//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: We need your help // Story: Megatron Takes Equestria // by Synthetic Soul //------------------------------// Celestia sat in her royal chariot, which was currently being pulled by a group of pegasi. Two more chariots were being pulled, flanking Celestia left and right, each chariot carrying a group of Unicorn guards. You couldn’t be too safe now a days. Celestia’s destination was Griffonstone, capital city of the Griffon Empire. The griffons where known for being a fierce warrior people. Just the help the Ponies needed in the coming battle against Megatron. Soon enough, the city came into view. The city was much like Canterlot, with busy griffons all about the place, houses and other buildings littering the area. And in the distance was the palace. The palace was majestic, yet it also appeared to be built in a way that was designed to provide a strategic advantage in the case of it being attacked. Celestia’s chariot touched down on the outskirts of the city, where there were fewer griffons. Once they had landed, Celestia exited the chariot, and headed towards the entrance to the city with a group of guards, leaving the others behind to keep the chariots safe. The princess made her way to the gates of the city, where a small group of armored Griffon guards were standing at attention. Once she came close enough, the two guards on each side of the gate used their spears to block the entrance. Then, a single griffon, most likely the higher rank of the group, made his way towards the princess of the sun. “Princess Celestia,” greeted the guard. “What brings you to our fair city?” “Hello. I am here because I need to speak with your Emperor. It is of the utmost importance.” “Hm…very well.” The guard turned around to face his subordinates, and commanded them to open the gate. They did as instructed, and soon, the doors to the city were open. The griffon then turned back to face Celestia and her ponies. “We will have a group of guards escort you to the palace, your majesty.” “Thank you,” replied Celestia. She and her group of pony guards made their way through the gates were she was met by a group of griffon guards. The guards then began leading the group of ponies towards the palace. As the group walked, many of the guards noticed just how similar this city was to Canterlot. There were more guards here then in the Equestrian capital, but overall, the two cities were very similar. There were griffons, young and old, going about their business, the young playing, while the older ones worked, went in and out of stores and such, doing their daily errands. As Celestia walked, she saw many of the citizens of Griffonstone were looking at her, with a mixture of surprise and awe. It wasn’t very often that she came to the capital personally. The group came to a halt when a young chick, no older than five, ran up to get a closer look at the Alicorn. The youngling had a look of pure wonder as she gazed up at the princess. “Wow, a weal Awicorn,” said the child, clearly not old enough to have mastered pronunciation. The scene brought a smile to Celestia’s face, as she giggled in response. The child’s mother ran up to them, and pulled her child back. “My apologies your highness,” said the griffon. “Think nothing of it,” replied Celestia as the group started walking again. As the group made their way towards the palace, Celestia’s mind drifted back to the young chick. The child had such innocence, and wonder. It was this that the Alicorn wanted to protect. For if Megatron succeeded in his conquest, such things would become extinct in the new era of darkness. That is why she needed to win this fight. The group finally came to the palace, and were escorted inside. The ponies gazed about the main entrance hall, and saw a wide variety of paintings and statues. In front of them was a large set of double doors, presumably to the throne room. One of the escorting griffons separated from the group. “I will go tell our Emperor of your arrival,” said the guard. Celestia nodded her head in response, and the Griffon made his way towards the doors. He spoke to the two guards flanking the doors, and after a brief conversation, he made his way inside. A few minutes later, the doors once again opened, and the griffon walked out of the throne room, towards the ponies. “His majesty will see you now. He does request that your guards stay out here though,” explained the griffon. “Very well,” replied the Alicorn. She separated herself from the group, and made her way into the throne room. The throne room was similar to hers in Canterlot, though it was a bit darker colored. The walls were lined with art, and banners, as well as some stained glass windows, showing off important parts of the Griffon Empires history. Celestia turned her attention to the throne at the end of the room, where the King sat upon his throne, with two guards standing attention on either side of the throne. Celestia stopped walking about ten feet from the throne, and bowed her head. “Emperor Günter,” greeted Celestia. “Ah, Princess Celestia! It has been too long,” said the Emperor as he stood up from his throne, and made his way towards the Princess. The tow hugged each other like the old friends that they were. When they disengaged, Günter made his way back to his throne, while dismissing his two guards. Once they were out of the room, the Emperor spoke. “So Celestia, what brings you to my home?” Celestia closed her eyes, and hung her head slightly. “Unfortunately, I did not come here on a social call. I came, because I need your help.” “Oh? What seems to be the problem?” questioned the griffin leader. “A new threat has arisen. A new warlord has taken control of the Crystal Empire, and he has set his sights on Equestria.” “You have never needed our help to deal with your enemies before. You were able to stop Tirek, Discord, and Nightmare Moon on your own. This new threat can’t be all that different can it?” “Unfortunately, he is. You see, our new enemy is far greater than any of our past foes. Not only is he an Alicorn, but he has managed to depose Sombra.” “An Alicorn! And he’s that powerful?” “Yes. But what concerns me more is the force he commands.” “You mean an army?” “Not just any army. You see…well this is…” Celestia sighed. “You see, centuries ago, when I was ruling Equestria on my own due to my sisters absence, two beings not of this world attacked Canterlot.” “Not of this world? Do you mean demons, or some sort of spirit?” “No, these beings were from the stars. Only, they weren’t living beings like you or I, no they were giant sentient beings made of Metal. Taller than buildings, with enough power to level a city if they so choose.” “Wait a second…. are you telling me that such a threat was never reported to the other nations? How could you keep us in the dark?” “I felt that knowledge of these beings would cause a panic. Furthermore, I was able to defeat them both, though it was not easy. I had hoped that we had seen the last of them, but clearly I was wrong.” The Emperor closed his eyes and sighed, before returning his attention to Celestia. “So, what does this have to do with this Alicorn?” “Eight hundred years ago, as the last of those metallic titans died, he spoke of a leader, one more powerful than any of their kind. His name…was Megatron.” “Megatron,” said Günter, rolling the name on his tongue. “Yes. I recently met with the Alicorn who defeated Sombra. He called himself Megatron, and proved to me that he is the same being. I don’t know how, but he has somehow managed to change forms, becoming an Alicorn. This enemy has already brought one of his former minions to Equestria, and I fear he may plan to bring more to our world. If this were to happen, our entire world could end. Every race, enslaved to his rule.” “This is…this is very disturbing news Celestia….” “I know. That is why we need your armies help. If we get enough support, we can make our move against him before he is able to contact more of his forces. We know he already controls the Crystal Empire and its forces, and we fear he will attempt to expand his army soon. Equestria needs your help if we are able to defeat this enemy.” Günter sat there, eyes closed, in deep thought. He stayed like that for several seconds, before opening his eyes, and stepping down off his throne, towards Celestia. When he reached her, she extended his talons, to shake with Celestia. “This threat sounds like it could be the end of every thing we know. You have my support.” Celestia smiled, and took the Emperors claws, shaking. “Tell me what you need.” “Of course. Once we shall discuss what to do soon. For now, mobilize you forces, and get ready to fight.” “As you wish.” Celestia smiled to her friend, and left the throne room, regrouping with her guards, and proceeding to leave the castle. Once they were gone, Günter let out a deep sigh. “They’re gone,” he said. The clip clop of hooves could be heard, as a pony in menacingly sharp purple armor stepped out from behind his hiding place. “Very good,” said the pony, his voice deepened by the magical enchantments on his helmet. “You have played your part well. I trust you understand what to do next?” “Yes, yes…tell me…is she safe?” “Of course, your daughter is being kept safe back in the Crystal Empire.” “When will you return her to me?” “She will be returned once Lord Megatron’s victory is complete.” “Don’t you dare hurt her.” “As long as you do as you are told, she will be kept safe,” said the pony as he made his way towards the back exit of the building. “And who knows. Perhaps our Lord will allow you to keep your throne after the world is under his control.” With that, the pony left the room, leaving the Emperor completely alone. And so, he closed his eyes… and cried.