//------------------------------//
// Canterlot 
// Story: Beast Wars: The Equestrian Front 
// by I_am_the_Matrix 
//------------------------------//


Canterlot


Canterlot castle shined white in the morning sun. The castle itself served as a backdrop for Celestia’s early morning stroll through the statue gardens. Unlike most mornings, the princess wasn’t there to admire the stonework, her mind was elsewhere.
“Celestia?”
The white alicorn turned to see Twilight approach her. “Good morning Twilight, is there something you need?”
“I just came to tell you that breakfast will be served in the dining hall soon.”
“Ah yes, thank you Twilight.” Celestia paused before speaking again. “Would you walk with me in the gardens? It has been a little while since we have just talked for the sake of it.”
“I don’t mind.”
The both of them walked side by side further into the garden.
“How have you been adjusting? Since the descension I mean?”
“I think I’m doing good considering. Until the maximals arrived everything was falling back to how it was before the coronation.” Twilight furrowed her brow. “It’s like it never happened. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”
“Do you miss being an alicorn?”
“Don’t get me wrong, I really liked being able to fly, but I couldn’t bear to think what might have happened.” Twilights mind went back to nearly half a year ago, the day she sacrificed her power.



The purple alicorn princess flew through the clouds over the expansive land that was once Equestria. Now it was a wasteland covered by an evil ooze of hate and discontent. Twilight’s heart wrenched as the horrid abomination ran amok unhindered across her whole homeland. She couldn’t dwell on it now, she was almost to her destination, she hoped. 
“He had better keep his word.” With a flap of her wings, the clouds parted revealing an enormous fortress floating among the heavens. Unlike Pegasus cities which were made of clouds so that they remained sky bound, the construct itself was made entirely of metal. Twilight marveled at the paradox before her.
No longer had she found the fortress in the sky, she entered through a large window and found herself in an enormous room. It was, sterile. Smooth metal paneling covered the walls while steel tiles made the floor. Nothing else occupied the room.
A voice came from the far side of the room. “I apologize for the lack of décor. However the use of this room is pending and I just don’t want to get ahead of myself.”  The sight of the thing wheeling itself towards her was unsettling. 
The thing was obviously a white furred diamond dog, once. Now barely any of the original creature remained, only the right half of his face and upper right torso to the elbow. For the rest of him, it was as if he was becoming one with his domain. Metal components were grafted to the rest of his body, mechanical prosthesis replacing his limbs. While the arms functioned, it was apparent his legs did not, due to the needed use of the wheel chair it sat in.
Twilight approached this abomination of wonder. “As much as I hate to say it, I need your help Doctor Baskerville.”
Baskerville grinned. “The Elements of Harmony did nothing to the Smooze did they?” He placed the tips of his metal claws together. “Just as I predicted, hmm?”
Twilight looked into his cold dead eye. “The Elements removed the effects from the infected ponies, but neither they nor Discord could stop the Smooze.”
“Of course not,” He wagged his finger as if he were a teacher correcting his student. “This particular strain of liquid fungus has adapted to resist magic. That’s the trouble with the Princess sealing her problems away, rather than destroying them. Now nothing can stop it, nothing except my genius.” 
“That’s why I’m here.” Twilight wilted slightly. “I accept your terms.”
“Are you certain?” Baskerville rolled closer to Twilight. “You will lose your alicorn magic permanently. Perhaps you should think it over some more?” He smiled showing his canine teeth. “Who knows, maybe you shall have better luck in the dry season when the spores are released.”
“I’ve made my choice. It’s better this way.”
“Good, then give me your hoof.” He held out his steel paw. An iris opened on the palm, revealing a glowing white lens.
Twilight hesitated taking his paw. “You swear to keep your end of the deal? You will dispose of the Smooze and nothing more or less?”
Baskerville stared at her unflinching. “Upon the river of the damned, I swear it.”
Twilight took a moment to exhale and then put her hoof in his paw. His cold claws clamped tight as arcs of purple and white energy danced between the two. Twilight could feel the very essence of her being siphoned from her body. It felt wrong; this thing was taking away what she was always meant to be. 
‘No, he can’t have it! I’ll find another way.’ She strained against the pulling sensation. It hurt; it felt like her soul was going to be torn in half.
“Please try not to fight it dear Princess, you’ll only kill yourself doing that.” He leaned in closer. “Remember why you’re here.”
‘Why I’m here?’ She thought of all of the infected ponies breaking into fights allowing their rage to take over. Her friends, last she saw of them they were evacuating as many ponies as they could. Celestia and Luna, protecting the whole of Canterlot, using every ounce of their power to keep the Smooze at bay. Her parents, staying strong for their daughter. Shining Armor and Cadence, had it reached them yet? 
‘There’s no other way. Whatever happens, I hope this is the right choice.’ Twilight relaxed and allowed her power to flow into Baskerville.
“Good. Don’t worry my dear; the doctor will make it all better.” The energy arcs intensified and the room was bathed in white light.
When the light faded Twilight felt weak. Her legs were shaking, she could barely keep her head up and her wings felt numb. A strong wind blew in from the window behind her; dark gray feathers flitted passed her face.
“Ah, I’ve forgotten what it feels like.” Twilight saw Baskerville steadily get out of his wheel chair. His mechanical paws clanked against the metal tiles. “I never thought I would walk again.”
Twilight knees began to buckle. “P-please. G-get rid o-of the s-smooze.”
Baskerville stood silent, smiling maliciously at Twilight.
“W-what are y-you w-waiting for?”
Baskerville turned his back to Twilight and walked towards the door.
“Y-you s-swore!” Twilight attempted to step forward only for her legs to give out. She fell to the cold floor watching Baskerville walk away as her feathers swirled around her. “B-Bask-ker-ville y-you s-son o-of a-”



Twilight clamped her eyes shut, using all her mental facilities to suppress the memory.
“Are you alright Twilight?”
Twilight gave her mentor a tiered look. “Just something I’d rather not live through again. Has there been any sign of Doctor Baskerville since. . . . well, you know?”
Celestia shook her head. “Ever since the Smooze miraculously disappeared, I have had some of my best trackers searching for him. No trace has ever been found.”
“I see.” Twilight inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. “I suppose it’s not as important now, considering what’s happened.”
Celestia’s face turned grim. “Yes, I will be sending out the patrols this morning. By tonight the entire country should know of the predacon threat.” A comforting smile formed on her face. “Enough of that for now, let us go inside.” Celestia stretched out a wing to guide Twilight back to the castle.



Cheetor wandered about the halls of the castle. It was large like the buildings back on Cybertron, but the layout was far from anything he was familiar with. Suffice it to say, Cheetor had easily gotten lost.
“Lookin’ for something kid?” Rattrap approached Cheetor from an adjacent corridor.
“Just got a little lost looking for the dining hall, I just can’t seem to get the hang of the layout here.”
“Just stick with me, I know my way around.” Rattrap turned around and walked back down the hall he came from.
Cheetor followed closely. “How did it go with Optimus last night?”
“Eh, he just berated me as usual. An entire year under his command and he still expects me to behave myself.”
Cheetor chuckled. “We’d be suspicious if you did.”
“Exactly.”
As they passed by a few rooms one of them opened up and Silverbolt walked out. He stopped in his tracks when he saw Cheetor and Rattrap. “Uh, good morning fellow maximals.” He stated nobly yet nervously.
“Mornin’ dogboy.” Rattrap noted the obviously odd behavior of the Pegasus. “What’s with the twitch?”
Silverbolt shifted from one hoof to the other. “Er, nothing, nothing at all.”
“For the love of the Matrix Bowser.” Blackarachnia appeared behind Silverbolt from the room. “It’s not like it’s a secret.”
Rattraps eyebrows wiggled mischievously. “Ohhh, I see. Couldn’t sleep?”
Silverbolt avoided eye contact. “That’s none of your business Rattrap.”
“I’m just curious, is it better as a pony?”
“That’s a private matter between me and Blackarachnia!” Exclaimed the flustered Silverbolt.
“Don’t take it personally Silver.” Blackarachnia nuzzled his neck. “The rat’s just jealous because no one would touch him with a ten foot pole.”
“How creative, another hygiene joke.” Rattrap deadpanned. “Seriously, I don’t smell that bad.”
Cheetor retorted. “You mean you’ve never noticed we only breathe through our mouths when we’re around you?”
“Pansy whiners the lot of ya.” Rattrap returned to the route to the dining hall.



The four maximals met up with Optimus and Rhinox entering the dining hall along with the mane six, Spike and the Princess. The hall was about the size of the throne room and shared many of the motifs; an enormous rectangular table was placed in the center of the room.  Upon the table were various dishes, mostly dominated by vegetarian dishes and various pastries. There were a few other foods such as eggs, gemstones, even a large plate of cheese. Rattrap spared no time taking the seat closest to the cheese. With Celestia at the head of the table the rest took their seats with the maximals and equestrian natives mixed together.
Celestia started talking as all gathered began to eat. “How did all of you sleep last night?”
Optimus was the first to answer. “Very good actually, I can’t remember the last time I had a good night’s sleep.”
“Must be some kinda spell they put on the beds.” Rattrap stated between bites of cheese. “I only got two hours of sleep, but here I am fresh as a daisy. So to speak.”
Celestia stopped mid-drink as Rattrap said this. “No. No there is no such spell.” All sat in silence staring at Rattrap, unsure of what to make of this revelation.
Until Rhinox spoke up. “Well we aren’t exactly normal equines. Perhaps not all of our maximal traits have disappeared. At full charge a Cybertronian can go weeks without sleep.”
The rest agreed and left the explanation at that.
They continued eating until Rarity spoke up. “Speaking of sleep, what are the six of you going to do about living arrangements?”
Optimus knitted his brow. “We will need to stay somewhere in or near Ponyville, in the event the predacons attack again.” 
Rarity politely wiped he mouth with a napkin. “Yes, but you can’t very well live in Twilight’s library forever.”
Twilight tapped her hoof on her chin. “That’s true, but you guys don’t have the bits to rent any rooms.”
“Ah could lodge ya guys in mah barn. It’s not comfy, but it’s roomy.”
Rhinox spoke up once more. “I’ve actually been thinking about this, and I think I have a solution that neither requires money nor does it impose any of us on anyone.”
“Spill the beans Rhinox.” Dash took a bite of toast. “What’s your plan?”
“We use the Omega Delta as our base of operations.” Rhinox stated simply.
Twilight quirked an eyebrow. “You want to live in your ship? Didn’t you have enough of that back on earth.”
“We might as well use it. Until we can get it flying again, it’s just going to sit there gathering dust.”
“I would be willing to provide you with anything to make it functional again.” Celestia offered.
“Thank you princess.” Rhinox nodded his thanks. “Is anyone opposed to living in the shuttle?”
The maximals, while having a few reservations to having limited private space, came to a general agreement to live in the Omega Delta.
“Living in the shuttle? Just like back on earth, oh what fun.” Rattrap spoke in a sarcastic voice.
“Actually it will be better!” Pinkie exclaimed as she held her face mere inches away from Rattrap’s face. “You will have us to keep you company!”	
Rattrap leaned back and deadpanned. “Oh joy.”
“Yah, I know! We’ll have so much fun. We can play games and have parties and blow up predacons and have Scott McNeil impersonation contests. . . .”
Pinkie continued rambling excitedly as the rest continued with their breakfast. The doors opened and a royal guard entered. He walked over to Celestia and whispered something to her.
“Good, I’ll be right there.” She rose from the table. “I apologize, but I have matters to attend to. I’m also sorry I will not be able to see you on your way.” All present bowed as Celestia left with the guard.
The group finished breakfast and left the dining hall. “So, what are the plans for today?” Twilight asked.
Optimus addressed the group. “At least some of us should head back to Ponyville now and get to work on the Omega Delta.”
“I’ll go.” Rhinox immediately volunteered. “I need to get to work while my ideas are fresh in my head.”
“I can help.” Twilight offered. “I’ve had some experience with machines.”
Applejack stepped forward. “Ah’ve gotta too, ah’ve been away from the farm for far too long.”
Fluttershy also decided to go as well, she had to get back to her animals.
“What about you Optimus?” Twilight asked.
“I’m afraid I’ve already made plans.” Optimus turned to Rarity. “I seem to remember accepting an offer for a tour.”
Rarity’s eyes glimmered. “Why, I’d be honored Mr. Primal.”
“So wait, what exactly are we doing Big Bot?” Cheetor asked Optimus.
Optimus smiled to the group. “Consider this a day off. Anyone not going with me or Rhinox is free to do as they wish. But after today we’ll be back to fighting the predacons. We’ll meet back at the train station in the evening and go back to Ponyville.”
With that the groups splintered off and were left to their own devices.



Cheetor and Rainbow Dash wandered down the less busy back streets of the city. They had originally gone with Rarity’s tour, which also consisted of Optimus and Spike, but they left when they got bored when Rarity showed them the fifth fashion store out of the fifty that were in Canterlot. The only reason they figured Optimus and Spike stuck around was because Optimus didn’t want to offend Rarity and Rainbow Dash told Cheetor about Spike’s obvious crush on Rarity. The two of them came to a viewing platform that overlooked the countryside at the mountain’s base.
“I mean Canterlot’s okay I guess, but without any cool stuff going on, it’s just a bunch of upper class horse apples.”
“I see what you mean; this place is in serious need of a theme park.” Cheetor mused
“That’s actually a sweet idea.”
“Back home, we had the best one in the galaxy, ‘Six Lasers Over Cybertron’. Some of the rides went so high and so fast that you needed to provide your next of kin.”
“Whoa, Wish I could see that.”
Cheetor got a faraway look as he faced the open country. “So do I.”
Dash noticed this. “You miss home don’t you?”
Cheetor put his hooves up on a railing and rested his head on them. “I miss a lot of things.”
Dash remembered the look on his face. It was the same one from two nights ago when he asked about Tigatron. She looked passed the railing, looking for some way to cheer him up. Her eyes set on something that gave her the perfect idea.
“Say Cheetor. We didn’t finish our race did we?”
Cheetor looked up with interest. “What do you have in mind?”
Dash pointed towards a small speck in the distance that was Ponyville. “First to reach town hall wins.”
Cheetor grinned. “You’re on!”
“Ready,”
“Set,”	
“GO!”
Both of them jumped into action startling innocent bystanders. Cheetor bounded over the railing and nimbly ran down the mountain and Dash flew right beside him.



Silverbolt and Blackarachnia wandered the castle grounds. Silverbolt was taking it all in with a great big smile on his face.
“You really feel at home don’t you?” The love of his life asked by his side.
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean.” Blackarachnia gestured to the castle. “The romantic fantasy setting, it’s just like what you’d find in one of those sappy discount datatraxs.”
Silverbolt’s smile disappeared. “How comforting to know that your entire personality can be summed up by something you find in a book store’s bargain rack.”
Blackaracnia leaned up against him. “I mean that in the best possible way.”
Silverbolt’s smile returned slightly. If Blackaracnia really thought that low of him, she wouldn’t be with him.
As they continued walking they started hearing noises. To them it sounded like metal striking metal. They followed the sounds and came upon a training ground. On the field were Pegasus guards, they seemed to be attacking each other with their wings. They were standing in fifteen foot wide circles, one on one. A large muscular pegasus stood off to the side shouting at the duelists.
“Keep your wings up you sissy fillies! Are you going to let the unicorn division one up you as royal guards!?”
“Sir, No Sir!” They didn’t stop as they responded.
“THEN SHOW ME THAT HURRICANE PRIDE!”
“Excuse me sir.” Silverbolt approached the rather large Pegasus. “What, if I may ask, is this?”
“Hmm?” The Pegasus looked Silverbolt over with a scrutinizing eye. “Ah, you must be one of those maximals I’ve been hearing about. This here is wing honing, where pegasi have wings stronger and sharper than swords.”
Silverbolt looked at their wings, but couldn’t figure out how they could be anything like swords. They just looked like soft flexible feathers; they didn’t even have metallic covers.
“Looks a little silly.” Blackarachnia said bluntly.
“Just like a unicorn.” The pegasus muttered. “Prehaps a demonstration is in order. TEN HUT!”
The sparing pegasi stood at attention.
“Second Lieutenant Wind Cleaver.”
A pegasus guard approached his superior and saluted. “Yes Commander Halberd!”
Commander Halberd stepped on a tile and a stone pillar several feet away rose from the ground. “Show these two what Hurricane Pride is.”	
“Sir, Yes Sir!” Wind Cleaver walked to the pillar and spread his wings. In a split second he sliced the pillar horizontally with his left wing. The pillar fell towards him as he sliced it vertically in half with his right wing. Both halves crashed to the ground on either side of Wind Cleaver.
Both Silverbolt and Blackaracnia stared in stunned silence as Commander Halberd bellowed a hearty laugh. “Modified wing magic, courtesy of Commander Hurricane. Strengthens your primary feathers to hard edges. Only pegasi with the strongest wings can wield this technique.”
Silver bolt managed to collect his senses. “Can you teach me to do this?”
“Hmm.” Commander Halberd unfurled Silverbolt’s wing and studied his feathers. “It’s possible, let’s see how you do.” Halberd shoved Silverbolt into one of the rings. Protective gear was slapped onto his body. Wind Cleaver stood on the opposite side while the other guards circled around to watch. “Begin the duel!” Halberd bellowed.
“Wait! Don’t I get some instruction first?”
“Wing honing is instinctual. You can’t learn to control it until you first feel it flowing.”
Silverbolt looked to Blackarachnia for help. “Don’t worry Bowser, I’ll pull you out if it gets bad.”
Silverbolt sighed and turned to his opponent. Wind Cleaver flared out his wings and ran right at Silverbolt. As he sliced with one wing, Silverbolt instinctually brought his wing forward and blocked it. Cleaver stuck with his other wing only for Silverbolt to block it again. Wind Cleaver jumped back to his side.
“Alright you can dial it down Lieutenant.” Halberd ordered. “Do you feel it now, boy?”
Silverbolt just stood there, just minutes ago Wind Cleaver’s wings had cut through stone, yet now Silverbolt was still standing. He felt an energy buzzing through his wings, whatever it was had just saved him. “Yes, I feel it.”
“Good, now that you’ve got the energy flowing, how about some more.”
Wind Cleaver jumped back into action, less aggressive this time. Silverbolt blocked each attack, he had experience sword fighting, but in pony form it was slightly awkward. He managed to get the hang of it after a while and started on the offensive.
“You’re good.” Wind Cleaver stated as they took a breather. “How about we take this to the next level.”
Silverbolt smiled as adrenaline coursed through his veins. “En garde.”



Rattrap snuck around the city, creeping around every corner and hiding in every shadow.
‘If these ponies do anything right, it’s make hiding spots.’ He rolled passed an alley unseen by anyone. ‘What they can’t seem to do is make bars or taverns. All they have are these fancy lounges with high priced drinks and stuffy waiters.’ 
Rattrap scaled a building and sat on the roof. He looked out over the ponies and visualized how easy it would be to snipe them.
“Heya Rattrap!” Rattrap’s vision was flooded with pink as he rolled backwards. “Whatcha doing?”
He straightened himself out and saw Pinkie Pie standing in front of him. “Oh, it’s you.” Rattrap was certain he wasn’t followed, so how did she find him?
“Of course silly, who else would I be?”
“I dunno, how about Megatron?” Rattrap started climbing back down from the roof.
“No, I couldn’t be Megatron, he’s not a nice guy and doesn’t have many friends. I however have lots and lots of friends!” She had the widest grin plastered to her face as she finished.
“That’s fantastic, really. But I would like to be by myself right now.” Rattrap reached the ground and turned to leave. “So if-” Rattrap cut himself off when he saw Pinkie right in front of him again.
“But there’s something I want to show you.”
“Wait, weren’t you just. . .” Rattrap looked back to the top of the building and saw a surprising lack of Pinkie.
“It superificly cool!”
“Super what now?”
“Superific! It’s super and terrific rolled into one! And what I want to show you is very superific!”
Rattrap deadpanned at the pink pony. No matter how long he stared, she didn’t waver from her enthusiasm. “Why do I get the feeling you’re not going to go away until I go along with you?”
Pinkie just shrugged. “Dunno. So are you coming?”
Rattrap sighed. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Alright! Follow me.” She bounced away as Rattrap followed.



They left the city entirely and arrived at what looked to be an old mine entrance. It was boarded up at one point but several boards had been broken, allowing anyone entrance.
“What is this?”
“This is the entrance to the Crystal Caves.” Pinkie continued talking as she she entered the cave. “A changeling queen foalnapped Princess Cadence and trapped her down inthere so the queen could marry Twilight’s brother.”
Rattrap could care less about what she said, except for one word. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, what’s a changeling?”
“Oh they’re just these bug-like meanies that can turn into anypony they want.” Pinkie bounce further in to the cave.
“Turn into- You mean they can transform?!” Rattrap chased her. The rock tunnel turned into caverns of large crystals. As impressive as they were, Rattrap was too preoccupied with what Pinkie just said. Unfortunately Pinkie had gotten too far ahead and he lost her. “Pinkster, I really need to talk to you.”	
As he walked into the center of a crystal filed room, multiple reflections of Pinkie appeared on every facet of every crystal. “I see you’ve stumbled upon my lair Mr. Rattrap.” She sounded like a very hammed up evil master mind. “Truly not an easy feat, but now the true challenge begins.” She put on a pair of swirly mad scientist goggles. “Which of us is the real Dr. Pinksano?” she finished off with a maniacal laugh.
“I’m not in the mood Pinks.” He ran between two crystals where he thought Pinkie was. Unfortunately all he found was a steep slope. He tumbled down a ways, he wasn’t hurt just a little dizzy.
“OMYGOSHRATTRAP!” Pinkie called from the top of the slope. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sure. Couldn’t be better.” As he dusted himself off, he became aware of being bathed in a bluish glow. He turned around and saw that the wall behind him was covered in glowing blue crystals. Bolts of energy jumped from one crystal to another. “Uh, Pinkster. I think I know why I felt so good this morning.”
Pinkie had slid down the slope and stood next to Rattrap. She removed her goggles and gazed at the sight before her. “OoooooOOOoooooh! What is it.”
“. . . It’s Energon.”



Terrorsaur impatiently paced the floor of the mountain cave. “What is taking so long?”
Tarantulas descended from the ceiling on a strand of silk. “Why are you so worked up? Megatron is just reading books.”
“That’s the problem.” Terrorsaur pointed a claw at the spider. “While the maximals are doing who knows what, Megatron has his snout stuck in a book. What we should be doing is destroying these insignificant ponies.”
“Do not question Megatron’s methods.” Ravage spoke from the rock he was lounging on. “Megatron has a plan.”
“I don’t quite get you Ravage.” Terrorsaur walked over to him. “From what I’ve heard, you were sent to arrest Megatron. Why are you so loyal now?”
Ravage looked at Terrorsaur. “When Megatron revealed his plan to me back on earth, I was thrown back to the days I served the original Megatron. In this Megatron I see one who will achieve great power, one that I would gladly follow.”
“Gah, to the pit with you.” Terrorsaur waved at Ravage dismissively.
At that moment Megatron exited his private cavern. “Inferno, come here.”
The fire ant scuttled to his master. “At your service royalty.”
“Inferno, you shall be accompanying me on an important journey.” He turned to the rest of the predacons. “The rest of you are to wait here until I return.”
“Megatron sir.” Scorponok scuttled in next to Inferno. “I wish to accompany you.”
“No Scorponok, I have a more important job for you, yess.” He handed a large scroll to the scorpius. “If I am not back in two day's time, open this scroll. These are instructions you must follow.”
“Uh y-yes Sir Megatron.”
“Come Inferno, we have much ground to cover.”	
“Where are we headed Royalty?”
“We’re going north to find someone, a magic teacher.”