Hello and Happy Fourth of July, everyone! This is once again SuperHeroTimeFan coming back to you with a brand-new Chapter for today of Independence Day of 2020, of my newest story, Transformation of Ever After High! The support I have been given for this story is really incredible, and I am glad to have made it this far. I am so happy that you are supporting me with this. It really is a pleasure to delve into a new kind of story. Thank you to Cloud4012, Masters123lfm, Kamen Rider Chrome and AlienTokusatsuDuelistMangaGeek for your continued support and help, as well as advice and ideas. And now, thanks to Nitro Zeus for helping out as well. This Chapter takes two episodes of Ever After High and makes them into one for what I have planned for today, being "Class Confusion" and "Poppy the Roybel". You'll like what I have in store for here. Thanks again to Nitro Zeus for his ideas, and also, thanks to Cloud4012 for his advice on doing Ever After High stories. It helped me out a lot, since this is my first one. Now, with that being said, here is my new chapter! Please be sure to review, rate, and as always, please enjoy!
Chapter 7: New Recruits
The weekend had ended, and everyone was back at Ever After High. Hot Rod, Bumblebee, Arcee and Thunderhowl arrived at the front, dropping off their human companions, who all got off immediately. Many students looked to the Autobots as they transformed into their robot modes.
"I never thought I would say this," Raven said. "But after our Saturday, I'm glad to be going back to school."
"Yeah, that was mad," Lizzie said. "I hope we don't have to deal with any more Scraplets for a while."
"I'm just glad it's all over," Ashlynn said while looking to her hands. She closed her eyes, remembering to what she had to do to Bumblebee to save him from getting torn apart by Scrappy, the first Scraplet that she and Hunter had found. Opening her eyes again, she felt two different hands on her shoulders. "I can't believe I killed a living creature."
"Hey, it wasn't your fault," Rowan said. "We're all new to what Cybertron has to offer, and none of us knew what would happen if we brought a Scraplet into the works."
"Besides, you helped save Bumblebee," Hunter added on. "We're all proud of you for that."
"That we are," Bumblebee said. "But I know where you're coming from, Ashlynn."
"If you need an Autobot to talk to, just come to me," Arcee said. "We girls gotta stick together."
"Oh yeah." Miko nodded.
"That's right." Maddie said.
"Absolutely." Briar agreed.
"Yep, sounds about right." Cerise said.
"Long live feminism." Lizzie said, causing Raven to look at her.
"Really?" Raven asked.
"Not wrong there." Marylyn said.
"Um, are we missing something?" Bulkhead asked.
"Girls." Hot Rod said, rolling his eyes.
"Thanks, Arcee," Ashlynn said. "But right now… I think I need time to myself… to get away from the Scraplets." She said before walking in.
"We need to get going too," Rowan said. "Gotta do our electives."
"And I have the perfect choices already." Raven smiled as everyone else followed inside of the school.
Before the Autobots could transform back, a transmission came through for them.
"Optimus Prime to Bumblebee, Hot Rod, Arcee, Bulkhead and Thunderhowl," Optimus Prime's voice said. "Do you read me?"
"We're here, Optimus," Hot Rod said. "What's going on?"
"To help with the investigation, Jazz and Smokescreen are coming to assist," Optimus Prime said. "Be ready for them. I told them to meet you at the Glass Slipper."
"We'll be there." Arcee said before everyone transformed.
"Right now, I shall tend to Grimlock." Thunderhowl said before running into the forest.
"Let's roll," Bumblebee said as a carriage started to draw closer. "Let's not get in the way of any more humans."
"I hope Raven gets the classes she wants." Hot Rod said before he, Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Arcee all drove off.
The carriage pulled up, and out from it came a girl who looked similar to Holly. The only difference was that she had shorter hair, wore purple clothing, had purple bangs covering one side of her head, and had a bandana over her hair. This was Poppy O'Hair, the second daughter of Rapunzel.
"Hmm…" Poppy said before noticing her hair start to appear to glow a gold color. She looked around before it stopped. "Happened again. Why is that?"
"Poppy!" Holly squealed, running up and hugging her sister. "I'm so glad you're here!"
"Me too," Poppy said as Holly swung her hair back. "Thanks for getting the Headmaster to let me in, even if I don't have a destiny."
"Well, I'm older by a hair," Holly said as she led Poppy inside. "Come on, let's get you to electives. You can pick your side and classes there."
Blondie and Hopper looked to Poppy pass by, as did Duchess. Upon seeing Hopper's attention switch from her to Poppy, she pouted, especially when she saw the three Billy Goats Gruff slide on Holly's hair.
"Oh, come on!" Duchess whined. "What do I have to do get some attention?!" she asked before walking to class.
In the Grimmnasium, Rowan was finished signing up for his extra classes. As soon as he did, he walked up to Maddie and Raven as Apple was talking with some students nearby.
"Just signed up for Science Class, and Computer Class," Rowan said. "You two?"
"Yeah, Raven," Maddie said, looking to Raven. "Since you signed your true destiny, what are you gonna do?"
"Since my destiny is now in my hands as the next Ravenicus Prime, I'm gonna sign up for the classes I never thought I would try," Raven beamed. "Kingdom Management, Hero Training…" she started out as Daring and another teen with him looked on in surprise. "And Princessology!" she exclaimed, causing Apple to gasp upon hearing her decision. "I mean, I am technically a princess, and being a Prime is like being a queen, right?"
"But you can't sign up for Princessology! It isn't right!" Apple argued, storming over. "It's not your destiny!"
"And you can't sign up for Hero Training too!" the other teen said, walking over as Rowan rolled his eyes in annoyance. "What will become of our stories then?"
"Back off, Rogelio," Rowan said. "We already have a Huntsman, we don't need another."
Rogelio (Regal) Huntsman was the cousin of Hunter Huntsman. In contrast with his cousin, he had a purple shirt with a black vest, and what appeared to be fake fur on his shoulders. He also had what appeared to be hunting boots, golden trim, and a ruby choker. His whole attire spelled both fashion disaster and hypocritical huntsman.
"Hunter is not worthy of the title!" Rogelio argued. "I am the true Huntsman! I am brave, I am fierce, and I am—"
"Afraid of the unknown?" Marylyn asked, walking over. "If I recall correctly, I arrived on Legacy Day the moment Raven signed her true Destiny, and out of all the students who cowered, you were the only one, hiding under your chair the whole time Starscream and the Decepticons attacked us."
"Bah! Those metal giants will be scrap metal the next time I see one! I was merely letting the knights shine," Rogelio said as everyone rolled their eyes. "Besides, why don't you go back to advising? That's all your father ever did."
"My father was the key to King Arthur becoming a knight," Marylyn argued. "Of course, you wouldn't know that, since you're off gallivanting hither and yon to understand what it means to be a hero."
Rogelio scoffed. "How does Headmaster Grimm handle you?" he asked. "You're a disgrace to all destinies."
"Maybe because he doesn't have to listen to mongrels like you." Rowan narrowed his eyes.
Rogelio snarled and stormed off, with Daring just sitting back before walking up.
"Personally, I don't have a problem with you for Hero Training," Daring said. "You're capable of handling yourself, and that beautiful two-wheeled Autobot girl knows the way to fight too."
"Arcee," Rowan said. "And don't worry, she's got two sisters. When they're coming, I don't know."
"Can we move back to the topic?" Apple asked. "You can't take those courses!" she snapped. "How would you like it if I took your favorite class?" she asked, causing Baba Yaga to look in surprise. "Home Evilnomics!"
"Um, sure, I guess…?" Raven said with uncertainty.
"Well, I'm off to sign up." Apple said, storming to sign up for the class.
"Oh boy," Baba Yaga said as she watched Apple sign up. "I'm going to have myself a doozy with her in my class."
"Well, come on," Rowan said as he led Raven, Maddie and Marylyn to their new classes. "Let's see what destiny has in store for us."
As the four left, Poppy walked in and noticed Rowan. Liking what she saw, she winked at him before seeing all the classes to choose from.
"Wow…" Poppy said with stars in her eyes.
Arriving at Princessology first, Raven sat down at a desk, where Ashlynn and Briar sat next to her.
"Hey, Raven," Briar said as Miko walked on in. "Want to hang with me and Bulky later on?"
"Got a day to get through first," Raven said. "But if it means letting off the stress we build up, I'm in."
"I know I put my quill here somewhere…" Ashlynn said as she searched her handbag. Upon not feeling it there, she opened up her backpack, but gasped.
"What is it?" Raven asked.
"Miko, Raven, Briar, may you come here… please?" Ashlynn asked as the four girls got up and walked over. Lizzie walked in and noticed what was happening before walking over as well.
All five girls gasped, seeing the sleeping Scraplet.
"How is that thing here?!" Raven exclaimed.
"I thought we left them all in the Winter Kingdom!" Briar whispered.
"Me too!" Ashlynn panicked as she looked to the Scraplet. "Hide your MirrorPhones and MirrorPads. We don't want anyone to have their metals eaten."
"I would say off with its head… but I have a thing for not doing that when someone is asleep." Lizzie said sheepishly.
"Maybe it snuck into your backpack when the scouts were attacking," Miko suggested. "I mean, we froze a lot of them. This one probably hid away."
"What do we do?" Raven asked.
"For now, keep it away from all metal," Raven said. "I'll make a call to Ratchet so that we can properly dispose of it."
"Good morning, Class, and welcome to our first day of Princessology!" the teacher, the White Queen, announced. "Today's digital assignment…"
"OH, SCRAP." The five girls said in unison.
"…Will require two partners," the White Queen went on. "We will be looking at the great gowns of the past, so you will know what to wear. I would have gotten books, but someone stole my Library Card," she said, looking away sheepishly. "So, open your devices, and start the search!"
"On it!" Ali said, starting to open her laptop.
"Come on!" Lily Bo-Peep said as she opened her laptop as well.
"Wait!" Ashlynn called out, but the Scraplet started to wake up.
The Scraplet looked around, seeing heat signatures from all the metal in the devices that were being taken out. Seeing Lily closer, it sprung out from the backpack and ran at her, causing everyone to scream.
"Double scrap!" Raven cursed.
In Baba Yaga's office, Poppy O'Hair had entered. Baba Yaga was busy going through several papers, each floating in midair.
"You wanted to see me, Madame Yaga?" Poppy asked.
"Yes, Poppy, come in," Baba Yaga said, the two unaware that Ashlynn was chasing after the Scraplet, which was chasing after Lily and several other students with their MirrorPhones and MirrorPads out. "Have you decided on your classes?" she asked while focusing on the papers.
"I'm sorry, but… no." Poppy admitted.
Baba Yaga turned around just as the Scraplet started to chase after Sparrow, who was clutching his guitar for dear life.
"On one hand, Magicology sounds like a blast! Literally!" Poppy awed as Dexter ran after the Scraplet, shooting at it with his Talisman Bowguns. "But Hero Training sounds hexcellent too. Who wouldn't want to spar with a dragon?" she asked as Raven flew after the Scraplet towards the Student Lounge.
"Well, Poppy, you must choose today," Baba Yaga said as the two turned around after finally hearing the Scraplet. Shrugging it off, they looked back to each other. "Your classes start tomorrow."
"Okay," Poppy said as she walked out. "Whoa, what happened here?" she asked, seeing the ruined hallway.
In the Student Lounge, Flip Side, still posing as Melody, was looking through some data on her MirrorPad. Seeing more reports about the Autobots, her grip tightened. She was about to toss the MirrorPad when she saw something at the door that made her gasp.
The Scraplet had entered, causing everyone to look at it or hide. Without a second thought, Melody screamed, getting to the top of the bookshelf like a quick professional rock climber, where she continued to scream.
"There you… are…" Raven said as she, Ashlynn and Dexter stopped, their weapons drawn. They all stopped to catch their breath before seeing Melody on the top of the bookshelf, looking to the Scraplet with horror. "What's with you?"
Flip Side stopped panicking and saw everyone look to her. Quickly, she came up with an excuse.
"A rat! A big rat!" Flip Side panicked. "Dad led them all to drown! Now one of them is after me!"
"Oh, this… this isn't a rat…" Dexter said, walking slowly towards the Scraplet as it looked around. "It's a, uh… an animal from Cybertron, stowed away in the forest."
"Don't worry, they feed off of metal," Ashlynn added on, picking up the Scraplet. "So, everyone hide your devices. This Scraplet likes to feed off of them."
Immediately, everyone put their devices away. Flip Side gulped and got down, eyeing the Scraplet nervously.
"Scraplets," Flip Side said to herself. "Why did it have to be Scraplets?"
The Scraplet looked to Melody, suddenly detecting metal from her. It leapt at her and bit on her arm, causing her to scream.
"No! Bad Scraplet!" Ashlynn scolded as she pried the Scraplet away. "Sorry, Melody."
"Oh, it's fine," Flip Side said as she reached for a comlink. "I just need to wash this away," she said before quickly running out of the room. "I'm perfectly fine!" she called, popping her head in one last time before leaving.
"Maybe… we should hide it with someone else with the digital lesson for Princessology," Raven suggested before looking to Dexter. "How about with you?"
"Sure, we're in Hero Training, after all," Dexter said. "At least tell me that an Autobot is on the way."
"I'm gonna call in Ratchet right now." Raven nodded, taking out her MirrorPhone.
"And I'm gonna explain everything to the class." Ashlynn said, walking back to Princessology and trying to come up with a good story.
"Ratch, it's me, Raven," Raven said. "Yes, I should be in class, but we have a problem."
"Commander Starscream, I need full authorization to gas the school, or at least have Trigger-Happy blow it up," Flip Side said in a panicked tone in her room. "At least a dozen million explosions should do the trick."
"No mindless nonsense like that!" Starscream yelled. "Go back to what you were doing!"
"But there's a Scraplet here!" Flip Side whined.
"Then double layer your disguise to hide your true self," Starscream said. "Were you exposed at all?"
"It bit my arm, but I'll be coming up with a story," Flip Side said, opening the hidden compartment holding the real Melody Piper. "If it gets worse, I'll let you know. Flip Side out." She ended the transmission and tossed another plate of food to Melody.
"Back so soon?" Melody asked, toying around with a mashed potato. "You didn't even bring any utensils this time."
"So you can escape? Not a chance," Flip Side grinned before walking over. "Now, eat up. I need you healthy when I double layer myself."
"Oh, you need me healthy?" Melody asked, hiding her feet as she reached behind her back. "Would a performance of my strength be proof enough?"
Melody took off her shoe and swung it at Flip Side, knocking her back. She tossed the shoe at her, but she knocked it away, only to get hit by the other shoe. She caught it and marched on up to Melody, scanning her.
"Nice try," Flip Side said as Melody tried to grab her, only to take away her phone. "Oh, go ahead and keep it. I've removed its SIM, so you can't even call for help," she mocked before scanning the phone. A new one appeared, and she placed the SIM Card into it. "I've always got a backup," she smirked as she kicked the plate away from Melody before turning back into her. "And just to make sure you learn your lesson…" she started before removing Melody's stockings.
"What are you—?" Melody started before one of her stockings was used to hold her arms and legs together while the shoe she tossed was placed over her mouth and nose. As she tried to get it off, Flip Side wrapped the stocking around, keeping it stuck as she struggled to get free, banging on the ground for air.
Flip Side grinned and waited for five minutes. When it passed, she removed the shoe and stocking, allowing Melody to gasp for fresh air again.
"Next time you attack me, it won't be the odor of a shoe you'll endure, but your own two feet, or something worse," Flip Side threatened as she released Melody from her bindings. "I can kill you… but as I said… I still need you." She said before walking away.
Melody continued to gasp for fresh air before a grin came onto her face. "No SIM, huh? I don't need that," she said, unlocking her phone and accessing the news app. "I just need to know what's been going on… and a little bit more."
In the halls, Holly was trying to catch up with Poppy while some damage done by the Scraplet Chase was being repaired.
"Do you know what happened here?" Poppy asked.
"No, not really," Holly said. "But… how did it go with Baba Yaga?"
"I kinda got Throne for a Loop," Poppy said. "She said I have to choose a destiny by the end of the day."
"Well…" Holly started as she pulled her hair to avoid getting it trapped under some rocks. "Maybe it would help if you asked everyone what they love about their sides of the Story." She winked at her sister.
"Thanks, Holly," Poppy said, hugging her sister. "You're fableous!"
After Princessology was finished, the girls were making their way to their free periods. They were about to enter the Castleteria when Apple walked by.
"So, how's it going so far?" Daring asked, walking up to Apple.
"Well, I have to find an animal… and turn it evil," Apple said as the girls walked towards Dexter. "I've been given one more chance by Madame Yaga."
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it," Daring said. "And I heard that Raven didn't do too well in Princessology either."
"Well, maybe it's a sign." Apple said.
"Smiling practice… I never want to do that again." Raven said.
"Are you really going to think of dropping out?" Briar asked.
"I might, but the clothes study was interesting," Raven admitted. "Still, I can't believe we were all docked points from our grade for bringing in that Scraplet."
"Speaking of, Dexter," Miko said, looking to Dexter. "How is he?"
"Well, I kept him with me for Hero Training," Dexter said. "But he snored too loudly, and Daring almost lost his focus. Think you can hold onto him?"
"Um, after Princessology, no." Lizzie cringed.
"Well, you have a free period, Briar," Dexter said as he handed the Scraplet over to Briar. "How about you keep him with you?"
"I can try," Briar said. "But I'm gonna have to leave him when I do my zip-line challenge."
"Why?" Raven asked.
"Because Bulkhead will be holding the end of the line…" Briar said, getting everyone to nod in understanding.
"Better get back to class," Daring said. "I was told I could rerun the course because something Dexter had distracted me." He said before he and Dexter walked off.
"Um, hey," Poppy said as Apple was about to leave. "You're Apple White, Snow White's daughter, right?"
"Yes, that's me," Apple said. "You must be Poppy. Holly has said a lot about you."
"I was hoping to get your opinion," Poppy said. "I'm trying to decide my side of the destiny, so I thought I would start with a Royal first."
"Well, being a Royal isn't easy," Apple said as Poppy started to write. "You have to work hard to keep your kingdom happy," she said before a dreamy look came onto her face. "But, you do get to date princes and live in enchanting castles," she sighed before looking back to Poppy. "Of course, you may have to eat a poison apple to get there."
"Wait, what?" Poppy asked.
At the Glass Slipper, Ashlynn arrived, and was surprised to see the Autobots waiting there in their vehicle modes.
"Um, guys? Girl?" Ashlynn asked. "What's going on?"
"We're waiting for a friend," Bumblebee said. "Someone to help out with our investigation into Megatron."
"Good to have more helping hands, I guess," Ashlynn said before looking up. "Arcee, do you think you can back up a bit? I have a delivery incoming."
"Sure thing." Arcee said, backing away. The rest of the Autobots did as well as several birds flew by, dropping shoe boxes, all of which Ashlynn caught.
"Thanks." Ashlynn smiled. She was about to bring the boxes into the Glass Slipper until the sound of tires caught her attention. She looked as the Autobots transformed before seeing a white sports car with a blue stripe going down the middle.
The car stopped upon seeing the four Autobots. It soon transformed into a large robot with a visor over his eyes, sleek silver and red accents, and what appeared to be a long telescoping blaster on the right hand that could almost double as a sword. This was Jazz.
"Second Lieutenant, Jazz, reporting for duty." Jazz said.
"Hey there, Jazz," Bumblebee said. "Good to see you again."
"Wow," Ashlynn said. "Another Autobot."
"Looks like you've found yourself a human ally," Jazz said, looking down to Ashlynn. "A pleasure to meet you, Princess."
"You know I'm a princess?" Ashlynn asked.
"Of course," Jazz said. "I was stationed near Ever After High a while back before I was called away with Smokescreen." Jazz said.
"Where is Smokescreen, anyways?" Hot Rod asked.
"He said he went on ahead the last time I was in contact with him," Jazz said. "He's probably around here somewhere."
"Well, the more hands we have here, the better," Arcee said. "Especially since we now have five new Knights of Iacon."
"Optimus told me all about the kids who bonded with the Talismans," Jazz said. "I had one too."
"What do you mean, you 'had' one?" Ashlynn asked.
"Before I was called away, I was fighting one of Soundwave's Minicons, a spy named Flip Side," Jazz explained. "She was on the losing end, but a trick shot from Frenzy allowed her to take my Talisman."
"Funny you bring up Flip Side," Bulkhead said. "We found out that she's at this school, possibly posing as one of the students."
"You run any scans on the school for Decepticon energy?" Jazz asked.
"So far… nothing." Bulkhead replied.
"Then it's safe to say that she's using my Talisman to hide her presence," Jazz said. "It's an Iacon Relic, one made by Autobots, so it wouldn't bond with her. The best she can do is use its energy to mask herself," he said. "You find the one with a Talisman, one that you haven't made into a Knight, and you'll find Flip Side, and hopefully someone who can take the Talisman away from her to become the Knight."
"That's good news." Arcee said.
"But down to business, I have Mirage scanning the perimeter," Jazz said. "And, we've located some more information. But first, we need to see what's happening at this joint so we make sure that we have enough hands on deck to carry out our searches."
"That sounds good," Ashlynn said. "You bring anyone else with you?"
"Wheeljack and Elita-1 are on their way here, and should come within the next couple cycles," Jazz said. "For now, I want to see Ever After High again."
"Well, let me put these shoes away, meet up with my boyfriend to share what's been happening, and I can help you out." Ashlynn said as she went inside of the Glass Slipper.
On the Nemesis, Starscream was showing Knockout the shards that he had found when he attacked Ever After High.
"Do you know what these are, doctor?" Starscream asked.
"Why, yes, I do," Knockout replied. "Dark Energon. Also known as the Blood of Unicron, and a tool that can be synthesized to even control the Chaos-Bringer."
"This was located at the school that the Autobots guard," Starscream explained. "I have a simple mission for you: find and retrieve more, but only use destruction as a last resort."
"Don't attack the Fleshies?" Knockout asked.
"Yes," Starscream said. "A lack of antagonizing is sure to convince everyone that you are not meant to do harm… for the time being."
"Of course, but if I may ask something…" Knockout said. "What exactly do we need all this for?"
"The Fallen has a project in mind for when Megatron returns," Starscream said. "He has only said he needed more Dark Energon, and that he will take care of the rest once we have enough."
"Then I will need empty cubes," Knockout said. "After all, we do need enough."
"All hail Megatron." Starscream grinned.
Meanwhile, Poppy was talking to Tiny the Giant, son of the Giant from the story of Jack and the Beanstalk.
"When you're a Rebel, you don't have to be bad," Tiny said. "Or dislike beanstalks… or the people who climb them." He said.
"Humph!" Duchess huffed as she passed by. "So he says."
"So, what's got your feathers ruffled?"
"Huh?" Duchess asked, looking around. "Who said that?" she asked before bumping into something. "Well, that hurt!" she exclaimed.
"Sorry," the voice said before an Autobot with red white armor and blue streaks and blades below the arms revealed itself out of thin air. "I should have made myself known when I spoke up. My name is Mirage, stealth officer of the Autobots."
"An Autobot, huh?" Duchess asked. "Don't you have some flying creeps to take care of or something?"
"Not all of us fly," Mirage chuckled before seeing Duchess spot Ashlynn and Hunter together at a tree across the lake. "Am I too boring for you?"
"Look at them! A Royal dating a Rebel!" Duchess whispered so that Ashlynn and Hunter would not hear her. "Once I expose them, I'm sure to get a better destiny!"
"Ah, the destiny conflict. We were told all about that," Mirage said as Duchess looked to him confused. "I know of your story, to transform into a swan."
"Not the kind that you're familiar with, I'm cursed to be a Swan forever!" Duchess exclaimed, but managed to hide when Ashlynn and Hunter almost saw her and Mirage. "It's not fair! Everyone gets their own destinies, and I'm stuck with the most downer in all of fairytale history!"
"Well, so was I," Mirage said, surprising Duchess. "I was once a soldier under Megatron's command. I was told I would fall in battle like the rest who came before me, but on the day that was to happen, I switched sides! And I became an Autobot!" he said.
"Well, I don't want to change sides," Duchess said. "I want my own happily ever after."
"And you get that by taking someone else's?" Mirage asked. "If you want your own, you have to make it happen. There's nothing stopping you from staying a Royal while making sure you live the life you want."
"Write it myself?" Duchess asked.
"You'll never know… if you never try." Mirage said before seeing Ashlynn walk over. Quickly, he turned himself invisible again.
"Duchess?" Ashlynn asked as Duchess gasped. "What are you doing out here?"
"Um, I, uh… I asked you first!" Duchess replied back.
"Oh, you saw it, huh?" Ashlynn asked as Hunter walked over. "Okay, what do you want?"
Duchess was about to speak until she remembered what Mirage said. "Good luck, you two," she said, surprising them. "I think you make a good couple."
"Wait… really?" Hunter asked.
"You're not gonna try anything?" Ashlynn asked.
"No… because I'm going to stay to my destiny… and try to make it one that I will enjoy," Duchess replied before knocking on Mirage, causing him to drop his camouflage act. "Mirage here was a Decepticon once, but changed to an Autobot. Who's to say I can change my destiny, but still stay as a Royal?"
"Wow, I'm happy for you," Ashlynn said. "Well, I hope you find that special someone soon."
"And you two stay happy." Duchess smiled.
"Have you seen Smokescreen, Mirage?" Hunter asked. "Ashlynn told me about Jazz, and I was wondering if you saw him around."
"Not that I can tell." Mirage shook his head.
Meanwhile. Briar was getting the zip-line ready. As she was setting it up, the Scraplet started to move again.
"Come on, I can't have you around when Bulkhead is here," Briar said before seeing a pink shoe similar to hers in front of her. She gasped and looked up, seeing a completely pink-haired girl with her skin tone, as well as spiked flowers on her shoulders and a leather jacket, as well as Crownglasses similar to Briar's own. "Oh, hey there, Ternir." She said.
Ternir Beauty was a punk version of Briar. She removed her shades and looked to the Scraplet, who seemed to growl at her.
"I heard my younger cousin became a knight, but I never would have guess you would swing a sword or hang out with those Autobots," Ternir Beauty said. "Hope you haven't pricked yourself yet with that sword."
"Look who's talking, you old prick." Briar spat back.
"What does Auntie think about this, huh?" Ternir asked sadistically.
"Mom thinks it's a good twist on my story," Briar said. "You might be the third Beauty in the family, but your looks aren't everything. Rosabella and I were the ones who got the destinies, removed cousin."
"Oh, there's a destiny I want, and it involves you pricking your hand way too early," Ternir smirked. "Once you're comatose for 100 years, I'm gonna take over… as the party girl of Ever After High."
"In your dreams, Tarnish-Ed." Briar spat.
"One of these days, Briar," Ternir hissed as she turned around, bumping into Poppy. "I swear, one of these days…"
"Well, she was rude." Poppy said.
"You have no idea," Briar said as the Scraplet came over with chewed Crownglasses. "But she got what she deserved," she said before looking to Poppy and shaking her hand. "You must be Holly's sister. How can I help you?"
"I need another Royal's opinion." Poppy said.
"Well, when you're a Royal, you live every day to its fullest!" Briar cheered before zip-lining down and taking out a parachute. "Guess Bulkhead was busy. Oh well."
"Wow." Poppy said before Cerise walked over.
"But isn't it more important to be who you want, and not hide who you really are?" Cerise asked.
"Totally wicked point," Poppy said before looking to Cerise's hair. "Who did your highlights?" she asked, preparing to remove the hood.
"Um, my Mom," Cerise said nervously before putting a helmet over her hood and getting on the zip-line. "Gotta go!" she called before zipping down.
Poppy looked down before seeing the Scraplet. She could only watch as it bit on the line and zipped down too.
Briar landed on the ground and saw the Scraplet. She gasped and caught it before it could fall.
"You're making a lot of trouble, you know that?" Briar asked, nuzzling the Scraplet.
At that moment, Apple walked by, hauling with her a ram.
"Oh, hey, Briar," Apple said. "What's up?"
"Waiting for Bulkhead," Briar replied before seeing a set of bunny ears with Apple. She looked at it before looking to the ram. "This is what you're trying to get at with your Home Evilnomics assignment?" she asked.
"I have the perfect plan." Apple smiled.
"Or one that could get you the lowest grade," Briar said before the Scraplet started to chew on the bunny ears. "No, stay away!"
"What's this?" Apple asked, picking up the Scraplet.
"You know what a piranha is?" Briar asked, to which Apple nodded. "Well, this is the Cybertronian equivalent, only it eats Cybertronians, and anything metal. We had to deal with a swarm of those things on Saturday."
"They eat metal?" Apple asked, surprised.
"Almost made a meal out of all the Autobots." Briar admitted.
"Hmm," Apple said. "Can I borrow him for my assignment?"
"Sure," Briar said. "I'm about to go meet up with Bulkhead. Make sure he doesn't go after anything metal in the room!" she called out before running off.
"I think I'm gonna ace this now." Apple said with a grin.
In Baba Yaga's room, Apple presented the Scraplet to everyone, who looked at it with awe.
"I present an animal of Cybertron, completely evil," Apple said as Baba Yaga looked to it. "Now… does anyone have a phone?"
One student took out a phone and tossed it to Apple. She looked to it and was about to hand it back, but the Scraplet leapt up and ate it whole like a paper shredder.
"It eats everything metal… even Autobots and Decepticons." Apple said.
"I Say, what an interesting creature," Baba Yaga said. "Now, I did say that you had to find an animal, so I will be deducting points for not having a real animal ready. But, for the performance of this creature, you are getting—"
The Scraplet suddenly leapt up and went after a MirrorPad, followed by a cauldron.
"A C-." Baba Yaga said.
"Yes!" Apple pumped her fist, acting as much of a princess as she could.
Arriving in the Student Lounge, Poppy crashed onto the couch.
"What's wrong?" Holly asked, walking over and letting Poppy rest on her lap. "Haven't decided yet?"
"No, everyone's made such good points," Poppy said before the Scraplet ran through, with Apple chasing after it with Briar. "Wow, that thing is hungry."
"I can't believe you passed!" Briar exclaimed.
"I can't believe it ate most of Baba Yaga's supplies!" Apple yelled.
"What is that, anyways?" Poppy asked.
"Something from Cybertron, from what I've heard," Holly explained before seeing a confused look on Poppy's face. "You know, I wrote them to you. The big giants made of metal. The Autobots are the ones on our side while the Decepticons are not."
"Oh, yeah," Poppy said. "I saw some earlier today."
"Hot Rod is nice," Holly said. "But Bumblebee is probably my favorite."
"I bet my partner could beat Bee in a race any day," Rowan said as he walked over. He looked to Poppy and held out his hand. "I'm Rowan, Rowan Twain," he said. "Who are you?"
"Wow, someone who didn't immediately recognize me. It's actually nice, not being known only for being a relative," Poppy said as Marylyn walked over. "I'm Poppy O'Hair, Holly's sister."
"Oh, that must have been why Holly was so excited on Friday. She got Grimm to enroll you," Marylyn said. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Marylyn Merlin."
"Merlin's daughter?!" Poppy exclaimed in surprise.
"Yeah," Rowan said. "We were about to meet up with Hot Rod and Bumblebee. They say that there's someone new they want us to meet. Maybe you can come too."
"Cool," Poppy said. "Can I ask you two some questions on the way?"
"Sure, and maybe you can ask the Autobots too," Rowan said. "Just don't expect a Decepticon to be interviewed."
In Book End, Knockout was driving through. He came across the location where Starscream found the Dark Energon and transformed. He took out his scanner and walked towards it as many people watched.
"So, here it is," Knockout said. "Knockout to Commander Starscream, I have found the Dark Energon. How much of it shall I bring back?"
"That is not all that is there?" Starscream asked, confused.
"My scanners detect much more here," Knockout said. "Enough for our little project. Possibly even more."
"Bring it all," Starscream ordered, Knockout unaware that Rogelio was watching. "Do not leave anything there."
"Understood," Knockout said before noticing Rogelio. "Can I help you with something?"
"A metal monster!" Rogelio exclaimed as he took out an axe. He waited as many people came and took pictures before ensuring that he was being filmed. "You shall fall at my blade."
"Mmm, perhaps another day, when I'm not busy," Knockout said as he hooked several cubes over the Dark Energon. "Go back to what you were doing."
"Do not ignore me, monster!" Rogelio charged and swing his axe at Knockout, creating a scratch in his paint.
Knockout looked down and gasped. "Oh, that tears it!" he exclaimed, letting loose his sharp fingers. He lashed out at Rogelio, sending him crashing into a wall. "You scratch my paint… I scratch yours." He said before taking out an electric prod.
"Sp, you take Royal and Rebel classes?" Poppy asked Rowan and Marylyn.
"Yeah," Rowan said. "I don't know where I stand, so I stay in the middle."
"Same here," Marylyn said. "I want to be more than an advisor to the next King Arthur."
All of a sudden, Rogelio was sent crashing to the ground. Everyone looked before Knockout walked over with his prod.
"Not you again!" Rowan exclaimed.
"A Decepticon?" Poppy asked.
"One that cares too much about his paintjob," Marylyn rolled her eyes. "What do you want, Knockout?"
"To get even with the human who took an axe to my skin!" Knockout exclaimed.
"Rogelio, stay back!" Rowan called out as he let his sword transform from his Talisman while Marylyn let out her staff. "We're taking you down this time!"
"Oh… the indignity." Rogelio groaned.
"What. An. Idiot." Marylyn groaned.
"You and what Autobot?" Knockout smirked.
All of a sudden, Hot Rod ran in and slashed at Knockout, who held back with his prod.
"You were saying?" Hot Rod grinned.
Knockout growled and pushed Hot Rod away before several Vehicons drove in. They started to attack Hot Rod, but Marylyn raised her staff.
"ElementFlare!" Marylyn called out, causing lightning and fire to rain down on some Vehicons while Rowan ran and slashed at the rest.
"You're mine!" Hot Rod exclaimed, punching Knockout in the face.
"So that's how you want it!" Knockout exclaimed as he punched Hot Rod back before the two engaged in a fist fight.
"Um, excuse me? I'm trying to get unbiased opinions of Royals and Rebels, but also, if possible, Autobots and Decepticons," Poppy said as the two fought. "Can I interview while you're fighting?"
"Makes it hard to concentrate…" Hot Rod started out as he was punched away by Knockout.
"Ask away." Knockout said.
"Well, what's it like being a Decepticon?" Poppy asked. "I'm Poppy, by the way."
"Don't tell them who you are!" Rowan called out.
"Well, Poppy, when you're a Decepticon, you get all the freedom you want without the law getting in the way," Knockout said before evading several blasts from Hot Rod. "No one to answer to, not even an Autobot! We fight for the thrill, and to recreate life under our name!"
"Don't take his word for it!" Hot Rod called as he started evading blasts from Knockout. "When you're an Autobot, you fight for freedom! You have the freedom to chose who you want to be! You get to fight for what's right, not what's just written in stone! That's the creed set forth by Ravenicus Prime!"
"Ravenicus Prime?" Poppy asked, writing everything down.
"You friend, Raven Queen, reincarnated." Hot Rod said before getting zapped by Knockout.
"I was completely unbiased, just to let you know." Knockout said.
"Um… yeah." Poppy said as Knockout started towering over her.
"Now… say 'ah'." Knockout grinned, forming a saw from his hand.
Just then, several blasts shot forward, knocking down the Vehicons. Everyone looked to see a white Autobot arrive, one with a 38 on his sides and an Autobot symbol with streaks on the sides. This was Smokescreen.
"Out of the way!" Smokescreen called before Mirage and Jazz ran in, shooting as well.
"Autobots!" a Vehicon called out before Smokescreen punched him away.
"If you cut this hair, you will regret it for the rest of your life, Charmless!" Poppy warned while scared out of her mind.
"Make me." Knockout mocked as he placed his saw closer.
"Hey!" Smokescreen called out, grabbing Knockout and punching him away. He looked to Poppy. "You were pretty brave not to run."
"I'm not one to scare easily." Poppy grinned.
"Then maybe you have what it takes to use this." Smokescreen handed Poppy a Talisman, only pink and gold.
"What are you thinking?!" Jazz called out before slashing through a Vehicon.
"Seeing if we get another Knight," Smokescreen said. "One new guy to another."
"Yeah, I guess." Jazz said before aiming his telescoping sword out. It turned into a rifle with a crescent shield on it before it started to take out more of the Vehicons, three at a time.
"Come on!" Mirage called out, using his arm blades to cut down more Vehicons.
Poppy looked to the Talisman before placing it on her left dominant hand. It soon glowed, and her hair did as well once more of the Energon was up.
When the light cleared, Poppy now had metal dreadlocks that connected with her bangs. A flail was held in her left hand, and as Knockout tried to cut her down, she spun her hair around, causing the flail to knock him back before it extended to hit other Vehicons around her.
"Nice," Poppy said. "Guess the wind in my hair is blowing."
"Welcome to the Knights of Iacon." Rowan grinned as he slashed away a Vehicon. He ran to Poppy before the two started to take out more Vehicons back to back.
"Try this! Black Hole!" Marylyn called out, slamming her staff down. A black hole appeared under seven Vehicons, which they all sunk through.
Rowan and Poppy continued to take out more Vehicons before her hair glowed purple.
"That's new." Poppy said.
"That's the same shade as the Dark Energon!" Knockout exclaimed. "She couldn't have the gift… could she?" he asked. "Well, no matter, you're coming with me!"
"Stop the time!" Hot Rod called out, using his Tempus Generator Gun to freeze Knockout in time. "Whoa," he said, looking to his weapon. "I like this a lot."
Poppy looked to her hair before seeing it glow gold. As it did, Energon came from the ground and into all the Autobots, as well as their Talismans and Marylyn's staff.
"She does have the gift!" Jazz exclaimed.
"Hey, Knockout!" Poppy exclaimed as she spun her hair around, letting the flail extend even more. "Hope you like a few more scratches!"
With that, Poppy swung at Knockout, creating several sparks across him before he was thrown to the ground.
"No, my paintjob!" Knockout exclaimed. He was about to fire at everyone before seeing the cubes of Dark Energon ready. He grinned as a Ground Bridge appeared. "Another day, I'll scratch you back!" he exclaimed before running through with the rest of his remaining Vehicons.
"That 'Con cares too much about his looks." Poppy sighed.
"So, what was up with your hair?" Rowan asked.
"My hair?" Poppy asked. "Well, it's something that happened when I was growing up. Around my baptism, I had dreams of someone calling out to me. He never said his name, only that I was destined for great things, to help something bigger than a destiny. For that, he gave me a gift. I didn't know what it was, but whenever I'm close to something like that… Energon, was it?" she asked, getting nods from everyone. "Well, when I'm near that, this goes off. I found a lot before I came to Ever After High, but I never knew what this is."
"The Gift of Primus," Smokescreen explained. "Those who bestows with the gift can detect Energon of any kind. It also allows them to heal, drain or control the Energon too. I'm surprised you have the gift within you."
"Wow," Poppy said as she felt her hair glow again. She smiled and placed her hand to the ground, where more Energon started to emerge. "Then I guess you all have a gift from me. Energon all around!"
"Great work, Knight." Jazz smiled.
"Thanks," Poppy said before looking to Smokescreen and Rowan. "And thanks to all of you, I think I now know what to decide."
On the Nemesis, Starscream was being shown the Dark Energon collected by Knockout and his forces.
"This is the mother load!" Starscream laughed as he took a shard. "We now have enough for Lord Megatronus!"
"Good, good," Knockout said. "Just wish I could do something about the girl with the gift."
"The gift?" Starscream asked, surprised. "Primus bestowed the gift to a human?"
"A new Knight," Knockout said. "One who packs quite a punch."
"This is certainly troubling," Starscream said before three Decepticon logos glowed. "The Triumvirate!"
"I'm gonna… buff myself." Knockout nervously left the room.
Starscream adjusted himself and bowed. From the Decepticon Logos came screens of three different Decepticons.
One Decepticon was purple with a cannon for the right arm and a blade on the left, and had a single red eye. This was Shockwave.
The other Decepticon was tall and muscular, with parts of a jet and a tank on him. This was Overlord.
The last Decepticon had tank-like details. While his cannons stood out, what stood out most was that his face resembled the Decepticon Insignia, similar to the Fallen, only with Black Eyes. This was Tarn.
"Starscream," Shockwave said. "We have received reports of numerous… failures on your end."
"I can assure you, we are doing our best to locate Megatron." Starscream said.
"And what does Lord Megatronus have to say about this?" Overlord asked.
"He has a plan, but has been vague about it."
"Ensure a success, for we shall arrive soon," Tarn said. "And we are bringing the Constructicons with us." He added, surprising Starscream.
"Of course, Triumvirate," Starscream said. "All Hail Megatron!"
"ALL HAIL MEGATRON!"
Back at Ever After High, Briar was taking the Scraplet to her room with Ashlynn. However, it tried to escape, and ran into one of the rooms.
"Oh, scrap," Briar said. "Not Rosabella's room!"
Inside was a girl who looked like Briar, only with yellow clothes, faux pa fur boots, and glasses. With her was a girl who was in blue and with a Victorian style clothing. These were Rosabella Beauty and Darling Charming.
The Scraplet ran in, to which Rosabella noticed him and picked him up.
"Where did you come from?" Rosabella asked.
"Rosabella, thank goodness!" Briar exclaimed as she and Ashlynn ran in. "Wait, what did you do to the Scraplet?"
"What's that?" Darling asked.
"They eat metal." Ashlynn explained.
Darling quietly gulped and closed her closet, hiding away a sword and what appeared to be the sleeve of an armor.
"It's been causing trouble all day." Briar said.
"What were you gonna do to it?" Rosabella asked.
"Ratchet is on his way to dispose of it." Briar replied, horrifying Rosabella.
"Call him off," Rosabella said. "I think I can handle this Sparkplug here. In fact, that actually sounds like a good name. What do you think, Sparkplug?"
Sparkplug smiled and nuzzled against Rosabella.
"You're gonna be great with him," Ashlynn said, walking over to pet Sparkplug. "I guess we both have a second chance, huh?"
Outside, Smokescreen drove up, dropping Poppy off. Hot Rod arrived and dropped off Rowan and Marylyn as well.
"So, have you made your choice?" Holly asked when they all entered the Lounge.
"I've decided… I'm not gonna decide on a side!" Poppy declared, shocking everyone, and causing Humphrey to fall down the stairs.
"Wait a spell," Baba Yaga said. "You must choose something!"
"After talking with everyone it's clear," Poppy said as everyone walked to her. "Being a Rebel or a Royal is totally hexciting! So, I'm going to flip the script and choose both sides."
Everyone cheered for Poppy, especially Raven, Briar, Dexter and Cerise as soon as they saw her Talisman.
"Looks like we're our own faction now." Rowan smiled.
"We Roybels gotta stick together." Poppy smiled.
"Roybels, huh?" Marylyn asked "I like the sound of that."
"Me too," Rowan said before looking to Poppy. "And You and Smokescreen were great out there." He said, causing Poppy to blush.
"Thanks." Poppy smiled.
"I can't wait for you to meet Optimus," Rowan said as Daring started to admire himself in the mirrors behind them. "You took out a Decepticon, bonded with an Autobot and became a Knight in one day!"
"And I can't wait to hear more about you… Ravenicus Prime." Poppy said, smiling at Raven.
"Let me tell you everything I know…" Raven started.
Apple looked over and sighed. "Is this right?" she asked. "Any of this?"
All of the knights, with Ashlynn, Hunter, Miko, Marylyn and Lizzie walked out, where Ratchet was talking to Rosabella.
"If you're looking after that, I hope you can tame him." Ratchet said.
"I will, Ratchet. I promise." Rosabella smiled while petting Sparkplug.
Flip Side looked over and narrowed her eyes. She walked to a corner and took out what looked like a yellow and platinum Talisman.
"Soon, you Knights and your Autobots… will fall." Flip Side chuckled.
Author's Notes: Well, everyone, did you like my new Chapter? Did you notice the touch from Transformers Energon here? I wanted to make this a special Chapter, and based on how I did, I think I succeeded. I'll be having the next Ever After High Event, a special one, out as soon as I can. Please review, rate, and as always, if you can, Private Message me for anything on the story. After all, I'm always keen to hear from you. For now, this is SuperHeroTimeFan signing off. Happy Fourth Of July, everyone! I'll see you all soon!