Transformers Robots in Disguise (RID): Rise of Devil Z
Created by: ShadowHawk
Written by: Marik7410

Chapter 37

Chase into Space: Shadow Queen

On an island south of Haiti, Omega Prime descended on the tiny island with nothing but sand and trees. On the sand, rest Wilson as he slept in the rays of the sun. "Ahem," Omega Prime said.

Wilson was startled as he took a deep breath through his nose as he woke up. He looked around as he searched for the one who woke him. He spotted Omega Prime and looked at him with tired eyes. "Who are you again?" he asked.

Omega Prime simply sighed. "Where's T-Ai?" he asked.

"I don't know," Wilson answered. "I think she's in the waters."

"Doing what?"

"That's the thing, I don't know."

"You were supposes to keep an eye on her."

"I'm not her keeper," Wilson huffed. "Now if you excuse me, I'm going back to sleep."

"Fine, be that way," Omega Prime surrendered. "When she resurfaces, tell her we're leaving tomorrow afternoon."

Jets fired as Omega Prime left the island. Wilson was left in disbelief. "Just two days ago, we found their ship and now they are leaving," Wilson said to himself. "What's even worse, I haven't talk to T-Ai about this trip."

Wilson frowned for a bit before getting up. He stretched his tired body and walked into the cool waters. "If it wasn't for T-Ai, I don't think I'll be walking so soon," he smiled.

Wilson got neck deep in water as he waited. Brunette hair breached the water as a pair of lavender eyes looked at Wilson. T-Ai blew a few bubbles to tick Wilson off. Wilson raised an eyebrow in confusion. Finally T-Ai decided to poke her head out of the water. "What?" she asked.

"Omega Prime was just here," Wilson said. "He had a message for you."

"And the message is?" T-Ai wondered.

"They'll be leaving in 24 hours."

"Really? I didn't expect the repairs to be so swift. It won't be long before I return home."

"That's what I want to talk to you about."

"Humph! I knew something was up otherwise you wouldn't come to the waters. What's on your mind?"

"I want to go with you, go to Cybertron."

"Out of question," T-Ai brushed off.

"T-Ai, I'm not asking for your permission, I'm telling you I'm going to Cybertron with you."

"Again, no." T-Ai started swimming to the shore. Wilson was frustrated not only T-Ai ignored her but he wasn't a strong swimmer to catch up to her. So he did his best to get to shore. When he got to the shore, he walked on the sand tired and out of breath. Wilson saw T-Ai basking in his chair in a pink bikini. "Took you long enough," T-Ai teased. "For a moment, I was about to go to sleep."

"Real funny," Wilson pouted. "But the conversation isn't over yet."

"Yes it is," T-Ai said. "You're not going and that's final."

"After all I did to contribute to the Autobots means nothing to you?"

"It means a lot. I agree that you did break the Decepticon-Human relationship, you repaired Arcee's left arm and found her when she was captured, you managed to locate me and come to my rescue when Scourge attacked plus you did many things. But the one thing I know we are forever indebted to is unearthing our ship and teleporting it to Fortress Maximus. At our current condition, we'll be halfway transporting the ship in segments."

"So I am an asset to the team."

"You are but in space, you're a liability. Earth is all you know and nothing else. You don't know the dangers that are out there in space including Cybertron. That's why I can't risk losing another friend."

Wilson had a seldom face as he saw T-Ai shedding tears. "I know that," Wilson said. "That's why I am willing to listen to you until I get back home."

"You'll actually listen to me?" T-Ai said.

"Yeah," Wilson nodded.

"I'll see what I can do but tell me this," T-Ai wondered. "Why tag along? Why risk your life to go to space?"

"For a promise I made to a certain someone not too long ago," Wilson smiled. "Remember?"

T-Ai started to think back and saw what Wilson meant.

"I can't remember two years of my life and during that time I was in love with someone and I lost her. All I can say is man up. Koji won't be found looking at your feet. You have to do something."

"Then do me this one request," T-Ai said. "Get him out. You have connections with ADA. Find out what she's planning to do and bust him out. Do this and I'll forgive you for trying to kill me."

"Sorry," Wilson said. "I don't work that way. What she's asking is too much. I'm not accepting her offer but I'm not saying no either. I'll try." Wilson picked up T-Ai's chin as T-Ai looked Wilson in the eyes. With sincere eyes and a smile on his face, he said, "Besides, he's my friend too."

T-Ai had a smile on her face as she looked at Wilson. "You're a good friend," she said. "Any girl will be lucky to have you. I'm willing to bet that your girlfriend loved you unconditionally." Then T-Ai stood up and wrapped her arms around Wilson's arm. "But since she's not here right now, I have you all to myself," she smiled.

"Not working," Wilson said.

T-Ai frowned as she headed back to the waters. "So sexy and yet she's willing to leave Koji for me," Wilson said to himself. "Why am I being punished or rewarded? I don't know. I just hope that I never regain my memories and Koji can't be saved. What am I thinking? I'm using my head but it's not the one I want to use." Wilson thought about it then laughed. "Hiyo!" he chuckled. "Man, I'm a regular comedian."

Hydra Cannon

The ship dropped out of warp as it orbited an M-Class planet. Though the planet is known to have life, the atmosphere appears unlivable. Clouds and gases cover the surface of the planet leaving the imagination to the travelers.

Onboard, Sky-Byte walked the halls of the ship to a particular cabin. He stopped in front of a door and signaled his request for entrance. The door cracked open as Motormaster stood at the entrance. "What do you want?" he asked.

"I'm here to see Shadow Striker," Sky-Byte answered. "I have a message to deliver."

"Well, she's not able at the moment, but I can take the message for her," Motormaster said.

Sky-Byte tries to peer into the dark room to locate Shadow Striker. "Just tell her that we've arrived and awaiting further orders," Sky-Byte said.

"I make sure she gets it," Motormaster said. The door was about to close when a hand stopped its path. Motormaster looked back as he was surprised. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"My job," Shadow Striker said. She opened the door as she stepped out of the room. "Lord Scrash placed me in charge of the ship and I'm not to disappoint him." Motormaster narrowed his optics. "Sky-Byte, go get Scourge, Mega-Octane and three of the strongest drones we have. Must sure the drones have trucks as their alt forms. Motormaster, meet me in Shuttle Bay one."

"Why?" Motormaster wondered.

"We're going shopping," Shadow Striker smiled.

Earth

Wilson sat on the sands of a tiny island south of Haiti. His legs were shaking and it wasn't because he wanted to use the bathroom, it was a nervous tick. He hate being bored especially sitting around and doing nothing. "T-Ai!" he called.

T-Ai resurfaced and looked at her friend. "What?" she answered.

"Come here."

"No."

"Come here."

"The last time you said that, I got an unwelcoming surprise."

"How am I supposed to know that the cat was going to attack you?"

"It wasn't funny," T-Ai pouted.

"Trust me, no cats," Wilson said. T-Ai narrowed her eyes as she swam to shore. "What's up?" she said.

"Remember I said that I'll spend the whole day with you just the two of us?"

"Of course and I'm loving every minute of it."

"Are you?"

"Of course," T-Ai said. "As long I'm spending time with you, I'm happy."

Wilson shrugged and let out a sigh. "Anyway, let me spoil you today before you leave," Wilson offered.

"What kind of 'spoiling'?" T-Ai wondered.

"A full day in a spa," Wilson said. "You will be taken care of from head-to-toe."

"Mud bath and everything?"

"Just like the ones on TV."

"YAY!" T-Ai cheered. "Love you."

"You're saying that because I'm paying for it."

"My point exactly."

"I got to stop spoiling you," Wilson grumbled.

T-Ai stuck out her tongue as she went to change.

Space

In Shuttle Bay one, Shadow Striker and Motormaster were waiting for their away team. The door opened as Scourge, Mega-Octane and the three drones arrived. "What's the meaning of this?" Scourge fumed.

"I can't ask my strong men to help me shopping?" Shadow Striker asked sweetly.

"Pah!" Scourge huffed.

The door opened as Devil Z walked in. "My lord," Scourge bowed. "What brings you here?"

"Shadow Striker, what are you doing?" Devil Z asked. "Didn't I tell you that you're in charge of the ship?"

"You did but I'm needed on the planet in order to get the items needed," Shadow Striker answered. "Unless you want to join, I suggest you stay."

"Why?"

"See, this planet has no name," Shadow Striker explained.

"Impossible," Mega-Octane said. "Every planet in the universe has a name."

"Not this one because it doesn't exist," Shadow Striker smiled.

"What you say is unnatural. How can a planet be nonexistence if it's here?" Motormaster asked.

"If you don't believe me, then follow me," Shadow Striker invited. "But only come if you have a strong will."

The shuttle bay door opened as Shadow Striker jumped from the ship along with the drones. Motormaster looked at the planet below and sneered. "I don't know about you but I'm going," he said and jumped.

"The nerves of her…" Scourge growled and jumped. Mega-Octane, following his leader, jumped as well.

Devil Z looked at the planet below and watched the clouds and gas float by. He tries to look pass the atmosphere but he couldn't. "If I'm not heard in 60 minutes, send the shuttle down for pickup," Devil Z ordered.

"Yes sir," a drone saluted.

Devil Z walked off the ship and entered a nose dive. With the ship in low orbit, Devil Z was expecting an entry burn. But there was no burn at all. "This atmosphere, it's nonexistence but yet it's here," he thought to himself.

Devil Z dropped through the clouds and gases. He scanned ahead for land but there was nothing there at all. Fearing the worse, Devil Z decided to turn back. Once he cleared the clouds and gases, Devil Z saw a large vortex hidden underneath. Devil Z maxed out his jets but the vortex pulled him in. Devil Z entered the vortex as he continues to plummet. As he falls, he held screams coming from all directions. Then he was struck in the shoulder. He was hit again in the chest. Devil Z switched his optics to night vision and saw apparitions coming towards him. Each one struck his body, stripping away his armoring. Devil Z started attacking but since his enemies are ghost, it was no use. Then he saw a light at the end, Devil Z was thrilled to the end so he streamlined his body for more speed. His increased speed made the ghosts concerned so they attacked him harder than before. The ongoing assault had stripped away Devil Z's armor and now he was losing consciousness. "Just a little more," he strained.

Devil Z reached the end and saw nothing but white light before he passed out.

Earth

On the beach of Lanai, Hawaii, Talon was training to keep his body in shape. He wore weighted wrist band and ankle bands to challenge his potential. He was jogging across the sand as he threw punches and kicks into the air. There was no particular reason why he was doing it but he just did.

Talon came to a stop to rest as he stretched his muscles. "What is it this time?" Talon asked.

"Geez, I can't come and say hi," Wilson said.

"Whenever you show up by yourself, trouble follows. Besides isn't T-Ai supposed to be you right now?"

"She's too busy relaxing herself to be bothered," Wilson said. "Anyways, I need to talk to you personally."

"What for?" Talon wondered.

"About the Earth's future," Wilson said. Talon saw that Wilson was getting serious on the topic.

"What about it?" Talon asked.

"I'm going to leave it in your care from now on," Wilson said.

"WHAT?" Talon exclaimed.

Space

Devil Z let out a groan as he came to. He opened his eyes and saw a blurred vision of ground and people around him. The vision cleared up as he saw organic life forms around him. Seven in total, the life forms were tall and gray. With no trace of hair on their body, the life forms were identical. The only variation is their facial structure and body shape. Devil Z quickly stood up and saw that he was even in height with the life forms. "Whoever you are, leave from my sights," Devil Z threatened. He held out his arm and saw that his armoring was gone. He was just like them. "What the…"

"Relax," one of the life forms spoke. "You're not dead."

"Shadow Striker?" Devil Z said.

"This is a dimensional plane," Shadow Striker explained. "In here, everyone looks the same."

"What about my body?"

"It's up there," Shadow Striker pointed. Everyone looked up and saw a vortex in the sky. "The vortex is the only entrance and exit. In there, is a band of lost souls whose will wasn't strong enough for the journey through. As a result, they lost their body in the vortex and forever trapped until they gather enough life force to break free."

"And where do they get it from?" Scourge wondered.

"Whoever passes through," Shadow Striker said. "Their tactics is quite clever. They scare their victims and forcing them to doubt their decision thus getting trapped in the vortex."

One of the local was walking by when he saw the new visitors. He studied each of the visitors carefully until he locked eyes with Shadow Striker. "RUN!" he shouted. "The Shadow Queen is back!"

The public went into a panic as everyone left the area. "Shadow Queen?" Motormaster questioned then looked at Shadow Striker.

"Ignore them," Shadow Striker said. "Come on."

Shadow Striker led the group down the local streets to a nearby trade market. All the vendors immediately closed up shop when Shadow Striker walked by. "My lord, I have a feeling that it's not us they fear but her," Scourge whispered.

"And the fact that she's chose this planet concerns me greatly," Devil Z said.

One of the vendors saw a group of patrons approaching. He was about to turn on his charm when he saw a familiar face. "Oh hell naw!" he said and lowered the gate.

There was a knock on the gate. "Yes?" he answered in a falsetto voice.

"I'm looking for some parts for my ship," Devil Z said. "I heard that you have one of the best parts around and I'm willing to pay good money."

The vendor raised his gate and to his shock, Shadow Striker was there. The vendor sneered in anger. "You tricked me again," he steamed.

"Sorry sweetie but you know I love you," Shadow Striker smiled.

"Those cold ruby red eyes have forever haunts me to this day," the vendor said.

"Come on Stan, am I that intimidating?"

"What do you want?" Stan huffed.

"I'm looking for a warp core for a battle ship," Shadow Striker replied.

"What ship in particular?"

"The Hydra Cannon."

"It's been launched?" Stan asked.

"It has and the captain is none other than Lord Scrash himself, Lord of all Decepticons," Shadow Striker introduced.

Stan studied and cracked a smile. "He doesn't look so tough but then again, the vortex the wench created strips everyone of their identity," Stan said. "Even I don't even remember what I look like."

"You wreck havoc here?" Devil Z said.

"And what if I did?" Shadow Striker wondered.

"I'm interested in how it happened."

"It's pretty much simple."

"No it isn't," Stan snipped. "I was here trying to sell some high-end products on this planet. Business was great until she and her crew landed on the planet. It wasn't long before they were mining the planet of its energon. The amount of energon that was on this planet was tremendous. They didn't have to dig deep to find energon. There were ships leaving from this planet each day, filled with harvested energon. And since it was a Decepticon who found it, she sold it in the Black Market for a quick buck."

"So it was you who aided in the Energon Black Market," Devil Z said.

"It was profitable business," Shadow Striker commented.

"Little did she know, the nonstop harvesting was weakening the planet greatly," Stan continued. "It wasn't long before the core of the planet started to collapse. Fearing that her merchandise was going to be lost to the cosmos, she injected the core with her own spark energy in return creating a dimensional void. The planet was sucked into the void hence the current situation. With no solar energy, everyone was starting to lose their complexion and eventually a general identity was born."

"At least I saved the planet," Shadow Striker bragged.

"You doomed it you dumb broad!" Stan fumed.

Shadow Striker's eyebrow twitched with the insult. "Dumb broad?" she said. She took a deep breath and calmed her nerves. "Listen, we need a warp core and a few essentials for the ship."

"Well I have a high-class warp core for 2.5 billion cubes," Stan offered.

"That much?" Shadow Striker exclaimed.

"Unless you have something of high value, that's the lowest I can go," Stan said.

"How about a state-of-the-art Decepticon drone?" Shadow Striker offered.

"No thanks," Stan refused. "Those drones have too many flaws in their designs."

"Not this line," Shadow Striker said. "They are equipped with a doppelganger program. With that program, you can take out an army with a group of 100."

Stan looked at the drone and rubbed his chin. "You'll give me the specs?" Stan wondered.

"Drop the price to 50 million cubes and you got yourself a deal."

"50 million?" Stan stuttered. "Fine!"

Shadow Striker handed the disc to Stan as the drones fetched the warp core from the back. "Put it on my tab," Shadow Striker said.

"Oh no," Stan said. "You already owe me 5 billion cubes and that's without interest."

"Fine," Shadow Striker sighed. "Scourge, pay the man."

"Me?" Scourge pointed. "I'm flat broke."

"I got this," Devil Z said.

"Now, we need torpedoes, cannons and hull plating," Shadow Striker smiled.

In space, the away team return to the ship with the supplies needed to bring the ship to full power. Without hesitation, engineering took the warp core and installed it right away. Scourge, Motormaster and Mega-Octane returned to their post. Devil Z was planning on retiring in his quarters. "Hey, did you give him the 'box'?" Shadow Striker asked.

"Like you instructed," Devil Z said. "Why?"

"Its payback time for all those times he ripped me off and sold me cheap shit," Shadow Striker said.

"So the items we got…"

"100% real."

"I can see why the locals fear you," Devil Z smiled and left.

"Shadow Striker to bridge, launch a tower to the signal I provided earlier."

"Yes ma'am," a drone responded. "Now launching."

On the planet, Stan was in the back room as he was ready to count his money. He opened the box and peered inside. "Uh?" Stan questioned. "What's this?"

Stan removed a small device from the box and looked at it. Then the device started to beep. It wasn't long before the beeping started to speed up. "It's a bomb!" Stan said. "Wait, it's too simple for an explosive."

All of the sudden the roof was destroyed as a tower crashed into the ground. Stan walked up to the tower and examined it. He found a small screen and looked at it. It was a timer and it was counting down from 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…

"What the…"

The Hydra Cannon was speeding up to warp speed when the mysterious planet blew up. Shadow Striker sat on the bridge as she smiled with pride. "Thus end the era of the Shadow Queen," she said. "And the con artist Stan AKA Swindle."

Light years from the Hydra Cannon's current location rest a planet populated with sentient beings. These beings are nothing like the locals in their galaxy for they are machines, cybertronians to be exact. These cybertronians know nothing of the wars that took place on Earth and on Cybertron neither did they know of a secret war that went on for eons. With no violence or threats, the cybertronians have thinner armor plating and have no weapons or fighting experience. They lived the way Primus intended his people to live, in harmony. What they don't know is that their harmony will be destroyed in a matter of minutes.

"Well, well, well, I've stumble upon another of the cybertronian colonies." Hovering above the optic range of the cybertronian is a woman. Human in features, she was anything but weak. Her bright red lips smirked into a smile as her interest was instantly sparked. "20 planets I have destroyed and yet they don't have what I want," she said. "But nonetheless, I have a task to carry out. As to my masters' orders, I must acquire adequate amount of life forces before reaching Cybertron. Cybertron?" The woman narrowed her emerald green eyes in amusement. "Cybertron, the final resting place for the Autobots and T-Ai, just wait for me."

The woman held out her hand and mimicked a double-barrel shotgun. "BANG!"

A small energy ball was fired and entered the planet. Seconds later, the crust started to crack as magma begins to seep through the cracks. Like a balloon whose skin was severely weakened, the planet popped. The woman took off along with a trail of sparks following her. "Cybertron, you're mine!" the woman laughed.