//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Smooth Talking // Story: Megatron Takes Equestria // by Synthetic Soul //------------------------------// Very few were brave or foolish enough to enter dragon territory, unless of course they were a dragon. The land was composed of fire and brimstone, no plant life to be seen for miles. It is the perfect place for beasts such as these. The majority of the dragons, both young and old, resided in the largest volcano in the territory. This was where Megatron was heading. Megatron flew at the front of a squad of Pegasus guards, heading straight for the mountain. High above the clouds, concealed from view, was Soundwave himself, carrying a special package that Megatron had ordered be brought with them. Lazerbeak had transformed into a chest piece, attached to Megatrons breast. This was his way of communicating with Soundwave. After hours of flight, the volcano came into view, along with several adult dragons on the outer rim. “Soundwave, stay above the cloud layer until I call for you. Do not let them see you,” ordered Megatron. He then turned to look at his pony followers. “We’re here. Prepare yourselves.” With that, Megatron and his guards began their descent into the volcano’s crater. The dragons all turned their gaze to view the newcomers. Megatron and his group landed in an open area, a decent distance from the dragons. The reptilian bests all looked to the group of ponies, wondering what they were going to do. And then Megatron stepped forward. “So, these are the mighty dragons I have heard so much about. I must say, I am impressed. Where is your leader?” A loud roar could be heard echoing throughout the crater. All eyes turned toward a large pool of lava. Slowly, the lava began to rise, and take shape. Soon enough, the molten liquid dripped off of the form, to reveal a large steel colored dragonhead. Next, a large claw rose, and clawed at ground. Soon, the rest of the beast emerged from the lava, revealing the dragon in full form. It was large, larger than the others. It had long sharp spikes running down its spine, as well as protruding out the back of its head, and elbows. Its claws were as long as a pony, and sharp like a sword. The dragon made his way towards the ponies, the others moving to make room for him. Once he was a decent distance from the ponies, the dragon lowered his head to near eye level with Megatron. “You are either brave, or foolish to come here pony,” said the Dragon. “I fear no creature,” replied Megatron, who did not so much as blink when the dragon got close to him. “Perhaps, but I can see your followers are not as brave. I can see them tremble.” Megatron turned his head towards his group, and sneered, before returning to look at the dragon. “That is why I have come,” said Megatron. “You see, I have plans, and I do not believe my crystal guards are enough to accomplish my goals. Which is why I have come here.” “What exactly is it you have come here for?” “I have come to convince you and your kind to join my forces, in the coming conquest of Equestria.” “You think we will serve you? What could possibly give you such an arrogant notion?” “I have been learning much about these lands, since my arrival. And I have learned much about your kind. I’ve learned of your power and ferocity. It is so great, that all other races fear you. But it is a shame really.” “What do you mean?” “You dragons are quite large, but unfortunately, you are confined to your lands. When ponies and griffins see you in their lands, they dispose their armies to drive you out, stealing the gems and gold you leave behind. They treat you like monsters, instead of intelligent beings.” Then, another dragon, a large red one with wings made his presence known. “It’s true! I had made my home in a cave near a pony village, but was attacked, and driven from my home by ponies. I was even forced to leave behind my hoard!” “If you join me, I will grant you the land you deserve, as well as provide you with the gems we acquire through conquest. I have no need for them.” “Hm…your offer is intriguing. But how are we to believe you are any different from countless other ponies we have come to know. I can see you are an Alicorn. What differs you from the princesses of Equestria?” “I was not always an Alicorn. Neither was I always a pony.” “What do you mean?” “I was once…like him. SOUNDWAVE!” With that, the clouds parted as the Cybertronian transformed, and landed on the ground with a large thud. In his hands, was a large crate filled with gemstones. “What in the world?” questioned the dragon. Soundwave walked forward, and set the crate in front of the dragon, and then walked backwards next to Megatron. “An offering,” said Megatron. “What is this…this thing?” “This is my second in command, Soundwave. He comes from my home planet of Cybertron.” “You are from another world?” “Yes, I am. I was once like him, but now I find myself in the body of an Alicorn.” “I see. Well, your offer is intriguing, but how do we know you will succeed. The Alicorns are powerful, and have never been defeated. What makes you think you will succeed?” “My experience in warfare spans millions of years. And before that, I was the champion gladiator in the pits of Kaon. I have slain opponents hundreds of times larger than myself.” “Still, the Alicorns have in their possession a weapon unlike any other. The Elements of harmony are capable of defeating any opponent, even Discord.” “I have my own super weapon,” said Megatron, who unsheathed his Dark Star Sabre. “Watch and behold my power.” Megatron spread his wings, and took to the sky. The dragons all watched as Megatron turned to face a far off mountain. Megatron then reared back his sword, and swung it. To the dragon’s surprise, a humungous wave of energy released from the blade, which shot towards the mountain. The wave cut through the mountain easily, causing the top to crumble and fall. The dragons all watched in awe as Megatron returned the group and re sheathed his sword. “Incredible. Where did you acquire such a weapon?” said the dragon. “I forged it myself,” replied Megatron. “Perhaps, we could actually defeat the Equestrians. We may just succeed in ending their thousand year Reich.” “So, do I have your service?” The dragon turned his head, taking a few moments to think things over, before looking back to Megatron. “It is time for a change in leadership. Celestia has ruled for too long. You have our servitude. What is your name?” “I am Lord Megatron.” The dragon turned his head to look at the other dragons. “DRAGON HOARD! WE NOW FOLLOW LORD MEGATRON AS HIS ALLIES IN THE COMING CONQUEST OF EQUESTRIA. HAIL!” “HAIL!” chanted the rest of the dragons, over and over again. Megatron smirked. ‘All according to plan.’