Disclaimer: sigh..do I have to? *eats generic golden grams* screw it, you
all know it.
The new Mini-con speech thing is \ / because when I previewed the fic, the mini-speech didn't show up, meh.
Huzza! I'm out of high school, ohhhh yeah, graduation is upon me. I'm so happy that I'm trying to get this up sooner than the last one! Yeah I know, what a prize. Anyway, the thing I want every one to know in this chapter is that there is lots of RAIN! RAIN, LIGHTNING, and THUNDER! Any scene on Earth you can assume thunder is being heard, if theres windows, they are spattered with rain and lightning constantly flashes, and if outside, they are being torrented by rainfall, and the only thing lighting the darkness is optics, lasers, and LIGHTNING! And beware, this chapter is a bit scattery, and lots of stuff happens in a small time frame, so keep that in mind. So lotsa rain too, got it? Good. Enjoy.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Look at the size of that thing!" Thundercracker gaped.
Galvatron had the Decepticons gathered outside on the moon. In front of them was the massive warship that Galvatron had been building in secret for a good month now. He had dubbed it "Tidal Wave" and he had determined that it was time to activate it.
"Thrust, is all in readiness?" The reformatted tyrant asked.
"Yes, lord Galvatron, all I have to do now is install the spark." Thrust called down from the deck of the warship. He produced a small box with a glowing sphere in it as he opened a hatch in the middle of the turrets. He hooked the box up to a few tubes and hit a button, which caused the warship to quake to life.
"It's alive! Yesss!" Galvatron said, throwing his hands up in triumph as Thrust bailed from the deck and all the lights on the warship flickered to life in a brilliant display. "State your name and designation!"
"Unit Tidal Wave, aquatic and air assault soldier under Lord Galvatron." The behemoth ship bellowed in response.
"With Tidal Wave we shall launch our last assault against the Autobots!" Galvatron cheered as Gunbarrel sped onto the scene and transformed and kneeled before Galvatron.
"/Sir, unidentified shuttle approaching our quadrant!\" The Mini-con chirped to the Decepticon commander. Galvatron looked in thought for a second before issuing his command.
"Tidal Wave! Greet our guests!" Galvatron shouted as the warship began to lift off the ground.
**************************************************************************** **********
"We're coming up on the Moon now." Wheeljack said to his companion nonchalantly. Their stolen shuttle trip had gone well, and they were approaching the landing site quickly.
"SWEET PRIMUS WHAT IS THAT!" Skywarp shouted as a massive flying aircraft carrier came up right in front of them, guns blazing.
"What the! We gotta bail quick!" Wheeljack shouted as Skywarp transformed into a jet similar to Starscream, with vertical landing and take-off fans on its rear fins. Wheeljack hopped onto him as they flew out the cargo hatch. Tidal Wave crashes through the wreckage of the shuttle with easy and starts to fire on Skywarp.
"Ready to try that little trick I taught you?" Wheeljack asked Skywarp.
"Ready as I'll ever be, lets frag this guy!" Skywarp said as both he and Wheeljack phased out.
"Tidal Wave cannot see targets!" Tidal Wave announced as Wheeljack appeared on his main deck, firing at his cannons. Tidal Wave brought his cannons to bear when Wheeljack again disappeared, reappearing on one of Tidal Wave's flank sections. Tidal Wave groaned as he swung all his cannons around. Skywarp appeared below him and switched to robot mode, firing from his chest as two gasps were heard from the crowd of onlookers.
"That's not who I think it is...is it?" Thundercracker whispered to Starscream.
"I really hope not.." Starscream muttered back.
Tidal Wave was getting frustrated with Wheeljack when he got hit by Skywarp from his underside.
"GRAH! Tidal Wave TRANSFORM!!" The warship cried as the deck split open and the flank sections swung down, a mammoth head popping up between the deck halves, which also swung down. Wheeljack was sent flying off of the monster Transformer as Skywarp flew down to catch him.
"I think we're in a tad bit over our heads." Skywarp trailed off as Tidal Wave landed before them, chuckling and powering up his lasers.
"Tidal Wave shall terminate!" Tidal Wave yelled as all his chest lasers fired. Wheeljack and Skywarp are flung back, Wheeljack into a rock, and Skywarp tumbling across the ground, one of his legs sparking dangerously.
"No! Skywarp!"
Galvatron turned his head to see Starscream fly out of the crowd in jet mode, Thundercracker close behind. Thundercracker scooped Skywarp off the ground before he's blasted as Starscream fires on Tidal Wave, making the giant groan audibly.
"What is the meaning of this!!" Galvatron bellowed as he glared at Thundercracker, who landed near the rest of the Decepticons, Skywarp in his arms.
"These are Decepticons you're attacking!" Thundercracker yelled at Galvatron before tending to Skywarp. "Are you ok, brother?"
"I'll live, thanks Thundy." Skywarp muttered, holding his leg.
"Tidal Wave, stand down!" Galvatron yelled at the warship as he instantly saw the resemblance between Skywarp and the other two seekers. Tidal Wave stopped and stood at attention as Starscream stopped and landed.
"So who's the other guy?" Cyclonus asked, pointing at Wheeljack.
"A buddy of mine, he said he wanted to come here to take care of some personal business and help out Megatron." Skywarp explained. "He helped me swipe a shuttle to get here."
"Why did you come in the first place!" Starscream said as he came up to the other seekers.
"Because you invited Thundercracker here and not me!" Skywarp yelled. "I'm not a kid anymore, I can take care of myself and be helpful!"
"You're too headstrong." Thundercracker said. "You'll get yourself killed."
"You don't have to protect me anymore!" Skywarp said, hitting Thundercracker over the head and starting to walk away, but falling over."
"Looks like you need our help still." Starscream said with a smirk as Skywarp muttered some inaudible curses.
Galvatron decided to get away from this silly family affair and came up to Wheeljack's fallen form, flanked by Thrust and Demolisher.
"Stand to attention solider!" Galvatron said to Wheeljack, who looked up, and then quickly scrambled to his feet.
"Lord Megatron sir!" Wheeljack said, saluting smartly before going back to hold his sides. "You.look different sir."
"I've been through some.changes, yess. My name is now Galvatron!" The tyrant said before motioning for Demolisher to help Wheeljack. "Why are you here?"
"To serve you my lord, and get revenge on my "Brother"." Wheeljack spat as Galvatron smirked.
"Well then, welcome to our happy little family. Demolisher, get him and Skywarp repaired, Thrust, Cyclonus, repair Tidal Wave, we attack the Autobots at sunset!" Galvatron ordered.
**************************************************************************** **********
Scourge strode into Unicron's main conference room, glancing about before standing at attention on the central platform.
"Report." Unicron said, the voice coming from all around.
"It appears Megatron has not been terminated, and is in fact, more powerful than before, calling himself Galvatron now." Scourge said, not letting his voice falter.
"And the Air Assault team? Did they accomplish their mission?" Unicron asked. Scourge took in a deep breath before continuing, his mouth fidgeting under his faceplate.
"They were on the verge of success when Galvatron intervened. The Decepticons all survive and have activated a massive unit they call 'Tidal Wave'." Scourge said, dimming his optics as Unicron groaned audibly.
"Bring the Air Assault team before me..for their punishment." Unicron said coldly.
"There is more, sir." Scourge said, considering what he just said.
"What is that?"
"Two more Decepticons have made their way to Galvatron, they are now nine strong, not counting the Mini-cons."
"Have Sideways hold off on having the Autobot begin their little quest I have presented them with until the Decepticons decide to attack them, and send Prowl to observe their little skirmish, I'd like to know these new unit's fighting power. That is all, you are dismissed Scourge."
"Thank you my lord."
**************************************************************************** **********
Sideswipe sped through the rainy canyon, flanked by Spiral and Nightbeat. Lightning lit up the sky as Sideswipe complained audibly.
"So why are we the only ones looking for this Mini-con again?" Sideswipe asked his smaller companions.
"/Because, the other's are standing by in case the enemy attacks, we haven't seen the Decepticons for awhile now and Optimus thinks we don't need everyone in the field if there won't be a battle.\" Spiral explained.
"Sheesh, so I get stuck in the rain to rust." Sideswipe retorted.
"/I know you don't want to hear any more bad news 'Swipe, but my scanners are going nuts.\" Nightbeat said. "/You better contact HQ.\"
"It can't be that bad, can it?" Sideswipe said, stopping to observe the area. Lightning flashed as a massive figure became illuminated. ~I must be seeing things.~ The optics of the figure didn't disappear with the lightning however, and Sideswipe quickly transformed. He zoomed in and saw many more smaller lights at about a fourth of the other's height. Lightning flashed again as he saw more Decepticons he didn't recognized, but was able to clearly identify Megatron, although something seemed different. He also noticed many smaller lights by the feet of the Decepticons.
"Primus! They brought the whole kit and caboodle! Nightbeat, get the others out here before they notice us!" Sideswipe stammered.
"/You got it boss!\" Nightbeat said as an explosion rocked where the three were standing. Sideswipe whipped out his gun and tried to find his aggressor when an invisible force knocked the gun out of his hand and knocked him down. Both Nightbeat and Spiral where shot back as it felt like a foot was on top of Sideswipe's chest.
"Who's there!" Sideswipe yelled, grabbing the invisible leg and trying to shake it off. The foot stomped him before phasing into view.
"Well now, what do we have here, hahahaha!" Thrust cackled.
**************************************************************************** **********
Sideways leaned up against the wall. He was just sitting in the Autobot base, in one of the darker corridors. He was deep in thought when heavy footsteps interrupted his thoughts. He didn't even look up to address the bot who came up to him.
"What do you want, Scavenger?" Sideways said.
"Why are you here?" Scavenger asked.
"Straight to the point I see."
"Answer the question."
"No need to be rude. I'm here to help the Autobots, simple as that."
"I find it hard to believe."
"Why would you think that, Scavenger?"
"Because you always have a hidden agenda, you did when you were with the Decepticons, and you do now, I know it."
"I'm sorry but I just want to Autobots to gain the upper hand, nothing else."
"Bull slag."
"Are you done?"
"I'll be watching you."
"I'm counting on it."
**************************************************************************** **********
"Alright, I'm trusting that you Mini-cons will not abandon us in battle?" Galvatron said as he eyed his assembled Mini-cons warily.
"/We swore to help the Decepticons as long as we are treated as equals.\" Jetstorm responded to the tyrant.
"Alright, do not make me regret this decision then, you are free to choose who you are partnered with." Galvatron announced. All the Decepticons original Mini-cons sided with them, then Drill-bit went to Cyclonus, Bonecrusher to himself, Knock-out to Wheeljack, Buzz-saw to Skywarp, Gunbarrel to Tidal Wave, and the Air Defense team came before Starscream.
"What? You're going with me?" Starscream asked the team, startled.
"/We respect your swordsman-ship, and believe you are the most skilled in our use.\" Sonar told Starscream, who just smirked and nodded.
"Sir! Thrust is hailing us, he has found an Autobot, the rest are sure to follow." Wheeljack reported quickly.
"Excellent, the Autobot's final hour is at hand!" Galvatron smirked as his troops prepared to move.
**************************************************************************** **********
Prowl warped in on the canyon wall, Backtrack on his shoulder. The duo sat and watched the Autobots warp in and prepare for battle.
"Well this should prove to be most entertaining, what do you think Backtrack?" Prowl said.
"/It should be fun.\" The green Mini-con replied "/But there are multiple Mini-con signals in this canyon, I wonder if they'll find them all?\"
"No doubt they will, but let us make things interesting?" Prowl said as he turned and kicked the canyon wall, causing a yellow panel to fall to the ground below and activate.
"/That was a Skyboom shield Mini-con.\" Backtrack stated.
"I know." Prowl chuckled as they got comfy.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Sideswipe!" Hot Shot yelled as he fired his back cannon near Thrust, Jolt powerlinked already.
"Gah! I didn't expect the Autobots to be here so soon!" Thrust said as he phased out, Sideswipe sighing in relief.
"You saved my life bro!" Sideswipe said, jumping up and hugging Hot Shot.
"Gee.thanks.I think." Hot Shot said, trying to shrug Sideswipe off
"Nobody has ever done anything like that for me before." Sideswipe said, overjoyed.
"Hey you two, get off each other and get up here, it won't be long before the Decepticons are all over us!" Jetfire called down, getting loud laughter from the other assembled Autobots. Thunder rumbled as a flash of lightning lit up the sky, showing four jets, a helicopter, and an aircraft carrier overhead.
Galvatron, Demolisher, and Wheeljack sped across the canyon towards the Autobots. Mini-cons linked with their Decepticon counter parts as Wheeljack's doors flipped up and revealed missile launchers, Galvatron's missile battery flipped forward to his tank cannon, and Demolisher aimed his main cannons at the Autobots as they all fired, sending rocks and dust everywhere. Optimus ordered the Autobots to scramble as he asked Sideswipe for a report.
"Well, theres a lot more than last time, one of the new ones looks like Starscream and Thundercracker, then one is obviously that massive flying ship. The last one was weird though, he had a car mode, and an Autobot symbol with a gash through it." Sideswipe reported.
"WHAT!" Hot Shot yelled suddenly before running up to Sideswipe, grabbing him by the shoulders. "What was that last thing you said."
"Car mode...Autobot symbol.tear in chest..stop.shaking me!" Sideswipe said, getting shoved aside by Hot Shot as he transformed and sped to where all the land mode Decepticons were.
"Hot Shot, stop!" Prime called out in vain to the yellow Autobot. "Sideswipe, Scavenger, get after him, Jetfire, Smokescreen, Blurr, bring down those fliers!"
"Right, come on Sideswipe, I'm clearing the way!" Scavenger called to the marksman before switching to vehicle mode, engines roaring loudly, rain spattering on the giant green bulldozer.
"Alright, lets tear them a new waste disposal unit!" Sideswipe said before switching vehicle mode as well, Nightbeat jumping onto his rear powerlink port.
Jetfire and Blurr changed to vehicle mode while Liftor jumped onto Smokescreen's crane, flipping forward his massive cannon.
"Give us cover Smokescreen, I need some distance to take off." Blurr yelled to Smokescreen.
"You got it, let her rip little buddy!" Smokescreen said to Liftor as he aimed his cannon and dug in to the canyon wall.
"/FIRE!\ Liftor yelled as Smokescreen was thrown back from the force of the multiple shots. The Decepticons were just clued in on their location and returned fire, torrents of energy bombarding their position. Rain poured off of Tidal Wave's deck and onto the bots below, Blurr's windshield wipers were at their max.
"What is that thing?" Jetfire asked as Commettor linked up to his underside.
"I don't know, but it's going down! Let's hit it, Incinerator, POWERLINK!" Blurr shouted as the blue race-car drove into his back end, causing his rear wheels and doors to fold down, making wings. "Come on Jetfire!"
"Right behind you!" Jetfire said as Blurr's engines roared and he shot off into the sky, Jetfire following suit.
**************************************************************************** **********
Dirt Boss was greeted with a bath of rain and random bursts of light ~/Lovely, where's Mirage and Downshift?\~ He thought as he got up. Explosions rocked all around him as he opened his mental link, contacting his team members.
On the Moon, the two panels by Galvatron's throne lit up and activated, revealing a bright yellow clawed Mini-con and a gray stocky one with long arms and blue highlights. The two got their bearings and looked around.
"/Where are we?\" Mirage asked.
"/No clue, where's Dirt Boss?\" Downshift replied.
"/Try the mental link.\" Mirage suggested.
~/Hey guys? You hear me?\~
"/Dirt Boss?\" Both Mini-cons replied.
~/Yeah, get to my coordinates, nobody knows we've activated yet and we're getting the hell out of dodge.\~ Dirt Boss said telepathically to his team.
"/Alright, let's go Downshift!\" Mirage said as he transformed, zipping about the Decepticon base. Downshift sighed and followed, listening to Dirt Boss transmitting his coordinates.
**************************************************************************** **********
"WHEELJACK!"
"Huh?" Wheeljack said, shifting his view to see a yellow car race at him.
"Wheeljack, you got an Autobot approaching you, take him out!" Demolisher cried to him, Black-out manning his gunner's seat.
"Don't worry about a thing." Wheeljack said before phasing out, causing Hot Shot to stop and transform.
"WHEELJACK! SHOW YOURSELF!" Hot Shot screamed, having Jolt powerlink and flipping his massive cannon forward.
"Aww, I didn't know you cared, Hot Shot." Wheeljack said, phasing out in front of Hot Shot, weapons drawn. "But now, vengeance will be mine!"
"Why did you join the Decepticons Wheeljack, WHY!" Hot Shot said, his fists tightly clenched.
"Because! They cared for me when you all abandoned me!" Wheeljack shouted. "You Autobots are a bunch of hypocrites, theres nothing evil about the Decepticons, we just have different views on how to keep our species alive!"
"I didn't mean to abandon you...brother." Hot Shot said, his energy draining from him.
"But you did." Wheeljack said before shooting Hot Shot. Hot Shot made no move to dodge, and took the blast straight to the chest.
"HOT SHOT!"
"Hmm?" Wheeljack said, looking up to see a bulldozer and blue sedan heading straight for him. He simply phased out and watched from a crag as Sideswipe transformed.
"Hot Shot! Speak to me bro!" Sideswipe said, taking Hot Shot in his arms. "I'm not getting any response."
"He didn't even move..I want to know why, TRANSFORM!" Scavenger yelled, switching to robot mode and scanning around. Rollbar came up besides him.
"/Ya see anything?\" The Mini-con inquired.
"Yeah, powerlink up, I'll fire a shot." Scavenger said to Rollbar quietly as the Mini-con transformed and attached to his hip. Scavenger got his bearings and fired his hip cannon, causing someone to yell out from behind some rocks.
"He's mine!" Sideswipe yelled, running up to the crag and tackling the Ex- Autobot. Wheeljack beat Sideswipe over the head with his guns, causing Sideswipe to skid into the mud. Wheeljack smirked when he felt a massive hand come down on his head.
**************************************************************************** **********
Starscream lead the seekers to fire on Smokescreen and Red Alert, who were the only ground bots firing upon the air force. Cyclonus and Tidal Wave were contending with Blurr and Jetfire's air-counterstrike.
"We're getting torn apart Red Alert, we need to take one of them down!" Smokescreen called to the medic.
"I'll draw their fire, unload on them once they get in range." Red Alert said, switching to his SUV mode.
"What! That's crazy!" Smokescreen said.
"Got any better ideas?"
"Nope, good luck."
"Thanks for stopping me." Red Alert chuckled as he peeled out, sending mud everywhere.
"/Hey, you're even getting me muddy!\" Long-arm called from on top of Red Alert, who took off before the Mini-con could finish. Red Alert rode out past Smokescreen until one of them noticed him.
"Theres a stray, lets take him out!" Starscream cried as Thundercracker and Skywarp followed,
"He's mine!" Skywarp cried out, flying ahead of the others, who let out cries of protest.
"What do you think you're doing!" Thundercracker yelled as Skywarp caught up to Red Alert, firing on the SUV.
"Now I gotcha!" Smokescreen whooped before nailing Skywarp in the side with one shot, sending him crashing to the ground.
"I'll take him, you get Red Alert!" Starscream yelled to Thundercracker as they split, Starscream barrel rolling and strafing Smokescreen. Red Alert transformed and had his gun flip forward, hiding behind a rock as Thundercracker transformed and linked with Zapmaster, his Electro-cannons swinging forward. Red Alert fired a few shots as the seeker dodged and zipped to the other side of the rocks.
"Prepare to terminate, Autobot." Thundercracker said, his cannons sparking threateningly.
"I think not!" Red Alert said, chancing to fire at Thundercracker then roll, getting singed by the electrical attack. Thundercracker also swerved out of the way, struggling to upright himself in mid-air. Starscream landed by Smokescreen, Star Sabre quickly forming in his hands.
"You're no match for me Autobot, surrender and you may live." Starscream said, his voice as cold as ice. Starscream was taken aback when Smokescreen began to guffaw loudly, steadying his long arm, then facing the Decepticon, his gaze pure steel.
"I think you're full of yourself, Star Sabre or no, you're not taking me without a fight!" Smokescreen said, and begun swinging his long arm wildly, his cannon still out.
"/I'm---gonna----hurl!\" Liftor cried as he fired the cannon, blasts causing mud and water to go everywhere. Starscream backed up as the blue glow of the Star Sabre was drowned out by the red glowing of all the lasers going everywhere.
"You fool, you'll kill us all!" Starscream cried as Smokescreen rushed him, getting clobbered by the long arm. The seeker kicked Smokescreen down and slashed as him, but Smokescreen blocked with his long arm, the blade burning into it as Smokescreen smiled and swung it off. Starscream ate mud once more as Smokescreen put a foot to his back.
"Ready to give up yet?" Smokescreen questioned, and was answered by his foot being pulled out from under him, Starscream growling menacingly.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Tidal Wave will CRUSH!" The warship bellowed as all its cannons fired at Blurr, who barely avoided the torrent of energy.
"I really should practice flying more often." Blurr muttered as he flew around and fired at Tidal Wave, but the shot's merely bounced off. Jetfire was having much better luck with Cyclonus, who was complaining audibly as he barely dodged the jet's lasers.
"You're cheating! I'll show you!" Cyclonus cried as he rammed himself into Jetfire, Drill-bit's drill searing into Jetfire's hull. Jetfire yelled out before transforming, flinging Cyclonus to the side as he also transformed, linking Crumplezone and Drill-bit to his arms, Commettor switching to Jetfire's cannon. The two stared at each other, weapons drawn, then the verbal barbs began.
"Pretty gutsy for someone who's completely outgunned." Jetfire chuckled.
"Keep talking Autoboob, flattery will get you nowhere." Cyclonus responded, rain running down his face.
"Autoboob? I bet a maintenance drone could make a better insult than that!"
"Well I bet that drone could fly better than you can!"
"I bet it can beat you in a contest of wits!"
"Well...um...errr...Tidal Wave, shoot him!" Cyclonus cried out to the warship as it swung two cannons forward and pelted Jetfire. Jetfire cried out as Cyclonus cackled and landed next to Demolisher, who was blasting at the Autobot's main emplacement. Blurr circled around and shot at Tidal Wave again, allowing Jetfire to bring up his plasma cannon and sent a flurry of bolts at Tidal Wave. The enraged warship cried out as lights flared up all across its hull, distracting most bots.
"Tidal Wave! TRANSFORM!" He cried as Blurr and Jetfire landed and transformed, immediately getting pushed down by the torrent of water that dropped from the sky as the deck split apart and formed arms, the monstrous head coming up and the flanks folding down into legs.
"Quite a elegant military machine is it not, Thrust?" Galvatron addressed his second as they ceased firing to watch the spectacle.
"Yes indeed Galvatron, very much so, I feel this is to be the final battle." Thrust said, his optics burning.
"Not if we can help it!"
"PRIME!" Galvatron roared as he swung around to face the Autobot leader, flanked by-
"YOU!" Thrust screamed, throwing himself at Sideways. Sideways chuckled and sidestepped the tactician as he face Galvatron.
"So Megs, got a face lift I see." Sideways chortled.
"No thanks to you, you pathetic traitor!" Galvatron spat, "And my name is GALVATRON!"
"Galvatron?" Optimus questioned. "How did this come about?"
"He bit off more than he could chew." Sideways chuckled again as Thrust resumed attacking him. "Sorry Prime, got a date with a conehead, be back in a bit."
"Worthless Unicron spawn!" Galvatron cried, firing his powered up cannon, Clench and Bonecrusher linked up. His shots missed Sideways but prompted Optimus, to lack better words, put his pants on.
"Optimus Super mode!" Optimus cried as his trailer with Sparkplug and Spiral rolled up, converting as he himself turned into a torso and the blue and yellow Mini-cons linked to his shoulder.
"You are pitiful Prime, you would take in that whelp after all he has done." Galvatron said, half musing to himself. "I fail to grasp your logic in this, Prime."
"Why would you even wonder this Megatron?" Optimus asked, rain running down his form as he grasped his large rifle.
"Know thy enemy Optimus..and..my name..is...GALVATRON!" The tyrant yelled as he charged.
**************************************************************************** **********
Skywarp groped around groggily in the mud. His side sparked occasionally and the jets in his feet were out. He looked to the side to see where Thundercracker was engaging Red Alert, the lightning lancing out of his cannons. He then looked over to see Starscream fighting Smokescreen, both sparking badly, the blue light of the Star Sabre clanging to and fro. Skywarp pounded the ground in frustration.
"Damnit! I need a Mini-con of my own!" Skywarp cried out, as he had lost Buzz-saw in the crash. He pulled himself up onto the canyon wall, still sparking, and punched the wall furiously. Skywarp cursed again as rubble fell and hit him on the head. He turned to kick the rocks when he saw it.
"A Mini-con panel!" Skywarp exclaimed, grabbing the panel, giggling hysterically. "You are mine! Activate now!"
The panel flashed brightly as a silver, winged, and jagged looking Mini-con knelt before him. Skywarp smiled and examined his new possession.
"/Greetings master, I am Thunderclash.\" The Mini-con introduced itself.
"Excellent, come on, we'll show them what we can do yet." Skywarp said, transforming, parts grinding where his injury was. After a second to let the pain subside, he jetted off, Thunderclash in tow.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Would you just DIE!" Starscream yelled as he flung himself again at Smokescreen. The hardy Autobot laughed loudly again as he punched the Star Sabre back, completely ignoring the searing pain in his hand that it left.
"Sorry Screamer, I don't die to easy." Smokescreen said, letting off another shot at the seeker. Starscream dodged and stood at a fighting stance. Smokescreen spat mech fluid out of his mouth, his body having multiple dents and fractures in it. Starscream took another stab at it, literally as he thrust the Star Sabre forward. Smokescreen side stepped and clocked Starscream right in the face. The seeker groaned and fell, dropping the Sabre. Smokescreen fell to one knee as he realized the extent of his exhaustion.
"Wow, too bad for you Screamer, prolly coulda got me in the next round." Smokescreen said to Starscream's offline form as he began to walk away. But he didn't see the Star Sabre rise from the ground on its own and point itself towards the orange Autobot.
**************************************************************************** **********
Blurr barely pulled himself up from the water torrent to see a massive foot crashing down upon him. Fortunately, like his name suggested, his reflexes were well refined, allowing him to avoid being crushed. Mud rained down onto him as Tidal Wave's foot crashed into the place Blurr was previously standing, causing the wet dirt to fly everywhere. As the rain washed away the mud from Blurr, he was having trouble moving his joints.
"Damnit! Jetfire, I think I'm clogged! Cover me!" Blurr yelled to the massive white and red Autobot, who complied by firing his plasma cannon repeatedly into the giants head. Tidal Wave simply grunted and swung a massive backhand at Jetfire, who turned off his propulsion jets in his feet to fall and avoid the sweeping arm. This however, left him unable to maneuver as he restarted the jets. Tidal Wave fired his full salvo from his chest at Jetfire, knocking him back into the muddy canyon. Blurr hid behind a rock as the cannons locked onto him, quickly demolishing the rock as Blurr pulled a large shell from subspace.
"And I was saving this for a special occasion." The marksman said to himself as he loaded it in one of his rifles and called for Incinerator. The blue Mini-con appeared at Blurr's side in an instant.
"/What's the good word boss, I think that thing just smoked Jetfire.\" Incinerator commented as Blurr stifled a chuckle.
"Powerlink with my rifle, we're taking him down one way or another." Blurr said as he took aim, Incinerator switching to vehicle mode and jumping on the cannon. Blurr took careful aim as Tidal Wave lumbered toward him. Blurr pulled the trigger and his rifle's barrel left the rest, rocketing towards Tidal Wave. The giant could only roar in surprise as the barrel fired the shell, which bore itself into Tidal Wave's chest before exploding.
"NOOOOO!" Tidal Wave roared as he fell backwards into the mud. Cyclonus and Demolisher, who had gotten pretty complacent with the pace of the battle, gaped at the falling warship before Demolisher snapped out of it.
"You idiot!" Demolisher said, slapping the back of Cyclonus's head. "Get them!"
"HEY! I wasn't the only one sitting on my aft, now was I?" Cyclonus glared at the tank.
"Errrrmmm, well, we'll both get him." Demolisher decided as he began firing at Blurr. Cyclonus followed suit, pelting at the blue and gray Autobot.
"Oh this is all I need." Blurr muttered as he slammed another cartridge into his rifle and returned fire.
**************************************************************************** **********
"I'll kill you for your treachery!" The coneheaded Decepticon growled as the purple and yellow motorcycle nonchalantly dodged any attempts that Thrust made to damage him, and it was frustrating the tactician.
"Thrust, Thrust, Thrust." Sideways said, shaking his head. "You just don't get it do you?"
"What are you talking about?" Thrust snarled, still trying to shoot the bot with seemingly no allegiance.
"You think destroying these Autobots will solve your problem, but if you forgot, there is another just waiting to devour you both." Sideways said, his voice nearing a whisper.
"Unicron? He hasn't even made much of a move yet, what's to worry about him for now?" Thrust said, trying to find Sideways' point.
"He is a planet eater, and you think these pansy flower pushing Autobots are a bigger threat?" Sideways said, appearing behind Thrust, rapping his head lightly. "Anyone home in there?"
"Shut up!" Thrust said, pulling himself away. "And if he is so powerful then why aren't we all dead yet?"
"He needs something from this planet, the Mini-cons." Sideways said bluntly.
"The Mini-cons!? They're powerful yes, but the almighty lord of chaos shouldn't require their help." Thrust scoffed. Sideways simply pushed Thrust onto a rock, sitting him down as he stood before the jet.
"It's story time Thrust, so listen good and you may learn something." Sideways said, flipping Rook off of his head and allowing his cylindrical head to come up. Thrust was taken aback at this, as Sideways' emotionless visor stared deep into his spark. He took in a breath, the lightning flashing and rain pouring still as he began, and Thrust completely forgot that there was a battle going on around them.
"Back many million stellar cycles, when the first records of Unicron were established, and Rodimus Prime used the matrix to destroy Unicron, it was thought that his head was all that remained of the lord of chaos, but that was not the case. His body was destroyed, but his soul survived. At the darkest corner of the universe, he began to rebuild himself, using the parts of destroyed civilizations to make his new body. The Mini-cons had just made their appearance on Cybertron when he finally started to wake from his deep slumber. He destroyed a few minor planets, but the councils just rode it off as natural occurrences. The Mini-cons weren't as foolish though. Before he reached his full potential, a group of Mini-con explorers and scientists, lead by Leo, constructed link ports on his orbiting ring. Because of their size, Unicron's weakened sensors never detected them. They then all linked to him, and installed a transformation lock and power draining program into him. They then returned to Cybertron to just catch the Mini-con mass exodus. Since no one knew where they ended up, Unicron has bided his time, waiting until someone foolishly stumbled upon the Mini-cons once more. Now, he can search for these twelve Mini- cons, the Zodiac Mini-cons."
Thrust blinked a few times, trying to absorb it all. But Sideways sighed and continued.
"But, the Mini-cons knew this could happen, and made these Mini-cons signals unable to be read by any sort of scanner. They can only be activated by the combining of the three."
"The three? The three what?!" Thrust demanded to know. Rook jumped back onto Sideways' head, lighting the Autobot insignia in the darkness. Sideways chuckled before addressing the tactician again.
"Now that I read you a story, its time to go to bed." Sideways chortled as Crosswise latched onto Thrust's head, coming from out of nowhere, and shocked him, making the coneheaded Decepticon slump over, offline.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Sideswipe, go find Blurr and Jetfire and help them now." Scavenger ordered.
"But I want to know what this guy has against my bro!" Sideswipe complained.
"That's an order Sideswipe, now go!" Scavenger yelled, making the sedan flinch.
"Alright, alright, I'm going. Ya grump." Sideswipe muttered, transforming and speeding off to where Tidal Wave had fallen. Scavenger then turned to Wheeljack, who was beginning to stir. Rollbar and Ransack had come and guarded the prone forms of Knock-out and Buzz-saw, and Gunbarrel was still shrieking from where he was tied up with energy bonds.
"Argh, what was the license number on the train that hit me." Wheeljack winced as he came to.
"It was a bulldozer actually, and its C-05" Scavenger said, the wearing the most smart-ass smirk Wheeljack had ever seen.
"What! Autobot, what do you want!" Wheeljack yelled, struggling against the massive purple hands the held him in place.
"What is with you and Hot Shot!? Why did he let you shoot him point blank?" Scavenger questioned, barking into Wheeljack's face.
Wheeljack chuckled as Scavenger stared. "So you don't know yet, do you? I think I'd rather let him tell you, it'd be more painful for him to recall betraying a fellow Autobot!"
"What!?" Scavenger said, confused and surprised at the same time.
"Seems he finally realized his wrong and decided to pay for it, now if you are done, I must be leaving." Wheeljack said, now bearing the smirk as he phased out and kicked Scavenger in the nether regions. Scavenger groaned and loosened his grip enough to allow Wheeljack to slip by and shoot the bonds holding Gunbarrel, along with Rollbar.
"/FFFRRREEEEEE!\" The mentally unstable Mini-con screamed as he socked Ransack in the face, grabbing Knock-out and Buzz-saw and warping out. Wheeljack switched to vehicle mode and sped off as Scavenger coughed, holding his groin. He closed his optics to fight the pain when he heard it.
**************************************************************************** **********
Dirt Boss was securing the third Mini-con panel they had found in the area. After Mirage and Downshift had warped down to him, they had combed the canyon, grabbing any panels they could find. They lined up the panels and watched as they activated. The first was a teal, white, and gray bot whose arms were massive cannons. The second was a winged and horned bot, looking regal and sinister at the same time. The third was a red and black bot with tread arms and legs, and two wicked looking claws spouting out from the sides of his head.
"/Hello comrades, Mirage, Downshift, and myself welcome you to the Mini-con resistance.\" Dirt Boss smiled as the three introduced themselves.
"/Name's Fetch, and you can bet that all those bots will be slagged with me around.\" The teal bot said, as the horned one scoffed.
"/Aren't you a brute. I am Terradive, and I shall gladly help to promote Mini-con equality.\" Terradive said with a bow to Dirt Boss.
"/And you?\" Mirage asked the large red Mini-con.
"/Iceberg.\" Was all the Mini-con said, standing stiff, looking like he didn't feel the need to say anymore.
"/Welcome my friends, to the end of Autobot and Decepticon alike!\" Dirt Boss said, raising his fist to the sky. Lightning struck as they transformed and left the canyon, finding a base of operations. They barely missed the black figure with the crossed over Autobot symbol chuckle and smash his fist into the canyon wall, producing a Mini-con panel and activating it. The stealth fighter styled Mini-con that emerged silently linked up as the form whispered.
"Yes, you will do nicely, Wind Sheer." Wheeljack smirked before stalking off.
**************************************************************************** **********
Optimus had met up with Sideswipe as he knocked Galvatron back. The tyrant cursed and was quickly joined by Cyclonus and Demolisher as Blurr limped over to Optimus. The Autobot leader's one on one bout with the Decepticon had proven fairly stereotypical of most of their encounters, and he had driven Galvatron back to his troops now. Thundercracker swooped in, having disabled Red Alert, and regrouped with the rest of the 'Cons. This allowed them to be in one place to hear the most unearthly scream they had ever heard.
"GGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
Optimus Prime immediately identified the voice. "SMOKESCREEN!"
Galvatron closed his eyes and smiled. Cyclonus and Demolisher both flinched as Thundercracker checked over himself, his usual grimace taking precedence.
"Should we find out who got the kill?" Thundercracker asked Galvatron nonchalantly.
"Yes, let us my dear Thundercracker." The Decepticon leader chuckled, the Autobots already on their way to the scene. Blurr was the only one who remained, to injured to continue, hung his head and closed his optics, warping back to base so the Decepticons didn't try to take him out as well.
"Smokescreen....may Primus be with you." Blurr whispered before the white lines left him, sending him to the Autobot base.
**************************************************************************** **********
Jetstorm disengaged with his team, who was all spattered in mech fluid. Smokescreen stared at the Mini-cons before him, before slowly looking down to his torso. He glanced at the wires and cables hanging out of his midsection before coughing up mech fluid, and falling to his knees. Liftor moaned and offlined from on top of him
"W.w...wh...why?" Smokescreen whispered, his optics going white as stasis- lock commenced.
"/Hypocrites.\" Jetstorm snorted as Sonar gave him a worried glance. Runway just stared on, his arms crossed as the Decepticons and Autobots converged on their position. The Autobots arrived first, Scavenger from one direction, transforming and bowing his head, giving the Mini-cons a shocked glance. Smokescreen slowly turned his head to Scavenger and tried mouthing something, but he collapsed before he could get off a sound. He gripped a piece of dirt as he sunk offline. Optimus and Sideswipe arrived next. Sideswipe transformed and looked as if he was about to hurl, while Prime looked very solemn. He turned to Scavenger and waited until he caught the green Autobot's attention.
"Status report?" Optimus asked, fury seeping into his voice.
"Hot Shot was sent back to base after injuries, Red Alert and Jetfire are unaccounted for, I suggest activating their emergency warp protocols." Scavenger said, also staying fairly cool.
"Blurr went back also due to injuries." Optimus said. Sideswipe couldn't take his eyes of Smokescreen's prone form, but he still was able to snap out of it long enough.
"How can you be so cold!" Sideswipe said, yelling out at Prime and Scavenger. "Smokescreen was just killed!"
"Not yet, stasis lock commenced, so we can get him back to stabilize him." Optimus said.
"Well then why aren't we doing it!" Sideswipe continued.
"Because..we have to assess the situation, unfortunately, command units must push personal feelings aside for the moment until all of their troops are accounted for, wounded or otherwise." Scavenger said to the young Autobot, voice as cold as ice. "Where the slot is Sideways?"
"Sorry to be late." The motorcycle pulled up as if on cue, spraying mud about as he stopped. "We pulling out I presume?"
"Yes, back to base, Scavenger, care for Smokescreen." Optimus said as Sideswipe warped back, still angry.
"The amount of professionalism you two are conveying impress me, you may make Decepticons yet." Sideways chortled before warping out. Scavenger growled as he picked up Smokescreen.
"Calm down Scavenger, he didn't mean it I'm sure." Optimus said rationally.
"Shove it up your aft Prime, I'm getting sick of this lack of emotions, what ever happened to the Autobots of old?" Scavenger said, letting his anger out.
"Times have changed old friend, times have changed." Prime said, rain pelting his form.
"Indeed." Scavenger said, his eyes on fire as he warped back with Smokescreen's prone form. Prime looked to the Air Defense team. Jetstorm's darkened scowl, Runway's emotionless optics, and Sonar's worried face. Optimus sighed as he saw the Decepticons approach, and warped before Galvatron began his taunting. Starscream was just stirring as Galvatron, Cyclonus, Thundercracker, and Demolisher appeared. They transformed as Thundercracker helped Starscream and Galvatron looked onto the Air Defense team, slight surprise betraying his optics.
"This, impresses me." Galvatron said as Jetstorm once again scoffed.
"/We didn't kill him unfortunately, my teammates had objections with that.\" The hardened Mini-con responded.
"Still, you've done more damage than we've been able to achieve on the Autobots ever." Galvatron said, looking at the Mini-con as a father would his son after he won his first little league game.
"What happened?" Starscream asked slowly, dull pain throbbing in his head.
"Smokescreen got smoked, HAHAHA!" Cyclonus cackled as Demolisher frowned.
"It appears as if the Mini-cons finished what you couldn't." Galvatron said as the seeker stood, supported by Thundercracker. "They disabled an Autobot, temporarily I admit, but none the less they have accomplished more than you all, my pathetic minions."
"What! They killed an Autobot!" Starscream said, his optics wide with shock. "That was supposed to be my victory!"
"Silence, the only reason I tolerate your failure is because I am in a jovial mood, yes!" Galvatron yelled as Starscream stared defiantly. Wheeljack took this opportunity to appear, Wind Sheer in tow.
"My business has been taken care of, and I present you with this, lord Galvatron." Wheeljack smirked sinisterly as Wind Sheer knelt before the tyrant.
"So another Autobot has been severely injured I presume, and you've captured a Mini-con!" Galvatron said, glee entering his voice. "Back to base men, Cyclonus, go to Tidal Wave and return him to base!"
"Yes sir!" Cyclonus saluted smartly as the others departed. "Your high-ass- ness, gahahahaha!"
The slightly mental helicopter transformed and flew to where Tidal Wave was unconscious.
**************************************************************************** **********
Thrust got up groggily as he looked around. Silence, only the pitter patter of rain to greet the tactician.
"Sideways!" Thrust called out. "SIDEWAYS!"
Pitter patter, pitter patter.
"DAMN YOU!" Thrust cried, rubbing his head as he thought out loud. "The three, three..what?"
Pitter patter, pitter patter.
"Zodiac Mini-cons, this fabled three, sounds like a story tale to me!"
Pitter patter.
"WHY HAVE YOU TOLD ME THIS!!!"
Pitter patter.
Thrust stared into the darkness as rain ran down his face.
Pitter patter.
"Theres got to be something missing! But what?"
Pitter patter.
Thrust snorted aloud before warping away to the base.
Pitter patter.
**************************************************************************** **********
Skywarp looked around frantically. ~The battle can't be over, can it?~ No explosions, no yelling, nothing. The battle seemed to be over. Skywarp checked his scanners again and again, but there was no bots left to use his newly acquired power on. He checked again. Nothing. Wait! There was a faint signal. Cackling madly, Skywarp flew to the signal. He circled the area, but didn't see anything. Nothing. Just a large mud slide.
"Hello!?" He called down.
Silence.
"Damn it!" He cried, giving up and warping away. As he dematerialized, a white fist came out of the mud slide. The hand pushed mud aside as a large wing shot out of the mud, followed by another and the red and gold visage of the Autobot vicecommander.
"Slotting hell, I'm gonna be clogged for weeks." Jetfire spat as he pulled himself out of the mud. He looked around, looking for anyone.
"Jetfire to anyone, come in."
Static.
"Damn!" He scanned the area, and transformed, flying over the field as he picked up a hailing from base.
"Jetfire? Do you copy?" It was Scavenger.
"Yeah, I read you." Jetfire responded. "What'd I miss?"
"Oh not much, Smokescreen getting run through on the Star Sabre, with no one holding it."
"WHAT!"
"Red Alert is still out there, the storm interfered to much with our computers to warp you guys back, I'm send his coordinates now, find him and get back here ASAP."
"I'm going, I'm going." Jetfire cut the transmission. "DAMN DECEPTICONS!"
**************************************************************************** **********
Prowl stretched as he rose from his perch, Backtrack also rising.
"/Anyone notice what Smokescreen grabbed before he went offline?\" The green Mini-con asked.
"Nope, but with that, the Autobots have one of the three, the Decepticons another, and the third has gone rouge." Prowl surmised. "Unicron should find this interesting indeed."
"/I'd imagine, that was an impressive fight.\" Backtrack reflected.
"Oh yes, and they will become even more brutal, that can be assured." The owl said, warping out, his Mini-con following.
**************************************************************************** **********
DONE! And not as early as I wanted to promise, but its still here. I'm graduated, whoooo! And I now have a job!! So I'm still screwed for time, delightful eh? I'll try to get the next one up as soon as possible, but this series is culminating, and I'm probably going to end and start a book two here fairly soon. I've also got another fic I'm wanting to do, along with the fact I should update Rumble and Frenzy's Excellent Adventures. So much to do. Anyway, Reviews! I love them, they motivate me, make me get chapters up sooner, so you know what to do! lol what are you waiting for? Anyway, next time look for lots of wonderful angst if everything goes to plan and I don't change my mind halfway through. Thanks for reading and hopefully reviewing!
The new Mini-con speech thing is \ / because when I previewed the fic, the mini-speech didn't show up, meh.
Huzza! I'm out of high school, ohhhh yeah, graduation is upon me. I'm so happy that I'm trying to get this up sooner than the last one! Yeah I know, what a prize. Anyway, the thing I want every one to know in this chapter is that there is lots of RAIN! RAIN, LIGHTNING, and THUNDER! Any scene on Earth you can assume thunder is being heard, if theres windows, they are spattered with rain and lightning constantly flashes, and if outside, they are being torrented by rainfall, and the only thing lighting the darkness is optics, lasers, and LIGHTNING! And beware, this chapter is a bit scattery, and lots of stuff happens in a small time frame, so keep that in mind. So lotsa rain too, got it? Good. Enjoy.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Look at the size of that thing!" Thundercracker gaped.
Galvatron had the Decepticons gathered outside on the moon. In front of them was the massive warship that Galvatron had been building in secret for a good month now. He had dubbed it "Tidal Wave" and he had determined that it was time to activate it.
"Thrust, is all in readiness?" The reformatted tyrant asked.
"Yes, lord Galvatron, all I have to do now is install the spark." Thrust called down from the deck of the warship. He produced a small box with a glowing sphere in it as he opened a hatch in the middle of the turrets. He hooked the box up to a few tubes and hit a button, which caused the warship to quake to life.
"It's alive! Yesss!" Galvatron said, throwing his hands up in triumph as Thrust bailed from the deck and all the lights on the warship flickered to life in a brilliant display. "State your name and designation!"
"Unit Tidal Wave, aquatic and air assault soldier under Lord Galvatron." The behemoth ship bellowed in response.
"With Tidal Wave we shall launch our last assault against the Autobots!" Galvatron cheered as Gunbarrel sped onto the scene and transformed and kneeled before Galvatron.
"/Sir, unidentified shuttle approaching our quadrant!\" The Mini-con chirped to the Decepticon commander. Galvatron looked in thought for a second before issuing his command.
"Tidal Wave! Greet our guests!" Galvatron shouted as the warship began to lift off the ground.
**************************************************************************** **********
"We're coming up on the Moon now." Wheeljack said to his companion nonchalantly. Their stolen shuttle trip had gone well, and they were approaching the landing site quickly.
"SWEET PRIMUS WHAT IS THAT!" Skywarp shouted as a massive flying aircraft carrier came up right in front of them, guns blazing.
"What the! We gotta bail quick!" Wheeljack shouted as Skywarp transformed into a jet similar to Starscream, with vertical landing and take-off fans on its rear fins. Wheeljack hopped onto him as they flew out the cargo hatch. Tidal Wave crashes through the wreckage of the shuttle with easy and starts to fire on Skywarp.
"Ready to try that little trick I taught you?" Wheeljack asked Skywarp.
"Ready as I'll ever be, lets frag this guy!" Skywarp said as both he and Wheeljack phased out.
"Tidal Wave cannot see targets!" Tidal Wave announced as Wheeljack appeared on his main deck, firing at his cannons. Tidal Wave brought his cannons to bear when Wheeljack again disappeared, reappearing on one of Tidal Wave's flank sections. Tidal Wave groaned as he swung all his cannons around. Skywarp appeared below him and switched to robot mode, firing from his chest as two gasps were heard from the crowd of onlookers.
"That's not who I think it is...is it?" Thundercracker whispered to Starscream.
"I really hope not.." Starscream muttered back.
Tidal Wave was getting frustrated with Wheeljack when he got hit by Skywarp from his underside.
"GRAH! Tidal Wave TRANSFORM!!" The warship cried as the deck split open and the flank sections swung down, a mammoth head popping up between the deck halves, which also swung down. Wheeljack was sent flying off of the monster Transformer as Skywarp flew down to catch him.
"I think we're in a tad bit over our heads." Skywarp trailed off as Tidal Wave landed before them, chuckling and powering up his lasers.
"Tidal Wave shall terminate!" Tidal Wave yelled as all his chest lasers fired. Wheeljack and Skywarp are flung back, Wheeljack into a rock, and Skywarp tumbling across the ground, one of his legs sparking dangerously.
"No! Skywarp!"
Galvatron turned his head to see Starscream fly out of the crowd in jet mode, Thundercracker close behind. Thundercracker scooped Skywarp off the ground before he's blasted as Starscream fires on Tidal Wave, making the giant groan audibly.
"What is the meaning of this!!" Galvatron bellowed as he glared at Thundercracker, who landed near the rest of the Decepticons, Skywarp in his arms.
"These are Decepticons you're attacking!" Thundercracker yelled at Galvatron before tending to Skywarp. "Are you ok, brother?"
"I'll live, thanks Thundy." Skywarp muttered, holding his leg.
"Tidal Wave, stand down!" Galvatron yelled at the warship as he instantly saw the resemblance between Skywarp and the other two seekers. Tidal Wave stopped and stood at attention as Starscream stopped and landed.
"So who's the other guy?" Cyclonus asked, pointing at Wheeljack.
"A buddy of mine, he said he wanted to come here to take care of some personal business and help out Megatron." Skywarp explained. "He helped me swipe a shuttle to get here."
"Why did you come in the first place!" Starscream said as he came up to the other seekers.
"Because you invited Thundercracker here and not me!" Skywarp yelled. "I'm not a kid anymore, I can take care of myself and be helpful!"
"You're too headstrong." Thundercracker said. "You'll get yourself killed."
"You don't have to protect me anymore!" Skywarp said, hitting Thundercracker over the head and starting to walk away, but falling over."
"Looks like you need our help still." Starscream said with a smirk as Skywarp muttered some inaudible curses.
Galvatron decided to get away from this silly family affair and came up to Wheeljack's fallen form, flanked by Thrust and Demolisher.
"Stand to attention solider!" Galvatron said to Wheeljack, who looked up, and then quickly scrambled to his feet.
"Lord Megatron sir!" Wheeljack said, saluting smartly before going back to hold his sides. "You.look different sir."
"I've been through some.changes, yess. My name is now Galvatron!" The tyrant said before motioning for Demolisher to help Wheeljack. "Why are you here?"
"To serve you my lord, and get revenge on my "Brother"." Wheeljack spat as Galvatron smirked.
"Well then, welcome to our happy little family. Demolisher, get him and Skywarp repaired, Thrust, Cyclonus, repair Tidal Wave, we attack the Autobots at sunset!" Galvatron ordered.
**************************************************************************** **********
Scourge strode into Unicron's main conference room, glancing about before standing at attention on the central platform.
"Report." Unicron said, the voice coming from all around.
"It appears Megatron has not been terminated, and is in fact, more powerful than before, calling himself Galvatron now." Scourge said, not letting his voice falter.
"And the Air Assault team? Did they accomplish their mission?" Unicron asked. Scourge took in a deep breath before continuing, his mouth fidgeting under his faceplate.
"They were on the verge of success when Galvatron intervened. The Decepticons all survive and have activated a massive unit they call 'Tidal Wave'." Scourge said, dimming his optics as Unicron groaned audibly.
"Bring the Air Assault team before me..for their punishment." Unicron said coldly.
"There is more, sir." Scourge said, considering what he just said.
"What is that?"
"Two more Decepticons have made their way to Galvatron, they are now nine strong, not counting the Mini-cons."
"Have Sideways hold off on having the Autobot begin their little quest I have presented them with until the Decepticons decide to attack them, and send Prowl to observe their little skirmish, I'd like to know these new unit's fighting power. That is all, you are dismissed Scourge."
"Thank you my lord."
**************************************************************************** **********
Sideswipe sped through the rainy canyon, flanked by Spiral and Nightbeat. Lightning lit up the sky as Sideswipe complained audibly.
"So why are we the only ones looking for this Mini-con again?" Sideswipe asked his smaller companions.
"/Because, the other's are standing by in case the enemy attacks, we haven't seen the Decepticons for awhile now and Optimus thinks we don't need everyone in the field if there won't be a battle.\" Spiral explained.
"Sheesh, so I get stuck in the rain to rust." Sideswipe retorted.
"/I know you don't want to hear any more bad news 'Swipe, but my scanners are going nuts.\" Nightbeat said. "/You better contact HQ.\"
"It can't be that bad, can it?" Sideswipe said, stopping to observe the area. Lightning flashed as a massive figure became illuminated. ~I must be seeing things.~ The optics of the figure didn't disappear with the lightning however, and Sideswipe quickly transformed. He zoomed in and saw many more smaller lights at about a fourth of the other's height. Lightning flashed again as he saw more Decepticons he didn't recognized, but was able to clearly identify Megatron, although something seemed different. He also noticed many smaller lights by the feet of the Decepticons.
"Primus! They brought the whole kit and caboodle! Nightbeat, get the others out here before they notice us!" Sideswipe stammered.
"/You got it boss!\" Nightbeat said as an explosion rocked where the three were standing. Sideswipe whipped out his gun and tried to find his aggressor when an invisible force knocked the gun out of his hand and knocked him down. Both Nightbeat and Spiral where shot back as it felt like a foot was on top of Sideswipe's chest.
"Who's there!" Sideswipe yelled, grabbing the invisible leg and trying to shake it off. The foot stomped him before phasing into view.
"Well now, what do we have here, hahahaha!" Thrust cackled.
**************************************************************************** **********
Sideways leaned up against the wall. He was just sitting in the Autobot base, in one of the darker corridors. He was deep in thought when heavy footsteps interrupted his thoughts. He didn't even look up to address the bot who came up to him.
"What do you want, Scavenger?" Sideways said.
"Why are you here?" Scavenger asked.
"Straight to the point I see."
"Answer the question."
"No need to be rude. I'm here to help the Autobots, simple as that."
"I find it hard to believe."
"Why would you think that, Scavenger?"
"Because you always have a hidden agenda, you did when you were with the Decepticons, and you do now, I know it."
"I'm sorry but I just want to Autobots to gain the upper hand, nothing else."
"Bull slag."
"Are you done?"
"I'll be watching you."
"I'm counting on it."
**************************************************************************** **********
"Alright, I'm trusting that you Mini-cons will not abandon us in battle?" Galvatron said as he eyed his assembled Mini-cons warily.
"/We swore to help the Decepticons as long as we are treated as equals.\" Jetstorm responded to the tyrant.
"Alright, do not make me regret this decision then, you are free to choose who you are partnered with." Galvatron announced. All the Decepticons original Mini-cons sided with them, then Drill-bit went to Cyclonus, Bonecrusher to himself, Knock-out to Wheeljack, Buzz-saw to Skywarp, Gunbarrel to Tidal Wave, and the Air Defense team came before Starscream.
"What? You're going with me?" Starscream asked the team, startled.
"/We respect your swordsman-ship, and believe you are the most skilled in our use.\" Sonar told Starscream, who just smirked and nodded.
"Sir! Thrust is hailing us, he has found an Autobot, the rest are sure to follow." Wheeljack reported quickly.
"Excellent, the Autobot's final hour is at hand!" Galvatron smirked as his troops prepared to move.
**************************************************************************** **********
Prowl warped in on the canyon wall, Backtrack on his shoulder. The duo sat and watched the Autobots warp in and prepare for battle.
"Well this should prove to be most entertaining, what do you think Backtrack?" Prowl said.
"/It should be fun.\" The green Mini-con replied "/But there are multiple Mini-con signals in this canyon, I wonder if they'll find them all?\"
"No doubt they will, but let us make things interesting?" Prowl said as he turned and kicked the canyon wall, causing a yellow panel to fall to the ground below and activate.
"/That was a Skyboom shield Mini-con.\" Backtrack stated.
"I know." Prowl chuckled as they got comfy.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Sideswipe!" Hot Shot yelled as he fired his back cannon near Thrust, Jolt powerlinked already.
"Gah! I didn't expect the Autobots to be here so soon!" Thrust said as he phased out, Sideswipe sighing in relief.
"You saved my life bro!" Sideswipe said, jumping up and hugging Hot Shot.
"Gee.thanks.I think." Hot Shot said, trying to shrug Sideswipe off
"Nobody has ever done anything like that for me before." Sideswipe said, overjoyed.
"Hey you two, get off each other and get up here, it won't be long before the Decepticons are all over us!" Jetfire called down, getting loud laughter from the other assembled Autobots. Thunder rumbled as a flash of lightning lit up the sky, showing four jets, a helicopter, and an aircraft carrier overhead.
Galvatron, Demolisher, and Wheeljack sped across the canyon towards the Autobots. Mini-cons linked with their Decepticon counter parts as Wheeljack's doors flipped up and revealed missile launchers, Galvatron's missile battery flipped forward to his tank cannon, and Demolisher aimed his main cannons at the Autobots as they all fired, sending rocks and dust everywhere. Optimus ordered the Autobots to scramble as he asked Sideswipe for a report.
"Well, theres a lot more than last time, one of the new ones looks like Starscream and Thundercracker, then one is obviously that massive flying ship. The last one was weird though, he had a car mode, and an Autobot symbol with a gash through it." Sideswipe reported.
"WHAT!" Hot Shot yelled suddenly before running up to Sideswipe, grabbing him by the shoulders. "What was that last thing you said."
"Car mode...Autobot symbol.tear in chest..stop.shaking me!" Sideswipe said, getting shoved aside by Hot Shot as he transformed and sped to where all the land mode Decepticons were.
"Hot Shot, stop!" Prime called out in vain to the yellow Autobot. "Sideswipe, Scavenger, get after him, Jetfire, Smokescreen, Blurr, bring down those fliers!"
"Right, come on Sideswipe, I'm clearing the way!" Scavenger called to the marksman before switching to vehicle mode, engines roaring loudly, rain spattering on the giant green bulldozer.
"Alright, lets tear them a new waste disposal unit!" Sideswipe said before switching vehicle mode as well, Nightbeat jumping onto his rear powerlink port.
Jetfire and Blurr changed to vehicle mode while Liftor jumped onto Smokescreen's crane, flipping forward his massive cannon.
"Give us cover Smokescreen, I need some distance to take off." Blurr yelled to Smokescreen.
"You got it, let her rip little buddy!" Smokescreen said to Liftor as he aimed his cannon and dug in to the canyon wall.
"/FIRE!\ Liftor yelled as Smokescreen was thrown back from the force of the multiple shots. The Decepticons were just clued in on their location and returned fire, torrents of energy bombarding their position. Rain poured off of Tidal Wave's deck and onto the bots below, Blurr's windshield wipers were at their max.
"What is that thing?" Jetfire asked as Commettor linked up to his underside.
"I don't know, but it's going down! Let's hit it, Incinerator, POWERLINK!" Blurr shouted as the blue race-car drove into his back end, causing his rear wheels and doors to fold down, making wings. "Come on Jetfire!"
"Right behind you!" Jetfire said as Blurr's engines roared and he shot off into the sky, Jetfire following suit.
**************************************************************************** **********
Dirt Boss was greeted with a bath of rain and random bursts of light ~/Lovely, where's Mirage and Downshift?\~ He thought as he got up. Explosions rocked all around him as he opened his mental link, contacting his team members.
On the Moon, the two panels by Galvatron's throne lit up and activated, revealing a bright yellow clawed Mini-con and a gray stocky one with long arms and blue highlights. The two got their bearings and looked around.
"/Where are we?\" Mirage asked.
"/No clue, where's Dirt Boss?\" Downshift replied.
"/Try the mental link.\" Mirage suggested.
~/Hey guys? You hear me?\~
"/Dirt Boss?\" Both Mini-cons replied.
~/Yeah, get to my coordinates, nobody knows we've activated yet and we're getting the hell out of dodge.\~ Dirt Boss said telepathically to his team.
"/Alright, let's go Downshift!\" Mirage said as he transformed, zipping about the Decepticon base. Downshift sighed and followed, listening to Dirt Boss transmitting his coordinates.
**************************************************************************** **********
"WHEELJACK!"
"Huh?" Wheeljack said, shifting his view to see a yellow car race at him.
"Wheeljack, you got an Autobot approaching you, take him out!" Demolisher cried to him, Black-out manning his gunner's seat.
"Don't worry about a thing." Wheeljack said before phasing out, causing Hot Shot to stop and transform.
"WHEELJACK! SHOW YOURSELF!" Hot Shot screamed, having Jolt powerlink and flipping his massive cannon forward.
"Aww, I didn't know you cared, Hot Shot." Wheeljack said, phasing out in front of Hot Shot, weapons drawn. "But now, vengeance will be mine!"
"Why did you join the Decepticons Wheeljack, WHY!" Hot Shot said, his fists tightly clenched.
"Because! They cared for me when you all abandoned me!" Wheeljack shouted. "You Autobots are a bunch of hypocrites, theres nothing evil about the Decepticons, we just have different views on how to keep our species alive!"
"I didn't mean to abandon you...brother." Hot Shot said, his energy draining from him.
"But you did." Wheeljack said before shooting Hot Shot. Hot Shot made no move to dodge, and took the blast straight to the chest.
"HOT SHOT!"
"Hmm?" Wheeljack said, looking up to see a bulldozer and blue sedan heading straight for him. He simply phased out and watched from a crag as Sideswipe transformed.
"Hot Shot! Speak to me bro!" Sideswipe said, taking Hot Shot in his arms. "I'm not getting any response."
"He didn't even move..I want to know why, TRANSFORM!" Scavenger yelled, switching to robot mode and scanning around. Rollbar came up besides him.
"/Ya see anything?\" The Mini-con inquired.
"Yeah, powerlink up, I'll fire a shot." Scavenger said to Rollbar quietly as the Mini-con transformed and attached to his hip. Scavenger got his bearings and fired his hip cannon, causing someone to yell out from behind some rocks.
"He's mine!" Sideswipe yelled, running up to the crag and tackling the Ex- Autobot. Wheeljack beat Sideswipe over the head with his guns, causing Sideswipe to skid into the mud. Wheeljack smirked when he felt a massive hand come down on his head.
**************************************************************************** **********
Starscream lead the seekers to fire on Smokescreen and Red Alert, who were the only ground bots firing upon the air force. Cyclonus and Tidal Wave were contending with Blurr and Jetfire's air-counterstrike.
"We're getting torn apart Red Alert, we need to take one of them down!" Smokescreen called to the medic.
"I'll draw their fire, unload on them once they get in range." Red Alert said, switching to his SUV mode.
"What! That's crazy!" Smokescreen said.
"Got any better ideas?"
"Nope, good luck."
"Thanks for stopping me." Red Alert chuckled as he peeled out, sending mud everywhere.
"/Hey, you're even getting me muddy!\" Long-arm called from on top of Red Alert, who took off before the Mini-con could finish. Red Alert rode out past Smokescreen until one of them noticed him.
"Theres a stray, lets take him out!" Starscream cried as Thundercracker and Skywarp followed,
"He's mine!" Skywarp cried out, flying ahead of the others, who let out cries of protest.
"What do you think you're doing!" Thundercracker yelled as Skywarp caught up to Red Alert, firing on the SUV.
"Now I gotcha!" Smokescreen whooped before nailing Skywarp in the side with one shot, sending him crashing to the ground.
"I'll take him, you get Red Alert!" Starscream yelled to Thundercracker as they split, Starscream barrel rolling and strafing Smokescreen. Red Alert transformed and had his gun flip forward, hiding behind a rock as Thundercracker transformed and linked with Zapmaster, his Electro-cannons swinging forward. Red Alert fired a few shots as the seeker dodged and zipped to the other side of the rocks.
"Prepare to terminate, Autobot." Thundercracker said, his cannons sparking threateningly.
"I think not!" Red Alert said, chancing to fire at Thundercracker then roll, getting singed by the electrical attack. Thundercracker also swerved out of the way, struggling to upright himself in mid-air. Starscream landed by Smokescreen, Star Sabre quickly forming in his hands.
"You're no match for me Autobot, surrender and you may live." Starscream said, his voice as cold as ice. Starscream was taken aback when Smokescreen began to guffaw loudly, steadying his long arm, then facing the Decepticon, his gaze pure steel.
"I think you're full of yourself, Star Sabre or no, you're not taking me without a fight!" Smokescreen said, and begun swinging his long arm wildly, his cannon still out.
"/I'm---gonna----hurl!\" Liftor cried as he fired the cannon, blasts causing mud and water to go everywhere. Starscream backed up as the blue glow of the Star Sabre was drowned out by the red glowing of all the lasers going everywhere.
"You fool, you'll kill us all!" Starscream cried as Smokescreen rushed him, getting clobbered by the long arm. The seeker kicked Smokescreen down and slashed as him, but Smokescreen blocked with his long arm, the blade burning into it as Smokescreen smiled and swung it off. Starscream ate mud once more as Smokescreen put a foot to his back.
"Ready to give up yet?" Smokescreen questioned, and was answered by his foot being pulled out from under him, Starscream growling menacingly.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Tidal Wave will CRUSH!" The warship bellowed as all its cannons fired at Blurr, who barely avoided the torrent of energy.
"I really should practice flying more often." Blurr muttered as he flew around and fired at Tidal Wave, but the shot's merely bounced off. Jetfire was having much better luck with Cyclonus, who was complaining audibly as he barely dodged the jet's lasers.
"You're cheating! I'll show you!" Cyclonus cried as he rammed himself into Jetfire, Drill-bit's drill searing into Jetfire's hull. Jetfire yelled out before transforming, flinging Cyclonus to the side as he also transformed, linking Crumplezone and Drill-bit to his arms, Commettor switching to Jetfire's cannon. The two stared at each other, weapons drawn, then the verbal barbs began.
"Pretty gutsy for someone who's completely outgunned." Jetfire chuckled.
"Keep talking Autoboob, flattery will get you nowhere." Cyclonus responded, rain running down his face.
"Autoboob? I bet a maintenance drone could make a better insult than that!"
"Well I bet that drone could fly better than you can!"
"I bet it can beat you in a contest of wits!"
"Well...um...errr...Tidal Wave, shoot him!" Cyclonus cried out to the warship as it swung two cannons forward and pelted Jetfire. Jetfire cried out as Cyclonus cackled and landed next to Demolisher, who was blasting at the Autobot's main emplacement. Blurr circled around and shot at Tidal Wave again, allowing Jetfire to bring up his plasma cannon and sent a flurry of bolts at Tidal Wave. The enraged warship cried out as lights flared up all across its hull, distracting most bots.
"Tidal Wave! TRANSFORM!" He cried as Blurr and Jetfire landed and transformed, immediately getting pushed down by the torrent of water that dropped from the sky as the deck split apart and formed arms, the monstrous head coming up and the flanks folding down into legs.
"Quite a elegant military machine is it not, Thrust?" Galvatron addressed his second as they ceased firing to watch the spectacle.
"Yes indeed Galvatron, very much so, I feel this is to be the final battle." Thrust said, his optics burning.
"Not if we can help it!"
"PRIME!" Galvatron roared as he swung around to face the Autobot leader, flanked by-
"YOU!" Thrust screamed, throwing himself at Sideways. Sideways chuckled and sidestepped the tactician as he face Galvatron.
"So Megs, got a face lift I see." Sideways chortled.
"No thanks to you, you pathetic traitor!" Galvatron spat, "And my name is GALVATRON!"
"Galvatron?" Optimus questioned. "How did this come about?"
"He bit off more than he could chew." Sideways chuckled again as Thrust resumed attacking him. "Sorry Prime, got a date with a conehead, be back in a bit."
"Worthless Unicron spawn!" Galvatron cried, firing his powered up cannon, Clench and Bonecrusher linked up. His shots missed Sideways but prompted Optimus, to lack better words, put his pants on.
"Optimus Super mode!" Optimus cried as his trailer with Sparkplug and Spiral rolled up, converting as he himself turned into a torso and the blue and yellow Mini-cons linked to his shoulder.
"You are pitiful Prime, you would take in that whelp after all he has done." Galvatron said, half musing to himself. "I fail to grasp your logic in this, Prime."
"Why would you even wonder this Megatron?" Optimus asked, rain running down his form as he grasped his large rifle.
"Know thy enemy Optimus..and..my name..is...GALVATRON!" The tyrant yelled as he charged.
**************************************************************************** **********
Skywarp groped around groggily in the mud. His side sparked occasionally and the jets in his feet were out. He looked to the side to see where Thundercracker was engaging Red Alert, the lightning lancing out of his cannons. He then looked over to see Starscream fighting Smokescreen, both sparking badly, the blue light of the Star Sabre clanging to and fro. Skywarp pounded the ground in frustration.
"Damnit! I need a Mini-con of my own!" Skywarp cried out, as he had lost Buzz-saw in the crash. He pulled himself up onto the canyon wall, still sparking, and punched the wall furiously. Skywarp cursed again as rubble fell and hit him on the head. He turned to kick the rocks when he saw it.
"A Mini-con panel!" Skywarp exclaimed, grabbing the panel, giggling hysterically. "You are mine! Activate now!"
The panel flashed brightly as a silver, winged, and jagged looking Mini-con knelt before him. Skywarp smiled and examined his new possession.
"/Greetings master, I am Thunderclash.\" The Mini-con introduced itself.
"Excellent, come on, we'll show them what we can do yet." Skywarp said, transforming, parts grinding where his injury was. After a second to let the pain subside, he jetted off, Thunderclash in tow.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Would you just DIE!" Starscream yelled as he flung himself again at Smokescreen. The hardy Autobot laughed loudly again as he punched the Star Sabre back, completely ignoring the searing pain in his hand that it left.
"Sorry Screamer, I don't die to easy." Smokescreen said, letting off another shot at the seeker. Starscream dodged and stood at a fighting stance. Smokescreen spat mech fluid out of his mouth, his body having multiple dents and fractures in it. Starscream took another stab at it, literally as he thrust the Star Sabre forward. Smokescreen side stepped and clocked Starscream right in the face. The seeker groaned and fell, dropping the Sabre. Smokescreen fell to one knee as he realized the extent of his exhaustion.
"Wow, too bad for you Screamer, prolly coulda got me in the next round." Smokescreen said to Starscream's offline form as he began to walk away. But he didn't see the Star Sabre rise from the ground on its own and point itself towards the orange Autobot.
**************************************************************************** **********
Blurr barely pulled himself up from the water torrent to see a massive foot crashing down upon him. Fortunately, like his name suggested, his reflexes were well refined, allowing him to avoid being crushed. Mud rained down onto him as Tidal Wave's foot crashed into the place Blurr was previously standing, causing the wet dirt to fly everywhere. As the rain washed away the mud from Blurr, he was having trouble moving his joints.
"Damnit! Jetfire, I think I'm clogged! Cover me!" Blurr yelled to the massive white and red Autobot, who complied by firing his plasma cannon repeatedly into the giants head. Tidal Wave simply grunted and swung a massive backhand at Jetfire, who turned off his propulsion jets in his feet to fall and avoid the sweeping arm. This however, left him unable to maneuver as he restarted the jets. Tidal Wave fired his full salvo from his chest at Jetfire, knocking him back into the muddy canyon. Blurr hid behind a rock as the cannons locked onto him, quickly demolishing the rock as Blurr pulled a large shell from subspace.
"And I was saving this for a special occasion." The marksman said to himself as he loaded it in one of his rifles and called for Incinerator. The blue Mini-con appeared at Blurr's side in an instant.
"/What's the good word boss, I think that thing just smoked Jetfire.\" Incinerator commented as Blurr stifled a chuckle.
"Powerlink with my rifle, we're taking him down one way or another." Blurr said as he took aim, Incinerator switching to vehicle mode and jumping on the cannon. Blurr took careful aim as Tidal Wave lumbered toward him. Blurr pulled the trigger and his rifle's barrel left the rest, rocketing towards Tidal Wave. The giant could only roar in surprise as the barrel fired the shell, which bore itself into Tidal Wave's chest before exploding.
"NOOOOO!" Tidal Wave roared as he fell backwards into the mud. Cyclonus and Demolisher, who had gotten pretty complacent with the pace of the battle, gaped at the falling warship before Demolisher snapped out of it.
"You idiot!" Demolisher said, slapping the back of Cyclonus's head. "Get them!"
"HEY! I wasn't the only one sitting on my aft, now was I?" Cyclonus glared at the tank.
"Errrrmmm, well, we'll both get him." Demolisher decided as he began firing at Blurr. Cyclonus followed suit, pelting at the blue and gray Autobot.
"Oh this is all I need." Blurr muttered as he slammed another cartridge into his rifle and returned fire.
**************************************************************************** **********
"I'll kill you for your treachery!" The coneheaded Decepticon growled as the purple and yellow motorcycle nonchalantly dodged any attempts that Thrust made to damage him, and it was frustrating the tactician.
"Thrust, Thrust, Thrust." Sideways said, shaking his head. "You just don't get it do you?"
"What are you talking about?" Thrust snarled, still trying to shoot the bot with seemingly no allegiance.
"You think destroying these Autobots will solve your problem, but if you forgot, there is another just waiting to devour you both." Sideways said, his voice nearing a whisper.
"Unicron? He hasn't even made much of a move yet, what's to worry about him for now?" Thrust said, trying to find Sideways' point.
"He is a planet eater, and you think these pansy flower pushing Autobots are a bigger threat?" Sideways said, appearing behind Thrust, rapping his head lightly. "Anyone home in there?"
"Shut up!" Thrust said, pulling himself away. "And if he is so powerful then why aren't we all dead yet?"
"He needs something from this planet, the Mini-cons." Sideways said bluntly.
"The Mini-cons!? They're powerful yes, but the almighty lord of chaos shouldn't require their help." Thrust scoffed. Sideways simply pushed Thrust onto a rock, sitting him down as he stood before the jet.
"It's story time Thrust, so listen good and you may learn something." Sideways said, flipping Rook off of his head and allowing his cylindrical head to come up. Thrust was taken aback at this, as Sideways' emotionless visor stared deep into his spark. He took in a breath, the lightning flashing and rain pouring still as he began, and Thrust completely forgot that there was a battle going on around them.
"Back many million stellar cycles, when the first records of Unicron were established, and Rodimus Prime used the matrix to destroy Unicron, it was thought that his head was all that remained of the lord of chaos, but that was not the case. His body was destroyed, but his soul survived. At the darkest corner of the universe, he began to rebuild himself, using the parts of destroyed civilizations to make his new body. The Mini-cons had just made their appearance on Cybertron when he finally started to wake from his deep slumber. He destroyed a few minor planets, but the councils just rode it off as natural occurrences. The Mini-cons weren't as foolish though. Before he reached his full potential, a group of Mini-con explorers and scientists, lead by Leo, constructed link ports on his orbiting ring. Because of their size, Unicron's weakened sensors never detected them. They then all linked to him, and installed a transformation lock and power draining program into him. They then returned to Cybertron to just catch the Mini-con mass exodus. Since no one knew where they ended up, Unicron has bided his time, waiting until someone foolishly stumbled upon the Mini-cons once more. Now, he can search for these twelve Mini- cons, the Zodiac Mini-cons."
Thrust blinked a few times, trying to absorb it all. But Sideways sighed and continued.
"But, the Mini-cons knew this could happen, and made these Mini-cons signals unable to be read by any sort of scanner. They can only be activated by the combining of the three."
"The three? The three what?!" Thrust demanded to know. Rook jumped back onto Sideways' head, lighting the Autobot insignia in the darkness. Sideways chuckled before addressing the tactician again.
"Now that I read you a story, its time to go to bed." Sideways chortled as Crosswise latched onto Thrust's head, coming from out of nowhere, and shocked him, making the coneheaded Decepticon slump over, offline.
**************************************************************************** **********
"Sideswipe, go find Blurr and Jetfire and help them now." Scavenger ordered.
"But I want to know what this guy has against my bro!" Sideswipe complained.
"That's an order Sideswipe, now go!" Scavenger yelled, making the sedan flinch.
"Alright, alright, I'm going. Ya grump." Sideswipe muttered, transforming and speeding off to where Tidal Wave had fallen. Scavenger then turned to Wheeljack, who was beginning to stir. Rollbar and Ransack had come and guarded the prone forms of Knock-out and Buzz-saw, and Gunbarrel was still shrieking from where he was tied up with energy bonds.
"Argh, what was the license number on the train that hit me." Wheeljack winced as he came to.
"It was a bulldozer actually, and its C-05" Scavenger said, the wearing the most smart-ass smirk Wheeljack had ever seen.
"What! Autobot, what do you want!" Wheeljack yelled, struggling against the massive purple hands the held him in place.
"What is with you and Hot Shot!? Why did he let you shoot him point blank?" Scavenger questioned, barking into Wheeljack's face.
Wheeljack chuckled as Scavenger stared. "So you don't know yet, do you? I think I'd rather let him tell you, it'd be more painful for him to recall betraying a fellow Autobot!"
"What!?" Scavenger said, confused and surprised at the same time.
"Seems he finally realized his wrong and decided to pay for it, now if you are done, I must be leaving." Wheeljack said, now bearing the smirk as he phased out and kicked Scavenger in the nether regions. Scavenger groaned and loosened his grip enough to allow Wheeljack to slip by and shoot the bonds holding Gunbarrel, along with Rollbar.
"/FFFRRREEEEEE!\" The mentally unstable Mini-con screamed as he socked Ransack in the face, grabbing Knock-out and Buzz-saw and warping out. Wheeljack switched to vehicle mode and sped off as Scavenger coughed, holding his groin. He closed his optics to fight the pain when he heard it.
**************************************************************************** **********
Dirt Boss was securing the third Mini-con panel they had found in the area. After Mirage and Downshift had warped down to him, they had combed the canyon, grabbing any panels they could find. They lined up the panels and watched as they activated. The first was a teal, white, and gray bot whose arms were massive cannons. The second was a winged and horned bot, looking regal and sinister at the same time. The third was a red and black bot with tread arms and legs, and two wicked looking claws spouting out from the sides of his head.
"/Hello comrades, Mirage, Downshift, and myself welcome you to the Mini-con resistance.\" Dirt Boss smiled as the three introduced themselves.
"/Name's Fetch, and you can bet that all those bots will be slagged with me around.\" The teal bot said, as the horned one scoffed.
"/Aren't you a brute. I am Terradive, and I shall gladly help to promote Mini-con equality.\" Terradive said with a bow to Dirt Boss.
"/And you?\" Mirage asked the large red Mini-con.
"/Iceberg.\" Was all the Mini-con said, standing stiff, looking like he didn't feel the need to say anymore.
"/Welcome my friends, to the end of Autobot and Decepticon alike!\" Dirt Boss said, raising his fist to the sky. Lightning struck as they transformed and left the canyon, finding a base of operations. They barely missed the black figure with the crossed over Autobot symbol chuckle and smash his fist into the canyon wall, producing a Mini-con panel and activating it. The stealth fighter styled Mini-con that emerged silently linked up as the form whispered.
"Yes, you will do nicely, Wind Sheer." Wheeljack smirked before stalking off.
**************************************************************************** **********
Optimus had met up with Sideswipe as he knocked Galvatron back. The tyrant cursed and was quickly joined by Cyclonus and Demolisher as Blurr limped over to Optimus. The Autobot leader's one on one bout with the Decepticon had proven fairly stereotypical of most of their encounters, and he had driven Galvatron back to his troops now. Thundercracker swooped in, having disabled Red Alert, and regrouped with the rest of the 'Cons. This allowed them to be in one place to hear the most unearthly scream they had ever heard.
"GGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
Optimus Prime immediately identified the voice. "SMOKESCREEN!"
Galvatron closed his eyes and smiled. Cyclonus and Demolisher both flinched as Thundercracker checked over himself, his usual grimace taking precedence.
"Should we find out who got the kill?" Thundercracker asked Galvatron nonchalantly.
"Yes, let us my dear Thundercracker." The Decepticon leader chuckled, the Autobots already on their way to the scene. Blurr was the only one who remained, to injured to continue, hung his head and closed his optics, warping back to base so the Decepticons didn't try to take him out as well.
"Smokescreen....may Primus be with you." Blurr whispered before the white lines left him, sending him to the Autobot base.
**************************************************************************** **********
Jetstorm disengaged with his team, who was all spattered in mech fluid. Smokescreen stared at the Mini-cons before him, before slowly looking down to his torso. He glanced at the wires and cables hanging out of his midsection before coughing up mech fluid, and falling to his knees. Liftor moaned and offlined from on top of him
"W.w...wh...why?" Smokescreen whispered, his optics going white as stasis- lock commenced.
"/Hypocrites.\" Jetstorm snorted as Sonar gave him a worried glance. Runway just stared on, his arms crossed as the Decepticons and Autobots converged on their position. The Autobots arrived first, Scavenger from one direction, transforming and bowing his head, giving the Mini-cons a shocked glance. Smokescreen slowly turned his head to Scavenger and tried mouthing something, but he collapsed before he could get off a sound. He gripped a piece of dirt as he sunk offline. Optimus and Sideswipe arrived next. Sideswipe transformed and looked as if he was about to hurl, while Prime looked very solemn. He turned to Scavenger and waited until he caught the green Autobot's attention.
"Status report?" Optimus asked, fury seeping into his voice.
"Hot Shot was sent back to base after injuries, Red Alert and Jetfire are unaccounted for, I suggest activating their emergency warp protocols." Scavenger said, also staying fairly cool.
"Blurr went back also due to injuries." Optimus said. Sideswipe couldn't take his eyes of Smokescreen's prone form, but he still was able to snap out of it long enough.
"How can you be so cold!" Sideswipe said, yelling out at Prime and Scavenger. "Smokescreen was just killed!"
"Not yet, stasis lock commenced, so we can get him back to stabilize him." Optimus said.
"Well then why aren't we doing it!" Sideswipe continued.
"Because..we have to assess the situation, unfortunately, command units must push personal feelings aside for the moment until all of their troops are accounted for, wounded or otherwise." Scavenger said to the young Autobot, voice as cold as ice. "Where the slot is Sideways?"
"Sorry to be late." The motorcycle pulled up as if on cue, spraying mud about as he stopped. "We pulling out I presume?"
"Yes, back to base, Scavenger, care for Smokescreen." Optimus said as Sideswipe warped back, still angry.
"The amount of professionalism you two are conveying impress me, you may make Decepticons yet." Sideways chortled before warping out. Scavenger growled as he picked up Smokescreen.
"Calm down Scavenger, he didn't mean it I'm sure." Optimus said rationally.
"Shove it up your aft Prime, I'm getting sick of this lack of emotions, what ever happened to the Autobots of old?" Scavenger said, letting his anger out.
"Times have changed old friend, times have changed." Prime said, rain pelting his form.
"Indeed." Scavenger said, his eyes on fire as he warped back with Smokescreen's prone form. Prime looked to the Air Defense team. Jetstorm's darkened scowl, Runway's emotionless optics, and Sonar's worried face. Optimus sighed as he saw the Decepticons approach, and warped before Galvatron began his taunting. Starscream was just stirring as Galvatron, Cyclonus, Thundercracker, and Demolisher appeared. They transformed as Thundercracker helped Starscream and Galvatron looked onto the Air Defense team, slight surprise betraying his optics.
"This, impresses me." Galvatron said as Jetstorm once again scoffed.
"/We didn't kill him unfortunately, my teammates had objections with that.\" The hardened Mini-con responded.
"Still, you've done more damage than we've been able to achieve on the Autobots ever." Galvatron said, looking at the Mini-con as a father would his son after he won his first little league game.
"What happened?" Starscream asked slowly, dull pain throbbing in his head.
"Smokescreen got smoked, HAHAHA!" Cyclonus cackled as Demolisher frowned.
"It appears as if the Mini-cons finished what you couldn't." Galvatron said as the seeker stood, supported by Thundercracker. "They disabled an Autobot, temporarily I admit, but none the less they have accomplished more than you all, my pathetic minions."
"What! They killed an Autobot!" Starscream said, his optics wide with shock. "That was supposed to be my victory!"
"Silence, the only reason I tolerate your failure is because I am in a jovial mood, yes!" Galvatron yelled as Starscream stared defiantly. Wheeljack took this opportunity to appear, Wind Sheer in tow.
"My business has been taken care of, and I present you with this, lord Galvatron." Wheeljack smirked sinisterly as Wind Sheer knelt before the tyrant.
"So another Autobot has been severely injured I presume, and you've captured a Mini-con!" Galvatron said, glee entering his voice. "Back to base men, Cyclonus, go to Tidal Wave and return him to base!"
"Yes sir!" Cyclonus saluted smartly as the others departed. "Your high-ass- ness, gahahahaha!"
The slightly mental helicopter transformed and flew to where Tidal Wave was unconscious.
**************************************************************************** **********
Thrust got up groggily as he looked around. Silence, only the pitter patter of rain to greet the tactician.
"Sideways!" Thrust called out. "SIDEWAYS!"
Pitter patter, pitter patter.
"DAMN YOU!" Thrust cried, rubbing his head as he thought out loud. "The three, three..what?"
Pitter patter, pitter patter.
"Zodiac Mini-cons, this fabled three, sounds like a story tale to me!"
Pitter patter.
"WHY HAVE YOU TOLD ME THIS!!!"
Pitter patter.
Thrust stared into the darkness as rain ran down his face.
Pitter patter.
"Theres got to be something missing! But what?"
Pitter patter.
Thrust snorted aloud before warping away to the base.
Pitter patter.
**************************************************************************** **********
Skywarp looked around frantically. ~The battle can't be over, can it?~ No explosions, no yelling, nothing. The battle seemed to be over. Skywarp checked his scanners again and again, but there was no bots left to use his newly acquired power on. He checked again. Nothing. Wait! There was a faint signal. Cackling madly, Skywarp flew to the signal. He circled the area, but didn't see anything. Nothing. Just a large mud slide.
"Hello!?" He called down.
Silence.
"Damn it!" He cried, giving up and warping away. As he dematerialized, a white fist came out of the mud slide. The hand pushed mud aside as a large wing shot out of the mud, followed by another and the red and gold visage of the Autobot vicecommander.
"Slotting hell, I'm gonna be clogged for weeks." Jetfire spat as he pulled himself out of the mud. He looked around, looking for anyone.
"Jetfire to anyone, come in."
Static.
"Damn!" He scanned the area, and transformed, flying over the field as he picked up a hailing from base.
"Jetfire? Do you copy?" It was Scavenger.
"Yeah, I read you." Jetfire responded. "What'd I miss?"
"Oh not much, Smokescreen getting run through on the Star Sabre, with no one holding it."
"WHAT!"
"Red Alert is still out there, the storm interfered to much with our computers to warp you guys back, I'm send his coordinates now, find him and get back here ASAP."
"I'm going, I'm going." Jetfire cut the transmission. "DAMN DECEPTICONS!"
**************************************************************************** **********
Prowl stretched as he rose from his perch, Backtrack also rising.
"/Anyone notice what Smokescreen grabbed before he went offline?\" The green Mini-con asked.
"Nope, but with that, the Autobots have one of the three, the Decepticons another, and the third has gone rouge." Prowl surmised. "Unicron should find this interesting indeed."
"/I'd imagine, that was an impressive fight.\" Backtrack reflected.
"Oh yes, and they will become even more brutal, that can be assured." The owl said, warping out, his Mini-con following.
**************************************************************************** **********
DONE! And not as early as I wanted to promise, but its still here. I'm graduated, whoooo! And I now have a job!! So I'm still screwed for time, delightful eh? I'll try to get the next one up as soon as possible, but this series is culminating, and I'm probably going to end and start a book two here fairly soon. I've also got another fic I'm wanting to do, along with the fact I should update Rumble and Frenzy's Excellent Adventures. So much to do. Anyway, Reviews! I love them, they motivate me, make me get chapters up sooner, so you know what to do! lol what are you waiting for? Anyway, next time look for lots of wonderful angst if everything goes to plan and I don't change my mind halfway through. Thanks for reading and hopefully reviewing!