As his finger pointed up at her and the population of Cybertron both present and watching live elsewhere gasped, her optics widened to their physical limit. She was set up! Her shock could only grow as he set down Solus' hammer on one of the pedestals closest to him.
"Here is proof with fingerprints on the handle that match both Tigressa and Captain Silos! It's such a shame techno-organics and their abominable mooks forget that they have organic features which leave marks compared to pure cybernetic beings! They must be punished for their crimes! Seize them!"
Tigressa backed away from view on the balcony but turned to see Cybertronian peacekeepers approaching her, guns at the ready. Moving her eyes unsteadily for a brief second in thought, her anger reached its boiling point. How dare he do this to her! She sacrificed her time to help him and this is his thanks!?
She felt Ceros tug at her arm as the guardsmen entered the balcony's only exit. Well, the only to and from doorway. Quickly, she peered back towards the balcony and realized her best bet was to jump. Captain Silos better have a good grip or is able to land on his feet properly. Grabbing him as he gave a defensive stance, both she and a reluctant Silos hopped over the railing of the balcony. The guards attempted to claw at one of them but obviously missed.
Tigressa landed on the metal floor with some of the metal caving in slightly from impact, a scowl appeared on her faceplates towards the retreating Prime while all the other citizens ran in countless directions away from her. Unfortunately, the Captain didn't have the same luck as he belly flopped onto the hard surface with a groan of pain following afterwards. Dizzily, he held his head as he got up off the ground but had little time to recover as Tigressa pushed him to move with her.
Here they were. Two betrayed felons on the run…on Cybertron…with practically no options of escape except for her spacecraft waiting back near Megatronus' home which he no doubt had already taken it into custody. Well she could fly out of Cybertron's atmosphere but surprisingly, she didn't want to leave Silos despite her instinct saying "leave him to die". It also didn't help that flying with a Metal Head almost half your size would surely decrease speed necessary to breach the atmosphere in general. Damn…
"So, what the hell do we do now!? The entire world knows what we did, meaning there's gonna be patrols everywhere, virtually all spacecraft will be grounded and locked, and we ain't got no backup!" Silos snarled as they rounded a corner of an alleyway, seeming to have lost the guards somewhere prior for now.
Tigressa slowed down to a fast walk, tail twisting angrily. She stopped near the alley exit that overlooked several bridges below. A dead end, so to speak. Steam vented from her nostrils repeatedly until her heated organs couldn't produce any more.
"How could I have been such a fool? I guess this is what you call 'ironic': I juked him out of services to get what I wanted while he tricked me into becoming his escape clause for power. How could I have missed the fact that we are both malicious, devious tyrants; the same type of being? Our natures colliding only spawned our dormant coding of superiority and to be superior, one must dethrone the other."
Captain Silos' ear twitched as he leaned against the alley wall. He hesitantly nodded in agreement as both could only stand there in defeat.
Megatronus couldn't have been happier. Everything was going according to plan. Tigressa no longer held power anywhere among the cyber-planets including her own home; he was in charge of Cybertron with no one but the Council to oppose him since no other Thirteen Primes remained that he knew of or had bothered to show themselves. What could possibly be better?
A light flicked on in his twisted head with a dark smile snaking its way across his face. Kanjis, Velocitron, Aquatron and the other cyber-worlds…all at his command. He'd be unstoppable! Imagine an army of techno-organics who could control any aspect of a planet as well as dominate terrains they were bred to master, speedsters who could travel and retrieve supplies within mere seconds while being able to cross and disable enemy lines in a blink of an eye, water-based techno-organics who could out-maneuver anything in vast oceans and track anything on the surface of the planet with mere echolocation shockwaves that could travel over both land and sea.
The thought made him purr out loud enough for his soldiers to give him weird looks but not question it. If he was going to rule his birthright, might as well take every last world built under Primus himself too. Of course, there was the first and foremost problem of how to get Kanjis' citizens to bow to him considering most, if not all, were each pretty damn powerful in their respectful environments. Hell, even the damn plant network of the planet was technically a living entity like Cybertron was to Primus though it had no other physical form other than the planetoid itself. Those stupid weeds could actually attack and kill creatures like him, being an obvious defense mechanism against herbivores that eat too much.
It was a long shot but definitely not impossible per say. It only required the right amount of leverage to get what he wanted.
Phantasmos smirked at his two new brothers as they checked themselves out in the mirrors lining the back wall. It was best they looked like they did now because it was essentially hard for a jet and car to navigate a planet such as Kanjis considering all its life was techno-organic. Thankfully though, he gave them the ability of triple-changing so they could still carry their original alt. modes as well as their new ones.
Draco twirled around a bit to admire his new wings and metallic feather decals imprinted on his armor to give it a more animalistic look. Apparently, he now had the power to turn into something known as a "Hippogriff", half bird-like and half-hooved animal. His wings weren't straight, long pieces of metal anymore. They now had multiple defined shards that appeared similar to bird feathers hanging vertically down; the arms of the wings bent by several joints too instead of just one. He had larger claws on his servos, a beak-like appendage appearance-wise replaced the orange cockpit on his chest, and he seemed chunkier slightly to accommodate the hooved animal portion of his form with the hooves making the covering of his thrusters on his feet. Lastly, his metal feathers that made up his rear hung upon an equus-like tail connecting just above his aft which moved almost like water when he turned. He was officially techno-organic like Phantasmos, a triple-changer no less and he admitted to himself that he looked good.
Spike, on the other hand, was more skeptical of his appearance but didn't doubt it was interesting and exciting. He was a bull, more specifically a two-horned bull which wasn't as common as Kanjis' four-horned bull class. The horns on his helm grew slightly larger after his change as well as other bodily sharp appendages. Two of his hooves rested just over the backsides of his servos while the other two made his knee armor. His long, slim bovine tail, with a club of barbs that gave it the appearance of fur on the tip, wagged behind him attached to his spine just above his aft as always. Then there was the unusual sight of animal ears on the side of his helm where his audio receptors were. Let's just say, that freaked him out a bit when he first saw them…if you define a scream as freaking out a bit.
All in all, they had no quarrels with it minus a few disturbing sights they weren't used to. And an even better, they could change their appearance to and from their original so if they ever go back to Cybertron, they wouldn't be out in the open to the public. Of course the armor tattoos aren't changeable though.
"You like your new modes? I know it can be a bit tricky to traverse in but your senses have been improved tenfold and these modes will help you out of most situations if not all that vehicle types cannot endure. It is how we've stood unopposed for so long. Animal instincts always win," Phantasmos announced in pride, tapping his anteater-like snout.
Draco gave him a playful sneer before continuing to observe how his feathers moved automatically when he expressed emotion. Suddenly, the sound of their communication lines lighting up stalled their show-gloating.
"Uh, I think it's time to get banished," Spike remarked stoically.
All three gave a sad sigh as they made their way to the prepared Phoenix Sitara, Phantasmos' very own proud vessel which he upgraded into a leader-class when he first returned from Cybertron with Draco and the others. It also helped that it was riddled with bullet holes near its engine after pissing off Iacon's police force and one of its Primes so it needed repairs anyway. It was large enough for about thirty people to reside in and since they only had fifteen, the other rooms were probably going to be training areas, medical rooms, etc.
His father, mother, and several Guards were there giving their blessings and goodbyes. It was unfortunate that they had to go through with banishing their own children but the events prior really did take a toll on everyone so they weren't to blame at all.
Draco and Spike instantly stared in awe as they spotted NightHawk and Serpentine among the few who were speaking to the Guards. They too had gotten upgraded into techno-organics with NightHawk being…well…a hawk and Serpentine being some type of reptile that seemed like one of those wingless dragons. NightHawk had similar wings and a tail as Draco did though it was all feathers instead of the extra spine as well as a beak replacing the cockpit but unlike him, she had a more zigzagged design on the surface of her feathers to his rounded ones, not to mention elongated in attribute length.
Serpentine, however, was detailed with the faint appearance of scales engraved into her armor though not noticeable from a certain distance. Her tail was definitely reptilian and lengthy though much bulkier compared to them considering. This also gave her enlarged hips to support it, making her curves stand out more. She apparently had small barbs lining her spine though they were thicker and shorter than Spike's. She obviously had claws on both her pedes and servos but her optics, specifically her pupils were narrowed more than normal. If this changed her vision or not was unknown.
"Phantasmos, Draco, Spike?" Queen Kiara hesitantly called. No mistaking their looks of sorrow as they approached her; she could feel her spark breaking at a horrid rate at the sight. "I'm so sorry, my children, if I-I could I'd…"
All three watched in horror as tears ran down her cheeks, ran over visible trails where tears had flown previously. As a known fact, the Queen crying meant you were most likely to cry too after seeing her sad. Both Spike and Phantasmos felt their own tears rushing out. Immediately, she kneeled and they felt her enclose them into a hug. Draco struggled to hold in his tears as the others were sobbing, but eventually fell victim to the depressing scene. The Seeker was a bit startled when he realized the Queen, his new mother, was caressing his helm in a manor he was unfamiliar with. Did all mothers do this to calm their younglings? Instinctively, he leaned into the touch before her servo moved away and she stood up, wiping her tears away with her other shaking servo.
Spike rubbed both his optics before blinking rapidly and readjusting his pupils. He too appeared to be fighting off the effects of his distraught state. Like Draco, the bull-based youngling could not keep his emotions out about the whole situation despite only knowing their new caretaker a few months. Phantasmos didn't even bother trying to stop crying, knowing fully well it was pointless.
"We-we're gonna be al-alright, Mama, I-I promise y-you," the small dragon whimpered.
The Queen nodded sluggishly, pursing her lips and snapping her optics shut in an attempt to gain her composure again. She acknowledged Phantasmos' servo pat hers before he slipped past to say goodbye to his father. Draco and Spike smiled up at her before bowing as the former commented, "Just know, I never had a parental figure ever…until I met you and King Kronos. I'll be a sucker if I don't get the chance to say thank you for putting up with both of us and tutoring us. You're the best carrier that I've had and seen."
Spike smirked, "Yeah, and we both love you for all you've done! Hope we weren't a burden."
Draco and Spike blushed a bit when Kiara put her servos and their shoulders and said, "You never were a burden. You were a blessing and I'm so proud that you are my sons. I love you too, boys. Know that forever, for as long as I live and beyond!"
Both hugged her again before moving beside her to say their goodbyes to the others.
NightHawk and Serpentine both had tear stains too though the former tried to hide it from view. But that didn't last long as she smiled happily as King Kronos kissed her helm and rubbed Serpentine's shoulder in a loving hug.
"I'm going to miss you two greatly. I wish this wasn't the way you had to experience Kanjis nor do I like seeing you come and go due to false wrongdoing," the King sighed. For a brief second, he opened a storage compartment in his chest and brought a type of pendant out, quickly peering side to side before handing it to Serpentine. "Take this. If ever you need me or your mother, press the middle until it flashes purple and we will come to you…under the Council's radar."
Serpentine stood there in shock, "You're defying your Council's orders? Won't they impeach you for this? I mean…and what is this anyway?"
Prometheus chuckled in his throat, "That is a beacon that is linked to me, Kiara, and the Royal Guards, no one else. It was originally designed as a beacon of distress. The Council may have ordered your banishment but technically that doesn't mean I can't help you if you need it. And no, I won't be impeached. Besides, it's a little hard to do that to you when everyone likes you. Citizen opinion matters more on this planet than the government's plans. A type of power most governments cannot fathom to let loose."
The reptilian-based femme noted the pendant has two dragons circling the middle button with Kanjis' symbol engraved on it. A frown formed on her face when NightHawk suddenly blurted out, "Cool!" Didn't seem to faze the King who retained another whole-hearted laugh.
"Thank you, father!" Serpentine held her tongue for a second in uncertainty, "It's alright if I call you father or dad, right?"
Kronos scoffed, "Of course it is. You girls are my daughters. You are a part of this family and I would have it no other way, no matter what anyone says. For the way I see it is I have you and they have nothing; they want to bitch and complain that's their problem."
Both girls high fived each other before running towards the Queen. They passed the boys who went to meet their father. Even a few bands of guards wished them luck as they loaded the last of the supplies onto the Phoenix Sitara.
The time finally came for all fifteen children to board the ship and take off. Phantasmos took to the helm as Captain since it was, after all, still his cruiser. Blossom, Firefox, and Serpentine waved through several windows at their parents who nodded in respect. Demon just scowled and headed to his room as the engines roared to life. Reluctantly, Phantasmos typed in unknown coordinates provided by his father into a console he created to interact with any Space Bridges nearby when he got close enough to them. As soon as they're off the planet, he was instructed to use the closest bridge to teleport out.
"How long has it been since you've navigated this ship?" Spirit grunted as he noticed everything looked practically installed a day prior, like new.
"About a few months but that's because it was being modified so I never got the chance to test out a few new items given to its system."
The black and yellow dragon narrowed his optics, "That scares me."
Phantasmos frowned as he prepared the intercom to speak throughout the ship, "We aren't going to crash and burn, asshole! I know what I'm doing more so than you! Ready to launch in ten nanoclicks. Nine…eight…seven…"
The vessel rumbled as its rear thrusters emitted a bluish-purple glow. King Kronos watched in the distance as the ship began to hover, its ground stands retreated into the ship's hull. As the Phoenix Sitara reached the best altitude to launch forward, The King could only bend his ears back in defeat. He prayed to Primus that no matter where they went, they would be safe from Tigressa and from all harm. He hoped fate would be graciously on their side with the years of banishment to come.
"Three…two…one!" With a flip of a switch and the pressing of two buttons, the ship charged forward. Its gravity shock absorbers made the jolt a slight nudge to its passengers. It shifted to its side to circle Gemelo, giving all aboard one last glance at their home before Phantasmos guided it towards the sky, exiting the atmosphere. Ahead, one Space Bridge lied with remnants of space algae known as Xephoa, a red illuminant plant that was not harmful to its hosts but made items often stand out among the endless frontier.
The Space Bridge usually was linked to an organic planet known as Vhoorl, a wonderful Energon reservoir often mined from time to time. The Phoenix Sitara approached the bridge as the coordinates placed beforehand transferred to the system controls and the frame of the bridge opened a brilliant green-blue with slight purple highlights.
This was it, no turning back now. Phantasmos rubbed the right temple of his helm as the ship passed through the portal to their unknown destination.
A Cybertronian guardsman screamed but silenced as her neck snapped in Tigressa's jaws. Her body was then thrown at several other peacekeepers as the techno-organic charged at them. Limbs and broken parts assumingly from pedes, frames, and helms scattered the floor with Energon dripping from ripped ends.
They had cornered her and frankly, she was enraged at this point in time. Not even Captain Silos needed to help her take care of the guards; he just stood on the side lines examining the details on a deceased hot rod-based guard he never bothered to find out the name of. As she tore up the last living officer, she spit the remains of what he guessed was once part of the mech's midriff.
Tigressa snarled but didn't take off running, "Did you spot any ship we could take or were you just lounging about enjoying the show?"
As Silos continued to examine the dead speedster guard, he pointed behind him while keeping his eyes down to the other side of a bypass freeway somewhat blocked due to construction. A ramp up to it was nearby but what lied above it was a simple cargo craft smaller than the one used to transport the Rift Ring off planet. Seems like it was delivering supplies to a bureau skyscraper...perfect!
"Check all alleyways! Our scout teams last reported here!"
The tiger-dragon hissed under her breath. It was time to get off this stupid planet and away from Megatronus' forces once and for all. She suddenly felt a hand grab her arm and turned to see the Captain a bit worried.
"For someone who hates losing without a proper fight, you aren't really going to let Megatronus get away with this, are you?" Silos droned, a hint of confusion lay bare upon his face.
She, for once, had no answer to that. Her optics narrowed at the direction of the officers navigating the labyrinth of side streets, soon to find their fallen comrades. Would she really let him get away with what he had done to her?
Instantly, she sprinted towards the cargo ship, briefly leaving a bewildered Silos behind as he turned to and from her and the approaching guards. She began to jog backwards with a malicious smile, "You coming or what?"
Captain Silos could tell she had a plan against Megatronus, a wicked net of the Pit lined up for the Prime. With that, his grin spread across his face like wild fire to a desert dry forest. He raced to catch up to the femme, laughing in glee as she roared as a predator would when facing an opponent. Although her opponent couldn't be there to witness the roar, she didn't plan on Megatronus seeing her at all until the final blow.
If he wanted to play dirty, fine…she could play too.
AN: Eh, not the best thing I've written nor the best chapter. I honestly couldn't go into full detail on Tigressa's part because I wanted to give Phantasmos and the others a bit more "screen time".