Epilogue
(Where Bumblebee was- Bumblebee's POV)
No, I will not believe this; Optimus would never do this to us. How could the others especially Ironhide believe the lies Sentinel is telling about Optimus? Well I will not believe those lies, I will not I will find my leader and warn him.
:::... Bumblebee to Optimus Prime, come in please...:::
Silence for a few seconds, while the mech in question onlined from a fitful recharge.
:::... Optimus here, what is it dear scout...:::::
:::... Permission to come where you are, my true leader and Prime...:::::
Silence...
::::... Request granted...::::::
Optimus gave the scout their location; he quickly found them and played back the recording to his leader. Sam looked up at Optimus, whose optics flashed with both hurt and anger.
"Slagging pit spawned glitch; he is turning my own men against me." Optimus snarled.
Bumblebee looked at his leader then, and knew he had to tell him the rest.
"He claims he can reunite the Autobots and Decepticons in peace and that he knows how to bring back Cybertron to its glory." Bumblebee replied, as Optimus' optics suddenly misted.
Silence...
"Optimus, he's lying!" Sam exclaimed.
"Sam, I could do neither of those things, if he truly does bring peace and restores our home... Maybe I have been a bad leader and Prime, maybe I never was a good leader to begin with." Optimus responded, as he clicked and chirped nervously; and then walked further into the woods to be alone.
Sam narrowed his eyes; he hated what Sentinel Prime was doing to Optimus. He could feel his hands burning up from the power charging in his hands.
Bumblebee glanced down at Sam's hands; he tried to send calming pulses into his charge.
"I am not going to sit idly by allow Sentinel Prime to destroy Optimus. There is one little bot who knows Sentinel is bad; he told me about someone who Optimus trusted that was evil. If Sentinel knows Wheelie is in the brig and spilled his guts, he will offline him. We won't have our proof, that he is evil!" Sam replied.
"I will go get him, just sit tight with Optimus and I will be back." Bumblebee replied. "Tell Optimus I will return with this Wheelie, and we will all find a way to protect Optimus." Bee said as he transformed and took off.
Bumblebee wasn't going to let anything or anyone, stop him from protecting the rightful leader and Prime for the Autobots; and that was Optimus Prime not Sentinel Prime.
(Autobot base)
Bumblebee sped down into the underground base, he headed for the brig used a laser to unlock the brig door.
"GET IN..." Bumblebee ordered opening his door, while the little Con rolled up and climbed into the scout's vehicle form.
The cameras had picked up everything, and several NEST soldiers tried to stop Bumblebee. Bee raced his engine and spun around, and then jumped over the humans taking off.
But he was stopped by Ratchet, who was insistent about Bumblebee's actions.
"Sentinel is lying about Optimus, why can't you see that, Ratchet?" Bumblebee growled.
Ratchet could see Bumblebee tinted his windows; he was hiding something or someone.
"What are you hiding?" Ratchet demanded as Bee's engine raced. "I am the medic here, now Transform and show me what you are hiding, Bumblebee!" Ratchet ordered as Ironhide walked up behind Bumblebee.
Bee knew he had no choice now, Ratchet was blinded by Sentinel's lies; they all were. His engine growled as he felt Ironhide grab him.
"TRANSFORM SCOUT NOW...!" Ironhide ordered.
"You all are being suckered; you should be ashamed of yourselves." Bumblebee snarled, as oil spilled from the back of Bee; causing Ironhide to lose his grip on him.
Bee took advantage of that and sped off, however just as he was leaving he saw Sentinel walking in with of all mechs... Megatron.
Sentinel saw Bumblebee, and then ordered him to halt. Bumblebee had no intentions of obeying the corrupt Prime; he instead simply just kept going.
"Impertinent youngling, how dare he?" Sentinel demanded.
"He is Optimus' trusted scout; he does not believe your faked proof obviously." Megatron said.
"He is one naive Autobot; I have the more powerful bots on my side." Sentinel mused as they turned and walked down further into the base.
Lennox and Epps had weapons drawn at first; they were not sure what was happening at first.
"Stand down, Megatron and I will be discussing terms for peace for Cybertronians, and for our home planet's glorious return." Sentinel replied, as all the Autobots including Ratchet and Ironhide cheered.
(Private room with Megatron and Sentinel)
Sentinel gave Megatron some high grade energon; the two looked at each other extremely proud of themselves.
"I should have come to you from the beginning; however, the hardest part will be battling Optimus." Megatron replied.
Sentinel laughed in a sinister way.
"I know all his weaknesses, and the ways in which he fights; there is no way I can miss taking him down. I will damage him severally, and then go in for the killing blow." Sentinel replied as Megatron smirked. "Of course, fighting dirty is always a plus, I was going to do it in front of the other Autobots. However now I am thinking maybe I should simply do it in another location, and simply bring his body back to base to be melted down for scrap." Sentinel mused.
"No, he should be dropped at the bottom of that wretched ocean like I was." Megatron snarled.
Sentinel regarded him oddly.
"Very well, if that is what you prefer we do with his scrap heap." Sentinel remarked as Sentinel brought out plans.
"What's this?" Megatron asked looking at the plans.
"These are schematics for the sun harvester, its location and how it works. I will planet it Optimus' quarters, so the humans will see he was planning on destroying their sun; thus, in turn destroying their planet for his own twisted purposes." Sentinel remarked.
Megatron truly had to feel sorry for his brother, his own mentor and teacher was setting him up completely; and it was obvious no force on this planet could help him this time.
(Where Optimus, Sam, Bee and Wheelie are)
Optimus listened to what Wheelie had to say, his spark sinking with every word. Optimus stood his hydraulics hissing as he stood, while Sam looked up at him.
"Optimus...?" Sam whispered.
"My Autobots no longer need me, regardless he has achieved what I could not peace with Megatron." Optimus whispered. "I do not deserve to lead them." he said and turned toward Sam lowering his hand. "Please boy, come with me; don't leave me too." Optimus pleaded his warrior side falling completely.
Sam obeyed his sire going to him, while Optimus walked toward a huge rock away from Bumblebee and Wheelie. The little Con looked for once in his life, he looked sorry for Optimus.
"Optimus, you need to fight for what is rightfully yours." Wheelie remarked.
Optimus looked at the little Con and frowned.
"I could not achieve peace, no matter what else Sentinel did to me; I still could not unite our fractions and he did." Optimus remarked, while Sam caressed Optimus' face trying to calm him down.
"You know he cheated Megatron is in on this with him, they are both plotting to kill you." Wheelie remarked.
Optimus glanced at Wheelie, and then sighed. He could feel Sam's hands working to try and calm him frantically. He was upset, his circuits were overheating. He wanted the pain to end; he wanted the deceit and lies to end.
It was obvious his Autobots didn't need nor want him any longer, why should he stay here; he had his scout and boy. He didn't need any others especially faked friendships and comrades; who would sooner sell him out. Then hear his side of this lie, which was told about him.
"I wish to leave and go somewhere else; I am no longer needed with the Autobots any longer. It would seem I am obsolete to them now." Optimus said sadly.
Sam looked at Bee, who looked just as concerned about what this was doing to Optimus as he was.
"I... Never knew something could hurt as badly, as this is hurting me." Optimus replied softly, as Bumblebee went to who he would always believe; was the true leader and Prime to the Autobots.
Bumblebee held onto Optimus, as Optimus slowly wrapped his one servo around his scout. The big mech was touched his scout never lost faith in him.
Optimus kissed his scout on the helm, while energon tears flowed freely down his face. All he ever knew was leading others, and to have that taken away from him. It hurt.
"We must leave here..." Optimus said with a sigh.
"I should have grabbed some of Sam's things, when I rescued wheelie." Bumblebee said.
Sam glanced up then, and he shrugged.
"I have some money; we can buy some stuff later on." Sam replied sadly as he glanced at Optimus then. "I will support whatever your decision will be." Sam said running his fingers over Optimus' face.
"Thank you, Sam, thank you." Optimus replied his voice processor shaky slightly.
Wheelie realized with a forbidding shiver, Bumblebee saved his life. So, like it or not he owed them a debt of gratitude for their actions.
"Can I come wit you guys?" Wheelie asked, as Optimus glanced over at the tiny mech.
"Yes... You will ride with Bumblebee; we need to stop and let my boy purchase some things. How much money do you require for things Sam?" Optimus asked him.
"Well some minor clothes and stuff, plus food and drink. I think I know who can help me with some food and drinks to hold me for a while. My friend Miles, he works at one of the grocery stores in town; he'd help." Sam replied.
"Is he trustworthy?" Optimus asked.
"Yeah, he is." Sam answered, as Optimus transformed all around Sam.
Sam gave Optimus the directions, and he drove to where Miles worked. Sam ran his hand over Optimus' steering wheel, Sam heard the catch and rumble in Optimus' engine.
"You have proven yourself to me over and over again." Optimus replied.
They reached the store; Sam went and talked to Miles. Miles quickly brought two carts with cases of water and soda, food which wouldn't need to be heated or stored anywhere. They were merely unhealthy snacks, chips, candy and such; Optimus used his holoform and split the things between himself and Bumblebee.
"Thanks buddy..." Sam said.
"Hey wait up, Sam; you know my folks split right?" Miles asked.
"What do you mean?" Sam asked.
"They left took off; I have been staying at my boss's house but let me help you guys." Miles said.
Optimus' holoform frowned not wanting to pull another innocent into this. Miles walked up to Optimus' holoform, Optimus watched the human.
"I won't be any trouble, they wouldn't think twice about me they don't know me I wasn't involved in the battle. I only know what Sam mentioned, but I can help." Miles said as Optimus smirked and Bee tooted his horn.
"Very well, Miles; you may ride with Bumblebee and Wheelie; we'd love to have you along." Optimus said, as Sam smiled and punched his pal in the back.
(Autobot base)
Sentinel brought out the disk and showed the contents to everyone. There were gasps of shock from Autobots and humans a like from those that believed it; all of course except Epps and Lennox. Lennox pulled Epps to the side his eyes shining with anger.
"This is complete bullshit and they are falling for it his own men!" Lennox remarked.
"Yeah, who ever heard of a supercomputer with legs needing physical plans to plan anything?" Epps snapped.
Epps saw Graham walking up with the same look on his face.
"This is a set up and they are falling for it." Graham remarked.
"We have to get to Optimus and Sam, Sentinel is turning everyone against them." Lennox replied.
"My fellow Autobots Bumblebee is also an enemy; he freed a traitor and attacked Ironhide and Ratchet. He must be put on trial as well, but it is Optimus who will be held accountable for everything. I will engage him in combat in a remote location with Megatron watching the battle. I will kill Optimus, and I will bring his body back here; we will dump his scrap heap in the ocean." Sentinel replied, as another voice entered the conversation.
"Why not just melt him down?" the voice belonged to Galloway.
"Megatron would like him brought to the ocean and dumped into the ocean." Sentinel remarked.
"He should be destroyed completely destroyed!" Galloway snarled.
"Shut the hell up Galloway, you're as stupid as can be. They are advanced alien life forms; they don't need plans made out like humans would. You're so full of shit, Sentinel I have no idea what you're trying to pull; but I know one thing you Autobots should be ashamed of yourselves for betraying Optimus after all he has done for you."
"He has never stopped the war, Sentinel has and he also has proof Optimus betrayed us. This has nothing to do with you Lennox, so I strongly suggest you back down." Ironhide remarked his cannons warming.
Lennox looked shocked and hurt by Ironhide's words.
"If you do not like this than leave human...!" Barricade spat.
Lennox and Epps did, but let some of their team to stay to keep them updated.
They started to leave and Lennox cast a glare at Sentinel and Megatron both; they left the base needing to find answers from boss bot himself.
Barricade started to follow by Sentinel's private commlink to terminate the two humans. Barricade followed and his optics darkened, while Lennox and Epps were completely terrified by the fact Barricade was apparently going to attack them.
However just as he was going to kill the humans, missiles rained down from the sky, Barricade looked up startled to find Starscream and his trine attacking him. Starscream grabbed both humans, and then he took off with his trine following. Barricade however was pissed to say the least, and it was clear Starscream was going against Sentinel and Megatron both; and that would not set well with either of them now.
(With Starscream and his trine)
Lennox and Epps watched, as Starscream and his trine flew with unnatural speeds to locate Optimus Prime.
"Where are we going?" Lennox asked.
"To find Optimus Prime, the rightful leader of the Autobots..." Starscream snarled.
They were silent then.
"Since when do you care about Optimus Prime?" Epps asked.
"The second Megatron fell for Sentinel Prime's lies, he made it sound like all that low life glitch did was offline the fallen. He sacrificed thousands of sparklings; he rigged the Nemesis to blow up taking innocent lives with it. Those sparklings did nothing to him; they deserved a chance to flourish. Optimus Prime would have never done that; he would have saved all he could. All Sentinel is interested in is besting Optimus and seizing control of the Autobots, those stupid Autobots save for the exception of the scout have fallen for his lies. I will not stand by and watch Sentinel steal what is rightfully Optimus', Optimus should be the one who brings us together not Sentinel. I can feel the pain in our brother's spark; he has both loneliness as well as love." Starscream said.
Lennox and Epps were silent.
"Brother...? I thought Megatron and Optimus were brothers?" Lennox finally asked.
"No, they are not brothers; but we are his brothers." Starscream explained.
"Does Optimus know?" Epps asked.
"No, not directly, he knows he has three brothers; but not who they are." Starscream said. "I was getting tired of the rants to plot and kill our brother, and then the murders of all those sparklings..." Starscream stated, through his voice processor was betraying him.
:::... I found our brother's signature, there he is...::::
"Why isn't Optimus a flyer then like the three of you?" Lennox asked.
"Black sheep of the family..." Starscream said with a hint of a chuckle.
They saw Optimus and Bumblebee on a lone stretch of road where no one else was around. They Saw Optimus and Bumblebee pull off into a deserted area; they figured they knew they were coming figuring for a confrontation.
:::... Optimus please, we come in peace...:::
Optimus and Bumblebee walked out, Sam was on Optimus' shoulder. Sam noticed his hands were not glowing for battle, so he mentioned it to his sire.
"What is it, Starscream?" Optimus asked his tone somnolent.
Starscream and his trine told Optimus everything from the sparklings, and then the most shocking of his news flashes; was the part about them being brothers. Optimus stared at the seekers in shock; Sam was concerned for Optimus because he hadn't said one thing in reply. Starscream approached his brother, whose optics flickered and dimmed trying to piece together the information just given to him. Starscream knew what he needed to do, he had to cleanse his brother's spark of the pain; and let the memories and proof of who they were pour in.
"Come with me, Optimus." Starscream urged, as he gently picked up Sam; putting him gently on the ground. "He'll be fine, we'll be right back."
Starscream steered Optimus into a private area, while Skywarp and Thundercracker explained what was happening to the humans.
"Starscream is going to cleanse his spark and show him his past memories." Skywarp explained.
"Why didn't you guys come clean about all this before?" Sam asked.
"Because we were stupid, besides Megatron never knew the truth; if he had he would have used it against us or against Optimus." Skywarp answered.
"Why do you think Starscream never directly confronted Optimus in battle?" Thundercracker asked as Bumblebee had to admit it answered a lot of strange questions regarding Starscream's reasoning for not attacking Optimus head on.
"So, who's older?" Miles asked.
"Starscream, Skywarp and then myself, Optimus is the youngling in the family." Thundercracker said as Sam quietly and quickly disappeared to talk to the first Primes.
(Sam's mind)
Sam was brought to the first Primes; he was confused and needed to know some things.
"You wish to learn why we hadn't told you about Starscream before?" the one Prime asked.
"Yeah, it would have been helpful in advance to know that." Sam said.
One of the Primes chuckled.
"Starscream and his trine are indeed Optimus' brothers, they will become important allies to him." the one Prime replied.
"Does he really have to die?" Sam whispered.
Silence...
"Yes, Optimus dies and it will be brutal Samuel, even after when Optimus is revived his confidence will be shaken. You and his brothers must help him prove to himself, he is indeed the rightful leader and Prime. However, the other Autobots regardless of the outcome and truth some will leave the Autobots, because they do not want Optimus as leader."
Sam was fuming at all this information regarding the Autobots. They had no right to treat Optimus this way; no way in hell did they have that right.
(Sam returns back from the conversation)
Sam walked back to the others seemingly unnoticed, that he left; because the conversations never really take that long.
(Where Starscream and Optimus are)
Starscream held his brother as he cleansed Optimus' spark, it was always a Prime's duty to do that, but this time Starscream was trying to care for his younger brother.
"Easy... I am sorry we turned our backs on you, and that you didn't know about us. We led you to believe Megatron was your brother, I am so sorry, Optimus." Starscream whispered, as his spark tightened around his brother making him gasp at all the pain his brother felt.
"We will help you crush Sentinel for this obscene evil he has pulled." Starscream replied, as he held Optimus tightly.
"Why did you make me think Megatron was my brother, didn't you want to be my brothers; were you that ashamed of me, Starscream?" Optimus asked, his optics misting as his servos hugged his older brother tighter.
"No Optimus, we were never ashamed of you, we were disappointed you weren't a flier like we were. We might have been upset you were a grounder and not a flier, but never ashamed of you." Starscream whispered. "I am just glad we are finally a family now." Starscream replied his hands running over Optimus' back. "I can feel your family bond for the fleshling." Starscream replied as they suddenly heard an explosion.
Starscream and Optimus ran over where the others were, Optimus felt a pull in his spark. Sam's friend Miles lay in a bloody heap, Bumblebee was on the ground his one leg missing once more. Sam's hands were powered up firing lasers at the two intruders Megatron and Sentinel Prime!
"I see you back stabbed the Decepticons, Starscream; and taking your two brothers with you I see." Megatron snarled.
This time he was not going to hide the fact, that they had another brother.
"Make that four brothers, glitch head!" Starscream snarled as Optimus' energon swords came out and his battle mask snapped closed over his mouth and nose plates.
Megatron's optics widened at that, he wasn't sure if Starscream just lost his processors or if he was trying to pull a fast one.
"What are you talking about?" Megatron demanded. "He's my wretched brother not you and your trine; he isn't even a flier!" Megatron roared.
Starscream shifted and using his optics, just as Optimus had done with Sam and Mikaela when he first met them. Starscream showed Megatron the truth, that Optimus was not his brother; but in truth Starscream's and his trine's true sibling. Sentinel wasn't interested in any of this nonsense; he stared with hatred at Optimus. He had a job to do, he was going to kill Optimus Prime this day; and completely take the Autobots back.
"Come on Optimus, if you do not fear me battle me and we shall see who truly has the right to be leader and Prime of the Autobots." Sentinel ordered.
Sam felt his chest sink, he didn't want to watch this; he knew the outcome. Optimus would die, he was already told about this; but he wasn't ready to lose his bot. Optimus reached down plucking Sam from the ground, and handed him to his older brother.
"Protect him at all costs." he said to his brother.
Optimus reached for Lennox and Epps and handed them to his other two brothers. Then Optimus went to his scout, they didn't need to say a word. Bumblebee knew his leader all too well; he always set precautions for those he cared about.
"Stay out of this fight, Megatron..." Optimus ordered as he brought his swords back out and followed Sentinel to where they would be fighting to the death.
Optimus stood facing Sentinel, it was clear Sentinel was twisted. He was more lunatic now than anything, his optics shined with hatred. Optimus didn't hesitate he rushed Sentinel, Sentinel smirked knowing exactly how his old pupil would react.
"After I kill you, that pet of yours will be punished as well." Sentinel remarked.
Optimus growled ferally and charged.
"That's it Optimus, make it easier for me." Sentinel said more to himself than Optimus.
Optimus slammed his shoulder against sending Sentinel crashing to the ground. Optimus had no intentions of letting Sentinel take Sam from him.
"Nice shot, you took me off guard that time, trust me it won't happen again." Sentinel snapped, as he sent a fist into Optimus' face.
The blow sent Optimus reeling, but he didn't fall. He held his balance and sent his own fist crashing into his teacher's face. He had sent Sentinel backing up, but his teacher definitely had no intentions of backing down; not till one of them was dead.
Sentinel lunged for Optimus kicking him in the stomach, knocking him onto his back. Sentinel with a snarl ripped his pupil's one optic out, making Optimus scream out in pain. The hole where his optic had been was bleeding profusely of energon. Sentinel reached up wrapping his fingers around Optimus' ear finials, and with incredible strength he broke them both. Optimus screamed once more, his optic flaring and registering agony. However, by this time Megatron hearing Optimus' screams of agony, was getting antsy to watch the battle.
:::... Sentinel, you will summon me when you're ready to deliver the killing blow, won't you...::::
:::... Yes Megatron that will not be for a while I am teaching my pupil the art of pain first...::::
:::... I have been hearing screams from him...:::::
Sentinel smirked, as he smashed his fingers into Optimus' seams ripping out wires; and reached for a minor energon line and tore the line apart.
::::... Yes, I ripped his one optic out, and then tore his two ear finials off...::::
Megatron practically cooed at hearing that, Megatron did want to be the one to kill Optimus. However, he always managed to best him in every battle, so now two Primes battling was perfect. Sentinel had years of experience on his side, he also knew every technique Optimus used. Optimus snarled, and tried to kick Sentinel off, that maneuver always worked before; when battling Cons now it failed him.
"I know your moves, Optimus; you are too predictable. This is why Megatron never beat you, but I was your teacher; so, I will beat you." Sentinel snarled as he smashed a blade into Optimus' stomach.
Optimus snarled, as pain rushed all through his systems; while Sentinel dug the sword deeper into Optimus' stomach. He turned the sword this way, and that way, ripping components and wires. He scanned Optimus and found his former pupil had major malfunctions, and he had rigorous internal bleeding in his systems. He turned the sword more, and then pulled it out. Only to ram it back in full force, it smashed out through Optimus' back keeping Optimus locked in place. It was a cruel move on Sentinel's part, he had Optimus now. He watched as Optimus' life's blood poured out of him, Optimus groaned as he started to cough up energon. He kept Optimus impaled, as he felt his ex-pupil's energy leaving him. He watched as Optimus' hands trembled from pain, he could barely move now.
"That's it Optimus, I'll end it soon." Sentinel mused, as he jammed his hand into the hole ripping more things out of his stomach.
Optimus grunted barely hearing, he was dying; he knew it sure as he was standing there. Sentinel yanked the sword out of Optimus and lifted his ex-pupil up in his arms. He spun him around, and then sent Optimus crashing into boulders. The bot staggered to his foot pads, only to be viciously kicked by Sentinel in the face.
:::... I am going to kill him now, get over here...::::
Optimus couldn't get up; he barely had enough energon to open a link to his brothers.
:::... S...Starscream save m..my s…son and s...cout Humans...Tell S...Sam again h….he was son...::::
::::... I am not leaving you; Megatron is running to where you two are watch out...:::::
:::... Too late am dying all ready, brother please hurry and leave... Save yourselves please...:::::
Starscream didn't want to turn tail and run; but if Sentinel had killed his brother and he was a prime? What good would his brothers be against him, if he couldn't kill Sentinel himself?
"Skywarp...Thundercracker; we're leaving secure the two human soldiers, and the scout; I will secure his human son." Starscream ordered as Sam growled.
"I am not leaving him!" Sam roared.
"Sam, he sent me a private commlink to take you out of here, I am honoring his dying wish." Starscream snarled as he tried to pick up Sam; but the boy ran in the direction where the fight was going on. "NO SAM!" Starscream exclaimed.
Sam stopped dead in his tracks, when he saw Sentinel reach down and yank Optimus to his foot pads.
"It ends now, Optimus; and with your death I will own my Autobots once more." Sentinel remarked as he gave a battle cry and smashed his hand into Optimus' chest grabbing his spark chamber and tearing it out of Optimus and crushed it in his hand, thus destroying Optimus Prime once and for all.
"You bastard, you cold hearted bastard...!" Sam screamed, as Starscream scooped up Sam and took off with him.
The images of Optimus like that had Sam crying hard, how was he supposed to bring back Optimus.
"I was told this would happen, I still wasn't prepared for it." Sam cried.
"Who told you my brother would be killed?" Starscream demanded.
"The first primes, they speak to me and told me he had to die, but I would bring him back much stronger. They also said his confidence would need to be boosted, because after this battle he would be losing his confidence about himself." Sam replied.
"It's time we found some allies to help us, do you remember the humans who had Megatron held captive?" Starscream asked.
"Sector Seven, they are disbanded; Starscream; besides they can't be trusted." Sam said in between crying.
"They can't, but there is one who can be trusted enough to help us, so we can do what we have to do to bring Optimus back to us." Starscream replied.
Sam knew who he meant; he would do whatever it took to save Optimus.
"Okay, lock and load, let's get down to business." Sam ordered as Starscream did a search to find Simmon's whereabouts.
(Autobot base)
The wave of cheers when Sentinel returned with the offlined body of Optimus Prime was staggering. Ironhide walked up and saw the shape Optimus' body was in, and he smirked.
"Slag, you fragging pummeled him good, didn't you?" Ironhide replied with a snicker as Ratchet watched from a distance away shaking his head.
"Forgive us Primus..." Ratchet whispered, as he walked up seeing Optimus' badly damaged offlined body.
"The humans are dumping his body into the ocean." Jolt replied.
"Very well..." Sentinel said with a chuckle.
"Did he try to fight back?" Sideswipe asked.
"Oh, he tried, but I know all his moves, he got in a couple good hits on me." Sentinel said.
"Where is that accursed fleshling?" Ironhide demanded.
"Optimus' brothers took off with him, the scout, Lennox and Epps." Sentinel remarked.
"His brothers...?" Ratchet asked.
"I am not his brother apparently Starscream and his trine are." Megatron answered, as Ratchet looked down at his former leader's dead body.
Ratchet watched as Optimus' body was hoisted up by helicopters and flown away to be dumped into the sea.
Once more the cheers were deafening, as Sentinel got praise for killing Optimus Prime. Ratchet turned away from the festivities heading for his medical bay with Hook following him.
"You don't look happy about this either, do you?" Hook asked.
"He was my dearest and oldest friends, and I let him down this should never have happened." Ratchet snapped.
"We could leave and try to find Sam and the others and join their team instead of sticking about here?" Hook said as Scalpel jumped on Hook's shoulder armor.
"Yes, yes, yes, we leave; go now never come back I say." Scalpel remarked.
"Come here, take as much supplies as we need; I've had it with Sentinel. I am just as much to blame for Optimus' death, I may end up in the pit for my part; but I will try to make this right with Sam. I have too; I will care for the boy and try to do whatever I have to do to make up for it." Ratchet said as he, Hook and Scalpel left trying to make good on their promises now.
The humans dropped Optimus Prime's mangled offlined body into the ocean, and then returned to the base. It didn't faze either Megatron or Sentinel that the medics had disappeared, that is until Jolt brought it up that supplies were missing.
"Ratchet, Hook and Scalpel deserted us." Barricade growled.
"How are we supposed to have any medical treatment without medics?" Grindor demanded.
"Who else here has medical knowledge...?" Megatron asked.
"I do, I was Ratchet's assistant..." Jolt remarked.
"Very well, it will do; until the rest of the Autobots arrive. We have several others on their way from other planets; we will have another medic soon." Sentinel remarked. "I am going to recharge after that battle, I need my recharge." Sentinel remarked heading for Optimus' old quarters, which he decided were his now.
(With Sam and Starscream in the air)
Starscream was silent for quite a while, Sam read the silence as anger toward him.
"Are you mad at me?" Sam finally asked his voice quivering from sadness.
Silence...
"You should have told Optimus about meeting with the first Primes, he could have at least been prepared. You were his human youngling, why wouldn't you try to warn him at least!" Starscream snarled.
"They told me not too, Starscream." Sam whispered.
"Oh, they told you not too, so that makes it alright?" he snapped. "You betrayed him, everyone betrayed him why should you be any different. He was dying, and all he could think about was your safety. I heard it and felt it, the agony he felt as he was slipping away. He struggled to get that message to me, he didn't want to die, he wanted to live." Starscream replied. "My brother wanted to live..." he repeated.
:::... Starscream, target ahead...::::: Thundercracker replied as they landed a safe distance away.
Sam, Lennox and Epps headed for the deli and walked in, Simmons was waiting on customers; and looked very annoyed as usual.
"Simmons, how you doing...?" Sam asked as Simmons glanced up.
"What are you doing here?" Simmons demanded.
"We need your help, Simmons." Lennox said.
Simmons glanced at him, and then sighed chasing everyone out. Then he put the closed sign on the door, everyone followed them downstairs to a secret room under the deli. Sam explained everything to Simmons, who sighed heavily.
"So, you need my help to do what exactly bring back your dead alien father?" Simmons snapped.
Lennox grabbed Simmons slamming him up against the wall, the look in his eyes daring the ex-Sector Seven agent to go against them.
"Yeah, they are family deal with it, we need Optimus back." Lennox hissed.
"Newsflash soldier, if he couldn't take on this other prime before, what makes you think he can do it after he is revived?" Simmons remarked. "Maybe this is for the best, a new leader and Prime; especially if he achieved peace between the two fractions. The other one couldn't do it, if you ask me this Sentinel Prime did everyone a favor by killing Optimus Prime." Simmons said, as lasers shot out of the Sam's hands hitting Simmons knocking him down.
"That is my sire you're tearing apart, you miserable jackass; I am bringing him back and he is going to send Sentinel on a one way ticket to the pit." Sam snarled, his eyes flaring with a blue glow.
Simmons glared at the troublesome boy, and then realized with horror something had truly changed about the boy.
"You've been with those freaky aliens too much, look at you not even human anymore; too bad Sector Seven is disbanded we'd have fun with you now..." Simmons didn't finish his sentence.
Sam had punched Simmons in the face, blood spraying everywhere as his nose shattered. Sam knew he broke Simmon's nose, as his eyes flaring with hatred.
"We don't need his help, we'll get help elsewhere else." Sam growled, as he left with Lennox and Epps.
(Where Starscream and his trine were waiting)
Starscream and his trine waited impatiently; when suddenly they heard transforming sounds and saw Ratchet with Hook. Starscream was on his feet, with his null ray pointed at the two medics.
"Calm down, we are not here to fight, we want to join and help you protect Sam and the two soldiers." Hook replied, as Scalpel scrambled to his shoulder.
"Where is Sam?" Ratchet asked as Sam, Lennox and Epps walked up.
"Sam...?" Ratchet replied his optics misting slightly. "I made a grave mistake, please let me make up for my foolishness; please." Ratchet replied, as Sam glanced at the medics; and then toward Wheelie and Bumblebee.
"Help Bumblebee his leg is messed up; we have to bring back Optimus. I need to have a conversation with someone just stay here." Sam said as he walked away lying down to speak to the first primes.
(Sam's mind)
Sam was surrounded by the massive beings once more; they watched him as he tried to collect his thoughts.
"Where are we supposed to go, and what are we looking for to bring him back?"
"Our tomb in Egypt holds the Matrix of Leadership, once you have it; you must then slam it into where his spark chamber would have been. He will be in great pain when he revives, he will need the medics to help him." the one prime said as he sensed something else with Sam. "Samuel, what is wrong?"
"I betrayed him, Starscream was right I should have warned him about this. You were wrong wanting me to keep it from him, it was a secret. Family or friends hold no secrets from each other." Sam replied.
Sam rubbed his arm frowning, as he watched his skin move oddly.
"I need to bring him back soon..." was all Sam said, as they gave him the location of the Matrix of Leadership.
(Sam back in this reality)
Sam stood on his staring at his hands, his eyes widened in horror; as his flesh stared to fall off of his hands. He watched as blood did more, than just drip out. What was happening to him? He scampered over to the side slid down; he rocked back and forth staring wildly at his hands. He couldn't even scream for help, he was frozen in fear now.
All he could do was whisper one name, and the one he called for would never come; or be able to help him right now.
"...O... Optimus..." Sam cried. "Something is wrong with me..." Sam whispered before blackness swallowed him whole.
Wheelie went looking for Sam and found the boy unconscious with his flesh falling off of his body.
"That's not right, hey you medics get over here something is definitely not right!" Wheelie shouted, as Ratchet and Hook hurried over.
"What in Primus name is happening to him?" Ratchet demanded, as Scalpel crawled over Sam getting a closer look.
"Is turning Cybertronian, his fleshiness is falling off; and bone is being replaced by metal." Scalpel remarked. "We must get him somewhere where transformation will be in hidden away from prying eyes." Scalpel remarked as Bumblebee, the trine, Lennox and Epps all headed for an abandoned area.
Sam hovered in darkness for days, screaming in pain during the transformation. Lennox and Epps watched in horror, as huge chunks of the boy's flesh would fall from his body. Sam might have been unconscious, but he called for the one bot that was his sire ...Optimus Prime.
Ratchet and Hook monitored the transformation; Wheelie was by Bumblebee just watching not saying a word.
"How is this even possible that a human can turn into a Cybertronian?" Wheelie asked.
"The shard has given him potent powers, it ended up bestowing him with being a true Cybertronian." Hook replied.
"For Optimus..." Bumblebee finally said.
Ratchet glanced over at Bumblebee, and realized the scout had a point; that had to be why for Optimus when he returned. Sam moaned once more, Ratchet glanced down and saw Sam's bones in his arms being crushed, and replace by metal. Ratchet had since removed Sam's clothes; the process was very disorganized and muddled. Sam's screams of pain, as his body was destroyed by the metal frame forming. Ratchet knew the process would kill Sam's human body, while it made way for his new stronger body.
"He will die during this transformation, just back up and give us room to help him." ordered Hook.
Ratchet watched, as Sam's flesh on his face slowly peeled away from his face; only leaving his skull. However even that didn't stay his face began to change, the skull broke and crumbled; and in its wake was the protoform the size of Bumblebee, except with wings.
"By the Allspark, look at him; he's one of us." Starscream whispered.
Sam onlined his optics, a bright glowing blue; he stared up at Ratchet. He squinted, as he tried batting away the red warning messages in his eyes.
"What's happening I am getting messages in front of my eyes that never happened to me before?" Sam mumbled.
"You were never a Cybertronian before..." Hook replied.
"W... What...?" Sam started to say, as he held his hands up confirming what Hook said. "I'm a robot...?" Sam said with a smirk.
"No Sam, not a robot; we are highly intelligent beings from Cybertron." Ratchet started to say, until Wheelie was hitting his head against Bumblebee's leg. "Well at least most of us are..." he mumbled.
"Hey where's Optimus I have to tell..." Sam started to say forgetting himself he fell silent, while one single energon tear fell. "I am getting my sire back... The first primes gave me a location, we need to get there and get the Matrix of Leadership." Sam said as Ratchet and Hook helped him to his foot pads.
Ratchet taught Sam to send data back and forth, private commlink, while Starscream showed him how to scan and transform. Sam picked the same sleek jet form that Starscream had. It was fast and had a sleek look. Skywarp warped everyone to the location to save time, Sam went to the building, and charged his cannon up; but Starscream stopped him.
"Now watch, that cannon has a lot of power; it will kick back on you." Starscream warned as Sam nodded.
He fired it, and Lennox and Epps searched around the area, until they found the object. They couldn't touch it only Sam could, so he held out his hand and offlined his optics. The Matrix levitated up, and headed straight for Sam. Sam could feel the power, it was powerful. He smiled to himself, as he realized soon he'd have his bot back.
"Now what...?" Wheelie asked.
"We recover Optimus' body from the bottom of the ocean and revive him." Sam said.
"Let me do that, Sam; I can warp there and warp right out of there without anyone knowing I am there." Skywarp replied.
"Okay, let's do it." Sam said.
However before leaving Egypt Sam made sure they destroyed the pyramid; which contained the sun harvester so no evil force could use it. Optimus had rubbed off on Sam, and he always thought just like his true love.
(34 hours later – back in the states)
Skywarp had gotten plenty of recharge for the next part of the mission; he needed his power charged up high. He would be warping twice once into the ocean at a deep depth, and second to bring his offlined brother home.
"Are you ready?" Starscream asked.
"Yeah, here I go wish me luck..." he said disappearing.
Within minutes, Skywarp was back with Optimus Prime's body; Sam fell to his knees beside his sire's body. He ran a clawed hand over Optimus' face; he hated seeing him like this. Sam gave a battle cry of his own and slammed the Matrix into Optimus' chest. They all heard the rumble in Optimus' chest, as his body was rebooting and coming online. But no one was ready for the most painful agonizing scream; which tore from his voice processors. Sam tried to hold Optimus down, the pain he was experiencing made his body writhe in; and twist his body up in utter excruciating pain. Optimus only had one optic now, he wasn't aware Sam was holding him. He was scared, and disoriented; Ratchet took over gently trying to help Optimus.
"Optimus, I know you're in a lot of pain; can you hear me?" Ratchet asked.
The problem was Optimus couldn't hear, his audios were merely cracking causing him great discomfort. Sam tried to slip his clawed hand into Optimus' scarred hand, but he violently pulled away not understanding who the mech was; trying to touch him.
(Optimus' POV)
What the frag is going on, I can't hear that slagging static is all I hear. This strange mech is touching me, Ratchet is here? I can't see right; where is Sam? Where is my boy; my brothers are here. I tried to reach for my older brother surely, he will know, surely, he would help me? Starscream slipped his claw into mine; I am terrified I do not understand what is going on. I couldn't understand anything he was saying I saw his mouth moving; but I couldn't hear anything.
:::... Optimus, can you hear us at all...:::: Starscream sent through private message to me.
::::... No, what is going on; I am on fire my body is in agony, Star please help me... And Sam where is my boy; where is he...::::::
(Normal POV)
"He is disoriented, and he can't see right; or he can't hear right." Starscream replied. "He wants Sam..."
"But I am right here, Starscream." Sam said.
"He doesn't know that yet, he doesn't understand, Sam." Skywarp gently said, as he slid his claw into Optimus' hand.
Optimus held tightly to his three brothers, as they went to him. Sam felt suddenly out of place, he got up and walked away letting the brothers hold each other.
"Okay enough now, let us get to work healing all the pit spawned damage he has." Ratchet said.
Sam tried to send Optimus a private commlink to relax him.
:::... Optimus hey welcome back to the land of the living...:::
Optimus' newly revived spark raced with excitement, when he heard the commlink.
::::... Boy, where are you...:::::
::::... I was the one who tried to slip my clawed hand into yours...::::
Silence...
:::... But that was a Cybertronian...:::::
::::... Yeah, it would seem I was to be changed into one of your kind...::::: Sam said with laughter in his voice.
Sam was so happy; to have Optimus back with him and this time no one would take him away from him. He would offline anyone who tried.
(Later that night)
Sam laid near Optimus holding his hand, but Optimus was in such God awful pain, he would whimper softly. He was still so badly disoriented; Sam refused to leave his mate's side. Optimus wouldn't let go of Sam's hand, it was almost like he was afraid everything would be taken from him if he did.
"...S...Sam..." Optimus whimpered.
"I'm here, right here..." Sam said.
The others glanced up half amused, Ratchet started to move toward Optimus; and out of instinct Optimus' flinched and his sword went up. He turned over painfully, holding onto Sam as energon tears fell down his face. He hadn't forgotten, he knew who had betrayed him and left him to rot. Ratchet stopped and sank to his knees.
"Optimus, I am so sorry; I should have known better. There is no excuse for my actions, I can only beg for your forgiveness. I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary for my part in this." Ratchet replied. "Please let me make it up to you, dear friend." Ratchet replied, as Optimus turned slowly to face him; his face stained with energon.
"Dear friend...Is that what you just called me? My whole team backstabbed me; the only ones who came to my aid were my brothers, my human youngling and humans, my scout. My so-called comrades who I have shared everything with, they side with someone who I thought I could trust. His betrayal hurt so much, but not nearly as much as knowing my team cast me aside and deemed me unnecessary. That they were willing to let Sentinel challenge me and destroy me, I was led to a sacrificial alter without any thought to my innocence. I was told all and shown all of it by my ancestors; the first primes showed me everything while I was dead. I told my ancestors, and now I am telling you Ratchet, I am done I don't care what Sentinel does; I want no part of the Autobots anymore. I will be with my son. I want my brothers with us if they will stay with us, my scout and those who will remain with us." Optimus said, as he trembled.
"Optimus, please calm down, you need your rest." Ratchet replied as Optimus fought Ratchet, until he gave him a sedative.
Ratchet sighed then.
"He's right, you know." Lennox remarked.
"Yeah, he is hurting; I can't even imagine what he is going through." Epps remarked.
(Several hours later Optimus' mind)
"Optimus Prime, come to the lookout we need to talk." a mysterious voice replied.
"Who are you?" Optimus asked.
"Now are you going to meet me or lag your aft behind?" the voice remarked almost in a humorous way.
"I am going, I'm going." Optimus mumbled.
(Optimus onlines from recharge and walks away from the group)
Optimus limps to the cliff near the hidden place, they are hidden away from others at. Optimus sees a mech there, someone who is very familiar to him.
"Zeta Prime, how is this even possible?" Optimus asked.
He turned toward Optimus, respect shining in his optics.
"You make me very proud, Optimus." Zeta replied.
Silence...
"Yeah I am a real success story I couldn't even end the slagging war; Sentinel comes down here all big and evil and ends it. He killed me Zeta, I can't do anything right." Optimus whispered.
"Optimus, that mech by your side, thinks the sun rises and sets with you. He loves you with every ounce of his being. He adores you, and always has. You are his sire. And Sentinel hasn't stopped anything, he and Megatron cooked up this whole scheme so they could kill the NEST humans and take over Earth. Sentinel has no intentions of bringing back Cybertron, he and Megatron are planning to rule the universe together using Earth as their base of operations. You are the only one who can stop Sentinel, take back what is rightfully yours. The Autobots who will side with you, Sam, your brothers and Bumblebee, and the medics, even Wheelie can contribute to the cause. Oh yes, you need to be able to have something else added to your body by someone who is just as pleased with you." Zeta replied, as he moved and a blinding white light shined on Optimus.
"Optimus Prime, you are the rightful Autobot leader and Prime; will you stand up to the evil now threatening both Autobot and human existence?" the thunderous voice roared as Optimus knelt on his knees.
"Yes Primus, I do swear to do my best and defeat the evil spreading on this planet." Optimus replied as behind him Sam silently stood watching.
The white light got brighter yet, as spreading out from Optimus' back were huge metal wings. Sam felt energon tears in his optics watching, as he was joined by Optimus' brothers and the others. The Transformers all bent on their knees knowing whose presence they were in; Lennox and Epps got onto their knees out of respect for their friends.
Zeta glanced back at the small band of warriors behind Optimus, and he nodded and slowly disappeared as the light faded from the cliff.
"So be it, go be with your son and friends tomorrow you have a battle to plan." Primus replied, as everything returned to normal; and Optimus folded his wings back into his back.
Starscream walked up to his younger brother then and slapped him on the back with a cackle.
"Guess you are a flier after all, huh?" Starscream chuckled.
Optimus smiled, Sam looked at Optimus he was healed every part of him was healed by Primus. Sam smiled, and couldn't help but run into his sire's awaiting servos.
"We start our plan of attack tomorrow, and we take back Earth." Optimus stated in a strong and confident tone of voice as he looked at Ratchet and smiled.
Ratchet stunned by the action, merely smiled sadly and nodded realizing he was being forgiven.
(The following morning)
Optimus was instructing everyone, how they were going in. Optimus was worried about his son; he would always worry about him. However, he had to show he trusted Sam's instincts in battle, they were a team and he had to trust his judgment on things. Of course, that didn't mean, he couldn't keep his optics on him.
"Lennox and Epps, please be careful the situation is a lot more dangerous now." Optimus replied.
"Will do, Optimus..."
Optimus nodded.
"I don't need to tell you to be careful, do I boy?" Optimus remarked.
Sam smirked.
"Go ahead tell me..." Sam replied smirking.
"Watch your back..." Optimus said. "Get ready to warp us, brother." Optimus said to his brother Skywarp; who nodded.
(Autobot base)
Barricade and Grindor walked up to Megatron and Sentinel, with grim expressions on their faces.
"What is it?" Megatron demanded.
"The sun harvester has been destroyed, by some new Autobot that is all we were able to learn." Barricade explained.
Sentinel exploded in anger, he slammed his fist into the wall.
"Find that new Autobot and bring him to me, I will extinguish his spark for interfering with my plans." Sentinel snarled.
"I seriously doubt you can do that, but you're welcome to try." Sam said, as he ran out of the Autobot base with Sentinel and Megatron following.
Sentinel and Megatron stopped and saw Bumblebee, the seekers, Wheelie, the two human soldiers, the three medics and the new Autobot who sounded strangely to Megatron like Samuel James Witwicky.
"So, you're a real Cybertronian now, hope you enjoyed your time as one of us; because Sentinel will tear you apart, maggot." growled Megatron, as a cannon blast from Starscream knocked Megatron against the wall of the Autobot base.
"Your brother fell, Starscream and so will you rebels; you have no leader to guide you." Sentinel snapped.
"Guess again, Sentinel..." Sam remarked, as flying high in the sky was Optimus Prime.
Optimus flew down tucked his wings in and sent his fist connecting to Sentinel's sending the evil prime flying into the wall.
"Payback's a bitch, and it's really hungry." Optimus snarled.
Sentinel was taken off guard momentarily by Optimus; Megatron stared shocked at the fact Optimus was healed and quite a live and sporting wings. Sentinel snarled like a rabid dog, charging his former student with every intentions of killing him again.
"I will make sure you stay dead this time!" Sentinel shouted as Optimus flew up and landed on the ground running toward Sentinel.
Sentinel smirked, thinking he was going to use one of his older tricks once more. Optimus however at the last minute, flipped his body gracefully up into the air using the tips his brothers taught him in private; before they arrived. Megatron watched snarling, as he tried to help Sentinel. Sam lunged at Megatron sending his fist into Megatron's face.
"Stay out of it, Megatron." Sam growled, as Ironhide and the others ran out.
"Kill him, Ironhide!" Megatron ordered.
Ironhide's cannons whirled to life, Sam gulped back fear.
:::... Do what you have to do, Sam to protect yourself...::::::: Optimus sent through commlinks.
Sam nodded, and then sent his lasers into Ironhide. The mech snarled and slowly got back up. He fired at Sam, but Sam was able to dodge the blast. Ironhide changed to his new blaster, and fired; unfortunately, the blast hit a target just not Sam. Ironhide's aim was heading for Epps; but Lennox dove first knocking his friend out of the way taking the blast instead.
Lennox yelled out in pain, Epps stared down at his friend in horror. Lennox's side was blown apart, Ironhide stared at Lennox. The big black mech looked dazed, like he didn't realize what he had done. Ratchet ran to Will, who was coughing up blood.
"Why the hell did you do that?" Epps snapped.
"We're buddies...Do me a favor Epps...Take care of Sarah and Annabelle for me..." Lennox whispered.
Optimus heard Lennox, all of this was Sentinel's fault; he drove all this pain and chaos. Optimus let out a battle cry, so full of anger; that everyone Cybertronian and human alike had to stare at the mech. Optimus' wings came out, and he shot into the air; when he came back down. He had Sentinel on the ground and was punching him.
"You created chaos and broke up my Autobots from me. You caused hate where there shouldn't have been any, you are not worthy of the title of Prime. You're no better than Megatron is, you killed me; and by law the murder of a prime who hasn't done any crime is an act of treason; your punishment is offlining!" Optimus said, as he rammed his fist into Sentinel's chest and then brought his sword up and beheaded him. "Melt him down after." Optimus snarled, as he approached Megatron who backed up suddenly afraid of Optimus.
"Optimus don't do this; have mercy!" Megatron ordered, as he slowly and sneakily let his blade come out to kill Optimus.
Optimus flipped back and brought his energon sword up and cut Megatron's servo off. Megatron reared back, as energon poured from his wound.
"You think you've won, you've won nothing! We had peace and now your back and the war continues! Autobots, join me together we can destroy Optimus, and his puny group of rebels." Megatron said as Ultra Magnus was the first to leave the Autobots and join Megatron.
Optimus' fist clenched at the treachery from his own men.
"All of you are hypocrites all of you, you want peace but this isn't the way to get it! Zeta Prime spoke to me as well as Primus, Sentinel and Megatron were in this together from the beginning. They had no intentions of bringing back Cybertron at all." Optimus replied.
"What...!" Soundwave and Shockwave exclaimed.
Silence...
"Explain Optimus..." Soundwave said.
Optimus explained everything Zeta told him, and Sam explained what the first primes told him.
"You lied to us, Megatron; you made us think Optimus was to blame all these years when it was you all along!" Soundwave snarled.
"He also knew Sentinel murdered thousands of sparklings along with the Fallen; and did not do slag about it!" roared Starscream.
"...What...!" all them shouted.
But it was Shockwave who acted first, he sent wave after wave of cannon blast destroying Megatron; until he was once more offline.
Optimus glanced over at Ironhide, who had gone to Lennox's side; the tough as nails weapons specialist tried to hide his pain. He had caused the death of Will Lennox; he looked at Optimus and growled inwardly.
"Optimus turn and fight me!" Ironhide spat.
Silence...
"I am not fighting you Ironhide..." snapped Optimus.
"Good, then die!" Ironhide snarled, as he charged Optimus.
He fired at Optimus, but Optimus took to the air flipping and dodging the cannon blasts.
"Coward, you're just like your brothers!" Ironhide snapped.
"Hey...!" Starscream snarled.
Sam had enough; he aimed his own hands at Ironhide and used the lasers.
"ENOUGH...!" Sam roared.
Ironhide aimed his cannon at Sam; he had an ungodly sinister look about him.
"If I can't kill Optimus, I'll settle for killing you instead." Ironhide snarled, as he went to fire.
Sam didn't move, all he could do was brace himself for the hail of cannon fire to offline him. But it never came, he looked up as Optimus flew down and had enough of Ironhide threatening his son. He sent his fist connecting the Ironhide's face sending the mech flying.
"STOP BLAMING ME FOR YOUR MISTAKES!" roared Optimus. "And leave my son out of this!" Optimus snarled.
"Oh yes, that wonderful son of yours, he should be offlined too!" Ironhide snapped spitting energon out.
"Don't make me take you out, Ironhide." Optimus growled as Ironhide whirled his cannons.
"You won't have too, if I offline you first..." Ironhide snarled as Optimus' brothers, and the other Decepticons fired protecting Optimus first.
Ironhide was offline before he even hit the ground; Optimus took no pleasure in seeing Ironhide dead. Sam went to Optimus, as the flamed mech sank to the ground; his spark heavy with pain. Ratchet walked over to his leader, putting his servo on his shoulder armor.
"He brought this on himself; he was corrupted like Megatron and Sentinel." Ratchet replied. "I think also the fact it was his fault that Will was killed, caused him to lose whatever logical processors he had left.
They all saw a Helicopter land with General Morshower, Keller, Galloway and the President.
"We understand you are alive and well; and that you were framed by Sentinel and Megatron." General Morshower replied.
"Yes, that is affirmative." Optimus said.
"It would also seem I owe you an apology, Optimus Prime." Galloway said. "I know I have been a bit of a jackass in the past and I would like to say with my deepest apologies I am very sorry for how I treated you." he replied, as Optimus lowered his hand to the man.
"I accept your apology..." Optimus said putting the man back down.
"You and your new team are welcome to stay here as long as you want too, Optimus." the president replied.
"Thank you, Mr. President." Optimus replied.
"What would you like us to do with the bodies?" Keller asked.
"The bodies of the dead Cybertronians can be melted down, I would however ask; that Major Lennox be given a special ceremony; he went beyond the call of duty and protected a comrade." Optimus replied, as they nodded.
They needed recharge now, they all did the last couple of days were harsh on them all.
(The following morning)
Optimus learned in the night several Autobots just up and left, Ultra Magnus, Jolt, Arcee and her sisters left and several others. It was funny the Decepticons were more loyal to Optimus now, then his own Autobots. It hurt Optimus more than he was willing to let on, he was outside standing watching the sun. Soundwave walked up and knelt respecting the Prime.
"You tried your best, those that left are not worthy to be your comrades." Soundwave replied.
"I know it just hurts; I commanded the Autobots for so long." Optimus replied.
Silence...
"You are a compassionate leader and logical fighter; do not concern yourself with the mistakes of others now." Soundwave replied.
Somehow though, Optimus didn't see the logic in that, not yet anyway.
(Where Sam is – in a dream world once more)
Sam was brought before the first primes, for the last time.
"Samuel, your job is done; the rest will fall into Optimus' servos now. You will give him the Allspark for him to bring back Cybertron to its glory." one of the Primes replied.
"What...?"
"You were the key all along, Samuel; once Sentinel and Megatron were defeated the rest fell into place. Once you go back, the Allspark will be waiting for you. Optimus is the one who brought true peace, the Decepticons know it they have stayed with him now." the one Prime said.
Sam nodded, as they brought him back.
(Back in the real world)
Sam looked over and saw the Allspark; he smiled and picked it up running to Optimus. The other Decepticons and remaining Autobots all saw what he had.
"The Allspark...?" different bots and Cons replied.
"Optimus...!" Sam exclaimed, as his sire turned toward him always a smile ready for him.
Until he saw the Allspark, then he collapsed onto his knees.
"How...?" Optimus asked.
"The first primes said I was a key of some sort and now you can bring back Cybertron." Sam replied, as everyone cheered.
"I always knew there was more to you than meets the eyes, my dear son." Optimus said hugging Sam as he and Optimus even pulled the stoic mech Soundwave into a hug.
"Soundwave does not hug...Well okay just this once." Soundwave remarked.
The roars once more were deafening from both Cons and Bots, all fliers were sent to start on the process; which didn't take long once the Allspark set to work healing the planet.
(One month later- with Optimus and Sam)
Sam and Optimus stayed behind to say goodbyes to everyone; the president was in Optimus' hand.
"Please know you are welcome back at any time to visit." he replied.
"Thank you, and you have the machine Wheeljack made; if for any reason this planet falls into danger of some creature or evil from another world. We will never forsake our second home world we will come back in needed." Optimus replied.
Epps, Sarah and Annabelle were there and also said their goodbyes to Optimus and Sam.
"Take care big guy and you too Sam..." Epps replied trying to hide his tears.
"There is no shame in tears, Epps." Optimus replied.
Epps smiled.
"This isn't goodbye; we will be visit again..." Optimus said as his wings extended and he shot into the air, while Sam jumped up and transformed taking to the skies.
They flew back to their home in the stars; their home called Cybertron.
THE END