I could've had this out a week earleir but porcrastination got the better of me. Wanted to do a more emoital piece this time so hopefully it's well recieved. Here is part 34: Sky-Byte's Last Resort.

A few minutes before the forcefield was destroyed Sky-Byte is alone swimming in his room. It’s a giant aquarium that stretches ten miles across. On the top is a surface where he watches T.V, plays games, and if he’s feeling poetic he reads books and writes on the scrolls. There is a single Seaworld style hoop that he likes to jump through. Since he feels adventurous he swims over and jumps through it.

“Oh yeah still the best!”

After indulging in his own who inflation something from the past catches his eye. It’s a lineup of four photos that the gang has taken together. The first one is of the main group all together in an action pose. He looks over and the next one is him pranking Ripclaw and Grimwing with the classic explosive mine in the pie routine. The next one is of Sky-Byte and Cryotek together on the outlook, and the last picture is of him with the captain. His smile soon changes when he sees some slash marks on the wall. His eyes dilate, and he remembers a time he had wished he had forgotten. Flashback to after Thundertron finally found the crew when they were reunited on the ship. The drones are repairing the ship, and Sky-Byte hasn’t had the chance to see his own reflection. Cryotek know he’ll freak out and tries to stop him.

“Hey look, buddy, maybe we should ease you into it. Show you a little bit at a time.”

“It can’t be any worse than Ripclaw, right?”

“Well uh, sometimes first impressions don’t go the way you want them to.”

“I’ll decide that for myself.”

Cryotek reluctantly complies and allows Sky-Byte to pass. The Seacon goes into his old room, which was miraculously still intact from the crash. Poking his head through the the top of his aquarium he finally sees the monster on the other side. Sky-Byte remains completely inert for seven seconds. The sound of something being sucked is beginning to overtake the silence. Like a volcano Sky-Byte erupts into a meltdown of anguish and confusion. This demon from the water can’t be him, but it’s a hard reality he has to face. In his blind rage Sky-Byte start slashing the walls of his aquarium with his shark tail arm. His screams get louder with each slash. It gets loud enough that it gets the attention of Thundertron and Lazerback, who just happened to be close enough to hear it.

Lazer: “What’s up with him?”

Cryotek: “He finally saw his new look.”

Thunder: “I was hoping we could ease him into his new life bit by bit, but it seems he tore the bandage clean off.”

Lazer: “Shouldn’t we try to help him?”

Cryotek: “On it.”

Thunder: “Wait, Cryotek, I don’t think-”

It’s too late. Cryotek makes the attempt to calm his best friend down. He dips himself into the water, which slightly ices up around him. Cryotek puts his hand on Sky-Bytes shoulder to try to comfort him.

Cryotek: “Hey buddy, I don’t mean to give you a literal cold should but you need to-”

Sky-Byte just gets angrier by being interrupted and smacks Cryotek out of the aquarium.

Lazer: “He’s out of control.”

Lazerback shoots near Sky-Byte to distract him.

Lazer: “The hell are you doing you idiot? He’s only trying to help!”

Byte: “He can’t help me, nobody can! I’m a monster, and nobody can tell me not to feel this way. All that’s left for me is suffering!”

Lazer: “You think you’re the only person who mourns? The only person who suffers? Look at us, we’ve all suffered. Hurting your family doesn’t solve any problems, especially yours!”

Byte: -hissing- “Then why don’t you stop me then?”

The crew of the Star Seekers have gotten into many violent fights with one another over their eternity trip to Cybertron but this is one of the few times where it doesn’t end with someone in the medical ward. Before Lazerback can get himself in a combat stance Thundertron steps in.

Thunder: “Don’t attack, I’ll handle this.”

Thundertron jumps down and lands on the rim of the aquarium. Cryotek begins to wake up.

Cryotek: “Captain? What are you doing?”

Thunder: “Stand back, it’s going to a brief scuffle.”

Byte: “Just leave me alone, captain. I don’t want to have to hurt you.”

Thunder: “Funny, you had no hesitation hitting Cryotek and challenging Lazerback. Have you left your spirit behind because you know who’s going to win?”

All of the crew recognize their captain’s capabilities. Thundertron is the only one Sky-Byte has hesitations for attack for obvious reasons.

Thunder: “You won't win.”

Byte: “I don’t care! Someone’s going to suffer like me, and if you’re in the way I have no choice.”

Thunder: “Very well. Go ahead and transform.”

Sky-Byte becomes a shark and dips into the water. Thundertron decides to turn off his bolter and throws his sword off to the side.

Lazer: “What are you doing?”

Thunder: “I’m going to give him some tough love. This is a family dispute not a duel to the death. I’ll be just fine.

Thundertron jumps in the water, but he can’t seem to find Sky-Byte. Water is one of the few places he doesn’t have an advantage as he’s an average swimmer at best, but this still is Thundertron. With absolutely no warning Sky-Byte manages to ram into Thundertron and makes him spiral around the aquarium. Sky-Byte continues to do it with no chance for Thundertron to recover. Sky-Byte changes it up with a tail whip. It manages to knock Thundertron into one of the walls. Sky-Byte has him where he wants him and opens his mouth trying to bite down on him. Before Sky-Byte gets to him Thundertron slips off his prosthetic foot. Swims down, and kicks it into Sky-Byte’s mouth. The shark tries to crush the foot with his jaws, but it isn’t even getting a dent. Sky-Byte spits it out, and he looks down to see Thundertron has transformed into the lion and blasts him out of the water with his sonic roar. Sky-Byte hits the ceiling and falls to the floor. Still a shark he flops on the floor and transforms. Thundertron swims out and goads him to continue.

Thunder: “Is that it?”

Sky-Byte tries to swing his sharktail arm at him, but Thundertron steps to the side and trip him, which makes him fall on his face.

Thunder: “I thought you were better than this.”

Sky-Byte gets frustrated and keeps attacking. Thundertron has completely stopped fighting back but just dodged each attack. It becomes so futile Thundertron has stop moving at all from his spot. He just leans back, forth, and any side Sky-Byte attacks. His attacks become less aggressive, and slower. Sky-Byte’s face has become a river of tears. He stops as he’s tired out.

Thunder: “Are you finished?”

Byte: “Yes.”

Sky-Byte looks away from Thundertron, whose gaze doesn’t show any disappointment.

Byte: (hurt) “How can you still look at me like nothing has changed? I’m a monster.”

Thunder: “Look around, we’re all monsters.”

Byte: “Not you, captain, you’re not. You’ve always been perfect.”

Thunder: “You just answered your own question. Yes you changed, but you’re still the same son I took in all those years ago. Not even this tragedy will ever make me love you less. You’ll always be part of my life, and we need to move forward with these new changes.”

Byte: “I’m not as strong as you, captain.”

Thunder: “Maybe not now, but one day if you persevere, you can be stronger than me.”

Byte: “Do you think so?”

Thunder: “Of course, I hope you all do.”

Byte: “I’ll try.”

Thunder: “That’s all I can ask of you. Now how about we play some water polo.”

Lazer: “I’ll get the net!”

Sky-Byte finds some peace. It flashes forward to an unknown time period. All of the ship has been repaired at this point and they are a few years out on their search for Cybertron. In preparation for destroying Cybertron the captain has all of the crew fight one another for training. Sky-Byte gets the short end of the stick and is forced to fight Grimwing. Sky-Byte tries to swing his arm, but Grimwing knocks him out with one punch. Over the years Sky-Byte fights Grimwing more than anyone else, and every time he’s easily beaten. He hasn’t improved one bit, but he isn’t the only one. Scorponok is in the same situation because he gets humiliated by Stench. After the fighting everyone else leaves except for the two of them. Scorponok is smoking on the balcony in frustration until Sky-Byte decides to socialize.

“You too huh?”

“When will the captain understand I’m not a fighter. I’m an engineer. I don’t know how everyone else does it, but I must be some special kind if idiot.”

“I’m not any better.”

“Your problem is that you don’t really have any resources. Just that spinning blade tail hand.”

“It sucks because I’m aquatic, and there’s nothing for me to do against a flyer.”

“Yeah.”

“Sky-Byte gets an idea.

“Oh duh! Why didn’t I think of this earlier? You’re the engineer! You can get me weaponized.”

“I suppose I can. We don’t have the most resources in the world. Maybe if I make you into a success the captain will just let me work and smoke in peace.”

It’s from there that Sky-Byte gets all the weapons he currently has equipped from his flail projectile hand, the gatling gun in his spinning blade, the flight boosters for his shark mode, and of course the chest laser. It cuts to next duel and Grimwing goes to attack, but Sky-byte manages to jump out of the way and fires his flail. It hits Grimwing and knocks him down. Grimwing is shocked but tries to attack again. Sky-Byte shoots his gatling gun, but the bullets don’t do much. He fires his flail again but Grimwing catches it and slams Sky-Byte on the ground. Sky-Byte transforms and blasts him back with his shark missiles. Grimwing lands on his feet and slams his hands down on the shark head. Sky-Byte recovers and blasts his chest beam ad Grimwing, and that manages to heavily damaged him. The two of them exchange punches and are finally at an even level. They are panting, but Thundertron finally stops the fight.

Thunder: “Enough! Well done Sky-Byte, the victory was yours.”

Grimwing: (flabbergasted) “But the battle is a stalemate! His fighting is still poor, so all he has are these weapons.”

Thunder: “And that’s what makes him the winner. He was frustrated with his weaknesses and did something about it. He isn’t a good hand to hand fighter like you, but he balances himself out.”

Grimwing: -sigh- “Very well.”

Grimwing sneers at Sky-Byte, but he does eventually get over it as the years progress. It flashes back to one last time where Sky-Byte visits Scorponok in his lab.

“Oh, now what?”

“I’ve been thinking. Just in case the plan doesn’t work out I want something implanted inside me.”

“What?”

That portion of the conversation was muted. Sky-Byte’s request must’ve been extreme because Scorponok’s jaw drops.

“Are you insane? Why would you ever do that?”

“Look as much as I’ve accepted myself I know I’m not as useful as the rest of the crew. As a penance for being so worthless I want to give myself the ultimate end game.”

“I can’t do that, not to you, not to any of us.”

“Just do it. I’ll come every day if I have to.”

-sigh- “You really would wouldn’t you?”

Scorponok does the unthinkable and accepts Sky-Bytes request. Now it flashes back to the present when the barrier disappears and the ship is under attack. Sky-Byte gathers his courage and attacks. Now we return to where Arcee is hesitant to confront Sky-Byte, who has not yet noticed her.

(to herself) “Alright Arcee, you have to at least try, for him, and for the others.”

Arcee has a flashback of her own. This takes place directly after the death of Elita-1’s squad when Shockwave, Shockblast, and Knockout invaded thanks to Flare-up’s shocking betrayal. Luckily for both of them Elita-1 did have a secret bunker just in case they were compromised, and would only be revealed on their radar if such an occasion arose. Even even in death she was a master of pre-planing. The two of them eventually reach it, and the door opens automatically opens for them both. Proxima is there alone tinkering with some equipment.

Proxima: “Arcee? Smokescreen? What are you doing here?”

Arcee transforms and falls to the floor. Her face is pale and her mouth is opening wide as she wails in agony over her friend’s deaths. Smokescreen tries to comfort her, but Proxima stops him.

Proxima: “I think it’s best we leave her alone.”

Smoke: “I need to do something… you don’t know what happened. They killed them.”

Proxima: “Wait a minute. Killed who?”

Smoke: “The gang. Flare-up betrayed us!”

Proxima: “I never did like her.”

Smoke: “Firestar, Chromia, Beta, Moonracer, and Elita-1. All gone.”

Proxima’s five eyes all twitch. She slowly slumps into her chair.

Proxima: (blankly) “We’re all that’s left of the group… dark days are ahead of us. We might as well be dead.”

Smoke: “I was so scared, but I didn’t want to leave.”

Arcee finally speaks, but it’s still yelling.

Arcee: -shrieking- “WHY AM I SO WEAK?”

Smoke: “What? You’re not weak.”

Arcee: “I could’ve saved them!”

Proxima: “You would’ve died.”

Arcee: “I can’t just abandon them like that.”

Smoke: “Not everyone can be saved.”

Arcee: “Everyone is worth saving, Smokescreen.”

Smoke: “Of course, but when do we realize when there’s nothing we can do?”

Arcee: “I don’t care if I would’ve died back there, even if it was orders.”

Smoke: “Elita-1 would want us to continue the fight she started. We have to be strong. This isn’t over yet. We still have Optimus, and I still have you.”

Arcee: “Don’t lump me in with Optimus, he’s far better than I am.”

Proxima: “Girl, you’re not giving yourself enough credit. You have what it takes to be our guide while Optimus is fighting on Earth.”

Smoke: “You can still save everyone else.”

Arcee: (drying her eyes) “I guess you’re right, but before I do I need your help Proxima.”

Proxima: “What can I do?”

Arcee has her entire color scheme changed from her G1 colors to her present Prime color scheme to honor her fallen comrades. On that day she made the vow to save as many lives as she can, even of they are on opposing sides. Now back to the present as she watches Sky-Byte transform back into robot mode.

“Sky-Byte!”

Sky-Byte stops and turns around.

“Arcee? Well this is quite an auspicious occasion. I was looking for you actually. Thanks for saving me the trouble!”

Sky-Byte wastes no time and shoots at Arcee with the gatling gun from his shark tail hand. Arcee is able to deflect and dodge every bullet as she runs around him in a circle. Sky-Byte picks up that she is making no attempts to attack him.

“What’s wrong? Afraid to fight?”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“By all means make this as easy as possible for me!”

Back inside the laser’s main chamber the cooldown period had finally ended. Scorponok is preparing to fire it again.

Scorp: “Alright Flame Kingdom, round two. Let’s see if your fire is more than a flicker.”

The laser fires again, hitting the forcefield the Flame Kingdom put over Cybertron. With the new attack the Flame Resident’s are giving it everything they have, but in truth it just isn’t enough. Slowly one resident after another faints or falls from exhausting too much magic. Their flames are dim, and now holes in the barrier are starting to appear. A few parts of the laser manage to hit the surface to renew the attack. The holes keep getting bigger.

Scorp: “It’s all over for you, there’s nothing that can save you!”

Oh how wrong Scorponok was. As the hopes of everyone become bleak a lone white light streaks across the sky at almost light speed and arrives at the front of the Tidalwave. The Revenge has returned with Galvatron and Waspinator front and center. Galvatron wields the Star Saber in his hands, which glows with power to match its wielder.

Wasp: “Are you sure you want to do this? You might die.”

Galvatron: “And that’s why this is the only course of action! Sweep, get us closer.”

The Sweep complies and flies them closer to the beam. Galvatron transforms into his jet form and gets closer to the jet. In the second most bold moment of his life he transforms back into robot mode with the sword in hand, and uses the Star Saber to deflect the laser!

Despite the laser’s continental size the Star Saber is deflecting enough that Galvatron is able to send it back at the Tidalwave itself. He gets it into two halves that hit the ship, and explosions all across a full tenth of the ship cause it to rock from side to side. The damage goes deeper from the two sides of the split. Most of the main chamber catches fire, and Scorponok is forced to shut it off.

Scorp: “What the hell is going on??”

Galvatron, Waspinator, and the Sweep fly into the chamber while Scorponok hides behind some monitors. Some of the drones that survived the initial attack come out to challenge the three Decepticons.

Galvatron: “This garbage isn’t worth staining this blade. Destroy them.”

The Sweep and Waspinator get to work with Waspinator’s wing scales tearing into the drones like paper. The Sweep gets separated from them during the fight but manages to hold his own. Scorponok sneaks up on the Sweep and stabs him in the back of the neck. He quickly transforms into a scorpion and scurries away. He has a plan that just might work if they both fall into place. Galvatron and Waspinator both find the main power source for the laser, which is a massive energy field inside a massive capsule.

Galvatron: “Time to rid ourselves of this blight.”

Scorponok puts his pincers on a lever, and a bunch of defense turrets reveals themselves along the walls. Waspinator is pelted with their fire and gets his head blasted off. Galvatron deflects most of the shots with the sword but a few shots do graze him. They don’t do much damage but they serve more as distraction for Scorponok to get close. Galvatron destroys all the turrets, and Scorponok is just one terminal away from him.

Galvatron: “So someone else is here? Show yourself!”

Scorponok throws a piece of one of the drones the other direction to get Galvatron’s attention. Galvatron responds by slicing the sword down on the terminal. It’s mere inches from Scorponok, whose eyes are as big as dinner plates. Galvatron takes the bait and walks forward. Scorponok stings Galvatron in the spine with his tail, and it forces him down on one knee. Scorponok quickly stabs him all along his body until he drops The Star Saber. Scorponok transforms back into a robot to gloat over his victory.

Scorp: “And here I stand a simple grunt taking down the legendary Galvatron. Nice sword you got there, I think I’ll take it!”

Scorponok takes the sword, but it stops glowing as soon as he touches it.

Scorp: “What is this?”

Galvatron: “Fool, you think a coward like you could ever wield such power? That is a weapon made by the Primes for the Primes.”

Scorp: “Is that so? By chance is this the Star Saber? I’ve always wanted to see it. I think this will be a wonderful addition to our collection!”

Galvatron: “If you give it back now I will spare your wretched life.”

Scorp: “You’re in no position to make such threats. You’re paralyzed.”

Scorponok finally brandishes his knife.

Scorp: “So I’m just going to kill you here. The captain will thank me for this, and we’ll get a kick on how the mighty Galvatron fell to little old me!”

Scorponok is instantly interrupted when Waspinator fires his eye lasers into him.

Wasp: “Waspinator has other plans.”

Scorp: -hissing- “Traitor!”

Wasp: “Waspinator was never loyal to you posers. Now give me your best shot!”

Scorp: “I’ll make you wish you could die!”

Scorponok angrily attacks Waspinator, and they’re in a fairly even battle. Scorponok’s tail manages to sting Waspinator to slow him down, and while he's distracted Scorponok slices off his right arm. Waspinator picks up his fallen arm and slaps Scorponok in the face with it. He kicks him back and then fires a burst of shrapnel from his own stinger to blast Scorponok next to Galvatron. Waspinator goes to attack but Scorponok slices off his leg and starts crushing his head.

Scorp: “I’ll greatly enjoying killing your master and torturing you for as long as I live!”

Suddenly Scorponok is grabbed by his ankles. He looks down and to his horror Galvatron still has one arm that wasn’t paralyzed.

Galvatron: “You insects have been a thorn in my side for long enough!”

Galvatron throws Scorponok into the capsule, and it breaks the glass. Scorponok manages to recover and run away from both Decepticons.

Galvatron: “Coward! Regardless we still have a job to do. Waspinator, help me up.”

Waspinator does as instructed. With what little strength he has in both arms he swings the Star Saber and a massive energy slash makes contact with the capsule, an in one move the entire laser is destroyed. Now the Flame Kingdom can resume the barrier, even if there are still holes in it.

Galvatron: “Waspinator, go ahead and take the Revenge and pick up any of our troops that need help. Your priority targets are Splicer, Knockout, and Tarn. Understood? “

Wasp: “Waspinator understands. What about you?”

Galvatron: “My Prime body will overcome the paralysis in a short amount of time. Don’t worry about me.”

Waspinator complies and flies off in The Revenge. Galvatron looks around and starts dragging himself across the floor with one arm.

“Well… I suppose this is life now.”

During the ensuing battle all the combiners are creating havoc for the ship. Devastator is slurping up drones like no tomorrow while Superion challenges one of the largest turrets on the ship. He plugs two of his fingers into the barrels and it explodes Looney Toons style. He laughs to himself and blows up everything else in his path. Menasor on the other hand comes to an abrupt end when Dragstrip finally calls.

“Dragstrip to Motormaster, I found one of them. Mapping the fastest route to them, but you better hurry. This one’s out for blood.”

Menasor: “Understood.”

Menasor disassembles as Motormaster transforms into his Cybertronian double trailer truck and speeds off. The rest of the team is left wondering where he’s going.

Brawl: “Should we follow him?”

Swindle: “I get the feeling he’s going to gut us like a fish if we do.”

Vortex: “If he’s looking for something or someone, then there’s going to be a bloodbath.”

Dead: “If only it was me he wanted to kill.”

Vortex: “Take your frustrations out on these drones.”

Dead: -shrugs- “If I must.”

The four other Eradicons continue the battle against all the drones and are eventually joined by Dragstrip, but that isn’t important. Winding the clock back one minute before Galvatron’s destruction of the laser, Arcee is still trying to get through to Sky-Byte, who is too busy shooting.

“Just stop already!”

“Not until you’re dead!”

“If you want you and the rest of your family to live you would listen!”

Sky-Byte slows his firing, but doesn’t stop.

“That’s a pretty big claim, girl.”

“I can back back it up tenfold if you would just stop shooting!”

At this moment Galvatron destroys the laser, and the whole ship rocks, and that makes Sky-Byte stumble and stop shooting.

“The laser has been destroyed? Impossible!”

“We’re all about making the impossible reality.”

“Sky-Byte looks at Arcee with disdain, and prepares to shoot, but Arcee makes an unexpected move by throwing both of her swords to the ground.

“What are you doing, Autobot?”

“Now will you listen to me?”

Sky-Byte hesitates for a moment but decides to hear Arcee out.

“Give me one good reason not to kill you.”

“Because you’re not a killer.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes I do. I know that better than most.”

-Hissing- “And how would you know?”

“Because I’m a killer, and a highly trained killer at that. In my line of work I can tell who the really cruel and merciless are and which are the lives that deserved to be saved.”

“And you think I need saving?”

“You deserve to live, Sky-Byte. You aren’t like the rest of your team. You have a soul, a kind, gentle one at that. I could see it when you told us your story and how it made you feel. I found myself realizing that we are quite alike.”

-snapping- “We are nothing alike!”

“You’re wrong. While it’s true that I never underwent something as horrible as you and your crew did, but I know that like me you were scared and hurt. You were disillusioned by the world and was left wondering why something like this could happen to someone as pure and good as you and your crew. You had no idea how to cope, and Thundertron gave you all the idea that revenge was the only option. I know you’re not completely on board with that. You aren’t a killer, and there’s still hope for you.”

-trembling- “Stop….”

Look over there, and see what’s going on.”

Sky-Byte looks over to see the battle. The ship still is attacking Cybertron, but all the forces are fighting back destroying cannon and harpoon alike. Sky-Byte looks closer to see all the slabs the harpoons have torn off the planet’s surface.

“Look at what Thundertron is doing to my home, our home. Is that really what you want? Innocent lives to die because of something bad that happened to you?”

“I…”

“I know you don’t want anyone to get hurt, and you deserve a good life. Come with me, and we can help you find a home.”

“And what about the people that hurt me? My own race kills just for the fun of it. Has that changed?”

“....No.”

“I thought so.”

“You aren’t like them. You don’t hurt for fun. There is still time for you.”

“I just can’t leave the crew, or the captain.”

“Bring them with you. I bet they’ll listen to you. Cryotek will, and if you both talk to the captain I know he can come around.”

Arcee braves it and walks to Sky-Byte. His breathing intensifies until tears are going in a barrage off his face.

(breaking down) “You’re right, I don’t want to kill anyone, but I just don’t know what else do to. It’s all I ever learned to do, but I just couldn’t go through with it. I only ever felt that way so the captain wouldn’t be upset with me.”

“That’s no way to live, Sky-Byte. We can still save you, and if you talk to the captain he can be saved too.”

-sniff- “You really mean that don’t you?”

“Of course.”

Arcee walks over to put her hand on Sky-Byte’s shoulder so he can feel comfortable with his new decision. It’s not sure why she looked down because of dumb luck or some sort of ultra instinct kicking in, but she sees one of her swords, and in the reflection of the blades something gets her attention. There is a fast movement that forces Arcee to move back, and it saves her life. Sky-Byte slashes at Arcee with his tail arm, and one of the blades make a serviceable gash from the left side of her stomach to the top of her thigh. If she stays still she would’ve died. Arcee clutches her wound in pain and shock.

“Sky-Byte….why?”

Sky-Byte looks at her with disappointment, but a great pain overshadows it.

“Why must you hurt me, Arcee? You’re making this harder than it needs to be.”

“I don’t understand. I thought you wanted to be free.”

“I do, but someone already freed me. His name is Thundertron. I don’t like hurting people, and if I can avoid it I will. However if you’re going to get in our way I’m going to put you down.”

“Don’t do this.”

“I really wanted to go with you, Arcee, I swear I did, but this world isn’t meant for me. Our people would never accept me because I’m just a hideous freak! Maybe they do deserve to feel my pain if only for a moment. I know where I belong, and that’s with Thundertron. I’m sorry, Arcee, but this world isn’t meant to live. I hope you forgive me while I put you out of your misery.”

“I’m not dying here, Sky-Byte, and I’m not going to kill you.”

“One of this isn’t going to make it out of here, it’s just you delaying the inevitable!”

Arcee has no choice but to fight now. Sky-Byte swings his arm at Arcee, and she rolls out of the way. The wound is agitated, and it makes her stumble. He fires his flail hand into Arcee, and it pins her down to the ground. She’s a few feet away from him since it fired off from a distance. Arcee is tripped, but she does see one of her swords is close enough for her to grab.

“Just hold still, and I’ll make this quick.”

Arcee starts hacking away at one of the blades on his hand until it eventually breaks off from all her slashes. Sky-Byte manages to get his hand back and looks at with anger as he puts it back, leaving only one blade left.

“So this is how it’s going to be? Just remember you did this to yourself!”

Sky-Byte fires the gatling gun from his spinning tail hand and Arce jumps back and covers herself up to the best of her ability, but without both swords several bullets graze her legs and arms. She manages to land on her feet and get moving, but slower because of her injuries. She fires her blasters to hit Sky-Byte, but they don’t do much damage. Desperate, she fires her mini crossbow’s bolt at him, and he blocks it with his tail arm. It does manages to make him grunt out in pain when it sticks to him. He has enough and fires his chest laser, and Arcee narrowly rolls to avoid it, but he’s still tailing her. It leaves behind a burning trail until he has to stop firing and wait for it to recharge. She continues the laser assault, and he turns his back so the shark body backpack of his can shield him. Arcee takes the opportunity to grab her second sword and move closer. She leaps to attack, but Sky-Byte sticks his leg out to kick her to the floor. He steps on her and starts to crush her, but before he can do any damage Arcee stabs him in the ankle with her sword. He staggers back and get five shots to his chest. He swings his now tri-bladed tail hand and spins it like a drill to stab her. She barely avoids each attack and shoots him in the knee to bring him down. She jumps again but his hand catches her and throws her across the floor.

“Don’t make me hurt you more than I already have, Sky-Byte.”

(booming) “You think this is pain? Try being torn apart from the inside out like I was!”

Sky-Byte transforms into his shark form and blats his missiles. Arcee manages to shoot both of them but the explosion still blasts her back and she loses her swords. She gets to her feet, and just in time sees the shark trying to charge her like a bull and take a bite. In slow motion she spins around to dodge and counters with a slash from one of her arm blades. Is cuts the left side of the shark’s face. He violent spins around and tries again to get her. Arcee finds herself in his jaws once more, but her sword prevents him from biting down. With her other sword she slashes at the inside of his mouth, and then she fires a harpoon bolt into his eye. Sky-Byte twists in mid air, and that frees Arcee from his mouth, but she’s still hanging onto the underside of him. It’s at that moment that Arcee spots the thrusters that give Sky-Byte flight. They’re right underneath the shark’s chin. With desperation Arcee plunges her sword into the left one, and it goes out, Sky-Byte loses control, and with only one thruster he can’t stay in flight. They both crash to the ground with Arcee being sent farther because of the force of Sky-Byte’s initial crash. She rolls hard along the floor until she abruptly stops. Dazed, she slowly gets up, by Sky-Byte is recovering as well, albeit slowly having to transform.

“So this is what it’s come to? You take away my flight, and now I finish you!”

Arcee barely gets up in time to avoid his gatling gun again. He amanges to shoot her sword out of her hands, and with only her arm blades she blocks an attack from his hand. He manages to knock her aside and makes her bounce on the floor. Sky-Byte finally can fire his chest laser again and charges it. Arcee find herself getting pushed to her limits, and before Sky-Byte fires out his flail Arcee springs to him faster than he can react, and slashes the orb in his chest, which completely disables the laser. She jumps off his head and uses both arm blades to slash at his back. Sky-Byte turns around and backhands Arcee, which makes her grind on the floor. He fires his gatling gun again, and Arcee finds the exact spot where it’s firing and launches a crossbow bolt into his hand to destroy it.

“You’re running out of options, Sky-Byte. You can still walk away.”

“I’m never giving up!”

Sky-Byte still continues the fight, and Arcee pushes the offensive by cutting his chest. Sky-Byte knocks her back with his hand arm, but this time she manages to land on her feet. He presses the attack by charging at her, but she manages to roll out of the way. It isn’t without consequence because her wound acts up as she rolls and she falls in pain. Sky-Byte quickly returns and slams his arm down, but Arcee holds him back with her arm blades. He kicks her down and slams down again, but she backs up and starts shooting him. He tries to sweep her legs but she jumps up and knees him in the face. She climbs and jumps off him again, shoots him rapidly in in the back and uses her arm blades to cut the back of one of his legs. It isn't enough to bring him down, and as she tries to flank him on his right he grabs her with his right normal arm and slams her on the ground, He starts to crush her neck, and Arcee is losing consciousness. In a divine miracle one of her swords is close enough to grab, and with all the strength she has left she slices off his right arm completely. Sky-Byte shrieks in agony as Arcee gasp for air, coughing violently as she recovers and grabs her other sword. It’s at this moment that both of them know the fight is going to end in a few moments. Sky-Byte makes the first move and manages to cut Arcee across the other side of her stomach with his blade, but it’s much smaller than the first. Arcee figures out what to do and slides underneath Sky-Byte and goes underneath his shark backpack. She presses her legs against his back, and that forces Sky-Byte to partially transform. His chest is separated from his lower torso as it fold up for the transformation. Arcee shoots the exposed piece of his chest three times and makes a cut along his lower torso with her swords. This makes him fall on his stomach, but his chest and upper torso are folded out so it’s almost like he’s been torn in half, but instead it’s a way to paralyze him from the waist down. Arcee breathes heavily before falling on her side next to him.

-panting- “I told you, Sky-Byte, I’m not going to kill you. We’re both going to make it out of here.”

“Not with those wounds you’re not.”

“Oh these? Hate to break it to you but you missed all my vitals. Maybe one more good slash or stab would’ve done me in, but I’m not dying here today.”

Sky-Byte looks at his current situation and finds himself as depressed as he was all those years ago.

“Once again I’m a prisoner of my own body.”

“I’ll have you repaired once we find a way out of here.”

“You're funny you know that?”

“You may have given up on yourself, but I haven’t.”

“That will be your downfall.”

“You can’t fight anymore. You’re out of options.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

Sky-Byte uses his remaining strength to grab Arcee and holds her tightly.

“What are you doing?”

“My last trick up my sleeve. Commence the last resort program!”

A computer voice speaks from Sky-Byte’s chest orb.

Computer: “Activating program. Farewell.”

The orb beeps.

“What is this, Sky-Byte?”

“That is a bomb.”

“Inside of you? But why?”

The orb beeps again.

“Because I have no use anymore. This way I can make something of my worthless existence.”

“You already had so much you could live for. How could you do that to yourself? The rest of the crew?”

“They’ll understand one day. I was never good enough to be part of the crew anyway. Here I’ll finally prove my worth to Thundertron by taking out one of our biggest threats.”

The beeping slowly begins to increase in frequency. Arcee begins to struggle but is unable to escape.

“We’re going to die together. We’ll finally be free. I’m glad I get to share these last moments with you, my friend.”

“Sorry to disappoint you!”

Arcee wildly slashes at his tail arm unto she manages to break free. Sky-Byte now sees he’s going to be the only casualty. The beeping increases further.

“Quick, Sky-Byte, turn it off!”

“I can’t! It was designed to go off without fail.”

“I’ll take it out of you then!”

“It’s close to my spark. If you try to remove it then we both die anyway. Just go, save yourself.”

“I don’t want to leave you.”

Sky-Byte tears up one last time.

“I don’t want to die alone, but I guess I have no choice. I hope you can forgive me for what I’ve done.”

“You did what you thought was right, but you never give yourself a chance to be happy.”

The beeping is almost nonstop. His time is nearly at an end.

“Before you go please answer this one question. If we all went back with you do you think we would’ve all been friends?”

“Of course. We would’ve been happy to have you by our side.”

“I hope in the world beyond I will see you again.”

“I hope so too.”

“Farewell, Arcee, save yourself, the blast has quite the range.”

“I’ll never forget you, Sky-Byte.”

Arcee runs off to a safe distance as the final seconds of the bomb winds down. Sky-Byte looks back at all the time he spend with his crew, particularly with Cryotek, Ripclaw, and Thundertron. With one last tear shed he speaks his final works to himself.

“It’s funny, really. I just realized I already had everything I ever wanted. I was so blind to it all.”

Sky-Byte explodes, and his head lands right in front of Arcee. She throws her swords down and cries over her failure to save him. At the eastern part of the back half of ship Lazerback as a beast is galloping through a more industrial part of the ship with factories on the outside of the ship. Something explodes next to him and makes him roll over. He transforms ready to fight but the smoke from the explosion’s fire is too thick. He hears something coming, but he hears a horn as a massive vehicle emerges from the smoke, drifts, and swerves its back half into him. Lazerback recovers and brings out his ax whip to fight. The vehicle transforms into Ultra Magnus, who slings his hammer over his shoulder.

“Ultra Magnus!”

Hello, Lazerback, I think it’s about time we had a little talk.”

 

To skybyte in this chapter:*sniff* "WHO KEEPS DOING THAT!!!!!"
2)galvatron to the rescue?
3)that death scene was almost as sad as the unnamed star seekers from when they first got mutated. *obligatory blue diamond crying gif*

 

Really sad chapter for poor Arcee and Sky Byte especially Sky Byre.

 

  Sky-Byte

It'll be interesting to see what happens next with Ultra Magnus and Lazerback.

 

I have some very unfortunate news. The google docs I had been using for all these years to write these has been disabled. It was my old highchool account and I guess the admins just decided to get rid of the old. This means I have to start this part all. OVER. AGAIN. I was in the last third of it too! I'm pissed beyond belief right now, and it's going to take forever to do this again. I apologize for this delay but this was something i had no control over.

 

Understandable annoying or not there's nothing you can do. You do you.

 

Alright after what feels like an eternity I finally have this one ready after that unfortunate fiasco. This one was so long and doing again was the biggest pain. To make sure I released it sooner I cut out two flashbacks and another small scene and moved them to the next part. Thankfully it doesn't disrupt the narrative flow at all and seems to work better in that spot. Thankfully I don't think the next one shouldn't be as long do there shouldn't be anywhere near as big of a wait for next time. To balance the tragedy of the last part this one is mainly just a big sausage fest. However there is some intelligent conversations and character development that I'm really proud of. Plenty of stuff worth discussing in the comments. I give part you 37: Warriors and Brutes.

The battle continues with the Coneheads destroying anything in sight as they bomb the ship’s surface. Astrotrain has been picking up some of the other Decepticons in accordance to Galvatron and Soundwave’s orders. This makes the remaining Decepticon on the ship to be Galvatron, Cyclonus, Scourge, Tarn, Motormaster, Sixshot the Coneheads, and the Predacons. Astrotrain and the other Decepticons are en route to Scourge’s position, but more on that later. Thundertron is looking out in the distance lamenting the situation. It gets even worse when Scorponok calls him. All the other Star Seekers still alive are listening but can’t respond.

Thunder: “What is it?”

Scorp: “I regret to inform you about Sky-Byte...he’s dead captain.”

Thundertron’s lip quivers as he freezes. One of his original three sons has been lost and when wasn’t there to save him.

Thunder: “How did this happen?”

Scorp: “I only saw the aftermath, but it looks like Arcee is limping away from a battle nearby.

Thunder: “I will tear her apart for this!”

Scorp: “As much as I would love that I can’t completely put the blame on her for this. The feed shows his body blown to bits, and the only way that could’ve happened is if he blew himself up.”

Thunder: “....What?”

Scorp: “I-I’m so sorry you ever had to find out about this, especially this way. He made me do it, I swear. He never could get over what happened to him, to us. He felt so powerless, and hated himself for feeling so weak. His disfigurement was a constant reminder of the failure he believed he was responsible for. He felt like he was a burden to you and the others.”

Thundertron collapses to his knees, shaking all the way.

Thunder: “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Scorp: “He threatened to kill himself some other way if I ever told you. I always thought he would come forward, not keep it to his grave.”

Thunder: (lamenting) “How couldn’t I see the signs? I could’ve helped him. He was already perfect to me, there isn’t anything I would’ve wanted to change. He was the most innocent of us all, and never again will I see his smile or his uncorrupted purity."

Cryotek hangs up the line for he can’t take this anymore. His icy rage fills ten other rooms and halls outside of his own. He transforms and makes out to the battle where he starts freezing Autobots and Junkion cruisers that are in the way. It transitions back to Thundertron, who makes a surprise announcement,.

Thunder: “To all of you that is left, I have a choice for you. You can either stay here and finish this to the end, or you can take the escape pods and run. With Sky-Byte’s death I realize that there is a chance that our dream may not be realized. If there is one thing I desire more than the destruction of our home it is the knowledge that the rest of you survive this day and that my legacy will live on with all of you. If you do indeed choose to leave I will not hold it against you. It is your lives at stake, and it is yours to do with as you wish. I’ve already taught you all as much as I can, and you are more than capable of making your own decisions. No matter what you choose just know that I love all of you and that I’m so proud of the men you’ve become I will remain here for there is nothing left for me. I will make sure both Cybertron and I feel suffering beyond imagination. This is my final message to you all, good luck.”

The scene changes to Stench, Slapper, and Darkscream, who finally free themselves from Rodimus’s nets.

Stench: “Poor Sky-Byte, I’m going to miss him.”

Slapper: “We all will, but look at what we’ve done.”

Dark: “You know maybe we should get out of here.”

Slapper: “We can’t just leave the captain like that.”

Stench: “He gave us the choice, and I think it’s in our best interest.”

Dark: “Yeah we can’t beat these guys.”

Stench: “Maybe Rodimus will forgive us when he hears what happened. He seems like a nice guy.”

Slapper: “Then home it is.”

Stench: “The teleporter that goes to the pods is so far away, and we have no choice but to leg it from here."

Dark: “These primitive designs are really starting to be a pain.”

The conversation was picked up by Soundwave, who sends it to Galvatron. He finally has mobility in both arms to drag himself around. He makes a call to the Predacons. Predaking is the one who picks up.

Galvatron: “Predacons, cease your destruction and perform reconnaissance. I’m sending you on a special scavenger hunt.”

Back at Thundertron’s perspective he takes time to remember Sky-Byte, but a tank driven by four autobots interrupts him. The tank has two turrets on it. The one on the right being a an LMG and the other fires lasers. The other two actually pilot the vehicle. The Autobots hold back from fighting and instead report their findings to Rodimus over the radio.

Autobot 3: “Reporting to Rodimus, we have located Thundertron. Sending you the coordinates.”

Rod: “Excellent don’t engage. Hold off and await assistance.”

Autobot 4: “Sorry sir, but this guy’s been tearing up our home, and we take exception to that.”

Thunder: “Can you hear me Rodimus? It seems your troops loyalties to you is dismal at best! Don’t worry though, I’ll make sure this insubordination is dealt with swiftly.”

Rod: “Retreat now, you can’t beat him!”

The Autobots cut the audio feed.

Autobot 2: “Are you sure we can take him? I heard he beat Galvatron.”

Autobot 1: “I heard they didn’t fight, so let’s put that ot the test.”

The Autobots fire from their tank, and Thundertron easily dodges the blast. He retaliates with a wave of his energy claw slashes that hits the tank. It rocks the whole vehicle, and startles the Autobots enough to retreat, but Thundertron chases them as a lion.

Autobot 2: “He’s stronger than we thought!

Autobot 1: “He’s tailing us too, fire everything you have!”

All of the tanks weapons are fired at Thundertron and everything misses. Thundertron belts out his sonic roar to slow it down, transforms, and then throws his sword into the tank’s tread to slice it. It makes the tank spin around and forcefully stop. The Autobot on the laser turret tires to shoot him down, but Thundertron backflips and fires his electro bolter right into his head. Thundertron ducks down as the LMG Autobot fires at him. He retrieves his sword and blocks every bullet. The Autobot gets frustrated and charges up a triangular shaped energy grenade. He throws it at Thundertron who catches it. Thundertron gets in close and slices off the top of his head. When the tank cannon turns around to fire Thundertron throws the grenade down the barrel, and he jumps off before it explodes, killing the two remaining Autobots. Thundertron just scoffs in disgust and departs.

Finally we now transition to Lazerback’s forced encounter with Ultra Magnus.

“Hello Lazerback, I think it’s time we talked.”

“Ultra Magnus! What are you doing here?”

“Stopping you and your crew’s rampage once and for all.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

"And that’s the thing. I really didn’t like the way our last battle went. I’m thinking one last rematch.”

“You’re pretty brave for an Autobot that has been bested by me twice.”

“Bested? Oh no my friend. You’re an impressive fighter for sure, but bested me? Let’s be real here.”

“Real?” What are you talking about?”

“In both encounters you had help. The first time i had no idea what I was dealing with, and that’s fair, but you didn’t defeat me on your own. The second time I was poisoned, still recovering from being frozen, and without one hand. Again you weren’t alone, but this time you weren’t even able to beat me. It was a stalemate. Even you know this.”

“You can have both or no hands at all and I’d still clean your clock.”

“I admire your confidence. Of course I have to at least offer you the chance to surrender since I am the symbol of lawful justice.”

“Surrender? Never! After everything that happened to me, the captain and everyone else I’ll never turn my back on them. I’ll kill every last one of you bastards myself if I have to.”

“Then you’ll have to go through me first. This time you’ll experience what it means to face a true warrior.”

“I too am a warrior! I am the first mate of the Star Seekers, Thundertron’s chosen successor. I am his legacy, and he is my life’s purpose. You’ll regret the today you chose to stand against me!”

“Then bring it!”

Ultra Magnus and Lazerback begin their battle, and both are giving it all they got. Lazerback makes the first move by pulling out his cannon faster than Ultra Magnus can react. The shot hits him right in the chest. While Ultra Magnus moves back from the pain Lazerback gets in close and slices him with his axe/whip. It is embedded in his chest, and Lazerback jumps on Ultra Magnus and kicks himself off. Ultra Magnus swings his hammer, but Lazerback is just too fast. When he swings again Lazerback slides inbetween his legs and shoots him in the back. Ultra Magnus turns around and swings again, but Lazerback starts running in circles around him. He throws his axewhip into his left ankle and circles him again. He wraps the weapon around his legs and then pulls to knock him down. Lazeback jumps on top of Ultra Magnus and stabs him in the back with his elbow blades. Ultra Magnus manages to struggle enough for Lazerback to get off. He gets his weapon back, and Ultra Magnus fires his mega missile. Lazerback shoots it, and explodes. Lazerback jumps through the air and slices Ultra Magnus’s arms but since Ultra Magnus anticipated it he did defensively to protect his body. Lazerback jumps back and stats spinning his weapon and launches it from far away. The first hit gets Ultra Magnus right in the stomach. He does it again and cuts his left side. On the third time Ultra Magnus barely steps back to avoid his face getting hit. Lazerback tries again, but Ultra Magnus effectively dodges it.

“Hold still!”

On the next attack Ultra Magnus blocks it with his hammer. Lazerback does it again, and at this point Ultra Magnus figures out the timing for the attacks. As he blocks it again. Lazerback’s next attempt is quite costly at Ultra Magnus blocks it at just the right time and it gets stuck in the hilt. Ultra Magnus yanks Lazerback to the floor. He swings hit upward and slams his hammer down with Lazerback still attached. He hits the floor hard, and doesn’t have time to recover as Ultra Magnus swings it around. The weapon unhooks finally, but at the price of Lazerback being flung along the floor. While he’s down Ultra Magnus fires a mega missile. Had Lazerback not get up to start running he would’ve died. Instead he takes a good hit from the shockwave. Lazerback does recover in time as Ultra Magnus hits him directly with his hammer. It’s quite the hit as he bounces across the floor ten times before finally stopping. Lazerback has always considered to be untouchable to his opponents but the moment he gets hit he can’t help but lose his composure. The seasoned warrior is nothing more than a brute with a perfectionist complex. An unforeseen mistake from his dear captain’s intense training. Lazerback decides to run away and transforms, but Ultra Magnus transforms as well.

“You can’t avoid this Lazerback, just give up!”

Instead of giving up Lazerback starts shooting at the vehicle with his cannon coming out of the creature’s back. Ultra Magnus swerves as best as he can, but one shot hits his front left tire. Ultra Magnus is forced to transform and roll to stay balanced. With chasing him seeming bleak Ultra Magus does something unprecedented; he takes out a different weapon. As an old fashioned bot he rarely uses anything outside of his hammer or missiles because they usually do the job. Lazerback is a special case. This requires some finesse, and thankfully he has weapon for just about any occasion. He takes out a hunting rifle. He takes a deep breath and aims. He cocks his head to the left, and as the triangular reticle aims at where he wants he fires. The bullet pierces through the front left arm of the beast. It goes straight through the elbow and Lazerback is forced to transform. Ultra Magnus is gaining ground, but the situation isn’t a complete loss yet. Lazerback is close to one of the more industrial parts of the ship. It’s a giant cargo loading area with cargo crates and cranes galore. The whole section is almost like a maze for him to slip inbetween the cracks. The is the environment for Lazerback’s power and skill set. Ultra Magnus quickly loses him in the maze of crates.

“Get back here coward!”

“Oh I will, but how about we play a little game of tag?”

Lazerback’s voice echoes throughout the whole area giving Ultra Magnus no inkling to his precise location. He looks behind a crate where he thinks he might be, but it’s to no avail.

“Wrong answer!”

Lazerback finally makes his move by using the arm of a nearby crane to swing down and slash Ultra Magnus in the back. Ultra Magnus tires to shoot him, but he’s too fast. He comes around the corner of a nearby crate and shoots Ultra Magnus twice in the chest. Ultra Magnus kicks the crate, but Lazerback jumps up and shoots him again. With Ultra Magnus blinded by the smoke of the blast he swings up slices him from the side. Lazerback jumps up on some crates and then slices a large crate carried by a crane’s rope It drops down to fall on Ultra Magnus. The Autobot is forced to fire his missile, making it explode. The fiery debris prevents him from seeing Lazerback swing by and slash him in the chest. Had Lazerback stuck to this strategy he probably would’ve beaten Ultra Magnus. His ego has other plans as he boldly gets up front and wing kicks Ultra Magnus into a crate to pin him. He lays down the punches to Ultra Magnus’s face, but with each hit Ultra Magnus is looking less phased. It breaks Lazerback’s focus for a moment, and Ultra Magnus quickly breaks free and punches Lazerback in the face. The still dazed Star Seeker is grabbed and then gets his head slammed on that same crate and thrown to the floor like a rat. Lazerback gets up and jumps back up on a nearby hanging pile of crates. He hops over to the next one and tries to swing around a crane’s arm to shoot Ultra Magnus, but the Autobot is ready for him and pulls out a small laser pistol that he fires. The shot goes through his left wrist, which is his primary swinging wrist. Lazerback manages to land but reels in the pain. Ultra Magnus shoots the cable the crane uses to hold up the crates down, and Lazerback barely manages to to get to the next one. This time he isn’t so lucky as that one is shot as well and he falls down. He tries to get up and Ultra Magnus throws one of the largest containers he can find and hits Lazerback. He finds himself stuck in the wall of one of the larger crates, and Ultra Magnus takes the opportunity to swing his hammer, and Lazerback is sent flying like a baseball after a homerun. The force of the hit is so great he flies into a nearby crane that shatters to pieces. This manages to save his life, but he is moderately damaged. Ultra Magnus fires one last mega missile that only just misses a direct hit, but Lazerback is caught in the blast. It’s become apparent to Lazerback that he can’t defeat Ultra Magnus alone. He flees with Ultra Magnus close behind him. The first mate makes a phone call during the chase.

“Hey it’s me, I’m in bad situation and I need your help. I’m close to your room, so meet me there right now!”

This fight will be continued at another time, but now is the time to focus on another key character, Scourge. The Decepticon still remains flightless after his encounter with Blackbeak. Even though Cyclonus and Astrotrain are supposed to help him off the ship it’s taking much longer than he hoped.

“Oh for crying out loud! I bet those idiots all forgot about me! What a way to go, stranded on a damaged ship that will soon be non man’s land and no way to pass the time. I might as well just die here!”

Scourge gets overdramatic and gets on his knees, and a shadow looming above him catches his attention.

“I must be in worse shape than I thought! The vultures are already here to tear me to pieces! Make it quick, winged ones, make use of every screw and bolt in my chassis!”

Scourge’s oscar worthy performance takes a breather when he notices the shadow circling him is growing larger.

“Huh….that’s one big bird.”

Curiosity proves itself a distraction as the shadow flies into him and pins him down, revealing itself to be Grimwing in his ursagryph form. He roars at Scourge, who is less than thrilled to see him.

“Oh… it’s you.”

-roaring- YOU KILLED MY PET!”

“Your pet shouldn’t have tried to kill me!”

Grimwing is none too pleased with that answer and grabs Scourge by the ankle. He thrashes him around like a chew toy and flings him across the floor. He jumps on Scourge’s body, and he responds by punching the bird’s face. Grimwing spits some of his heated mercury breath on his chest. As it burns Scourge gives up, but shouts one last, bizarre phrase to him.

“If you’re going to kill me then fine, but hurry up and do it as your real form you massive hypocrite!”

Grimwing’s head cocks to the side, and in an unprecedented turn of events he lets go of Scourge who is just as surprised as the rest of us. Grimwing transforms back to his real form.

“I have been called many things in my life, but nobody has ever considered calling me a hypocrite.”

“First time for everything.”

“Which makes me curious. Of all the names you could use why choose that? I want to know what made you call me hypocrite.”

“Looks like have no choice. Very well, if you must know I called you that because your behavior is inconsistant.”

“Inconsistent? In what regard?”

“You consider yourself a scholar yes?”

“That is correct.”

“Then you certainly don’t follow your own ideals.”

“And where pray tell have I gone astray?”

“Scholars are supposed to be patrons of a righteous path, yet you are quite clearly invested in your bloodlust. You who speak of knowledge as a sacred treasure, but advocate vengeance as justification for violence. Your temper is out of control and you always opt for the most violent methods. Your crisis of identity has irritated me from the very beginning. You wanted to know why I called you a hypocrite well there you go."

Grimwing scratches his chin in a deep thought. He takes a deep breath to begin his rebuttal.

“I understand now. You think that I am not fit to call myself a scholar for my violent nature. Is it wrong to break the stereotype that someone of my stature is attributed?”

“I’m all for breaking the mold, but you can’t hope to become that if you can’t even follow the basic premise on which those positions are defined.”

“True, but nature is all about balance and exceptions. My temper is fierce yes, but you fail to recognize all the millions of years of premeditation. My hatred for Cybertron is immeasurable, but I don’t do this simply to kill, but to accomplish the mission Thundertron had begun all those years ago. This isn’t just revenge, it’s closure for us, and justice for the others that died that day.”

“The funny thing about words is that they are so easily twisted. You can paint a picture any way you desire if someone gives you a brush halfway. In your mind you think it is a divine goal, but violence always begets more violence."

“Ah the classic ever spinning wheel of destiny. In principle I agree, but this is something that needs to be done. With Ripclaw and Sky-Byte’s deaths I must succeed. All who oppose us will be destroyed. Besides the violence will end when there is nobody left alive on Cybertron.”

“You really needed to do nothing. All you had to do was return and everything would’ve been alright. You’d be welcomed back home, and you could’ve even helped the Autobots, or heck you could’ve teamed up with us to conquer the planet. Instead you declared a war that you never had a chance of winning. A battle that nobody wanted to start with you. Now you’re all suffering because of it. A true scholar would’ve seen this as a destined failure from the very beginning, but instead you chose to be nothing but a bloodthirsty brute."

Grimwing applauds Scourge, which the latter finds unsettling.

“Well done Scourge, you’ve managed to hold your own against me in a verbal debate. I haven’t had a challenge like that since Ripclaw, but nobody can ever beat the captain in words or real combat. Still, you had a concise argument and managed to convince me that I had a flaw that I had no idea existed, I will take your words seriously and try to improve myself as a person from here on out. This was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.”

“Aww and I’m starting to like you too. There’s still time for you to get out of here you know.”

“Unfortunately you cannot live. You killed Blackbeak, and that is unforgivable.”

“I figured as much, but I’m not going to die today, especially by your hands! I have big plans, and one of them has me killing Galvatron! You think you can kill me then go ahead, but I’m not going down without a fight!”

“That’s the spirit! I would expect nothing less from you, so bring me all you have!”

Scourge quickly draws his raygun and shoots at Grimwing’s face. He covers his face with his arm, but it seems to do more damage than either of them expected. It makes Grimwing stagger back for a few seconds before managing to hold himself in place. Then he begins to move forward against the stream. His movement begins increase in speed until he gets close to Scourge. He attempts to grab him, but Scourge rolls out of the way and pulls out his whip. He does it so fast it hits Grimwing in the right side of his face. He clutches his cheek in pain, and Scourge has another into his chest, which leaves a burning black diagonal line on the ursagryph head. Scourge goes to strike again but Grimwing grabs the whip and yanks Scourge close. He punches him hard in the chest and slams him down on the ground, He stomps on him three times and picks him up, punching him in the face, which further cracks his visor eyes. He takes out one of his shoulder pads and hits him in both the face and the chest. He jumps up with him still in his grasp, and falls hard enough with him to make a small crater in the floor. Scourge is so damaged that he can barely move. Grimwing holds his pad over his head as he is going to use it to smash Scourge’s head.

“You fought well. I’ll finish this quickly so you no longer have to suffer.”

Grimwing holds it back and begins his attack, but time slows down and the camera pans over to the side. Out in the distance a small twinkle in the distance becomes larger until a jet is seen flying at a godly speed. It spins in a barrel roll and transforms into someone who manages to grab Scourge and get him out of the way. Grimwing smashes down, but takes a moment to process that Scourge isn’t there. He looks around and sees someone on one knee cradling Scourge in his arms. It’s Cyclonus to the rescue.

Scourge: (weakly) “Cyclonus...why?”

Cyclonus: “Are you hurt?”

Scourge: “You really took your sweet time getting here!”

Cyclonus: “I’m relieved that your injuries aren’t critical.”

Scourge: “I’m still a mess. Why did you save me?”

Cyclonus: “Because we are partners, and dare I say even friends.”

Scourge: “I’ll reserve judgement on that last adjective.”

Grimwing; “Enough, Cyclonus, I don’t wish to fight you.”

Cyclonus: “Nor I you, however, you can’t kill Scourge.”

Grimwing: “He killed my pet, and you say my vengeance isn’t justified?”

Cyclonus: “On the contrary, it’s quite justified.”

Scourge: “Who’s side are you on?”

Cyclonus: “But the death of Blackbeak is on your hands.”

Grimwing: “You would dare say such things to me?”

Cyclonus: “Only when it is the truth. Had you and your crew not start this battle you’d all still be alive.”

Grimwing: “I intend to survive this day, and when the mission is over I will finally rest.”

Cyclonus: “Rest?”

Grimwing: “After Cybertron and its inhabitants are nothing more than dust I will be leaving the Star Seekers. Ripclaw and Sky-Byte’s deaths are too heavy of a burden on my conscience to remain. From there I will retire and find a new home on some faraway planet that will have me. If I have an audience I will educate them about Thundertron’s teachings and become a great leader of a peaceful new world. I will create a utopia for those that deserve it. Consider it a willing penance I pay for this immeasurable genocide.”

Cyclonus: “Instead of killing you can start your new life. I’ll even help you escape if you let me.”

Grimwing: “As tempting as that offer is I simply cannot abandon Thundertron. He is everything to us, to me. He was the one that recognized my talents and gave me a chance. Ever since that day I followed his teachings to the book and trained harder than I ever thought possible, and reached new heights people only hear about in legends. I owe him my life because he is my life. He is the embodiment of our resolve, our reason for living, and even the very being destined to deserve the title of divine perfection. I may never had as close of a relationship with him like Lazerback, Cryotek, Sky-Byte, and even Scorponok, but I know he loved me and the rest of us like we were his own sons. For that I am eternally grateful. I owe him everything, my life will mean nothing if he dies this day. I must do this to bring closure to us all, and out of the loyalty to the only family that I acknowledge. All of those who hurt us must die, and all who oppose us will be crushed. That is truth.”

Cyclonus: “And who exactly are you punishing Grimwing? All those that hurt you? The parties responsible for your faulty equipment were killed or imprisoned. Those that were imprisoned are dead from old age. The ones that were young enough to witness your disappearance are all elderly. Do they deserve the same punishment because they were too helpless to help you? Is that it? That's a selfish and idiotic mindset, even for someone as incredible and bright as you. Not everyone deserves life yes, but the number of good men and women in the world outweigh the evil significantly. To punish everyone for the actions of a minority so scarce it doesn’t even show up on a radar is one of the most evil beliefs that I’ve ever heard. You have become the very thing you’ve sworn to destroy. How can you want to teach the youth about peace, love, and understanding if you've only had violence on your mind for this long?"

Griming: “Surely you’ve heard the way to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Cyclonus: “There is no good left for these intentions.”

Grimwing: “We can debate this all day, but I grow fatigued of this conversation. Now either let me kill Scourge or face the consequences.”

Cyclonus: “You know I can’t let you do that.”

Grimwing: “Then burn with the rest of Cybertron!”

Grimwing throws one of his shoulder pads at Cyclonus, who effortlessly dodges it. The swordsman moves at such blinding speeds that he only registers as a black blur that phases in and out of certain spots. Thankfully Grimwing can see just enough of him to figure out where he’s going. When Cyclonus goes to strike Grimwing goes for an uppercut. Cyclonus manages to react just in time and uses the thrusters on his ankles to burst propulsion backwards in midair. Grimwing is distracted by Cyclonus’s lightning fast reaction, and the latter takes advantage of this by blast propelling him forward into a divebomb. His swords cut both of Grimwing’s forearms. Grimwing spins around when Cyclonus lands and tries to clothesline him, but in slow motion Cyclonus propels himself with one foot and spins around using his sword as a steering wheel on the ground to swerve behind Grimwing and uses his free hand to cut the back of one of Grimwing’s legs. Grimwing smashes down on the ground to make Cyclonus jump back. The Decepticon fires his gun, but Grimwing protects himself by shielding himself with his wings. Grimwing throws one of his pads at Cyclonus, but then suddenly throws the second one at an even greater speed to trick him. It work and Cyclonus takes the pad right into his chest. Cyclonus recovers, but Grimwing makes his attacks more intense. Cyclom\nus is forced to block a punch with both blades in an X formation, but it isn’t enough to cushion the majority of the blow. As he forcefully rolls back Cyclonus summons his two shadow clones to defend him. They distract Grimwing long enough for him to get to his feet. They make small slices around his body, but nothing that hinders his performance.

Cyclonus: “You’ll never get rid of them.”

Grimwing: “The I'll just aim for the source!”

Cyclonus manages to strafe to left to avoid Griwming’s grab and makes a small stab into his abdomen, but it doesn’t do much outside of angering him. Cyclonus is smacked in the face. While he’s dazed he’s knocked down. Grimwing tries stomping on him but Cyclonus rolls back and uses the horns on his head to spin like a top and slashes widely and cuts at Grimwing’s knees, forcing him to back off. The battle is in its final moments as Cyclonus is back on his feet and spinning like a tornado and slashing everywhere. Grimwing blocks most of the attacks and attempts to counter, but Cyclonus propels himself into the air, spins diagonally, and then propels himself again downward in a sword tornado kamikaze attack that manages to cut his shoulders. Grimwing manages to graze him with his foot and knocks him off balance, but Cyclonus slides underneath him and shoots him twice in the crotch. Grimwing manages to turn around and grab Cyclonus just in time and slam him on the ground. He picks him up again and headbutts him, and then makes one last heavy punch that makes Cyclonus go hit the floor hard. He’s moderately damaged, but still manages to stand. He is clutching his arm and can’t really fight back.

Grimwing: “This is what happens when you protect those that don’t deserve it."

Grimwing charges at Cyclonus, who is ready to to sacrifice himself and kill Grimwing with a risky sword stance, but this is abruptly cut when Grimwing gets shot in the back of the head. As it turns out Scourge was the one that pulled the trigger.

Cyclonus: “Scourge… why?”

Scourge: “I don’t like being the damsel in distress. Consider it being even.”

Grimwing: “Foolishly noble of you both. This changes nothing you know. Both of you will still die.”

What happened next was either divine intervention or a ludicrous amount of luck. A large shadow appears above all of their heads, and Grimwing is forced to fly out of it to stay alive. The cause of the shadow was one of the many surface cannons on the ship, and it’s one of the larger ones. Someone of great power threw it at them. The cannon itself creates giant hole in the floor. Grimwing looks inside the hole, but of course that’s the wrong direction to look. A figure in the distance jumps high in the air and makes his way down, and Grimwing turns around to see the perpetrator just a little too late. Grimwing gets punched in the face so hard he falls into the hole. The figure lands on his feet with raw power and control that Cyclonus and Scourge are speechless. The figure stands up perfectly straight and looks at them Their savior was the last person they’d ever expect.

Cyclous: “M-M-Motormaster?”

Motor: (sharply) “Don’t think I’m doing this for you. Personally I was perfectly content with either of you dying, but orders are orders.”

Astrotrain appears in the sky and transforms into his train mode. His back hatch opens revealing Octane, Waspinator, and the rest of Soundwave’s entourage bar the imprisoned Frenzy.

Octane: “Hey guys, looks like we caught you at a great time.”

Scourge: “That’s putting it lightly, someone get me in.”

Motormaster throws Scourge inside Astrotrain with the rest of the gang. He runs into Waspinator, who breaks into pieces. It cuts back to Motormaster outsider, and Scourge lets out a weak and quiet “thank you” from inside.

Motor: “Cyclonus, don’t you have somewhere to be?”

Cyclonus: “Right, are you sure you don't need me?”

Motor: “Of course not, especially with the hits you took now. I'm not going to let you be my anchor. Do whatever you have to. Scourge will be fine.”

Cyclonus: “Alright, thank you.”

Motor: “Don’t thank me yet, I still have to finish the job.”

Cyclonus takes off in search of Galvatron, completely unaware that he would be involved in the finale. Grimwing finally flies out of the hole and lands.

Grimwing: “You again? What do you want?”

Motor: “It’s quite simple, I want to kill you.”

Grimwing: “Is that a fact? It will take more than words to accomplish that.”

Motor: “I know what I’m capable of, and I will show you.”

Grimwing: “Then wait your turn. I have a score to settle with Scourge.”

Motor: “Your score is settled. I’m the only one you should be gazing at.”

Grimwing: “I’m not interested in fighting you yet, now get out of my way.”

Grimwing walks to Astrotrain, but Motormaster steps in front of him.

Motor: “Astrotrain, take off before this gets ugly.”

Scourge: “Better do what he says!”

Astro: “Yeah yeah I get it.”

Astrotrain starts his engine, and Grimwing lightly shoves Motomaster aside. Motormaster grabs Grimwing’s wrist to hold him back.

Motor: “Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. I am your opponent, not them.”

Grimwing: “Apparently I wasn’t either, your desire to fight me means nothing!”

Grimwing throws Motormaster over his shoulder. Astrotrain gets moving, but he needs more momentum to fly. Grimwing starts getting close but Motormater suddenly catches up to him in a full sprint and tackles him. Astrotrain finally begins to fly, and Scourge has his face glued to the window making sure they have a safe escape. Grimwing uses the momentum of the tackle’s roll to kick Motormaster off. He transforms and begins to fly after Astrotrain. He starts spitting mercury at Astrorain’s wings.

Octane: “This guy sure is intense!”

Scourge: “Go faster you idiot or we’re all going to die!”

Wasp: “Eh, Waspinator has faced worse.”

Octane: “Not all of us embrace death the way you do bug brain!”

Grimwing is about to get on top of Astrotrain, but Motormaster does a super jump and grabs onto his hind legs to pull him down. Grimwing kicks him repeatedly in the face and eventually kicks him off. Motormaster lands on his feet and tries firing his Riot Cannon. Grimwing avoids every shot, but he does have one last idea, but it’s all about timing. Grimwing is managing to keep pace with Astrotrain, who isn’t accelerating fast enough to escape the Star Seeker completely. He divebombs Astrotrain, who is forced to barrel roll. The Decepticons inside of him are like clothes in a washing machine.

Astro: “Alright Scourge, just what did you do to piss off Big Bird?”

Scourge: “Just get us out of here!”

Astro: “I hate to say it but I think we’re about to get destroyed.”

Grimwing is just inches away from biting Astrotrain’s thruster off, but without warning he feels a sharp, searing pain in his left wing. He finds that Motormaster threw his sword into it, and that temporarily disables his flight abilities. Grimwing is forced to land, which allows Astrotrain to escape. Grimwing transforms and tears the sword out of his wing, throwing it to the ground. Motormaster is driving to his location and transforms with one last super jump to meet his foe.

"You will pay dearly for this!”

“I certainly hope so.”

“How could you value that murderer’s life enough to save him?”

“You’re reading into this far too much. I may have saved him, but I have no attachment to him or anyone really. Saving him was just a byproduct of my desire to face you.”

“Why do you even wish to fight me in the first place?”

“Because you are strong, and I wish to be the the strongest. In order to achieve my goal I must test my might against others like me. A brute like you is a perfect test.”

”I am no brute. I am scholar, a navigator, and a warrior.”

“And who are you trying to convince with that facade? I know a brute when I see one. We are cut from the same cloth you and I.”

“We are nothing alike! You know nothing about who I am.”

“I don’t care about your personality and the lies you tell yourself. All I know is that you are strong, I wish to kill you, and that you cower behind your intellect to hide your true nature. Come, join me in a mutual bloodlust in combat.”

“I haven’t hid behind anything, and I don’t even know your name.”

“My name is Motormaster, and I know you are Grimwing. I know you and I are warriors and brutes. I don’t want you to hold anything back.”

“You think you’re going to win, Motormaster? You may not like the outcome.”

“Only one way to find out. Come, let your anger take full control, and show me what it means to be a warrior!”

“Well then, it appears I have no choice, but know I will make you suffer! Enjoy your last moments of life, Motormaster!”

Motormaster and Grimwing get right into the battle. Motormaster makes the first attack but Grimwing’s superior hand to hand combat gives him a head start by blocking and countering with a hit to his lower jaw. Motormaster goes for a punch to the face but Grimwing throws him over his shoulder. When he gets up Grimwing does a jumping kick to his face. While Motormaster is down Grimwing jumps on him and grinds him across the ground, and then jumps off of him like skateboard. Motormaster gets up quicker than he anticipated, but Grimwing manages to hold him back into an arm lock.

“Your skills are too inferior to stand a chance again me.”

“Then I’ll just stick to being stronger.”

Motormaster instantly overpowers Grimwing by doing a jumping knee kick right into Grimwing’s chest. The hit sends him far away, bouncing twice before finally stopping. Grimwing uses his wings to quickly get back to the fight and tries to attack, but Motormaster jumps high to avoid being hit. Grimwing flies up to grab him, and then does a mid air spinning suplex that lands Motormaster headfirst on the ground. It doesn’t do much as Motormaster is still struggling. Grimwing tries to choke him out but Motormaster jumps while they’re still struggling, and it makes them drop a floor. When they land it’s with Motormaster on top. They continue to struggle and Motormaster jumps backwards again, and even higher this time. They are launched into one of the radio towers of the ship, and they make a giant hole into it. This time both of them are on their sides so both take the full impact of the fall when they land. Motormaster jumps one last time where they go into the same tower, but this time they hit the right spot where the tower is knocked over and explodes. Out of the hole the two are finally separated and Motormaster sees Grimwing isn’t falling with any control. Motormaster helps out by smashing both of his fists down on his head. Grimwing makes a small crater when he lands. Motormaster lands flawlessly, but is unprepared for Grimwing to instantly come out of the crater and backflip kick him. Grimwing transforms and flings him in the air with his ursagryph head. While he’s in the air Grimwing flies at him at all sides to damage him before he falls. Motormaster lands on his back and Grimwing spits some of his mercury breath on him. It burns him greatly, but Motormaster endures the pain. Grimwing attempts to charge him head on, but Motormaster stops him cold in his tracks by grabbing his head and slamming him on the ground. Grimwing transforms and gets into an arm lock with him. During the struggle he steps on Motormaster’s foot to break free. Motormaster swings his arm, but Grimwing ducks and hits Motormaster’s chest with a palm strike. Motormaster does a right hook but Grimwing flawlessly deflects the attack does a karate chop to the lower left side of his body. Grimwing hits him in the face with a palm strike, which makes him stagger back. He starts to lay down more attacks, but to his surprise Motormaster is able to keep up with him to some degree. He’s not getting any hits in, but he’s able to block a good portion of his attacks. Grimwing kicks Motormaster down, and he takes out out both of his shoulder pads. He jumps up to stab them into his chest, but Motormaster transforms his arm into his riot cannon, and it blasts Grimwing back. It doesn’t do too much damage, but it is visible on his chest and does enough to rattle his cage.

“Rather pitiful that you resort to using to guns in a battle that you proclaimed proves the difference between warriors and brutes.”

“In such battles it would be wise to use every tool in your arsenal. Don’t blame me for your lack of variety.”

“All I need to defeat you is everything you see before you.”

Motormaster takes the opportunity to unleash his trailers which become his armor and shield respectively.

“And now a shield? You must be desperate, Motormaster.”

“I assure you I’m only using this once, and I won’t be using it to defend against you.”

“Then why even use it?”

“To prove a point.”

“What point?”

Motormaster stomps on the edge of the shield to launch it in the air, and when it comes down he spins around and kicks, and it is launched right into Grimwing’s face. While he’s dazed Motormaster gets close and does a double kick to knock him down. He tries to shoot him with his riot cannon but Grimwing manages to roll back and jump away. The king of the road finally picks up his sword off the ground.

“Say your prayers for death has come for you.”

“I don’t get it, how can you still be this energized after what I’ve done to you?”

“It’s quite simple I’ve taken hits from those stronger than you. If it's any consolation it does hurt.”

(defiant) “Only your demise will give me satisfaction!”

Grimwing goes to attack with both pads in his hands to act like mini maces. Grimwing manages to make a jab to Motormaster’s face. Motormaster wildly swings his sword, but nothing ever connects. Grimwing either leans back or dodges each attack. Motormaster does an overhead swing, and Grimwing ducks and jabs one into his knee. It forces him down, and Grimwing gets behind him and hits him in the back of the head. Motormaster gets up and does a vertical slash, but Grimwing hits him in his side. Motormaster tries to thrust, but Grimwing smacks one down on his head. He tries an upward slash and it countered when Grimwing hits him on the elbow, which makes him drop his sword. Grimwing goes even harder and punches Motormaster in the face, and it dents his cheek. Motormaster drops his sword and manages to push him back. Motormaster gets a roundhouse kick to the head and is knocked down. Unfortunately for Grimwing his feet were too close, and Motormaster scissors his leg, and manages to smash him to the ground with only his legs. Motormaster smashes his elbow down on Grimwing’s chest three times before they start rolling. Before long Motormaster manages to pick him up and throw Grimwing. The scholarly Star Seeker recovers midair and divebomb tackles him and transforms, putting more mercury on him, but Motormaster has had enough and kicks him off. Motormaster scrambles and puts on his armor to protect him from any further mercury. Grimwing goes to attack, but Motormaster is ready, and in slow motion as he comes to strike. Motormaster jumps up and punches the bird right in the face. Grimwing crashes to the ground, and before he can try to take off Motormaster fires his chaos rift combustor into the sky, and it lands on Grimwing’s wings. Since it explodes all over him they become too damaged to fly. He is forced to transform, but Motormaster jumps on him and holds him by his wings.

(sadistic) “Poor little bird, it looks like you’ve lost your wings!:"

Motormaster savagely tears off Grimwing’s right wing. The Star Seeker manages to get to his feet, but Motormaster strikes him in the face with his wing. Grimwing kicks him in the chin. Motormaster returns his armor and shield to his storage. He feels confident enough not to use them.

- roaring- “I’ll make you pay for this!”

“Impossible. This battle is mine for the taking. I’ve wasted enough time with you.”

It’s at this point in the fight is where Motormaster dominates Grimwing. He takes out both of his daggers from his shoulders to challenge Grimwing. The two fight at an even pace but Grimwing manages to make one hit to his chest. Motormaster gets into a weapon lock with him, but quickly overpowers him and stabs Grimwing in his right shoulder. While he staggers back he does a sweep attack to Grimwing. He recovers and swings his arm, but Motormaster gets around him and stabs his other dagger right into Grimwing’s left arm, and it pierces the left elbow. Grimwing manages to step on his foot, and Motormaster headbutts him in response. Only Grimwing has his melee weapons. Motormaster grabs his right wrist and starts to twist it, but Grimwing spins in the direction of the twist and kicks Motormaster in the face. As Motormaster goes down he manages to get in a kick of his own. They both recover and jump at one another, but Motormaster is the one that was ready. He puts his hand on his face and slams him into the ground. He grabs Grimwing by the leg and starts swinging him around until he is thrown. When he lands hard on the floor. Motormaster jumps and land on top of him, and the force of the landing is strong enough to make the floor break. The two are falling, but Motormaster savagely beats Grimwing with his fists as they fall. Eventually they hit a floor entirely dedicated to drone creation. Grimwing is the first to strike with his remaining shoulder pad. He hits Motormaster so hard it breaks his nose. Motormaster shoots him back. The battle is near its end, and both of them know this. Grimwing is clearly at his limit, and Motormaster has enough go another few rounds.

“I told you the end was near. You fought as well as you could, but just like many before you there was never enough strength to beat me.”

“As long as I still live I will beat you.”

“An easily rectified problem.”

Motormaster mocking him with his own words was the straw the broke the camel’s back. The final part of the battle ensues with them trading punches. Grimwing’s are faster, but Motormaster’s is stronger, and soon he’s the only one dealing out the hits. Grimwing resorts to defense and counters Motormaster next punch by clapping his hands on the side of his face and punching him in the throat. Grimwing tries to smash his pad down on his head, but Motormaster grabs his arm, and with his free arm he punches him three times in the chest and then uppercuts him. Grimwing decides the best idea is to flee and runs into some teleporters. Motormaster is not far behind and follows him to the very end. In Grimwing’s panicked state he does realize the last teleporter he used sent him directly to the very end of the the ship. He’s on a floor where there is a massive scaffolding that the drones use for maintenance to work on the ships one hundred thrusters. There is a just a big enough intersected catwalk for both of them to conclude their battle. The two jump at each other one last time and land a punch to their face respectively. Grimwing is on his back as Motormaster goes to end the fight, but Grimwing throws one of his shoulder pads into him, and it knocks him back. Before Motormaster gets up Grimwing throws his remaining pad into a fuse box.

“You missed.”

“No, it’s right where it needs to be.”

The fuse explodes, and all the surrounding debris falls on him, trapping him. Grimwing gathers his weapons to finish everything.

“And that is the difference between a warrior and a brute, Motormaster. You cling to power as if that alone will solve your problem. Plans are what separate the two, and it will always be the mind that triumphs over the body.”

“The funny thing about plans are that they fall apart so easily!”

Motormaster bursts out of the rubble and kicks Grimwing back. He scramble and grabs one of his pads. Grimwing dodges his next attack and rams into Motormaster. Motormaster pushes him off, but Grimwing does the unexpected and smashes the pad down on his right foot, breaking the front half of it. While Motormaster reels in pain Grimwing pins him to the railing. He’s trying to throw Motormaster off and into the path of the thrusters. They struggle with Grimwing winning, but that’s when Motormaster pulls out one last card.

“You’re so focused on sending me to my doom you never considered what it would do to you!”

Motormaster uses the sharp spike on his other foot to stab Grimwing in the knee, forcing him to let go. Motormaster pushes Grimwing into the railing, and in the final moment he fires his riot cannon one last time. It hits Grimwing in the right side of his face, completely blowing it off, and he stumbles and falls over the railing. His body makes contact with the thrusters and is jettisoned out into Primus knows where in space. Motormaster is victorious, but oddly enough he could’ve swore he heard yelling as Grimwing’s body was falling.

Motor: (triumphant) “The strong will always crush the weak.”

Motormaster reclaims his weapons and is picked up by Riptide and Clash. Meanwhile on the western outskirts of the ship Tarn is busy laying waste to all drones in his way. He slices one in half with his machetes, and then stabs another in the head with his knife. Two go at him at opposite sides but he grabs them and smashes their bodies together. Fifteen remain and surround him. Tarn’s palms glow orange, and with one full spin he lets out his lasers to completely eradicate them.

“Pathetic.”

Tarn sees something in the sky, something quite familiar to him. As it begins to pass by he recognizes it to be Sixshot in his jet form. He is of course quite relieved to see his friend is still alive.

“I know you wouldn't be killed so easily, dear friend of mine.”

Tarn’s expression in his eyes change from relief to confusion when he sees that something isn’t quite right. Sixshot isn’t alone. Inside the jet’s cockpit is something...or rather someone. Tarn focuses his gaze until he sees Daniel inside, and he seems to be happy. Tarn’s hand forms a clenched fist, and it begins to glow. Tarn has questions for his comrade.

 

1.R.I.P. sixshot you're so doomed.
2. Grimwing vs scourge was awesome and I'm surprised scourge had such wise words to say.
3. Grimwing vs cyclonus was just as awesome though a little sad ad they could've been friends if things turned out differently.
4. Lazerback is dead no if's, ands, or buts about it.
5.thundertron had surprisingly moving last words to his crew.

 

Sad to see the Star Seekers react to Sky Byte's death. also who know Cyclonus and Scoruge make such good arguments about what a real scholar is?

 

Sorry to hear about what happened to your Google docs account. Looking forward to see what happens next after reading the chapter's ending.

 

At long last we're in the final 5. Just four more to go and it's over with. I didn't realize just how long this one turned out being, but it was necessary. I can assure you the next one will be much shorter in comparision. Lot's of content worth discussing in this one, so after a long hiatus here is part 38: Betrayal



Inside the deeper levels of the ship Thunderhoof has been wandering aimlessly looking for the escape pods.

“Geez all these corridors look exactly alike. How do those wackjobs even navigate this place?”

Thunderhoof turns the next corner, and to his frustration he finds himself right back at the cell he’s been imprisoned in for all these years.

(furious) “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!”

The temperature quickly gets much warmer as a burning portal appears in front of him. The Fallen and Mindwipe step out.

Fallen: “Ah I had a feeling you would be here.”

Hoof: “Well it’s about time you came to get me! What were you doing this whole time?”

Mindwipe: “Only the most important work for the greatest cause.”

Fallen: “Actually we’ve just been spectating all the action, and since there was a break we finally got around to helping you.”

Mindwipe: “Master! You shouldn’t make us come across as indolent clods!”

Fallen: “It matters not my young disciple. You mustn’t let other’s perceptions of you get in the way of who you are. Don’t think of it as wasting time. We are enjoying the harmonious serenity of the chaos that we’ve helped create. Sure our involvement may be miniscule, but does it really matter? This whole ordeal has been captivating from start to finish. Thundertron and his crew are some of the most passionate mortals I’ve ever come across. Lazerback’s sole devotion to his captain is reminiscent of how you look to me. Thundertron in particular is the most interesting because I feel we’ve barely scratched the surface of who he really is. His dedication to vengeance even in the wake of losing the people he loves more than himself and his mission is rather inspiring. Though truth be told I’m not holding up much confidence on him being successful. Still I know he’ll fight until the bitter end, and I want to be there to see it happen. And you want to know the best part of it all? It really doesn’t matter if he succeeds or not. Cybertron and Primus himself will be destroyed. So even if Thundertron fails Primus still has a set day of death. All you and I must do is simply live until it happens. We’re two and a half Earth years until the day the universe is completely destroyed. Then Earth will finally be mine.”

Hoof: “Hey uh, that’s a great speech and all, but what about helping me escape?”

Fallen: “Yes of course. Put your hand on my shoulder.”

Thunderhoof complies, and Mindwipe does the same. Before he can process what happened he finds himself in the escape pod room with them.

Thunder: “Eyy yoo! What just happened?”

Mindwipe: “Isn’t it obvious? We teleported.”

Thunder: “Well that ain’t something ya see every day. Wait, if you can teleport like that then why make portals?”

Fallen: “Because my teleportation is instantaneous, but truth be told it has a range limit that I cannot break. I can open portals anywhere as long as I’ve seen it before. Teleports are for quick escapes, and going through one of my portals is sometimes disorienting for newcomers. Be thankful the escape pods were within my teleportation range.”

Hoof: “Thanks, and I guess I really do owe you guys one.”

Mindwipe: “And we will hold you to that one day.”

Hoof: “So my home is destroyed, when will I be going?”

Fallen: “A little place called Earth. Now we will be able to find you because of your species faction symbol on your chest. When this is over we will find you and proceed from there.”

Mindwipe: “I will type in the coordinates.”

Thunderhoof sits in the pod, and the door closes behind him. Mindwipe types in the coordinates to Earth and types in a random location, unarare that finding him would be much harder than they thought. Thunderhoof is sent off to Earth, but the other two aren’t alone for long as Stench, Slapper, and Darkscream show up.

Stench: “We made it!”

Slapper: “Thought we’d be too late.”

Dark: “Wait a second, we have intruders!”

Fallen: “Mindwipe, don’t kill them, but do get them out of our way.”

Mindwipe makes eye contact will all three of them.

Mindwipe: “Hide off in a corner where nobody can find you, and in twenty minutes you will forget you ever saw us and will return here to make your escape.”

The trio do as ordered, and both The Fallen and Mindwipe go through a portal to look for the biggest part of the battle. Amidst the chaos Reflector has been taking pictures of the battle for his inevitable documentary of it.

Reflect: “Oh how exciting this is!”

As he scrolls through his pictures he finds a picture that he doesn’t remember taking. One that doesn’t belong. It doesn’t take long for him to realize what this is. With the lone antenna on his head he sends a telepathic message to both Soundwave and Blaster.

Reflect: “When the battle is over meet me at Trypticon immediately. There is something that only our eyes must see.”

The others understand, and Soundwave pulls off his crippling attack against The Tidalwave. The remaining micro drones that scanned parts of the ship also has a handy secondary function. It can hack into any system and disable it. In this case it’s the entire weapons system. Since the technology on the ship is so primitive it’s easier to shut the whole thing down. In an instant every harpoon and cannon stops working. Rodimus notices that the amount of firing has gone to a near complete silence. All that is left to deal with is the remaining members of the crew and the seemingly endless waves of drones. A whole pack of them surround the Prime, and before either party makes a move a blue streak speeds by in a circle and slices them all up. It’s Blurr, but since he hasn’t completely recovered from Ripclaw’s venom he’s significantly slower.

“Thanks Blurr, but you should get off the ship.”

“Way ahead of you, but I had to step in when I saw you.in danger.”

“I think that this is going to end very soon, but something doesn’t feel right.”

“What do you mean?”

“Call it a Prime’s instinct, but this whole time we’ve been here I feel like something or someone has been watching us.”

“It’s probably just the cameras around this ship. They sure have a few of those.”

“You’re probably right, but I can’t shake it.”

“When it’s over you’ll see.”

“I pray you’re right my friend. Now then, I’ll take it from here. I’ll return when this is all over.”

-salutes- “Go get them, we believe in you!”

Blurr transforms and drives off to a Junkion cruiser that will pick him up. Rodimus takes a moment and surveys the damage taken. Some of the barrier that the Flame Kingdom made disappears since the Tidalwave is rendered useless. The residents themselves fall over from exhaustion after expending that much energy. Rodimus calls Arcee, who’s been radio silent since Sky-Byte’s death. To his relief she answers, but the shape she is in is cause for concern.

“Hot Rod? What are you doing?”

“We couldn’t reach you for awhile, we needed to now how you’re feeling.”

“Well I took a good hit, but the bleeding has finally stopped. I’m still limping though.”

“I meant how are you doing emotionally?”

-snapping- “How do you think I feel? I just let Sky-Byte kill himself like that.”

“You did everything you could. Sky-Byte made his choice. You gave him an olive branch but he didn’t take it. Some people are beyond our reach, but that shouldn't make us quit. Instead we try that much harder to save those that are left.”

“I still feel like I could’ve done something.”

“Those thoughts will always linger in our minds, but once we accept our own limitations is when we can grow and surpass them.”

“Spoken like a true Prime. You’ve really come a long way, Hot Rod, or I guess I should stick to Rodimus.”

“I have you to thank as well. Let me help you get out of here. I’m not too far from your position as it turns out.”

“That would be wonderful. All of a sudden this ship has gotten really chilly.”

“Did you say chilly?”

“Yeah what about it?”

Arcee breaths and her whole breath appears in front of her. In that moment both of them realize what’s going on.

“Get out of there now Arcee!”

Arcee begins to transform, but a wall of ice appears to block her path, making her crash. As she turns back Cryotek flies down and lands. His power has become so unstable because of his anger that every step he takes erects an eight foot jagged black ice structure.

(intense) “If you think you’re going to escape then you’re wrong. This is going to be the coldest winter you’ve ever known.”

Rodimus as a car is own his way to stop Cryotek, but that will have to wait as Thundertron’s resolve will be tested. He lays down on one of the many crossjacks one of the countless masts have to offer. He is currently in a spot with a lot of explosive barrels because he’s near a munitions factory below. Some of the excess barrels are placed around the surface on platforms that go below deck on some conveyor belts. Thundertron wipes a lone tear from his face thinking about the demise of Ripclaw and Sky-Byte, unaware that another is added to the list. He wipes away a lone tear, and his silence is broken when a scream gets his attention.

“THUNDERTRON, GET DOWN HERE AND FACE ME!”

The source of the scream is from Springer, who has been chomping at the bits to challenge him.

“Well well well, if it isn’t Springer. Have you come to challenge me like everyone else?”

“I’m here to make you pay for everything you’ve done to Cybertron.”

“Don’t make me laugh, this isn’t justice you seek, it’s revenge for Jazz, isn’t that right?”

“You’re right, and I’ll make sure he gets avenged. You’re going down Thundertron.”

“And you think you can take me alone?”

“I know I can. It’s about time you face a true swordsman.”

“Bold words for someone like you, but it seems I have no choice but to face you.”

Thundertron jumps down and lands without halting his gaze. While it makes Springer hesitant he still holds his ground.

“If you’re ready, Springer, then it’s time to die.”

Both draw their swords, yet neither of them attack. Both of them are greeted by another participant and it’s Cyclonus. The Decepticon take his place by Springer’s side.

Cyclonus: “This wasn’t the place or the person I was expecting to find, but I think this just as important.”

Thunder: “Once again my presence is graced by another that wishes to thwart me.”

Springer: “Don’t be surprised, when you threaten a whole planet you can expect the people to rally together.”

Thunder: “So you support each other. Tell me, where was that compassion for us when we needed it most? I guess we weren’t important enough.”

Cyclonus: “Twist history to your whim, but it doesn’t matter in the end.”

Thundertron notices Cyclonus’s bruises and cuts over his body, as well as that he seems to be slightly winded.

Thunder: “I know that handiwork anywhere. You had a run in with Grimwing, and by the looks of it you barely escaped. Good to know my trusty scholar will soon join me.”

Cyclonus: “I find that highly unlikely.”

Thunder: “Oh?”

Cyclonus: “He’s facing one of the strongest Decepticons in the history of Cybertron. He’s the most powerful Decepticon that isn’t Galvatron, a combiner, or even a beast. Even I admit I’m afraid to do as much I’ve seen what he’s capable of, and if he hasn’t killed Grimwing already then it’s going to be soon. He won’t be coming to save you.”

Thunder: “Then I guess I’ll have to do it myself. You really think you can beat me?”

Springer: “Alone no, but together I know it’s possible.”

Thunder: “Your enthusiasm sickens me, which is why I’ll pave this ocean of stars with your blood. Jazz was a perfect start, and now I’ll make art of you as well.”

Springer: - snapping- “You sick freak!”

Cyclonus: “Springer calm down!”

Springer: -dark- “It’s fine Cyclonus. Jazz was a good person unlike that pathetic weakling Ripclaw.”

Thundertron explodes hearing Ripclaw being insulted this way.

Thunder: “SAY ANOTHER WORD ABOUT HIM AND YOU’RE FINISHED!”

Springer: (evil) “He wasn’t meant to be in this world, but don’t worry I helped the reaper catch him in the end. Soon you’ll beijing him.!”

Thundertron has enough, and in a blind rage does a jumping thrust at Springer The Wrecker was ready, and instantly counters with an uppercut from his shield, hitting him right in the chin. Thundertron stumbles back, but Springer spins around and hits him in the side of the face with his shield and then attacks with his sword Thundertron barely dodges it and the blades grazes his face, making a small cut on the left side of his cheek. Cyclonus on the other hand is stunned at how sloppy Thundertron is fighting, Suddenly it hits him.

Cyclonus: (to himself) “I get it now. He insulted Ripclaw to throw Thundertron off. He’s given us both a headstart in the fight. I won’t let us down Springer!”

Cyclonus steps into the fight as Thundertron wildly sings at Springer who manages to block every attack, and he usually hits him with his shield and with a kick to the body. Though he just can’t cut or stab him with his sword. Cyclonus makes his attack from behind, and to their luck Thundertron had completely forgotten about Cyclonus. Cyclonus goes right from Thudnertron’s head, but the injuries caused by Grimwing makes him slip. The attack isn’t a complete failure. The blade stabs Thundertron completely through his right shoulder. He screams out as Cyclonus twists the blade to cause more pain. This is a costly mistake as this snaps Thundertron out of his emotional discord.

Thunder: “YOU THINK YOU CAN BEAT ME?!! YOU?!? I’LL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!”

Thundertron kicks Springer down and smashes his elbow into Cyclonus’s face, disarming him of one sword. Thundertron tears it out and now wields both swords. Thundertron attacks with both, and Cyclonus manages to block or avoid every attack. He looks back at the recovered Springer, who shares a nod with him from behind. Cyclonus leaps back and Springer goes for the attack, but Thundertron blocks his attacks easily and counters by cutting his shoulder. Springer suddenly spins around and punches with his shield to knock Thundertron off balance. Cyclonus slides underneath him and shoots him in the knee. While Thundertron starts to fall over Cyclonus kicks the stolen sword out of Thudnertron’s hand and claims it. Springer and and Cyclonus both flip and land a kick on both sides of Thundertron’s head at the same time. Thundertron recover and swings at Cyclonus, who jump propels himself behind him and does a speed burst charge. Thundertron manages to dodge it but loses his right coattail in the process. Cyclonus tries to jump and attack, but Thundertron finally brings out some of the rest of his arsenal. His energy claw slashes launch out, and the first one hits Cyclonus directly. While Cyclonus is down Springer steps in to defend him. Thundertron unleashes a flurry of energy slashes. Springer’s shield manages to protect him, but each hit sends him back a little more each time. Thundertron arcs his next slash to go for Springer's legs, forcing him to jump up. Thundertron jump as well to meet him, and kangaroo kicks Springer down. Springer lands on his feet but Thundertron gets to him faster than he can react. Thundertron thrusts, and manages to stab Springer in the upper right part of his chest. The stab is only an inch deep so Springer isn’t really affected by it. Thundertron’s attacks are more aggressive, and when Springer tries to counter Thundertron kicks his leg up and lets Springer’s sword hit his prosthetic foot, getting it caught. Springer is distracted from the unorthodox move and Thundertron punches him hard in the nose. He’s at Thundertron’s mercy, but before Thundertron can get in a killing thrust two dark figures tackle him to the ground. Cyclonus’s shadow clones were summoned in the nick of time.

Springer: “Thanks, Cyclonus, I might not have survived that.”

Thunder: “The night is still young, boys, so don’t give up hope yet!”

The battle heats up as Thundertron from this point on unleashes his full moveset. Thundertron overpowers the clones and attacks Cyclonus to make them vanish. He cuts Cyclonus across the chest, and Springer fires some missiles pods at Thundertron, who counters with his energy slashes. Cyclonus tries an overhead swing, but Thundertron finally fires his electro bolter. It lands in the Decepticon’s left clavicle as it shocks him. Springer attempts an attack, but Thundertron fires it at him just as quickly. The electric tip grazes his sword, and the rules of conductivity take over. While he’s distracted from the brief zap Thundertron hits his shield with it to make a longer lasting shock. It leaves him vulnerable to an energy slash that he takes the full force of. Cyclonus returns and exchanges slashes with him. Thundertron eventually gets the upper hand does a thrust that launches Cyclonus back. Springer comes with a thrust but Thundertron does a energy slash aimed at his legs. Springer does a flip in the air and transforms into his helicopter. His gatling gun opens fire, and Thundertron is forced to retreat. He does several handsprings backwards and then transforms into the lion. His sonic roar causes Springer to get disoriented. Cyclonus moves to attack, but the injuries dealt by Grimwing begin to slow him down. Thundertron takes the opportunity to slash him with the bolter. Thundertron hears a horn, and he sees Springer transform in the air from helicopter to his ground vehicle. He not only lands on him but completely runs him over, damaging him with his tires. Springer transforms back into robot mode and jumps up with a vertical jumping slash. Cyclonus is on the other side of Thundertron and does the same but spins like a top horizontally. Thundertron jumps right in the middle of them, and in slow motion his blade meets theirs. Thundertron timed his momentum just right that he deflects all of their attacks as he squeezes through the remaining space between them. In addition to that the force of his own attack knocks them both out of the air and they land on their backs.

Thunder: “Is that all you got?”

Springer transforms back into a helicopter and fires, and Thundertron effortlessly blocks the bullets. Cyclonus does a propulsion thrust from behind, but Thundertron times his movements just right and grabs Cyclonus by the arm and throws him into a nearby conveyor bolt. Thundertron strikes Cyclonus with his bolt while he’s down to incapacitate him. Springer flies again, but Thundertron jumps to meet him and thrusts his sword upward. It makes contact with the helicopter blades they’re sliced up, forcing Springer into a crash. He hits one of the masts while he goes down, and it knocks him out long enough for him to deal with Cyclonus. The Decepticon transforms and flies into Thundertron, but he quickly manages to break free. Cyclonus turns around and fires at him, but Thundertron runs up the wall of the mast and plants his sword into it as a place to stand. When Cyclonus gets close Thundertron jumps above him and fires his bolter into one of his wings. With a surprising amount of strength he’s able to pull the jet to him and jumps off the word. Using all his might Thundertron presses the weight of both his legs on Cyclonus, and it propels him to the ground near the explosive containers, just where Thundertron ants him. As Thundertron retrieves his sword Cyclonus transforms and gets up. The two fight for about a minute evenly with Cyclous managing to do a double slash to him that is blocked, but the force of the attack makes him slide back. As Cyclonus goes to attack Thundertron suddenly throws his prosthetic foot into his head to knock him into some of the barrels. In an instant Thundertron’s bolter retrieves his foot and he unleashes energy slashes to hit the barrels. Cyclonus tries to jump out of the way, but it’s too late. The slashes make contact with the barrels and causes a chain explosion to all the barrels nearby, and Cyclonus takes most of the blast. The heavily injured Cyclonus is launched into the air only to land painfully on the ground sprawled over on his side. His body has burns marks, cuts, and bruises all over. Thundertron looks at him intensely and spits off to the side.

Thunder: “I know you can’t hear me Cyclonus, but you’ve earned my respect. Even with your injuries I was hesitant to battle you. Still even with help you didn’t win -looks at shoulder- not for a lack of trying. I may have actually lost if you were at full strength, but the universe clearly sides with me. Regardless you are a threat to my mission, and threats must be dealt with swiftly.”

Thundertron draws his sword but instantly goes on the defensive as he gets shot at. Springer is already back on his feet.

“I won’t let you touch him.”

“Why even stop me? He’s as good as dead, and so are you.”

“Not as long as I stand.”

“The dead walk among us, and it’s my job to put their weary spirits to rest. You couldn’t defeat me even with help, Springer. What makes you think you can beat me?”

“Because with those injuries I can do it, and I’m going to give it all I got.”

“Then let this be our final battle, Springer. I won’t be satisfied until one of us dies.”

Thundertron and Springer prepare for their final battle, but elsewhere Lazerback is having trouble with his. Lazerback is tailed by Ultra Magnus, and during his panic he experiences a flashback. In this he and Ripclaw both finished a training battle with Ripclaw as the victor. Lazerback isn’t too happy because they’re always tied, but now for the time being Ripclaw is ahead.

Lazer: “You bloody cheated!”

Ripclaw: “There’s no cheating in a life or death fight! I just fought better!”

Lazer: “Barely!”

Ripclaw: “Barely is enough.”

Thunder: “Speaking of enough the battle is over. I have enough reasons to drink, and listening to both of you will add to my list.”

Ripclaw lets up and extends his hand to Lazerback, who is hesitant to accept his help, but does it anyway. As their hands unite what sounds like a massive gunshot is heard in the distance. The entire crew looks in the direction of the sound as the void of space turns a sickly bright green color, and their bodies are darkened by the shadows of the green light. A multi layered ring wave appears and blasts its way across the infinite void. It eventually passed by The Tidalwave as the lighting returns to normal.

Lazer: “What was that?”

Scorp: “Some sort of anomaly. What do you make of it, captain?”

Thunder: “I’m not not sure, but if you’re so curious why not change course to the direction it originated?”

Scorp: “Very well.”

For a few days the crew continues as they normally do with the exception of Lazerback, who is still upset over his loss to Ripclaw. It’s becomes so apparent in the cafeteria Ripclaw finally brings it up in front of the others.

Ripclaw: “Something on your mind?”

Lazer: “Yeah, how is it that you’re able to keep up with me?”

Ripclaw: “Hard work. Unlike you the rest of us had to push themselves to get where we were.”

Lazer: “What are you talking about?”

Ripclaw: “I’m saying you didn’t work as hard as most of us, and yet you’re the captain’s favorite.”

Lazer: “That’s ridiculous. Thundertron has no favorites.”

Ripclaw: “EIiher you don’t want to admit it or you delusional.”

Lazer: “You really think that?”

Cryotek: “We know.”

Lazer: “How about I ask the captain himself? I’m sure this will clear up shorty.”

Lazerback makes his way to the captain’s quarters and makes his way in. Thundertron is just blankly looking at his fireplace.

“Captain, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Is it true that I’m your favorite?”

Thundertron falls silent and looks at his drink.

-sigh- “There isn’t a flask big enough for this conversation, but yes it’s true.”

Lazerback is in complete disbelief. He always considered him on equal footing with the rest, but the obvious signs were always going over his head.

“I’ll get right to the point, Lazerback. Make no mistake it’s not like I have less of an affinity for the others. The warmth I have for you just happens to be larger than the rest. Perhaps I’m just heavily biased, or maybe it was destiny that landed you in that spot. I know it’s quite the social taboo for a parent to pick their favorite child, but they all have one even if they deny it. Mine just happens to be you.”

“Captain this is so much to take in. Is that why I’m your chosen successor?”

“Of course not. I chose you because you were best equipped for the job.”

“That doesn’t sound right. It had to be because I was your favorite.”

“You can be my favorite and not be equipped for the job you know. It isn’t a package deal.”

“Then how am I better equipped opposed to Ripclaw or Grimwing?”

“Because Ripclaw’s motivations aren’t as pure as yours. Not to say that he isn’t a valued member of the family. On the contrary, he’s an essential piece that’s irreplaceable. As for Grimwing he was the original pick, but I realised that he doesn’t have the charisma or tactical wit.”

“But he's so smart.”

“Indeed, but he’s not cunning or very composed when the situation changes. Is that enough information for you, Ripclaw?”

Thundertron looks to the door, and Ripclaw enters.

Ripclaw: “How did you know I was there?”

Thunder: “With Lazerback asking such questions I knew you were the one behind it. And I knew you wouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to hear the answer yourself.”

Ripclaw: “How can you say my motivations aren’t pure?”

Thunder: “Bad wording on my end. I mean it in the sense you’re doing your best to surpass others instead of help yourself and the rest of the team. I know you care, but your rivalry is what kept you from being my successor.”

Ripclaw becomes depressed and leans his back against the wall.

Ripclaw: “So that’s it, finally I hear it from you. Why did it have to be like this?”

Thunder: “If you hate me for it I understand. I deserve all of it and more.”

Ripclaw: “I always had some resentment toward you, but never hate. As for you you, Lazerback, I wanted to hate you, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Deep down I knew this wasn’t your fault. Instead the person I hated was myself.”

Lazer: “You shouldn’t hate yourself at all. You’re stronger than you can ever realize.”

Ripclaw: “Spoken like a true leader.”

Thundertron is relieved that the tension has finally ended, but he looks back into the fireplace with an empty expression

Lazer: “Is there something wrong?”

Thunder: “Everything, myself being at the top of the list. Did you know I still hear their screams, the fused members of our crew? Every now and then when I look into the fire I remember that night. It makes me wonder if what we’re doing is worth it..”

Ripclaw: “What do you mean?”

Thunder: “Look at what has happened to us because of my carelessness. Most of the crew are dead, and the rest of us have become this. Instead of trying to forget I’ve started a quest of vengeance that probably won’t even happen. I’ve failed all over again. I think it’s time we forget the past and move on with or lives.”

Ripclaw and Lazerback exchange a look and slowly begin to agree with their captain’s change of plan. The universe seems to have a more cruel plan for them. Scorponok comes in panting.

Scorp: “Captain you must come to the observatory this moment!”

Thundertron and the others join him into the observatory. The telescope while being much older than hubble is still superior to it in every way.

Scorp: “Go ahead and look captain. Tell us what you see.”

Thundertron looks in, and he freezes up. He finally musters the courage to speak up.

Thunder: “By the gods….it’s the Obsidian Galaxy.”

The other Star Seekers start mummering to each other in disbelief. The Obsidian Galaxy is the the galaxy where Cybertron is located. It’s red, and that’s no coincidence…… The doubts that Thundertron had disappear, and all the rage he had been carrying all these years have come flooding back.

Grimwing: “Captain, it’s time we begin. At long last destiny has rewarded our patience.”

Thunder: “Right Grimwing. The end of Cybertron has finally begun. We will kill them all.”

The other Star Seekers begin cheering except for Ripclaw and Lazerback, who talk to each other.”

Lazer: “It’s finally happening, we’re finally getting our revenge on them.”

Ripclaw: “And we’ll do it together.”

Lazer: “Just promise you’ll be with me there every step of the way.”

Ripclaw: “Of course, I’ll always be there by your side.”

Lazerback smiles as their bond is stronger than ever, but as we all know Ripclaw couldn't keep his promise. It cuts back to the present where Lazerback has found the ceiling of a glass atrium. Ultra Magnus manages to catch up to him and tickles him. The force of the tackle breaks the glass to make them both plummet to the bottom. The walls are more narrow than Ultra Magnus anticipated. He hits the corner and lets go of Lazerback, who takes advantage of the situation. As they fall Lazerback punches him in the face three times and kicks him down hard into what turns out to be a pit of sand. The room is mostly just the pit with a ledge for people to step in or out of. The only exit is a single corridor into a darkened alley. There doesn’t seem to be a real purpose to this room, but that’s just what Lazerback wants him to think.

Magnus: “So your great plan to trap yourself in this room with me?”

Lazer: “You really don’t understand this place. In your defense it really doesn’t matter. All you need to know is that this is your grave.”

Behind Ultra Magnus something is moving under the sand. A small lump is scooting its way there quietly. From the top of it emerges a familiar green and brown tail. It points itself right at Ultra Magnus’s back. It begins to arc back for an attack, but a few stray grains of sand touch the Autobot’s ankles. The warrior instinct kicks in, and he turns around in the blink of an eye and punt kicks the attacker, who by now is obviously Scorponok across the room. He lands face-first into the sand, and is slow to get up, spitting out the sand in his mouth.

Magnus: “That actually almost worked. You’re the last person I’d expect to come aid in a small battle, Scorponok.”

Scorp: “That just goes to show how little you really know about me. I’m no coward, and if one of us needs my help I’ll always be there. It would be your mistake to not take me seriously.”

Magnus: “Very well. I extend the same offer to you. Surrender and we can give you a peaceful life.”

Scorp: “I think not. You see I got something called an obligation. I’m not the leader type like the captain or Lazerback here, but I was the first follower, and the second oldest. I’ve had to be like a second father to the rest of the crew. I harbor the same feelings as they do. You’re in the way of our happiness, and frankly I just hate people. So enjoy your last moments.”

Magnus: “Then bring it!”

Lazer: “Die!”

Lazerback makes the first shot on Ultra Magnus by shooting him in the chest. The sand proves difficult for him to move. Scorponok tries to strike him with his dagger, but Ultra Magnus just shoves him down. Lazerback hits him what his weapon while he’s distracted. Ultra Magnus tries to shoot back, but Lazerback is jumping off the walls and slicing him around his body with each wall jump as he goes from wall to wall. While the fight may not be in Ultra Magnus’s favor it does double as a handicap for Lazerback. He’s all about agility, and in an enclosed area his options are lessened. The next time Lazerback comes around for an attack Ultra Magnus shoots him in the chest, and it hits him into the wall. As he lands on the floor Ultra Magnus quickly shoots him in the leg to slow him down. Before he can make a move on him Scorponok frantically gets in front of him and bends over. Ultra Magnus is unsure of what is going on, but it becomes clear when he throws a heap of sand in his face to blind him. Lazerback launches his weapon into his left clavicle, and he jumps over his head and kicks him in the back to knock him down. He wraps it around his neck and starts pulling it back. Scorponok’s tail stings his left leg for good measure.

Lazer: “I hope it hurts you until the very end.”

Scorp: “Just hurry up and kill him.”

Magnus: “Not...happening.”

Ultra Magnus whips his head back to hit Lazerback in the face, and it lessons his grip on his weapon. Ultra Magnus is free, and since he’s paralyzed in one leg he rolls over, which squishes Scorponok for a moment. Ultra Magnus manages stand up, and begins to limp to Lazerback, who is ready to attack. He swings his way into Ultra Magnus, but he manages to grab him and throws him into wall. Scorponok manages to get up and stumble his way back into the fight Ultra Magnus holds Lazerback over his head and raises his one good knee in an attempt to break his back. Scorponok gives everything he has and stabs Ultra Magnus in the lower left corner of his stomach. The whole dagger is plunged in save for the handle. The pain is enough for Ultra Magnus to toss Lazerback aside. Ultra Magnus has lost his cool, and he rips the blade out, and breaks it with just one hand.

Scorp: -roaring- “That was a gift from the captain! You’ll pay for this!”

Scorponok tries to sting him, but Ultra Magnus being the unstoppable badass that he is grabs him by the very top of the tail without being stung. He throws Scorponok into a wall head-first, but it doesn’t knock him out. Lazerback recovers and tries to attack, but Ultra Magnus finally takes out his hammer and knocks him aside. Lazerback hits the corner of the ledge with his face and is knocked out. Ultra Magnus is beginning to feel the paralyzation in his leg slowly fade, but not enough to return to form. As he tries to apprehend Lazerback Scorponok has returned.

Magnus: “You’ve got a lot of fight in you. I respect that, but you aren’t capable of beating me.”

Scorp: “Not this way but I do have one last trick up my sleeve.”

Scorponok transforms back into his scorpion form and jumps into the sand. The digging is at a lighting quick speed and he suddenly jumps out and stings Ultra Magnus in his right arm.

Magnus: “How is this possible?”

Scorp: “The scorpion species I scanned has incredible mobility when it digs under sand to catch its prey. It makes sense why I never saw it coming the first time. Now you get to be part of the kill cycle.”

Scorponok goes again and Ultra Magnus is unable to prepare himself for the next attack. He comes up from behind and stings him in the back, forcing him on one knee. Scorponok continually jumps around stinging his body to weaken him. At this point Scorponok only attacks with his pinchers. They’re quite powerful, and they tear into Ultra Magnus in his back and she starts crawling on him and stabs him in the chest. He tears out pieces of him, and with what little strength left he shakes Scorponok off. Lazerback is beginning to wake up. He is dazed and is unable to help Scorponok, but it doesn’t really look like he needs help. Ultra Magnus is bleeding, exhausted, and paralyzed in most of his body. If there is one silver lining his Prime body is recovering from the paralyzation faster than most, but not enough to escape. He has one chance to end this. Scorponok circles him and taunts him.

Scorp: “It’s been fun, but we have a planet to destroy! I’ll make this quick!”

Scorponok jumps out in front of him and has his pincers ready to stab Ultra Magnus in the face. Using everything he has left Ultra Magnus pulls out one last, desperate swing of his hammer at full strength. Scorponok is unable to dodge the attack, and the moment the hammer touches him it’s over. His face is caved in in through the front half of his body as the rest of it is scrunched up and breaks apart into pieces. Three of his scorpion legs land in the sand with the remaining second half of him rolling next to the mortified Lazerback, who is now wide awake from the massacre of his comrade.

“SCORPONOK!”

-grunting- “You still think you can beat me like this, Lazerback? It’s your last chance.”

The conclusion for that will have to wait until next time, but right now there is an infinitely more pressing situation. Sixshot and Daniel are surveying the area and notice the weapons of the Tidalwave have gone off.

“It looks like the weapons have stopped firing. No doubt the work of both factions. I think we’ve done enough work here. It’s time I get you home.”

“Good, I know my parents and the others are worried.”

Life happens in some cruel ways, and the wrench that was thrown their way has four letters in his name. Something hits and is plugged into his jet form’s thruster. The sudden hit makes Sixshot go crashing down.

“Hold on tight, it’s going to be a rough landing!”

Sixshot is able to get his wheels out and transform into his armored car. He flips over three times and finally stops being tipped over. In his mirror he sees something is heading his way.

Sixshot: “Daniel, stay behind me. We’re not alone.”

Daniel: “Right!”

Sixshot transforms back and prepares for anything, but it isn’t a situation he would’ve ever thought he’d have to deal with. It’s a moment that changed his life forever. The object is a land vehicle, but he begins to recognize it when it gets closer because there is nobody else that has this specific vehicle. The front half looks like a Warthog from the Halo series. In the front of it is some bull horns, but the species that died for the ornament had two extra pairs that go arc in different direction like an octopus’s tentacles. The back half is like Prime Shockwave’s tank mode but the treads are flipped over so they are closer to the front half’s wheels. The cannon is surrounded by two sharp edges on the top and bottom, with the top blade longer and slightly curves downward. The treads have a slight orange glow and the tires have a purple glow. It transforms with the front splitting in half. The rest of the bottom configures itself into legs. The front half does a 180 degree turn to become a chest, and the treads become shoulders and arms. The head comes out of the back in a hidden panel, and becomes Tarn.

Sixshot: “Tarn, thank the stars it’s you. I was struck by an unknown assailant.”

Tarn: “Sixshot, it’s good to see you still live.It was I who used the attack. Apologies for the attack , but it was the only way to get your attention.”

Sixshot: “You doubted?”

Tarn: “Of course not, but your timing is well overdue.”

Sixshot: “I do apologize for my tardiness. I was teleported into a hostile ice planet and was injured from the crash.”

Tarn: “Understandable. So shall we return to Charr? Our work here is done.”

Sixshot: “Yes, but I have a few personal matters to attend to first.”

Tarn: “Laser behind you!”

Sixshot actively prepares for battle behind him and pulls out his weapons, but he accidentally slaps Daniel’s mech suit with his arm, which knocks him over. Sixshot sees his mistake, but then also realizes that there was no laser. Tarn tricked him.

Tarn: “So when were you going to tell me about that?”

Sixshot: “You tricked me?”

Tarn: “Answer the question.”

Sixshot: “Oh this here? I captured this human as a prisoner. That was the personal matter I was referring to.”

Tarn: “If that’s the case then you should be bringing him back to Charr.”

Sixshot: “Which I intend to do.”

Tarn: “Hmm, very well.”

Tarn seems satisfied, but without warning he throws one of his machetes right at Daniel, and Sixshot blocks it with his own weapon. Tarn doesn’t make any reaction to this, in fact he’s calm, too calm.

Tarn: “That action has given me a dozen possible scenarios, and I’m really hoping it isn’t the one I think it is.”

Sixshot: (desperate) “I-Well I can’t return a prisoner that’s dead.”

Tarn: “True, but there is just one problem with that. You care about that human.”

Sixshot freezes up for a moment and tries to backpedal.

Sixshot: “That is preposterous! I would never stoop to such a low.”

Tarn: “Then do tell me why the human was smiling while sitting in the cockpit of your jet.”

Sixshot: “I’m here to manipulate him into thinking that he’s going home!”

Tarn’s facade finally ceases.

Tarn: “LIAR! I know you, Sixshot, and I thought you knew me better than an idiot! That’s never been the way you operate. You’re all about boasting your combat superiority over others. You do use manipulation and trickery, but only in a fight. You’re not one to comfort prisoners. Tell me, what are your true intentions. Don’t lie to me or I kill you both.”

Sixshot knows the jig is up, but he’s equally afraid of the answer he gives him.

Sixshot: “This… human saved my life. I figured helping him home would clear up my debt.”

Tarn: (disgusted) “Your honor has always made you weak. Tell me, do you commend every rodent that doesn’t run from you immediately because your standards for quality are so painfully low, or is it because deep down you were always soft. I have no idea why you would ever think so highly of such a weak, pitiful, disgusting creature like this!”

Sixshot: (exploding) “IT’S BECAUSE HE’S MY FRIEND!”

Tarn takes a step back, his right eye violently twitching before going blank.

Tarn: “So it was the tenth scenario after all.”

Sixshot: “Tarn, I’m really sorry about this, but you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Tarn: “I do know, and it is something that is my fault entirely. From the very beginning you never killed anyone that couldn’t fight back, and you barely ever did anything against vastly inferior opponents. I didn’t care for that aspect of your personality, but I allowed it because you pulled through when we needed you. I should’ve smashed that bad habit of yours long ago. You’re beginning to become infected with the Autobot’s disease.”

Sixshot: “Look they’re not diseases or even a lesser species like you keep saying they are. They’re exactly like us from DNA to CNA. The only difference is our beliefs.”

Tarn: “And that is what makes them less than us. Their ideals is what ruined our political system. It was the Autobots doing that oppressed us for so long, the ones that blamed all of our history’s greatest blunders upon.”

Sixshot: “You’re right and we had to take action. I’m all for fighting for a cause worth dying for, but this has gotten out of control.”

Tarn: “And how is that?”

Sixshot: “We can’t keep fighting forever. Eventually there will be a winner. I’d actually like to see what life after the war is like.”

Tarn: “As would I, but after everything is settled it would be time for me to dissappear.”

Sixshot: “Dissapear?”

Tarn: “I am a machine of war, we both are. You were created for the sole purpose of killing others, and I became a killer by my own choice. We live different lives but our end game should be the same. We aren’t fit to live in a post war world.Our souls are stained with the blood of thousands. We will have served our purpose. I’ll vanish when I know that Decepticons are finally safe. If you were wise you would too.”

Sixshot: “But there is more to us than just killing. You deserve more than that, we both do. Our lives don’t end with our jobs.”

Tarn: “You’re foolish to think such awful things. Tell me, what really happened to you when you were tasked with retrieving the Apex Armor?”

Sixshot: “I was thinking about everything like one does when in extended periods of isolation. I had time to reflect on every battle, every decision I made in my life. I began to question of all these kills were worth the end? To an extent it was, but not like this. I don’t hate the Autobots the way you do. I wish that both factions can coexist again.”

Tarn: “You would sympathize with our oppressors?”

Sixshot: “No of course not, but I do know that we have a blame as well.”

Tarn: “We’ve always been innocent! This is on the Autobots for not taking us seriously!”

Sixshot: “Well they do now and most of them hate us more than ever because of it.”

Tarn: “How can you say such horrible things, after all we’ve been through?”

Sixshot: “Tarn you are the closest friend I’ve ever had, but at the same time we’ve never been close. You’ve always shut yourself out from others. It’s about time we choose what we’re going to do for the rest of our lives.”

Tarn: “And what pray tell is that?”

Sixshot: (heroic) “I realize now that my place isn’t here anymore. As of today I’m going to be defecting to the Autobots. The Decepticon’s are in a state that can’t survive. Come with me, Tarn. Galvatron is not well, and Rodimus only wants both factions coexisting again.”

Tarn on the other hand doesn’t seem to like the answer. His whole body is shaking uncontrollably, and his breathing has become more erratic.

Tarn: (losing his shit) “For the third time in my life someone working directly under me, and for the second time it’s someone close to me. Is everyone destined to leave me?”

Sixshot: “Come with me Tarn, let’s restart our lives together.”

Tarn: “If you think I'll ever abandon the Deceptions then you are foolish!”

Sixshot: “I understand. Farewell, Tarn, I wish only the best for you.”

Sixshot and Daniel start to walk away, and Tarn can only see red. In the background he has flashbacks of many bloody battles he’s been in and every time he’s ever felt anger or betrayal. Tarn does the only thing that makes sense to him and blasts a palm laser at Sixshot. Sixshot is able to turn around and block the attack with both of his weapons, but the force of the hit still knocks him on his back.

Sixshot: “What are you doing?!”

Tarn: “First my entire original team tries to kill Megatron, then Leadfoot exposes us and defects, then Fracture desserts us, and now you want to defect to the Autobots. I’m done letting traitors live, and I’m starting with you!”

Sixshot: (desperte) “Don’t do this!”

Tarn: “I’LL MAKE SURE YOU’LL BE FORGOTTEN LIKE EVERY OTHER AUTOBOT I’VE SLAIN!”

Tarn fires another palm laser that Sixshot is able to deflect easier, but it was a diversion for Tarn to get close and grab his second machete off the floor. Tarn does an upward slash than Sixshot counters with a slash downward and get into a weapon lock.

Tarn: “You know you can’t beat me.”

Sixshot: “Of course I know that. You’ve always been better than me, but I’m not just going to let you kill me.”

Tarn: “I’ll try not to enjoy soaking this whole ship with your blood!”

Tarn quickly overpowers Sixshot by breaking the weapon lock and kicks him in the face. While Sixshot stumbles Tarn gets a small stab into his left shoulder. Sixshot leaps back and splits both of his weapons so they go into their double arm blade form to make Tarn have to keep his distance. Sixshot tries punching with the blades, but Tarn is able to avoid getting his face stabbed. Sixshot presses the attack and Tarn is forced to block and deflect. Sixshot goes for a bold thrust, but Tarn uses the arm energy cannon from the tank half of his alt-mode to blast where Sixshot is standing. It makes him get launched up in the air, and then Tarn gets two direct palm blasts into Sixshot. While damaged Sixshot transforms as he falls into his tank form. His cannon splits into his four laser cannons and fires back at Tarn. Tarn transforms as well to avoid getting hit. His driving is so perfect no shot comes close to ever touching him. Tarn fires back with his own attack to damage him. The injured Sixshot fires again, but Tarn turns up the nitro boost and jumps over him. He transforms and is able to fire two heavily charged plan blasts into the tank, and it’s so strong it knocks over the tank. Sixshot transforms back into robot mode, but Tarn blasts himself down to do a falling punch to the back of his head. While he’s down Tarn grabs him by the leg and swings him around. He throws Sixshot across the floor, but Sixshot is able to land on his feet after the first bounce. Tarn fires more palm lasers that are easily dodged by Sixshot. The distance is playing in Sixshot’s favor, and his agility is one of the very few advantages he has. Sixshot fires several bursts of his Hypersonic Concussion Blasters. Tarn avoids them, but it’s just as Sixshot predicted. The gun were set to the second setting where the blue spheres fired out explode into smaller spheres that hit him. They don’t do too much damage, but it is enough to throw Tarn off. While he’s knocked around Sixshot goes to the first setting that hits Tarn in the chest, and it does more damage. Sixshot returns with both blades and starts spinning them along the floor, forcing Tarn to step back. He gets more aggressive with his attacks, and Tarn is barely able to hold him back. The blades get closer and closer and eventually one makes large scratch from the top right of his mask all the way down to the bottom left. Tarn tries to counter, but suddenly Sixshot jumps up and helicopter kicks him in the face. Tarn stays on his feet, but is unable to defend himself from Sixshot impaling one his blades into his left shoulder, and it also makes him drop his machetes. It pins Tarn to the only wall nearby where the opening to a small maintenance station is. Sixshot twists the blade to keep Tarn from breaking free.

Sixshot: “Don’t make me hurt you any more than I have.”

Tarn: “This is nothing compared to the betrayal of our friendship!”

Tarn suddenly overpowers Sixshot and successfully pulls the blade out. He punches Sixshot’s arm and then grabs the weapon out of his hand, throwing it away. Sixshot still has one more that he slashes down, but Tarn grabs it and plants it in the ground and kicks it, putting it in half. There is still half of that blade that Sixshot can use, and he gets a small cut on Tarns right knee. Tarn grabs him, but Sixshot manages to stab him in his lower chest thanks to his elbow blade. This only angers Tarn, who suplexes Sixshot. Sixshot breaks free, but Tarn gets him in a leg lock and slams him down on the floor. Sixshot kicks him repeatedly in the head until he breaks free. Tarn gets up completely unfazed from his new injuries and goads him into attacking by pointing at himself.

Sixshot: “Are you serious? You’re unarmed.”

Tarn: “So you’re afraid.”

Sixshot: “Not anymore.”

Tarn: “And yet another mistake to add your list!”

Tarn raises his fists in a fighting stance and Sixshot attacks with his blade. Every attack misses and Tarn waits for the right moment to catch the blade with his hands. He then manages to throw and slams Sixshot on the ground, which also disarms him. Sixshot manages to roll away from getting stomped and tries hand to hand. Tarn dodges and bashes him in the face with his elbow and then a punch to his side. Sixshot attacks, but Tarn blocks and counters with a palm strike to his chin. Sixshot goes for a right hook but Tarn ducks and punches him in the chest, and then makes several jabs connect to his face. Sixshot tries to smash his fist down but Tarn grabs his arm and smashes his fist down on it, dislocating it. Sixshot desperately takes a swing, but Tarn blasts one of his palm lasers, but not at him. He does it to do a quick propulsion to get him on one side. Tarn starts landing several hand punches to his chest and keeps hitting harder until he finishes with a wicked uppercut that launches Sixshot in the air and back to the ground. Sixshot goes in with a kick, but Tarn grabs his leg and swings him into the air. Tarn jumps to meet him and lands on his body. As they fall Tarn blast his palm lasers up at the sky to make them fall faster, and a small crater is formed from the speed of the blast. Sixshot is pinned down, and Tarn begins to charge a palm blast right into his face. Tarn is suddenly hit behind by a missile, fired by Daniel’s mech suit.

Daniel: “You stay away from him!”

Sixshot: (mortified) “Daniel….no!”

Tarn grabs his machetes and stabs them into Sixshot’s clavicles to keep him pinned to the ground.

Tarn: “The parasite is defending its host? Disgusting. Come human, show me just how weak you really are!”

Daniel: “Don’t underestimate humans!”

Tarn: “I don’t, I simply keep my expectations realistic!”

Tarn gos to attack Daniel, but the boy manages to dodge the attack and hit Tarn right into the stomach, making

Tarn: “So you know how to fight? Not bad for a runt.”

Sixshot is frantically trying to free himself but the machetes are wedged in deep. Daniel manages to land another hit on Tarn right to his face. Daniel gets a large boost of confidence, but it quickly fades as Tarn’s face begins pressing against the weight of his fists. Daniel goes for another punch, but Tarn sidesteps and backhands him. Sixshot becomes more desperate, and figures out the only way to be free is to hurt himself. With all of his strength he pushes his weight to one side so the machete tears its way through his clavicle completely. With one side free he can tear out the other without as much damage but the pain is currently too excruciating. Daniel tries to go for a right hook, but Tarn just uses a small blasts from his palm laser to shoot the cord that connects the limb to the rest of the suit, rendering it completely useless. With the remaining arm Daniel tries to hit him, but Tarn grans him and slams him on the ground. He starts crushing the suit with his foot, The screams of the child’s terror lights a fire underneath Sixshot, who finally tears out the other machete. He has to wait for the pain to subside for a moment because he’s still recovering. Tarn’s hand starts cracking the glass on the suit’s head and glows preparing to fire.

Tarn: “You corrupted him, and now the cure is going to make sure it ends here.”

Sixshot steps in just in time and angrily tackles Tarn. He manages to kangaroo kick Tar into the air as they roll around. Sixshot switches his sphere guns into the damage mode, and Tarn takes a full blasts. Sixshot does give him any room to breath and helicopter kicks him tight in the face. Sixshot transforms into his tank form ad blasts him while he's down.Tarn manages to land on his feet and fires his tank cannon back. Sixshot transforms into his jet form and fires missiles that Tarn manages to destroy. In the smoke he finds one of Sixshot’s weapons on the ground and picks it up. Sixshot transforms and finds the other weapon. Tarn makes the first move, but his inexperience with this kind of weapon becomes evident as he gets stabbed in the leg. Sixshot punches Tarn hard in the face with his free hand, and the hit is strong enough that the right side of his mask cracks. Tarn swipes upward and manages to make a small cut on his chest but Sixshot disarms him, and as Tarn tries to grab for him Sixshot makes one final slash, and the blade takes off Tarn’s entire left arm up to the shoulder! Sixshot jumps up and knees him in the face. Sixshot decides to tend to Daniel instead of finishing Tarn, a mistake he would regret later.

Sixshot: “Daniel, are you alright?”

Daniel: “Yeah. Any second later any I would be toast.”

Tarn gets up and looks at his arm, and then to Sixshot. The rage while still present is no longer blind. It’s focused.

Sixshot: “Give up, Tarn. You’ve lost an arm. You won’t be winning this fight.”

Tarn: “Have you forgotten I’m your superior? I have lost an arm yes, but if you really were the winner then you would’ve taken my head. One arm is all I need to kill you.”

Tarn bradishes his massive swiss army knife like movie Hound. He twirls it and throws it up into the air, and catches it when it falls by holding it to the side like assasins and bandits do.

Sixshot: “You did this to yourself!”

Sixshot takes the bait, and regret instantly strikes, or was the knife? Yep...definitely the knife. Sixshot tries to stab him but Tarn ducks, wraps his arm around Sixshot’s, and stabs him right through the elbow. Tarn then elbows Sixshot in the face and then kicks him in the side of the head. Tarn then goes down and stabs Sixshot in the foot, and before Sixshot can move Tarn pulls the knife out and throws it so the handle hits him in the face. Tarn makes a swipe that Sixshot dodge,but it does make a cut on the upper right side of his head. Sixshot slashes his weapon down and Tarn blocks wit with the dagger, and they are in a weapon lock. Despite only having one arm Tarn is able to hold Sixshot back. Tarn finishes by shoving Sixshot off and then ducking with a quick stab to his stomach,and then deals the final blow by spinning around behind him and stabbing Sixshot just below where the neck would start and the spine would begin. Sixshot is frozen for a moment before he falls over on his hands and knees. Tarn puts his dagger away and picks up one of his machetes.

Tarn: “Look at you, battered, beaten, and weak. That boy has ruined you. You had so much potential, but instead that boy ruined you. Now you’re just a six changer with nothing but cheap parlor tricks and a death wish.”

Sixshot realises how he can still pulls this off, but it’s a risk. He throws down a smoke bomb to buy him time.

Tarn: “This doesn’t change anything!”

Tarn can barely make out the trail of liquids that is on the floor, but he sees Sixshot through the smoke and makes one last stab to kill him.

Tarn: “And it's finished.”

Sixshot starts ticking, and then Tarn realizes it’s not actually him, but one of his dummy bombs. The dummy explodes and ,makes Tarn unable to focus. He sees Sixshot and slashes again, but this time it’s a hologram. Then a bunch of holograms surround Tarn. He fires his palm laser, but then he sees that none of them are the real Sixshot. The winged wolf appears and tackles Tarn, and then quickly flies away. He comes circling back and Tarn is ability to strike, but Sixshot transforms into his armored car form and drives into his face as he’s falling down. Tarn gets run over and is unable to prepare for Sixshot becoming a tank and getting a direct hit on him. The blast sends Tarn high in the air, and Sixshot transforms into his jet to meet him. As Tarn falls Sixshot nosedives for him, but he does something rather comical. He transforms into his mini yacht form and falls right on top of Tarn to finish him off! He even toots the boat’s horn in victory. Tarn has been defeated. The injured Sixshot wobbles his way to Daniel.

Daniel: “Is he dead?”

Sixshot: “Not even close. Let’s get out of here before he wakes up.”

Sixshot takes a step forward, but he experienced a sharp pain in one of his ankles. He looks down and sees that at some point during the fight Tarn threw out on of his infamous bear traps, and Sixshot fell right for it. The battered Tarn gets up, and before anyone can do anything he stabs Sixhot right through the chest with his machete. Sixshot’s eyes are fading in and out and Tarn starts twisting the blade inside.

Tarn: “I've won, Sixshot, and now you die.”

Sixshot: ‘You’re right, you did beat nme, but I’m not dying today. I still have one last hand to play!”

With what little strength he has left Sixshot throws a smoke bomb into Tarn’s face, and that makes him drop. The wounded Sixshot transforms into a his jet mode and opens the cockpit. Daniel quickly jumps in, and hash he starts to take off a panel next to Daniel opens up.

Daniel: “What is that?”

Sixshot: “An insurance policy. Use it when I tell you to alright?”

Tarn on the other hand is still refusing to give up. With one arm he uses his palm laser to catch the slowed jet and latch onto his wings. Sixshot tries to shake him off, but Tarn is not letting go. A Decepticon cruiser is flying nearby, and Sixshot gets an idea. He turns on the gravity for the jet and opens the cockpit.

Sixshot: “It's up to you to finish this!”

Daniel gets on the wing and startx kicking Tarn in the face.

Daniel: “This flight is for first class passengers only!”

Daniel makes one last kick and it knocks Tarn off of the wing of Sixshot, and as he plummets in space he lands on the Decepticon cruiser.

Sixshot: “Throw it now!”

Daniel throws the mystery object Sixshot give him earlier, and it turns out in was a mini explosive. The bomb detonates, making a big hole in the ship. Tarn survives the explosion, but the ship is falling to Cybertron. As it starts to enter the atmosphere it starts catching on fire and breaking apart like most things do. Sixshot and Daniel look back at Tarn one last time as the ship around him is burning up as he goes away. All that is seen now are the flames and his eyes glowing with such intense hatred. A few moments later what little remains of the ship explodes, and Tarn disappears. The rest of the wreckage eventually makes its way to the surface.

Daniel: “I think we got him this time.”

Sixshot: “Maybe, but I’ll need to check for myself later. I can’t fly to Earth in this condition, I’ll have to use one of your spacebridges.

Daniel: “No problem, I know just the place.”

Sixshot: “We’re almost there Daniel, just a little bit longer.”

Back on the Tidalwave Rodimus is frantically driving to Arcee’s last known position. Fear has consumed his emotions since she hasn’t answered him back in quite some time.

“Hold out just a little bit longer Arcee, I’m coming!”

 

If only Thunderhoof knew what he got himself into...Also an intense battle between two old friends is always sad.

 

1.battle swordsbots. Nice.
2.magnus really held his own against lazerback and scorponok.
3.well tarn and sixshot really gave each other hell. Pray for sixshot.
4.so they've given thunderhoof an offer he can't refuse.

 

I actually managed to finish this before the new year in my timezone. So the delay was because of finals, the new Smash game, and of course my own procrastination. As a late Christmas gift I finally have this one ready. Hoping it was worth the wait. 3 more parts left and we're finally finished. Here is part 39: Warmth and Self-Triumph


On Cybertron a lone Autobot cruiser is just about to leave the atmosphere of the planet to provide a pickup to any Autobot or Junkion still aboard the Tidalwave. The mission is abruptly cut short when something lands on top of it.

Autobot 1: “What was that?”

Autobot 2: “Did we hit something?”

There is loud slamming followed by someone forcing open the ship’s escape hatch. A burning glow enters the room to reveal that Tarn has survived the explosion. His body is still burning from the high velocity, but manages to hit the ship before he reached the speed that would’ve turned him into flaming pieces. The two Autobots are paralyzed in fear, and Tarn’s mask cracks until it breaks completely. The camera pans behind him so we don’t get the honor of seeing his real face just yet. Tarn makes a move and viciously kills both of them with his remaining arm. He hijacks the ship and charts a course for Charr.

Back on the Tidalwave we got to the conclusion of the Ultra Magnus and Lazerback battle. With Scorponok dead, Lazerback is paralyzed in fear. This gives Ultra Magnus time to recover a little from the paralyzation and have a flashback of his own. The first is just completely black screen with a voice in the background. It’s the father to Magnus, Optimus, and Megatron, Prima, the Prime that The Fallen killed before being trapped in Earth.

“Great news Dion! You and Megatron are going to have another brother!”

Fast forward to where it’s in a first person perspective of him at boot camp, where Kup and old familiar face Hubcap are stationed.

Kup: “If you worms want to become the best then you have to reject death on a daily basis.”

Fast forward again to the middle of the war. Ultra Magnus has explosions of an intense battle going around him. The body of an Autobot falls over next to him. More explosions and a different battle where he has the entire Wrecker lineup which includes old favorites Wheeljack, Longarm, the trio, and a few others. It’s hard to make out everyone present, but one appears to have one eye and pincers, and others are quite robust. Springer has his arm around one of the other Wreckers, and the two exchange a nod before the whole group goes out for some massive battle. More explosion and Ultra Magnus has visions of seeing some of the most gruesome battles of any other Autobots. The final flashback just has him all alone sitting on some rubble. This place is rather different, and incredibly important. Whatever happened here the city is completely destroyed. Any building that is still around has massive holes in it, and the rest is just rubble. The entire surface is covered with bodies and parts. Nothing is alive except for him. He sits on a pile of bodies contemplating what has happened The look on his face is impossible to figure out.

He hears something and sees that there is something still alive. It’s dragging its body across the street, and Ultra Magnus kills it with one shot. He puts his hands over his face in depression, and the flashback ends. Laserback and Ultra Magnus seem to snap out of their respective trances at the same time.

“You bastard, you’ll pay for what you’ve done!”

“This all could’ve been avoided. Blame yourself!”

“I’ll just finish you off while you’re still weak!”

The Star Seeker resorts to using only his gun and fires three shots into Ultra Magnus. His body is approaching some critical damage. He has one last mega missile left, and he fires it, but Lazerback shoots and destroys it. The blast is big enough that it hits both of them. Lazerback hits a wall while Ultra Magnus is rolled across the sand. In the final moments Lazerback charges his cannon for one final attack.

“Enjoy death!”

Ultra Magnus fires his small pistol into the barrel of the cannon while it charges, and it explodes. It doesn’t kill him but Lazerback gets his just deserts when the explosion takes off his entire arm! Even his shoulder has completely gone away along with part of his mid and lower torso. If the damage went any further it would’ve crippled him. The Star Seeker writhes in pain and but manages to get up and start staggering toward the exit.

“That was for my hand.”

“Curse you, Ultra Magnus! You won’t have my life! As long as I live the will of the Star Seekers lives on!”

Lazerback manages to escape the room, but is completely delirious.

“Get back here, Lazerback! I’m not done with you.”

Unfortunately Ultra Magnus has finished his battle, and he has to leave. One leg is working halfway and the other still isn’t better. All he can do is slowly limp out until more of Scorponok’s paralyzation wears off. Lazerback manages to enter an escape pod and sets coordinates to Cybertron. Now he has time to try to recover his mind and cope with what has happened to him. At this point it looks like the Star Seekers have lost the battle with Thundertron and Cryotek being the only loose ends to wrap up. As his pod makes its way to the planet he looks out the window. The window seems to be darkened as something blacks it out, catching his curiosity, but it cuts away before we get the answer. The scene goes back to the much needed Arcee and Cryotek to where Arcee is trying to slip out of her ice prison.

Cryotek just looks at her with disgust in his eyes, and in his disgust he suddenly remembers a moment in his past with Thundertron. It takes place some time after they find the trail of Cybertron. Thundertron and Cryotek are alone stargazing on the highest point of the ship.

“Look at how many there are, Cryotek. They practically looks like they’re so close to each other. A lightshow just for us.”

“Yeah, but in reality they couldn’t be further apart. It’s so cold, and lonely.”

“I’m starting to think that we’re not talking about the stars anymore.”

“What gave you that impression?”

“I know you feel alone, and your condition doesn't help. I’m going to help you realize that not everything is doom for you.”

“It’s hard not to think that way when I’ve had it the worst out of us all.”

“Sky-Byte might object to that.”

“He isn’t the one unable to survive when it isn’t cold.”

“Fair point."

“I don’t get it captain, you all look at life so optimistically, for a future that seems just around the corner. When I look out into the abyss, I see nothing, but eternal blackness. How do you do it? How do you remain so optimistic?”

“Because there is a future ahead for you, for all of us. In order to make our future we will destroy the past. Our actions are what define us, but our convictions are what will immortalize us.”

“Yeah I guess you’re right. I just miss the warmth.”

“Come with me, I have something for you to consider.”

Cryotek reluctantly follows Thundertron back to his quarters. He motions to him to sit in one of the chairs. Thundertron opens up a hatch revealing it to be the fireplace. Thundertron strikes the materials inside to ignite a fire, which understandably startles Cryotek.

“What are you doing?”

“Helping you.”

“You know I can’t survive that.”

“Not when you’re far enough away. You’ll survive but I have no doubt you will feel uncomfortable.”

Time passes and one drop of water appears and travels down his body.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Cryotek, will you let this weakness define you?”

“Define me?”

“In my life I’ve learned that we should consider every strength a weakness, and every weakness as an obstacle to overcome.”

“I can’t overcome this. I would die if I was too close for too long.”

“Which is why conquering your fear is my top priority. You can’t hide away forever in fear. There comes a time when you must rise above your hindrances.”

“I don’t know if I can, there is so much to be afraid of. Afraid of the warm breeze of a summer, unable to leave the eternal winter I’ve been cursed with.”

“If I could I would take all of your hardships. Stench’s permanent smell, Ripclaw’s mental instability, your frozen hell, and I would even allow myself be be torn apart and put back together again and again just so Sky-Byte would never have to think himself as a monster ever again. I can’t and it haunts me, but what I can do is help you see past today.”

“You really are something else captain. What did I ever do to deserve someone like you?”

“I doubt we’ll ever know. Just remember Cryotek, it's alright to accept what you are. Embrace the warmth.”

Cryotek jumps up and hugs Thundertron.

“How do you feel Cryotek?”

(happily) “Warm.”

Some cracking sounds are heard and Cryotek lets go of him. Thudertron’s arms are frozen from being in contact with Cryotek for too long. There is a pause until both of them start laughing. The flashback concludes with Cryotek able to regain focus. He conjures an ice spear to hold in his hand and puts it on Arcee’s neck.

-hissing- “You thought you could get away with killing my friend?”

“I didn’t kill him he killed himself!”

“That might be true, but you’re why he pulled the trigger.”

“I tried to help him, but he wouldn't listen. I couldn't save him; let me save you.”

“Save me? There is nothing left of me to save. My fate was given to me on that nightmare planet. All that remains is an empty shell, a cold remnant of a past life. The abyss is what awaits me, and you’ll be accompanying me.”

The ice around him increases.

“You see all that? That’s what happens when I can finally feel. My powers increase exponentially, but the drawback is I can’t control it, it’s like it has a mind of its own. Even feelings are a curse to me.”

“I’m sorry Cryotek, truly, but this won’t help you.”

“I know that, but I still want to.”

Cryotek’s hand gets covered in ice, and shapes itself into a horde of blades. He reels back for a punching stab to her chest, but a whizzing of air breaks his concentration enough to hesitate. An arrow hits Arcee’s ice prison and turns bright red. The ice begins to melt. As Cryotek begins to understand what is happening another arrow gets shot into his back and electrocutes him, bringing him to his hands and knees. Rodimus has arrived, and shoots an impact arrow at the rest of the ice to speed up the melting process.

Rod: “Run Arcee!"

Arcee: “I’m not going to leave you!”

Rod: “You’re too injured to help, so evacuate while you still can!”

Arcee reluctantly starts to drive off, but that’s when Cryotek manages to get up from the arrow’s power fading. Cryotek tries to use his breath, and another arrows is planted in front of him. It’s a flashbang. Cryotek lashes out at Rodimus, who turns his weapon into the staff and flips over him, stomping his foot on his head to bounce off. He spins around and slams his staff into Cryotek’s back to keep him down. Cryotek’s tail whips Rodimus back, and just as he gets up Rodimus is ready and arcs a wave of flame right into his chest. He shrieks as a black diagonal mark is left on him, and the surrounding area is bubbling and splashing out water. It gives Arcee just enough time to slip away. Cryotek clutches his chest, and Rodimus decides to let up on the attack.

“Forgive me, Cryotek, but you left me no choice. If you end this now I promise I won’t hurt you more than I already have.”

“The pain never ends, Rodimus. Loss or the burns; it might as well be part of me.”

“It doesn’t have to be. Let me help you get out of this mess.”

“Don’t bother trying to save save me. She already failed. I know you’re after the captain, and if you think I’ll sit around and let you try to kill him you’re dead wrong.”

“Then let me try another angle. I don’t want to kill him, I want to save him.”

“What?”

“You know this is wrong, even if it is his words that bind you. He suffers just like you. I think if he sees you with me he might listen to reason.”

“You’re right, this is wrong, all of it. Though there’s one thing you got wrong.”

“What’s that?”

“He only suffers because of us. We’re all anchors holding him down. I hate myself for it, the rest of us did too. The only way for him to be free from all the suffering is knowing that we will finally be out of his way. We never deserved someone so perfect in our lives, least of all mine!”

“That's not true, you’re not thinking clearly.”

“My mind is transparent And now you’ll feel what it’s like to experience death at absolute zero!”

Cryotek instantly heal his wounds with a line of ice covering it. He lets the dragon head cover his face like a hoodie so he can and launch his ice breath at the Prime. The battle gets more intense as Cryotek stomps and erects a forest of icebergs on the floor to attack Rodimus. He jumps and ziplines from each one, but the last one is a little smaller than he anticipated, and he slips and rolls painfully down the entire structure. Cryotek breaks through the ice, but Rodimus manages to transform and drive out of the way. Cryotek tries freezing the road, but the Autobot is too fast. Cryotek transforms and flies after him and manages to catch up. He divebombs the car to force a transformation out of Rodimus. He fires an impact arrow to force Cryotek back. He runs and fires more, but the ice breath freezes each one, and they all fall to the floor. He breaths again, and it freezes one of his feet. Cryotek leaps and pins him down, grinding him across the floor. Rodimus manages to break one arm free and blasts a small dose of fire into Cryotek’s dragon face. He’s forced to fly away, but not without a parting gift. Rodimus recovers only to find his exhaust pipes frozen shut, unable to use his flamethrowers or transform at top speed. Cryotek cant fire ice breath as a dragon because of the recent burns, but his healing can change that after some time.

“That trick of yours was really starting to piss me off."

“Forgive me for not being a fan of people trying to kill me.”

“Fair point, but I promise it will be the last time you have to worry about that!”

Cryotek transforms back into robot mode and fires shards of ice from his hands. Rodimus takes a few hits from them and fires a single arrow. Cryotek is forced to improvise and makes an ice wall. He makes a loud “Hmph!” to express his confidence. It quickly changes when he hears beeping, followed by the explosion from the arrow that knocks him on his back. He gets electrocuted again and gets three impacts taken to to his body while he’s still down Rodimus transforms his bow into the crossbow and fires one bolt. Cryotek manages to put up one ice wall, but the bolt pierces it. The bolt is mere centimeters from his face. His anger skyrockets with an ice explosion with ice shards being launched everywhere. Several get embedded into Rodimus’s body. Cryotek puts on the hand mace made from the tip of his dragon tail and breaks through to land one hard uppercut that sends Rodimus flying. When Rodimus gets up Cryotek gets one right hook with it to make Rodimus fall over on his side. Cryotek tries to which him with his tail but Rodimus cartwheels out of the way and uses the momentum to kicks the mace off of his hand and then spring back into a donkey kick to knock him back. Cryotek turns his left arm into a bunch of ice blades and starts wiping. Rodimus manages to dodge attack and slides underneath Cryotek's legs to trip him up. Rodimus using his bo staff jumps on his back and slams it down on his head. Cryotek swats him aside with his wing. He transforms back into his dragon and fires his cryo disk from inside his wings. The first one hits Rodimus right in the chest and weighs him down. The other hits him as well but he stays on his feet. When the third comes Rodimus flips to his side and launches a crossbow bolt into it. It hits perfectly, and with all his might Rodimus swings it around and launches it back into Cryotek, who goes spinning back and almost hits the ground.

“You can’t beat me, Rodimus! I won’t lose to anyone anymore!”

Cryotek dives right for Rodimus and the prime fires more arrows. As Croytek presses his attack he creates a spherical ice shield around him for protect him, and he makes sharp edges in the front for when he collides with Rodimus it does more damage. It’s like Rodimus got hit by a car. Cryotek ditches his shield and transforms back to get up close with his enemy. Rodimus attacks with his staff, but Cryotek blocks with his wings and counters by opening them like doors up as a knockback attack. Rodimus jumps with a new plan but he knocks him aside with one wing. Cryotek lays on the hurt with more wing punches, then an uppercut, and then when he’s in the air he slams both of them down on the Prime. Cryotek tries to smash his head in by turning his hand into an ice fist, but Rodimus suddenly kicks him right in the face. With him being off balance Rodimus punches him and fires an explosive arrow into Cryotek’s chest. He gets enough distance before detonating, but Cryotek manages to rip it out and throw it into the air. The shockwave knocks them both to the ground, but Rodimus manages to roll and aim a crossbow bolt on the distracted Star Seeker. The bolt tears its way into Cryotek’s right ankle and is stuck. He screams out in pain as the battle enters its final phase.

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!”

Cryotek transforms into his dragon mode one last time with Rodimus still holding onto his bow. He is dragged across the floor at high speeds at Cryotek’s amusement. Cryotek ups the speed and goes side to side to make him bounce. He increases his altitude, and when that doesn’t make him let go he puts his hand to the bolt, making it a cold conductor. It starts to freeze Rodimus’s arm, but he still holds on. Cryotek sways even harder and Rodimus’s sensors can’t comprehend what is up or down anymore. His grips starts to loosen, but then he sees something that snaps him out of his funk. Two masts next to each other that Cryotek is flying to the center of gives him an idea. Rodimus in his last efforts fires two crossbow bolts at Cryotek. They miss, or so it seems.

(gloating) “Oh how sad for you, buddy!”

What Cryotek failed to understand is that he wasn’t the target. The bolts made a single connected line between both points that he failed to realized was right in his way. Croytek gets clotheslined by the wire and falls the the ground. Rodimus manages to land on his feet and ties the coils around on the mast to hold Cryotek in place. He fires several explosive arrows into the same mast, and the countdown begins. Cryotek turns his fingers into ice blades and cuts himself free. Rodimus fires one last electric arrow into him to keep him there. The arrows all explode and the mast’s structural integrity is compromised. The mast begins to fall over right where Cryotek is. He is unable to escape, but the electricity is weakening just enough for him to create an ice sphere. It lands right on him, and Rodimus manages to catch his breath for a moment. It seems that the mast crushed Cryotek to death. He starts to limp away, but there is rumbling from the mast. Three glaciers explode out of the spot where Cryotek was, and he goes out completely unhinged. The explosion rattled Rodimus’s quiver, and he grabs the wrong arrow type. He fires it and it hits Cryotek, and an explosion of ice engulfs him. Cryotek is frozen in a small iceberg. Rodimus is surprised it works and sighs in relief.

“At least now you have a safe space tailored to your liking. I’ll be back to take you home after this is all over.”

He hears crackling coming from the ice, and it looks like the sphere is closing in on itself. It keeps going until it splits open, and all the ice gets absorbed into Cryotek's body like a sponge. To make matters worse, every burn, stab, and dent on his body is completely healed from the new ice given by the arrow.

“Now that's what I call an accomodation! It feels so good to be back at 100%! Let me express my gratitude!”

Cryotek’s hand fires large ice shards at Rodimus, and he’s too slow and hurt to dodge. He takes several deep cuts and stabs all over, and the worst is when in slow motion a really big shard goes all the through his left knee. His leg is barely connected to what’s left of the knee, and he’s forced to go down. As Rodimus cries out he sees that his flames are starting to work again. Cryotek grabs him and starts freezing him. It’s quite painful, and Rodimus in desperation headbutts Cryotek. Cryotek stops and throws him a fair distance, and puts on his dragon hoodie.

“A fighter till the end huh? I can respect that, but not enough to let you live!”

He breathes his ice in a powerful stream, and in the final moments Rodimus finds enough strength to ignite his flame and blasts them at full power. Both fire and ice are in a deadlock. While Rodimus is giving it all he can, his strength is quickly fading with the injuries bringing him down. The ice stream gets closer to him with each second. He finds himself unable to stop the impending doom.

(To himself) “I’m going to die here, I’ve failed! I can’t believe I was this careless! Now everyone is going to die because of me, I don’t deserve any of this power! I’m far too weak. Everyone, please forgive me for not being the savior you deserve.”

Deep within his chest the Matrix pulses like a heartbeat, and time suddenly holds still. Rodimus notices the lack of sound and opens his eyes. He looks down and sees his leg and the rest of his body are perfectly fine, and he’s no longer on the Tidalwave. It takes him a moment to realize that he’s on Cybertron, and to an even greater surprise he finds himself looking at himself, albeit much younger. A child that is just about to break into the equivalent of his teen years. It’s a flashback to a memory he had forgotten about, but is clearly being brought to him for a reason. Rodimus looks to find the old house that he used to call his home before the war. The young Hot Rod has a makeshift bow he made out of wire and some faulty metal pieces. He even crafted the arrows the arrows himself.

“Why am I here? What could’ve brought me back in time like this?”

The door to the house opens with Kup coming to greet him. He’s the same but wit a few less wrinkles on his face.

Kup: “So let me see if I understand this clearly. You want your weapon of choice to be the outdated bow and arrow?”

Young Hot Rod: “Yes that’s right.”

Kup: “Do you even know how long it’s been since it was used? The Beast Era. Crossbows came from there too, but they at least had potential to be modernized. Nobody even considered making one of these.”

Young: “Which is how I need to stand out from everyone else. I don’t need a gun, a laser, or even a sword. I want history to remember what set me apart from society’s assembly line.”

Kup: “Being remembered for the weapon you used won’t do you any good, let alone an outdated one. We’re in the Golden Age of Cybertron, the most prosperous and advanced period to date. It’s not perfect, not by any stretch, but it is admittedly the best we’ve been. You are five eras behind the times. Are you sure this is the path you want to take?”

Young: “There is no other path for me.”

Kup: “Fine, but let’ see you put those words to the test.”

Kup walks to a crank in the yard and starts to turn it. A bunch of metal dummies emerge from the ground.

Kup: “I want you to hit one of these with your bow.”

Young: “You got it!”

The young Hot Rod confidently pulls back his first arrow on his bow, and with that a release. He Does hit something, but it wasn’t where he wanted. It bounces off the edge of the dummy and starts going all over the place, which is unusual.

Kup: “Kid, did you happen to put traces of stagtonium in those arrows?”

Young: “Yes why?”

Kup: “Their properties are so malleable they can bounce off! You put everyone around you in danger!”

The arrow ricochets itself to Kup, but being the legend he is the arrow is caught in his hand without him even flinching.

Kup: “Now I want you to make new arrows without it, then we’ll try again.”

A week passes in the flashback and the current Rodimus is now watching his youthful self about to fire his next arrow. Kup is watching on the porch and drinking. He fires the arrow and missed completely. Kup can’t help but start laughing.

Kup: “I’m sorry but that was so bad a double amputee could do better!”

The frustrated Rodimus fires more, and each shot gets worse. Kup’s laughter gets more hysterical until he starts coughing.

Kup: “I’m going to need more bottles for this disaster.”

The young Rodimus has been doing this for hours as it looks like it’s beginning to be evening as the dual suns begin to head for the horizon. Kup had passed out drunk but snaps out of it just in time to see Hot Rod throw down his bow in frustration.

Kup -sigh- “Guess I’ll have to do it this way.”

Kup lightly chastises him.

Kup: “Judging by your mood I’m predicting you totally suck at this.”

Young: “I can’t do it! No matter how many times I try I can’t beat this one stupid opponent!”

Kup: “Hmm, the way I saw it there’s two opponents.”

Young: “Two? Where is the other? Is he cloaked?”

Kup: “You’re thinking too literal. The other opponent is you.”

Young: “I am? How?”

Kup: “Sure that guy is your opponent but you’re the one that’s holding you back from beating him. You already have the power, and once you overcome yourself then then that guy is all that’s left.”

Young: “You make it sound so easy, but how can I even do that when I can’t even aim an arrow?”

Kup: “Look at me. It’s not about killing or beating them. We fight because we need to survive. I’ve done things I had to do to survive. None of it was pretty. Life is precious, and there are those that want to destroy it. It’s our job to protect them. They are what matters, and we put ourselves on the line so they can have a chance at happiness. Think about the people in your life, and how they make you feel. Love, respect, honor, kindness, and everything else that makes life worth living. You already have what it takes to beat this. It’s been inside you all along. Now go and take that dummy down!”

As if a dormant flame was residing in Hot Rod. he quickly picks up the bow and fires, and the arrow lands a perfectly centered headshot on the dummy. Hot Rod celebrates by jumping up and down and spinning.

Kup: “Well what do you know, that was impressive.”

Young (proud) “Just like me!”

Kup: “Alright you egomaniac, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Get the store and buy me some drinks!”

The memory fades into darkness leaving Rodimus alone.

Rod: “I see now why I was shown this. I have to remember why I fight, and get rid of all remaining doubt.I have to win!”

The Matrix begins to to pulse like a heartbeat, and gets more intense. It continuously gets louder until it cuts back to Rodimus on one knee about to lose the struggle. With everything that has just transpired the last moments of this battle has the most unexpected turn of events. Rodimus’s eyes turn completely white ,and the rest of his body is covered in white outline with such a commanding aura. The Prime gets up and gives his flames everything he has. The fire turns from orange to white, and the struggles suddenly turns into his favor.

Cryotek: “What? How did you get this strong?”

Cryotek goes at full power and pushes the fire back for a few seconds, but it doesn’t last long. The flames are too strong as it inches closer and closer to him.

Cryotek: (frantic) “I can’t lose to you! Thundertron, please, help me! What do I do?”

Thundertron’s voice speaks to him from the inside.

Thunder: “Embrace the warmth Cryotek.”

The fires are just seconds away from touching him, and with a sudden realization Cryotek just gives up, and the fire completely smothers him. Just like in anime with a beam struggle and they disappear as black figure it happens here too, or at least that’s what it seems. The battle is over, and the power that Rodimus somehow obtained disappears as quickly as it arrived. He gets out of his trance with his aura gone and eyes returning to normal. It takes him a moment to realize he’s standing. He looks down to see that the wounds he received is gone. The rest of his body is healing as well. He’s back to perfect health, but feels slightly different.

“What just happened to me? Why am I completely healed? Is this what it means to be Prime? I even feel a little bit stronger. It isn’t very much, but it is enough to notice on my end.”

Rodimus’s curiosity is cut short by a deep exhale. Cryotek is still alive, but not for much longer. His body is melting. Most of it has lost the blue and white color scheme and is gunmetal grey, revealing the pieces of him that was still a robot and not an ice mutant. He takes a step forward and a puddle of water materializes. He reaches his hand out, and his pointing finger falls off.

(Nonchalant)” Oh, well that’s unfortunate.”

“I’m sorry I had to hurt you like this, Cryotek. There wasn’t any other option you gave me.”

“I know, and I’ve made peace with that. Funny thing though, it only hurt for the first few seconds, but now, I feel good.”

“Really?”

“For the first time since the accident I can actually feel warmth again. I had forgotten what it felt like.”

Both of Cryotek’s feet have melted, and his legs are going next.

“I know I don’t have much time left, but as one last request could you hold my hand?”

“Of course.”

Rodimus holds Cryotek’s one good hand, and one of his wings and his tail breaks off and melt.

“Oh, to feel the heat of one’s hand on a hot summer’s day, I would’ve killed to have this beauty again, but instead you gave it to me in my final moments. It’s more than I deserve.”

“You were a good person, but you just went down a road never meant for you.”

“I suppose I did. Look, do what you can for the captain. I know the good in him is still there, but it’s out of your reach.”

“It won’t stop me from trying.”

The melting speed increases and Cryotek is in his final seconds of life.

“When you find him let him know I finally embraced the warmth. He’ll understand.”

“I will.”

“My time is up, so go, do whatever you need to do, Rodimus Prime. Thank you, thank you for everything.”

And like that all that remains of Cryotek is half of the dragon head and one of his wings.

“Rest easy, young soul.”

Rodimus transforms and drives off to face Thundertron. On the way he gets an unexpected call from Wreck-Gar.

“Hey pal how you holding up?”

“Wreck-Gar? This is unexpected surprise. Cryotek is dead, but he went out peacefully.”

“Good to hear. I know Arcee will be relieved to hear that.”

“I’m going to be facing Thundertron in a few minutes, so do you have any advice to give me from your experience?”

“Yeah. The guy’s good, I mean really good, but I don’t see how Galvatron of all people was having a hard time with him.”

“What do you mean?”

“I nearly beat him myself if it wasn’t for Lazerback’s interference.”

“What made it easy for you?”

“I don’t know really. I just fought him like I fight everyone else, as crazy, and random as possible.”

“Hmm, well maybe you caught him off guard.”

“Probably, anyway we’re making sure none of those drones reach the surface. We also have Skylynx en route to your coordinates. Good luck.”

“Perfect, thanks Wreck-Gar. If we win this day I’ll throw you the biggest party you’ve ever seen.”

“I’m holding you to that,now get out there and win!”

The call ends and we cut to Thundertron, who is busy taking his anger out on Springer. The Autobot is blasted back from an energy slash and a sonic roar. Thundertron zips to him but Springer manages to block the attack with his shield. He slash at Thundertron, but he bends over backwards spins around, and donkey kicks him in the chin to launch him in the air. Thundertron springs off the ground and slashes Springer in the back. When he falls to the ground trying to crawl away Thundertron can’t help but chastise him.

Thunder: “I want you to tell me what part of this you thought was a good idea.”

Springer: “I’m not exactly a long term plan kind of guy.”

Thunder: “That’s become blatantly obvious. So let’s just get this over with.”

Thundertron attempts to make one final stab, but Springer in his second wind rolls out of the way and throws his shield up in Thundertron’s face. With his vision temporarily blocked Thundertron steps back, but Springer makes a thrust at his chest, it misses Thundertron’s body, but he does manage to stab Thundertron’s prosthetic foot.

Springer: “Guess I’ll make due with this!”

Springer roundhouse kicks Thundertron in the face hard enough for him to slip out of his foot, leaving him with his peg leg. Springner hacks down but Thundertron rolls to the side and kicks him in the face with his peg leg. Both recover and now Springer has an advantage because of Thundertron’s limited movement. He presses his attacks that Thundertron only barely keeps back. Springer kicks him in the leg and Thundertron tries an upward slash that misses. He frantically uses his energy claws to keep him back. Springer's shield protects him but it does push him back enough for Thundertron to make an attempt to get his foot back. Springer fires his gun and all the bullets are deflected by Thundertron’s sword. Springer catches up to him and swings even harder, and as they go back and forth Springer finally manages to break Thundertron’s defenses spins around and delivers a perfect slash across Thundertron’s chest. It makes deep cut on the lion’s head from the left eyebrow all the way to the right side of its lip. Springer fires a missile pod and Thundertron fires and energy slash. The two meet and the explosion knocks both of them back. Springer cant see, and that’s where it all goes downhill.

Thunder: “The game has been fun Springer, but all good things must come to an end!”

Thundertron comes through the smoke with his prosthetic foot in his other hand. The duel-wielding captain is even more aggressive despite his slower movements, and Springer is getting it up around the legs. He pushes Thundertron back with his shield, but he has grown tired of the gimmick. He splashes his prosthetic down on his shield-carrying arm, and makes three deep gashes in it, and it subsequently makes him drop the shield in pain. While Springer yells out in agony Thundertron ends the fight by firing his electro-bolt into his clavicle, and Springer is pinned to the railing at the edge of the ship. The electrified Springer is bleeding and barely conscious.

Thunder: “I have to admit I almost feel bad for ending our home when it has given birth to great warriors like yourself and Cyclonus. Almost.”

Thundertron puts his prosthetic foot back on and prepares for Springer’s execution.

Springer: “Before I die I have one thing to say.”

Thunder: “Make it quick.”

Springer: “I didn’t beat you, but he will.”

Thunder: “He? Who’s he?”

Thundertron gets his answer when Rodimus comes swinging in Spiderman style and cannonball kicking Thundertron away from Springer. Thundertron is launched a fair distance but manages to stay on his feet.

Springer: “I had him on the ropes.”

Rod: “I can see that. We need to get you out of here.”

Rodimus picks up Springer and tries to get him to safety, but is stopped by an energy slash.

Thunder: “Running away again? Is that what the lineage of Primes have become? Cowards?”

Rod: “I’ll deal with you in a minute, I’m just getting him somewhere safe.”

Thunder: “You think I’m just going to let you get away with him?”

Rod: (sharp) “Perhaps you didn’t hear me correctly, I will deal with you in a moment.”

Something about the look in his eyes makes Thundertron refrain from taking any further action. Springer is put in a little corner by himself a fair distance away from the fight, and just a Rodimus said he returns to face Thundertron. Rodimus looks at him closely to see the injuries he received from Springer and Cyclonus. The shoulder wound Cyclonus gave him has almost stopped bleeding, but it’s still far from being fixed. The chest slash and face cut from Springer are still quite fresh, and finds the injured Cyclonus in the background behind Thundertron.

Thunder: “Oh don’t worry about him, he’s fine...for now. Don’t think I didn’t notice you eyeing me like the wounded animal I am.”

Rod: “It’s over, Thundertron, there’s no version of this where you win.”

Thunder: “How many of you fools must I defeat before you realize that I can’t be beaten.”

Rod: “Your ship has lost power to its weapons and over half of your crew is dead. Is their sacrifice worth all this bloodshed?”

Thunder: “I gave them permission to leave, and they believed in me enough to stay.”

Rod: “It cost them their lives, and now you can add Scorponok and Cryotek to the list.”

Thunder: “You all are monsters, killing my first follower and the most wounded soul of them all. You say what I do is wrong, yet you would let this

Rod: “I didn’t want to kill Cryotek, but he left me no choice.”

Thunder: “So it was you that did it? Thank you for saving me the trouble of looking for you.”

Rod: “Before you attack me he gave me a message he wanted me to pass along to you.”

Thunder: “A message?”

Rod: “He wanted me to tell you that he finally embraced the warmth.”

Thundertron’s expression while hurt has some relief behind it.

Thunder: “So that’s how it is. I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore.”

Rod: “He wanted me to help you, and I need you to stop this.”

Thunder: “How can I do that? My life has been focused on this single agenda, and to turn back now would be a betrayal of everything I believe in. Our people don’t deserve a happy ending, and I won’t rest until Cybertron is dust.”

Rod: “That’s not going to happen. It’s not worth losing anymore of your crew. Do right by them and just let go of the hatred inside you.”

Thunder: “I will do right by all that died because of this. The mission is coming to a conclusion with me destroying Cybertron. This is the only path I have, and if you oppose me you will die.”

Rod: “I will stop you, and I'll show you that the lineage of Primes is in good hands with me.”

Thunder: “Then let this be the final showdown to decide it all, and before this is over I’ll make sure Springer watches you die painfully!"

Rod: “Then prepare yourself!”

Rodimus transforms is weapon in to the bo staff, and Thundertron gets in the typical swordsman stance. The tension has reached a breaking point as the final battle for Cybertron’s fate begins.

 

1)welp that's another star seeker dead. RIP
2)pooor cryotek
3)nice to see some hotrod backstory.
4)and now the final battle begins.

 

That's a pretty tragic way for Crotek to go out on. Can't believe we're nearly at the end.

 

Holy cow can someone say 5 months since the last entry? Life is a pain, and I didn't have as much control over the release that I had on this one compared to the previous entry. I'm fairly sure I will be able to finally be able to finish the last two parts and the post credit scene much quicker since the hardest work is finally finished. He feels your breath. Let's not waste any time and see how the final showdown unfolds. A title that fits both of these characters very well. Here is part 40: Legacy



Inside the escape pod room Stench, Slapper, and Darkscream finally break out of their trance.

Slapper: “My head really hurts.”

Stench: “Mine too. Wait, why are we still here?”

Dark: “I don’t know. I thought I saw two weird people, and the next thing I know we’re here.”

Stench: “No sense in delaying this. Let’s get out of here.”

Their arrival to the escape pods is a bit of a surprise to them. The battle has taken to that room as well, and only two pods remain from the bombardment of all the airships.

Stench: “Well that’s just great! So who’s going to make the sacrifice?”

Slapper makes no efforts to be diplomatic and hops right into a pod all by himself, closing the door to ensure his success.

Dark: “No fair!”

Stench: “That is unprofessional decorum!”

Slapper: “You can write me up later, now hurry up and get out of here.”

Stench and Darkscream reluctantly enter the pod together. It’s bit of a tight squeeze, but they can manage. Both pods exit the ship with Cybertron as their destination. They begin to near the atmosphere of the planet.

Stench: “We should hide out in the jungle. Nobody will think of looking there.”

Dark: “We should just hide out in the ghettos. It’s perfect for treacherous scum like us.”

Slapper: “Hey keep it down! By the way quit hogging the front I can’t see a thing!”

Stench: “But we’re behind you, remember?”

Slapper: “Then if that isn’t you then what’s- OH GOD!!!!!”

Something grabs holds of Slapper’s pod and starts flying off with it. Stench and Darkscream’s confusion is immediately replaced with genuine terror as their pod is snagged from the sky as well. Their captor is Darksteel and the one that captured Slapper is Razorclaw. Predaking is nowhere to be seen.

Steel: “Sorry pals, but your flight has been canceled for a more favorable destination!”

The Predacons fly off with the pods to a location beneficial to the Decepticons. As that happens all other third parties are making their way to the final showdown for their seats. First on the scene are Fearswoop and Terradive are the first on the scene.

Terra: “Looks like we made it.”

Fear: “It all comes down to this, the Prime with a shadow to come out of, or the man who was left with less than nothing.”

Terra: “I can’t pick favorites, but I do hope for our planet’s survival.”

Fear: “Same, but let’s hope they put on a good show.”

A portal opens above them with The Fallen and Mindwipe sitting in one of the room of the Tidalwave and having their heads peak out of the portal to watch the fight.

Fallen: “Looks like punctuality is another talent of mine.”

Mindwipe: “I hope Thundertron tears him apart.”

Fallen: “As do I. Vengence is the greatest motivation. I know that firsthand.”

The last spectacor comes in the form of that flying drone from Mindwipe’s homeworld. It comes to join them in the specating.

Fallen: “Well if it isn’t our new friend. Here to see the action?”

The drone nods.

Fallen: “Great. I think regardless of the outcome we are going to see the either the beginning or the end of someone’s legacy.”

The perspective returns to its proper owners, Rodimus and Thundertron. Both are just moments away from

Thunder: “Cryotek, Blackbeak, Scorponok, Grimwing, and Ripclaw. Remember the names of those that were taken from me by you and the rest of our people. That will be your final memory!”

Thundertron charges the claws on his shoulders and fires them at Rodimus, who cartwheels over. He continually dodges them until he finds a mast that he runs up and then uses the momentum to launch off of it. Thundertron is forced to play defensively as Rodimus does a tackling strike with his staff. It pushes Thundertron back a bit, and their weapons are in a lock.

“I’m not going to run away from my responsibilities or you anymore!”

Thundertron starts to press his weight on Rodimus.

“You will, but it doesn’t matter how far you go because I will always catch you.”

Thundertron kicks Rodimus to the floor.

“And you will suffer Rodimus, so die like everyone else!”

The battle kicks into the high gear we would expect from both combatants. Thundertron slashes down with Rodimus rolling out of the way. Rodimus kicks Thundertron in the knee so he can get back up. Rodimus attacks but Thundertron spins around and kicks him in his back to make him lose balance. Thundertron lunges and Rodimus only barely blocks, but Thundertron pushes the attack and lands a punch right to the side of his face. Thundertron continues and does attacks to makes Rodimus never regain his balance. Rodimus is forced to handspring back and then goes for a thrust, but Thundertron spins around and kicks him in the back to knock him to the floor. Thundertron fires his electro bolt like a whip and smashes it on the floor. Rodimus rolls out of the way, regains his footing, and and transforms his bo staff into the double crossbow form to fire two bolts. Neither hit Thundertron as he knocks them away, but the momentum of the second one coming so soon after the first is enough for Thundertron to be knocked off balance. Rodimus wastes no time returning it back to the staff and does a powerful lunge attack into Thundertron’s chest. It’s strong enough to make Thundertron bounce once and instantly recover. He instantly returns much to Rodimus’s dismay. Their movement becomes nearly supernatural as the attacks are almost too fast Thundertron does several slashes that Rodimus blocks, and Rodimus does an overhead spinning attack that Thunderton retreats from. Thundertron swipes left. Rodimus slides out of the way, and Thundertron slashes down just for Rodimus to jump and flip over the attack, and Thundertron instantly counter with a backflip kick forces Rodimus to roll when landing. Rodimus turns the weapon back into a crossbow briefly, fires a bolt into the ground, transforms it back into the staff, grabs the wire from the bolt, and spins the staff around like a flail. He spins it fast enough to look like a saw, and it lands several hits on him. Rodimus jump over Thundertron’s head, but Thundertron is ready and counters with the lions head giving him a sonic roar. Rodimus lands on his rear, and is forced into a worse situations when the electro bolter wraps around his neck and shocks him. The Prime is yanked like a loose tooth and slammed along the ground while continuously getting his circuits fried. When Rodimus is getting raised up in the air for another smash down he thinks fast and fires his flamethrowers at full power. The result of the kickback gives Rodimus the power, which gets Thundertron into the air. Rodimus slips out of his electric noose, does a diagonal spin around to face Thundertron, and fires an electric arrow into his chest to give him a taste of his own medicine. It grants him a moment to collect himself as Thundertron is yelling out and writhing on the floor. He finally tears the arrow out of his and launches two energy slashes from the lion claws above his shoulders. Rodimus flips over all of them and fires an arrow at Thundertron. He catches it in his hands with a look of disappointment Thundertron quickly realizes he’s seen this trick before back in his cabin when the Autobots escaped. The familiar beeping of the explosive arrow starts, but this time Thundertron throws it back. The arrow is equidistant from both fighters and knocks them both back. They both recover instantly and Rodimus starts running. Thundertron quickly catches up. They continue running parallel to one another. Rodimus fires arrows that Thundertron slices up effortlessly. Thundertron eventually fires and energy slash at the ground in front of him to blast him out of his run. Rodimus rolls to recover, but Thundertron attacks with a jumping lunge. Rodimus narrowly avoids getting his face stabbed in, but the sword still makes its first cut on him at the top right corner of his head. As Rodimus clutches his head briefly Thundertron fires a direct energy slash into him. It makes the Prime land hard on his back and slides back. Thundertron attempts to end the fight with a final falling impalement attack, but Rodimus fires his flamethrowers defensively right into his chest, and it knocks back Thundertron. Frustrated, Thundertron brushes off the small flames from his lightly burned chest, but he was completely unprepared for Rodimus to return so quickly. Rodimus does a jumping knee kick right to his face. Thundertron stays on his feet, but Rodimus keeps the momentum with a gut punch and an uppercut. While Thundertron is stunned from the attacks Rodimus transforms his staff back into the bow and puts it over his head. He pulls forward where the string of the bow is on the back of his head, and it tugs him forward. With his hand still on the hard part of the bow he pulls him forward to punch him with the bow. He manages to do two more bow punches until Thundertron frees himself with a knee kick. Rodimus arcs out his flames to push Thundertron back further, but the captain is beginning to step up his power. He dodges all the flame attacks and makes slashes that miss, or so it looks. Rodimus keeps doing the flame attacks but notices that they aren’t as strong anymore. Thundertron takes advantage of his brief confusion and kangaroo kicks him. When Rodimus recovers he discovers that Thundertron had secretly sliced off Rodimus’s arm exhaust pipes, which double as his flamethrowers. Of the two pairs of three pipes on his arms, five of them were removed with perfect surgical precision by Thundertron. The lowest one on his left arm still remains. Thundertron jumps forward with a slash that Rodimus manages to dodge, but not unscathed. The attack makes a small cut on his left hand that lightly bleeds. Both of them keep going until Rodimus is kicked into a mast and transforms his weapon into the crossbow and fires a bolt into the metal pole above him. He swings from it to gain height. Thundertron jumps quite high to meet, him, and Rodimus is forced to jump down and the two get close to meet. Both fighters realize their initial attacks won’t work on each other so they both spin around and try an alternative. Rodimus, who is falling, fires an impact arrow directly into Thundertron’s chest. Thundertron, at the height of his jump sends an energy slash that hits his target. The force of both attacks sends them to the ground at the exact same time. They both bounce one on the ground and then land on their feet at the same time.

“Well well, Rodimus, I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Neither did I to be honest.”

“I can see I was wrong to doubt your skills in battle. It’s become quite clear that your appointment to Prime was no accident.”

“And I see that you’re everything Galvatron and the others said about you. You’re beyond incredible, Thundertron. One of the best if not the best fighter to ever live. My sole caveat is seeing such beautiful talent going down such a tragic path.”

“It’s all perspective my boy. You see me as wasting my life away, but I see it as the only justified genocide this universe will ever experience.”

Both combatants realize that they dropped their weapons when they both got hit. Thundertron’s sword rests at Rodimus’s feet, and Rodimus’s bow lays at Thundertron’s side. Almost instinctively, both of them pick up the weapons, lock eyes, and toss their weapons back to one another! There is a pause before either of them speak.

“That is some fine craftsmanship on that bow, Rodimus.”

“Your praise humbles me, and the elegance of your blade is something to behold.”

“Right, but you should know that from here on out it’s an uphill battle.”

“If that’s the case then why did you return my weapon to me?”

“I could ask the same to you. I want to hear your answer first.”

Rodimus has to think and feels backed into a corner, but answers as honestly as he can regardless on how bad it makes him look.

“I guess it’s because i feel a certain kinship with you. Being around you just seems to make me throw away my moral rulebook. I’m putting my life in danger by doing it, but it felt like it was the right thing to do.”

Thundertron considers his words before making a hearty laugh that breaks the tension for a moment with a hearty laugh.

“That’s the most genuine response anyone has ever given me. An unexpected surprise, but a welcome one. As for me it’ a bit more simple. You’ve given me a worthy fight, and I want to it be finished as fairly as possible. If you were a waste of my time I wouldn't have hesitated to strike you down, but you're earned an honorable fight.”

“I suppose we both are slaves to our connection. But before we continue I want you to admit that you wouldn't be doing as well if I wasn't so injured.”

“Well of course. So I guess that’s why you decided to be charitable, out of pity.”

“Not at all. I have no doubt I would be having a tough time regardless, but the only difference is that you would be in much worse shape than you are now.”

“I see, but do you think you can keep up with me in your current condition? I promise you will be given a fair trial if you stop your tirade now.”

“Chivalrous to the end, I admire that, but the only way to stop me is to kill me, and I refuse to die to anyone. So enough talk, have at it!”

This time Rodimus makes the first move with a swipe, and Thundertron’s power immediately comes into play. He simply lean to the left, pivots his foot so he turns around all the way, and kick him in the back to knock him on the floor. Rodimus quickly gets up and starts swinging away, and Thundertron deflects every attack. Thundertron eventually makes a quick jab with his sword that pierces his left shoulder but it only goes in for about an inch. This lights up a fire in the Prime. Rodimus screams and kicks Thundertron in the chest hard enough to get the sword out. Before Thundertron can recover Rodimus strikes his upper cheek with the most strength he’s ever had. He jams it into Thundertron’s stomach with the sharp edge at the end stabbing him, but Rodimus quickly takes it out and uppercuts him right in the chin with his staff that it actually cracks Thundertron’s chin! As soon as Thundertron’s head comes back up Rodimus slams it down on the top of his head. Thundertron retreats and then fires his energy slashes which all miss. Thundertron charges with a thrust, but Rodimus jumps high enough over him that his foot lands on his head, and the then push off hard enough that it makes him faceplant to the floor. He fires a regular arrow at his foe, but misses when he rolls backwards to get to his feet. Rodimus transforms his weapon into the crossbow form and fires, but Thundertron dodges. As it turns out Rodimus had hoped he would dodge because he doesn’t know about the recall feature. While Thundertron does make the attempt to dodge it only works halfway. The sharp edges of the bolt manages to latch onto a small part of Thundertron’s side and the force of the return is strong enough to completely tear it off his body. Rodimus takes advantage of Thundertron’s pain and fires a regular arrow into Thundertron’s forearm, forcing him to drop his sword. Rodimus punches him hard enough in the nose to make it bleed a little. Thundertron defensively throws out an energy slash to make the Prime retreat. He tears out the arrow from his arm, and feels some of the blood getting on his lips. He spits off to the side and puts up his dukes. He goads Rodimus by gesturing him to come attack him, which our hero foolishly accepts. He swings as much as he can, but Thundertron remains untouched until he goes for the captain’s knee. While he’s tripped up Rodimus pokes him in the face three times with his staff to annoy him, and that’s when the captain kicks into high gear. When Rodimus swings again Thundertron grabs his arm, punches his elbow, stomps his foot, starts to bend his arm backwards, and kicks him in the chest to force him to let go of his weapon. Thundertron tosses it aside and punches Rodimus hard in the throat. He grabs him by the head and knees him in the face three times, making lip start to bleed as compensation for his nose. Rodimus breaks free and starts kicking him in the face, to which Thundertron responds to by scratching him with his shoulder claw while it was burning with energy. It doesn't hinder his movement but it is a painful sting. Thundertron grabs him from behind and starts to crush him, but Rodimus weasels his way out and jabs his elbow into his face. With his remaining flamethrower he sets his face on fire, which forces him to let go. Thundertron quickly puts out the fire on his face. Some of his beard is burned off, and a few patches are singed, but there wasn’t much harm done to his face. Thundertron swift kicks him to knock him over, and does a killer dolphin kick to knock the Prime on his back. Rodimus springs back to go into fisticuffs with Thundertron. He lands two quick punches and a kick that knocks the captain back, but but the next punch he grabs Rodimus’s arm and throws him to the ground. Rodimus tries to kick while he’s down, but Thundertron grabs his leg and slams him down face-first into the floor. Rodimus manages to jump up and kick, but Thundertron blocks it. Rodimus uses the momentum to spring out of his arms. He goes in for a swipe, but Thundertron dodges and punches him in his side. Rodimus goes for a right hook that Thundertron bats away and counters with an uppercut. Thundertron starts savagely beating Rodimus with a chain of jabs to his face and gut punches. The fight leads them to a small station with a wall that Rodimus is pinned to Thundertron keeps laying down the hurt, and the punches are getting stronger. Rodimus desperately dives underneath Thundertron’s legs and kicks him in the back of the legs to bring him to his knees. Rodimus jumps up and wraps his legs around Thundertron’s neck and spins him to the ground. He starts applying pressure trying to crush it, but Thundertron gets up and willingly falls backwards to get Rodimus to loosen his grip. He rolls Rodimus off of his head and kicks him completely off. When they both recover they get into an arm lock, but while Rodimus has more vigor, Thundertron is clearly stronger, overpowering him and throwing him to the floor like he’s worthless. Rodimus makes another attempt, but Thundertron swats him away like a fly. Rodimus gets frustrated and goes for a punch, but when Thundertron moves his arm close enough Rodimus switches up by ducking, grabbing his wrists, and then jumping and cartwheeling underneath him, and it twist’s Thundertron’s wrist. While he yells out in pain Rodimus helicopter kicks him in the face. Rodimus tries to finish him off with his final flamethrower, but a small sonic roar blasts him away. Thundertron presses his attack with three left jabs, a right haymaker, and then claps his hands on both sides of the Prime’s head. With Rodimus in a daze Thundertron deploys his electro bolter, which hits the Prime’s arm, and it makes him fall back on his stomach. Thundertron strikes him three times in his back while he’s down, and the third hit breaks off the left side of the spoiler on his car form. Thundertron wraps the coil around his neck and drags him across the floor, and the electrocuted Prime is having no luck to break free. Thundertron pulls a lever, and the station they are close to has its conveyer belt turn on. Out comes piles of metal pieces they use to repair the ship, but today they have a different purpose. Thundertron starts swinging Rodimus into them, and the sharp pieces of metal scratch and stick to his face for more damage. He gets thrown into another two, and when all hope is lost he is thrown right next to his bow. He grabs it while it’s obscured from Thundertron sight, and when Thundertron starts to swing him around Rodimus fires a crossbow bolt at Thundertron. He actually gets stuck to the wall, but it didn’t quite impale him like he hoped. It gets stuck on his remaining coattail and merely grazed him. While he’s still stuck Rodimus frees himself from the coil and fires an explosive arrow next to Thuncertron’s head. It starts to beep and he frantically tears half of it off before it detonates, and escapes enough of the explosion to be only knocked forward. Rodimus fires a faster crossbow bolt as he leaps high in the air, and it directly pierces Thundertron’s stomach. He doesn’t have enough time to prepare himself as he gets yanked Mortal Kombat style. Rodimus punches him in the face, and that pulls the bolt out. Thundertron manages to land next to his sword and the two clash again, but now Thundertron is going harder than ever, and he picks up that the Prime’s reflexes are not as fast s the beginning. He continues pressing until he knocks his weapon wielding arm away and makes a clean slice all the way across Rodimus’s lower stomach. The damages is only and inch or two deep, but it makes him yell out in pain. Thundertron takes the opportunity with a high kick to the chin that knocks him in the air, and then when he comes down he gets kicked in the left side of his face by Thundertron’s prosthetic foot, and it makes his head hit the floor hard. Thundertron tries to finish him but Rodimus kicks him back and backflips to get some distance. Rodimus now has a noticeable dent on his lower left part of his cheek and jawline.

“Look at you, Rodimus, you are losing your good looks. You can't keep up with me anymore.”

“Don’t worry about me since you’re not doing as well either. This is the hardest fight I’ve ever been in, and I’ll admit I’m about to start running on fumes. I can’t give up though.”

“Even in a losing battle you still have a fighting spirit. Oh the sweet vigor of youth I wish to return to.”

“I’m losing, yes, but I haven’t lost yet.”

“True, but unlike you my healing powers let me recover from more serious wounds, even if it takes time. Your worst injuries will require medical attention, but you won’t get that luxury.”

“Then I better finish this quickly.”

“Then it’s time I show you my power’s full potential!”

Thundertron’s shoulder claws glow brighter than ever before. They are charging up for a devastating attack. Rodimus intelligently moves out of the way instead of just standing there. Thundertron keep him in placed by a sonic roar from the lion head. With Rodimus temporarily incapacitated Thundertron sends out two of the largest energy slashes he’s ever done. To give context on the size all six of them are slightly larger than Longhaul, and he’s 30 feet tall. Rodimus regains enough mobility to get up and reach for his bow. Panicking, he does something nobody else but he and Perceptor knows the bow is capable off. He charges the elements in his arrows. While the resources naturally replenish themselves due to a special type of mini pocket dimension like Swindle’s chest cavity. Rodimus chooses ice, and the amount he’s using now will only give him enough for two more shots. Rodimus fires the arrow into the ground, and it makes giant iceberg that’s just as large as the slashes. It successfully protects him, but the shockwave pushes him back. The structure falls apart and Rodimus can't see in front of him because of the smoke and debris. Thundertron as a lion jumps though at the perfect place and angles to bite through Rodimus’s right clavicle. The Prime is being treated like a chew toy until Thundertron lets go by tossing him to the left. Thundertron pounces on him. And tries to bite his face off, and his claws are to piercing his chest. Rodimus manages to transform his bow into the crossbow and fires it right into the lion’s mouth. Thundertron would’ve died right there if it wasn’t for his superior reflexes. It knocks him off of Rodimus, but he catches the bolt in his teeth and breaks it. Unlike the arrows and resources that get renewed, the bolts actually have to be replaced, and now Rodimus is down to his last. Rodimus is not holding his own anymore, and decides to transform and drive off. Thundertron is in hot pursuit. His lion is almost as fast as the car. Thundertron tries to jump on the car several times but falls short. He switches to the sonic roars, and he keeps missing. Thundertron concentrates and finally hits Rodimus when he starts leaning to the right. The blast makes Rodimus spiral out of control and launches him into the air. He’s too dazed to transform out a the moment, and he falls, bouncing hard and rolling several times. He is able to transform back, but quite slowly. He realizes his T-Cog was damaged, and was lucky to transform one last time. Thundertron’s about to to maul him to death but Rodimus desperately fires another ice arrow, giving him only enough for one more. He makes the floor slippery, and Rodimus kicks off while on the ice to slide away. The lion lands on the ice, and falls over, sliding around the opposite direction. He tries to get up, but falls over. He charges his claws to destroy the floor, and tries to bite off his head. Rodimus quickly fires his remaining crossbow bolt to the base of a nearest mast to zipline him out of the way while still on his back.

“That trick is getting irritating, so take this!”

Thundertron transforms and and tries to energy slash, but Rodimus fires the remaining bolt at him, Thundertron jumps up to avoid it, but it gets caught in his prosthetic foot. It yanks him down, and after a struggle Rodimus successfully removes the captain’s prosthetic foot. He swings it around and tries to throw it at him, but Thundertron catches it in his free hand. Rodimus pushes the attack and Thudnertron’s movement isn’t as smooth and he gets jabbed by the stub and is kicked to the floor. Rodimus attempts to stab his face, but Thundertron kicks him in the side of his head with his peg leg while he’s down. The captain jumps back up and now dual wields with his sword and prosthetic foot. The dual wielding manages to make up for his less graceful movement. Thundertron bats him around and finally breaches his defenses and lands one good slash on his chest with the prosthetic. Rodimus slowly walks backward clutching his chest, and it’s evident he’s on his last legs.

“You thought hindering my mobility would’ve helped you. Perhaps if you had done it sooner I would’ve lost, but I made sure I had contingencies for those type of scenarios."

Rodimus desperately ziplines up to the top of the mast and Thundertron uses his bolter to do the same. The two of them clash weapons continuously until Thundertron does a thrusts that breaks Rodimus’s defenses, and knocks him off balance. Thundertron attacks with his bolter, and Rodimus tries to spin around, but in a horrible turn of events the bolt stabs him in the back of his neck. While he screams in such a gutteral pain, something incredibly tragic happens. The electricity was so focused on one focal point of the neck that it makes a small chip inside of him explode. It doesn’t cripple Rodimus in any way, but he knows that something very important to him has been forever erased. Thundertron wastes no time and hits him with a double claw slash that launches him in a high speed fall like a meteor all the away to the floor. Rodimus is barely able to stand, and all the cut around his body makes him feel like his whole body is on Fire. Thundertron seems to be preparing his killing blow.

“And that is the fate of all who face me, Rodimus. You’ve lasted longer than most ever could. I almost find myself feeling guilt for snuffing out a generation of talented warriors, but I’m sure I’ll move on after a week.”

Rodimus coughs and tries to stand up straight.

“You think I’m beaten? You have to kill me for that to become true”

“Just stop. I’m sure you’re in a state where nothing makes sense anymore, but it’s over. No matter what you do I have an answer for.”

“That’s not true I still have plenty of moves left. You would be foolish to think I’m out of tricks.”

“You’re missing the point. Any move I can copy, and any patterns I can eventually figure out. I can counter any formula you throw at me. My power cannot be outplayed.”

Suddenly as if a hammer had struck the side of Rodimus’s head, something he remembered from earlier breaches his mind. His conversation with Wreck-Gar starts floating around him.

“I just fought him like I fight everyone else, as crazy, and random as possible.”

His thoughts focus more.

“Crazy and as random as possible.”

Further.

“Crazy and random”

And one last time.

“Random.”

It hits Rodimus. The secret to beating an opponent that can analyze any method and pattern. It seems so obvious in hindsight, but to his credit nobody else would’ve ever guessed it would be something this unconventional.

“You’re right. Thundertron, but there may be a weakness you don’t know about.”

“Do tell.”

“I can’t reveal my secrets, but I can say this is my last hope to win.”

“So let us end this for good.”

Rodimus suddenly starts mumbling and ticking. Thundertron gets are expression of concern on his face.

“Oh dear it looks like I broke the poor boy more than I thought. I better put him down quickly.”

As Thundertron gets within a foot of Rodimus the Prime suddenly looks up at him with ridiculous look on his face. His tongue is out and he’s making ******ed noises.

(confused) “What am I looking at?”


Without warning Rodimus punches Thunderton hard in the nose.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Thundertron’s answer is a kick in the chin.

(taunting) “What’s wrong, Thundertron? Can’t handle me?”

“I can handle anything you throw at me.”

Rodimus bends over, sticks his tongue out, and start spanking himself. Thundertron starts getting angry.

(frustrated) “You dare to mock me?”

“And the next thing you say will be Rodimus, don’t you dare dishonor our duel!”

“Rodimus, don’t you dare dishonor our duel!”

Thundertron freezes up. His mind is in a state of chaos at the moment.

“How did you know?”

“It was a my plan!”

Rodimus runs up and knees him in his forehead.

“Next you’ll say did you plan that too, Rodimus? Tell me!”

“HOW DO YOU ALWAYS KNOW?!”

“You’re like a children’s book, Thundertron, too easy to read!”

“Then finish this fight!”

The last stretch of the fight begins with Rodimus firing a smoke arrow beneath Thundertron. He gets covered in smoke The captain is unable to prepare for Rodimus coming out from above and smashing his staff on the top of his head. Rodimus suddenly kicks the prosthetic foot out of his hands. He then jumps over his head and fires a regular arrow into the Star Seeker’s back. When he bends over in pain Rodimus leg drops his face to curbstomp him. Thundertron rolls out of the smoke just in time to see Rodimus goe for a left attack, but then he stops. Thundertron is confused, and Rodimus for a right jab. Rodimus feints again with a right swipe, but instead does a spin to the left to the side of his face. The Prime keeps faking his attacks, and when Thundertron starts blocking Rodmius goes for an overhead attack, but Thundertron prepares to defend somewhere else. He didn’t foresee Rodimus would actually follow through with the attack. It hits him, and then Rodimus swift kick to knock him down, and then combos with a dolphin kick. Thundertron barely lands on his feets and fires energy slashes that Rodimus barely slides past. Rodimus fires an impact arrow into him to floor him. When Rodimus comes to attack him Thundertron kicks him in the knee with his peg leg. He lands a punch with his free hand and tries to slash but Rodimus blocks and counters by poking his eyes with his fingers. Rodimus transforms his staff into its regular bow form and hits him hard enough to make him slide across the floor. Thundertron recovers and attacks with his bolter, but Rodimus ducks and transforms his bow into the crossbow, and uppercuts him. He transforms it back into the bow and fires an electric arrow into him, and he drops his sword. He rips off the arrow and tries a a sonic roar. Rodimus dives inbetween his legs and trips him up. Rodimus goes for a punch but Thunderton caches it and throws him over his shoulder. Rodimus rolls to recover and Thundertron tries to hack him down, but Rodimus does a backflip kick to knock him off balance. Rodimus goes in to give the captain a beatdown with his staff with several spins and hard smashes. Thundertron frantically transforms into his lion and makes small sonic roar to knock Rodimus away. He makes a run for the Prime, but Rodimus switches to the crossbow bolt to zipline himself way Thundertron leaps up and tries to snatch him in his jaws. Rodimus charges an explosive arrow, forcing Thundertron to cut his ascent short. Rodimus detonates the arrow remotely, and the uses the explosion as a way to get even higher The tail end of the blast radius forces Thundertron to hit the floor and since he does have his peg foot he can’t get up as fast. Thundertron transforms back, and as Rodimus comes down he fires his last ice arrow. It hits Thundertron in the foot, and he begins to freeze up. It’s not enough to completely freeze him, but the ice goes up to most of his chest. The lion shoulder claws are completely free though. Rodimus lands on the ground, and the two make eye contact. In that moment both of them knew what this meant. The final arrow is shot, and it’s an explosive. Thundertron panics and uses the energy claws to help break free. He leaps back, but it’s too late as the bomb goes off. While Thundertron is able to avoid the blast killing him it’s not enough because he gets hit with more enough of the blast. He lands hard on the floor bouncing twice and rolling along the floor until he ends up on his front facing Rodimus. He tries to get up, but is too weak and completely collapse. The impossible has happened. Rodimus has defeated the greatest warrior the universe has ever known.

“I can’t believe it…. I actually lost for the first time in my life. Why did it have to be now?”

“I told you I would find a way to win. You pushed me beyond my limits in a fight I’ll never forget.

“This is such a humbling feeling, loss. You really are worthy of the title of Prime. Well done, Rodimus. You’ve done what everyone else considered impossible.”

“And you, Thundertron are the best warrior in existence, but on this day Rodimus Prime defeated you.”

Thudnertron’s eyes dart down for a fraction of a second before looking at Rodimus again. He tries to get up, and Rodimus is ready to knock him down, but the captain falls and winds up on his back. Thundertron is barely raising his torso up due to the pain.

“At least grant me this kindness. How was it that you were able to beat me?”

“Random plays and unconventional attacks. I’m sure you remember your fight with Wreck-Gar? He unintentionally gave me the key to defeating you. You can analyze and attack pattern, but what if there is no pattern? I also saw that something outside of combat like my facial expressions and more guess oriented attacks like my faints are able to throw you off.”

“And what about predicting my words?”

“Basic psychology. I figured you were in such a fog I could trick you into saying and doing what i wanted, and to my relief you did.”

“Incredible… absolutely brilliant. That’s something my power could never compete with. I see now that I could be the best, but I will always have a crutch. You exploited a weakness I never knew I had and I owned no means to counter it.

“And now this whole vendetta of yours ends today. It’s about ten minutes until sunrise you know.”

“So what happens to me now?”

“You’ll be put on trial to answer for you crimes.”

“I’ve been a prisoner most of my life. I won’t let Cybertron claim me any longer. Such a wretched and cursed land You should’ve let Unicron destroy it.”

“That was never an option, and I would never have let you destroy it just to find some inner peace that would never be realized.”

“I guess we’ll never know which one is right about that.”

“That is something that I am completely content with.”

Thundertron slowly lifts his peg leg and points at Rodimus, who shrugs it off.

“Just stop, you’re too injured to do anything.”

“Well I must confess something to you. I haven’t been honest about myself.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I too have a last resort!”

The smallest of clicks is heard, and before Rodimus can reach the loudest gunshot is heard and a small circular bullets enters penetrates Rodimus’s chest and exits out of his back. He clutches his chest and starts gasping, trembling from the blow.

“You like it? Scorponok put that feature in my peg leg as an emergency contingency if I ever found myself defeated, as impossible as that outcome seemed we both know now only the idea of impossible is the only impossibility.”

Rodimus gets on one knee, his hand reaches out to Thundertron.

“I was actually afraid it wouldn't work because there was only one bullet, and from all the years of inactivity I thought it could also blow off the rest of my leg, but oh well, the fortune smiles upon me.”

Thundertron grabs his sword and stabs Rodimus through the groin. He collapses on the railing on the ship and is starting to lose consciousness.

“Before you either bleed out or get put out of your misery I just want you to know I will treasure our battle for the rest of my days. I was grateful to meet you. Destiny sides with me today, and I will destroy everything and everyone you love, but I see that won’t be enough for me I think I’ll destroy that planet called Earth after I’m done with Cybertron!”

The Fallen’s eyes explode in rage from hearing that. Mindwipe’s wings fold down in fear.

Mindwipe: (petrified) “.....Master?”

Fallen: (steely) “Come, Mindwipe, we have a score that must be settled.”

The two disappear in their portal as it closes behind them. It returns to the dying Rodimus and the heavily battered Thundertron. He finds his prosthetic foot and puts it back on. Rodimus is almost completely unconcious. It goes in his point of view until it goes dark. Thundertron is leaning over him with a somewhat grim expression.

“I won’t enjoy killing you, but it must be done. Farewell, and may the afterlife treat you well.”

Rodimus completely goes unconscious but he hears Thundertron’s voice in the distant background.

“What? You again?”

Sounds of clanging and blasts as well as grunts are heard, and it slowly brings Rodimus to wake up. He’s still in bad shape, but he sees that Thundertron is at the nearest mast. He’s in even worse shape than before, and there is a giant stab wound right in his chest. Half of his face is bloodied, and the look in his eyes is the saddest it has ever been. Rodimus is as curious as the rest of us to know what happened, but when he looks up he gets his answer.

(astonished) “This can’t be… you did this?”

 

Well that's one way of catching an opponent off guard. XD Also the Fallen seems to enter the ring.

 

We'll rodimus and thundertrons battle was definitely one of the biggest of the series. To quote someone "even strength must bow to wisdom.". The ending with the fallen finishing off thundertron was... unexpected. The predacons carrying off stench, slapper and darksreem...they're gonna f*#k em up aren't they.

 

It's been another eternity, but it's finally here. What was meant to be another aftermath piece turned out to be the longest part I've done to date. It beats out Thundertron's single origin story by three and a half pages, and that one was 47 pages long. I actually had to move a few scenes to the finale, which I promise will be here much sooner and much shorter. So strap in for all this because this is the penultimate piece part 41: Farewell Thundertron




Earth is currently peaceful, well at least relatively speaking considering the panic the Tidalwave’s presence days ago. Now that it has simmered down it’s due for another crisis, and in a wave of three no less. The first wave has already happened, and it is the worst of them all, something that could wipe out humanity's existence but that’s a tale for the near future. The second is the least troubling. Thunderhoof’s escape pod has entered the atmosphere, and the Earth team has detected it.


Brains: “We got an unidentified object entering Earth’s atmosphere!”

Sand: “A Decepticon?”

Brain: “Uh, not sure. The energy readings aren’t like anything we’ve ever seen before. I can confirm there is one life from inside.”

Smoke: “Just one?”

Fixit: “While we can confirm that the object is of Cyertronian origin, the passenger is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”

Brains: “Looks like some sort of escape pod.”

Judging by the thermal imaging we deduced his height is no greater than Sandstorm’s.”

Deep: “Probably not that tough if that's the case.”

Sand: “Still, someone needs to investigate.”

Backfire revs up his engine. He’s already in his dirt bike mode.

Backfire: “I’m ready, chief!”

Sand: “Thanks for volunteering, Backfire. I want you to provide reconnaissance for when it lands. You are to report your findings. Do not engage, I repeat, do not engage!”

Backfire: “Pft, no biggie. Just send me on my way!”

The mInicons fire up the ground bridge while awaiting the pods landing. It lands in the upper west forests of California, far from humans. Thunderhoof kicks open the door and finds that fate is rewarding him in a way he does not quite understand yet. Sonar was feasting on a rabbit he found,and when he and Thudnerhoof make eye contact Sonar drops the rabbit remains out of his mouth.

Thunder: “Oh geez, this isn’t some eat or be eaten kind of world is it?”

Sonar: “Well yes and no.”

Thunder: “EYYYY YOOOO! You can talk?”

Sonar: “Of course amigo!”

Thunder: “Alright batty, are you going to eat me?”

Sonar: “Well I wasn’t planning on it….unless you are into that sort of thing.”

Thunder: “What kind of wacko would want to be eaten.”

Sonar: “Look there are weird people out there alright? Don’t kink shame!”

Thunder: “Well I ain't one of them!”

?: (smooth) “Well well well, aren’t you going to introduce me to your new friend, Sonar?”

Steeljaw walks out of the shadows and sizes Thundertron up.

Steel: “Impressive antlers you have there.”

Thunder: “So who the heck are you?”

Steel: -bowing- “My name is Steeljaw, and you’ve already met my comrade Sonar.”

Thunder: “So this is Earth right? I was told I would be sent here.”

Steel: “First time? I admit I knew other Decpeticons were in need of solace from the evil Autobot regime, but I didn’t know there was another genetic experiment like us roaming around.”

Thunder: “Slow down there, wolfie. I’m no experiment, and I’m no Decepticon either.”

Sonar: “So you’re an Autobot?”

Thunder: “Not a chance! Those jerks left me to rot in jail! Some magic stove guy and his creepy three eyed minion set me free and helped me get here.”

Sonar: “Magic stove guy?”

Thunder: “Was hoping you were part of his crew. He said he’d find me.”

Steel: “We are part of a group, but not one associated with him. Why not stick with us until he comes to pick you up? I humbly will be your guide and protector.”

Thunder: “Look I don’t need protecting, I can take care of myself. As for a guide I guess I have no choice. I have no clue where I’m going.”

Steel: “Fear no more, for I, Steeljaw, shall be your companion and friend. We both will be, right, Sonar?”

Sonar: “Of course!”

Steel: “Now I didn’t quite catch your name.”

Thunder: “It’s Thunderhoof, and I’m not from Cybertron. I‘m from another planet like yours, but it was destroyed.”

Steel: “Fascinating, there are other worlds like ours out there. I wonder how many there are.”

Thunder: “To be honest I don’t really care, but so uh, where do we go from here?”

?: “Ahah! I caught you Steeljaw!”

Steeljaw and Sonar go on high alert. Backfire is here, and he didn’t call for backup. That little prick never did learn his lesson.

Steel: “Well if it isn’t Backfire. Where’s your team?”

Backfire: “Bruh, I don't need their help to take you down, and that new guy is coming with me.”

Sonar: “Get out while you still can, Autobot, I won’t play nice anymore.”

Backfire: “Nice? You killed Proxima, you’re like a monster and stuff!”

Sonar: “I probably shouldn't have done that, but I was really hungry.”

Backfire: “As for you, Steeljaw, you killed Outback’s camera crew!”

Steel: “They were in the way. I’ll do anything to protect myself and my pack. If a few Autobots have to die then so be it.”

Thunder: “Eyy yo, did you just say Autobots? This guy is an Autobot?”

Steel: “Yes, but let us take it from here.”

Thunder “Oh no you don’t! I got some unresolved issues with Autobots, me thinks this guy will be the perfect stress reliever.”

Backfire: “Bring it on, Bullwinkle, your squirrel friend isn’t here to save you!”

Sonar: -whispering- “What’s he talking about?”

Steeljaw casually shrugs.

Thunderhoof steps forward and cracks his knuckles. Backfire gets himself in a fighting stance and waits for Thunderhoof to make the first move. The mob boss charges at the Autobot, and Backfire easily slips past him and kicks him in the back on the leg. It forces Thunderhoof on one knee, and he gets punched in the back of the head. Backfire tries to grab his antlers, but Thudnerhoof gets up, and Backfire is caught in between them as Thunderhoof tries to shake him off.

Thunder: “Get off of me you slimy little bug!”

Thunderhoof manages to throw Backfire off of his antlers, but the spry Autobot lands on his feet. Backfire starts shooting him at a distance. Sonar gets ready to attack, but Steeljaw holds him back due to his curiosity.

Thunder: “Yous wants to shoot eh? I can do that too!”

The tractor’s smokestacks on his arms double as guns he fires back with. Backfire handsprings backwards to avoid being hit. He sticks to attacking him with hit and run tactics.

Backfire: “Whoa you’re too easy!”

Thunder: “Oh you think you’re the big shot huh? Try this!”

Thunderhoof stomps his foot on the ground and a ripple of electricity hits the ground with a small earthquake the break it in the direction he stepped is foot. Backfire escapes the fissure, but the leftover electricity hits him, stunning him long enough for Thunderhoof to get in close and get in one hard punch that sends the Autobot through a tree that falls over, and when he lands some of the dirt and grass flies upwards from the impact. Backfire spits out the dirt and is too late to react to Thunderhoof creating another electric earthquake. He gets fine dosage of the zaps and falls into the new fissure that was created. Thunderhoof looks down just to have Backfire jump out of it with an uppercut. The tires on his back swivel around to smack Thunderhoof in to face in slow motion, making him forcefully eject spit from his mouth. Backfire lands a flurry of quick punches to his face but Thunderhoof isn’t too fazed by them and headbutts the Autobot once to daze. Thunderhooof winds up one hard punch that sends Backfire into a tree, but it doesn’t break this time since the attack wasn’t as hard. Backfire still is dazed as Thunderhoof gears up for his final attacks

Thunder: “Try this one for size!”

Thunderhoof demonstrates a brand new ability of curling up like a ball and jumping, launching himself like a projectile. He hits Backfire and breaks through the tree, and then Thunderhoof starts to ricochet off the neighboring trees to to chain up more hits on Backfire until Thunderhoof finishes by landing right on top of him. With his foot pressing on his back there is o way for Backfire to escape. Sonar’s mouth is agape from all the bizarre abilities Thunderhoof has displayed, while Steeljaw has a devilish grin as plans begin to form from meeting this new stranger.

Thunder: “You had your fun, kid, now let me show you how the real world works eh?”

Thunderhoof lays out one last surprise as he removes his antlers from his head! He holds it above Backfire’s head until he pierces it with them Some of the antlers gouge out Backfire’s eyes and the rest either go through the rest of his head or miss from his head being too small. Backfire is dead on impact, and all that is left for Thunderhoof to remove the antlers from the corpse and then clean it. Backfire’s head pops and short circuits a few moments before finally going quiet. Sonar catches Thunderhoof’s gaze, who seems to be uncomfortable around him.

Sonar: “Please put those back on.”

Thunderhoof complies and looks just like he should, and Steeljaw puts his arm around him in a friendly manner.

Steeljaw: (elated) “Sensational! Tell me, Thunderhoof, do you believe in destiny?”

Thunder: “I guess.”

Steeljaw: “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We can’t stay here, the Autobot’s friends will come looking for him, and you can bet they won’t be happy to find out you killed your friend.

Thunder: ‘Not even ten minutes here and I’m already committing felonies. Guess I’m a creature of habit. So where to?”

Steeljaw “Simply follow me. Can you transform?”

Thunder: “You bet, now let’s get out of here.”

Steel: “Sonar, you take him back to our temporary cave. We’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

Sonar: “On it.”

Thunderhoof starts driving off with Sonar revving up the gas not too far behind him. Stelljaw looks back one last time at Backfire’s cadaver

Steeljaw: (proudly) “Your death was a small price to pay for freedom, Backfire. You Autobots will one day realize this is not your planet to rule. I am the hero this planet deserves, not you! One day those that are left will reflect on the day that I, Steeljaw stood tall against all odds as the victor! Until that day I vow to ensure our survival no matter what it takes!”

Steeljaw finally transforms and drives off to catch up with his team, and it’s around that time when the rest of the Earth finally bridges in to search for Backfire. Outback is doing his job while Sandstorm, Smokescreen, Deep-Down, and Overclock keep a tight watch on his blindspots. Outback quickly picks up on their fallen comrade’s scent and gestures for the rest to see his findings.

Outback: “Look at the poor boy they brutalized him.”

Smoke: “I wish I went with him.”

Clock: “Better him than you, kid, just saying.”

Sand: “Seriously, Overclock!”

Clock: “I’m just trying to look on the bright side, or at least desperately looking for one.”

Deep: “Look, I didn’t want to say it, but I feel like it was needed to be said. The kid was too naive. He was reckless, and every time something has happened it was because of him.”

Sand: (agitated) “So you’re saying that it’s better this way?”

Deep: “No, never! I didn’t want this to happen. The poor boy didn’t deserve this grisly end, but he did bring it on himself. He could’ve called for backup, but he didn’t.”

Sand: “Then let Backfire’s death be a wakeup call to all of us. Remember to be responsible with yourself, or you’ll end up like this. Speaking of which, which one did this to him?”

Outback: “See, that’s the part that has me all confused. I expected them to gang up on the poor kiddo, but I’m not getting a whiff of either of them on him. Instead there’s a brand new scent I’ve never experienced before.”

Sand: “So they weren’t involved at all?”

Outback: “Their presence is in the air. They were definitely here, but as for the wounds I’m getting nothing.”

Deep; “Look at these trees and the ground, this had to be the work of multiple assailants.”

Outback: “Afraid not. This was a solo venture.”

Overclock: “One guy did all of this?”

Outback: “Seems that way. Steeljaw and Sonar were there for sure but it looks like they stood by and watched this unfold.”

Deep: “This is a mess, now we got a third loon to watch out for.”

Outback: “Judging by everything else it looks like whatever came out of that pod left with them willingly.”

Smoke: “What do we do, Sandstorm?”

Sand: “We report our findings to Rodimus. This is no longer a minor nuisance. We’ve lost too many good people to this. Deep-Down, retrieve Backfire’s body, we’re heading back to base.”

Deep: “Understood.”

The team bridges back to the base and inform the Minicons on what happened. While they mourn their fallen comrade Sandstorm slumps down against the sheds. Smokescreen pays him a visit.

Smoke: “I miss him too, Sandstorm.”

Sand: “It’s not just that. When we first started this operation we were doing so well, catching those high profile cons, but this ghost comes out of nowhere and makes a complete fool of us. Now he’s got two allies and our body count is adding up. Either he’s the luckiest man alive or he’s the smartest guy nobody knew existed.”

Smoke: “A little bit of both. He seemed to have some issues with us being Autobots. Maybe in his mind he has a good reason for doing all this. I’m not defending him, but I think I kind of get it. Maybe we can use what we know about him to our advantage.”

Sand: “That’s actually not a bad idea, Smokescreen. Maybe you should’ve been leading us this whole time. I’m not cut out for this.”

Smoke: “Rodimus didn’t think so when he started out, or Ultra Magnus, or even Optimus when he started out, but they became the legends we know them as now. The same is going to happen for Rodimus and you, I just know it.”

Sand: “You flatter me too much, I think I’m too in over my head. I don’t know how to handle those highly stressful scenarios.”

Smoke: “Well you got plenty of time to figure it out before he shows up again. You really think I could be a great leader like you and the others?”

Sand: “Yes I do. I don’t know how to describe it, but I think you’re destined for great things Smokescreen. Just don’t let all that high praise get to your head.”

Smoke: “I won’t, and with your guidance I think I might have a chance.”

Sand: “Then tomorrow we'll start anew, all of us.”

Sandstorm briefly checks his calendar.

Sand: “Would you look at that, my next meeting with Reflector is tomorrow as well.”

With confidence restored in Sandstorm we finally transition back to the Tidlwave where it is mere seconds after Rodimus goes unconscious. It’s also around ten minutes before sunrise. Thudertron looks down on him raising his blade for the killing slash.

Thunder: “I’ll make this quick and painless. You deserve that much. I won’t lie, even unconscious I find myself hesitant to step any closer to you. I fear you’re not really as helpless as you look. It’s rather frightening how much respect you command out of me. Oh well, all good things must come to an end. Farewell, Rodimus Prime.”

Thundertron starts to slash down, but is interrupted mid-attack when something collides with him. It knocks him back but does not knock him down. His guard is up as he discovers what hits him. It’s Cyclonus, but something about that is quite bizarre. He still is out from the injuries Thundertron gave him. Somebody threw his body at him. Curiosity of who would do something so unorthodox is quickly brought to an end when the culprit’s voice loudly gains his attention.

?: “Thundertron, I’ve come to kill you!”

Galvatron was the one that threw Cyclonus at him. He has the Star Saber behind his back, but it’s too obscured for Thundertron to comment on it.

“Galvatron? So you’ve come to save Rodimus? I never knew you to be compassionate.”

“You have the wrong idea. I was hoping you would both kill each other, but since you failed to do something so simple I just had to step in.”

“And what’s your excuse for having him alive?”

“I actually defeated him when we fought. It took some small effort, admittedly, but he was above average as far as I see it. The only reason he survived is because Unicron is the universe’s sorest loser. You lost to him, and as a warrior I find that unforgivable.

“Need I remind you that you lost to me the first time.”

“Give me a break, that was a stalemate at best. I admit I had no idea you were that dangerous, but Cryotek’s ice weakened me significantly. I don’t like how our last fight ended, and now I will prove two things to you. First and foremost being that I truly am a greater fighter than you.”

“And the second?”

“I did say I knew a blade greater than yours, but I don’t think I will need to use it. I’ll simply show it to you during your final moments.”

“Bold statement, so how long were you watching?”

“Nearly the whole thing. I had to fly up quite high during that chase so you wouldn't see me. I’m more than confident I can beat you.”

“So you would fight me after all these injuries. The only way you could win.”

“It’s simply the hand I was dealt. I allowed Rodimus to fight you out of a mutual warrior’s respect. Being dead makes no difference to me.”

“And what about Cyclonus? Is that how you treat your best men? I fear your treatment around women.”

“I like my women like I like my men, within a reasonable throwing distance!”

“And you do remember how my powers work right? My lighter wounds are healing with each second you talk to me.”

“Heal up as much as you like, but it is true you talk too much. It’s time to reunite you with the rest of your crew, and whoever’s left I’ll personally tend to!”

This sends Thudnertron into a blind rage, and he attacks with his sword with brutal finesse. Galvatron gets his bladed staff out just in time to block the attacks. Thudnertron continually presses until he break through his defenses and makes a huge gash across Galvatron’s chest. Galvatron swings his staff around but Thundertron jumps over and kicks him in the face. Galvatron smashes down, but Thundertron rolls inbetween his legs and hits him in the back with his electro bolter. Galvatron just can’t hit him as Thundertron racks up more small cuts, and his speed is clearly improving as he is slowly healing from his weakest injuries uninterrupted. Thundertron hits him with two energy slashes and does a combo with the sonic roar that blasts Galvatron back, but to Thundertron’s surprise the Decepticon stays on his feet. Judging by the look on his face Galvatron is fighting much more seriously now. He quickly looks at the ground and back at Thundertron, who charges at him. Thundertron quickly sidesteps and does a jump attack that Galvatron blocks, but Galvatron is quickly overwhelmed when Thundertron slashes his forearm, and that forces him to drop his staff. Thundertron jumps up and stabs at Galvatron’s face, but by an exorbitant amount of will Galvatron manages to hold him back, but the sword digs a small hole into his head. Galvatron screams with frustration and throws Thundertron away from him. The captain lands on his feet and tries for another attack, but Galvatron is ready this time, and he brushes his left foot back, which Thundertron picks up, but is unable to deduce his motive. The wakeup call comes in the form of Galvatron stamping his foot on the floor boards, and it produces a seesaw effect like in cartoons where the opposite side springs up to launch someone into the air. Galvatron tears off more floor and throws them both at the still airborne Thundertron. He energy slashes through the first one, but the second one hits him hard. It pins him to the ground but he manages to sonic roar it off as he gets back to his feet.

“I was starting to pity your fighting, Galvatron. It looked like you worsened since we last fought.”

“You were more spry than I anticipated. I promise I won’t estimate you any further.”

“Oh I doubt that!”

Thundertron sonic roars Galvatron back, and goes in with his bolter to reel him in. It pierce his neck, and he starts to wrap it around his throat. Thundertron uses his sword to swing down to slice his head in hand, but the sudden resistance he feels from his blade catches Thudnertron off guard. Galvatron finally did it. He unleashes the Star Saber, which is keeping Blue Thunder at bay.

(Mesmerized) “It can’t be…. The Star Saber?”

“That is correct, the blade of legend wielded by the Prime whom he named itself. I told you there was a blade better than yours!”

It’s quite true, for the only true rival was the Fallen’s sword Avarice, but the tale of two blades and the Primes that wielded them is for another time. Galvatron activates the smaller blades that pop out along the main blade to completely slice throw the electro bolter, and it is now completely ineffective. Thudnertron tries to fall back, but Galvatron manges to swing around and graze Thundertron’s left shoulder, and even the smaller blades are sharper than anything Blue Thunder has to offer. Thundetron yells out in pain, clutching his shoulder.


(taunting) “Oh no that looks like it hurts! Is a small paper cut too much for the irritable fossil?”

“That sword… so much power.. I can’t believe you got your hands on it.”

“Of course it’s powerful. How else did you think your planet destroying cannon was deflected? It was my doing.”

“You don’t deserve to wield it, not for a soul as vile as yours.”

“It’s mine by right because I am a direct decedent of Megatronus himself!”

“I see the resemblance, you’re both failures!”

Galvatron’s anger flares up ,and he swings an energy slash from the sword right into Thundertron. It packs quite a punch as Thudnertron is rolled like a can down a street.

“I am greater than he ever will be! Never compare us again!”

Galvatron transforms into his tank mode and fires one shell at Thundertron, who energy slashes before it hits him. Unfortunately it was still rather close as the explosion blew him back. Galvatron transforms into his jet mode to close the gap. Thundertron recovers and jump up to try and slice his wing off, but Galvatron transforms back just in time to block the attack, but the end result is both combatants colliding into each other and rolling along the ground Thundertron recovers first and kicks Galvatron in the face with his prosthetic foot. He tries to kick the sword of his hands, but Galvatron swings the Star Saber just right as Thundertron is trying to do a roundhouse, and the prosthetic foot is sliced in half! Thundertron missed the kick as a result and stumbles backwards.

“That ought to keep you where I want you.”

“One foot will make no difference in your demise!”

“Perhaps, but a dwindling number of tricks will be!”

Galavtron knows the fight is nearing its end already, and is just toying with Thundertron at this point, but the old man still has some fight left in him. He desperately fires energy slashes at Galvatron and he counters with energy slashes from the Star Saber. They destroy Thundertron’s and just keeps hitting him. Gavlatron casually swings the sword around with no effort, so the attacks don’t have a lot of strength, but it is starting to add up on the Star Seeker. Thundertron transforms into his lion form and start to jump around to avoid getting hit. Galvaron keeps swinging, but he keeps missing. Thundertron manages to get a strong enough sonic roar to knock the Star Saber out of his hand. Thundertron wastes no time trying to aim for the head. Galvatron defensively sticks his right arm out, and he gets bit there, and Thundertron does a sonic roar that heavily damages Galvatron’s arm It has cracks, tears, dents, and is missing a few miscellaneous pieces. Thudnertron manages to retreat to a safe distance to gloat.

“Oh if I didn’t know any better than look like it was quite painful!”

(hissing) “Curse you old man! Your suffering will be unlike anything you experienced on that planet!”

Galvatron’s anger reaches a new level nobody has ever seen before, and with that comes something equal to the bizarre phenomenon that let Rodimus defeat Cryotek, Instead of the Matrix intervening to give him a power up Galvatron seems to be channeling something else entirely, something that we will only understand for now as special to him. Galvatron has a red glowing aura around him, and his body has some red energy burning on him.

Thunder: -shaking- “What is going on?”

The Fallen and Mindwipe are still watching what is going on through a portal but they are inside the core of the ship.

Mindwipe: “What has happened to Galvatron?”

Fallen: “So he’s finally done it. I was beginning to wonder if he would ever unlock it.”

Mindwipe: “Unlock?”

Fallen: “Yes, it must’ve been because of the Star Saber’s assistance. Now let’s see what he can do with it.”

Galvatron comes roaring back, and Thundertron is now reaching an apex of fear he’s never felt from anyone before. This new power is basically giving Galvatron access to the hulk, but all the anger is in complete control. All of his attacks are stronger and faster than before. Thundertron is smacked around like a football player’s wife and eventually is disarmed. Galvatron suddenly puts his arms in a cross formation, and an explosion of red energy hits Thundetron and moderately damages him. It seems like that ended the brief power that he possesses. While he is curious how it happened all he cares about is maiming Thundertron. Galvatron grabs him with his free arm, and Thudnertron in a last ditch effort stabs him with both his claws on both sides of his chest. The energy from them fires up, and he slowly drags them down his chest. Galvatron screams in such a primal rage that he just ignores the pain completely, plucks the claws right out of his body, and then tears them off of Thundertron! Galvatron still has one of the claws in his hand and swings it into Thudnertron’s face. He’s on his stomach trying to crawl away, but Galvatron ends the fight by slicing off Thudnertron’s good leg. With nowhere to go Thundertron is at his completely mercy, and Galvatron Thrusts the Star Saber right through his body, and then fires out a small blast from it with Thudnertron still impaled to it. He throws him into the mast, and it seems like he’s done harming him, or so it seems.

“You lost, Thundertron. I told you I would defeat you.”

“Where did you get that power?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll find out eventually. Before I get started with the show I require something from you.”

“What could you possibly need from me that you haven’t taken already?”

Thundertron’s answers comes when Galvatron makes a small cut on one of his eyes, and while he clutches his face some liquid comes out, and Galvatron catches it in a small container that he puts away.

“Oh relax fool I didn’t blind you, but that is one nasty paper cut isn’t it?

The drones finally start working and produce a giant video. It’s a live feed from Charr. It’s an open area in what looks like an empty crater. Astrotrain, Octane, the Coneheads, and Swindle are there awaiting something. Galvatron starts to set the show in motion.

Galvatron: “Swindle, is everything ready?”

Swindle: “It’s been laid out exactly as you instructed.”

Galvatron: “Excellent, send out the signal.”

Swindle: “Alrighty, let’s get this going!”

Ramjet, Astrotrain, and Octane can’t help but feel giddy for it to begin.

Thunder: “What is the point of all this?”

Galvatron: “I promised you I would make you suffer for what you have done. I intend to make good on that promise. It will all make sense very soon.”

Swindle fires a flare up into the sky. After fifteen seconds everyone looks up to see giant shadows above their heads. They clear the way as the Predacons land in the middle of everything. In their mouths are three objects that Thundertron recognizes, and he starts to get what’s going on. They are three of the escape pods from the ship.

Thunder: “Why do you have those?”

Galvatron: “Come find out. Darksteel, Razorclaw, pop them open and show us our prizes!”

Razorclaw and Darksteel comply and pop the top of the escape pods like wine bottles. Out falls Stench, Slapper, and Darkscream. Thundertron’s worst nightmares have been realized.

Thunder: “DON’T HURT THEM! I BEG OF YOU!”

Galvatron: “You beg you say? Funny, I don’t remember you giving Jazz that much courtesy, and you tried to destroy our home. What say you men? Is what he tried to do to us fair?”

All: “No way!”

Galvatron: “Why not teach them a lesson?”

The Coneheads, Octane, and Astrotrian viciously start beating up on the three Star Seekers. Swindle looks away out of pity,

Ramjet: “Try to destroy our home will ya?”

Thrust: “You guys are pathetic!”

Octane: “You had this coming!”

Astro: “Break their legs!”

It keeps going for another 30 seconds before Galvatron finally stops them.

Galvatron: “I told you that you would suffer.”

Thunder: (desperate) “Alright I understand. You win, just don’t hurt them anymore!”

Galvatron: “I’ll think about it, but the fun is far from over. We’ve yet to reach the best part. Predaking, how about you show us what’s behind pod number three!”

Predaking eagerly tears the pod open, and out falls Lazerback.

Thunder: “LAZERBACK!”

Galvatron: “The look of despair on your face was worth all the pain of our battles.”

Lazer: “Help me, captain!”

Thunder: “I’m sorry. my boy, I can’t. I lost. The mission failed, and I failed you. I’m dying, and the only thing I can do for you is to beg him to spare you all.”

Galvatron: “Not happening. Better say your last words to your crew.”

Thunder: “Boys, I failed, I failed the mission but worst of all I failed you. Ever since that day it’s been all about me and the burden I placed on all of you. I found myself so caught up in revenge I never once considered what you all wanted. I made it the only option for you with no way out. Of all my sins this is the greatest of them. All I want is for you to live the life you want, and to leave all the hatred you had for Cybertron behind. It’s already cost the rest of our family's lives. Let’s not lose anymore. Live, live the life I denied you all this time. Forgive me, but I know I don’t deserve it. You were all better than I could ever hope to be.”

Some of the Decepticons are visibly moved from Thundertron’s sincere pleas, and the result surprises everyone.

Galvatron: “My my, what a touching choice of words. A worthy opponent, and a cunning crafter of words. They say my soul is blacker than night, but I see that my vengeance on you is already completed. It’s your lucky day, Star Seekers. You’re all getting a reprieve. I’m not going to kill you all after all!”

Thunder: “You would do that?”

Scream: “Wow this worked out surprisingly well.”

Galvatron: “Instead only one of you will die!”

The excitement is stopped dead in its tracks.

Galvatron: “Oh don’t be surprised, I am forgiving, but a message must be sent to any future challenges to my mission. Now then, who to pick.”

Thunder: -desperate- “Just let them all go!”

Galvatron: “I prefer the no thanks option to that one. Oh I know what to do now. I have to thank you personally for this one. I’ll take a page out of your book.”

Thunder: “What are you talking about?”

How was it that you chose Jazz again? Ah yes, picking the odd man out. That one is pretty obvious isn’t it? Lazerback, your time has come!”

Lazerback attempts to escape, but Predaking steps in his way.

Galvatron: “Oh what a defiant spirit you have! Just for that I’ll give you a chance to survive. If you can outlast a single attack from each Predacon I will see to it that you will join our ranks.”

Astro: “Oh come on this isn’t what you told us!”

Galvatron: “I’m sorry for flipping the script, boys. While I intended for you to execute all four of them I do at least see the value in keeping them alive. Their abilities could be useful to us. As for you Lazerback here’s how it will work. The order of the attacks will be Razorclaw, Predaking, and Darksteel. The attacks themselves will be their respective breath weapons, and it will go from one second, then three, and finally five. Swindle will be tasked in letting you heal from your wounds for about fifteen seconds inbetween. The last attack he cannot help you. That is a task you must complete on your own. Make way everyone, this is going to get messy. Razorclaw, heatbeam him for one second!”

Razorclaw charges up his heatbeam and blasts Lazerback for a full second. Lazerback yells out loudly, and after the attack ends he painfully growls out, but the attack was fairly inconsequential. His back is singed and lightly smoking, and as ordered Swindle helps him heal. He takes out a giant ice cube and puts it one his back. The ice cube melts quickly enough to soften the pain just in time for Predaking to ready up.

Galvatron: “Show us your flames!”

Predaking happily complies and scorches Lazerback for exactly three seconds. Lazerback screams the loudest he possibly can for the flames are hotter than Mercury’s surface, but three seconds doesn’t reach that temperature. Lazerback is still on fire rolling on the ground and Swindle has a fire extinguisher that puts him out. Lazerback now has several burn marks all over his body, and he is still hot to the touch, but he hasn’t reached any melting points. Dirge nonchalantly fans himself due to the heat. Thundertron had to look away because he could not bear to see his most treasured son being set ablaze.

Galvatron: “Two down, one to go. You may join us after all, but then again there was a reason I had Darksteel go last. Thrust, can you tell Thudnertron what Darksteel’s breath contains?”

Thrust: “It’s lava.”

Galvatron: “And why is five seconds of lava particularly dangerous for him?”

Thrust: “It melts his victim almost immediately.”

Thundertron realises that Galvatron set him up.

Thunder: “You said you would give him a chance!”

Galvatron: “I never said it would be a fair one.”

Darksteel looms over Lazerback. The Star Seeker’s face is in a state of panic that was once thought to be impossible.

Thunder: (desperate) “I’m begging you to stop!”

Galvatron: “You better hope he has a secret lava immunity he gained from his mutation.”

Lazer: “CAPTAIN HELP ME!”

Galvatron: “End him, Darksteel!”

Darksteel vomits out his lava breath on top of Lazerback, and it completely coats everything except his head. He stops pouring more after five seconds, and all the screaming Thundertron can do is watch the boy boy he loved so much start melting away. Lazerback constantly screeches out “captain!” while the lava turns him into a puddle. He reaches out with his remaining arm to reach out at Thundertron, but as the lava touches his face his voice gets deeper and more distorted until it’s inaudible, and all that’s left of Lazerback is the small lava puddle that engulfed him. The four remaining Star Seekers can’t stop the tears, and Thudnertron is screaming and shaking so erratically it seems that he has finally snapped.

Galatron: “I’ve killed you both physically and mentally, my work here is done.

The Fallen is quite pleased with the results and laughs sinisterly from his portal.

Fallen: (triumphant) “At long last you are worthy of being called my son!”

The Deceticons are quite pleased with the results. The Coneheads are clapping and Octane is whistling.

Astro: “Encore!”

Astrotrain grabs Slapper and points a gun to his head.

Galvatron: “No more death! Thundertron is the last Star Seeker

Astro: “Oh come on let's just kill them!”

Galvatron: “If I see any harm done to the three of them I will kill you myself.”

Astro: “Fine, but I think it’s a mistake.”

Galvatron: “I will return shortly, Decepticons, we’ll let the Autobots deal with the ship.”

The drones end the live feed and fly off. The Revenge appears next to Galvatron, and he looks back at Thundertron who is beyond broken at this point. He suddenly hears loud groans from behind him. Rodimus is starting to regain consciousness.

Galvatron: “You failed to kill Rodimus? Pity.”

Rodimus finally wakes up and catches up on last chapter’s cliffhanger.

Rod: (astonished) “This can’t be… you did this?”

Galvatron: “I was simply cleaning up your mess, and now it’s high time I get out of here.”

Rod: “You brutalized him!”

Galvatron: “Killed him, actually. I can see it in his eyes .He grows weaker with each passing moment.

Rod: “Why did you save me?”

Gakvatron: “I didn’t. I assumed you were dead so I did what you couldn’t do. Since we agreed to work together I will spare your life just this once but next time we meet it we shall be enemies once more.”

Galvatron picks up Cyclonus and sling him over his shoulder. Both enter the ship and they take off. With him are Splicer, Knockout, Riptide, Clash, and the heavily battered Scourge. Scourge just glares at Galvatron and looks back at his window. He’s been thinking a lot about his conversation with Grimwing regarding how much he hates Galvatron. He can barely contain himself, but he knows deep down he must wait for a more opportune time to get what he desires. Back on the Tidalwave Rodimus struggles to get up, and is greeted by an Autobot ship landing at his location. Out jumps Red Alert, and he starts tending to Rodimus’s lighter wounds.

Alert: “Try not to move too much, your injuries are still life threatening.”

Rod: “What about him?”

Thundertron doesn’t respond to either of them. He simply has his head turned away with his cheeks still streaming tears. Red Alert reluctantly checks his wounds.

Alert: “It’s just as Galvatron said. His wounds are fatal.”

Rod: “How long does he have?”

Alert: “A few minutes at most.”

Rod: “Do you have anything to ease his pain?”

Alert: “Yes, but are you sure about this?”

Rod: “I am.”

The good doctor injects Thundertron with some sort of drug that blocks out all his pain.

Thunder: “Why are you helping me?”

Rod: “Because you earned it.”

Back on the fallen’s perspective he’s heard enough and enacts his plan.

Fallen: “To ensure Earth is mine I will send a message to all of my enemies.”

With the power of Avarice to amplify his power, a concentrated blast of fire and magic energy hits the circular energy core of the ship, and he continues until it overloads and explodes. The explosion nearly hits him and Mindwipe, but he grabs his minion’s hand and teleports them to safety. The explosion starts a chain reaction that makes its way across the entire ship at a terrifying rate. It takes less than a minute to reach Rodimus and the others. Some Autobot and Junkion ships that were too close get vaporized. The ship begins to violently shake, knocking Red Alert over.

Rod: “What’s happening?”

Alert: “It appears the ship has sustained too much damage. We need to get out of here immediately.”

Thundertron had closed his eyes trying to get Rodimus and Red Alert out of his vision, and the jolts from the ship force his eyes open, and that’s when it happens. Sunrise has begun, and the light from the twin stars begins to illuminate the planet. It’s as if Thundertron has seen Cybertron for the very first time. His hatred vanishes like it never existed in the first place.

Thunder: (Bewildered) “....What have I done?”

Cybertron is on full display, and despite the damage done from both him and Unicron it has preserved once again. All of Thundertron’s happiest memories with the crew flash before his eyes.

(Blissfully) “Even after all these years it’s still so beautiful.”

Rodimus staggers his way to Thundertron despite Red Alert’s warnings.

Rod: “I’ll be ready soon, just give me a few minutes with him.

Thunder: “So what do you want with me?”

Rod: “It seems the real Thudnertron has finally returned after all this suffering.”

Thunder: “Yes, albeit too late.”

Rod: “I beg to differ. You came back at the right time.”

Thunder: “So what does this mean for me?”

Rod: “I just wanted to ask you something before I left.”

Thunder: “What?”

Rod: “You said you wanted us all dead, but why did you go easy on us every time you fought?”

Thundertron can’t believe what he’s hearing. Did the young Prime really see right through him?

Thunder: “What led you to say that?”

Rod: “You talked down to us, belittled us, and showed your supremacy in combat, but the moment we showed vertebrate, defiance, and even a semblance of skill you deemed worthy your tone changed. You started complimenting us, and even gave us a fair chance to stand down against fighting you. It’s as if you were feeling conflicted.”

Thunder: “I see there’s no fooling you. When we first met I wanted nothing more than to destroy you, and I killed Jazz as an example of that. When I got to know you and Kup I saw how you all cared about one another. Even Galvatron and his Decpeticons seems to have some level of mutual respect despite being on opposing sides. Thinking that there were still good people in existence had me at a standstill. It wasn’t enough to change my mind. But why did you insist on easing my pain? I don’t need pity, and I certainly don’t deserve to be shamed.”

Rod: “You think this is being shamed? You couldn't be further from the truth. I’m doing what you had attempted with us when you defeated us. Why did you do it?”

Thunder: “It was because you all proved to be warriors, and you were worthy opponents. Don’t think because I was injured that you beat me. Even if I was at full power I have no doubt the battle would’ve ended in your favor either way, but with more injuries on your end. It’s not because I felt sentimental, but I believed I should honor all of you for proving the fighting spirit of Cybertron was still very much alive. Had I succeeded all of you would’ve been forever held close to my memory where you could be immortalized.”

Thundertron gasps as he finally understands Rodimus’s motives.

Thunder: “Then that means, Rodimus… you couldn't be serious could you?”

Rod: “I am, all that I’m doing for you is my way of honoring you. Even though we were enemies the fighting is over, and you proved yourself worthy of respect, and most of all you proved yourself worthy of forgiveness.”

Thunder: “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I killed your friend and no doubt thousands more.”

Rod: “You did, but I know others that have done far worse than you. Even in someone like Galvatron I see a glimmer of hope glowing brighter than usual lately. If he can be forgiven one day, than you deserve my forgiveness and my apologies for everything that has happened to you.”

Thunder: “Thought most of the blame still falls on me. I chose the path of blood and vengeance, and it cost me nearly my entire crew. If there is any consolation, it would be that I’m seeing them soon. I won’t be alive much longer. Please tell Kup not to be discouraged by what I became, but rather remember what I once was.”

Rod: “Then I will take you to my ship where you can have your final moments in as much comfort as possible.”

Thunder: “That won’t be necessary. Every ship should go down with its captain, and I am no exception.”

Rod: “If that is your wish then I will respect it. It’s high time I leave.”

Thunder: “Before you go I have one last request.”

Rod: “Name it.”

Thunder: “Take two items of mine with you The first is this.”

Thundertron reaches around his neck and chest and pulls out his necklace with the locket that held the picture of his entire crew. As it turns out he had a spare.

Thunder: “If any memory of me should remain I wish for this to be the one.”

Rod: “Absolutely, and what is the second item?”

Thunder: “My sword. Take it.”

Rod: “Blue Thunder? But why?”

Thunder: “One day a legendary warrior will rise on Cybertron, either in your generation or in the ones to come. When that time comes he will need a worthy weapon, ad I want my weapon to guide them to a path better than the one I sullied it with.”

Rod: “I understand what you mean. I humbly accept your requests. I promise on this day until the end of days you will be immortalized. Farewell, Thundertron.”

Thunder: -choking up- “I’m just so happy that someone will finally remember me. Good luck, Rodimus Prime. May you one day become the greatest Prime to ever live!”

Rodimus takes the locket and sword with him and stumbles his way onto the ship with Red Alert. Springer is picked up as well and they take off. Rodimus is put under anesthesia because any more movement may worsen his injuries. As they all make it out safely we return to Thundertron one final time. With one last deep breath he utters his words as he looks to his locket.

(soothing) “Ripclaw, Sky-Byte, Scorponok, Grimwing, Blackbeak, Cryotek, Lazerback, and all the rest, at last I reunite with you. Let’s enjoy the sunset together one last time and have the beautiful life I always promised you. I see now that all I ever needed in life was you.”

Thundertron smiles so serenely, and closes his eyes. His time in this world has come to an end. At long last he found the peace he so deeply deserved. A man, a father, an explorer, and a legend to everyone who ever encountered him.

He passes seconds before the Tidalwave makes one last big explosion that divides it into seemingly endless pieces. Four of them in particular are larger than the smallest cities of Cybertron, and it is these four pieces that changed everything. While most of the ship went off into the void of space never to be seen again; the rest makes its way to Cybertron. The smallest pieces are instantly incinerated by the Flame Kingdom’s barrier around the planet, but two of the four insane pieces are on a collision course with it. One lands in the area unprotected by the barriers, the ocean. It’s quite deep enough to take it without any lasting damage, but as for the impact on the Seacons themselves? That answer will rear its head soon enough. The other fragment hits the shield hard. He Flame Residents are forced to go beyond their limits in order to save the planet. Some of some actually overheat and explode from overexertion, and others simply expire, whisking away into the air. The barrier has grown holes in the patches where they died. With a heavy heart and an unbreakable resolve the Cardinal and the Bishops do the heavy lifting to help their citizens. In what seemed like the end the rest of the piece is finally reduced to ashes, and Cybertron is saved from destruction once more. The rest of the Flame Residents, albeit weakened, still burns brightly with their heads held high.


Back on Cybertron Galvatron and the others finally return to Charr, and learns of Tarn’s horrific injuries. He has bandages covering his face.

Gakvatron: “Who did this to him?”

Shock: “According to his comatose mublings it appears this was done by Sixshot.”

Galvatron: “Are you sure it was Sixshot?”

Hearing Sixshot’s name forcefully awakens Tarn like it was a Vietnam flashback. Not knowing his surrounding his grabs his dagger and tries to stab at Galvatron, who catches it in his hands.

Galvatron: (laughing) “I’ve been there too brother! Nothing hurts worse than a betrayal from someone close to you!”

Tarn snaps out of his blind rage and gets out of his bed.

Knockout: “I’m not done with you yet! You’re still heavily injured, and don’t even get me started on trying to find you a replacement arm!”

Tarn: “My most critical wounds are patched up are they not?”

Knockout: “Yes, but those are simple placeholders until I can apply the rest. If you’re too active it will tear.”

Tarn: “I will be careful and will return later to let you finish. Yes it was Sixshot that did this to me. He let a human corrupt him.”

Galvatron: “The human wouldn't happen to have been a mechanized suit would he?”

Tarn: “You know him?”

Galvatron: “Daniel Witiwicky, son of the Witicky family that has plagued us ever since our first mission on Earth. While as harmless as any human would be, his skills in a mech suit made him a notable opponent, defeating Scavenger and Shrapnel in battle. If you’re saying that he persuaded Sixshot of all Decepticons to defect then we have a new nuisance on our hands.”

Knockout: “I hate to bring more bad news, but it seems that Sixshot was just the beginning. He inspired two other Shadow Core members to follow in his footsteps.”

Galvatron picks up a chair and throws it out of the room in anger. His insanity is flaring up again.

Galvatron: -shrieking “Who else left?”

Knockout: “It was Drift and Adhoc.”

Galvatron: “The samurai and the loner? This cannot be brushed aside, we must take immediate action!”

Tarn: “I will personally see to it that they never make it to Cybertron.”

Galvatron: “That won’t be necessary. We need you fully recovered for what happens next. The best way to handle this is with someone who knows them best. Send Backlash and Bludgeon after them at once. I will also make an important call to someone who knows how to hunt down wanted targets.”

Meanwhile Motormaster is heading to Shockblast’s tower with Dead-end and Dragstrip. The Coneheads

Thrust: “Oh hey Motormaster.”

Motor: “Don’t talk to me.”

Thrust: “Geez.”

Drag: “He’s like that with everyone.”

Motor: “Are you telling us for a reason?”

Thrust: “Well you’re heading to Shockblast’s tower right? He called us for something important.”

Motor: “It better be. I'm quite busy.”

Ramjet: “Yeah brooding in a corner and staring out at the sky with disdain sure is a tiem consumer.”

Drag: “Damn.”

Dirge: -hissing- “Idiot! If you value our lives you’ll cease provoking him.”

The Coneheads are spared from Motormaster’s wrath since they all arrive at Shockblast’s door. Dirge politely opens it for everyone, but only Dragstrip thanks him. Inside to meet them are Astrotrain, Octane, and Scourge of all people.

Shock: “The Galvatron Resistance Coalition meeting has officially begun.”

Thrust: “Oh no I forgot to bring the Piñata!”

Dirge: “I don’t remember Scourge being among our ranks.”

Scourge: “Look, I don’t remember my past life, but I have this deep burning hatred for him I just can’t explain. Whatever it is you have planned to take him out I want in.”

Shock: “With Scourge being so close to him, his intel is the most valuable.

Scourge: “So what’s the plan? We all take him on? Now would be the chance. His arm is wounded and both Tarn and Cyclonus are out of commission.”

Dirge: “As much as I entertain that thought, such action would only result in our demise. He possesses of the Star Saber, and not to mention the Predacons, Splicer, and Soundwave are still at his beckoning”

Dead: “Yes, those fools are quite the bother.”

Motor: “If all we’re doing is talk then I have no reason to stay.”

Astro: “Hold up there big guy. You’ll want to hear what Shockblast has to say.”

Shock: “I happened to bug his castle, and located an incriminating conversation that will no doubt turn the tide in our favor.”

Shockblast plays them the conversation between Galvatron and Soudnwave about taking out the Predacons with the Star Saber. The room’s energy fills with excitement.

Dirge: “At long last our prayers are answered!”

Octane: “Smooth sailing here we come!”

Motor: “What are waiting for? Bring the Predacons here. They will surely want his head.”

Shock: “Not yet.”

Dirge: “Why wait when such perfect ammunition is at our disposal?”

Shock: “If there is one thing that Shockwave taught me that has stuck with me, it’s that patience is the true killer. When the time is right we will use it.”

Dirge: “I see, if we waste it now, they may see us as desperate.”

Scourge: “Or worse, they think you forged it.”

Shock: “We have to help them reach the conclusion that Galvatron doesn’t have their best interests at heart themselves. Then when the seeds of doubt have been planted, then we will use it.”

Shockblast shows the vial Galvatron had earlier with his battle with Thundertron.

Drag: “What’s that?”

Shock “Thudnertron’s eye fluid.”

Thrust: “Gross.”

Shock: “Galvatron wants me to try and recreate the Eyes of Leer with these protoforms. He wants an army of unstoppable warriors at his command.”

Octane: “You think it can be done?”

Shock: “I will certainly try since biology is my speciality, but this is uncharted territory. We’ll see if I can pass on the rarest genetic trait our species can obtain, especially when it appears randomly once in a blood moon.”

At around this time The Fallen begins to put his risky plan into motion. He opens up two portals for each of the two remaining pieces of the Tidalwave.

Fallen: “Unicron, if you still exist beyond your corporeal form lend me your Angolmois Energy!”

As if the God of death and chaps had heard his pleas, the Fallen’s power is amplified by the Angolmois Energy. The portals open up large enough to accomodate the giant pieces. One goes through, and the destination is Charr.

Fallen: (swarmy) “How’s this for parental affection, dear son of mine!?”

The Decepticons are completely unprepared for this surprising object to appear out of nowhere, and the result is beyond catastrophic. The chunk destroyed nearly every structure in their base, and killed nearly every Decepticon with it. All that remains standing is Galvatron’s Castle, the arena modeled after Kaon, and some of Shockblast’s lab. Galvatron, Soundwave, Tarn, Splicer and Knockout make it out of the hospital. Cyclonus is still unconscious and wound up completely unharmed despite being left behind.

Knockout: “Where did all of that come from?”

Splicer: “Didn’t the scanners warn us?”

Soundwave: “Negative, I feel like it somehow slipped through our defense, and I have an idea of who caused this.”

Galvatron: “Damn you, Megatronus, you're the worst creature to ever exist! Soudnwave, deploy Ravage and Laserbeak for reconnaissance. We need to find out who’s left. The rest need to try and save who we can.”

Laserbeak and Ravage survey all the damage done around their base. Menasor, Devastator, Sqwuakbox and the Predacons are tasked with picking up the rubble. Squawkbox finds Waspinator’s head buried under some rocks, but then tosses him aside since he isn’t needed. After seven hours of gruelling despair Soundwave has the full report.

Soundwave: “We had over 100,000 soldiers on Charr, and now that number has been reduced to less than 60.

Galvatron: “LESS THAN 60?! YOU MUST BE JOKING!”

Soundwave: “To put it in perspective in a best case scenario we could’ve had 53 left, but we had to make adjustments.”

Galvatron: “What do you mean adjustments?

Soundwave: “Tarn killed Riot, and we lost Doubledealer to Kup, putting us down to 51.”

Galvatron: “What else?

Soundwave: “And of course there are the deserter Insectiocns followed by, Sixshot, Drift, and Adhoc. Then you sent Backlash and Bludgeon after them. Now there’s 43.”

Galvatron “I don’t like what I'm hearing."

Soundwave: “Then last but not least is Frenzy, who is in Autobot captivity, leaving a solid 42 of us left on Charr. If you add the three Star Seekers we’re at a solid 45.with two of us on a hunt or in captivity. The war is as good as over for us.”

Galvatron: “That's really all that’s left of us?”

Soundwave: “Of course there are still the 9 Shadow Core members locked up that I didn’t consider, and the seven original DJD members, but I doubt you would want the latter.”

Galvatron: “It doesn’t matter if there are 100 of us or only ten of us! I will never surrender. This is just fate’s ultimate test for me. I will stand proud above everyone in the end!”

Shockblast comes running to Galvatron.

Shock: “My lord, Menasor has uncovered a piece of the ship that hit us, and you must see the contents of it!”

The piece of ship is a strange turn of luck for Galvatron and the remaining Decpticons The piece that crash landed on Charr was the drone factory. To top it all off the factory is still completely intact. Galvatron’s twisted mind comes up with an idea that may savage the tragedy.

Galvatron: “We couldn’t have asked for a better remedy! Between those drones and the unlimited Sweeps we get from Scourge we can amass an army of fodder. Our losses will be greatly reduced. Shockblast, once we rebuild the base to its new size I want you to outfit these drones with the latest tech so they may be a formidable force!”

Shock: “It will be done, my lord.”

With a new plan in motion Tarn surveys the damage above one of the craters of the planet. Something vibrates in his leg compartment, and it’s his communicator. There is a symbol of a weird looking hand on the caller ID. It’s the same hand that has messaged Tarn and Shockblast before. Tarn types “What do you want?”

The kindred spirit replies with “So sorry to hear about what happened to our troops. Such a tragedy wouldn’t you say?”

Tarn furiously types back with “How did you know about this?”

The Decepticon texts back with “Shockblast keeps me well informed of the happenings here.”

Tarn gets straight to the point and asks “What do you want?”

There is a brief pause before the messenger responds simply with “To help.”

Tarn has doubts of his ally’s intentions, and asks him “What do you gain from this?”

The figure retorts with “The same as you of course, our side to win. However, I cannot help you as much as I want to without revealing myself, and we both know that would not bode well for either of us.”

Tarn replies with “I don’t see how your presence being revealed is a problem for me.”

The entity’s venomous tongue replies with “Just remember that it was I that located the Star Saber, no you. Now just imagine Galvatron’s reaction when he finds out he lied to you about that and my existence.”

Tarn furiously types “You would dare blackmail me?”

The monster at the end of the line answers with “I will do anything to keep my survival a secret. After all, I’m an arbiter of chaos, and I see myself as evolved from who I was before.”

Tarn calms himself down and texts back with “Very well, so what is next for you and I?”

The psychopath gives him comfort with the words “Soon after the mess has settled I will be bringing an ambassador to Charr to observe the damage personally. He will decide if he will bring the rest of the Decepticons still around.”

Tarn’s curiosity peaks with information. He eagerly sends “So there are still Decpeticons that we don’t know An ambassador? Who?”

The demon concludes with “Someone with a dedication to the cause that rivals yours. You can trust him with your life. Until then try not to get in any more trouble.”

The conversation ends there with Tarn not sure what to make of everything. His rage at Sixshot has damaged his mind, and his uncertainty about winning the war with just 42 total Decepticons on Charr at this very moment. Of everyone there they all have been named except for four Decpeticons that are not yet relevant. The total number of Decpeticons still around that are either locked up or simply in hiding with the mystery Decepticon totals up to 27 yet to be revealed. This does not include any characters that may be created from protoforms or other circumstances, but the stage is set for a gradual reveal for something truly grand.

Winding the clocks back to when the portal opened to Charr we now see the other half of the story when it went to the other portal Magatronus set. The portal closes after the piece fully enters, and Rodimus is out cold from the anesthetics. Red Alert and the injured Springer are both in the back on the flying medical carrier heading back to Cybertron, but the latter two note its disappearance.

Springer: “I’m no psychic, but I'm pretty sure that’s a bundle of bad we just saw vanish.”

Red: “Perhaps calling Ultra Magnus is our best option.”

The guy in a video chat with Ultra Magnus. Arcee and Blurr are on the same ship as him.

Springer: “Tell me you saw that piece of the ship just vanish.”

Magnus: “I’ve been having Perceptor running diagnostics based on the energy fluctuations do determine where it’s heading. Well what do you know, he’s figured it out already.”

Perceptor pops up on the screen next to him to give the report.

Perce: “According to my calculation it’s heading for Earth!”

Springer: “You’re in charge now, Big M.”

Magnus: “Have every Autobot and Junkion ship still standing bridge their way to Earth immediately! We must destroy that debris immediately!”

Skylynx arrives and picks up Springer, who is transferred to Ultra Magnus’s ship. The Junkion fleet travel with them in an attempt to stop the debris. Skylynx is there as well with the Aerialbots merging to form Superion. Swoop is inside Skylynx to provide additional support. With everyone on their way to save Earth we transition to a duo we’ve taken a break from, Daniel and the newly defected Sixshot. The finally have Earth in sight as they reach the distance the moon is to the planet.

“We made it, Daniel.”

“Was starting to think we would both die.”

“Nothing will impede our destination any longer.”

Fate temps them both as the other piece appears out of the portal. The very tip of it hits Sixshot and makes him spiral out of control. Sixshot is plummeting to Earth with no power, and to make the situation any more dire both Daniel and the Apex Armor are forcibly separated. Sixshot is forced to make a choice between his meal ticket to the Autobots or the boy that believed that he was more than what others defined him as. It's no surprise he chose love over the power of the relic. With the last bit of strength he has Sixshot transforms into his tank form and swing himself around so that Daniel is right there when Sixshot swerves around so he slides right into his hatch.

“You saved me!”

“Don’t sound surprised, you were the only choice I could make.”

“What about the Apex Armor?”

“Power means nothing if you choose to be selfish with it. You taught me that.”

“I’m glad you really have turned your life around, but my family and the rest of the planet won’t have one unles we do something about that debris!”

“Then let’s take care of it the old fashioned way!”

Sixshot splits his tank cannons into the quadruple energy cannons form and fires relentlessly. While he does succeed in blowing some parts of it into smaller pieces, it’s just too massive for one bot. With panic on the rise their prayers are answered when a plethora of spacebridges open up with both Autobot and Junkion ships emerging from it. They waste no time shooting up the pieces, and it starts to help, but there is still so much to be done. Ultra Magnus and the others arrive on the scene.

Magnus: “Perceptor, how big is this piece?”

Perce: “According to my calculation it is 300 kilometers across. If it impacts with Earth then humanity and all life will completely cease to exist!”

Magnus: “How long until impact?”

Perce: “Five minutes, maybe more, but we don’t have much time.”

Magnus: “Fire everything we have!”

Both armies fire everything from every weapon available. Swoop and Skylynx fire lasers and fireballs respectively. Superion in turn fires every missile he has, and that does put some good damage that splits off into smaller pieces to be destroyed by the fleets. There is still work to be done as only 50 kilometers have been taken off of it. Superion comes back and boldly tries flying into it with a punch, ad that takes another 20 off, but at this point the piece is about as close as Earth’s moon, and is starting to gain speed.

Perce: “Four minutes till impact!”

Magnus: “This is impossible? There’s no way any of us can destroy it in time.”

Blurr looks out the window, and swallows before boldly speaking.

Blurr: “I can.”

Magnus: “Out of the question. It’s too dangerous.”

Blurr: “Let me do this.”

Arcee: “We can’t guarantee your survival.”

Blurr: “Dang it just let me do it! If we don’t Earth is doomed. I know what I need to do.”

Magnus: “Are you sure about this?”

Blurr: “Trust me chief, I got this.”

Blurr is dressed in a special suit meant to magnetize people to special surfaces, and in the case of a giant chunk of metal it’s the perfect

Perce: “Three minutes till impact!”

Blurr is launched and is magnetized to the piece. It picks up speed and is more than visible in the atmosphere of the planet. Everyone who has a computer or TV nos the situation, and is going through a full scale panic. Blurr takes out his chainsaw and gets to work. The metal is so primitive and weak he can cut through it easily. He can be seen as a giant blue swirling streak slicing up the debris like sushi. His super speed makes this a simple Sunday stroll.

Perce: “Two minutes until impact!”

Everyone pitches in with what they can to help Blurr, and it almost completely works, almost. The heat is too much for Blurr to handle, and as he tries to jump the metal actually separated from where he’s standing, knocking him off. Skylynx manages to catch him and put him inside his mouth. The rest of the debris is breaking up so much it hits several of the ships, forcing them to turn back around. One decently sized piece crashed through one of the turbines of the group’s ship. It’s not life threatening, but it drastically slows down their top speed. Other pieces of the debris scatters its way across the world, and the damage done by them is thankfully minimal. A few broken windows and small tremors along with some minor injuries but there is one case of bad luck for a Canadian cyclist was crushed to death by one piece. The worst part of it is what Blur failed to damage.

One last piece of the debris is 200 feet across and travelling at over 33,000 miles per hour to Earth. Not just any place in the water, but on a poor, small country familiar to all known as Japan. The piece lands right in the heart of Osaka, and the force of the impact makes it feel like Japan was nuked a third time, but this time with the most powerful bombs humanity has created so far. Everything from a five mile radius of ground is completely decimated. Buildings are dust and debris from the initial impact cause even more damage to the later parts of the attack. The city is nearly completely destroyed, and there are barely any survivors. The neighboring cities are affected with an earthquake created by the shock, but the damage done by that is child’s play in comparison to what has befallen Osaka.

On the outskirts to where the last bits of damage was downed is a neighborhood where all but one of the houses were completely wrecked. The last house has parts of it still standing, but the debris has crushed the family living inside. A little girl and her parents are victims of this, but the little girl is barely alive. Her left arm and leg are flattened like pancakes under massive stones the debris flung over. Her parents are crushed completely under the house but are alive as well, but their condition is far worse. Remember her because she is important for later.

Ultra Magnus and the others discuss what has happened.

Perce: “We saved the planet but that city is destroyed.”

Magnus: “I’ll take one city over an entire planet any day.”

Springer: “I don’t think humans will see it that way.”

Magnus: “They can rebuild and eventually move on.”

Blurr: “I feel like I still failed.”

Magnus: “You saved them, Blurr. Without you they would’ve all died. You’re a hero, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

Blurr: “Thanks, chief.”

Perce: “We’ll have to deal with the fallout of this another time. My scanners indicate that there is a Decepticon making its way to California, and what makes it troubling is that it’s near Daniel’s school.”

Arcee “Someone is after Daniel/ We have to go now!”

Kup: “Good luck with that, but our engines are shot. We won't get there in time.”

Skylynx pulls up next to them.

Skylynx: “Perhaps I can be of assistance?”

Magnus: “Perfect timing, let’s go.”

With the team shifting to Skylynx we return to Sixshot, who manages to land with Daniel to his school which is just about to end its day. Sixshot forcibly transforms and sits to rest, and Daniel realizes where he is.

Daniel: “Why are we here? I hate school! There was a military compound that my dad and our friends work at a few miles to the desert.”

Sixshot: “I’m sorry, but I really needed to rest for a minute. I don’t think I would be able to survive the final stretch of the trip.”

Daniel: “Fine, but make it fat. I don’t want to attract any unnecessary attention.”

The school’s bell of irony rings with professional punctuality. All the kids start exiting the school to go home, but the sight of Daniel in a robot suit with a Decpeticon has gathered everyone’s attention. As a crowd forms nobody panics because Sixshot hasn’t done anything violent towards them, and kids are far too trusting for their own good. Murmurs start overlapping the silence, and it only gets worse when Rad, Carlos, and Alexis and Rad come onto the scene. Flint shows up as well but doesn’t say anything. From Daniel’s facial reaction he deduces the robot is a friendly. Everything would’ve been just fine but Rad just had to open his mouth.

Rad: “Look who finally showed up to school. Guess you got bored from cutting class, huh?”

Daniel: “Rad, this really isn’t the time.”

Rad: “Convenient, and like that you make up more excuses.”

Daniel: “I’m not making excuses I just really need to go.”

Sixshot: “So this is the Rad, Carlos, and Alexis you spoke of.”

Rad: “And while were here, why did you bring a Decepticon here? To kill us? I should’ve known you would sell us all out!”

Sixshot: “Keep insulting Daniel and I just might.”

Daniel: “Easy Sixshot, he’s just not worth it.”

Rad: “Not worth it? You’re one to talk.”

Daniel: “Aright what is your problem?”

Rad: “My problem? This is your fault alone, buddy. You’re weird. You act all crazy to try and win everyone over, and you’re just really annoying.

Alexis: “You’re just super creepy. You think I want to talk to you or even be anywhere near you? Not happening. I hate it when you even glance at me. I feel unsafe around you.”

Daniel: “I wouldn’t do anything to you. I always asked for permission to do literally anything to you. I’ve always tried to be kind and respectful to you, even when you aren’t to me.”

Alexis: “You are one of the reasons I hate my life. Knowing that you’re around makes me sick. I hate you and wish you would just go away!”

Carlos: “Yeah you tell him!”

Rad: “And what really pisses me off is your ego.”

Daniel: “Ego?”

Rad: “So you are friends with all the Autobots? Big whoop. You think that you’re better than everyone else because you have Prime and Dinobots in your pocket. Nobody cares about your space adventures or how they have to keep saving you. It’s a miracle you haven’t died yet considered how often the Autobot let humans die.”

Daniel has heard enough from this poser and inflicts verbal murder on both of them.

Daniel: (snapping) “Shut up already! You don’t know anything about me or them! You can’t save everyone, it’s war, Rad. I know living in that sheltered hole of yours has made you oblivious to everything around you, but it’s a scary universe out there. I you’ve seen half of what I had to witness you might actually understand. Instead you choose to be the most boring jackass I’ve ever met. Nobody cares about your whole vegan lifestyle. I know you don’t even care about it, but you just do it for some brownie points that won’t even get you anywhere productive.”

Rad: “Hey that’s not even-”

Daniel: “I’m not done with you yet! You’re the one with an ego. You like flaunting your alternative lifestyle because mine is too straight edge? But instead you make yourself look like a douchebag! Anyone who constantly does virtue signaling on other people always have done something just as bad or worse than the people they bother. The question is, what skeletons are in your closet? So go ahead, go woke, but that won’t make you better than anyone else, it just makes you a slave to idiocy. You think you’re so tough that you scare me. You don’t. I survived an alien robot god of death. I can definitely survive you.”

Rad’s temper begins rising, but Daniel moves on to Alexis, who he cuts deeper.

Daniel: “And you are even worse!”

Alexis: “How?”

Daniel: “He’s a fraud and that’s all there is to him, he’s a surface level fraud, but you are a monster, and one that doesn’t even try and hide it. Megatron killed Optimus, and yet he’s still a better person than you’ve ever been. He at least cares about people and tried to fight oppression. You don’t care about anyone but yourself. Do you know what it’s like to invest in someone who hates you for just being alive? You jump through hurdles to try and help them in any way you can, yet nothing is ever good enough. They resent you for being kind, and they make you feel like you did something wrong when you only wanted to see them happy. When others spoke about you in a way I didn’t like I defended you, but I knew deep down they were right. You said I was one of the reasons you hated your life, and for what? Thinking I’m weird just for liking you? I can’t help it if you never tried talking to me like a normal human being and never attempting. Sure being in love for the first time didn't make it easy for either of us. I didn’t know how to approach you and we might’ve had a rough start. I get that, but I always apologize even when you didn’t deserve it.

Alexis: “I tried telling you we could be friends, but you didn’t want it that way. Why would I want you around when you don’t want to make everything easy?”

Daniel: “Your friendship was an empty promise! I knew what it meant. You would’ve just avoid me like you always do and pretended to care only to talk to me when you needed help with homework or something. When I try seeing that in return you would just reject me. With the humans Autobots, and now Sixshot I know what true friendship is, and the lengths people will go for each other. So go ahead and act like you are better than me because I’m done with you I won’t take the blame any longer. It’s been your fault since day one and I refuse to let you control me any longer. I may not be worthy of you in your eye, but in reality you were never worthy of love!”

Rad has enough and pushes Daniel down. Even in a mech suit he’s still too weak to put himself back up.

Rad: “You know what kid? I’ve had enough of your mouth!”

Sixshot steps in to defend Daniel, but Daniel puts up his hand to halt him.

Rad: “That’s right you call off your pet. Wouldn’t want to cause a panic and get the Autobots to kill your friend.”

Daniel: “Do your worst because I’ve already seen it.”

Rad: “What I’m about to do to you will be so bad they’ll have to create a new kind of law forbidding it.”

It’s as if the universe is on the side of the entire Witwicky family because just moments later a small piece of the Tidalwave’s debris the sie of a softball makes its way to Daniel’s school to right where he and Rad are standing. The piece pieces the back of Rad’s head and makes a clean exit out of his forehead in the shape of a perfect circle. The heat from the piece cauterizes the wound so he doesn’t bleed. Rad is as dead as a doorknob. Alexis screams in shock in terror, and everyone else is too stunned to speak Suddenly more pieces of debris comes to attack the school and Sixshot is forced into action. He manages to shoot or deflect every piece and defends the entire student population single handedly, well almost everyone.

Alexis panics and tries to run to safety, but the very last piece of the Tidalwave hits the stand of a nearby billboard on a neighboring building, causing it to separate and fall. Sixshot is too far away, and he strains his injuries. He and the rest of the class are forced to watch as the billboard falls and crushes Alexis to death. Murmurs from everyone else

Sixshot: “Come, Daniel, we need to go.”

Sixshot manages to muster enough strength to become hits jet form and flies off with Daniel to the base, and the grief stricken Carlos is confronted by Flint. At the military base it seems empty, and as Sixshot goes for the landing his injures act up again and he forcibly transforms into his armored car form, and he can barely drive that and he transforms once again into robot mode so he can try and find balance, but he can’t and rolls on the ground, so Daniel is forced to jump out of him.

“Sixshot are you alright?”

“Just weak that’s all. This is the place right?”

“That’s right, but something isn’t right. Nobody is here. It’s a complete ghost town.”

Daniel’s words causes concern with Sixshot. It looks like everyone working there just got up and left, and fairly recently by the look of it. The two of them exchange a worried look, and Sixshot can barely hear a faint whizzing noise approaching him, but he’s too slow to react as something makes contact with him and explodes part of his chest.

Daniel: “SIXSHOT!”

Daniel desperately looks for the assailant, and feels his heart drop when he discovers Ultra Magnus, Springer, Kup, Arcee, Blurr, and Skylynx 20 meters away approach. Springer fired a missile pod at Sixshot to incapacitate him.

Magnus: “That’s far enough, Sixshot.”

Springer: “Move again and you’re dead.”

Arcee: “Daniel, it’s alright now, just come to us.”

Daniel: (shrieking) “What do you think you’re doing?”

Blurr: “Saving you of course!”

Daniel: “You hurt him!”

Magnus: You know he’s dangerous!”

Daniel: “He’s my friend!”

Blurr: “Come again?”

Arcee: “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

Daniel: “Yes I do!”

Blurr: “Oh no, the kid’s been brainwashed! What do we do?”

Kup: “Shoot him obviously.”

Magnus: “I’d say one good hit from my missile should finish the job.”

Daniel: “I won’t let you.”

Arcee: "You don’t have to be afraid, we're here for you.”

Daniel: “It’s you guys that I’m afraid of right now.”

The Autobots are stunned in silence for a moment. Slylynx puts his head on Ultra Magnus’s soldier to whisper.

Skylynx: “My Prime, should I dispatch this Decepticon for you?”

Magnus: “Be ready for anything, but Daniel is the priority.”

Springer: “This is going to get ugly, Daniel just get away from him.”

Sixshot:” It’s alright, Daniel. No good deed goes unpunished. If this is my fate I accept it.”

Arcee: “Nice of you to make this easier for us.”

Daniel defiantly stands his ground and tries to body block the Autobots from shooting Sixshot.

Sixshot: “Don’t, Daniel, you’ll only get hurt!”

Daniel: “You’ve saved me plenty of times, and now it’s my turn again to save you.”

Sixshot: “I don’t deserve this kindness, not after everything I’ve done.”

Daniel: “You might think you’re not worth it, but I do. On Earth we do things differently. If they kill you, then I don’t want to be here anymore.”

Spike and Carly finally arrive on the scene.

Spike: “Wait don’t tell me he’s the one I heard about.”

Kup: “Heard about what?”

Spike: “We got some intel from the junkions that Daniel was with a Deception who was reportedly defecting to the Autobots, and he’s the only one I see here.”

Magnus: “Is this true, Daniel?”

Daniel: “Yes! That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!”

Arcee:”If that’s the case then why didn’t Sixshot speak up?”

Sixshot: “Everything I would say would just sound like an excuse to you. I left my fate in your hands, and now Daniel proves once again that I can be more than just a machine for war.”

Daniel: “He wants to become an Autobot, and he’s not the first Decepticon that changed sides right?”

Kup: “He’s got a point. What do you think, chief?”

Magnus: “We’ll put it to a vote. All five of us.”

Skylynx: “But there are six of us.”

Magnus: “Tell me, Skylynx, how would you vote on this?”

Skylynx: “I would vote how you vote without question.”

Magnus: “And that is exactly why I’m excluding you. We want it to be as unbiased as possible. That, and I’m trying to prevent a possible tie.”

Skylynx (hurt) “I understand. Proceed.”

Magnus: “Alright Blurr, you’re first.”

Blurr: “I say no way!”

Magnus: “And can you explain your reasoning?”

Blurr: “He’s Tarn’s partner in crime! Doesn’t that wave any red flags to you? I don’t trust him as far as Grimlock can throw Superion! We should take him out now while he’s weak!”

Magnus: “Alright one vote against Sixshot. What about you, Kup?”

Kup: “I think Blurr’s experience with Tarn has clouded his judgement.”

Blurr: (annoyed) “Are you saying I’m wrong?”

Kup: “Not at all. In fact, I can completely relate with you. He took you out pretty easily, and Sixshot here did the same to me, the Aerialbots, and Arcee. From what I heard that was his first fight in a long time. Imagine what would’ve happened if he wasn’t rusty. Most of us here would be dead. I’d say he should join us because he’s one less problem we’d have to deal with. It would be nice to have someone else pick up my slack besides Springer and Rodimus.”

Magnus: “So far we’re tied. What about you, Springer?”

Springer: “Sorry, but I’m against him. He’s one of the most dangerous cons around. How do we know this isn’t all some sort of act to provide intel to Tarn and Galvatron. He just gets an epiphany just like that? I don’t think so.”

Daniel: “He fought Tarn though, and they aren’t friends anymore.”

Springer: “Really?”

Daniel: “Why do you think he looks so hurt? It was Tarn who did that to him.”

Springer: “Is Tarn dead?”

Sixshot: “I’m not sure, but I doubt that would do him in.”

Springer: “As long as he’s alive I don’t trust you, and that’s my decision.”

Magnus: “I’ll vote now. The entire reason we Wreckers exist is because of Leadfoot, a member of the Shadow Core that defected to our side.

Springer: “Leadfoot for all his faults at least was upfront about everything and had a conscience.”

Magnus: “What’s to say Sixshot doesn’t as well? The chance to have such a powerful ally grace us with his presence is too good to pass up. With all due respect to Leadfoot, he still was a low ranking member, and couldn’t give up much information. Sixshot is on the high end of the command chain, and could give us more intel than we could ever ask for. That alone gives me his trust.”

Everyone turns to Arcee.

Magnus: “It’s up to you, Arcee. Doe he die or join us?”

Arcee looks back at Spike and Carly, then to Sixshot then Skylynx, then her friends, and at last Daniel. With an intense look on her face she finally speaks.

Arcee: “To be honest I see him as an enemy, and all of my warrior instincts say we should finish him off now.”

The other Autobots get ready to attack, and Sixshot closes his eyes accepting his fate.

Arcee: “But there’s one detail you all overlooked.”

Blurr: “Well don’t leave us hanging!”

Arcee: “It’s Daniel. Look at his face. I haven’t seen that level of fireceness since we were inside Unicron. He really does see Sixshot as his friend, and loot at Sixshot as well. Even in that weakened state he could’ve killed Daniel at any time, but I see now that they really do care about each other. Daniel has gone this far to defend him, so we should trust him. If I didn’t give him a chance on Daniel’s behalf, then I couldn’t bear to look at myself in the mirror anymore. Sixshot has my blessing, but I’m still upset about the fight.”

Sixshot: “I can accept that.”

Magnus: “Well it’s official. Welcome to the Autobots, Sixshot.”

Spike finally goes into Carly arms, where she is crying tears of joy to see her son returning home safely. She glances at Sixshot and

Carly: “You’re the one that saved him? Thank you.”

Sixshot: “Your son is one of the greatest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He saved me as well in more ways than one.”

Ultra Magnus walks over to Sixshot to shake is hand, and it’s fairly weak. He sees the extent of his injuries and motions for Skylynx immediately.

Magnus: “We need to get him to Red Alert immediately. He’s in a terrible condition.”

Kup: “Well I’m glad that’s over, let’s go home. We’ll call you when we get an update on Rodimus’s condition.”

Blurr: -sigh- “Well this

Sixshot slowly hobbles his way to Skylynx’s hatch, but is soon stopped by Arcee, who has both of her swords in front of his neck.

Sixshot: “Can I help you?”

Arcee: “Look, I’ll buy that you’ve changed, but let’s get one thing clear.. Daniel is my family, and if you ever betray him or put him in any kind of danger, or fail to protect him then I will kill you where you stand. Understood?”

Sixshot: “If I am responsible for something happening to him I will gladly let you kill me.”

Arcee: “Glad to know we’re on the same page”

Sixshot: “Now if you don’t mind I’m going to go unconscious.”

Sixshot finally passes out in front of everyone. Since the battle with Tarn he’s been running on pure adrenaline, and the Autobouts carry him into Skylynx where they take off.

At long last we return to Rodimus. He is having a dream of sorts while recovering from his injuries. There is nothing but him and a pure darkness. He takes a step forward and falls for what feels like an eternity, but a light shows up at the bottom, but it’s not what he would hope for, it’s the light coming from Unicron’s planet form when it consumes planets. It sucks him in, but he is completely unharmed. He floats aimlessly inside the god, but come across a statue that materializes out of nowhere. It’s Primus sculpted in the guise of an angel, but the stand of the statue is extended into the floor like some sort of reflection in the water. The room spins upside down to reveal the bottom half of the stand reveals itself as Unicron sculpted in the appearance of a devil. The head of the statue opens up to reveal Unicron’s third eye. Rodimus is immediately absorbed by the eye and sent hurtling into the abyss.

The fall seems more endless than the last one, but he is eventually brought to the red galaxy. Rodimus has no clue what to make of this or its significance, but there is a reason he must figure out soon. He’s in the middle of it when he feels like he isn’t alone. By instinct alone he looks down and sees a giant black hand with very long fingers trying to reach for the galaxy, and then makes a grab for it, swallowing Rodimus instead. He falls yet again but at a much faster pace, and hits the floor hard. He finds himself tripping over a giant pickaxe, something that doesn’t quite fit the theme of everything else he’s encountered, but notes that it seems familiar somehow. He discovers someone with his back turned to him.

“What is all this? Who are you?”

He never gets the answer he seeks as it remains silent. He reaches his hand out to speak to the mystery figure, but every step he takes puts him further away. Erratic whispers and a feeling of terror overwhelm him as the figure starts to turn around. He can see a very skinny arm like that of a rotting corpse, and he sees the horns on his head. The skinny arm starts to burn in a black fire with a white outline. Rodimus can almost see his face, but something grabs his leg. He looks down and sees many black arms dragging him into a puddle of darkness. He tries to fight it but is dragged under. Even though he is a machine he actually feels like he’s drowning. All seems lost, but the Matrix begin to glow, and the goo becomes a pool of water. He still feels like he’s drowning but on the other side of the water someone grab him. Rodimus weakly looks up to see the distorted figure rescuing him, and he realizes that it’s Optimus. Optimus pulls Rodimus out safely, and Rodimus coughs out the remaining water and starts breaking down.

“Optimus, I can’t believe it! You’re here! I’ve missed you, and-”

Rodimus realizes that Optimus is nothing more than a stone statue with him posing with the Matrix next to him. It sits on a round stand, and there is one for Rodimus too.

(melancholy) “I see, so you really are still gone.

Another noise grabs Rodinus’s attention, but it doesn’t seem to be antagonistic, but rather calming. It’s the sound of chiseling, and it makes sense given Optimus is a statue, but his is complete. To his amazement he looks to the left of Optimus and sees another statue. It was the previous Prime who had the Matrix known as Sentinel Prime, then another statue preceding him with the Prime before him called Nexus. It goes on and on with more Primes. It’s a hall of all the Prime who used the Matrix, and Rodimus is brought to tears from seeing such a beautiful lineage that he is now a part of.

“All the great men and women who served our planet as heroes, and now I’m all that remains.”

Rodimus looks up and sees the Iprimus statue now has his hand out to put Rodimus up with him on the stand next to him.

“You really think I’m ready, Optimus? If you believe it then I do as well.”

Rodimus stands proudly beside Optimus and the other past Primes. He feels like he has finally earned the title and he will continue to carry out his duties until he can’t. As his statue is being chiseled Rodimus notices that there are four more stands right next to him that are completely empty. He ponders what it could mean but hears Optimus’s voice quietly calling out his name, and it carries throughout the room. Rodimus looks over and wakes up in the hospital with all his friends surrounding him.


Springer: “Well it’s about time you woke up!”

Blurr: “Sleeping on the job? For shame!”

Swoop: “But for real we’re happy your back.”

Rodimus: “It’s so good to see all of you. How long was I asleep?”


Red: “Ten days.”

Rodimus: “Ten days? I must’ve missed a lot.”

Magnus: “That’s putting it lightly.”

Rodimus: “Red Alert, am I clear to walk?”

Red: “I’d say get more rest but that would be redundant in your case. There is something I need to discuss in private with you later, but for now you’re dismissed.”

Rodimus is escorted out of the hospital and is caught up on everything that has happened since the Tidalwave’s destruction.

Rod: “To think all this has happened while I was asleep at the wheel.”

Magnus: “It’s not your fault. We’ve been handling everything, but there are a few things that require your attention. By the way, here's someone we’d like you to meet.”

Sixshot enters the room, and Rodimus doesn't quite know what to say. Sixshot has one of the Decepticon symbols on his shoulders and Autobot on the other.

Magnus: "Sixshot has defected to our cause.”

Blurr: “Yeah it's been an interesting experience.”

Sixshot: "It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

Rod: “Likewise, and what an unexpected surprise.”

Sixshot: “You can thank Daniel for my defection.”

Rod: “He never ceases to amaze me, but I do have to ask why only one of your symbols are Autobot.”

Sixshot: “I may have changed but I would like to at least honor where I cam from. I hope you can accept that.”

Rod: “Absolutely. I’m glad you’re here.”

Sixshot: “It’s a brave new world out there, and I’ll help you make sure it’s a good one.”

Red Alert comes scrambling out of the hospital out of breath.

Kup: “Geez you act like someone’s trying to kill you.”

Springer: “Eh, you get used to it after awhile.”

Red: “It’s none of that, but I do have some wonderful news. It’s about Mirage. He’s finally awake.”