Transformers: Robots In Disguise
Season 2

A Battle Between Life and Death

Part 2

Requiem for a Friend

Sky-Byte: Last time on Transformers Robots In Disguise, As he was vacationing in New York, Koji
was attacked by Database and as a result, got his entire brain wiped. While Karen and Ultra
Magnus set out to find the data crystal that contains his brain, Tai fought to keep him alive by
hooking him up to the Autobot Mainframe. But this time, the heroes' efforts were in vain and
Koji died. Something tells me the Autobots aren't going to take this very well.
The steady tone of the ekg machine echoed throughout the control room of Autobot headquarters.
Autobot leader Optimus Prime, his brother Ultra Magnus, as well as the Autobot Brothers X-Brawn,
Prowl, and Sideburn stared at the body of the now lifeless Koji Onishi.

"This... this can't be," Sideburn said in a soft voice that was unnatural of him. "K... Koji...
he... my buddy's... gone forever." The robot sunk to his knees.

"There, there, little brother," X-Brawn said placing his hand on the blue robot's shoulder.
"Everything's going to be fine."

"No, everything's not going to be fine," Sideburn argued. "Koji's gone, X-Brawn! Dead! He's
not a machine! He can't be replaced! It won't be fine, it will never be fine!" X-Brawn wanted
to argue the opposite but in fact, Sideburn was right.

Prowl clenched his fists and turned to Tai. "I thought we had more time! It hasn't even been
four hours. How did this happen?"

"Koji's body caught on to the subliminal programming I was giving it. It rejected the
programming altogether the same way it would reject unknown viruses. After that, it behaved like
a fish out of water." Tai lowered her head. "I... I guess this proves what we've known all
along, Koji's always been a clever one."

Ultra Magnus crossed his arms. He then noticed that one voice hasn't joined in. "Hey, Optimus,
you've been quiet, got anything..." His words were interrupted by a loud destructive noise.
Optimus Prime had actually punched a hole through a wall. The Autobots and Tai stared at their
leader. Without a word, Optimus transformed and drove away.

"Optimus must feel the worse of all of us," X-Brawn figured.

"A leader must take responsibility for the troops under his command," Prowl commented. "Koji
was considered one of his troops so Optimus must think he failed in his duty."

"Hey guys," Ultra Magnus called. "I know this isn't exactly the time to ask, but what was
Database doing in New York City to begin with?"

"You're right, Ultra Magnus," Prowl said. "It isn't the time to ask."
Database paced up and down. The sound of an engine startled him. He looked up to see Starscream
descend and transform.

"Starscream, you gotta help me," Database pleaded. "I lost it."

"Lost what?"

"The data crystal Master Unicron wants!"

Starscream let out a sound of disgust and backhanded Database. "You moron! You just dug
yourself a really deep hole!"

"I was fighting Ultra Magnus..."

"Which means you're an even bigger moron than I originally expected. Master Unicron forbade
anybody to battle the Autobots without backup. For the smart one, you sure are stupid."

"Yes, yes, I know, but please, Starscream, you have to help me, I'm begging you."

"Get off your knees, you're acting like a human." Database rose to his feet. "Fine, I'll help
you. But only because that Master Unicron will slag us both if we come back empty handed.
Starscream, assault mode!"

"Database, assault mode!" Starscream and Database took off back towards NYC.
"Autobots, emergency!" Tai called out.

"What is it, Tai?" Sideburn asked, still depressed over Koji.

"Scanners have detected two of Unicron's henchmen. One is Starscream, the other..." Tai paused
to check the computer. "Database!"

Sideburn immediately stood up. "All right, now's the time for some payback."

"Hold it there, little bro," X-Brawn said. "I wanna get him back as much as you do, but if we
go into there without a plan, we'll just get our keesters kicked."

"Okay, X-Brawn, how would you go in?"

"All right, here's the plan, we trap them, back them into a corner, then cut loose with all that
we've got. That okay?"

"Fine by me, just so long as I get a piece of Database."

"They're currently heading for New York City," Tai said. "You can stop them just outside the
city limits."

"One problem," Prowl pointed out. "They're in the air, I don't think there's a space bridge
exit..."

"Actually, there is," Tai interrupted. "It's all set. But you better hurry or you'll miss them
completely."

"Transform!" The Autobot Brothers transformed and drove into the space bridge.

Tai then saw Ultra Magnus leaning against a wall. "Ultra Magnus, aren't you going with them?"

"Nope, those three would just get in the way."
In the space bridge, the Autobot Brothers transformed into their supercharged mode.

"Once I get my hands on Database, I'll make him wish he never came online," Sideburn growled.

"Sideburn, revenge is not a trait of an Autobot," Prowl lectured.

"I don't care, Prowl. Database will pay for killing Koji!" Prowl didn't understand why Sideburn
was acting so aggressive, even for the situation. But X-Brawn did. He was personally affected
over Koji's death. The two of them became fast friends when they first met, probably because in
a way, they were both kids, they could relate to each other. After the final battle with
Galvatron, the two sort-of drifted apart. But when Sideburn came to rescue Optimus from Skywars
the first time he appeared, they were reunited and it was as if they never parted.

Now, they would be parted forever.

"Attention Autobot Brothers," Tai called. "You are coming upon the exit point, prepare for
immediate confrontation."

"All right, boys, follow me," X-Brawn instructed. He pulled ahead while the two younger brothers
matched speeds. "We'll have a few seconds before we're introduced to gravity so let's make them
count." The exit portal flared up and the Autobot Brothers went through it. They were high in
the air, even higher than Starscream who was passing by below them. "Here we go!" X-Brawn
launched his grappling hook which wrapped around Starscream's tail fin. Prowl and Sideburn
transformed and rode X-Brawn's cable up onto Starscream's back.

"Hey, what's going on back there?" Starscream asked. Apparently, he has no rear scanning
abilities.

X-Brawn rolled up his cable at the same time pulling himself onto Starscream. "Just your
friendly neighborhood super heroes."

"The Autobots!" Starscream gasped as he desprately tried to shake them off.

"Pull over!" Prowl ordered in his police voice. "You're harboring a murderer, I demand that
you turn him over immediately!"

"Shut up, Prowl," Sideburn snapped as he tried to pry open Starscream's cargo hatch.

"Sorry, Database," Starscream said. "But it's you or me." Starscream's hatch opened and
Database was ejected.

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Database cried as he plummeted to the ground.

"Maybe his name should be Starscream," Prowl cracked.

"Database, combat mode!" Database landed on one knee but shook his fist. "Curse you,
Starscream!"

"Starscream, combat mode!" Starscream transformed, throwing the Autobot Brothers off of him.
They landed rather poorly.

"So much for trying to corner them," Sideburn complained.

"Unilasers!" Both Starscream and Database shouted as they fired their weapons. The Autobot
Brothers transformed into their vehicle modes and drove around them.

"Here's something we learned from the Spychangers," X-Brawn said.

"Starscream, super power!"

"Database, super power!"

"Combine super powers!" They both shouted. Both of their energy fields glowed and blew the
Autobot Brothers away. They transformed lying on the ground.

"Even in our supercharged forms, they're pounding us," Prowl complained.

"We can't give up," Sideburn said. He charged at them but was blown back by Starscream's energy
field. He staggered up again. "Koji," he muttered. "I promised I would avenge you and I
will."

"Sideburn, hold up!" Prowl called. But the youngest of the Autobot Brothers was deaf to the
voice of reason.
"The Autobot Brothers are in trouble, Ultra Magnus," Tai pointed out. "Why don't you go help
them?"

"Why should I stick my neck out for them? Send Optimus, he actually cares for those three
stooges."

"Optimus isn't here and you are, so go help them."

Ultra Magnus smirked at Tai. "Well why don't you locate him, Miss Microchip."

"Don't patronize me, Ultra Magnus, it's not the time or place."

"So, you think you should locate him or not?" Tai stared at Ultra Magnus. Finally, she began
programming her terminal.

"I'll try him on his communicator first." Tai's microphone slid down in front of her mouth.
"Optimus Prime, come in. Optimus Prime, this is Autobot headquarters, there's an emergency that
requires your assistance." Static answered her. Tai looked at Ultra Magnus, then tried again
to contact Optimus. "Optimus, emergency, battle protocol!" Still nothing. "Activating his
tracking device... I found him, he's on the coastline. I'm going there right now." Tai
got ready to upload herself into the Internet.

"No," Ultra Magnus said. "I'll go look for him, you stay here in case the three stooges over
there need help."

Tai began to open her mouth to rebuke and then realized that Ultra Magnus had a good idea, for
once. She opened the space bridge. "He's at coordinates F-398. An exit point has already
been prepared."

"Right. Transform!" Ultra Magnus drove into the Space Bridge.
Optimus Prime, in fire engine mode, drove up to the edge of the ocean. The waves were rocking
gently back and forth. The sun was beginning to set in the horizon. But Optimus wasn't there
for the waves or the sunset. He spoke but one name: "Koji."

Optimus heard an engine stop and the sound of parts shifting, a transformation.

"I knew I'd find you here," Ultra Magnus said. When he got no response, he continued. "Your
little computerized secretary sent me to bring you back."

"I will not go back now, Ultra Magnus," Optimus Prime said glumly.

Magnus smirked. "And they call me the rogue. Whatever happened to that slag you used to feed
us about devoting ourselves to the Autobot cause. You should take some of your own advice."

The silent treatment was getting on Magnus' circuits. "Are you going to remain moaping for the
rest of your function or are you going to do something about it?" Seeing that he was getting no
response, he decided to resort to drastic measures.

Ultra Magnus ran up and kicked Optimus Prime over on his side.

Optimus transformed. "Magnus, what..."

"Fight me, Optimus Prime," Ultra Magnus demanded as he slugged him. "Fight me now!"

"Magnus," Optimus Prime said as he blocked another punch from his brother. "This isn't the time
to be having the same old discussion about the Matrix."

"Whoever said this was about the Matrix?" Magnus asked. He leaped up and kicked Optimus Prime
in the head. Optimus went down a second time. "I don't need the matrix if I'm already stronger
than you."

"We are equally strong."

"I'm stronger when it comes to having the will to fight. You are nothing but a sparkless
coward."

"I... will not fight you," Optimus replied.

"Then prepare to be destroyed!" Ultra Magnus launched a left hook which Optimus barely blocked.
He pushed Ultra Magnus away then withdrew to get some space between them.

"Magnus, I don't know what this is about..."

"Oh, you don't know what it's about, huh? This is about you proving your worth."

"I don't have to prove my worth to you or anyone." Ultra Magnus went into a flying side kick
again which Optimus dodged by ducking.

"Yes you do! You have to prove your worth if you want to continue as leader of the Autobots."
The two locked hands.

{Why is Magnus doing this? He said that it isn't about the Matrix, but if it's not, then what
IS it about?}

"I knew it," Magnus said with disgust in his voice. "You are unworthy. You are a weak and
selfish rust bucket and don't deserve to be leader of the Autobots. The Autobots need a leader
who's strong and determined, not weak and full of remorse! You are not worthy to be leader!"
Ultra Magnus knocked Optimus Prime down. "Ha, just as I thought, you're weak. No wonder you
weren't able to save Koji."

That was the final straw.

With a loud roar, Optimus Prime quickly got up and plowed into Ultra Magnus with all his
strength. The blue and white robot fell back. Optimus landed punch after punch to Magnus' body,
not letting up for an instant. Now it was Ultra Magnus was the one on the defense.

{Man, I never realized how strong Optimus was when he gets angry. Perhaps Alpha Trion was right
in choosing him as the leader.}

As Optimus came in for another round, Ultra Magnus grabbed his punching arm and threw him over
his own head. Optimus landed on his feet and came in low. He elbowed Ultra Magnus then sweeped
his feet out from under him. But Ultra Magnus fired his jets and escaped Optimus Prime's grasp.

"Time to finish this!" Ultra Magnus declared as he rushed in for one final assault. Optimus
met it head on. Both fighters punched each other and they both went down.

They laid there for a while. It didn't seem like either of them won. Then, Ultra Magnus burst
into laughter. Soon, Optimus joined him before you knew it, they were both doubling over with
laughter.

Optimus Prime got up and held out his hand. Ultra Magnus took it as he was helped to his feet.

"Thanks, Magnus," Optimus Prime said. "I needed that."

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to do that, Optimus, boot some sense into you."

"And believe me, I needed that boot."

"Any time."

Ultra Magnus' communicator beeped. "Ultra Magnus," Tai called. "Have you located Optimus Prime
yet?"

"Sure have."

"Good, the Autobot Brothers are having trouble with Database and Starscream, please join them."

"Well, I was planning on getting my oil change today but sure, all right," Ultra Magnus joked.
He turned to Optimus Prime. "You know, Optimus, revenge isn't necessarily a bad thing, when you
have the right backup."

"Then it's time for us to get our revenge. Transform!"

"Transform!"

"I've prepared a space bridge tunnel directly to the Autobot Brothers' location." The brothers
transformed and drove into the portal, thinking the same thing for what is perhaps the first time
ever.
Prowl was blasted for perhaps the fifth time by Starscream. He fell by X-Brawn and Sideburn.

"Come on, guys," Sideburn said as he struggled to get up. "We have to get fighting."

"I can't even stand," X-Brawn groaned.

"You're doomed, Autobots," Database said as he and Starscream walked towards them. "You're
dripping energy, you're weapons are depleted, there's nothing that can save you from our wraith."

"That's where you're wrong!" A voice called out as two trucks burst from a blue portal: one was
a fire engine, the other was a car carrier.

"Optimus Prime, transform!"

"Ultra Magnus, transform!"

"Combine into Omega Prime!" In mid-air, the two combined into one giant robot who landed between
the Autobot Brothers and their adversaries.

"Database," Omega Prime addressed. "You have taken the life of not only a human, but a comrad.
And I swear that this action shall not go unpunished. This is the end for you and your master."

"I don't think so," Database said as he crossed his arms. "We'll destroy you just like I
destroyed that human."

"That human was my friend," Omega Prime said.

Starscream rushed forward. Omega Prime rushed forward as well. They both threw a punch. Their
fists met, electricity exchanging. Each robot grunted. Starscream was concentrating on Omega
Prime's fist so he didn't see the foot coming his way. Omega Prime rushed after Starscream and
clotheslined him to the ground. He then leaped up and came down again, this time on Starscream's
chest. Starscream powered down. Omega Prime then picked up Starscream and threw him at
Database. Database quickly extended his energy field and batted Starscream into the horizon.

"Wow, I've never seen Omega Prime fight with such ferocity before," Prowl observed.

"I think it's because Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus are fighting as one for the first time,"
Sideburn commented. "Both of them are trying to avenge Koji's death."

"Total System Shutdown!" Database fired energy waves at Omega Prime who flew above it.
"Memory Erase!" Database fired his wires but Omega Prime caught them and ripped them from his
hands. Database yelped in pain.

"Never again," Omega Prime declared. A blue aura began forming around him. Database fired a
blast of his super power energy but the aura neutralized it. The aura then came together and
formed a sphere in Omega Prime's hands. "This is it, Database, you're defeat! Omega Force!"
Omega Prime launched launched the blue sphere at Database. It hit him head on. Database's armor
began falling off. He fell onto his back. "You are defeated."

Omega Prime turned and walked up to the Autobot Brothers. "Are you three all right?"

"Nothing a little time in the repair bay can't cure," X-Brawn said.

"Um... Omega Prime, thank you," Sideburn said. "I guess I just wasn't strong enough to avenge
Koji but you were."

"I wished to redeem myself for not being there for him," Omega Prime said. "But we'll talk more,
after we go back to base and get you fixed up. Also, there's something I think we need to do."
After the Autobot Brothers got repaired, Optimus summoned everybody to headquarters. Even
Sky-Byte and Frenzy were there out of respect if nothing else.

"During my time in battle," Optimus addressed the assembled group. "I have had many victories,
and almost as many defeats. I consider Koji's lost the ultimate defeat. When I first met him,
he was afraid to trust me at first. I told him to trust himself and he would find the truth.
He did and since then, he has become an invaluable ally to the Autobot cause, helping us find
the Cybertronian ship, obtain the Orb of Sigma, and even pilot the giant Transformer City
Fortress Maximus.

"But Koji did more by just being there and supporting all of us even when we were down. It is
his kindness and his friendship that I value more than any accomplishment he has done."

Optimus turned to look behind him. Koji's body was laid out on a table, a thin sheet covering
it. "Koji, please understand that your sacrifice wasn't in vain, you have renewed our devotion
to protect this planet and its people from Unicron and his malicious forces. I don't know if
humans believe in an afterlife or not, but if there is, I hope you find eternal peace in it,
as we have found peace in your friendship. Koji Onishi, my friend, may you rest in peace."
As one, the assembled group lowered their heads as Hot Rod and R.E.V. placed an Autobot flag
over the sheet.

To Be Continued

Frenzy: As the Autobots and their allies struggle to adjust to Koji's death, Unicron calls for
reinforcements in the form of Cybertronian mercenaries. They come with powers and abilities that
rival if not surpass Hyperion. Looks like the Autobots' troubles are going from bad to worse.
The next episode of Transformers: Robots In Disguise: A Battle Between Life and Death Part 3:
Arrival of the Oriacons. So get ready to roll out.