Author's Note: Okay, so, this is LONG overdue, but I had almost forgotten about it! I was on deviantArt when I saw this picture that ripped my heart out. So, I asked the artist if I could write a story to go with it, and she gave me permission. This is just a one-shot for now, but it may evolve into a two-shot, not quite sure. Depending on if the inspiration strikes me. Anywho, enjoy, but prepare for a sob-fest.
Calling All Angels
Rodimus hurt. He hurt everywhere-his back, his legs, his arms-everything hurt. What hurt him the most, though, was his spark. It hurt for what he had done and for what he was about to do. It definitely brought back the reality of what had happened. His father, Optimus Prime, former leader of the Autobots, was dead. But that wasn't the worst of it.
It's my fault, Rodimus thought, over and over. It's my fault he's dead. I basically killed him. My own father is dead because I did something stupid! I don't deserve to be the leader.
However, despite his all-consuming guilt, there was something that required his immediate attention-he had to inform his mother, Elita One, about Prime's death. Rodimus sighed. The cold was biting into his circuits, adding to the ache that already consumed his whole body.
Elita had told him that their ship would be landing in Canada, so that they didn't attract too much unnecessary attention. That would've been okay with Rodimus, except for one thing-it was the dead of winter.
He looked up when he heard the whir of a ship's engine. Magnifying his optics, he saw his mother at the controls, exactly like his father had always done. A single tear formed in the corner of his optic, and he angrily brushed it away. Rodimus needed to be strong, if only for a few minutes.
As the ship touched down, the hatch on the side began to open. Rodimus allowed himself a brief smile as Elita strode out of the opening, an enormous grin on her face. Forgetting for just a moment that she was the regal Female Autobot Commander, she ran to her son, throwing her arms around his shoulders.
"Oh, Hot Rod, I've missed you!" she said, hugging him tightly. Then, she stepped back, tilting her head in confusion. "You look…different. You're taller, and more…like your father." Rodimus grimaced. Three weeks ago, hearing that would have made him burst with happiness. Now, it just reminded him of the changes the Matrix had wrought on his body…the Matrix that should still be in his father's chest.
"Mother…I have some…bad news," he said, keeping his eyes down.
"Hot Rod, what's wrong?" Elita asked in concern.
He looked up. There was really only one way he could say it. "It's Rodimus Prime, Mother," he whispered. She gasped in shock, putting one hand over her mouth.
"You-you mean that…?" Rodimus looked at her with a sorrowful expression.
"I'm so sorry, Mother." Elita took a step back, then the words finally sunk in. Letting out an anguished cry, she dropped to her knees, covering her face with her hands. Harsh, wracking sobs issued from deep within her chest, shaking her entire body. Rodimus knelt down on one knee, putting his arms around her, the tears flowing freely from his optics.
Together, they stayed that way, mourning for a great leader, a beloved father, and an adored spark mate. As they both cried, snow began to fall around them, as if the winter sky itself cried for the loss of Optimus Prime.