The Original Transformers: Season Four

by jasonstoneface

A continuation of the original Transformers cartoon after the events of "The Rebirth."

5. Episode 103

The Transformers

Episode 103: Back With a Vengeance

It had been two months since Primus had revealed himself. Megatron was rebuilding his army and preparing to begin his conquest of the Universe anew. Megatron and Scrapper were looking over Scorponok, in city mode. "Is Scorponok ready?" he asked.

"Yes, Megatron," said Scrapper. "You have programmed him to serve only you. Also, in the event that he should somehow rebel, we have installed multiple fail-safe systems, as you ordered."

"Excellent," said the Decepticon leader. He removed the Matrix of Power from his chest and held it. "It is time." Megatron opened up the Decepticon Matrix of Power and Scorponok was bathed with its energy.

The large city transformed to robot mode as he awakened. He let out a scream as he came online. He looked down at Megatron and said, "I am Scorponok. I live only to serve the Decepticon cause."

Megatron smiled. "Well said. Report to the training grounds. We will be ready for our assault within a week."

Counterpunch had listened in on the whole conversation. He transformed to car mode and rolled to an area of Charr where he wouldn't be discovered. When he transformed to robot mode, he was now in the form of Punch, his true Autobot persona. He opened up a message console. "Punch to Iacon. I'm on a secure channel. Acknowledge."

Blaster received the message. "This is Blaster blastin' at ya, Punch. Give us the report from the Cons resort."

"Megatron has just given life to Scorponok. He has several more bodies being constructed, ready to receive life. The Decepticons are planning some kind of assault within the week. Details are scarce. I'll report any more information as it becomes available. Punch out."

When contact was broken, Blaster contacted Optimus Prime. "Prime, this is Blaster blastin' at ya. Acknowledge."

Optimus answered the call. "Prime here. What is it, Blaster?"

"There's not a lot of information, you see, but the Decepticons are planning an assault within the week."

Prime sighed. "We can only hope that Punch is able to obtain better intelligence soon. Stay in touch, Blaster."

"Will do, Prime."

Optimus walked back to the nearby training room where he and Ultra Magnus were training some newly-created recruits. Prime said, "We're going to have to push ourselves harder. The Decepticons are planning some kind of assault within the week. For that, we must do everything we can to be prepared. Any questions?" A purple and white female raised her hand. "Yes, Top-Speed?"

The new female Autobot asked, "How much more rigorous is the training going to be?"

"Today, the simulator's difficulty level will be raised to Level 5. As you know, 10 is the highest and most difficult. I know you haven't had a chance to train beyond Level 2 yet, but there's really not much choice. Whether or not we continue working on Level 5 or go higher will depend on how well you do today. Anyone else?" A red and black robot raised his hand. "Motormouth?"

"How soon before we start busting heads?"

This time, it was Ultra Magnus who answered, "Fighting the Decepticons is more than just 'busting heads.' They will resort to any means necessary to defeat you. Most of us can tell you that first-hand."

"But to answer your question," said Optimus, "it's difficult to say. Knowing Megatron, he'll try and attack when we least expect it. Hopefully, Punch's presence on Charr will reduce the chances of surprises. Now, let's get to work."

In the simulation, the four new Autobots were under attack by Ape Face, Snapdragon, Mindwipe, Skullcruncher, and Weirdwolf. Snapdragon and Ape Face were attacking in their jet modes. Jolt, one of the four new Autobots was trying to attack both of them in his jet mode. He was able to gun down Ape Face, but was shot down by Snapdragon. However, Copycat, a black and grey female, scanned Snapdragon and transformed into an exact copy of him in jet mode. She took off and shot down Snapdragon. Motormouth, in his pickup truck mode ran over Weirdwolf, who was in wolf mode. However, Mindwipe in bat mode, was waiting for him as he turned around.

Mindwipe activated his hypnotic powers. "Your circuits are under my power, Motormouth. You will transform and fire on your friends."

"Yes, master," said Motormouth in a trance. He transformed and pulled out his gun, ready to fire on Copycat, now in her regular robot mode, who was trying to help Jolt to his feet.

However, Top-Speed, who had been struggling with Skullcruncher, who was in alligator mode, was finally able to throw him off. Seeing Motormouth's predicament, she said, "Oh, no you don't." She instinctively fired her gun on Mindwipe, taking him down and breaking his hold on Motormouth just in time.

Motormouth shook the cobwebs out of his head. "Wh . . . what happened?" His three comrades came to check up on him.

"End simulation," came Optimus Prime's voice. The battlefield faded away, revealing an empty metal room. Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus approached them. "You did better than I expected," said Optimus. "This is the fifth time you've tried the Level Five simulation. You've passed this level of training faster than many of my best soldiers. Be proud of yourselves. Now, get to the repair bay so First Aid, Spike, and Wreck-Gar can patch you up. Have yourself some Energon cubes and rest. I'll see you tomorrow." The four new warriors saluted.

Ultra Magnus smiled as they left. "I'd say they're learning to work together pretty well. Do you think they're ready to fight the Decepticons?"

"I sure hope so, Ultra Magnus," answered Optimus. "Come on, let's go check on Fortress Maximus. I just hope he'll be ready to fight Scorponok."

Elsewhere, Perceptor and some of the Junkions had just finished creating a head for Fortress Maximus. Prime and Magnus approached in their vehicle modes and transformed to their robot forms. Perceptor looked at his two superiors as Prime asked, "How's it going, Perceptor?"

"The new head of Fort Max has just been completed," said the Autobot scientist. "All he lacks now is life."

One Junkion concurred. "Test drive new Fortress Maximus model today! Guaranteed to stop Decepticons for up 500 years. Satisfaction guaranteed!"

"Or your money back!" finished the other present Junkions.

Optimus shook his head. "I don't think I'll ever get used to their language." He then opened his chest and took out the Matrix of Leadership. "Alright, let's do it." He opened the Matrix and the energy flowed through Fortress Maximus.

The former HeadMaster awakened, now with life he could call his own. "I am Fortress Maximus. I strive for peace, but prepare for war."

Ultra Magnus then said, "You'll need all the preparation you can get. Perceptor, activate the holographic projector. Fort Max needs practice." Perceptor nodded and complied.

Three days later, the Decepticons were preparing to leave Charr and begin their assault. Megatron was talking to Thundercracker and Skywarp. "Thundercracker, Skywarp, I want you to do whatever Cyclonus tells you. The reason I have made him the new Air Commander is to test his loyalty. If he plots treason, play along with him until the mission is over. Then, report it to me. Understood?"

"Right, Megatron," said Skywarp. "We won't let you down."

"Yeah," said Thundercracker. "I'm just glad we don't have to put up with that geeky Starscream anymore."

Skywarp and Thundercracker chuckled, as did Megatron. The Decepticon leader smiled and said, "You're not the only ones."

Soon, all the Decepticons were gathered outside. Megatron said, "Decepticons, today we begin our conquest of the Universe anew. It was only five Earth years ago that we had pushed the Autobots to the verge of defeat. Then came Unicron. He and Galvatron nearly drove this army into extinction. And yet, we survive. Remember, today is only the beginning! We attack on three fronts: Cybertron, Nebulos, and Earth. We will not win today, but when it's all said and done, final victory will belong to us! Power to the Decepticons, forever!" All Decepticons in the room cheered. Megatron smiled as his troops cheered, ready to fight. It was good to finally see them in good spirits. Megatron then held up his hand, silencing them. He turned to Cyclonus. "Cyclonus, your team will take Trypticon and attack Autobot City on Earth." He then acknowledged Scourge. "Scourge, your assault force will take Scorponok and head for Nebulos. And I shall personally lead the assault on Cybertron. Decepticons, we go!" All Decepticons then began to take their leave.

Counterpunch was within Scorponok. As Scorponok flew towards Nebulos in city mode, Counterpunch was trying to think of a way to get into contact with the Autobots without drawing suspicion. Scourge solved that problem for him, saying, "Counterpunch, go to the storage room and bring us some Energon. I want to be absolutely certain everyone is at full power when we attack."

"Yes, Scourge," said Counterpunch as he saluted. He took the long walk to the storage room. He walked in and opened a compartment on his left arm. He then began hitting some buttons.

Back at Iacon, Carly was at the communications deck when she began picking up a signal. She said, "Optimus Prime, come quickly! It's an S. O. S.!"

Optimus Prime and Kup quickly approached. Kup noticed the way the signal was being transmitted. "What's with all the random beeps?"

Even as she was deciphering it, Carly answered, "It's Morse Code. Decepticons attacking. Trypticon heading for Earth. Scorponok, Nebulos. Megatron attacking Cybertron. Punch."

Optimus then turned to Blaster. "Blaster, have all Autobots on standby on Earth and Cybertron.

Also, contact Gort on Nebulos. The Nebulans will have to fend for themselves until Fortress Maximus can provide assistance."

"On the case, ace." Blaster then began getting everyone ready.

On Nebulos, there now stands a city similar to the Autobot City on Earth. It is built to defend Nebulos should anyone dare attack it. Cerebros, formerly a part of Fortress Maximus, now lives here in peace. On this day, he does his usual checkup to see if the city is in tip-top condition. He hasn't had to fight since Cybertron's Golden Age was restored. And for this, he is glad. However, his peace is about to be shattered.

"Cerebros!" yelled a voice. Cerebros turned to see Stylor, Chromedome's former HeadMaster partner. "We just received a message from Cybertron. An assault force of Decepticons is heading our way!"

"Oh no!" groaned Cerebros. "Please, I don't want to fight!"

"We're not asking you to fight," reassured Stylor. "We just want you to help Peacemaker, Haywire, and myself get our people into hiding. We also want you to make sure our defenses operate at optimum level. Reinforcements from Cybertron are coming, but we'll have to defend ourselves until they arrive."

Cerebros sighed. "Very well. I suppose I can do that much."

In orbit around Earth, the Earth Defense Command (EDC) station was watching for the Decepticons. EDC Captain Marissa Fairborne asked one of her officers, "Anything on the radar screens yet?"

The male officer said, "Negative, Captain." Then something happened. "Wait a minute. I'm picking up faint blips. If I could just get a visual." He messed with the controls a moment. Finally, he got a picture. It was a large, familiar, Decepticon dinosaur. "There! It's Trypticon! He's heading for Earth, just like Optimus Prime said!"

"How many Decepticons are on board?" asked Marissa.

"There's no way of telling."

"Activate the cloaking device," ordered Marissa. "Then board the ships. We're going to Autobot City to help any way we can."

"Yes, Captain," said the officer. He pushed a button, and the EDC space station appeared to turn invisible. Every EDC officer present then boarded the ships and began to head for Earth.

In space, Megatron's team was flying towards Cybertron in a ship identical to the one Galvatron used to have. Megatron said, "This is an impressive space cruiser, Soundwave. I assume it belonged to Galvatron?"

"Affirmative," said Soundwave. "It must have been created by Unicron. It is far superior to any space ship we ever created. The original was destroyed on Nebulos. However, I had managed to draw up the schematics for it in case of such an event."

Megatron walked to Astrotrain, who was one of the Decepticons piloting the ship. "How much farther, Astrotrain?"

"We're almost there, Megatron."

"Good. When we're in orbit, come to a halt. Then we'll begin out assault."

Soon, it was on. Megatron and his team flew out of their ship and began descending towards Iacon. "Attack!" yelled Megatron. He fired his fusion cannon, doing significant damage to a city wall. From the destroyed wall ran Blaster, Blurr, and Kup, firing away. Some of the Decepticons were hit and fell from the sky.

Optimus Prime rolled onto the battlefield in semi-truck mode and transformed as Megatron landed on the ground. Megatron smiled cruelly and said, "Ah, Optimus Prime. It's been a long time since our last battle."

Prime frowned. "Not long enough, Megatron."

"Killing you a second time will be much sweeter than the first."

"We'll see about that." Optimus then fired his laser rifle at the same time that Megatron fired his fusion cannon. Both leaders were hit. Both of them then threw away their weapons and charged each other. Their hands locked and they began trying to overpower each other.

Meanwhile, Razorclaw ordered, "Predacons, merge to become Predaking!" When the combining was complete, Predaking roared and drew his sword.

In the air, Sky Lynx was flying towards Predaking in shuttle mode. Sky Lynx asked, "How many times must I prove that you can't beat me?" He then transformed to his combined dragon/lynx mode and shot a fireball from his mouth. It hit Predaking square in the chest. However, while the giant did stumble, he didn't fall.

"We will beat you," said Predaking. "We will destroy you!" He continually swiped his sword at the giant Autobot beast. Sky Lynx managed to avoid Predaking's sword, but was finally hit, causing him to crash. He then split into his separate dragon and lynx modes. His lynx mode then charged. Predaking fired his gun, but the lynx kept avoiding the shots. Finally, the lynx rammed into Predaking's leg, knocking him down. Sky Lynx's dragon mode then leaped into the air and shot three fireballs from his mouth. All three of them hit their mark and Predaking separated back into the five Predacons. The Predacons then decided to try attacking Sky Lynx in their beast modes.

Omega Supreme wanted in on the action. He looked around and found who he was looking for. "Target sighted," he said in his emotionless voice. "Confrontation inevitable."

The Constructicons looked up to see Omega Supreme coming. Scrapper said, "Constructicons, unite!" They then merged to form Devastator.

Devastator laughed and said, "Nothing defeats Devastator! Nothing!"

Omega then said, "Talk excessive." He then fired his plasma blaster, knocking Devastator down. Omega nodded and said, "Results satisfactory." He then moved to finish the job. But Devastator was far from finished. He lashed out with his right leg, knocking Omega Supreme back. Devastator then got up and landed a left hand to the jaw, followed by a right to the jaw, knocking the former Guardian Robot down. Omega sat up and said, "Challenge welcomed."

On Earth, Trypticon landed with a thud near Autobot City. His chest opened up and Decepticons began flying out, led by Cyclonus. Cyclonus cried, "For the glory of the Decepticons, attack!" Cyclonus, Thundercracker, and Skywarp led the charge in their jet modes. Ultra Magnus, Jazz, and Goldbug lead the Autobot resistance as they charged from Autobot City in the vehicle modes.

The Stunticons were nearing the ground. Motormaster said, "Stunticons, transform!" Once they landed on the ground, the Stunticons transformed into their vehicle modes and began charging, running over several Autobots without a care.

While still in truck mode, Magnus fired his rockets, hitting Cyclonus and sending him crashing down. Goldbug said, "Optimus Prime wasn't kidding when he said Thundercracker and Skywarp were back."

"Let's see if they remember how to jam," said Jazz as he activated his sound and lights show. Thundercracker was affected and was sent falling out of control. However, Skywarp teleported behind the two veteran Autobots and transformed to robot mode. He landed on the ground and fired both of his arm-mounted guns. Jazz and Goldbug were hit and they transformed to their robots modes and fired. But Skywarp quickly teleported again out of harm's way.

The Stunticons continued to run down Autobots that tried to stop them in either their vehicle or robot modes. Firepower came from the sky and the Stunticons tried to avoid it. The five Stunticons were either hit or overturned. As they transformed to their robot modes, Dead End said bored, "Oh, look, it's the Aerialbots."

As the Aerialbots descended in their jet modes, Slingshot said, "That's right, Stuntidweebs! And we're going put you out of your misery!"

"That's what you think!" retorted Motormaster. "Stunticons, merge into Menasor!" The Stunticons did just that.

"Two can play that game!" said Silverbolt. "Aerialbots, transform into Superion!" Both giants then began going at it. Menasor struck Superion with his sword. He went to strike again, but Superion avoided the slash and punched Menasor in the jaw, knocking him down and causing him to drop his sword. Superion slowly approached, but Menasor fired his arm guns, knocking him back. As Superion stumbled, Menasor tried to charge, but was gunned down by Superion.

Blitzwing fired upon some Autobots in his jet mode. He transformed to robot mode and landed on the ground. Two Autobots tried to charge him in their car modes, but he swiped at them with his sword, damaging both of them. He was then shot in the back. Blitzwing fell to his knees and turned to see Warpath charging towards him in tank mode and firing away. Warpath said, "Hey, Blitzwing! BAM! Remember me? KABOOM! KAZOWIE!" Blitzwing responded by transforming to his own tank mode and firing.

Cyclonus stood up and saw Ultra Magnus rolling towards him. The Autobot City Commander transformed to robot mode and pointed his gun at the new Decepticon Air Commander. As he produced his gun from subspace, Cyclonus said, "I've been waiting a long time for this, Magnus. Just you and me."

"Talk is cheap, Cyclonus," said Magnus. He fired his gun. Cyclonus dodged the shot and fired his own weapon, hitting Magnus in the chest.

Trypticon stomped towards Autobot City. "Crush Metroplex!" he roared. Metroplex (which is a part of Autobot City, not the city itself) fired all of its city mode weapons, driving Trypticon back a step, but doing minimal damage, if any damage at all.

Metroplex used this small distraction to transform to robot mode and punch Trypticon in the jaw. Trypticon shot his fire breath in Metroplex's face, causing him to cry out in pain. Trypticon then lashed out with his tail, knocking Metroplex down.

On Nebulos, Scourge, the Sweeps, Windrazor, Eagle Eye, Terradive, Nightracer, Scorponok, and Counterpunch were attacking (though Counterpunch was trying not to harm anyone). Scorponok, in scorpion mode, fired his scorpion tail at the city. The city, despite having some of the best firepower available was outmatched. Recoil, Kup's former TargetMaster partner was trying to shoot Nightracer, who was in her race car mode. Despite being a great sharpshooter, Recoil just couldn't hit her. "Dang it, I can't hit her!"

Nightracer transformed to robot mode and said, "You call that shooting? I'll show you shooting!" She fired right down the barrel of the weapon that was firing on her. It was just about to fire at Nightracer again, but the Decepticon gunner's shot triggered an overload, causing an explosion. Miraculously, Recoil only sustained minor injuries.

Cerebros was working desperately in his computer mode to keep the weapons systems from being taken off-line. He couldn't let that happen. Nebulos would be completely defenseless then. He thought to himself, 'If I'm going to die, at least I can die knowing that I finally found peace.'

Scourge and the Sweeps were continuously firing on the walls of the city. "Keep at it!" cried Scourge. "They can't hold out forever!" All Decepticons ceased firing when they noticed a shadow looming over them.

It was Fortress Maximus in city mode. He landed and Hot Rod led the charge, followed by Arcee, Springer, Motormouth, Jolt, Top-Speed, and Copycat all in their vehicle modes. Arcee and Springer weren't sure if Prime made a wise decision letting Hot Rod lead their particular team, but they accepted it, knowing that, having been Rodimus Prime, he had experience as a leader. They transformed to their robot modes and fired on their foes. Fort Max transformed to battle station mode and joined in. All the Decepticons scattered. Counterpunch used this chance to run into a forest of trees near Fort Max and transform into Punch.

Scorponok approached Fortress Maximus in scorpion mode and fired his tail, destroying some of the weapons systems. Scorponok said, "You can't stop me, Autobot!" He transformed to robot mode, as did Fort Max.

Fortress Maximus stood tall and said, "We'll see." The two super-robots then began exchanging blows. Fortress Maximus punched Scorponok in the jaw. Scorponok did the same. Fort Max grabbed Scorponok in a bear hug, but Scorponok used one of his claw hands to tear into the Autobot's back. As Fortress Maximus fell to his knees in pain, Scorponok slammed both of his fists into Fortress Maximus' back.

Windrazor cried, "Attack!" He, Eagle Eye, and Terradive began firing away in their jet modes.

Springer transformed to helicopter mode and cried, "Hop on!" Hot Rod and Arcee did so. Springer took off and began firing at the three new Decepticon jets, as did his two friends. Eagle Eye and Windrazor were shot down, but Terradive kept charging, slamming into Springer. As Springer fell down, Hot Rod and Arcee couldn't hold on. They fell off and landed hard on the ground.

Nightracer saw Arcee and said, "Well, well, a female Autobot for me to terminate."

Nightracer was about to fire her gun, but Punch charged her in his car mode. He ran her over, causing her to drop her gun. He transformed to robot mode and fired at her. She was barely able to roll out of the way. She managed to grab her gun and shot Punch in the chest. Springer, recovering in robot mode saw this. "Punch! You'll pay for that! I don't care if you are a femme!" He started charging Nightracer with his sword in hand. But Nightracer casually turned and shot Springer in the chest.

Seeing him go down, Arcee cried, "Springer! No!" She transformed to sports car mode and began to charge Nightracer.

Hot Rod saw this and said, "Arcee, don't!" But it was too late. Nightracer shot a heavy tree that Arcee was passing and it landed on her, damaging her badly. She was unable to transform.

Motormouth, Top-Speed, Jolt, and Copycat were fight Scourge and the Sweeps, but they were outnumbered. Copycat scanned a Sweep and transformed into one. She then transformed to its aircraft mode and fired, taking down two of them. Scourge saw this and said, "Impossible!" But then he cried out in pain as Copycat shot him down, still in the form of a Sweep.

Back on Cybertron, Megatron and Optimus Prime tangled hands again. Both of them were heavily damaged. Megatron shot his eyebeams in Prime's face at close range, knocking him down. As Prime laid there unmoving, Megatron slowly walked to his fusion cannon, picked it up, and mounted it on his arm. He pointed it at his mortal enemy, ready to destroy him. But he lowered his arm and began laughing. "I could kill you right now, Prime," said Megatron. "But it was not my intention to do that today. I just wanted to send you a message." He then walked over to the fallen Autobot leader and dug his left hand into Optimus' damaged chest. He picked him up and held him close, intent to let Prime hear every word he had to say. "I'm back. And so are the Decepticons. For the sake of honor, I will leave you be. But next time, I will not be so merciful." He then threw Prime back onto the ground and pushed a button on his chest. He said, "All Decepticons, return to Charr. We have won this day." He then flew off. All Decepticons on Cybertron soon followed suit.

Back on Earth, Cyclonus received the message. "Decepticons, we go." Trypticon managed to get to his feet. His battle with Metroplex had ended in a stalemate. All Decepticons on Earth boarded Trypticon and left.

On Nebulos, Scourge received the message too. The injured assault leader said, "Let's go. Our job is finished." Scorponok walked away from the defeated Fortress Maximus and transformed to city mode. All Decepticons began boarding.

As she was about to enter, Nightracer asked, "Hey, where's Counterpunch?"

"Who cares?" asked Eagle Eye. "Let's get back to Charr. I've seen enough of this filthy organic world." All Decepticons except Counterpunch boarded Scorponok and left.

On Cybertron, Optimus Prime was sitting in the repair bay, sending a message to every planet that was aligned with the Autobots. He said, "Autobots, we have a been dealt a devastating defeat this day. Megatron is back, and back with a vengeance. The Decepticons have risen again, more dangerous than ever. Our war has begun anew and only time will tell which side will win."

The End