Rian: Merry Christmas everyone! Here's one last chapter before the year is over with. I guess it could be considered our present to you guys XD Anyway, I hope you guys have a good holiday!
Jack's blaster lowered and his optics went wide, as did Miko's, as the dragon shifted before them. A massive form took its place, yellow optics glowing murderously.
The dragon, now in a monstrous bipedal form, let out a mighty, unnatural roar, pushing against his assaulters. Taking advantage of their surprise, he wrapped his claws around Lazerback's leg. The crimson chimera squawked as he was yanked off of his prisoner's back. Twinstrike reacted quickly, jaws snapping forward, only to catch an extended arm. Baring his crooked, wicked sharp fangs, the black Predacon curled his talons into a fist and slammed it into the hydra's helm.
Before Twinstrike could even crumple to the ground, the two-legged Predacon snatched him up by one of his necks, provoking a painful yelp from the other. There was a furious screech as Lazerback lunged forward, only for a large servo to wrap around his beak. With another bellow, the dragon threw them.
The human-turned-Cybertronians' jaws dropped as they watched the massive monster sail through the air... and begin to transform.
Twinstrike's helms folded away, replaced by a single, broad helm. Lazerback's sharp beak morphed into a flat, but angular face. Two sets of clawed pedes changed into one and talons turned into servos. The ground reverberated as both Predacons landed in crouched forms. They straightened, standing tall and proud and menacing.
"You're not the only one with tricks!" Lazerback laughed.
The pair looked as wicked as the black dragon. Lazerback had a small crown of horns, with a long, sharp one curving towards the back of his helm. His armor ended in razor-sharp edges and his broad wings were folded on his back. His frame was lean, almost like a Seeker's. Twinstrike's dual helms had split apart melding into golden, radiating armor to make up a broad, tall, and heavy frame. Although he was with now single helm, the twin tails still lingered in his bipedal form.
"Primus..." Jack muttered, wide-eyed and mouth agape as he took in the sight.
What was even happening? How was this happening?!
"They can transform?" Suddenly Miko was by his side, optics impossibly wide and bright. "Since when could they transform?"
"I-I don't know," Jack stammered out, still in disbelief. He didn't know Predacons could transform. "Did Shockwave mention anything like this?"
Miko just shook her head numbly, unable to tear her gaze from the absurd scene.
"Predaking," gasped Twinstrike, sounding quite confused as he gazed upon the formerly draconic Predacon.
"No. An impostor," Lazerback snarled. "Predaking has been dead for eons."
"I am no pretender!" the black dragon spoke, in a deep, ancient voice. The bellow had everyone flinching—Predacons and mutants alike. No one dared to move as the monster strode forward, optics narrowing. "So... I am truly not alone."
Jack and Miko blinked, staring at the trio that had stopped trying to kill each other. For now.
The two Predacons grew more agitated while the larger Predacon—no, Predaking—neared them. Claws flashed but they made no movement to attack.
"And where is the rest of our kind?" Predaking demanded.
"Dead," Lazerback spat with venom. "Murdered. By the Two-Legs."
"What?" Predaking's golden eyes widened, before scanning the distant field were Lazerback had attacked the humans. There were still, unmoving forms littering the ground. "Impossible! Such fragile creatures could never stand up to the might of a Predacon!"
"Not as long as they don't have our own weapons," Twinstrike snarled.
"A legion of Predacons can destroy any army that stands against us!"
It was then Lazerback let out a squawk-like laugh. "Legion? The Predacons have not bound together since we feasted on the hides of the Autobots. The others spent more time ripping each other to shreds than talking to one another."
Twinstrike added solemnly, "There has been no King in eons."
"Then you will have one now," Predaking declared haughtily, baring his crooked fangs, daring anyone to challenge his claim. Twinstrike and Lazerback did not looked pleased. "And you will explain to me why you dared to harm my hatchlings."
Jack blinked at the term. Hatchling? Was it—he—talking about he and Miko? But... why did the dragon call them his?
"Your hatchlings?" Twinstrike gaped, and sure enough, his wide gaze turned to pair of younglings.
Lazerback remained unfazed. "They were guarding the humans. Our enemies."
"They are hatchlings! Have you no honor? No shame? Attacking the young only proves how weak you truly are." Predaking moved forward, his stomping feet causing everything to shake around him.
Both Predacons snarled defensively at the dangerous tone, stepping back with bristling armor. Lazerback kept up his argument.
"Yet it is perfectly acceptable to kill them when they are grown and hunt us instead," he spat.
"They will not!" Predaking snarled viciously. "Not when they are my own!"
"And since when do we care for Two-Walkers?! They left us here to rust, and sent their runts to ally with the humans!"
"We're not allies of the humans!" Miko barked, glaring at the Predacons in defiance.
The beasts just stared back at her with mixed reactions, while Predaking merely raised his helm in pride.
"See? They know nothing of these 'hoomans.' They swear fealty to our masters, as we should."
"Masters?" Twinstrike repeated, narrowing his optics.
"Do you not see? We three are the last of our kind, thanks to our Creator. Now come—" The massive Predacon turned around from the pair, as if they not just tried to kill him. "We must return at once. The Great-One will be pleased to hear of this."
While the dragon stomped away, Lazerback and Twinstrike bristled.
"And who made you boss?" Lazerback snarled.
"I am not your boss." Predaking froze, his voice coming out as a venomous, vicious hiss. Blazing, furious optics flared over his spiked shoulder. "I am your KING!"
Without a moment's hesitation, the dragon whirled around, talons flashing and fangs bared. The two Predacons lunged forward, transforming into their beastly forms and letting out furious screeches. Jack flinched, braced to intervene in what would surely be a vicious fight, but it never happened.
Predaking transformed back into the colossal dragon, letting out a deafening roar that echoed across the valley. He met the pair head-on, grasping their throats with deadly talons that caused precious energon to bead out. Twinstrike and Lazerback wailed as they were pinned to the ground, the dragon's heavy weight on their chassis.
Suddenly Predaking's chest began to glow brilliantly, fire spewing from his parted maw. His fangs came dangerously close to his prisoners' faces, challenging, threatening, dominating.
Twinstrike and Lazerback transformed.
"All... Hail..." Twinstrike wheezed out, pain filling his voice.
Lazerback was far more reluctant, staying silent for several seconds until Predaking's hot vents blew over his faceplates. "...Predaking."
Predaking, seeming pleased by this, allowed the fire in his throat to die as they submitted to his might. He transformed back into his bidepial form, standing proudly over the two. Then he turned his gaze to Jack and Miko, his brow set in a furrow as he stalked towards them.
Jack felt the femme grip his arm tightly, and he had to struggle to react. The Predacon was huge. He was taller than even Megatron, and just as broad. The little human-turned-Cybertronians had to crane their helms painfully just to meet the beast's gaze. The immense being lowered himself down to one knee, observing their mostly still forms as the two blinked up at him.
"Are you able to move?" Predaking asked. Though still deep and harsh, the dragon's voice was almost gentle, speaking in a low tone as if not to startle them.
"Not... not well," Jack managed to say.
"Unfortunate," the dragon growled out, leering over his shoulder at the two Predacons responsible. The pair visibly stiffened, but did not dare move.
"W-we need to get back to the ship, but our comms are down!" Miko explained hastily, daring to wrap her arms around her friend to keep him steady. Jack could not help but lean into the touch, appreciating the support, but his tanks rolled when the femme turned to him. "How are we going to get back?"
Jack knew another way, if only the aft would stop ignoring him.
"Let... let me try something," the mech volunteered.
He closed his optics and concentrated. He reached over the blood-bond, only to be greeted with a wall of darkness. Jack sent a flare of annoyance, but knew Megatron would not hear. Instead, the mutant focused on the ache that reverberated through his limbs, the burning of his still-open wounds, and the hammering of his spark. He beat against the wall, harder and harder and harder.
He didn't relent, determined to make himself known. Megatron would not ignore him!
Megatron!
The seal over the blood-bond broke apart, replaced a startled presence.
Quickclaw?
Jack's optics flashed and suddenly the world panned. The last he felt was giant, gentle servos catching him, and rumbling voice sound above him.
Megatron stood in the center of the bridge, observing the report Shockwave had sent him in regards to the progress of Project Predacon. It had his full, undivided attention, the warlord eager to see the results of his growing army.
Or rather, it would have, were it not for the persistent push and tug at the bond between he and Quickclaw, pulling his thoughts away before he could completely finish them. The warlord stubbornly pushed back. If he was to serve the Decepticon cause, Quickclaw had to learn self-efficiency—
Megatron!
Suddenly the warlord's helm spun as a wave of agony washed over him. Warning messages flashed and battle protocols activated without his consent. Megatron had to grip the console before him to stay upright as his legs trembled. He felt the sting of fresh cuts litter his protoform and a deep ache seeped into his struts.
Yet Megatron found no cause as he looked over his pristine armor. Unless it was from—
Quickclaw?
He was only replied with a quiet murmur. Too quiet.
Another pull at his consciousness, this one attempting to lull his body into stasis. Megatron squashed the sensation down, and reached over the bond. Still no response.
"Lord Megatron?" came Knock Out's concerned. There was a tentative servo on his back. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine!" the Decepticon leader bellowed, twisting around and shoving the medic off of him with a ferocious snarl.
Knock Out stumbled back with a yelp, just in time to avoid the Megatron's vicious claws. He wisely stood out of the warlord's EM field, and out of reach of being attacked. Megatron hardly paid him any mind, his processor still reeling.
What was happening? It was obvious Quickclaw was hurt, but how? Autobots? Humans? Could the youngling not even accomplish a simple retrieval mission?
Megatron bared his fangs. Enough of this.
"Knock Out," the tyrant called out, the medic flinching at the sound of his name. "You are to accompany me."
"Yes, my Lord?" the medic replied, sounding both curious and apprehensive. No doubt the grounder was anxious by the Decepticon leader's unstable behavior. "What for, may I ask?"
"To collect my pet," the Decepticon leader answered in a low growl. "Soundwave, I require a groundbridge. Immediately."
His third-in-command did not need to be told twice. Soundwave's servos flew across the keys of a terminal, and the swirling vortex of a groundbridge appeared in the center of the bridge. Not wasting any more time, Megatron spun around on his heels with a glower. Not wanting to be left behind and anger his lord further, Knock Out hurried to catch up, trying to keep pace with the larger Cybertronian's long strides.
The pair stepped through the groundbridge, the darkness of the Nemesis replaced by the cool light of the Earth's moon.
Only for the Lord of the Decepticons to freeze.
"So what did the brats do now?" Knock Out was asking as he trailed behind Megatron, only to stop dead. He peered around the gargantuan mech, only for his jaw to drop.
Before them were three strange mechs.
Each one towered over the pair of Decepticons. Spikes rose from their plating to form wicked-looking armor. Curved horns rose from angular helms, giving them a taller, more monstrous appearance. Deadly talons glinted and fangs flashed in the moonlight.
Then Megatron noticed a black, unmoving form slumped at their clawed pedes. His gaze rose from Waprdrive... only to see Quickclaw in the arms of the largest of the mechs.
His Quickclaw.
Nestled against the stranger's chest, his optics black in stasis and vents letting out odd, wheezing sounds. Megatron's crimson optics flashed.
"Pick the Small-One up," the black mech growled at his crimson companion. "And if you even consider the idea of feasting on her, I will tear out your spark."
The smaller mech visibly flinched at the deadly threat, but slowly, carefully bent down, scooping up the little slave in his arms. A savage growl escaped Megatron's chest. Knock Out jumped with a squeak as his sword unsheathed with a sharp metal on metal noise.
"Who are you?!" he snarled out, storming forward dangerously.
The three mechs turned, yellow optics burning brightly in the night. Just like—
No, it was impossible.
Then Megatron's optics locked onto the bold and proud emblem on their chests.
The... the Predacon? But it was not just his. There were more?!
"Lord Megatron," the tallest mech greeted, inclining his head slightly. "Your arrival is most timely. I was returning the hatchlings to the den to be tended to."
Knock Out let out a series of ridiculous sputters, optics flickering back and forth across the absurd scene. It took him several kliks until intelligible words came from his vocalizer, "I-I didn't know the beast was capable of transformation."
"Nor did I," Megatron hissed through gritted fangs. He took another stomp forward. "You have been keeping secrets."
"It was not my intention to deceive you, my liege," the black mech—once his mindless beast—replied in an almost regal tone. "I only recently became aware of my abilities."
"And them?" The Decepticon gestured toward the two strangers.
Rather than be intimidated by his presence, the pair only snarled back at him, but made no movement to attack. The former-beast hardly glanced at him.
"They have only recently awakened. Though my brethren were quite disoriented when they emerged from stasis, and were viciously attacked by the hoomans."
Megatron glanced around their surroundings during the explanation. It appeared true enough. The landscape was scarred by scorch marks and massive grooves. Destroyed vehicles and humans remains littered the ground. It seemed they had missed quite a nasty battle.
Was that how Quickclaw was injured? But why did he not report in?
The warlord's musings were answered as the black mech continued, "However, I fear the hatchlings were caught in the crossfire."
What?
Megatron scanned over the younglings once again, this time taking in every detail of their frames. Each were covered in deep claw marks, plating and wires torn apart, blue energon leaking freely from the wounds. Dents littered their bodies, with a particular large one across Warpdrive's torso. It appeared to be the same location as her warpdrive. Any higher, and it would have destroyed her spark chamber. Meanwhile, poor Quickclaw's wings were crushed—which no doubt had to be agonizing. No wonder he had managed to fill the bond with so much pain. And these... beasts were responsible?
"They attacked my slaves?" Megatron questioned, his rumbling tone low and dangerous.
"A mistake, my lord," the former-beast replied. "But I have placed it upon myself properly punish them."
The warlord shifted his glare to the strange mechs, noticing they were covered by the same wounds as the younglings. Helm bowed, shoulders slumped, and servos by their sides, they stood in the shadow the hulking Predacon. As if in submission.
Megatron's lips pulled back in a greater snarl. Mechs bowed to the Decepticon lord, not—
"Shall we return to den, Lord Megatron?" the black Predacon asked, interrupting Megatron's dark thoughts.
He moved forward, an unconscious Quickclaw still in his broad arms, the other two creatures following behind him. Knock Out shouted shrilly as he quickly moved out of the way of the hulking figures, who stopped before the Decepticon leader.
Megatron squinted his optics, both in suspicion and confusion of the Predacon's odd word choice. Den? He did mean the Nemesis? Or Shockwave's laboratory, where he was created? The warlord didn't like the idea of bringing them to either. He especially could not stand his pet in another's claws a moment more.
The dictator smiled, flashing dangerous fangs. He forced his tone to sound even. Friendly.
"Indeed. The young—hatchlings required immediate medical attention. Let us return to the laboratory. Your... Creator will be eager to be reunited with all of you."
Knock Out's optics went impossibly wide, looking up at his lord as if he had grown a second helm. The gold mech's optics narrowed and the red one crossed his arms and curled his lip.
However, his former-beast merely bowed his helm, rumbling, "As you wish."
Megatron had to ignore his reluctance as he hailed Soundwave for another groundbridge, this one leading to Shockwave's laboratory. The warlord preferred to go to the off-site base to analyze this new… development.
The strangers jumped as the vortex materialized before them, the gold Predacon almost dropping Warpdrive. Apparently it had been some time since either had witnessed a groundbridge. Megatron wondered how they would deal with this next part, then. With that, he lead the party through the vortex of swirling colors.
The humid, warm air was replaced by a stale atmosphere. The fresh scents of salt and vegetation was replaced by odd, synthetic smells and old, dried energon. The pale light of the moon was exchanged by a yellowish, unnatural glow.
The trio of Predacons froze at the rows and rows of incubcation tanks and the beasts within them.
Yellow optics went wide and bright and jaws opened in shock. The red mech and gold mech were rooted to their spot, while the largest of the three slowly neared the closest tank. He peered up at the slumbering Predacon within, almost wistfully.
"So the rumors are true," he murmured. "There will be more of us..."
"Indeed," Megatron mused, optics narrowed at the slumbering beasts, beholding them with a whole new understanding. Before he could further reply, there was a shrill scream from the back of the lab.
"You shut off her communications?" Starscream was screeching at Shockwave, who was fully ignoring him as he meddled with a terminal. "Have you gone mad? Endangering such a valuable asset—"
"As per Megatrons orders," the chief engineer interrupted, raising his optic at the Seeker in a heated glare. The bickering duo had yet to notice their party, too caught up in their debate. "The Autobots would not risk damaging their former pet, and should the subject be captured, I can override her warpdrive at any time. Warpdrive had proved capable of collecting mere—"
Then both Decepticons froze as the ground began to quake beneath their pedes. The pair glanced up and the reaction was immediate. Starscream let out a startled squawk as his wings went flat on his back. He jumped onto one pedes, optics wide and bright as moons. Meanwhile Shockwave stiffened, his lone optic spiraling by several degrees as he observed the three strange forms behind Megatron.
"Predacons." he uttered. The glow of his optic intensified, and Megatron could almost hear the gears turning in his helm. "I had believed all of my original creations had perished."
"It has been a long time... Master," the gold Predacon greeted slowly, pausing before his creator.
The red mech's lips pulled back in a disgusted snarl as he muttered, "Not long enough."
Shockwave's gaze turned from the trio of creations to his much more recent subject—Warpdrive, limp and leaking energon in the golden monster's claws. His optic brightened even more.
"You have damaged my Warpdrive!" Shockwave's voice raised in volume. There was no anger in his monotone, but it was as close to the emotion as he would ever show.
"There was a crude misunderstanding," the giant mech replied quickly, as if it offered any assurance. "Lazerback and Twinstrike mistook them for the enemy, but rest assured I took care to... straighten matters."
Megatron didn't know how to react to the designations, merely glancing at the uncomfortable pair. Shockwave didn't seem to care about the revelation, already moving away.
"Come, they must be treated immediately," the scientist announced, not even glancing to see if the party was following him.
The black mech didn't hesitate to trail on his creator's heels, the other two Predacon promptly following suit. Megatron moved quickly to keep pace, ignoring Starscream's dumbfounded stare. The Seeker's jaw remained open for several kliks until he blinked out of his trance and hurried after them. Knock Out looked more than reluctant, but eventually followed the group.
It was a quick journey to Shockwave's laboratory. Though it was no medbay, it would have to do. The engineer certainly had the appropriate supplies.
"Place the femme on sterile berth," Shockwave ordered without batting an optic. "I must attend to Warpdrive."
"As well as Quickclaw," Megatron all but snarled. He turned to Knock Out, who flinched. "Repair him, doctor. Swiftly!"
"Y-yes, my liege," Knock Out stammered, quickly rushing to collect his tools.
The golden Predacon all but dropped the hefty femme onto the slab, while the much larger one gently and carefully deposited Quickclaw on the other. His talons lingered on the mech's frame longer than Megatron would have liked, and he had to suppress a violent growl.
Instead the Decepticon leader turned to his chief engineer. "Will they live?"
"Affirmative," Shockwave assured, already booting up monitors and attaching lines to their mangled frames. "However, the subject's warpdrive is severely damaged and Quickclaw's wings will require reconstructive surgery. It will take some time to treat."
Megatron's optics flashed violently, fangs bared in fury. When Knock Out hesitated in moving forward, he roared, "What are you waiting for?! Get to work! NOW!"
The medic nearly jumped into the air before rushing to Quickclaw's side in a flurry of red. While the surgeon began to frantically prep for surgery, Shockwave was already fussing over his pet. He plugged into the femme's medical port, but Megatron wasn't sure for what purpose.
He realized it was out of his servos now, out of his control. Something he despised. He wanted to use the bond to treat Quickclaw's wounds faster, to make him climb to his pedes and stay by his master's side. Megatron wanted the beast to stay dumb.
Reminded of the cause of this entire fiasco, he turned to the trio. Lazerback and Twinstrike, as they were apparently called, were fidgeting, while the large one remained motionless. He stared at the fallen youngling, wearing a frown and odd look in his optics. Concern? Why?
Megatron had to remind himself to keep a calm tone. "Keep me updated on their progress, Shockwave. I shall attend to our guests."
"Will the hatchlings recover?" the former-beast asked, finally returning his gaze to the Decepticon.
"Yes, but it will take some time," Megatron assured quickly. He waved his claws, beckoning, "Come, let us allow the good doctors to work. We have much to discuss."
The imposing mech stared at the injured pair a moment more, before blinking away from the sight with a slow nod. He turned to follow the Decepticon warlord out of the medical wing. Starscream curled his lip but fell into step beside his master, while the other two Predacons trailed behind. Megatron waited until the sound of surgical blades and welders faded to speak.
"You have my gratitude, my dear Predacon," he started, in a polite, gracious tone. "For intervening before the younglings could be further injured, and bringing them back to us."
"I only did what was right, Lord Megatron," the massive mech implored, not hesitating to give the other two a sharp glare. "For our species, is it forbidden to bring harm upon a hatchling."
Megatron ignored Starscream's baffled look. At one time, Cybertronians once believed the same, but after eons of war, sense of morals on both sides had degraded. Nothing was thought taboo after Zeta Prime ordered his troops to march through the revolting Badlands, ripping sparklings from their carriers and putting mangled younglings on display for all to fear. When Megatron ordered the genocide after genocide across Cybertron, he ensured his army was thorough.
Instead of saying such things aloud, the Decepticon leader nodded. "It is a sentiment in which I cannot agree more. I only pity that our long awaited reunion turned into such a disaster."
"Reunion?" Twinstrike echoed, narrowing his optics.
"Why, of course. You did not think we would have left you alone, did you?"
The pair exchanged glances, the red one accusing, "You did not come, or even sent a message."
Because sending a message to a mindless beast would be like sending a message to a rock, Megatron thought bitterly. He feigned a look of confused shock.
"But I don't understand—I sent dozens. Even emissaries. Why—" The tyrant cut off mid-sentence to bare his fangs. "Curse those Autobots! They must have intercepted my ships."
"The Two-Walkers we fought so long ago," Lazerback recalled, plating rattling in ancient resentment. "They slayed many of our brethren." Suddenly his feral snarl morphed into a wicked, pleased grin. "So we returned the favor by feasting on their hides."
"Savages." Megatron had to turn away so the Predacons would not see his disgusted look. When he looked back, his optics were almost mournful. "War waylaid our arrival here, and when we finally did, we believed you were all extinct. I am relieved we were wrong." He glanced at the strangers, giving them his full attention. "But rest assured, soon your brethren will rise again. A miracle of science. Cloned from the ancient remains of your mighty ancestors."
"Another legion of Great-Hunters?" the gold one, Twinstrike asked, tilting his helm a little. "To rule the skies once more?"
Starscream's wings raised and Megatron forced his armor to remain still. "Yes. And to lay waste to those that have dared stood against you in the past."
"The Two-Legs will pay for their treachery!" rumbled out Lazerback haughtily. "We will burn their dens to the ground!'
"In time, dear Lazerback. But for now, the humans are not our enemy."
"What?! Not now, when?!"
"When we have destroyed Autobots." Yellow optics brightened, but Megatron did not flinch. "Humans are merely their slaves. But should we slay their masters, the insects will crumble before your might—our might."
Lazerback snarled viciously and visibly bristled, and Twinstrike glared murderously. However, the largest of the three merely nodded.
"As long our kind receives retribution for the crimes committed against us, then I will accept your terms," the black dragon hummed. "For we are in your debt, for our creation. I pledge undying loyalty to you, my one true master."
Megatron's optics widened as the Predacon bowed his helm, sinking below the Decepticon lord's, as he spoke the passionate words.
"But with more of my species soon to stride among us, I beg your permission to in turn lead them, as Predaking."
"As your armada?" Megatron asked, optics narrowing ever so slightly.
"As your armada, my Lord."
"Your vision is... boundless."
Megatron scolded inwardly. The beast already thought itself capable of leading armies and winning wars. It was already plotting to rule the Earth, a planet that only he would rule.
What if the savages were not satisfied with the blood of the Autobots? Would the humans flesh even sate them? Or would a single planet be enough?
Then a cold realization seeped into the Decepticon lord's spark, as he eyed the Predacons before him.
No… it wouldn't.
Megatron had created the ultimate weapon, not realizing he had also created the Decepticon's destruction.