Author's Note: Hello, my dear readers. I know...I haven't updated in a while and I come back with this short chapter. I'm truly sorry for my lack of updates on this story, but I really wanted to finish another story I was working on so I could have Christmas break to work on this story soley. That's right, you're stuck with me during the Holiday season! So, please enjoy and R&R to tell me what you think!

And thank you to the readers who have followed, favored, and/or reviewed this story. It truly means a lot to me and it keeps me motivated to write. Thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers in any way; I only love to write about them. But, the plot is my own though; so ha! I do own at least one thing!

Chapter 11

Time seemed to move slowly as Autobots and Decepticons stood there in silence. The Wreckers aimed their guns wearily at the two Decepticons while Optimus stood there in utter shock. Scourge stood in front of Cyclonus, almost like in a protective older brother type of way, even though Cyclonus was clearly older than Scourge. Cyclonus gazed over Scourge's shoulder to stare at the Autobot leader, trying to see if he could read the Prime's expressions. However, the only thing he could read was shock, nothing more nothing less.

Optimus let the hot air out through his vents, the pressurized air hissing as it escaped into the human atmosphere. Gears turned and metal groaned as Optimus shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Decepticons changing factions? Defecting to their enemies' side? An act like that would make them almost more prone to danger than Optimus was. Megatron did not appreciate defectors and would do anything to punish and kill those who did change side. So, the question was, were these Decepticons truly sincere about changing sides?

With Megatron dead along with many other Decepticons that could take his place, any surviving Decepticons could change factions without the worry of being hunted down and killed. However, Optimus had no doubts that these two were after their deceased leader's body to bring him back to life by the means of bringing him to Unicron.

And there was the other problem: Unicron. The Chaos Bringer was no laughing matter and he still had a large role in this whole situation. Not to mention the fact that the one called Cyclonus has had an up-close experience with Unicron, to actually be connected with him…even Optimus couldn't even imagine what that would feel like. Or, can he? Unicron has been prying into his mind for who knows how long, looking into his darkest secrets and his weaknesses…Optimus wondered if that was how Cyclonus felt.

Optimus's royal blue optics glanced over into Cyclonus's purple optics; that deep purple that bothered Optimus to no end. However, despite the strange color, Optimus could see the hidden truthfulness. Although every circuit in Optimus's frame told him to kill these 'Cons, to be done with this madness, his spark told him otherwise. Optimus knew how it felt to be in that state of being questioned. He knew how both of these Decepticons felt in their position.

Frame loosening ever so slightly, Optimus strode cautiously over to the two Decepticons. Optimus's careful optics saw the blue and black mech know as Scourge tense and shift to further defend Cyclonus. Seeing this action, Optimus stopped about ten feet away from them, his own regal form stiff.

Maybe it is time to change…

Scourge's blood red optics zeroed in on the Prime's optics while Cyclonus tried to come out from his spot behind Scourge. The black mech was tired of being treated like a sparkling that couldn't defend for himself, especially before a Prime, and Scourge knew it. However, that did not stop Scourge from defending his friend from any possible danger.

"If what you say is true, then give me one good reason why I should trust you," the Prime's baritone voice was stern, which made Scourge wince slightly. Scourge wish he didn't have to answer that question, because he didn't really know how to convince the Prime that what he and Cyclonus said were true. And why should the Prime believe them anyway? They have been fighting for Megatron for a few millennia now, killing innocents in a desperate attempt for power…how could anyone trust someone like that?

However, it wasn't Scourge who answered Optimus's question; but rather, Cyclonus. "You said it yourself, Prime. Every being deserves a chance of redemption." Scourge seriously thought about turning around and smacking Cyclonus. The black armored mech didn't need to be making comments; especially when he just launched a full-on assault on the Autobots' base! Although, Scourge will admit, Cyclonus did quite a lot of damage for one mech…

Scourge shook away the thought as he studied the Prime's facial plates. The Prime still held a stern and unreadable expression as he contemplated Cyclonus's answer. Every minute seemed like an hour as they waited; until finally, the Prime spoke up.

"You make a wise statement, Cyclonus…" Optimus's voice trailed slightly, making Scourge even more anxious. "But, you must understand, putting my trust into two Decepticons that I only have their word to go on-"

"Then we can prove it to you," Cyclonus shoved Scourge out of his way as he stood before the Prime. Scourge wanted to stop his friend, but he just let Cyclonus speak. He has been right so far, and surprisingly, the Prime seems to be listening to him; which made Scourge baffled slightly since Cyclonus had attacked them. "Put us under surveillance, remove our weapons-whatever you need to do; but I know things that can help us stop Unicron. I have my own forces; few, but they can help. I just know, that if we don't stop Unicron, then he will destroy Earth and everything else in the universe. Nothing left but empty darkness. All these millennia fighting? For nothing. Even though, it didn't really make sense in the first place-"

"Cyclonus…" Scourge hissed in an attempt to make his friend stop babbling.

"Just…give us a chance…we can't beat Unicron without you, and you can't win without us," Cyclonus finished, much to Scourge's relief. However, Scourge was still on the edge as he waited to see how the Prime would respond. As his red optics glanced around at the other Autobots that surrounded them, Scourge could see them shift nervously while some of them had angry looks; but, none of them were looking directly at him nor Cyclonus, so he figured that they were talking through private comm.

Finally, after a few pain-staking minutes, Scourge watched as the surrounding Autobots' shoulders sag slightly and Leadfoot looked to be the most upset, but he said nothing to protest.

The Prime's royal blue optics refocused on them as he spoke. "Cyclonus, what you speak is true. Taking down Unicron will take the combined efforts of each faction, depending on who is willing. However, my soldiers are still wary of your intentions as well as I; so until full trust is gained, the two of you will be under our watch." Scourge felt himself release hot air through his vents.

"Thank you, my Prime," Scourge replied, trying to keep his voice formal but failing as his obvious relief mixed in with his tone.

"But if either of you turns traitor on us and harms either a human or one of my soldiers, I will be just as quick to put you down," the Prime's deep voice was layered with distrust as he whispered his threat, barely audible to Scourge. Nevertheless, he still picked it up and it made him nervous once again. He may not have the intension of going back on his word, but the threat still sent chills down his spine.

"And I believe there is a way that you can help us," the Prime continued as he raised his voice so that his Autobots could now hear him. "By calling in your soldiers and telling them to stand down."

Scourge left his thoughts as he straightened. He was about to answer, until Cyclonus replied with a smirk. "That should be easy, Prime. They are most loyal, but also quite clueless." Despite being threatened and being surrounded by Autobots that could pull the trigger any moment now, Cyclonus still managed to insert his old, cocky attitude.

A lone metallic planet slowly drifted through space. Its surface was silver, but due to the lack of lighting, its surface appeared dull and dark and treacherous. A single, orange ring of light encircled it, barely casting a faint glow on the planet's mountainous crust. Towards the front of the planet, there was a large, circular indent which also cast a orange glow; and if you looked close enough, you might be able to make out pointed spikes that reminded one of teeth surrounding the edges of the indent.

It progressed at a slow rate as it traveled on, surrounding by nothing but millions of stars.

Most would have mistaken it as an uninhabited metallic world that aimlessly wondered along in some random gravitational field, much like how Earth and its surrounding planets circle its sun. But that is far from the truth. Each piece of metal, each working mechanism, each spire and spike that grew from its surface-it all pulled together into something else. Or rather, someone.

Some call it a metal monster or a really big robot in its bi-pedal form because they do not know who it is; much like how many humans would call it. However, the ones that know what it is, call it by many names. Whether it be the Chaos Bringer; Lord of Chaos; Planet Eater; or most common, Unicron.

The Chaos Bringer was still in what humans would call 'hibernation,' while his planetary body moved at a 'snail's pace' towards its destination: Earth.

The organic, human inhabited, blue and green planet was still several Earth days away, but Unicron had no intention of hurrying. His servants still needed to prepare the way for him; prepare Earth for his arrival. Oh, so much to be done in such little time. No matter. It would all be worth it when he finally reached his destination and unleash his full power…oh what a glorious day that would be…

However, Unicron was still slightly displeased with one of his former servants, Cyclonus. The ex-Decepticon changed factions and turned against his master. And now he was trying to convince all of his remaining Decepticons to join him with the Autobots to destroy him, the almighty Unicron? What a waste of energon…what a disgrace Cyclonus has become. Did the mech not realize that there was no hope for anyone now that he was rising, now that he had the power of the Matrix, the only thing in the universe that could destroy him? Clearly not.

Not to mention that pitiful Prime thinks he can bring together both factions to defy him? Even more lies and false hope. The Prime may have broke from his control, but he was far from safe; same goes to his soldiers and the humans that he dare calls 'allies.'

Unicron wondered how delightful it would be to watch the Prime's world collapse around him. That should be a show of its own.

It will all fall…everything will crumble…everything will be mine… Unicron thought to himself with dark amusement as he aimlessly traveled to his destination. Just in a matter of days…

So how's that for a short Chapter? Sorry, but I need to get back into this story, and I was also strugglng to get past that awkward moment when the Decepticons (Scourge and Cyclonus) wanted to change factions... But, I hope to make up for it with future Chappies, and please, tell me what you think about this chapter. Thanks!

~sweettea1