Beast Wars: Symmetries
Ragnarok
"No… the calibrations cannot be right," Megatron muttered to himself.
The tyrant pulled down on the lever to activate another control panel tied in to the protoform in the center of the room.
Time was running out for him. In the past few days, he had made a deal with the Devil in an attempt to gain more power. His plan backfired on him and due to that, he was on the run. He didn't know whether he feared Cheetor or Tigerhawk more. Chances were, if Tigerhawk caught up with him, the cosmic Transformer would not be so merciful.
But there was still a chance for him. He did have the supposedly immortal half-spark of Rampage with him. After he activated the protoform with the spark, he would have a powerful new warrior on his side to defend him. And as Cheetor's experiment demonstrated, the Transmetal driver was operational. When he was done with his new Transmetal Two servant, he would use the device on himself to gain power beyond imagining. From this abandoned military base in Qatar was where he hoped to complete his work.
Once his new Predacon servant was activated, Megatron would once again have the edge on his side.
"So this is where you've been hiding," a smooth voice behind him said. "Like the cowardly worm you are!"
"Tigerhawk!" Megatron gasped. "How did you find me?"
"I can trace Rampage's spark anywhere on the planet," Tigerhawk informed him. "Did you really believe you could truly hide from me with it in your possession?"
"No, please!" Megatron pleaded. "Stay back!"
Tigerhawk only floated towards Megatron at a menacing pace.
"Should've known your place," Windrazor leaned against the wall. "Then you wouldn't be in this position."
Abruptly, Megatron raised his cutlass but Tigerhawk was much faster. Two laser beams erupted from his eyes, catching Megatron in the chest and raising the Predacon into the air with supernatural grace.
In that moment, Megatron finally understood how Terrorsaur or Tarantulas must have felt whenever their attempts to betray him turned to failure. He was in their shoes now, playing the role of the archetypal Starscream. Due to his lust for power, he made an enormous gamble and he failed. Now he was paying the price.
Megatron howled in agony as crystals erupted from his body, encasing him in the gemstones.
Finally, after the cries of horror were over, a giant star-shaped crystal surrounded the now petrified body of the Predacon leader.
"He would make an excellent decoration, would he not?" Tigerhawk asked Windrazor.
"I agree," Windrazor nodded. "The solstice is also coming up soon. Shall we send invitations to the Maximals once more?"
"Yes we shall," Tigerhawk affirmed. "If our kind is to thrive, then we must be greater in number."
"I eagerly await this new Eden you have in store for us, my lord," Windrazor bowed.
"And you shall not be disappointed," Tigerhawk smiled. "That I promise you."
"They should be here any minute," Optimus looked at his chronal band.
"Was it a good idea not to tell Cheetor?" asked Rhinox. "He'd want to be a part of this."
Optimus sighed. "I know… but I want him to get his rest. I don't want to put him through anything more traumatic."
Optimus, along with his main crew sans Cheetor, stood outside the valley awaiting the arrival of Silverbolt and Inferno. The two Transformers had been called in to help with the situation involving Tigerhawk and the coming solstice.
"I agree with Optimus," Tigatron said. "It is important Cheetor recovers completely from his ordeal."
"We could use all the help we can get," admitted Airazor.
"Eh, 'dat's why we called in 'da ant and bird-dog," shrugged Rattrap.
"Yup, and speaking of which," Rhinox pointed to the sky.
Both Inferno and Silverbolt landed at the same time. Silverbolt transformed to robot mode but Inferno had no such need.
"Greetings friends," Silverbolt saluted. "It is an honor to work together with you once more."
"Feh," Inferno glanced at Optimus. "To think that I would be reduced to aiding a primate once more."
"You're no prize yourself," Optimus responded sarcastically.
"Say… what about Depth Charge?" asked Rhinox.
"I don't think we can ever persuade him," Tigatron shook his head.
"What do you mean?"
Depth Charge stepped out from behind a large boulder.
"Of course I'm in this with you," he told them matter-of-factly.
"Well," Optimus looked up at him. "We could use all the help we can get."
"Oh, I'll help you alright," Depth Charge crossed both arms, glancing over at Inferno and Silverbolt briefly.
He didn't know who those two were and frankly, he didn't care. All Depth Charge knew was that Rampage was still on the floating island somewhere. And he was going to be the one to destroy Protoform X no matter what. The other Maximals could either understand that and get with the program or just slag off.
"That's all of us," Optimus announced. "Now let's get going. We don't know when or where the floating island is going to strike."
"Um… Optimus," Rattrap pointed up.
From the night sky, a meteor sailed down at them. Before the Maximals knew it, it hit the ground, sending dirt flying into the air. All the Maximals, in curiosity, went over to the crater to see exactly what it was.
"Wait a minute," Rhinox looked at his scanner. "This thing doesn't have the density to be a meteor!"
An enormous arm broke out of the meteor. In mere seconds, an iridescent glow surrounded them, blinding them slightly.
In the air, hovered a Vok warrior holding his axe menacingly. They had encountered him before back when the Vok had invaded Earth.
"Greetings to you," Lagash bowed.
"So, let me get this straight," Optimus asked. "You've been sent by the Vok High Council to help us?"
"That is correct," Lagash replied.
"But I thought that the Vok would never interfere with Earth again," Rhinox pointed out.
"That is true," Lagash said. "But desperate situations require desperate measures."
"Which is why you're here," Tigatron finished. "The threat Tigerhawk presents is galactic as it is worldly."
"I've come to offer my assistance," Lagash told them as he got up. "In order to face the threat of Tigerhawk, we must be prepared."
"How will we do that?" asked Airazor. "With all due respect, Tigerhawk mopped the floor with us the last few times."
"I have been granted the powers of the Avatar," explained Lagash, revealing a red, pulsating core glowing in his chest. "The powers and experiences of all Vok warriors in the past are at my behest. My master Akkad granted it to me after the unanimous approval of our council. I am now the Grand Avatar of my people."
"Is 'dat some Vok version of 'da Matrix of Leadership?" asked Rattrap.
Optimus only shrugged.
"Now is the time," Lagash told the Maximals. "I will bestow upon you the power of the elements!"
"The what now?" Rhinox was puzzled.
"Do no fear," Lagash promised them. "You will only gain stronger, more durable robot forms to combat the forces of Tigerhawk's acolytes."
Depth Charge snorted. "I'll pass."
Lagash turned to Rhinox. "I realize in our last meeting, Akkad had not given you a new form. Perhaps you'd like—"
"No thanks," Rhinox said firmly. "I've learned to get along just fine without shiny new upgrades."
"Perhaps you two would like to receive the upgrades," Lagash offered to Tigatron and Airazor.
"Is there a way you could give us the power without turning us into Transmetals?" requested Tigatron. "Airazor and I have grown quite fond of our organic beast modes."
"I can," Lagash promised as he enveloped the two Maximals in a glow. "Henceforth, you, Tigatron, command the raging storm of blizzards while you, Airazor, hold mastery over the power of the nomadic wind!"
After it was over, both Tigatron and Airazor felt their own bodies oozing with power. Tigatron held out with one hand and allowed the energies to surround it. Taking careful aim, he unleashed a blue beam from his hands and froze a portion of the wall. Airazor flew up and created a miniature whirlwind which she promptly sent in the direction of a boulder, smashing it to pieces.
"Whoa, stripes and bird lady got some moves," commented Rattrap.
"Now that was cool!" Airazor smiled at Tigatron.
"As for you," Lagash turned to Inferno.
"Feh," Inferno grunted.
"Don't look so glum," Lagash told him. "You should be happy. Not many can claim to have defeated a Vok warrior singlehandedly."
Finally, Inferno allowed a toothy smile to appear on his face. "That's true."
Lagash held his hand out to bestow the new powers to Inferno.
"To you, I grant the raging torrents of fire," he said. "Use it well."
Without hesitation, Inferno turned to a patch of dirt and struck out both hands, allowing an enormous surge of flames to envelope the ground.
"So this is what true power feels like," Inferno grinned.
"As for you," Lagash said to Silverbolt. "I had considered granting you powers of the earth since Rhinox rejected the offer… but I have something else in store for you."
"I am open to anything," Silverbolt replied.
"To you I grant the spirit of the white light… with it, you shall never tire or fall in battle," Lagash bestowed the energy from his hand upon Silverbolt.
"Thank you," Silverbolt said graciously. "It is an honor to receive this gift. Rest assured, I will use it in the name of justice alone."
"That leaves only two more," Lagash looked around.
"I'm wit' DC," Rattrap shrugged. "I'll pass. Magical mumbo jumbo's never been my thing."
"Do you have any specific information on when the floating island will strike?" asked Optimus.
"Tomorrow is when we begin our journey," Lagash informed him. "The solstice will begin then, where Tigerhawk's ship will be at the height of its power."
All four of the Pali Mystics stood before the crystal chamber set aside for Tigerhawk's special prize. Before them was Megatron frozen solid in his crystal star. He was now part of the decorations.
"Splendid!" Frost crooned. "Megatron makes an excellent addition to our décor!"
"What can I say?" Golem shrugged. "I always knew it would come down to this."
"Megatron betraying us?" asked Tengu.
"What else?" Golem nodded. "We all saw it coming."
"True as that may be," Ifrit pointed out. "I wonder why the master did not immediately crush Megatron."
"Because that fool served his purpose," Tigerhawk suddenly announced behind them.
All four of the mystics gulped. Tigerhawk and Windrazor were behind them observing them methodically. None of them dared to speak unless spoken to first.
"Megatron has been most informative about each and every one of the Maximals," Tigerhawk told them. "He was useful in his own way."
"Speaking of which, the solstice is tomorrow," Windrazor reminded Tigerhawk. "Will you offer the Maximals one last chance?"
Tigerhawk's eyes narrowed.
"I will," he declared. "But all things come with a price. The Maximals must learn to let go of their worldly passions, including their sympathy for the primordial slime that inhabit this planet."
"If it pleases you, master," Ifrit said. "Let us join in your assault of this world."
"You will get that chance," Tigerhawk promised. "When the time comes, all life on earth will burn to make room for our master race."
None of the Paliyuga looked too pleased. They knew that the term "master race" was not used in reference to them. Rather, it was the Transformer race that Tigerhawk meant. Eons ago, they had been one of the supreme beings of the known galaxy. Now, they were mere servants and Tigerhawk did not seem to mind reminding them of that crucial fact.
"Perhaps when all is done, master," Tengu suggested. "Might you grant us our freedom?"
"Your… freedom?" Tigerhawk's eyes glowed malevolently.
"Yes, we have served you to the best of our abilities," Frost added.
Malignantly, Tigerhawk held out his hand and a blast of blue energy struck all four of the Mystics. As they cried out in pain, Tigerhawk savored the moment by sustaining his attack and increasing it.
Finally, all four Mystics fell down in agony.
"You serve me now," Tigerhawk reminded them. "Forget that fact at your own peril."
Tigerhawk flew up and left the crystal chamber without another word. Windrazor lingered there for a few seconds longer, the look of amusement evident on her face.
"Sorry guys," she reminded. "Rules are rules."
Then she too left. The Mystics of Pali said nothing but the lines that dotted their eyes did not hide the frustration and anger they felt.
The night had not gone any easier for the Maximals. After the sun had set, Optimus left the base to go out for a stroll.
Many things were going through his mind right now. The addition of one of the Vok in their struggle against Tigerhawk was a great asset. Now that Lagash was on their side, the tides seemed like they really could turn.
One thing still bothered him though. And that was why he was going to see to that problem tonight.
"Depth Charge," Optimus said as he neared the blue Maximal.
Depth Charge was at the front of the cave, sitting calmly against the wall. He had his gun held in both hands.
"You called," Depth Charge replied. It was not so much a question as it was an acknowledgment.
"Yes I did," Optimus said.
"Well whaddya want?" Depth Charge demanded.
"I want to know that you're with us," Optimus told him plainly. "I want you to tell me that you're not going to run off and abandon us again."
"You got nothing to worry about, Primal," Depth Charge got up. "I know what's at stake."
"Do you?" Optimus furrowed his eyes. "Last time you ran off to chase Rampage."
"You see what Tigerhawk did to me the last time?" Depth Charge looked down at Primal who was a few feet shorter. "I'm not taking this lightly."
"Let's hope you don't," Optimus sighed.
Tigatron and Airazor both stared up at the moon in amazement. Tomorrow was the big day and there was no telling what would happen. This night, they would try to make the best of the situation despite the tensions.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" Airazor asked.
"Yes it is," agreed Tigatron.
"It's something we really have to savor," Airazor sighed. "After tomorrow, we may see such a sight again."
"Everything will turn out alright," Tigatron said. "I am certain of it."
The two of them moved closer.
"Tomorrow it'll be determined," Airazor said with a hint of fear to her voice. "What Tigerhawk has in store for us all."
"Whatever it is, we'll find some way of stopping it," Tigatron promised her.
Finally, the moment came. Tigatron took Airazor's hand.
"We won't have to do it alone," Airazor promised him.
"No, we won't," Tigatron leaned in closer.
Before any further action could be taken on behalf of both Maximals, the silhouette of Lagash appeared before them both. Tigatron and Airazor both stopped and decided to put a hold on what they were about to do.
"Lagash," Tigatron looked up. Airazor blushed and moved away.
"I arrive with important news for you, Tigatron," Lagash told him.
"I assume it is about Tigerhawk?"
"Yes it is," Lagash confirmed.
Airazor looked at Tigatron with great concern. Whatever the Vok warrior had to say, it must be important.
"I am here to tell you about Tigerhawk's origins," Lagash said.
Both Tigatron and Airazor glanced at each other furtively.
"You have a right to know," Lagash continued. "Which is why I'm telling it to you now."
"I'm listening," Tigatron turned his full attention to what the Vok was about to say.
"Do you remember when you were on the Easter Islands in search of clues to ward off our invasion?" asked Lagash.
Tigatron nodded his head.
"My master performed a mind fusion with you," Lagash explained. "In the process something went horribly wrong."
"What is this?" Tigatron demanded, his eyes still glowing from the aural connection they shared.
"Wait… this was not supposed to have happened!" Akkad cried.
A black temporal rift was forming between the two of them, one that crackled with dangerous amounts of electricity. From that rift, a demonic skeletal face could be seen with an unending look of malice. More and more electrons gathered around the energy rift as Tigatron looked on helplessly. Finally, Akkad severed the psychic connection between himself and the Maximal, cutting off all the energy to the rift.
"Unwittingly, my master had awakened a part of Tigatron's psyche deep within his spark that had long stayed dormant," Lagash went on. "Most human psychologists call it the id."
"So that's how Tigerhawk was born," Airazor said silently.
"Soon the essence of Tigerhawk floated into the remote corners of the galaxy," Lagash's face darkened. "Containing both the combined memories of Tigerhawk and Akkad, he drew his powers from the darkness of space, in addition to the prodigious Vok powers he had siphoned off Akkad."
"So Tigerhawk is my son…" Tigatron said softly.
"Depends on how you look at it," Lagash told him. "He contains remnants of your memories and at least a fragment of your spark."
"Do you also know why he's here?" asked Airazor. It was the question she had been meaning to ask for quite a while.
"Because he also contains memories of the Vok," Lagash admitted. "Which is why he is here to cleanse Earth of human life and re-create it in his image."
"What more do you know of his goals?" Tigatron inquired.
"In wiping out the human race, he hopes to make Earth a new homeworld for Transformers," Lagash replied ominously. "It is his grand desire."
"Is it possible to stop him given his power?" Tigatron asked uncertainly.
"We shall see," Lagash closed his eyes. "We shall see."
Morning came. The first order of business was devising a battle strategy. The Maximals, plus Inferno were gathered there in a circle around the rocks in the valley. Optimus and Lagash stood at the center to explain the details.
Each and every one of them was prepared for what was to come. Depth Charge himself had sworn inwardly that he would, for this time, focus solely on the mission.
"The floating island is divided into two sections, the citadel and the obelisk," Optimus showed a map of the island.
"The citadel is what we must focus on," Lagash continued where Optimus Primal left off. "Four crystal diadems are contained on four sides of the dome structure."
"What about the Mystics?" asked Optimus. "They'll be there as part of Tigerhawk's squadron."
"We will take care of them!" Inferno raised a fist, channeling a whirlwind of flames around him.
"Yes, you may count on our services, sir!" pledged Silverbolt.
"Rattrap, Rhinox," Optimus requested. "Can I count on you two to take out the engines to the ship in the obelisk?"
"Gotcha," noted Rattrap. Rhinox nodded in affirmation.
"Lagash and I will confront Tigerhawk and Windrazor," Optimus vowed.
"And what about me?" asked Depth Charge.
"Depth Charge," Optimus stared at the sometimes disobedient Maximal. "Can I trust you to destroy the crystal diadems on the dome?"
"You got it," Depth Charge gave a quick nod.
"Good, anything else we should cover?"
"Nope, you covered everything, boss monkey," Rattrap reminded.
"Lagash, shall we set off now?" asked Optimus.
"Yes, but first we'll need transportation."
After saying that, Lagash raised his hand and a large ship materialized from thin air. Apparently, Vok technology was far more advanced then even Cybertronian technology, being able to avoid detection by most of the Maximal sensors.
"Sweet ride," Rattrap whistled.
"Come," Lagash gestured. "We've got a battle to finish."
Floating above the dome was Tigerhawk, Windrazor, and their acolytes. The dawning of a new era for them was here and they were going to see it through.
The island was held aloft in the air firmly as it sailed over the Pacific Ocean. Its weapons were poised to rain death and destruction on civilization. The Mystics in particular were craving the massacre that was soon to come.
"Today is the day, my brothers!" Ifrit held his staff up high. "A new day has begun!"
"All hail Lord Tigerhawk!" Frost declared.
Tigerhawk raised a hand in gesture. In an instant, the obelisk glowed with a bright yellow tinge as it hummed violently to life.
"Let there be light!" Windrazor's body began surging with green electricity.
The clouds above began to gather around the island in a whirling formation. Then the island moved forward towards the North American continent. It would be Tigerhawk's first destination to complete his mission. And he planned to leave it a barren wasteland after he was finished.
Soon, the other continents would follow and he, Tigerhawk, would establish the supremacy of his kind over this planet.
"We have company," Windrazor turned and pointed to the sky.
Tigerhawk narrowed his optics. In the distance were the Maximals on some sort of alien vessel and next to them was a Vok warrior of some kind. Cheetor was nowhere to be found and there was one Transformer he hadn't seen before. He had the wings of an eagle and what appeared to be the features of a canine.
Frowning deeply, Tigerhawk clenched his fist. He hadn't counted on the Maximals bringing extra help.
"What shall we do?" asked Golem.
"Go into defensive positions," ordered Tigerhawk.
The four Mystics obeyed and flew off.
"Shall we?" asked Windrazor. Tigerhawk smiled in agreement.
Together, the two of them cupped their hands together and unleashed a massive green blast towards the Maximals and their Vok ally. Fortunately for them, Lagash saw it coming and created an energy barrier to surround them all. The blast struck the shield and bounced into the sky.
On the ground, the four Mystics stood their ground defiantly. Due to his extrasensory perceptions, Lagash sensed where they were. He was the first to reach the ground and greet them.
With one swing of his battle axe, Lagash sent a powerful wave of energy forward that struck all four Mystics and knocked them down.
After the initial shock wore off, the Mystics of Pali got up once again.
This time, they were met with a surprise. Tigatron leaped off the vessel and fired a blue beam towards the ground that froze their feet where they stood. Airazor was the second to follow up with the attack, spinning around and transforming her body into a cyclone. She dived down and drilled into the ground in the center of them, creating a powerful gust of wind that threw them all back.
Ifrit got up. "How is it possible that you—"
He never got to finish what he was saying. From behind him, a ball of fire hit his back and dropped him like a fly.
"Burn in the fires of the Inferno!" Inferno shouted.
"We'll keep them busy!" Tigatron promised Lagash and Optimus. "You and the others stop Tigerhawk!"
Taking heed of that, Depth Charge, Optimus, and Lagash flew off towards the dome while Rattrap and Rhinox ran towards the obelisk on the other side of the island.
Ifrit got up and fired a blast back to counter Inferno. Their flames met and seemed evenly matched for that instance. Tigatron quickly fired a freezing blast that solidified Ifrit's hands together in ice. Before Ifrit could get himself loose of his encased hands, Inferno fired another deadly blast, this time consuming Ifrit in the gaping maws of a flaming dragon.
Golem slammed his fist into the ground, sending a wave of jagged rock formations speeding towards Silverbolt. The noble Maximal surrounded himself with a white light and quickly dissipated the attack with his energy.
Taking advantage of his new powers, Silverbolt raised a hand and threw a ball of energy at Golem, Frost, and Tengu, scattering them.
"So, we finally meet," Tigerhawk floated in front of Optimus, Depth Charge, and Lagash, blocking their way. "I take it you Maximals decided not to join me?"
"By the power of the Vok, I will put an end to your madness!" promised Lagash.
"Two Maximals and a Vok parasite," Tigerhawk stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Just when I thought this day couldn't get more anti-climactic."
Lagash raised his battle axe and before Tigerhawk could even see him, disappeared from plain sight. A searing pain to his side soon alerted him. Lagash slashed Tigerhawk across his waist and came back again, cutting open a portion of his arm. Tigerhawk fired in rage but Lagash avoided that again and slammed the blunt end of his pike into Tigerhawk's chin.
"Go!" Lagash told Depth Charge. "Destroy the crystal diadems that power the island's weapon!"
Depth Charge transformed to beast mode and flew off towards the dome. This left Optimus and Lagash with Tigerhawk.
"You actually managed to injure me," Tigerhawk hissed. Optimus charged his mace and attacked but Tigerhawk merely backhanded him away.
Lagash held his outstretched arms out. A golden hue surrounded his body altering his body into that of a bear. Tigerhawk responded by transforming to beast mode and tackling Lagash.
The two beasts struggled briefly in the ground. Tigerhawk lashed out with his paw and raked Lagash across the face. Lagash returned the favor with a jaw-crunching strike across Tigerhawk's face and then hit a devastating blow that drove Tigerhawk's forehead into the ground.
Tigerhawk rose uneasily. By the time he was aware of his surroundings, a giant leviathan had wrapped itself around him. Tigerhawk howled as the giant serpent squeezed his body even harder. It opened its jaws agape and bit down on Tigerhawk's shoulder, sending his entire body into pain that he had never experienced before.
Lagash unwound Tigerhawk's body and threw him into a boulder with one swing of his tail. He transformed back to normal and held his pike in one hand.
As the dome hummed ominously, Depth Charge landed on the very top. Surrounding the dome were the crystal diadems engraved on all four sides.
He had never been the kind of 'bot for small talk. Depth Charge was always the type to get the job done, no matter how unsavory or mundane. Right now, he had a responsibility. The four crystals which powered the weapon needed to be destroyed.
Right away, he set to work. He raised his gun and fired the first shot, blowing the first crystal to pieces. Soon enough, the second and third diadems followed. Depth Charge made his final turn towards the final crystal diadem. Destroy that and nearly half the mission would be complete. Unfortunately for him, he would be occupied with something new.
A blast of emerald flames raced towards him at white hot intensity, exploding on contact. But Depth Charge was fortunate, however, to have raised his wing shield up at the right moment.
Windrazor flew down from the air and kicked Depth Charge square in the chest. The impact sent the blue Maximal skidding across the floor. Seeing her opportunity, Windrazor raised her sword and leaped up, coming down with the aim of impaling the former Omicron security chief where he lay.
Depth Charge reacted just as fast and slammed his boot into Windrazor's solar plexus to knock her back.
As expected, Windrazor got up. She was not the kind of femme-bot who would be taken out by a single blow.
"The floating island will accomplish its mission," Windrazor warned the large Maximal. "And neither you nor your little friends can stop it!"
"Lady," Depth Charge stretched out his hand and gestured for Windrazor to attack. "Just bring it."
"Alright, 'dis is it!" Rattrap stepped inside the crystal chamber of the obelisk.
Towards the middle of the room was the power cell held in a giant pillar. It was the engine that powered the entire floating island. Before they arrived, Lagash and Optimus had briefed them on that.
In the back entrance of the room they saw Megatron encased in a giant star-shaped crystal. The look of horror was strewn across his face and the two Maximals could only guess what his final moments were.
"Our job's simple enough," Rhinox looked at Rattrap.
"Gotcha," Rattrap opened his arm-band to reveal two detonators he had prepared for this trip.
They took one step closer but a dark outline from behind the pillar made them stop on their tracks.
"Hello Maximals," Rampage growled.
"Aw man," Rattrap groaned. "And I thought 'dis couldn't get any worse!"
"Surrender Tigerhawk," Lagash warned. "Or by the Hand of Akkad, I will bring judgment upon you as the Avatar of the Vok!"
"You presume… to judge me?" Tigerhawk's eyes glowed fiercely.
Tigerhawk screamed inhumanly. Optimus looked all around him. Electrons in the air were bending themselves towards Tigerhawk's aura. Finally, Tigerhawk unleashed a shockwave that knocked him back.
Lagash, on the other hand, held his ground, though he was pushed back more and more. He dug his feet into the dirt and held his axe defensively.
With a roar, Tigerhawk charged. His fist slammed into Lagash before the Vok Avatar could react properly. Sailing across the air, Lagash smashed into one of the boulders nearby.
Lagash quickly leaped up to avoid a blast of green flames from Tigerhawk's palm and spun his pike in a circle to deflect some of the other fire. He sailed out of the way but did not move fast enough as a pillar of earth slammed into his chest and knocked him down yet again. As he got up, vines arose from the ground and gripped him tightly, lifting him into the air.
Try as he might, Lagash could not break out. Tigerhawk shot another stream of green flames, this time engulfing the Vok. He held the blast for several minutes before relenting. When it was over, the charred body of Lagash fell to the ground.
"Neither you nor your masters can stop me," Tigerhawk bared his fangs.
"Hah hah hah…" Lagash slowly began to laugh.
"You laugh in the face of certain doom?" asked Tigerhawk.
"I'm laughing with you," Lagash closed his eyes as his chest center glowed red.
From the skies, a colossal thunderbolt came down and struck Tigerhawk. When the smoke cleared, Lagash got up and walked over to the crater. Tigerhawk's body was covered in dirt but he was still recognizable despite the tremendous damage he had taken.
"Is it over?" Optimus went over to Lagash's side.
Then a dim glow hummed to life in Tigerhawk's optics. Lagash felt the elements being channeled through the air to help the demonic Transformer's recovery.
"Not by a long shot," he replied to the Maximal leader.
Quickly, he telekinetically lifted Optimus up and pushed him far away from the scene. Tigerhawk burst from the rubble of the crater and held his hands in the air, summoning four simultaneous energy blasts from the ground that surrounded them both. Lagash tried to move out of the way but an energy blast from Tigerhawk's mouth struck him and froze him in place mid-air.
"N-Naagh!" struggled Lagash.
Tigerhawk channeled the energy of the floating island and focused the four beams to move in a spiral around them as they closed in. Finally, they met at the center where Lagash was and covered him entirely, engulfing him in a searing inferno.
"Aaaaaaahhhhhh!" Lagash screamed.
Depth Charge and Windrazor unsheathed both their swords and attack. Their blades crossed again and again. Windrazor backed away and allowed the blue Maximal to make the next move which he did.
Without restraint, Depth Charge swung but Windrazor ducked and sweep-kicked him, knocking Depth Charge on his back. Seeing her opportunity, Windrazor raised her sword and brought it down, looking to behead him with a single blow. Reacting instantly, Depth Charge blocked the strike with his own weapon. Frustrated, Windrazor pressed down with her sword until its blade was nearly touching Depth Charge's neck. With an extra burst of strength, Depth Charge managed to push the sword off with his own blade and leap back on his feet.
Windrazor reacted by blasting at him with a fireball. Depth Charge deflected it with his wing but Windrazor was not finished. She spun around and pointed both fingers together, unleashing her most powerful blast of emerald lightning yet. The blast caught Depth Charge by his wing and forced him to the ledge. Finally, the lightning stopped. Thankfully, Windrazor's powers weren't as powerful as Tigerhawk's, otherwise he, Depth Charge, would be done for.
Still, she had done her fair share of damage, noted Depth Charge as he gazed at his wing briefly.
To his surprise, the dome on top of the building rose into the air. Hadn't he destroyed three of the four diadems already? How was that thing still able to operate?
Another blast this time struck the ledge and knocked Depth Charge off the building. As he fell, he gathered enough energy in his chest plate before stomping his feet on top of the vertically lined wall and unleashed his own blast. He backflipped over and launched himself into the air with his jet boosters.
Windrazor peered over the ledge of the building but unfortunately for her, the energy disc from Depth Charge exploded on contact with the ledge, throwing her back. She managed to flip over and land on her feet gratefully just as Depth Charge flew into the air and hurled his tail spear at her like a javelin. Moving with grace and precision, Windrazor moved aside as the spear sailed past her.
"You missed!" she shouted.
"Did I?" Depth Charge shouted. "Look again!"
Windrazor turned around. The spear had not been intended for her all along. Embedded into the crystal chamber was the spear with fragments of the final crystal diadem laying all across the floor.
The dome that hovered above came crashing down just as Depth Charge flew away. By the time she had turned around, the dome made contact with the building, slamming into it violently with a violent shockwave of energy that struck Windrazor and sent her body flying to the ground. Before she even reached the floor, she was already in stasis lock.
"Oh boy, this ain't getting' any easier," Rattrap stepped back from the behemoth.
"You want to destroy this floating island?" Rampage gestured with both hands. "Be my guest."
"You aren't trying to pool the wool over our eyes, are you?" demanded Rhinox.
"Under normal circumstances, I'd pull your hide over your eyes," Rampage said sadistically towards Rhinox. "But this time is different."
To show that he was serious, Rampage stepped away and vanished into the shadows. He cared nothing for the Maximals but this time was different. He acted only out of passive aggressiveness in defiance of Tigerhawk. Even if it meant sparing these pathetic Maximals, he'd gladly do nothing if it meant ruining Tigerhawk's best-laid plans.
Once Rampage was gone, Rattrap and Rhinox only blinked.
"Well, that was interesting," remarked Rhinox. "Anyways, let's get to work."
"Right ahead of ya, big guy," Rattrap took out his explosives.
After the charges were set, the two of them left the building. Just outside, they met the rest of their comrades just in the remaining seconds of their battle with the Mystics.
Combining their attacks at once, Airazor, Inferno, Tigatron, and Silverbolt blasted the Mystics with simultaneous energy attacks, striking them down at once. As the four Mystics fell in defeat, Rattrap and Rhinox ran up.
"All finished up?" asked Rhinox.
"As a matter of fact, we are!" Silverbolt beamed.
Rattrap pressed down on the remote he had. From within the obelisk, the bombs went off, consuming the entire structure in a massive explosion.
It was then that the bright aura surrounding the bodies of the four mystically-enhanced Maximals began fading away.
"Whoa, what's goin' on?" Rattrap asked.
"It's Lagash…" Tigatron held his head. "He is fading…"
"I feel it too!" Airazor said.
"Stand back!" Optimus trained his gun on Tigerhawk as he stood in front of Lagash's fallen form. "I won't let you hurt him!"
"You'll fall back if you wish to live," warned Tigerhawk.
A large cloud storm was forming in the distance from where the dome building had been completely devastated. It was headed towards them right now from afar.
"Optimus… no!" Lagash cried. He got up and charged. Mercilessly, Tigerhawk drove his fist into Lagash's stomach, forcing him back.
Soon, the other Maximals arrived, training their weapons on Tigerhawk. As they did, the island lurched sideways. The destruction of the main engines had ensured that it would not be able to fly for much longer. From beneath the floating island, a small volcanic island in the pacific lay peacefully. At the very edge of the floating structure, Megatron slid down further and further until it fell off the ledge.
Plummeting downward, Megatron in his crystallized form plunged into the molten hot lava. Briefly, the head surfaced but soon, Megatron sank into the burning lava once more. The last that was seen was the look of utter horror on his frozen face as the crystal sank underneath for good this time.
With the last of his powers, Lagash summoned the space vehicle he had waiting on the sidelines and brought it over telepathically. He gestured with one hand and telekinetically scooped up all the Maximals, placing them inside the vessel. Moving frantically, he raised both hands and sent the ship into the air as far away from the floating island as he could.
He turned back to Tigerhawk.
"You will pay for this!" Tigerhawk vowed. "You destroyed the utopia I wished to build!"
Lagash felt the powers of the Vok Avatar leaving him as his body grew weaker and weaker. He had done his best but in the end, he had been no match for Tigerhawk. Still, he had no regrets.
Almost passively, he sat down, crossing his legs. He closed his eyes stoically and waited. Tigerhawk formed an energy blade in his hands and swung it down just as the dust storm from the dome's destruction covered the two of them completely.
Finally, the floating island's downward descent was brought to a conclusion as it crashed into the waves.
The funeral for Lagash was straightforward. On the beach was a simple gravestone for the fallen warrior and all the Maximals were there, including Inferno.
"We didn't get to know him for long," Optimus said softly. "But he was a great warrior… and he deserves our respect."
Most of the Maximals bowed their heads in sorrow. In sadness, Airazor gripped Tigatron's hand.
"Let us remember his sacrifice," pledge Optimus. "If not for him, we may not be standing here today."
Finally, Inferno got up and walked away with a scowl on his face. He walked a short distance before reaching the beach. He looked towards the horizon, contemplating Lagash's sacrifice.
The Vok had been a warrior and he sacrificed himself for a greater purpose. There was nothing more to be said, in Inferno's mind.
Still, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of an emotion alien to his system. Though unfamiliar to him, it added a heavy burden to his spark. Sadness was what it was, unbeknownst to Inferno.
Finally, he turned away and fired up his rotors, flying back towards the distance that led back to the Colony.
Towards the faraway waves, a green light glowed steadily from beneath the sea.
Author's Note: Yes, both Noble and Lagash are dead. That's two violent deaths in a row. And before that, Cheetor's mind was shattered as he experienced what suffering really was for the first time under Megatron. This Tigerhawk story arc is turning out to be my darkest storyline for Symmetries yet. Also, this chapter had a little nod to Avatar: The Last Airbender with Lagash becoming the Avatar of the Vok and granting Tigatron, Airazor, Inferno, and Silverbolt control over the elements. I was partially influenced by that show when I created the Mystics of Pali with them having control of fire, earth, wind, and water/ice. They were also partially influenced by the Foot Mystics in the new TMNT series who were heralds of the Demon Shredder. Except instead of four, they had five elementals, one of which was metal. Anyways, hope you had fun reading this and please R&R.
Peace out.