"Higher!" She shouted. She gripped the swing chains as tight as her little eight year hands could manage.
"Ok, if you say so," a young mans voice said. A hand pushed the swing to increasing heights.
"Look I'm flying!" She shouted with glee. Joy and excitement filled her little body.
"You certainly are,"
"Your best big brother ever!"
"I know I am, but what does that make you?"
"The best sister ever," She said with the bravado an eight year old could muster.
"That you are,"
Swiftshadow's mind came into wakefulness. A brother! She realized. She had a brother! Every fibre of her being knew it to be true. Joy and excitement sent vibrations through her soul.
"It is almost comical to think that this tiny thing is a predacon," A voice sneered followed by tapping.
The joy Swiftshadow felt shattered into a bazillion pieces. Right, that. She remembered now. She was captured. Fear settled in.
Moons lessons sank in. Wait, listen, observe. She kept her eyes closed. She didn't want them to know she was awake. She could tell that she was in some sort of cramped cylindrical container. Her tail was curled around her awkwardly and who ever put her in here didn't know how to fold her wings right.
"Starscream! Stop messing with that bargaining chip," Swiftshadow recognized Megatron's voice, "We will need that as a in case Shockwave's patch fails to yield the formula from the medic,"
Ratchet. Relief flooded her bones. He was alive at least, for now,. Megatron needed him for some formula. The only formula that Ratchet worked on was the Synth-En. Did they need that for some reason? Maybe was needed to power the Omega Lock or whatever Megatron was building?
Also the whole bargaining chip thing. That was not good.
"Ah, yes," Starscream's weaselly voice grated on her nerves, "I don't suppose that once we're done, we'll let Predaking have it. Though it would certainly appease the brute for while at least,"
"Nonsense," Barked Megatron, "We can not risk Predaking to find out about…"
The sound of A sliding door and a set of thundering footsteps interrupted the conversation. Find out what?
"Well?" Questioned Megatron.
"The cortical physic patch only conformed my suspicions," The cold monotonous voice sent chills down her spine, "The Synth-En formula is incomplete,"
Swiftshadow cracked one eye open. Terror flooded her senses as she recognized the being before her. It was the one eyed monster of her nightmares.
"Well then, we should help the good doctor finish his research," Chuckled Megatron.
Ratchet stood in his cell. A pair of stasis cuffs held his hands together. A single dim light illuminated an empty dull grey room. He paced around working on getting the cuffs loose.
The door opened to reveal Megatron. His crimson eyes pierced the darkness.
"Are you through poking around inside my head," Ratchet said, "you didn't find what you wanted did you? Or else you wouldn't be here,"
"What I want apparently does not yet exist," Megatron hissed.
"and that would be?"
"We would very much like for you to complete your work on the formula for synthetic energon,"
"even if I were capable, do you think I would hand you a limitless supply of fuel and ammunition just so can turn around and use it against the Autobots," Ratchet turned his back to the war lord.
"Oh you misunderstand dearest Ratchet, I intend to use your formula for the purpose of creation, not destruction. We have fortuitously discovered that your Synth-En when combined with cyberneucleic acid create a basis for an alternative for of cyber matter,"
"You are attempting to rebuild the Omega Lock," Ratchet's spark pulsed. The twinge of hope was rapidly replaced by multitude of horrifying ways such thing could be used.
"We stand on the precipice of greatness you and I," Megatron continued, "the restoration of our very home world,"
"Collaborate with the barbarian who essentially destroyed our home planet in the first place, Who sadistically crushed Bumblebee's voice box will looking him in the eye," Anger jabbed at Ratchet, "No thank you,"
"Then I'll present you with a choice. Complete your formula, or…"
Starscream appeared from the darkness. He held a glass containment unit on its side. Inside was Swiftshadow. Ratchets spark dropped. The fear was easy to see on her face. He could hear her savage growls. She had her teeth and fangs bared as if daring anyone to stick their digits too close.
"If I were to agree to this," Ratchet said, "What assurance do I have that you wont go back you word,"
"None what so ever," Said Megatron, "As a Decepticon, any assurance I do give would be meaningless,"
Ratchet weighed his options, " What makes you think you can rebuild the Omega Lock. I've come to my senses. I know of its mystical properties,"
Megatron grinned. Dread crept into Ratchets spark.
"Come with me," Megatron ordered. Ratchet followed the warlord thought the ships dark hallways. Starsceam trailed behind with Swiftshadow in tow. Her growls had died down but kept her fangs sharp and ready. They travelled deep into the belly of the ship.
They entered a large circular room. A dozen large cylindrical tanks lined the perimeter. Each of them waiting to be filled with the substance that would give Cybertron life. Or destroy Earth.
The floor opened to reveal a stunning orbital view of earth. However that wasn't what caught Ratchet's attention. A great ring of silvery metal hung by four great pillars off The Nemesis' belly. Numerous vehicon workers were busily welding the machine together.
Ratchet gaped in awe, "By the Allspark. You've actually done it,"
"Decepticon engineering," Megatron said proudly, "It would not take long for the lock's operational drives to be fully operational. All that is needed to restore our home is the cyber matter to launch through it,"
"Which requires a stabilized formula for the production of synthetic energon,"
"I have every confidence in you doctor,"
Ratchet looked upon the Omega Lock then to Swiftshadow's terrified expression. I'm sorry, he silently thought.
"I'll do it," Ratchet finally said, "But then you already knew that,"
Megatron only smiled darkly.
Swiftshadow scratched at the glass that held her. She only managed to make a few etchings. She needed to get out of here.
Megatron was showing Ratchet around the laboratory. Ratchet admired some doohickey prototype. Swiftshadow didn't understand half of the technical jargon they used. She couldn't believe that Ratchet was helping the deceptions. She understood why but couldn't believe it.
The door slid open to reveal Shockwave and a red bot she didn't recognize. Shockwave's single optic landed on her. A wave of terror swept through her. She tried to make herself as small and insignificant as possible.
"Ah, It seems our resident scientists have arrived," Said Megatron, "I'd let you get acquainted then,"
Starscream picked up Swiftshadow's capsule and followed Megatron out.
"Where are you taking her?" questioned Ratchet.
"Oh, don't worry about your little friend," Megatron said, "We'll make sure that it's well taken care of. Consider this a form of insurance,"
The door slid shut. Swiftshadow's heart beat wildly in her chest. She fought to keep control of her breathing.
"Certainly, my lord, you don't intend to keep your word," Sneered Starscream as they travelled away from the lab.
"Of course not," Megatron admitted, "I want you to take that thing away from here and terminate it. Once your done with that your to go destroy the Autobot base,"
"As you wish, my lord," Said starscream as the two parted ways.
Okay, now was the time to panic. She beat furiously on the walls of her enclosure. She clawed and butted at the glass, desperate to get out. She wasn't going to die without a fight.
"Be quiet you," Ordered Starscream as he raked his claws on the glass. The grating noise did nothing but infuriate the dragon more.
You want me to quiet, I show you quiet, she thought angrily. Shucked in a breath and let out the loudest roar that she could muster. It echoed as it rang through the halls. A large figure turned the corner. Swiftshadow immediately recognized who it was.
Predaking
Shockwave set a piece of metal before Ratchet, "So we know this cyber matter the produced by an atypical molecular displacement reaction?"
"Extensive empirical evidence indicates the fundamental instability within the Synth-En formulation to be the cause," Shockwave stated in a clinical tone.
"Double blind analysis?" Ratchet may disagree some of the mechs methods but he couldn't help but admire the mad scientists brilliance. He remembered what Shockwaves did to swiftshadow. A twinge of anger flashed through him. He pushed it away as being angry would be counterproductive. He silently prayed to Primus and The Wolf Spirit for Swiftshadow's safe return.
"Naturally, The result only confirmed my original hypothesis," Shockwave said, "Once the erroneous variable has been corrected for, the stabilized synthetic material will bind properly with the cyberneucleic acid,"
"And produce a stable form of cyber mater," Ratchet concluded, "Remarkable,"
"Yes quite an act of providence,"
"And to think that if we hadn't let you destroy the beasts, none of this would be possible," Boasted Knockout as he handed Ratchet a tool.
"Let?" questioned Ratchet.
"What I meant to say was that the specimens that you requested earlier aren't going to prepare themselves," Knockout changing the subject.
"There is much to do and little time doctor, shall we get back to work,"
"certainly," said Ratchet. He began to ponder the implications of Knockouts little slip.
Predaking stared down Starscream. The little one was trapped in the seekers grasp. Her pleading eyes looked up at him. He was confused. He had known that the Decepticons had an Autobot prisoner but he wasn't told about her. So he was surprised when heard her furious roar. his investigation lead him to Starscream.
"Predaking," Squeaked the seeker, "what are young here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Predaking growled, "And what are you doing with her in your possession?"
"Well, I, uh…" Stammered Starscream, "Was bringing her to you… Under Megatron's orders of course,"
"Why was I not informed of the fact that we've had her in our possession?"
"Well, It was a recent development," Said the seeker, "And Megatron is a busy mech. he probably didn't have time to inform you,"
Predaking scowled. Some instinct told him that something wasn't right but he couldn't quite put his claw on it.
"Anyway, I have other business to attend to," Continued Starscream as he handed Predaking the container. The seeker strutted off.
Predaking looked upon the little one in his hands. Excitement rippled through his body. He finally had her. The only other predacon in existence was now inside his grasp. It was almost like a dream come true.
"So, uh… fancy meeting you her," She said in an almost sheepish manner.
"Like wise little one," Said Predaking, "It is very fortunate I have found you, little one. Now we lead our future army together,"
"Hey, lets not get too ahead of ourselves," Said the little one, "Also, can you find a private place so we can talk? Also can you let me out of here? It's kinda cramped,"
Predaking frowned. He walked into one of the storage rooms. Megatron had kept several relics and artifacts. He caught the little one staring at particular relic. A massive sword of shining silvery metal. He let her out of the containment unit. She stretched out her limbs as she jumped out.
"Is there something you wish to speak of?" He questioned.
"How do you feel about the Decepticons," She asked, "And Megatron specifically?"
Predaking had to admit it was a strange question. He did not think much of the deception forces in general. Most of them were just a bunch of faceless henchmen. He only paid attention to a select few. He at least knew he could trust Megatron without question.
"Are you considering to join our glorious cause?"
"Not exactly," She said, "To be honest I felt safer with Autobots,"
Rage flared within him, "you cant be serious! To side with that murderous scum over your own kind! Do you even know what they did!"
"I know they destroyed Shockwaves lab along with all the predacon clones,"
Predaking was flabbergasted. She knew? Yet she still sided with those monsters?
Confusion tore at him not for the first time.
"What! How?"
"They told me themselves," She admitted.
"Then how can you side with them?" Growled Predaking, "When they admitted to have slaughtered your brothers and sisters,"
"Mostly never once tried to hurt me of shove me inside cramped containers, unlike your 'glorious' leader," She said, "They never kept secrets from me, unlike Megatron who seems to lie to everyone including you,"
"what do you mean little one?" Predaking narrowed his eyes, "Megatron would never lie to me,"
"I'm not sure exactly, " she said, "But I know that he wanted to kill me to avoid the risk of you finding out some secret,"
"What makes you so sure?"
"Overheard him and Starscream talking about it, but they never got into detail," She said, "You seem like a smart guy, maybe, if we put our heads together we can figure it out.,"
Predaking had never heard himself being described as smart. The others wrote him off as a big dumb brute.
"I know of the autobot that is currently on this ship," He said, "Megatron has promised that I would have him once he was done his work,"
"okay, so its not that," She said, "So maybe it has something to do with the lab?"
"What would Megatron done there?" He scoffed, "We both know the Autobots destroyed the lab,"
"Maybe theres a piece missing," She said, "So lets compare stories,"
Predaking was sceptical. They both knew what happened there. so what was the point? He decided to humour her anyway. So he told her what he knew.
"Those clones must've meant a lot to you," She said, "Your all alone in this world and you were really looking forward to not being the only predacon in existence,"
Predakings armour was the toughest around. Neither blade or blaster could penetrate it. Yet the simple statement not only punctured it but tore it to shreds.
"How would you know that?" He growled
"It's how i would feel if I where in your position," She said, "I think the thing you are looking for is not an army, but a family,"
"well it doesn't matter," Huffed the predacon, "They were destroyed and no amount of talking is going to bring them back,"
"Neither will getting angry and destroying everything in your path," She said, "But that doesn't mean you haven't the right to be angry. So let us find out the truth so we can direct that anger properly,"
Predaking could not deny her point, "And how are we going to do that?"
"How about we look at the facts and see things from a different perspective," She said, "We know that both the Decepticons and the Autobots have cloaking technology that can hide each others locations, right? So If I where a megalomaniacal warlord out for world conquest building an unstoppable army, I would make sure that my enemy would never be able to find it until it was too late. So that begs the question, how did the Autobots find the lab?"
Ratchet raced through The Nemesis' corridors. His engine revved as his tires pushed him to ever increasing speeds. He had completed the formula. Yet he couldn't let Megatron get his hands on it. A little sabotage covered his work trail and and gave him the opportunity to escape.
He searched for swiftshadow. He refused to leave the ship without her. He prayed for her safety.
He turned the corner only to for Megatrons massive foot to come crashing down on his hood, stopping him in his tracks.
"If you terminate me," Grunted Ratchet, "You will never get your hands the formula,"
"Oh, I wouldn't be so certain doctor," Megatron lifted his foot to allow Ratchet to transform, "My experts are working diligently to disentangle your false trail as we speak,"
Ratchets spark dropped in horror.
It wasn't long before he was tossed through a door, only to come to face with Predaking.
"Do you feel defenceless, Autobot?" Predaking said ominously, "Good, now you know how what my fellow predacons endured, Right before you massacred them,"
He violently grabbed Ratchet and threw him across the ships deck.
"Ratchet!" A familiar voice called out. The medic recovered to see Swiftshadow standing between him an the predacon. Relief warmed his spark.
Swiftshadow's heart pounded. When Predaking got the message that Megatron had a gift, she and Predaking left for the upper deck of the ship. She knew that Ratchet was the gift. She hoped that Predaking was in a less violent mood. She did quite expect Ratchet to thrown across the deck.
She couldn't let Ratchet be mauled by the predacon. She Immediately stood between the self-proclaimed king and the medic. A single wrong step by either titan could crush her. She stared down Predaking.
"Move," Ordered Predaking.
"No," Said swiftshadow.
"I am your king, little one,"
"I bow to no king," She growled back, "And my name Is Swiftshadow,"
Predaking scowled, "Don't you wish to avenge your kin?"
"I'm not letting you hurt my friend," She growled.
"If you wish to avenge your cohorts," Ratchet grunted as he staggered to his feet, "Don't stop with me. Keep avenging all the way to Megatron. It's not like I'd be able to live with myself, knowing the role I played in humankind's extinction."
"Wait!" Said Swiftshadow, "What do you mean?"
"We were led there by the simple hope of finding energon," Stated Ratchet, "We had no idea that we'd find Shockwaves laboratory,"
"The coincidence barely seems plausible," Said Predaking.
"Thats because It wasn't a coincidence," Said Ratchet, "Megatron planted the energon so we'd do his dirty work for him,"
"So my theory was correct," Said Swiftshadow, "Megatron did have something to do with the labs destruction,"
"Why would my liege order my kinds extinction?"
"Having been on the receiving end of your might," Said the medic, "One theory springs to mind. He fears you and any like you,"
Predaking's expression twisted to that of rage and fury.
"Excuse me, Ratchet," Said Swiftshadow, "What did you mean in your 'role in humankind's extinction?"
Ratchets optics filled with sorrow, "I'm sorry,"
"You completed the formula," Dread and horror swept trough her. Implications of the realization darted inside her head. If Megatron succeeded then she would never reunite with her brother, "Megatron hasn't fired the lock yet, has he?"
"Not as of yet to my understanding," Confirmed Ratchet.
"So there's still time to save them,"
"Why do you care about the humans, Swiftshadow," Asked Predaking.
"Because not only am I a predacon," Swiftshadow let her body shift into human form, "I'm also Human,"
"How is this possible?" Said a shocked Predaking,
"Why don't you go ask shockwave," Rebuked Swiftshadow, "He turned me into a human/predacon mutant hybrid,"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Should it matter what I am or am not?" She argued, "Besides right now Megatron is plotting to destroy the human race and i'm not going to become a member of two endangered species. I don't care if you forgive the Autobots or continue to hate them. I need your help to save the humans, who right now, are as helpless and defenceless as your brethren once where,"
"What do you have in mind?"
"Well, Me and and Ratchet are going to need a distraction. A big one," She said, "And you always wanted to avenge your brethren, right?"
Predaking nodded. He headed for the doors, "I admire your warrior spirit, Swiftshadow. I shall buy you as much time as you need,"
"Predaking," called Swiftshadow, "Be careful, Something tells me that you don't get to become a ruler like Megatron with brute strength alone,"
"Same to you, Swiftshadow," Said Predaking as he entered the doors.
Swiftshadow turned to the medic, "Well Ratchet, we lots to do and little time,"
Predaking tore through the deception troops. The soldiers fell like flies to his blows. Their desperate blasting did little to inhibit Predaking. His claws ripped apart armour and crushed helms. Fury and rage fuelled his every action. He promised Swiftshadow that he would buy her time to save her brethren. And buy it he shall.
It wasn't long before he found what he was looking for. Megatron and Starscream stood in his path.
"Megatron," He roared, "Is it true that you ordered the extermination of my kind?"
"My only mistake was not seeing the extermination through," Said the Warlord.
Predaking charged. Megatron's strength was no match for his. But Megatron was a cunning fighter. He knew how to deflect many of the predacons blows. Predaking slowly gained ground on Megatron. The Warlords back was pressed against a door. It slid open to reveal a series of airlocks.
Predaking failed to notice Starscream. He launched a missile right into the predacons back. Predaking roared in pain. Megatron took the advantage and thrust Predaking into an airlock.
"I wasn't a champion in the pits of kaon because of my savage might," He boasted, "But also my cunning,"
Megatron pressed a button that launched Predaking out of the ship. The only thought he had was if he had bought the little one enough time.
Blaster fire echoed from down the hallway. The smell of burnt metal irritated Swiftshadow's nose. Her wings and tail twitched nervously. she was sure it was getting closer. Ratchet worked on taking out the ships shielding and contacting the other Autobots.
"Autobot base," Said Ratchet, "This is Ratchet,"
"And Swiftshadow,"
"Can you hear us?"
"Loud and clear old friend," Swiftshadow recognized Optimus' baritone voice.
"Listen to me," Ratchet said urgently, "Megatron has rebuilt the Omega Lock on board his ship. I've deactivated the shielding so you should be able get a lock on the ships coordinates,"
A loud explosion came terrifyingly close.
"Ratchet, we need to move,"
"Hurry Optimus, Megatron is preparing to cyberform Earth as we speak,"
Swiftshadow sprang onto Ratchet. She latched her claws into his armour as he sprinted down the hallway. They needed too reach the lock before it had a chance to fire.
"We can get there faster if I'm in vehicle mode,"
"Okay," Said Swiftshadow. She leapt with wings spread. She remained airborne long enough for Ratchet shift into an ambulance. She thudded back onto his roof. Her claws gripped the metal. Her wings and tail balanced her as Ratchet swerved around the corner. She kept a fire ball ready.
It wasn't long before the pair encountered a couple of vehicon troopers. A well aimed blast of fire dispatch one. Ratchet rammed the other. The impact almost threw Swiftshadow, but she held firm.
Blaster fire echoed everywhere. It was impossible not hear it. The acrid scent of burning metal hung in the air.
Swiftshadow felt the wind tugging at her wings. It felt as if it was trying to lift her. But she clung to Ratchet.
They sped ever deeper into the bowels of the ship. They slowed for nothing.
She heard Ratchet notify Optimus of their approaching of the Lock. She prepared herself as the doors came into view. She felt Ratchet shift beneath her. She let the wind take her. She rose up as Ratchet sprinted to a control panel. She landed next to him.
"Alright, lets go save the world," She said.
"Your staying here," Said Ratchet, "Its much too dangerous,"
"I can handle myself," She argued, "And what on this ship hasn't been dangerous,"
"I just don't want to see you injured,"
"I'll be fine, trust me," She said, "I don't think we've the time to argue this any further,"
Ratchet sighed and opened the door. It slid open to reveal Shockwave working the locks controls.
Swiftshadow froze. Terror gripped her. She almost didn't think she could face the monster from her nightmares. She then remembered her brother and Sky. Her friends and her family were counting on her. If she failed then they would all be destroyed, and she refused to let that happen.
Rather stepped in, drawing his blades, "Shut it down Shockwave. I cannot allow you to harm Earth,"
"The planet will not be harmed," Said Shockwave, "Only its indigenous lifeforms,"
"Over my cold lifeless husk," Ratchet charged the Deception.
Swiftshadow stalked around the edge. She waited for an opportunity to strike. Shockwave slammed Ratchet into a wall. Swiftshadow launched herself at Shockwaves single red optic. Her claws sunk into the metal around it. Flames rose from her throat.
A hand grabbed her and slammed her into the ground. Swiftshadow looked up to see the glowing end of a cannon.
"It is a shame to lose an intriguing subject like yourself," Droned Shockwave.
Ratchets fist clanged against the side of Shockwaves face. The mech staggered back out recovered enough to fend off the medics next attack.
As the two titans battled swiftshadow felt a familiar presence. It felt as if Optimus was somewhere close by.
Ratchet sat dazed, slumped against a wall. Shockwave inputted a command in the console. The floor opened like a great aperture. Large panels slid away to reveal the Omega Lock.
Swiftshadow saw the Earth sitting serenely below, unaware of the peril it was in. Swiftshadow could spent an eternity just staring at it. Unfortunately the raging battle made that impossible.
She quickly spotted Optimus who opened fire on Shockwave. The Decepticon scientist fled to cover. Megatron bursted in and tackled the Prime to the lower ring.
"Shockwave, Commence Omega Lock firing sequence," Ordered the warlord.
Swiftshadow couldn't let that happen. She got to her feet and with a mighty flap of her wings she pounced. she landed on the mechs shoulder. She slashed and bit into the metal. She saw his hand reaching for her. Not this time, she thought furiously. She whipped her tail at it. The blade sliced open the appendage. Energon gush from the wound.
Shockwave took a second to recover, but he managed to snag the dragon by the tail and toss her away. She landed next to ratchet, who was stating to recover from his daze. She could do nothing but watch as Shockwave activated the lock. The many tanks around them emptied their contents into the ring below.
A silvery film formed inside the ring. It rippled and shimmered like water. It was beautiful but so very much deadly. It shouldn't be allowed to fire.
The ship suddenly listed. It swung rapidly. Swiftshadow gripped the ground and hung for dear life.
What was going on?
The ship was moving away from earth, she soon realized. Someone had taken control of the bridge.
Ratchet got up and began grappling with Shockwave again. Before Swiftshadow could make anther strike, Smokescreen phased through the doors carrying a large sword. Swiftshadow recognized that blade from the room she and Predaking had that talk. She remembered its warm aura much like Optimus' or the keys. She guessed it was important somehow.
Smokescreen darted around the ring as Bumblebee and Arcee busted down the door as they fought with Starscream and some troopers.
"Smokescreen," Warned Ratchet as Shockwave blasted the rookie. Smokescreen flew back unconscious. Shockwave broke away from Ratchet raced Bumblebee for the sword. Swiftshadow couldn't let Shockwave get to the sword.
She needed to fly. She darted to the edge and took off. Her wings spread out and captured air. With a few mighty wingbeats she was on top of Shockwave. She sent a powerful blast of fire right into the monsters eye. Shockwave stumbled blindly. He clutched his smoking optic.
Bumblebee grabbed the blade. He made way down to where Optimus and Megatron battled. Swiftshadow swooped around and landed next to Ratchet. They watched as Bumblebee took a mighty leap at Megatron, with the sword clutched in his hand.
Megatron took notice. He raised his arm cannon fired. Swiftshadow could only watch in awestruck horror as Bumblebee's body burst into flames. Time slowed as Megatron's tore and ripped apart the metal that was once Bumblebee's chest. The scout fell into the vat of cyber matter and disappeared beneath its surface. The sword free from Bee's grip landed on the ring with a clatter.
Optimus enraged by the loss, doubled his efforts to defeat Megatron. Megatron quickly got the upper hand and shoved the Prime oven the edge. Optimus clung to the ring.
Swiftshadow was about to jump in when she saw Bumblebee. He rose from the cyber matter and grabbed the sword. He shouted megatons name and plunged the blade deep into the warlords chest.
Megatron stared in shock at the blade protruding from his chest. He tried to strike back but his failing body wouldn't let him. He gripped the blade as he slowly slipped off the edge. His glowing red eyes faded into darkness. His body burst into flames as it fell through the Earth's atmosphere.
Shockwave, who regained some of his vision, fled with Starscream out the door.
Swiftshadow took a sigh of relief. It was over wasn't it? Her body trembled and ached. She was sure to be sore for the next few days. She could already feel the bruises. But she was alive. Alive and whole.
Optimus and Bumblebee climbed up to the ship. Swiftshadow limped to join the gathering. Ratchet noticed her limp and held out his hand. She hopped on and settled on his shoulder.
"Bumblebee," Said Ratchet.
"Your voice," finished Arcee.
"My voice? What are yo-" Bumblebees eyes widened. He realized that he was no longer seeing in beeps and whistles, "My voice! Ratchet I have my pipes back," He excitedly gave Ratchet a hug, jarring swiftshadow.
"Hey, carful. Delicate load," She said.
"Sorry," Said Bumblebee, "I have my voice back. It must've been the cyber matter,"
"It is the only explanation," confirmed ratchet.
"It seems the old medic did good after all," Optimus said. He then combed everyone to announce Megatron's passing. Celebrations were had all around. The war was over. They had won.
Swiftshadow was handed to Bumblebee. They along with Smokescreen and Arcee travelled to the bridge. It was decided that the Omega lock was to be used to restore Cybertron. Ratchet and Optimus remained behind to operate the lock.
Swiftshadow was sick to see Jack and Miko. She was surprised to see that Miko was wearing some kind of battle armour. She was placed next to jack on the command console.
"So how was your day?" She asked.
"Not bad," Answered Jack, "Yours?"
"Exhausting,"
Raf soon joined them via ground bridge.
It wasn't long after that the Nemisis then entered a space bridge. Cybertron appeared before them. The ship positioned it self over a gaping hole. The Well of Allsparks as she was informed.
As the lock fired its contents into the well, a etherial light blue light emanated from beneath the planets surface. A warm presence permeated through the surface. A deep yet inaudible hum resonated with Swiftshadow's soul. It felt as if a great being had sprung to life.
They watched the sun rise over the reborn world. Swiftshadow couldn't help but marvel over the sight. The surface was barren and littered with ruins of lost cities but it was still beautiful. She was hired to be one of the only humans to have seen a sunrise on an alien world.
A motion caught her attention. Predaking soared into the sunrise. As he flew away Swiftshadow offered a silent condolence. I hope you find what your looking for.
The day of goodbyes was a tear filled affair. There was weeping, short words, and a lot things that went unsaid.
"though our planet is once again capable of supporting life," Spoke Optimus before the crowd of Autobots and humans, "We have much rebuilding to do. Alas we will miss our home away from home and the family we made here,"
"If cons are still out there," Worried Raf, "wont eat be on their radar?"
"Raf if you need me or any of us," Assured Bumblebee, "We're only a space bridge away,"
"Besides, we will be in good hands with you, Jack, Miko, and Swiftshadow continuing to serve Unit E," Fowler said, "In a semi official capacity, of course,"
"Whoa!" Said Miko excitedly, "We're going to be agents!"
Swiftshadow wasn't sure she wanted to make any longterm commitments. There was so much she didn't know about herself. She also wanted to find her brother, who probably was dearly missing her.
"Consultants," Corrected June, "Till your of age,"
"I trust that Unit E doesn't have any rules against rusty old autobot consultants," Said Ratchet.
"Ratchet?" Questioned Arcee, "You of all-"
"eh-yip-yip," Interrupted the medic, "I know where I am needed,"
The group scattered to gather their meagre possessions. As well to say goodbye to their friends.
Swiftshadow stood on the catwalk with arms crossed. Sadness gripped her but she swallowed it. Goodbyes were always hard.
"I'm going to miss you, Optimus," She said. It wasn't that long ago that she wouldn't have felt that way. It still felt like an eternity ago.
"I will miss you as well, Swiftshadow," Optimus said. He then turns to Ratchet, "Until we meet again old friend,"
The two shook hands.
A swirling green vortex burst into existence. One by one the Autobots made their way through. The last one to enter was Optimus. He turned to give one last look. He gave short respectful nod before entering himself.
The Portal then closed.
Swiftshadow paced along the hangers roof. Her wings twitched anxiously. She knew the moment when her talons left the roof there would be no turning back.
She spied the remains of hanger F. It had been a few days since its destruction. Who knew a simple paint job would be enough to trick Starscream into destroying the wrong building. She gave a small chuckle.
She looked up to the clear night sky. Countless stars twinkled brilliantly against their dark background. A waning moon glowed silently. She breathed in the cool night air. A gentle breeze urged her into the sky.
She held back. She made a mental list of the things she packed. She wanted to make sure she had everything. A spare set of clothes, a large water bottle filled with energon, cash, some granola bars, and her journal were all packed away in her backpack.
A note was left on her cot. She didn't want them to worry too much. Besides she felt like she had to do this. She had a home out there. She may not know where it was, but she would find it somehow and with it her brother.
With a mighty flap of her wings she took to the sky. She gave one final thought as she rose to the clouds.
Don't worry brother. I'm coming home…
TO BE CONTINUED…
*Authors notes*
Here ends part one. But with every end comes a new beginning.
Swiftshadow's journey is far from over. While this wont probably be the last time we see the transformers, It will be a while before we see them again. In the meantime we'll be meeting other characters from other fandoms. Some will be friends others will be foes. I will mark them as crossovers.
So keep an eye out for The Swiftshadow Chronicles Part 2: Cursed
*Update*
Part Two is out
s/13731303/1/The-Swiftshadow-chronicles-part-2-Cursed