Thanks to everyone who had reviewed, followed and faved the last chapter, it means a lot to me. Here's the second last chapter for the story and there will be many feels in this one. Mostly listened to Sol Invictus by Audiomachine, seemed very fitting for the ending of a long war.
Hope you all enjoy and peace out!
Most thought it was a dream. How it could've been possible the war was over after so long and yet the moment the gates to the hidden cities were opened everyone was allowed to leave and be safe without the fear of Decepticons. Everyone did this the moment the gates opened to see for themselves, and it was then they were in reality and what had been announced was true.
Cheers of celebration roared all over Cybertron, followed by the remaining Decepticon's being arrested and held in a guarded area until they could be put into transportation and brought off planet to one of the Autobot's most secured prison, where every remaining decepticon threat will be locked up good.
Shockwave's lab was overrun and even the scientist himself was no match for the Autobot troops. He was smart and knew Megatron was captured, and so he surrendered himself without a fight. A choice that not many expected but was something that made them all think that it was now the Decepticon's had finally given up now that there leader was arrested. The search for the DJD remained but there was no luck finding them, it was like they had disappeared for good without a trace. Obviously they had gone into hiding but the search for them will continue.
As the celabrations continued all around the autobots had returned back to Cybertron, along with the femmes, sparkling's, and the Decepticon's who had helped them. At first most weren't too sure what to think of this but after hearing what they had done it gave them more peace of mind.
Optimus Prime had to meet with Alpha Trion and the remaining council to speak about Starscream and the other Decepticon's. He needed to speak for them and prevent them from being arrested. He said he would do what he could to give them a second chance, and hoped the councel will hear his words and agree. It wasn't going to be easy for Vortex however. He may had changed sides at the very last second but he still did wrong and it was going to be a little tougher to convince them. He was even being held under the guard of other Autobot's, because they were concerned about him and if he was going to try anything. Optimus thought he wouldn't, but he still wasn't sure himself, so much had already happened in the last twenty four hours.
He didn't know how long this meeting was going to go for, and so he went straight there to try and sort out this little problem.
He dreaded it, and yet the words came out from the elders sitting in the council.
"Lock them up with the others!"
"They still committed crimes and need to be punished for them!"
"What makes you think they won't try to a-rise the Decepticon's? It's a risk that shouldn't be taken!"
"Just because they changed their minds doesn't make them to be forgiven."
Optimus sighed heavily and looked up at Alpha Trion who continued to say nothing but stare on. It meant he wanted him to say something, and so he did.
"Council, I understand your concern, but I assure you that they have changed. They have families now and want to be given a chance to make things right. They're willing to do whatever it takes to make it possible for them to remain with their loved ones and rebuild our planet to what it once was. Please, reconsider your thoughts and think about their mates and sparkling's."
There was a moment of hope when he saw some of their optics flicker with thought. There may be hope after all.
"What about this Vortex?" Another demanded. "Didn't he just switch sides at the very last second? What provoked him to do this?"
"Love," it was that much of a simple answer. "Love is what made him realise what was more important. He was unsure and confused of where he should be, but he now sees what truly matters most. I know I'm asking a lot for them, but if you give them a chance I can guaranteed you that they will do the right thing."
It was then Alpha Trion finally came into the conversation. "The decision lies with you council, whatever you decide will be final."
The elders looked at one another in thought before bring each other closer for a more private talk. Optimus could only stand and wait for their answer now. He's done what he's could, and the rest was up to them.
Since Shockwave's lab have been over run it seemed to be the right place for Starscream and his followers to hide out until a choice was made. Vortex was too brought there as well but was being held in another room cuffed like he was going to be taken away. Turbulence was afraid of this happening but tried not to think of the worst.
Darklight and Moondancer followed, along with Falere, Marble, Aria and Micro, even Zafe and Missilelaunch followed with Deltastorm for support. After everything it was the least they could do for them.
Thundercracker continued to hold Marble against him, as he feared she'll be taken from him, and he didn't want that happening. He hoped that on some miracle he'll be allowed to be her guardian until he could get her adoption approved.
Breakdown had Velocity in his lap and Bluemoon at his side, both very close and gaining that affection from him and knowing he was all they had left as family. He welcomed them and promised to look after them both.
Soundwave and Moondancer, followed by Aria and all of the cassettes gathered together as they waited for the verdict. Turbulence stayed with tem as well, even though she really wanted to be with Vortex right now. She didn't know what was going through his mind right that moment but she hoped he was at least staying positive.
All the Constructicon's and Micro sat together as they too waited for what had been decided about them. It was a long wait that seemed to linger longer, adding the pressure to them which didn't help their moods.
Knowing they wouldn't be judged anymore both Astrotrain and Blitzwing held servos as any couple in love would. All they want is to be together, nothing else mattered.
Hyacinth stayed behind and waited to be reunited with her sister and nephew. They'll hear more when they go to find them later, but knew they'll find each other soon.
Starscream held Darklight and Falere in his arms as if they were goin to be taken from him, again. Darklight knew he was feeling this but didn't say anything and only held him back. No one knew what was to happen and if this was going to be their last moments together then they were going to make the most of it.
After hours of waiting, Optimus Prime and Alpha Trion had finally returned, and they waited for what was to be their fate.
Optimus approached Starscream, his face neutral, showing nothing that'll give the seeker an answer. He almost got frustrated at this, but the Autobot leader then spoke.
"Starscream, I gave you my word that I would pardon you and anyone else that followed to try and give you all another chance. The council have come to a decision, one they hope they will not regret. You won't be locked away, but they want to see what you have to offer and they'll expect a lot. Helping rebuild our home and giving us whatever information you have where you think remaining decepticon's are will be a good start. You'll be watched so make it worth it."
"So…that's it? We're off the Hook?" Skywarp asked as if he didn't hear him right.
"Not off the Hook, as I said you'll be watched and you'll need to work for it, but you'll be with your families and friends, and I believe that is enough."
It was as if everyone could finally vent again and after a moment of dwelling on it they had finally come back to reality that they had been given another chance and won't be locked away like all the others.
"Optimus, thank you. I promise we'll do whatever it takes to prove ourselves." Starscream said.
"You've already proved yourselves to me, but now it's just everyone else, which I know won't take long."
As everyone was very happy with the news, Turbulence needed to make sure. "What about Vortex?"
Again, his face was neutral and she didn't like it. It meant his fate was different and she didn't know what was decided for him.
"I think it's best if he knows first. I'll speak with him now."
"W-wait, can I come too? I wish to see him for a moment before you do?" Her voice pleaded and Optimus showed sympathy for her.
"Of course you can."
Vortex looked lost and defeated when Turbulence entered the guarded room, and the second he looked up to see her, his entire face lit up. Both said nothing as she was allowed a moment alone with him and carefully approached. He was seated in a chair with his servos cuffed and chained. She didn't think it was necessary to have him like this and felt pity for him.
When she was close enough she knelt down and leaned against his knees, staring into his optics as she tried to think what she was going to say, and he seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"I guess it's my fault I'm in this position. I should've gone with you when I had the chance." He admitted bluntly.
"Yeah, you've should've." Her tone wasn't disappointed, but more sympathetic. Choices were made and this is where it led.
"I…I didn't know what I wanted….then I did, but it was too late."
"What do you want?"
He wanted to hold her helm in his servos but couldn't being cuffed and all, so he held her stare and answered. "I want you."
She leaned up and pressed her lips against his. He kissed back without hesitation before both moved away but kept their helms pressed together.
"I'm sorry for everything. I regret it all and I see my mistakes now. You brought light back into my life, and I….thank you."
She smiled as tears streamed down her face and pressed one more kiss before telling him. "Vortex, I'm pregnant."
He reeled back in shock and thought hard over what she had just said. "You…what?"
"I'm pregnant and I've known for a while, I was just giving myself time to adjust to it. I was scared and didn't know how to feel about it." She admitted and waited for him to respond.
"I…I don't know what to say." His reaction was what she had expected. Him being all excited wasn't something she thought he would give her, as much has she would've liked it.
"I just needed you to know because I don't know what will happen. Optimus is waiting outside to tell you, but I don't know what will happen or where they'll take you."
Vortex was still getting over the news she had delivered. "So…will you keep it?" She nodded without thought.
"Yeah, I will, and raise it, our sparkling."
Being a sire had never come across his mind, nor did he ever want to be, but times had changed and the Decepticon's were no more. He was free to express how he felt. "I want to say I'm sorry for…giving it to you, but I see you are happy about it now." She smiled admittedly.
"I am, and I'll have help from my family and friends so I won't struggle. But I do wish you could be there as well, I don't care what you say."
"Babe, I could never be a good enough sire. As you said you'll have everyone. You deserve the best and I just want you to be happy." He tried touching her cheek plating lightly to give some sort of comfort with his cuffed servos. "You'll be a good creator."
Turbulence let out a chocked sob and pressed her face against his knees as she poured out all her emotions. All he could do was pet the back of her helm and let her cry over him.
"I don't want them to take you away." She whispered.
"I don't want that either, but there's nothing that can be said to change it. You'll be alright, babe."
The two shared what they had left together in silence before Optimus had finally come in followed by another Autobot guard. Turbulence wanted to beg him to not take Vortex away but held it in so he could at least declare what his fate was to be. Vortex slowly stood up with her at his side, both waiting to listen to him.
"Vortex, as you are aware the remaining loyal Decepticon's including the Combaticon's will be transported off planet to a secured prison where they'll remain. Starscream and the others have been let off because of their help in bringing Megatron to an end. However, the counsel already knew of your last second change and they weren't too sure how to think of this. They believed it was best to send you with the rest."
Vortex vented heavily already convinced that was what was going to happen, but he never expected what happened next.
"However, after some debating, I have managed to convince the council of something new that I'm hoping will work out. You're sentencing and punishment is house arrest.
Vortex stared at the Autobot leader, confused of wat he meant. "I don't understand, what is that?"
"It's a human thing I learned about. House arrest is by which someone is confined by the law authorities to a certain residence, mainly it's an alternative to prison time. You'll be restricted from leaving a home where you live but you'll be able to live with others."
"So, can he live with me?" Turbulence asked with wide optics, wondering if this was really happening.
"That can happen and I think that will work out best. The council didn't give me how long for but they believe it best to keep on optic on you and then decide when they think you'll be allowed to leave. It's the best I could do and I hope you can show them it was worth it." He then ordered the guard to remove the cuffs and chains from him and Vortex rubbing his wrists before looking at him once more.
"Why?"
"Because I believe you can prove yourself a changed mech if you allow it. Use this chance wisely."
Turbulence finally beamed and leaped up to hug Vortex. He was still stunned about what had just happened and stared at nothing still getting over it. The pregnancy announcement and now this was too much for him to handle. Optimus smiled behind his mask and left the room to let them share there moment together one more.
"That…that's it?"
Turbulence lowered herself and stared into his face. "Yes, that's it."
He stared down at her and without holdback kissed her passionately. "I…I don't even know how to fragging think anymore!" She giggled lightly at him.
"Hey, it's going to be alright."
"Yeah…I guess it is, but house arrest? Surely that's bollocks!" As much as he tried to understand everything, she too was dwelling on something.
"Are you alright with this? I mean me, and the sparkling?"
He looked down at her then at her abdomen where the sparkling grew. He carefully traced her servo over the area against her. For a moment he looked like he was searching or compelling on what how he really felt about it. It would be obviously be normal for any sire to react all happy, but he wasn't like them. He was convinced he couldn't do it. Now that there was a chance for him and Turbulence to work on their relationship with a sparkling on the way, he was going to do whatever it took to make things right.
"I promise I'll try, but I can't guarantee I'll be sire of the year."
"I don't guarantee being creator of the year. We'll make stuff ups, but we'll work on it, right?"
"Yeah," and for the first time she actually saw a genuine smile from him. "We'll work on it."
Both embraced and let out small laughter of relief. Vortex knew he was never going to see the others again but he really didn't care anymore, and was actually glad this damn war was over. It was going to be a long clean up but at least they could start.
It was then drawing to the late evening. For the first time it felt like Cybertron could recharge in peace in so long, and it was a nice feeling.
Darklight and Starscream stayed up late together as they admired the view they had of what was no powered back on the cities. Starscream felt like he was able to relax for once after so long, as he was no longer the second in command he had a lot off his shoulder. The desire to have the throne and become leader was nothing but a childish fantasy, left in the past and to be forgotten. His servo rubbed over where their growing sparkling was and gave a cheeky smirk in thought.
"I think it's a mech."
"Really?" She asked curiously. "What if it's another femme?"
"Nah, I've got a good feeling it's a mech, a little seeklet mech." She snorted at his convinced way.
"If you say so, if you say so."
"If I'm wrong you owe me another sparkling." He now grinned.
"What if that is a femme too?"
"Don't jinx it! We'll have a mech, I know we will." She chose to not tease him anymore about it and cuddled up to his side more as they lay together, but Starscream just needed to know something else.
"Let's say I'm right and it's a mech, how do you feel about the name, Aileron?"
The name did sound good and she couldn't prevent a smile from growing. "Aileron?...I like the sound of that, I really do. But if it's a femme, can we call her, Starfire?"
The thought was beautiful to name the sparkling after her sister Starscream had thought and smiled lovely down at her. "I think that's perfect. No matter what though, we'll be having another sparkling, one we'll love and Falere will protect. Everything's going to be alright, no more trouble from anything. Nothing will get in our way for now on."
The war was over. The Autobot's won, and the Decepticon's lost. A truce was made, and Starscream and Darklight could now have their happy ending. Nothing could keep them apart anymore.
So there you have it! One more to go and we'll be done with this. Again, thanks so much to my readers who have continued to read after all these years. Will get working on last chapter. Hope you all enjoyed and don't forget to let me know how you thought of it.
