Author's note: I spent quite a bit of time trying to work out accurate dimensions for wingspans looking at birds, planes and if people could grow wings how big would they need to be (turns out apparently an average sized man would need to have a wingspan of approx. 6 - 7 metres – who knew! Though the density of our bones would provide an issue as would the lack of suitable thorax/chest muscles to be able to sustain flight). In the end… I gave up! I just tried to scale it up to match the change in height and hopefully sounds plausible. Once again….. just go with it people. 😊 Then again if anyone had any real issues with any of this, they wouldn't be reading stories on a Fanfiction webpage about sentient robots from another planet, would they? 😉
Hold on to your hats because things are about to change…
Chapter 59 – The Legend of the Phoenix
OC P.O.V
A huge smile spread across my faceplates and I yelled out, ''YES!''
''However,'' Prime continued, ''you must remain inside the hanger as we have yet to explain and confirm your transformation with the JCS and Morshower and most of the base is unaware of what has taken place. ''It is necessary at present to exercise caution. What we all witness here is to remain here, understood?'' Prime looked about at his team. Everyone nodded their assent. ''Very well, let's begin.''
Rachet spoke up then, ''OC, head out into the middle of the training mat, everyone else, stand well back we don't know how this is going to go. Be prepared to duck, dive and dodge anything!''
''Kind of like a game of dodgeball!'' I laughed as I strode out. Lennox and Epps laughed from the sidelines. As I reached the centre of the room I pivoted about on my pedes and faced my ''audience''. ''Ok. Now what?''
Rachet continued, ''Well, now you transform.'' And that was it.
I looked at him like he had sprouted a second helm. ''Just like that hey? No, explanation, no diagrams, just; ''TRANSFORM!''
Prime spoke up then, ''OC, all Transformers have what is called a Transformation Cog or T-cog for short. It is a mechanism that allows us to transform from one mode into another. You should have it too, by rights. For any transformer, the act is automatic, like breathing would be to a human. For you however, you are going to have to actively think about it to engage it.''
I nodded, Prime was making a great teacher, /maybe the ability to synthesis and relay information might hark back to his days as a data clerk?/, I thought with great amusement. /Prime – ''The Library Nerd!''/. I had to stifle a laugh at my own silly thoughts. ''Thanks Prime. Ah, one thing though. What do I think of? Like, what form am I going to take? A car, a truck, a jet?''
Prime thought for a moment. ''Ironhide, transform.'' Ironhide did so straight away. ''OC, I want you to look at Ironhide and try to activate your scanner. It will take a scan of Ironhide's schematics and imprint it into your processor which will in turn inform your T-cog of the transformations required. It is important that you scan vehicles that have roughly the same mass as you do. For example, I would not scan and transform into a Ponitac Solstice like Jazz as I am far more – bulky – I have a greater mass''. Jazz sniggered and Prime shot him a glare. ''Understand?''
''Got it, limit myself to whatever my fat arse will squeeze into,'' I gave the thumbs up gesture. Everyone laughed.
Jazz started to speak with a laugh, ''Oh no OC, it's a fine…''
Prime clenched his servos and ground out, ''JAZZ! Enough! What is wrong with you?'' He glared at his second who had a smirk on his faceplates and mischief danced in his optics. Prime's irritation was palpable. He shook his helm, ''OC, look at Ironhide and try to activate your scanner, it should be built into your processor.''
I nodded and stared at Ironhide. I concentrated, looking at his form, trying to imagine the various parts. Without warning a laser like light flashed out from my optics and ran over Ironhide's body. Immediately my processor was fed schematics and formula I did not quite understand. ''Ok, that seems to have worked Prime.''
Prime nodded, ''Good. Now, what you have to do is try to send that information to your T-Cog. Try and visualise yourself turning into that vehicle. It's ok if you can't do it on the first go, or even do it at all today. You are already doing so well OC.''
I felt myself heat slightly with his praise and nodded. I closed my optics for a moment and internalised my thoughts. /TRANSFORM! MOVE DAMN IT!/. Nothing happened. I let the wave of disappointment wash over me. /Do it AGAIN!/. I closed my optics, pictured the vehicle in my mind, the schematics, I imagined my body shifting, changing and I focused all of my energy and concentration. Slowly, I felt my body start to fold in on itself, panels shifted, armour plating slid up, around, down. I felt myself changing. It was both amazing and terrifying to have your body alter in such a fashion. I was vaguely aware of everyone shouting and yelling.
I felt my battle mask slide into place and a visor flick down over my optics, changing my view and enhancing my vision. I seemed to grow in size somewhat, /WHAT THE HELL!/. I felt the three spikes on either side of my shoulder struts grow larger and extend out to the side, forming some sort of framing. Immediately metallic like webbing formed between them – /wings!/. The feather on my helm behind my chevron felt as though it grew larger and more prominent as well as several others appeared beside it like a feathered crest.
The samurai type pleats about my waist shifted about my body and became long tail-like feathers. The sun emblem enlarged and covered my entire midsection and part of my chest. Talon like claws, three on the front of each pede and one on my heel, shot out like curved blades. My digits retracted into my servo and talon like claws also shot out.
I raised my arms up in the air in shock. I felt a tremendous power coursing through me, fire flowed through me, through my circuits. I closed my optics and focused on it, let it travel where it wanted, harnessed it. I was becoming aware of what I was – what I was meant to become. Deep in my processor, images flashed.
Fire. Flames. Wings. Sun. Power. Death. Rebirth - Phoenix.
My optics snapped open and I brought my arms down with a triumphant yell of self-awareness and recognition - a loud screech. Flames burst forth along the wing-like frames and danced in the palms of my servos.
I stood there, a flaming, metallic monolith; I had transformed.
Everyone, Autobot and human alike, stood frozen. Not a sound was made. Dermas and lips open wide in absolute shock and awe. Before them stood a blazing, winged bird like titan. I stood much taller than Prime now – about 40 feet tall, my wings spanning out in wide sweeps either side, a flaming arch of some 200 feet in span. Suddenly, the training room seemed rather on the small side as the room was stretched to its limits to accommodate my wings.
I looked at everyone else, especially Prime. He stood there, arms outstretched in shock, his dermas open and his optics wide and filled with awe and shock.
''Well, I did it''. I spoke. My voice sounded deeper somehow, still my own voice but more commanding, kind of like Prime's in a way but with feminine undertones. ''Surprise! I'm not Ironhide.'' I stood there looking at everyone before me and moving my servos around manipulating the fire that flickered there. Though my hands and wings seemed to be on fire, I felt nothing, like it was a part of me, and I had some sort of immunity towards it.
''You got that right!'' shouted Ironhide.
''Holy shit, holy shit, what the hell!'' Lennox and Epps both repeated over and over as they slowly walked towards me. Their eyes rapidly looking me up and down in amazement.
Bee whistled out loud and made excited beeping and whirring noises.
Prime still did not move or speak.
Mudflap spoke up, ''Hunh, was dat suppos' ta happen? I tought she was gonna turn into Ironhide?
Skids echoed his confusion, ''Yeah! What gives?''
Rachet finally spoke up, ''How on Cybertron?'' He had a rather perplexed look on his faceplates as he looked over my frame. He began to walk towards me, starting to circle me as if to see what was going on from every angle. ''That should not have happened. I mean, you scanned Ironhide, you should have transformed into him given your similar mass. And yet..'' He gestured towards me, his servos trying to conjure the answer from the air.
Finally, Prime spoke. ''OC, how do you feel? Are you in any pain?'' His optics searched mine for any indication I was hurting.
I thought for a moment, ''No Prime, no pain at all. In fact, I feel amazing! I feel such power flowing through me that I reckon I could take on Megatron himself right now and manage to kick his aft.'' There were a few snorts and giggles at my seemingly outrageous comment.
''She's a Transformer for all of five minutes and already thinks she knows everything, you're good OC but not that good!'' Lennox chided me.
''Yeah, Prime himself has been unable to defeat Megatron after Millions of Years of combat and you think you could take him on your first outing? You're essentially a sparkling OC! Besides it's going to take more than a few fireballs to snuff Megatron.'' Ironhide gave a dismissive snort.
I raised an optical ridge and gave a loud yell that sounded like a loud metallic screech. I raised my arms up in the air and my wings flared out in fire, burning more intensely for a moment, like a prominence on the sun's surface. I brought my servos down again a large sword shot out of the wrist on my right arm and a wicked looking sai like weapon out of my other wrist. I took a menacing step towards everyone, face like thunder. ''You were saying?''
''Woah, woah, woah! Easy OC, I take it back,'' Lennox offered in supplication.
''I stand corrected,'' Ironhide gave a slight nod of his helm, appreciation and a hint of respect playing in his optics.
Arcee had a massive grin on her faceplates and she folded her arms across her chest, ''Looks like the girls just got some serious fire power their way boys.'' And she cast a pointed gaze at Sideswipe.
Rachet was still circling me, his optics darting about my frame. Prime spoke again, ''That is very impressive OC, you are very impressive,'' his optics also travelled over my frame and I felt a slight shudder go through me. ''I have no doubt that given the proper training and time to hone your gifts and skills, you would make a fearsome and worthy adversary capable of great feats of strength and courage.''
He started to walk towards me, ''Again I encourage you to adapt to these new powers and this new form with caution and respect lest you injure yourself or others. We do not know all that you are capable of and must move forward carefully.'' He came to stand before me, and it was quite bizarre now being the one to tower over him!
I lowered my helm to look at him. ''Thank you Prime for your belief in me, and yes, I understand the need for caution. Believe me, the last thing I want to do is hurt any of you, or myself, I guess.'' I extinguished the flames in the palm of my talon like servos and those along my wings.
Prime nodded. ''OC, can you transform back into your previous form?''
''I don't know, I hope so.'' Prime began to back away from me to give me the space I needed.
''Just do the opposite of what you did before. Envisage what you were like before and try to ''transform'' back into that form''. Prime stood back a distance and folded his arms across his broad chest, as though about to assess my abilities.
I gave a quick nod and did as instructed. Almost immediately I felt my armour plating, panels and various cogs and gears moving and rearranging themselves into my ''robot'' mode. My wings folded back down in on themselves, my talons retracted on my servos and pedes, my battle mask and visor retracted, and my metallic feathered crest changed back into a single plume over my helm. I felt myself, my mass shifting back to my previous size. The whole process seemed to take about a minute, /perhaps practice will see me move faster?/. I stood there before everyone as ''OC'' again.
Rachet had finished circling me and was standing off to the side the chin of his helm held in one servo as though deep in thought. He began to speak, ''I do not know what happened then. Once again OC, you defy the natural law of things. You should have transformed into Ironhide's alt mode; the scanning process, the schema, the t-cog, everything should have worked a certain way, in a certain order. Instead, you become this massive, bird like warrior figure.'' He shook his helm. ''I do not even understand the reference of this image''.
I gave a small smile. ''Perhaps I can shed some light on that?'' He looked at me, as did everyone else, with interest and not a little confusion. ''You see, as I started the transformation process and my body began to change, I received flashes of images in my processor, emotions, feelings.'' I recalled the images; ''Fire. Flames. Wings. Sun. Power. Death. Rebirth.''
I looked around at everyone's face waiting to see if anyone realised what these images meant. No one, not even Prime seemed any the wiser. ''You see in ancient mythologies from various cultures around the world, including Egyptian and Greek, there is tell of a legendary bird. While there are some differences in each culture about this bird and what it can do, there are key factors that remain the same; the figure is powerful, it is connected to the sun and it's plumage reflects that, it is relatively long lived.''
I stopped once more in my explanation to look at everyone. No one made to interrupt me. ''There is another thing too. This bird is a symbol of life and death – regeneration and immortality – new beginnings.'' I gave a small smile as I reflected on my own journey to this point. ''You see, when this bird nears the end of its life, which can be from 500 to 1000 years, it will burst into flames and rise again from its own ashes – reborn, renewed. This bird is known by many names but perhaps the most popular is…''
''The Phoenix,'' Prime spoke up, clearly having given in to the data clerk side of himself and quickly conducted his own research. A look of wonder on his faceplates.
I turned to face him, ''Yes Prime. The Phoenix,'' I repeated. ''I heard that name in my processor. Rachet I am as puzzled as you as to why what happened, happened. I don't know why those images flashed through my processor, I do not know why my body took on the form of the Phoenix, I do not know if I have inherited the same qualities of this mythological figure. All I know is, this is who I am now meant to be. In every circuit and wire, in the depths of my processor and spark – I am the Phoenix.'' I allowed a soft, rueful smile to form on my dermas. ''Like my name sake I have undergone a powerful transformation; physically, emotionally, mentally. I too am rising from the ashes.'' I stopped for a moment, thinking – reflecting.
Everyone stood silently regarding me, some nodding as they considered my words.
I looked around the room, a determined look on my face, ''From now on I want to be referred to as,'' I gazed at each person and Autobot, letting my optics rest on Prime's face as I finished my request, ''Phoenix.'' There were some gasps of shock and Prime himself slightly flinched as my words settled in his audials.
''Are you sure about this OC?'' Prime's voice was hesitant and soft.
I nodded. ''I am Prime. I will always be ''OC'' in essence, I am the same ''person'' so to speak, but I am not. I have changed, in many ways. It is difficult for me to reconcile my current form with the mentality and image of my previous ''human self''. Like the Phoenix I need to be ''reborn''. In a manner of speaking - OC has to die.'' Prime and Rachet visibly flinched at my words, as though recalling that night in the Med Bay and their efforts to save me.
''This is a lot to take in O… Phoenix. I mean,'' Lennox glanced at his watch, ''about two hours ago I saw you as a Transformer for the first time, watched you become this flaming bird like behemoth and now you are telling me I have to let go of my friend, OC?'' He shook his head, ''I don't know if I can do this, not yet. This is too much.'' He put his hands up on either side of his head and squat down, breathing.
''I'm with you on this Lennox, I need some time to work this shit out,'' Epps echoed. I noticed the deliberate avoidance of using any of my names, as though he was trying to decide what to do.
I turned to face Prime, of all the individuals in the room despite how much I cared for them all, his opinion, his thoughts were what mattered most to me. ''Prime? How do you feel about this? Are you okay with it?''
Prime stood for a moment, in quiet consideration before his deep voice rolled about the room, ''In truth I have to confess I am shocked by your words and your decision. OC had become – rather important to me.'' I felt myself both heat up and tense. ''However, I understand why you have made this choice and, if it will help you adjust to this new form, if it will help you navigate this next stage in your journey, if it will help you feel happy in any way, then I support it and I support you. OC, Phoenix, they are but names. The essence of your spark, what makes you, you, that will never change.'' His optics shone brightly at me.
I felt such a wave of relief and happiness wash over me as he put into words what I could not. I reflexively stepped forward and embraced him in a hug, ''Thank you Prime,'' I whispered in his audials. ''I knew you would understand. Thank you.'' For a moment Prime flinched from my embrace as he realised everyone was watching us and this display of affection, no doubt making assumptions and inferences. It was as though he was torn between resuming his mantel of Prime and embracing his friend.
A spark beat later he decided, as his arms came around me and returned the hug. ''You are welcome – Phoenix. Though forgive me if I slip back into old habits and say OC every now and then.'' We held each other for a moment longer, it felt good. For a moment the room started to fade away and it was just us again.
''Well, if you're givin' out free hugs, I'll take one!'' Jazz's voice interrupted our moment and brought me back to the present. He started to walk up towards me, arms outstretched. I couldn't help but start to smile at his audacity.
Prime released me and rounded on him swiftly, ''I think not Jazz, no more hugging today''. A smug grin began to form on Prime's dermas. ''Besides, you have work to do. As acting ''Prime'' I know you are already behind schedule for the day, so you best be leaving to make up for lost time.''
Jazz gave a thoughtful nod, ''Ahh… it would seem you are correct,'' and he turned to leave, ''however, if I am acting Prime, that means I have your authority, which means I can override YOUR orders and request O… Phoenix to give me a hug''. Jazz folded his arms across his chest and allowed a Cheshire like grin to form on his face.
I couldn't help both a laugh to escape and a thought to meander through my processor, /What is he playing at? He is deliberately needling Prime; I've never seen him like this before/. Prime drew himself up to his full imposing height and stepped menacingly towards Jazz, his optics flashing fire. The laughter began to die down as I witnessed this transformation within Prime, save for the battlefield and in training at times, I had never seen him so – fired up. /Frustration?/ I reasoned.
Jazz shot Rachet a quick glance and seemed to smirk, before he held his servos up in mock surrender to his leader. ''Okay, okay, jus' jokin'. I'm leavin'.'' Jazz gave me a quick nod and a little wink, ''Later Phoenix,'' and he turned and walked out of the room. Prime bristled for a moment and then visibly relaxed at his departure.
''Well, that was – odd, even for Jazz,'' Sideswipe mused out loud. ''Ol' Jazz is braver than I thought openly razzin' Prime like that.'' Prime turned and raised a challenging optic at Sideswipe. ''OR stupider, than I thought - definitely stupider.'' The silver prankster admitted quickly and looked away awkwardly.
Arcee rolled her optics, ''Well YOU would be in a position to comment on that wouldn't you Sideswipe!'' the laughter around the room seemed to break the tension that had built. Arcee looked at me, ''Well OC, Phoenix, whatever you want to be called, I agree with Prime and I'm also just glad you're on our side!'' and she smiled warmly at me before she turned to Sideswipe. ''Come on 'Sides, we have patrol,'' and she tapped him on the shoulder strut as she walked away, a decidedly annoyed Sideswipe muttering under his breath followed her. /If I didn't know any better, I'd say those two have something going on/.
Lennox and Epps walked over to me, their faces reflecting their uncertainty. ''OC, I think I need a little more time to process this, if that's ok with you. I mean, I get it, I just have to get it.'' Lennox gave a shrug. Epps stood beside him nodding.
''Yeah, me too. It's just a lot to take in and..'' Epps began to say.
I held my servos up. ''I get it guys, no worries. Take all the time you need.'' I smiled at them, ''it's not like I'm going to ignore you if you call me OC over the next few weeks,'' I gave them a smile before sobering again, ''but it would really mean a lot to me if you could try and come to terms with it all.'' They both nodded.
''Seems fair. Alright, we gotta get going. Prime,'' Lennox turned to face Optimus, ''We need to talk to Morshower soon about… Phoenix.'' I gave Lennox a big smile.
Rachet interjected, ''He is on leave for the next three days so it will have to wait until then.''
''I think I can stall him for a while, but it has to be straight after that.'' Lennox fixed Prime with a pointed look.
Prime nodded, ''Understood Lennox, and thank you.'' Lennox returned the nod and with a wave to us all they exited the building.
The group had now dwindled. Prime ex-vented. ''Alright Autobots. No doubt you all have tasks to do. Please see that you undertake them now.''
There were a few grumbles but all of them began to move off. Some of them waved at me, Bee came over and gave me a quick hug. Prime didn't seem to mind Bee's gesture of affection. /Maybe because he is just a kid himself?/. Jolt, the twins and Ironhide all exited the building with a combination of waves, nods of acknowledgment and noise. Eventually it was just Rachet, Prime and I.
''Well,'' I cycled air through my vents deeply, ''That went well.''
Rachet grunted. ''If you say so.'' The grumpy medica had returned.
''I do say so.'' I smiled at him. ''Thanks Rachet for coming over but I'm sure you can run back to the Med Bay now and start organising your needles in order of which inflicts the most pain or hefting your wrenches or whatever it is you do all day in there,'' I heard Prime stifle a laugh.
Rachet simply stared at me and blinked. ''How did you know that's what I do?''
Prime broke in, ''Alright you pair, let's all head back to the Med Bay.''
''Actually Prime, I would advise you head back to your quarters and rest. It has been an, interesting, morning and you are still healing. Besides, you promised you would take it easy and rest.'' Rachet folded his arms over his chest. ''OC..'' at my look he corrected himself, ''Phoenix and I will head back to the Med Bay. She could do with a recharge herself and I would like to run more scans and tests on her.'' Prime made to argue but instead simply nodded.
I visibly slumped and audibly sighed, ''Do we have to?''
''Yes, if you want to start progressing to training.'' Rachet counter argued.
''Fair point,'' I stood tall again, ''lead the way Hatchet.'' He raised an optical ridge at me but otherwise ignored me. We all three headed towards the door.
Once outside, Rachet began to walk towards the Med Bay. I hesitated and turned to Prime. ''Thanks again Prime, for your support back there, it really means a lot.'' I smiled at him and reached out to squeeze his servos.
Prime returned the gesture, ''you're welcome Phoenix.'' I closed my optics and listened to the sound of his voice say my new name. I liked it. Different, but still wonderful. I opened my optics again and smiled, making to release his servos – but Prime held on for a moment. I stared at our interlocked servos in confusion.
''Phoenix, I..'' Prime started to speak as he held onto me, ''I wanted to say how impressed I was by your efforts in there this morning. To be able to do what you did so quickly, with such confidence.'' He shook his helm. ''You amaze me.'' He smiled at me and I felt my spark speed up. ''You were incredible''. His digits brushed the backs of my servos and I felt a different fire course through me.
I went to say something, but I heard Rachet call out from a distance, ''Phoenix – now! Things to do!''
I rolled my optics in exasperation; Prime released my servos. I looked at his face and gave a quick smile, ''See you later? I gotta fly.''
Prime gave a small chuckle, ''Indeed you do and indeed you will. Given all of the crazy mechs I seem to be surrounded with lately, yours is the one face I do look forward to seeing.''
I felt myself shift on my pedes awkwardly at his words though I smiled brightly at him as I turned to head off towards the impatient Rachet, ''Right back at you Prime!''
Walking in silence beside Rachet back to the Med bay, my processor reeled as it took in everything that had happened last night and this morning, hell - everything that had happened over the past few years!
I thought determinedly to myself, /It's time to rise from the ashes of OC and see what you are truly made of. It is time to be reborn!/.
