Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[ Trigger warning: Drowning ]

Sunset opened her eyes slowly, the first moments of consciousness draped in a heavy veil of confusion. As her vision began to adjust to the blackness, she found herself lying on a vast expanse of water, its surface smooth and eerily still, reflecting the deep, inky blackness that enveloped her. The place was thick with an unsettling silence, each breath she took feeling heavy and laden with an unshakable sense of unease.

"Where... where am I?" she wondered aloud, the words echoed softly, swallowed almost immediately by the gloom that surrounded her. She sat up, the cold water lapping gently at her sides, sending ripples across the otherwise tranquil surface.

"H-hello?" she called out tentatively, her heart racing in her chest as she strained to see anything beyond her immediate vicinity, "Is someone else out there?" the hope in her tone flickered like a candle in the wind and she wished desperately for an answer, for another presence in the desolate abyss, "What is this place...?" she murmured, looking around frantically, trying to discern any details that might offer her a clue about her surroundings.

The sensation of isolation washed over her, as if the darkness itself were a living entity, wrapping her and pulling her deeper into its depths. She felt a strange mixture of fear and curiosity, her mind racing with questions, unanswered. As she scanned the horizon, the absence of light made it nearly impossible to gauge the distance or the boundaries of this mysterious realm. The stillness was oppressive, even the gentle sound of water under her feet felt like an intrusion upon the quiet.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the silence, laced with disappointment and accusation, "You really thought you could do it, didn't you?" the familiar tone startled Sunset, causing her breath to hitch in her throat.

"Twilight?" she called out and instinctively turned, hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl who had been her confidante and ally through their many trials. But there was nothing. She was utterly alone.

As the stillness returned, a new one erupted from the shadows, sharp and filled with rage, "This is all your fault!" cried Pinkie Pie through the void. Sunset whirled around again, squinting into the depths, but there was no sign of her friends.

"Why did you do this to us?" questioned Fluttershy with sorrow and bewilderment.

"We shouldn't have trusted ya." Applejack chimed in, resolute and firm, laden with disappointment.

"Guys...? What are you talking about?!" Sunset cried out, her desperation rising like a tidal wave.

"Can't believe we fell for your tricks!" Rainbow Dash followed.

"Because of you... now everyone is in danger!" Rarity added. The unyielding dusk around the confused girl felt alive, vibrating with the ghostly echoes of her friends' accusations.

"I don't understand! What's going on?!" the water beneath her swayed rhythmically, each gentle wave mocking her helplessness. The overwhelming sense of isolation began to seep into her, a realization dawning that perhaps this was more than just a dream or nightmare.

Unexpectedly, the sound of footsteps gliding over liquid approached her, piercing through the hazy silence and catching her off guard. A chill of unease ran down her spine, causing her body to tense up instinctively. She turned, only to see the imposing silhouette of the legendary leader of the Autobots and her guardian, Optimus Prime. His towering form stood motionless in the murky distance, shrouded in shadows, his back turned to her as if he were a statue carved from anguish. Each second that passed felt like an eternity and the stillness of his figure began to claw at her insides, heightening her unease to the point where she could feel the tension in the atmosphere thickening.

Nervously, she took a few hesitant steps closer, her body trembling as she broke the silence, "Optimus...?" the name felt fragile on her tongue, laden with the weight of uncertainty.

"It seems I was wrong..." the immense form of the Prime began to shift slowly and the teenager abruptly halted in her tracks, dread pooling in her stomach. She watched in a mix of fear and disbelief as he turned his helm to face her.

When their gazes finally met, she froze in place. His expression was shadowed by disappointment and something deeper— something that chilled her to her core. As he glared down at her, she instinctively took several fearful steps back, "You have failed us all, Sunset." he intoned, each word carefully measured and heavy with meaning. Her pulse quickened as she stood there, rooted to the spot, feeling the weight of his displeasure bearing down upon her.

"I'm very disappointed in you..." he continued and those words sliced through her like ice.

Confusion washed over her, "W-what..?" she felt as if she had been plunged into a cold, dark abyss, unable to comprehend the gravity of his accusation. His form began to ripple and fade into the encroaching shadows.

"W-Where are you going?! Optimus!" she cried out, desperate to reach him, "Come back!" she sprinted forward, her strides fueled by alarm and a desperate need for closure. But just as she neared him, he vanished entirely from her sight, as if he had been nothing but a cruel mirage. Stumbling, she fell to her knees, the water splashing around her and soaking her with both chill and despair.

The reality of her situation crashed over her like a tidal wave, leaving her breathless. Her hands trembled as she braced herself on the liquid surface and rapid breaths escaped her lips, each inhalation more frantic than the last. Her thoughts turned chaotic, racing from one fearful possibility to another, "Someone tell me what's happening!" she pleaded desperately into the empty void, her yell echoing back to her in mocking whispers.

"Guys?!" she called out, her shout rising in pitch, filled with desperation as she searched for familiar faces— anyone who could provide an explanation, who could pull her back from the brink of this surreal nightmare. The weight of uncertainty settled heavily upon her, entwining her in a web of fear as she continued scanning the area, praying for a sign, a glimmer of hope or a friendly face to reassure her that this was all just a bad dream.

Out of nowhere, an invisible force gripped her, rendering her immobile as she stood frozen in a state of confusion and fear. Time seemed to slow as she glanced down at the horrifying sight before her. The water swirling around her legs was creeping upward, lapping against her skin like a restless creature intent on consuming her whole. Anxiety clawed at her throat as she felt the embrace of the cold liquid, its sinister pull dragging her further into its depths.

She struggled and wriggled with all her might, her body thrashing against the invisible bond that held her captive. Each movement felt futile as she sank deeper into the abyss, the water enveloping her like a shroud. Every desperate twist and turn brought with it a drowning sensation, the dimness mercilessly tugging at her as though its depths were determined to claim her.

As distress washed over her, she let out a series of panicked cries for help, hoping that someone would hear her pleas and come to her rescue. Yet the only response was the oppressive silence, thick and suffocating.

Before she could succumb entirely to the chilly clutches of the water, a horrifying sight was above the girl— two pairs of bright red eyes staring down at her, glimmering like malevolent stars in the dark. They were filled with a predatory hunger that sent a shiver down her spine. Out of nowhere, a strange yet eerily familiar female voice was heard, it sent a jolt of recognition and dread that coursed through her veins.

"All of this happened, no thanks to you.

Sunset Shimmer. "

The words dripped with venom, each syllable twisting the knife of horror that had lodged itself in her chest. An ominous, mocking laugh rose from the depths, wrapping her like a choking vine. It was a sound laden with malice, a haunting reminder of past failures.

"No... No!" Sunset clawed at the flat, swirling surface of the water, desperately trying to grab onto something—anything—that could pull her back to safety. Yet, every attempt only reinforced the hopelessness of her situation, the liquid rushing around her, threatening to engulf her entirely.

As she felt her head begin to slip below the surface, the weight of her fears pressed down on her, blocking out all rational thought. Her vision blurred and darkened, the frantic gasps turning into a mere whisper as silence began to descend upon her world. The haunting glow of those red eyes grew dimmer, eclipsed by the all-consuming dullness that awaited her. It felt as though time itself had stilled, and the last vestiges of her breaths mingled with the oppressive water that sought to claim her.

In that final moment, just before everything faded away, a wave of overwhelming terror surged through her. The cold liquid closed in, swallowing her whole, as she squeezed her eyes shut, her last thoughts consumed by fear and regret.

.

.

.

"NO!"

In an instant, her eyes flew open and her head shot up, instinctively clutching the fabric over her heart, which thundered violently against her ribcage like a frantic drum. Each rapid, shallow breath she took felt like a gulp of cool air in a suffocating room, desperate and uneven.

Panic clung to her like a second skin as she surveyed her surroundings. The familiarity of her room, with its posters of her favorite bands plastered on the walls and the clutter of various school supplies strewn across her desk, provided a sharp contrast to the chaos of her dreams. Light from her desk lamp casted long shadows that danced ominously across her bedroom. The cozy environment provided little comfort now, instead, it felt like a fragile bubble, teetering on the edge of a reality she desperately wanted to escape.

Her heart gradually began to slow as her gaze fell upon the alarm clock nestled amid the chaos on her nightstand. The unmistakable glow of red numbers confirmed it was the dead of night.

2:47 AM.

The stillness of the hour only reinforced the notion— she had just endured a nightmare, another unwelcome visit from the depths of her subconscious.

With a weary sigh, she glanced at her journal sprawled open on the desk, filled with sketches and half-finished narratives that had been her escape in daylight hours. Pages were scattered wildly around, a testament to her frantic attempts to exorcise her thoughts, to capture her swirling emotions in ink before they consumed her. She leaned heavily against the edge of her chair, her palm pressing against her forehead, seeking relief from the dull ache that throbbed there.

During that moment, a series of soft, rhythmic taps broke through the heavy silence of the room, drawing her attention. Confusion flickered across her face as she turned instinctively toward the sound. It took her a second to gather herself and rise from the seat, heading to the window. With trembling fingers, she raised the blinds and was met with an unexpected sight that sent a rush of warmth through her.

On the other side of the glass stood her guardian, Optimus, crouched low, his towering frame gracefully bending to meet her gaze. His bright neon blue optics, typically filled with wisdom and authority, now shimmered with a palpable worry. His digit was poised near the glass, as if he had just tapped lightly, signaling she should open the window.

The moment she appeared, however, he withdrew slightly, maintaining a respectful distance as if he understood her need for space. His presence was a beacon of comfort and strength in her tumultuous world, "Optimus...?" she called out as she opened the windows.

Slowly, the Autobot lowered his massive frame onto one knee, his optics narrowing ever so slightly as he studied her, searching the depths of her expression for signs of distress, "Sunset, are you alright?"

The girl hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground as if searching for the right words among the scattered debris of her thoughts, "I..." she faltered, "Yeah, I'm okay." but the uncertainty in her tone betrayed her brave facade. She couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was troubling her.

"Are you certain?" the Prime probed gently, sensing the unease that lingered beneath her words, "I heard a scream. Were you harmed in any way?" as he uttered the question, he noticed a slight tremor ripple through her small body and his gaze softened in sympathy, "Little one..." he whispered, the term of endearment flowing from him like a protective shield.

The young girl, overwhelmed, could no longer contain herself. Silent sobs began to escape her lips, each one a reflection of the turmoil swirling within her. Her tears glistened as they streamed down her cheeks, creating a poignant contrast against her youthful skin. In an instinctive gesture of comfort, the Cybertronian placed his sturdy servos around her tiny, trembling form, lifting her gently in a protective embrace.

"It was so real..." she finally admitted, her voice quivering with vulnerability and fear. The admission hung heavy in the air, each word weighty with the emotional burden she bore. All Optimus could do was hold her close, his spark aching for her distress. He felt an urgent need to reassure her but was at a loss for the right words.

Instead, he chose silence, letting his presence speak volumes. With care, he began to caress her back with his enormous servos, creating a rhythmic, soothing motion meant to calm her storm of emotions. She leaned into his embrace, the warmth and strength of the warrior seemed to envelop her.

He wished he could take away her pain, to shield her from whatever demons haunted her dreams.

Chapter Text

As the competition unfolded in the distance, Drift and Strongarm stood quietly on the sidelines, their watchful stares fixed on the training session happening before them. The dense forest canopy cast dappled shadows across the ground, the open clearing a stark contrast to the wild, overgrown woods surrounding it. In the center of the clearing, Rainbow Dash and Sideswipe were sparring with focused intensity, their movements sharp and precise.

Rainbow, in her transformed robot form, moved with lightning speed, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with her guardian. The sound of their clashing strikes reverberated through the trees as they tested one another's skills, pushing their limits with every punch and counterattack. The red mech held back just enough to challenge the girl without overwhelming her. Drift watched closely, his sharp look analyzing every motion. His arms were folded across his chassis, his expression calm but unreadable. Beside him, Strongarm stood with a more casual demeanor, though her interest in the training was clear. As a skilled fighter herself, she could appreciate the raw potential Rainbow had, even if it was still unrefined.

After several bits of silence, the samurai finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the sound of combat, "That is enough."

Instantly, both of them ceased their fighting. The flyer's electric-blue optics glowed with excitement, she stepped back and turned to Drift. She was beaming with anticipation, eager for his evaluation, "How did I do?" she asked, her usual boundless energy shining through even in her robot form.

He regarded her quietly for a second, his gaze steady and thoughtful, "You have become more flexible since our last lesson. Your fighting abilities are still in lack of balance, however, that does not mean they have not improved." he said at last, calm and measured.

"Awesome! Does that mean that I can finally-"

"But," he interrupted before she could finish, "You have yet to learn to fight without relying on your powers."

Rainbow blinked, the excitement in her expression giving way to confusion, "...Say what?" she tilted her helm slightly, as if unsure she'd heard him correctly.

He stepped ahead, his servos clasped behind his back as he began to explain, "Your agility and speed are impressive, but they are the result of your natural powers. Relying on those gifts alone will only take you so far. You must learn control, discipline, and precision. Power is only useful if it is mastered."

She furrowed her optical ridge, "But... isn't my speed what makes me... me? I mean, that's kinda my whole thing!"

"It is true that your speed defines much of your fighting style, but in battle, there will come times when you may not have your powers to rely on. You must be prepared for any situation. A warrior must be adaptable. Strength is not only in what you can do but in knowing how to win with what you don't have."

The femme glanced over at Sideswipe. The red Autobot, ever the laid-back one, simply gave her a nonchalant shrug, as if to say, 'I don't know either.' Unfazed, she turned back to Drift with a cocky smirk on her face, waving off the samurai's words with a dismissive gesture, "Pfft, I doubt it. Nothing can take my powers away from me." she boasted confidently.

Drift hummed thoughtfully and turned, walking towards another area in the forest. His words came calmly, but with authority, "Follow."

With confused expressions, the three younger robots looked at each other and followed the samurai as he led them deeper into the wilderness. The thick, towering trees closed in around them, their branches weaving together to form a natural canopy overhead. The melody of birds calling and leaves rustling filled the atmosphere. The wise warrior moved with purpose, his steps silent and deliberate as he navigated through the terrain. After several minutes of walking, he stopped abruptly in a small clearing. The natural environment was breathtaking-a wide, open space surrounded by wildflowers, the earth soft and uneven underfoot. The rest halted behind him, waiting expectantly, "As your final lesson for today," Drift began, turning to face them, his expression calm but serious, "You will participate in a running competition."

Rainbow's look widened in surprise, "Really?" she scoffed, her confidence immediately returning, "No problem." without a second thought, she began to roll her shoulder-pad, "Piece of cake-" but when she was about to dash onwards and get into position, he stepped in front of her.

"With... no magic." he said simply, carrying the weight of finality.

She rolled her optics, "Okay, fine. No biggie." she said with forced nonchalance, "I can still win. I've done this like hundreds of times!" she replied confidently as she stretched once more, "Who am I going to race with?"

Drift's gaze shifted to the red Autobot, "Sideswipe."

The younger mech stepped further, a wide grin plastered on his face, "Not to brag or anything but I'm actually a pretty good runner."

Rainbow's competitive spirit immediately flared. She straightened up as she beamed back at him, "Definitely not better than me." she shot back.

Sideswipe chuckled, extending his arms casually, "We'll see about that."

"The sprint will take place around this lake." Drift announced as he gestured to the vast body of water beside them. It was a shimmering expanse of natural beauty, encircled by lush trees and uneven terrain. Its calm surface reflected the sky above, it was large enough to present a real challenge for the competitors. The distance was daunting and the path was filled with obstacles-rocks, trunks and uneven ground that would test more than speed.

He dragged his pede across the dirt, marking a clear line, "This will be the starting and finishing point." he explained, "The race will test your most critical abilities- speed, flexibility, and concentration. These are the qualities you will need to succeed, not only in this competition, but in battle."

His gaze shifted from Rainbow to Sideswipe, both of them standing ready, their spirits already flaring. Then, he turned to the cadet, who had been observing from the side with a mix of curiosity and amusement, "Strongarm, you will act as the announcer."

"Got it." she replied with a nod, stepping a few meters away from the duo. She took her position while the two crouched down at the starting line, their servos touching the ground, their optics locked on the uneven trail ahead. Strongarm raised her servo.

"On your mark..."

Rainbow and Sideswipe leaned forward, their engines humming quietly with the sheer force of their energy waiting to be unleashed.

"Get set..."

Both of them focused on the path ahead. Time seemed to stretch out, the moment thick with tension. Neither wanted to lose and both were ready to push themselves beyond their limits.

"GO!"

The word exploded from the cadet's intake, and in an instant, they shot ahead, kicking up clouds of dirt behind them as they bolted down the track. Their speed tore across the path, dodging roots and rocks with swift precision. Rainbow felt the wind rushing past her, the thrill of the race filling her circuits. Despite not having her magic to rely on, her competitive spirit drove her onward, pushing her to run faster, harder. But as she glanced to her side, she noticed Sideswipe gaining speed, his red form surging ahead with ease.

"Is that all you've got?" he called out with a laugh as he sped ahead, leaving her briefly behind.

She grit her dentas, her pride fueling her determination, "You've seen nothing yet!" she shouted back, her wings twitching with frustration as she picked up the pace, her legs moving faster as she closed the gap between them. With a burst of energy, she surged on, catching up to him, "Last one there's a rotten egg!" she yelled, the confidence flooding back into her voice.

Sideswipe glanced at her, impressed but unwilling to back down, "Yeah, right! You'll be the one eating my dust!" he shot back, though his yell was tinged with the strain of keeping up.

The two of them raced neck-and-neck, navigating the rough terrain with surprising agility. They leaped over fallen logs, dodged branches and kicked up dirt as they weaved through the trees, their footsteps pounding against the ground. The lake glistened beside them, a constant reminder of how much ground they had to cover.

As the finish line loomed closer in the distance, Rainbow smirked, thinking she had the race in the bag. She glanced back over her shoulder-pad, ready to see the frustrated look on her guardian's face when she crossed the finish line ahead of him.

But in that instant of overconfidence, she made a fatal mistake- she took her optics off the path.

Just as she turned her helm back to the track, her pede slipped on a large branch lying across the dirt. The sudden slip threw her balance, and before she could react, her body lurched forward and she tumbled to the ground. Her whole form hit the earth with a heavy thud, kicking up a cloud of dust all over her.

Drift and Strongarm's expressions became alarmed. Sideswipe, only feet away from the finish line, skidded to a halt, the sound of his pedes scraping against the dirt filling the air as he looked down at her.

"You okay?" he asked with genuine concern, his competitive spirit temporarily forgotten.

Rainbow grunted as she pushed herself up, wiping the dirt from her frame, "Yeah, I think so." she muttered. Her pride stung far more than any physical injury.

Sideswipe's relief was clear on his face-plate, but it lasted only a second, "Oh, good. Because-" he began, his tone shifting from concern to pure teasing. With a mischievous gleam in his optics, he straightened up and took a deliberate step back, his pede crossing the finish line. A wide, playful smile spread across his face-plate as he turned back to her, "I won!"

Her helm snapped up, "HUH?!" she exclaimed, disbelief written all over her expression. Her wings flared slightly, a reflexive reaction to her irritation as she gaped at her guardian, who was now thoroughly enjoying himself.

"Winner, winner, chicken dinner, baby!" he sang, adding a little swagger to his step as he did a mock victory dance, spinning in place. He finished his celebratory performance by striding over to her and lightly nudging the top of her helm.

The winged femme swatted his servo away, her face-plate twisting into a pout, "No fair! I want a rematch!" she growled, trying to push him off as he danced close to her, clearly reveling in his victory.

"It was an equitable competition, Rainbow Dash." Drift replied through the playful banter, calm and composed as ever. His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere from lighthearted to serious. He and the cadet had stepped closer, observing the entire exchange with the discipline of seasoned warriors. The samurai glanced at the flyer firmly, "Your pride and confidence are what got you distracted. Instead of paying attention to your surroundings, you allowed your ego to cloud your judgment. You looked down on your opponent and that arrogance led to your failure."

"B-but I-" she started, her voice faltering.

"The training session has come to an end." he said, finality in his words, "We will continue our exercises tomorrow. Until then, I suggest you reflect on your mistake." with that, Drift turned and began to walk away, his steps as quiet and measured as ever.

She watched him go, her wings falling slightly, betraying the mix of annoyance and self-reflection simmering within her. Her gaze drifted down to the dirt beneath her pedes, her usual confidence dimmed by his stern words. She hated losing, and even more than that, she hated knowing that she'd lost because of her own ego.

Before she could dwell too much on her frustration, a familiar weight pressed against her side. Sideswipe slung his arm over her shoulders, "Don't think about it too much, Dash." he said with the same easygoing charm.

Strongarm approached, "Drift can be strict, especially when it comes to his lessons but he's not out to discourage you. He'll ease up on you sooner or later, once he sees how dedicated you are." she offered her a kind smile, "He just needs to get used to your style."

"I dunno why it took him so many months to finally get along with me- the best 'Bot in this team!" their red teammate chimed in, "I mean, come on! What's not to like?"

The cadet placed her servos on her hips as she shot him an exasperated look, "You have the most annoying pranks in the entire existence." she answered with playful sarcasm, "Anyone would need a lot of time to get used to you and your childish behavior."

He smirked, undeterred, "Not this missy here!" he declared, playfully cupping Rainbow's metal cheeks between his servos, "She's totally fine with it!"

Rainbow couldn't help but chuckle at his antics. His ridiculous grin and the exaggerated way he scrunched her face quickly wiped away the last traces of her frown, "Dude, quit it!" she laughed, pushing his helm away as he continued to tease her, the tension from the race melting away under his relentless goofiness.

Sideswipe stepped back, clearly pleased that he'd managed to lift her spirits. Strongarm watched the scene unfold, she smiled and shook her helm. It was a relief to see their camaraderie remain intact despite the challenges, "C'mon, you two. Let's head back to base."

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Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie, along with their guardians, were hard at work transforming the human area into a cozy haven for their upcoming gathering. The space was designed to cater to both species' comforts, a delicate balance of size and scale, ensuring that everyone could relax and enjoy the festivities. Soft pillows in various colors were strewn across the couch and bean bag chairs were spread out on the floor. Thick, plush blankets were draped over every surface, adding an extra layer of warmth and luxury.

String lights were delicately strung across the place, casting a soft, twinkling glow. Small candles were placed strategically on the central table and at the far end of the setup, a large makeshift projection screen fashioned out of a pristine white sheet, was positioned to serve as the focal point for whatever entertainment they had planned.

"No, no, put it to the left- now, a bit more to the right." Rarity called out as she directed Knock Out, who was attempting to hang the projection screen with one servo, "Higher, only an inch-" her eyes sparkled as the screen shifted perfectly into place, "Aand... voilà!" she clapped her hands together in delight, her satisfaction radiating from her as she admired their work, "Thank you, darling."

Pinkie bounced over to them, her energy contagious as always, "I say we did a pretty great job, Rarity!" she chirped enthusiastically, plopping the last of the oversized pillows onto the floor with an exaggerated flourish.

The fashionista beamed at her, "You're most certainly right, it looks wonderful! I might have gone a little overboard with the details, but really, when has passion ever been a bad thing?"

"Um... guys?" Smokescreen's uncertain voice broke through the conversation, drawing everyone's attention. When they turned towards him, they were greeted by a comical sight: the blue-yellow Autobot stood in the middle of the room, his digits completely tangled in the delicate string lights. The lights blinked and flickered as he awkwardly tried to free himself but only managed to make the situation worse.

Rarity gave him a look that was half amused, half exasperated, her finely arched brow raised, while Pinkie, unable to contain her laughter, clapped her hands over her mouth to stifle her giggles. Knock Out, however, let out a long, weary vent as he strode over to the younger mech, "For Primus' sake, Smokescreen..." he grumbled, shaking his helm as he carefully began untangling the Autobot's digits from the fragile lights, "I specifically told you to be careful with these, they're delicate!"

Smokescreen pouted as he held still, "Not my fault they're so tiny." he mumbled defensively.

The element of generosity tapped her chin thoughtfully as her eyes scanned the beautifully decorated area they had all worked so hard to prepare, "Everything seems ready." she mused aloud, "Now, all we need is-"

Before she could finish her sentence, the low rumble of engines and the heavy stomping of pedes echoed from the tunnel, cutting her off. Their awareness shifted to the sound as the towering forms of Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Arcee, still in their sleek vehicle modes, emerged into the open area. Their metallic bodies gleamed under the soft light, but it was the thunderous arrival of Grimlock's massive dinobot form that truly stole the spotlight. His imposing frame loomed large over the others, his giant, stomping feet shaking the ground slightly as he entered the scene.

As the three vehicles came to a stop, Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight hopped out from the drivers' seats, "We've brought snacks!" the cowgirl called out with a smile as she and her timid friend lifted the large paper bags filled with food.

Grimlock, towering over the group, beamed down at them with a toothy grin, "And Energon too!" he declared proudly, showing off the glowing blue cubes he carried in his massive claws.

Twilight followed suit, holding a small device in her arms as she stepped carefully out of Arcee's sleek motorcycle form, "And the projector." she chimed in. Spike, who had been riding on the motorcycle, leaped out and landed gracefully by her side, wagging his tail.

Rarity stepped aside gracefully to give them a better view of the setup, her arm extended in a grand gesture, "Just in time, darlings! What do you think?"

Applejack let out a low whistle as she took in the scene, her expression one of approval. She set down the bags of snacks, "Sure looks cozy."

Pinkie jumped over to her in a burst of energy, practically vibrating with joy, "I know, right?! Can't believe we can finally spend Moviesday together!"

"Moviesday?" Bulkhead repeated in confusion as he and the others converted into their towering robot modes, their forms shifting with a series of clicks and whirs. His amused chuckle rumbled through the base, "That's a new one."

Twilight, already busy setting up the projector, glanced over her shoulder to explain, "We've decided that once a week, all of us should have a movie marathon together."

Her pink friend interjected with even more excitement, bouncing close to the group as she rummaged through her overstuffed backpack, "And it's going to be super-duper exciting! I was sooo looking forward to today that I even brought a bunch of games to make it more fun! Let's see..." as she spoke, she began tossing games over her head in rapid succession, "I have Monopoly, Scrabble, Uno-" more games flew overhead, barely missing Fluttershy, who ducked with a startled squeak. Applejack scrambled to catch the avalanche of board games she was hurling behind her, fumbling but managing to snag a few in her arms, "Twister, Checkers, Tapple, Ludo-" Pinkie continued with gleeful abandon, practically emptying her entire backpack of its contents. She finally stopped when she reached the last game, holding it up triumphantly with a bright, wide-eyed grin, "We can also play Candy Land!" she squealed, holding the colorful box high above her for all to see.

"You really came prepared, huh?" a new voice appeared. They turned to the entrance of the gathering area to see Sunset coming near with a warm smile as she waved to her friends. Behind her, Optimus Prime was in the process of converting from his truck form to his towering robot mode, the sounds of his transformation a low, mechanical symphony that filled the space, "Hey, guys." she greeted casually while scanning the cozy setup.

"Sunset!" the energetic girl tossed the last box she held behind her. Applejack, who had already been juggling a precarious stack of board games, reacted with lightning speed, expertly catching the final one and steadying the pile with an exaggerated sigh of relief. Fluttershy and Twilight hurried over to assist, carefully rearranging the games into a neat pile as Pinkie dashed to greet Sunset.

In a blur of pink, the party planner had wrapped her arms around her friend in a tight hug, "You're right on the dot, Sunny!" she beamed, dragging her hand, "We were just about to set up the movie before everyone else gets here-"

As Optimus Prime stood at a distance, observing the lively interactions between the Autobots and their human companions, his expression softened slightly, though his thoughts remained focused elsewhere. With quiet resolve, he turned and made his way to the med-bay. His heavy footsteps were almost silent as they reverberated through the metal corridors, yet they carried the unmistakable weight of a leader with something on his mind. Inside the med-bay, the Autobot CMO stood by a table cluttered with various Cybertronian tools. His servo moved methodically as he sorted through them, and nearby, the orange mini-con was eagerly assisting, his energetic nature apparent in every movement.

Once Ratchet heard the entering steps, he grunted, "For one hundred time, I will not participate in watching this nonsense of a-" he began, clearly assuming it was another one of the younger robots pestering him to join the gathering, but when he turned, he paused mid-sentence, only to see the towering, stoic figure of the Prime. The sudden appearance of his leader caused his usual grumbling to evaporate, replaced by a mix of surprise and curiosity, "Optimus." he greeted, slightly taken aback.

Fixit poked his helm behind the larger medic's frame and waved enthusiastically, "Welcome back, sir!" the mini-con chirped with a wide, friendly grin as he hovered near the table, still eager to assist in whatever task came next.

The large Cybertronian gave a small nod in acknowledgment before turning his focus entirely on the doctor, "Ratchet, may I speak with you for a moment?"

The request, while polite, carried a feeling of urgency that didn't go unnoticed by the medic. Ratchet's optics flickered briefly in response and he straightened his posture, "Of course." he answered without hesitation, setting down the final tool with a deliberate motion.

An awkward silence settled over the room as the two veteran Autobots glanced over to the mini-con. Fixit's small optics darted between the two in confusion and tapped his digits together nervously. After a few seconds, he quickly came to a realization as his pupils went smaller, "Oh... OH!" he exclaimed as he gave an awkward chuckle, "You're waiting for me to leave, aren't you?" he quickly rolled to the exit, "Apologies! I'll-uh-be with the rest if you need me!" he said as he disappeared through the doors, hurrying down the corridor, leaving the two mechs alone.

When he vanished from view, Ratchet turned back to his leader, his expression shifting from mild curiosity to growing concern, "Has something happened?" he questioned.

Optimus paused for a brief minute, as if carefully considering his words before speaking, "It is about Sunset, old friend." he finally admitted.

The medic's optics flickered in surprise, immediately recognizing the worry in the Prime's tone. He didn't need further explanation to understand the situation, this was something they had already discussed more than once, "Again?" he asked with disbelief, "This is the third time this week..."

"And I'm afraid it is getting worse." Optimus said quietly.

"Don't tell me you believe those nightmares are real." Ratchet responded, "They couldn't possibly be some kind of predictions, could they?" he looked at the other mech, searching for reassurance, but what he found instead was uncertainty. The leader of the Autobots, stood there, unsure. His silence spoke volumes, "Optimus..." the CMO pressed, it wasn't often that his friend displayed doubt, and when he did, it was never a good sign.

Ratchet had seen him like this before. Haunted, torn between what was real and what was imagined. He knew he had experienced nightmares of his own, though his leader seldom spoke of them. The kind of nightmares that weren't mere dreams but echoes of something far more profound and terrifying.

Optimus was the only one who could truly understand the depth of the torment Sunset was enduring. The weight of her bad dreams, the way they chased her even in waking moments, felt disturbingly familiar to him. He had lived through that same relentless suffering, haunted by visions, slowly eroding his sense of self. The nightmares had pursued him, like they pursued her now, until he could no longer tell what was real and what was merely a shadow born from the darkest corners of his mind.

What made it worse was that these were not random delusions. They came with the Matrix, the source of his power, his wisdom and the endless burden of leadership. It was overwhelming, far too much for any being to bear alone. And though the Matrix was meant to be a gift, at times it felt like a curse, pulling him into the depths of despair when all he sought was clarity. Optimus had long ago accepted that this burden was his alone to carry. The immense responsibility of leading the Autobots, of protecting both Cybertron and Earth, was one he embraced, even though it came at the cost of his own peace of mind. But seeing someone else- someone like Sunset, who was still so young and full of hope- facing the same kind of mental torment stirred something deep within him.

He didn't want that for her. He didn't want anyone to endure the crushing weight of those visions, the kind that twisted one's perception until even the strongest began to falter. He had barely come through it himself and only through the strength and support of his comrades. For Sunset, who lacked the experience and the emotional armor he had built over centuries of war and hardship, the danger was far greater.

The Prime shifted slightly, his massive frame seeming burdened by something invisible, something heavy, "I am... not entirely certain."

Chapter Text

"We've been driving for hours now. Just admit it, we are lost!" Aria grunted through clenched teeth, gripping the steering wheel of the minibus tightly as she sped down the seemingly endless stretch of road. The late afternoon sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, the long pine trees casting long shadows over the path. Her impatience radiated off her in waves, her gaze briefly flicking from the path to the GPS in Adagio's hands.

"I know what I'm doing, Aria." her amber sister responded, "This is the only right way. We just haven't reached the turn yet. Maybe focus on the road instead of glaring at me all the time."

The violet girl let out a huff, her annoyance boiling just beneath the surface, "It'd be a lot easier if we still had our flying powers."

"Well, we don't. And we have to deal with it. At least I was smart enough to sign us up for driving lessons. Not that you're ever grateful for anything. To be honest, these vehicles are far more comfortable than those dreadful carriages those ponies used to drag around."

Aria barely suppressed another growl, "What I am thankful for is that Sonata finally fell asleep." she gestured to the back of the bus, where their younger sibling was sprawled out on the cushions, fast asleep, "I swear I would've thrown her out the window if she didn't stop asking if we have arrived yet every five minutes."

A brief silence fell between them, thick with tension. The only sounds were the hum of the engine and the faint whistling of the wind as it passed through the slightly cracked windows. The monotonous rhythm should have been soothing, but for the purple siren, it was maddening. After a few more minutes of driving in quietness, her eyes darted to her sister, who was staring out the window, her expression distant and unusually contemplative.

"You've been acting weird lately." Aria muttered, "More than usual."

Adagio's face hardened into a familiar scowl, "Oh, I am?" she asked with sarcasm and thinly veiled irritation.

Her violet sibling clenched her jaw, her knuckles whitening on the wheel. She wasn't in the mood for another one of her power plays, "Forget it..." she grumbled, returning her focus to the road.

"I just have this odd feeling... something is going on in this world." Adagio murmured as she stared at the outside view.

"You mean the Equestrian magic?" Aria questioned, raising an eyebrow. Her skepticism was palpable but she wasn't entirely dismissive.

The amber female shook her head, "If it was, I would have figured it out already." she sighed, rubbing her temple, "No, this is something else... completely different. But I can't pinpoint what it is."

"You're probably only tired from the long trips. We've been on the road for days now after all-"

Before she could finish, two blinding headlights suddenly burst through the natural obstacles beside them, cutting through the twilight gloom. The lights were shockingly close, speeding to their minibus at an alarming rate.

Adagio's eyes widened in panic, "STOP!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the vehicle.

Instinctively, Aria slammed on the brakes with all her might. The minibus screeched to a violent halt, the tires skidding across the gravel road. Inside, Sonata, who had been peacefully asleep in the back, was rudely awakened as the abrupt stop sent her tumbling off her seat, "BWAAAH—! Ow..." her yelp of surprise was quickly followed by a thud as her face smacked into the floor. Dazed, she rubbed her forehead, trying to piece together what had just happened.

Meanwhile, the mysterious car zipped past them at lightning speed, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, swallowed by the thick forest ahead. Adagio's chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath, "What was that?!" she asked in shock as she watched the retreating tail lights disappear into the wilderness.

Aria threw open the door and leaped out of the bus, "HEY!" she bellowed in the direction of the unknown driver with clenched fists, "Watch where you're going, moron!"

Sonata, still groggy from being jolted awake, peeked over the back seat in confusion, "W-what happened? Did we run over someone?!" she asked with panic as she scrambled to her feet.

"No. Some lunatic almost crashed into us." her purple sibling muttered darkly, her hands on her hips, "And they weren't even on the road."

The blue siren rubbed her eye, still disoriented as she followed her sister out of the van, "Why would someone be driving through these creepy woods in the first place?"

"Does it look like I care? Besides, it's none of our business." Aria strode over to the trunk, rummaging through for supplies, "Hold the flashlight, will you?" she said, tossing the light to Sonata.

The cerulean girl fumbled to catch it, nearly dropping it before finally getting a good grip. The violet female leaned down and opened the hood, inspecting the engine for any damage. The flashlight beam wobbled slightly as Sonata tried to hold it steady, "Stay still, idiot!" scolded Aria.

"I am!" her blue relative retorted, "Is it bad?"

After a few minutes of checking the engine, Aria let out a breath of relief, "Nope, just fine. Thank Grogar at least the bus is okay." she closed the hood with a satisfied thud and wiped her hands on her pants, "I don't know what we would've done if it had gotten messed up in the middle of nowhere. I doubt there's a gas station within miles."

Sonata wiped her forehead dramatically, "Phew! You're right. I really don't wanna walk anywhere at this late hour. It's giving me the creeps." she cast a nervous glance at their surroundings.

"We're good to go." Aria announced as she headed back to the driver's side of the minibus. But just as she reached for the door, she noticed their amber relative standing a few meters away, her posture rigid, her head fixed to the distance, "You coming or what?" the purple girl called with a mix of irritation and curiosity.

"That car... had an extremely weird sense of unfamiliar energy." Adagio muttered, still focused on the direction where the automobile had disappeared, "This is not normal." she added in suspicion, "We are going after that- whatever it is."

Aria, meanwhile, leaned against the minibus with her arms crossed, already losing patience, "Just leave it, Adagio. It's not our job, we've got better things to do."

The orange-haired female turned to face her sisters, "You don't understand, I felt something coming from that car. Some kind of... power. And I'm going to figure out what it is. Whether you like it or not."

Her violet sibling groaned in annoyance, "What the heck are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?! We are not going into those woods. It's dangerous out there!"

Sonata nodded quickly in agreement, "And spooky..."

Adagio, undeterred, simply shrugged, "Suit yourselves." she hummed, raising her hands in mock surrender, turning her back on them, "But don't come crying to me when some monster comes chasing you down." she added with a sly smirk and mockery as she started walking into the forest.

The blue siren froze in place, her mind immediately running wild with imageries of terrifying creatures. She gulped, her resolve crumbling in an instant, "Wait for me!" she yelled, running after her.

Aria watched them go, her face twisting in irritation. She slammed the minibus door shut with more force than necessary and grumbled, "Can't believe we're doing this..." reluctantly, she followed her sisters, muttering to herself all the while, "What if your senses are lying?"

"They're never wrong." Adagio said without even turning, her focus entirely on the path ahead. The three of them trekked deeper into the timberland, following the faint tire tracks left behind by the mysterious vehicle. The branches swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting long shadows that seemed to dance in the fading light. The further they went, the more oppressive the silence became, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant hoot of an owl.

Suddenly, several strange noises were heard from somewhere ahead. Adagio came to an abrupt halt, her body tensing as she listened carefully. Noticing her older sister freeze, Aria stopped as well, causing Sonata to accidentally bump into her from behind. The violet siren gave her a glare and her younger sibling responded with an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment.

"Why did you stop?" Aria asked as she looked at their leader.

"Do you hear that?" Adagio responded, her question equally quiet.

"Hear what?" Sonata tilted her head, her expression a mix of confusion and fear.

Without answering, the amber female signaled them to follow as she carefully led the way, her steps slow and deliberate. The atmosphere around them felt heavier now, the strange voices grew louder, clearer, and soon enough, they could distinguish words being spoken, though the speakers themselves were still hidden from view.

"This is the worst idea ever-" Sonata whispered, her anxiety bubbling up as she clung tightly to Aria's arm.

Her older sibling immediately shrugged her off with a scowl, "Keep quiet!" she hissed under her breath.

"Sorry!" Sonata mouthed apologetically, though her heart was pounding in her chest.

Unexpectedly, Adagio raised her hand, signaling for them to stop. She crouched down behind a thick patch of bushes, motioning for her sisters to do the same. Aria and Sonata followed suit, lowering themselves behind the cover of the leaves.

When the three girls peeked up, the sight in front of them rendered them utterly speechless. A group of tall, imposing figures loomed in the clearing ahead, each one a different size and shape, yet all shared a menacing, beast-like appearance. Their forms glinted under the faint light, revealing metallic, sharp-edged features and animalistic traits.

The longer the girls stared, the more details became clear. These were no ordinary beings, they were machines, yet alive with purpose. The tension was palpable as the wolf-like figure, tall and fearsome, spoke in a deep, guttural tone, "This better be helpful, Fracture."

"Sure is, boss." the bounty hunter responded, holding something in his servo, "Come look at this."

The girls' minds raced to make sense of what they were seeing, "Are those animal... robots?" Aria murmured in disbelief.

Sonata tugged on her sleeve, "Those exist?! Why they gotta be so huge?!"

"Shush!" Aria snapped.

"You shush!" Sonata shot back, her anxiety bubbling into irritation.

Before they could continue their bickering, Adagio silenced them both with a harsh whisper, "Zip it, you two!"

The three quickly fell silent, huddling lower behind the natural cover. They didn't dare make another sound as their attention shifted back to the group of robots.

Fracture lifted a broken container in front of Steeljaw, who inspected it closely, "Found it buried under some rubble." he said while the other robotic creatures closed in to get a better view.

"What am I even starin' at?" Thunderhoof asked with a thick accent as he crossed his arms.

One of the other bots, with crab-like pincers and a stocky body, leaned in closer. His eyestalks extended over the glass container, peering at the liquid inside, "It looks like Energon, but... greener." Clampdown muttered.

"Is it poisonous?" questioned Quillfire, the back of his form carrying the long spikes.

Underbite leaned in closer, sniffing the contents of the container. His massive metallic snout crinkled in disgust as he stepped back, "Smells bad... what's in this stuff?"

Steeljaw's optics flickered as he raised a ridge, "Care to give us further details about this... odd substance, Fracture?"

The purple Decepticon, still holding the glass with the glowing green fluid, shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm not exactly a scientist but earlier I decided to run a few scans to see its formula. If it's what I think it is, we might've hit the jackpot." his grin widened, "Back in my bounty-hunting days, I worked with all kinds of mechs— some smarter than others. I heard a few things now and then about this particular liquid. It wasn't something I was really interested in, after all, I'm a hunting businessman, it wasn't part of my job. But I still managed to get a small information about it anyway."

He turned the container in his servo to catch the light, "It's a manufactured version of our regular fuel and it's called 'Synthetic Energon'. It's designed to enhance Cybertronians— make them faster, stronger, more powerful. From what I gathered, it's the kind of thing that could turn an average 'Bot into a real force to be reckoned with." his expression shifted, his grin fading as he handed it to the wolfcon who inspected it from up close, "But it has its weird side effects... the only thing I know it's that once you start using it, you get addicted to it. No wonder those idiots were so obsessed."

"That stuff's a pretty big deal, not ta mention rare." the deer-like Decepticon added, "Heard some o' my boys talk about it a while back, wasn't that easy to get yer servos on it."

Steeljaw's pointy digits tightened around the fragile glass container, "Except some of you know how to make more, do you think just a few drops will help us?!" his snarl revealed the sharpened fangs, "Such small amount will be useless for any of us!"

"I already told you, it's the only thing I found in that scrap heap!" Fracture exclaimed defensively, "Everything else was destroyed in pieces!"

The pack leader let out a huff of impatience, his irritation rising as he forcefully shoved the container back into Fracture's chassis, nearly knocking the bounty hunter off balance, "All of you are worthless. We need to eliminate those Autobots and their human pets as soon as possible. They're standing in my way and I'm getting sick of waiting." the others shifted uneasily under the weight of his fury. They all knew he had a volatile temper, but this was different, "We need a plan so that no one can stop us from achieving our goal."

"Yous mean yer goal..." Thunderhoof muttered darkly.

Steeljaw snapped his helm to him, "Neither of you will rest until we find a way to defeat them!"

Behind the bushes, the hidden Dazzlings couldn't help but wince at the sound of his outburst. Sonata, especially, felt the rising tension in her chest as her anxiety spiked. Slowly she stood up and backed away, hoping to distance herself from the terrifying metal beasts they had foolishly stumbled upon.

"They will not win, not this time." Steeljaw growled with venom as he turned slightly away, "I won't let them get away that eas—"

*CRACK*

His sentence was abruptly cut off as the unmistakable sound of a stick cracking echoed through the area. The sudden noise froze the wolfcon in place, his ear twitching with acute attention. Fracture, sensing the shift, frowned, "What is it now?"

Underbite leaned forward slightly, "Ya hearin' somethin'?"

For a few tense seconds, the clearing was completely still. Steeljaw's frame went rigid as his keen senses scanned the surrounding forest. His dermas peeled back into a snarl.

"We are not alone."

A chilling wave of dread washed over the Dazzlings as they realized they had been discovered. Sonata peeped down under her shoe and the broken twig, "Crap..." she cursed silently.

"Let's get out of here before they see us-" Adagio hissed, scrambling to her feet and pushing her sisters into motion, "Come on, move!"

The three burst from their hiding place, scurrying as fast as they could through the dark woods. Twigs and branches got crushed under their hurried footsteps as they darted between trees, desperate to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the large robots.

"Wearedeadwearedeadwearedead—We. Are. DEAD!" Sonata wailed in panic, "Why did we have to go there?! I just wanted to sleep in my warm, cozy bed!"

"Will you shut up already? Just run faster!" Aria barked beside her, legs pumped through the thick underbrush.

"I'm trying!" the cerulean girl whined breathlessly, nearly tripping over a root as she struggled to keep up, "These heels weren't made for running!"

Adagio, ahead of them, frantically scanned the place for any sign of their escape route. Then, she caught a glimpse of something familiar. Their minibus. It was just onward, sitting like a lifeline in the middle of the darkened wilderness, "There!" she shouted and pointed, hurrying to it.

Just before they could reach it, a loud, ominous roar of an engine erupted from the depths of the silent woodlands. The trio skidded to a halt as the fast-moving vehicle hurtled to them. With a screech of brakes, the car came to a sudden stop, cutting off their escape route.

Without a word, the Dazzlings instinctively began to move backwards, desperate to find another way out. But as they turned to run in a different direction, the screeching sound of more tires tore through the air. One by one, additional vehicles surged from the shadows, their headlights slicing through the darkness. They quickly closed in, trapping the girls in a tight circle.

Before any of them could react, the car in the middle— the one that had first blocked their path— began to shift. Metal plates clicked and clanked as the parts of it rearranged themselves, twisting and elongating in ways that defied logic. The once-ordinary automobile was now morphing into something far more terrifying. Sharp claws extended as the monstrous form of the canine robot they had seen earlier emerged, towering over them.

His tall, fearsome figure cast a massive shadow across the ground, his glowing yellow optics piercing the darkness, "My, my..." Steeljaw looked down on them with a wicked, predatory smile, "What do we have here?"

The sinister tone sent chills down their spines but they barely had time to react before the others began transforming as well. With loud, mechanical clicks, the remaining cars shifted and reassembled into the terrifying robotic figures the Dazzlings had glimpsed from their hiding spot. Panic surged through them as they realized what was happening. Without thinking, they tried to dash in opposite directions, hoping to outrun their captors. But their desperate attempt at escape was cut short. The towering robots reacted swiftly, their massive servos lowering with frightening speed. In an instant, each of the girls was caught in the firm grasp of one of the metal titans.

Sonata was the first to scream, "NO! NO! LET ME GO!" she shrieked, wriggling in the grip of the deer-like mech, struggling to break free, "WE DIDN'T SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING, WE ONLY GOT- um... LOST!"

Frature chuckled as he seized Aria right after, "Nice try, pipsqueak but we're not that stupid."

"At least most of us aren't." Thunderhoof muttered, casting a sidelong glance at Clampdown.

The Crabicon, realizing he was the target of the jab, scowled, "Ey! What's that supposed to mean?!"

Ignoring the banter, Steeljaw lifted Adagio to his optic level. The amber-haired member of the Dazzlings glared defiantly into his glowing gaze. His predatory grin made her blood run cold, "Spying, are we?" he said, his voice dripping with malice, "I must admit you ladies have quite the courage. But you shouldn't go sticking up your noses into other people's business. Otherwise, you will get yourselves into very deep trouble... like now."

"I'll kick your ugly nose if you don't put us down, mutt-face!" Aria snarled with fury from the bounty hunter's grip.

"Just who do you think you are?!" Adagio demanded, "Release me and my sisters this instant!"

Quillfire looked up at Steeljaw, "What are we going to do with them, boss?" he asked, glancing at the three terrified humans.

"I say we get rid of 'em before they start babblin' about us." Underbite recommended.

Sonata's eyes widened in sheer panic, "No, no, no—please! We swear we won't tell anyone! Besides, I'm way too pretty to die!"

Thunderhoof rolled his optics, clearly unimpressed, "An' I thought that Shimmer gal and 'er friends were annoyin'."

The mention of that name sent a shock through Adagio. Her face immediately focused on him, "...Shimmer?" she repeated in disbelief, "As in— Sunset Shimmer?"

Steeljaw's gaze narrowed slightly at the golden-haired siren, curiosity piqued, "You know of her?"

Her expression morphed from shock to something darker as she turned to him, "Know of her? Ha! She and her pathetic little band have been our greatest rivals since the day they ruined our magic."

The pack members exchanged puzzled glances. This wasn't what they expected to hear, and for a moment, they seemed unsure of how to proceed. The wolfcon, however, saw an opportunity and signaled to his lackeys with a nod to let them go. The towering Decepticons hesitantly loosened their grips, lowering the three organics to the ground. The pack leader looked down at Adagio, "How are you called?"

Straightening herself, the girl lifted her chin defiantly, "I'm Adagio Dazzle." she answered and gestured to her sisters behind her, "Those two are Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk. We call ourselves the Dazzlings." she informed as she stared up at the wolf-like mech, "And who exactly are you supposed to be?"

A hint of a grin tugged at the canine's dermas as he gave a slight bow, his clawed hand resting against his chest-plate, "Designation Steeljaw." he introduced himself with a predator's grace, his optics never leaving hers, "And this," he continued, gesturing to his imposing allies, "Is my pack. Let me introduce you to Thunderhoof, Fracture, Underbite, Clampdown and Quillfire." he named each of his companions with a touch of pride.

"Couldn't you have picked out any lamer names?" Aria muttered.

The crab robot's eye stalks stared angrily at her, "Your names suck even more!" he retorted back.

Steeljaw glanced at Adagio, "It appears both of us have failed to achieve our goals because of her. Am I correct?" he questioned as he studied the older siren.

The girl gave a bitter nod with frustration at the mention of their shared enemy. Before she could respond, Sonata chimed in with a small frown, "All we wanted was to take some negative power to feed us and go home! It wasn't that big of a deal anyway."

Adagio sighed, clearly irritated at the simplicity of her sister's explanation, but she allowed the interruption, "To sum things up, we were banished many years ago to this world. That's why we wanted to drain all the power this human planet could provide, to defeat those who opposed us and finally take our revenge." her gaze turned cold, teeth gritting as the memory of their defeat replayed in her mind, "But that little brat decided to involve herself in our plans and ruin everything." her hands clenched into fists, her anger palpable, "We were so close to destroying them until they used their-" she paused, searching for the words before glancing at her sisters, "Ugh, what was it called again?"

"Their stupid 'magic of friendship' or something." Aria responded, flexing her two fingers.

"Yes... that." Adagio sneered, "They used it against us and broke our pendants in the process. We don't have the same energy we once did."

"And now we are stuck in this awful place as regular humans." Sonata finished with a pout.

Steeljaw's look remained calculating as he absorbed their story, though a flicker of interest crossed his features, "Where originally are you from again?"

"Equestria, duh!" the blue girl said as if it were the most obvious answer in the world.

Underbite tilted his helm in confusion, "What kind of a place is that?"

Adagio took over, "It's another world full of magical creatures, such as annoying ponies, dragons, manticores and hydras. But we are neither one of those. We are sirens, we can cause disharmony with our songs, feeding off negative emotions. The more negativity, the more powerful we become."

"Uh- correction." interrupted Aria, "Could cause disharmony. Now we can barely eat through positive emotions. Which, by the way, tastes disgusting."

"Wait- time out." Clampdown suddenly interjected, putting his claw on top of the other, making the universal sign for a pause, "What do ya mean by sirens? Those don't even exist!"

The violet female cast him a deadpan stare, "And giant robots do?" she shot back, "It's pretty obvious you don't know much about this world, crabby."

"Hate to admit it but she's actually right." Adagio said and held up the broken red pendant, "No matter how hard we try to adapt to this normal life and feed ourselves with what's left, it's simply not enough."

Steeljaw lowered himself to inspect the ornament. He extended his servo to her, his pointy digits glinting ominously, "May I?" he politely asked for permission. The amber girl hesitated for a second but then handed it over. He examined the pendant carefully, holding it between the tips of his claws with an analytical gaze.

"Those tiny crystals are that powerful, eh?" Clampdown chimed in, his long eye stalks extending to get a better look, "I'll believe it when I see it."

With a swift shove, the wolfcon pushed the crab aside, clearly uninterested in his skepticism, "It appears we actually have some things in common, Miss Dazzle." he said, returning the gem to her, "I too was sent to this human planet unwillingly."

"What are you, anyway?" Sonata asked.

He straightened up, his stature imposing as he began to elaborate, "Decepticons. We hail from a very distant planet called Cybertron. You see, a conflict between two factions emerged millions of stellar cycles ago and thus evolved into a war. I as well as some of my allies here were imprisoned in a ship full of 'Bots just like us who merely wanted to survive and fight for justice. While we were in stasis, the ship crashed on Earth, freeing me, my brothers and sisters in the process."

"I want to take over the planet but only because I want my fellow Decepticons to have a place to call home, free from the Autobots who've been our greatest enemies since the beginning of this chaos. And it appears they have allied with your rivals as well." the Dazzlings' stares widened at this revelation, "I've discovered a portal that connects the two human planets. An entrance between our world and this one. From what I've gathered, it may have been created by that 'magic' you spoke about earlier."

"Plus, they somehow gained the ability to transform, just like our kind." Fracture added.

Aria's brow furrowed in confusion, "Wait— are you saying they can actually appear as robots?"

"That's so unfair!" Sonata exclaimed, crossing her arms, "Why do they always get the cool stuff?!"

Adagio redirected her focus to Steeljaw, "You're saying you come from another world, like this one?"

"Well, they do have small differences." the wolfcon replied thoughtfully, "For example, the human life forms there aren't as colorful as you are."

The older siren turned back to her sisters, "Are you two hearing this?"

"Um, yeah, we've been listening since the start." Aria replied, "So what? We still need power and to find a way to our home."

"Perhaps we can help each other?" Steeljaw suggested.

Adagio raised an intrigued eyebrow, a smile slowly spreading across her face, "You got me interested."

"Why don't we unite together? With our combined strengths and knowledge, we would be much more effective against our foes. Once we defeat them, we can each fulfill our desires to rule these worlds. You have your own human planet and I have mine." he proposed, his confidence radiating through his words.

Clampdown, unable to contain his confusion, interjected, "But I thought you wanted bo-" before he could finish, Steeljaw silenced him with a swift motion, shoving a tail to his intake, "MMPH!" the Crabicon's protest turned into a muffled grunt of indignation, his gaze wide in surprise.

With a firm focus back on the trio, the wolfcon pressed on, "Sounds like a fair offer?"

The amber female tapped her chin, mulling over the proposition. Shortly after, her smirk widened into a confident grin, "Alright, it's a deal."

"WHAT?!" Aria cried out, "Hold on- we haven't agreed to any of this."

"You don't have a say, Aria. I'm your leader, remember?" Adagio countered.

"Can we talk? Alone?" her purple sibling insisted with a frustrated mumble.

"Do not worry, take as much time as you need." Steeljaw replied calmly, his demeanor unruffled.

As the three Dazzlings moved a few paces away from the pack, Aria's voice broke through the silence, her incredulity evident, "You cannot be serious. Why do we have to work with those... freaks?! Just look at them!" she gestured emphatically to the Cybertronians, her disdain clear, "They're so weird and obviously the most pathetic beings to ever exist. We don't need them!"

"I dunno," the cerulean siren chimed in, glancing back at the towering figures, "The blue-hoofed one doesn't seem so bad."

"No one asked you, Sonata!" Aria shouted, her frustration mounting.

"They may be pathetic but we don't have any other choice. This is the only way we can finally achieve what we wanted from the start. Look around you, Blaze." she lifted her hands, gesturing to the environment, "We'll be stuck here for who knows how much longer if we don't act now. This is our and probably only one chance to beat Sunset and her irritating friends. And let's not forget the bonus, we have more worlds we can control, don't we?"

Sonata's brow furrowed with uncertainty, "But... didn't you just make a deal with that giant wolf?"

"Please, do you really think I would ever split a reward with that thing? Of course not. Once we've dealt with those girls, we'll get rid of those losers too— permanently."

"Your plans are always so lame, Adagio." Aria retorted, "How can we be sure this one will actually work?"

"Do you have any better ideas?" challenged the older sister. She waited as the violet female remained silent, glancing away in frustration. Adagio smirked slightly, "Just as I thought. Now, keep your mouths closed and follow my lead."

In the meantime, the pack members were embroiled in their own hushed discussion. Thunderhoof stomped over to Steeljaw, agitation radiating from his frame, "Yous can't be serious. Them?!" he directed a servo to the Dazzlings in the distance, incredulity etched into his features.

"They might have information that we can use against those humans." Steeljaw countered, his words low but firm, "It will make our task much easier to accomplish. If I see any of you morons trying to sabotage my strategy, I'll make sure you regret it." he threatened.

"Ya aren't actually thinkin' of teamin' up with those squishies, are ya?" the Chompazoid interjected.

"Only a fool would trade such a possibility, Underbite." responded the wolfcon, "The moment our job is done, they will be discarded. And both worlds will be under my command." with that final declaration, he ended the conversation, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. As the Dazzlings rejoined the group, Steeljaw questioned with a smile, "Have we all finally come to an agreement?"

"Yes, we're in..." Aria said hesitantly, casting a sideways glance at her sisters, her words trailing off with uncertainty, "I guess."

"An excellent choice, you three." Steeljaw replied with satisfaction as he surveyed them, "I guarantee you won't be disappointed while working with us. However," he continued, his tone taking on a more serious edge, "I suggest it would be wise for you to have someone watching your backs. We wouldn't want our new allies falling into danger— especially if those meddlesome Autobots are lurking nearby." he shifted to the tall, purple bounty hunter standing next to him, "Fracture, you'll be responsible for keeping an optic on Aria." he instructed before turning to the antlered mech, "And you, Thunderhoof, will take care of Sonata. I'll personally see to Miss Dazzle's safety."

Sonata's eyes lit up as she bounced excitedly on her toes, "Oooh, we get to have bodyguards!" she squealed, clearly thrilled by the arrangement.

The deer-like Decepticon, on the other hand, was far less pleased. His optic ridge twitched in irritation as he scowled at the canine criminal, "Eyo, what do yous take me for? A sparklingsitter?! I ain't watching over some squishy!"

Steeljaw's gaze narrowed in warning as he threw him a glare, his intake curling into a silent growl. The message was clear: don't argue. Thunderhoof clenched his jaw, visibly biting back his protest, "Whatever..." he muttered under his vent, looking away with a gruff snort. He knew better than to push further when the wolfcon was in this mood.

Satisfied, the pack leader cast his glance over the group once more, "It's settled then." he declared with finality, "You three will be under our protection, in case anything hazardous comes up. Now, let's get moving before the moon rises."

"And where exactly are we going?" Aria scowled at him. She clearly wasn't sold on trusting their so-called 'protectors'.

"We've secured a new hideout for our pack." Steeljaw explained, "It's completely abandoned and isolated— perfectly safe. A place where no one can find us and we can plan in peace. But first," he added, transforming into his vehicle form with a low rumble, "We'll be taking you to our Earth."

The rest of his pack followed suit, shifting and contorting into their alt-modes. As Fracture shifted into his sleek motorcycle form, he revved his engine and pulled up next to Aria, "Wanna take a ride, sweetspark?" he offered smoothly. The violet siren gave him a once-over, her expression unamused.

She didn't even hesitate as she lifted her hand, dismissing him with a wave, "No, thanks. I prefer to drive the bus." she responded curtly before striding past him to their van. Behind her, Underbite and Quillfire snickered quietly at the blatant rejection while the bounty hunter grunted in annoyance but kept his irritation in check. Being ignored by a human was not something he was accustomed to.

Meanwhile, Adagio's gaze shifted to her guardian's sleek car mode, "You can transform into vehicles?" she asked, hands resting on her hips as she examined the wolfcon's form up close.

"Every Cybertronian possesses this capability. It's how we adapt to different environments." he answered, "We chose these particular forms to blend in better among the humans."

"Impressive." with a small amused smirk, the amber girl lifted her hand, "Lead the way then, we'll be following right behind."

As she sauntered back to the minibus, Sonata's face lit up with an idea, "Come to think of it, we need a name for our crew!" she suggested enthusiastically as they approached their vehicle.

Her older purple sister who was already reaching for the bus door, paused just long enough to give her an exasperated look, "But we already have one?"

"No, silly! I mean for all of us! Like, something cool and catchy! How about... 'The Baddies Band'? Or 'Team Crime'?"

Aria groaned as she climbed into the driver's seat, clearly unimpressed with her creativity, "More like 'The Freak Squad'." she muttered under her breath, turning the key in the ignition. The engine sputtered before roaring to life, filling the air with a dull, rumbling noise.

Sonata's face lit up, completely missing the sarcasm, "Hey, that one's perfect!"

"I was joking, idiot." Aria shot her a glare, shifting the bus into gear.

Chapter Text

While driving through the silent roads, a structure loomed in the distance, right in the middle of nowhere. The convoy slowed as they approached, coming to a stop just outside the rundown building. One by one, the Decepticons transformed back into their towering robotic forms, their frames shifting with each movement. The Dazzlings followed suit, climbing out of their old minibus with varying expressions of wonder.

Before them stood an abandoned warehouse, by the looks of it, with all the charm of a post-apocalyptic movie set. The roof was mostly in shambles, with jagged gaps allowing the moonlight to pour through in fragmented beams. Vines and other hardy plants had taken over the structure, crawling up the walls and winding around rusted columns, as though nature had long ago decided to reclaim what humanity had forgotten.

The once-mighty industrial windows lining the walls were now shattered or caked in grime. Graffiti covered every available surface, telling stories of long-gone vandals. Among the debris were wooden pallets, rusted barrels and old containers, all of which had clearly been left to rot. A forklift sat in the corner of the room, its once-functional machinery now little more than a skeleton of grime and rust.

It looked like it hadn't moved in years. The ground was a patchwork of cracked concrete and unruly vegetation, with puddles of stagnant water reflecting the gray sky and decaying roof above. The sight was a stark reminder of how time, and nature, could so easily reclaim anything man-made.

Aria wrinkled her nose in disgust as she glanced around, taking in the desolate scene, "This is our secret spot?" she kicked a rusty, empty spray can with the heel of her boot, the tinny clatter echoing in the cavernous space, "What a dump."

Sonata, on the other hand, was far less critical. Her wide gaze scanned the massive interior, clearly more impressed by the sheer size than the state of the building itself, "And it's so big!" she exclaimed as she darted further into the warehouse.

The wolfcon stepped forward as he surveyed the construction with a measured look, "It may not offer the greatest luxuries but it provides something far more valuable. Security. No one will find us here."

Everyone else followed him inside, their footsteps crunching on wreckage as they ventured deeper into the decayed structure. The blue siren raced ahead to the center of the room. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Echooo!" her shout bounced back at them, distorted by the empty space, "Yep, no one's here."

As the others explored their new hideout, Fracture, standing off to the side, subtly activated the release mode on his shoulder-pads. In a smooth motion, his two mini-cons, Airazor and Divebomb, detached and landed nimbly on the cracked concrete floor. With a casual wave of his servo, the bounty hunter gestured towards the group, "Go introduce yourselves to our new companions, boys." he said with amusement. His optics lingered on Aria, who was watching her little sister, "Make sure to leave a good first impression, especially for the 'hard to get' one over there." his dermas curled into a sly grin, directing slightly to the violet female, "She's gonna be with us for a while."

Airazor and Divebomb exchanged quick nods of understanding before dashing off to the purple girl. Their small frames darted across the debris and the instant Aria heard the unfamiliar clatter of their pointy pedes and digits, she glanced over her shoulder, her face falling into a look of irritation as she spotted the two diminutive robots heading her way.

"Great..." she muttered under her breath, her expression souring, "There's more of you?"

Airazor, the more brash of the two, grinned as he stepped closer, "You must be boss's new human pet!" he chirped as if he were offering her a compliment.

The siren's face darkened instantly, her glare sharp enough to cut steel, "Pet?" she repeated slowly and dangerously through her teeth.

Before he could dig himself into a deeper hole, Divebomb shoved his overeager brother aside, "What he meant to say was—" he nervously chuckled, "It's an absolute pleasure to meet you, Miss Blaze. Such wonderful news to know we will be working together, side by side. I'm Divebomb."

"And I'm Airazor!" the other mini-con chimed in quickly, trying to recover from his earlier blunder.

She crossed her arms, still unimpressed and gave them both a skeptical look, noting their smaller forms and high energy, "Uh-huh..." she replied dryly, "Are you two his kids or something?" she motioned between the two and Fracture, drawing attention to their shared design elements.

Divebomb immediately straightened up, eager to correct her assumption, "His employees, actually." he explained, flashing a mechanical grin.

"Most loyal ones!" Airazor continued, "He hates to admit it but we are his best partners since the start of his hunting career!"

"You won't regret working with him, Fracture is a fantastic boss!" informed Divebomb.

"He does all the walking!" his sibling followed.

"The most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy!"

"Sometimes he smiles!"

Aria glared at the two, her patience quickly running thin as their incessant chatter continued, "Listen, you... tiny robot thingies—"

"Mini-cons, to be exact." Airazor corrected.

"Yeah, anyway- let me make one thing crystal clear. Just because we're going to work together and he is my- guardian or whatever, doesn't mean he can tell me what to do. You may be his little workers but he isn't my boss. Got that?"

Divebomb stepped forward, ever eager to please, "Why, of course! Now that you are his charge, we have the responsibility to be at your service and protect you."

Airazor nodded enthusiastically, "You're our most important priority now!"

The female scoffed at that, "I'm no one's priority." she snapped. When Airazor opened his intake to protest, she pointed a sharp finger at him, "And I definitely don't need you dolts following me around all the time. I can handle myself just fine."

Before either mini-con could respond, a shadow fell over the trio and Fracture's deep, cold voice cut through the air, "Quite the stubborn one, isn't she?" he smirked, his gaze shifting from the girl to his minions, "Looks like you three are getting along already."

The mini-cons dashed over to him, "I like her, boss!" Airazor exclaimed with a proud grin, "She acts just like you, rude and threatening!"

The hunter's smirk grew wider, clearly amused by the comparison. He gave his charge a knowing look, "Well, I suppose that makes us a perfect match, doesn't it?"

Aria rolled her eyes, about to fire off a sarcastic retort but then Sonata skidded to a stop beside her, cupping her cheeks in delight, "Aww, Ari! How can you hate them? Just look at how cute they are!" she bent down, trying to get a closer look at the tiny robots like she had just found the most adorable kittens in the world.

Her sister groaned loudly, pressing her palm to her forehead, "You're not helping!"

In the meantime, Steeljaw approached Adagio, his servos clasped behind his back, optics gleaming with quiet intent, "So these pendants," he began, "They're still functional but after their destruction, they've lost most of their draining power?"

The amber female sighed softly, glancing at the wolfcon, "Unfortunately, yes." she admitted and reached into her pocket, pulling out the red, cracked gem, holding it delicately in her palm as if the fragile object held her very essence, "We've searched for ways to repair them, to restore their full strength. But nothing has worked. These cracks are more of a problem than I anticipated."

He hummed thoughtfully, observing the pendant while also considering the possibilities. After a moment, he spoke again, a sly edge creeping into his tone, "I think I might have a proposal."

Adagio raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious, "Which is?"

With a flick of his helm, Steeljaw motioned towards Quillfire who was standing nearby with the glass container cradled in his claws. Inside, the glowing green liquid sloshed lazily against the walls of the vial, "We have something called Synthetic Energon." he explained, "It's a powerful fuel source, capable of enhancing a Cybertronian's physical abilities. But since it's in such a small amount, it's useless to any of us. However," he glanced to the three, "I believe it might be more than enough to restore your pendants."

Her eyes flicked to the fluid, suspicion creeping into her features. Before she could respond, Aria stepped up from behind as she eyed the glowing substance warily, "You want to mix our gems with that green thing?" she asked with a bite of skepticism, "How's that even gonna work?"

The ends of the wolfcon's intake curled into a faint smirk, enjoying the challenge, "The Autobots' humans have successfully combined their species with ours on multiple occasions. I don't see why it couldn't be possible for you three to benefit from a similar synthesis. A little help from this substance might be exactly what you need to fix those gems."

Fracture, standing a short distance away, furrowed his ridge, "And what about the side effects?"

Steeljaw glanced at his comrade, "That's why we'll only use a small amount." he assured, his gaze locking back onto Adagio, "Just a few drops on each pendant. It should be enough to restore some of their power, without overwhelming them— or you. Consider it an experiment. If it works, your crystals could regain their strength. If not, the damage would be minimal."

Aria scowled, stepping closer, "These aren't some cheap pieces of jewelry to mess around with." she hissed, her protective instincts flaring, "These crystals are a part of us. They're our hearts. You can't just pour some alien fuel into them and hope for the best."

The pack leader raised a placating servo, his vocalizer calm and rational, "I understand." he said carefully, "That's why we'll proceed with caution. Only tiny drops, enough to test if it works. It shouldn't have any drastic effects. But if it does... you might find yourselves with more power than you ever imagined." he looked at the humans, measuring their reactions, "Of course, we won't proceed without your permission. The choice is yours."

"Are we sure we want this?" Aria glanced at Adagio. The violet-haired siren wasn't one to trust easily, especially not when it involved something so intimately connected to their very essence.

The amber siren turned to face her younger sister with a confident, almost dismissive smile, "Yes, we do, Aria." she replied firmly, "If this so-called fuel can help us regain our strength, then we'll use it."

Her sibling still seemed unconvinced but she held her tongue, knowing that challenging Adagio's decisions often led nowhere.  Steeljaw, who had been quietly observing the exchange, gave a slight nod and gestured to the purple minions, the small, agile robots standing at attention near their master, "Since Fracture's mini-cons are the most appropriate in size and efficiency for the task they will take over the delicate work."

At his signal, they approached the trio, ready to collect the fragile gemstones. Divebomb raised his servo to Aria with a friendly smile. She huffed and reached into the pocket of her jeans, pulling out her pendant, "Be careful with it," she warned darkly, thrusting the fragile object into his outstretched claws, "Or I'll end you."

Divebomb kept his smile intact, "We'll make sure to keep them absolutely safe." he promised, his long, sharp digits closing gently around the gem. Despite his confidence, he handled the necklace as though it might crumble under the slightest pressure.

Airazor collected the other two and once they were safely in their possession, Fracture tilted his helm to the door, "C'mon, you two. We've got work to do." his mini-cons nodded and followed their master out of the warehouse, leaving the Dazzlings and the rest of the pack behind.

Steeljaw turned his attention back to his charge, his expression thoughtful, "About Sunset Shimmer and her little friends- do you know anything more about them besides their abilities? Any personal information that could be... beneficial?"

The siren leader's lips curled into a sly smirk, rubbing her fingers, "Talking about personal, she had quite the reputation in that lame Canterlot High School before we even got there. I think you will be very interested in her pathetic little story."

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"Man, the aim of these Stormtroopers is just as bad as the Vehicons'." Sideswipe quipped, his attention fixed on the screen as another hapless soldier missed yet another target by a mile.

Knock Out idly tossed an Energon goodie into his intake, "Their incompetence is indeed awfully similar." he agreed, resting his helm on his servo.

The room was filled with a relaxed camaraderie as the group watched the movie. Yet despite the lighthearted atmosphere, Sunset sat quietly on one of the oversized beanbags, her knees pulled up close to her chest, chin resting on top of them. Her eyes were fixed on the screen but her mind was miles away, drifting in thoughts she couldn't seem to shake. No matter how many times she tried to focus, the flashing images blurred into the background.

While her friends laughed and exchanged comments, she quietly gathered herself. She glanced around, making sure no one noticed as she slowly rose from the seat and reached for her bag. The familiar weight of her journal pressed against her side, reminding her of the comfort it always brought. Just as she was about to slip away unnoticed, a familiar tone cut through the hum of the movie, "Sunset?" as she froze mid-step, she turned, her eyes meeting Twilight's, whose violet gaze was filled with worry. The smart girl sat up a little straighter, adjusting her glasses as she studied her friend, "Is everything okay?"

Caught off guard, Sunset hesitated for a second before offering a small, reassuring smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just gonna stretch my legs, I've watched this like- numerous times anyway." she added with a small casual wave, "I'll be back in a bit."

Twilight seemed uncertain but she eventually nodded, offering a gentle smile in return before returning her gaze back to the screen. With a tiny relieved exhale, Sunset turned back to the hallway, her steps quieter now as she made her way out of the main area. The sounds of her friends' conversation and the movie faded behind her as she walked deeper into the base, seeking solitude. Eventually, she found what she was looking for— a secluded spot nestled in the shadows of the enormous halls, far from the noise and distractions of the others.

She sank to the floor, resting her back against the cool metal wall. The silence was immediate, a stark contrast to the lively room she had just left behind. Reaching into her bag, Sunset pulled out her diary, the familiar worn cover resting in her hands. She stared down at it, her fingers tracing the emblem on the front. The sight of it brought both comfort and anxiety, a reminder of the connection she still had to her old life in Equestria. She hadn't written in it for a while, not since the last message she sent to pony Twilight. The hesitation gnawed at her. What would she even say? Sunset flipped the journal open to the most recent entry, the princess' neat handwriting scrawled across the page in comforting words.

"Maybe she would know...?" she pondered and stared down at her diary. The idea of writing to her old friend for advice seemed obvious but at the same time, it felt daunting. With a tired sigh, she finally gave in, flipping the journal open to a fresh page. The blankness stared back at her and as she held her pen poised to write, nothing came to her. For what felt like ages, she just sat there, frozen in indecision.

Suddenly, a pair of heavy pedes echoed through the corridor, their deep, rhythmic thuds pulling her from her thoughts. Startled, Sunset quickly clutched the diary to her chest and looked up. Towering above her was the unmistakable figure of Optimus. His presence filled the small space, yet his calm, steady demeanor soothed the initial panic she felt.

"I did not mean to frighten you, young one." he said with a low, gentle chuckle, "Is this where you've been hiding all along?"

Sunset offered a sheepish smile, "Sorry, big guy." she responded as she tried to regain her composure, "Just needed to clear my head." she gestured vaguely to the journal still held tightly in her arms as if it explained everything.

Optimus observed her for a bit, then, with surprising grace for someone his size, he carefully lowered himself to sit beside her. His massive frame dwarfed her but he moved with such care and gentleness that it never felt intimidating. He rested one arm on his raised knee, his optics scanning the corridor briefly before returning to her.

"Were you looking out for me much?" she questioned.

The Prime shook his helm, "No." he responded simply, his gaze softening, "But I did grow concerned when you weren't among the others. I wanted to make sure you were alright."

She looked down, her expression thoughtful, and after a second, she spoke, "Honestly... I don't even know."

He regarded her in silence for a bit, his worry evident in the way his face-plate softened. He noticed the journal resting on the floor beside her, its pages slightly askew and scanned the symbols written across the page, "This language..." he began, pointing with a massive digit to the intricate script, "Is it from your homeworld?"

Sunset followed his gaze, realizing what he was referring to. She nodded slowly, her fingers brushing the edge of the page as she flipped it open wider for him to see, "Yeah, it is. It's Equestrian."

Optimus hummed thoughtfully as he examined the writings, "Fascinating." he murmured with genuine interest. For a being as old and as wise as him, even the smallest revelations about other worlds seemed to carry significance.

Noticing his intrigue, she felt a small spark of excitement, "I can teach you a few words if you're interested." she offered, "And maybe in return, you could teach me some of yours. Twilight has already learned a lot. I've gotta catch up."

He chuckled softly at her offer, "I would be more than glad to."

"It's actually a magical journal." she began, "It lets me communicate with my friends back in the pony world."

"Are you communicating with them at this moment?"

"No, no..." Sunset hesitated, struggling to find the right words, "I was going to. I've been thinking about writing to them for a while now but... I guess it's pointless."

Optimus sensed the weight of uncertainty in her voice, "Is this about your current issue... about the dreams you've been having?"

Her hands tightened slightly around the journal, "The royals back home— they usually have answers to almost everything. Usually, the princess of the night would know something about this stuff."

The Prime's optics brightened with curiosity, "How many are there exactly?"

"Five, to what I've heard." she numbered with her fingers, "We have the other Twilight Sparkle, the element of magic and princess of friendship. Celestia, the ruler of Equestria and the sun. Luna, her younger sister and princess of the moon. Mi Amore Cadenza, also known as Cadence. She is the current ruler of the Crystal Empire and possesses the power of love. Finally, her newborn daughter, Flurry Heart. Who is now the heir of the empire."

He listened intently, nodding as he absorbed this information, "It sounds like each of them carries significant responsibility."

Sunset's gaze fell to the journal again, her expression turning somber, "Celestia... she was actually my mentor back then... before I turned my back on her and went to the human world." she let out a deep sigh of regret, "Even after I got redeemed, I still felt horrible for what I put her through. She was already going through a lot because of Nightmare Moon and then I decided to make things even worse for her."

Optimus regarded her with quiet empathy, "This Nightmare Moon you speak of... who was she?"

The girl paused, realizing she hadn't fully explained that part, "Oh, right. Nightmare Moon was... well, she was the corrupted form of Luna. It's a long story... but basically, she got consumed by her jealousy towards her older sister and felt like the ponies loved Celestia and the daytime more, and she grew bitter about it, transforming her into a much darker and evil version of herself. The sun princess had no choice but to banish her to the moon for a thousand years... until she eventually returned. But with the help of the six elements of harmony, they finally got Luna back. Now, both she and Celestia are on good terms and are ruling Equestria in peace."

He shifted slightly, his gaze distant as if recalling a time long past, a different life entirely, "This story... it bears a few similarities to my own." he said quietly with the weight of memories long buried.

She leaned in, her posture shifting to a more comfortable position as she crossed her legs and settled in, "How so?"

"There was a time back on Cybertron, during the Golden Age, when I had a very close friend of mine... who I once considered as a brother." her guardian continued, "Have I ever told you that I wasn't always a Prime?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, "You weren't?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. The idea of Optimus as anything other than the great leader she knew seemed almost impossible to imagine.

A small, almost bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of his intake, "I was once only a clerk working in the great Iacon Hall of Records, named Orion Pax." he explained, "But I learned more about Cybertron's past, I grew increasingly concerned about the corruption in high places, an inequality among the masses. I became inspired by the words and ideas of a gladiator, who had named himself after one of the thirteen original Primes: Megatronus."

"He vowed to challenge Cyberton's leadership and demand that all Cybertronians be treated as equals and turned revolutionary, rapidly gaining loyal followers. The two of us became very close. However, when he appeared before the High Council to propose his vision for a just society, his true colors revealed themselves... proclaiming the need to overthrow the old Guard with force and arrogantly demanding to be named the next Prime. But I, till this very day, do not believe in violence as a means of achieving justice."

"Once hearing my speech, the Council came to the decision that I, Orion Pax, am worthy of being a Prime and thus I earned the legendary Matrix of leadership." he directed to his chassis, "Unfortunately, Megatron became entirely jealous and angered by their official choice. He broke all ties he had with me and the Council and returned to take out his revenge with a war on all who opposed him through his growing army of followers which he named 'Decepticons'."

"He vowed to claim the Matrix for himself. In time, warfare consumed Cybertron, poisoning the planet to its core. I traveled there, hoping to reverse the ill effects and found myself before the very Spark of our life-giver: Primus himself and bestowed the Matrix upon me. That is how I became to be Optimus: The Last of the Primes."

She stared at the floor, lost in her thoughts as the weight of everything she'd just learned settled in, "That was... a lot to take in." Sunset muttered with widened eyes, holding her head in disbelief from the whole story. But now she could clearly see the many similarities between him and Celestia. Two leaders, both noble and wise, who had risen to the heights of power not for themselves but to serve their people. And in doing so, they had each been forced to confront a painful truth: sometimes, the ones you care about most, the ones you trust like family, become your greatest adversaries. She shifted her weight slightly, "Can't believe what you went through all of those years." her thoughts continued to swirl, until one pressing question finally came to the surface, "And... where is Megatron now? What happened to him?"

"He found himself at journey's end and finally realized how it felt to be the victim instead of the oppressor. After that... he announced that the Decepticons were no more. He left everything behind and flew off to parts of the unknown." 

Sunset could sense the deep mixture of emotions in her guardian—relief, sadness, perhaps even a quiet sense of hope. The Prime's gaze lowered as if weighed down by all the battles fought and the memories of his fallen brother. To her surprise, a small smile formed on his face-plate and as they both stood there in deep silence, he finally spoke up once more, "But then I realized... that even Megatron has the ability to change."

The enormity of his past, the pain and sacrifices he had endured, made her own struggles seem so small in comparison. She chuckled softly, almost bitterly and brought a hand to her head, rubbing her temple as if trying to make sense of it all, "My problems are... nothing compared to yours." she murmured under her breath, her voice barely audible, yet heavy with self-reflection.

However, the Prime was able to hear it, "It is not righteous to compare your worries to my own, little one." he said and she slowly looked up at him, "Just because one problem is of a greater scale than the other... that doesn't mean your worries don't exist. They still need to be dealt with, just like any other." he spoke tenderly, placing a digit behind her back, "Besides, your worries are my worries as well. I... completely understand how you feel about these dreams."

"Although they cannot truly harm you, doesn't mean that they are not terrifying. I too was plagued by many nightmares, especially of the past. The awful memories of the war that I tried to push away but kept coming back, tormenting my processor like monsters from the shadows. They didn't go away easily." he admitted, "But over time, I found ways to confront them. I learned that facing your fears, understanding them and finding strength in your friends can help you overcome even the darkest of nightmares."

"Talking about my experiences, sharing my burdens with trusted friends helped me see that I was not alone. It made the nightmares less powerful. They still come back sometimes... but I know now that they cannot control me."

Sunset gave a grateful smile as she stared at the towering figure beside her, "Thank you, Optimus." she said softly, her tone filled with sincerity. The wisdom and comfort he had offered her felt like a lifeline, pulling her out of her spiraling doubts.

Optimus's optics softened as he reassured her, "We will do our very best to find a solution to this situation. But for now, try to enjoy the evening with the rest."

Sunset glanced down at the journal still resting in her lap, feeling the weight of everything that had been on her mind slowly easing away. For now, the future could wait. The present moment, with her friends, was just as important. She tucked the diary back into her bag, her smile growing a bit more relaxed as a thought crossed her mind, "Hey." she began and looked up at him with a playful grin, "Wanna come back with me and watch the movie together? It's... not exactly the most thrilling thing but it might be a nice change of pace."

With a gentle smile in return, he replied, "It will be a pleasure." 

Chapter Text

During the time Fracture and his mini-cons worked meticulously on their assigned tasks, Steeljaw and Adagio remained deep in conversation, each strategizing for the future. The rest of the pack and the sirens busied themselves with their own activities, creating a hum of scattered movement throughout the hideout. Thunderhoof, however, had grown restless. The longer he sat idle, the more his irritation built up.

Finally, with a huff of impatience, the blue mech made up his mind. He stretched his massive servos and headed to the exit, his hooved pedes stomping heavily against the floor. Before he could step outside, he was stopped by Underbite, who was lounging lazily nearby, his jaws crunching on a pile of discarded metal cans he'd scavenged from around the corner, "Where do ya think you're goin'?" he asked, his mouth full of scrap metal as he glanced up.

"Tell Steeljaw I'm takin' a walk. Comm me if there's anythin' important." Thunderhoof said, waving a dismissive servo over his shoulder-pad, clearly uninterested in engaging in any conversation. He didn't wait for the Chompazoid's response, nor did he turn around. He was already halfway out the door, his processor set on getting some peace and quiet.

Little did he know, a pair of curious eyes had been watching him from a distance.

The forest was quiet, save for the rhythmic pounding of Thunderhoof's hooves as he trudged through the underbrush, seeking solitude. The tall trees and dense foliage provided the isolation he craved but his thoughts were quickly interrupted by a familiar, cheerful voice.

"Where are we going?"

He froze mid-step, startled by the sudden sound. He whirled around, his optics blazing with surprise. Standing just a few feet behind him was Sonata, grinning up at him with innocent curiosity, "Eyo, are yous crazy?!" he barked, stomping his hoof against the ground in frustration, causing a tremor that made the leaves on the nearby trees rustle, "I could've stomped on ya!"

She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, "Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you. I just thought it'd be fun to tag along!"

Thunderhoof glared down at her, "Why are ya followin' me anyway? Ain't got somethin' better to do?"

"Aren't we supposed to stick together? I mean- Steeljaw assigned us to be partners." she reminded, her expression brightening, "And I thought you might want some company! We could even get to know each other better! Like, what's your favorite color? Bet it's blue. Mine too!"

"Oh, for Onyx's sake..." he muttered under his vent as he processed the excitable siren's rambling, clearly not in the mood for idle chatter, "Listen, kid—" he cut her off, lifting his massive servo in a gesture that was half-warning, half-plea, "That wolfcon may be flappin' his intake all he wants but that doesn't mean ya gotta stay on my tail the 'ole time."

Sonata blinked up at him, her wide gaze full of confusion. For a moment, Thunderhoof thought his words might have finally gotten through to her. But then her face brightened once more, "Oh! That reminds me- where is your tail? Aren't you supposed to be like, half-robot deer or something? Actually- that's fine, I don't have mine too at the moment, they can only appear when we use our magic-"

Thunderhoof could only groan inwardly as she continued to talk, resigned to his fate. He was stuck with her, whether he liked it or not. Shaking his helm, he resumed his walk, purposefully lengthening his stride in an attempt to leave Sonata behind. But her cheerful babble accompanied him, her small legs working overtime to keep pace with his massive, stomping hooves.

For a while, they trudged through the forest in awkward chatter—or at least, it was for Thunderhoof, who longed for peace and quiet. Sonata, on the other hand, talked to herself, completely unfazed by the Decepticon's lack of enthusiasm. After several minutes of aimless wandering, the deer-like Cybertronian suddenly halted in his tracks, his entire frame going rigid. His sensitive audials twitched, picking up a series of unfamiliar noises from up ahead.

"And then when we—" Sonata rambled on, completely oblivious to the change in Thunderhoof's demeanor. She didn't even notice when she bumped into his massive pede, rubbing her head from the mild pain as she looked up at him, "Hey, why'd we stop?"

He didn't answer at first as he scanned the environment ahead. His posture was tense, like a predator on the hunt, "Squishies." he muttered, the word laced with disdain. He moved silently toward the source of the noise, his massive frame surprisingly stealthy as he pushed through the thick foliage. Sonata followed closely behind, ducking under branches and squeezing through bushes.

Peeking through the trees, the two of them spotted a small group of young adults. They were chatting and laughing amongst themselves, exchanging papers and joking around. It seemed like some sort of friendly gathering. Thunderhoof's scowl deepened as he watched them. With a grunt of annoyance, the massive Decepticon turned away, already plotting a quieter spot to continue his solitary walk. Just as he was about to leave, a small piece of paper, carried by the wind, drifted lazily from the open window of one of the humans' vehicles as they drove off. It floated lazily through the air, carried by the breeze before landing softly on the ground.

Without hesitation, Sonata darted forward, her small form easily slipping through the underbrush. Her guardian halted and looked over at her as she bent down and picked up the paper, her eyes scanning it with interest.

"A concert?"

.

.

.

As they returned to the warehouse, Sonata couldn't contain her excitement. She sprinted ahead, nearly tripping over herself as she bolted towards the entrance. Thunderhoof, on the other hand, took his time, his heavy steps echoing in contrast to her cheerful sprint.

"Hey, guys! You will never guess what we—" the cerulean girl burst through the entrance, waving the paper she had found with a bright, gleeful smile on her face. She was ready to share their discovery, but before she could finish her sentence, she was abruptly cut off.

"Where have you been?" Adagio's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, causing her younger sister to come to a sudden halt, the grin quickly fading from her face.

"Don't worry, Dagi! We weren't far away!" Sonata said in a cheerful attempt to ease her sibling's tension, "Hoofy here kept me company!" she beamed, glancing back at Thunderhoof as if to pull him into her eagerness.

The mech shot her a glare, "Don't call me that."

Adagio pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a heavy sigh, "You know what? Never mind." she muttered, clearly too exasperated to argue, "You're back just in time. The pendants are ready." she motioned to the center of the warehouse, where Aria and Fracture stood waiting.

Sonata's eyes lit up instantly, "Really?!" she squealed, practically bouncing with excitement as she followed her. When they approached, the bounty hunter motioned to his two minions who had been tasked with repairing the precious gems. With a few deft movements, they handed back the restored pendants to the sirens, placing the glowing, polished ornaments gently into their hands.

The three females stared in stunned silence, their gazes fixed on the jewels that had once been broken, cracked and dulled. Now, they gleamed as if they were brand new, "They are... whole again?" Aria murmured in disbelief, her purple eyes wide as she held the pendant up. The deep cracks and fractures that had once marred the surface were now completely gone. It was as though the gems had never been damaged at all.

"Even the deepest cracks aren't visible." Adagio added with awe as she inspected her own pendant, her fingertips gently tracing its smooth surface.

Divebomb shrugged nonchalantly, "We're just that good." he quipped with a smirk, clearly proud of the job they had done.

Fracture continued, "After we pieced them together and applied drops of the Energon, they started glowing for short. Not sure what was that all about."

Steeljaw stepped closer to them, his arms folded behind his back, "Why don't you try them on?" he suggested smoothly, filled with a hint of intrigue, "See if you feel any difference."

After following his advice, the trio fastened the necklaces around their necks. As soon as the gemstones touched their skin, a surge of energy pulsed through them, causing their eyes to momentarily flash a glowing green. The sensation was unmistakable—pure, unbridled power flowed back into their bodies. Adagio's lips curled into a wicked smile, her hand reaching up to caress the glowing gem around her neck. Sonata was grinning ear to ear, "Did you guys feel that?!"

"Sure did." Aria replied, her tone cool but filled with satisfaction, "Haven't felt like this in a loong while."

Their amber leader chuckled darkly, "Would you look at that? We finally have our strength back. And now, all we need is to find a fresh source of energy to feed us."

Aria's brow furrowed as she mulled over their next move, "But where are we supposed to perform? We can't just start singing in the middle of the street."

"Wait!" Sonata piped up suddenly, her hand darting to her pocket as she began rummaging through it. Her tongue poked out in concentration before she triumphantly pulled out the folded flyer they had found earlier, "I got this!" she exclaimed, unfolding the paper and handing it to Adagio.

Her older sister scanned it and a slow, devious smile spread across her face, "Hm, it looks like there's a concert happening tonight. A well-known band is set to perform."

Sonata practically bounced with excitement, "I wonder how big the audience will be!"

"Uh, quick reminder-" Aria interrupted, "Even if we could perform there, how exactly are we supposed to sing looking like this?" she gestured to herself and her sisters, indicating the colours on their bodies, "We don't exactly blend in with the crowd here."

"Already ahead of you." answered Fracture, a sly grin forming on his face-plate. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a small device to his charge.

The purple girl caught it with ease, her reflexes quick as always. She held the object up to examine it, noting that it was a small pin-like device. Sonata peeked over her shoulder, "What's that?"

"Small chips for a camouflage." he explained, clearly pleased with himself, "You can attach them to yourselves and after activating them, you will blend in right away. No one will know the difference."

He tossed two more chips to Adagio and Sonata, who wasted no time pinning them to their outfits. With a press of a button, the devices activated and a shimmering wave of energy washed over them. In an instant, their vibrant, otherworldly appearances faded, replaced by normal human tones. Their once colorful, ethereal skin shifted to tan hues and their hair transformed as well— Adagio's now ginger-colored, Sonata's black blue and Aria's a rich dark brown with lighter highlights.

The youngest girl twirled excitedly, admiring her new appearance, "I look cute!" she exclaimed, giggling as she spun around, her new human hair flowing behind her.

Aria examined her hands, "Not bad." she said, clearly impressed with the effectiveness of the disguise.

Though pleased with their new looks, Adagio remained focused on the plan, "How exactly are we supposed to replace those idiots?"

"Leave that task to us." Steeljaw answered, his piercing eyes locking with hers, "All you need to do is finish your part on time. Our rivals are bound to catch wind of our plans sooner or later. We need to be in and out before they can react."

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The night sky above the enormous stadium was a deep velvet, dotted with stars that struggled to compete with the colorful lights emanating from within. The place was a colossus of steel and concrete, its structure illuminated by an array of spotlights and neon signs that bathed the surroundings in a vibrant glow. Large LED screens displayed colorful graphics and teasers for the night's performances, hyping up the crowd that had gathered in anticipation.

As the scene unfolded, the location was packed to the brim with an excited audience. Thousands of fans, their faces painted with excitement and holding glowing sticks, cheered loudly. The collective murmur of the crowd was a pulsating wave of sound, creating an electric atmosphere. At the centre of the grand setting was a massive stage, adorned with an intricate setup of speakers. It was set for an epic showdown of musical prowess.

The members of Real Axle were bustling around in the preparation room, doing final checks on their instruments.

Suddenly, the doors swung open and two imposing figures entered, dressed as bodyguards.

"Hey, you two!" the lead singer called out, noticing the newcomers, "Who are you? We haven't seen you around before."

One of them stepped forward with a confident smile, "We were hired last-minute by your manager. Extra security for tonight's big show. You never know what kind of crazies might try to sneak in."

The drummer raised an eyebrow but shrugged, "Better safe than sorry, I guess. We're about to head out. Everything secure backstage?"

"Absolutely. Just need to do a quick check-up of this room, make sure everything's in order."

The lead guitarist looked puzzled, "A check-up? We don't have much time, we're up next."

"Won't take long. Just a few minutes to ensure there are no... surprises." the other man glanced at his partner, giving a barely perceptible nod. He turned back to the band, "Mind if we see the equipment? Just a precaution."

The bassist frowned, sensing something off, "Uh, sure, I guess."

He walked over to the guitars and amps, pretending to inspect them, "Nice setup you got here." he commented, his voice casual but his movements precise, "You guys must be excited for tonight."

"Yeah, it's a big deal for us." the lead singer replied, growing more uneasy, "Are you almost done? We need to get ready."

The bodyguard nodded, finishing the inspection, "All clear. One more thing—we need to ask you to step over here for a moment." he directed to the end of the room as he slowly walked backwards, "Just a quick security measure."

The drummer crossed his arms, now fully suspicious, "This is getting weird. Why do we need to move?"

"Because you're not going anywhere."

Before the band could react, his partner slammed the exit shut, trapping them inside the preparation room. Real Axle rushed to the doors, pounding on them, but it was no use.

Outside the preparation room, the two men secured the entrance as they moved several big and heavy stacked equipment cases in front of it. The moment they were finished the holographic disguises flickered and vanished, revealing the true forms of Fracture's grinning mini-cons.

Airazor's predatory gaze swept over the now-sealed doors, "That should keep them busy for a while."

While hearing the helpless shouts and pounds of the trapped humans, the two let out sinister chuckles and exchanged a high-five, their metallic hands clashing with an echoing clang. As they turned away from the securely blocked doors and looked behind their backs, emerging from the shadows were three silhouettes. Momentarily caught off guard by the grandeur of their appearance, the mini-cons quickly regained their composure. With a theatrical flourish, they gave a slight, respectful bow, extending arms to the entrance of the stadium with a sweeping gesture, "The stage awaits you." Divebomb said. As the trio moved to the grand entrance, their silhouettes shifted with an almost ethereal grace. The roar of the crowd, a distant but palpable presence, filled the air with an almost tangible anticipation.

The pack stood silently in the shadowed depths of the large tunnel, their forms barely visible against the backdrop of darkness. The canine's imposing figure loomed at the head of the group. The faint glow of his gaze was the only indication of his intense focus. His attention was fixed on the bustling activity beyond their hiding spot, where the final preparations for the evening's event were underway.

He turned his helm slightly, directing his gaze towards the pack responsible for overseeing the security operations, "Have you secured the entire perimeter? I want to ensure that no one can escape or enter this area without our knowledge."

Fracture straightened with a smirk, "The preparation room is sealed tight. No one's getting out of there. And the audience is completely unaware of the disruption inside. All exits are covered too."

Steeljaw's optics narrowed with satisfaction, "Good. We can't afford any slip-ups tonight. Their performance must go off without a hitch. Ensure that the security measures remain in place. If anyone tries to break through or interfere, deal with them promptly." as his allies nodded in unison and followed his commands, he turned his attention back to the humans,  scanning the area for any potential threats.

As the anticipation reached its peak, the atmosphere crackled with electric energy. The sea of fans, buzzing with excitement, filled the massive arena with a symphony of cheers and chatter. The vibrant lights began to fade, one by one, until the entire space was swallowed by an almost palpable darkness. A hush fell over the crowd, their excited murmurs turning into puzzled whispers and gasps.

For a moment, the entire place was cloaked in an eerie silence, the atmosphere thick with confusion and a hint of unease. The fans, squinting and straining their eyes, searched for any sign of movement or explanation. The silence stretched on, amplifying the tension, until finally, a single, blindingly bright spotlight snapped on, piercing the darkness like a beacon.

The solitary light illuminated the center of the stage, revealing three figures standing tall and poised. The Dazzlings, their forms now fully visible, seemed full of confidence and defiance. The lead singer, Adagio, stood in the middle, while to her left and right were her equally captivating companions, Aria and Sonata, their postures exuding a mix of readiness and allure.

The crowd, initially silent with shock, began to murmur and then to shout. Confusion turned quickly to anger as the realization set in that this was not the performance they had been expecting. The disgruntled fans, expecting the high-energy rock of Real Axle, found themselves face-to-face with a trio of unfamiliar performers. A cacophony of questions erupted from the audience, their frustration evident. Cries of "Where's Real Axle?" and "Who are they?" echoed through the stadium.

The trio began to step onward, as Adagio reached out first, she grabbed the microphone, her sisters following suit. The first notes of the music began to play, a deep, slow melody. The lights, meticulously choreographed, moved with the rhythm of the music, creating a mesmerizing dance of illumination.

High above, hidden in the rafters and among the complex setup, the mini-cons moved with stealth and precision. Airazor and Divebomb navigated the intricate web of wires, their movements unseen by the audience below. At the back, Steeljaw watched the unfolding scene. His piercing optics scanned the crowd, ensuring that every detail was proceeding as planned. Satisfied but ever cautious, he reached up and activated his comm-link, his voice low, "Deactivate your audials, now." he warned and received a series of confirmations from his hidden pack members.

As the first haunting notes of the song filled the stadium, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

"You'll be seeing me in your dreams

But I'll be there when your reality drowns"

The Dazzlings' singing melded seamlessly with the eerie, evocative melody, creating an otherworldly sound that resonated deep within the hearts of the audience. Each note was a call, a lure that beckoned the crowd to fall under their spell.

"There's a bright side

To every wrong thing

If you're looking at me through the right eyes"

Adagio Dazzle, standing confidently at the center, began the first verse. Her voice, rich and velvety, carried a feel of seductive allure.

"Darkness in my name

Don't you wanna come and play on the cool side?

Don't be so shy"

As she sang, her pendant—an intricate piece of jewelry that hung from her neck—began to emit a faint, crimson glow.

"And there's a pleasure in hiding from the sun

No, I was never one for pretty weather"

The light pulsed in time with the music, growing brighter with each line she delivered.

"I'd rather be a creep, baby follow me into the water

I'll take you to the darker"

Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk joined in, their harmonies weaving a tapestry of sound that was both enchanting and hypnotic.

"This could be perfection

Or venom dripping in your mouth

Singing like a siren

Love me while your wrists are bound"

Their pendants, identical to Adagio's, also began to glow, the crimson brightness intensifying until it bathed the stage in an eerie, supernatural radiance.

"You've been seeing me in your dreams

But I'll be there when your reality drowns"

As the chorus hit, the pendants' glow reached a peak and thin tendrils of green smoke began to emanate from the gemstones. The smoke, ethereal and shimmering, curled and twisted around the Dazzlings like living entities. It spread across the area, swirling around their feet before cascading into the audience below.

"You can pretend

That when you hear my voice

Darling, it's your choice not to fall in"

The crowd, initially confused and resistant, started to succumb to the effects of the song. The fog, imbued with the Dazzlings' dark magic, wafted over the audience, its touch soothing and pacifying. As the smoke enveloped them, the restless energy of the fans began to dissipate, replaced by a serene calm. Eyes that had been full of confusion and anger now glazed over, reflecting the mesmerizing lights.

"But it's all an act, 'cause I know exactly what you wanting

You know it's what I'm wanting"

The transformation was almost immediate. The audience, once a chaotic sea of dissent, became eerily quiet. They swayed gently to the rhythm, their expressions blank and their movements synchronized, as if they were puppets on invisible strings. The hypnotic power of the Dazzlings' song took full hold, binding the crowd in a spell of passive obedience.

"Boy, I know what you desire

Oh, you're such a bad bad liar"

Adagio, noticing the change, smiled—a slow, knowing smile that spoke of victory and control.

"This could be perfection

Or venom dripping in your mouth

Singing like a siren

Love me while your wrists are bound"

She raised her arms, her tone soaring to new heights, amplifying the song's hypnotic effect. Aria and Sonata mirrored her movements, their harmonies deepening the enchantment.

"You've been seeing me in your dreams

But I'll be there when your reality drowns"

The smoke continued to spread, its tendrils reaching every corner. It coiled around the seats, the aisles, and the very structure of the arena, transforming the space into a surreal, dreamlike environment.

"I'll be there when your reality drowns"

The lights, now moving in perfect sync with the music, created a dazzling display that captivated the eyes of the entranced audience.

"Boy, I know what you desire

Oh, you're such a bad bad liar"

Hidden within the complex rigging right above, Airazor and Divebomb observed the unfolding scene. Their mechanical forms were concealed in the shadows, but their optics glowed and smiles widened with satisfaction.

"I want you and I just can't take it

So listen to me when I say it"

Steeljaw, from his hidden vantage point, his side leaning on the wall as he watched with slight amusement. His vision took in every detail, from the glowing pendants to the pacified crowd.

"This could be perfection

Or venom dripping in your mouth

Singing like a siren

Love me while your wrists are bound"

The Dazzlings continued their performance, their voices growing stronger and more commanding. The smog thickened, its presence now an integral part of the spellbinding display. The entire scene was under their control, a testament to the power of their dark magic and the effectiveness of their song. Under the influence of their dark enchantment, petty grievances and buried resentments surged to the surface, magnified and twisted into irrational rage. Adagio let her words soar higher, the melody laced with an undercurrent of malice.

"You've been seeing me in your dreams

But I'll be there when your reality drowns"

In the crowd, the tension reached a breaking point. A sharp shove from one fan to another over a trivial disagreement about space escalated into a full-blown altercation. The fog, far from pacifying the crowd now, seemed to feed off their growing discord, swirling more violently as if agitated by the chaos it had incited, "Hey, watch it!" a man snarled, shoving another fan who had inadvertently bumped into him. The recipient of the shove, his face contorted with sudden fury, retaliated with a punch, igniting a chain reaction.

Nearby, a group of friends who had come together found themselves inexplicably turning on each other, "Why did you bring us here?!" one demanded, shoving his companion, "This was a mistake!"

"You're the one who wanted to come!" the other retorted, shoving back. Their argument quickly dissolved into a physical struggle, their friendship forgotten in the haze of manipulated emotions.

The setting, once unified in its anticipation of the night's entertainment, descended into chaos. People pushed, shoved, and struck out at one another, their faces masks of irrational fury. The air, thick with the green smoke, seemed to pulse with malevolent energy, amplifying every negative emotion.

"I'll be there when your reality  drowns "

As the last note was sung, the Dazzlings held their poses, their eyes closed, savoring the energy they had drawn from the audience. The crowd, now exhausted from the frenzy, began to quiet down, their movements slowing as the spell started to subside, leaving a lingering sense of unease in its wake.

The stadium was filled with tense silence, the entire crowd still left captivated and dizzy from the magic. The sirens slowly lowered their arms and opened their eyes, their expressions a mix of satisfaction and triumph. Adagio took a step ahead, "Thank you, everyone!" she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness, "We hope you enjoyed our performance."

Aria smirked, "Well, that went even better than I expected."

"Of course it did." her amber sister replied confidently, "These scums never stood a chance against us."

Sonata giggled and bounced on her heels, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "Did you see their faces? They were totally under our control! This was so much fun! Can we do it again?"

Adagio turned to her companions, her eyes gleaming with ambition, "We've only just begun, my dear sisters. Tonight, we have shown them a glimpse of our power. But there's so much more we can do. So much more we will do."

"Better get moving, though. They'll probably get back to their senses soon." Aria advised, "The last thing we need is them waking up and remembering who's responsible for this mess."

With that, the trio began their retreat. Their footsteps echoed in sync as they descended from the stage, leaving behind the roaring crowd that had now fallen silent in the aftermath of their enchantment. As they walked, they navigated the winding maze of cables, equipment, and towering props. The back corridors were now deserted, the only sound the soft buzz of electricity running through half-lit lamps casting long shadows on the walls.

Finally, they emerged into the dimly lit tunnel, where Steeljaw and his pack had stationed themselves, keeping watch. The wolfcon stepped forward, his imposing figure silhouetted against the faint light, "Ah, there you are." he greeted with a smile, "Quite the spectacle you put on."

Adagio crossed her arms, her confidence returning in full force, "That was the plan."

Thunderhoof, towering beside Steeljaw, snorted in amusement, "Yous really had 'em goin' out there. Never seen a crowd turn on itself like that."

"The spell won't last forever, unfortunately. We have to head out before the police gets here." Adagio suggested.

"Indeed." the wolfcon agreed, "It's time for us to get out until things escalate further."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, the Dazzlings and the pack swiftly moved towards their exit route. Once they got outside, the Decepticons transformed into their vehicle modes and the girls hopped on their assigned guardians. The engines roared to life and they began to pull away, leaving the tumultuous scene behind.

The hunt had only just begun.

Chapter Text

The movie had reached its most intense point—the room felt electric with anticipation. Flickering images danced across the screen, the dim lighting casting long shadows over the assembled group. The surround sound system boomed, making the atmosphere almost tangible like they were part of the story unfolding before them.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Just as the film was about to make it to the most interesting moment, the screen flickered. The colors distorted and the sound cut out for a split second before switching abruptly to a breaking news segment.

A wave of groans and sighs filled the room, an almost comical mixture of robotic whirs and human complaints. The atmosphere of excitement shattered like glass. The Autobots exchanged confused glances, while the humans slumped back in their seats in disappointment, "Aw, c'mon!" Rainbow exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration. She pouted, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the couch, "We were just getting to the good part!"

Twilight raised her hand, gesturing for silence, "Hold on, Dash. It may be important." she said calmly.

Her friend scoffed, rolling her eyes, "Pff, sure." she muttered under her breath, "Probably some cat stuck in a tree or something."

The news anchor's somber face flickered across the screen, pulling the entire room into a moment of silence, "We interrupt this program to bring you a special report. A bizarre incident occurred at our largest stadium where the famous rock band Real Axle was meant to play tonight."

"WHAT?!" Bumblebee shouted in shock at the mention of his favorite band, louder than he intended as he jumped from his seat. His outburst echoed through the room, instantly drawing the attention of his friends. All eyes turned toward the yellow Autobot in collective confusion.

Realizing he had just blurted out in front of everyone, his optics flickered as if he could feel them all staring at him. He cleared his vocalizer awkwardly and quickly averted his gaze, "I-I mean... that sounds... bad." he added, trying to sound nonchalant as he rubbed the back of his helm, his tone much more subdued now.

"During the concert, an unusual and chaotic incident occurred that left both the band and the audience in a state of confusion and unrest. We go live to our correspondent at the scene."

The screen cut to a reporter standing outside the concert venue, the chaotic scene of emergency vehicles and panicked fans as a backdrop. The female reporter's words were urgent, reflecting the confusion and distress of the moment, "Thank you, John. I'm here at the site of what can only be described as a truly bizarre event. According to eyewitnesses and concertgoers, the rock band Real Axle was mysteriously locked backstage just moments before they were set to perform."

Pinkie let out a loud gasp and whispered with narrowed eyes, "Sabotage."

"We have one of the band members here with us now to shed some light on what happened."

The camera panned to a disheveled and visibly shaken member of Real Axle, "It was the weirdest thing." he began, "There were these dudes who showed up out of nowhere and locked us in the preparation room. We could hear the crowd outside and then this singing started. It was... I don't know how to explain it. Everything after that is just a blur. I can't remember what happened next."

As the reporter nodded sympathetically, she turned to face the camera again, "And that's not all. We've spoken to several members of the audience who also experienced strange occurrences. Here's one of them now."

The camera shifted to a man in his early thirties, his expression one of confusion and lingering fear. He held up his phone, showing a blurry photo of three figures on stage, "I was in the crowd, waiting for the band to come on." he recounted, "Then, these three girls appeared out of nowhere and started singing. I remember the music was really strange, and then... everything went dark. I woke up on the ground with people around me injured and scared. It was like a nightmare."

Rarity put a hand on her cheek as she continued to watch, "This certainly sounds like more than just a random disruption." she responded with worry.

"Who would do such a thing?" Fluttershy asked concerned.

Twilight's eyes narrowed as she listened intently to the reporter, a sense of foreboding creeping over her. Her mind was already working to piece together the fragmented information. As she examined the blurry picture that the man from the audience had shown, she murmured, grabbing her chin, "Who are they?"

Sunset sat beside her and leaned in to get a closer look at the image. Her brow furrowed in concentration, "Those three seem familiar..."

The room fell silent as everyone focused on the photograph, trying to recall any details that might give them a clue. The three figures on stage, though indistinct, had an unsettling presence that tugged at the edges of their memories.

"If they managed to cause such mayhem, they are definitely a big threat." Twilight added as she turned to her friends, "We need to find out who they are and what they're up to."

Optimus Prime, who had been silently listening, stepped forward. His authoritative presence commanded attention, "This is a matter of great concern. If these individuals are behind this, their influence could extend far beyond just this concert. We must investigate immediately." his towering frame cast a protective shadow over his team, "Bumblebee, Drift and Arcee, you three will accompany me to that area. This situation requires immediate action and we need to gather as much information as possible."

Bumblebee nodded, "Got it, Optimus."

Sunset approached her guardian, "I want to come too. I have a feeling that whatever happened at the concert is connected to something bigger."

"Count me in as well." Twilight added, adjusting her glasses, "My observation skills might come in handy. We need to analyze every tiny detail if we're going to understand what happened and who's behind it."

Spike hopped forward with a wag of his tail, "And don't forget about me! I've got a pretty good nose for sniffing out trails and scents from mileees away." he added proudly.

The Prime regarded the two young women with a thoughtful look, "Your assistance will be valuable. But we must stay hidden out of human vision and be prepared for anything." he turned to the others, "If we come across any difficulties, we will contact you immediately."

With their affirmations received, Optimus turned back to his immediate team. As he transformed into his massive truck mode, his companions followed suit. Twilight, along with her pet, hopped onto her guardian and Sunset climbed into the cab of the leader.

Once closing the door, Optimus' cry echoed with an unmistakable command, "Autobots, roll out!" with a powerful rumble, their engines roared to life and went through the portal.

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The four Autobots, along with their human companions, arrived at the stadium, their engines rumbling softly as they rolled to a stop in the now-deserted parking lot. The air around the venue was eerily still, as though the place itself was holding its breath, waiting for the next disturbance, "This is it." Bumblebee spoke up quietly but resolutely through his car speakers.

Sunset and Twilight exchanged glances through the windows before unbuckling their seatbelts, stepping out of their Cybertronian protectors. Their shoes crunched softly on the gravel as they surveyed the exterior of the stadium. The once vibrant energy of a concert night had evaporated, leaving behind an unsettling emptiness. Real Axle's music posters still clung to the walls, but they fluttered listlessly in the soft breeze, torn at the edges.

With a series of metallic whirs and clanks, the Autobots transformed into their towering bi-pedal forms. As the group moved cautiously toward the entrance, they immediately noticed how abandoned it seemed. The team carefully entered the stadium, stepping through the large, opened doors. As they ventured inside, the sight that greeted them caused everyone to stop in their tracks, gazes widening with disbelief. The once vibrant concert venue, meant to host thousands of screaming fans, was in utter disarray. The whole area which had been meticulously set up for Real Axle's performance, now lay in ruins.

"This place has seen better days." Arcee commented dryly, looking at the destruction.

Drift's gaze focused on the wreckage, "It seems that the fight has been a bit too... violent."

While they continued to scan the place for clues, Spike suddenly began sniffing the ground with intensity, his nose catching something unusual. The little dog's barks cut through the silence, drawing Twilight's attention immediately, rushing over to his side. She became surprised when she saw what he'd found lying on the ground—a small, battered video camera partially hidden beneath some debris, "Good job, Spike." she praised, giving him a quick scratch behind the ears. His tail wagged and he thumped his right leg on the ground in delight at the affection.

The girl carefully picked up the camera, brushing off the dirt and grime. As she examined it, her eyes landed on the screen, which showed a paused video. With a flicker of curiosity, she pressed the play button. Immediately, the faint sounds of shouts and scuffles filled the silence and her heart quickened. The footage was shaky, clearly filmed in a rush, but it didn't take long for her to recognize something alarming.

"Guys!" she called out, her yell loud and urgent, "Over here!"

The Autobots and Sunset quickly made their way over, their heavy footsteps causing the ground to tremble slightly as the towering Cybertronians crouched down, their massive forms looming over the two females and Spike. Twilight held the camera up for them to see.

She hit play again and the squad watched as the footage jerked around, the cameraman moving too much for them to get a clear view of anything for more than a second. Shouts, loud and aggressive, were heard through the audio. There were sounds of struggle and distant shouting. It was difficult to see who was fighting whom but the intensity of the conflict was unmistakable. The camera finally tumbled to the ground, the lens capturing nothing but a tilted view of the chaos before the footage abruptly ended.

"Those voices..." Sunset murmured to herself, narrowing her eyes as she tried to place the familiar tones, "Play it again." she urged, stepping closer to her friend. Twilight complied, rewinding the footage and playing it from the beginning. This time, they paid extra attention to the brief glimpses of the scene that the camera managed to capture.

As the footage briefly focused on the stage, Sunset squinted, leaning forward with anticipation, "Hold on-" suddenly, a moment of recognition hit her like a lightning bolt, "Pause... there!" she exclaimed, pointing toward the screen just as the camera captured a brief, blurry image of the performers onstage.

Twilight froze the video as instructed. Though the image was still somewhat blurry, the figures were now somewhat discernible— three familiar figures, standing in a formation that triggered an immediate sense of déjà vu, "Let me zoom in." she muttered and with a quick tap on the camera's controls, the blurry figures slowly coming into sharper focus. And then, finally, the shapes took on a familiar form.

"No way..." Sunset breathed, as they stared at the screen, finally identifying the trio, "The Dazzlings?!" the two girls exclaimed at the same time as they looked at each other in disbelief.

"The who?" Bumblebee questioned in confusion.

"We encountered them a few years ago... and they are not actually humans. They are sirens." Sunset explained and the robots gave her surprised stares, "Their names are Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk. They were banished thousands of years ago by one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria, Star Swirl the Bearded. They are dangerous and have great power to charm people with their music. But to maintain it, they have to feed on the negativity and distrust of others. The more negative energy they consume, the stronger their voices can become and the farther they can spread their dark magic. When they appeared in our school, we had a musical competition. And after they almost tried to put everyone under their control, we managed to defeat them... barely."

"But how did they get their powers back?" asked Twilight, "I thought you destroyed their magic."

Sunset's gaze dropped to the ground as the weight of her question sank in. She began to sift through her own memories, replaying the events of the Battle of the Bands. She could still see it vividly— the brilliant blast of harmonic energy that shattered the Dazzlings' gemstones, cutting off their song and stripping them of their voices. But something about that memory gnawed at her now, something she hadn't considered before. She inhaled deeply with a mix of realization and regret, "Not... all of it."

Twilight tilted her head, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Her friend closed her eyes, recalling that critical moment, the sight of the broken shards scattered across the stage, glittering like fragments of lost power. She had seen the sirens fall to their knees, defeated. But now she remembered something else, something small but important.

"Remember when we were at the Starswirled Music Festival?" Sunset added, "They were there and they were singing again. Which was weird because they didn't have their pendants back then, I think..." she said as she zoomed in on the image, seeing Adagio's bright pendant around her neck as if it was brand new, "But I still can't understand how did they found a way to fix them..."

"If they are from your human world," Arcee replied and the girls looked up to her, "Then how did they find a way to this one?" she asked.

"And how were they even able to disguise themselves like that?" Twilight questioned as she lifted up slightly the camera in Sunset's hold, looking at their skins and hairs that weren't as colorful as before.

While the group stood in uneasy silence, a faint crackle came from Bumblebee's comm-link, ::Drift to Bumblebee. I've discovered a trace of our intruders. You might want to see this. I'm currently standing outside, near what seems to be the exit.::

The lieutenant responded without hesitation, "We're on our way. Be there in a klik." with a quick tap, he ended the communication and immediately turned to his companions, his expression serious, "We have a new clue. Come on." he commanded, gesturing toward the large tunnel that led out of the stadium.

Without wasting a moment, the Autobots began to head out as the girls ran behind them, their footsteps echoing in the eerie quietness. Outside, they spotted the samurai standing on one knee, his sharp optics focused intently on the ground. His digits were pressed against the soil, tracing faint markings with a precision that only a trained warrior like him could possess, "What is it, Drift?" Bumblebee asked as he and the others approached.

Drift rose gracefully to his full height, his usual calm demeanor never faltering. With a fluid motion, he pointed to the mud, "Do you recognize these tracks?"

The golden mech stepped closer, kneeling to inspect the marks himself. His optics widened as he focused on the distinct shapes imprinted in the dirt. The large, deep impressions left behind were unmistakably those of Cybertronian origin. And one track in particular caught his attention— it was large, with clawed edges, resembling a print all too familiar to him.

Bumblebee's servo reached down, his digits hovering over one of the largest tracks. His expression darkened with recognition, "Steeljaw." he growled with disdain.

At the mention of the name, everyone's faces instantly became concerned. Twilight snapped her head to him out of surprise and alarm, "H-he was here?!"

He surveyed the other tracks, noting the way they shifted from large footprints into deep tire marks that veered off toward the road, "And his entire pack." he added as he got a closer look, his face-plate growing more concerned, "I hope I'm wrong, but... they may have had something to do with this."

Twilight glanced quickly between him and Sunset. A knot of anxiety twisted in her chest as she processed his words, "You don't think—" she hesitated, "The pack and the Dazzlings?!"

Sunset, who had been silent up until now, seemed lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on the ground. She didn't need to say anything; the look on her face said it all. The realization was sinking in.

Arcee folded her arms, her optics narrowing, "Now this... is definitely bad news."

Her charge's anxious mind raced, trying to make sense of it all, "I-It has to be a coincidence." she stammered with worry, "They can't possibly know about each other! ...Right?"

But even as she said it, doubt gnawed at her. Steeljaw's pack had always been dangerous but with the Dazzlings involved? That raised the stakes to a whole new level. She looked over at her friend, hoping for some reassurance, but Sunset remained silent, her expression a mix of shock and deep concern.

The crimson-haired girl's fingers tightened around the camera, her gaze lingering on the paused video screen. The frozen image of Adagio's smirking face stared back at her. That cruel, wicked smile— it felt like a taunt as if the amber female knew exactly who would be watching. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks: the sirens were back and they were far more dangerous than before.

Her guardian, standing tall and resolute, placed a servo to his audial, his commanding presence a beacon of focus amidst the chaos, "This is Optimus Prime." he called from the activated comm-link, "I require an immediate Groundbridge back to base."

His words were steady, but the urgency was unmistakable. Something in Sunset's expression had alarmed him and it wasn't just the discovery of the Dazzlings' involvement. He could see the quiet panic in Sunset's demeanor. This wasn't just about Steeljaw or even the Dazzlings; it was about what came next. If they were truly working together, it meant something much larger was at play.

Sunset stood frozen, still staring at the camera. The memory of Adagio's song echoed in her ears, the smug confidence she exuded during their last encounter. They had defeated them once, but now... how had they regained their power? How had Steeljaw's pack become involved?

Optimus' optics softened slightly as he looked toward her, "We have discovered their identities." he said quietly through the communication system, his gaze following hers to the image of Adagio on the screen.

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"This was the best night ever!" Sonata cheered with excitement, throwing her arms up as they sped down the darkened road with their guardians. The moonlight reflected off the sleek forms of the Decepticon vehicles driving in formation down the empty highway.

Adagio's tone, calm yet filled with ambition, cut through the noise of the engines from the dashboards, "The performance was only the beginning." she reminded her sisters, though the smirk on her face indicated her pride in what they had already accomplished, "The power we siphoned tonight was a good start but it's far from enough to restore us to our full strength. We need more. Much more."

Steeljaw joined their conversation, "I believe I may have a solution to your little power shortage." he said smoothly, "There's this piece of technology called a Groundbridge. And it is something that could be quite valuable to us all."

Aria, who had been driving Fracture in his sleek motorcycle form, cast a sideways glance at Steeljaw's car, her brow furrowed, "How?"

"It's a sophisticated portal device." he explained, "It can transport you to any location on Earth, even to places beyond the planet's orbit. Think about it: instant access to anywhere you desire. Unfortunately, gathering the parts necessary to build one has proven... difficult. But with your unique abilities, I believe it will be much easier to acquire what we need."

His charge's expression sharpened as she thought over his proposal, her calculating mind already racing with the potential advantages. "So this thing could take us wherever we need to go... without the hassle of traveling," she mused aloud, "That would make our mission much more efficient. But what do you gain from this?"

The wolfcon didn't hesitate to answer, "Simple. With the Groundbridge operational, I can gather more Decepticons to our cause— those who have scattered and hidden across this world. We could unite them, build an army. Just think about it. I can gather more Decepticons into our side, who would follow us and help us achieve what we are aiming for. In addition, we may discover many more locations with even greater number of population for you to feed on."

The thought sent a thrill through Adagio and her smile grew wicked, "Where can we find these parts?"

Chapter Text

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the bustling city below. Shadows from the towering buildings stretched across the streets, mingling with the soft hum of traffic. Despite the peaceful appearance of the day, Twilight and Spike were on high alert, their mission weighing heavily on their minds as they patrolled alongside Strongarm. The cadet suggested that it would be better for the two to remain inside her vehicle form to avoid drawing unwanted attention. The girl's shades of purple and pink would have made her far too noticeable amidst the sea of mundane city-goers.

Arcee's motorcycle form had been considered but ultimately dismissed for the same reason: it would attract too many eyes. Instead, Strongarm's police cruiser form was the perfect cover. Sleek and unassuming, the patrol car blended effortlessly into the urban environment. Passersby would glance at her only to assume she was just another law enforcement vehicle patrolling the streets.

Twilight sat in the passenger seat, fidgeting slightly as she peered through the tinted windows. The view outside was typical for the late morning— busy sidewalks, storefronts buzzing with activity and the occasional pedestrian crossing the street. Still, her gaze remained focused, scanning for any hint of abnormality while Spike sat quietly by her side. The day's stillness felt unsettling to her as if something was lurking just out of sight.

She pulled out her phone and initiated a FaceTime call. The familiar ringtone cut through the silence inside the vehicle until her friends' faces appeared on the screen, "Any updates?" Twilight asked.

"I'm afraid not, darling." Rarity sighed, "We've been patrolling all over the place but still no signs of anything suspicious."

The purple girl's heart sank a little, "What about the rest?" she inquired, hoping for better news.

Applejack's face appeared next, her expression equally grim, "Nope, nothin' on our end either."

"Nada." Pinkie chimed in, her usual cheerfulness noticeably subdued.

"Same here." said Rainbow, her voice carrying a note of impatience, "We've checked every possible hideout and nothing."

"We haven't found anything yet either." Fluttershy added timidly, her eyes filled with concern.

Twilight's shoulders lowered slightly, feeling the collective disappointment weighing on her, "Have any of you heard from Sunset?" Rainbow questioned, cutting through the silence.

"Not since she left for a patrol with Optimus." the element of magic replied, her worry evident, "I don't want to bother her right now. She seemed even more troubled than me before she left."

Rarity nodded, her expression softening, "Poor dearie."

Suddenly, Strongarm's voice crackled through the dashboard, "Twilight, I think I've spotted something unusual up ahead."

The purple teenager straightened in her seat, peering through the windshield. They slowed to a stop in front of a machine parts shop, its facade unremarkable save for the conspicuous police tape marking it as a crime scene. The Cybertronian femme, still in her patrol car mode, blended in perfectly with the other vehicles, "I think we spotted something, girls. We will stay in touch and keep each other updated." Twilight ended the call and turned her attention back to the scene.

"We need to investigate." the cadet said, "Stay inside and keep an eye out."

The girl nodded, her pulse quickening. She watched as Strongarm parked close to the shop. Listening intently, Twilight overheard snippets of conversation from the officers investigating the scene, "...appears several high-tech components were stolen." one officer remarked.

"Components?" Spike repeated quietly, "What for?" he glanced up at his owner with curiosity.

Strongarm, using her patrol car mode as a cover, pulled up to the crime scene with practiced ease. She slightly put her window to pretend as if she was talking from the inside, "Officer." one of the detectives greeted, "We're trying to piece together what happened here. It's quite the mess."

"I've been dispatched to assist." Strongarm replied, "Can you brief me on the situation?"

The detective sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, "The break-in was precise and targeted. The thieves knew exactly what they were looking for. We've identified several missing parts that could be used to construct or repair advanced machinery." Twilight leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. She listened intently as the detective continued and showed the list, tapping his pen on it, "These aren't your run-of-the-mill stolen goods. Whoever did this had a very specific purpose in mind."

"Any leads on who might be behind this?" the cadet asked.

The detective shook his head, "Not yet. We're still analysing the security footage but whoever they were, they knew how to avoid the cameras. It's like they knew the layout of the place."

In the meantime, Twilight managed to read the list through the window. They were components that could be used in the construction of a Groundbridge. If someone was trying to build or repair one, it could have far-reaching consequences.

"We appreciate your assistance." the femme said, her tone professional and courteous, "We'll continue our patrol and keep an eye out for any further suspicious activity."

The detective nodded, his expression resolute, "Will do. Stay safe out there." the Autobot's engine roared to life and she began to pull away from the scene, maneuvering skilfully through the tangle of police cars and onlookers.

As they navigated the city streets, Strongarm's voice broke the silence, "I'm transmitting the information we gathered to the base. Optimus and the others will need to analyze this as soon as possible."

Twilight nodded, "Good idea." after that, she pulled out her smartphone, texting the rest.

From a secluded vantage point deep within the dense cluster of trees, Quillfire maintained his hidden presence, his attention trained on the departing patrol car. The porcupine Decepticon's keen optics narrowed, his glare reflecting both disdain and cunning as he calculated his next move.

He transformed into his vehicle mode and navigated the forest terrain with practiced ease, his heavy tires crushing leaves and underbrush as he moved stealthily through the woodland.

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The Porcupinecon's engine roared with anxious urgency as he sped down the desolate road, his wheels kicking up clouds of dust and gravel in his wake. The abandoned warehouse, their current hideout, finally came into view— its rusted structure. He slowed as he approached, his engine rumbling low, a sound almost like a growl before he skidded to a halt in front of the entrance. In a swift, seamless motion, he converted, the complex arrangement of gears and metal shifting as he stood upright and ran inside.

In the dim, shadowy interior, Steeljaw stood at the center along with the rest of his crew and the Dazzlings. The conversation between them had grown tense as they discussed their progress— or lack thereof— in securing the components for the bridge. The stolen parts were scattered across the ground, some of them rare, others more common but all essential to their ultimate plan. Yet, despite their efforts, they were still far from completing the portal.

"We've only managed to secure about half of what we need." Fracture said as he picked up one of the smaller parts, turning it over in his servo, "At this rate, it's going to take us forever to get everything together."

Aria leaned against the wall, arms crossed and a scowl firmly in place, "I'm getting tired of all this sneaking around. Why don't we just take them all at once? We're wasting too much time."

"Recklessness is not a luxury we can afford." Steeljaw responded firmly, "Every move we make must be precise, deliberate. One wrong step and everything we've worked for will be undone."

Before the wolfcon could continue, the heavy, hurried footsteps of Quillfire echoed through the warehouse, drawing everyone's attention. The spiky Decepticon burst into the room, his expression one of clear anxiety. His entrance alone was enough to send a ripple of unease through the group, "Boss!" he exclaimed as he approached his leader, "Um- we might have a problem." he tapped his digits together nervously.

Steeljaw turned to face him fully, "What happened?"

The porcupine's metal frame was still vibrating with the adrenaline coursing through his circuits, "The Autobots, they're already onto us! I saw one of them investigating the theft!"

Adagio stepped forward, her usual confident demeanor faltering just slightly, "If they find us here, they'll destroy everything. The equipment, the plan... and us."

"Soo... what are we going to do?" asked Aria, "We can't keep hiding from them forever."

As she looked genuinely worried, Sonata glanced between the others, "Can't we just... I don't know, throw them off our trail?

"Ey, she's right." Thunderhoof replied, "Why don' we make 'em go somewhere else?"

Steeljaw paced slowly, the echoes of his footsteps filled the space, adding a weighty emphasis to his words, "Our enemies are formidable." he continued, "The Autobots are relentless. They don't rest, they don't falter. But neither do we. We must proceed with the utmost caution. Any sign of negligence could lead them straight to us and I refuse to allow that." his sharp gaze settled on Adagio, "We are going to create a distraction. You and your sisters will use your powers, lure the Autobots away from here. Lead them on a wild chase if you have to but keep them off our way. The more confused and scattered they are, the better."

The amber siren's confidence began to return as she processed the plan, "We can do that."

Her guardian turned back to Quillfire, "While they're distracted, you will have time to finish gathering the parts. But remember, we're on a tight schedule." he reminded with a low growl, "Do not get careless."

The Porcupinecon nodded rapidly out of nervousness, "Of course!"

As he looked at his teammates, the wolfcon continued, "The rest of us will split into groups. Underbite, you will be with Fracture and Aria. As for you Clampdown-" he glanced over to him, "You will go with Thunderhoof and Sonata." the anxious Crabicon's eyes widened as he gave a side glance to the deer-like mech, who in return, gave him a frightening scowl. The crab Decepticon visibly flinched, his claws twitching nervously as he shuffled a step closer to the canine criminal, seeking some form of reassurance.

He let out a small, forced laugh, trying to mask his unease as he sidled up to his leader, "Uh, boss," he began, his form shaking slightly as he glanced between Thunderhoof and Steeljaw, "Ya sure there isn't another group I could join? Maybe with someone... less likely to, uh, stomp on me?"

The pack leader growled, "You are to follow the orders given. If you fail to comply you will pay dearly for your insubordination. Do I make myself clear?" the threat was unmistakable and Clampdown swallowed hard, his nervousness growing as the canine's cold gaze bore into him.

He gave a quick, shaky nod, the fear in his optics evident, "U-understood."

Steeljaw's face-plate swept over the squad as he was focused on the next steps, "We've come too far to fail now. Stick to the plan and we'll come out on top. The Autobots may be onto us but we've got the advantage of knowing what they don't. Use it."

"Hmm... you said the girls have the capability of transforming into your kind, right? Do you know how exactly they managed to do that?" Adagio questioned.

The wolfcon tried to recall from his memories when he encountered the human companions of the Autobots, "I noticed them activating their transformation through some sort of jewellery around their necks. I suppose they may be similar to yours."

Sonata tilted her head, "They have magic necklaces? Since when? They didn't have those during the music competition... at least from what I can remember." she scratched her head.

"No," Adagio responded, "But they did wear them when we encountered Sunset and her annoying pink friend at the Festival. If I recall correctly, they had these very odd accessories. I thought I was just imagining it but now when I think about it, I sensed an energy pulsing from them. Very powerful one."

"How did they even find those things?" Aria asked.

"It doesn't matter." her older sister replied, "What matters is that we finally know where their weak spots are. We will steal that power from them, whether it's going to be the hard way or the easy way. That magic will be ours. And the moment we take it, we will be unstoppable."

"I like your spirit, Miss Dazzle." Steeljaw said and put a servo on his chassis, "Rest assured, my pack and I will do our very best to assist you in this endeavor. Till then, I want each one of you to get prepared. The moment of our victory is within reach and we cannot let it slip away from us now."

As the two leaders delved deeper into their conversation about the strategies, Aria couldn't help but feel a wave of boredom wash over her. Feeling restless and irritated by the endless strategizing, she finally let out a frustrated grunt. Without a word, she turned on her heel and headed for the exit, the sound of her boots echoing softly against the ruined floor.

The moment she stepped outside, the air hit her like a cool, refreshing wave. Aria wandered aimlessly for a few seconds, her mind still buzzing with annoyance, when a sudden voice cut through the silence, "Look-" the girl jumped and immediately spun around. Her gaze landed on Fracture, who was leaning casually on the wall. There was a glint of amusement in his optics that only served to irritate her further, "If you're going to fight you need to be better prepared than that." he pointed to her.

Aria gritted her teeth as her fists clenched at her sides, "As if I'm going to take advice from some nitwit like you."

Fracture chuckled softly, clearly unfazed by her hostility, "All I'm saying is that you'll need some additional protection. And I'm not just talking about having me around to back you up." he gestured vaguely to himself.

Her glare hardened, "I already told your stupid minions," she hissed, "I don't need. Your. Help." she emphasized each word, her tone leaving no room for argument. Turning away from him, she took a step to leave, eager to get away from this irritating conversation. But she froze in her tracks when she noticed two grinning mini-cons, standing directly in her path, "Will you stop doing that?!" she exclaimed, her frustration boiling over.

Ignoring her outburst, Airazor and Divebomb extended their servos, revealing a pair of sleek, metallic arm-blades. The design was clearly Cybertronian, with an intricate pattern etched along the surface, making them look both lethal and strangely elegant.

"These were originally meant as an upgrade for my mini-cons." Fracture mentioned, "But since you're just about their size and, let's be honest, a bit more... fragile, I figured they'd be much more useful for you."

Aria's eyes narrowed as he glanced at him but then she took in the sight of the blades, her suspicion evident. Hesitantly, she put one of them on. The weapons were designed to strap securely to the forearms, with a simple but effective locking mechanism. At a moment's notice, with just the flick of her wrist, the blade got activated, surprising the siren as it sprung forward with a sharp snikt sound, ready to slice through almost anything. After that, the sharp weapon retracted smoothly back into their sleek housings, making them easy to carry and conceal.

"Think of it as a gift." Fracture added with a smirk, "You're lucky, you know. I rarely act so generous."

She shot him a withering glare but after a moment of tense silence, she finally relented, "Fine." she muttered, snatching the other arm-blade from the mini-cons, "But don't expect me to thank you."

His smirk remained, gaze gleaming with satisfaction. As he finally got up, he walked past her, "Good choice. Try not to lose them." he advised and went to prepare for departure, his minions swiftly following his steps. Aria ignored his remark, strapping the arm-blades onto her forearms with ease. But as much as she hated to admit it, she felt slightly more confident about the assigned task.

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"So let me get this straight-" Sideswipe started, "Not only they are working together and made an entire audience go crazy but they are also trying to build a Grounbridge?!"

"Steeljaw is a stubborn Decepticon." Bumblebee answered, "I doubt he will ever give up on the idea of owning a helpful source for easy transportation."

"And now probably with the help of the Dazzling's spell, it will make their task much easier to accomplish." Twilight responded.

"Those nasty folks are trickier and craftier than foxes in a henhouse." remarked Applejack.

"If they get that working, they could move anywhere, anytime. We'd be playing a constant game of catch-up." Arcee added.

"Exactly." the yellow Autobot continued, "The pack was dangerous enough on its own but with the sirens' magic amplifying their efforts, they could pull off feats that wouldn't have been possible before."

"Which means we're on a ticking clock." Strongarm concluded, "We have to stop them before they gather all those parts and use that draining power on more innocents. Once that bridge is operational, there's no telling what kind of havoc they could wreak."

"Easier said than done..." Knock Out muttered.

"We stopped them before, how hard can it be to do again?" asked Rainbow.

"Yeah! At least we have our Cybertronian forms. That's an advantage!" Pinkie said.

"Besides, we've dealt with worse." added Smokescreen.

"But they may have something even more powerful and dangerous than this." Sunset replied, "They have found a way to restore their pendants and use their spell. We have to discover how they managed that."

Twilight continued, "If we can cut off their power source, we can weaken them again."

Fluttershy, who had been quiet up until now, spoke up softly, "But... how can we find them?

"Such a good question, darling. We don't even know where those brutes are located." Rarity involved, "They could be anywhere by now."

"Um, remain on that thought-" Fixit suddenly interjected. He began typing furiously at his console, the glow of the monitors reflecting off his small frame, "I think I've detected several unusual energy readings. There are multiple ongoing activities across the city."

As everyone gathered around the screen, the map flickered to life, displaying a cluster of red dots spread out across various locations. Each dot pulsed ominously, indicating the presence of some kind of energy disturbance. Twilight squinted at the screen, her analytical mind already processing the data, "These readings... they're not natural. Something is definitely going on here."

"Could it be them?" Fluttershy asked softly.

"It has to be." Rainbow Dash said, "Who else could be behind this kind of trouble? Those jerks are definitely up to something."

Bumblebee approached the console, his blue optics scanning the data, "These energy signatures are not random." he remarked, pointing to the map, "This looks like a coordinated effort."

"Great, so not only are they causing trouble but they're also playing a game of hide and seek." Sideswipe grunted.

Strongarm replied, "Yes and they know how to stay out of sight too. We'll need to split up and cover as much ground as possible if we're going to track them down."

"If the Decepticons and the Dazzlings are behind these energy readings, we must act swiftly." Optimus turned to the rest, "Bumblebee and Arcee, you are with me. Together we will go and investigate the activity on the sea coast. Grimlock, Drift and Bulkhead, you will explore the outskirts of the city. As for Sideswipe and Strongarm, your exploration will be around the natural area close to that civilization. The girls will stay close to each one of their guardians. The rest of you will remain here prepared."

The yellow Autobot knelt down, lowering his massive frame to meet Fluttershy at eye level, his bright blue optics softening as he tried to find the right words. His usually upbeat demeanor was replaced by uncertainty as memories of their last mission together flashed in his processor. He hesitated, his voice laced with concern as he finally spoke, "Hey, um... look, about last time. I don't know if—"

Before he could finish, she smiled up at him, her gentle look full of understanding. She could sense what was weighing on him and as always, her calming presence eased his tension, "It's alright, Bee." she reassured him softly, " I was just thinking about the same thing. You don't need to worry about me. I will stay here where it's safe."

"You sure you're okay with this?" he questioned, his tone still carrying the weight of his unease, he hated the thought of leaving her behind.

Fluttershy's tender gaze didn't falter. Instead, she nodded, her soft pink hair gently swaying as she did, "Of course. I trust you. But please," her voice lowered slightly, "Promise me you'll be careful out there."

Bumblebee's spark warmed at her words. He always admired how she could be both gentle and strong at the same time. Despite her quiet nature, she possessed a courage that often surprised him. She trusted him completely and that meant more to him than he could express.

He gave her a reassuring smile, his vocalizer softening as he responded, "I promise."

Chapter Text

Throughout their drive among the quiet, desolate outskirts of the city, Bulkhead and Drift weaved seamlessly among the decaying buildings, their vehicle modes blending into the shadows. Behind them, Grimlock's enormous metal frame was moving with surprising agility, his heavy footsteps resonating through the surrounding structures. The night was still and the streets lay barren, devoid of any signs of life. Thankfully, at this late hour, there wasn't a single civilian in sight and the silence of the night made their presence feel even more isolated, almost eerie.

The once-bustling streets now looked as if they'd been forgotten by time, abandoned and left to decay. Buildings stood in crumbling disrepair, their facades cracked and covered in layers of grime. The flickering streetlights cast long shadows across the alleys, revealing piles of garbage that had long since spilled over onto the sidewalks. Trash bins overflowed and graffiti adorned nearly every wall, some of it long-faded while newer markings layered over the old, telling silent stories of the people who used to inhabit this part of the city. Dirty mice scurried out from the sewers, darting between heaps of debris, their presence barely noticeable amid the filth.

Inside Bulkhead's vehicle mode, Applejack sat behind the wheel, surveying the dilapidated surroundings. The thick smell of decay wafted through the cracked windows and she wrinkled her nose in disgust. The sight of it all made her stomach churn.

"Yikes." she muttered under her breath, cringing at the scene, "This place is even worse than Manehattan."

"Tell me about it." answered Bulkhead, "I wonder what those 'Cons would be doing in this kind of dirty hole." the road ahead was lined with even more garbage and every turn seemed to reveal another crumbling building or a pile of refuse left to rot in the gutters. It was a far cry from the bustling city centers they were used to.

"Whatever it is," Drift added, his tone more composed, "It is not for a good reason. Decepticons don't just hide away in locations like this without an ulterior motive."

As they continued, the towering dinobot's massive form moved with an ease that belied his size but it was clear his mind was somewhere else. He stared at the crumbling structures, "I dunno," Grimlock finally rumbled, "This place ain't so ba—" he began, but his sentence was abruptly cut off as his massive foot caught on a pile of trash bags that had been carelessly left in the middle of the road. The unexpected obstacle sent him stumbling forward, his towering frame temporarily off balance. Rapidly moving his arms in circles, he managed to catch himself just in time but the sheer force of his movement caused a minor tremor to ripple through the ground, rattling nearby windows and sending loose debris tumbling from the rooftops.

Bulkhead and Drift immediately halted, their attention snapping back to the dinobot, "Grimlock, we must be stealthy during this mission. Remain. Focused." the samurai scolded firmly.

Grimlock stood still for a little while, staring down at his legs with an unusual look of confusion. His silence stretched on, drawing concern from the others, "Sugarcube?" Applejack called out, leaning out of the window of Bulkhead's alt-mode, "What's wrong?"

His response was hesitant, almost sheepish as he lifted one of his massive pedes from a murky puddle in the middle of the street, "Think I stepped on somethin'..." he muttered, his tone uncharacteristically uncertain. The giant dinobot then lowered his helm as he sniffed it. Then, he recoiled slightly, with a disgusted grimace, "Smells.... weird."

The cowgirl made the same expression afterwards, guessing what it could've probably been, "Ya gotta be more careful, big fella. Who knows what other nasty stuff is lyin' around." she said as she looked over the street, "Let's just keep movin' and try to avoid any more surprises, alright?" as the two cars turned on their lights and continued the drive through the area, Grimlock shook his leg to remove the liquid and followed them swiftly.

As they kept driving silently, each one of them scanned every corner of the crumbling cityscape. The quietness of it all made them feel uneasy as if the entire area had been abandoned long before their arrival. Out of nowhere, a loud crash rang out, slicing through the silence like a knife, startling everyone.

Bulkhead slowed to a halt, his tone serious as he asked, "Did you hear that?" his question rumbled from his vehicle form, laced with caution.

Applejack nodded, her hand already reaching for the door handle. She climbed out of the car, her boots crunching against the gravel-strewn pavement. The others followed suit, their movements synchronized as they braced themselves for whatever might be lurking in the darkness.

One by one, the Autobots, except Grimlock, transformed into their towering robot forms with the familiar sound of shifting metal. Drift drew his twin blades, their edges gleaming under the faint light. Bulkhead readied his wrecking ball, his massive form poised for battle.

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as they cautiously moved toward the source of the noise. Every step felt heavier, their senses on high alert. Grimlock stayed back, his hulking form too large to maneuver through the narrow alleyways but his presence lingered like a protective giant, ready to charge in if needed.

Drift was the first to reach the corner, his steps light and calculated despite his size. With a swift, silent movement, he pressed himself against the wall and leaned in. His optics narrowed, scanning the scene. A few metal dumpsters had toppled over, their contents scattered across the pavement in a heap of trash and broken glass. The samurai tensed but he quickly assessed the situation. No sign of enemies. He turned to the others and nodded, signaling that the coast was clear.

They began to inspect the area, the debris crunching beneath their feet. The group spread out, carefully surveying their surroundings. The fallen dumpsters were unusual but didn't explain the loud sound they had heard. Something didn't feel right.

Then, out of nowhere, a soft, timid voice broke the uneasy quiet.

"A-Applejack?"

It was faint but it carried with it a note of familiarity. Applejack froze in place, her head snapping in the direction of the tone. There in the shadowy distance stood the one and only element of kindness, "I-Is that you?" Fluttershy asked frightfully, standing half-hidden behind the corner at the other far end of the ally. The Autobots followed Applejack's gaze and all of them stared at their shy human companion, confused by her presence.

"...Fluttershy?" the country girl spoke up out of surprise, "What are ya doin' here? I thought you were at the base."

"Something terrible happened, y-you have to come and see."

"Sugarcube, hold on." Applejack took a step, "Tell me what's going-"

"N-no time! Quick, this way!" her friend exclaimed and ran away among the shadows.

"Wait- Fluttershy!" the county girl shouted, quickly sprinting after her.

"AJ!" Bulkhead yelled through the narrow street as he went in the direction of the two girls. The situation had escalated quickly and he wasn't about to lose them in the maze of the city. With heavy, thunderous steps, he and the other Autobots charged around the corner. Her guardian caught a glimpse of Applejack and Fluttershy disappearing between two tall, crumbling buildings, "Kid, slow down—!" he called, his worry mounting. He tried to pursue, his massive frame just barely squeezing between the narrow passage of the alley. But then his sensors picked up something odd— movement above him.

THUD!

Without warning, a small, agile robot landed squarely on his helm, covering his vision completely. Everything went dark for the green Cybertronian and his steps faltered, sending him crashing into a wall while instinctively reaching up to pull the intruder off but the small mech was quick, dodging his grasp and clinging tighter. Before he could also react, another small figure had latched onto Grimlock's snout, wrapping itself around his optics and effectively blinding him as well, "What the-- Where'd the lights go?!" his booming voice followed as the massive dinobot came to a stumbling halt. His giant feet pounded the ground in confusion, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area as he swayed unsteadily, trying to shake the small robot off.

Drift immediately stopped in his tracks as he took in the scene ahead of him- the two mischievous mini-cons, Airazor and Divebomb, perched atop the two green mechs, their small but nimble forms expertly obstructing their vision.

"I can't see nothin'!" Grimlock bellowed as he staggered, knocking over a pile of discarded crates and trash in the process.

"That's the point!" Airazor replied with a cheeky laugh.

Before Drift could react, a sharp, punishing blow struck him square in the back. The impact sent the samurai Autobot crashing onto the cold, hard concrete. He struggled to push himself back up but just when he was about to regain his footing, a sinister figure emerged from the shadows. Fracture, the ruthless Decepticon bounty hunter, was towering over him with a predatory grin.

"Just the 'Bot I was hoping to see." his tone oozed with malevolent satisfaction as he stepped into the light. He moved with a calm, controlled menace, his every step deliberate, as if savoring the helpless state of his prey.

"It's an ambu—!" Drift's cry was immediately cut off as the purple criminal slammed his foot down on his back. The hard metal of Fracture's pede drove him into the ground with brutal force, sending cracks through the pavement beneath him.

Pinned under his merciless boot, the samurai gritted his dentas, his entire frame straining against the weight pressing him down. The bounty hunter's smirk widened as he leaned in, "Forgot to thank you," he sneered, crouching down closer, "For bringing the squishy to us. My dear charge wanted to have a little chat with her."

As Drift grunted beneath Fracture's weight, his processor raced, calculating his next move. With a swift, deliberate motion, he drove his pede into the Decepticon's leg with all his might. The unexpected strike caused Fracture to stagger, his snarl turning into a cry of pain as he briefly lost his balance. It was all the opportunity Drift needed. Taking advantage of the opening, he twisted his body, using his momentum to swing his arm with a powerful force.

With a well-placed strike, he released Jetstorm from his arm, delivering a solid hit right to Fracture's face-plate. The impact sent the bounty hunter reeling backward and fell flat on his back with a loud metallic crash. The strike caused the mini-con to bounce off the hunter to Bulkhead, converting mid-air into his robot form.

Divebomb, realizing what was happening too late, spun around just as Jetstorm lunged at him. The mini-con rammed into him with full force, tackling him off Bulkhead's helm and sending the Decepticon skidding across the ground with a yelp.

Meanwhile, Grimlock, still stumbling and shaking in confusion, was finally freed from his tormentor as Slipstream used a well-timed strike to knock Airazor off dinobot's face. With the smaller purple mini-con sent tumbling, Grimlock shook his massive helm, finally able to see clearly. His optics flared with newfound rage as they locked onto the Decepticons.

Fracture, recovering from his fall, staggered to his pedes just in time to see Drift retrieve his fallen katanas. The samurai Autobot wasted no time, his weapons flashing in the dim light as he took up a prepared fighting stance while the hunter unsheathed his arm-blades and did the same.

The two charged at each other, blades clashing with a fierce ring, their movements fluid and calculated. Behind them, their mini-cons engaged in their own battle. But even amidst the furious combat, Drift remained completely focused. He spared a glance to his teammates, "Go after her!" the samurai exclaimed, deflecting another of Fracture's strikes.

Without hesitation, Bulkhead and Grimlock bolted in the direction where the girls had disappeared, their heavy pedes shaking the ground as they sprinted to the darkened streets. Just as they neared the edge of the alley, a shadow moved in front of them, blocking their path. They came to a screeching halt, their optics widening in surprise as a massive figure stepped out from the gloomy streetlights illuminating his hulking form.

The Decepticon Chompazoid stood in front of them, his confidence radiated as he grinned wickedly at the Autobots, "And where do ya think you're goin'?" Underbite growled with arrogance as he positioned himself squarely in their path.

Applejack's lungs burned as she gasped for breath, her boots pounding against the pavement as she struggled to catch up to the timid girl, "Shy, wait up!" she called out with urgency as she rounded a corner. Her heart pounded harder when she caught a fleeting glimpse of her friend's pink hair disappearing into an old, run-down building just ahead.

Fluttershy glanced back at her for a split second and gestured frantically toward the entrance, "Over here! Hurry!" she urged full of panic.

Without a second thought, the cowgirl sprinted to the building, her legs feeling heavy as if the weight of the situation had started to catch up with her. The door creaked loudly as it swung shut behind her, engulfing her in the dark and musty interior. She looked at the sight of the decrepit staircase. It was narrow, old, and worn. She heard the echo of hurried footsteps from above and followed. The creaky stairs groaned under her weight as she climbed, dust and cobwebs clinging to the railings.

As Applejack reached the last floor, her heart sank. The floorboards creaked under her and a heavy silence settled around her like a shroud. The corridor stretched out, long and narrow. There were doors on either side, closed and silent, as though they hadn't been disturbed in years, "Where'd ya run off to?" she muttered to herself.

She stepped cautiously down the hallway, her feet making the only sound in the oppressive quiet, "Sugarcube!" she yelled louder this time with growing concern, "Do ya hear me? I can't find—" an unexpected creak from behind cut her off mid-sentence. She froze and whipped around, her breath catching as she noticed one of the doors, previously shut tight, had somehow swung open on its own. It hung slightly ajar, revealing a sliver of darkness beyond, "Shy, ya in there?" she asked.

The door creaked as she pushed it open wider, revealing a small, dark room. Dust motes floated lazily in the air, illuminated by the faint moonlight streaming through a cracked window. Every surface was grimy, the once-white walls now stained with dirt and streaked with mildew. The wooden furniture scattered about was broken and rotting and the floor was littered with remains— splintered wood, forgotten papers and scraps of old fabric.

Applejack moved carefully, her feet barely making a sound as she tried not to trip over the mess. She scanned the room, searching for any sign of Fluttershy, her pulse quickening with every step. As she edged further into the room, something felt off.

Within the deep, shadowy corner behind the open door, a figure stood silently, watching her with cold, calculating eyes. They remained perfectly still, blending with the darkness, waiting for the right moment.

Then, without warning, the heavy silence was shattered.

Rapid footsteps pounded close to her, coming from behind. Instinct took over. Applejack's body moved on reflex as she spun around, just in time to see a figure charging at her. She ducked swiftly as the attacker swung a hand at her head, narrowly missing her. In one fluid motion, she rolled away, springing back to her feet, her fists already clenched.

The attacker came to a stop, their back turned to her. They began to laugh— a mocking, cruel sound that filled the room, "Did you like my acting? Can't believe you actually fell for it. If I'd known you were this stupid, I would've done this a long time ago."

Applejack's chest tightened as she recognized the voice. The figure slowly stepped into the light streaming through the window, and there, standing smugly ahead of her, was the purple siren Aria, "Honestly, I didn't expect you to show up here. I thought country folks prefer to be at their farms, digging mud." she smirked.

The cowgirl frowned, keeping her stance firm, "Blaze, was it? Listen, I advise ya to better step down now before things get ugly, ya don' wanna fight with me."

Her enemy chuckled, dismissing her words like they were nothing, "Aw, why? You think I will get intimidated by some weak loser who can't do anything without her lame friends?"

The element of honesty didn't back down, "Believe me, I'm stronger than I look. Whatever yer tryin' to do, I'm stoppin' it right here."

"I was getting bored by this stupid talk anyway." Aria shrugged and with a sudden movement, she thrust her arm downward and from beneath her sleeve, a long, gleaming blade slid out, extending from her hand. The sharp metal caught the faint light, reflecting it in a cold, deadly shimmer. Applejack's eyes widened briefly but she shifted her stance, preparing herself.

"Let's see how tough you are, blondie." Aria growled, her smirk returning as her blade gleamed menacingly.

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While venturing deeper into the heart of the dense woodland, the natural surroundings grew more wild and untamed. Towering trees with thick canopies filtered the moonlight, casting dappled shadows across the rough paths, while the scent of pine and damp earth filled the air. The rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze and the occasional chirping of distant birds were the only sounds to break the stillness.

Strongarm led the way,  examining the area with practiced caution while Sideswipe walked just behind, his posture casual but alert. Rainbow hovered above the uneven terrain, her wings fluttering as she zipped around the two towering Cybertronians, her patience rapidly wearing thin.

"Ugh, I'm so bored!" she groaned, letting her arms dangle in the air as she flew close to her guardian's helm. The young red Autobot smirked, dodging her with a chuckle, but Rainbow was far from amused. She darted back to the cadet, her frustration bubbling over, "Are we even getting close? We've been searching for half an hour already!" she folded her arms mid-flight, glancing up at the treetops, "Lemme just fly up there and see if there's anything suspicious. We're never going to find anything at this rate."

Before she could make her move, Strongarm extended her arm with swift authority, blocking her path. Her face-plate remained calm but firm as she looked at the human female, "Hold it, Rainbow." she warned, her tone gentle yet commanding, "Let's not act so quick, we can't risk someone seeing you. We all have to keep a low profile. We don't know if someone else is wandering around in this place."

"But those bad guys will get away!" Rainbow exclaimed, "We have to catch them before they escape! Instead, we are wasting time staying quiet and hidden! It feels like we're just sitting ducks out here!"

"We need to be smart about this." said the femme, "The Decepticons we're after are tricky and they know how to cover their tracks. If we rush in without thinking, we might end up losing them for good—or worse, walking into a trap."

"You know, I'm all for stealth mode and everything," Sideswipe added, casting a sideways peek at his charge, "But if I get one more twig stuck in my tires, I'm gonna start charging this forest for a tire rotation." Rainbow stifled a laugh, rolling her eyes.

"Seriously? We're on the edge of a breakthrough here and you're worried about your rims?" Strongarm scowled at him.

"Hey, a Bot's gotta look good while taking down Decepticons." he responded, feigning indignation, "And besides, have you ever tried getting a leaf out of your exhaust? Not a good time."

The femme shook her helm but couldn't help a small smile creeping onto her face-place, "Concentrate, Sideswipe. Your 'good looks' aren't going to matter if we walk into a trap."

"Noted." the red mech smirked, "But just so you know, if we save the day and I'm covered in mud, I expect a full detailing afterward. Maybe even a wax."

Rainbow finally let out a quiet giggle, "I'll get you a gift card to the car wash if you get us through this without any more commentary on your paint job."

"Deal." Sideswipe replied, giving her a thumbs-up before returning his focus to the mission at hand.

Out of nowhere, distant shouts echoed through the thick forest, bouncing off the trees and reaching the trio. The sound made them halt in place and they exchanged concerned glances. Without hesitation, the three sprang into action.

"This way!" Strongarm barked, her movements, though deliberate and measured, carried urgency. Sideswipe kept pace beside her as he readied himself for whatever danger awaited them.

Rainbow, her adrenaline spiking, couldn't contain her excitement any longer, "Yes!" she cheered, fists pumped in the air, "Time for some action!" in a blur of motion, she shot forward, her wings propelling her faster than either of her Cybertronian companions could manage.

As they neared the source of the commotion, the sounds of panicked screams grew louder, full of terror and desperation. The group slowed their pace, their senses heightened. They crept closer, taking cover behind a dense patch of trees, peering through the gaps in the foliage. A group of people, ranging from young teenagers to elderly men and women, were fleeing from the deeper parts of the forest. Their faces were twisted with fear, their movements frantic.

"Run! They're coming this way!" screamed a young woman, her voice cracking as she clutched the hand of a small child, dragging him along as fast as she could.

"Monsters! There are monsters out there!" an elderly man shouted with terror as he ran.

The winged girl, hovering just above the ground beside her teammates, looked confused as she watched the crowd of frightened people, "What the heck are they talking about?"

Strongarm's face-plate remained rigid and serious while scanning the parameter, "Whatever it is, it's big enough to freak out an entire group of people. Get ready." she cautioned. In one swift motion, she drew her blaster and Sideswipe followed her lead, his servos gripping the hilt of his katana tightly. Rainbow floated down to the ground, her wings tucked in as her body tensed with anticipation.

When the fleeing crowd had passed and the clearing ahead seemed empty, the cadet cautiously moved onward, gesturing for the others to follow. The dense trees gave way to a small campsite at the edge of the clearing, the faint smell of smoke and burnt wood lingering in the air. What they found there stopped them in their tracks.

The campsite was a disaster zone. Tents were torn open, their fabric flapping loosely in the breeze like the tattered sails of a shipwreck. Sleeping bags were scattered across the ground, some still partially zipped as if their occupants had been in too much of a hurry to properly get out. The remnants of a campfire smoldered weakly, the once-crackling flames now reduced to a few glowing embers struggling to stay alight.

Camping gear was strewn everywhere—coolers turned over with their contents spilled across the ground, pots and pans lying forgotten in the dirt, a lantern flickering weakly where it had been knocked over. Backpacks were abandoned, their contents spilling out, mingling with the dirt and leaves. A few lawn chairs lay on their sides, one of them partially crushed, as if something heavy had stepped on it.

Sideswipe crouched down, picking up one of the sleeping bags, "I... highly doubt this was a bear's doing."

"Thanks for the observation, Captain Obvious." the cadet muttered, only to receive a side glare from her partner.

As Rainbow wandered through the remnants of the destroyed campsite, she absentmindedly kicked around bits of rocks, scanning the mess. She huffed, boredom creeping in, until something odd caught her eye. At first glance, she thought it was just another muddy patch amidst the chaos, a shallow puddle of water left behind from recent rains. But as she got closer, the realization dawned on her. It wasn't a puddle— it was a massive hoofprint, embedded deeply into the earth. 

"Uh... guys?" she stepped back, her pulse quickening.

Before she could say another word, the ground beneath her feet began to tremble. The gentle shaking quickly intensified into a violent quake, sending tremors rippling through the forest. Trees swayed ominously, their branches creaking and groaning as the earth rumbled beneath them. Sideswipe and Strongarm, who had been on the other side of the clearing, immediately went on high alert, their servos gripping their weapons as they whipped around toward Rainbow.

"Dash, watch out!" her guardian yelled with alarm. While struggling to keep her balance, she turned on her heel, her breath catching in her throat as she saw what had caused the tremors. Slowly, out of the dense line of trees, a massive, antlered silhouette began to emerge. At first, it was just a shadow, towering and hulking but as it stepped fully into the moonlight, its form became clear. Thunderhoof.

The blue Decepticon, infamous for his brute strength and stubborn tenacity, stood tall, his metallic antlers gleaming menacingly in the night. His hoofed feet made the ground quake with every step, the weight of his colossal form pressing into the earth as he moved closer to the Autobots, "Look who finally decided to join us." he sneered, his red optics locking onto the small group. Emerging behind him was Clampdown. His multiple legs clicked and clacked against the ground as he lumbered into the clearing.

Sideswipe and Strongarm quickly moved to place themselves between Rainbow and the two towering Decepticons, their weapons drawn and ready for combat.

But just as they prepared to engage, a light, almost carefree voice cut through the tension, "Hey, hey, hey~!" all eyes turned upwards to Thunderhoof's shoulder, where the small figure of Sonata, sat perched. Her legs swung playfully over the edge of the Decepticon's massive shoulder-pad. She rested her chin on her palms, grinning widely at the Autobots below, "There you are!" she beamed, "You missed out on all the fun!"

Rainbow stared at her in shock, "Sonata?"

The siren blinked back at her, "...Who were you again?" she asked, tilting her head as if trying to place the face.

Her adversary's brow furrowed, "Rainbow... my name's Rainbow Dash?" she reminded, "We battled against each other at Canterlot High?"

Sonata's expression lit up in realization, "Ooooh, yeah! Now I remember! Sorry, there were a lot of you back then." she rubbed the back of her head, "It's hard to keep track. So many faces, so much singing... It all kinda blurs together after a while."

"You think this is a joke?" Strongarm responded with a scowl, "You can't just go around messing with people's lives!"

"Don't be such a party-pooper," the cerulean female groaned, "It's not like anyone got seriously hurt... yet." 

"Enough with the chit-chat." Thunderhoof grunted, setting his charge down beside him, "Yous have somethin' we want and we're not leavin' till we get it."

Sideswipe tightened his grip around his katana, "Big talk for a 'Con who needs backup from a little siren." he shot back, causing the blue criminal to grit his dentas, "Whatever it is, you aren't taking it."

Clampdown, sensing the rising tension, nervously interjected, "H-how 'bout we uh- try to think of something else, huh? Maybe we can make it a win-win for everyone?"

The deer mech glared at him, "Keep yer intake shut before I do it for yous." he threatened which made the crab robot swallow nervously, shrinking back under his intimidating scowl, "Guess we'll have ta take it by force 'en."

Strongarm took a prepared position, blaster at ready, "If you think you can scare us, you've got another thing coming."

The Decepticon cracked his servos, "Will see 'bout that. I've dealt with plenty of yous lot before n' always turns out the same way— one side ends up on the ground."

Sideswipe smirked, "You're the one who's gonna eat dirt tonight."

With a loud irritated growl, Thunderhoof charged with his massive antlers at Strongarm. The ground trembled beneath his hooves as he barreled to her. The cadet barely had time to brace herself until Sideswipe acted on pure instinct. With lightning speed, the red mech pushed her out of harm's way. His katana clashed with his horns, the impact ringing out like a clash of thunder. Sparks flew as Sideswipe held his ground, his arms straining to keep the massive antlers at bay but he could feel his pedes skidding back, leaving deep trenches in the ground as he was pushed back by the raw force of the charge.

Strongarm, regaining her balance, quickly assessed the situation. Her optics darted to Rainbow, just in time to see Clampdown creeping up behind the girl, his oversized pincers reaching out, ready to grab her. She raised her blaster, firing off a series of rapid shots, hitting Clampdown. The Crabicon recoiled, lifting his massive claws in front of his face-plate to shield himself from the barrage. 

While the Autobots were occupied, Rainbow, already on high alert, quickly reached for her geode, her fingers just brushing the magical stone that hung around her neck. But just as she was about to grasp it, a firm hand snatched hers from behind. Startled, she whirled around, only to come face-to-face with Sonata, "Don't wanna interrupt the fun, but—" she chirped, pointing to the hanging jewel on her chest, "I kinda need to borrow this."

The loyal element peeped at her necklace and then back to the siren, "No way!" she released her hand from her, "I'm not gonna let you get anywhere near it!"

Sonata's smile faltered for a brief moment, replaced by a look of mild disappointment, "Aww, come on, don't be like that!" she pouted, "It's not like I'm asking for much. Just a little bit of that sparkly magic you've got there. I promise I'll give it back. Eventually."

Rainbow tightened her grip on the magical stone, "You really think I'm just gonna hand it over?" she retorted.

The cerulean girl sighed, "Well, that's a bummer. I was hoping we could do this the easy way, but if you're gonna be difficult..." she lunged forward, her hand shooting out to grab it like a striking snake. The loyal element barely had time to react, instinctively jumping back as her fingers grazed the air where her geode had been a split second earlier.

"You have to be faster than that if you wanna take it away from me." Rainbow dared, her wings flaring out as she lifted off the ground, putting some distance between each other.

The siren looked up at her, unfazed by the display of power. In fact, she seemed more intrigued, her smile returning with a hint of something darker beneath it. "Oh, so you wanna play?" she teased, "Okay, then-"

While Rainbow was staring at her confusingly, her face became stunned as the pendant of the siren began to glow. With the power stored inside of it, Sonata's ears and wings appeared. Once the magic light disappeared, she grinned and opened her eyes, only this to be shining in full red color.

"I'm it."

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When they finally arrived at the vast container port, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Arcee rolled to a stop at the entrance. The port stretched out in front of them like an industrial labyrinth, towering rows of multicolored shipping holders stacked haphazardly, creating narrow alleyways and hidden corners. Cranes loomed overhead, their steel arms frozen in place like silent sentinels guarding the maze below.

Their human charges stepped out of the vehicles, the sound of their shoes softly hitting the groundbreaking silence. Sunset and Twilight exchanged uneasy glances as they stood before the colossal structure of the port, the weight of the mission pressing heavily on them.

In a series of fluid motions, the three Autobots transformed into their towering robotic forms and rose to their full height. The Prime stood tall, scanning the area for any sign of Decepticon activity. Bumblebee and Arcee were at his side, weapons at the ready. Their leader knelt slightly, bringing his massive form closer to the two humans, "Stay close to us at all times. The Decepticons could be lying in wait. We must move carefully."

The teenagers nodded and they quietly headed to the port. The group moved in silence, each step careful and measured as they made their way deeper into the port. Sunset kept observing the area for any sign of movement while beside her, Twilight adjusted her glasses, trying to keep her nerves in check as she clutched her hands together near her chest. As they approached the maze, Sunset felt as if there was something about the place—something that felt wrong, as if they were being watched. She caught Twilight's eye again, noticing the same apprehension mirrored in her friend's face.

Optimus led the way with unwavering confidence, his massive form moving almost silently despite his size. His sensors were on high alert, scanning for any signs of activity. The Autobots were spread out in a loose formation, surrounding the two girls protectively, their weapons prepared.

The containers loomed over them, their metallic surfaces gleaming dully under the few scattered lights that still flickered above. As they rounded a corner, Sunset froze, her breath catching in her throat. She thought she saw a moving shadowy form, quickly binding behind one of the metal piles. 

Optimus noticed her hesitation and stopped, "Sunset?"

She pointed to the direction where she saw the silhouette, "Over there." she whispered, "I think I saw something..."

"They must be close." Arcee cautioned quietly.

"We should split up." Bumblebee advised, "If they're hiding, we'll cover more ground this way."

"He is right." the blue femme added, "They won't expect us to move in multiple directions. It could give us the advantage we need."

"Alright." Optimus finally said, his deep voice resonating with authority, "We'll divide into teams. Bumblebee and Arcee, take Twilight with you. Sunset, you're with me. We'll circle around and meet each other in the middle."

The yellow Autobot gave a quick, reassuring nod. Arcee turned to her charge, "Stay close to me, kid." she whispered to Twilight who did as she was told, moving closer to her guardian.

Sunset gave her a quick thumbs-up for reassurance, "Catch you on the flip side." she quipped, trying to inject a bit of his usual humor into the tense situation.

Twilight smiled slightly, "Be careful."

When the two groups separated in different directions, Optimus moved cautiously through the towering piles, his blaster at the ready. His helm shifted with each step, scanning every corner and shadow for any sign of movement. Abruptly, a bright flash of light illuminated the space behind him, causing him to stop and glance over his shoulder-pad. His gaze softened as he saw Sunset, now transformed into her robotic form. She gave him a determined nod as she approached.

Once he confirmed that the immediate perimeter was clear, he nodded back to her. Sunset moved ahead, her servos quietly brushing against the cold steel beside her, "Let me check if there's anything ahead." she offered.

Her guardian remained vigilant, scanning the opposite direction with unyielding focus. But just when they thought the area was safe, a loud, grating sound of metal scraping against metal echoed through the port, breaking the stillness. Both of them snapped to attention, scanning the space with urgency. The noise was close, too close. Optimus's instincts guided him to look upward. His optics widened in alarm as he saw the towering wall behind them begin to tremble and shift. The colossal metal structures, once still and solid, now groaned as they swayed, their stacked forms slowly beginning to tip over. And in an instant, the containers started falling directly toward them.

"Sunset—!" the leader roared as he lunged at her. In a single swift motion, he shoved her aside with the full force of his arm, knocking her safely out of the collapse's trajectory. The girl tumbled to the ground, the impact knocking the wind from her but saving her from the deadly cascade of metal.

With a deafening crash, the containers fell, slamming into the ground and creating a massive pile of twisted steel and debris. The Prime, unable to avoid the falling mass in time, was caught beneath the weight of the collapse. The heavy metal slammed into his body, trapping him under the crushing force.

As the teenager grunted and lifted her helm up, her gaze widened in horror, "OPTIMUS!" she shouted out of panic, scrambling to her pedes. She rushed to the pile, her servos frantically searching for an opening, "Optimus, can you hear me?!" she cried out with desperation as she knelt down beside the wreckage.

There was a brief silence, followed by a strained, gruff response, "I'm... here." her guardian's groan was heard through a small gap.

Sunset's looked to the tiny hole where she could just make out his face-plate through the debris. She knelt down, her digits resting on the cold steel as she desperately tried to reach him, "Just hang on, I'm going to get you out of there!"

"I'm afraid you won't be able to."

She immediately froze in place once she heard the familiar tone and snapped her helm upward. There, perched on top of the towering pile that had just trapped her guardian, was the grinning, smug figure of the Decepticon wolfcon, "Steeljaw." Sunset spat with venom. Her fists clenched at her sides as the sight of the criminal sent a surge of anger through her, "I should've known you were behind this. Let him out, right now!"

The wolfcon's grin widened, his predatory stare locking onto her, "My apologies for trapping your fearsome leader." he said with mocking politeness, "But he was standing in my way. I didn't want him to interfere with our secret plans."

"What plans?" she demanded.

Steeljaw chuckled darkly, his tail flicking behind him as he continued to toy with her, "If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it?" he paused, his claws tapping rhythmically on the steel, "Besides, I wouldn't be too concerned about him." he gave a casual, almost dismissive pat to the containers that pinned the Autobot leader below, "You should be more worried about yourself—" his voice dropped to a low, taking a prepared position, "—INSTEAD!"

Without warning, he lunged forward, his claws extended, aiming straight for her with predatory speed. His frame was a blur of dark metal as he launched himself off the pile, hurtling through the air like a deadly missile.

Sunset's instincts kicked in just in time. She ducked down, barely evading his attack as his claws swiped the air where her head had been just moments before. He landed with a heavy thud, his claws carving deep gouges into the concrete. He snarled in frustration, focusing on her as she got up.

From beneath the pile, Optimus watched the scene unfold. With a grunt, he tried to lift the heavy containers pinning him down, but they were too many. He strained against the crushing weight, barely moving the massive steel boxes. He won't be able to free himself in time and his charge was in immediate danger.

"Sunset!" he bellowed, his deep voice resonating through the chaotic scene, "Get out of here!"

The girl glanced at him and noticed the desperate look on his half-covered face-plate, "What?! No! I'm not leaving you!" she shouted back and whipped around to face Steeljaw, her arm extending as she activated her flamethrower. A bright, scorching jet of fire erupted from her arm, the searing flames shooting at the advancing wolfcon. Steeljaw snarled and quickly leaped back, avoiding the beam of fire.

"You must alert the others!" Optimus yelled again, his cry urgent and commanding. Sunset's gaze darted between the Prime and Steeljaw, her heart torn between staying to help her leader and the grim reality of their situation, "Go—now!" he exclaimed.

She looked back at the canine criminal, who was already preparing for another attack. She felt a pang of guilt wash over her, but Optimus was right— they needed backup and she was the only one who could get help in time. Her optics met his one last time, filled with worry and hesitation, but she finally nodded. She sprinted away, her legs pumping as fast as they could carry her. She could hear Steeljaw's laughter echoing behind her, dark and menacing, as he quickly gave chase.

While scouring the other side of the port, Bumblebee, Arcee, and Twilight moved cautiously through the maze. But the stillness was shattered by a sudden, thunderous crash. The noise of falling metal echoed through the entire location, sending a wave of alarm through the trio.

The lieutenant whirled around to face the sound, his servos gripping his weapon tightly, "What in Primus' name—" Arcee began, looking around the towering stacks as tension rippled through her frame. Before anyone could react further, a cold, sinister laugh echoed from the shadows.

"They're here." Bumblebee cautioned as he scanned the surrounding area, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. He readied his hunter, prepared for whoever was about to show themselves.

Arcee immediately went on high alert, positioning herself protectively near Twilight. The young girl stood nervously behind her. Unexpectedly, the femme's audio receptors picked up something- the sound of creaking metal coming from above. She tilted her helm upward, her optics widening in terror as she spotted the large metal container swinging ominously from a crane, directly above her yellow teammate.

"BEE, LOOK OUT—!" Arcee shouted with all her strength as she launched herself to him. With a burst of speed, she slammed into him, tackling Bumblebee out of the way just as the massive container came crashing down. The two robots rolled across the hard concrete, narrowly avoiding the big heavy metal as it smashed into the ground with an ear-splitting boom, sending dust and debris flying in every direction.

Twilight gasped, her hands flying to her mouth out of shock, "A-are you two alright?!" she stammered as she looked at her two protectors.

Bumblebee groaned softly, rubbing his helm as he pushed himself up from the ground, "Yeah... we're okay," he replied and glanced over at the blue femme, "Thanks, 'Cee."

Arcee nodded back, her face-plate set in a grim expression as she stood, her attention immediately scanning the crane and the area above them, "Who in the Pit would've dropped that thing?"

Before anyone could speculate further, a voice rang out, smooth yet dripping with arrogance, "That would be me."

Stepping out from the shadows, a feminine figure emerged. As she strolled to them, her amber hair gleamed under the silvery light. It was none other than Adagio Dazzle, the leader of the Dazzlings. Twilight's heart sank as soon as she recognized the figure, her pulse quickening. The siren glanced over the trio, lingering briefly on the purple girl before her smirk grew wider, "Twilight Sparkle." she greeted, "It's been a long time since we last met."

The element of magic nervously chuckled, awkwardness creeping into her posture as she raised her hand in a futile attempt to diffuse the situation, "You must be mistaking me with the other Twilight."

Adagio raised her eyebrow, "There's two of you? Ugh, just great. As if dealing with one of you wasn't enough of a headache, now I have to contend with another." she muttered as she rubbed her forehead, "But it does make sense by the awful way you are dressed."

"Okay- that was kinda rude..." Twilight responded with an unimpressed look.

"Anyway," the siren continued, "I didn't come here to exchange pleasantries. I came for something very specific that you're currently holding. That little accessory wrapped around your neck." she directed, her attention fixed intently on the geode, "I need it."

Twilight looked down at her own necklace, her grip instinctively tightening around it, "And why should I just give it to you?"

Her rival's smile widened but there was a cold edge to her expression, "Because," she continued, stepping closer with a calculated grace, "If you don't, things might get rather unpleasant. We're both aware of what I'm capable of and I wouldn't want you to experience it first-hand. So, consider this your chance to avoid a more... forceful approach."

Before she could get closer, Arcee stepped protectively in front of Twilight, blocking the siren's path, "I would've backed down now if I were you." she threatened with a glare.

"You're not going to intimidate anyone here." Bumblebee came next to the femme, scowling at the amber female, "You and the rest of your gang have caused enough trouble. We're not letting you get away with any of it."

"Hmph, suit yourselves." Adagio replied, a dismissive shrug accompanying her words. With a sudden snap of her fingers, the atmosphere shifted. An ominous shadow fell over the group, looming larger with every passing second. The massive shape descended from above, darkening the area around them. Twilight turned just in time to see the silhouettes of Arcee and Bumblebee being lifted off their pedes as if an invisible force had taken hold of them. Both Autobots cried out in surprise, the magnetic field yanking them off the ground and slamming their backs against the metal surface of the crane above with a resounding thud. The purple female could only stare up in shock at the stuck Cybertronians.

Adagio stepped forward, a sly smile playing on her lips as she gestured to the crane, "I thought you might bring your mechanical friends with you." she said, her tone dripping with mockery, "So I came prepared." she turned her gaze to the bewitched worker who stood in the vehicle, his expression vacant and lifeless as if controlled by a puppet master.

"Let them go!" Twilight demanded.

"Why would I do that?" her enemy asked with mock innocence, "They're exactly where I want them. Now, about that jewelry you're wearing..."

The element of magic took a step back, "It's not yours to take."

"Such a shame," Adagio murmured, "I was hoping you'd be smarter than this. I suppose I don't have any other choice but to take it—" her eyes began to glow a sinister shade of red and her form began to lift off the ground. The siren's wings spread majestically behind her, shimmering under the night light, casting a shadow over Twilight, enveloping her in darkness, "--by myself!"

Chapter Text

While the fierce battle between the two females raged on, Applejack moved with precision and agility as she dodged the siren's relentless strikes. Aria's blade flashed, cutting through the room but every time she swung, the cowgirl managed to evade.

Aria, however, was no novice. With a gleam of annoyance, she raised her weapon high, preparing another vicious attack. The element of honesty's instincts kicked in as she swiftly ducked, her body reacting before her mind could fully process the danger. She spotted an old, weathered chair, its wood splintered but sturdy enough to serve as a makeshift shield. She grabbed it and hoisted it in front of her as her enemy brought her weapon down with savage force. The armament pierced through the seat, stopping mere inches from Applejack's face. 

Thinking fast, she grunted and swung it sideways, using the embedded knife as leverage to hurl Aria off balance. The siren was dragged along with it and thrown across the room, crashing into a pile of old furniture. She quickly scrambled to her feet, her face twisted in complete anger, her pride clearly wounded, "You're really starting to get on my nerves!"

"Yeah? It ain't exactly a pleasure dealin' with ya either." Applejack shot back, her Southern drawl steady despite the adrenaline rushing through her veins. Her foe lunged forward again, faster and more precise. The siren was stronger than Applejack had anticipated and it took every ounce of the farm girl's strength to catch her attack. Their hands collided, gripping Aria's wrists. The siren pressed down, her muscles straining as she forced the weapon closer but the cowgirl planted her boots firmly on the flooring, refusing to give an inch.

Applejack swung her body sideways in a flash, releasing her from the grip with a sharp shove. Caught off balance, Aria stumbled but quickly recovered, snarling as she charged. The country teen sidestepped rapidly and the purple female's weapon sank deep into the fallen wooden table beside them with a loud thud, splintering the wood. She cursed under her breath, furiously pulling her arm but it was lodged too tightly.

Seizing the opportunity, Applejack lunged onwards, her hand inches away from grabbing her. Right then, with a violent yank, Aria freed her weapon. The force of the release sent her swinging wildly, her armament cutting through the atmosphere with reckless abandon.

Time seemed to slow down as the sharp edge barely missed Applejack's face. She instinctively leaned back, her gaze wide as she dodged. But then, to her horror, she felt a sharp tug around her neck. The movement of her body had caused her geode to lift up— and in the an instant, the blade sliced cleanly through the chain, sending the necklace flying.

Applejack's breath hitched as she stumbled backward and in one swift motion, Aria snatched the jewel, her fingers curling around it with a triumphant grin. She straightened up, regaining her composure and turned to face her rival, holding the glowing pendant delicately between her fingers, "Looking for this?" Aria taunted with a smirk, twirling it lazily between her fingers as if it were a mere trinket. The country girl stood frozen, trying to process what had just happened. Losing the geode wasn't only a personal loss; it was dangerous. In a flash, she ran to her to grab it but Aria swiftly rolled down away from her and headed to the open door.

The country female quickly sprinted after her, boots pounding against the old floor. The siren bolted for the stairs, her legs pumping as she vaulted over the railing and slid down the handrail with dangerous speed. Without hesitation, Applejack did the same. By the time her shoes hit the bottom, Aria was already charging through the building's exit.

Outside, chaos reigned.

The battle between the Cybertronians raged on with fierce intensity. Grimlock towered over the battlefield as he watched Bulkhead struggle against Underbite. The wrecker fired several rounds from his blasters but the relentless Chompazoid managed to charge through them. His powerful head slammed into the green mech's chassis, sending him crashing into the brick wall of a nearby dilapidated building with a sickening thud. The wall buckled under the impact and the Autobot groaned, trying to push himself free as debris rained down on him.

Grimlock snarled, ready to rush to his aid when something caught his attention out of the corner of his optic sensors. He turned only to see Aria sprinting out of the construction, noticing the shimmering object in her hand, "Grim, the siren—!" Bulkhead shouted from behind. The dinobot's stare snapped back to his ally, still struggling beneath Underbite's assault, "That's her!" he called with urgency.

Without another word, Grimlock charged at the fleeing female, his massive frame shaking the environment around him, "Hey, come back here! That ain't yours!" he bellowed as he bulldozed his way through the old structures in his path. Right then, Applejack burst through the door and glanced in their direction. She sprinted to the two and while Fracture was locked in battle with Drift, he caught sight of the unfolding hunt, "Airazor, Divebomb!" he barked to his two mini-cons, "After them!"

The two purple minions transformed in a flash, shifting into their torpedo modes, their thrusters burning hot as they shot at Aria and her pursuers. As he harshly shoved the samurai out of his way, the bounty hunter followed suit. While watching him escape, Drift quickly assessed the situation. Glancing at his own mini-cons, he gave them a silent nod. The two tiny warriors understood immediately, converting and reattaching themselves to their master's arms in perfect synchronization. Without wasting a second, Drift took off after the fleeing group as well.

As Aria sprinted through the maze of buildings, she made a sharp turn to a small path, hoping to lose her followers. However, her confidence quickly vanished when she realized she had gone in the wrong direction. Ahead of her, was a tall, solid wall, the bricks stretched high above her, cutting off any hope of an easy exit. She spun around, only to be greeted by the dinobot who closed in from the only way out. His shadow stretched long as he loomed closer, his giant frame casting a menacing silhouette against the flickering lights.

Grimlock's massive dinosaur form growled with a low, threatening rumble. He expected her to back away in fear, perhaps even to beg for mercy. But to his surprise, she didn't even tremble. Instead, she stood there, calm and poised. Then, without warning, she formed an evil smile and her eyes began to glow a bright, malevolent red.

He froze, his face widening in confusion.

Applejack dashed through the maze of dark alleys, her heart raced as fast as her legs. Her head darted around, scanning the dimly lit area for any sign of the rest. When she rounded a corner, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed nearby. She skidded to a stop, her body tense. Her head whipped to the side and from the shadows emerged the tall, menacing figure of Fracture. A wicked grin spread across his face-plate, "Looks like the little squishy got lost." he taunted with cruel amusement, lifting the sharp weapon on his arm. The girl froze out of shock as the towering Decepticon advanced. She crossed her arms in front of her but instead of the searing impact she expected, there was a loud, metallic clang.

Her eyes shot open, startled. Arms slowly lowered as she looked up, only to see Drift standing between her and the criminal, his katana raised and locked against Fracture's blade. Before she could say a word, the samurai lashed out with a powerful kick, his pede slamming into the hunter's chest-plate. The force of the blow sent him flying backward, his massive form crashing into the side of a nearby building. Bricks crumbled from the impact and the Decepticon fell in a heap, groaning in pain.

Just when they thought the danger had passed, the earth beneath them began to tremble. At first, it was a subtle vibration but within seconds, it grew stronger. Loose pebbles and remains rattled on the street and the rumbling sound of something heavy, something massive, approaching filled the entire location. 

Abruptly, the sound of crashing masonry exploded from one of the nearby walls. A massive figure barreled through the structure with terrifying force, sending bricks and dust flying in every direction. The shockwave from the impact caused both Drift and Applejack to stagger, shielding their faces from the cloud of debris. As it began to settle, a hulking silhouette emerged from the wreckage. Two glowing green optics pierced through the haze, hardening with a predatory glare. Grimlock.

But something was wrong. The massive dinobot didn't seem like himself. His form loomed over them, his sharp, metallic teeth bared in a menacing snarl. Applejack took a step back, "Grim...?" she called out cautiously. But the way he was looking at her, the anger in his expression— it wasn't right. He was glaring at her like a predator sizing up its prey.

Grimlock let out a deafening roar, his deep, guttural cry shaking the entire place and causing the teenager to cover her ears in desperation. The dinobot's entire body tensed as he prepared to charge. As he barreled to her and his massive frame cast a menacing shadow over her, Drift promptly appeared between them. The samurai raised his arms, his servos outstretched as he tried to halt his charge and with a deafening crash, his green teammate's armored helm collided with him. The black-orange Autobot groaned as he struggled to maintain control, using both of his servos to hold Grimlock's gaping, jagged jaws away from his face-plate.

His teeth were inches from tearing into his helm, his primal rage apparent in every growl and snarl, "Grimlock-!" Drift commanded, his voice strained with the effort of holding back the enraged dinobot, "Calm yourself! What has gotten into you?!" he shouted as he fought to keep his deadly maw at bay. But Grimlock was beyond words, his entire body trembled with rage, his clawed pedes digging into the pavement as he continued to press against his ally. The samurai's servos shook as he tried to push him back but it was clear he wouldn't be able to hold him off much longer.

"Sugarcube!"

The girl's yell cut through the chaos, filled with desperation and hope. She rushed to the two Autobots and Grimlock's attention snapped to her, "It's us!" she pleaded as she stood near, "Drift and Applejack! You know us! We're yer friends!"

His optics glimmered, struggling to maintain focus. His massive body trembled as if fighting an unseen force. Slowly, he backed away from Drift, shaking his helm as though trying to clear his mind, "Wh-where...?" the dinobot stammered, "What happened?"

Before anyone could respond, a loud noise appeared. The area quaked beneath the pounding steps of Bulkhead who was running to them at full speed with Underbite hot on his tail. Drift quickly prepared his katanas for the next attack but then, Fracture lunged at him from the side with his blade. The samurai blocked the Decepticon's assault immediately, the two clashing once more.

Grimlock shook off the remaining haze of confusion and refocused. He watched Bulkhead dart past him, trying to avoid Underbite's snapping jaws, "Switch!" the wrecker shouted as the two Autobots briefly bumped fists mid-run. Without missing a beat, the dinobot spun around, using his massive tail to strike the Chompazoid as he was about to leap onto his bulkier teammate. The powerful hit sent Underbite flying, his massive form crashing down with a thunderous thud, cracking the pavement beneath him. The purple criminal grunted in pain as he struggled to rise but Grimlock wasn't about to give him the chance. With a powerful leap, he landed squarely on top of the Decepticon, his full weight pinning him down. The Chompazoid growled and thrashed beneath him but the dinobot held firm, preventing him from moving.

While the Autobots battled fiercely, Applejack's attention was elsewhere. She spotted Aria dashing through the street, the stolen geode clutched tightly in her hand. Growing in frustration, the cowgirl took off. Once Bulkhead glanced over and saw his charge sprinting after Aria, he quickly turned to pursue her. Meanwhile, Fracture noticed the movements. With a vicious smirk, he swiftly leaped onto the Autobot's back, sending the samurai crashing to the ground. Drift grunted in irritation but before he could retaliate, Fracture took the opportunity to flee to the others.

In the midst of the chaos, Underbite let out a feral snarl and used all of his strength to push Grimlock off of him. With a massive heave, he threw the dinobot aside, sending him tumbling across the street. The instant he was free, the Chompazoid changed into his alt-mode, racing off in pursuit of his comrades. Grimlock groaned as he slowly pushed himself to his pedes, then he noticed Drift transforming into his sleek vehicle mode, "We must hurry!" the samurai called back as he raced down the passage.

"Right behind ya, buddy!" the dinobot replied, finally getting up, his powerful legs pounding against the pavement as he followed his friend into the fray.

As Fracture closed in from behind Bulkhead, the bounty hunter analyzed his surroundings, scanning for an advantage. Spotting the ladders fixed along the walls, he jumped up, gripping one of them and hauling his metallic body skyward. The old metal creaked under his weight but he climbed with surprising agility. Once atop the rooftops, he leaped from building to building effortlessly, gaining distance on the Autobot below.

Bulkhead looked up at the sound of Fracture's mocking laughter. He saw the criminal darting ahead of him across the roofs, the gap between them grew larger with each bound the purple Cybertronian made. Bulkhead grunted, his massive form making it hard to keep up with the nimble Decepticon. His servos tightened into fists as he realized he couldn't outrun him like this. Without wasting another second, he converted into his vehicle mode, wheels screeching against the pavement as he shot ahead, rapidly gaining speed. 

Aria burst out into the open streets. Panting, she frantically scanned the environment, spotting the highway ahead. Right then, the noise of coming footsteps made her peek back over her shoulder, noticing Applejack sprinting to her. Before the country teen could approach closer though, Fracture dropped down from above, landing with a force that caused a slight earthquake to form beneath them. The hunter's smirk matched Aria's as he blocked the cowgirl's path. Applejack stopped in her tracks and shot a glare past him, locking eyes with the siren, who stood closely behind her guardian.

"Thanks for the gift." Fracture sneered, noticing Bulkhead's vehicle form coming down the street. But before the green wrecker could reach them, the Decepticon made his move, "Now, if you'll excuse us—" with a swift transformation, he shifted into his motorcycle alt-mode, "We will take our leave."

Aria climbed onto him, securing her grip and his engine roared to life, his tires screeching against the asphalt as he took off, leaving a thick cloud of dust in their wake. The element of honesty coughed, instinctively shielding her face from the swirling smoke as she staggered back. Bulkhead pulled up beside her, his door sliding open, "What happened?" he asked, concern lacing his tone.

Once her vision became clear, she pointed furiously down to the direction where the duo had vanished, "They went that way!" Applejack shouted with urgency. She jumped into his cabin, the door slamming shut behind her as her guardian immediately raced down the road in hot pursuit of their fleeing enemies.

While Grimlock and Drift trailed closely behind Underbite, the Chompazoid spotted a shortcut ahead that led to the highway, an alley that only he could take. He veered sharply into it, his massive frame barely fitting between the walls of the old buildings. The Autobots made the sharp turn, following him right away.

As the chase intensified, the three Cybertronians barreled onto the open road, merging onto the open as the gleaming lights of the city loomed ahead. Fracture drove at full speed, with Underbite quickly gaining on him. Aria who was seated on the motorcycle, peeped behind them. Her brows furrowed as she saw their foes closing the distance. When she turned her face ahead, she saw a partially constructed bridge that stood ominously over the highway. It was still being held up by temporary scaffolding, the wooden beams and metal supports creating a precarious framework over the road.

Once forming the idea, she focused on it and drew out her arm-blade, "Like the way you're thinking, sweetspark." Fracture spoke up with amusement.

"Just shut up and get closer." she retorted coldly as they closed the distance to the under-construction bridge. Fracture's tires screeched as they neared the scaffolding and Aria turned to the Chompazoid who was driving right beside them, "Bite!"

"Thought about it way before ya, kid!" he barked.

With a swift and strong swing of her hand, Aria sliced through several of the scaffold supports with one precise strike. The weakened structure groaned as it wobbled but it was Underbite who sealed the deal. He charged with brutal force, ramming the support beams with his massive metal frame. The entire framework of the bridge shuddered violently and in seconds, it began to collapse. With a thunderous rumble, tons of steel and debris fell, crashing down onto the highway. The twisted metal, broken beams and piles of construction material scattered across the road in a cloud of dust, blocking their rivals' path completely. The Autobots had no choice but to slam on their brakes. Sparks flew from the unexpected stop and Applejack nearly toppled forward from the sudden jolt.

Jumping out of Bulkhead, the cowgirl rushed onwards to inspect the mess and saw the last glimpse of the two Decepticons and siren speeding off into the distance.

"Scrap..." she muttered under her breath, her fists clenching in helpless anger as she watched them disappear beyond the horizon.

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"WHOA—!" Rainbow yelped as she dodged a tree, her wings flapping frantically to maintain speed. She zigzagged through the dense forest, twisting around obstacles with the natural grace of an experienced flyer. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake her pursuer.

Sonata was right behind her, the teasing laughter echoing through the trees, "I'm gonna get you~" her voice rang out, the playful singsong tone masking a sinister intent. 

Meanwhile, a fierce struggle was unfolding below. Thunderhoof grappled with Sideswipe in a brutal contest of strength. His massive form dwarfed the Autobot but the red mech was quick and cunning, darting around the larger Cybertronian with a series of swift attacks, "Quit foolin' around and take it already!" Thunderhoof shouted to his charge as he blocked one of Sideswipe's kicks.

"I'm trying! She's very slippery!" Sonata called back, a few feet behind the loyal element.

Sideswipe, still locked in combat, managed to catch a glimpse of Rainbow's plight. His awareness darted between his opponent and the sky, where she was barely keeping ahead of the siren, "Dash!" he called out, barely avoiding a heavy punch from Thunderhoof, "Use your robot form!"

For a split second, the winged girl hesitated. She knew exactly what he meant. Her hand instinctively flew to the geode around her neck, feeling the faint pulse of energy emanating from it, urging her to unlock its full potential. But she shook her head, gritting her teeth in defiance, "I don't need it to beat someone like her in a fight!" she yelled with determination, even as the distance between her and Sonata shrank, "I'll do it my own way— Rainbow style!" she accelerated, her body becoming a blur of color as she pushed herself to the absolute limit. The dense forest around her turned into streaks of green and brown, the trees whizzing past in a chaotic whirl as she darted through, twisting and turning at breakneck speed. Behind her, Sonata's carefree demeanor began to waver as she realized her opponent wasn't going to be caught so easily. 

Ahead, Rainbow caught sight of a low-hanging branch, thick and sturdy, curving in just the right way. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as a plan sparked in her mind. Timing her next move perfectly, she twisted her body in mid-air, reaching out and grabbing hold of it. With a powerful swing, she launched herself into a sharp U-turn, her speed and agility turning her into a whirling blur of motion. The quick maneuver caught Sonata completely off guard, her expression widening in surprise at her adversary's actions. Rainbow's wings flared wide and with a strong kick off the branch, she propelled herself back toward the siren like a missile, closing the gap between them in an instant. Her hand was outstretched, aiming straight for the glowing pendant hanging around the cerulean girl's neck. But in a split-second, the siren's body instantly flew out of the way, Rainbow's fingers brushing against nothingness, missing her target by mere inches as Sonata spun out of reach.

The blue female's mocking laughter filled the atmosphere once more, her confidence returning in full force, "Nice try!" she called with amusement.

Rainbow clenched her teeth but refused to let it slow her down. In the meantime, Sideswipe's katana clashed against the Decepticon's powerful antlers, sparks flying with each hit. But no matter how focused he tried to remain, his helm kept darting upward to the aerial chase between the two girls. 

High above, his charge suddenly veered out of Sonata's line of sight, disappearing into the dense canopy of trees. The siren blinked in surprise, glancing around for her prey but before she could react, Rainbow struck. Diving from above, she collided with her, knocking the blue female out of the sky. Sonata yelped as she tumbled to the soil, the impact kicking up a cloud of dirt and leaves around her. The colorful-haired teen landed a second later, grabbing her by the arm and hauling her up. She gripped the siren tightly, making sure she couldn't wriggle free.

Looking over his shoulder-pad, Thunderhoof's glance locked on the two human females. He threw Sideswipe aside and in an instant, slammed his massive hoof into the earth with a thunderous force. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the forest and a deep, jagged crack tore through the ground beneath them. As Rainbow's balance faltered, she lost her grip on her foe. Once slipping free, Sonata quickly spotted the deep crack forming behind the other girl and without missing a beat, she shoved her hard, sending her teetering toward the edge of the crevice.

She cried out and just as she was about to steady herself with her wings, her enemy reached out and grabbed her necklace instead. Sonata's fingers wrapped tight around the magical gem, "That was a fun chase! Too bad we have to go now. I was actually starting to enjoy this." the loyal element struggled but the siren only smiled more, "I'll take this." she said with a sneer, giving the jewel a sharp yank. The chain snapped and Rainbow gasped in horror as her geode was ripped away. In an instant, the power of her pony form— her wings, her ears— disappeared, vanishing in a flash of light. Sonata waved at her dismissively as Rainbow's body lurched backward, falling to the deep chasm, "Bye-bye~!" the siren sang mockingly, her fingers fluttering in a sarcastic farewell.

Sideswipe's cry rang out in sheer panic, "Rainbow!" he shoved Thunderhoof away with a surge of desperation. Without wasting a second, he sprinted to her, but before he could get near, the antlered mech charged at him again, throwing himself between the Autobot and the organic.

"Yous wanna follow yer lil' human, eh?" the Decepticon sneered, his massive frame blocking his path, snorting with aggression, "Glad to throw ya down with 'er!"

Strongarm's optics flickered with concern as she saw her partner in immediate danger. Just as Clampdown charged at her, she acted fast and aimed her blaster at a towering tree beside them. One precise shot was all it took. The tree groaned under its weight and came crashing down, slamming directly onto the crab-like Decepticon, pinning him beneath its bulk. Clampdown let out a startled yelp as he struggled beneath the fallen tree, unable to move. Several energy beams streaked through the air, slamming into Thunderhoof's side. The massive mech stumbled back, wincing from the unexpected attack. He turned, growling angrily, only to see the cadet aiming her proto-blaster directly at him, "Stay away from him!" she shouted.

Thunderhoof snarled, raising his massive arms to shield himself from the barrage of energy blasts. As he absorbed the hits, Sideswipe staggered to his pedes, his focus shifting to the edge of the deep chasm where Rainbow had fallen. He scanned the area frantically until he spotted her— barely hanging on by the tips of her fingers, one hand desperately clinging to a jagged rock jutting out from the cliff face, "Dash!" he cried out with panic as he rushed to the edge and peered down at her, "I'm coming!" he immediately started to climb down, his servos grasping the rocks as quickly as they could.

"C-can't hold-" Rainbow gasped, her voice breaking under the effort. Her grip was slipping, her muscles burning from the strain, "-much longer-!"

Just as her fingers finally gave out and she began to fall, Sideswipe lunged with a desperate cry, "NO!" his servo shot out, grabbing her form in time. Rainbow nearly screamed as she got caught, her terrified eyes staring down into the pitch-black void beneath her. Sideswipe, his own fear barely concealed, held onto her tightly, his frame shaking from the effort. He was hanging precariously by one arm, his other servo gripping her, while his katana was jammed deep into the cliff face, anchoring them both.

On the surface, Strongarm continued her relentless attack on Thunderhoof. The Decepticon looked back at his charge, "Yous got it?!" Sonata who was standing a safe distance away beamed triumphantly and held up the geode, "Then let's get outta here!" he yelled as he converted, preparing to depart.

Clampdown, still pinned beneath the tree, struggled to free himself, his optics wide with desperation, "H-Hold on! Don't leave yet!" he shouted frantically as he saw his allies preparing to escape. But his pleas fell on deaf ears. As Thunderhoof revved his engine, Sonata hopped onto him and with a screech of tires, they were off, leaving him behind, "Guys! Wait for me!"

Strongarm's attention focused on her teammates. She caught sight of them still hanging dangerously from the cliff and sprinted to them, "Sideswipe!" the mech glanced up, "Give me your servo!" she shouted, kneeling at the edge of the crevice, stretching her arm down to him.

"Take her first!" he insisted, lifting Rainbow to the femme. Strongarm grabbed the girl firmly, pulling her up and away from the ledge. The teen collapsed on the grass, panting heavily, her heart still racing from the near-death experience. As the cadet reached down again, she gripped Sideswipe's arm tightly, pulling him up to safety with one final effort. He stepped onto the soil and sighed in relief, casting a grateful expression at her, "Thanks."

She nodded in return, a small smile forming on her face-plate. But their moment of relief was short-lived. Rainbow, still catching her breath, looked around frantically, her expression quickly morphing into one of rage, "They got away!" she shouted out of anger. She jumped to her feet, fists clenched in anger, "With my geode!"

The cadet looked at her, noting her frustration and concern but her attention was rapidly drawn to the noise of frantic rustling behind them. She turned, only to see Clampdown still pathetically struggling to escape, "At least we have a source from which we can get some answers." she responded as she got up.

The Decepticon's sharp claws scraped the ground as he attempted to wiggle free but the second he saw the two Autobots and the human standing in front of him with cold, unyielding stares, his movements came to a halt, "Uh... Y-you wouldn't hurt a poor, defenseless 'Con like me, would ya?" Clampdown stammered with false innocence. He tried to force a nervous chuckle but it died in his vocalizer when neither of them so much as blinked. Their expressions remained stern and unforgiving.

Sideswipe stepped closer as the femme lifted the tree and grabbed him by the back before he could try to get away, "You're coming with us, crab face."

"Wha—no! L-let me go!" Clampdown sputtered, his voice high-pitched and panicked as he squirmed helplessly in his hold.

The femme approached him with a set of stasis-cuffs in her servos, "Not a chance." Sideswipe replied coolly, his grip tightening on the criminal, "You're going to tell us everything we need to know— whether you like it or not." Strongarm stepped up and with practiced precision, she slapped the cuffs onto Clampdown's oversized claws, locking them together with a sharp click.

"There." she said with finality as she tightened the restraints, "That should keep you from causing any more trouble."

Clampdown's shoulders slumped, the fight completely drained from him now that he was securely bound. His eyestalks looked up at them, searching for any sign of mercy but finding none, "P-please, I swear, I wasn't part of the plan! I was just followin' orders!" he babbled, hoping for some sliver of leniency.

"We'll see about that." Strongarm responded with a scowl, lifting her digits to her audial, contacting their base. 

Chapter Text

As the others were out facing the Decepticons in the field, the remaining Autobots and three girls stayed behind at the base, anxiously awaiting their friends' return. The settlement's usual hum seemed louder than usual and every ticking second stretched longer than the last. Uncertainty gnawed at them, filling the place with a quiet anxiety they all felt but didn't speak.

While sitting in restless silence, Fixit, who had been monitoring the situation closely, suddenly stiffened, "O-Oh no..."

Knock Out snapped to attention at the mini-con's reaction, his form straightening up, "What is it now?" he questioned out of apprehension.

Fixit's tiny servos flew across the control panel with frantic urgency, screens lighting up as he pulled up various readings, "There's... there's a new signal!" he answered with concern, "It appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the city!"

The news sent a ripple of unease through the group. Smokescreen went to the two mechs at the controls. The normally light-hearted Autobot had an intense look on his face-plate as he scanned the data on the screen, "Just like that?" he asked, frowning as he leaned closer, double-checking the readings. His earlier restlessness now shifted to laser-sharp focus, "We should go check it out." he suggested.

"We're coming too!" Pinkie declared with an enthusiastic bounce, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Knock Out held up a servo, cutting her off gently but firmly, "It'd be best if you three stayed put for now. The last thing we need is to drag you into danger. We can handle this ourselves."

Smokescreen nodded in agreement, giving the girls a reassuring smile, "Yeah, don't worry! We're trained for this sort of thing."

Fluttershy's brows drew together in worry as she looked up at the Autobots, "But... what if it's a trap?"

The red medic glanced at her, "That's exactly why you should stay here. If it is, we can't afford to have any of you caught in it. Keep the base secure and monitor for anything else. If anything happens, contact us immediately. We'll handle the situation in the city."

Rarity sighed, "Alright, darlings. But let me make one thing abundantly clear," she began, her words carrying a sharp edge that surprised everyone, "If either of you dares to return with so much as a scratch, or worse, if you don't return at all— I will be very cross."

The way she said 'cross' left little to the imagination. It wasn't a simple annoyance or frustration that she was threatening. No, there was a distinct edge to her tone, a promise that if anything happened to them, she wouldn't be pleased in the slightest.

Smokescreen's optics widened slightly as he took an involuntary step back, "Uh, y-yeah, you got it. No scratches, no dents, no nothing! We'll be back in one piece, promise."

Knock Out, known for his usual bravado, found himself nodding quickly in agreement, "Trust me, my dear, we have no intention of testing that promise. We'll be as cautious as ever."

Rarity's stern expression softened, though the warning glint remained, "Good. See that you do." she gave a delicate nod, her usual elegance returning.

The two Autobots exchanged a quick glance, silently agreeing not to test her warning and transformed into their vehicle modes, engines purring to life. Before they left, Knock Out threw out a playful, "We'll be back in a jiffy!" with that, he and Smokescreen shot forward, disappearing through the activated Groundbridge to face whatever waited for them in the outside world.

.

.

.

Smokescreen and Knock Out moved cautiously through the corridors of the sprawling metal factory, their sensors on high alert as they scanned for any signs of activity. Their pedes echoed against the cold steel floor, the sound swallowed almost immediately by the immense quietness around them. It was a sprawling labyrinth of cavernous spaces lined with rusted machinery and towering stacks of scrap, casting strange, jagged shadows under the dim overhead lights.

"See anything?" the younger Cybertronian asked with a low murmur as he kept his focus on the gloomy spaces around them.

The cherry doctor let out a thoughtful hum, sweeping his helm across the factory's sprawling grounds, "Nothing so far." he replied, though the air of tension around them kept his awareness sharp, "This place feels abandoned."

Just as Knock Out was about to suggest they split up to cover more ground, Smokescreen stiffened as he caught a glint of movement in the distance, "There!" he whispered urgently, motioning to a shadowy figure lurking near a conveyor belt, partially concealed behind a wall of towering metal crates.

The two Autobots moved in sync, advancing carefully, their steps silent against the steel floor as their observation was locked onto the mysterious form. As they drew closer, the shadow began to take shape, its outlines sharp and spiky. The lights flickered over the figure, illuminating glimpses of pointed quills and a hunched, sinewy frame. Each step revealed more of the Decepticon's twisted appearance until there was no mistaking the form: Quillfire.

The porcupine bristled, his spikes twitching defensively as he caught sight of the Autobots. He let out a guttural snarl, his optics flashing in alarm. Clearly, he hadn't expected any company in this isolated, industrial maze. He shifted his helm left and right, calculating his escape route.

"Hold it right there!" Knock Out barked as he raised his prod. But the criminal twisted on his pedes with surprising speed and lunged at a nearby cart, stacked with stolen parts and valuable machinery components. In one swift motion, he transformed into his vehicle mode and with a sharp screech of metal, hitched the loaded cart to his back. The materials clanged and rattled as he revved his engine, plumes of exhaust hissing into the stale air, "Stop!" the medic commanded as he and Smokescreen aimed their weapons.

Before they could react, his headlights turned to them and with surprised stares, the two mechs rapidly realized he was heading towards them. As Quillfire shot to the factory exit and the Autobots who were standing in his way, Knock Out and Smokescreen quickly jumped aside and the porcupine darted through the towering equipment, using the shadows to his advantage as he weaved to the faint glimmer of moonlight streaming in from an open loading bay door.

"After him!" Smokescreen barked, determination hardening his voice. Without hesitation, he and Knock Out bolted forward, fluidly shifting into their vehicle modes, toring down the metal corridor in pursuit.

Ahead of them, Quillfire's tires screeched as he bolted to the rear exit. The porcupine could hear his enemies closing in behind him and he pushed himself harder, weaving around scattered machinery that loomed in his path like obstacles in a twisted maze. Sparks flew from the overloaded cart he'd hitched to his back as it scraped along the ground, leaving a trail of clanking debris in his wake.

Knock Out and Smokescreen swerved to avoid a stack of fallen pipes and as they neared the large gate, the Decepticon made his move, veering sharply to the left and barreling through the open doorway. The two mechs burst out of the factory right behind him, skidding onto the darkened gravel outside.

But as they hit open ground, Quillfire's form was swallowed by the night, his silhouette vanishing into the dense shadows of the nearby forest. Smokescreen ground to a halt, his frustration mounting as he watched the dullness swallow up their target, "He got away!" he exclaimed out of irritation and disbelief.

The red doctor transformed back into his robot mode, clenching his fists as he scanned the treeline in frustration, "Slippery as oil, that one..." he muttered, peering into the shadows. As he scanned the gloominess, he caught the sight of something glinting near the ground and he crouched down, studying the trail left in the Decepticon's haste. Scattered pieces of metal and wiring were strewn across the gravel, a breadcrumb trail from the overloaded cart that had scraped and rattled during Quillfire's flight, "At least now we know where he's been scavenging." 

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While they streaked through the night sky, Adagio's laughter echoed from above, her predatory look locked onto Twilight. The purple girl struggled to focus, anxiety gnawing at her concentration and preventing her from activating her robotic form. She felt the weight of the siren's mocking words sink deep into her core, "There's nowhere to run, little girl!" the amber female taunted.

Then, a streak of red and yellow shot up from below. Once reaching them, Sunset stopped running, staring up in horror at the aerial chase, "Twilight!"

Startled, the smart teen glanced down, lighting up with relief, "Sun-!" but right during that moment, Adagio took advantage of her distraction. With a fierce grin, the siren tackled her mid-air, sending them both spiraling to the ground.

Twilight hit the earth with a gasp, pinned beneath her hold. Sunset transformed her servo into a flamethrower, aiming it directly at the orange-haired girl, "Don't you dare!" she let out a dangerous growl.

Adagio looked up, her expression cool and amused, as if daring her to try. Twilight's attempts to break free only seemed to amuse her more, "Sunset." the siren chuckled, her tone dripping with false warmth, "It's been a while. You look... different." she replied as her eyes roamed over her robotic form.

"Step away from my friend before you regret it!" Sunset demanded with a hard scowl, weapon already powering up.

"You can try to fight us," Steeljaw began as he emerged slowly from the shadows, causing the femme to instantly turn around, "But you'll only end up getting hurt. Or worse... your friends will." he raised a clawed finger, pointing upwards. Sunset's gaze followed and her face-plate paled with horror. Suspended high above, Arcee and Bumblebee hung trapped beneath a powerful magnetic crane, struggling helplessly against its pull. Their frames were locked in place, any attempt to break free futile as the magnetic force held them firm.

Adagio then continued, "You're out of options, sweetie. I suggest you make the right choice."

Up above, Arcee was gritting her dentas as she assessed the crane's grip on her frame. Summoning all her strength, she managed to shift her arm enough to transform it into a blaster. Though still held tightly by the magnet, she twisted it slightly to aim in the direction of the wolfcon below. With a sharp intake of energy, she fired.

The beam shot down like a bolt of lightning, forcing Steeljaw to jump back as his instincts kicked in. He snarled, looking up to see Arcee's smirk from above, a silent message that she wasn't as helpless as he thought. In the same breath, Sunset used the distraction, aiming her own weapon and unleashing a fiery beam in his direction, flames engulfing him in a blinding flash.

While Adagio was startled by the sudden chaos, Twilight seized the moment. Concentrating, she extended her arm, her magic wrapping around a heavy wire rope lying discarded behind her enemy. With a sharp tug, the rope whipped around Adagio's leg. The siren's taunting confidence was replaced by surprise as she was pulled back, the rope binding her leg and preventing her from moving freely. She struggled against the magical grip, her frustration morphing into anger as she glared back at her rival, "You little—" she spat, but Twilight held firm, her own determination finally breaking through her initial fear.

As soon as Twilight freed herself, she flew straight to the control panel where the dazed worker sat, completely motionless from the Dazzling's spell. She carefully enveloped him in her magic, levitating him steadily down on the pavement. Then, she quickly reached for the crane's controls to shut off the machine. With a flick of a switch, the vehicle powered down. The hum of the magnet faded and with a heavy clank, both Bumblebee and Arcee's frames dropped from the crane's grip, landing solidly on their pedes with a loud thud as they assessed the scene.

Before the purple girl could fly away, a shadow swooped down from behind. Adagio shot to her, slamming her out of the air with a powerful strike. Twilight let out a startled cry, catching everyone's attention as she tumbled. Sunset's helm snapped to her friend, but before she could react, Steeljaw lunged at her. As the wolfcon's claws were about to hit their mark, Bumblebee leaped in front, blocking the attack with his Decepticon hunter and shoving the pack leader backward.

Arcee, having steadied herself, turned her helm to the sky where her charge was locked in a struggle with the siren. With a look of horror, she watched as the amber female clasped her sharp nails around Twilight's throat. The element of magic struggled, her wings beating frantically as her legs kicked in desperation. Adagio's laugh rang out coldly, her other hand moving with careful precision to the smart girl's chest. In one swift, cruel motion, she snapped the pendant off, holding it up triumphantly as a mocking giggle escaped her lips, "That's better." she purred.

In a flash, Twilight's wings and pony ears vanished, her body falling limp as her magic was stripped away. The leader of the Dazzlings' smile widened with malicious satisfaction as she looked down at the deep water below, "Hope you like cold baths, nerd." she sneered, releasing her grip. Twilight's scream was swallowed by the night as she plummeted to the water, her body striking it with a loud, resounding splash.

The instant she hit the water and disappeared beneath the surface, Arcee's horrified scream rang out, "TWILIGHT!" she sprinted to the edge of the dock and dove down, piercing through the sea in search of her charge.

Above the water, the fierce battle between the rest continued. Sunset, barely maintaining her balance from the unexpected attack, found herself under relentless assault from Steeljaw. His yellow optics gleamed with predatory intent as he snarled and lunged at her with terrifying speed. She tried to defend herself, firing a burst of flame from her servo but the wolfcon was too quick. He dodged the blaze and rushed towards her, knocking her off balance with a forceful shoulder charge.

"Ugh!" Sunset gasped as she hit the ground, the impact rattling her entire body. She struggled to push herself up but before she could regain her footing, Steeljaw loomed over her, his claws extending with a menacing gleam in the dim light, prepared to deliver the final blow. Then, an instant flash of black and yellow blurred across her vision. Bumblebee, moving with lightning speed, slammed into Steeljaw with all his might. The force of the impact sent the wolfcon flying across the dock, crashing into a stack of crates with a thunderous clatter. The lieutenant immediately drew his staff and aimed it at his nemesis. The canine's vision locked onto him with a mixture of anger and calculation. With a feral snarl, he launched himself at the Autobot, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. The two clashed in a fierce struggle, their bodies slamming together with a force that shook the dock beneath them.

Bumblebee met his assault head-on, raising his hunter to block the wolfcon, whose claws scraped against the weapon, sparks flying as they fought for control. The two combatants grappled fiercely, each straining to overpower the other. With a surge of strength, the lieutenant pushed back against him, forcing the Decepticon to take a step back. Steeljaw's claws dug into the weapon, trying to pry it from his grasp. But the yellow Autobot held firm, using every ounce of his strength to keep the staff from slipping away.

When it seemed like neither would gain the upper hand, an unanticipated and powerful presence made itself known. From the shadows, a towering figure emerged and in one swift motion, it raised its blaster and aimed it directly at the criminal. As it fired near his helm, both mechs ceased their movements and looked at the tall silhouette. There into the far distance, the mighty form of Optimus Prime stood, weapon targeted right at the criminal. Steeljaw stared with recognition and fear as he realized the Prime had joined the fight. He knew he was outmatched.

His processor raced for a strategy to salvage the situation. As he contemplated his options, a familiar voice crackled through his comm-link, shattering his thoughts, ::I got them, boss!:: Quillfire's words appeared with a hint of manic glee. With a low growl, the canine broke free from Bumblebee's grasp and leaped back, creating space between himself and his foes.

As he landed, Steeljaw shot one last, defiant glare at the Autobots, a mix of frustration and resentment burning in his look. Without another word, he turned on his pedes and bolted into the darkness, the shadows welcoming him like an old friend. The night enveloped him, thick and obscuring, allowing him to slip away from his enemies.

Sunset sprinted to the edge of the dock, her heart pounding with a mix of dread and determination as she approached the spot where Arcee and Twilight had disappeared. Glaring up at the sky, she spotted Adagio hovering victoriously, a sinister smile dancing across her lips as she admired the shiny pendant nestled in her palm. The sight ignited a fire within Sunset, a fierce protectiveness for her friends fuelling her resolve. Then, with a swift and furious motion, she unleashed a blast of fire to her. The flames shot through the air, bright and hot, forcing the siren to react. Startled, Adagio barely had time to register the attack before she instinctively flew aside. As the heat dissipated, the Dazzling glanced down, her amusement faltering for a moment as she met Sunset's furious expression.

Then, in a split second, her eyes darted to the distance and caught sight of the wolfcon, rushing away from the fray. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she turned to the red-yellow femme, her words dripping with sarcasm and mockery, "Don't worry, you will be next." she taunted with a wink and took to the sky, her wings propelling her swiftly towards her guardian.

As the tense stillness settled over the dock, a sudden series of bubbling sounds erupted from the water's surface, drawing the group's attention. Emerging from the depths, Arcee burst forth, her frame glistening with droplets and cradling a coughing Twilight in her grasp. The femme hoisted herself and her charge out of the water, her servos straining slightly as she navigated the slick surface. When she reached the dock, the others immediately rushed to the edge, pulling them up. Sensing a surge of relief, Sunset instinctively changed back into her human form, dashing to her friend's side.

She dropped to her knees beside the sputtering girl, "Twilight! You're alright!" Sunset exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her in a fierce embrace. The purple teen winced slightly from the tight hold but the warmth of her affection grounded her amidst the chaos, "I'm so sorry I couldn't stop her, I—" Sunset began with guilt and worry. But then, she halted abruptly, her gaze shifting to Twilight's neck. A chilling realization struck her as she noticed the absence of the familiar jewel, "Your geode..."

Twilight's eyes widened in horror and her hand flew to her neck, fingers brushing against the smooth skin where the magical pendant should have been. Panic seeped into her features as she comprehended the gravity of the situation. Arcee knelt beside her, placing a reassuring servo on her shoulder, "We'll get it back." the femme promised.

Optimus, who had been standing nearby, finally broke the silence, "Our enemies have made a dangerous move," he stated, "But they have not won. We will recover the geode and we will stop whatever they have planned. But for now, we must return to the rest. This battle is far from over."

A sense of urgency ignited within the team as they processed the circumstances. The night sky above them seemed to hold its breath, a prelude to the challenges that lay ahead.

Chapter Text

Sideswipe stepped through the portal with his usual confident stride, Rainbow perched on his shoulder, her hands gripping his armor for balance, "Hey, we're back!" he announced, his shout cutting through the quiet atmosphere in the base, "We brought—" his words trailed off as he looked around, his bravado slipping away at the sight before him.

He set Rainbow gently on her feet and the two of them stared at their teammates. The base, usually filled with lively exchanges and laughter, now seemed weighed down with fatigue and frustration. Arcee leaned heavily against a console, her shoulders-pads slumped while Bumblebee sat nearby, his own helm fixed on the floor, filled with thoughts. Across the room, the rest of the girls were huddled around Twilight, who was wrapped in a blanket, her hair and clothes still damp from her earlier ordeal.

The red mech's optics darted from one somber face to the next, "You guys look like you've been through Pit." he said, his tone unusually serious. He knew something significant had happened and it was clear that it hadn't ended well.

Bumblebee ex-vented heavily with a mixture of frustration and exhaustion, "Yeah... something like that." he replied, his voice low, "We ran into more trouble than we expected." he hesitated, glancing at Twilight before continuing, "And it didn't exactly go our way."

"They had a plan and we walked right into it." Twilight said clenching her blanket tighter, "And it wasn't just about outsmarting us. They were after something specific."

"In other words, those varmints stole our geodes." Applejack replied, motioning to herself and her purple friend.

Rainbow's face dropped as she took in the news, "Yours too?!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her shock.

Sunset closed her eyes, pressing her palm to her forehead, "This is bad... really bad." she muttered, the weight of the situation sinking in, "They've already got three of them now. If they're targeting the geodes, who knows what they're planning to do with that kind of power."

"We have to get them back!" Rainbow responded, her fists clenched in irritation, "Why would they need our magic if they already have their own pendants?!"

"Because that kind of magic is never enough for them, Dash." Sunset answered, "The Dazzlings have a hunger for power. They'll always need and want more. And with Steeljaw and his Decepticon thugs on their side..." she trailed off, her gaze hardening, "We can't just rush in blind."

The familiar hum of the Groundbridge filled the base but it was quickly drowned out by frantic cries echoing off the metal walls. Autobots and their human friends turned to the noise, alert and intrigued, "Wait! W-we can think of somethin' else! Just don't take me to them!" a voice shrieked, growing increasingly desperate. Clampdown was dragged into view, claws flailing as he struggled against Strongarm's unyielding grip, his face-plate twisted in panic as he tried to get away.

The scene was almost comical. The crab Cybertronian was now reduced to a trembling wreck, his once-defiant attitude replaced by outright terror. The cadet's expression, however, was all business; she kept her hold on him firm as she continued to haul the Decepticon onwards without breaking stride, "You're not wriggling your way out of this one, 'Con." she replied unsympathetically, "You've created enough mess and now you're going to help us fix it."

As she approached, Bumblebee stepped forward, giving the captive troublemaker a once-over, "You caught Clampdown?" he asked in surprise.

Strongarm nodded, glancing down at the quivering criminal in her grasp, "He was trying to slip away with the rest during the clash." she explained, "Probably thought he could blend into the background and sneak out unnoticed. But he wasn't fast enough. We figured he'd be more useful to us in custody, especially if we can get some answers out of him."

The lieutenant looked straight at Clampdown, who now seemed to realize he was out of options. Bumblebee crossed his arms with a small but approving smile on his face-plate, "Good work, Strongarm. Nice job, all of you."

Clampdown squirmed in her grip, "C-Come on now, let's not be hasty!" he stammered, his voice barely hiding the fear creeping in, "I-I'm not the one you're really after, right? Just let me go, and I'll vanish! You'll never see me again, I promise!"

"Nice try." Bumblebee responded coolly, "But you were right there with the rest of the Decepticons, which means you know something and we're going to get it out of you."

The crab-bot's optics darted around, seeking any form of escape as he sputtered, "Lemme go! I swear, I didn't do nothin'!"

Bumblebee tilted his helm, "Then why are you so nervous, Clampdown? You only get this jittery when you've been caught red-handed."

"I-I just don't like tight spaces, that's all!" he spat, "And you Autobots, you're always so rough with me! I'm fragile, you know—"

"Cut the act." Arcee interrupted and stepped closer, her piercing optics locked onto him, "We know you've been up to no good and now you're going to tell us exactly what you and the others are planning— or things are going to get a lot less comfortable for you."

He gulped audibly, shrinking under her fierce stare. Before he could sputter out another excuse, a commanding voice cut through the room, "Cadet Strongarm," Optimus spoke up, "Take him to one of the secure holding quarters. Ensure he's properly restrained until we're ready to question him further."

Strongarm straightened and saluted, "Understood, sir." she tightened her grip on the Decepticon's arm, giving him a little shove. Clampdown stumbled, casting a pleading look back at the gathered Autobots, but he was met only with cold, expectant faces.

As she led him down the hall, Bumblebee and Arcee exchanged a knowing glance. They were close to the answers they needed and with Clampdown under their roof, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered the Decepticons' plan.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Speeding through the darkened streets to the abandoned warehouse where the rest of the pack awaited, Thunderhoof's tractor form rumbled steadily. Sonata could barely contain herself, her excitement bubbling over as she admired the shimmering jewel in her hands, "We totally nailed it!" she chirped, leaning back in her seat with a grin that could rival a cat that had just swallowed the canary, "Adagio's going to be so happy!"

Her guardian chuckled through the dashboard, "Not bad for a night's work, huh?" his question held a note of pride, though he tried to keep it casual.

"It was great!" Sonata replied with boundless enthusiasm, "I don't think we could've pulled it off without you."

The praise seemed to catch him off guard. Compliments weren't exactly a part of his regular interactions— especially not from someone as bubbly as the blue siren. He hesitated, almost as if deciding whether he should let it get to him. But finally, he gave a rough snort, "Eh, it was nothin'." he mumbled, trying to sound unaffected, though the faintest hint of pride crept into his voice, "Just doin' what needed to be done." after a few more seconds, he cleared his vocalizer, "But... yous did good out there too, kid. Ain't bad for a lil' siren."

Sonata's face lit up, her raspberry eyes practically sparkling under the dim light of the vehicle's interior. She hugged the geode close to her chest, the treasure gleaming in her palms, a tangible reward for her efforts.

When they finally neared their isolated hiding spot, Thunderhoof killed the engine, allowing the vehicle to glide to a smooth stop. Sonata pushed open the door and hopped out, glancing up to the tall, rusted doors of the building. The moment she touched solid ground, the antlered mech transformed in a seamless, mechanical shift, his towering form straightening beside her. As they entered, the inside of the old structure stretched out ahead of them, dark and expansive, with patches of moonlight filtering through broken windows and rooftop, casting eerie shapes across the ground.

A figure emerged from the dark, stepping into the thin beams of light. Adagio was waiting in the center of the room, arms crossed and her face framed by her wild amber curls. Sonata's steps were light and almost bouncy as she rushed forward, unable to contain her excitement, "Dagi! Dagi! We're back!" she announced with the enthusiasm of a child showing off a prized possession, "We got one!" she held up the geode proudly, her grin never faltering.

Her older sister's hand shot up, stopping her excited recount mid-sentence, "Spare me the details." Adagio interrupted as she looked at the blue necklace, her fingers snapping to snatch it from her younger sister's hand, "Give me that."

Sonata barely had time to react before the gem was out of her grasp. She blinked, her initial excitement quickly fading into hurt, though she didn't protest as her sibling turned the jewelry over in her hand to inspect it. Behind her, Thunderhoof took in the exchange. A low grunt escaped him, his frustration simmering just below the surface as he clenched his jaw, his patience with Adagio's attitude worn thin.

With a dismissive sigh, the leader of the Dazzlings tossed a glare in her younger sibling's direction, "What took you so long?" she scolded, "Honestly, Sonata, you should be quicker than this. Aria got here long before you. Do not make me wait next time, got it?"

The cerulean girl's head dropped along with her shoulders. With a sudden stomp, Thunderhoof stepped forward, shaking the entire warehouse. Sonata glanced up in surprise as he positioned himself in front of her, his towering form casting a shadow over the amber female, "Eyo, who do yous think you're talkin' to?!" he rumbled with barely contained anger. His red optics blazed as he glared down at Adagio, undeterred by her haughty expression, "How 'bout you start treatin' the rest of us with more respect? Haven't seen you doin' much 'sides standin' here givin' commands around."

The siren leader froze, her features flashing with fury as her attention shifted from the necklace to Thunderhoof, "...What did you say?" she raised a brow as she regarded him with cold disdain and hissed with a scowl, "Would you like to repeat that, moose?"

His snarl deepened, "Yous heard me loud and clear, squishy." he shot back, his stance firm as he leaned closer, daring her to respond, "Ain't gonna let some spoiled lil' scumbag tell us what to do."

During the rising tightness, Steeljaw's calm yet calculating demeanor contrasted sharply with the tense atmosphere as he approached the scene, his servos clasped casually behind his back. He observed the simmering conflict with a curious look, glancing between the two, "Is something the matter?" he inquired smoothly.

Adagio folded her arms in annoyance, "One of your pack members has decided to misbehave." she replied, casting a pointed look in the deer-like mech's direction.

The wolfcon shifted to his blue comrade, "Thunderhoof, is that correct?" his leader questioned. The antlered Cybertronian let out an irritable huff but kept his gaze pointedly to the side.

"And it seems my sister's influence has not exactly encouraged discipline in your ally here." Adagio's face turned icy as she glared at Sonata.

"Nono!" Sonata protested, waving her hands frantically as she stepped between her sibling and Thunderhoof, "He's just...a little snippy from the fight, don't mind him! He won't do it again, promise! Right, Hoof?" her tone held a note of pleading as she turned to her guardian with a positive look, trying to salvage the situation.

He, however, remained silent as he kept looking away from everyone, crossing his arms. His refusal to respond left a growing awkwardness in the air and his charge's hopeful smile faded, her attempt to bring some levity to the scene falling painfully flat.

Steeljaw swept his helm around the interior, "Where is Clampdown?" he demanded, his tone deceptively calm.

Thunderhoof's answer dropped to a low mutter, "The 'Bots got to 'im." 

His leader's ears pinned back in disbelief, his controlled composure giving way to a flare of anger, "You let our enemies capture him?!"

"Ain't my fault that slow piece of scrap got trapped!" the antlered mech glared at him, "What was I supposed ta do?!"

The wolfcon stepped closer, his frame tense, "How can you be so foolish?! Thanks to your negligence, that coward is now in Autobot custody. Do you have any idea what they could do with the information he has?!"

"Don't go pinning 'is all on me!" Thunderhoof bristled, his shoulder-pads squaring as he shot back, "If he couldn't keep 'imself outta trouble, that's on 'im!"

"Maybe if you spent less time trying to undermine me and more time focusing on the mission, we wouldn't be in this situation." Steeljaw replied with a snarl.

"I'm the one out there takin' the risks, puttin' my spark on the line every time we pull a job!" the blue Decepticon responded sharply.

"Boys, boys-" Adagio's voice sliced through the tension, her tone cool and dismissive. Both mechs peered down at her, their animosity momentarily broken. She placed her hands on her hips, "Don't you think we have more important things to focus on? Like, I don't know, making sure the Autobots don't ruin our plans?"

Thunderhoof muttered something barely audible under his vent as he turned away, clearly still stewing. Steeljaw, however, only held his hard stare at him. Though the momentary truce soothed the air for now, it was clear the rift between them had only deepened. Without another word, the deer criminal headed to the exit, casting a final glare in the pack leader's direction. Sonata, caught in the awkward aftermath, quickly scampered to her guardian.

Watching them leave, Adagio rolled her eyes and turned to Steeljaw, "Does that idiot always act like this?"

Now, with a calmer stance, he looked down at her, "Thunderhoof can be... a bit of a challenge to handle. But don't worry. Once you put him in his place, he's more bark than bite." he then noticed the small accessory in her hand, his optics gleaming with interest, "Ah, I see we've acquired another of these magical geodes. The plan is beginning to fall into place, I can already taste success."

She held up the shimmering jewel, "Yes but it's a waste staying here in this filthy place. The rest are still out there and I need to get to their power as soon as possible."

Her guardian smirked, though the expression was tinged with condescension, "Patience, Miss Dazzle, patience. Timing is everything. We need the perfect moment to strike at our opponents or we'll end up sabotaging ourselves. No point in moving too fast only to fail."

Her brow arched as she gave him a pointed look, "And waiting around has worked so well for you, hasn't it? How many 'attempts' have you had against the Autobots now?" she tapped a finger to her chin, feigning deep thought, "I believe the list goes on... and on..."

The wolf-like Decepticon sneered slightly, "As if you've had any better luck with your failures?"

"Oh, I've made a few missteps." she admitted with a shrug, "But unlike you, I learn." her tone hardened, her fingers closing possessively around the necklace.

"We both want our revenge." Steeljaw replied, "However, a plan requires careful orchestration. I'm afraid things your way won't be much more beneficial."

"At least I don't leave my job unfinished." the two locked eyes, the air between them charged with an unspoken challenge, "You may not like how I do things, but I get things done."

Outside their hideout, Sonata struggled to catch her breath as she hurried to keep pace with Thunderhoof, who stomped irritably on the earth, "What the heck was that?! Do you want to get in trouble?!" she exclaimed.

He stopped abruptly and glared down at her, frustration boiling in his face-plate, "How can yous tolerate 'is?!"

Sonata halted as well and glanced down at the ground for a brief second before replying, "I— I just can, okay? I'm used to it. It's fine. I can handle it." she insisted, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her uncertainty.

"Well, I can't." he retorted, "And it ain't fine." with that, he turned sharply on his hoof and continued his heavy-footed march away, the ground trembling beneath his weight.

As they passed by Aria, the purple siren peeked up from her phone, arching an eyebrow at the pair. She shook her head in disbelief, clearly uninterested in their bickering, "I definitely need a drink..." she muttered, her tone dismissive as she began to climb into the van parked nearby.

Before she could get in, a tall silhouette emerged near her, "Where are you headed?" Fracture spoke up casually as he approached, a small grin formed on his facial features.

The girl sighed in irritation, dropping her head down. Then, she looked up with a challenging glare directed at him, "And I should tell you because...?"

His expression remained unchanged and shrugged, "I need to know where my little human goes."

She scoffed at the term 'little human', her gaze falling in disdain. She hated being treated like a fragile, breakable thing, "Worry about yourself, this doesn't concern you. I've been surviving long before you came along and I don't need a babysitter, let alone one who thinks he's in control." she snapped with sarcasm. Without waiting for a response, she sat inside the minibus and slammed the door shut, cutting off any further protest. As she started the engine, the vehicle roared to life.

Dust kicked up behind her as she peeled away, leaving the bounty hunter standing there, watching the van disappear into the distance. A smirk played on his dermas, his optics glinting with amusement, "Stubborn little spitfire..." he mused to himself, shaking his helm.

Aria drove through the faintly lit streets of the town, her mind preoccupied with the chaos that had unfolded earlier. She needed a break— a moment to unwind and perhaps drown her frustrations in something that would ease her thoughts. Something strong. As she turned a corner, she spotted a local convenience store glowing under flickering neon lights. Perfect. It was just what she needed.

She parked the van with a rough screech of tires and hopped out, feeling the rush of cool wind greet her, making her way to the entrance. The familiar jingle of the bell above the door signaled her arrival. She scanned the place, casting a stark glare over the aisles filled with snacks and mundane household items while making her way to the alcohol section at the back of the store. It was a cramped corner filled with various bottles, some glinting temptingly under the harsh light. After a moment of consideration, she quickly snatched up a bottle of the cheapest liquor she could find. With her prize in hand, she turned towards the cashier's counter, ready to make her purchase and retreat to the solitude of her van.

"Where is everyone?" she grumbled under her breath, glancing around, the place was eerily empty, "Hello?" she called out but there was no response. Her annoyance grew as she noticed that there was no one behind the register. She shifted her weight, tapping her foot impatiently. Her patience began to wane and she leaned against the counter, crossing her arms as she waited for the attendant to show up, "I don't have all night, you know!" she exclaimed, her tone echoing slightly in the stillness. Her head drifted to the aisles, and for a moment, she considered abandoning her purchase and leaving.

Just as frustration began to bubble within her, strange noises drifted from the back of the store—something akin to rustling and muffled thuds. Aria paused, her senses heightened as she turned her head to the source of the sound. But as she squinted into the shadows, she decided it was probably just her imagination playing tricks on her.

When she glanced back at the cash desk, she was met with an unexpected sight.

The grinning face of Airazor.

"Hi!"

"AH—!" Aria jumped back, her heart racing as she stared at him out of  shock, "What the hell are you doing here?!"

His grin widened, oblivious to her startled reaction, "Boss wanted to make sure you are not under threat! Human females shouldn't be walking around the streets alone, especially at night. The Earth web informed us about the possible threats you may encounter!"

Aria blinked, her surprise quickly morphing into anger, "Where is the cashier?!"

"Right here!" came another voice from the far end of the aisle. She turned to see Divebomb, waving his servo enthusiastically in front of the restroom. She could hardly believe her eyes when she noticed the unconscious form of the old man sprawled out on the floor behind him, knocked out cold. The small robot then slammed the door shut, dusting off his servos with an air of nonchalance.

The siren's shock quickly turned to outrage as she looked at the other minion, "Are you two insane?! You're going to drag me into trouble!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch.

"No need to worry." Divebomb replied with a cocky smile as he sauntered over, "He won't even know what hit him in the first place."

"Besides," Airazor chimed in, raising his arms as he gestured to the entire store, "Why do you care? Now we can steal all of this stuff without a problem!"

"What about the cameras?!" she shot back. It was a valid concern— no way they could just waltz in and out without anyone noticing.

In the blink of an eye, several broken surveillance devices were placed on the counter, their wires hanging loosely and lenses cracked. Aria stared at them, her jaw dropping in disbelief. She shifted her gaze to Divebomb, who wore a satisfied smirk, practically glowing with pride, "What cameras?" he asked innocently, his large clawed servos resting on the floor.

With an exasperated grunt, the girl face-palmed, her irritation boiling over, "You've got to be kidding me..." she muttered under her breath. How had she ended up in this ridiculous scenario? She glanced out through the glass wall beside her, spotting the motorcycle form of her guardian parked right in front of the store. Gritting her teeth in rage, she swiftly made her way outside. She marched right up to the transformed Decepticon, glaring down at him, "You fucking followed me here?! Do you know what personal space even is? I told you idiots that I wanted to be alone!"

"Such rude words aren't suitable for that pretty little intake of yours, sweetspark." Fracture purred, his voice smooth and playful.

Aria folded her arms, "Just what do you want, moron? I can't even get five minutes to myself without some glorified tin cans tracking me all over the place!"

Within seconds, the two-wheeled vehicle finally converted, gaining the form of the cunning bounty hunter. As he kneeled in front of her, he answered, clearly unimpressed by her attitude, "Listen, it's not exactly my idea of a good time either, keeping an optic on some squishy who complains every other cycle. But orders are orders, you will have to get along with it."

His charge scoffed, rolling her eyes. Before she could retort, Airazor burst out through the glass door with excitement, lifting a small bag in his servo, "Hey, boss! Look! They have those sweet stuff, uh- cindies!"

"It's candies, you half-wit." the larger robot snapped, "And put those down. You can't even eat them." his attention then shifted back to the female, "So? Are you going to thank me or what?" he asked, looking over at the siren expectantly.

"You wish." she snapped back, "I didn't ask for this little stalker session."

The mech leaned down to her level, "No, but I could tell you're low on shanix." he remarked with a smirk, "Plus, grabbing a little extra fuel could be more useful than that pathetic bottle of liquid you've got there." he pointed to the alcohol still in her hold, "Aren't you a bit young to be messing around with that?"

Aria raised an eyebrow, giving a sharp laugh, "I'm over a thousand years old. I can do and consume, whatever I want." she replied, emphasizing each word defiantly. After that she paused for a short while, casting a reluctant look at the store behind her, "But... I guess helping myself to a little extra stuff wouldn't hurt."

Fracture let out a low chuckle as he got up and put a servo on his hip, clearly satisfied, "That's more like it."

.

.

.

When they returned to the warehouse, the quiet night wrapped around them, broken only by the soft crunch of gravel underfoot. The building loomed in the distance, a shadowed silhouette against the pale light of the moon. Fracture and Aria made their way around the side, where the rest were located.

The faint glow of a small campfire flickered near a patch of rusted-out barrels and scattered crates. Sonata was perched beside it on the edge of a concrete slab as she stared at the flames, lost in thought, her chin resting on her palms. Thunderhoof, leaning against a fallen log, sat near with his arms crossed, the flicker of the fire casting shadows over his metallic frame. Unexpectedly, the peacefulness was interrupted by several approaching steps and a female voice.

"Hey, loser." Aria greeted as she went to her younger sibling. The blue girl's head immediately glanced up to her and right then, her violet sister tossed something in her direction. Startled but quick to react, Sonata reached out and managed to catch it. Curiously looking down to see what exactly it was, her eyes lit up as she realized it was a box full of her favorite human food. A pack of frozen mini-tacos.

She gasped in shock, "Is this-?" the cerulean female's smile rapidly widened as she got up and rushed to her older sibling, "Eeee! Thank you, Ari!" she squealed, pulling her into a hug.

Aria's face twisted in a look of exaggerated disgust and she instantly tried to squirm away, pushing her off, "Yeah, yeah, just... don't get all clingy."

The younger siren released her, her grin undeterred, "Oh, admit it— you care about mee." she teased, giving her a playful nudge.

Her violet relative shot her a narrow look, "Keep that up and I'll take them back." she warned, though a tiny smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth, "Come on, let's throw these in the oven before you give me a reason to regret this." she nodded to the van. The two of them turned and made their way to their makeshift kitchen set up in the minibus.

Nearby, Thunderhoof raised an optical ridge as Fracture strolled up, a large bag filled with various snacks dangling from his servo. He gave him a quizzical look, "What's all this?" he asked, eyeing the sack.

Fracture smirked, tossing it over his shoulder-pad, "Don't worry about it."

Chapter Text

The group had settled outside into a loose circle near the rusted remnants of the old construction, their different personalities creating a strange but functional mix while the glow of their small campfire casted long shadows over the natural ground.

Sonata and Aria were perched on the edge of their van, their legs swinging idly. The blue siren was happily munching on a candy bar she'd snagged from the stash her sister had 'borrowed' during their last raid. Beside her, her purple sibling helped herself a slice of warm pizza, glancing at the Decepticons as they shared their stories.

Thunderhoof leaned lazily against a few large metal beams, half-zoned out, occasionally grunting in amusement or rolling his optics at the more absurd parts of their tails. Fracture, seated directly across from him, seemed far more engaged, his mini-cons perched beside him, energetically feeding themselves Energon and chiming in with their own snarky commentary when they saw fit.

"So there I was," Quillfire began dramatically, "Face to face with one of those puny Autobots and what do you think that fool did? He tried to outsmart me! Me! Can you believe the audacity? As if anyone could outthink one of the greatest heroes of revolution!"

Underbite, lounging next to him, snorted loudly, "Yeah, then what? Tell 'em how you ended up stuck in that pit for hours 'cause you were too busy gloating."

The rest of the group chuckled while Quillfire bristled at the interruption, waving a servo dismissively as though shooing away an inconvenient truth, "Details, details." he said with a shrug, trying to maintain his dignity, "The point is, that Autobot had no idea who he was dealing with. Sure, I might have... temporarily found myself in a less-than-ideal situation but in the end, I came out on top. That's what counts!"

The Chompazoid leaned forward, "That's nothin'! Lemme tell ya about the time I chowed down on an entire refinery! I kept gnawing through everythin'! Was halfway through my snack when those lame 'Bots showed up. But once I got all powered up, all of their frames started shakin' like leaves. They knew they couldn't handle me."

Thunderhoof, let out a scoff, "Kinda surprised yous didn't eat the Autobots too while you were at it."

Underbite grinned, "I was more focused on the refinery at the time. Gotta prioritize, y'know? Dessert can wait."

Fracture, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up with a touch of dry humour, "You lot are a mess. It's a wonder any of you manage to get anything done with all the trouble you find yourselves in."

Quillfire straightened up and gave a theatrical bow, his spines bristling, "Ah, but that's what makes us so effective. We may be a bit rough around the edges but we get the job done. Most of the time, anyway..."

Sonata giggled and piped up, "You guys sure get into some crazy stuff. How do you even survive all that?"

"Eh, ya get used to it after a while." Underbite shrugged, his nonchalance masking a hint of pride, "Just gotta be tougher than whatever the universe throws at ya."

"Or maybe it's just that you're both too stubborn to go down without a fight." Aria responded with a smirk.

"Ain't that the truth." Thunderhoof replied, "But hey, that's what makes it fun. If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth doing."

Just as the conversation started to flow more freely, the mood was abruptly shattered. All of them turned towards the sounds of approaching steps, seeing Adagio standing near the entrance of the hideout, her very presence commanding attention and instantly killing the easy atmosphere.

Aria's posture stiffened the instant she saw her. The comfortable, almost relaxed demeanor she had shown mere moments ago evaporated, replaced by her usual guarded, cynical facade. She didn't even need to look at Sonata to know that she would be shrinking in on herself, eager to please but wary of her elder sister's temper.

The amber girl glanced to her siblings, "You two, come with me. We have something important to discuss."

Her violet relative tightened her jaw in defiance. She never enjoyed taking orders, least of all from Adagio, "Can't it wait?" Aria retorted, "We were in the middle of something."

"No, it can't wait. This is important, Blaze. Or do I need to remind you of what's at stake?" her leader answered strictly, "We need to talk. Now."

"But, Dagi, we were just—" the cerulean siren's timid attempt at protest was swiftly cut off.

"I said now, Sonata." said Adagio with a weight of finality, her hand resting on her hip as her fingers drummed an impatient rhythm against her outfit.

With a resigned sigh, Aria rose to her feet, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jeans. Her movements were deliberate and slow, a subtle act of rebellion as she made her way to her. Sonata scurried to follow, casting a final, longing glimpse back at the group. Her expression a mix of regret and reluctant obedience.

Once they were out of sight, Underbite shifted his helm back to the rest, "Don't like that one..."

As the girls entered the warehouse, Adagio glanced around, ensuring they were far enough from the Decepticons so their conversation wouldn't be overheard. The distant sounds of the others talking were barely audible, muffled by the thick walls of the old building.

Finally, the younger sirens turned to their leader, who stood near a makeshift table in the corner, her back turned while fiddling with something in her hands.

"What is all this fuss about?" Aria asked with irritation.

Adagio didn't respond immediately. Instead, she continued to inspect the items in her hand, the three geodes they had stolen earlier that day. Their crystalline surfaces glinted faintly in the light but something about them seemed... off. The amber female turned around, her expression frustrated, "I tried to use the power from one of these geodes." Adagio began, her tone clipped, "But it didn't work."

Her purple sibling raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, "We went through all that trouble and now you're telling me they're useless?"

"No." the amber girl replied, "I mean, the magic inside them refuses to respond. It's like it's been... locked away somehow."

Sonata slowly approached the two confusingly, "What do you mean?"

The Dazzling leader's grip tightened on the necklaces, "I suspect the magic inside these things is tied to their original holders— those wretched Rainbooms. The geodes probably won't work unless they're on the person they were created for or someone the magic deems worthy." she spat the word as if it were poison.

Aria let out a irritated sigh, running a hand through her hair, "Great, just great. So, we've got powerful magic in our hands that we can't even use because we're not 'good' enough?"

"Oh, I wouldn't say that." the older girl formed a slow, wicked smile, "Just because the magic won't come willingly doesn't mean we can't force it out. If it refuses to give itself to me, then I'll take it by other means."

Her sisters exchanged uneasy peeks. This was the Adagio they knew too well— the one who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted, no matter the cost.

She turned her attention back to the necklaces, resting in her palm and then held them up, their glow illuminating her face in an eerie light, "These are the keys to everything." she murmured, almost to herself, "With their power, we'll finally have the strength we need to take what's rightfully ours."

"Hey, hold up!" Aria suddenly exclaimed, "You're gonna take all three of them? What about us?!"

Adagio didn't even blink, "As the eldest, it's my responsibility to wield the most power. The rest of you can have whatever magic we steal from the other geodes we'll get later."

Out of bitterness, Aria's jaw clenched but she knew better than to argue with her when she had that look. Still, it didn't sit right with her. Sonata, meanwhile, simply stared at the siren leader, her usual cheerfulness replaced by a growing anxiety, "What if something goes wrong? That magic may be too strong."

The amber girl waved her off, her focus entirely on the accessories, "Don't be ridiculous. I've handled more power than this before. Now, stay back."

With that, she held the necklaces in front of her and started to draw out their magic. The energy inside started to pulse, the glow intensifying as it slowly started to seep out, winding its way to her mouth like a stream of mist. The air around them grew heavy with power, the temperature dropping as the magic was forcibly extracted.

Aria and Sonata stood frozen in tense silence, their attention glued to her as she continued to take the magic. Adagio's breath came in short, strained gasps, her face contorted in concentration and pain. The power was more potent than she had anticipated, wilder and more resistant. Her fingers tightened around the stones as the last remnants of light began to fade from within them.

But then, without warning, her eyes widened in shock. Her throat constricted as if something was caught in it and she choked, a strangled gasp escaping her lips. Her grip on the geodes faltered and they slipped from her grasp, clattering to the cold floor, "Adagio!" Aria shouted, rushing forward as she and Sonata hurried to their sister's side. They grabbed her arms, steadying her as she swayed on her feet, her breath still coming in ragged gasps.

"Are you okay?!" Sonata asked with concern.

For a terrifying moment, it seemed as if Adagio might collapse entirely. Her body shook with the aftershocks of the power she had forced into herself. But then, slowly, she began to recover. She forced herself to breathe, to pull air into her lungs despite the burning in her chest. Her sisters held her up, their grip steady and unwavering as her vision cleared, the haze of pain lifting.

With a deep, shuddering breath, the amber girl pushed her siblings away, her hands trembling as she straightened up. She looked down at the necklaces lying on the floor. The once vibrant, glowing stones were now completely grey, drained of all their magic. The sight of them filled her with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

The other two sirens stared at the jewels, "You... you did it." Aria finally said in disbelief.

Adagio looked up, she could feel the magic thrumming inside her, powerful and alive. A dark smile spread across her face, "Of course I did." she replied, "I told you I'd get that power, didn't I?"

Sonata's eyes flicked between her and the grey geodes, "That looked... really painful."

"I'm fine. More than fine, actually." she straightened her shoulders, the confident, commanding leader returning in full force. She looked at her sisters, "Prepare yourselves." she warned, "We have more magic to take and we won't stop until we have it all."

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

"You said he was the only one there?" Bumblebee questioned as he glanced between Smokescreen and Knock Out, his expression tightening with disquiet. Something about the situation didn't sit right with him.

"Sure was." the blue-yellow Autobot rubbed the back of his helm, clearly annoyed at how things had turned out, "We thought it was weird too. It's not like that guy to go solo but he managed to slip away before we could pin him down."

"We combed the entire place." Knock Out responded, crossing his arms as he recounted their mission, "But there was no sign of anyone else. The way he bolted out of there, though, makes me think he knew we were coming."

Bumblebee frowned, the gears in his processor turning rapidly as he considered their words, "There was nothing else? No other signs of activity?"

"Not a thing." the red medic confirmed firmly, "The factory was practically deserted. Just a few scattered tools, some scrap metal... nothing that would suggest the whole pack had been there."

Smokescreen nodded in agreement, adding, "It just doesn't add up, Bee. Quillfire isn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed but even he wouldn't be dumb enough to take on a mission like that alone. What was he even doing there by himself?"

The lieutenant leaned back slightly as he began to piece together the puzzle, "The others must have known we'd be on their tail. Quillfire's not clever enough to pull a stunt like this on his own. They've probably sent him out to keep us busy while they worked on something bigger."

Knock Out's gaze glinted, "They were giving him enough time to secure those parts for the Groundbridge."

Bumblebee's expression hardened, "They're getting bolder. Smarter." he murmured, "And they're getting better at covering their tracks. We can't let them keep outsmarting us like this."

"Then what's our next move?" the crimson doctor questioned, "If they finish that bridge-"

"We can't let that happen." the lieutenant finished, "We need to regroup. This time, we're going to patrol the area around the factory and its outskirts. If they're laying low, we'll find them. The three of us will head out and see if we can pick up their trail."

"Without us again?" Rarity's polished voice rang out as she approached, flanked by Pinkie and Fluttershy. She folded her arms elegantly, focused on the golden robot, "I'm afraid that simply won't do, darling. We've been sidelined long enough."

Bumblebee turned to face them, "Girls, it's not that we don't value your help. We do. It's just... we're dealing with treacherous Decepticons. We can't risk—"

Rarity interrupted with a graceful raise of her hand, "Oh, we understand the threat, truly we do. But this isn't solely your fight— it's ours too. We have a stake in this, especially after what happened with our friends."

Fluttershy stepped forward timidly, "We don't want to be a burden..." she said to her guardian with unwavering sincerity, "But we also want to help, in any way we can."

The yellow Autobot ex-vented audibly, his shoulder-pads sagging slightly, "We just don't want you to get hurt." he admitted.

Rarity's expression softened further and she gave him a reassuring smile, "We appreciate your concern but whether you like it or not, we're part of this team. And we won't stand idly by while you and the others put yourselves in danger."

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically, her usual exuberance returning, "Yeah! We're not gonna let some bad guys keep us from helping our friends!"

"We trust you, Bumblebee." Fluttershy added gently, "And we hope you trust us too."

He looked at the three girls, his resolve wavering in the face of their firm conviction. After some thinking, the young leader finally answered, "Alright." he nodded in agreement, "You're in. But on one condition: we do this together and everyone stays safe. No unnecessary risks. Agreed?"

"Agreed!" the females chorused in unison, their faces lighting up.

Suddenly, small steps appeared behind Bumblebee's tall form, "You're going on patrol?" Sunset asked with curiosity.

The yellow mech turned and nodded, "Yeah, we're heading back to where Quillfire slipped away." he glanced down at her with concern, "How's Optimus? Is he okay?"

Her head faintly dropped at his question, recognizing the genuine worry, "His leg took a bad hit when those containers came down on him. Ratchet's been working on it. He's resting now but he'll need more time to fully recover. He's not ready for the field yet." she clenched her fists, a frown forming on her facial features. Then, she looked up at him, "I want to come with you guys. This isn't just about the Decepticons anymore— it's personal. Adagio's done enough damage and I'm not letting her or Steeljaw get away with it. Not while I'm around."

Bumblebee paused, weighing her words carefully, "Sunset," he continued cautiously, kneeling down to her level, "I understand how you feel. And I know you're more than capable of handling yourself. But those 'Cons are getting smarter and more ruthless, and with the Sirens involved, it's a whole new level of unpredictable."

She stepped closer, her gaze locking onto his, "I know the risks, Bee. And I'm not asking for protection. I'm only asking to fight alongside you."

The Cybertronian hesitated but he knew she was right. She wasn't just capable— she was a fighter and she had proven herself, facing many dangers in the past. They needed all the help they could get, especially against their current adversaries, "Okay." he said, his tone carrying a mix of respect and understanding, "Let's gear up, then. We've got a patrol to run and this time, we're not letting the Decepticons get the upper hand."

Chapter Text

Loud noises of engines hummed as the convoy moved through night streets of the city, nearing the target area. Bumblebee led the group, his yellow-and-black form illuminated sporadically by the streetlights. His scanners continuously swept over the location for any signs of movement.

The towering steel structures and skeletal remains of machinery loomed like silent sentinels, casting long, jagged shapes over the cracked and uneven asphalt. He braked, finally coming to a halt at the edge of the zone. With a smooth transformation, he converted into his robot mode, the low sound of clanging metal breaking the stillness. The rest of the team followed suit, their forms rising into the moonlit night as they stood together, examining the place.

"Stay sharp." Bumblebee instructed, "Keep your scanners active and watch for anything that seems out of place."

"Maybe we should go in groups to cover more ground. But, you know... not too far apart, just in case." suggested Smokescreen, a bit nervously.

The lieutenant nodded thoughtfully, weighing the recommendation, "We'll split into three then. Each of us will stay with our charge for safety. Sunset, you're with me and Fluttershy."

All of them nodded and moved cautiously through the environment, expanding the search. The tension in the air was obvious, everyone was on edge as they anticipated what might be waiting for them. As they approached a tall chain-link fence, Fluttershy spotted a trail of scratches led to a partially opened section, its twisted metal edges gleaming under the light, "This seems like it's been opened recently." she noted.

Bumblebee stepped closer, his servo ready on his blaster. He signaled to the two femmes and they converged on the location with measured precision. Sunset and Fluttershy took positions opposite him, their motions cautious. Together, they went through the gap in the fence, observing the new terrain.

The darkness inside was oppressive, the outlines stretching long and deep. As their optics adjusted, small pieces of equipment scattered across the earth came into view— components that seemed to have been dropped hastily, likely during Quillfire's hasty retreat. Sunset crouched, picking up a fragment of what appeared to be a stabilizer coil, "Someone left in a hurry."

Bumblebee walked beside her as he studied the path ahead, "Components for the bridge." he said thoughtfully.

"I... I don't like this." Fluttershy whispered, her tone barely audible over the hushed rustle of wind through the broken structures. She clutched her arms, scanning the dark setting as if the shades themselves might spring to life.

As Sunset's surveyed the surroundings, a flash of activity in the distance caught her notice. Her sensors locked onto a large silhouette darting swiftly through the darkness, moving with speed and purpose that immediately set off alarm bells in her mind. Her expression promptly formed from a suprise to a glare as she realised who it was.

"He's getting away!" she shouted and without a second thought, she broke into a sprint, her frame changing fluidly into her vehicle mode as she roared ahead.

"Hold on! Sunset—!" Bumblebee called after her but his warning came too late. She was already racing forward, her focus locked on the fleeing target. Before he could follow, a shadowy blur surged from the side with incredible speed. The force of the impact was like a freight train, slamming into him and sending him flying backward. His frame collided with a wall, large cracks forming from the hard collision. The yellow Autobot growled, recognizing the hulking Decepticon as he struggled to push himself free from the crushing force, "Underbite."

The criminal pressed his advantage, keeping him pinned against the cracked wall, "You're not goin' anywhere, Autobot!" he snarled, his strength bearing down on Bumblebee's frame. The golden mech grunted, straining against the force as his servos gripped Underbite's jaw, trying to shove him back. Fluttershy skidded to a halt as she saw the attack and gasped.

Panic surged through her but before she could even think of a way to assist, another figure loomed into her path. Fracture strolled leisurely to her, his dermas curling into a cruel smirk, "Leaving already?"

"Fluttershy-!" Bumblebee cried out and she focused her helm on him, "Run, now!"

Her instincts screamed at her to do so but she hesitated. Her gaze darted between her guardian, trapped and struggling, and the menacing form of the bounty hunter, who now blocked her path.

"Go!" he barked again, his shout jolting Fluttershy out of her paralysis. With a burst of adrenaline, she spun on her heel and sprinted away, her heels pounding against the asphalt as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Fracture chuckled darkly as he began to chase her down.

While Sunset sped through the dense underbrush, the mysterious form moved with startling speed, weaving through the trees and foliage, staying exactly out of her reach. She pushed herself harder, trying to close the gap. But just as quickly as she had caught sight of it, the figure vanished into the darkness, slipping beyond her line of sight like a ghost.

"No!" Sunset growled in irritation, slamming her brakes so hard that the soil beneath her tires kicked up a cloud of dust. She quickly transformed back into her robot mode, standing there. She scanned the area, sweeping left to right as she tried to figure out where her target had gone. The rustling of leaves was the only sound that broke the stillness of nature around her.

Her temper flared briefly and with a curse under her breath, she began to move cautiously, her pedes crunching on the undergrowth as she searched for any trail. As she moved deeper into the natural environment, the trees began to thin out and the landscape ahead started to change. The dense foliage gave way to more open terrain and the wind grew cooler. In the distance, through the shadows and mist, something came into her view— a hulking structure looming over, illuminated by the moon peeking through the clouds.

It was an amusement park. Or at least, it had been, long ago.

The once-vibrant place now lay abandoned and forgotten, its towering Ferris wheel standing like a skeletal monument to a time of joy and laughter. The colorful rides had faded to a dull, lifeless gray and the roller coaster tracks snaked through the air like the bones of some long-dead creature. Tattered banners and cracked signs fluttered weakly, their words unreadable. The whole place was eerily quiet, almost too quiet and Sunset couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

She cautiously made her way to the park, stepping carefully over crumbling debris. As she walked to the entrance, the old iron gates creaked open slightly, swaying in the breeze.

"Of course." she mumbled to herself as she took in the decayed surroundings, "Lead me to the creepiest place you could think of. Why not?" she stepped through the gate, taking in the rusting rides, the overturned ticket booths and the shattered glass from old funhouse mirrors littering the place.

"Where are you?" she whispered as she continued to advance. She had no doubt that her target was hiding somewhere within this twisted maze of broken attractions, waiting to attack. Ahead, she noticed a large carousel, its once-bright horses and animals now dulled by years of neglect. Sunset approached, observing the place.

Right then, an unexpected clanging noise was heard within the quietness, coming from the direction of the roller coaster station. It was loud and metallic, like something heavy had been disturbed or knocked over. She quickly turned to the station, the towering silhouette of the roller coaster's skeletal frame looming against the dark sky. Her steps were steady as she closed in on the source.

The wooden platform creaked under her weight and the rusting tracks above groaned in the wind while abandoned carts hung motionless on the tracks. Her sensors were on high alert, but there was nothing. Only the oppressive stillness and the distant, hollow echoes of the breeze moving through the twisted metal. She was about to turn away when an immediate movement caught her attention. She froze in place, her face-plate immediately sharpening. She pivoted on her heels and there, standing beyond the edge of the platform, was the leader of the Decepticon pack.

He stepped forward with a sly smile crept across his lupine features, stalking closer, "We meet again, Sunset Shimmer."

Sunset tightened her fists at her sides, her optics narrowing with a flash of barely-contained anger, "Where is your little band, Steeljaw? I don't know what exactly you are planning to do but whatever it is, it will never work." she growled, taking a step backwards.

The wolfcon waved his claw as he lazily circled her, "Because you will be there to stop us, yes, yes... The good souls are always the ones to win. Maybe that is also the reason why some bad people have decided to change. For them to finally have the chance not to fail."

"What are you trying to imply, wolf?" she questioned with a raised optical ridge.

"Some of us are more stubborn and willing to achieve our goals, no matter how many times our attempts have been stopped. There is a difference between being bad and being evil, Miss Shimmer. If someone is 'bad' they make mistakes. They get desperate, make the wrong choices, maybe even try to redeem themselves when they feel remorse. But evil?" he paused, his tone taking on a deeper and threatening manner, "Evil has a purpose. It doesn't change its mind and doesn't hesitate or doubt itself. It knows what it wants and will stop at nothing to get it."

His piercing stare was full of amusement as he continued to circle her, "Don't you agree?" he asked smoothly yet condescending, "I assume you already understand these simple truths. After all... you've done the same, haven't you?"

Sunset halted, shock and anger rippling across her face-plate, "You... How do you know about that?!" she demanded with disbelief and fury. The reminder of her past stung like a fresh wound but hearing it from Steeljaw's intake was even worse.

"Let's say a little birdy- or perhaps, a little siren filled me in on the details."

"Adagio." she hissed silently, her dentas clenched in annoyance as she glared off to the side. The mere mention of that name was enough to make her blood boil.

The wolfcon let out a low chuckle, clearly reveling in her reaction, "Quite the amusing tale you've got. Too bad you gave up so easily."

"I realized there was another way, that all the things that I have done were entirely wrong. I'm doing way better than I ever have!" she exclaimed, "What I was before remains and will stay in the past. You can try as much as you want, Steeljaw but you can't break me or change my mind with your little talks, I moved from that a long time ago. And I will never join you and leave what I have now behind. So, forget it!"

He leaned slightly beside her, "I don't think you are fully honest with yourself, Sunset. There was a reason that drove you into doing those deeds... and I wonder what exactly was it." he mused as he walked, "You wanted power to control another world. Unordinary world, full of magic. Hmm, what was it called?" he tilted his helm and held his chin as if pretending to think hard about it, "I thought I remembered the name, it's on top of my tongue-" then, he immediately snapped his digits, "Ah, yes. Equestria, was it?"

The girl's heart sank, her frown deepening dangerously, "You stay away from that world—or else!" she snarled. Her body tensed, ready to lash out at the wolfcon standing in front of her.

Steeljaw, unfazed by her aggression, only smiled mockingly, "Or else what, little pony?"

"The last thing you'll want is to mess with me!" she shouted and without waiting for another word, she lunged at him, her eyes blazing with fury as she swung her fist. With his quick reflexes and effortless grace, he merely sidestepped her attack. Her punch missed by inches and she stumbled slightly.

"My, aren't you a hot-headed one?" he clearly enjoyed the way her emotions were bubbling over, "Be careful now, we don't want you to transform into a demon again." he chuckled sinisterly.

"Shut. UP!" she attacked again, this time with even more force. She was furious at Steeljaw for taunting her, for dredging up the past she'd worked so hard to bury. And mostly at herself for letting him get to her so easily.

The criminal dodged her with infuriating ease, his body fluid as he evaded every blow she threw at him, "I can read you like a book now. You tried to prove yourself to someone. To get to something you always wanted but they didn't give it to you. They didn't want you to have it."

The girl growled, her anger flaring even higher, "I didn't need it!"

In an instance, he managed to trip her down, causing the girl's back to collide with the wooden floor. Sunset grunted while she was trying to get up and turned to face him with an irritated expression, the Decepticon's look became more serious, "Face the truth, Sunset. Can't you see? Your friends are useless. They are nothing! They are only dragging you down and away from your true purpose! Your potential! They took the power you were meant for away from you!" he stepped closer, "We are not so different, you and I... besides our appearances, of course." Sunset scowled at him even harder, "You wanted to be powerful, to rule! Just like me!" he exclaimed as he directed to himself.

"I am nothing like you!"  she snapped back.

He paced in front of her, "You were robbed of those dreams because they feared you!" he growled, "You decided to start anew, to have a place under your control where no one could stop you! Neither of us belong here, nor anywhere else. But we can show them we are worthy of something!"

Sunset watched him carefully, trying to mask the slight tremor running through her digits. She knew he was manipulating her, trying to lure her back into the same mindset that had once almost destroyed her. But she had learned a thing or two since then, especially about the art of deception. While Steeljaw was consumed by his own speech, closely behind her, she managed to spot an old control panel of the rollercoaster. While hoping the machine had some left power after it was abandoned, she began to get up. As she quietly moved her servo behind her back, she subtly pressed the button, turning it on.

As the mechanism hummed to life, a tiny click was heard but it was too soft for Steeljaw to notice, drowned out by his own talking. Sunset straightened, drawing herself up with a sigh, her expression softening. She knew how to play this game.

"You're right..." she started, her voice quieter, carrying a touch of vulnerability that she knew would catch the wolfcon's attention, "They did take everything from me and I gave up too quick. They prevented me from succeeding. I never got what I wanted because of them and I never will..." her words wavered at the end, enough to make it sound convincing.

"Unless you become the person you once were." he said softly, his golden optics gleaming in the darkness, "The determination you had should not end here, not like this." he took a step closer, lowering his claw to her, "Let me aid you to the right path and bring back what was stolen from you, sister. Neither of those fools will have a chance against us. They won't be able to defeat you, not as long as we're fighting by each other's side."

Sunset's eyes darkened but it wasn't the capitulation he hoped for. Instead, it was a spark of cunning that once led her down a dangerous road but had since been repurposed. Slowly, she took his servo, fully straightening her form as she raised her chin, "Okay." she said calmly. Steeljaw's ears twitched in surprise once catching that one single word, his intake forming into a smile.

"Let's show them what we're capable of." she replied with a nod. However, before he could respond, she added, "But first..." he frowned, his confidence faltering for a split second as she let go and took a step back. With a short glance at the side, she smirked, "I hope you enjoy your ride."

The Decepticon's expression switched from confusion to alarm in an instant, "...What?"

Before he could react, the rollercoaster train came thundering down the track at full speed. When he turned his helm to see it barrelling towards him, the vehicle slammed into the large mech with the force of a freight engine. Steeljaw let out a guttural growl as the collision sent him sprawling, his body scraping against the tracks as he was dragged away with merciless speed. But as it climbed up the incline of the rollercoaster track, Steeljaw saw a flash of movement. He quickly caught sight of the girl from down below. Despite the sheer force propelling him onward, he wasn't finished yet. His face twisted into a furious snarl, seeing her retreating form bolting into the open.

With a loud growl, his claws shot out, digging into the front of the train with an iron grip. Screeching metal filled the atmosphere as his digits pierced into the steel. With a monstrous effort, his pedes dug into the tracks, sparks exploded from underneath as the machine began to decelerate. His nails clenched tighter and his powerful legs tensed as he struggled to bring it to a halt.

Sunset sprinted across the open field, the rhythmic thud of her heels blending with the chaos of her thoughts. Suddenly, a deafening growl echoed behind her. Against her better judgment, she stole a glance over her shoulder mid-stride and her gaze widened in shock. Flying to her was one of the train's wagons, violently detached and spinning out of control.

With a burst of adrenaline, she dove to the side, barely escaping the vehicle as it crashed where she had been, the impact sending dirt and debris all over the place. Sunset rolled to a stop, getting up on one knee and servo on the soil. She stared at the twisted wreckage in disbelief. The thunderous sound of running stomps reached her audials and she snapped her helm in the direction of the noise.

The towering wolfcon was charging at her with terrifying speed, his massive frame cutting through the distance in an instant. He dug into the earth with every step, leaving deep gashes in the dirt as he closed the gap between them.

"Now I've done it..." she muttered. She had to act fast or she'd be done for. But when he was already too close, he poised to strike. Sunset barely had time to brace herself as Steeljaw lunged at her. She dropped low, hardly dodging him.

Each of his attacks came in quick, brutal succession. His strikes were relentless, calculated and vicious. Sunset found herself forced into a frantic dance, dodging and ducking, her body twisting and turning, barely out of reach of his razor-sharp digits. As they fought, they neared the old carousel ride. Sunset managed to put a little distance between them but the Decepticon was on her again in an instant.

She leaped back as his claws went through one of the carousel horses, shattering it into splinters. The colorful head of the once whimsical ride flew off and crashed down with a heavy thud, rolling until it came to a stop in front of the girl. Sunset stared at it, then glared up at the canine criminal, "Okay, geez! I get the idea!" she yelled with sarcasm as she shook off the shock.

"Do you know what great opportunity you just lost?!" he roared with fury. As he leaped, with one swift motion, she transformed her arm into a powerful flamethrower, the nozzle heating up instantly as she aimed it directly at him.

He jumped to the side as a massive beam of flame shot from her arm, barely missing him. The fire, however, wasn't as lucky with its next target— the wooden supports of the rollercoaster. The flames licked hungrily at the structure, the dry wood catching fire in an instant, the entire ride began to groan and creak ominously, the flames spreading faster than she'd anticipated.

During Sunset's distraction, Steeljaw took the opportunity to push her down with the full weight of his frame, his claw wrapped her throat. The femme let out a painful grunt, squirming beneath him, "Poor little helpless pony, no one to save you." he laughed, "Guess you can't always depend on your so-called friends."

Her attention focused on the rollercoaster above. The heat from the flames had weakened the structure and she noticed how it started to buckle and crack, realizing it was seconds away from collapsing directly on top of them.

In an instant, she transformed back into her human form, her smaller, more agile body slipping effortlessly between his claws. She ducked and slid right underneath him, escaping his grasp. Steeljaw snarled, turning quickly but he was too late. He heard the cracking wood and instinctively looked up.

His face-plate intensified as he saw the rollercoaster's supports giving away, huge burning pieces of timber plummeting to him. Abruptly, the massive structure crashed down on him, trapping him beneath a mountain of flaming debris. Sunset staggered to her feet, transforming back into her robotic form as she sprinted to the exit.

But as she reached the clearing, she peeped back over her shoulder-pad and stopped. Through the thick smoke and flames, she saw the pack leader trapped under the wreckage, struggling desperately to free himself. His form was pinned and despite his strength, the burning debris was too much. The fire closed in around him, his usual composure lost in a frantic bid to flee.

This was her chance to escape, to let him fall victim to his own cruelty. But something inside her wouldn't let her walk away. A frustrated groan broke out of Sunset's intake as she glimpsed up at the smoky, ash-filled sky, "For Celestia's sake-" she murmured in exasperation as if asking the universe why it always led her into these impossible situations. Subsequently, she bolted to the burning wreckage, her motions swift and purposeful. The heat from the fire was overwhelming but she pushed through.

As she reached Steeljaw, who was still pinned beneath the fiery remains of the rollercoaster, his gaze caught hers, "What do you think you're doing?!"

"I'm helping you, obviously!" Sunset shot back, already lifting the heavy debris off him, her arm straining as she used all her strength to move the beams.

"Why?!" he snapped as he couldn't believe what was happening, "I tried to kill-"

"I'm aware of that!" she interrupted as she glared at him, "No need to remind me! But I don't know, alright? I just... can't leave you here."

He stared at her in utter disbelief. The fire continued to crackle and hiss on every side, the flames dancing even closer as the rollercoaster's supports groaned under the pressure. Sunset could feel the heat increasing, threatening to consume them both if they didn't move fast enough.

With one final, powerful heave, she managed to pull the last piece of wreckage off him. Steeljaw, now free, staggered to his pedes. He looked at her, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and something else— something deeper. Like he couldn't quite process why she would help him after everything he had done.

"We have to move, now!" Sunset yelled. The flames roared louder, licking up to the sky, devouring everything in their path. She shoved Steeljaw, trying to push the hulking wolfcon away, "Come on!" she urged again, her notice darting from him to the collapsing structure above them.

For a brief moment, he stood frozen, his fierce stare flickering between her and the burning debris threatening to consume them both. He growled low in his throat as if wrestling with his own ego, the idea of being saved by someone he viewed as weak. But survival was stronger than pride.

With a final guttural snarl, he turned and sprinted to the exit. The girl quickly followed, her pedes pounding against the scorched earth beneath her as they both raced away from the chaos.

The entire amusement park seemed to shudder as the flames consumed it, the rollercoaster collapsing in on itself, sending a wave of heat and ash in their direction.

As they neared the edge of the carnival, with one final leap, both Sunset and Steeljaw jumped into the clear, landing hard outside of the blazing inferno and crumbling wreckage, their bodies skidding across the dirt. Behind them, the once grand carnival was now nothing but a fiery graveyard, collapsing under its own weight.

.

.

.

Fluttershy sprinted through the dense underbrush, her breaths coming in short, desperate gasps as she heard Fracture's heavy steps closing in behind her. Branches clawed at her as she weaved through the trees, the darkness around her broken by streaks of moonlight. Every instinct screamed at her to keep moving, to find safety. But as she stumbled into the open, her impulse faltered.

Her gaze took in the scene— a chaotic battle stretched across the field. The clash between her friends and Steeljaw's pack raged under the cold glow of the night. To her horror, Knock Out and Smokescreen lay crumpled on the soil, their frames motionless. Now, only their charges stood as the last line of defense.

Rarity's shimmering shield flickered, her face etched with worry as she fought to hold it up against their opponents. Behind her, Pinkie Pie stood ready as she kept close to her friend. Across the field, the fashionista's helm turned in the kind girl's direction. Her expression brightened with a mix of relief and concern as she spotted her, "Fluttershy, darling!"

Without hesitation, the timid teen bolted to them, her heart pounding. As she reached their side, Rarity pulled her close, her protective instincts kicking in as she held the magical barrier. The three huddled together as the circle of Decepticon mechs closed in.

"May want to consider a plan B soon." Rarity quipped nervously, glancing at her friends.

As the criminals tightened their circle, Pinkie spotted something unusual. Nestled in the dirt beneath them, was a small, blinking device, "What's that?" she asked, looking down to the gadget.

Fracture stepped forward, his imposing form cutting through the group, "Oh, this?" a smug grin spread across his face-plate as he held up his servo. Between his clawed digits was a remote with a single button, "It's a little something I like to call... a game changer."

With a deliberate pause, long enough to let the anticipation twist like a knife in their minds, he pressed the button with one single click.

The ground under the femmes seemed to erupt with a massive surge of electricity. The charge radiated outward in an instant, latching onto the blinking device and spreading in a web of crackling energy.

Fluttershy let out a painful cry as the jolt hit her, her body locking up as the searing force tore through her. She crumpled down, her vision blurring as the pain overwhelmed her senses. Beside her, Rarity's shield flickered violently and collapsed entirely. She let out a choked gasp as it got to her as well, her knees giving out as she fell. Pinkie tried to leap away but the expanding shockwave was too fast. The energy caught her mid-jump, throwing her to the dirt as her body convulsed.

Within moments, the clearing fell eerily silent. The girls lay immobile, their bodies twitching slightly as the residual electricity dissipated. Their robotic transformations, the powerful forms gifted to them through their magic, began to fade. As the glow of their enhancements dimmed, their mechanical exteriors dissolved, revealing their vulnerable human forms.

Fracture stepped closer, his expression one of twisted satisfaction, "Too easy."

As the bounty hunter lowered himself to ensure that they are indeed unconscious, his pointy digits hovering above the unmoving forms, someone else emerged from behind.

"Hey, moronbot!" 

His helm lifted up, locking onto the source of the interruption. Aria was in front as she and her sisters approached, her trademark scowl firmly in place, body language practically screaming boredom, "You finished? I'm starving over here."

Adagio strode ahead with satisfaction, "Looks like we arrived in time." she remarked smoothly, a pleased smirk curling at the corners of her lips. She knelt beside Fluttershy's motionless form, her slender fingers brushing against the girl's soft pink hair, "Poor little things don't know what even awaits them."

She gestured with a nod to her siblings, who went to the other elements of harmony without hesitation. Aria crouched next to Rarity while Sonata bent over Pinkie. Together, the two began unclasping the magical necklaces from the girls' necks.

Once the pendants were freed, their leader's smirk grew. She reached out and took Fluttershy's as well, holding it up. The gemstone caught the glow, shimmering with the latent power that had once surged through the girls, "These will do nicely." she turned her head to Fracture, who had risen to his full height, "You've done well."

Fracture crossed his arms, his predatory smirk as steady as ever, "Just doing what I do best."

But her contentment didn't last long. She observed the area as she noted a key absence, "And where exactly is Steeljaw?" she demanded. There was no disguising the edge of annoyance as she turned to Thunderhoof.

The deer-like mech simply shrugged, his massive shoulder-pads rolling in a display of nonchalance, "Said he'd be back in a bit n' had somethin' 'important' to take care of first."

She was clearly unimpressed by that answer, "Typical." Adagio muttered, more to herself than anyone else, "Always making a grand exit but never here when it's actually time to finish things."

Aria let out a scoff, "Are we gonna sit here waiting for him?"

"I'm not in the mood of wasting my patience." Adagio turned back to the fallen girls, her expression hardening, "We've got what we came for. Steeljaw can catch up if and when he decides to grace us with his presence. For now, we move."

Sonata stood uneasily at the sight of the unconscious girls and their battered guardians sprawled across the battlefield. Her grip tightened on Pinkie Pie's necklace as doubt clouded her expression, the conflict brewing within her evident in her wavering stance. Finally, she broke the silence, her question quiet, "Are you sure it's okay to leave them like this?"

The instant those words left her mouth, Adagio halted and turned, staring at her dangerously, "What was that?" she hissed. Aria stiffened, her casual demeanor faltering as she cast a wary glance at her blue sister.

Adagio let out a low, bitter laugh, shaking her head as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Oh, for the love of— Sonata, you can't seriously be feeling sorry for them!" she took a step closer to the youngest siren, "Them! The reason we've been stuck in this pathetic, miserable world, stripped of our powers, reduced to nothing!" her yell rose, anger dripping from every shout as she gestured wildly to the fallen teenagers, "They deserve worse than this! You think they'd show us any mercy if we were in their place?! That they would care about what happens to us? They would have us locked away, powerless, or worse, if they had the chance!"

Sonata flinched, her shoulders shrinking under the verbal onslaught. Her uncertain eyes remained fixed on the fallen group but the weight of her leader's words pressed down on her like an iron chain. Adagio, though, wasn't finished. She closed the distance between them, looming over her like a storm about to break.

"Listen to me and listen well." the amber female spat, "If you keep letting these weak, sentimental thoughts get in the way, you'll be the one lying on the ground next. And let me make something clear— I won't be there to pull you back up. Do you understand me?" Sonata's breath hitched, the intensity of her sister's glare froze the words in her throat.

Her heart pounded like a drumbeat in her chest and she could only nod, her voice barely audible, "Yes..."

In a blink, Adagio took the pink necklace from Sonata's trembling hold and without sparing her another glance, she turned to her violet sibling, "Aria, take her and scout the perimeter. Make sure there aren't any more surprises waiting for us. The last thing I need is another setback before that wolf gets back."

Aria's lips curled into a sneer but she didn't argue. She strode ahead, gripping Sonata by the arm with a firm, almost callous tug, dragging her reluctant relative away from the scene.

The cerulean girl stumbled slightly but kept pace. She cast one last peek at the fallen Autobots and their human companions, her expression a storm of conflicted emotions. The sight of them lying motionless twisted something inside her, a feeling she couldn't shake even as they disappeared into the shadowy woods.

Meanwhile, Thunderhoof's optics narrowed into a piercing frown as he watched Adagio strut past him unbothered. The flick of her golden hair and the smug set of her features only fueled the simmering tension within him, "Come now, everyone. Our job here is finished." she casually let out her command, like they were some sort of lackeys. The towering Decepticon's glare darkened, tensing as his servos curled into tight fists at his sides. His hooves scraped against the dirt as he shifted his weight and the rest of the pack began to move as well, following her lead.

.

.

.

Sunset groaned as she rolled onto her back, the searing pain in her arm making her hiss in agony and clutch the spot instinctively. Her servo pressed against the scorched plating, feeling the faint heat that still lingered. For a while, she lay there, staring up at the vast expanse of the night sky. The stars barely blinked above her, indifferent to the chaos she had endured, her body aching from the exertion.

The distant crackle of fire reached her audials, mingling with the soft whisper of the breeze. Ash drifted lazily through the air, settling like snow on the fractured field.

But her attention was quickly drawn to something. Or rather, someone else. Turning her helm, she caught sight of Steeljaw. The massive wolf-like Decepticon lay nearby, his once-menacing form crumpled on the dirt. She struggled to push herself upright, servos trembling with the effort. Her systems protested but she gritted her dentas and forced herself to sit up. It sent a fresh wave of discomfort through her body but she couldn't ignore the unsettling stillness of her adversary.

"Steeljaw...?" she called out tentatively.

There was no response. With great effort, Sunset rose up, swaying slightly as she regained her balance. Each step to him was deliberate, her injuries forcing her to move slowly. When she finally reached his side, she knelt down beside the Decepticon. He remained on his chest-plate, helm hidden between his unmoving arms, frame unnaturally still.

Cautiously, she reached out her digits close to his shoulder-pad, "Hey, you oka—" before she could finish, a sharp jolt coursed through her systems as she touched him. She gasped in surprise, her optics widened and turned a glowing white as she felt herself being pulled into something— his processor.

The world around her dissolved in an instant, replaced by a swirling vortex of light. Sunset felt herself being pulled, as though dragged by an unseen force. And then, out of the blue, she was somewhere else. She wasn't beside Steeljaw anymore. Instead, she found herself in the middle of a memory, but not her own. It was his.

The first image hit her like a wave. She saw Steeljaw walking proudly down the streets of what must have been Cybertron but not the war-torn one she knew. This was from a time before the devastation and destruction. The buildings stood tall and shining, Cybertronians of all kinds moved about in harmony.

Beside him walked two other wolfcons like him. But there was something different. One of them, almost identical to Steeljaw, had a color scheme of deep purple and black, with pristine white covering most of his frame. It was clear he was part of the police force. The other figure, a femme, stood between them, slightly shorter than them. Her frame and optics were entirely red. There was a fiery energy that seemed to spark from within her. They were smiling while walking together, clearly enjoying the presence of one another.

Sunset could sense that this was a memory of better times, of peace, of belonging. But then, just as quickly as the first memory came, it shattered and she was pulled into the second.

The peaceful streets of Cybertron had turned cold and oppressive. Darkness loomed over everything and fear radiated from every corner. Steeljaw was no longer the calm and proud mech he had been. His expression was twisted in rage and fear, panicked as he was being dragged away, separated from the two other wolfcons who had been by his side.

He clawed at the air, trying desperately to reach them. The purple-black mech and red femme struggled and were shouting as well.  She  could  see  the anguish radiating from  Steeljaw , the bitter feeling of helplessness as they were all taken in different directions.

The third memory unfolded and it was heavier than the previous ones. The once-proud wolfcon, who had walked alongside his comrades in earlier memories, was now completely alone. Steeljaw was being escorted by two towering officers, their frames rigid with authority as they marched him out of a grand Cybertronian court. Steeljaw's servos were tightly bound behind his back in stasis-cuffs, the restraints glowing faintly with a harsh blue light. His once-proud posture had crumbled under the weight of defeat and his face-plate was eerily blank. But beneath that cold, emotionless mask, there was something darker.

His optics, though devoid of outward expression, simmered with barely contained fury.  She  could feel the waves of resentment, anger and betrayal that coursed through him. It wasn't only the loss of freedom that consumed him, it was the loss of everything he had once valued.

Before Sunset could delve deeper, a rapid force jolted her from the vision, sending her reeling back into the present. The sensation was disorienting, like being ripped from one world and sent violently into another. She yelped and her optics came back to normal with a rush of panic, the sharp clarity of her surroundings returned all at once— along with a crushing pressure on her throat.

Her servos instinctively tightened on the powerful claw that gripped her neck, hoisting her off the earth like she weighed nothing, legs kicking frantically as she tried to free herself. And that's when she saw Steeljaw— no longer slumped and motionless but very much alive and seething with rage, "What did you do, organic?!" he snarled.

She choked out, "I haven't done any—!"

"LIES!" Steeljaw barked, his grip tightening further. His face-plate twisted into a mask of hatred, "Your optics... They went white just the same way when we first encountered each other. What. Were you. DOING?!"

The girl fought to stay conscious, her hands still grazing at his arm, trying in vain to pry him off, "You— you're in pain."

Confusion formed beneath his rage, "I'm not—"

Sunset gasped for breath, the crushing pressure on her throat forcing her words out in strained fragments, "Emotionally..." she rasped, "You're suffering... from the inside. Now I understand why. I saw what happened... through your memories." his glare widened, taken by surprise. But the shock was promptly masked with wrath as his grip tightened, making her wince once more, "I—I didn't mean to see it." she continued, her voice cracking, "Everything you cared about was taken from you... Even your own life. I'm so sorr—!"

"Tell me why I should spare you." he growled, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't end you right here, right now!"

Instead of pleading for her life, she spoke with a quiet, piercing conviction, "Was it because they were scared of you...?" she asked softly, "Because you were different? I saw others who were like you. They were taken awa—"

"I dare you." he interrupted, his snarl a warning rumble, warning her not to tread further.

But she refused to back down, even as fear clawed at her. She pressed on, her words unyielding, "You were mistreated, weren't you? You were innocent. That's what drove you to this— to commit those crimes. This is why... this is why you want a world of your own. So those like you won't have to suffer anymore. Isn't that it?"

For an instant, the storm in his expression faltered. But the moment was fleeting. His rage surged back, erupting like a tempest. With a furious roar, he hurled Sunset away with all his might. The force of the throw sent her crashing into a nearby tree. The impact splintered the trunk and she crumpled to the ground in a painful heap. A loud cry escaped her as agony shot through her frame, leaving her briefly paralyzed.

The sky above darkened further, heavy clouds gathering ominously. The first drops of rain began to fall, cold and unrelenting, soaking the battlefield. Sunset struggled to move, her servos trembling as she pushed herself up, catching sight of Steeljaw's massive silhouette moving through the rain, "Seems like both of us uncovered more secrets than we intended tonight." he said, watching her crumpled form.

Sunset groaned, her body shaking with effort as she raised her helm. The rain streaked down her battered frame, mixing with the dirt and ash around her, "I know... how you feel..."

"You know NOTHING ABOUT ME!" his roar cut her off, reverberating through the clearing, "I don't care if you wandered through my helm! What happened back then doesn't matter to me, not anymore!"

"It does, Steeljaw." she replied, "You're just- in denial. Those moments were the reason you decided to become the 'Bot you are now. Every other Decepticon wants to go back to Cybertron but you're the only one who wants to stay here, to make a home for them."

"Because I'm not as stupid as those idiots!" he barked, his tone dripping with disdain, "They don't realize what awaits them once they set their pedes back on that planet. They'll be hunted down and locked away all over again. But not me. I'll carve out a place here— a world of my own! Even if it means taking risks, making sacrifices or fighting anyone who stands in my way, I'll do whatever it takes!"

Sunset winced as she pushed herself up, her body protesting every movement, clutching on her injured arm, "It- it shouldn't be this way." she carried on, "You crave this because of what was done to you... of the ones who ruined your life. I get it. I really do." her face softened, empathy breaking through her discomfort, "But this isn't the answer. You're hurt, you're angry- but you shouldn't let those emotions get the best of you. They will make things worse, you'll cause yourself more damage if you continue doing this."

His dermas curled into a sneer, his fangs bared in defiance, "I'm not going to give up!" he let out a loud growl.

The girl straightened, "I never said anything about giving up, Steeljaw." she responded calmly, "I'm talking about a change."

He stared at her in bewilderment. But then he let out a low, bitter chuckle, shaking his helm. It was filled with disdain and something deeper— pain that had long since festered into cynicism, "Oh, I see where you're going with this." he muttered, "You think I'll turn 'good' just like that? After all the things I've been trying to do, you expect me to throw it all away, to ditch my hopes and dreams, like you did?"

"There's always another way. It's never too late to make a different choice. You can still have a chance— a real chance— and a place to call home." she took a cautious step forward, "I've been where you are. I learned from my mistakes the hard way. It took a long time for people to trust me again. It wasn't easy and it wasn't fast but it was worth it. And I will never regret changing for the better." her tone shifted, growing more earnest, more personal, "If I could do it, so can you. My friends helped me see the truth when I couldn't see it myself. They stood by me when I thought no one would. They showed me what it meant to be cared for, to be part of something bigger than my pain. And because of that, I can finally live with myself."

"Let me help you, Steeljaw." she lifted her servo towards him, "I promise, you don't have to be alone anymore. You don't have to be mistreated or hunted like you were before. You can have a better life. Please."

His ears perked up at the plead, his frame stiffening as he let out a low, menacing growl, "I don't need your empathy." he snapped, his claws flexing, "Nor your help! You might take me as a fool, but guess what? You're not as clever as you think you are. You talk about redemption and second chances, tricking a Decepticon into believing they can change when all you're planning is to throw me into one of those pods like the rest of them?"

"What? No!" Sunset protested, "That's not—"

"These pathetic 'friendship' tricks of yours will never work on me!" he snarled, "I suggest you give up while you still can."

Her fists clenched but she tried to remain steady, "They're not tricks and I'm not going to give up on you. I swear, you're not going to be locked up again. I won't let them do that to you. All we need is a chance to prove that you can—"

"Redeem myself?" he interrupted, his bitter laugh cutting through the rain like a blade, "So I can join the same ones who made my life a living nightmare? The ones who see me as nothing but a monster?!" his frame trembled as he struggled to contain his emotions, "I will never be accepted... and I don't care to be! What I had in my spark vanished millions of years ago. There's nothing left. And if the world insists on seeing me as a monster, then so be it! I'll give them one! If all they see is a threat, that's what I'll be." he glared down at her, "You made a big mistake saving me, Sunset Shimmer. Your hopes for me are pointless."

She saw past the anger, past the bitterness. She saw the years of betrayal, the scars of isolation and the pain he tried so desperately to bury, "You're wrong." she replied gently.

A low snarl rumbled from his throat, "What did you say?"

"I said you're wrong." she repeated, "I made the right choice saving you."

His frame tensed and he tilted his helm as he stared at her, "And what makes you think that?"

Sunset took a step closer, "Because if you were as bad as you think you are," she answered, her voice steady and full of quiet conviction, "You would've killed me by now. But you didn't."

Her words struck like a lightning bolt and Steeljaw froze, processing her words. The rain poured harder, soaking them both but neither moved. Sunset stood in place, her breath ragged, body aching from the brutal encounter, her mind spinning with everything that had transpired.

The rain began to drip from her frame, rivulets of water running down her metallic plating. She still watched Steeljaw's every movement with a guarded expression, unsure of what he might do next.

Suddenly, a shout rang out through the silence, cutting through the drum of rain and the howling wind like a beacon.

"Sunset!"

Her helm directed to the yell.

Bumblebee.

Soon, the powerful rumble of Autobot engines joined the call, growing louder as they raced to her. Steeljaw's ears twitched to the source of the approaching noise. His scowl deepened, his dentas baring in irritation. The headlights of the incoming vehicles pierced through the curtain of rain and trees.

The wolfcon turned back to Sunset with dark intent, "This isn't over." he warned, his frame twisting with fluid, practiced motion as the seams of his armor snapped into place.

In an instant, he transformed into his vehicle mode. The rev of his engine erupted like a roar of defiance, tires screeching against the soaked earth as he spun away. Mud and rainwater splattered in all directions as he sped off, disappearing into the growing storm. Sunset remained still, her attention fixed on the space where he had vanished, his taillights swallowed by the dark.

"There you are!" Bumblebee exclaimed, making her turn again. He and the others arrived on the scene, transforming from their alt modes with haste. The yellow mech was the first to reach her, "What happened?" he asked as he scanned her frantically. The rest of the robots and humans followed him, their expressions serious as they observed the place, noticing the smoldering remains of the rollercoaster and the scorched earth beneath their feet.

Sunset grimaced, forcing herself to stand straighter despite the ache in her body, "It's... complicated." her shoulder-pads slumped slightly as the weight of everything pressed down on her, "It was Steeljaw. He was here. We fought... but he got away."

Fluttershy took a hesitant step forward, "Are you okay? You're hurt— what did he do to you?"

Sunset flinched at the question, not because of her concern, "I'll be fine." she said, though the exhaustion in her posture was hard to ignore. As she looked at her friends, her stomach twisted. They were all back in their human forms but then she noticed something crucial was missing. Their geodes, the very symbols of their power— were gone. Her heart sank, "Your necklaces..." she trailed off. Her friends exchanged uneasy glances, their silence confirming her worst fear.

Without their geodes, her friends had no magic to defend themselves. No way to fight back. They were exposed and the enemy knew it.

"The Dazzlings took them while we were down..." Rarity responded, her expression grave, "And we don't even know where they've gone." she glimpsed nervously at the group.

Sunset felt a knot of frustration tighten in her chest. How had it come to this? How had she let it happen?

"I have to get them back—" the words left her dermas and took a step back, her stance rigid, ready to chase down their enemies herself. A firm yet gentle weight of a servo pressed down on her shoulder-pad, halting her in place. She looked up, seeing Bumblebee standing beside her.

"You," he interrupted, his tone steady but carrying an unmistakable edge of seriousness, "Need to rest."

"Bee, I don't have time for this-" she snapped, jerking slightly under his grip.

The lieutenant didn't budge. If anything, his servo on her only steadied her more, "And if you chase them now, in your condition, you'll end up getting yourself hurt— or worse." the words hit like a wall. Her breathing hitched as she stared at him, her exhaustion betraying her defenses. She tried to pull away, tried to deny what he was saying but the truth was undeniable. Bumblebee's face softened slightly, "You're exhausted, Sunset. You can barely stand. Charging in half-beaten isn't going to help anyone— not you and certainly not them." he gestured to her friends, "We need to think this through. We need to find out where the pack has gone."

Sunset shook her helm, "I can't sit here while they—" she choked on her words, "This is my fault! I let the Dazzlings get away with the geodes. I should have-!"

"No, it isn't. We'll figure this out, together." he continued, trying to calm her down, "But right now, you're in no shape to go after anyone. You've fought hard and you need to recover. Your friends need you at full strength, not half-conscious." he said with sincerity, "We'll get those geodes back, I promise."

Her arms dropped, her shoulder-pads slumping as her strength seemed to finally waver, staring down at the muddy ground as rainwater dripped from her armor. Her optical ridges furrowed and she glanced aside, too tired to argue further.

Chapter Text

After returning to the base, Sunset felt the weight of exhaustion settling deep in her bones. Every step was heavy, her mind clouded with lingering exasperation and guilt. She had barely caught her breath from the battle before the looming dread of the stolen geodes gnawed at her consciousness. She sank down onto one of the beds in the medical room, rubbing at her temple as though it might ease the storm brewing inside her mind. It didn't.

The sharp sound of approaching pedes, heavy and deliberate, made her halt. She knew who it was. His presence always seemed to announce itself. The massive Autobot leader stepped into the med-bay, his towering form framed by the doorway. The soft glow of his blue optics found her instantly. She heard him approach, "Sunset." he broke the silence and moved closer to her, lowering himself to one knee, "May I have a word with you, please?"

Her eyes lifted up to meet his. She let out a small, resigned sigh, already defensive, "I know what you're going to say but—"

"Then perhaps you should listen." he interrupted gently, his tone never harsh but carrying a quiet firmness that commanded her full attention. He placed one large servo on the ground beside him for balance, studying her closely, "I am deeply concerned for your well-being. Today's events were... difficult. Not just for the mission but for you."

Sunset's gaze shifted again to the floor, "It's not the first time something like this has happened..." she muttered, her own guilt gnawing at her words.

He remained silent as he considered her response. Then, he spoke, "It is my responsibility to worry about everyone on this team. And that includes you. Especially you."

She frowned, her frustration bubbling up again, "Optimus, I can handle myself." she insisted, her voice sharper than she intended, "I did what I had to do. I couldn't let Steeljaw—"

The Prime raised a servo, silencing her with a simple but deliberate gesture. The calmness inside him never wavered, though there was a trace of sadness there, "This is not a question of your capability." he said evenly, "I have seen your strength. Your bravery." he paused, the next sentence heavier, "But bravery without caution can be dangerous."

She bit her lip, already bracing herself for what she knew was coming.

"You acted recklessly today." Optimus continued, "You went into a mission without consulting me, without considering the danger. You placed yourself directly in harm's way. You must understand the gravity of your actions. You hold the last geode, the very thing our enemies are searching for."

His charge dropped her head even lower, guilt tightening like a fist around her chest. The weight of his disappointment was harder to face than any scolding or anger would have been, "I thought... I could handle it. I didn't want to put them in danger."

A small exvent left Optimus' intake as his massive frame moved with a care that belied his size, his servo resting down. There was no judgment in his movements, only an endless well of compassion and understanding, the kind that came from countless battles fought and burdens borne, "I know this responsibility feels overwhelming. I have carried similar burdens for as long as I can remember. But that is why I cannot allow you to bear this alone. You have people who care for you, who are willing to stand by your side."

Sunset's fists tightened in her lap, the strain visible in her trembling fingers. She blinked heatedly, trying to fight the sting of tears that threatened to spill, "But if I can't protect them—" her tone cracked, "Then maybe I shouldn't even—"

"Young one," he disturbed tenderly, the title wasn't condescending— it carried warmth that only made the lump in her throat harder to swallow, "You are not defined by what you perceive as failures. I care deeply for you. Not because of the geode you hold or the role you play in this team. But because of who you are."

Her gaze flickered up to meet his, her heart sinking at the kindness she saw there. How could someone so revered, so wise, see her as worthy of that? She felt her mask beginning to crack, the walls she'd built to protect herself crumbling, "I... I don't want to let anyone down." her voice was small now, shaky and raw. She didn't want her guardian to see her like this— vulnerable, struggling, unsure of herself. For so long, she had been trying to prove she was strong enough. That she belonged here.

"You carry a heavy burden, little one." the words were neither pitying nor harsh, just honest, spoken with an immense depth of care, "But you must remember that no one, not even the strongest among us, can carry that weight alone. You have not let anyone down." Optimus continued, his speech steady and filled with conviction, as though he needed her to understand this more than anything else, "You have done your best in trying circumstances and that is all anyone can ask of you. Even the strongest warriors, those who appear unshakable, face moments of fear and doubt."

"But you must not let those fears consume you." he said softly, "Your strength does not come from carrying this burden alone. It lies in knowing when to share that weight, to rely on those who care for you and will stand by your side. I, Bumblebee, your friends, all of us, we are here to help you, to protect you."

The knot in her chest loosened a bit, the storm in her mind beginning to calm. She sniffled silently, trying and failing to blink back the tears that finally slipped down her face. How was it that he could understand her so perfectly? Sunset wiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand. A weak, shaky nod was her only response.

With a steady grace that belied his immense size, Optimus rose back to his full height, towering over her once more, protectively, "It is clear that you are exhausted. You have fought hard and you have carried far too much on your shoulders today. I will take you home. You need rest."

She opened her mouth to protest but the gentle look he gave her stopped her before the words could form, "Okay..." she agreed quietly, her exhaustion finally catching up with her.

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.

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"Talk, Clampdown."

The crab Decepticon shuffled nervously, his optics darted around the dimly lit room. Cornered. Again.

"I-I don't have anything to tell you!" he stammered, the bravado he usually clung to cracking like brittle glass.

Bumblebee stood in front of him, arms crossed over his chest-plate. His frame cast a shadow over Clampdown, adding weight to his authority, "Where are the other members of Steeljaw's pack? Your hidden base? What exactly are you planning?"

The criminal recoiled slightly, his back hitting the cold wall behind him. He fidgeted as he tried to muster whatever defiance he had left, "Y-you are gettin' nothing outta me, Autobot! I ain't no snitch!" a beat passed and then he seemed to remember himself, shrinking back further with a nervous gulp, "Okay, maybe I am a little bit of a snitch— b-but if boss finds out I squealed, he'll have my claws!"

However, the lieutenant didn't waver, "You were the one who decided to join him in the first place. You knew what you were getting into."

Clampdown's claws clicked louder now, the sound filling the tense silence as his anxiety grew, "Fine, fine!" he blurted out, holding up his pincers in a small, defensive motion, "I'll tell you what I know just— how about we make a deal first, huh?"

"We're not falling for any of your tricks again." Bumblebee scowled at him.

"N-no, no, hear me out on this, please!" the Crabicon stammered, leaning forward as if begging for the Autobot to understand, "I will tell everything I know and you will set me free, I'm not even gonna go back to the others, I swear! I'll disappear, vanish, poof! You'll never see me again! I don't want anything to do with them anymore!"

The yellow mech let out a short scoff, "You seriously think I'm going to fall for that? You're a known Decepticon fugitive and don't exactly have a good track record for honesty."

"Oh, come on! You owe me one, remember?! When I saved you and that cadet in the nuclear power plant! I risked my claws being crushed for you both!"

A hint of hesitation broke through Bumblebee's stern façade. He remembered that day. Against all odds and against his own cowardly instincts, Clampdown had helped him and Strongarm to get out of that place. Bumblebee had never quite figured out why he did it and it didn't erase everything else he'd done— but he couldn't deny it happened.

Fluttershy, who had been quietly observing the exchange from the corner, tilted her head curiously. She approached her guardian, holding her arm nervously, "He did?" her curious eyes flicked between the Autobot and the hostage, searching for an answer.

"No— well, yes." Bumblebee admitted reluctantly, "He did that. Once. But that doesn't change anything. He's still Clampdown. An escaped Decepticon prisoner, small-time thief and all-around troublemaker. That's it."

The crab-like prisoner threw up his claws in a offended way, "That ain't fair! I helped ya out!" he pointed at the mech with one pincer for emphasis, though the gesture lacked any real confidence, "Do you think it's easy for a 'Con like me to survive on this crazy planet? To stay outta prison and off your radar? I got nowhere to go! You think I like hidin' in dirty holes, stealin' Energon crumbs to keep my circuits runnin'?! I ain't Steeljaw— I'm only tryin' to get by! Ya gotta let me go!"

"You'll remain here until we get answers." Bumblebee said firmly, refusing to budge, "After that, we'll decide what to do with you, depending on your behavior."

"Either way, I'm gonna end up in a stasis pod, ain't I?!" Clampdown frustratingly exclaimed.

Among the tension, the timid human decided to interfere, "Um— Bee?"  Fluttershy spoke up quietly, delicately touching her guardian's pede, "Could I, perhaps, try talking to him? Maybe we could come to some sort of... agreement, if we try with a kinder approach?" she suggested.

Bumblebee glanced at her, uncertain. He directed his attention to Clampdown, who was glaring nervously. The golden Autobot frowned, hesitating for a second before letting out a reluctant sigh, "Alright, give it a try." he replied, stepping back a little to give her space, "But keep your guard up, just in case."

She offered him a small nod of gratitude and turned to the Decepticon. She approached slowly, her posture relaxed and non-threatening as though not to startle him, "Hello." she greeted gently, waving with a small, tentative smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Clampdown. My name is Fluttershy."

Clampdown blinked in surprise, "Oh, I sure remember ya." he grumbled, "You're the femme that yelled at us!"

Fluttershy winced, clearly ashamed, "And I'm very sorry I did that." she said earnestly, "But you were hurting my friends and I was scared for them. I shouldn't have raised my voice, though. I really do hope you can forgive me for my rudeness. I'd understand if you don't want to... I wouldn't have forgiven myself that easily either."

The criminal stared at her, momentarily stunned. The gears in his processor seemed to stall— he wasn't used to anyone apologizing to him.

"But I want you to know," she continued, stepping a little closer, "That if anything bothers you, you don't need to be scared, I will be here to listen and we can talk things out together, okay? You can trust me. I won't let anyone to hurt you." she tilted her head at him with quiet sincerity, "There probably was a very good reason for all of those doings, wasn't it?"

He shifted uncomfortably, his claws twitching restlessly, "M-maybe..." 

"Are your friends treating you well?" she asked softly.

"Pah! Friends." he spat, the word dripping with bitterness, "They ain't my friends. A bunch of scrappers is what they are! All of 'em act like big shots, struttin' around, shoutin' orders. Meanwhile, they treat me like some rusty little servant! Even when I do a good job, I still get knocked around like scrap!"

Fluttershy watched him somberly, "I'm so sorry to hear that. You must feel awful."

Clampdown let his guard slip a little more, "And I do!" he blurted abruptly, his vexation boiling to the surface, "I'm done with bein' pushed around! But what choice do I have?! I had to stick with the pack to survive out here!" he gestured wildly with his claws, "If I didn't, I'd end up back in some prison stasis pod and that's the last place I wanna go!"

He paused, his resentment rolling off him like heat waves. His voice turned bitter again, though this time it sounded more defeated than angry, "But I don't wanna stay with 'em either! Do you know how stressful it is to be around those guys? Steeljaw's always yammerin' about takin' over this planet and then there's Thunderhoof! Always kicking my tailpipe and pulling my stalks when he gets in one of his moods! I've turned into his punching bag!"

The girl's brows knitting together in genuine concern, "Why is he so mad at you, anyway? Did you... do something to him?"

Before the Crabicon could muster up an answer, Bumblebee chimed in flatly, "He snitched on Thunderhoof."

Clampdown shot him a scowl, "I had to get away from the cops somehow! How was I supposed to know they were gonna nab me along with him?! If I'd seen that coming, I never would've done it in the first place! I made a mistake, alright?! There, I said it! It was wrong of me to snitch but I've apologized— multiple times! And he still punches me! What else am I supposed to do?!" his words cracked and unexpectedly, tears started welling up in his optics. Both Fluttershy and Bumblebee watch him in shock. He turned away ashamed but the cracks in his tough exterior had already given way.

The element of kindness's heart ached at the sight. This wasn't a hardened Decepticon. This was someone scared, worn down and broken by years of bad choices and worse circumstances. She moved closer to the trembling mech, reaching out to pat the side of his frame in a gesture as tender as comforting a wounded animal, "Oh, you poor thing." she said gently as he sobbed more, "There, there. Let it all out."

Clampdown sniffled, overwhelmed by the sudden kindness. His sobs became louder, echoing through the room, as years of bottled-up anger and fear came pouring out. He covered himself with his claws, embarrassed by his own breakdown but unable to stop.

Bumblebee, standing a few steps away, could only gape in disbelief, his mouth slightly ajar as he struggled to process what he was seeing. He groaned quietly, pressing a servo to his face-plate in an exhausted gesture, "Primus, this cannot be happening..." he mumbled tiredly, clearly uncomfortable with the emotional scene unfolding in front of him.

"I-I've got no options left!" the Decepticon stuttered, "I don't wanna be around those guys anymore, it's too much, y'know? I've had it! All my life, I've been makin' deals, good deals! But I screwed up, big time. Now what've I got to show for it? Nothin'! No friends, no place to call home... and my precious freedom it's probably gone forever!"

Fluttershy didn't hesitate, staying firmly beside him as a calm presence. She placed her hand softly against his plating again, "Actually, you still have an option."

He blinked through his tears out of confusion, "Wha- what do ya mean?" he questioned hoarsely.

The girl offered him a small, reassuring smile, "You can be set free, to live a better life without being bothered by anyone again."

From his spot, Bumblebee straightened up in immediate concern, "Fluttershy—" he began, clearly preparing to intervene but she raised a hand to signal him to wait.

Before the yellow mech could argue further, Clampdown let out a bitter, scoffing laugh, "Psh, right." he spat, though his voice trembled, as though he desperately wanted to believe her. He crossed his arms defensively, "You think I'll believe ya? After everything that's happened, you're just gonna let me go? I ain't fallin' for that!"

"I'm being honest with you, Mr. Clampdown." she said earnestly, "You have my word, you'll be in good ha... um, servos." she corrected herself sheepishly, "You don't have to keep running or hiding anymore. You'll have protection, a safe place to stay and a chance to live without fear. But there's one condition."

He narrowed his optics suspiciously, "...Which is?"

"To help us." she replied simply, "I'm sure there's some goodness inside you. You might not see it yet but it's there. All you need to do is give it a chance. If you try, you'll see it'll make you feel better than you've ever felt before. And I'll be here to help you, as your friend. I promise that I won't let anyone treat you badly, as long as you don't hurt others too."

Clampdown clicked his claws nervously, "And how do I know this ain't some trick to lock me in stasis after I spill my bolts?"

Fluttershy turned to her guardian with a hopeful and pleading face, catching him off guard. He raised a ridge out of confusion, "Why are you looking at me?"

"Bee, please promise him." she pleaded, "He helped you, didn't he? Doesn't he deserve that chance?"

He stepped closer to her, "I'm not saying you're wrong but what if he's playing us? He's still a Decepticon and let's not forget the list of crimes he's racked up. We can't just let him walk away and do whatever he wants."

She frowned, crossing her arms in disappointment, "It seems neither of you trust each other." she remarked with disapproval.

Clampdown scoffed, "After everything he's put me through? No thanks."

Bumblebee, already on edge, glared daggers at the crustacean-like robot, "Don't even get me started with you, 'Con."

Fluttershy sighed, shaking her head, "I think this is the perfect time for both of you to put the past behind and start fresh." she suggested, "And the best way to start is with... a handshake."

Both Cybertronians recoiled at the suggestion, "I ain't doing that!" Clampdown snapped immediately.

"No way—" Bumblebee retorted as well.

Her normally gentle gaze turned sharp, narrowing with a rare sternness. The room fell silent under her unimpressed look. The two robots halted uncomfortably, clearly unsure how to handle her rapid change in demeanor. After an awkward pause, Bumblebee begrudgingly extended his servo, his movements stiff and reluctant. Clampdown, equally unwilling, raised a claw to meet it. Their grip was brief and uneasy, more a gesture of obligation than genuine goodwill.

"There." The Crabicon muttered, retracting his claw as quickly as possible, "Happy now?"

Fluttershy's expression softened again, her lips curving into a small, encouraging smile, "It's a start." she said, clearly pleased with the progress— however small it might be.

Clampdown shifted impatiently in his restraints, nodding to them with an exaggerated motion, "Great. Now that we're all buddy-buddy, can you get me outta these?"

"Promise you won't cause any trouble?" she questioned.

Without missing a beat, Clampdown raised one of his bound arms as high as he could, though it was a bit awkward, "Claw swear!" he declared with a grin.

Bumblebee was still clearly unconvinced. Despite his doubts, he stepped forward and disengaged the restraints. As they clattered to the floor, the lieutenant scowled at him, "I'm watching you." he warned, "Don't even think about trying anything."

Clampdown rubbed his freed pincers together with exaggerated relief, casting a sideways glance at the Autobot, "Yeah, yeah." he said dismissively, "How about you take a picture? It'll last longer!" as he exclaimed the last sentence, he followed the young girl. Bumblebee's glare only deepened in response and Fluttershy stifled a soft giggle behind her hand. Though it was far from a perfect resolution, it was, as she had mentioned, a start.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Thunderhoof stepped out of the dilapidated warehouse and grumbled, his servos rubbing at the base of his helm to ease the dull ache pounding from a day filled with annoyances. The constant noise, the bickering of Steeljaw's so-called 'pack' and the endless demands grated on his nerves. Gravel crunched under his heavy, hoof-like pedes as he made his way to the edge of the lot, craving solitude. He needed some peace, a place where no one was barking orders at him.

He recalled a secluded spot he had discovered in the valley— a quiet clearing by a small flowing river. On most nights, it remained undisturbed, no one ever ventured that far. It was distant enough from the chaos, granting him the calmness he desperately needed and a chance to clear his thoughts. He scanned the path ahead as he trekked to the location.

When he reached the clearing, however, his stride faltered. He caught sight of a figure sitting by the water's edge, their silhouette bathed in the faint glow of the moon.

It was Sonata.

She sat with her knees pulled up to her chest, her slender body curled inward as though she were trying to disappear. Her arms wrapped tightly around her legs and her chin rested on top. The bubbly, carefree behavior she usually carried was absent, her expression was uncharacteristically somber and distant as she was focused on the rippling stream.

He tilted his helm to a certain extent, his curiosity piqued. She didn't notice his approach, until his reflection shimmered alongside hers in the creek. Finally, he broke the silence, "What yer doin' outside tis late?"

Sonata flinched, visibly startled. She spun around, her eyes meeting his, "I-I didn't think anyone would find me here..." she stammered, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

"Thought yous were rechargin'." Thunderhoof added as he took a few steps closer. His massive hooves sank vaguely into the damp earth of the riverbank, the faint squelch punctuating the quiet night.

His charge fidgeted, her fingers absentmindedly playing with one another, "Oh, I just—" she wavered, glancing back at the liquid as though it might offer her some kind of answer, "Couldn't sleep." she admitted quietly, "I needed to clear my head."

He stared at her as if studying her for the first time in a way that he hadn't before. Then, he let out a heavy vent and decided to settle down beside her, his massive frame causing the ground to tremble faintly. For a while, neither of them spoke, there was nothing but the sound of the quiet babble of the brook near them. Thunderhoof surveyed the rivulet, his broad shoulder-pads hunched marginally, his arms resting on his knees.

"Yous ain't like yer sisters." he grunted at last, breaking the silence.

Sonata blinked, caught off guard by the statement, "...What?"

"I mean, yer different from 'ose two." he clarified, jerking a thumb over his shoulder in the general direction of their base, "Yer more... I dunno, jumpy. Talkative. Didn't mean it as an offense or somethin'. Just surprised yer like that, y'know, considerin' how much of a pain all 'ose idiots are."

Her brow furrowed and she glanced at him sideways, unsure how to take his words, "And... I'm not?"

Thunderhoof gave a short, dismissive snort, "Yer annoyin' too, don' get me wrong. But... less so, I s'pose." he shrugged, "Seen femmes act like brats before, but those gals sure win first place in that race."

Sonata's grip on her knees tightened, her look changing from confusion to mild defensiveness, "They may be a little... harsh sometimes." she admitted quietly, "But that doesn't mean they don't care."

He raised an optical ridge, leaning back against the trunk of a nearby tree, his heavy frame creaking faintly as it settled against the bark, "Oh, ye? Why they treat yous like a servant then? Same as they treat the rest of us 'round here?"

The siren's grip loosened, her lips pressing into a thin line, "Dagi and Ari... they're my family." she said, her words soft but firm, as though she were trying to convince herself as much as him, "We care about each other more than anything. Maybe they're stricter with me because I'm the youngest and... I still have a lot to learn. But they love me, just as much as I love them. I know it."

Her guardian let out a low grunt, "Aight." he muttered, lifting his servos up, "Keep tellin' yerself that, kid."

Sonata winced at his words, the faintest shadow of doubt flickering across her face. She pulled her legs closer to her chest, "Why did you come here?" she asked.

"Wanted to clear my processor too." he admitted, "Got tired of listenin' to that dog's scrap all day. Then I stumbled on yous."

She nodded faintly but faltered before voicing a question that had been lingering in her mind since they first crossed paths, "How did Steeljaw become the leader and not you?"

He turned his helm to her, "Yous thought I was 'eir boss?"

"Yeah, you seem more mature and stronger than he is. He's- I dunno... a bit scary. Like Dagi, especially when she's mad." she answered, fiddling with a small pebble in her hand, rolling it back and forth.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his intake, "Can't say I don't agree with yous." he muttered, turning his gaze back to the water, "The last thing I needed was someone else like that slaggin' wolfcon on the team. But to answer yer question... I tried standin' up to him once. Didn't really work out." Sonata tilted her head and he continued as memories he'd rather forget began to resurface, "Steeljaw might be young, naive n' stubborn as a rusted bolt but that don't mean he can't throw a punch."

He shook his helm, frustration increasing his features, "Still, I know how to lead— Pit, I ran a whole empire once! It's obvious he's got no idea what he's doin' when it comes to runnin' his own pack. He ain't got the experience I had. He ain't skilled enough."

Sonata's curiosity only deepened, "What was your life like back then? Before... all this?"

Thunderhoof's helm turned sharply to her with a frown, "Eyo, where'd these personal questions come from all of a sudden? Why should I tell yous?"

His charge shrank back, sensing his defensiveness, "Sorry, sorry... didn't mean to pry. Just got curious."

After remaining silent for a short while, with a deep, grating vent, he replied, "Wanna know that bad?"

"Only if you want to talk about it." the blue siren answered.

He stared at her for another beat, weighing her sincerity. Then, he shifted his helm down to the soil beneath him, "Back on ol' Cybertron, before the war tore everythin' apart, I was a big 'Bot in charge of all kinds of... let's call 'em 'legitimate enterprises.'" he gave a crooked grin, though it didn't quite reach his optics.

"In other words, I was one of the most successful crime bosses on the 'ole planet. Any 'Bot who messed with my operations, well, they regretted comin' my way the moment they tangled with 'ese hoofs and horns o' mine." he tapped one of his massive pedes against the ground for emphasis and a faint vibration rumbled through the earth beneath them, "They don't call me 'Thunderhoof' for nothin'. One good stomp can send a surge o' energy strong enough to rip through the ground n' really mess up anyone in the way. I was feared, respected. Ran things smooth, kept everythin' in line." his expression darkened, the faint smirk twisting into a scowl, "Which was just fine 'til that filthy snivelin' snitch got the bad cops on my case."

Sonata leaned in slightly, "Who was it?"

"That clawed son of a glitch I'm stuck workin' with right now." a low growl rumbled in his chassis.

"You mean Clampdown?" she tilted her head.

He gave a short nod, his massive frame tensing with the weight of his anger, "Yer fraggin' right." his fists clenched, "Couldn't keep his trap shut. Cops cornered 'im and he squealed like a rusty hinge. Sold me out only to save his own sorry aft. They caught up with 'im, slapped me in a stasis cell n' shipped me offworld and then got stuck in 'ere, on this slaggin' mudball." he let out a bitter huff, "I'll tear that dirty little squealer a new exhaust port if I ever get the chance."

Watching him with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy, the cerulean girl loosened her arms, "You probably lost a lot."

Thunderhoof let out a rough scoff, "I don't need pity from some lil' squishy." he snapped, though his tone lacked its usual bite, "Still haven't given up on schemin' my way back to Cybertron. No matter how risky it is, 'm gonna reclaim what's mine n' get back to my rightful place in the empire."

"You... think it's still there?" she questioned tentatively, "After the whole war?"

The question hit him harder than any weapon ever had. Thunderhoof halted, his massive servos tightening as if bracing against an unseen impact. For an instant, it seemed as if he might yell at her but instead, he clenched his jaw and stayed silent. The flicker of doubt in his features was fleeting but it was there, buried beneath layers of stubborn pride and denial.

Sonata's soft hum filled the quiet space between them, light yet wistful, "Looks like both of us are homesick..." she murmured. Her gaze flicked briefly from him to the stream, "I've kinda gotten used to this place and this form but... it's still not the same. I miss the things we did before, besides all the stealing negative energy stuff." Thunderhoof turned his helm with mild wonder. He didn't interrupt, which was unusual for him but something in her seemed to hold his attention.

"I still remember when Ari taught me how to break open mussels. Some of them were really hard to crack but she always knew how to do it. We often made each other presents with all of the pearls we found. We used seaweed, starfish and all kinds of pretty things from the ocean." her beamed filled up with the vividness of her recalls.

"And the games! I loved to play tag with the sharks and dolphins too, although most of the time I was the one chasing them... Oh! And at night, when it got really dark, we always went to watch the glowing jellyfish. They brightened up the water like tiny stars... I'll never forget how beautiful it was. There was even one time when we—" she stopped herself abruptly, face flushing as she realized she has gotten to far with the conversation, "S-sorry." she fidgeted with the rock in her hold and mumbled, "I will stop blabbering..."

The deer-like mech got a bit surprised at her sudden self-consciousness, "Ain't botherin' me with yer talkin'." he let out a low grumble but it wasn't as harsh as usual.

"I thought... I was starting to annoy you." she admitted, peeking up at him.

"Look," he said, shifting his massive frame, "If I was gettin' tired o' listenin', I'd've told yous straight." he glanced at her, "Yous sure were happy back then, huh?"

"Mhm..." a tiny smile formed on the siren's facial features as she urned to the river, "I miss those days." she replied with a whisper, laced with a bittersweet longing.

"So, how did it all stop?" Thunderhoof questioned, "I remember hearin' somethin' from yer sister 'bout bein' banished."

Sonata's fingers absentmindedly traced patterns in the dirt as she twitched, "Oh, um... well," she began hesitantly, "Тhere was this village we came across one day. Dagi wanted to use our singing to cause disharmony between the ponies. We'd feed off their negative emotions like we always did."

She paused, staring at her hands as if searching for the right words, "That was our way of survival... but things didn't really go as planned."

*beginning of memory*

The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a golden glow across the rolling hills and the quaint village nestled in the peaks  below. It was the kind of day that seemed untouched by trouble, the air filled with the lively chatter of ponies going about their routines. Adagio stood  hidden  in the distance of the sea.  Her calculating gaze  swept over the scene with a predatory gleam,   "This is our chance, girls."  she said as she addressed her sisters , "Those pathetic ponies will have no chance against our power."

Sonata stood a few steps behind her, her aqua mane glinting in the sun. She fidgeted nervously, glancing between her leader  and the peaceful village.  There was a nagging feeling she couldn't shake ,  "Um... Adagio?" she ventured timidly.

Her elder sibling turned her head sharply ,  "What is it now, Sonata?" she snapped out of irritation.

The blue siren gulped and shuffled her hooves nervously , unable to meet her sister's piercing  glare,  "Don't you think... maybe we can leave them be? Just this once?"  she wavered but she pressed on ,  " I-I think that if we try to use our song to get their energy again, we'll get into really deep trouble. We barely got away last time from Starswirl. Remember?"

Aria, who had been quietly standing off to the side, chimed in, "She has a point, we almost got caught in his magic because of your stupid plan. What if he captures us this time?"

The oldest Dazzling's eyes flared with anger as  her lips curled  into a sneer,  "Don't tell me you two are scared of some pathetic bearded old stallion." she crossed her arms, scoffing at the idea, "Just because he has magical abilities doesn't mean we aren't more powerful than he is. We're Sirens, for crying out loud! We're much larger, stronger and more dangerous than that foolish wizard will ever be. Father created us for a reason. Do you really want to disappoint him?"

Her cerulean sibling flinched under the weight of her sister's words, her chest tightening with guilt, " N-no, but—"

"Then you'll listen to me!" Adagio growled, "I'm the eldest here and I'm your leader. Got that?" she jabbed a hoof toward the village, "Now, follow me and do not make any mistakes. We need to be in sync. The better the song, the more tasteful the energy."

While watching her heading to the villagers, Sonata glanced at her purple sibling, "Ari?" she whispered nervously, "Y-you sure this is a good idea? I have a bad feeling about this one..."

Aria's expression was conflicted but she shrugged, clearly resigned, "I dunno." she muttered, "But we don't really have a choice. Either we like it or not, we have to listen to her.  Let's hope it doesn't end in disaster."

Unexpectedly,  Adagio's impatient yell  rang out, snapping them both out of their thoughts,  "Hurry up, you two! We don't have all day!"

The violet siren groaned as she  rolled her eyes and trudged forward,  "Ugh, coming!" she shouted back, floating to her.

Sonata lingered for a moment longer , unease pooling inside her. B ut with Adagio glaring daggers at her and Aria, she had no choice but to follow. Reluctantly, she took a deep breath and hurried after them.

*end of memory*

She watched the water as the moon shimmered on the surface, "Everything was going great at first. But then... Starswirl and his friends decided to show up." her glumness tightened at the mention of his name, "He was one of the most powerful and wise unicorns in all of Equestria. The pillars decided to distract us and then he made this huge magical portal which eventually... trapped us in the human world. Far away from everything we knew, from our home."

Sonata wrapped her arms around herself tighter as if the memory still chilled her, "That's when things really started to fall apart. Me and Ari... we started arguing with each other all the time, over almost everything. We used to be so close... but after the banishment, even Dagi got more snappy at us, especially at me for being... too slow and distracted." her shoulders slumped as she continued, "They always told me to drop this... silly attitude of mine. They said it made us look bad as a group, that it was embarrassing. But... I can't help it. It's just the way I deal with... stress, I guess. I dunno if that makes any sense."

The blue antlered Cybertronian watched her with furrowed ridges as she talked, "There were... there were moments when they were getting really furious at me. Especially because of a failed attempt into gaining power. Dagi and Ari despise failing and losing. They always had to let their anger at someone. And who else than their own little sister. I got used to be yelled from Ari but Adagio can be... really scary sometimes. She had curtain ways of how I could... learn from my mistakes."

*beginning of second memory*

"Dagi? Y-you aren't mad... are you?" Sonata asked with uncertainty, her wide gaze searching Adagio's face for any sign of the usual temper she was so used to.

But  her sister's response was unexpectedly calm, almost unnervingly sweet,   "Of course not, dear. Why would I be? Mistakes happen every now and then. We learn from them eventually, don't we?" she answered smoothy and offered a smile that felt too forced.

The blue girl exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, relief washing over her, "Phew... I really thought you were angry with me back there. I didn't mean to get distracted—"

"Oh, hush now, Sonata." Adagio interrupted, waving a dismissive hand, "It's all in the past. No point dwelling on it. We'll get their energy next time."

"Who knows when that'll be..." Aria muttered  and her amber sibling threw a scowl.

Sonata tilted her head, still sensing something off, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, usually you'd be yelling by now. What gives?" their purple siren added, crossing her arms suspiciously.

"I've realised  there's no use in getting angry over trivial things.  Besides..." her attention turned to the cerulean female, "I've found a new method. A more... effective way for us to improve. Come now, Sonata. I need to show you something important."

"Hey, what about—" Aria started but Adagio swiftly grabbed her youngest sister's arm, leading her deeper into the hall of the house.

Their leader's expression was unreadable as she stopped in front of a small, creaky door. The wood was warped with age, its surface marred by deep scratches and peeling paint. Without a word, she reached out, her slender fingers curling around the tarnished brass handle. The hinges groaned in protest as she pushed it open.

Beyond the threshold lay a tiny, barren room. Dust motes swirled in the faint shafts of light filtering through a single window on the wall. The glass was grimy, diffusing the sun into a muted glow that barely illuminated the cramped space.

"It's in here." Adagio instructed calmly.

Sonata froze at the threshold, peering into the tiny space, "What is it exactly?" she questioned worriedly as she stepped in, "I can't see any—"

*Click*

The entrance immediately closed behind her, the noise of a sharp click of a lock echoing through the small room. Panic gripped her as she spun around, "...Dagi?"

"What do you think you're doing?!" angrily demanded Aria from the outside, glaring at her amber leader who took the key.

Adagio glanced at her, utterly unbothered, "I'm only teaching our little sister a lesson, Aria. Calm yourself."

The violet girl remained by the door, staring in disbelief,  "By locking her in there?!" Aria hissed, her fists clenching, "Have you lost your mind?!"

Her leader's gaze snapped to her, cold and dangerous, "Shut it, moron. This is the only way she'll learn. She needs to understand the consequences of her actions."

Inside the room, Sonata's small voice quivered, "G-girls? Is this some kind of prank? I don't really see the fun in this... I-It's scary in here. Please, let me out."  her plead cracked with fear, her hands pounding against the solid door.

Adagio sighed, as if the pleas were an inconvenience,  "My deepest apologies, sweetie but you need to stop messing up every opportunity we get. Because of you, today's attempt was a failure. Again."

"I-I told you I'm sorry!" her trapped sister answered with desperation, her palms pressed against the cold wood, "I promise I won't do it again! I didn't mean to—"

"Oh, Sonata, Sonata... every time is the same." her elder sibling's tone was sickeningly condescending, like she was speaking to a child, "You promise something you can't keep. Do you really think I will get fooled again by your lies?"

"No! I'm honest! I will try to change! To be better! I won't cause any problems, I swear! Please, just let me out!"

Adagio's face only hardened, "Dear sister... this is how you'll learn from your mistakes. I'm doing this for your own good."

The violet siren stepped forward,  irritation boiling inside her,  "She hasn't eaten all day! She'll starve in there!"

Her leader shot her a withering look, "And whose fault is that? If you don't stop complaining, I'll throw you in with her. Be grateful I tolerate you at all."

Sonata's cries grew louder, more frantic, "Girls, please! I don't want to be in he —"

"You'll stay in there for as long as I decide!" Adagio's patience burst out, "And next time you screw up, you won't even have a light. Am I clear?!"

The sobs on the other side quieted into silence.

"Good." said the amber female,  her voice once again calm.  She turned on her heel, "Let's go, Aria."

The purple girl lingered, her gaze fixed on the locked door. She could hear the muffled sound of her little sister's quiet sniffles, each one tugging at her guilt. She turned to her leader, " Where are we going?"

Adagio grunted out of annoyance, "To gather energy from those pathetic humans scums, of course. We need to feed."

"What about...?" Aria started but her older sibling stared at her with a glare. She closed her mouth and her eyes darted back to the closed room. It gnawed at her but she couldn't bring herself to disobey Adagio, "Right..."

"Move it." the main Dazzling barked, "We don't have all day."

Just as she walked away and Aria was about to follow her, Sonata's quiet, trembling call caught the purple female off guard.

"Ari? A-are you still there?" the scared girl asked, making her sister to peek at the door again in remorse.

"Please," she begged, "I-I'm scared... I don't wanna be in here. I'm sorry for everything. I'll do better."

The violet siren stepped closer, her fingers  hovering above the knob.

"I promise, just... please open the door..."

Aria's hand twitched, hovering above the knob as if she might defy Adagio. But then she dropped it, her heart sinking. 

She couldn't.

She pressed her lips and backed up silently, her brows furrowing as she turned around and walked away, not daring to stay any longer.

No answer came.

"...Aria?"

*end of second memory*

Thunderhoof's expression tightened slightly as he watched the faint shimmer of wetness streak down her face, "Yer leakin'."

"Hm?" startled, Sonata quickly wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. Her motions were hurried, almost embarrassed, "O-oh, sorry about that—"

"What's up with yous and apologizin' that much?" the massive mech let out a low grumble, shifting his weight as his imposing frame cast a shadow over her smaller form.

"Sorr—" she started reflexively, then stopped herself mid-word, "Nevermind."

The girl shied away while her guardian studied her for a long moment. For all her bubbly demeanor and scatterbrained tendencies, there was something deeper, something raw and fragile about her. It wasn't only her timid nature, it was the way she carried herself, as if she was used to bracing for impact. He'd seen it before— in others who'd been pushed to their limits, over and over, until they couldn't fight back anymore.

"Yer scared of 'er, ain't ya?"

Her shoulders hunched and her whole body curled inward, as though she could somehow shrink herself out of existence. She focused on the ground, refusing to look at him. Thunderhoof snorted with disbelief and disdain, "Some family yous got." his words landed like a punch and her breath hitched. Her fingers twisted together anxiously, the sting of his bluntness adding to the raw ache already simmering in her chest.

"They're all I have." she whispered. It wasn't just a statement. It was a confession. A quiet, painful truth she carried with her every day.

Seeing her reaction, Thunderhoof exvented heavily, his words rough but steady, "Yous ain't the only one who's been treated like scrap." he flexed his digits, "N' I don't only mean by Steeljaw." she glanced up at him with confusion, unsure whether to speak but the weight in his tone told her there was something more personal.

He shifted, his antlers catching the light as he observed the horizon, "Didn't really tell yous how I ended up bein' a crime boss in the first place, did I?" she shook her head slowly, curiosity flashing in her wide gaze as she listened intently.

"Before the war, I was one of the lower-class 'Bots." he continued, "Y'know, the kind that always did the dirty jobs for the big guys. Every day was the same— haulin' scrap, breakin' my back to keep the higher-ups comfortable while we barely had Energon to keep ourselves runnin'. I was another face in the crowd, nothin' special. But that was 'til one o' the big shots noticed me."

"He saw somethin' in me— potential, I guess. Decided to take me under his wing, brought me into the business. Said he needed a 'Bot with guts, someone who wouldn't back down from a fight. I was young, desperate. It seemed like a good deal at the time."

"It was great. I became one of his most loyal soldiers, movin' up the ranks faster than any of 'em. The ol' bastard was impressed with me, even said I reminded him of himself when he was younger. He started actin' like a mentor, teachin' me how it's done."

"But the more I worked with him, the more I started seein' what he really was. He wasn't just tough— he was cruel. Nasty piece o' work, with no regard for anyone but himself. At first, I didn't care. He got results, kept the business runnin'. But as time went on, he started gettin'... unstable. He'd turn on his own 'Bots for no reason. The respect he'd earned from the empire turned into fear and it ain't a good foundation for leadership."

He ceased, staring at the ground as if he could still see the chaos of his old life, "It got worse. He became abusive— not just toward me but the entire gang. We lost half of the empire 'cause of his recklessness, his greed. His own paranoia destroyed everything we'd built. I tried reasonin' with him but he wouldn't listen. It was like talkin' to a wall."

"That's when I knew I had to do somethin'. I wasn't about to let him drag the rest of us down with him. So I finally got the guts to stand up to him. It was one pit of a fight, sure. But once it was over, that scrap head gave up and the position of the big ol' leader got handled to me. I didn't expect it but it happened. Everybot knew not to mess with me after that. I had earned their respect, the hard way. They knew I was the real deal— a leader who wouldn't back down, who wouldn't let anyone walk all over 'em."

"For a while, things were good. I had control, the gang respected me and we built somethin' stronger than what that idiot ever could. But I guess... that's all gone now. Bein' stuck on this mudball, workin' under Steeljaw of all 'Bots... it ain't exactly how I pictured my life turnin' out."

Sonata sat in silence. She could sense the bitterness and pain behind his rough behaviour— the raw ache of someone who had fought tooth and nail only to lose it all, "I still think you're one of the strongest Decepticons out there." she replied warmly.

Thunderhoof gave her a sceptical look, "Ye? Why do yous think so?"

His charge paused, gathering her thoughts, "Because of everything you've been through." she reminded, her sentences growing steadier as she spoke, "You fought your way to the top, all on your own. You didn't rely on anyone else. You made your own path and earned your place in the empire. That... that takes a lot of strength." he hummed but said nothing, so she pressed on, gaining momentum, "And you know how to treat others with respect... you've always been fair to me, even when I've been kind of a mess... that's something not everyone does. No wonder you were so successful back then."

Again with these compliments. Her words were so earnest, almost naive but they had a way of cutting through the rough exterior he'd built around himself. He glared away, "Til I got stuck in stasis, huh?" he muttered, the bitterness creeping back.

Sonata frowned, her heart sinking a little at the regret in his tone, "But that wasn't your fault, right? Clampdown was the one who snitched on you. Just because you don't have what you had before doesn't mean you're not still the same 'Bot you were back then." her hands clasped tightly in her lap, "If I ever dared to disobey Adagio... my whole relationship with her and Aria would be destroyed. No matter how much they push me around... I don't want to lose them. I'd be nothing without them."

He turned his helm, giving her a sideways glance, "Have yous ever tried standin' up to 'er?" he asked gruffly.

The siren shook her head, "No... I can't." she admitted quietly.

With a low grunt, he leaned forward, "Listen doe, I know it ain't easy but ya gotta at least give it a shot. Yous worry too much 'bout failin'. But I've been watchin' n' yer way tougher than yous think."

She blinked up at him, surprised, "You... you don't think I'm weak?"

He scoffed, nearly letting out a laugh, "'Course not. You've been through slag most 'Bots would've cracked under. Survivin' the way yous have, puttin' up with those two all this time? That takes guts." her lips parted but no words came out as she stared down, "Everybot screws up now n' then. Don't mean yer weak. Means yer learnin'. 'Sides, I ain't seen a femme like yous before. Kinda an odd one, sure but... interestin' to get to know."

The cerulean girl was momentarily caught off guard. She couldn't tell if he was teasing or not. But there was no mockery in his look, only a steady, unfiltered honesty that felt rare and almost... comforting. Her lips curved into a small, genuine smile. It wasn't the usual bubbly grin she wore like a mask to hide her fears but something softer, more sincere, "Thank you." she played with her hands as if unsure how to process such unexpected kindness, "I don't think anyone's ever told me that before."

"Yeah, well-" he glanced away awkwardly, "Don't let it go to yer head." he muttered, though there was no real bite in his tone. She chuckled, the sound gentle and melodic. She didn't feel like she had to put on a performance or keep up a facade. For once, she felt... seen.

The first raindrops began to patter against the soil, darkening the dirt in scattered specks. Thunderhoof scowled, his optics widening as he grumbled under his vent, "Scrap..." he stepped further under the thick canopy of the tree, his massive frame barely fitting beneath its shelter.

Sonata, standing a few feet away, tilted her head at his abrupt retreat, like a cat avoiding a puddle, "What's wrong?" she questioned, getting up and stepping closer to him but still remaining into the open, not at all bothered by the weather. Little by little, the rain started to drench her hair and outfit but she didn't seem to care. If anything, she seemed to welcome it.

He shot her a skeptical gaze, his scowl deepening, glancing warily at the darkening sky, "Ain't riskin' gettin' torn up 'cause of this fraggin' rain."

She turned to him like he'd said something ridiculous, "What are you talking about, silly? It's just water! It won't hurt you."

The mech formed a disbelieving look, "Say what?"

"It's totally harmless." she spread her arms wide, spinning slowly in the downpour as it soaked her clothes and dripped down her face, laughing as if it were the most natural thing in the world, "See?"

Her guardian narrowed his optics further, "Explains why yous don't get affected."

Sonata giggled, "Don't you have rain like this on your planet?"

"Oh, we got rain alright." the antlered mech responded, folding his arms, "But it ain't like this. It's acid. So dangerous it'll melt yer armor and kill yous on the spot. Definitely not somethin' ya go dancin' in."

"Come on, you have to try it!" she urged, her face lighting up as she twirled slowly, her hair and clothes already dripping wet. The rain somehow made her livelier, "It feels great! And it's super refreshing! It always makes me feel calm. Reminds me so much of home..."

Thunderhoof shifted uncomfortably at the mention of 'home'. Memories of Cybertron, of the life he once had, tugged at the edges of his processor. He glanced at the horizon, where dark clouds were gathering thicker by the minute, his thoughts already returning to the realities of their situation, "As much as I don't wanna go back, we gotta get movin' before that wolf and siren start yappin' at us again."

His charge, however, turned to him, her eyes wide and pleading. She clasped her hands together, "Can we stay a little bit longer? Pleeeease?"

With a low groan, he rubbed the back of his helm in exasperation, "Fine. But just a few more kliks n' that's it." her face lit up with a grin so wide it made him almost smirk.

She let out an excited squeal before running back into the rain, her laughter carrying over the rhythmic patter of water against leaves and earth. He leaned back against the tree, arms resting on his knees, watching her. There was something oddly mesmerizing about the way she moved, spinning and twirling as though the rain had washed away all her worries. Her carefree attitude was so foreign to him, so unlike the harsh realities he'd faced back on Cybertron or even here, on Earth. Normally, he wouldn't waste time indulging in pointless things like the weather but she— well, she was different.

After a while, she slowed her movements and looked back at him, her smile softer, more reflective. She stepped under the tree to sit beside him on the almost dry earth, crossing her legs, "Thanks for listening." she replied, breaking the comfortable silence, "I never really get to talk about stuff like this. It's nice to finally let some of it out." she faltered for a bit, her gaze lowering, "I'll miss some things about this world if we go back... probably you most of all."

He raised al ridge at her, smirking faintly, "That so?"

Sonata nodded, her expression sincere, "Yep. You're good company." she admitted, leaning on the warm frame next to her.

The blue mech snorted, trying to brush it off, though there was a faint hint of appreciation in his reply, "Yous ain't so bad yerself, doe. Sure will remember ya."

Chapter Text

When Sunset finally made it back to her place, her body felt heavy with exhaustion. Thoughts churned in an endless storm, disturbance simmering beneath the surface, threatening to boil over. The moment she went inside, the familiar comfort of her home didn't bring the relief it usually did. Instead, the quiet space seemed suffocating, amplifying her turbulent emotions.

She tossed her bag onto the couch, harder than she meant to. It bounced once before slumping against the cushions, lifeless and still, unlike the whirlwind inside her. Sunset stared at it and a part of her wished she could throw something else that would shatter on impact so she could feel it the way she felt like she was breaking inside.

Optimus had left for the base minutes ago but their conversation was still looping in her mind. Every word replayed itself, each response she had given sounding more wrong the longer she thought about it. She let out a long breath and flopped onto the couch beside her bag, burying her face in her hands, feeling like she'd failed, not just in the conversation with the Prime but in everything.

"How could I mess this up?" the words barely left her lips, more of a whisper than anything but they carried the full weight of her doubt.

The responsibility she carried felt unbearable at times, too much for one person, for her. And yet, she never seemed to find the right words to ask for help. That was the worst part. She groaned into her palms, her fingers curling into her hair as if she could somehow pull the frustration out of her skull. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was letting everyone down— her friends, the Autobots.

Sunset leaned back against the couch, her eyes drifting to the ceiling as she tried to calm the storm inside her. She had to find a way to deal with these feelings before they consumed her completely.

Out of nowhere, her phone buzzed against the armrest. The sudden vibration shattered the heavy silence, she barely glanced at it at first, expecting some random notification,  maybe a reminder she'd ignore or a group chat message she wasn't in the mood to answer. But when her gaze flicked to the screen and she saw the name, Twilight, her sluggish movements snapped into alertness.

Her fingers tightened around the device as she quickly unlocked it. A single message blinked back at her, short and to the point:

"Meet me at the park in 20 minutes. It's urgent."

Sunset sat up straighter, rereading the words. Self-pity that had been suffocating her evaporated, replaced by a growing concern that tightened in her chest, heart kicking up a notch. What happened? Was this about the geodes? Had something gone wrong again? The timing was suspicious, she had just come back from an exhausting day, still raw from her talk with Optimus and now this?

Her eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. She had less than 20 minutes. Sunset inhaled sharply. If her friend needed her, she had to be there. She swung her legs off the couch and tugged on her jacket, mentally preparing for whatever she was about to walk into. The uneasy feeling gnawed at her but she forced it down.

With one last glance at her phone, she slipped it into her pocket, grabbed her keys and strode out the door.

.

.

.

The weather had taken a turn for the worse, the sky darkened by thick, swirling clouds that seemed to press down on the city. The once-bustling streets of Canterlot were nearly abandoned, the few cars that dared to venture out slicing through the growing blackness like spectral shapes. 

Sunset stood beneath the gnarled branches of an old oak tree, its leafless limbs reaching out like skeletal fingers against the turbulent sky. She shivered, pulling her jacket tighter as the wind howled through the empty park, its icy breath cutting through to her bones. The usual vibrant laughter and cheerful chatter were replaced by the ghostly creak of swings swaying in the breeze, their chains groaning as though mourning the silence.

The girl scanned the empty pathways for any sign of Twilight. The playground stood deserted, its colorful structures seeming oddly sinister in the shadowy gloom. Even the birds had fled, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind to keep her company. Sunset's unease grew with every passing second. Huddling under the tree, she picked up her phone from her pocket, its bright screen a small comfort. Her fingers moved quickly, typing out a message that was laced with her rising anxiety:

"Hey, I'm here. Where are you?"

She hit send, the message slipping away into the digital ether as she nervously waited for a response. The wind picked up again, tearing at her hair and sending a shiver racing through her body. Her breaths came out in visible puffs, merging with the faint mist that began to settle over the ground.

This isn't like Twilight, she thought. She would never leave her hanging like this, especially not if something was important. The seconds stretched into minutes, each one amplifying the silence around her. With her heart pounding in her chest, Sunset made a decision. She dialed Twilight's number, pressing the phone to her ear, her fingers trembling as she listened to the endless ringing.

Finally, a voice answered, sounding confused and slightly muffled, "Sunset? What's going on?"

Her heart lurched, "I should be the one asking you that. Where are you?"

"I'm still at the base with the others." Twilight replied, her tone shifting to distress, "Why? Did something happen?"

Dread slithered through Sunset's veins, "Wait... you texted me to meet at the park?"

A heavy silence followed, the line crackling faintly as if the storm itself was eavesdropping.

"What?" Twilight's voice was sharper now, laced with deep apprehension, "I haven't sent you anything."

The revelation made Sunset's breathing halt, her knees threatening to give out as she stared into the shadows of the park. If she didn't send the message then...?

Before she could even finish the thought, something in the distance caught her attention, a shadow shifting unnaturally against the backdrop of the gloomy park. Then, she saw them, those eerie, crimson eyes glowing like embers, full of malicious intent. A chilling wave of realization washed over her and a surge of panic jolted through her muscles, instinct demanding to run. 

She spun around, ready to bolt but the instant she turned, she collided with another figure coming out. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she stumbled back, her hands flying up defensively. Her phone slipped from her grasp in the struggle, tumbling to the ground with a dull thud. The screen still glowed faintly, Twilight's voice crackling in desperation, "Sunset?! Are you there? What's happeni—" the sound was cut off abruptly as a foot came down with deliberate cruelty, the crunch of shattered glass ringing out in the empty park. Her only lifeline to safety was crushed beneath their heel.

A cold, amused laugh filled the tense silence, "Shimmer!"

Sunset's stomach twisted as she snapped her head up, her worst suspicions confirmed. Adagio Dazzle stood in front of her, grinning with satisfaction, "What a surprise! I'm so glad that you joined us."

Her heart pounded as she noticed Sonata and Aria approaching to her sides. She was completely surrounded. Adagio watched her with a smirk, "We've got unfinished business with you." she cooed, "And there's no one around to save you."

"If you think I'm going to let you waltz in and hurt my friends, you're dead wrong." Sunset shot back.

The amber siren let out a low chuckle, shaking her head, "Spare me the heroic act. You got lucky last time because of that ridiculous friendship magic." she took another step closer, "You're all alone. Just like you've always been."

Sunset's chest tightened but she refused to show weakness, "How did you even—" she started, instinctively reaching for her geode, hoping to call upon its power. Before she could grasp it, a strong hand broke out, latching onto her wrist.

Aria yanked her forward. Sunset winced at the force, her wrist burning under the siren's iron grip. She struggled against it but the purple girl only smirked, "Got a little help from those moronbots." she sneered, tightening her hold, "Said they knew a lot about hacking."

For a second, doubt flickered across Sonata's face. It was subtle, her head dropped and her lips pressed together seeming like uncertainty. It was gone as quickly as it came but Sunset noticed it.

"You think you're clever, don't you?" the trapped teenager hissed, her fiery gaze locking onto Aria, "But teaming up with the Decepticons? You have no idea what you're getting yourselves into. They're using you, just like they use everyone else. And once they get what they want, they'll toss you aside without a second thought."

Before the blue siren could say anything, Adagio replied instead, "Not before we do." a sinister smile curled across her face, "Those idiots don't even know what awaits them once I gain all of your power."

"You mean we." Aria cut in as she shot her big sister a tense look.

"Yes, yes, that's what I said." Adagio muttered, waving a dismissive hand. She snapped her fingers with impatience to her youngest sibling, "Sonata, please do hurry up here, we don't have all day."

The cerulean female ponded, her steps slow, almost reluctant as she moved, her hand outstretched toward their enemy's necklace. Just as her fingers were inches away from it, Sunset acted.

With every ounce of strength in her body, she twisted, dropping low as she swept her leg beneath Aria's feet. The purple-haired siren let out a startled grunt as she lost her balance, toppling backward, straight into Sonata. A startled yelp escaped her younger sister's mouth as the two crashed into the dirt in a tangle of limbs. Sunset didn't waste another second. The moment they were down, she was already moving. She pushed off the soil with explosive force, sprinting away at full speed, her breath coming in quick, shallow bursts.

Behind her, she heard Adagio's furious shriek, "You IDIOTS! She's getting away!"

Aria snarled, scrambling to untangle from Sonata, who was groaning in confusion, "Ugh, get off me!"

"But you fell on me!" her sibling whined.

Sunset didn't look back. Her only thought was to escape. The park's exit was up ahead, if she could make it to the streets, she had a chance. 

However, Adagio wasn't going to let her go that easily. The leader's expression twisted into something dangerous. Her hands clenched into fists as she watched her rival slip further away. Her jaw tightened, her teeth grinding together, "Looks like I have to take matters into my own hands."

The cold night breeze stung Sunset's skin as she weaved between the trees, her boots pounding against the damp dirt. She had to be gaining ground, had to be losing them. She risked a glance over her shoulder. No one.

Right when she thought she had outrun them, a wave of dizziness slammed into her. The girl staggered, blinking rapidly as the world around her warped and distorted. The streetlights in the distance stretched and swayed unnaturally. The trees blurred at the edges of her vision, their shadows dancing like living things. Faint at first, she heard the soft, sinister hum of Adagio's tone weaving through the air like a toxin. It was subtle but growing louder, the melody wrapping around her mind like invisible chains.

"No... nonono, not now!" Sunset exclaimed, holding her head, fighting it. But it was already too late. Out of the mist, several figures began to emerge. The young teenager froze on her spot as she recognized them. Her friends.

But something was horribly, horribly wrong. Their faces, twisted in anger, filled with unrelenting hatred. They stood in a loose circle around her, their gazes piercing and unreadable but unmistakably full of contempt. The girl took a step back, her pulse skyrocketing.

"How could you do this, Sunset?" Twilight's question was sharp, unrecognizable in its harshness. Her eyes, once kind, full of understanding, were now hard, accusing.

"We trusted you!" Rainbow Dash snapped, "And you let us down!"

"You've ruined everything." Rarity sneered, her usual poise laced with venomous disdain.

"No, no, this isn't real!" Sunset turned wildly, trying to escape their hateful glares but wherever she moved, they followed. The suffocating wall of betrayal surrounded her, closing in, cutting off every way out. Then, a shadow loomed in front of her. Sunset spun and her blood turned to ice. Optimus.

The towering Autobot stood motionless, his piercing blue optics locked onto her. There was no warmth in them, only cold, quiet judgment, "You are a liability, Sunset." his deep words rumbled like thunder, a final verdict, "You were never meant to be part of this."

Sunset stumbled back, her vision blurring as hot, stinging tears began to form. And the accusations only grew louder, cutting like jagged glass, digging deep, reopening old wounds she thought had long since healed. She pressed her hands against her ears, trying to block them out. Alas, the song slithered through, each note dragging her further into the abyss. 

Her knees buckled. She collapsed onto the ground, trembling. She was alone. Drowning. Suffocating. And in the swirling shadows, Adagio laughed, "Stop it... please... stop." Sunset pleaded as the illusions only grew more vivid.

"You can't escape me." the siren whispered silkily. And in the shadows, she could see Adagio, her smirk wide as she watched her fall apart.

Sunset's fingers curled into the dirt, slipping, losing control as the illusion took full hold. The world around her spun, her sense of self crumbling under the weight of Adagio's influence, "Stay focused... don't lose it..." she said to herself. Her grip on reality frayed at the edges, her vision darkening. The last shreds of her willpower threatened to snap under the crushing weight of despair.

Then, amidst the whole ongoing mayhem, an unexpected calm and warm voice cut through the blackness like a beacon of light.

"Do not lose control, my dear Sunset." 

"Keep fighting."

It was gentle, familiar. The storm of doubt, fear and the sirens' venomous song that had threatened to consume her suddenly felt... distant. Her shaking hands began to still, the crushing weight pressing down on her chest lifting just enough for her to take a breath. A spark of warmth flared deep within her, like dying sparks rapidly catching fire again. Deep, shuddering breath filled her lungs. The illusions that had tormented her wavered, their hold on her unraveling like threads coming loose.

Adagio was the first to step ahead, she could sense the shift but she refused to acknowledge it as anything more than a minor inconvenience. She would break Sunset, "You're persistent, I'll give you that." the Dazzling leader responded, "But let's be honest, how much longer can you keep this up?" her fingers stretched out, reaching for the desired geode. Unexpectedly, an abrupt wave of energy exploded from Sunset's body.

The shockwave rippled outward in a flash of golden light, the sheer force of it slamming into the siren. She staggered back with a gasp, gritting her teeth as a burning pain licked up her arms like fire against her skin. The smirk vanished from her face, replaced with shock. Aria and Sonata flinched at the blast, their gazes snapping to their leader. Adagio growled, her hands clenching into fists, "What... what is this?" she hissed, the aura surrounding her enemy pulsed, glowing brighter with each passing second, feeding off her defiance, her sheer refusal to surrender.

"What's taking you so long?!" Aria shouted.

"I'm working on it!" her older sister yelled back, stepping onwards once more. The scorching energy pulsing from Sunset's body flared hotter but she didn't stop. Even as the burning sensation bit at her skin and invisible flames licked up her arms, she forced herself through it. 

Sunset's breathing hitched, her body quivering. With a final, forceful lunge, Adagio reached forward, her fingers closing around the necklace. And the instant she touched it, a shockwave of magic surged between them. Sunset screamed as a violent force yanked at her very essence, tearing through her like an electric current. Adagio tightened her grip, the gem pulsing wildly in her grasp, vibrating with the sheer magnitude of the energy contained within.

Then, with one merciless yank, she ripped it free. A violent snap of power cracked through the air. Sunset gasped as a crushing wave of weakness slammed into her, her body instantly drained of its strength. The golden light that had surrounded her flickered, then vanished. Her body gave up. And then she fell.

She hit the ground with a dull thud, the sky above her spun wildly, her vision distorting into blurred shapes and colors. She reached out weakly, her fingers scraping against the dirt, trying desperately to regain her balance, to fight through the exhaustion. But she couldn't, the connection, her magic was gone.

Above her, Adagio stood up while the red gem on her chest glowed, pulsing with stolen energy, "Not so tough now, are we?" she mused and crouched slightly, peering down at her fallen form, "All powerless and weak." Sunset's fingers curled into the soil, a feeble attempt to push herself up. Her arms shook, her muscles refusing to cooperate.

Right then, out of everyone's expectations, a swift, blinding flash of light cut through the gloom. A crackling, otherworldly glow erupted into existence behind the sirens, swirling with brilliant hues of blue and green. The trio turned in alarm, the massive portal casting their figures in dramatic silhouettes. Adagio's smile faltered, "We have what we need. Let's go." she directed. Aria nodded in an instant, while Sonata lingered a second longer. Her eyes focused on the fallen girl but then, with a shake of her head, she turned and followed her sisters, disappearing into the distance.

Sunset's vision blurred at the edges. She tried to lift her head but her body remained limp against the cold ground. A deep exhaustion weighed her down, dragging her to unconsciousness like an anchor pulling her underwater. Just before the darkness took her, she saw movement. Shapes, tall and small, emerged from the light. Figures rushed to her, voices rising in urgency but they were distant, muffled. She could barely make them out. She wanted to reach for them, to say something but her strength failed her. А wave of exhaustion washed over her completely. The last thing she felt was the cold air mixing with the warmth of hands lifting her from the ground before everything faded away.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Her consciousness drifted between the fog of exhaustion and the pull of wakefulness. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, the world around her shifting from an indistinct haze into soft, familiar shapes. The ceiling above her was white with elegant lilac accents, delicate fairy lights strung along the edges. The faint scent of lavender and fresh linen filled the air. It was Rarity's room.

Sunset exhaled softly, her body sinking deeper into the plush warmth of the blankets wrapped around her. The mattress beneath her felt softer than she remembered or maybe it was just the contrast to the cold, hard ground she had collapsed on earlier. A gentle murmur of voices broke through the quiet, causing her to turn her head slowly. Three recognizable faces hovered near her bedside, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight, watching her with a mix of relief and worry. 

The fashionista sat closest, perched delicately on the edge of the bed, "Darling, you're awake! Thank goodness!" she placed a hand over Sunset's, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Pinkie promptly leaned in closer, "We were so worried! We found you in the park by yourself and you weren't moving at all!"

The resting girl pressed a hand to her forehead, her thoughts sluggish and heavy. Her fingers twitched against the blanket, then shot up instinctively to her neck which now was completely empty, "They... they took it." 

Twilight's brows furrowed and reached out, placing a steadying hand on her friend's shoulder. Sunset squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, willing the pounding in her head to subside, "The Dazzlings," she said finally, forcing herself to relive it, "It was a trick." she swallowed, her throat dry.

"It's okay, we're just glad we found you on time before things could turn out for the worst." the purple teenager reassured, "We will take them back. The rest are still at the base and Clampdown is currently on interrogation. Fluttershy said we might get some useful information out of him soon."

Rarity passed her a cup of steaming tea, "Oh, you poor dear. You were freezing and looked utterly exhausted." she said softly, "What did they do to you?"

Sunset took a small sip of the tea, the warmth slowly creeping through her cold, stiff body. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, "They pretended to be Twilight and sent me a text to meet at the park. By the time I realized something was off, it was already too late. I tried to run but... Adagio used her magic to mess with my head, twisted my thoughts and then-" her fingers pressed against her temple as her last memories blurred into a haze of panic and searing energy, "I... I don't really remember what happened after that."

Her gaze drifted to the window. Outside, parked along the dimly lit street, she caught the familiar outlines of several vehicles, the disguised modes of their Autobot guardians.

"Optimus and the others are keeping watch." Twilight informed her, "They came with us as soon as they found out something had happened to you."

"I should have known better..." Sunset whispered, "I let them take it."

Pinkie gasped, shaking her head so fast her curls bounced wildly, "No way! Nuh-uh!" she flopped onto the bed beside her, face inches away from her friend's, "Don't you ever dare say that again!"

"You cannot blame yourself for the cruelty of others, darling." Rarity reached out, brushing a stray strand of Sunset's hair back into place, "Those monsters were the ones who set you up and attacked you."

The amber-haired girl stared down into the tea in her hold, watching the ripples form and fade as her grip trembled slightly. She wanted to believe them. Unfortunately, the gnawing sense of failure refused to let go.

A beeping sound from outside shattered the tension in the room. Everyone looked through the window where headlights pierced through the interior, reflecting against the polished floors like scattered stars. Rarity stood up gracefully, her movements quick but composed as she made her way through the hallway and then to the door. Her well-manicured fingers curled around the doorknob and pulled it open. 

A faint chill brushed against her skin and she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself as she stepped out. The sky had darkened into a canvas of deep gray. The pavement was damp from an earlier drizzle and tiny droplets shimmered under the glow of streetlights. Parked along the curb were the Cybertronians, their headlights cut through the mist, pooling in golden reflections across the puddles.

At the forefront, towering even in his vehicular form, was the Prime. His familiar red and blue semi-truck frame exuded a quiet authority, his engine idling with a low, measured growl, "How is she?"

The fashionista leaned on the door frame, "She's awake." she finally responded, "But... still a bit shaken."

"We just received a call from Bee." Arcee decided to speak up, "He says they've got good news."

Knock Out's  engine revved slightly, "They've pinpointed the location of those troublemakers' little hideout."

The moment those words left his intake, the other girls appeared right beside Rarity. Sunset, moving slower than she normally would, pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders as the cool night air bit at her exposed skin but she barely registered it, "They did?" her wide eyes scanned the Autobots one by one, searching for confirmation.

"All thanks to Fluttershy!" Smokescreen piped up, "Heard she got Clampdown to spill every bit of info like a little birdy."

Rarity smirked, "Her kindness can be pretty powerful, especially when used wisely."

"We should gather at the amphitheater." suggested Twilight, "No one will be there at this hour and we need a secure location. Somewhere out of the way, where we can plan without interruptions."

"Oooh, good idea!" Pinkie beamed, her usual energy returning, though a hint of restrained seriousness lingered beneath her enthusiasm.

"You've got a point there, darling." Rarity agreed as she considered the idea.

Sunset straightened, pushing past the lingering dizziness, "Then let's grab what we need and go." she directed, "This might be our last chance."

"We'll contact the others and have them meet us there." replied Arcee.

All of the girls nodded as they went inside to prepare. This wasn't over. Now, they had a lead.

Chapter Text

[ Trigger warning: Abuse ]

The old warehouse loomed ahead, the distant hum of the city barely reached this far, leaving the outskirts cloaked in an eerie silence, broken only by the howling wind that slipped through the shattered windows and jagged gaps in the walls. The moon shined bright as the Dazzlings walked towards it, their footsteps echoing in the empty, decaying space.

Near the entrance was Steeljaw. His metallic frame gleamed beneath the light, his optics studied them with an unsettling mix of amusement and scrutiny, "Ah, ladies." he greeted charmingly, "I see you've finally arrived. I assume the plan was a success?"

Adagio stood at the forefront of her sisters, a smirk curled across her lips as she lifted her hand, showing off the stolen geode, "All of their magic is officially under our possession." she announced with pride. Then, just as quickly, her gaze flicked back to Steeljaw, turning cool and assessing, "Would you like to tell me where have you been?"

His muzzle twitched slightly as he regained his usual smooth demeanor, "I had to deal with a little... something." he replied, his tone evasive, measured, "Insignificant, really. No need to concern yourselves."

"So I've heard." the golden-haired female murmured, spotting his battered frame. Dents and scratches marred his otherwise pristine armor, faint yet unmistakable signs of a scuffle. She let the observation settle between them for a long, weighted pause before tilting her head, feigning innocence, "Does it have anything to do with our plan? Or are you just... ditching us?" her attention flicked to a particularly deep scratch along his side and she raised a delicate brow, "Seems you went through a bit of a fight. Didn't go as smoothly as you'd like?"

For a split second, something dark flickered behind Steeljaw's face-plate, "A minor inconvenience." his growl was low but warning, "Nothing that concerns you or our arrangement." he inserted, his derma curling into a thin smile with no warmth to it.

Adagio turned to her siblings, "You two, put this on the table with the rest." she ordered, handing the geode off to Aria without looking, "I'll be there in a minute." without waiting for a response, she turned back to the wolfcon, watching as her sisters disappeared deeper into the warehouse. Crossing her arms, she stepped closer to the Decepticon, "I don't like being kept in the dark." she muttered, "If this plan is going to work, we all need to be on the same page. No secrets."

"Why, of course." he purred, carrying the right amount of charm, "We're allies, after all. I would never dream of leaving my teammates behind, especially when we're so close to success." his predatory nature never quite left him, even when he pretended at civility, "Which reminds me," he continued, his tone shifting as if the thought had just conveniently occurred to him, "I have good news of my own. The Groundbridge is nearly complete. We're only missing one key component, a power source capable of sustaining the energy it requires."

His charge raised a brow, "And where exactly do you plan on finding that?"

"A fusion reactor." Steeljaw replied confidently, "Perhaps from one of the nearby military facilities. My pack and I can retrieve it while you and your sisters focus on harnessing that magic of yours. A perfect division of labor, wouldn't you agree?"

The girl studied him, weighing his words carefully. Her arms remained folded and she let out an exhale, "Fine. Make sure this little side mission of yours doesn't delay things. We've waited long enough. Once that stupid bridge is operational, I expect us to move swiftly."

"Naturally." he gave a calm response, "I wouldn't dream of dragging my pedes. The moment the reactor is in our servos, we'll be ready to proceed." he then cast a brief glance to the door where the other two girls had gone, "In the meantime, I trust you'll keep your end of the bargain?"

"Oh, don't you worry about us." she passed past him, barely glancing back as she added, "When the time comes, we'll have more than enough magic to make this world bows before us. Just be prepared for what comes next. I'd hate to see you fall behind."

With that, she turned on her heel, her long hair flowing as she walked away, leaving Steeljaw standing in the flickering half-light, his grin still intact but his optics watching her with intensity.

Adagio shoved open the heavy warehouse door, her boots clicking against the concrete as she went inside. Aria leaned lazily against the wall, arms crossed, observing her sister's entrance, "You two seemed tense." she mused.

Their leader rolled her eyes, striding to the center of the room, "Whatever. I won't need to deal with that smug, self-satisfied prick much longer. I have everything I need." her attention landed on the stolen jewels, particularly the last set of colorful four, laid out neatly atop a crate, "Hand them over, Sonata." she commanded, holding out a perfectly manicured hand. When her youngest sister didn't immediately comply, her gaze hardened, fingers twitching impatiently, waiting. The cerulean girl stood nervously, her eyes moving between the geodes and her sisters.

Slowly and unsurely, she took them in her hold. Still, she didn't approach her siblings right away. Her grip on them tightened unconsciously, the pulse of magic vibrating faintly against her fingertips. Adagio's patience began to wear thin and a low growl of annoyance escaped her, "Do I have to repeat myself? Hurry up!" the blue siren flinched at the harsh tone, remaining frozen in place.

Her stomach churned as she stared at the necklaces. It should have felt right, this was everything they had worked for, everything Adagio had led them toward. Yet, something in her heart twisted uncomfortably, "I..." her lip trembled and she bit down on it before finally mustering the courage to speak, "I don't think this is... a good idea..."

Once the words left her mouth the amber girl's eyes narrowed into thin, dangerous slits, "What?" she murmured, her question deceptively soft, laced with an underlying threat.

Aria watched the exchange with mild surprise. It wasn't often that her little sister openly questioned Adagio and now, standing here, defying her— the violet siren couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

Sonata stiffened under the weight of their gazes, although for once, didn't instantly shrink away, "I just... I don't know if we should do this." she stammered, glancing down at the stones as if they might provide her with an answer. Her hands shook a bit as she gripped them tighter. She sucked in a shaky breath, willing herself to continue, "We've already gotten along with the 'Cons. T-they're not so bad once you get to know them. Some of them are... nice, even. Right, Ari?" she turned to her other sister, seeking some form of validation. And instead of responding, Aria looked away, her fingers tightening around her own crossed arms, remaining silent.

Their leader, meanwhile, looked at her younger sibling as though she had grown a second head, "You can't be serious." she scoffed, pure disbelief dripping from every syllable.

Her relative nodded, determination flickering beneath her anxious expression, "They've helped us a lot and I-I kinda like them."

"You like them?" Adagio repeated mockingly, "We're using them, Dusk, the same way they're using us. You actually think they care about us? About you?" Sonata's lips parted, sadly, no words dared to come out. She was frozen, glancing down at the ground.

Her older sibling took a menacing step forward, "You think they're friends, don't you? Newsflash dear, they aren't. They manipulate, they deceive and the moment we're no longer useful to them, they'll toss us aside like yesterday's trash. We are here to get our magic back, to take what's ours. They are nothing but pawns in our game." her eyes flashed with anger and before Sonata could react, Adagio lunged. In a blur of motion, she snatched the blue girl's wrist, her grip bruisingly tight.

The younger siren gasped, flinching as her sister yanked her closer, forcing their faces mere inches apart, "Am I clear?" she hissed while Sonata trembled beneath her, "You're pathetic." Adagio spat, "You always were. You've never had the guts to do what it takes, have you?"

The accusation hung in the air, heavy and cruel. Sonata swallowed hard, her sister's words pressed down on her like an unbearable force, yet, despite the fear clawing at her throat, she didn't look away. However, something inside her began to shift, deeper than fear, long buried beneath years of being belittled and disregarded. Her wide, tense eyes hardened, her look changing from fear to anger as Adagio's words echoed in her head.

Her jaw clenched and a sharp breath hissed through her teeth. Her blood boiled, not only from the insult but from years of enduring Adagio's sneers, her endless condescension, the way she always spoke as if she was nothing more than an inconvenience, an afterthought. 

With a sudden, forceful jerk, Sonata wrenched her arm free from her grasp. The movement was abrupt, almost violent. Her chest rose and fell with frustration, her breath uneven, her entire body taut with tension. She stepped back in defiance, "I will never be good enough for you, will I?" her question shook, raw and bitter.

Adagio blinked, caught off guard. Aria, who had been watching quietly from the side, stared in shock, clearly taken aback by her show of resistance. The amber siren scoffed, "Please. Without me, you'd still be fumbling around, lost and useless, barely getting by. You need me to tell you what to do, to keep you from messing everything up."

The anger in Sonata didn't waver. She could feel her chest tighten, the heat of her rage bubbling up to the surface. She took a step onwards, standing her ground for what felt like the first time in ages, "You think I need you to survive?" her voice cracked, "I've spent my entire life listening to you, doing whatever you say, thinking I'd never be good enough. But not anymore..." her fingers curled around the geodes, their glow casting a faint shimmer over her skin, "This ends now!"

"You don't have the slightest idea what it takes to survive!" Adagio exclaimed, "Everything I've done, every decision I've made has been for us! To keep us from fading into nothing! You're lucky I've let your useless self stay for this long. Guess it's time I stop pretending you're worth anything."

The young siren inhaled sharply, a part of her expected it, her sister always knew exactly where to aim to make the deepest cuts, "Yeah, maybe I've made mistakes, more than I can count. I've messed up plenty of times." she admitted, "But my biggest mistake was thinking you knew what was best for us!"

Adagio gritted her teeth as she slowly approached her, each step filled with barely contained wrath. Yet, Sonata pressed on, "I thought I needed to prove myself to you, to earn your approval. But you always teared me down, make me feel small! You only care about power, about what you want. And you've never cared about us. You only care about being on top!"

Her leader snarled as she walked up to her even closer, the distance between them almost nonexistent, fists clenched tightly at her sides. Every word the younger girl said was a direct hit and it was clear from the way Adagio's posture stiffened that she wasn't used to this kind of defiance. Not from her kind.

"I'm done!" Sonata's shout echoed off the warehouse walls. Her chest heaved, every inch of her body shaking, her nails digging into her palms as she glared at the amber female with pure hatred, "I'm done being your pawn and letting you tell me what I'm wo—"

SLAP!

The unforgiving noise of Adagio's palm colliding with her cheek cut through the atmosphere like a gunshot. Sonata's head snapped violently to the side, her eyes widening in shock and pain. A fierce, burning sting spread across her skin, a deep red mark blooming instantly on her face where she was struck. The impact sent her staggering, her knees giving out beneath her as she collapsed onto the floor.

Heavy silence fell within the room, like it seemed to hold its own breath, frozen in the wake of the sudden violence. The cerulean girl remained where she had fallen, her hands splayed out against the ground. But her face was eerily still, blank in a way that was almost unsettling. The fiery energy that had fueled her seconds ago had been snuffed out, leaving only a hollow emptiness in its place. Her wide, unfocused eyes stared down, strands of her long blue hair falling over her face like a curtain, concealing her expression from her siblings.

Aria gaped at the scene unfolding before her. For once, the sharp-tongued siren didn't have a snide remark or cutting comment. Instead, her usually tough exterior cracked as concern formed in her. She had never seen Sonata like this, completely shut down. The sight left her frozen, torn between her anger toward Adagio and the strange, familiar worry bubbling up inside her. 

Sure, Sonata whined, complained and got on her nerves more times than she could count. But she always bounced back. Always cracked a joke, played it off or shrugged things away with that carefree grin of hers. This was completely different.

Adagio, looming above her fallen sibling, her chest heaved, face contorted in wild anger. Her hand remained raised for a heartbeat longer as if she were contemplating striking again, "You dare speak to me like that?!" she yelled, "After everything I've done for you, for all of us?! Ungrateful little brat... you're nothing without me. NOTHING!"

The blue girl remained silent, unmoving. Her head was still bowed, her face hidden from view. Adagio, growing more frustrated by the lack of response, cursed under her breath. Her strong gaze concentrated down to the fallen geodes scattered across the floor. 

Without another word, she bent down and snatched them up, her fingers curling tightly around the stones, her hold possessive, almost desperate. Straightening up, she sneered down at her sister, "If you're too useless to keep up, then maybe you really don't belong here." after not even bothering to wait for a reply, she turned on her heel and stormed to the exit. She barely spared the purple siren a peek as she passed, "Come on, Aria."

Her sibling hesitated, glancing down at their younger sister. For a brief moment, a flicker of concern flashed across Aria's hardened expression. She wrestled with whatever emotions were trying to claw their way out. She opened her mouth but no words came out. Clenching her jaw and biting down on the words threatening to escape, she glanced sideways and forced herself to keep walking.

With a heavy sigh, she turned and followed her leader out the door, the cold night swallowing them whole, leaving the younger girl alone in the suffocating silence. 

However, beneath the fall of Sonata's long blue hair, something glittered faintly. Her fingers curled ever so slightly around the forgotten glowing geode clutched in her trembling hand.  

Chapter Text

Overhead, the stars slowly began to pierce through the sky, unfortunately, none of the girls had time to admire the view. A palpable tension settled between them as they were gathered in a tight circle at the amphitheater.

The element of magic stood at the center, her laptop balanced atop her crossed legs. With a few keystrokes, the screen flickered to life. A map appeared on the screen, its digital lines shifting as Twilight adjusted the settings. The others instinctively leaned in, their eyes locked onto the display as if the location itself might offer answers.

"Using the coordinates I managed to retrieve and with some major assistance from Fixit," she added quickly, "I was able to pinpoint their location." a blinking red dot pulsed on the screen, "Their base is out here, on the outskirts of the city." she continued, zooming in with a few deft clicks. The map shifted, revealing a more detailed aerial view of a sprawling, industrial district lined with abandoned buildings and cracked roads. Her finger hovered over the marker before tapping it, highlighting a single, run-down structure, "Right... here."

The image on the screen sharpened, showing a dilapidated warehouse standing alone amidst rusted storage containers. The place looked lifeless, forgotten, exactly the kind of spot where someone wouldn't expect to find stolen magic hidden away.

Removing his snoot from the screen, Spike let out a delighted bark as he looked at his owner, wagging his tail, "Neat! Nice job, Twi!"

"Ugh, out of all places they could pick, they chose this?" Rarity made a disgusted grimace, "Those brutes really have dreadful taste, don't they?" her nose wrinkled as she imagined the dust, grime and filth that no doubt coated every inch of the area. The thought alone made her shudder.

"Worry about their dirty lair later. Our geodes are in there!" Rainbow interjected, directing to the screen.

Twilight adjusted her glasses, nodding, "It's more than a bad location, it's strategic. It's in an isolated industrial district which means minimal interference from civilians and authorities. The perfect place for them to hide, especially with all their tech."

Sunset leaned in closer, "We can't just charge in blindly. If there is an ambush, we need to know before we walk straight into it."

"Actually, that's what I'm doing right now." her friend began typing rapidly on her laptop, brows furrowed in concentration, "If I can only tap into any nearby surveillance systems, I might be able to see if there's movement inside."

Rainbow tapped her foot impatiently, "How long is this gonna take?" she asked, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.

"Hacking into security feeds isn't as easy as flipping a switch." answered Twilight, "If they have any sort of firewall, I need to be careful. If I trip an alert, they'll know we're watching them."

Pinkie suddenly shot up with excitement, "Ooooh! Maybe we can sneak in like ninjas! Silent... and dangerous!" she struck a dramatic pose, crouching low with her arms extended like she was ready to pounce.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Yeah, because nothing says silent like you, Pinks."

The energetic girl gasped, "I can totally be quiet if I wanna be!"

Fluttershy came in between them, "Now, now, you two." she gently placed a hand on Pinkie's shoulder, "There's no need to make a fuss over such a thing. I'm sure we'll find a way to make this work."

"Uh, duh! Let's not forget you ladies have one pretty powerful mini-con dog here." Spike reminded with a smug, "I can be your designated spy with a cool code name. Like... 'Shadow Fang'! Or 'Agent Bark'!"

Rainbow chuckled, ruffling his fur, "How about 'Fluffy Tail'?"

The little dog groaned, "You're the worst."

Rarity sighed, placing a hand on her hip, "While I abhor the idea of crawling through some dust-ridden, grimy old building, I suppose retrieving our literal magical lifelines is more of an importance."

Applejack smirked, "Glad to see ya got yer priorities straight."

Right then, the purple girl let out a loud, "Aha!" as several codes and images appeared, showing nothing but dim overhead lights and an empty natural area, "No guards outside." she confirmed, "At least, none that we can see."

"Then we're going in." Sunset pushed herself up, "If we act now, we might catch them before things escalate further." she declared. Her friends glanced at one another and then nodded in agreement. The group shifted, preparing to leave, each of them slipping into the motion of action that had become second nature.

Just as they were about to move, the faintest noises in the shadows made them halt in their tracks. A presence lingered beyond the reach of the faint light. A soft footstep was heard and once a single figure materialized from the darkness, every inch of their bodies froze.

All attention snapped to the emerging silhouette. A second later, the weak glow from the moon illuminated the mysterious person enough to reveal long blue hair, a familiar cerulean complexion and striking magenta eyes.

The girls gasped, their reactions out of complete surprise as the intruder approached them with an unreadable face, "Dusk!" Rainbow's voice rang out, she and Applejack were the first to react, instinctively moving to stand in front of the group, their bodies poised and ready for a confrontation. They glared at the blue female, distrust radiating from every fiber of their being.

Applejack's tone was equally guarded as she took in the sight of their enemy, "How in tarnation did ya find us here?!"

Sonata's expression remained neutral but her eyes seemed distant. With slow movements, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the phone, the very same device they had used earlier to deceive Sunset. She held it up for them to see, her voice flat, almost detached, "Tracked you down."

"You made a wrong choice coming here!" the loyal element shouted, fists clenched, "Where are the rest?!"

Yet before anyone could respond, Fluttershy's soft voice broke through the rising tension. She studied the siren carefully, noticing the small change in her demeanor, "Are you... alone?" she asked gently.

Their rival didn't answer immediately, her gaze flickering briefly downward, avoiding the question. Then, without a word, she walked to the fiery-haired girl in front of her. The six friends immediately shifted to protective stances but Sunset lifted a hand, signaling them to remain still. As Sonata reached her, she held out her palm, revealing something clenched in her fingers, Sunset's eyes widened. The item in her hold shimmered slightly and for a bit, it seemed impossible. It was her necklace.

Sunset stared at her in shock, "You're... returning it back?" she questioned. Sonata nodded, her expression momentarily softening, a faint sadness clouding her look.

A burst of anger flared up in Rainbow as she tried to process the unexpected turn of events, "It's a trick! It has to be!" she exclaimed with suspicion. Before she could get closer though, her friends quickly stopped her and shushed her, their expressions full of uncertainty.

However, Sunset didn't move, her gaze still fixed on the siren, a sense of wariness creeping in. She took the geode from her, fingers brushing against the cool surface of the stone, "...Why? What about your sisters?" she asked, confusion clouding her thoughts.

Hint of pain flashed across Sonata's eyes, voice low when she finally responded, "They... are not my sisters anymore." she murmured with a sorrow that seemed to take her by surprise, even as she spoke them.

A quiet silence followed, everyone processing her words in their own way. While carefully inspecting her, Sunset spotted a darkened spot on Sonata's cheek, like an injury. Right when she was about to ask what had happened, the siren took a slow step back, her body moving as if weighed down by some invisible burden. She paused, her wings, translucent and shimmering, unfurled behind her with a soft snap. Her back was turned but she glanced over her shoulder, meeting Sunset's eyes one last time, "Just try not to lose." she advised.

Before anyone could react and call out, she turned and launched herself into the starry sky. Her wings beat the air with a swift grace, her figure vanishing into the clouds above. Sunset stood frozen and lowered her gaze down to the geode still gripped tightly in her hand, staring at it.

"Well, that certainly was... odd." the fashionista spoke up as she peeped at the others, trying to gauge their reactions.

"She seemed really sad." Fluttershy murmured softly. It was hard for her to reconcile the girl who had once been their enemy with the one who had stood in front of them, looking like she was on the verge of breaking.

All of them glanced at Sunset who let out a long breath, her chest tightening as she was observing the stone on her palm, "I don't know if I trust her completely." she admitted, "But... she gave this back when she didn't have to. That has to mean something."

Rainbow frowned, still not fully convinced, "What if it's part of some bigger plan? Maybe Adagio's using her to mess with us."

They all knew the dangers of underestimating their enemies, of letting their guard down too easily. But deep down, Sunset couldn't shake the feeling that Sonata wasn't playing them. The look in her eyes... it wasn't like she was still under their leader's obedience.

"Dazzle's leadership has always been more of a weight than a privilege if you ask me." Rarity replied.

Twilight's expression focused as she considered everything they had learned, "Whatever her reasons, we can't ignore what she told us. The others are still out there and they have even more power. We need to be extremely cautious about this."

Sunset's gaze hardened as she met the eyes of her friends, "Twilight's right." she clenched the jewelry in her hand, feeling its power pulse beneath her fingertips, "Whatever happens, we move forward and face them together. We're going to stop them, tonight."

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Adagio's usually composed behavior was utterly shattered, her gaze blazing with a fierce intensity. She paced back and forth, her heels clicking loudly against the concrete. The colorful glow from the geodes in her grasp seemed almost to reflect her seething rage, her face a mask of frustration and indignation.

"That stupid fool!" she spat as she whirled around, her fiery curls snapping over her shoulder, "Who does she think she is? Questioning me of all people?!"

Aria, leaning against a rusted support beam, stared at her sister with a mixture of annoyance and weariness, fingers gripping her own sleeves. The purple siren had remained quiet as Adagio vented her fury but the tension in her posture suggested she was struggling to contain her own feelings, "You know, for someone who's so obsessed with controlling everything, you sure seem to be having a real hard time handling dissent."

Her older sibling froze mid-stride, her glare snapping to Aria like a whip. Her long nails dug into her palms as she drew near, "Don't you dare try to lecture me." she hissed threateningly, "I don't need someone who can't keep up. I need power, strength."

The violet girl forced herself to stay calm despite the rising anger, "And tell me, oh fearless leader, how is screaming about it supposed to help us?"

"I have bigger concerns than your whining right now." Adagio grumbled and looked at the pulsating gems, "I'm so close to achieving everything I've planned for. All I need now is to finalize my plans and take the power I deserve."

Aria scoffed, "You really love making this all about yourself, don't you?" her sister's glare snapped back up, "It's always about you, your plans, your ambitions. You're so focused on your own little world that you've lost sight of everything else."

The Dazzling leader shot her a disdainful look, "It's not about seeking attention. It's about focusing on what matters. Every detail, every step is crucial. I'm merely ensuring that all things are in place for our success. And that includes keeping our eyes on the prize."

She was about to continue when her gaze fell upon the necklaces and something cold coiled in her chest. A sense of unease washed over her as she quickly scanned the collection, counting them. Her breathing stopped.

One was missing.

Her pulse spiked as a sickening realization crashed down on her, "What the—" her entire body went rigid, frantically pushing aside the remaining geodes, as if one had simply slipped beneath another. But it wasn't there, "Where is it? Where is the last one?!" her face flared with wrath as the awareness sank in, gaze widening as she gritted her teeth, "That brat!" she growled with trembling arms, "She must have taken it!"

"So much for paying attention, huh?" Aria quipped, tilting her head with an amused smirk.

The amber girl gave her a warning scowl, "If you don't shut your mouth, I'll make you regret it. I'm in no mood for your sarcasm."

Her sister didn't even flinch. If anything, her sneer deepened, "Oh, please. As if your empty threats are going to scare me off. Look at yourself. You're completely losing it."

"You think this is a joke?!" Adagio spat, "We're so close to achieving everything we've ever wanted and now one of our own has decided to sabotage it!"

"Gee, I wonder whose fault that is..." Aria murmured.

"Excuse me?"

"Admit it, all of this is crumbling into pieces because of you."

Adagio blinked in disbelief and leaned away, letting out an incredulous laugh, "Are you... blaming me for the fact that idiot of a sister decided to betray us?!"

"You think it's only about Sonata?" Aria pushed off the support beam, slowly walking to her older sibling, "This whole operation was based on your ego and your need for control. You've been so focused on your own ambitions that you didn't see what was happening right under your nose."

"Oh, as if you would do so great as a leader instead. You're just jealous because I was always better than you." Adagio shot back, "You couldn't handle the responsibility or the pressure!"

"Jealous?" the violet female repeated, "I'm not the one whose plans are falling apart because of blind arrogance. If you'd been less obsessed with yourself and more aware of what was going on, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess."

The Dazzling leader stared at her, "So what now? You're taking her side?!"

"I'm on no one's side." Aria's fingers curled around the pendant hanging from her neck and yanked it off. The instant the chain snapped, she tossed the stone at Adagio's feet, "I quit."

The amber siren glanced down at the discarded geode in shock and then back to her sibling who was looking daggers at her in return, "You think I will follow some arrogant and selfish psycho who thinks she is the big shot? Think again. The reason why we are here, trapped and away from home is because of you. If you weren't so ahead of yourself maybe we wouldn't be here right now. But no. You decided to go and take all of the power you see. When we went into that stupid High School we were supposed to find a way back to Equestria. Instead, you tried to take the magic of those Rainbooms." she reminded coldly, moving away from her, "And look where it took us." she turned, heading to the door.

Adagio watched her leaving, frozen in her spot. When Aria was about to walk out, her leader shouted, "Don't you dare take one more step!" the purple siren paused for a second, her back still facing her older sister, not even bothering to spare her one last glance, "If you leave, you'll regret it for the rest of your miserable life. Don't think for a second I won't make sure of it." the amber female threatened.

For what seemed an eternity, Aria shifted her head enough for her sibling to see the cold defiance in her gaze.

"I already regret following you this far."

And with that cold answer, she went outdoors, leaving nothing but silence. The eldest siren was left alone, standing in the middle of what was now completely empty space.

Once Aria got out into the cold night air, she began strolling as far away as possible, distancing herself away from the building. She exhaled deeply as she put her hands in the pockets of her jeans, the heavy weight finally taken off her shoulders. In the middle of the path was a tiny pebble. Right when she hit it with her foot and it bounced away, she heard a few rustling noises behind her.

"Leaving the band?"

After recognizing the voice, she whipped her head to the side, her gaze landing on a tall shadowy figure leaning casually against a tree but even without full visibility, she recognized him instantly. It was her one and only assigned guardian, Fracture.

She grunted and her body instinctively changed into a defensive stance, "What do you want?" she asked out of annoyance. The last thing she needed was another condescending presence adding to the fire already burning inside her.

Pushing off the tree, the bounty hunter took a few deliberate steps toward her, "I couldn't help but overhear the little spat you had with your fearless leader. Quite the spectacle, really. I have to say, I'm impressed you made it this far without tearing each other apart sooner." his grin widened, teeth flashing in the soft light, "Then again, sirens do have a taste for chaos, don't they?"

Aria's fists clenched, forcing herself to stay composed, "If you're here to gloat or lecture me, save it. I'm not in the mood."

He raised his servos, "Oh no, no lectures. Just admiration." he tilted his helm to the warehouse, "Probably takes guts to walk away from her. Can't imagine she took it well."

The siren's posture only straightened, "What's it to you, anyway?"

Fracture stopped a few feet away, "Let's say I know what it's like to follow orders from someone who thinks they're invincible." his optics gleamed with an edge of bitterness, "And I know what it's like to finally have enough." for a brief moment, Aria only stared at him. His words weren't what she'd expected.

She folded her arms tightly over her chest, her expression hardening once more, "You think I'm looking for sympathy?" she shot back, "I don't need it. I'm done being used, that's all."

The Cybertronian studied her in silence, then a smirk returned to his dermas, "I'm not offering sympathy but an opportunity."

Aria stared at him suspiciously, "An opportunity for what, exactly?"

"To finally be free of her grasp." he said smoothly, "And to gain some control for yourself. But aligning with the right people, that's what makes the difference."

Her mind raced, debating whether she should continue listening or ignore him. In return, Fracture's smile remained while watching her carefully, sensing her hesitation, "Think about it. You've already taken the first step by walking out that door. The rest is up to you."

"You want me to join you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she searched his face-plate for any hint of deception.

"What I suggest is an alliance." he responded casually, rubbing his two sharp digits, "A partnership between those who have no interest in bowing to others."

Aria's stance was rigid with skepticism, the corners of her mouth pulling into a frown, "And how do I know this isn't just another manipulation?"

Fracture chuckled, "You're smarter than that. You've seen what happens when someone puts themselves on a pedestal, thinking they're untouchable." he gestured vaguely to the abandoned building behind his back, where Adagio's presence still loomed, "You've had a front-row seat to that disaster for years now."

Her jaw clenched, he wasn't wrong about that.

"I'm not giving this for free but I'm not asking for much, either. You see, I have my own ambitions, just like you. And in this world, strength lies in alliances. I don't need to use you. I need a partner. If you're in, it's because I believe you can hold your own. If you're not? Well... you're free to go your own way."

She watched him as he scoffed suddenly, "I've had enough of standing around with the pack, waiting for someone else to make the calls. Day in and day out, following orders, playing nice with whoever thinks they're in charge this time. It's not my style."

"I'm tired of waiting around for things to happen." he continued, "We've been stuck on this planet long enough. The war is over, or at least, it's as good as over. The Autobots are no longer the threat they used to be and the Decepticons... well, the glory days are long gone."

He paused, his gaze locking with hers, "That doesn't mean we have to be stuck here, following the same old script. If we play our cards right, we could even leave this rock behind. No more dealing with the Autobots, no more Decepticons calling the shots. Only you and me, finding our own way. Going wherever we want, doing whatever we want. I'm offering you something real. A chance to be free. And sure, there's always a risk. But what's life without a little risk?"

Aria had spent so long being trapped under Adagio's command, fighting for scraps of power, for a place in a world that seemed determined to keep her caged. She had spent even longer dreaming of standing on her own, free of the weight that had always held her back. And now, here it was. A choice. Fracture lowered himself on one knee, extending a servo to her, his smirk still in place, "So, what do you say?" he asked, "You can stay here, keep pretending things will change... or you can take a chance with me and see what real freedom feels like."

The violet girl stared at his outstretched claw for a bit and then glanced to the side, her mouth forming a thin line as she thought hard about it. Nevertheless, after a long, tense silence, she made a decision and looked at him again. She sighed, lifting her arm, "I'm in." she answered steadily, "But if you try to double-cross me, I'll make you pay for it."

Fracture grinned at that, wrapping his giant metal digits around her tiny hand, "Wouldn't dream of it."

.

.

.

Adagio stood rooted to the spot, her hands clenched into fists so tight her knuckles turned white, her teeth grinding audibly. Aria had walked out. Sonata had betrayed her. Everything she had meticulously planned, had worked hard for, was unraveling before her eyes.

Her vision swam with anger, her pulse pounding in her ears like a drumbeat. The warehouse around her felt suffocating, the walls closing in as the silence echoed the emptiness left by her former allies. Abruptly, her gaze shifted, locking onto the shiny object near her boots— Aria's gemstone.

A wicked idea formed, her lips curling into a smile, though it lacked any real humor, twisted by the malice growing within her. The power she sought might have slipped from her grasp momentarily but she wasn't finished. Not by a long shot. If she couldn't rely on her so-called sisters, then she would do it herself. She didn't need them. She never did.

Chapter Text

[ Trigger warning: Lots of fights, deep injuries, betrayals and whatnot  ]

Upon arrival at the location of their adversaries' concealment, the atmosphere was fraught with tension as the Autobots and their human companions took in the sight. The dilapidated building stood in ominous silence, barely holding itself together, its fractured windows casting sharp shadows against the lunar ground, permeated by the scent of damp concrete and aged oil. The girls disembarked from the vehicles, while their guardians seamlessly transitioned from their alternate modes to their towering robotic forms with the sound of shifting metal piercing the quiet night.

Bumblebee took a step forward, scanning the area before speaking, "We're here." he confirmed with caution as he surveyed the warehouse, taking note of the various entry points and possible ambush spots, "Listen up, we'll divide into two groups and approach from different angles. If anything seems off, refrain from engaging alone. Contact the rest of us immediately. Got it?"

The team nodded, their expressions grave. The lieutenant continued with unwavering resolve, "Optimus, Arcee and I will take the front entrance. Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Knock Out and Sideswipe, you'll cover the rear."

Bulkhead cracked his servos, rolling his shoulders in preparation, "We'll sweep the back and make sure no one slips past us."

Grasping the jewelry around her neck, Sunset took a deep breath before allowing the familiar sensation of transformation to wash over her. The energy surged through her body, metal plates locking into place as her organic form gave way to her Cybertronian one. She straightened to her full height and glanced at her friends, "Let's do this."

With that, the two teams assumed formation, vanishing into the shadows as they advanced to the building from opposite directions.

Inside another section of the construction, Steeljaw prowled toward his pack. He stopped at the center of the group, surveying the gathered Decepticons, "We need this final reactor for the completion of the bridge." he announced, "And we will procure it through thievery. Each of you must maintain the utmost vigilance, I will not tolerate any mistakes."

Some members nodded, others simply watched him with wary expressions. Despite their loyalty, a sense of growing unease permeated them, a sentiment that Steeljaw could discern but chose not to acknowledge. His grip on them was slipping but he wasn't about to let that show. As his gaze swept over them, he noticed a conspicuous absence and inquired, "Where is Fracture?"

"Dunno, haven't seen him in a while." Underbite shrugged.

A low growl rumbled from the wolfcon's but after a tense second, his look changed from irritation to indifference, "Forget him. We don't have time to wait. If he wants to go off on his own, that's his problem. We move out tonight." he turned his back on them, dismissing them with a wave of his claw, "Now get out of my sight."

Fretfully, Quillfire and Underbite headed outside, their heavy pedes resonating through the cavernous warehouse. However, while the others departed, one member chose to remain. Thunderhoof stood in place, arms crossed over his chest-plate, staring at the pack leader, "Yous look pissed." he remarked with a touch of amusement.

Steeljaw's ears flicked back as he turned to face him fully, "What are you still doing here? I told you to leave!"

The antlered mech didn't budge, "Yous act like you've got it all figured out, always barking orders, thinkin' yous know best. But take a look around! Your pack's fallin' apart and yer too blind to see it."

"You think you can do better? Is that it?" the canine criminal kept his expression composed, masking the seething anger rising within him, "I will not let some oversized thug like you lecture me about leadership. Everything I've done, has been for this pack. To give us a future."

"A future?" Thunderhoof repeated, "For who? You? 'Cause that's all I'm seein'. The rest of us? We're just along for the ride, right? Yous ain't leadin' us anywhere. Yer just usin' us to get what you want. And when it all goes sideways, like it always does, it's us who get the worst of it." Steeljaw opened his intake to retort but the blue Decepticon wasn't finished, "Yous can't even handle the role you keep talkin' 'bout, don't have a clue what yer doin'. Yer supposed to lead us but all you've done is throw us into scrap."

Hi leader's composure cracked, derma curling back in a vicious snarl as he stepped closer, "Shut your intake right now or I will—"

Thunderhoof moved straight on as well, refusing to be intimidated, "Yer gonna try to scare me off? Threaten me like yous do with everyone else?"

"I've done more for all of you than anyone else ever could. I've led us through every challenge, every threat. I've protected us!"

"No." the other mech opposed, "You've protected yerself. Yer so desperate to hold onto whatever crumbs of power you think you have, you don't even see that you're draggin' us all down with you!" he directed to the wolfcon aggressively, "Yer reckless, Steeljaw! And sooner or later, yer desperation's gonna get us all offlined!"

"You think you're better than me, don't you?" the canine growled, "Just because you're older, more experienced? More... mature?" he practically spat the last word, mocking the idea, "You think that gives you the right to judge me? To challenge me?! You may have lived longer but that doesn't make you smarter or stronger. I advise you to be careful. Don't forget what happened the last time you tried to oppose me."

Thunderhoof still didn't flinch, "Yous really think yer gonna conquer Earth? That you'll have this entire planet bowin' at your pedes, obeyin' your every command? This planet ain't like Cybertron. It never was. And it sure as slag ain't gonna be yours."

"I've survived things you wouldn't even begin to comprehend. Earth will be mine, whether you believe it or not." Steeljaw responded coldly.

"All of this, plans n' schemes, it's pointless!" the deer-like Cybertronian retorded, thrashing his servos around, "They'll come for yous and when they do, everythin' you've built will crumble to dust. You'll be left with nothin', just like every other 'Con that's tried to pull this slag before." he jabbed a digit to the wolf with accusation, "Yous think this planet's yours for the takin' but yous haven't thought about the consequences."

"What are you, an Autobot? We're Decepticons. We take what we want. We survive by any means necessary."

The other criminal shook his helm, his frustration mounting, "Yous can't build somethin' that'll last on lies and false promises." he replied, "And that's all you've been feedin' us since the start! You make 'em believe there's somethin' greater waitin' for 'em but all they're really doin' is diggin' their own graves followin' yous!"

"You think you're fit to lead this pack? You couldn't lead us out of a scrap heap if you tried. But I will win this." Steeljaw's tone was drenched in certainty, in arrogance, "Anyone who stands in my way, including you, will be crushed."

"At least I ain't delusional like yous to see the truth."

Unbeknownst to them, just outside from the structure, the Autobots crouched in the dark shades, their gazes trained on the unfolding confrontation. Bumblebee signaled for silence as they listened intently, their weapons at the ready.

Back inside, the pack leader's facial features darkened even more, "What exactly would you do, Thunderhoof?" he challenged, "Run back to 'what used to be our home' like a coward? You think things are any better there? Face it. Cybertron's not the same anymore. Your so-called empire? It's gone. Scattered to the winds. Nothing's left for you there. You're the one living in the past. Clinging to an empire that doesn't exist anymore. Whatever you thought you could go back to, has vanished."

The larger mech didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stood there, speechless, his massive frame rigid. He stared down at the dusty ground beneath his hoofs, his optical ridges furrowing in deep contemplation. For all his rage, there was something else gnawing at him now. A truth he had been avoiding for far too long.

"Y'know, maybe... yer right 'bout some things." he spoke. Steeljaw froze as he watched him, waiting for the rest.

"Cybertron's not what it used to be. Pit, we ain't what we used to be. We've been stuck in stasis for Onyx knows how long, trapped like relics, missin' everythin' that happened while we were frozen in time." his massive blue frame loosened feebly, "And now we're here, on this slaggin' planet, fightin' a war that ended cycles ago! Do yous really wanna waste what's left of your life tryin' to keep battlin' for somethin' that's already slipped through your servos?" he gestured around them, scowl burning with intensity, "Look around yous! The war's over, Steeljaw. And we lost."

The wolfcon's face twisted with bottomless exasperation but the other Decepticon wasn't done, "Yous wanna end up in stasis again? Trapped, missin' more cycles, more of whatever life we've got left? 'Cause that's where you're headed! Keep pushin' like this, n' it won't be long before yer out of time. Before yous wake up again n' realize the whole universe has passed yous by, again."

"So what? You're just going to surrender yourself? To change sides?!" Steeljaw bellowed, disgusted by the very notion.

His shout vibrated across the area and heavy silence fell over them. Unexpectedly, after a few blinks of surprise, Thunderhoof let out a dry chuckle at that. His broad shoulder-pads shook as he laughed, shaking his helm in disbelief at the absurdity of the suggestion, "I'd never become one of 'ose goody rustbuckets. N' let's be real, they'd never accept a guy like me, no matter how much time has passed."

From their hidden position, Sunset's optics widened at his words. She turned to Bumblebee, who met her gaze, both of them silently acknowledging the weight behind what the criminal was saying.

The towering blue mech straightened up, standing tall and defiant, "But I'll tell yous one thing, Steeljaw." he rumbled with an unyielding glare, "I'm done with this whole war you're clingin' to like a rusted chain 'round yer neck. If I gotta stay on this mud-ball of a planet, then fine. I'll live out my days 'ere. But it's gonna be on my terms. Away from this mess. I'm not interested in fightin' anymore, n' I sure as slag ain't interested in followin' an immature mutt-face like yous. Yer leadin' yerself right into a pit you won't crawl out of. N' I'm done lettin' you drag me and everyone else down with yous."

Steeljaw's intake tensed, his sharpened dentas grinding together as his growls grew louder, his form trembling with unchecked rage. The sight of Thunderhoof turning his back on him, choosing to abandon him, was an insult too great to bear. The overwhelming sense of rejection gnawed at his very core, leaving him feeling hollow and lost in a swirling vortex of anger. A primal urge took hold, a deep-seated instinct that surged through his very being like a violent tempest. His mind, consumed by a maelstrom of emotion, teetered on the edge of reason and madness, the fine line between control and disorder cracking beneath the weight of his wounded pride. A primal urge took hold, a deep-seated instinct that surged through his veins like a violent tempest. Like a wolf cornered and wounded, he lunged with terrifying speed, a guttural snarl ripping from his intake. His claws flashed under the flickering light, aimed directly at the other Decepticon's back.

Before he could make his exit, Thunderhoof's instincts kicked in. He sidestepped in an instant, Steeljaw's talons narrowly missing him as they raked against the concrete floor, sending up sparks. The larger mech turned sharply, meeting the wolfcon's frenzied glare head-on. The pack leader was back on his pedes, launching himself again with another snarl, his fangs bared.

"You think you're so wise, don't you?!" Steeljaw spat, long nails swiped through the air, barely missing the antlered mech as he leaped to the side, "That you can lecture me, then just walk away like you're above all of this?! Like you're better than me?!" Thunderhoof dodged once more, his massive hooves clashing against the ground as he steadied himself, watching as his rival's chest-plate heaved, "After everything we've been through?!" he snarled, stalking forward with lethal intent, "You think you're wise for choosing peace?! Cowardice is all it is!"

His opponent bristled, his patience fraying with every word, "Yer callin' me a coward? Yous, who's been leadin' this pack straight into pit because yous can't accept reality? I ain't runnin'. But I'm done with this stupid war of yours!" with that, a feral roar tore from Steeljaw as he lunged again, faster, more vicious. His claws finally connected, slicing across Thunderhoof's shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain, staggering slightly but refusing to fall, "Yous don't think things through, always actin' on impulse, on rage. N' that's why you'll never have the power yous want!"

Steeljaw launched himself ahead with unrelenting savagery, his frame a blur of motion as he collided into Thunderhoof's side with great force. The impact sent both of them careening into a stack of crates, shattering them on impact. Wood splintered, debris rained down and the atmosphere filled with the scent of dust and leaking Energon. The deer-like Cybertronian grunted from the force of the blow but quickly shoved the pack leader's weight, pushing back with sheer brute strength. Staggering while regaining his footing, his pedes scraped against the concrete, optics flashing dangerously, "I ain't got time for one of your tantrums!" he shouted, swinging one of his massive hooves at Steeljaw's chassis. The strike hit home, landing with a brutal thud that sent the wolfcon flying backward.

With a loud crash against the wall, he caught himself with his claws before collapsing entirely on the ground. His body trembled as he pushed up, helm snapping toward his target, his savage instincts taking over. This time, he aimed for the throat. Steeljaw slashed his digits onward but the second mech blocked him with his arm, taking the brunt of the attack, the claws scraping across metal and leaving deep gouges. With a growl, Thunderhoof lashed out, headbutting him straight in the face. The impact sent a loud crack vibrating through the space, forcing the canine to stagger back, dazed. Energon dripped from his muzzle but rather than weakened, his wrath only burned hotter.

He wiped the glowing blue fluid from his face-plate with the back of his servo, vents heaving. Without hesitation, he leaped, slamming his entire form into his foe. Thunderhoof let out a sharp grunt as he was thrown off his pedes, crashing hard against the warehouse floor. He barely had time to react before Steeljaw was on him, talons carving deep gashes across his chassis, "You always were— a coward!" he barked, slashing his claws deeper, cutting through plating, "Hiding behind that big frame of yours! You were never a real Decepticon!"

Pain seared through the antlered mech's circuits, "Keep talkin'! See where it gets ya!" he twisted his body and swung his hoof up in a vicious arc, catching him square under the chin with a devastating uppercut. Steeljaw's helm snapped back violently and for a brief second, he swayed, frame twitching from the force of the attack. He spit out a glob of Energon before letting out a wild, animalistic snarl. As the two clashed with relentless ferocity, their strikes growing more brutal with each exchange, Thunderhoof's brute strength met his unhinged speed in a deadly, chaotic dance of violence.

For an instant, it seemed like the larger Decepticon was gaining the upper hand, driving Steeljaw backward with a series of powerful strikes that forced the wolf-bot to go on the defensive. Each blow landed with resounding force, shaking the pack leader to his core. But then, the leader saw his opening. With a sudden burst of speed, he ducked low, avoiding Thunderhoof's next swing with expert precision. In one swift, fluid motion, the canine twisted and formed a savage kick to the back of his foe's knee.

That hit sent the antlered Cybertronian crashing down, an agonized cry tore from his intake as huge discomfort lanced through his injured leg. When he tried to rise, the wolf pinned him down, his clawed servos gripping his adversary's neck with brutal force, "You think you can just walk away from me?!" Steeljaw roared, pressing his digits deeper into the mesh, bright blue liquid welling from the fresh wounds, "I'm not finished with you!" struggling beneath the crushing weight, Thunderhoof gritted his dentas, his vents coming in heavy bursts, frame trembling from exertion.

Just as a wicked, victorious grin stretched across Steeljaw's expression, a loud command split through the air.

"Get off him, now!"

A female voice rang out with authority, resonating off the metal walls like a gunshot.

His helm immediately focused on the source. Right at the entrance, a group of figures emerged, their silhouettes backlit by the glow of the moon from the outside. The Autobots stood tall and imposing, weapons drawn toward the criminal. Behind them, their human companions stood just as firm. And at the forefront of the group was a figure he recognized all too well— Sunset Shimmer.

Her red and yellow frame shined faintly in the soft lighting, her fire thrower aimed directly at him, "I said, get off him. Now."

The wolfcon remained crouched over Thunderhoof, his claws still wrapped around the Decepticon's neck. His primal instincts screamed at him to finish the job, to end this once and for all. But his yellow optics glimmered, darting between the deer-like mech's bloodied, weakened form and the Autobots blocking his escape. He growled low, a guttural, dangerous noise. The situation had turned against him and he knew when to cut his losses. With gradual movements, he released Thunderhoof, shoving the battered Decepticon's limp body to the ground with little care. He rose slowly, his stance tense as if caught in a cage, "Autobots." he greeted, "Isn't this touching? The heroes, always swooping in at the last second. Tell me, how many times do you plan to interfere before you realize you're in over your helms?"

Bumblebee took a step forward, prepared blaster in his hold, "Where are the other members of your pack?"

Without warning, before Steeljaw could even offer a reply, a smooth and confident voice interjected, "Are you looking for me too?" in response to the question, the group pivoted to witness a sleek, orange and yellow figure emerging from the shadows. Adagio.

A sly smirk adorned her lips as she sauntered ahead, appraising the team with a discerning gaze, "My, you really shouldn't have."

Sunset's look darkened, "What have you done with the geodes, Dazzle?!"

The siren chuckled and held up a hand. Dangling from her fingers were the necklaces. Lifeless. Their once vibrant colors now dull and gray, "These things?" she said lazily, "You can take them, they're all useless to me now." with a careless flick of her wrist, she tossed them onto the dirt at their feet. Twilight immediately darted onward, scooping up her geode. She turned it over frantically, searching for any sign of the magic that used to pulse inside.

But her heart sank as she continued to examine it, "Their colors... are gone." she whispered in dread, "There's nothing left inside."

"Your magic had quite the interesting taste. Too bad there's still a little more left." said the Dazzling, glancing over to Sunset.

The ember-colored girl stiffened, her digits tightening around her weapon, "I'm not going to let you put your hands on it ever again."

"None of us will." Arcee responded, stepping forward, her blasters raised and humming threateningly, "There's no escape for all of you."

"Oh, I'm so frightened. Whatever shall a lonely little siren like me do?" Adagio mocked and let out a cold, melodic chuckle, tilting her head as if truly amused by their resistance, "I can't believe how stupid you all are, so caught up in your self-righteousness that you don't even realize what's about to happen. You think you've beaten me? That you've won? Once I take that little geode of yours, it's all over. Every being across every world, will bow to me. They will sing my name in reverence, in worship. The power I will wield will be limitless. And in the end, nothing will ever stand in my way again."

Her declaration made Steeljaw's ears to flick back, "Your lead?!" he yelled, "We made an agreement! You were nothing before I stepped in!"

Adagio merely rolled her eyes as if the very idea of him being her equal was absurd, "You're just a lingering obstacle in my path. But don't worry, you won't be in my way for long." after that answer, the wolfcon only growled in annoyance, "Oh, come on. As if you weren't going to stab me in the back." she scoffed, "We both knew this alliance was temporary from the start."

His entire frame stiffened with barely contained fury, "Don't pretend this was all part of your plan!" he howled, taking a step closer, "You needed me to get this far. I held up my end of the bargain!"

"And what a bargain it was." she purred, playing with her curl, "You think I didn't see through you from the beginning? You would've turned on me the moment you thought you had the upper hand. But here's the difference between us, you waited and hesitated. That is why I am the one holding all the cards now!" her smirk stretched into a full, devilish grin, her eyes alight with cruel pleasure, "You were a means to an end. And since I have exactly what I need, you are no use to me!"

Her eyes glowed an eerie, toxic green as a pulse of deep, ominous red illuminated through the zone. The very wind seemed to vibrate with dark force as the pendant throbbed in rhythm, the shine rising brighter, hotter and hungrier. She raised her arms, fingers delicately hovering around the pulsating gem as it began to blaze. A powerful, otherworldly strength radiated outward, causing nearby crates and debris to rattle violently. The radiance of the jewel exploded in intensity as her true form took shape.

The second her pony ears and translucent fin-like wings magically took shapes, from the depths of the crimson light, an astral projection of her monstrous siren form erupted. A massive serpentine beast, its long, coiling body composed of flickering, shimmering energy, twisted above them, a nightmarish blend of beauty and terror. Its gaping maw, filled with jagged fangs, let out a rumbling snarl, vibrating through steel and stone like an oncoming storm.

"B-Boss!"

The panicked cry cut through the oppressive silence. From the far side of the building, Quillfire and Underbite hurried into view, "They found our—" the Porcupinecon's yell caught in his throat as his gaze widened in sheer terror. They skidded to a halt the instant they saw it. Their optics went wide, movements frozen mid-step as they took in the enormous monster looming over them, "...h-hideout." he finished weakly, fear evident on his face-plate.

Across the battlefield, Smokescreen could only gape at the terrifying sight, his intake hung slightly open as he processed the enormity of what he was seeing, "What in Primus' name..."

"What the scrap are we supposed to do against that?!" Sideswipe shouted.

Adagio let out a delighted laugh, basking in the horrified expressions staring up at her, "Surprised? You should be. Let me show you what true power looks like!" her mouth opened and deep within her chest, a dark, sonorous melody began to spill forth. The sound rippled outward in powerful, undulating waves, distorting the atmosphere with a crushing intensity.

Sunset gasped in alarm as she recognized the imminent danger and shouted with urgency, "Guys, get away!"

The Autobots reacted right away. Bulkhead grabbed Applejack, bolting left without a second thought. Smokescreen and Knock Out swept up Rarity and Pinkie, dashing in the opposite direction. Sideswipe lunged to Rainbow, pulling her along as he sprinted to safety. The humans clung tightly to their guardians as they were carried out of the path of destruction. But the deadly song's effect was inescapable and it had already found its first victims.

Quillfire and Underbite, too slow to escape the blast, were caught directly in the path of Adagio's sonic attack. When the melody struck them, their bodies froze— paralyzed by the sheer overwhelming control washing over them. They tried to move, to escape but it was too late, the soundwaves began to siphon their very life force. Their energy was visibly pulled from their frames, coalescing into a swirling, ethereal blue smoke. The shimmering mist drifted through the air, drawn irresistibly to Adagio's red stone. Their shouts were quickly silenced as their optics became dim. With a final, pained whine, Quillfire collapsed on the grass in a heap, completely drained of power. Underbite, though stronger, fared no better. His massive form convulsed violently as he tried to resist the pull of the song but the energy was being ripped from him just as mercilessly. As the last of his strength was stolen away, with a deep, guttural grunt, he too fell to the ground with a resounding thud, his once fearsome frame now limp and motionless.

The team could only watch in absolute horror. The monstrous siren's form loomed above them, its spectral body blooming livelier as it fed. Adagio's gem pulsed greedily, absorbing the last wisps of stolen energy. Her wicked grin widened as she cast a careless glance at the fallen Decepticons, their bodies lifeless, their energy now a part of her, "I didn't even know it was possible to feed on machines!" the amber girl laughed. The others, now at a safe distance, stared at the stationary forms of the lawbreakers.

"She drained their energy..." Sunset's whisper was tight with fear, "We can't let her keep powering up, we've got to stop her!"

A deep, guttural grumble erupted from the gigantic creature. Her monstrous jaws parted wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs as she lunged down for the Autobots and their human companions, "Spread out!" Bumblebee directed as they scattered to avoid the spell. The pulse of power she unleashed struck the ground with a thunderous impact, sending dirt and wreckage flying in all directions, headed directly for Steeljaw.

The silver-furred Decepticon had only just regained his footing when he saw the incoming wave of dark magic barreling to him. His gaze widened as he realized he was right in the path of the incoming wave of destructive energy. With a desperate grunt, he launched himself sideways, narrowly dodging the shimmering blast as it sliced through the spot where he had stood just seconds before.

Behind him, Thunderhoof turned just in time to see the blast hurtling straight for him. His movements were sluggish, weighed down by the previous damage he had already sustained. His battered frame shuddered as he tried to move. Unfortunately, he wasn't quick enough to avoid the chaos. At a stroke, the full force of the dark enchantment slammed into him with crushing intensity. A rough cry of agony tore out of him as the energy engulfed him, his massive structure convulsing violently under the force. His systems shorted out, unable to withstand the pressure.

"Thunderhoof!" Sunset shouted, watching in panic as the towering mech was consumed by the confrontation. His optics wavered as the vigour tore through him, servos twitching uncontrollably. While his strength was ripped away, the shimmering blue mist of his life force swirled helplessly to the red crystal. With a final, agonized groan, his body gave out and he crumpled down. The aura of darkness surrounding Adagio intensified, crackling like an uncontrollable storm.

However, before her human-self could smile wickedly from satisfaction and fully savor her victory, a sudden burst of searing flames erupted towards her, catching her off guard. The intense heat forced her to recoil abruptly, the ethereal form of her siren visage contorting and hissing at the unexpected assault as well. The sheer heat from the attack sparkled through the field, distorting the atmosphere between her and the one who had dared to challenge her. Her attention snapped down, locking onto the source of the interruption.

In the distance, Sunset stood stable, her flamethrower still aimed, smoke curling from its barrel. Her expression was fierce, her stance unwavering, ready to face whatever wrath the Dazzling would bring next. The glow of the crimson pendant pulsed as Adagio scowled, her monstrous form's long, spectral tail thrashing in agitation.

While her concentration was fully aimed at her rival, unaware of the impending danger that lurked in the dark of the night, an unforeseen presence announced itself in the celestial canvas above. Emerging like a radiant comet streaking through the black expanse, a brilliant trail of blue pierced through the clouds with unparalleled speed. The collision that followed was nothing short of cataclysmic – the azure force meeting the amber figure with a ferocity that reverberated through the very essence of the gloom. Adagio was ripped from the air, her body spinning out of control from the sheer impact, flailing as she barely managed to regain her balance. She came to a rough stop, her wings beating furiously to keep her hovering. Her human form stumbled mid-air, disoriented, her green eyes blazing with rage as she turned to the one who had struck her. Once she spotted the mysterious figure, her gaze widened at the sight of her young cerulean sister.

Sonata hovered in front of her, arms crossed tightly against her chest. Her blue hair whipped in the wind, her eyes burning with red light— a fiery intensity Adagio had never seen in her before. Her expression was fierce, twisted with a righteous, boiling temper as she met her older sibling's glare head-on, "Hello, Dazzle."

"Aw, look who finally decided to show up." Adagio mocked, hovering lazily as she looked down upon her, sizing her up with the cruel enjoyment of a cat cornering a wounded bird, "I thought you had run away like the coward you are."

The azure-colored girl clenched her jaw, wings beating steadily to keep her aloft, "You're going to return the power you stole and fix the mess you made." she declared, flying nearer to her.

Blinking, Adagio soon let out a short, disbelieving laugh, body shaking as she held up the back of her hand against her mouth, "You're... threatening me?" she wiped a tear, "Tell me you're joking. Hah, this is rich. Did you seriously forget that you had a hand in all of this too?"

Sonata's chest tightened at the mention of their past, at the weight of everything she and Aria had done and had lost, "Yeah, I did." she admitted, "But now, I'm going to make up for it... by stopping you."

Her former leader's smirk faltered for a bit until she glanced down at the Autobot team and then back to her, "Oh, I see what's going on here. You're trying to prove yourself to them." she relied mockingly, causing her sister's glare to deepen, brows furrowing even further, "A little redemption arc, huh?" Adagio continued, "Quick advice, dear. It won't work, no matter how much you try. You are a monster. You always were and always will be. We were created this way. To destroy and cause madness, that's our destiny. No one will ever accept you, not after what you've done."

For a second, that familiar, terrible doubt threatened to creep in, to take hold, to drag Sonata down into the abyss of uncertainty where Adagio wanted her to be. But then her fingers clenched into fists, her wings beating harder as she stood her ground, "Maybe not." she answered quietly, "But I don't care. I'm not going to let you get away with this. You're going to give their magic back."

The entire frontline had fallen silent, all eyes locked onto the two sirens, the heat between them crackling like the calm before a storm. The amber female's expression darkened, now towering above her sibling as the glow of her pendant intensified, "And what would you do if I don't?" she questioned, her voice low and dangerous.

Before Sonata could even get the chance to speak, Adagio dove at her. With a roar of fury, her massive beast form blurred with speed as she shot straight for her new competitor. The cerulean girl twisted her body, wings propelling her backward just in time to dodge. The Dazzling leader let out a furious screech, her form circling her victim, "You can't win! I'm stronger than you'll ever be!" striking low, her powerful tail slammed into her side with brutal force. A piercing cry tore from Sonata's mouth as the impact sent her hurtling down. She crashed into the soil hard, the force of the collision sending dust flying everywhere.

"No!" a desperate yell rang out of Sunset. She bolted ahead, ready to run to her side until the firm servo of Bumblebee grabbed her wrist, yanking her back, preventing her from running directly into the line of danger. Sonata lay on the cold, unforgiving ground, her fingers curling into the dirt as she struggled to move. Every fiber of her body ached, her limbs trembling under the weight of pain and exhaustion. She could hear her own ragged breaths as she forced herself to lift her head.

Atop her, Adagio's laughter slithered through the sky, cold and merciless, "Now, where was I?" she surveyed the field with predatory ease, looking at the mane seven and their guardians. Right then, her projection unleashed another devastating blast upon them, the ground shaking beneath the effect.

The blue girl stirred. A low groan escaped her as she pushed herself up, her muscles protesting with fiery agony. Her vision blurred, dizziness washing over her, every breath felt like fire but she couldn't stay down. She bit her lip and forced herself to stay awake. Wincing, she opened her eyes, the world distorting momentarily. She blinked rapidly in a desperate attempt to clear the haze that was clouding her sight. While struggling to focus, not so far from where she stood, she noticed a towering figure that lay entirely motionless. And once the awareness hit in, her heart froze, recognizing the familiar antlers and color scheme.

Her breathing stopped briefly, her body moving on its own, raw panic driving her forward, "No... n-no, no!" with trembling hands, she scrambled up, stumbling as her legs threatened to give out beneath her. The discomfort in her body was nothing compared to the overwhelming dread gripping her chest. She barely registered the destruction raging behind her. All she saw was him. She tripped but didn't stop. Her breath came in short, desperate gasps as she collapsed to her knees beside him.

Thunderhoof's massive frame remained still, grayer. His bio-lights flickering weakly, so, so faint. His whole armor was covered in scratches and dents, Energon leaking from several deep injuries. He wasn't moving.

"Hoof!" her shout was broken, her hands hovering hesitantly over his arm, afraid to touch, "Please... please, get up!" she finally pressed her palm against his servo and shook him gently. He didn't respond. He lay quietly on his chassis, his face-plate hidden from sight, showing no sign of movement or life, "Come on, y-you can't..." her voice cracked, shoulders shaking as tears burned her vision. Her breath shuddered as she lowered her head, pressing her forehead against his cold, lifeless frame, "I-I'm so sorry..." a single tear slipped down her cheek, falling onto his metallic surface. Her fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms, the sorrow in her chest twisting and churning into something fierce.

While Adagio defiantly reared back, her eyes blazing with raw power, she prepared to unleash a devastating attack upon the Rainbooms, her form glistening with malevolent vigor. In that tense moment of anticipation, a brilliant flash of blue light pierced through the mayhem. The luminosity, vivid and electric, painted the scene with an otherworldly hue, temporarily freezing time as its radiant glow captured the attention of both allies and foes alike. Everyone paused in their defensive stance, briefly transfixed by the unexpected spectacle unfolding before them.

A second projection materialized, shining with an equally intimidating aura as its relative. It was a sight to behold as the cerulean siren leapt forward with unparalleled swiftness, her formidable maws closing in on her sister's delicate hoof in a rapid, decisive strike. A deafening roar erupted from the amber creature as the attack sent her reeling, her immense form twisting midair before tumbling rearward in an uncontrolled spiral. She recovered quickly but the damage was done. She glared at her attacker with murderous intent. Sonata hovered in place, her stance solid despite the ache coursing through her body, her human form hovering beneath the astral beast.

"Guess I have to take more drastic measures." Adagio grimaced and reached into her pocket, retrieving small object yet radiating with immense, ominous power. It was another gleaming ruby-red stone. Sonata's pupils shrunk in horror.Dangling between her fingers was Aria's pendant. Adagio's lips curled into a wicked grin as she fastened the second gem around her neck, the twin pendants pulsing in unison. The younger sister barely had time to react before her former leader raised a hand and the combat zone ignited with control. The cerulean's girl instincts took over. Her siren jaw parted and from deep within her throat, she unleashed a brilliant red beam of raw energy, straight to her older sibling.

Adagio's expression barely shifted as she countered effortlessly. With a cruel glint in her gaze, she opened her massive mouth wide as well and a blinding beam of crimson struck with hers midair. The collision of their power sent a violent shockwave rippling outward. Sparks flew as the red lasers pushed against one another, neither side willing to back down. Sonata's entire body trembled from the strain of maintaining the beam. The might of Adagio's attack began to overwhelm her. She pushed harder, pouring every ounce of strength she had into her. Alas, her rival was growing stronger with every second. The two crystals, now working together, were proving too much for the azure female to handle.

The amber siren's smile expanded as she slowly, steadily pushed onward, her beam inching closer and closer. The sheer force of her magic was overwhelming— Sonata's spell was faltering, the red energy sputtering and flickering under the immense pressure. Unluckily, even with best efforts, her former leader's beam surged ahead, overpowering her completely. With a loud, searing crack, Adagio's ray broke through, striking her challenger directly in the chest. The force of the blast sent the younger siren flying in reverse, crashing hard into the soil with a pained cry.

Sunset and her friends gasped at the scene and quickly rushed over to her, "Sonata!" she lowered herself to her fallen form. The cerulean female groaned in response, barely having the strength to answer back, her face contorted in agony. Her eyes remained shut, her strength barely holding on. Sunset's hard glare snapped upward, locking onto Adagio's figure with unbridled fury, "You're going to pay for that!"

"I would love to see you try!" the Dazzling yelled back with delight. But just as the words left her lips, a strange sensation rippled through her body. A deep, foreboding pulse that made her breath hitch for the briefest second. Her brow furrowed as she glanced down. The two pendants on her chest gleamed with an eerie, pulsating light, their glow intensifying, throbbing like a living heartbeat. And without warning, the gems erupted.

A wave of dark magic surged outward, enveloping Adagio in an unnatural sphere of swirling energy. Everything around her crackled violently as tendrils of shadowy power coiled and twisted, wrapping tighter around her body, locking her in place. A blinding explosion of crimson and green illumination erupted from the center of the sphere. The Autobots and humans staggered, some shielding their faces, others barely holding their ground against the magical onslaught. Then, just as quickly as it had come, the light subsided.

Sunset was the first to cautiously peek through the haze, her stomach lurched the moment her gaze landed on what now loomed above them. A monstrous fusion of magic and machine, a titan of metal and malice. Adagio's once-translucent, ethereal siren form had solidified into jagged, razor-sharp plating of golden metallic armor. Fins like steel blades extended from her back, her massive tail segmented with mechanical joints that moved with great energy.

The beast's laughter echoed across the enormous space, "Look at me!" she marveled, checking out her newly armored body, "I have become unstoppable!"

Steeljaw gritted his dentas, his sharp claws flexing dangerously. His optics burned with ferocity as he glared at the gigantic monster, hovering above, revelling in her newfound power, "I'm ending this."

"Wait, don't—!" Bumblebee called out but it was too late. Steeljaw launched himself forward in a powerful, predatory leap, aiming directly at Adagio. His sleek form hopped in an instant, claws outstretched to rip through his foe. But Adagio was faster. With a cruel, mocking smirk, she glanced over her shoulder just in time. Her metallic appendage coiled with deadly grace, becoming a weapon of retribution as it lashed out towards the wolfcon like a vengeful whip. The contact was thunderous as the large heavy tail connected with the predator's frame. Steeljaw's body was sent flying far away, his body twisting mid-air as he careened uncontrollably, crashing hard into the ground with a resonating boom that shook the earth beneath him, filth scattering on his now fallen form.

But before he could even think about getting back up, a haunting melody filled the air, growing louder and more powerful by the second. Adagio's siren form opened its mouth, releasing a wave of sound that seemed to pierce through the very core of his being. The song wasn't just noise— it was pure energy, draining, pulling at his strength with every beat. Steeljaw gritted his fangs, trying to fight it but his body betrayed him. The power sapped away his energy rapidly, like a parasite feeding on its host. With a loud cry, he remained on the dirt, utterly drained. The blue smoke that symbolized his energy force slowly floated away, sucked into the jewel around Adagio's neck.

Satisfied with the fact that she had successfully dealt with the annoying wolfcon, she turned her attention to Sunset, who in return, could only stare in shock, "Don't worry," the amber siren assured as she gracefully rose higher into the heavens, "I haven't forgotten about YOU!" with a loud roar, she swiftly flew towards the teenager.

Before the girl could fully grasp the situation unfolding, her guardian abruptly emerged in front of her. With a determined expression, he clenched his fist and swiftly delivered a powerful punch to the snout of the menacing metal creature. The siren let out a pained howl and shook her head, backing away as she glared daggers into the mech who came in her way, visibly frustrated.

"I will not allow you to harm her." the mighty leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, declared firmly, emphasizing his protective stance to Sunset. He transformed his arm into his Ion-blaster and began to shoot. Swiftly, his teammates began to strike at her as well. As a defence, Adagio opened her mouth and let out a laser beam at them, causing the team to dodge and run away from the deadly strike.

When her patience slowly dwindled away to nearly nothing, a deep-seated nuisance bubbled up within her until it erupted into a visceral sonic scream that reverberated through the course. The overwhelming intensity of the noise caused an instantaneous reaction from both the robots and humans, sending them to their knees in distress. Gripping their heads and helm tightly, trying to shield themselves from the agonizing cacophony assaulting their audio-receptors and ears. Sunset's visual systems began to falter, her optics and heads-up display glitching with various urgent warnings. The combined effects of her outcry and the ensuing pandemonium left everyone incapacitated, their strength draining away as they crumpled down in a collective display of vulnerability.

The creature closed its mouth and took in the sight of her fallen opponents, "You think you have any chance of defeating me?! Don't make me laugh! I can't believe how foolish all of you are!" Adagio bellowed and her gaze fell on the ember femme once again. This time no one could stand in her way.

Sunset winced and slowly got up on her knees, her servo instinctively reaching for her forehelm as her optics continued to glint with intensity after the deafening noise. Casting a quick glance behind her, she was met with the terrifying sight of her friends and even the Decepticons lying defeated on the ground. Unbeknownst to Adagio, a subtle flicker danced across the emblem adorning Sunset's chest, a mystical symbol resembling her very own cutie mark.

As the opportune moment presented itself, the determined siren made a quick move, soaring to her nemesis with a threatening aura, preparing to unleash another destructive beam. However, fate had other plans as an inexplicable surge of magic surged within Sunset, causing her to close her optics temporarily before they blazed into a blinding white light. With impeccable timing, just as the deadly laser was released towards her, a formidable shield of swirling flames manifested around the young girl, enveloping her in its protective embrace and deflecting the impending danger. Sunset loosed a deafening cry, the blood magic runes across her body igniting with jets of bright flame. The resulting explosion of fire shook the entire perimeter. A curtain of sparking magic and flames of red and ebony expanded out in a condensed bubble with a preceding shockwave. Adagio's beam clashed with the shield, trying to break in, but no matter how she tried to get to her, the powerful flame kept swirling around the girl.

Out of nowhere, Sunset's magic became intense, crackling with untamed power that seemed to surge from deep within her. Adagio had no choice but to halt and back away from the searing heat, her expression a mix of bewilderment and disbelief as everything else danced with the growing intensity. The whole place began to get consumed by the fire. The flames hissed as they devoured everything in their path.

Slowly, the Prime lifted his helm and observed the scene, his posture stiffening as he witnessed the ongoing situation ahead of him. The whole team scrambled to their feet, their eyes widening in alarm. There in the center of the chaos, Sunset Shimmer knelt on the ground, her posture both defiant and desperate, her gaze fixed upward as if pleading to some unseen force.

Her shout pierced through the crackling air, a primal sound that echoed through the atmosphere. Her gaze held an otherworldly light, the white glow illuminating the turmoil that raged near her. Twilight gasped, "Sunset!" Arcee quickly came to her side to stop her, "What is happening to her?!"

"The fire!" Knock Out loudly replied, shielding his face-plate, "Is getting too strong!"

Optimus stepped forward, though his expression betrayed his concern, "Sunset! Can you hear me?" he called out, his voice commanding yet filled with a note of desperation. But his words didn't reach her. The rest shouted as well, they called her name, trying to break through the magical surge that had overtaken her, but Sunset was deaf to their cries. The flames only grew higher, swirling violently around her as if feeding off the immense power coursing through her.

Her whole body trembled as the energy radiating from her seemed to intensify. Cracks of light appeared beneath her armor, the overwhelming force threatening to tear her apart from the inside. It was as though all the magic she had ever held, was now spiralling out of control.

"Sugarcube, you have to stop!" Applejack screamed, her voice cracking with worry.

"We are here, Sunny!" Pinkie shouted.

"Please, darling!" exclaimed Rarity.

"It's not working! She can't hear us in there!" Rainbow yelled.

"But how can we reach her?" Fluttershy questioned anxiously, "If we don't stop this soon, she might get burned! O-or worse!"

"She is right, her frame may not the survive the heat!" responded Bumblebee. Sunset was visibly struggling to contain it, her servos shaking as tendrils of red and gold magic lashed out. It was becoming clear— she was losing control. The air was growing hotter, the energy swirling faster, becoming more erratic.

Arcee turned to the Prime, "There has to be something we can do!"

"We can't get close to her without getting melted alive!" Sideswipe alerted.

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Inside the depths of Sunset's mind, feeling as if enveloped in some kind of hypnosis, she gradually awakened to find herself amidst an unfamiliar and peculiar setting. This unusual place exuded an aura of tranquility, almost reminiscent of a surreal dreamscape. As she stirred awake, a soft groan escaped her mouth. When she reached up to massage her temple, she encountered a strange sensation. Perplexed, she glanced at her hand in confusion and the moment she looked at it, her eyes widened.

It was her hoof.

Standing up, she noticed she was now on all fours, as well as her glistening mane and tail. After that, she checked on top of her head, poking the end of her horn, "I'm... an unicorn again? How did-" her voice wavered with disbelief as she pondered over the sudden transformation. Whirling around to search for answers, she found herself utterly alone, surrounded by a vast emptiness that stretched infinitely, "What's going on?" panic began to creep into her heart as she called out to her friends, "Guys? A-are you there?" her anxious pleas vibrated into the void, bouncing back to her with no response.

"I don't understand..." she whispered to herself, ears lowering, "This doesn't make any sense. How did I get here?"

A familiar calm voice chuckled warmly, "There is no need to worry. You're safe here."

Jumping out of surprise, Sunset immediately turned to the source, only to be met with a surprising sight. In the distance, the rhythmic sound of clapping hooves grew louder. As the figure emerged from the swirling magical force, the imposing stature of the individual slowly came into focus.

The small golden pony could only stare in utter astonishment as she realized the identity of the tall white alicorn with a mesmerizing, floating colorful mane and majestic crown that steadily drew closer.

"Princess Celestia...?"

Chapter Text

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"Hello, my little Sunset." Celestia softly greeted, carrying the warmth of an old melody long forgotten.

Sunset's breath stopped as she continued to stare at her former mentor, "W-what are you doing here?" she stammered, "Where... where are we?"

The princess stepped closer to the small pony, her presence as radiant as the sun itself. Her ethereal mane flowed like liquid light, illuminating the space surrounding them, "We are between worlds, moments." she explained, "A place that only exists for those who need it. You, my dear, are in need of guidance."

"I don't understand. I was—" Sunset shook her head in confusion, "There was a fight. Adagio, the Autobots, everything was falling apart. How did I even get here?"

Celestia smiled, "You've come so far since our time together. You've grown. But the challenges ahead of you are unlike any you have ever faced before. You're one very powerful being, Sunset. But you're losing control of your magic, again."

"A-again?" her past student whispered, "What do you mean?"

"Do you not remember?" the royalty chuckled gently, "When you were just a little filly, your thirst for magic was insatiable. You were always so eager, so determined to master every spell, to push the limits of what was possible." she lifted a hoof and the very atmosphere around them shimmered as if reality itself bent to her will. A soft glow radiated outward and with a mere flicker of her magic, the mist parted, revealing an image suspended in the air— a memory, vivid and alive. Sunset gazed at the scene unfolding before her.

A younger version of herself, barely past foalhood, stood in the grand study of Canterlot Castle, surrounded by towering bookshelves packed with ancient tomes. Golden candlelight twinkled against the polished marble floors, brightening the eager little filly as she stood before a desk cluttered with scrolls and magical artifacts. Her fiery mane was wild and unkempt, her eyes wide with purpose as she focused all her energy into a spell far beyond her years. The space crackled with magic, her tiny horn sparkling with unstable energy, "Do you see?" Celestia approached beside her, watching the memory with a tender expression, "You always had that fire inside you. Even at such a young age, you were drawn to the most complex, the most dangerous magic. You wanted to learn every spell in the kingdom, to uncover every secret the arcane world had to offer."

The Celestia in the memory smiled fondly at the young Sunset as she practiced, offering soothing words of encouragement. But there was also a hint of unease in her gaze, a quiet concern she never voiced aloud, "You even wanted to try raising the sun. It both amazed and worried me."

Sunset stared at the memory and she could see it now— the reckless ambition, the relentless hunger for knowledge. And she could see the strain on her younger self's face, the way her magic flickered and crackled, teetering on the edge of control, "You wanted to impress me so much." the alicorn carried on, "You practiced day and night, often without rest, pushing yourself to your very limits. But magic isn't just about power or mastering techniques. It's about balance, about understanding the deeper forces that govern the world. And that's where you struggled. You were always so focused on what you could do, that you never stopped to ask if you should."

The young filly was trying again, another test of her strength. But this time, the magic surged out of her in an unstable burst, spiraling out of control. The energy buzzed through the air like an untamed storm, distorting the very space around it. Sunset's younger self gasped, eyes wide with panic as she struggled to contain it but it was too much. The magic lashed out wildly, shaking the bookshelves, rattling the artifacts on the desk.

"Even then you had immense power." Celestia said, watching the scene with a knowing gaze, "But without contro and understanding, the power can become a danger." the old princess stepped forward swiftly, her horn glowing as she caught the young filly in her magic just before she collapsed, exhausted and trembling. Celestia knelt beside her, lowering her gently to the ground before wrapping a large, protective wing behind her. She murmured something too faint to hear, pressing a comforting hoof to Sunset's back.

Present-day Sunset sighed, she had forgotten this moment, how deeply it had shaken her. How it had felt to be so utterly powerless in the face of her own magic. Celestia turned to her, her look filled with a quiet intensity, "I was always there to catch you. To protect you when the magic threatened to consume you. But now... you must learn to protect yourself."

The memory faded, dissolving into golden embers before vanishing entirely. The swirling mist of the in-between world returned. Sunset swallowed hard, her throat dry as she tried to make sense of it all, "I was so determined to prove myself, so desperate to be like you... to be the best."

Celestia took a step closer, "You always had the heart of a great sorceress, Sunset. But power without restraint is like a river without banks— it floods, destroys and consumes everything in its path. You must learn to balance your heart with your mind, your strength with your humility." her expression softened, "You've come a long way from that eager little filly. But the trials you currently face... they are unlike any you've faced before. You're being pulled in many directions— your emotions, your fears, the external forces threatening the world you've come to care for. And that strain is causing you to lose control."

"Magic is not something you can conquer once and be done with. It is a living, breathing force, one that responds to your thoughts, your very essence. And as you grow, as you change, your magic changes with you. You must constantly evolve and learn to wield your power in harmony with who you are becoming."

She put a large wing over Sunset, "You will not be alone in this. You are stronger, wiser and most importantly, you are willing to learn from your mistakes. That is the true mark of a powerful sorceress. And remember, you are never without guidance— even in your darkest moments, you have the light within you to find your way." she directed her hoof towards the small pony's chest.

Her former student lowered her gaze as the words sank deeper into her heart. The warmth of her mentor's voice offered comfort but it wasn't enough to quell the storm raging inside her. She could still feel the fear clinging to her like a cold, unrelenting shadow. Doubt gnawed at her mind, tearing away at the fragile confidence she had tried so hard to build. Her hooves trembled, her stance tightening with a mixture of guilt and confusion.

"I— I never meant for this to happen. I don't even know how I started it." her voice cracked, a quiet desperation creeping in. The memories flooded back— moments of her magic flaring, when she felt herself slipping, losing control. They came at her in disjointed fragments: the surge of power coursing through her veins, the fear in her friends' eyes, the destruction that followed in the wake of her unchecked strength. She tried to grasp where it all began but the line between control and chaos had blurred so much, she couldn't tell anymore.

"How do I stop it?!" the words burst out of her, raw and pleading, her tone rising with the frantic need for answers. Her eyes darted back up to the princess, searching the radiant figure for any sign, any solution that could ease the turmoil inside her.

"You're afraid." Celestia answered, "And I see why. The power you wield is immense and when you don't understand it, when you let fear guide you, it becomes something dangerous. But you must remember, magic is a reflection of the soul. The more you fear it, the more it will slip from your control. You must first accept the magic within you— its strength, its unpredictability, and yes, even your fear of it. Only then can you begin to guide it." her expression glowed with pride as she lifted Sunset's chin up, "The journey to mastering yourself is never easy but you are never alone. You have the strength, the heart and the support of those who love you. And I will always be with you, watching over you, even when you feel lost."

The unicorn's lips parted, but before she could speak, a new sound pierced the stillness— a shout, distant but insistent.

"Sunset!"

The name vibrated through the mist, cutting through the ethereal space like a beacon calling her home. Her eyes widened as recognition flooded through her. It sounded like... Optimus?

"Please hear us!"

"You have to stop this!"

More yells now, overlapping, urgent— her friends. Their cries rising from beyond the shifting fog. She turned promptly, searching for them but the world remained shrouded in fog. It was as though they were just outside this place, reaching for her but unable to break through.

"Your friends need you." Celestia spoke up, "They're calling out to you because they want to help. They believe in you, Sunset. But first, you have to let them in. You have to trust them as they've always trusted you."

Tears stung the corners of her eyes as she looked back into the swirling haze where her friends' voices echoed barely, "But what if I can't do it? What if I let them in and I fail? What if I end up hurting them?!"

Celestia's face was filled with infinite patience and understanding, "That is the risk of love and friendship. It means opening yourself up to vulnerability, to trust. It means believing that those who love you will stand by you, even if you stumble."

Sunset squeezed her eyes shut, struggling to hold back the tears burning at the edges of her vision. She wanted to believe it. She wanted to trust. But the fear inside her was a mess, whispering doubts into every corner of her soul. She swallowed hard, "I... I want to let them in. I just don't know how."

The royal tilted her head, "You do." she responded with quiet confidence, "You've always known how. All it takes is a choice, to let go of the fear, the doubt and open your heart."

It sounded so simple. And yet, it was the hardest thing Sunset had ever faced.

But then she listened— to the voices still calling her name. To the emotion behind them, the love, the hope. She felt something shift. The fear was still there, but for the first time, it did not feel so all-consuming. Because beyond all that apprehension, there was something stronger. Trust.

She inhaled shakily, then released a slow, steady breath. She wiped the lingering tears from her cheeks and turned back to Celestia, her gaze calm, "I'm ready."

The dreamlike realm they stood in shuddered, the edges of reality rippling as if the space itself recognized that her time here was ending. The mist thinned and a golden glow surrounded them, growing brighter with each passing second. Sunset could feel it now, the pull of the waking world, the distant but unmistakable sensation of her body, her heartbeat, the warmth of her friends reaching for her.

But before she left, there was one last thing she needed to say.

She turned slowly back to Celestia, the figure who had guided her through so many years of her younger life. She saw not just the mentor or the princess but the one who had always believed in her, even when she had lost faith in herself. Words swelled inside her but none of them seemed enough.

Tears welled in her vision again, not born of sadness or fear. But of acceptance and gratefulness. She blinked them back, offering a shaky but sincere smile, "Thank you..." she whispered, "For everything."

Celestia bowed, her regal but loving presence unbroken, "This is not goodbye, my dear Sunset. We will meet again. Until then, remember, you have the strength to face whatever lies ahead. You are never alone, not in this world or any other."

With a final nod, Sunset allowed herself to be pulled back into the waking world, the dream realm fading into nothingness. But the warmth of Celestia's words, the peace she had found here, stayed with her. And as the world around her slowly came back into focus, she knew, deep in her heart, that she was no longer afraid.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Optimus stood at a distance, a lone sentinel against the raging inferno that contained Sunset. His massive frame was a dark silhouette against the blaze, the orange and gold flames reflecting off his metallic plating, turning him into an ethereal figure against the storm of enchantment. The heat rolling off the fire was suffocating, distorting the area in iridescent waves as if reality itself were warping under the sheer force of her uncontrolled power.

Behind him, the rest of the team stood in anxious silence, their optics locked onto the cyclone of fire that separated them from their friend. The Autobots had seen destruction beyond comprehension but this was different. This wasn't an enemy force or a weapon of war, this was Sunset herself.

Right then, Arcee glanced to the Prime who was now heading towards his charge. The femme took a step ahead, her gaze wide with concern, "Optimus, don't—!" she cried out with warning. But he refused to listen.

With steady, purposeful steps, he advanced, his weight making the ground tremble beneath him. The flames lashed outward, twisting and writhing, a living thing that resisted his approach, snarling like a beast warning away intruders. The inferno was nothing compared to the turmoil within Sunset and it was her, not the fire, that held his focus.

The girl stood at the heart of the storm, her entire form swallowed by the seething, golden flames. Her breathing was ragged, uneven. Her body quivered, barely holding itself together under the sheer force of the sorcery coursing through her. Energy crackled around her in violent arcs, her magic slipping beyond her grasp, wild and unrestrained.

Optimus had seen many things in his lifetime. He had faced down horrors that could shake the foundations of the universe. But what he saw in Sunset's glowing, white optics, it wasn't rage.

It was fear.

His massive servo cut through the barrier of flames, the heat licking at his plating, searing, testing his endurance. But he didn't waver. His digits, rough from battle and worn by time, finally made contact, resting steadily against the armor of her shoulder-pad.

The once-violent storm wavered, just for a second, as if the inferno itself was uncertain. The deafening roar of the flames softened, their frantic dance slowing. It was subtle but it was enough. Optimus didn't pull away. He held firm, grounding her, anchoring her.

Slowly, he knelt down, his towering form lowering until he was eye level with her. The world around them shrank, the blaze fading into the background as he focused on her and only her. The brightness of her optics, once vibrant and filled with purpose, were now ghostly and distant, like embers barely clinging to life. She was shaking from the unbearable weight of the power threatening to tear her apart. She looked so small. So lost.

Optimus met her gaze with a softness that belied his powerful presence. Then, with infinite gentleness, he reached forward and pulled her close. His arms wrapped around her, servos curling carefully as he embraced her against the unyielding strength of his frame. The firestorm flared wildly in protest, thrashing against the intrusion, but Optimus did not let go. He held on, unshaken.

The blaze lashed at his plating, scorching hot, burning with untamed might but it couldn't force him away. His grip was rigid yet careful, his hold protective but never suffocating. He shielded her, not just from the combustion, but from the fear consuming her.

"I'm here." his tone, deep and resonant, that had led armies, that had spoken words of hope in the darkest of times, now softened into something meant for her alone, "We are all here for you, little spark."

Sunset's body tensed against him, a shuddering breath escaping her. The fire crackled again, uncertainty wavering through it. Optimus adjusted his grip, his hold tightening just enough for her to feel the unshakable presence, "You are not alone in this." he soothed patiently as if willing the words to reach the parts of her that had forgotten how to listen, "You never have to be."

A ragged sob tore from her intake. Her trembling servos gripped onto his armor, digits curling into the ridges of his plating as if she were afraid to let go. Her guardian didn't move. He held her, letting her feel the weight of his words, the solid presence of someone who would not abandon her.

"Your power does not define you." he murmured. Leisurely, she closed her optics and let herself lean into Optimus's embrace. The feeling of his presence, the steady beat of his spark, seemed to drown out the roar of the flares. With every passing second, the flames weakened, dimming as the overwhelming fear inside her began to ebb away.

And with a final, wavering shine, like a glistening candle in the wind, it all began to fade. Not at once. But in pieces. The wild tendrils retreated as the inferno slowly lost its grip. The unbearable heat lessened, the suffocating force of magic easing as Sunset's breath steadied, her body no longer shivering quite so violently. Optimus remained still, his hold continuous as he felt her shaking ease down.

Everything now dwindled to little more than faint embers. It was silent, soft whispers of the wind gently stirring the air. A haze of smoke rose from their frames, swirling upwards. The heat started to dissipate, the intensity of it cooling as the cold breeze carried away the lingering warmth.

The rest of the team stood in quiet awe, watching the scene unfold in relief. Now, in the aftermath, there was a serene stillness that none of them dared to disturb. Not a word was spoken. No one moved. The ground beneath them, scorched and blackened where the fire had raged, was now cool to the touch, the last vestiges of heat fading away. Smoke rose lazily into the sky, thin wisps that dissipated into the evening midcourse.

Optimus finally loosened his grip, just slightly. She sagged against him, her body still weak from the aftershocks of everything that had just happened. The weight of exhaustion settled over her like a heavy blanket, her chest-plate rising and falling with deep, uneven breaths as she tried to steady herself. Gradually, she lifted her helm, blinking up at the towering Autobot, her vision still hazy from the intensity of her magic's release. The white-hot glow that had overtaken her optics was gone, replaced by clear, deep pools of bright neon blue.

The old leader watched her intently, exhibiting a tranquility that conveyed no urgency for answers or explanations. Instead, he granted her the invaluable gift of time, allowing her to compose herself in the midst of her turmoil, offering the silent assurance of support. When he eventually broke the quietude, his voice resonated with a calming depth, as he inquired with a gentle yet resolute tone, "Are you feeling alright?"

In response, she gathered her scattered thoughts, finding the weight of her emotions lifting and managed to whisper, "I... I think so." she straightened herself, her digits grasping the edge of her helmet as she continued, her words laden with disbelief and guilt, "...I can't believe I did this. I couldn't—"

He extended a comforting servo to her back, his touch a grounding force that provided her with a sense of security, "You're safe now." he reassured, "The blaze has been extinguished."

Sunset stood still, her gaze fixed on him, watching him intently for a bit, allowing his comfort to sink in, each syllable weighing in her head. She lowered her gaze, tracing patterns in the dust at her pedes. Everything really had faded. She had control again.

"Sugarcube!"

The ember girl turned, meeting the joyful expressions of the other holders of the elements as they rushed towards her in a heartwarming display of care and delight.

"We're so glad you're okay." Fluttershy responded happily.

"You really scared us out there." added Rainbow.

Sunset managed a small, tired smile, her heart swelling with tenderness at the sight of her friends. However, a wave of remorse washed over her, causing her features to change to a more melancholic state as she acknowledged the unintended consequences of her actions. She rubbed her arm, glancing away out of great shame, "I didn't mean for any of this to happen... and to scare you all like that. I'm so sorry."

Twilight shook her head, "You don't have to apologize. The important thing is that you're alright."

All of them stood there, watching her with cheerful faces, offering her ease and understanding. The weight of her worries lifted, replaced by a sense of calm that she had not realized she craved so desperately.

But before she could respond, a slow, mocking clap of metal hooves resounded through the zone, causing everyone to redirect their awareness to the source of the noise. They all locked onto the sight of the robotic siren form gracefully soaring through the darkened sky, "How touching." Adagio grimaced with disgust, "Honestly, watching this pathetic display of friendship is enough to make me sick to my stomach."

Sunset's glare hardened, her weariness momentarily overridden by a surge of annoyance that flared within her being. Pushing herself up from her position, she rose to her full height, standing confidently on her pedes, "You never know when to quit, do you?"

The creature let out a dark chuckle, "Why would I quit when things are just getting interesting? You all think you've won something here, don't you? That because you've had your little moment everything is going to be okay? You all cling to these ridiculous ideas of friendship and loyalty as if they actually make you stronger. But let me tell you something. Those bonds will be your undoing. They make you weak, vulnerable. They only tie you down, dragging you into the dirt!"

Out of the corner of her optic, Sunset caught sight of Sonata struggling to rise from the rugged terrain. The Rainbooms, sensing the urgency in their friend's observation, turned their faces to follow her line of sight. The blue siren wobbled faintly from the physical toll of the ordeal, her body quivering as if an invisible weight bore down on her, each movement a testament to her inner strength warring against her external injuries.

A fleeting connection sparked when their gazes locked, a silent exchange passing among them, conveying unspoken emotions. Abruptly, a shared understanding blossomed, bridging the gap between adversaries and drawing closer the ties that linked these opposing forces. Sunset found a glimpse of compassion stirring within her, a newfound empathy growing for the enemy who revealed humanity that transcended the boundaries of enmity.

Sunset watched her, a silent intensity emanating from her look, until she offered a small but encouraging smile in return. With a deliberate calmness, she pivoted her concentration back to Adagio, "You're wrong." she declared. The amber siren's features contorted into a frown of displeasure as she continued, "You think friendship is a weakness. But it's not. It's our greatest strength."

When Sonata finally managed to push herself up onto her knees, her stance directly froze in place, meeting Twilight's expression, filled with warmth, and an extending hand beckoning to her. The motion was simple but it felt like the most impossible thing in the world.

The blue girl's uncertainty was evident, her eyes darting between the outstretched arm and the faces of those who had once stood as her foes. Doubt weighed heavily upon her, anchoring her in place. But then, almost imperceptibly, her fingers twitched as they were lifted up, reaching out tentatively.

"Friendship is what brings us together in the darkest of times. It's what helps us lift each other up when we fall. It's the support that reminds us we're never truly alone, even when we feel lost."

The tenderness of the gesture surprised her and as she was pulled to her feet, she felt an unexpected swell of gratitude. The gentle grip on her arm was reassuring, grounding her in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. Looking up at the group, Sonata found a circle of supportive smiles aimed solely at her.

"We've faced incredible challenges, and yes, we've made mistakes. But through it all, it's our connections, our willingness to be there for one another, that has allowed us to grow and overcome. Each of us brings something unique to the table and it's that diversity that makes our bond so powerful."

Adagio's sneer deepened, nevertheless, Sunset continued, "You might think that strength comes from fear and control, but true strength comes from love and understanding. It's about lifting others up, not tearing them down. It's about facing our fears together, not letting them isolate us."

The ember girl turned, her gaze sweeping over the whole team. Each of them stood tall, their belief in one another burning bright, "We're not just friends. We're family. We fight for each other and we believe in each other, even when it's hard. That's what makes us strong and makes us unstoppable."

Finally, she fixed her gaze firmly on Adagio, purpose blazing in her look, "You can mock us all you want but I know the truth. Love and friendship can break any chains. You can either choose to join us and discover what it truly means to be strong, or you can stay trapped in your own bitterness."

All of her friends, including Sonata, gathered closely around her, the energy between them palpable. One by one, the familiar light of their magic began to shimmer and glow. Each element of harmony radiated a powerful aura, swirling in vibrant, distinct colors that pulsed in time with their heartbeats. The entire space shimmered, alive with the harmony that had united them through countless battles and challenges.

The vibrant blue siren stood among them and the ruby gem adorning her chest regained its luster, its pulsating rhythm harmonized seamlessly with the collective energy. A radiant intensity sparkled in her eyes, now glowing a vivid shade of red, reflecting the potency stirring within her. Gradually, the mesmerizing spectral apparition manifested above her, revealing her majestic siren form. With a sense of profound connection, she welcomed it, allowing its essence to gracefully intertwine with hers. Her intention was not to assert dominance over others but rather to protect those dear to her against any looming threats, her loyalty untiring to her new beloved friends who had accepted her.

Adagio, still hovering above in her dark, twisted form, growled down at them, "You sentimental fools! You have no idea what you're dealing with! All of you are PATHETIC!" her optic sensors burned with rage as she watched the power of their unison swell before her.

Sunset took a step, her own aura blazing around her, "You may have stolen the rest of the geodes, but the power of our magic is still inside us. It always was. And it was always about our friendship, our connection. That's something you'll never be able to take away."

Her opponent's rage manifested in a fierce snarl, releasing a torrent of ominous dark energy from her mouth, a searing beam that crackled with a menacing mix of dark reds and sickly greens, hurtling through the space, aimed straight at the group. In response, the elements of harmony resonated with a surge of power, intertwining to create a monumental shield, a testament to their collective resolve and strength. Each of their individual glows merged seamlessly, forming a swirling, vibrant rainbow of magic that pulsed with a vivid essence of life and purpose.

Sonata, fortified by newfound courage, channeled the momentum from her stone into the vortex, blending harmoniously with the rest. And just as Adagio's laser surged at them, the girls unleashed their own radiant energy, a formidable strength born from their unity and deep bond of friendship. The pure, unbridled control radiated from them, meeting the dark force head-on in the celestial expanse, resulting in a cataclysmic explosion of light and sound that resounded throughout the entire zone.

The girls' beam only grew stronger while Adagio found her magic being relentlessly pushed back, each inch gained ignited by the overwhelming harmony emanating from the elements. Even Sonata's newfound strength intertwined flawlessly, amplifying the unstoppable light that besieged the siren's malevolent abilities. Adagio's expression contorted with a volatile mix of fury and desperation as her once-potent intensity began to weaken.

Sunset and her companions steadfastly resisted the crumbling remnants of the fading darkness. Their rainbow-suffused ray soared forth, eclipsing and dismantling the siren's wicked sorcery with resounding finality.

Adagio's stare widened in pure horror as she realized she was losing, the sense of defeat creeping through her essence. As the rainbow's vibrant hues encroached upon her, a kaleidoscope of colors swallowed her in its brilliant embrace, the darkness shattering, fragments twirling outward into the vast expanse of the night sky. Her massive body began to disintegrate within the incandescent radiance, melting away like candle wax under the intense heat of the sun. And with a piercing cry of despair, her world entirely collapsed.

"NOOOOO!"

Her shout echoed across space, reverberating through the vast emptiness in an eerie symphony. The remnants of her being sprinkled like forgotten stardust, carried by the celestial wind.

The very essence of her magic was broken, leaving but a lingering aura of vanquished malice in its wake. As the ethereal remnants of mystical confrontation gradually receded, Sunset and her steadfast allies stood steady, their labored breaths a testament to the hard-fought combat they had emerged victorious from. The shine of their shared magic gently waned, casting a comforting luminescence over the battleground, where the pungent odors of smoke slowly began to disperse.

Past the thinning mist, the harsh crackle of energy had faded, replaced by the soft rustling of disturbed earth. And then amidst the wreckage and dust, they saw her.

Adagio lay sprawled on the mud, her metallic siren form no more. Shattered fragments of her once-mighty power had dispersed into the void, leaving behind only the familiar sight of her human self, crumpled and weak. Her fiery hair of curls was disheveled, clinging to her sweat-dampened skin. She groaned, her arms trembling as she tried to push herself up. The once-commanding presence that had loomed over them in battle was gone. All that remained was a broken, exhausted girl.

Before she could get to her feet, a pair of strong hands seized her from behind. Adagio gasped as her arms were yanked back, a startled breath escaping her lips. She twisted, struggling instinctively but the grip holding her was strong, "Let go of me!" she exclaimed.

Standing behind her, Applejack's emerald green eyes narrowed, her jaw set in firm tenacity, "You're goin' nowhere, Dazzle."

The siren snarled, thrashing against the cowgirl's hold but it was useless. She was drained, her energy spent. As the realization sank in, her wild gaze darted frantically around the area, noticing Sonata. The younger sister stepped ahead, her movements slow. Adagio's lips curled into scorn, masking the unease creeping into her heart, "Go on then... finish this!" Sonata stopped just in front of her, her hands clenched at her sides, "This is what you wanted, isn't it?" the elder Dazzling pressed, her breathing heavy, "To see me destroyed? To see me brought down to nothing?!"

"No."

Adagio's glare faltered.

"That's not what I want." Sonata answered, staring somberly until she glanced down. Slowly and carefully, she reached forward. The amber female flinched as the fingers brushed against the two red gems hanging around her neck. The artifacts pulsed faintly beneath her touch. Her breath hitched as a spike of panic emerged in her chest.

"W-what do you think you're doing?!" she rasped, struggling harder against Applejack's hold, "Don't you dare!"

Sonata's hands trembled faintly as she reached down and took a hold of the two crimson crystals, lifting them up. The siren leader continued to thrash violently, yelling curses at her as the necklaces were being taken away. They had been a symbol of their shared past, of the dark magic that had bound them together for so long. She held them in her grasp, heavy with history and regret. Their surfaces cold and smooth. She took a deep breath, feeling the finality of what she was about to do. She reached for her own gem, taking it off. It had once been everything to her.

Now, it was a burden she no longer wished to carry.

"It's time to put this to an end..." she murmured with the sadness of someone who had held onto something for too long, knowing it had brought nothing but pain and destruction.

Gently, she placed her own gem alongside her sisters'. Their shared legacy of darkness and control were all in her hands. She stared at them for a long moment, her fingers shaking as they tightened over the precious stones. She could feel the pulse of their magic, low but still present, the remnants of might that had once controlled their lives.

With a steadying exhale, she clasped them tightly between her palms, feeling the pointy edges of each stone press against her skin as she squeezed them together. Then, as if responding to some unseen signal, a subtle crack pierced the quietude. The gems began to resist, their magic fighting back against her grip but she held hard.

"You idiot!" Adagio screamed, "STOP THIS AT ONCE!"

The sound of breaking intensified as the stones began to splinter. A soft, yet frightening light seeped through, whirling between her fingers. She pressed harder, her jaw tight with concentration, until finally, after one last forceful push, the three gems crumbled beneath her touch. A burst of radiant red and white light erupted, accompanied by a resounding symphony of shattering.

Wisps of colorful magic and stolen energy danced in various directions, their ethereal beauty mesmerizing all who beheld them. Those energies that rightfully belonged to the girls eagerly sought out their original geodes, returning to their rightful places with a dazzling speed that left no doubt of their true owners. The elements of harmony shared a knowing look, their smiles filled with relief and joy as they carefully placed their necklaces back on, feeling the power returning into their very beings.

Blue lights flashed across the sky as they went to the motionless Decepticons, vanishing out of sight the second they made contact with their frames. Once their source for life returned, they all came back online. Pained groans escaped their intakes as they barely got up. Steeljaw, who lifted himself off the soil while holding his helm, looked at the direction of the Autobots.

As the light faded, tiny fragments of the gems slipped through Sonata's fingers, falling to the ground like pieces of a broken past. The magic that had once bound them together dissolved into nothingness, carried away on the wind.

"NO!" Adagio screeched, "You scum— do you realize what you've done?! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!" her chest heaved as she struggled. Abruptly, her furious scowl started to waver, "You will pay... f-for..." without even having the chance to finish, her body swayed, her knees buckling beneath her.

With widened gaze, Applejack instantly caught her before she could hit the ground, her strong arms securing the fallen siren with ease. Sunset's helm snapped toward Sonata just in time to see the blue girl wobbling, her usually bright magenta eyes clouded and unfocused. Her legs gave out.

"Sonata!" Sunset lunged forward, quickly dissolving into a cascade of soft, glowing embers as she reverted back to her human self, catching the girl just before she could crumple into the dirt. She held her close, worry etched deep into her face, "Sonata? What's happening?!"

The azure siren blinked up at her weakly, her breathing shallow. Her glance drifted past Sunset, falling on the massive, unmoving form of Thunderhoof lying in the distance.

With the last ounce of energy she had left, she whispered, "Please... help him..." her pleading look swiftly vanished as her body gave up, losing consciousness. Sunset held her tightly, preventing from collapsing on the grass. The others rushed to her side, their faces reflecting the same growing fear.

"Is she gonna be okay?!" Pinkie asked out of concern, her usual bright energy nowhere to be found as she knelt beside her friend.

Sunset exhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus. Her gaze moved up to the field, only to notice that the rest of the pack was gone. The Decepticon criminals that had stood on the ground had vanished, leaving only the blue mech behind.

"We have to get them back to the base." Twilight said, pushing her glasses further up her nose as she examined Sonata with analytical precision, "That much power being expelled all at once would have already taken a toll on them."

"I think I've found a piece of the puzzle." Knock Out spoke up, grabbing their attention. As everyone turned to look, the red medic strode to them, holding something in his clawed hands. In his grip was a broken glass container, its shattered edges gleaming under the fading light. Inside, tiny droplets of a glowing, toxic-looking green liquid clung to the sides.

Optimus' expression darkened as he recognized it immediately. His normally calm voice took on a hard, serious edge as he responded, "Synthetic Energon."

"How did they even get their servos on this thing?" Bulkhead questioned.

"That doesn't matter now." Bumblebee swiftly added, "The 'Cons have probably used it on them and we know how dangerous and unstable it can get if Energon gets inside of an organic life form. They need medical attention as fast as possible." 

"What about big hoof over there?" Sideswipe jerked his thumb over his shoulder-pad, pointing at Thunderhoof's still form. Sunset looked over at him, then back down at Sonata's unconscious state. Recalling the way she had pleaded for his life with the last bit of strength she had left.

"The same goes for him." Sunset replied firmly, her grip tightening around the azure siren as she spoke, "Decepticon or not, he needs help." she lifted her gaze to the lieutenant, her expression resolute, "And I have a feeling we'll have a lot to discuss once he wakes up."

Bumblebee met her eyes, understanding what she meant. With a solemn nod, he activated his comm-link, signaling for emergency Groundbridge.

Chapter Text

Optics flickered, struggling to power back online. His systems rebooted sluggishly, processor swimming in a haze of static and muffled noise. A dull, painful throb pulsed at the back of his helm, each pulse sharper than the last as clarity slowly returned to him. A low, involuntary grunt escaped his intake.

The world around him was a blur— faint lighting, muted colors, the sterile scent of coolant and metal in the air. His field of vision swayed as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. Wherever he was, at least it wasn't too bright, something he was begrudgingly grateful for, given the splitting ache behind his optics.

With a groggy exhale, Thunderhoof attempted to lift a servo to rub at his throbbing helm but—

His arm refused to move. His gaze widened as a jolt of unease rippled through his systems. Instinctively, he tried again but the resistance was immediate, firm and unyielding. His arms were locked in place, bound on the wrists. His glance snapped downward, taking in his predicament, alarm spiking in his core.

Thick, reinforced metal restraints clamped tightly around his servos, securing him to the berth he lay on. The heavy-duty cuffs were bolted into the frame beneath him, "What the—?!"

"I advise you to stay calm." a gruff voice interrupted before he could spit out another word, "Otherwise, I'll have to put you back in recharge."

Thunderhoof's attention snapped to the source, landing on the back of a mech, standing at a nearby console. Shorter than him. Broad frame. White and orange plating. He didn't even glance at him, his focus fully absorbed in whatever he was doing, digits moving swiftly over the screen in front of him.

"...Eyo, yous threatenin' me, old mech?!" his tone came out sharper than intended, lined with defiance as he yanked at his restraints.

"No." Ratchet replied, sounding utterly unamused, "I'm simply advising you to stop moving so much before you damage yourself further." the medic continued, not bothering to turn around.

That struck a nerve. Thunderhoof's expression darkened as irritation twisted through him. He hated being restrained and being out of control. And most of all, he despised being looked down on like some reckless, unhinged brute who didn't understand the consequences of his actions. He gritted his dentas, exhaling sharply through his vents. The cuffs weren't budging. And this fraggin' Autobot knew it.

"Besides," the doctor added, finally sparing him a sideways glance, "You can struggle all you want. Those restraints aren't coming loose, no matter how hard you try to escape."

The antlered mech let out a low, aggravated grumble but forced himself to stop moving. At least for the time being. Instead, he turned his attention back to the room itself, trying to get a better read on his situation, "Where the pit am I?!"

"Inside a secret military base." Ratchet's answer was calm, casual, still concentrated on his work, "In other words, the Autobots' medical bay."

Thunderhoof stiffened at the information. With a low curse, he let his helm fall back against the berth with an exasperated thunk. Of all the places he could've ended up... This was by far the worst-case scenario. The last thing he wanted was to be stuck here, at the mercy of the Autobots and their stubborn, preachy medical staff.

His optics moved to the older mech, now finally facing him. Ratchet studied him for a second before speaking, "How are you feeling?" there was no sympathy in the question. No gentle bedside manner. Just a professional, detached inquiry.

Thunderhoof huffed as he shifted uncomfortably, "Like I drank the worst high grade there ever is."

Ratchet gave him a short nod of understanding, "That means your processor is still trying to cool down." he explained, "If you'd prefer not to feel like you were hit by a cargo freighter, I can administer a serum mixed with Energon to ease the pain. But I'll need you to behave when I release your arms so you can take it. Or you can continue squirming like a sparkling and make the soreness worse."

The pounding in his processor was relentless and the stiffness in his frame from being imprisoned for so long was enough to remind him that defiance wasn't going to get him anywhere. He was too worn down to keep pretending he had the upper hand.

With a deep scowl, he finally relented, "S'not like I have a choice..."

As he merely let out a small, unimpressed hum of acknowledgment, Ratchet began deactivating the locks on the cuffs, his servos moving efficiently over the mechanisms, "Believe me, I too wasn't given much of a choice when they had to drag a Decepticon criminal into my med-bay. But here we are."

Metallic clank resonated through the room as the final lock released. Freed at last, Thunderhoof groaned while getting up, moving his shoulder-pads and flexing his servos. He rolled his wrists, rubbing at the sore metal, scanning the sterile med-bay with caution.

The medic strode back to his workstation with the same no-nonsense efficiency, retrieving a small, transparent cube filled with a radiant serum. Without ceremony, he returned to the Decepticon's side, extending the vial to him, "Here. Drink it, slowly."

While eyeing it warily, a part of him was screaming not to trust it. The blue Cybertronian sneered but his pounding helm quickly reminded him that, as much as he wanted to be stubborn, he needed the medicine. He took the cube, bringing it to his intake. The moment the liquid hit his glossa, he grimaced from the taste. It was awful but the effects were immediate, the fog in his processor started to lift and the throbbing in his helm dulled, turning from sharp pain to a more manageable ache.

Just as he was processing the mild relief, the soft hiss of the med-bay doors sliding open was heard. And his helm snapped up, instantly on alert.

His audials picked up the distant approaching pedes. Seconds later, two figures stepped into view.

"Ah! I see our guest has finally decided to rejoin the land of the functioning." responded Knock Out while strolling in confidently, his servos clasped behind his back. Beside him, Sunset Shimmer followed, her robotic form casting a sharp yet approachable presence. A small, relieved smile formed as her optics landed on the Decepticon, checking him for any obvious signs of distress. The criminal only grimaced deeper.

Knock Out sauntered closer, "Glad to see you're in a better state."

"Cut the slag, afthole." Thunderhoof growled, "Ain't got the patience for yous."

The cherry medic stopped short, arching an optical ridge and leaning back as though his words were a minor inconvenience rather than an outright threat. He shot a glance at Sunset, a mixture of exasperation and amusement crossing his face-plate, "Kind as ever, I see." he mumbled sarcastically before turning back to the deer-like mech.

Sunset stepped forward with cautiousness as she spoke, "Thunderhoof, we're not here to antagonize you. We just want to make sure you're stable... and to have a civilized conversation."

"And maybe a little gratitude for not letting you rust away." Knock Out added.

"Don't push it, red." Thunderhoof shot him a withering look, edged with impatience, "What the frag happened with the rest?!"

A flicker of something unreadable passed through the girl before she exchanged a look with Knock Out. Whatever was about to be said wasn't going to sit well with him. Still, she moved closer, squaring her shoulders as though bracing herself for the inevitable reaction, "Steeljaw and some of the others managed to escape." she admitted, "We don't know where they've gone, but..." she paused, gaze scanning him as if gauging whether to continue. But there was no point in sugarcoating it.

"We captured Adagio."

Thunderhoof's optics flared with dangerous intensity, the glow expanding at the mention of the siren leader. His whole frame tensed, armor plates locking into place with barely contained rage. Sunset noticed it before he even moved.

"She's being held in a high-security cell... for now."

That was all it took.

With a snarl, he lunged to his pedes, his towering frame casting a massive shadow over the smaller Autobots. The berth creaked from the force of his rash movement and it seemed like he was about to charge straight through the med-bay doors.

"Yep-ep-ep! Sit. Back. Down. Right now!" Ratchet exclaimed, gripping his arm and shoulder-pad with a force that was shocking given his size. For a mech who spent most of his time buried in repair work, he had an iron grip, "What in Primus' name do you think you're doing?! You're in no condition to be throwing yourself around like some deranged Wrecker!"

Even through all of the exhaustion, the Decepticon still had considerable strength. He snarled, jerking his arm, trying to shake the doctor off, "Get offa me, old bolt!"

"Thunderhoof, wait!" Sunset's yell broke through the rising tension. She rushed ahead with urgency, lifting her servos, "Calm down!"

In the meantime, Knock Out moved in from the opposite side, digits already reaching for his other arm, trying to force him back down onto the berth.

Amidst a whirlwind of commotion and urgent directives, Thunderhoof found himself in a relentless struggle that soon reached a pivotal climax. The culmination of the intense confrontation finally brought his valiant resistance to an abrupt halt. The weariness from his injuries, the residual effects of stasis and the sheer strain of his emotions all slammed into him at once. His legs, weakened and unsteady, gave out. With a loud thud, he collapsed to his knees. The impact reverberated through the med-bay, the sound of heavy metal colliding with the floor making the teammates flinch.

His vents heaved, his whole structure trembling from the effort of staying upright. His servos clenched into tight fists, pressing against the floor. His optics burned with vexation and buried beneath it all— a glint of something dangerously close to humiliation.

"Frag..." he muttered through gritted dentas. He refused to lift his helm and let them see the anger boiling inside him.

But Sunset didn't move away. Instead, she slowly knelt beside him, her motions measured and careful, "Take it easy, big guy." she reached out, placing a servo on his side. It wasn't forceful or an attempt to detain him. It was grounding. Sunset lifted her helm to Ratchet and Knock Out, "Can you two give us a sec?"

The white-orange mech stiffened, his optics widening in sheer disbelief, "With him? Alone?! Need I remind you that this is a Decepticon criminal we're talking about? One who's just proven he's more than willing to lash out at the slightest provocation?"

"Normally, I'd say you're practically begging for trouble." Knock Out cast a glance at Thunderhoof, studying his hunched form and the subtle, involuntary tremors of fatigue in his servos, "But I think he's too drained to be much of a threat right now."

Sunset held their gazes steadily, "I'll be fine." she reassured, "Just trust me on this. Please."

Ratchet released a heavy vent, his arms dropping in reluctant resignation, "Don't say I didn't warn you." he muttered, shaking his helm as he turned to the door.

His colleague, however, smirked faintly as he trailed after the older medic. Before stepping out, he shot the girl a sly look, "Do try not to let him squash you." with that, the doors slid shut behind them.

The teenager remained kneeling beside the criminal, scanning his face. He refused to meet her gaze, his optics dim and distant as they remained fixed on the cold floor beneath him. His intake opened slightly, a thought forming, a question trying to break free.

"Where is..." the words barely made it past his intake before they crumbled into silence.

Yet, Sunset, immediately understood what he wanted to ask, "Sonata," she answered gently, "Is with us too. She's currently resting in the human sector. She's safe."

The change in Thunderhoof was subtle but undeniable. His tense body slackened faintly. The news of her safety seemed to cool some of the fire raging inside him. Sunset's features remained kind but searching, "Do you want to see her?"

He scoffed, breaking his stare from the ground, averting his gaze, "Doubt she'd wanna see me again..."

"Thunderhoof, that's not true." she began while leaning onward, "You two care about each other more than you realize. How do you think you made it through all the chaos Adagio caused? Do you know who was the one who actually stopped her?" she paused for emphasis, waiting for him to meet her face, "Sonata did."

He looked at her, faint surprise flashing across his expression.

"When you and the others were drained from Adagio's song, Sonata was the one who stood up to her. She came to protect you. She fought with her, destroyed the pendants and wiped out all of their power. And she did it without a second thought, without worrying about what might happen to her. She nearly sacrificed her life so you could be okay." she said, her intake lifting, "There's a deep connection between the two of you. And if you don't think that's true, then... I don't know what else could it be."

For a long, drawn-out moment, Thunderhoof remained quiet as he stared down again. His servos flexed where they rested against his arms, his posture heavy with unspoken thoughts. Then, just when it seemed like he wouldn't respond at all, a small, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of his derma. With a marginal shake of his helm, he reacted, "That lil' doe really is a naive one, ain't she?"

After that, the sound of a soft chuckle met his audials. He saw Sunset covering her intake, a light laugh escaping her despite herself. He scowled immediately, "Why are yous laughin'?!"

"The nickname you gave her." she replied, barely holding back a smile, "You called her 'doe.' Isn't that what you call a female deer?"

"So what?" he huffed, moving uncomfortably.

"You see her as someone close to you. Like your other half." she mused, tipping her helm, "That's cute. You really are attached."

His frown deepened, leaning back against the berth, his massive frame tensing as if to put distance between himself and the accusation, "Dunno what yous talkin' 'bout." he grumbled, optics darting away, fixing themselves stubbornly on some distant, unimportant spot on the wall while crossing his arms tightly over his chassis, "Just a nickname. Don' mean anythin'."

But her sharp optics caught it— the faintest change in his color plating, a cool blue tinge creeping subtly across his face-plate. Cybertronians didn't exactly blush the way humans did but embarrassment had a way of making itself known, even through metal. And he was terrible at hiding it.

She smirked, resisting the urge to tease him further, "If you say so." she said lightly, her tone carrying just enough amusement to let him know she wasn't buying his act.

Thunderhoof muttered something, too low for her to catch but he didn't outright deny it again. Instead, his gaze grew distant, frame settling into stillness as he stared off in quiet thought. Whatever was turning over in his processor, it was obvious he cared. More than he was willing to admit.

A quiet knock suddenly reiterated through the room. Both of them turned to the doorway, where a tiny figure came into view at the threshold. Twilight stood tentatively in her stance, as though she were unsure whether she was intruding, "Sunset?" her gaze observed her friend and the imposing Decepticon seated down, next to the berth, "She's awake." she announced, her tone carrying a mixture of relief and lingering apprehension.

Sunset straightened, nodding in acknowledgment, "Will be there." she turned back to Thunderhoof, who remained like a rock, his helm lowered, "It's up to you if you want to come or not." she told him simply, her voice neither urging nor dismissing. Deliberately, she stepped away, following Twilight out of the room.

Thunderhoof sat motionless, staring at the floor as his thoughts tangled together in his processor. His servos clenched, jaw tightening as he was left alone.

In the human area, the unclear murmur of voices lingered in the background. Sonata stirred on the couch, her body sluggish and heavy from fatigue. A weak grimace crossed her face as the dull ache of her worn-out body made itself known, remnants of the battle still clinging to her like an unwanted weight.

She moved vaguely, stretching her limbs, though every position felt strained. As she adjusted, the soft blanket slid down to her waist, exposing her disheveled clothes. The fabric was torn in places, dirtied with smudges of dust and stark white bandages covered several parts of her body. Against her cerulean skin, they looked almost too pristine.

The siren blinked groggily, her vision fogged as she struggled to orient herself. The space was unfamiliar— warm, yet strange. The lighting was soft and the scent of something vaguely sweet lingered near her. Before she could fully process her surroundings, a blur of pink shot out.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!"

Sonata flinched violently at the unexpected greeting. Her instincts tensed as Pinkie's face became visible above her, mere inches from her own, bright blue eyes practically sparkling with excitement.

"Pinkie!" a pair of elegant, manicured hands grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back with a firm yet graceful touch. Rarity shot her an exasperated look, "Honestly, must you always startle people like that?"

Her friend's grin faltered into sheepishness as she rubbed the back of her head, "Sorry!"

Another individual approached, her movements slow and measured, "Rise and shine, sugarcube." Applejack greeted, her voice as warm as the summer sun. She knelt to eye level, offering a reassuring smile, "Ya sure gave us all a scare back there."

Sonata blinked rapidly, her gaze flicking to the others standing behind the cowgirl. They were all watching her but none of them looked hostile. Their expressions were... tender. Welcoming, even. From a short distance away, the towering Cybertronians stood in silent observation, purposefully giving the humans enough space to avoid overwhelming her.

"You're safe now, don't worry." Fluttershy soothed quietly, stepping forward as well, "No one is going to harm you here."

Sunset, now in her human form, kneeled beside Applejack. Her concerned gaze met Sonata's as she asked gently, "Do you feel okay?"

The siren didn't respond immediately. Instead, her eyes darted around the room with increasing distress, scanning every corner as though searching for something or rather, someone. Anxiety flashed across her features, shifting as though to stand, her actions hurried despite her obvious discomfort.

"Whoa, whoa—" Sunset said quickly, rushing to her side and placing a steadying hand on her shoulder, "It's okay."

Sonata froze, her breathing uneven, before hesitantly settling back onto the couch. Her wide, apprehensive look met Sunset's. The ember-haired girl noticed her worry and answered, "I know who you are looking for... he's—"

"'Ere." a gruff voice cut in from across the room.

Everyone turned to the wide entry of the main area. Standing in the center, framed by the sterile lights of the Autobot base, was Thunderhoof. His massive, antlered form filled the way but the imposing presence he usually carried was diminished. His frame sagged slightly, left servo gripping the doorframe for support. His normally proud, squared shoulder-pads were weighted with exhaustion and his limp was painfully evident as he moved.

"Thunderhoof?" Bumblebee's voice broke the quiet, laced with surprise. He instinctively stepped aside, giving him space, though his optics remained precise, watching the Decepticon closely. The tension in the room spiked as Autobots and humans alike stiffened at the sight of the former enemy standing freely in their midst.

However, the blue mech ignored the collective stares as he took a few more deliberate steps into the room. His stumble was pronounced and every motion betrayed his lingering injuries. Still, his gaze was fixed on Sonata, who sat frozen on the couch, hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Strongarm's sharp question cut through the tense atmosphere, "Why is he walking around our base without stasis cuffs?!"

The accusation landed like a hammer, making Thunderhoof pause. Slowly, he turned his helm just enough to cast a glare to the femme, "As if they'd stop me from smashin' yous into the floor with one good stomp." he shot back, "Relax, rookie. I ain't got the energy to lift a servo against any of ya, even if I wanted to. Which I don't... 'cause it'd only land me in deeper scrap."

With that reply, the cadet bristled, her armor plating visibly tensing as she took a half-step back. She threw a pointed look at Ratchet and Knock Out, who had followed Thunderhoof into the room, "This is one of the most dangerous escaped prisoners we've ever dealt with!" she protested out of alarm, "You can't just let him wander around in a secret Autobot base like this! What if—"

"He's not here to wreak havoc." the cherry doctor interjected smoothly, cutting her off, "Though, admittedly, it'd be quite the spectacle if he tried in his current state. Ratchet and I made the call to let him move about under supervision."

"Supervision?" asked Sideswipe, standing nearby. His and Strongarm's optics met as they glanced at each other and then back to the medics, "Right. Because that always goes well."

"He was insistent and frankly, stasis cuffs would only aggravate his injuries." Ratchet explained, "We deemed it safe enough under the circumstances."

"That doesn't make it safe." Strongarm shot back.

"Enough." a quiet but firm voice interrupted. Everyone turned to Bumblebee, his gaze swept across the room before settling back on Thunderhoof, "He's here for her."

Strongarm pressed her dermas into a tight line, clearly still on edge but tried to remain calm, crossing her arms with a disgruntled murmur.

Finally, the path was clear and the deer-like mech pushed onward. His limping steps vibrated in the quiet space as he closed the distance between him and the siren. As he approached, Sonata's tense form seemed to relax ever so slightly, and as he stopped only a few paces from her, his towering frame casted a long shadow over the couch, "...'Ey, kid." his gruff tone broke the silence, quieter than anyone had expected. 

Without a second thought, Sonata pushed herself off the couch and bolted to him, completely ignoring the sharp protests of her battered body.

"You're not supposed to—!" Ratchet started, stepping up as if to stop her, only to vent in exasperation as he threw his arms in the air, "Ahh, who am I kidding? They never listen anyway."

Thunderhoof's optics widened at the sudden hurry. Instinct kicked in and despite the pain that still lingered, he lowered his massive servos, bracing himself to catch her if she fell. But before he could say anything, Sonata reached him and wrapped her arms tightly around one of his digits, clinging to him with intense desperation, fearing he might vanish if she let go.

Her grip trembled, fingers pressing into the cool metal as she held on, her gasps coming in uneven bursts. The towering Decepticon froze, his entire frame locking up at the unexpected contact. His vents stilled, processor momentarily blanking out. Of all the things he expected, this wasn't it.

Progressively, he brought his free servo up to rest lightly against her back. The touch, unusually tender for someone of his size and character, was hesitant at first, but when she didn't pull away, he finally relaxed, his massive digits curving protectively around her tiny body.

It was an odd sight, this battle-worn Decepticon, who had once towered over others with unchecked arrogance, now standing still, holding a fragile, exhausted girl with uncharacteristic care.

The Autobots and humans watched the scene unfold in stunned silence, his surprising gentleness leaving them momentarily speechless, their stares changing from wariness to quiet astonishment.

Sideswipe leaned to Strongarm, whispering just loud enough for her to hear, "Am I losing it or does he actually look... calmer?"

"It's... strange." she admitted, unable to look away from the sight.

Thunderhoof's audials twitched at the hushed murmurs behind him and in an instant, his helm jerked up, glare sweeping across the gathered team, "Eyo! What're yous starin' at?!" he barked, "Mind yer own business!"

Due to his reaction, the group couldn't help but burst into chuckles and laughter, only deepening the scowl etched across his metal features. Still choosing to ignore their amusement, he directed his focus back down to Sonata who clinched to his servo. Her wide, relieved look leisurely removed his frown, making him smirk a little, "Glad to see yer 'kay, doe."

Sonata beamed up at him, the tenderness in her appearance radiant. It seemed as though nothing else existed. She opened her mouth to speak, anticipation bubbling in her chest as she prepared to let her thoughts spill forth. However, as she parted her lips expectantly, a heavy silence descended like a thick fog, swallowing her words before they could take flight.

Her smile faltered. Brows furrowed in brief confusion before her hand moved, almost unconsciously, to her throat, fingers brushing over bare skin.

And then it hit her.

The realization sank like a stone dropping into deep water, rippling through her entire form. She halted, shoulders curling inward.

"...Sonata? What's wrong?" Sunset asked, breaking through the hush. The mood in the room changed as the siren didn't respond. Instead, she lowered her head.

As understanding dawned on her, Fluttershy's reaction was immediate and heartbreakingly empathetic. She let out a soft gasp, her hands flying to her mouth, "Oh... Oh no..." 

"You poor darling..." Rarity followed, placing a light, comforting hand against Sonata's back, "How did this even happen?"

Sunset's brows knit together as her mind pieced together the events, retracing everything that had led them here, "When you broke those pendants, all of the power disappeared..." she swallowed, her cyan eyes darkening with mourning, "Including your voice."

"But that doesn't make any sense!" Rainbow's face twisted in confusion, her bitterness evident, "All three gems were crushed to bits! When we brought Adagio in, she wouldn't shut up— yelling threats and insults the whole way! Why is Sonata the one who can't talk?!"

The ember girl glanced back to the cerulean one, watching the way she still refused to look at them, how her fingers shivered against her throat. And then, when the final puzzle piece had clicked into place, understanding dawned in her countenance, "Because she was the one who destroyed them."

Lifeless stillness. All attention darted between her and Sonata, their friends too stunned to process what they had just heard. It was so suffocating that it felt as though even the faintest whisper would shatter the fragile bubble they found themselves in. Each face was a canvas of disbelief, frozen in a mix of devastation and perplexity.

Sunset inhaled deeply, her tone measured but growing more solemn, "When I was back in Equestria, I found a journal in the Canterlot Library. It was during the search for the Memory Stone. While going through ancient books, I stumbled upon pages written by Gusty the Great, detailing her battles with Grogar and his monsters." everyone stood still as they listened, completely concerted on the given information, "The sirens were among them." she continued, chest tightening, "But that wasn't all. She managed to uncover something else... his secret writings. Notes and findings about every creature he had ever created. Their strengths, their weaknesses... "

While mindlessly playing with the sleeve of her jacket, she could now clearly remember the discoveries, "Grogar crafted the Dazzlings' pendants himself. According to Gusty, they were some of his most powerful and enduring creations, nearly indestructible. No outside magic, no matter how strong, could destroy them completely. Not even the combined power of the elements. However... there was one exception." she paused, the sentences floating in her mind, "If one of the pendant's holders destroyed it, the magic would unravel. But the cost..." Sunset trailed off, struggling to find the strength to say the rest.

"The cost was their voice." Twilight whispered, completing the thought with trembling words.

Pinkie's hair seemed to lose some of its usual bounce as her face fell, "So... she's muted? Like— forever?" her question was unusually subdued, a trace of heartbreak in her tone.

"I'm afraid so." Sunset admitted regretfully, her own chest aching with the weight of the truth.

With delicate grace, Rarity's hand caressed Sonata's back for comfort but the siren still didn't react. Her eyes stayed fixed on the floor, her arms unsteady.

Unexpectedly, Rainbow walked to her side with a confident stride and rested a firm hand on her arm, bringing her back to reality, "We've got you, Dusk." she said with a sincere, promising look, "You're not alone in this."

Twilight approached next, her deep violet eyes filled with truthfulness, "She's right. We'll figure this out, together."

After that, Fluttershy timidly stepped closer, her kind nature shining through, "We won't leave you behind. You helped us and we're going to help you too."

The azure siren stared at each one of them, her wide, expressive eyes shimmering with surprise and gratitude. Her lips curved into a small bashful smile. The genuine fondness in her heart was undeniable.

"You're now an official member of the Rainbooms, silly willy!" Pinkie declared with a squeal of excitement, throwing her arms around the blue girl in a giant bear hug. Sonata's eyes widened in shock but she couldn't beam wider. Then, as if struck by a lightning bolt of inspiration, Pinkie gasped so loudly it made everyone jump, "Oh my gosh! This calls for a party! A 'Welcome-to-Our-Friendship-Club' party!"

Before she could launch into an exhaustive list of ideas, Twilight gently intervened, lightly nudging Pinkie back with an awkward chuckle, "Let's talk about this later, shall we?"

Sonata glanced between the girls, her heart swelling at their support. She couldn't speak but her expression said it all— she was thankful beyond words. Her world had changed in ways she never could have imagined. She had lost so much, but in return, gained a place where she belonged.

Meanwhile, the quiet moment was interrupted by the steady thud of heavy pedes. Bumblebee strode to the towering, antlered figure of the Decepticon criminal, "Thunderhoof."

The name alone was enough to pull the blue mech out from his thoughts. His focus lowered down to the golden Autobot, already anticipating where this was going. With a dismissive wave of his servo, he replied, "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Time to head back to the pod—"

"Actually." the lieutenant interrupted, his tone taking on a softer edge. That caught Thunderhoof off guard, optics narrowing suspiciously, "We've been talking about your situation." Bumblebee continued, looking at Sunset, who offered a reassuring smile before nodding, "And we've come to a decision. We think you and Sonata deserve a second chance."

Strongarm visibly strengthened and immediately stepped ahead, "Lieutenant, with all due respect—"

Her leader raised a servo, silently commanding her to stand down. Though clearly reluctant, the cadet clenched her jaw and backed off, her disapproval still obvious.

Thunderhoof raised a skeptical ridge, crossing his arms over his broad chassis, "Ey, don' mess with me, boss 'Bot." he warned, "Yous think I'm just gonna fall for that?"

Bumblebee responded earnestly, "This isn't a trick. And I mean it. As long as you don't cause any trouble, we can let you and Sonata be free. I know you're not the type to suddenly switch sides and join the Autobots— at least not yet... I hope. But you can finally have a normal life, without any more cops being on your tail. It's the best I can give you."

While analyzing him, the Decepticon tried to figure out what game he was playing, "For real?" he asked warily, "Yous sure are givin' me quite the offer... why the sudden change?"

"Because we've seen a different side of you." Sunset answered simply, causing the mechs to look in her direction, "The way you stood up to Steeljaw, the things you said back there... It made us realize something. Maybe not all criminals are irredeemable. Maybe some just never had the chance to prove they can be more."

She turned briefly to Sonata, who was standing nearby, watching with hope. Then, she glimpsed back at Thunderhoof, "We wouldn't separate two friends who care about each other more than anything. It wouldn't be right. You two deserve to stay together, to live freely, without fear or chains."

Fluttershy came next to her, head lifted to the taller robot, "You're always welcome to live in our world." she offered kindly, "As your new home."

Thunderhoof remained silent, deep in thought. His optics peeked down to Sonata, who stood with that positive little smile, looking at him like he was of importance. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his answer came out, "Aight." it was lighter but still fastened with his usual gruffness, "I accept. But don' think this means I'm gonna be all nice and friendly like yous lot."

Relief spread through the team like wildfire and Sonata's face practically lit up with joy. Without uncertainty, she embraced his massive servo again, clutching it to her chest in appreciation.

"Welcome to a new chapter, you two." Bumblebee replied with a warm smile.

"Heyyy, wait a minute!" Pinkie suddenly piped up, hopping on her toes with her hand raised high as if she were in a classroom, "Where are they gonna stay, exactly?"

Rarity's brows knitted as she placed a delicate hand on her hip, "Oh my, she does have a point, darling. Accommodating someone of Sonata's size is one thing but I highly doubt there's a place big enough in the city for a large Decepticon like him to roam around freely without attracting... well, attention."

"I can hear yous, ya know." the criminal grumbled, "Ain't deaf. Don't gotta talk 'bout me like I'm some sorta stray pet."

Sideswipe smirked, "Technically, you kinda are."

The glare Thunderhoof shot him was nothing short of deadly. In return, the red mech only coughed and decided to close his intake, clearly taking the hint.

Sunset tapped her chin thoughtfully, ignoring the brief exchange, "Hmm... you're right. Wherever they stay, it needs to be safe for both of them."

"Maybe somewhere quiet... peaceful." Fluttershy suggested, her gaze flicking between Thunderhoof and Sonata.

Right then, Sunset snapped her fingers, lighting up with inspiration, "I think I have an idea." she said, a spark of excitement in her tone. Afterwards, she glimpsed down to her diary, resting on the table nearby. Her smile faded a bit as her thoughts momentarily drifted elsewhere, "But we have to deal with something else first."

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The city of Canterlot was quiet, its roads bathed in the soft radiance of streetlights. The occasional thrum of a few passing cars or the distant bark of a dog was the only disruption in an otherwise peaceful night. But on the front lawn of the high school, was a scene of unusual activity. The Wondercolts statue stood proudly in the center, its polished surface catching the silver light of the moon.

Parked along the curb in perfectly aligned formation, the Autobots lay in wait, their alt-modes sleek and imposing even in stasis. The elements of harmony were gathered in a loose circle, their usual lively chatter replaced by a more subdued energy. Sunset paced back and forth in front of them, her boots clicking against the pavement with each step. Her arms were crossed so tightly that it seemed like she was holding herself together, her brows furrowed in deep thought.

"Sunset, dear." Rarity interrupted, her tone gentle but teasing, "If you keep this up, your precious boots will wear out completely. And we simply can't have that."

Her friend halted mid-step, realizing what she was doing. A sheepish chuckle escaped her lips, "Sorry, sorry." she let out a short breath, rubbing the back of her neck, "I'm just... on edge." she resumed pacing, albeit more slowly this time, as if trying to curb her nervousness, "Princess Twilight said she's bringing an important individual with her. This is going to be their first time meeting Optimus and the rest of the team. What if they freak out?"

"I highly doubt that." Twilight— the human one— replied, offering a reassuring smile, "You're talking about the other me, Sunset. Princess Twilight is incredibly composed and if she's bringing somebody significant, she clearly trusts them enough to handle a situation like this. Besides, if she's anything like me, she'll probably be geeking out over meeting them." she added with a playful wink.

That earned a small laugh from Sunset, some of the tension in her shoulders finally loosening, "Yeah, you're probably right. She wouldn't invite someone here if she thought it wasn't safe. I just... want this to go well."

Right after that, a soft hum emanated from the stone sculpture, its magical glow from the surface intensifying, swirling around like liquid magic and casting shifting shadows across the pavement as the energy within reached its peak. The group fell silent, turning their attention to the portal as it shimmered and rippled. Sunset instinctively moved forward, her heart pounding.

The vibration grew louder, the enchantment reaching its crescendo— until, with a sudden flash of ethereal light, a figure walked through. The princess of friendship stepped into the cool night air, her boots landing lightly against the walkway as she steadied herself, brushing stray strands of violet hair from her face. Her familiar amethyst eyes scanned the area and the second she spotted her human friends, her face broke into a wide smile. Sunset wasted no time rushing ahead, "Twilight!" she beamed, wrapping her arms in a tight embrace.

"Sunset Shimmer!" the purple royal laughed as she hugged her back just as firmly. When they pulled apart, she gave her a once-over, "It's good to see you again!" she turned to the others, nodding in greeting, "How have you all been?"

"Well, it's been... a bit of a wild ride for all of us." Sunset gave a lopsided grin, "But other than that, we're totally fine."

The portal gleamed and swirled once more, casting an otherworldly luminosity onto the darkened schoolyard. All eyes turned to the shifting vortex of light, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Princess Twilight spun on her boots, her own excitement barely contained as she clapped her hands together, "Oh, guys! I want you to meet somepony very special!"

The gathered group unconsciously leaned ahead as the light from the portal grew in intensity. The liveliness pulsed, radiating waves of twinkling pink and white. A low bustle reverberated as the vortex sparkled— before, at last, a single foot emerged, carefully stepping onto the ground, followed by the sweeping hem of a deep, starry-blue cloak adorned with crescent moons.

Standing tall was an elderly man with a long, flowing white beard cascading down his chest. His sharp, intelligent eyes, bright and piercing even with age, swept over the assembled crowd with the weight of wisdom that seemed ancient beyond reckoning. A tall, pointed wizard's hat sat atop his head, adorned with the same celestial designs as his cloak, lending him the unmistakable presence of a figure from legend. The silence that followed was broken only by a collective gasp from the girls as they took in the sight of the person standing before them.

"Everyone," Twilight announced proudly, her voice filled with reverence, "I would like to introduce you to the one and only— Starswirl the Bearded!"

The group stood frozen in awe, their mouths hanging open as if their brains had momentarily short-circuited. The magician's gaze flickered with curiosity as he observed the audience and his new surroundings. His movement, however, betrayed his inexperience in this unfamiliar form— his balance wavered as he attempted another step, his body tilting unsteadily.

"Careful!" the princess exclaimed, quickly stepping onward to catch him. She grasped his arm gently, steadying him as he found his footing, "Heh, takes a while to get used to it." she chuckled sheepishly.

Starswirl cleared his throat, straightening with a slight huff of dignity. He brushed off his cloak and adjusted his hat before inclining his head gracefully, "Greetings." he responded, voice rich and commanding, yet kind, "It is an honor to meet those who have stood alongside Princess Twilight Sparkle in safeguarding this world. I have heard much about your courage and resourcefulness."

Blinking, Sunset struggled to process what she was seeing, "Starswirl the Bearded... as in the Starswirl? The ancient Equestrian wizard who—"

"—crafted countless spells and laid the groundwork for modern magic?" pony Twilight finished eagerly, "Yep, that's him."

"There is no need for such formality, Miss Sparkle." Starswirl lifted his hand gently, "I am simply a humble seeker of knowledge. And it seems I found myself among like-minded individuals." he said as he looked over the group of teenagers before him.

Sunset swallowed hard as she took a small timid step, "I-it's a great honor to meet you, sir." she began, her voice trembling to some extent, "I remember all the stories I read about you... and the ones Princess Celestia told me while I was her student. I never imagined I'd ever meet you face to face."

He tilted his head, a thoughtful smile gracing his mouth, studying the girl with a gaze that felt both penetrating and caring, "And you must be Sunset Shimmer." he answered, "I, too, have heard much about you— from both Celestia and Princess Twilight. Your name is spoken with great regard and I must say that you are, without a doubt, a remarkable and talented unicorn- erm, and a human being as well."

"R-remarkable? Me?" she stammered.

He nodded solemnly, "Indeed. You possess not only a natural affinity for magic but also a resilience of spirit that is truly extraordinary. Your journey, from ambition and rebellion to redemption and leadership, is one that has left me deeply impressed. You have faced your own darkness and turned it into a force for good— a path that many cannot navigate with such grace."

"I... I don't know what to say." her throat tightened, fingers curling against her palm as she forced herself to speak, "Thank you. That means so much, especially coming from someone like you."

"You are most deserving of the praise, my dear." he bowed a tad, "Few can claim to have achieved what you have. And though you stand before me now as a human, your magical prowess is unmistakably rooted in your unicorn heritage. It is a power that resonates across realms."

The princess of friendship stepped beside Sunset, "I've been telling Starswirl all about you. About how you've helped protect this world time and time again, and how you've united so many with your leadership and compassion."

"Speaking of the protection of this world," Starswirl suddenly interjected, scanning the area with a renewed sense of urgency, "Where exactly is—"

Before he could finish, an indignant yell split through the night, "Get your hands off me!"

All eyes turned to the source of the outburst. Emerging from the street was Applejack, her grip firm around the upper arm of a struggling figure. The golden-haired siren was thrashing against her bonds, her wrists tightly secured with rope.

"Sorry for keepin' y'all waitin'." the cowgirl called out, "This gal here is one feisty piece o' work." she tugged at the ropes, forcing Adagio to stumble forward and kneel on the ground in front of the squad, "Settle down now, will ya?"

Adagio groaned in frustration, shooting her a venomous glare before turning her attention to the gathered crowd. Her eyes scanned the group quickly, deep crossness flashing in her features— until they landed on the figure of the old man.

She froze. Her smug defiance melted into wide-eyed disbelief as she took in the sight of the aged wizard. He stood tall and imposing as his piercing eyes bore into hers.

"It seems," Starswirl began, stepping near her, "That you still haven't learned your lesson, siren."

Adagio's shock gave way to fury, baring her teeth at him, "Y-you... You old, bearded bastard!" she cried out, "How dare you still live and show your face again?! After everything you've done! You should be dead!" her body trembled with every shout, "This all your fault!"

The magician remained motionless, unshaken by her screams. His expression did not change, no anger or surprise. Only disappointment. He stepped closer, hands reallocating behind his back, "I would like to object on that matter. The one to blame is only you, witch. And I see that exile was not enough to temper your ambitions or your malice. Have you truly learned nothing all this time?"

"You call banishment a lesson?!" she spat, her voice rising, "You took everything from me! You condemned us to rot in a world that neither wanted us nor understood us!" her words were filled with years of bottled wrath, struggling to rise, her movements wild despite her restraints, "I will make you regret trapping me here- BY TEARING YOUR FACE APART—!"

She lunged and Applejack reacted fast, grabbing her arms, "Hold on there-!" she grunted, planting her boots firmly against the ground as Adagio struggled like a wild animal, "Stay put, Dazzle!"

The siren thrashed, her bound hands clenched into fists, her breath ragged. Her scowl remained locked onto the wizard, burning with unfiltered hatred.

"You've done nothing but cause harm since you arrived here, Adagio." Sunset approached, "All the pain you've inflicted, the people you've manipulated— none of that is on Starswirl. That's on you."

Adagio's furious stare snapped to her, burning with raw hatred as she let out an ear-piercing screech, "I WILL END YOU! ALL OF YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!"

Starswirl sighed deeply as he shook his head, shame evident in his expression, "I must apologize to you all for the decision I made so long ago. To trap them here in this world... it was a grave error in judgment. If I had known the extent of the harm they would cause, I would have chosen a different path."

Princess Twilight placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "You only wanted to protect Equestria. No one could have foreseen the damage they'd do here. Thank Celestia we found out about their mischiefs eventually, even if it was later than we would have liked."

His look swept across the group, his brow furrowing in thought as he turned his focus back to the siren, "I recall them being three. Where are the others?"

Sunset faltered, her hand moving to rub her arm as she spoke, "About that..." she began carefully, glancing at her friends before continuing, "Aria Blaze slipped through and managed to escape from us. Honestly, I hope that's for the better. She was always the most unpredictable of the three. As for Sonata Dusk..." she straightened her posture and met his gaze head-on with a smile, "She's with us now. She's doing okay."

"And can she truly be trusted?" Starswirl's eyes narrowed.

"Yes." she answered without missing a beat, "I know she won't let us down. Sonata helped us willingly, without any coercion. She's shown that she's capable of change and has a genuine desire to do better."

Starswirl studied her for a moment, his piercing observation lingered on the girl, searching for any trace of uncertainty. But there was none. Finally, he gave a slow nod, "Very well." he said at last, "If she indeed had a change of heart, then I will place my trust in your judgment. But be vigilant. If any of them show signs of misbehavior again, you know where to find me."

"I understand." Sunset replied, nodding in agreement.

The royalty abruptly perked up, a curious beam forming on her lips as she turned to her, "If I remember correctly, you mentioned that you'd be introducing us to your new friends."

Sunset's eyes widened in realization, "Oh, right! I almost forgot about that." a faint blush crept across her cheeks as she took a step back, holding up her hands in a placating gesture, "But, uh, before I do... promise that you won't get scared. I swear, they mean no harm."

Twilight tilted her head in confusion and Starswirl raised an intrigued brow. Sunset laughed nervously, "You'll see in just a second. Just... keep an open mind, okay?"

With that, she turned to face the row of parked vehicles along the street. Their sleek, polished surfaces gleamed under the moonlight. The girl took a steadying breath before calling out, a small but encouraging smile tugging at her lips, "Alright, guys!" she announced, "You can transform now!"

For a moment, nothing happened. The stillness of the night pressed in around them, broken only by the faint hum of a distant streetlamp and the whisper of the evening breeze. The gathered group stood steady, their eyes locked onto the row of silent automobiles.

Then, with a rapid burst of mechanical sounds— whirring, clicking and the grinding of metal— the vehicles began to shift.

Panels moved with precision, wheels folded into legs and hoods expanded into chests. They stretched upward, taking on humanoid forms that towered over the humans. In a matter of seconds, what had once been ordinary-looking cars now stood as colossal robots, their shining optics surveying the scene. Princess Twilight and Starswirl remained frozen in place, their features reflecting the sheer magnitude of the transformation.

"By Celestia's mane..." the wizard muttered, placing a hand over his forehead.

The violet royal took an involuntary step back, her face darting from one towering figure to the next in awe, "They're... they're alive?"

Optimus Prime, a towering form of strength and dignity, stepped forward with deliberate grace. His every movement seemed measured, exuding a calm authority that commanded attention. The Autobots endured inaudibly behind him as they examined the newcomers. Their leader slowly lowered himself onto one knee, a gesture of both respect and humility. His massive frame seemed almost gentle as he positioned himself closer to eye level with the Equestrians. The soft glow of his optics reflected a wisdom that transcended worlds.

"Greetings, Starswirl the Bearded and Princess Twilight Sparkle." he intoned, "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. It is both an honor and a privilege to meet two of Equestria's most revered figures."

Starswirl straightened, studying the robot with caution and curiosity. He stroked his long silvery beard, allowing him to continue.

"We come in peace." the Prime assured, his nature steady and unwavering, "Our purpose is not to disrupt your world but to protect it. My team and I are sworn to safeguard this planet and all who call it home. Though we are strangers to this realm, we recognize the value of unity and the strength that comes from understanding one another."

Twilight's analytical mind struggled to process the sight before her, "Sentient machines... with personalities, emotions..." she spoke up, gaping in shock, "How is this possible? What kind of magic or technology— is this?"

"Yeah, I figured this might be shocking for you both." Sunset admitted embarrassedly, "But I promise, they're here to help."

While regaining his composure, Starswirl adjusted his hat and strode forward, studying the Cybertronian, "Fascinating." he murmured at last, "I have encountered many extraordinary beings in my time but none quite like you."

"Your physiology, your energy signatures— this is incredible! I have so many questions!" the princess circled the Autobot leader, practically vibrating with excitement, "What exactly fuels you? Is it a form of magical energy or something entirely different? And your transformation mechanism— how does it function on a molecular level? Is it biomechanical or is there an underlying arcane component?"

The tension gradually eased, replaced by a growing sense of camaraderie. Sunset breathed a quiet sigh of relief, while the other Twilight strode closer to her, "See? I told you they wouldn't freak out too much."

Her friend snorted, "Give it a few more minutes. We haven't even really gotten into the crazy part yet."

Still caught up in her whirlwind of scientific delight, the pony Twilight squealed, "This is the most exciting night of my life! The others won't believe this!"

After that sentence, Sunset's stomach clenched. Oh, no. She quickly raised a hand in a halting gesture before their eagerness carried them away, "Uh, actually—" she interrupted, causing both princess and wizard to look at her. She looked nervously at Optimus and the rest of the Autobots before returning her gaze to the two Equestrians, "It might be best if you both keep this whole thing on the down-low for now." she advised prudently, "The fewer people...or ponies, who know about them, the fewer problems we might have to deal with."

Once processing the request, the royalty's enjoyment briefly changed to seriousness, "Oh... Oh! Yes, of course! That makes sense." her expression lessened, placing a hand over her chest, a gesture of sincerity, "Don't worry, Sunset. I promise, this will stay only between us. Not a single pony will hear a word about them from me."

Starswirl nodded gravely, "You have my word as well, Miss Shimmer. Secrets of this magnitude are best kept guarded."

Relieved, Sunset smiled faintly and gave a small nod of appreciation, "Thanks. I just want to make sure we don't attract unnecessary attention. Things have been... complicated enough lately."

The princess turned back to the Autobot leader with respect and admiration. She paced nearer, bowing before him, gently lifting the edges of her long skirt, "Optimus Prime, sir. Thank you for everything you've done, especially for protecting my friends here in this world. It's an honor to meet someone with such courage and integrity. I wish we could talk longer but..." she paused, glancing apologetically at Sunset, then back to him, "I'm afraid we have several important duties to attend to back in Equestria."

Optimus inclined his helm slightly, "The honor is mine, your highness. Protecting life, wherever it may exist, is a responsibility I and my team hold sacred. Should our paths cross again, I welcome the chance to strengthen the bond between our worlds."

Twilight's smile grew wider, touched by his words, "I hope that day comes sooner rather than later."

Starswirl, despite his reserved nature, formed a chuckle, "You are wise, Prime. May your guidance and strength continue to serve this world as it has so far."

"As long as there is darkness to stand against." the Cybertronian vowed, "We shall endure."

Not too long after their exchange, the old man turned his piercing frown to Adagio, who remained bound and kneeling on the cold ground. His once-neutral appearance was now hardened with unwavering resolve, "As for this one," he replied coldly with authority, "She has proven herself to be incorrigible. I will see to it that she learns a lesson she will never forget. She will be returned to Equestria, where she will be imprisoned alongside her most dangerous and vile siblings, deep within the abyss of Tartarus. There, she will no longer be a threat to anyone."

The siren's lips curled into a sneer, "You wouldn't dare... I am not going to be trapped in a cage!"

Starswirl watched her intensely. If her threats or desperation affected him, he still showed no sign of it. However, Princess Twilight swiftly came between them, "Um... Starswirl?" the sorcerer peeped at her, "I believe there's another way— one that could be far more effective and fairer." she suggested.

"Do you have an alternative in mind, Princess?" he asked.

She nodded steadily with a smile, "I do." then, she focused on the cowgirl, "Applejack, could you help us?"

The element of honesty tipped her hat and grabbed Adagio by the arm, hauling her to her feet with ease. The siren struggled against her binds but it was futile, "Let me go!" she barked, twisting violently in place.

Unimpressed by her defiance, Starswirl took hold of her bound wrists instead and approached the Wondercolts statue. The swirling energy of the portal to Equestria shimmered, casting a bright glow over the figures. Twilight walked next to them, facing the amber female with a calm question, "You wanted to return home, didn't you?"

Adagio's struggles ceased for a second as suspicion flashed across her face, "What are you talking about, you brat?!" she spat with wary anger.

"You'll see." the royalty replied simply, nodding to the portal, "Let's go."

Adagio's eyes darted from Twilight to the spinning vortex, her breath quickening with unease. She was forced forward, her protests echoing into the night as she and Starswirl stepped to the light and disappeared out of sight. The princess went to her friends and all of the girls gathered together, forming a big comforting hug as a sign of goodbye. Her chest tightened with emotion once they let go of each other, heading to the opened gateway.

Sunset watched her with pride for how well things had gone and a lingering sense of hope for the future, "Safe travels." she called out, her voice steady despite the weight of everything that had transpired.

Twilight turned back one last time, her smile as bright as the portal's radiance, "Take care, everyone."

With that, the royalty stepped fully through the statue, form vanishing into the brightness. The portal sealed behind her and tranquility fell over the whole team.

Sunset exhaled, looking up at Optimus and the rest of the Autobots, "Well, that went better than expected."

Noticing the weariness settling over everyone, Optimus straightened from his kneeling position. His towering frame cast a long shadow under the moonlight as he regarded the girls with a paternal calm, "The day's events have taken a toll on all of us." he said in his deep, steady voice, "Rest is essential. We should return you to your homes."

Sunset took a peek around at her friends, noting their tired but content body language. She nodded in agreement, "Yeah... it has been a long day. We've done a lot and we have even more to handle."

One by one, the Autobots transformed into their alt-modes. Engines hummed to life as their charges climbed aboard. It was calm and peaceful as they dispersed, each heading home with the promise of rest and preparation for the challenges ahead.

Chapter Text

*Several weeks later*

On a secluded, windswept stretch of rocky beach just beyond the outskirts of Canterlot City, a natural cave carved into the cliffside stood hidden from prying eyes. The rhythmic crash of waves against the jagged shore provided a soothing symphony, mingling with the faint noises of activity inside. The once-empty space had undergone a remarkable transformation, its barren walls and ground now radiating warmth and a sense of home.

The element of kindness had worked tirelessly to make it inviting, lending her unique talents in her Cybertronian form. At one corner, a pile of Energon cubes glowed softly in the dim light, their translucent blue hues casting a serene glow across the rough stone.

Fluttershy had focused her efforts on creating a cozy resting area. She arranged a patchwork of old cushions and cloths gathered from her friends, smoothing each layer meticulously to remove every speck of sand. Strings of solar-powered fairy lights were draped across the uneven walls, their golden illumination casting playful patterns that danced across the space.

As she stood back to admire the work, she wiped her servos clean of the stubborn sand that clung to them. Her optics glimmered softly, her intake curving into a small, satisfied smile. The cave now felt less like a desolate hideaway and more like a sanctuary.

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the entrance, drawing her attention. A moment later, Clampdown appeared, his small, crab-like frame silhouetted against the sunlit beach. He stopped just on the way in as he observed the transformed area.

He gave a low whistle through his vents, "Well, I'll be... You really did a number on this place."

Fluttershy stepped aside, her voice hopeful, "Do you like it? We tried to make it as comfortable as possible."

Clampdown glanced around once more, his gaze lingering on the Energon pile, the inviting resting place and the whimsical decorations. After a pause, he turned back to her, his expression caught somewhere between skepticism and appreciation, "It's... different." he said, scratching his claw awkwardly, "But yeah, I think I could get used to this. Beats runnin' from the law, that's for sure."

The girl's smile deepened, "I'm so glad to hear that. You deserve a place where you can feel safe."

Just then, the quiet ambiance of the cavern was broken by a sudden burst of static, followed by the unmistakable, high-pitched chirp of Pinkie Pie's exuberant voice crackling through the comm-link, "Fluttershy, where are you?!" her question rang out, startling the timid female and nearly making her wings twitch.

She winced, her audials jerking from the volume. She quickly activated the tiny device embedded near her helm, her response tinged with guilt, "I-I just finished arranging the cave. I'll try to be there in a bit."

"Well, hurry up, silly willy! You're missing all the fun! Oh! And, uh, by the way, there are a few snappy beavers out here growling at us. I think they're mad about the wood we borrowed."

Fluttershy's optics widened, concern instantly overtaking her features, "Oh no, beavers can be very territorial when it comes to their resources. Don't worry, I'll come and talk to them right away." she ended the transmission with a click and turned back to Clampdown, her expression apologetic, "I'm so sorry I can't stay longer. But it sounds like the others need my help. I promise I'll come back soon to check on you and make sure everything's alright."

The Crabicon shrugged, trying to play it cool, "Eh, it's fine. You got your own stuff goin' on. Ain't used to folks fussin' over me, anyway."

She nodded, "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call." after that, she turned and began walking toward the exit, the crunch of her metallic steps on the rocky surface resonating through the cave. Clampdown watched her retreating form, his claws twitched nervously as he glanced away, tapping them together with hesitation. Finally, he gathered the courage to speak.

"Hey, uh... listen—" he called out, his tone gruff but tinged with uncertainty.

Fluttershy stopped in her tracks to face him, "Is something wrong?"

The small crustacean-like robot scratched the back of his helm, shuffling ahead while avoiding her gaze, "I, uh... just wanted to say..." he trailed off, struggling for words, clearly uncomfortable in his vulnerability, "...I'm sorry. For, y'know, bein' rude and cranky to ya earlier. I'm not exactly the easiest guy to deal with."

He looked awkwardly to the cozy cave, the stacked Energon cubes, the cushions and the string lights that now illuminated his new home, "Don't think I could've ever gotten all this without your help... So, uh, thanks for that."

Fluttershy's expression softened further and took a step closer as he continued, "You're a good kid." he added, his tone awkward but sincere, "Guess we need more 'Bots like you around."

Her wings shifted, her frame lowering as she leaned in and patted the top of his frame, the gesture light and comforting, "You're most welcome, Mister Clampdown. I'm always happy to help, especially when it means making new friends."

The Crabicon glanced to the side again but the faintest hint of a bashful grin betrayed his usual gruff behavior, "Heh... well," he muttered, relaxing as he shuffled his sharp pedes awkwardly against the sand, "You can call me Clamp, in that case."

She chuckled quietly at his bashful response, "I will try my best to visit you more often." once getting up, she headed outside, transforming smoothly into her alt-mode. With a final, rev of her engine, she sped off into the clear sky, leaving Clampdown standing alone.

He remained there for a moment, looking around the cozy space she had helped him create, "Friends, huh?" he mumbled to himself, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his jagged mouth, "Yeah... I could get used to this."

.

.

.

Nestled deep in the heart of the woods, the scent of pine mingled with the crisp air and the gentle murmur of a winding rivers and lakes played a soothing melody. Birds chirped lazily from their perches and somewhere in the distance, a woodpecker's rhythmic tapping vibrated like a heartbeat in the wilderness.

Sunlight filtered down through the thick canopy overhead in golden shafts, casting a mosaic of warmth and shadow across the forest ground. The tall trees whispered amongst themselves, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze, carrying with them the timeless secrets of the wild.

Amidst this tranquil setting, a wooden cabin was taking shape— a testament to teamwork and purpose. Both Autobots and girls worked in harmony, their efforts blending seamlessly as they brought the structure to life.

Leaning casually on a neatly stacked pile of logs, Sunset stood in her human form, taking it all in with a quiet sense of pride. Her elbows rested on the woodpile as her gaze swept across the lively scene. Her eyes followed her friends working together side by side, laughter and cheerful banter filling the atmosphere as humans and Cybertronians forged bonds over shared efforts.

A low crunch of leaves broke her reverie. She turned, curious, and spotted a familiar figure approaching near to where she stood. With uncertain steps, Sonata stepped into the clearing. The siren wore a fresh new outfit: a cozy maroon sweater with a long, dark gray skirt that swayed with her every step. Around her waist, a teal ribbon was tied in a graceful bow off to one side and the brown lace-up boots she had were perfect for walking through forest trails or gravel clearings.

Sunset smiled as she took in the sight, "Hey, nice outfit. It suits you."

The blue girl's face brightened as she brought her hands up to sign her response, "Thanks. Rarity picked it out for me. She even gave me some extras after we went shopping."

"Yeah, she definitely knows how to choose the best looks." Sunset chuckled, folding her arms across her chest, admiring her progress, "And I see you're getting pretty good with the sign language already. You're a fast learner."

Sonata's cheeks flushed to some extent, "Twilight's a great teacher. She makes it easier for me." she signed back, "But there are still so many words that are hard to remember." her hands faltered for a second, her brows furrowing as if recalling one of those tricky phrases.

"That's totally normal." her ember friend replied encouragingly, "Don't beat yourself up over it. You're already doing amazing. Learning a whole new way of communication isn't easy but look at how far you've come. You're connecting with people, really connecting and that's huge."

Sonata's stance relaxed, her gratitude was palpable, not just for the words but for the kindness and patience she'd found among this new family. She lifted her hands, "How's it going, by the way?" she asked, "Do you guys need any help?"

"Nah, don't worry about it." Sunset answered, lifting one hand in a casual wave of dismissal, "We're actually almost done here. Soon enough, it'll all be set up— nice and cozy for both of you." her gaze was drawn back to the lively scene playing out in the heart of the clearing, where Thunderhoof was lending his mechanical might to move heavy logs alongside the other Autobots.

The siren followed her line of sight and immediately spotted him. Her lips curved upward into a knowing smile at the sight of her guardian, who looked ever so slightly out of place among the other Cybertronians, despite his best efforts. The deer-like mech stood beside Grimlock who was in the middle of hauling a massive bundle of logs across one shoulder like they weighed no more than twigs.

Just as the dinobot turned to respond to one of the girls calling out for guidance, the long end of the log he was carrying swung wide and smacked Thunderhoof squarely on the side of his helm.

The blue robot winced as he reached up to rub the sore spot on his helm. His bright red optics narrowed, turning his helm to fix Grimlock with an irritated scowl. The dinobot froze mid-step, his gaze widening in a comical mix of realization and panic. Frantically, he raised his servo in an exaggerated wave of apology, grinning anxiously.

While watching from the distance, the two girls exchanged glances and before they could stop themselves, they silently chuckled, shoulders shaking from the hilarious sight, "Guess teamwork has its hiccups." Sunset remarked, "Thankfully, Ratchet showed him how to use mass-displacement for his form." she explained, her tone tinged with appreciation for the resourceful medic, "Now he can reduce his size just enough to fit comfortably inside the cabin. It's not perfect, though— it takes a bit more energy for him to maintain it."

Sonata's hands loosely clasped in front of her as she watched their friends continue their work. But as the serene sounds of the forest surrounded them, her cheerful appearance began to shift, her once-bright expression dimming into something more somber. Sunset, leaning against the logs, noticed the change immediately, "Everything okay?" she questioned, brows knitting in concern.

Fingers fidgeted as the cerulean female avoided her gaze. Her lips pressed tightly together as if being in thought. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she slipped a small notebook and pen out of her pocket. She flipped it open and began scribbling, the scratch of the pen filling the silence.

When she was finished, she handed the notebook to Sunset. Puzzled, the girl beside her took it and glanced down at the written words:

"I didn't want to sign this to you because I'm afraid someone might see and figure out what we're talking about. I'd feel more comfortable if this stayed just between us."

Sunset looked back at her, her confusion growing, "Oh... okay." she responded cautiously, "What's going on?" she handed it back, watching as the siren lowered her head and resumed writing. A few seconds later, she held it up for Sunset to read:

"If I tell you, could you promise to keep it a secret? Please?"

The ember teen's chest tightened at the plea but she nodded firmly, "Y-yeah, of course. I promise I won't tell anyone. You can trust me."

Sonata paused for a second before her pen moved across the page again. She ripped out the note once finished and handed it over. Sunset's eyes scanned the words.

Her heart sank.

"I don't know how long I'll be here with you guys."

Sunset's head snapped up as her voice broke out in alarm, "...What do you mean by that?"

But the siren didn't answer immediately. Instead, she wrote again, the weight of her words seeming to slow her hand. When the next note was passed, Sunset felt her stomach churn:

"The things you said about Grogar and the consequences of destroying the gems... they were true. But there was something missing from those papers you found. Losing my voice isn't the only punishment."

Sunset's grip tightened around the paper as anxiety gnawed at her. A hundred thoughts raced through her head but none prepared her for what she read next.

"Those pendants were like our hearts. Without them, our immortality is gone."

Her breathing stopped, fingers nearly crumpled the paper as her eyes widened out of shock and horror.

"I'm fading away, Sunset. All the three of us are."

Sunset stood frozen, the revelation echoing in her mind like a distant, unbearable toll, "You..." she started, voice cracking. While still trying to process the sentence, Sonata kept her face lowered, ashamed. The warm-colored human shook her head as if trying to dispel a nightmare, "N-no, this... this can't be true, can it?"

The siren's shoulders shook and she still refused to meet her gaze, "Sonata..." Sunset whispered, gently placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. She flinched at the touch but didn't pull away. Gradually, she reached into her notebook again. Her fingers moved slower now, a trembling rhythm guiding her pen. When she handed the paper over, her expression was unreadable.

"Please don't tell the others. I don't want them to know about this, especially  him ... at least not yet."

Sunset's attention directed to Thunderhoof, who was now casually talking with the rest, his posture less tense, seeming more comfortable than before. Her heart ached as she looked back at Sonata, face filled with desperation, "Тhere has to be away to fix this... right?"

The blue girl only shook her head as a response. Sunset looked down, her hand rising to her temple as she struggled to make sense of it all, "But I—" she exhaled, hard, "Why? Why would you do all of this when you knew what would happen to you?"

Without delay this time, Sonata scribbled and handed the notebook back to her:

"Because I'd rather risk my immortality for freedom and to be with people who truly care about me than spend eternity suffering under someone who would only keep hurting me."

"Oh, Sonata..." Sunset murmured, staring at her with sorrow. Without thinking, she stepped onward and wrapped her arms around her friend, pulling her into a protective embrace. Sonata stiffened at first, surprised, caught off guard, but then slowly melted into the hug. Her hands clutched at Sunset's jacket and buried her face into her shoulder, silent tears soaking through the fabric.

For a while, they just stood like that, swaying gently in the hush of the forest. Eventually, Sunset eased back, though her hands remained on Sonata's arms. The siren sniffled, using her palm to brush away the lingering tears on her cheeks. Sunset gave her a warm, steady look, "We're going to be here for you. Until the very end, I promise you that. And whenever you feel down or need help with something, just remember, no matter what it is, you can count on us. We'll take care of it together, okay?"

Sonata nodded, her expression was still timid, haunted at the edges, but a faint smile began to bloom on her face like the first light of dawn after a long storm. Sunset returned it back, "Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me this. What you did... it's beyond courageous. You're one of the strongest and bravest people I've ever met. Risking your life, your immortality, for us... I don't even know how to put it into words." she paused, her throat tightening as emotion welled within her, "We'll do everything we can to make sure you're comfortable and happier than you've ever been. You deserve it. You really do."

Then, she focused on the group, forming a more serious expression, "It must've been so hard for you to share this." she continued softly, turning back to her, "But you can't keep it hidden forever. Sooner or later... you'll have to tell him."

Her friend followed her gaze, focusing on Thunderhoof. He was laughing along with the others, with no bitterness or tension behind it. It was a rare sound, a fragile kind of joy that only came after a lifetime of pain. Sonata's face faltered. The smile faded from her lips and her shoulders tensed. She looked back at Sunset, then raised her hands to sign:

"I know... but I don't want him to worry about me. He's finally happy and free. If I tell him now... I'm afraid it'll ruin everything."

With a quiet sigh, Sunset's heart ached at the dilemma before them, "You don't have to tell him today or tomorrow." she said gently, "However, keeping something this big from someone close to you... it's going to weigh on you. And when the time comes, he'll want to know."

Sonata's gaze dropped to the ground, her fingers nervously fidgeting. After a long silence, she gave a slow nod, acknowledging her words, even if the thought scared her. Sunset smiled vaguely, "For now, let's just focus on making the most of every moment. You're here, with people who care about you and that's what matters right now."

Lifting her head, Sonata took a deep breath, drawing in the earthy scent of pine needles drifting on the wind, her eyes filling up with thankfulness. Sunset nodded to the group, "C'mon, let's see how they're doing."

The two of them began walking side by side, the forest floor crunching beneath their boots. Golden patterns danced across their path as if nature itself was welcoming them back into the fold. The laughter of their friends carried on the breeze, a soft contrast to the weight of the conversation they'd just shared.

As the siren followed, her fingers moved, her signing graceful but curious, "By the way, what exactly happened with... you know who?"

Sunset smirked at the question, "Don't worry about her." she tucked her hands into the pockets of her jacket, "She's doing just fine."

.

.

.

In the vast, shimmering expanse of Equestria's seas, where rays of light glimmered on the surface and gave way to the dark, enigmatic depths, lay the underwater Kingdom of the Hippogriffs. Encased within towering coral spires and protected by intricate magical barriers, the kingdom stood as a beacon of both beauty and strength. Groups of vibrant fish swam in synchronized patterns, weaving through the vibrant underwater bustling with all kinds of colorful seaponies.

At the heart of this majestic realm, nestled deep within its most fortified chamber, was the prison. The room was dimly lit, save for the occasional gleam of bioluminescent algae clinging to the stone walls, casting an eerie glow over its grim confines.

In the center of the chamber floated a massive, translucent bubble, sparkling with magic that pulsed with an unyielding energy. Inside this ethereal prison was Adagio, her siren form restored in all its monstrous glory. Golden scales shined delicately under the light, her massive tail coiled within the bubble. Her sharp teeth bared in a perpetual snarl, eyes burning with an indignant fury as she shot daggers at the world outside her.

Surrounding the bubble, an elite group of seapony guards maintained their positions, their expressions stoic. The magical bubble floated gently, its layers of containment spells ensuring no escape was possible.

Yet, for all the hostility Adagio exuded, her most immediate challenge wasn't the guards or the bubble— it was the incessantly cheerful talking of Princess Skystar.

The young royal floated just outside the bubble, her pearlescent tail flicking with excitement. With a bright smile and high energy, Skystar was animatedly gesturing as she chattered away, seemingly oblivious to Adagio's seething glare, "...and then I thought, hey! I should introduce you to my best friends!"

Adagio's gaze flicked to the overly enthusiastic seapony, "What are you babbling about now?" she muttered, her tone dripping with disdain.

Undeterred, Skystar lifter her arms in front of her, "Ta-da!" she exclaimed, holding up two small, perfectly polished seashells, "Meet Shelly and Sheldon!"

The prisoner blinked slowly, her expression shifting from annoyance to utter bewilderment, "You're joking..."

"Nope!" Skystar chirped, spinning the shells in her fins, "They have been my best friends forever. They're amazing listeners, you know! Right, guys?" she asked as she looked at her shells, "Wouldn't it be amazing if we had, like, the ocean's most coolest and menacing predator as a friend? Not that you're, uh, scary or anything!" Skystar giggled nervously, then quickly added, "Well, maybe a little scary. But in a super-awesome, cool way! Not in a bad way!"

Adagio let out a guttural growl, her teeth clenching, "Do you ever stop talking?"

"Why would I? There's so much to say! And besides, I think you could really use a friend right now. Being stuck in there must be sooo boring. Oh! I could bring you some seaweed snacks! Do you like seaweed?"

Then siren's eye twitched, her massive tail flicking against the bubble in frustration, "If you think this is endearing, I assure you, it's not."

Skystar tilted her head, "Aww, you're just grumpy because you're cooped up! You know, my mom says you're very annoying and needy creatures. And I said, 'C'mon mom, they can't be that bad!'"

Adagio's scowl intensified, "I'd rather rot in this prison for eternity than endure one more second of your mindless prattle."

"Well, lucky for you, eternity's a long time! I'll have plenty of chances to grow on you!" the princess gave a playful wink before twirling in the water and swimming off, her voice trailing behind her, "Don't go anywhere! I'll be back with those snacks!"

"Ughhh..." grunting, the amber creature covered her face with her hooves. The sound of Skystar's humming faded into the distance, leaving Adagio in the oppressive quiet of her confinement.

Chapter Text

Back at it again with the wholesome art, everyone!

Adding this bonus chapter to admire these wonderful drawings from Yuki2sksks

Thank you so much, you're incredible! 🥹👏🏻❤️💖💕