Author's Note: Ha! I finally conquered the writer's block that has been seriously impacting my story lately. *victory laugh* Yes, well, I decieded to take on a whole new route on my story than I had originally planned. That's right; Transformers will never me the same again. Or, maybe I am being to overdramatic...Anywho, please, sit back and relax and enjoy the Chap!

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers in anyway; I just love to write about them.

~sweettea1

Chapter 10

Cyclonus let out a groan as his back landed in the wet mud underneath him, caking onto his newly painted black armor. His vents tried to let out the hot air, but something on top of him was making the process difficult. Slowly, Cyclonus on-lined his optics and looked to see what was blocking his vents from releasing the hot air that was overheating his systems. There, kneeling down on his frame, was Scourge.

The black and blue Decepticon dug his knees into Cyclonus's vents, preventing him from cooling his systems. (His paint job was different due to his new alt form; a blue Bugatti sports car with a single black racing stripe).

"Scourge, get off! You're blocking my vents!" Cyclonus growled through gritted dental plating. Wait, his master wasn't controlling his audios anymore, nor his other systems. He just…left.

"No, Cyclonus. You've caused enough damage as it is," Scourge said in a grave tone. It was like he was ashamed of what he was doing, but he also knew something that Cyclonus didn't. And what did he mean 'you caused enough damage'? He acted like this was the end. You know, like, 'you're gonna die' end.

"What are you talking about?" Cyclonus growled with even more stress. His systems were under great stress from not being able to release the hot air. However, Scourge didn't back down. He only pressed his knees harder into Cyclonus's vents, a deep frown on face plates. Cyclonus's spark started to race. If Scourge didn't pull away and let Cyclonus cool his systems, then his systems would start failing. And if his systems start failing, then he would go off-line.

Cyclonus could tell that Scourge wasn't going to back down; he was going to flat-out kill him. But, why in such a long, painful way as blocking his vents? Why didn't he just end his life with a swipe to the spark? In his position, he could very easily do so. No…Decepticons don't kill others, even their own partners, easily. They did it slowly and painfully; and it seems like Scourge has taken up that path.

"I can tell you are trying to kill me, Scourge. At least tell me why before I off-line," Cyclonus muttered, even though he still tried to force the blue and black Decepticon off of him. However, Cyclonus's attempts were useless. Scourge was a strong mech; it would take a lot to force him off his chassis.

Scourge gave a sorrowful shake of his head. "All of this time, I have been blind. Being a Decepticon was the worst mistake I have ever made; and yet, I never realized it until now. Megacycles later, I finally realize that I made the wrong choice," Scourge's vocals were heavy with grief and sorrow; more than an average Decepticon is thought to have.

Cyclonus paused from his struggles and looked deep into the crimson optics of Scourge. The normally fiery spirit that had filled those optics were now gone. Now, only the longing of…forgiveness, Cyclonus supposed was the right word to use, remained. Where was the flamboyant spirit that Scourge once had?

And what was this about making the wrong decision when he joined the Decepticons? He sure didn't act like that cycles ago when he had joined Megatron's legion. Nor did he act like that when he was endlessly slaughtering the Autobot's soldiers. So, why a change of spark now?

Scourge interrupted Cyclonus's thoughts as he continued. "And I realize, here is the perfect opportunity now. Our leader, Megatron, is dead. He wants to end the War with tyranny; how well do you think that will help to end all this fighting?" Scourge directed his question to Cyclonus. Cyclonus just stared in silence, not sure how to answer. Would saving Megatron do any good for the future of their race? For all Cybertronians?

Well, Cyclonus had believed so when he had joined the cause. He believed that Megatron could bring an end to this War and bring about a new age for Cybertron; or, that was what Megatron had led many of his followers to believe. Now that Cyclonus thinks back upon his leader's actions, they weren't actions to end the War; they were actions to kindle the War. Megatron just caused more destruction, keeping that flame alive. He burned down cities; he killed Autobots, neutrals, sparklings, and even his own warriors; he grasped at any opportunity to plunder the Autobots, along with Cybertron.

Maybe Megatron did not realize that his actions were impure. That he was tearing away the very foundations that kept Cybertron alive; even tainting its very Core. Nobody could rise up and tell him this because they were too afraid…no, there was one. Optimus Prime, his own brother, kept trying to warn him of what he was doing, but Megatron ridiculed the fact. Or maybe, he knew it, but tried to hide the fact from his soldiers.

However, these were a bunch of 'if's and 'maybe's, but the facts did point to an obvious factor. Megatron just wanted power; whether it cost them their home, their race…anything to get what he desired.

After a lengthy pause, Cyclonus answered quietly, "Not well…" The answer, in a way, was quite pathetic. However, Cyclonus couldn't fight off the betrayal that seeped into his spark; the hatred that overwhelmed his processor. He had been fighting, for nothing. A hopeless cause at Megatron's approach to 'peace' and 'justice'. All this time, he has been left in the dark.

Now, here Scourge was, showing that fact to Cyclonus like it was the most obvious thing in the universe.

Cyclonus shifted as much as he could, the mud squelching under his back plates. The rain was still falling from the ominous clouds that hung overhead, pelting the two mechs as they lapsed into silence. Warnings flashed across Cyclonus's optics, letting him know that his systems were becoming too overheated and need to cool down. Cyclonus knew that eventually his systems would go into an automatic stasis lock and he would off-line in an endless slumber. A rather harsh ending for any Cybertronian; to slowly off-line to lack of cooling. Cyclonus supposed that 'suffocation' was the correct way to relate this position into human terms.

All of sudden, the pressure that was being applied to Cyclonus's chassis disappeared. Cyclonus immediately vented and took in the warm, humid air and released the heated air that filled his frame.

"However, I am not going to kill you, Cyclonus. You can stop this: call off the Decepticons and join the Autobot cause," Scourge encouraged, straightening up from Cyclonus's beaten frame. "If you really want to make a difference, help me lead the Decepticons into an age of true peace." Scourge extended his hand, sympathy filling his optics. Cyclonus remembered how he always hated it when others showed him sympathy and would scornfully push it away. Now, it seemed like a warm invitation.

However, Cyclonus looked shamefully down at the ground. "I…can't. I don't have control over the Decepticons. I can't stop them."

"Cyclonus, you can-"

"No, I can't!" Cyclonus retorted. "I'm only a pawn in this game. I have no control over the Decepticons…" Cyclonus's vocals trailed off, grief enveloping his spark. He had no power; he was useless. How could he help stop this War after all the damage that has been caused already?

Scourge's offered hand slowly receded to his side and a frown tugged at his lip plates. "Explain," was the simple word he said. However, he wasn't asking; he was commanding an answer.

Cyclonus did not answer, afraid of how Scourge would react. Would he rebuke him and take back his offer? No, he needed to tell him, no matter the costs.

"Unicron is in control. He has his own legion; he just needs Megatron. He has already conquered the Prime's Matrix which is-"

"The only thing that can undo him…" Scourge replied quietly, realization filling his optics.

Cyclonus nodded. "And that is how he plans to bring Megatron back from the All Spark. I thought it would be a good thing to bring him back and-"

"Do not explain yourself, Cyclonus. I understand. But, I still cannot do this without you." Scourge still kept the offer on the table, as the humans say. Cyclonus once again looked at the extended black hand. Should he except? Part of him went against it, while the other part of him screamed at him to take it.

Giving one last vented sigh, Cyclonus gripped Scourge hand. Scourge hauled the black mech up to his feet and gave him a kind-hearted look. One look, that he has not used in megacycles…

Honestly, Optimus didn't know what to make of the incident that just played out before his optics.

First, he was seeing Sideswipe on the ground with the black clad Decepticon about cut out his spark; and then, this black and blue sports car comes barreling down the road. Optimus made a quick scan of the vehicle to realize that it was another Decepticon.

Optimus expected this Decepticon to join in the fight and start attacking. However, the Decepticon did the least expected; he transformed and attacked his own teammate. His own fellow soldier. The last Prime watched as this joining Decepticon pinned downed his fellow soldier, digging his knee struts into the opposing Decepticon's cooling vents.

At first, Optimus was too awestruck to even react. He just stood there and stared at the two Decepticons as they argued with each other. What they were talking about, Optimus did not know. The thundering pour of the rain drowned out their vocals and all he could hear was angry shouts and scolding.

The only thing that brought out of his dazed state, was the low moan that emitted from Sideswipe's vocal processor. Optimus craned his neck and looked past the bickering Decepticons to see Sideswipe slowly rise to his feet. The Prime quickly strode over to his fellow soldier and helped him to his feet.

The silver mech looked up at Prime and gave him a weak smile. "I told you I could handle it." Optimus returned the smile for the silver mech's sake and steadied him. However, Sideswipe quickly pushed his support away and regained his stature.

"I'm alright, Prime," Sideswipe nodded at Optimus before turning back at the Decepticons. Optimus followed the silver mech's gaze and watched as the two Decepticons slowly stood up, water droplets dripping off of their frames and mud caking pieces of their armor. Sideswipe gave a low growl and his hands transformed into sleek, silver blades.

Just as Sideswipe was about to invade the two Decepticons, Optimus grabbed his shoulder and held him back. Sideswipe was a little perturbed as he looked up at Optimus. The Prime just solemnly shook his head.

"Not yet. Stand guard and have the other Autobots ready," Optimus told Sideswipe, raising his voice slightly so that Sideswipe could hear him over the heavy rainfall. Sideswipe's lip plates formed a small frown, but nevertheless, he stood down and opened a communications link to the other Autobots.

Optimus returned his attention back to the Decepticons, who were eyeing him nervously. Wait, nervously? Why would they be nervous about anything? Were they afraid that he would do something to them? No, Decepticons weren't afraid of much and would definitely not show fear in front of the Autobot leader.

Slowly, Optimus approached them. "Who are you? Why the sudden surrender?" Optimus asked cautiously, staring at the Decepticons.

Both Decepticons shifted nervously. "We never said that we surrendered…" the black mech said dangerously. Of course, this only meant trouble in the Prime's optics so he automatically tensed. However, he fought the urge to slide out his swords in an act of self defense. He did not want to start anymore destruction if it was not necessary.

The black and blue mech seemed to nudge the other in an irritated manner. "He did not mean that, my Prime…" the black and blue mech said with more confidence and respect than the other. Optimus couldn't help but to look at the two Decepticons in shock. Did one of them just call him 'my Prime'? Most, almost all, Decepticons never refer to him by that; only his soldiers refer to him that way. So why were these two acting this way…?

Since Optimus did not respond, the black and blue mech continued, eying him cautiously, "My designation is Scourge; and this is my partner, designation Cyclonus. We mean no harm-"

"No harm? You just released a volley of fire upon our base!" Leadfoot growled as he and his fellow Wreckers joined Optimus.

"My partner did not know what he was doing. I intervened too late. My form can only travel so fast across four states; even as a Cybertronian…" the black and blue mech responded calmly, still keeping his optics locked on Optimus.

Leadfoot just growled even louder. "You just did that to fool us. Sounds something like you 'Cons would do," Leadfoot scoffed, annoyance obvious on his face plates.

"That is enough, Leadfoot," Optimus's powerful voice commanded, his optics locked with the Decepticon known as Scourge. Leadfoot did not speak, just merely stared at the Decepticons with hard optics. "Why did you stop your partner, then?" Optimus asked.

Scourge frame was stiff as he answered. "He was going to kill one of your soldiers, was he not?"

Optimus raised an optic ridge at the Decepticon's response. However, he showed no other signs of a change in emotion. He still stood straight and kept his glare even and unreadable. "Indeed," Optimus responded, trailing off from the word as a sign for the Decepticon to continue.

A slight hiss came from Scourge as his vents cooled down his frame. "Then that is my reason. To stop him from killing your soldier. To…stop him from making a mistake." Scourge let his gaze drift to the Wreckers who still watched them closely, keeping there guns ready.

Roadbuster snorted at the answer. "And since when do you 'Cons have a conscience?"

The black mech, whom was introduced as Cyclonus, pushed Scourge out of the way and looked straight into Optimus's optics. Purple meeting blue. Optimus still couldn't get over that purple…

"Listen, we don't have the time to go on about who to trust and what story is true. Right now, we have the Chaos Bringer heading in Earth's direction. He has plans-big plans, too-and he's not hesitating to put them into motion," Cyclonus spoke up. He centered his focus on Prime alone, ignoring Scourge's protests. "I know you don't trust us; none of you do and I wouldn't trust us either if I was in the same position. But we are facing something that is stronger; something that will kill us all for his selfish needs."

"And how do you know this?" Leadfoot spoke up again, his interest starting to peak.

"Because I have been…connected to him. I've seen his thoughts, felt his intensions-everything. And right now, trust is an important element against him. He wants us to be separated; to fight each other. That is when we will be weakest and that is when he will strike. I know you don't trust us, but, what about the rest of the universe? You can't fight Unicron alone, and neither can we." Cyclonus vented a long sigh. Optimus, Scourge, the Autobots-everyone stared at Cyclonus for a long time. Some vented while others remained silent.

Optimus's optics softened as he looked at Cyclonus. This Decepticon, this black mech who almost killed Sideswipe, was speaking the most truth out of all of them. Decepticons and Autobots-the factions did not matter with this threat looming over them. And all of this realization, from just one mech's simple words.

"We want to join you…" Scourge added quietly. "We don't want to be Decepticons anymore."

Yup, that's right, another cliffhanger! I know...I'm bad about those...but I can't help myself! :) Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and don't forget to R&R!