to Scurrydown's side. The Insecticon is slammed into the ground. Bombshock, recovering from the earlier attack, charges at the Wrecker, and with his claws, manages to strike Bulkhead in the chest, leaving scratch marks on his chassis. "Bulk!" Applejack screamed in horror. "Just a plating wound." He answers her. Scurrydown transforms into beast mode, and takes off into the air. He then charges up his horn, revealing it to be a cannon, and starts shooting and strafing the Bot. Bulkhead then turns his right hand into a blaster, and returns fire. Scurrydown is hit on his side, but it doesn't seem to do much damage. Regardless he lands, and transforms back into robot mode. Scurrydown then charges at him, as Bulkhead continues to shoot at the Insecticon. Only for him to be blindsided by Bombshock from behind, when he punches the Autobot in the back. All this time, Applejack, along with her two siblings watched the events unfold. She then notices something. While Bombshock and Scurrydown were busy fighting Bulkhead, the third was simply watching. It hadn't entered the battle yet. She then realized why..... This one was waiting for the other two to wear the Autobot down. As soon as Bulkhead either took enough damage, or exhausted himself, it would enter the fray, and strike. Applejack could feel her anger began to rise, as the rage boiled inside of her. "Why that, dirty, rotten, no good, snake in the grass!" Applejack muttered. "Big Mac, we gotta do something!" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh answered. "What's the plan?" Apple Bloom asked. As Bulkhead continued to hold off the Insecticons as best he could, he began to falter. The battle and the damage he's been receiving began to take it's toll. Bombshock punches him in the face, knocking the Wrecker backwards, only for Bulk to land into the fist of Scurrydown, as he punches the Bot back towards Bombshock's direction. At this point, the third Insecticon was about to strike. It readied it's arm mounted blasters, and took aim at Bulkhead. Then suddently... SPLAT!!! Something had hit the Insecticon in the optics. As it wiped the substance from it's face, it sees that it was the remains of an apple. The Insecticon then sees, Apple Bloom tossing apples in the air, as both Applejack, and Big Macintosh bucking them at it's direction. More apples began to hit the Insecticon. It shrieks in anger, then aims it's blasters at the ponies instead. "Scrap!" Bulkhead shouted. "AJ, Mac, Bloom, what are you doing??!!! Get out of here now!" Bulkhead knocks the Insecticon he was fighting off of him, and makes a B-Line towards the Con that was taking aim at his friends. He fires several shots at it. This gets the Con's attention. The Insecticon then takes aim at Bulkhead, just as he transforms into his Vehicle mode, and drives at it full speed. The Con fires it's blasts, as Bulkhead weaves back and forth to avoid the blasts. He then transforms back into robot mode and jumps in the air, bringing his wreaking ball hand down onto the Insecticon's head as he lands, completely pulverizing it. The headless Insecticon then falls to the ground, dead. "Ha! That's one down!" Bulkhead happily stated. "Nice one there, Bulk!" Applejack complimented. "That was awesome!" Apple Bloom stated. "Eeyup!" Big Macintosh said in his usual tone. Seeing what had happened, Bombshock then transforms into beast mode, and takes off into the air. He gives a loud shriek. "What in tarnation is that bugger doin'?" Applejack wondered. As Bombshock continued to do his war cry, Bulkhead realized an awful truth. "Oh no.... This isn't good." He said to the ponies. "Why, what's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked. "He's calling for reinforcements!" The Bot replied. As on cue, a large swarm of Insecticons then fill the sky, flying towards their direction. Bulkhead, and the Apple siblings looked on in horror. "AJ, you gotta get your family out of here. Run, and don't look back." "What are you sayin'?" Applejack couldn't believe her ears. "I'm saying, you need to clear out. It's not safe for you to be here." Bulkhead replied to the stubborn cowmare. "No way! I ain't leavin' you here with them beasts. You're a part of the Apple Family now. And we NEVER abandon our kin!" Applejack shot back. "Eeyup!" Big Macintosh agreed. "We'll stick by your side no matter what!" Apple Bloom added. "I appreciate it. I really do. But you're in way over your heads. These Insecticons are deadly. I hate to say it, but none of you stand a chance. Now GO. I won't be able to fight to my fullest if I'm worrying about your safety." Bulkhead explained. "Besides, they're after me. I'm their main target. They'll most likely ignore you once I'm in their sights." "We ain't goin nowhere!" Applejack snapped, "We're in this together, partner." With that statement, Applejack and Big Macintosh took aggressive stances as the swarm got closer, with Apple Bloom looking up at the sky in anticipation. "Sorry AJ, but this is for your own good." Bulkhead muttered, as he opens his chest compartment, and pulls out what looks like a smoke grenade. He then pulls the pin and places it behind the ponies, as a green cloud of gas begins to emit from it. Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom then began to feel drowsy, then suddently, they lose conciousness, and drift into slumber. The sleeping gas had taken it's effect. He then scoops up the three ponies, and heads into the orchard. Finding a pile of fallen leaves, Bulkhead then covers the sleeping trio, and hides them from sight. After seeing that his friends were safely hidden away, he then confronts the swarm as they decent around him. "So, who's ready to rumble?" Bulkhead stated as he slams his fists together. The swarm of Insecticons transforms into robot mode and charge at him, while Bulkhead, with his blasters firing wildly into the swarm, charges back at them. As Applejack comes to, she groggily began to open her eyes, and rubs them. She sees Apple Bloom, and Big Macintosh, covered in leaves, sleeping next to each other. For a moment she was too dazed to remember what had happened. Then it all comes back, as her memories flood into her mind like a broken dam unleashing a river. She and her Brother were about to help Bulkhead take on a swarm on Insecticons, only for everything to suddenly go black. Applejack immediately jumps up, and runs towards the battle field. However, when she reaches it, she is greeted by a horrific sight. Countless corpses of dead Insecticons littered the farm. She began to search for the Autobot. "Bulk? Bulk, where are ya?" She called for him. "Where is that load of lead?" Applejack thought to herself. She then hears noises coming from the other side of the barn. Quickly she gallops towards the source. What she sees next, made her stomach churn. About six Insecticons were carrying Bulkhead's unconcious body towards what appears to be a large green portal. "We have subdued the Wrecker." Bombshock said, "Lord Megatron shall reward us greatly with our prize." Scurrydown and the remaining Insecticons nod in agreement, as They drag Bulkhead into the portal. "No, Bulkhead! You varmints better let him go." Applejack yelled as she ran towards the Cons. Ignoring the pony, as they don't see her as a threat, Bombshock, Scurrydown, and the rest of the Insecticons, with Bulkhead in tow, enter the ground bridge, and it disappears. "Oh no.... no...... NOOOOOO!" Applejack cried out. In a mountainous, rocky area not far away from Ponyville, Rarity, along with her sister Sweetie Belle, were once again hunting for precious gemstones. They were completely unaware and oblivious to the danger of the Decepticon attacks that had befallen their friends. "I'm glad you decided to take me on another field trip, Rarity." Sweetie Belle smiled at her older sister, "Maybe I'll get my cutie mark today." "Anything is possible, little sister." Rarity replied to the filly, "I'm just glad we're actually spending some time together. Just the two of us." She was particularly pleased, that Sweetie Belle, for once, won't be anywhere near Wheeljack. Rarity believed The Wrecker's uncivilized behavior was beginning to rub off on her sister. She would have none of it. The unicorn fashionista happily watched her younger sister fill her saddle bags with a number of different precious stones, as Rarity's horn glowed and directed her of where more could be found. "Ah yes, a perfect day without that uncouth barbarian to ruin it." She said to herself, as Sweetie Belle continued to dig up more gems. "Well, I think that's all there is here, Rarity." Sweetie Belle calls out. "Good work, Sweetie Belle. We've got ourselves quite the collection. Now, let's move on to the other side of the mountain." Rarity instructed. Sweetie Belle began to grow nervous at Rarity's words. "What ever is the matter, dear?" Rarity asked in concern, seeing her sister's fear. "Do we have to go....THERE??" Sweetie Belle asked in a frightened tone. "What about those stories? You know, about the legendary monster that lives there?" "Oh Sweetie Belle, you know it's just an old fillie's tale to scare children. I assure you, he doesn't exist." Rarity reassured her sibling. "But I heard that any pony who goes to the other side of the mountain, never came back. That HE took them." Sweetie Belle complained. "Sweetie Belle, really now..." Rarity said in a stern tone, "How old are you? And you STILL believe in that old legend?" Just then, both unicorns hear what sounds like a vehicle driving towards their position. As soon as they see the object in question, Rarity facehoofed. "Spoke too soon about not having to put up with him today." The unicorn thought to herself. Sweetie Belle however, had a smile so large on her face, it would make Pinkie Pie celebrate. "Uncle Jackie!" she called out to the vehicle as it transformed. "Huh, funny meeting you two here." Wheeljack stated, as he approaches the two. "Uuugghh." Rarity groaned. "Nice to see you too, Sunshine." The Bot joked. "And what exactly are YOU doing here?" Rarity asked, clearly her mood ruined. "Picked up an Energon signature in the vicinity. Figured I'd check it out. It could be a new source, for all I know." Wheeljack explained. "More Energon? Cool!" Sweetie Belle beamed. "Well, you go on and gather what you need. Sweetie Belle and I are to continue onto the other side of the mountain, for more gemstones. And don't you even THINK of blowing anything up this time!" Rarity snapped at the Bot. Wheeljack simply chuckled, amused by how upset she was getting. He then notices that Sweetie Belle was growing uncomfortable with the idea of venturing to the mountain side. "Something bothering you, kid?" He asked. "I don't wanna go to that side. or HE'LL get us!" Sweetie Belle said. "What are you talking about?" Wheeljack asked again. Rarity gives out a loud sigh, and began to explain the situation. "Well, if you must know, Sweetie Belle still believes the legendary and mythical creature lives on the other side of this mountain. She's convinced it will grab us, and take us away to do Celestia knows what." "Is that right?" Wheeljack said, amused, "Heh, maybe I ought to tag along. If any monsters attack you, I'll be sure to kick it's tailpipe all the way to the Pit." "You'd, really do that for us?" Sweetie Belle beamed at the Wrecker. "Sure." he answered. "You're the best, Uncle Jackie!" the filly called out, and hugged his leg. "Why must I suffer?" Rarity complained. The three then began to walk towards the other side of the mountain. "So, what's this legendary beast I keep hearing about? Does it have a name or something?" Wheeljack asked. "Yeah, it does." Sweetie Belle answered, "He's called, the Slendermane. The Slendermane is a tall lanky creature that walks on two legs. Kinda like Minotaurs, or, like you, Uncle Jackie. He has no facial features, and extremely long arms and legs. He also has a number of tentacles coming out of his back like an octopus." "Sounds weird." Wheeljack stated, "A little too farfetched, if you ask me." "It's just an old filly's tale." Rarity added, "Something made up to scare youngsters into staying out of trouble." "Nuh, uh, it's real! They say that any ponies who come to this side of the mountain, never return." Sweetie Belle interjected. "Well, legend or not, you got ten tons of living metal here to protect you. I wouldn't worry about any legendary monster." Wheeljack reassured her. As they continue down the mountain path, Wheeljack then suddenly picks up a signal on his sensors. "Something's up. Stay here and don't move. I'm picking up a strong signal." He instructed, as the two unicorns look at him, puzzled. "What is he doing now?" Rarity said in an annoyed tone. Wheeljack looks at the direction towards the peak of the mountain, and sees an object fly towards him. It was so fast that it reached his position in less than 10 seconds. The flying object then changes shape in mid air, and lands in front of the trio. It was a tall, skinny metal biped with no face, and dark blue. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were immediately shocked at what they saw, and started screaming in terror. "IT'S THE SLENDERMANE! I TOLD YOU HE WAS REAL!" Sweetie Belle shrieked. "I can't believe it, the legends were TRUE???!!" Rarity yelled in disbelief. The creature then extended two tentacles from it's back and waved them menacingly at the Autobot. This terrified the ponies even more. "YOU AGAIN!" Wheeljack yelled, as he drew his swords. "I don't know what you're doing here or how you got here, but this time you're leaving... IN PIECES!" "Uncle Jackie, you, you KNOW the Slendermane?" Sweetie Belle asked in surprise. "That ain't no Slendermane, Belle. That's Soundwave." Wheeljack explained "He's a Decepticon, not a legendary monster." "A Decepticon, you mean those horrible brutes that destroyed your homeworld?" Rarity in shock asked. "And Soundwave's one of the most dangerous Cons yet next to Megatron himself." The Wrecker answered her. Soundwave then shoots his two tentacles at Wheeljack, who jumps out of the way, barely missing him by inches. Wheeljack then charges at the Con, swinging his swords at him. Soundwave parries with his arms as Wheeljack takes swipes at him. He then launches a tentacle at Wheeljack's right hand, and knocks his sword away. The tentacle then latches onto the Autobot's arm, and pulls him closer to the Con. "Oh no, Uncle Jackie!" Sweetie Belle shouts in horror. "Rarity, what'll we do?" Rarity had no answer, she was too shocked and horrified at the battle unfolding. "Sweetie Belle, we have to hide. This has become too dangerous." She said to the filly. As Soundwave pulls Wheeljack closer to him, The Autobot then turns his hand into a blaster, and fires at the faceless Con. This forces Soundwave to release his grip on Wheeljack, and dodge, as the edge of the plasma blast grazes his armor. "There's plenty more where that came from, Con." Wheeljack said, as he picks up his dropped weapon, and charges at Soundwave again. Soundwave merely stood still in silence as Wheeljack began to take more swipes at him. The Decepticon simply dodged the attacks with ease, as the Autobot wasn't able to land a single hit on him. He then shoots out another tendril, and latches onto Wheeljack's chest. The Autobot is knocked backwards, and pinned to the ground. The tip of Soundwave's second tentacle then begins to spin up like a drill, and inches closer and closer to Wheeljack's head. Just as the spinning tendril was about to bore into his face, a rock hits the tentacle, it was enough of a distraction for Wheeljack to grab it, and jam it into the other tentacle that was pinning him to the ground. This causes Soundwave to retract his tentrils. He then looks at the source of the distraction, to see a White Unicorn with a purple mane, levitating a number of rocks around her using her horn. "Nice shot Rarity!" Sweetie Belle called out. "Take that you ruffian!" Rarity shouted at the Con. "Not that i don't appreciate the assist," Wheeljack said, "But you two need to clear out. You don't stand a chance against him." "I would heed his warning, Sweetie Belle. Let's go!" Rarity stated, as she uses her magic to grab her sister and began to gallop away. Soundwave transforms into his drone mode, and flies after them in pursuit. "Oh no you don't!" Wheeljack yelled as he fired his blaster hands at him, but he was out of range. He then transforms into car mode, and also gives chase. "Rarity, the Slendermane is gaining on us!" Sweetie Belle shouted in a squeaky tone. "Sweetie Belle, find somewhere to hide. I'll lead him off our tail." Rarity instructed as she turns to face Soundwave, who had landed and transformed back into robot mode. "What? But I can't just leave you here." The little filly objected. "Go now! Listen to your big sister and run!" But it was too late, Soundwave was already right on top of the two. In one of his extended tentacles, he held a small object. He then pointed the object at the two unicorns, and unleashed an attack with audio frequencies. Rarity and Sweetie Belle immediately covered their ears and screamed in pain. Soundwave continued to unleash his attack with the Resonance Blaster upon the sisters. As Wheeljack pulled closer he saw the terrible sight before him. Soundwave had the ponies at his mercy. He needed to act quickly. If the Resonance Blaster continued it's onslaught, it would do more than destroy their eardrums. The intense waves would cause an organic creature's bones to shatter, and internal organs to rupture. Wheeljack knew what he had to do. He then transforms into robot mode, and jumps into the air. "YAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Wheeljack let out a war cry. He latches onto Soundwave's back and began to punch the Decepticon in the back of his head. Soundwave began to struggle, and using one of his tentacles, plucks the Wrecker off of his back, and throws him into the ground hard. Then fires the Resonance Blaster at the Autobot. "AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH" Wheeljack yells in pain as he writhes and collapses on the ground. Soundwave then approaches the downed Wrecker, and adjusts the Resonance Blaster to it's highest setting, and fires it again. The audio vibrations this time, pins the Autobot to the ground, and causes his chest plate to crack like glass. At this point, Rarity and Sweetie Belle had recovered from the attack, and were watching helplessly. "Wheeljack... you, you put yourself in harm's way, to save us." Rarity said, with genuine appreciation for what he did. "Sweetie Belle, stay here, I have to help him." "Huh, what did you say?" Sweetie Belle shouted, her ears still haven't fully recovered from the effects of the Resonance Blaster. "Just stay put. I'll handle this." Rarity replied. From her saddle bag, she levitated out a number of fairly large diamonds. At first she was hesitant about using such precious gems as weapons, but she knew Wheeljack needed help. Rarity then runs up to Soundwave, who still had the Bot at his mercy, and using her horn, she hurled the diamonds with all her might at Soundwave's head. The diamonds collide with his facial region, distracting Soundwave again from his attack. Thanks to diamonds being one of the hardest substances around, Soundwave's visor actually began to crack due to the impact of Rarity's projectiles. Wheeljack, weakened by the Blaster, looked at Rarity's direction. "Scrap." He muttered, "Run, get.... out of here....." Seeing that the distraction was a success, Rarity took off running, away from her sister, to lead Soundwave astray. Soundwave then fires the Resonance Blaster at Rarity as she jumps, and hops side to side to avoid the blasts. For a unicorn who designs fashion, Rarity was surprisingly athletic. But Soundwave was no fool. He then fires the Resonance Blaster at a mountain face above the unicorn. The mountain wall then begins to crack, and before she could react, Rarity realized a rockslide was about to crush her. "WAAAAHHHHHH" She screamed in horror as a giant boulder was about to land on her. "RARITY!" Sweetie Belle called out to her sister. But before it was about to flatten the unicorn, a blast of energy hits the boulder, blowing it to bits. Rarity then sees that Wheeljack, with whatever ounce of strength he had left had fired at the falling debris. "Way to go, Uncle Jackie!" Sweetie Belle cheered. "Yes, well done, Wheeljack. Thank you." Rarity complimented. Wheeljack then slowly gets back on his feet, as Sweetie Belle runs up to her sister, and gives her a big hug. "I'm glad you ok, Rarity. I thought I lost you for a minute there." "Oh it will take more than some rock to keep me down." Rarity said to her sister. They then see Soundwave approaching them again, this time both of his tentacles began to spin like drills. "Stay behind me Sweetie Belle." Rarity said in a defensive and stern tone. Her horn then began to glow. Rarity wasn't sure how she could defend herself or her sister, but she had to hold out and be strong, for Sweetie Belle's sake. But to her great surprise, she then sees Wheeljack, again, jump onto Soundwave's back. "GET HIM, Uncle Jackie" Sweetie Belle squeaked as the ponies watched the two Cybertronians battle. "This is our chance, let's go!" Rarity called out as she and Sweetie Bell made a break for it. They then turn around to see that Wheeljack had removed the grenade from his hip during the struggle. "Wait, what's he doing?" Sweetie Belle asked. "That object, I remember what it does. He's going to..... Oh no, please Celestia NO!" Rarity cried in horror. "Rarity, Belle, get going. And whatever you do, don't look back. I'm taking him down even if I go down with him." "Uncle Jackie, what are you saying?" Sweetie Belle cried in desperation. "Wheeljack no. Please, you don't have to do this." Rarity begged. "It's something I gotta do." Wheeljack smiled, as he pulled the pin. A few moments later....... KABOOM!!!!! A massive explosion of blue flame erupts. The shockwave from the blast sends both unicorn sisters flying backwards, as they land hard on the ground. "Uugghhnnn." Sweetie Belle groaned, as she regains her composure. "Sweetie Belle, are you alright? Are you hurt dear?" Rarity asked in concern. "I think so." She answered, and looked up at her sister. "Oh Rarity, you're a mess." Rarity's mane was completely ruffled up, her white coat was covered in dirt, and she had several small cuts and scrapes on her. "It'll be fine. I'm just glad you're still in one piece." The fashionista replied. "But Uncle Jackie, what about him?" Sweetie Belle cried out. Rarity gave a look of great concern, as she and Sweetie Belle looked at the general direction of where the combat was. They see blue flames burning, and large piles of rubble everywhere. But no sign of either Wheeljack, or Soundwave anywhere. "Uncle Jackie!" Sweetie Belle called out, "Uncle Jackie, where are you? Please, answer me!" "Wheeljack please answer us. It's horribly rude if you don't." Rarity yelled. But then they see something that made their hearts drop. Next to a pile of rubble, was Wheeljack's right arm, severed from the elbow down. Rarity gasps in horror, with tears in her eyes. Sweetie Belle looked on in complete shock, and dispair. The young filly then broke down, and began to wail as she cried loudly. "No, Uncle Jackie, he, he can't be....gone." Sweetie Belle sobbed. "Oh Wheeljack...." Rarity began to feel a sadness wash over her. "You fool, you heroic fool!" They both approach the arm, Sweetie Belle immediately hugged the index finger, while Rarity gently put her hoof on the thumb. She then places her head in the palm, and begins to nuzzle it. "You, saved us, but at a terrible cost. I can't believe you're gone." Rarity sobbed. Then she suddenly burst into tears. "I BITE MY TONGUE FOR EVERY HORRID THING I EVER SAID ABOUT YOU! I take it all back, you ARE a hero!" She couldn't contain her sorrow anymore. "Goodbye dear Wheeljack, and thank you. Sweetie Belle and I are forever in your debt, and we will never forget your noble sacrifice." At this point she also broke down, crying her eyes out, and holding Sweetie Belle close, as they both mourned. But then they were startled when the two heard the sound of rock moving against rock. "What's that?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I'm not sure." Rarity answered. Then suddenly a pile of rubble began to stir, and move, as something underneath began to dig it's way out. "Uncle Jackie? Is he OK?!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, here eyes lighting up. Then a blue tentacle busts out of the rubble, and Soundwave pulls himself out. The two ponies look on in absolute horror. Soundwave was still alive, and seemingly unscathed. Wheeljack had sacrificed himself in vain. "Sweetie Belle, get behind me, NOW!" Rarity takes a defensive stance, as Sweetie Belle huddled behind her. On the bridge of the Nemesis, Megatron had been watching Soundwave's battle the entire time through his live video feed. The Decepticon Lord gives an evil cackle as he saw the events unfold. "Excellent. Wheeljack has foolishly terminated himself to protect the flesh creatures. Such heroic nonsense." He then sees Rarity, with her horn glowing through Soundwave's broadcast. "Hmm, it appears the horned ones possess the arcane abilities of this species. Soundwave, capture the adult and take her to Knockout's laboratory. She will make an excellent case for study." Megatron ordered. Soundwave, hearing his master's orders, nods, then approaches Rarity. "Stay away from us, you monster!" She threatened. Paying no mind to her words, Soundwave then launches a tentacle at the unicorn, and plucks her from the ground. "RARITY NO!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Release me this instant, you vile fiend!" Rarity yelled in defiance. Soundwave merely pulled her closer to his visor, and examined her. Then tosses her in the air. "AAAAAHHH" Rarity shouted in terror. Soundwave then transforms into his drone mode, and catches her with one of his tentacles. Then takes off into the sky, returning to the ship. "Rarity! RARITY! Let my sister go, you monster!" Sweetie Belle attempted to chase but Soundwave had flew out of visual range. Sweetie Belle, now, all alone, buried her face in her hooves, and began to cry to herself. Wheeljack, Rarity, they were both gone. Never had the young filly ever been so devastated in her life. Then she hears more sounds of rocks moving. Sweetie Belle turns her head to look in the direction of the noise. Then a giant metal fist bursts out of the pile of rubble. Another large figure pulls itself out of the ground. It was none other than Wheeljack. He was still alive. "UNCLE JACKIE!" Sweetie Belle happily shouted as she ran up to the injured Wrecker. "Someone get the license plate of that Con?" He dryly remarked. "Uncle Jackie, please help!" Sweetie Belle pleaded. "What happened? Where's Rarity?" Wheeljack asked, still banged up from the blast. His armor was dented, cracked and burned. He was also leaking liquid Energon from his severed limb. "The Slendermane, or Slenderwave, whatever his name is. He took her!" Sweetie Belle explained. "HE WHAT?" Wheeljack said in surprise. "He grabbed her and flew off. We gotta save her." Hearing this, Wheeljack could feel both worry and anger flow through him. He had been a prisoner aboard the Decepticon ship before. He knew their methods of torture, and how they treated prisoners. Rarity wouldn't last a mega-cycle. The Autobot immediately became concerned for her well being. "Don't worry Belle, I WILL save her. I'm not gonna let the Cons turn her into one of their twisted experiments." Wheeljack reassured her. "Then let's go!" Sweetie Belle stated. "Hold on a sec. We're gonna need help on this. First things first. I'm taking you home. It's too dangerous for you to be alone out here, especially if the Cons are here on your world." "But, but...." Sweetie Belle objected. "Listen, I'll do everything I can to help her. I'll bring her home safely back to you. Just you wait." The Bot reassured her. "You....promise?" Sweetie Belle, now with a hint of hope in here eyes looked on. "I swear it upon my spark. A Wrecker always keeps his word. Now, let's get you home and me patched up. Then, I'll mount a rescue mission. Say, think you can grab my arm there. I'd like to keep it, if you don't mind." "Sure thing." Sweetie Belle saluted. After they retrived his lost appendage, Wheeljack transforms, into vehicle mode, though with some difficulty due to his injuries, as they make their way back to Ponyville.