Meanwhile, at the Predacon Base
Deep within the mountain, located in the center of an ancient Diamond Dog city, lies a grand coliseum. Unused since the day the Predacons slaughtered the previous occupants of the once grand city, the monument showed signs of wear and scars from battle.
But now, light shined from within the arena. The ancient seats were full to capacity, as thousands of Predacons and Changelings came to see a grand spectacle. Down in the Arena pit, Queen Chrysalis stood at the entrance of a newly constructed obstacle course, surveying the route she would take. Just in front of her was a table with various handheld firearms lined up neatly on top. Next to her was Cara, newly promoted to Chrysalis' personal lieutenant.
"Are you sure this is wise, your highness?" asked Cara.
"Of course it is." replied Chrysalis, a wisp of a smile playing on her face. "How can I possibly ask my underlings to perform a task that I myself am unwilling to do? Besides, in all likelihood, I will be fighting Prime one on one. I must be sure of the abilities my new form shall have."
From above came the squeal of the PA system activating as Megatron began to speak from his private box. "Your grace, we are ready to begin."
Chrysalis nodded and disappeared in a flash of green light as she shape-shifted. When the flash dissipated, standing where Chrysalis had been was a pale metallic, bipedal creature. Chrysalis' new form was femininely shaped, with taloned feet and clawed hands. her metallic 'skin' was pale as moonlight, but her legs, waist, chest, and shoulders were covered by pitch-black armor, while her forearms had bladed vambraces. Atop her head was a black, three-pointed crown, while large diaphanous winds sprouted from her back. With the transformation complete, Chrysalis picked up a pair of handguns and two spare eight-round magazines from the table and approached the beginning of the course.
The PA system activated once again and a sharp blast from an air horn reverberated inside the arena, and Chrysalis took off at full speed. The first obstacle she encountered was a simple series of hurdles, which she deftly leapt over without being slowed down too much. Then she came to a wall, from which a turret popped out from a hidden panel and began firing at her. Thinking quickly, Chrysalis rolled under the stream of fire, brought her handguns up, and fired two shots at the wall-mounted device, both of which were dead on target and jammed the gun.
With the turret no longer a threat, she holstered her pistols and climbed the wall with little difficulty. on the other side was a long hallway littered with landmines which she would have to avoid. She opted to take the easy route, and clung to the left wall of the hallway and clambered down to the end where she would have to make a turn. As Chrysalis rounded the corner, she immediately jumped back, barely avoiding stepping on a mine, as another turret opened fire. She then hugged the wall, approached the turn, and blind-fired around the corner until her pistol clicked empty.
After a quick pause to reload, she once again stepped out from cover, to see that the turret had taken a total of five shots and was utterly destroyed. With a quick smile at her handiwork, Chrysalis made for the last obstacle. Another hallway greeted her, this one criss-crossed with laser tripwires that would activate either more turrets or explosives should she break a beam. After a minute to study the pattern, Chrysalis expertly ducked and weaved through the beams, only breaking one near the end, which activated a turret that was swiftly silenced by a single shot from her handguns.
As she crossed the finishing line, the crowed erupted in applause as the assembled Changelings and Predacons marvelled at their queen's achievement. Chrysalis waved and bowed to the crowd, drinking in their adoration. then turned to see that Megatron was waiting for her.
"Well done my dear!" he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "That was simply fantastic."
"Thank you, milord." she replied.
Before either could continue, a Changeling flew at full speed over the stands and landed next to Chrysalis and Megatron, dropping a pair of saddlebags in the process. "My Queen, Lord Megatron." he said, out of breath. "I have urgent news from Ponyville."
"Report." barked Megatron.
"It is about the Unicorn, Twilight Sparkle."
"Yes, what is it?" asked Chrysalis.
"She's... she's become an Alicorn!"
Chrysalis' green eyes widened. "Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yes, your highness." he replied. He then opened his saddlebags and pulled out a small, round disc out and set it on the ground. With a tap of his hoof, the Changeling activated the hologram emitter, and before the stunned eyes of Chrysalis and Megatron floated the image of Twilight Sparkle flying over the fields north of Ponyville. "This is live footage." he said. "Charger is currently observing her."
"Your work is to be commended." said Megatron, before turning to Chrysalis, who was pinching her brow. "This changes everything."
"No it does not." said Chrysalis. "Alicorns are powerful, yes, but it takes time for them to grow into their power. We have weeks, months even, before Twilight Sparkle could seriously jeopardize our mission." She looked back towards the hologram, and smiled wickedly. "Plenty of time."