The last couple of days had been hectic. Diego Garcia had been attacked and Serenity had been kidnapped.
The humans, femmes, and mechs were all drowned out, many allied humans lost their life that day; the loss was felt by everyone. No one wanted to see a fellow comrade perish, but there was nothing that they could do. It happened so fast. Their life was not in vain, revenge was on everyone's minds but they knew they couldn't just go blazing into the deceptions fortress; that was suicide. They would lose more lives than they did when Diego Garcia was attacked. Their hearts were in the right place, it was just the action of taking back what they lost, that made them think rationally.
The Autobots and humans were now in a secluded place. Only Optimus, Prowl, and Red Alert knew exactly where they were. Diego Garcia had been destroyed, nothing could bring it back to the way it was. Government money only went so far.
The battle at Diego Garcia was not something they had thought could happen, but it did. No base could ever survive an attack from Megatron here on earth, only the ones back on Cybertron could withstand such a chance. But even then, it was damaging.
"Is there nothing we can do, Optimus?"
Said mech looked up from his desk, looking into the blue optics of Jazz, he nodded. His hands were tied, so to speak. If he could he would teleport right to where Serenity was and save her from the horrors she was bound to come across. His brother was a ruthless mech that held no regard to those who were weak.
Jazz deflated.
He wasn't the only one who felt utterly useless. Everyone wished they could go out there and bring their youngling back. Serenity meant the world to all of them and to lose her to someone like Megatron broke their spark. They knew what Megatron was capable off and it wasn't good. Death followed that mech where ever he went.
The office door opened and Prowl stepped on through. Door wings hitched high he stated, "Prime, Soundwave has a locked position on Frenzy. Megatron is on the move and Serenity is with him."
Both optics from Jazz and Optimus looked up. A glimmer of hope reached their sparks, perhaps this was their chance to return the femmeling to them.
"Ready a team." It was a firm command and one that he would be taking part in. It was his duty to bring back what rightfully belonged with them. Optimus would make sure of it.
Jazz and Prowl looked at each other before they scattered out of the room, there was much to do in so little time.
The door slide close and Optimus collapsed into his chair. Hands folded in front of him he looked at the picture that Serenity drew of Elita and himself. "Hang on, little one, we are coming."
Earth, birthplace of the human race. A planet that held life to the highest regards, but it was also a planet that held, despair, sadness, pain, and death. You wouldn't know of those traits of it, unless you lived there, but here in space it was just another planet that look breath-taking beautiful.
The large window in Megatron's courters was the only plus, everything else was dark, dank and dreary. There was no color to spaz up the living space, just darkness. Pitch blackness, the only thing that broke up the creepy darkness was the glow of Earth, down below. A day... or was a few days ago, she couldn't really tell time up here. The ship she was on was called Nemesis, a flying fortress that could vanish at the push of a button. Though she could see she was on a ship, no one back on Earth knew of the menacing force that hovered above them.
The days blurred into one, as she sat on the large berth. Frenzy huddled in her lap was her only companion. Scratches and dried energon covered her cybertronian frame. It had been at the hands of Megatron who gave her these wounds, though if she were to have kept her mouth shut, some of them wouldn't have been so bad. Nothing life threatening but they still hurt.
A half empty energon cube laid by her side, as she stared out the large window and down to her home below. The sight never got old as she watched clouds form and move across the water and land terrain world.
Her processor was mostly blank these last few days; nothing seemed to perk her interest as she sat there. Though what could she do from way up here anyway? Frenzy was the only one who was able to bring her back from the depths of her mind. When he did, all Serenity could do was hold him tight. He was her light in this suffocating darkness. Without him, she couldn't help but think that she would have lost herself by now.
The hiss of the door pulled her from her thoughts. Looking over she saw the familiar blood-red optics as the Decepticon Lord stepped in. She couldn't help but feel that she knew what was coming. Her judgment day has finally arrived; she would see the man that took everything from her. She allowed Megatron to pick her up and walked out of the room.
Frenzy had made his way back to her back and was now holding onto her. A signal was already transmitting to his creator with news. The time to move was now.
Megatron transformed with his passenger still in his hand. His cybertronian jet hovered for a brief moment before skyrocketing through the ship and out the hanger. The fun was just about to start.
The ride down back to earth was a silent one, but as soon as they reached the inner atmosphere of Earth, did Serenity speak. "You don't plan on giving me away, do you?" She could feel it within his spark.
Megatron didn't respond.
"I don't blame you. I would keep me for all eternity. I am no use to a human after all, not with what I'm capable of." She looked out the windshield as a setting sun began to take place. The sky was blanketed in red, the sign of storms. The ocean waved greedily underneath of them as land began to appear in the distance. Serenity began to shake, but it wasn't in fear, it was anticipation, but for what, she wasn't sure.
Night greeted them as she felt Megatron begin to descend. They had arrived. She wasn't sure where this destination was, but it wouldn't be long before she found out. As the thrusters dwindled down she couldn't help but feel at peace. Even though she was about to meet the cold hazel man she still felt peaceful, perhaps it was just the fact, that it was finally her time to speak.
Megatron transformed before he came to a complete stop on the rugged landscape. Parts transforming around the youngling, carefully he stretched and held her safe within his clawed hands. Walking into the large building he ducked underneath the door frame and settled the femmeling on the ground. "Don't stray too far." He turned and looked at the perimeter. It was just him, but at a moment notice he could call for backup and they would be there. Grinning evilly he stood beside the youngling, looking down he watched her. She wasn't really moving, just standing there. He could sense her spark and felt surprised to feel it thrumming calmly. Shouldn't she be scared, shivering with fear? She was meeting the human that took everything from her after all.
The time had finally come and all she could do was smile. She wasn't sure of the odd emotions that rushed through her, but she did feel at peace. Was it because after everything that happened she could look to the good? Or was it because of something else? What was she feeling that made her so calm? Her answers would soon be answered as the sound of a car engine slowly came to a stop outside. A slam of doors being shut made Serenity turned to the entrance. This was it…
The cold hazel man walked in the building with heavy steps. He was a well-dressed man with expensive taste. A black suit covered his tall frame. Only his hands and face was seen through the light of Megatron's beam. Gray aged hair with strands of white covered his head. A scar that went from his cheekbone to his jaw highlighted his face.
It was her first time seeing him without a mask and she couldn't believe that this man was the one who took everything from her. He looked weak and old, but when he had her, she saw the strength in those piercing hazel orbs of his. This man was her weakness but also her strength. To defeat him would lay her soul to rest, but she neither could nor wouldn't kill him. No matter how much her spark ache to just tear him in half.
"Where is she?"
Megatron chuckled deeply. The fleshling was not very smart. Could he not see the femmeling that stood at his feet and off to the side? Moving a step away he turned his beam to look down at the youngling and the man. "Best be aware of your surroundings, Salvatore."
Pale green orbs widen at the mention of his name. Finally she had something to call of him, but she wouldn't she had other names for him, like bastard, murderer, and others. Watching Megatron move from the corner of her eyes, she saw the shock expression on the man as he finally got a look at her.
"This is not she." He cried out as he blinked through the high beam. The girl he wanted was not made of metal. He turned and pointed a threatening finger at the being before him. "Do not take me as a fool, mech."
Megatron growled and took a threatening step forward. "Do you not see it; this is what the power of the Allspark can do. Your meager attempt to harness it backfired, and you never even knew of it."
Salvatore still had a surprised expression, on his face as he took a step back from the towering mech. Mind whirling with thoughts he couldn't help but begin to smile. This was good. This new development brought new opportunities. Her power would now more than ever satisfy him and his need for her. "I believe now you are really suited to being called NBE-13."
"It's Serenity," Her voice filtered out. It brought both the attention of Salvatore and Megatron to her. Anger pooled in her pale green orbs as she looked at him. "I'm no longer one of your test subjects, Salvatore."
Anger flashed through hazel orbs as he took a step forward. His age didn't hold him back as he suddenly advanced on the female. A device was pulled from his pocket and with a flick of his wrist it extended and electricity sizzled at the end. Throwing his hand out, he wished to put her in his place, but he was very surprised to what happen next.
She saw him coming and she saw the flicker of metal in his hand. She could practically taste the electricity as it began to gather around the stick. Without thinking she threw her own arm out and watched as it transformed into a small fusion cannon, it whirled to life a second later. The action had brought Salvatore to a stop and all Serenity could do was smirk. "Do not even think that you can take me down so easily as before. I am no one's tool."
He stood there dumbfounded as his cattle prod fell to the ground.
Above, Megatron was smirking as he watched with delight. It felt so good to see something that must have been in the making for years. The confrontation of the two was bound to happen sooner or later, but to see it, was worthwhile. Though the fusion cannon the femmeling had was a surprising twist.
The cannon was lock on to him, she would not disable it, not until she had her say. All the emotions of the past rushed at her, she felt everything from pain to joy. It was like she was reliving everything that this man did to her, all at once. The torture he put her through was more than enough to put her on edge. "You took everything from me. What was so important that made you take my life away? Were your other prisoners not worthy of your control?
Salvatore said nothing; it was none of her business after all. His matters were his own, and not even the whirling cannon of the weapon pointed to his face would make him talk. NBE-13 was just a thing.
He was not talking, but Serenity didn't really care nor did she expect him to. "If it was power, greed, or revenge I don't care, because it doesn't matter anymore."
Surprised shown in his hazel eyes. Shouldn't this thing be angry with him? He destroyed her wellbeing.
Pale green orbs soften as she stared at him. "I may have lost everything, but I gained something in return; a second chance. You might have taken everything from me, but you also gave me hope. I was able to rise from the ashes of my broken body and see the hope that waited for me within the light. You can't take away something like that, not when it's the only thing you are desperately holding onto." She looked at him with her orbs hardening before she spoke once more. "You may have took me from my love ones, riddle me with pain, watched me die and come back, and scar my body, but you will never have my soul."
"How touching." Salvatore smirked.
Serenity glared at him. "I should kill you. Get you back on everything you did to me. An eye for an eye right…?" Her cannon was still locked onto him, but her arm was trembling now.
"I've seen your fear and know you don't have the heart to pull that trigger. Even if you did, my deed has already plagued your mind with nightmares." He chuckled deeply. He saw her arm trembling and he saw the brief moment of fear pass through her eyes.
Her hand shook even more as she took a step closer. Her mind wanted to just say yes to the command in her processor, to fire off the weapon, to take this man life, to end it all right there. She would finally be released from the man's clutches. She would feel happy and free… but would it really be worth it? She would win the war against him, but she would lose the war within her spark.
Tears sprung to her eyes as she let her arm fall to her side. The cannon transformed back to her arm as she looked at him. She couldn't bring herself to blast him away, to end his pitiful life.
"I knew you would see it my way."
"This is not the end, Salvatore."
"Oh but it is." He moved, picking up the cattle prod, he rammed it into the being's chest. Electricity filtered through the tip and moved frantically through the metal causing pain in its wake.
A blood curling scream ripped from her mouth. Pain flared through her frame as she collapsed to the rough ground. Electricity rippled across her body as it gripped her, never really letting her go. This was not the same kind of power that was given to her before, this was much worse. It was quick and to the point. The power lingered against her frame as the shudders of pain slowly died away. Pale green orbs were dazed over for just a few minutes.
Slowly the pains disperse, and Serenity sat up slowly. Her spark pulsed with pain, but also anger. She hated to see herself like this, so powerless to this human. Before she couldn't do anything, but now, she could. And to prove that she was stronger she grabbed the cattle prod from the man's grip, she had seen how he was going to stab her again with it.
"NO!" The stick crumbled in her hands as it let off electricity one last time. Throwing the pieces away she stared at Salvatore, "I'm no longer your toy." She meant it this time as she stared him down. No more would she let him harm her. She was done with him, and the pain that he brought. Done with the past, and ready for what the future had for her.
Salvatore wasn't thinking. How dare she take what was his. He owned her, and not even herself could take her back from him. Growling he balled his fist before suddenly running at her. He would not lose her, not like before. He would have her, no matter the cost.
ZING
It had happened so fast, one minute he was there, and the next a pile of ash took his place.
Serenity had jumped at the sound, looking up she saw the whirling of Megatron's fusion cannon and the smoke the billowed from the top of it. Surprise etched over her face in disbelief, but it was soon gone when she realized this had been the plan from the start.
She felt no remorse for the man, none what so ever. She knew in her spark that she could never have pulled the trigger, but seeing Megatron do the deed for her, she felt nothing. She didn't know what to feel as his ashes blew in the subtle breeze.
All she did feel was freedom. After all these years her freedom was now her own. Looking back to Megatron she thanked him, "Thank you…"
Megatron growled before turning away. His hand was back to normal as he stood in the entrance. It was time for him to leave.
"How can I ever repay you?" She asked suddenly.
"You already know what I want." He didn't turn to look at the femmeling. He didn't need his emotions to splay out for her to see, even though she could read them within himself.
Serenity nodded, "The time is nearing."
Megatron glanced back before nodding, "We will meet again, youngling. Do not disappoint me." He never let her answer back as he heard the distinct sound of space-bridge opening a mile to the north. Transforming himself, he shifted into his cybertronian jet and skyrocketed out of the building and to the black starry night.
She watched him go; it was all she could really do after all. She knew what he was thinking about, knew that his decision would change the history for all cybertronians. Not just for the decepticons or autobots, but for humankind also.
"SERENITY!"
Pale green orbs looked from the starry sky to the crazy driving of Sideswipe. He was swerving around pot holes, trying desperately to get to her. Behind him, she could see Jazz following. Prowl was driving with his lights on behind him, and pulling up the rear was no other than Optimus Prime.
Serenity was surprised to see them, she had thought Megatron would be taking her back with him, but she must have knocked him a new one when she told him what Optimus, his brother, still thought of him.
Chuckling, she pulled Frenzy from her back and held him close to her spark. She would not hinder him, and tell him to keep what had happen to himself, for she was going to tell Optimus the first chance she got. She would no longer with hold the secrets the dwelled within her spark.
She did not have to wait long before Side's was transforming and dive bombing for her. Laughter rang throughout the area as she was gripped gently and brought to the closeness and safety of her brother's spark. She nuzzled her head into his chest plate and just let it all go. Tears of joy and the emotions of finally being free took her spark and rang it dry. She vaguely heard the transformation sequence of the others behind her, as exhaustion took hold.
"Optimus, Megatron is gone." Prowl responded as scanners were searching for the decepticon leader. "My scanner indicates he has left Earth, where he is headed, I do not know."
"Understood." Optimus looked to the starry sky before looking back to the femmeling. He could tell from his own scans that she was tired and emotionally drained. He could also see the small wounds that covered her small frame. Ratchet was more than likely going to have a fit, but it would be well received for they were grateful to have Serenity back on their side. Even though she had been gone for just a few days, everyone felt the weight of joy she had when she was with them.
"Prime, you best come here." Jazz stated from within the building.
Optimus took on last look to Serenity before he ducked into the building. "What is it?"
"I'm picking up human remains, it's not much, but going by the car that is idling outside, I say that they weren't alone when they were here." Jazz said as he looked down at a blacken place on the ground.
Optimus looked surprised before glancing back to the car and then to the blacken soot on the ground before him. "Are you sure?"
"Positive."
Prime sighed; he wondered what had gone on here. What had happened to have a human bystander to be killed? Looking back to Serenity he wondered if she would have the answers they were looking for. "I want you to take samples, and scan the car. Any and all information must be gathered. I shall notify John of this when we return home."
Jazz nodded and got to work. He would do all he could to bring whatever evidence that was left, they had to know what had conspired here.
Back outside, Prime returned and was looking down to Sideswipe. "Status?"
"She's out; Frenzy looks to be that way also, though he's looked at me with sadness… What happened here? Why would Megatron just let her go?" He was confused, but also happy. It felt good to have her in his arms once more. It had been too long since he last did.
"I don't know, but hopefully Serenity will tell us." It confused him also, as to why his brother would just let her go. He knew of her power, so why did he let her go so easily? Something must have happened, but what it was he didn't know.
"Optimus were all set." Both Prowl and Jazz stated.
"Very well." He nodded to them both, "Lets head home." He turned to back to Sideswipe. "Hand her over and transform. I will give her to you to watch."
Sideswipe did as he was told and handed his sister over. Once he saw she was in the safety of Optimus's hands he transformed to his alt mode and popped open a door. When Serenity was placed in the seat he wrapped her secularly in seatbelts. He didn't want anything else to happen to her.
Optimus insinuated his own transformation before pulling up behind Sideswipe. He would cover the back just as Jazz covered the sides, and Prowl took the front. Serenity was their precious cargo and it was their duty to get her back in one piece. :: Open the space-bridge. ::
:: Coordinates are being sent, Prime. ::
:: Acknowledge. ::
A mile away, just like before a swirling green mass, appeared out of thin air, the destination within unknown.
"Autobots roll out." Optimus ordered.
The convoy moved with speed. They all just wanted to get back to where love ones where waiting and also anticipating the arrival of one that had gone missing. It wasn't long before the four vehicles revved through the green mass and disappeared within; leaving the starry night to look down upon them.
TBC
Well, that felt like an unnaturally long chapter, even though it isn't really long. Tears were loss in this chapter as I wrote, I've become quite attached to my character, and to write what she felt is hard for me. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter!
Thanks so much for the reviews and new people to who are just joining.
Until next time my little cybertronian kittens!
Till All Are One!