//------------------------------// // Darkest Hour // Story: The Transformers My Little Pony Crossover 2 // by TFCrossoverFan //------------------------------// Chapter 11 The three Decepticons opened fire. Optimus scooped up the ponies, human, and changeling into his arms and dodged the incoming lasers. Starscream aimed his null rays and fired. Soundwave, Sixshot, and Octane each got two shots to the chest for their troubles. Their bodies seized up and fell over, paralyzed. Starscream shot Soundwave an extra third time out of spite. “Our cover is blown.” Optimus said. He activated a com channel. “Autobots, we’ve been found out. Initiate plan B.” “What do we do now?” Shining Armor asked. “I have no idea what you freaks are talking about.” Chrysalis deadpanned. The sounds of explosions overhead were heard. “We fight.” Optimus answered. The party made their way upstairs. Just as they entered the palace hall, Defensor crashed through the wall. “OW.” The gestalt said. The mighty form of Predaking then appeared, and pinned Defensor to the floor. Just as he was about to start wailing on Defensor, Predaking noticed Optimus and the others. “Prime…” Then he saw who else was with Optimus. “Starscream!?” Predaking drew his sword. “DIE!” Chrysalis casually shot Predaking in the optic. “GAH!” Defensor took this as his chance and tackled Predaking. They looked out the hole in the wall. The entire city was a battlefield. Autobots and Decepticons traded blows, ponies resorted to hit and run tactics, it was complete chaos. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity came running to them. “What do we do? This wasn’t part of the plan!” Applejack exclaimed. “Obviously.” Chrysalis snarked. “Hey! What’s she doing here?!” Rainbow Dash demanded. “We found her in the dungeon and Optimus set her free,” Twilight explained, “I don’t like it either, but she said she’d help us fight off the Decepticons.” “And you’re just going through with this?” “You act as though I can’t be trusted.” Chrysalis calmly said. “That’s because we don’t trust you! And why are you so calm?!” “Oh, no reason. I’ve just been telepathically calling in an army of my subjects for the past two minutes.” Right at that moment, a horde of Changelings descended upon Canterlot, surprising Cybertronian and Pony alike. “Keep in in mind that we are not doing this for ponykind, but for all Changelings, and the world.” Chrysalis flew off into the battle to aid her subjects. “Twilight,” Optimus said, “I need you and your friends to get the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight nodded. “We’re on it.” She and the five others ran off into the palace halls. “Witwicky, Shining, Spike, Starscream, you’re with me.” Optimus said as he ran off into the battle. They nodded and followed him. Except for Starscream. Elsewhere… Celestia and Chrysalis were hiding behind a wall of rubble as Scorponok fired upon them. “Well,” Celestia said, “This is different.” “Yes…” Chrysalis responded. “You cannot hide forever, insects.” Zarak drawled. “That’s racist!” Luna was hit by a blast and hit the dirt. A Changeling and a Royal Guard grabbed her and pulled her to safety. “I’m confused,” Hot Rod said, “Who are these bugs?” “Those ponies we saw bickering earlier said they were called Changelings,” Kup said as he stuck his rifle over cover and fired a few rounds, “They’re supposed to be enemies, but this must be an enemy mine situation.” “Temporary enemy mine.” Chrysalis emphasized. “You useless bucket of bolts.” “Is anybody else hoping for a switch?” Wheelie asked. “Because Chrysalis sure is a bi-” A glob of goo splattered over Wheelie’s mouth. “Shut it, scrappy.” Cliffjumper got shot by Scorponok and fell back. Arcee dramatically reached out to him. “Cliffjumper! NOOOOO-” Cliffjumper stood back up. “What? I’m okay.” “Oh, thank goodness.” Arcee said. Springer narrowed his optics with suspicion. Scorponok fired a barrage of missiles. “Dammit, we can’t deal with this right now!” Ultra Magnus yelled. Galvatron stood in the middle of the street, laughing maniacally. “Bwa ha ha! Foolish Autobots and ponies! Did you really believe that you could defeat ME? Victory is mine! Nothing can stop me now!” An Autobot shuttle fell out from the sky and landed on top of Galvatron. The door opened, revealing Hardhead. “Was that Galvatron? Did we get him?” Hardhead asked. “HARDHEAD?” Goldbug yelled. “What the heck are you doing here?! Shouldn’t you be fighting the Hive?” Hardhead shot down a Sweep as it swooped down at him. “The Hive’s finished. We liberated the people of Nebulos, so we figured we’d check up on you guys.” “And not a moment too soon,” Chromedome said as he stepped out from the shuttle, “This is a pretty intense battle!” Brainstorm and Highbrow followed out after him, guns drawn. “Wait,” Springer said, “Are you four all of our backup?” “OF COURSE NOT.” Fortress Maximus said as he dropped down from the sky and crushed Scorponok beneath his feet. Scorponok began moving his claws upward, when Fortress Maximus pulled out his sword and pointed the tip at his head. “DON’T. MOVE.” Scorponok set his claws down. A rocket flew over Canterlot, and from its door out jumped Crosshairs, Punch, Tailgate, Swerve, Sandstorm, and Pipes. They opened their parachutes, pulled out their guns and began shooting down Sweeps left and right as they floated down. Crosshairs in particular was dual- wielding a pair of automatics. The rocket circled back, transformed, and revealed itself to be Omega Supreme. “OMEGA: ENGAGING. PROTECT: PONIES.” Omega began fighting against Devastator and Menasor. Galvatron started climbing his way out from under the shuttle. “Somebody get me out!” Runamuck and Runabout arrived first and started digging their leader out. “Hey Runamuck, I just figured something out.” Runabout said. “What?” Runamuck asked. “This sucks. Huh huh.” “Yeah! This sucks big time! Heh heh.” “Oh will you both shut up!” Galvatron yelled as they finally freed him. Optimus Prime, in truck mode, came out of nowhere and rammed the three Decepticons into a nearby wall. Runamuck and Runabout were immediately knocked out, but Galvatron was still kicking. Optimus transformed, pinned Galvatron against the wall, and unleashed a relentless series of punches. Galvatron put his cannon to Optimus’ midsection, and blasted the Prime away. “I… will… win!” He began charging his cannon to maximum power, and stalked toward Optimus. “Unlike last time, I’m going to make sure there isn’t a body to resurrect!” Galvatron aimed for Optimus’ head, and… A blue spark of electricity hit the nape of Galvatron’s neck. Galvatron seized up, and fell over paralyzed. As great as his willpower was, he could only move his optics and twitch his fingers. Optimus looked to see who had saved him. Floating where Galvatron had just been standing was Discord, a grim look on his face. His normal colors had been restored. Optimus blinked. “Discord? You saved me?” Discord sighed and shrugged. “I had time to think over my life choices while I was at your base. Figured I might as well make myself useful to society.” Cyclonus and Scourge, who had been elsewhere during the battle, finally arrived. Cyclonus gaped in shock. “No, no! Not that freak again!” Discord looked over at the two. “Oh don’t worry; I’m the least of your problems right now.” The two Cons were about to ask why when Scourge was knocked to the ground from behind by the butt of Sandstorm’s gun. “That was for Paradon!” Sandstorm yelled. Cyclonus was about to shoot Sandstorm was somebody tapped him on the shoulder. “Huh?” Cyclonus turned around and found himself face to face with Tailgate’s rifle. Cyclonus held his arms up in surrender. “So, how’s that Earth’s Machines Civil Rights Movement going for ya?” Tailgate punched Cyclonus in the face. Cyclonus fell unconscious next to Scourge. “Did you have to do that? He was surrendering.” Sandstorm asked. “He was being a big mean jerk”, Tailgate replied, “And why are you calling me out when you just hit that other guy?” “Okay fine. But still, maybe if you two had talked to each other you could’ve been friends.” “Friends? With this guy? Ha! Maybe in some weird alternate universe.” The Dinobots walked onto the scene. “We take care of Decepticon gestalts!” Grimlock announced. Derpy flew up into the air. “Hey guys! Guys!” Everyone looked at her. “… I think we won.” “Hey, she’s right.” A Changeling soldier said. “The Decepticons are defeated!” Celestia announced. All cheered in victory. “Alright we did it!” Cadence cheered as she hugged the nearest pony. She looked up at the pony in question. It was Chrysalis. Cadence quickly let go and took on a neutral stance. “That was… awkward?” “This changes nothing between us.” Chrysalis deadpanned. “Somebody get some stasis cuffs,” Ultra Magnus said, “We’ve got a lot of cons to arrest.” “And the moral of the story is that magical artifacts don’t solve all your problems, superior firepower and numbers do.” Witwicky said. “Well then, I guess Twilight didn’t have to run off to get the Elements,” Shining Armor commented. “It would appear so.” Optimus said. “Wait a minute,” Chrysalis said, “Where is the other one?” “The other who?” “The other giant that was with you. Wings, snarky attitude, screechy voice?” Everybody stared. Discord facepalmed. “Ah crap.” Elsewhere… The Mane Six stood before the great doors as they opened to reveal the chest containing the Elements of Harmony. Twilight grabbed the chest with her magic and levitated it over to them. She opened the chest. Each mare put on their respective Element. “Okay girls, this is it,” Twilight announced, beginning her big motivational speech, “We will defeat Galvatron, save Equestria, and we will-” Clapping was heard. Each mare turned around to see Starscream standing at the doorway. He stopped clapping and casually strolled towards them. “I’m sorry if I startled you girls, but some applause just felt appropriate for the moment.” “What are you doing here, Starscream? You’re supposed to be helping in the battle.” “Oh, I just wanted to see what was so great about the Elements of Harmony, of course.” The mares started backing away. “Starscream… why are you really here?” Starscream stared blankly at them for a moment, then, he smirked. “Nothing gets past you ponies, does it?” “Answer the question!” “Give me the Elements of Harmony now, and I might spare your lives.” “What… are you, are you betraying us?!” “Well, obviously.” The ponies gaped at him in shock. “Was this your plan the whole time? To use us to get inside Canterlot and steal the Elements?!” Twilight demanded. “Actually at first I was banking on getting Galvatron killed and taking over the Decepticons, but when I heard about the power of the Elements, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up!” Applejack could only face- hoof. “How did we not see this coming? Being betrayed by Starscream? I mean really!” “Well, he is a rather talented actor.” Rarity said. “I was convinced…” Fluttershy muttered. Starscream raised his null rays. “Last chance. Hand over the Elements.” Pinkie Pie stepped forward. “You Pinkie Promised, Starscream. You Pinkie Promised that you wouldn’t turn on us!” Starscream raised an amused browplate. “Yeah, so?” “Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise!” “Funny that, because I just did.” Then Starscream shot Rarity. Rarity was sent flying across the room, hit the wall, and fell down. She did not get up. “RARITY!” The remaining five yelled. Applejack rushed over to her fallen friend and checked for a pulse. Her face paled. “She’s… she’s gone.” “HOW DARE YOU!” Fluttershy screamed in rage as she raced up to Starscream’s face. She started using The Stare on him. “YOU’RE GONNA REGRET THAT YOU BIG DUMB MEANIE!” “And I suppose you’re going to make me regret it by giving me a dirty look? Tch, get real, loser.” Starscream casually lifted his null ray up to Fluttershy and shot her point blank in the face. “Two down, four to go.” “NO!” Rainbow Dash yelled. She started zipping around Starscream, punching and kicking him in various places. “How could you do this to us?! I gave you a second chance, and this is how you gonna repay me? By killing Rarity and Fluttershy?! I thought we were friends!” Starscream grabbed Rainbow Dash out of mid- air. “I was. I just want this more.” CRACK Starscream dropped Rainbow’s limp body. “Pinkie, Twilight, stay back! Ah got ‘em!” Applejack heroically said as she charged forward with her lasso. Starscream stepped on her. After he lifted his foot to check, he saw her twitch a little. He brought his foot down on her harder this time. “DAMN YOU!” Twilight screamed as she fired a gigantic ball of purple fire at Starscream. The skilled Seeker dodged, and returned fire. The blast tore through Twilight’s heart. Pinkie Pie did not know what to do. She sat on her haunches, mane flat… surrounded by her dead best friends. “What, but, I don’t understand! My friends, gone, betrayed, promise broken, I, I, I, I DON’T UNDERSTAND!” “Nor will you ever have to.” Starscream sadistically said as he stood over her. He kneeled down. “Don’t you get it? You lost. Simple as that.” He set his gun to Pinkie’s stomach. “Oh, and one more thing…” Starscream whispered three little words into Pinkie Pie’s ears. “… I killed Ratchet.” BANG Starscream started collecting the Elements from their respective owners. He opened his chest cavity, and moved to place the Elements inside. The Elements began glowing, and in response, an eldritch glimmer radiated from within Starscream. ‘Hm, it appears that these artifacts are resisting me,’ Starscream thought, ‘Though I suppose that is a given, what with my new body being crafted by Unicron and all that.’ “Elements of Harmony, be mine!” Starscream placed the Elements inside his chest and sealed them within. Pure energy began coursing through his Cybertronian veins, and his body began glowing from the sheer power. “Ah, symbiosis, I CAN FEEL IT!” At that moment, Optimus Prime and Princess Celestia burst through the doors. They saw Starscream, then they saw the Mane Six. “NO!” They both yelled, and fired upon him. Starscream smirked and held out his hand, easily deflecting the blasts. Just as everyone else arrived, Starscream transformed, and flew straight up, creating a hole in the ceiling. “FIRST AID!” Optimus yelled. “I’m here!” First Aid yelled as he pushed through the crowd. He got his equipment out and immediately got to work on the six ponies. Shining Armor stared in horror at the still form of his sister. “No… oh Twiley, please no!” “Twilight, are you okay?” Spike called out as he made his way through. Shining got in his way. “Huh? What is it Shining Armor?” “Spike, don’t look.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Don’t Spike!” Spike saw Twilight. “Twilight!” He pushed past Shining and rushed to his surrogate sister. He stopped in front of her, and just stared at the hole in her chest, at her dull, lifeless eyes. Spike dropped to his knees, and broke down crying. “Optimus, we have to stop Starscream.” Ultra Magnus said, a rare touch of restrained emotion in his tone. Optimus nodded. “No matter the cost. Autobots, take Starscream down. We will give the ponies some… time.” The Autobots nodded and went back outside to battle Starscream. Goldbug, Cliffjumper, and the Dinobots stayed behind for an extra moment, staring at the six fallen forms. Then, a fire rekindled within them, and they charged into the fray. “Optimus,” First Aid said, having finished his diagnosis. Grief was in his voice. “The Elements of Harmony… are all dead.”