TF Dires

By

Dragon with a Shotgun

Chapter Twenty-Five

All he could see was the cloud of smoke, burning his eyes and making tears try to slip out. But he pressed on, his heart racing in his ribcage and his legs moving at a speed that he never thought possible for them to. He was praying, shouting for Primus to help him and Stream, wherever she was. But he knew that he was behind her some ways. He could smell her faint scent despite the smoke clouding his nose and sight. Up ahead, he could see the orange glow of the dreaded foe that he knew that he would have to face in order to reach Stream.

He was desperate to find her, and so far he hadn't seen any sign of her. He ran for what seemed like an eternity. But his legs refused to stop for a rest. He didn't let them, as badly as they needed to. His body felt as if it was in fire itself, but he wasn't paying attention to his body's pleas to rest. He made himself run faster.

"Stream!" he called out, panic stabbing at his heart when he heard no response. Now he could see the flicker of the fire raging in the trees. Black smoke rose from the forest, making him cough and have to work to breathe. He wheezed and looked around desperately, his chest tightening.

But suddenly he spotted something. It was a flicker of white, but it gave him hope. He gasped for air and he sprinted to his right toward it. He just missed the wolf and it ran past him, and he spun to his left to catch up. He could see her blue tail flashing, and he kicked up dirt as he raced forward. He could just barely see her figure through the smoke and ash. He heard her cough up ahead, and he tried to call to her.

"Stream, wait!" he shouted again, but she didn't seem to hear him. Why had she gone back into the woods? Why did she go back up the mountain if she knew that there was a fire raging through the forest? She looked as if she had her mission set, whatever she was doing. Was she trying to kill herself? But it didn't make sense. Why had Megatron gone back? He had his pack to stay with.

Barricade! He remembered that young male of the Mountain Pack. If he was still in his territory, then he must have been trapped! But why was Bumblebee worried about it? He hated Barricade with his guts, but yet he didn't understand why he was now worried about him. Barricade was rude, snotty, and he had stopped Bumblebee from saving Stream from Starscream.

Because he is a living being… And… he deserves a second chance too… That thought rang in his head. He hated it when he was right, but yet he knew that Barricade needed help. Barricade had a soul, he had a spirit. Both of the pups had been raised by totally different packs, with very different ways of seeing things. His pack was kind, caring, loyal and protective and told stories of how the Dire wolves first came and how they flourished. Barricade's pack told of tragedies and deaths, reasons as of why they always in wars but actually seeing the wrong side of the story. Barricade did not know better, as did Bumblebee. They were both young, had had so much to learn yet. He could not hold a grudge against Barricade, if he did not even know how he lived exactly. Hopefully, when, if, this chaos ended, he would be able to tell Barricade that he was sorry, and ask for forgiveness. But at that moment he was more concerned for Stream and her safety.

He had promised Streak that he'd bring her back, his brother. He had promised to keep his sister safe, and he intended to keep that promise to him, but also to himself. Stream was his life now, and he knew, somehow, that she was his other half of his soul. He wasn't sure how he knew, but… he just did. It was what aching feeling that hit him at night, when he knew that she wasn't in her den nearby. That bitter sadness that came when he realized that she was still with Megatron. Over these past days, he realized that they hadn't met just by chance. It was destiny. Primus must have sent her down to Earth to make his soul whole.

But why him? That one question burnt his heart, irritated his mind to the point of screaming. Why was it him, that she had to meet? Was it really a destiny? Was there really a purpose to Primus' intentions? What did he want? What was he planning? Whatever it was, Bumblebee was secretly thanking him, that he was chosen for this. But he was actually quite scared that he would lose her. If he did, then what would Primus' intentions turn into? Would they be in vain?

He recalled how he had first met Stream. He replayed the vision in his head as he ran. Now he saw white snow, draping over the bushes and trees like a cold blanket, the grass frozen beneath his paws. It was so real. He felt the coldness of the snow between his toes, and he breathed in the scent of pine and the cool, crisp air. It felt nice in his lungs, refreshing and cooling his beat and worn body. Up ahead, he could see a blue tail waving at him, a white figure connected to it as the young female ran from him. The memory… it was when he was chasing her, trying to talk to her for the first time, when she had been so afraid of him.

He called out. "Wait! I don't want to hurt you!" he didn't know why he had said it. He just did. It came out before he could catch it, and it echoed into nothingness. She didn't hear it, as if he was talking to the air. He dodged trees, seeing only white blur and her clearly ahead of him. Everything around him was moving so fast, but yet he was moving in slow motion. But something jerked him from his mind, and he was brought back to the real world.

His foot caught something, and he yelped sharply when a pain electrocuted up his front left paw and into his shoulder, he felt a popping in his shoulder as he hit the ground. All of the snow disappeared, she disappeared. Now smoke surrounded him, and he coughed, wanting that cold air to come back. He cried out in pain and surprise, and his other legs struggled to get him back up, but his injured leg hurt so badly, that he couldn't bear to move it. It was actually caught in an uplifted root, tightly trapping his foot to the soil, preventing any escape. He felt his tears breaking through. He rarely cried, because he had been so happy in his home, in his old life. But now… he felt the true meaning of pain and helplessness. He knew that nobody was coming to save him. He knew that nobody was near him. He was terrified, knowing that if he didn't get up soon and moved, he would be burnt. The picture of him burning alive made him cry out, almost a puppy's whine.

"Ironhide..." he sobbed quietly almost in a whisper, "Help…"

Taking in shaky breathes and looking at his leg, he winced when he had shifted it some under the root. He had twisted it pretty badly, and he wondered if he had actually broken it. If Ratchet were here, he'd tell him. He tried pulling on it, and he yelped loudly, whimpering as he licked at it. Each movement he made it worse. But how was he going to get out?

He began to think of the others. If only 'Hide were here… He'd be able to get him out. Right? He'd just chew through the root easily. But… then he second guessed that. Optimus would tell him what to do. He would be calm and collected, and gently assure him of what to do. He would handle the situation with care. The twins, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe… They'd cheer him up. They'd tell him that everything would be alright, and make him smile even when he was in the worst of pain. Jazz, he'd do the same, and he'd stay close to him. He'd assure him that he'd get out of this, that they'd be home soon. Hound, he would take care of Streak, and he would make sure he was healthy and all. Everybody in his pack, they'd all be there to watch over him. At that moment, he could just see them… Transparent figures standing around him, gazing at him with soft eyes.

He looked around frantically. He considered giving up. Maybe there was no hope. Maybe… Maybe he was destined to end like this, trying to save the one he loved… But… why like this? What was the point in Primus' plans? Was there even a point at all, or had there been? Bumblebee swallowed, and rested his head down on his other paw, feeling his hope sweeping away like water in a creek. His heart feeling betrayed, he closed his eyes. He felt his energy draining, his heart giving out. He wasn't sure what death was like. Ironhide had said something about you being able to see all of your memories right before you breathe your last. But… he was considering welcoming death. Maybe this was a much easier way to go… If he didn't burn alive, he would have a heart failure. He would die of a broken heart and an empty soul without a partner to love.

I love you, Stream… Forever and always… I love you Ironhide… Optimus… Ratchet… everybody… I love you all… Even as he thought his last goodbyes, he felt his breath catch in his throat. He felt hot water streaming from his eyes, his body shaking from fear and hurt, sadness and grief. How could one feel so many things, but feel nothing at all? The pain in his leg seemed to fade away, like a memory.

"Bumblebee…"

He twitched his ears. He tried to ignore the voice.

"Bumblebee, do not lose hope."

"How can I have hope? There is nothing to hope for now…" he mumbled quietly, sadly nuzzling his free paw with his muzzle.

"Young one, there is always something to hope for."

"But what?" he looked up now, and gasped when he saw a glowing white figure. The wolf was much bigger than him and even Optimus, proud and beautiful. His glowing blue eyes had a soft light in them, and his features were almost invisible against his snow-white fur but yet he could see pride and kindness in his expression, his fur smooth and pure silk, perfect for a pup to rub his face in. He gave off this radiant peacefulness, like everything was going to be okay. But Bumblebee frowned and shook his head, looking away from him. He must have been seeing things.

Young one, believe. There is always hope. Nature is unpredictable, but you are strong and have a fierce spirit. You have gotten this far, only to give up? The wolf spoke softly, his voice was low and soothing, but also demanding and bold.

"Primus…!" the young wolf gasped, lifting his head up higher to look the wolf in the eyes. But… But how? The wolf stepped closer to him, his movement barely even noticeable, but it was full of grace. But Bumblebee closed his eyes and looked down.

"But… I don't know what to do…" he admitted with a sob. He didn't. All he knew was that this chase had been for nothing. He had gotten himself stuck and in this situation. He couldn't get out… He felt as if all of his strength had been drained sucked out of him, and he was just limp, laying on the dirt in despair.

"Bumblebee! Come back! BUMBLEBEE!"

Optimus was on the verge of howling with sheer terror. Where was he? Why had that pup just run into the fire? He glanced behind him, and saw as Ratchet and the twins wrestled with Ironhide, struggling to keep him from going out to find the young yellow wolf. His eyes were filled with tears, his muzzled curled into a snarl as he tried with all of his strength to push the twins and his medic friend aside to rush across the river. His ears were flattened, and he stared wild-eyed at the way Bumblebee had run. His young one, his son, was gone. But the older wolf cried out in misery, desperation.

"Ironhide, wait! You can't go! You'll be killed!" Ratchet was saying, growling in fear of his friend getting loose.

"Let me go! I have to find him! Bumblebee!" Ironhide was blinded by his fears, his sheer shock.

The others, including Bonecrusher, Blackout, Soundwave, Shockwave, and the two ferrets and crow, all stared in shock and worry. Their leader had run into the woods as well, not even saying a word just as Stream and Bumblebee had.

"Barricade…!" Bonecrusher was sobbing, Blackout nuzzling his neck to comfort him. But it provided little assurance to the younger brown wolf.

Rumble and Frenzy crouched behind Soundwave's paws, peeking around his legs to see what was going on. They were shaking in fear, and were afraid of being so near the River Pack wolves, especially with Ironhide in his rage. Shockwave glared at the blazing forest across the river, disgust written all over his face. Laserbeak perched on his shoulder, tilting his head back and forth to look at everything that was going on. Everybody was terrified. Nobody knew what to do.

Optimus gazed at them in worry, now actually letting his fear show. He knew that he was the leader… but… a leader couldn't be brave all the time, could he? What about Bumblebee? He was not the leader, but he ran blindly after Stream. Optimus tried to picture him and Elita in that situation. He looked again at Ironhide, and saw that he had quit ramming into the three wolves, and had been reduced to sobbing on the dirt. Optimus had never seen him so sad, so… terrified. He didn't know what to make of it.

The Prime looked at the black smoke rising above the forest. He had to do something… anything! But what? He couldn't put the fire out… But… maybe he could find Bumblebee. He actually wasn't sure if he'd be able to find him in all of the ash and smoke.

"Ratchet," he suddenly had a serious tone as he turned to the others. He took in a deep breath. "I have to do something."

"Optimus, that fire will kill you!" the medic snapped, lifting his gaze up from his fallen friend.

"I can't just stand here. If I do not return, make sure everybody else gets out of the fire spreads to this side of the river."

"But Optimus!"

"I have to. Tell Elita I love her, and Ironhide?" The dark grey wolf lifted his head up. Optimus gave him a soft expression. "Get the others to safety."

Ironhide stared at him, long and hard, not wanting to agree with the plan. But he saw the look in the alpha's eyes, and he closed his own. He had to. If he didn't, he would be left without a pack. So, he nodded in agreement.

"You are crazy, Prime!"

Optimus glared at Shockwave. "I am not. I am doing what I believe is right. I suggest you do the same." Then he whirled around and burst into a sprint. He lunged onto the log, bounded across and then landed on the other side, and disappeared into the smoking woods. Ironhide gazed at his leader as he left, and then turned to the others.

"Let's go." The other's did as told, and they turned and started down the trail through the River Pack territory. But Shockwave was unwilling.

"I am not going to do what you tell me! You are not my leader!"

Ironhide snarled at him. "No, your leader is probably dead in the fire! Now move your ass before I have to make you!" he bristled up, and Shockwave knew that he would be outnumbered if he did go against this brute. So, he muttered things under his breath, and turned away.

"But… I don't… I don't know how to have hope… I've lost it all!" Bumblebee cried, closing his eyes.

"You will see. Get up now, and live a better future. Stay here, and you will cause grief in your pack and family. Young one, have faith. Faith."

"Primus? Primus! Wait!" But the white wolf was gone. Bumblebee sat there, turning over his words in his head. Had he imagined Primus? Where did he come from? Suddenly he saw more figures, all surrounding him. He gasped, trying to sit up when he saw his guardian, Ironhide, standing in front of him.

"'Hide!" he cried out in pure joy. But… something wasn't right. Why was he so sad? Why was he so… not himself? The others, Ratchet, the twins, Jazz, everybody, they all were depressed and in grief, looking down. Ironhide looked at him, and then looked away. He was transparent, but his blue eyes glowed. The wolves all turned their heads, looking at each other before suddenly disappearing.

"Wait! Please, Ironhide, Optimus, guys! Please!" the young wolf whined loudly, pulling against the root. But pain shot up his leg and he laid back down. "Don't leave me…"

Then they were gone. He looked around frantically, desperate to find them. Primus came into view again. He nodded toward the young male, and then, just like the others, faded away like a mist. Bumblebee sighed to himself, but then let out a startled sob when everything came back, the fire, the scent of the stout smoke, the heat of the fire that was now all around him. He couldn't believe how fast the fire had spread. He looked around, now scared and panicking. Where was Primus? Where was his family? Why did they leave? But then when Bumblebee was about to give up again, he recalled what Primus had said.

Primus was right. There was always something to hope for, always something to have faith in. Otherwise, there would be no point in living. Bumblebee knew that he had to save Stream, but he had to get out of this situation first. He felt his heart swell with something, something that made something snap in him. He might have just brushed with death, and Primus was giving him another chance. He had to use this chance, he had to make things right.

He opened his eyes. He looked down at the root and took in a deep breath. He was going to regret doing this, and he was already dreading it. But he had to get out. He had to escape. He lifted his rear in the air, and planted his other feet to the ground. He gritted his teeth, and took in a few short breathes.

Okay… Three… Two… One…! Then he pulled. He pulled as hard as he could, desperation, fear, and will all mixed together to form some kind of new power, some kind of force that made him yank his leg, and made his paw slip from the root. A second later a loud and blood-curdling howl was heard from him, and he whined and whimpered as he staggered around, trying to move his leg but only falling onto his side. He managed to get to his paws, and forced his leg to stand. He forced it to support him, and it was like Hell.

"Come on… Come on…!" he assured himself, steadying himself. He sobbed from the pain, but he frowned at his paws.

Then he forced his legs to push forward. He shot forward then, racing past the trees and taking in the scents. All he could smell was smoke, but he was sure that he had to go North, where the fire had come from. That was higher up the mountain, where the Mountain Pack's dens were.

He ran so fast, everything was slow motion. The world around him, branches were on fire, limbs crackling and hitting the ground as he ran past. Flames licked at the air, reaching out for him as he rushed by. Sounds of crying animals in distress and birds calling rang through the air, piercing his ears and making him shake his head. The heat was overwhelming, but he pushed on, not willing to allow himself to stop now. He was going to run until he couldn't run any longer, then he'd run more, until he found something. Anything that could lead him to life.

He was sure that he'd find something, if not, he'd die trying. He wouldn't go back until he found Stream. Something caught his attention from the corner of his eye. He skidded to a halt, only then feeling the pain jolt into his shoulder. He snarled, not wanting to let his weakness stop him from his mission. He looked at what had caught his eye. His eyes widened at the sight.

Optimus dodged a tree, spinning around another as he made his way up the mountain. He followed the scent up North, and he was close to the den site. He could smell the scent of wolves, old scents, so he was on a trail. His heart pounded in his chest as he raced on, hoping desperately to find Bumblebee. But he had seen no sign of him not even caught his scent on the way up. But he hadn't lost hope. That was the thing about him being a Prime. He may be able to feel fear, but he never lost faith in anything. He always looked into the future, thinking of what could happen if he did something, if he didn't. But he never lost his hope or faith, which was what had gotten him along in life.

His eyes darted as he searched for any sign of life. He saw nothing, but he couldn't give up. Not now that he had come all this way. But he instantly stopped when he saw two figures in front of him. There was a larger one, and then a smaller one. The female was trying to hurry the younger male along, but the male was having trouble keeping up.

"This way!" he shouted, and they lifted their heads to see who had spoken. He ran towards them. He was disappointed, no devastated that the young male was not Bumblebee, but he was still grateful to see life in this fire.

The wolf was lying on its side, its fur waving in the breeze of the flames around in the trees and bushes. It looked twice Bumblebee's size, and the young wolf was wary to approach. But with hope in his heart, he rushed over, sniffing at the down wolf and taking in its scent. He nudged the male's side, and saw its chest rise. His fur was black, having been seared by the heat of the fire.

The wolf was able to turn its head. And that's when Bumblebee stepped back.

"Megatron!" He watched as the male opened his eyes, barely as if he had any life left in him. He looked so pitiful, so weak. He had no strength left to use. Bumblebee closed his eyes, and turned away, not wanting to see him. But he couldn't leave him. He looked back, and stared at the limp body for what seemed like an eternity. He… He couldn't just leave him there, burning to death and suffering. But could he trust him? Why should he save him? Then he remembered what he thought about Barricade. Megatron deserved a second chance as well. No matter his past.

He growled at himself, shook his head, and then spun around and rushed to the older wolf's side. "Megatron... come on… get up." He pushed his muzzle against the male's back, and heard a menacing growl erupt from him.

"L-Leave me… Get out of here…" His voice was raspy, not like the evil leader he once knew.

"No," Bumblebee protested, grabbing the male's scruff. "Get up! We have to get out of here!"

Megatron coughed, meekly struggling away from the younger wolf's grasp. "Do not save me…! S-Save yourself! There's no hope for me anymore, pup." He closed his eyes as he said it, and Bumblebee frowned at him softly, looking around at the fire. Then he looked at Megatron again.

"Megatron… there's always hope."

Megatron took in a wheezing breath, and looked up at the yellow male. He had such bright blue eyes that penetrated through the glow of the fire around them. He was so much bigger than he had been as a pup… How he had grown into this… the alpha had no clue. He expected disgust from the wolf's eyes, but only saw sincerity and worry. He hadn't seen that look from many wolves toward him. that look he gave him… it made him sob.

Megatron had come back to the mountain to save the rest of his pack, Barricade and Riverrun. But he had gotten lost in the commotion of the fire and smoke, and had fallen from exhaustion. He hadn't expected anybody to come out here, not into this mess. He looked up at Bumblebee, and then saw Barricade… that young black wolf he… called his son in a way… But he blinked, and saw the yellow wolf again. His eyes filled with water.

Bumblebee sighed. "Let's go, Megatron. Let's get out of here."

Megatron studied him, arguing with himself on whether to do as he said or not. He was scared, he felt trapped. So, he did as the young wolf said. He somehow got his paws under him, and pushed up with all the strength he had. He groaned, staggering until Bumblebee used his own body to support him. His legs trembled from the lack of use, the lack of strength. He had never felt so weak before. But he allowed Bumblebee to support him with his shoulder.

"You can do it, Megatron. Come on!" Bumblebee shoved the male forward with his shoulder, ushering him to move. Megatron hurried as fast as he could, but the best he could manage was a slow run, just over trotting. But Bumblebee was glad that he could walk at least.

They ran and ran and ran, Bumblebee remembering the way he had come, but they had to take different routes because of fallen branches from the fire. The fire had gotten worse, and was now all around them. The heat was intense, too much to handle for too long. They had to rest often, but then start again and run for as long as they could. If Megatron was not so tired, then they could be getting somewhere faster, but with him being weakened, he was much slower than he would have been in top shape.

Suddenly a howl rang through the air. It was one that hit Bumblebee like a ram to the chest. The call was soft, desperate, hopeful as it flowed in the air through the smoke and cleared hi sthoughts. He recognized that voice anywhere. His legs felt lighter at the voice that called into the air. He suddenly laughed as he ran, and almost cried.

Stream!

That meant she was alright. She was safe! But how? He was desperate, and so was Megatron to get out of the fire. Bumblebee led him through the trees, both males dodging fallen branches and avoiding leaning trees. The world was orange and yellow, blazing and searing. It was confusing, but Bumblebee knew that they were headed South towards the river and where the howls had come from. Megatron would fall every so often, and he'd have to go back and help him. But they somehow pulled it through.

"Megatron, look!" Bumblebee suddenly cried out, slowing his pace.

Megatron lifted his gaze, and smiled in relief. The river, they made it! They were so close to safety, they could feel it. But the fire was right on their heels, burning quickly, making them press on further and harder. But there was one problem.

They had to slide to a halt. The cliff was at least ten twenty feet high, too high for a wolf to jump willingly. They both felt fear eat at their hearts as they turned to look at the fire behind them. The beast roared at them, a blazing creature that hungered for flesh and life, never able to have its fill. It eyed them like they were its next meal, the fire began to creep closer, eating away at trees in its path.

The two wolves looked at each other, and then they looked at the river. The rushing water crashed against the banks, thrashed as the water raced down the current. The young, yellow wolf felt his heart lurch in his chest, but he heard a voice beside him.

"Young one… Bumblebee… I don't know what will happen next.. So I wanted to say… I am sorry for everything that I had done to you… and I -,"

Bumblebee nodded. "I know, I am too." He saw the male's red eyes soften, and he smiled at him in an odd way, mixed with fear and sympathy.

Suddenly a loud crackling sound shot through the air, making them jump and swerve around. A large tree that towered over the others, began to lean. The fire chewed its way through the base, until finally the tree lost its strength to stay up and it made a loud POP as the base split and the tree began to fall forward. The wolves watched in horror as the tree fell toward them.

Bumblebee gasped loudly and yelped when a force hit him in the shoulder, sending him off the edge of the cliff. He instantly flipped over, and saw Megatron falling behind him as he jumped. His mind raced, his heart felt as if it had stopped, time froze. Everything… it's just… stopped. He couldn't hear anything. He couldn't see anything. The only thing he felt was a force hit him on the back as he hit the raging water, the Mountain Pack leader following him into the water's depths.

The last thing he remembered thinking right when he hit the water, was that he knew that he was going to die.