In the Ponyville town square, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Big Machintosh, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been waiting for hours for Twilight and her friends to return. Shining Armor was growing increasingly worried and impatient.
"Don't worry dear," Cadance tried to soothe his anxiety, "Twilight's been through situations like these before. Don't you remember when she traveled to another reality through the magic mirror? And that time only Spike went with her. This time, all of her friends are by her side."
"I know, Cadance, but I can't help it. I feel like I should have gone instead." He replied to his wife.
"Twilight needs to handle this on her own. She needs the experience to hone her skills in being a princess. This perhaps, is another trial that fate has planned for her. There's nothing we can do about it." Cadance said as she nuzzled her husband.
A few moments later, there was a loud crackling sound, almost like thunder, and a massive portal appeared before them. All of the ponies who were in the area gasped and stepped back.
Then through the portal, three familiar giant robots stepped through, along with one they've never seen before.
Bumblebee, Smokescreen, and Wheeljack emerged, followed by a confused Ratchet.
"You're back! Thank Celestia!" Princess Cadance greeted the bots.
"UNCLE JACKIE!" Sweetie Belle shouted as she happily ran up to the wrecker. "And Bumblebee, you're OK!" The rest of the Crusaders also followed suit.
"Told ya, we'd be back." Wheeljack replied to her, as he kneeled down and stuck his hand to her and the others, as they hugged his fingers.
Bumblebee also gave a set of electronic sounds as the assembled ponies smiled at him, happy that he made a recovery.
"And who would you be?" Shining Armor asked the newcomer.
"My name is Ratchet, I'm the medical personnel of Team Prime." He answered the Prince. "So this is your planet. The similarities to Earth, are rather astonishing." The medic looked around Ponyville, seeing that the parallels between the town, and Jasper Nevada were very similar, if not slightly less advanced in technology.
Before anyone else noticed another group emerged from the portal before it closed. The Rescue Bots, all of the humans, and Twilight and the Mane 6 have now arrived.
"TWILIE!" Shining Armor ran up to her, and nearly crushed her in a hug. "I'm glad you're back safely."
"Was there ever any doubt?" She joked to her brother as he released the embrace.
"I see you brought more help." Cadance said to her, "And.... Oh my..... Who are they?" She motioned her attention to the humans.
"This is their world?" Jack asked as he, Miko, and Raf looked around at their new surroundings.
"It feels, and looks just like Earth. It's like we never left." Raf added.
"Except, for some reason, I feel like we're in the middle of some kinda storybook fairy tale." Miko said, "Weird."
"Hmm..." Graham observed, "It seems like their level of tech isn't fully developed yet. Almost like pre-industrial Earth."
The rest of the Burns Family, as well as June, and Agent Fowler also noticed this.
"This could be a problem." Chief Burns pointed out. "They have no means of defense against the Decepticons."
"Agreed." Agent Fowler stated. "And that's why we're here, with the rest of the Bots."
"This place feels, too girly for my taste." Kade muttered, only for Dani to elbow him in the mid section.
"Well, I think it's cute." Dani responded.
"Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, say hello to the Humans. They're the native inhabitants of Earth, the planet where Optimus, and the rest of the Autobots currently reside. They're just like the beings from the mirror world. And these four, are the Rescue Bots." Twilight Sparkle introduced the group to the others.
"I'll need to speak with whoever's in charge, your majesty." Agent Fowler said to Twilight Sparkle.
"I guess that would be us." Cadance replied. "My name is Princess Cadance, and this is my husband Shining Armor. We're the rulers of the Crystal Empire up north, but as of now, we are also the acting head of government of Equestria as well, until both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna can be reinstated."
"I'm Special Agent William Fowler." He introduced himself as he pulled out his ID Badge, "I'm here as a representative of Planet Earth, and for Humankind. I've been informed of the situation by Princess Twilight. Rest assured, we'll do everything we can to rectify the situation."
"Thank you, Agent Fowler, we appreciate any and all assistance you can provide." Shining Armor said to the human with a salute. "I see my little sister succeeded in finding help."
"Little Sister?" Agent Fowler asked.
"Shining Armor is Twilight Sparkle's older brother." Cadance explained.
"I see." Fowler said to the unicorn prince. "You got a brave little sis, your highness. I'm sure you're proud of her."
" I wouldn't be surprised if she got her adventurous side from me. Before I married Princess Cadance and was crowned Prince of the Crystal Empire, I used to be the Captain of Princess Celestia's Royal Guard." Shining Armor explained.
"Hmm, Ex-Military?" Agent Fowler asked the prince.
"You could say that." Shining Armor replied.
"Then I'm sure your expertise and skills would greatly help us, Captain." Agent Fowler saluted the unicorn.
"And my is Chief Charlie Burns. I'm the lead rescue operations and police chief of my community back home. And this is the rest of my team. Their also my sons, and daughter. Kade, a firefighter, Graham, engineer and construction, Dani, aerial rescue, and Cody, communications and dispatch."
The rest of the Burns family waves at the royal couple.
Chief Burns then points to the four new Autobots.
"These are the Rescue Bots, Heatwave, Chase, Boulder, and Blades."
The Rescue Bots salute, as the royal couple look up at them.
"It's an honor to have you here, and we wish to thank you, for coming to our world to aid us." Cadance politely addressed them.
"We'll do whatever we can, your highness." Heatwave replied, "It's our sworn duty to help those in need, and to save lives."
"Agreed," Chase responded as well, "Though we may not truly be soldiers like Optimus Prime and his team, we are no doubt ready to serve and protect. Where ever there is an emergency, Know that the Rescue Bots will heed the call."
"This world is so peaceful. We can't let the Decepticons destroy it." Boulder said as he looked around towards the rest of Ponyville.
"I know, it's really pretty here." Blades added, "And these ponies seem really nice. I can't imagine why anyone would do such horrible things to them."
"Megatron is evil and ruthless. He has no remorse or mercy for anyone." Ratchet explained, "Which is all the reason why we must remove him from this planet, and see to it that Optimus and the others are freed."
"Well, I'm ready to pound some Decepticons." Heatwave said with enthusiam. "What's the plan?"
"Now you're speaking my language, rescue boy." Wheeljack agreed.
"Not without devising a strategy. Fortunately, I am here to create one." Ratchet said as the assembled group of heroes are being led by Twilight towards the Golden Oaks Library.
As the group continued to walk towards the library, they happen to pass by the Ponyville hospital. Fluttershy noticed that there were even more medical tents than usual set up.
"What's going on over there?" The pegasus asked as they noticed multiple ponies being treated for injuries.
"It's the rest of the Royal Guard." Shining Armor explained. "As well as some refugees from Canterlot. Some were lucky enough to escape. The guard who made it out, were hurt pretty badly."
"Oh, that's horrible!" Fluttershy sadly stated.
"They look like they're in pretty bad shape." Jack said.
"Can't you use your magical powers to fight the Cons?" Raf asked.
"We tried," Shining Armor explained, "And it ended in disaster. Megatron has a substance known as Dark Energon in his possession. It makes him immune to our magic, as well as causes a backlash on anypony who attacks him with anything mystical."
"Dark Energon.... Figures." Miko muttered, "Nothing's ever easy."
"I've never seen anything like it before." Cadance added, "Not even Princess Celestia was able to withstand it's effects."
"Dark Energon is indeed, a very Vile substance. It is the blood of Unicron, the Destroyer, and very the anti-spark itself." Ratchet inquired, "To Cybertronians, it can reanimate the dead, allowing whoever resurrected the cadaver full control."
"You mean, ZOMBIES?!" Pinkie Pie asked.
"In a sense, yes." Ratchet answered, "To organics such as humans, the effects are poisonous, and particularly devastating."
Raf, remembering when he was struck by Dark Energon once, shuddered.
"Dark Energon? But I thought that stuff was only a myth." Heatwave stated. "I mean seriously, the blood of Unicron?"
"It's real, deadly real." Smokescreen said. "I've seen it myself. And Megatron from what I heard, has a full stockpile on his ship."
Bumblebee agreed with his buzzes.
"It also appears that the Dark substance also has extremely ill effects on your mystical energy." Ratchet said.
"Tell me about it." Shining Armor replied. "My own magic was repelled back and nearly fried me when I last faced Megatron."
"You faced Megatron and lived? You're one of the lucky ones." Jack said to the unicron prince.
"Then we must find an alternate means for you to defend yourselves against the Decepticons." Ratchet addressed the ponies.
"There's also the Queen Chrysalis and the Changelings, what about them?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"You leave her to me." Shining Armor stated, "The royal guard and I will drive them out."
As they pass by the hospital, Nurse Redheart, quickly called out to Twilight Sparkle.
"Princess Twilight! Thank goodness you've returned. Please, we need your help. I'm not sure how we can treat this many injured guards. All of our doctors are swamped, and even with Zecora's help, we're severely under staffed."
Hearing this, Twilight and her group of assembled ponies, Autobots and Humans quickly observed the situation.
The could see multiple guards needing treatment, as doctor ponies, and Zecora herself scrambling back and fourth to attempt to assess the situation. Seeing that there were too many patients and not enough medical staff, June stepped up.
Seeing the usually peaceful ponies injured and in need of aid broke her heart. She knew what had to be done.
"Agent Fowler, you and the others go on. I'll see what I can do from here." June sternly stated. "Jack, get my bag."
"Mom? What are you doing?" Jack asked, as he hand his mother her bag of medical supplies.
"My job. These ponies need help, and I'll do whatever I can on my part. I'm no soldier or warrior, but this is my calling right here." June explained.
"Nurse Darby, are you even familiar with their physiology?" Ratchet asked.
"Maybe, maybe not, but I can't just stand here and do nothing. Looks like it was a good idea for me to tag along after all." June said as she walks up to Nurse Redheart.
"Who are you?" Nurse Redheart asked.
"My name is June Darby. On my world, I'm a nurse. I'll do whatever I can to help."
"Thank you, Nurse Darby, All and any assistance is greatly appreciated." Nurse Redheart smiled at the human.
"Lead the way. Jack, please be careful. Chief Burns, Agent Fowler, please see to it that my son and the rest of the children stay out of harms way."
"Don't worry Nurse Darby, I'll see to it Jack and the others stay safe. You have my word." Chief Burns replied.
"Your son's in good hands." Fowler reassured her.
She then gives her son a hug, and smiles at him.
With that, the two nurses stepped into the medical tents, and began to do whatever they could to treat the injured.
"Well, At least I know Mom will be safe." Jack said as the rest of the group continue on towards the library. "I hope she can help them."
"Me too Jack." Rainbow Dash said as she hovered next to him. "Your mom also seems pretty cool. The way she went out of her way to help somepony she doesn't even know."
"Yeah, she has a big heart." Jack said as they continue to walk down the street.
"For a town, it's pretty quiet." Dani observed.
"Eeyup!" Big Macintosh replied.
"Yeah, it's even deader than Jasper, and that's saying A LOT!" Miko stated.
"Where is everypony?" Applejack asked.
"I know, it's usually not this deserted. What's going on?" Twilight also asked.
"Do you think it's Zombie Ponies??" Pinkie Pie replied fearfully, causing Fluttershy to shriek and fly up to Bumblebee and the Cutie Mark Crusaders to hide behind Wheeljack.
"Z....Zombie Ponies?" Blades also began to shake.
"No, Pinkie. I don't think it's Zombie Ponies." Twilight answered her in annoyance.
"But all that talk about Dark Energon, and Zombie Decepticons. Why NOT Zombie Ponies?" Pinkie shouted.
"There is no proof that Dark Energon can reanimate deceased organics." Ratchet reassured the pink pony.
"Pinkie for the last time, there are NO ZOMBIE PONIES!" Twilight shouted, losing her patience.
"Zombie Ponies huh?" Kade joked "That would actually make this girly bubblegum world a bit more interesting."
"Kade, just....stop." Dani glared at her brother.
Finally they reach the library. The humans and Rescue Bots stare at it.
"Well, this is it, my home. Welcome to Golden Oaks Library." Twilight said to the group.
"I've heard of tree houses, but this is ridiculous." Miko remarked.
"Well I think it's quite cute." Dani said.
"You would." Kade replied.
"That's actually kinda neat." Raf added as Cody nodded in agreement.
Twilight quickly opened the door and called for her dragon assistant.
"Spike, I'm back!"
A small bipedal reptile quickly came to the door, as the humans and Rescue Bots, and even Ratchet looked on in surprise.
"By the Allspark!" Ratchet gasped, "A Predacon!"
"Predacons? But they've been extinct since before recorded Cybertonian history." Boulder said.
"No, silly goose, that's Spike, he's a dragon!" Pinkie Pie corrected them.
"A dragon, you mean a REAL Dragon? SWEET!" Miko beamed as she walked up to Spike.
"The people from the mirror world? How did they get here? And how come they haven't been changed into ponies?"
That statement confused all of the humans.
"Mirror world? Jack asked.
"And he can talk. Noble!" Cody said in awe.
"This is Spike, my number one assistant." Twilight introduced him to the others.
"And for the record Spike they look like the humans from the magic mirror dimension, but they're not from that world. They're from another planet that's still in our universe." Twilight explained to the dragon.
"Dragons are real here? Fascinating. On Earth, they're just myth and legend." Graham explained.
"We're legends on your world? COOL!" Spike beamed after hearing that comment.
"But aren't dragons supposed to be like, you know, big, giant and ferocious?" Miko asked.
"Spike's still a baby dragon." Fluttershy answered. "And he's not ferocious, why he's the sweetest and nicest baby dragon ever."
"So Spike, why is the town so empty?" Rainbow Dash asked the dragon.
"Well, it's because everypony's scared. News about what happened in Canterlot spread pretty quickly. Especially from the refugees who were lucky enough to escape. They told everypony what happened. About the Decepticons, about Queen Chrysalis, how Princess Celestia and Optimus Prime were defeated. And how Canterlot had fallen." Spike explained, his voice taking on a sadder tone. "That's why everypony's staying indoors. They won't leave their homes."
He then looked at Wheeljack and Sweetie Belle.
"Is it true, Rarity's been kidnapped by the Decepticons?" Spike asked with pleading eyes, not wanting to believe the rumors.
Sweetie Belle immediately burst into tears, as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo hugged her, attempting to ease her worry.
"Smooth one, Spike." Rainbow Dash muttered.
"Sorry." Spike apologized.
"But yes, I'm afraid it's true. They have indeed taken Rarity." Twilight said with reluctance.
"What are we gonna do? We have to save her!" Spike shouted.
"And we will." Wheeljack said to the little dragon.
Bumblebee then spoke to Ratchet in his electronic language as the medic nodded.
"Hmm.yes.yes....I know." He responded.
"You're right Bumblebee." Cody replied to the Bot.
"What did he say?" Applejack asked.
"It is time that we formulated a strategy of counter attack." Ratchet explained.
With that, they began to discuss their plans.
After Shining Armor had given the team a map of Canterlot, so that everyone would be familiar with the layout of the city and the castle, Ratchet began to put his plan into play. He began to brief everyone.
"Thanks to Prince Shining Armor's data, we now have a proper strategic course of action." The medic lectured as everyone listened, "Rafael, Cody, and myself will remain in close proximity here in the edge of Ponyville. We will serve as your base of operations, communications, and reconnaissance."
"I've already began to construct communication headsets for each of you." Raf added, as he pulls one out.
"OOOH, you must be super duper smart like Twilight!" Pinkie Pie squealed happily at the human boy.
"I figure you humans were eggheads, especially after the tech I saw on your world." Rainbow Dash said.
"Moving forward, Agent Fowler, Prince Armor, and myself, have divided everyone into four strike teams." Ratchet continued, "The first team will consist of Prince Armor, and his remaining royal guard. They will keep these Changeling characters at bay."
"Ratchet, I must prostest." Chase interrupted, "I apologize for my interruption, but this will put the ponies' lives in danger. They may suffer casualties."
"Don't worry about us." Shining Armor reassured him. "This is what we signed up for. We're ready to put our lives on the line to protect our home."
"And he won't be alone." Agent Fowler added. "I'm going in as well."
"Bill?" Chief Burns responded in concern. "But aren't you retired?"
"I may be out of shape, but I've got the experience. They're gonna need all the help they can get." Fowler replied.
"Agent Fowler, what do you mean?" Shining Armor asked him.
"Before becoming an agent for my government, I used to be military myself. The Army Rangers. Just because I'm old, doesn't mean I won't stop serving Uncle Sam."
"Who's Uncle Sam? What does he have to do with this?" Shining Armor was confused.
"That's just a technical nickname for my country. Anyways we're getting off track. Main point is, Prime and his Bots saved our world countless times, and it's my turn to repay them." Fowler explained.
"Now, for the second team, Bumblebee, you will lead the Rescue Bots into the heat of battle. While Prince Armor and Agent Fowler will keep the Changelings busy, your task is to engage any Decepticon threat. I'm also counting on you to free Optimus and the others."
"Finally!" Heatwave smiled happily. "We'll make you and Optimus proud."
Blades wasn't as enthusiastic, hearing that he would be thrust into the frontlines, but as the same time, he knew it was for the greater good. That, and he would be fighting along side his idol, Bumblebee.
Bumblebee gave a round of buzzes and beeps to Blades, reassuring that the copter Bot would do fine.
"Thanks Bumblebee. I'll do my best, and I won't let you down." Blades answered him.
"You be careful out there, Heatwave..... I mean, not that we're best buds or nothing." Kade stammered to his partner.
".....Right....." Heatwave replied.
"Come back in one piece, alright buddy?" Graham said to the construction bot.
"That's a Promise." Boulder replied.
"Good luck Chase, and good hunting. Come back safe." Chief Burns saluted.
"Thank you Chief. We will return victorious." Chase also saluted back.
"Blades, take care of yourself. Bumblebee, please watch over him." Dani worriedly said to the two Bots.
"I will Dani. We'll be back, WITH Optimus and the others." Blades answered her.
Bumblebee also gave a round of bleeps and blips.
"He says he'll watch their backs, and see that they come back safe." Fluttershy translated to Dani.
"I know he will." Dani replied to the pegasus.
"Now, as for the third team. This will consist of Smokescreen, Wheeljack, Miko, Jack, and the Burns Family. You will infiltrate the castle, and free all of the diplomats and hostages while the others are keeping the Changelings and Decepticons occupied." Ratchet explained. "Smokescreen and Wheeljack will provide cover, while the humans liberate the captured dignitaries."
"That's our cue, I guess." Jack said.
Miko groaned in frustration.
"Aww, that means I'm gonna miss out on all the action." She complained.
"I promised Nurse Darby to give you the least dangerous mission. It's to keep you safe, and within my sights." Chief Burns stated.
"And as for the fourth and final team...." Ratchet continued, "Princess Twilight, while the other teams are keeping the enemy distracted, you and your friends will infiltrate the tower that holds your Elements of Harmony. I have been informed that they possess great power, and are your world's primary means of defense. Hopefully, this will give us the edge we need and tip the scales, in our favor."
"We won't let you down, Ratchet." Twilight responded, as the rest of the Mane 6 nod in agreement.
"Except there's one hitch you overlooked, Doc." Wheeljack interrupted, "You didn't mention anything about saving Rarity."
"Hmm.... It appears you are correct." Ratchet stammered, "Very well, I will rethink of a proper procedure."
"No need. I'm gonna handle this on my own." The Wrecker said, as he began to walk off.
"Wheeljack, where are you going?" Ratchet demanded.
"Where do you think? I got a rescue mission to mount, and..... " He remembered the promise he made to Sweetie Belle, "it's personal."
"Not without backup, return immediately, so that I can come up with a proper strategy." Ratchet yelled.
"Wreckers don't call for backup, we call, for CLEAN UP!" He gloated as he continued to walk off.
"Wheeljack, please be reasonable. Ratchet gave you an order, it is best you abide by it." Chase said.
"Sheesh, what are you, Ultra Magnus Junior?" He joked, "I do things my way."
And with that, Wheeljack transforms, into vehicle mode, and drives off towards the Everfree Forest, where his ship still rested.
"Wheeljack, come back here.... WHEELJACK!" Ratchet fumed, but he was already gone. "I swear, we don't have time to deal with your loose cannon antics!"
"Now what? We're down one Autobot." Graham asked.
"Don't worry, I'll keep you covered." Smokescreen reassured the Burns family.
"I swear his insubordination will be the death of me." Ratchet muttered to himself. "No matter, I will require my tools so we can begin building our communication devices."
"And patch Dither into our systems." Cody added.
From inside of one of Heatwave's compartments, a yellow orb like robot flies out.
"I've already begun to download his programming into my laptop." Raf said as he sat in front of his computer. "He's going to be like our own version of Laserbeak."
"That's right. Doc Greene informed us that everything Dither sees and hears, will be sent to your laptop." Chief Burns said.
"And with this range booster, we can even keep a remote connection with him even if he were fifty miles away." Cody said as he attaches the device to Raf's laptop.
"Eggheads, Eggheads everywhere." Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack and Miko.
"Jack, please hand me the power drill." Ratchet instructed.
"Sure thing.......wait, where is it?" Jack asked.
They then see Pinkie Pie fiddling with the power tool.
"WOW, I've never seen anything like this. It's almost like a big egg beater. OOOHH, I bet I can make like a BAJILLION cupcakes with this." Pinkie Pie beamed as she played around with the tool.
"What are you doing. DON'T TOUCH THAT!" Ratchet yelled.
But Pinkie Pie had already put it on the highest setting. The power drill suddenly overheats, and fizzles out.
"Oops." Pinkie Pie muttered.
Ratchet was infuriated.
"I'll, see what other tools I can dig up at the farm. I'm sure there's somethin' we can use." Applejack said to the medic.
"Eeyup." Big Macintosh agreed.
"Say, anypony seen Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked.
"Hey, now that you mention it, Sweetie Belle, and Scoots are gone too." Rainbow Dash observed.
"I wonder where they could have gone to." Twilight Sparkle pondered. "And Spike's missing too."
Over at the town square, Shining Armor and Agent Fowler had assembled any remaining able body Royal Guard that was fortunate enough to escape Canterlot during the first siege. They weren't much, but it was all that was there to offer.
"Alright troops," Shining Armor paced back in forth in front of the lined up guards, "You are here because you are bravest, finest soldiers we have."
"WE'RE ALL THAT'S LEFT!" one of the guard ponies shouted in panic.
"And we're very lucky to have you." Shining Armor reassured him. "It's time we took Canterlot back."
"How?" Another guard yelled.
"It's true that our enemy is powerful, ruthless, and armed to the teeth, but we have something they don't... HEART!" Shining Armor addressed them. "Guards our mission is thus. They have kidnapped our brave comrades, the Autobots and one of my sister's dearest friends. Our job is to infiltrate, free the prisoners, and drive the invaders away from our world. Troops I will not lie to you. There will be physical violence, There will be carnage, and there is most certainly the definite possibility some of you won't make it back. And so, I ask you: WHO'S With US?"
All of the guards simply shivered.
"We don't stand a chance against those war machines!" One guard shouted.
"It's hopeless I tell you. HOPELESS!" Another stated.
"Too scared.... Too scared!" another shouted as he ran off in panic.
Shining Armor hung his head down, and facehoofed.
"Let me try captain." Agent Fowler stepped up.
"Who's this guy?" one of the guards asked.
"I'm the one who's gonna remind you all of who you are!" Agent Fowler replied.
He then points to one of the guard ponies in the front row.
"You there, what's your name son?"
"S....Soaring Thunder, sir."
"And let me ask you.... Why did you enlist?"
"Well, I wanted to make a difference, to help those in need." He replied.
"And you will, this mission will be the most important mission of your life. A chance for you to help everyone on your world. Isn't that what you want, for your world to be safe?"
"Yes, it is sir." the pony replied.
"And you," Agent Fowler pointed to another guard. "What's your reason for joining the guard?"
"Well, After the first Changeling attack, I wanted to protect my family. I wanted to be trained to defend the ones I care about. My wife is expecting our second foal."
"Then do it for your wife, and your unborn child. Don't you think your baby deserves to live in a safe world? A world where the child's future can be secured?"
"Y..You're right." The guard replied.
"You're not doing this just for yourselves. The situation may seem hopeless, but you can't let that break your spirit. There's too much riding on this. I know that many of you have loved ones, friends, families, and homes. So do it for the ones you love. Fight for your friends, fight for your families, fight for your homes, fight for your future, and most importantly of all.... fight for your FREEDOM!"
Hearing these words, the guard then cheer, and got their second wind.
"Prince Shining Armor, we're with you!" one of the guards shouted.
"We'll fight to protect our loved ones." Another agreed.
"I'm impressed, Agent Fowler. How did you do that?" Shining Armor asked.
"I'm Ex-Military myself. I've been on the frontlines in hopeless situations, but I always managed pulled through. Raising Morale, is a part of my job."
But as Shining Armor turned around, he sees Cadance, with a worried look on her face. She then turns around and runs off.
"Cadance? Where are you going?" Shining Armor called to her.
"Looks like trouble with the Missus." Agent Fowler stated. "Don't worry, I got everything covered here. Go talk to her."
As Cadance ran, she approached a bridge overlooking a stream. She sticks her head over the bridge and looks at her own reflection in the water. Through the refection, she notices Shining Armor's was right next to her's. She looks up at her husband, with tears in her eyes.
"Cadance, honey, what's wrong?" He asked in concern.
"I.... I thought you retired. That you weren't going to put yourself in danger anymore." She explained to her husband.
"Is this what's bothering you?" He asked in astonishment. "Candance, It's something I have to do. I need to lead the guard so that our world can be saved, and so that Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Optimus can be freed."
"I know, but, you're also a prince now. What if something happens to you? The Crystal Empire needs you, Twilight needs, you..... and..... I need you."
She gives him a deep passionate kiss.
"I'll have Spike send a letter to the Empire. I'll have Flash Sentry come down here instead and lead the troops in your place." Cadance said to him.
"Absolutely NOT!" Shining Armor objected. "Look, Flash is a good kid, and one of the best guards we have. But he's still a rookie, and has no experience in leading a battalion into battle. The kid's only gonna get hurt. And I also know how Twily feels about him. She'd never forgive me if anything were to happen to him."
"But she needs you too." Cadance complained.
"I'm the only one who can do this. And don't worry, Agent Fowler will be there with me. We'll watch each other's backs. I'll come home safe, I always do. That's a promise."
"You better keep it." She said to him, as the royal couple embrace.
As Twilight looked at the others beginning to put their plan into action. She couldn't help but feel anxiety and some fear and worry pang at her heart. She was going into battle, even though she had been in similar situations, she felt that this time, it was more than she could handle.
Seeing that Ratchet had finally obtained some tools that Applejack had given him, he had to improvise while working on the communication headsets he was making for everyone.
"Umm, Ratchet?" Twilight addressed the medic.
"I am rather preoccupied at the moment, Princess. What do you require?" He responded in a somewhat impatient tone.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I have a small question."
"Yes, what is it?" He asked.
"Well, do you ever, you know, get scared?" She asked.
Ratchet then stops his work and looks at the alicorn princess.
"Why do you ask?" He inquired.
"It's just that, well, I'm just a little pony. I may be a princess who excels in magic, but even that's been rendered useless by Dark Energon. Where as you, and the other Autobots, are so large, and powerful. You're essentially titans. Especially Optimus. He's always been so strong, in body and will. I don't know if I'll ever be able to emulate his image. I know the girls need me to lead them. But what if I fail? What if I'm not good enough? If Megatron can take down someone as strong as Optimus, I don't know what chance I stand against him?"
Ratchet then sighs, and kneels down to meet her at eye level.
"Princess Twilight, I have seen your capacity for courage and bravery. The way you handled yourself during Starscream's siege of Griffon Rock has proven that." Ratchet explained to her. "When I look into your eyes, I see the same determination, will, and spirit that Optimus possesses."
"You do? But he's all powerful." Twilight said to the medic. "You're all larger than life."
"Perhaps, but he wasn't always so." Ratchet explained. "He was once very much like you. The parallels between the two of you, are uncanny. I am beginning to see why the two of you got along so well."
"I don't understand... I mean, I know he mentioned that he wasn't always the leader of the Autobots, and that he wasn't always a Prime, but I can't picture him in any other way." Twilight stated.
"Then perhaps, I shall help clear up the explaination." Ratchet commented.
He then began to Tell Twilight Sparkle the story of Orion Pax, the origins of Megatron, and the beginnings of the great Cybertronian War....
Twilight's jaw had nearly hit the floor after hearing the story. She remembered that Optimus once told her of his life as an archivist before the war, but the similarities between the two astonished the young princess.
"So you see, Even someone like a simple librarian from the Iacon Hall of Records, can become something of a legend. Do not doubt yourself Twilight Sparkle. I see that you being coronated as a princess, is equivelant, to Orion Pax, ascending to the rank of Prime."
"I... I had no idea." Twilight admitted, "This is truly amazing!"
Her respect and admiration for Optimus Prime had never felt stronger. She then had another thought.
"Ratchet, on my world, when Princess Luna returned as Nightmare Moon, she tried to cover the world in eternal darkness. we were able to defeat and purge her heart of evil. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia quickly made amends and became a family again. Megatron's situation almost feels the same, since he and Optimus once considered each other like brothers. Do you think, Megaton could ever be reformed?"
"According to Optimus, anything is possible. But I cannot see it happening anytime soon. Megatron is pure evil. He's slaughtered countless billions. Too many live have been lost by his hand personally. But, that's just my personal opinion."
"I see." Twilight replied. "Thanks Ratchet, I know what I must do now."
Twilight gives Ratchet a smile, as he nods at her with approval.
As Wheeljack reached the Jackhammer deep in the Everfree Forest, he transforms back into robot mode.
"There you are, right where I left you, old girl. And it looks like you're finally ready to fly."
He then approaches the ship and presses several buttons in sequential order, and the hatch opens.
Wheeljack then enters his ship and heads towards the cockpit.
Little does he know, he was followed. Behind him, Scootaloo on her scooter, pulling a wagon behind her, with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and even Spike all walked up to the ship.
"Wow, so that's Wheeljack's ship. Pretty neat." Spike beamed.
"And it looks like he finally fixed it." Scootaloo beamed.
"Come on, let's get on before we miss our ride." Apple Bloom instructed, as the Crusaders and Spike quickly hop on, just as the hatch began to close.
Wheeljack then presses a number of buttons, and the ship takes off.
"Next stop, the Decepticon Warship. Hang in there Rarity. I'm on my way."