Chapter 7: Wolfang

Pure darkness reigned supreme. Under cold lifeless solace laid one unconscious man lightly floating within black surroundings. No sign of natural vegetation nor even concrete-filled urban streets. Just an endless void of nothingness.

Buster fell continuously downwards, diritied clothes blown under small winds. His right index finger outright twitched, showing signs of awakening. Soon, the whole set gripped itself, tiny blue veins visibly protruding. Once more, the blonde opened nearly fixed eyes, staring into utter darkness again. Except now light doesn't exist-at least, none he can find. As he rapidly turned his head all over desperate to escape, he managed to flip over 180° into an upright position. It appeared gravity played no role stability-wise, let alone provide ample ground to land on.

Just where on earth was he? "Hello?" Buster called out into darkness softly. "A-Anyone there? Hello!?" None responded to his callouts. Silence ruled fiercely within this place, wherever it's located. Truly, it was bizarre. One minute he's falling through large cities of insane magnitude with Codexa, the next he's stuck here. Wait a minute...

"Codexa?" Buster's cries grew louder, realizing his loneliness. "Codexa! If you can hear me, yell! Where are you!?" Still no reaction, just echoes. "Codexa!"

Then, to add even greater mystery, a small blue light appeared. Its trajectory headed straight for Buster, getting closer and closer by microseconds. The terrified blonde shielded his fragile eyes of incoming light, astral blue invading his view. But it stopped completely.

"H-huh?" Buster uncovered his arms, suddenly bewildered at the orb's instant standstill. The peculiarity in question certainly fared nicely in terms of brightness, albeit being the only light source here. "Now what?"

The orb enveloped its warm azure light onto Buster's stiffened body, now loosened by way of unusual camless. Slowly, it draws closer towards the blonde appearing threatening externally. Yet if that bizarre trip to Cybertron taught him anything, one point stood out now. There's more to see than meets the eye.

Codexa's quest to change history seemed insane at first. No matter the tragedies and their long-term consequences, neither organic nor mechanical beings can reverse them. History's very foundation is either built on mistakes learned by future generations or repeated at nauseum.

But with the right tools, logical or magical, any daring volunteer may change events for more suitable outcomes, perhaps even change entire timelines. And, maybe, that very power is hovering before Witwicky within reach by 2 meters!

The calmed blonde raised his right arm curious about its contents. As soon as light touched his pale skin, unexpecting streams of ultramarine swarmed Buster in tendril-like appendages. They then wrapped themselves around Buster without tightening their grip.

"W-What the!?" Buster exclaimed in confusion, his worldview wholly engulfed in shiny blue.

"Are you my new vessel?" a strange voice possibly originating from the orb uttered, spooking the blonde instantly.

"W-Who said that?" Buster looked around in vain, realizing the answer immediately. "Was it you?"

"I asked you first: Are you my new vessel?" the voice repeated.

"Vessel?"

"Every being my power touches, who accepts it through mutual agreement, becomes a vessel for which you represent me," the voice explained. Then, all the tendrils moved from Buster's personal space, entangling each other into one singular form.

Now standing high at 9 meters tall was an enormous spiritual body. It held no physical aspects for it alone was merely translucent navy blue."I am Wolfgang, oldest and only Bravemaster in Cybertron's history."

"Bravemaster?" Buster repeated, recalling Codexa's words. "You're the real deal?"

"Lies never occurred naturally to me. If things were different, I'd proclaim to be a failed experiment wandering the wastelands or a savage beast from the Sea of Rust suddenly obtaining intelligence. Funny how time works otherwise," Wolfang jokes, perhaps referencing alternative universes.

"So you're it, then." Buster understood, looking more resolute than frightened. "Codexa mentioned you- rather she mentioned I'd get powers or...something similar to you."

"I fear the great Oracle's guardian may have deceived you, young one."

"Deceived me?" the blonde replied. "That's ridiculous, she never lied to me."

"Lies can be fabricated as truth. All it takes is persuasion and skill. Many manipulators have used lies to further themselves, often ignoring long-term effects. If one person tells lies about fembots having 'organic' crotches, not only will the world believe such rubbish, but soon the entire galaxy. When that happens, truth has a mere few inches to squeeze through." Wolfang detailed.

"What?" Buster's bafflement was clear. "That's stupid, how's that possible?"

"Exactly. But many will believe it as truth," Wolfang reiterated. "Even you must realize the vagueness of Codexa's wishes."

"Vagueness? What do you mean? She wants to save her mother, the Oracle, right?" Buster said, narrowing his eyes on Wolfang.

"Perhaps, but did she ever mention the culprit?" the spirit kneeled down while still towering the blonde, who took one step back. "Did she tell you who killed the Oracle?"

"I-I assume Cykill did it," Buster swiftly answered, gulping at Wolfang's enormity. "Judging by our recent conversation."

"Strange of you to say….knowing I served Cy-kill myself," Wolfang's abrupt bombshell stunned the particularly naive blonde.

"Served?" Buster repeated, now wholly confused. "What does that mean? Like, master and slave or something?"

"Master and servant, fool." Wolfang clarified, suddenly snapping his fingers. Then, dozens of floating hovered around the duo, each holding very specific moments of presumably Wolfang's life. All of them pictured different users, including the familiar face of Cy-kill, encased in bizarre pirate-like attire, notably a cutlass and bandana.

"Are these…"

"Memories," Wolfang answered. "Mine, mainly. All throughout this elongated existence of mine, many have utilized my powers for either good or evil purposes. I don't discriminate between them, therefore rendering me a glorified tool. I was Cy-kill's sword until his unfortunate, or fortunate, demise. In doing so, I have grasped various perspectives on life-ones where values matter little next to survival, others where values and principles carry significant weight on lives."

"In human terms…." Buster hated offending people but felt his answer held cogent truth. "A common prostitute."

"Believe what you want," Wolfang didn't care, nonchalantly switching to a seating position. "However my experiences are perceived, know I hold no grudge with those against my actions. For it solely judges other's perceptions and expectations of me."

"That doesn't excuse anything," Buster argued, descending into anger. "How can you let yourself be passed around to every smuck in the galaxy, let alone do it at all? Does that not infuriate you? Do you even feel infuriated?"

"My powers have been desired for eons," the spirit retorted. "I can grant users unfathomable abilities, transform their entire bodies, and increase already present potential. That is a Bravemaster's duty."

"NO!", Buster snapped, emotions raging high. "You call being thrown away dutiful? To whom exactly, unknown puppeteers controlling every step you take? How STUPID must you be to finally realize life has more than bullshit excuses!? Is that why Codexa chose you?"

"Possibly," Wolfang shrugged his shoulders. "She found me on Garrus-9 one day, then took me away. My previous master, succeeding Cy-kill, wasn't too pleased with her. Bot was a killer, sure-but desecrating his memory helps no matters."

"Personally, she's done a huge favor." Buster disagreed seethingly.

"Why do you think so?"

"Because people idolize evil too much. Nowadays, everyone wants to be evil. Maybe it's not explicitly said, nor even shown, but people often forget heroes and their reason for existing." Buster explained. "My dad always said 'Good and evil must balance each other or else chaos reigns indiscriminately'. No one society can thrive on just one value. Heroes and villains, light and darkness, Autobots and Decepticons. Balance must be present at all costs."

"But if balance fails in societal functions, how will its populace survive? Good and evil by their very foundations provide differing methods pertaining to each which lead to similar outcomes."

"True. You're not wrong there," Buster nodded. "But, you forget people don't give up so easily. Although different perspectives are difficult to understand, it brings knowledge. Ideas and beliefs foreign in nature, unknown by public eyes. If society can learn to utilize this knowledge precisely and effectively, I'd imagine long-term prosperity."

"You sound like a philosopher," Wolfang noted. "Is that you talking or someone's influence?"

"Me." the blonde replied resolutely. "Me alone, Wolfang. No one else BUT me."

"Good to know. I despise hacks," the spirit joked.

"Least we agree on something," Buster finally smiled after hours of utter confusion. "Still, how did Codexa find me?"

"I don't think she specifically looked for you. More like she found a willing volunteer," Wolfang countered.

"You have proof?"

"Care for a look, stranger?" the spirit pulled down one floating image, depicting events set within prison-like walls. "Hope you brought refreshments."

[Memory]

Upon a stacked pile of mechanical corpses wearing Autobot and Decepticon symbols, one lone figure sat on a makeshift throne overlooking two other individuals engaged in gladiatorial combat. Surrounding the ring were packed crowds of bystanders watching with horror or glee at the unspeakably disturbing display. The two Autobots clawed each other bare-handed, desperate to achieve victory while observed by a Decepticon so infamous-so feared even amongst his comrades-that saying his name would send shivers down metallic spines.

His name was Overlord.

A tall imposing bot whose defining features lays in his iconic silhouette. Broad shoulder pads jutting out purple cylindrical spikes distracted many by their mere placements. Each forearm held a small wing, indicating he had airborne capabilities. His color scheme of blue, white, turquoise and hints of purple covered his bulky yet slender aesthetic. Most frightening of all were those puffy lips grinning with twisted enthusiasm under simple psychotic pleasure.

"Dogfight, Sunrunner!" he called out to both fighters. "Surely an end comes near. How long must we endure this pitiful display of battle? Are you Autobots or Decepticons?"

One bot, Dogfight, glared at the ring's owner. The blue jet heavily panted exhausted breaths after enduring endless blows from Sunrunner, another airborne fighter whose tan and dark green showed significant wear. "G-Go to hell, Overlord," he muttered.

"Hmm?" Overlord titled his head. "Sorry? Could you speak up? It sounded like utter contempt to me. Perhaps you'd like to tell the audience?"

"Stop it," Sunrunner intervened on his opponent, understanding the situation. "Don't let him provoke you."

"Then what else can I do?" The blue fighter remarked, staring hard into the tan warrior's red optics.

While both were airborne-capable Autobots with jet alternative modes, each had major differences beyond their color schemes. Dogfight's wings jutted out on his shoulders, themselves retaining a typical Cybertronians' look of blockish sleek design. Deep and light blue were his primary colors enveloping the limbs and body respectively, while crimson red singled out the face whose mouth-plate and yellow eyes currently held strong aggressive glares towards Overlord.

Sunrunner, meanwhile, notably had propellers pointed upward on his shoulders, both wings attached below on the side positioned diagonally. Three missile-like objects were visible behind his neck, their completely obvious presence unsuited for discretion. His face too covered with a mouth-plate and fierce ruby eyes shared unanimous resentment towards their captor.

"Dear subjects," he addressed the audience, stirring the metallic wolf beside him awake. Till now, his pet mostly slept through his preordained fight, uninterested in the eventual outcome. Overlord briefly glanced at it before resuming his broad gaze. "It appears our competitors have exhausted all competitive desires. What do you think should happen now?"

The crowd murmured in bewilderment, consulting one another. Naturally, anyone would choose to continue the fight-at least, anyone brave enough. Overlord's words carried more gravitas than even Megatron's speeches. One sadistic as him controlled subjects like wired dolls made for performances. "I ask you again. What do you think should happen now?"

"Oh no," Sunrunner mumbled, terror sweeping his expression. "We're doomed."

"Not today. Not now nor ever," Dogfight whispered, preparing to escape. "Okay, while they're distracted…"

Suddenly, Overlord lit up with an idea. "HOLD!" his yell silenced the rabble. "These two deserve punishment, yes?" the crowd unanimously nodded, each metal soul bearing multi-colored optics on two disobedient Autobots. "Perfect, I have just the executioner."

The ruler of Garrus-9 turned his head to his alabaster wolf, grinning with anticipation. "Wolfang," Overlord called out soothingly. "Can you demonstrate your abilities once more? Everyone here enjoys your adorable presence."

Wolfang grunted, rising upward to his feet. Grassy narrowed optics probed into his enemies, scanning every available detail. Then, quick as a star, he soared into the blinding ceiling lights, Dogfight and Sunrunner amazed at such inane dynamics. From beyond luminous whites came a slim figure, dashingly tumbling downwards then landing gracefully via back thrusters, arms sternly crossed.

"What the-?" Dogfight uttered, he and Sunrruner separating their closeness. Both spread out to encircle Overlord's pet, the tan machine activating his three back cannons.

"Just so you know," Wolfang said calmly, detecting the noise by auditory means. "It isn't personal."

"Still wrong regardless. Doesn't change anything," Dogfight retorted, preparing his wrist-mounted guns. "Mind telling me why pick his side, then?"

The silver machine shrugged his shoulders, each sporting a circular piece upfront. "Simple, really. We form a mutual agreement, he acts on the terms presented. If he wants servitude, he'll get it. If he wants a bodyguard, he'll have it-provided nothing breaks our deal."

"And you do that with anyone?" Dogfight wondered, focused on defense yet curious. Wolfang's aqua blue eyes held their gaze, double-horned crest glittering his forehead brightly. By now, Sunrunner's back cannons had charged up significantly.

"Of course," Wolfang answered bluntly. "In fact, we can make a deal right now. That is if your friend there understands."

"Sorry, pal." Sunrunner disagreed, pointing his three-barrelled cannons lighting orange-red flashes. "It isn't personal."

Large beams of raw power fired from the tan bot's arsenal, flying parallel towards their designated target. The wolfbot raised his right, erecting a miniature forcefield. Instead of deflecting the shots, it absorbed each beam into itself, creating a ball of spewing orange energy.

Wasting little time, Dogfight dashed forward hoping to strike the distracted Wolfang. Unexpectedly, the wolfbot swiftly turned one-eighty, witnessing an enraged Dogfight charge onwards. His energy ball began reshaping its outer shell, forming into a katana-like weapon. In mere seconds, Wolfang assumed an Iaido stance, calm as owls hunting prey.

Dogfight fired his blasters, visible eyes behind the visor deepening their narrowness. Then, without warning or premonition, Wolfang disappeared. Swirls of dust remained in his former spot, the blue fighter stopping completely. Before he landed, tragedy struck.

A thin line ran down his body, splitting the bot into two separate pieces while azure Energon oozes out rapidly. They each had their leg boosters functional and swerved either towards the crowd or rough metallic terrain. Either way, both exploded on impact.

"What in primus…" Sunrunner's remark trailed off, unable to process the moment. Then, he felt danger rearing behind him, prompting a swift turnaround and dodge backward. Wolfang nearly silenced his spark with one fist, now stuck into rusty metal soil.

"Nice one," Wolfang extracted his clawed hand, lips forming an uneasy smile. "Not everyone can dodge me. Though, none of them lasted long."

Sunrunner glared into the wolfbot's visor, fist gripping with rage. "Whose side are you on?"

"Huh?" his question got a confusing response.

"Why are you with Overlord?" Sunrunner clarified further, straightening himself. "Why take his side at all?"

"Why?" Wolfang scratched his slim waist covered by a long-separate front skirt. "He's my master if nothing else. I offered my servitude, thus making him king. Course, it's not permanent-so if you want me, I'm all yours."

"That….that simple, huh?" Sunrunner's auditory sensors couldn't believe the audacity.

"However," Wolfang continued. "You must offer something in return. A little sacrifice, essentially. It could be an arm, leg, friend of yours, family member-doesn't matter long as you have it."

"I appreciate the offer," Sunrunner cracked his knuckles, readying a battle pose. "But I like to keep friends close, thank you."

He charged towards the wolfbot with rapid pace, engaging his leg boosters at full speed. Wolfang stood momentarily before reenacting Sunrunner's moves. Now both fighters dashed with pristine focus, victory fiercely on their minds. The crowd tensed up, awaiting the final result impatiently. Cheers erupted out of excitement for the incoming battle.

Then, Wolfang side-stepped onto Sunrunner's left, almost running past the tan Autobot, effectively dodging his attack. Except, he firmly grabbed his opponent's straightened leg, completely surprising Sunrunner after realizing his sudden halt. Despite the boosters still exhausting fumes, Wolfang poured all his strength into the slim arm, gripping it tighter much to Sunrunner's dismay.

Firmly putting his foot down while pulling his arm back, the wolfbot flung the distraught Autobot over his shoulder, hearing painful screams watching his opponent skid across solid ground. Damaged but unfazed, Sunrunner got up furious at the humiliation. Closing in, he threw a sure-to-hit punch towards Wolfang's face, which it did-only to find out it didn't even sway him.

Wolfang eerily grinned. "Too bad. I was beginning to like you." In an instant, he plunged into the tan bot's chest, feeling dirty air enter through. With another hand on Sunrunner's distraught face, he forcibly decapitated his victim, simultaneously ripping out his wired spark. As he crushed both items gleefully, the headless empty body fell onto its knees before finally tumbling back.

Victory had decided its owner.

Cheers rang across the bleachers, unstoppable applause congratulating the new champion. One sound dominated all, of course. "Well done, Wolfang." Overlord's voice boomed like large speakers, his claps halting the audience's praise-filled cries. "I expected much, of course. Still, you never cease to surprise me."

Wolfang threw away Sunrunner's damaged components and bowed before his master, covered in cerulean fluids head-to-toe. "All in a day's work, my liege."

"Gentlecons," his master stood up, facing his subjects pridefully. "For over two thousand years have we stayed in our former entrapment whisking away all who disobey. I conducted these combat rituals as means of distinguishing the strong from the weak. Today, that distinction has been made clear." Wolfang too arose, watching his master's grandiose movements.

"Today, our eyes lay upon my most fearsome warrior-one who shall never falter under pressure nor shall he debate on morality's fragile principles. Today, we recognize Wolfang, our newest Decepticon ally and destined hero in my empire's eventual history books." Overlord's compliments made the audience cheer for their savior, prompting the wolfbot to formally bow once more, visor looking up towards Primus' chosen heir.

"Your words honor me greatly, oh wise and humble king," Wolfang flattered him, unexpecting any exchangeable praise. "My servitude alone grants me eternal happiness."

Overlord nodded with a menacing grin. "Until you're no longer capable, that is."

The wolfbot didn't hear his master's whisper, but it didn't matter. Nothing changed after switching owners, and that was okay. Even if cruelty reared its ugly head, usability held more priority than safety. He knew within his emotionless spark Primus' chosen heir enacted many a vile practice to ensure complete submission from his subjects. But why bother with such pointless interventions when he too is submissive? Why dare break the unbreakable chains around his neck when they've become part of his being?

Why try at all?

"Now," Overlord continued. "What say we give the galaxy an unforgettable message while it burns under our flames?" His question received an answer of ecstatic cheers from loyal followers about, unrelenting in their renewed participation in battle. Wolfang stood up again, smiling slightly. The galaxy would undeniably suffer, but he didn't care for the fates of feeble elitist organics or disgruntled Cybertronians. After all, servitude mattered more. What else was there?

"People of Garrus-9," an unknown voice above somewhere alerted the entire room, all searching for the source. "I have come to join your crusade."

"Who's there? Show yourself immediately! Mind games waste my time, you know." Overlord demanded the stranger's appearance, glancing at Wolfang to remain cautious. The wolfbot complied, preparing his sharp claws and knee cannons.

Suddenly, the ground began shaking without warning, knocking a few rusty pieces off Overlord's throne pile. Without knowing the true cause, Wolfang couldn't act out his orders accordingly. But he didn't need to anymore.

Rising above the cold metal prison's floor, puncturing many unlucky bots seated around the ring, were numerous gigantic spikes towering over Wolfang like skyscrapers. Overlord held an even greater surprise, for his vast amount of potential soldiers were being erased by seemingly random occurrences. But the experience taught him otherwise.

Everywhere in their view, large metal walls with trickled cerulean blood surrounded the awestruck duo. Overlord arose quickly, jumping down to Wolfang's position. Both held caution tightly, watching every nook and cranny carefully.

"No need for fear, gentlecons," the kind feminine voice surfaced, now closer than ever. "I mean you no harm. I simply stopped by for…..reasons."

"Master, look." The wolfbot pointed towards the corpse pile, towards a small organic female. Or rather half organic, since her body was composed entirely of mechanical construction.

"So you're the one causing trouble?" Overlord sneered in disbelief, strolling nonchalantly onto his target. It was truly hard to believe a tiny being annihilated an entire platoon, let alone render his plans mute. But Wolfang somehow knew at first glance…..

"Little one, I have no idea who or what sent you to our backwater planet, but I strongly suggest you-" his words were interrupted by her abrupt disappearance. He wondered no longer as the woman reappeared behind him, near Wolfang's spot. Then…..nothing. The world around him grew darker in an instant, namely his ruby optics oddly shutting down. He couldn't move nor could he properly confront the stranger.

"Unfortunately, I'm not here for you." Codexa clapped his metallic palms, which engaged a see-through line down Overlord's entire body. On cue, both pieces fell sideways, each spewing out puddles of delicious pumped Energon. Certainly, the rats will enjoy his corpse if any breathed out there.

"Now then," she turned to a stunned Wolfang, currently processing his master's quick demise. At least, it resembled shock-but one couldn't tell by the visor. "You must be the Bravemaster, Wolfang."

He looked down in full view at Codexa, the unusual hybrid of organic and mechanical smiling. Just…..smiling. "Yes, I am," he replied, uneasy about her.

"Please, forgive my entrance. I merely wished to speak without worry of conflicting opinions. I hope you understand," she admitted in a laid-back manner.

"No, I…..totally understand." Wolfang felt no fear, yet something spoke to him. "Did you have to kill everyone, though?"

"Not necessarily, but it makes things easier-especially regarding important manners as….negotiation," her odd seductive tone flinched him slightly.

"Are you asking for intimate services? I can't provide those, unfortunately. Machines don't reproduce," Wolfang assumed her offer upfront, receiving a swift answer.

"No," Codexa shook her head. "I'm here on personal business, seeking out warriors of utmost talent. And I believe you are one of them."

"So you want me to fight?" his question earned a nod. "Whose side?"

"Mine," she declared calmly. "Join me, and together we shall cull Cybertronians from this minuscule galaxy, Autobot and Decepticon, or even Optimus and Malignus. For the sake of my homeworld Nebulon and its lost people, one of whom my mother, I will burn their colonies down and savor their pain just as they did. Cybertron alone isn't enough, for revenge guides me further into purgatory-my own, in fact."

"Interesting," Wolfang commented. "You want me to help you genocide an entire race. Is that right?"

"Put simply, yes. I make no denial about it."

"And what makes you think I'd accept?" Wolfang asked.

"You know very well their renowned cruelty," she replied, hovering on leg thrusters "You are a mere tool in their eyes. To them, your existence holds no greater value than simple usage. If you were gone, nobody would care-nobody would remember you-but worst of all, nobody would use you anymore."

"Harsh much? You're basically saying I don't matter," he summed up her explanation. "And that's not very encouraging, is it?"

"Trust me," she grasped his large face, giving aligned lips a short-lived kiss. "I'm more than meets the eye."

[Present]

Buster stood stunned, baffled beyond reason. He just witnessed an entirely different side to Codexa, one ruthless and unhesitant. But more importantly…..

"Woah," he uttered, watching the memory flicker off. "She's…..hotter than I imagined."

Silence ruled briefly, mainly caused by his random observation. "That's your takeaway?" Wolfang said, nearly facepalming his nonface.

"That, and her story," Buster added. "I know the feeling of being lied to, but…..I don't understand."

"What part of it do you fail to grasp, exactly?"

"Why didn't she tell me upfront?" Buster inquired. "Sure, I wouldn't've signed up, but at least she'd be honest."

"There's your answer," Wolfang exclaimed. "It's because you would've refused that she twisted the story to suit her needs. After all, sympathy's easier to get than apples on trees."

"Hold on," Buster realized one missing point. "How do I know you're not lying, that you fabricated that entire memory?"

"Are you a fool? How can anyone fabricate memories?" the wolf spirit retorted. "They'd require magic or sorcery, for Neptune's sake."

"Well, you can fabricate lies as truth," the blonde ceased further accusations. "And you did say lying wasn't a specialty."

"Haha! I knew I liked you," Wolfang praised him. "So….what now?"

"I…..I don't know," the blonde admitted, pondering on his question. "I feel like…..stopping Diaclone's a bigger priority than Codexa. But….if she's out there about to cause massive problems, then….I should stop her."

"You care little for the Transformers, I see."

"It isn't about saving the Transformers," Buster argued. "It's about saving Codexa. I wanna stop her genocidal plans because deep down, I know she's not evil. Maybe, just maybe, there's a sliver of hope."

"And you want my servitude to accomplish your task?" Wolfang asked.

"If it means getting her back, yes. I trust her to do the right thing-at least, I hope she does the right thing," Buster's determination was clear as blue skies.

"In that case," Wolfang lowered one hand down onto the blonde. "What will you sacrifice?"

"Hmmm…...since I don't want anyone else getting involved," Buster picked his option, semi-embarrassed. "My body, I guess. I've kinda always wanted to be a hero as a kid."

"Then we have an agreement. From this day forth, you are granted the powers of a Bravemaster, loyal to none but all. Use them however you wish, but know of their easy disregard." Wolfang formally spoke. "Buster T. Witwicky, I choose you."

And then there was light.

[-]

"Where are you!?" Cy-kill screamed into the risen smoke, blackened in all but texture. He stood near the impact crater where Buster and Codexa supposedly landed. Furious, he kept searching, unwilling to disappoint his master. Until….

The smoke began to spin in a circular formation, taking the form of a charcoal tornado whisking away unlucky attendants. Tiny as it was, it didn't frighten Cy-kill, but something else surprised him. Two strange robotic figures appeared out of the storming cloud, directly colliding with Cy-kill via a double punch to his ugly face. After tumbling back onto the concrete metal ground, away from dark smoke, he spotted a confident male and female duo emerging out.

The male was alabaster broad shoulder and upper thighs, each navy blue lower leg containing two individual wheels. The navy dominated his chest, arms, and waist, mixed with hints of ultramarine for the glaring wolf head's eyes-it rested on his breastplate like a hunter's trophy. Finally, dark rose engulfed the oddly shaped helmet, alone having winged ears and a trident-like head crest. The silver face with similarly colored optics glanced at his companion.

Contrasting him was the dominatingly green fembot, whose entire body was engulfed in dark verdigris paint, broken up by gray lines running through head-to-toe. The thin frame included large wings protruding off her back, tips sharpened like blades. Her elegant red pupils occupied a conventional helmet of dynamic antennas on the sides. High heel-like feet elevated her height to meet her partner's mark.

Judging by recent events, Cy-kill reasoned they were Buster and Codexa respectively. But how did they become Cybertronians?

"Wha….What is this? Are you playing some practical joke on me?" Cy-kill demanded to know, receiving a cocky grin from 'Buster'.

"If we were, you'd be laughing." Surprisingly, Buster's voice emanated from the male, who took time to observe his new self. His firm metal hands and wide-body certainly attracted greater attention, but short-lived due to current circumstances. "Wow…..like the upgrade."

"Will it suffice?" Codexa's voice came from the female, readying her arm blades.

"Fuck yeah," Buster also took up battle positions, unarmed and now confused. "Uh…...are there any weapons?"

"Only what you have. "Let's go," Codexa rushed forward, passing the transformed blonde, leaving him to follow after her barehanded. Her words left him utterly baffled, but no other option existed-not yet.

As both charged towards their target, Cy-kill lit his fists mustard-yellow and fired straight-laced blasts, each missing the duo with their quick and simple evasive maneuvers. Suppressing fire was laid down, but nothing produced a bullseye.

Eventually, Cy-kill just gave up and charged in as well. He threw a swift punch at Buster, ignoring Codexa's attack-only to get blocked by the wolfbot's sudden grasp on his wrist. Every opponent he encountered often did this, yet he didn't expect Buster to kick him back so hard it ripped off his entire arm.

Immediately, he thrived in pain, rolling on the ground like common folk suffering nightmares. Despite the obvious, Cy-kill arose off Cybertron's surface, gripping his sparking shoulder joint. Strangely, he smiled. "Impressive for fools, I'll admit," he said. "But, you still won't defeat me, for I live on elsewhere."

"What?" Buster uttered, Codexa stepping in.

"Pay no mind. He's trying to save himself," she instructed him, turning her gaze to Cy-kill. "For an infamous pirate, you certainly lack skill. Is that why you used Wolfang so much?"

"Ha! Wolfang was merely useful," Cy-kill replied. "He supplied me with power unlike those of the Primes. Such mythical legends must be taken with a grain of oil. After all, it's not exactly true."

"I had no idea you were intrigued by history. Perhaps if you hadn't spent much time looting and killing, you would've been a scholar," Codexa predicated but concluded a fatal end. "That is why I ended you, after all."

"Oh, you miserable excuse for a Nebulan," Cy-kill seethed under his breath. "This entire world is merely a fabrication of personal delusion. I'm simply a puppet for your inner thoughts, your subconscious taking form. What right do you have to speak of vile crimes?"

"Enough to send you away," Codexa snapped her metal fingers, whisking away her enemy via magical disintegration. If she had the power of sudden death, no wonder Overlord died untouched. But where did she obtain it? Furthermore, how did she become so vile herself? To trust a demon like her would mean trusting any devil worth their salt.

But Buster wasn't entranced by her simply due to seduction's pull. Rather, their first night together showed greater desire than plain revenge-desire akin to seeking assistance during disaster or cries of help to alleviate certain death. Either way, he believed change was possible, even after knowing the truth.

"Now then," Codexa addressed Buster, changing the subject. "Shall we discuss our plans?"

Buster had his attention on her. "Is it the kind that leads to death?"

"No, not entirely. Unless we make drastic mistakes, of course," Codexa's smile held genuine thought behind a vile of imposture. "I admit your showcase just now was…...impressive."

"Thank you, Codexa." he acknowledged her compliment. "But there's something you're not telling me. And if we're gonna be partners, I need to know the exact details. So please, can you be honest with me?"

"Wasn't I before?"

"Almost-hell, you nearly fooled me," he admitted. "But see, when I shouted 'Brave up', the watch took me to this dark place with one guy there. He's called Wolfang, or so he says."

"Ah….." she understood. "You met him and showed a different side, didn't he?"

"Is he wrong?"

"Well….no. He's not," she replied, putting her arms behind her back. "Do you believe him, though?"

"I won't believe either of you unless facts prove otherwise," Buster placed a hand on her cheek. "So far, I'm not sure. Either you're really a time traveler from Cybertron's doomed future or a vengeful warrior bent on genocidal intentions. Be honest with me, Codexa. No games, no trickery."

"Buster….." she reciprocated his touch. "Why do you think I'll tell?"

"Because I trust you to do the right thing," He lowered his arm, gazing deeply into her optics. "Frankly, I don't care about the Transformers. As far as I'm concerned, their existence means nothing to me. Right now, I'm more concerned about you."

"Again…..why?" she asked softly.

"Revenge by itself isn't evil. It may not grant you peace, but it removes whatever malevolence corrupts the world," he replied. "Condemning a single being is one thing, but an entire race is foolish. There are better means that don't involve genocide, and I can help you with that."

Codexa briefly stared into his red eyes, before turning away to face an abandoned building. "I was right about you."

"Huh?"

"You were the perfect fit, after all." she looked up to the yellowish sky. "Shame we cannot agree unanimously."

Buster walked over to meet her upward eyes, who now settled on him. "Think about it, Codexa. If you annihilate every Transformer-Autobot or Decepticon, Optimus, or Malignus, it doesn't matter-the whole galaxy will condemn you. People will hold grudges, but more than that, they will hunt you DOWN. They'll find you, torture you, imprison you, or even straight up kill you. We can walk away while there's still a chance."

Codexa placed both fragile hands on his metal cheeks, eliciting odd warmth from them. "I have come too far to leave. All of them will suffer, I swear it."

"They don't have to. Just one can bear it," Buster firmly replied, putting his arms around her waist.

"Wrong," she retorted, unhanding his encased appendages. "All of them must suffer, for my people demand retribution. If I don't do it, who will?"

"No one who'll care enough, perhaps."

"Then, it's settled. I do this regardless of your arguments. No one will stop me, not even you," Codexa exclaimed with mighty determination.

"No one but me will stop you," he replied.

"Why?"

"Honestly," he began, putting a hand on her chin. "You caught my eye at first glance-and I'm not letting you disappear." His next move was unanticipated, for he seized her lips with his own. Her surprise was apparent, but she didn't push him away. They continued their silent unmoved makeout before Buster finally retracted himself.

Codexa's expression had blatant sadness written on it. "You damn fool," she cursed. "You don't know what you've done."

Buster remained unfazed. "Maybe," he said. "But I'll be here to see it firsthand." As his words rang internally, Codexa suddenly snapped her fingers, causing the transformed blonde to vanish. Alone, she reverted back to her android form, tears falling down in a single strand.

"Then for your sake…..please live."

[-]

(Present day)

An unconscious Buster laid on the house's laminate floor, uninjured and unharmed. Slowly but surely, he started to regain his senses, gripping his aching head under constant pain. He looked around, finding the roof undamaged and everything normal as they were. Guess it really was an illusion.

"Oh man," the blonde uttered, standing up with wobbly results. "Remind me never to smoke again. Think my lungs just blew a blood vessel." Then, something vibrated in his pocket, realizing it came from his mobile phone. Checking the number, he saw Charlene hailing him. "Hello?" he answered, hoping to hear familiarity.

"Buster!?" a distressed voice punched through. "Is that you?"

"Who else but me?" he shrugged.

"You've been gone for days, and that's what I hear? Do you realize how worried sick I've been?" By her words, it seemed like she called him multiple times. A quick look at his history confirmed his suspicion via nineteen unanswered calls.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to disa-" his window overlooking the front yard caught strange oddities lurking beyond. "What the hell?"

"What? What is it?"

"I'll call you back," he hung up, strolling over to the glass barrier. Looking closely, he spotted at least four cars and a supposed car carrier parked outside. Either someone's making a delivery or Diaclone was expecting him.

"Alright, you bastards," he mumbled. "Time to play ball."

[-]

Author's note

Fun fact, I recently watched Challenge of the Gobots, so adding Cy-kill was sorta a nice nod to it. Plus, he became my favorite outta the whole cast.

I kinda wish Gobots had a reboot, but what's there is alright. Machine Robo is much better though, no argument there.

"Somebody needs to make more of Diaclone x Transformers crossovers; it is either the Cybertronians ended up on Earth 65 million years ago, and wake up to the events of Diaclone 2016 series, or the Autobots and Decepticons ended up in the Diaclone universe during the 2016 storyline.

I'd love to see the Autobots fighting with the humans against the Waruders."

Sometimes, I wish Hasbro and Takara paid more attention to Diaclone. Short comics are one thing, but a full TV series wouldn't kill. A man can dream, I guess.

Anyways, have a good day, everyone. Peace!