Author's Note: Alright, after about a week or two, I finally decided to work on chapter 9! Hope ya guys like it, it'll definitely be fun writing!
P.S – To ShadowHawk, I'm sorry I haven't replied to you. I tried at one point, but the email got sent back to me. But anyways, to what you were asking – No, I'm not going to use Stealth in this fic, along with any other submitted fan characters. I listed the reason why in Chapter 3 or 4 (Don't really remember) of Life As A Transformer. Its because I've got serious plans for this fic, and they're already complicated enough, no offense. But yeah... There ya go ;
We thought that after Optimus died, we were doomed to lose the war. Of course, Jetfire wouldn't stand for that, and he devised a plan. Things were starting to look up... Until Predacon attacked. Then things went straight back to the bottom.
Rodimus Prime
Chapter 9: Song Of The Damned
Two weeks have passed since Optimus' untimely demise. The Autobots still mourned the loss of their leader, though it dies down a little each day that passes. However, they keep themselves busy with whatever task they can find. Jetfire, however, was the only one not keeping himself busy; he only remained in the command center and his quarters. At some point during the current day, Jetfire wasn't sure when, Hot Shot walked up to him.
"Um... Jetfire, sir? He asked.
"Don't call me that." Jetfire replied. Hot Shot blinked a few times.
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not a commander." Jetfire replied. "Do I look like I can give out orders?"
"You have before, Jetfire." Hot Shot replied.
"I know, but that was when Optimus was my superior officer. Now that he's gone, and I'm the leader, I don't think I can do this. I don't think I'm ready." Jetfire sadly said.
"Yes you are. Optimus made you his sub-commander. In case anything happened to him, he felt that you would be best suited to lead in his place." Hot Shot responded. He patted Jetfire's shoulder.
"Maybe... But I doubt he expected Unicron's arrival." The commander said, half jokingly.
Hot Shot chuckled slightly. "I'm sure you'll help us all through this just fine. Though I admit, it would be nice to have Optimus here... It's a shame we cant pull him out of the Matrix." Jetfire tapped his chin at what Hot Shot said.
"...You know... I think you might be on to something!" Jetfire exclaimed, and ran out of the command center, and to the medical bay. Hot Shot stared.
"...What'd I say?"
Unknown, Unknown
Predacon sat in his quarters, alone. He looked up at his four surrounding walls, and grinned. They were literally covered with tallies, each mark representing a planet he ravaged. Chuckling, he pulled out a small blade, and looked it over. It was long, dull and rusty, with a worn out handle. He stood up to his feet, leaving his cannon on the floor. He strode over to the wall facing him, and looked for an open space. Soon after, he found one, and grinned.
"This one is for you, Earth." His deep, raspy voice said, as he carved another tally into the wall. Leaving the blade in the wall, he looked to the countless other tallies. His face straightened. He raised his hand, and lightly touched the markings on the wall.
"So much death. So many lives fallen by my hands..." He grinned again. "And so many more yet to come."
Two long knocks came from his door. "Piss off!" Predacon snapped.
Before he could turn back to his place on the floor, his door slid open with a hiss. Predacon turned around, and looked to the two at his door – Nemesis Prime and Razorclaw.
"How did you get through my door?" The behemoth inquired.
"Just be thankful I didn't tear the door out." Nemesis replied.
"Unicron wishes for us to meet up with Starscream and Tidal Wave on Earth." Stated Razorclaw. "So grab your weapon, and lets go."
"Fine." Predacon replied. He turned back around, and walked back to his spot on the floor. He picked up his cannon by the handle, and turned back to them. "I just hope there will be some Autobots or Decepticons to be killed." He finished. Nemesis grinned.
"Oh don't worry, there will be. I promise." He replied. Predacon walked right up to him, and looked down to the much smaller mech.
"You better be right." The giant said. He pushed Nemesis aside, and walked into the hallway. He turned to the right, and sauntered away, followed closely by Razorclaw and Nemesis.
Autobot Base, Earth
"Ok, let me get this straight," Red Alert began. "You want me to make a new body for Optimus? I don't get where that makes sense; he's dead."
Jetfire grinned. "He wont be dead for long. I have a plan to bring him back."
Red Alert crossed his arms. "I don't think its possible to bring someone back out of the Matrix."
"Not unless you go in and get them." Jetfire replied. "And that's exactly what I'm going to do." Red Alert stepped back from surprise.
"I hope you realize that that could end up killing you! The Matrix is very powerful, you know." Red Alert replied.
"What choice do we have? Without Prime, we're doomed!" Jetfire exclaimed. "Now I want you to dump all your projects, and build a new and improved body for Optimus, that's a primary order!"
Red Alert sighed, and nodded. "Yes sir... Just don't do anything drastic."
Jetfire grinned. His plan was coming together! The commander then proceeded to turn around, and walk out of the med bay. As he walked through the halls, thoughts crossed his mind in an endless manner. Could it really be possible? Could he really bring Optimus back out of the Matrix? It was worth a shot, at least. He turned around a corner, and entered the command center. He strode over to the main consol, and pressed in a button.
"Attention all Autobots, report to the command center at once." He calmly but firmly said. Releasing the button, he then leaned on the consol, and waited for the others to arrive.
One by one, the Autobots all regrouped in the main room. Jetfire grinned as the last one, Smokscreen, walked in.
"Alright, Autobots. I have a plan." Jetfire said proudly. "We're going to bring Optimus back!" Several Autobots gasped.
"Just what are you trying to prove, Jetfire?" Scavenger asked. "Prime's been one with the Matrix for two weeks. You can't just decide to bring him back."
"I know that, Scavenger. But we cant do nothing about it. Let's face it – We've been a total wreck since he died, and we'd all be better off if he came back." Jetfire replied.
"But..." Scavenger groaned. "There's no way to talk you out of this, is there?"
"Nope." Jetfire chuckled, as he pulled the Matrix out from his chest compartment.
"Wait." Rodimus said. He uncrossed his arms, and walked over to Jetfire. "I can't let you do this, Jetfire." The future Autobot said.
"Oh...? Why not?" Jetfire inquired. Rodimus looked up to him, and grinned.
"Because I'm the one supposed to bring Optimus back."
Jetfire laughed. "You? Mr. I-Know-What-Will-Happen? Hah!"
Rodimus frowned at him. "Whether you believe me or not makes no difference. This happened in my timeline, and it will happen in this one."
"Heh, alright, if you're so hell-bent on bringing Optimus back, then go ahead." Jetfire handed Rodimus the Matrix. "I would love to see you try." Rodimus grinned and took the Matrix. He then looked up to Jetfire.
"What say we make things interesting?" The commander chuckled.
"How so?"
"Well, lets say if I get Optimus back, you get Red Alert to program you to speak in rhymes for a whole day."
Jetfire grinned. "Alright, and if you fail to bring Optimus out, you'll be the Wheelie-wannabe." The two Autobots nodded, and shook hands.
Rodimus, with the Matrix in hand, walked away from the group, and sat down on the floor, cross-legged. He then inserted his fingers into the handles, and slowly pulled the Matrix close to his spark chamber. His chest opened up like twin doors, revealing his pulsating spark. He pulled the Matrix closer, and the force between it and his life force caused small sparks. His optics dimmed, and Rodimus became stiff as a statue.
Jetfire chuckled. "Who wants to bet he comes back out in a few moments?"
"What is it with you and gambling?" Blurr asked.
"I've always had a thing for it." Jetfire said. Just then, a warning light went off on the main screen.
Jetfire turned around, and faced the computer screen. On it, was 'Proximity Alert!' in red, flashing. He quickly walked up to the computer screen, and typed into the consol.
"On screen." Jetfire said. The computer obeyed, and brought up a visual of the intruders – Nemesis, Razorclaw, and Predacon.
Blurr walked up to Jetfire, while eyeing the screen. "Who are they?"
Jetfire snarled at the image. "I only recognize two – Nemesis and Predacon. The other looks like one of the bots that appeared at the volcano a while ago."
Smokescreen shuddered at his last encounter with Predacon. "So what should we do?"
"Well, they might not know they're near our base, so lets not do anything, yet." Jetfire replied.
All optics were focused on the main screen. The three mechs on it were seemingly conversing with each other, though Predacon seemed less than occupied. After a few moments, Nemesis made a gesture towards the camera spying on them, and Razorclaw looked to it. He grinned, and aimed his wings at the device, then fired two missiles from them. The Autobots gasped as the screen was suddenly covered in snowy static.
"Well... So much for them not knowing." Jetfire said.
"What do we do now?" Asked Hot Shot. Jetfire paused for a few moments.
"... We find out what they're doing in our territory." He replied. "Hot Shot, Blurr, you're with me." Jetfire walked out of the control room, followed by the two Autobots.
UnknownDesert, Earth
Predacon looked at his associates in a bored manner. He was promised Autobots, and there's nothing but sand in this area!
"Calm yourself, Predacon." Nemesis coolly spoke. "They're on their way."
"Actually, they're here." Razorclaw spoke. Predacon looked up, almost hopefully, but sighed when he saw Starscream and Tidal Wave descending from the sky.
The two Decepticons transformed, and landed on their feet. "We're here." Tidal Wave said.
"Do you have them?" Asked Razorclaw.
"Not all, but we have half of them." Starscream replied.
"Let me see." Razorclaw demanded. Tidal Wave kneeled, and opened up a panel in his leg, revealing Megatron's severed legs, and torso. "Very good." Razorclaw replied. "You two are fast workers."
Tidal Wave closed his leg compartment, ignoring the compliment. "So where do we take these?" He asked.
"Take them to Unicron, he can tell you what to do with them from there." Razorclaw replied. Tidal Wave nodded as Starscream looked over to Nemesis.
"So, you're the one who killed Prime?" Nemesis nodded.
"Yes, and word is quickly spreading around. Soon the Universe will know of his death."
Predacon groaned loudly. "I did not come here to listen to you boast your achievement. If the Autobots do not show up soon, I'll eat you!" He threatened, while lifting Nemesis up off of the ground by his chest plate. Nemesis chuckled.
"Put me down, Predacon, or the vultures will be picking at your dead carcass." Predacon growled at him.
"You two better calm down and save it. We've got company." Tidal Wave spoke. Predacon threw Nemesis away, who softly landed on his feet.
"Where? I don't see any Autobots." Predacon snapped.
Tidal Wave pointed in the distance. "They're watching us from over there." Predacon grinned.
"Alright, you punks, I'll take care of the Autobots, so stay out of my way!" The behemoth exclaimed, while turning on his back jets, and hovering over the ground.
Nemesis chuckled. "Have fun." He calmly said, while fading out of sight. Razorclaw grinned at Predacon.
"Don't be too rough with them." He spoke, while warping away.
Starscream and Tidal Wave wordlessly transformed, and flew off into the horizon. Predacon remained hovering in the air, grinning.
"Here comes the butcher, little pigs!"
Jetfire was crouched low to the ground, observing Predacon through a pair of binoculars. Hot Shot was on his left, while Blurr was on his right.
"What's he doing?" Asked Hot Shot.
"I've got no clue. He's just hovering there, looking in our direction." Jetfire replied, while zooming in on Predacon's face. "And he's grinning, too."
"You don't think he's spotted us, has he?" Blurr asked.
"No way, we're too far off for him to..." Jetfire didn't finish his sentence as he saw Predacon pulled his cannon out from subspace, and aimed it directly at Jetfire. Charging it up, Predacon pulled the trigger, sending the echoing discharge through the air.
"Hit the ground!" Jetfire exclaimed, while dropping his binoculars, and leaping back, covering his head with his hands. The other two Autobots looked confused slightly, but jumped back as the blast hit the sand in front of them, sending a massive wall of sand towering above them.
Before the grainy substance could come crashing back down, Predacon flew straight through it, leaving a hole in his shape behind him. The sand continued flying upwards from the impact of his blast, and finally started to descend. Predacon launched himself at Hot Shot, and rammed his knee into the Autobot's abdomen, causing him to keel over. Predacon then quickly turned around, and kicked the approaching Burr across his face, sending him flying back a bit. The sand struck by Predacon's blast then landed back on the ground.
Jetfire groaned slightly, and reached up, dusting the sand off of his face. He jumped to his feet, and looked around. Lovely, Hot Shot and Blurr were already down, and Predacon's backside was facing him. Hearing a low chuckling, Jetfire looked up, and saw his enemy slowly turn around, and grin at him. The Autobot commander stepped back slightly, and in a flash, pulled out his large blaster from subspace.
Predacon grinned, and fully faced Jetfire. The Autobot quickly raised his weapon to Predacon's chest, and pulled the trigger. Countless blasts flew from the barrel of his weapon, and harmlessly bounced off of Predacon's armor. The behemoth laughed, and began to advance on him. Jetfire took two steps back for every step Predacon made towards him, and continued to unload blasts at him. The giant laughed as the gap between him and the smaller Autobot was closed, and raised his hand. Jetfire gasped as Predacon backhanded him, sending him spiraling off to the side.
Yelling from behind Predacon caught his attention. He turned around, and spotted Blurr on his feet, charging up a blast in his rifle. The behemoth laughed, as he pointed his cannon at Blurr, and the two mechs fired their blasts at the same time. However, as the two discharges met, Predacon's swallowed up Blurr's, and continued on its path towards the Autobot. Blurr gasped as the blast made contact with his face, knocking him over backwards, face smoking. Predacon grinned as the smoke slowly cleared, and Blurr's visor was cracked and chipped in several places.
"You first." Predacon said, almost gleefully.
The giant strode over to the fallen Autobot, leaving deep, dinosaur-like footprints in the sand. He bent over, and grabbed Blurr's chest plate, grinning. Standing back at his full height, Predacon chuckled as the Autobot's feet dangled helplessly high above the ground. The Autobot shut his optics tightly, trying not to hiss in pain from the tight grip. Predacon pulled Blurr close to himself, and spoke barely above a whisper.
"Most beings like their meals well done, medium, or rare... However," He paused, as he licked his lips. "I prefer mine raw."
Blurr's optics snapped open at hearing this. He clasped Predacon's wrist with both hands, trying to pry him off of his chest. The behemoth laughed as the Autobot squirmed in his grip. However, blasts started reflecting off of his backside, and Predacon frowned, having his fun disrupted. He turned around, and frowned as Jetfire and Hot Shot continued their assault. Chuckling, Predacon swung Blurr in front of him, using him as a shield. The hostage cried out as the blasts ate at his armor, leaving their marks on him. His partners cursed, and ceased firing, while Predacon grinned.
"Thank you for tenderizing him, Autobots." Predacon grinned further, and, with his free hand, extended all five fingers. "Where is your spark?" Predacon asked, though he said it to himself. Blurr tensed as Predacon slowly pressed his fingers against his torso, around his Autobot insignia. The giant chuckled, as he thrust all five limbs into his chest, and his hostage yelled out in pure pain.
"Blurr!" The two Autobots cried out.
Hot Shot pulled out a small blade from subspace, and pressed a button. A curved, sharp, energon knife extended from the handle, and he rushed towards Predacon. Ignoring Jetfire's orders to stay back, the young Autobot came up to Predacon.
"Keep your hands off of him!" Hot Shot exclaimed, and pierced his enemy's thigh with the blade.
Predacon hissed. "Stupid Autobot!" He growled. Predacon tensed his arm, and backhanded Hot Shot, sending him flying backwards, and a large piece of Blurr's chest with him. Hot Shot landed hard on the sand, leaving a trail of his skid. Predacon looked down at the blade, still impaled in his leg. He reached down, and plucked the knife from his leg, flinching slightly. He examined the weapon, and carefully licked his mech fluid off of it, and grinned at Hot Shot. "This is yours." He said, while throwing the blade back at him. It spun fiercely through the air, and landed deep inside the center of the Autobot sign on Hot Shot's left shoulder. Hot Shot cried out, while falling backwards.
Blurr shuddered heavily when the breeze blew by, gently blowing into his now vulnerable spark chamber. His life force pulsated, while glowing a bright blue, lighting up the small chamber which held it. Predacon grinned.
"Your spark appears to be thriving quite well. It should be a welcome addition." He coolly spoke. Blurr winced.
"Not if I can help it!" He weakly exclaimed, while letting go of Predacon's wrist, and started thrusting his fists into his face. Predacon chuckled as the punches his prey was throwing made contact with his face.
"Keep it up, Autobot. I think you might clear my sinuses at this rate." He said through Blurr's weakening strikes. The Autobot gasped as he slowly lowered his arms, and Predacon grinned.
Before Predacon could do anything, however, an arm from behind wrapped itself tightly around his neck. He gasped slightly from surprise, and looked over his shoulder. Jetfire laughed, almost giggled, at Predacon.
"Betcha didn't see me coming! Now let Blurr go!" Jetfire demanded.
"I. Think. Not." Predacon replied. He reached back, and grabbed the Autobot's head. Jetfire muttered 'uh oh' just an instant before his opponent lifted him over his shoulder, head first, and pulled him in front of the giant. But before Jetfire could land on his head, Predacon thrusted his knee into the air, and making contact with the Autobot commander's head. He groaned painfully, and fell to the ground limply. Predacon chuckled, and looked to Blurr.
"That was fun, wasn't it, Autobot?" Predacon asked tauntingly.
"Kiss my shiny metal ass, you slaggin' saurian!" Blurr weakly exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, that's the wrong answer." Predacon chuckled. "Now... Die." He said, while inserting his fingers back into the Autobot's chest, earning a hiss of pain.
"Aaahhhh..." Predacon almost moaned, as he pressed his fingers further in, and slowly, his hand entered Blurr's spark chamber. The hostage cried out loudly, with his mech fluid trailing and dripping off of Predacon's arm. Suddenly, Blurr stopped crying out, and gasped as he felt fingers gently wrap themselves around his spark. He shuddered heavily, while cringing.
"Any last words, Autobot?" Predacon asked, while smiling.
"Yeah... Burn in Hell." Blurr spoke through shivers.
Predacon chuckled. "No..." He gently gripped Blurr's spark, and yanked it, and his hand, out of his chest. Blurr's optics widened as he painfully gasped, and suddenly went limp in Predacon's grip. "...But you will." Predacon finished.
He lowered his arm holding Blurr, and looked at the Autobot's spark, grinning. "Another one joins with me." He said quietly. His chest then seemingly closed in on itself, and slid open like twin doors, revealing his spark chamber. In it, was a large spark, made up of all sorts of colors, as if it were made of a rainbow. He grinned, and held Blurr's spark close to his own. The rainbow-like spark seemingly reached out towards the smaller one, and the Autobot spark drew closer to it. Predacon's spark then seemingly sucked up Blurr's, and Predacon gasped as the Autobot's knowledge and memories briefly flooded his own; but it soon passed as it was added to him.
"Ahh..." He blissfully sighed. He looked over to the still fallen Autobots, and grinned.
"Farewell, Autobots... Or should I say, Jetfire and Hot Shot." He chuckled, as he looked down to Blurr's lifeless form, and grinned. "Its dinner time!" He exclaimed, while turning on his jets, and hovering in the air. He chuckled again, and flew off into the horizon, with Blurr's body in his hand.
Unknown, Unknown
Starscream and Tidal Wave walked through the dark halls of Unicron, trying to find a specific room.
"I don't get it, Tidal Wave. Unicron told us to find this place, and we don't even know where it is!" Starscream exclaimed.
"Calm down." Tidal Wave said. "He said we'll know it when we find it. And I trust him."
"You trust him? Him of all beings? You know he'll dispose of us when we're no longer useful for him." Starscream countered.
"I don't believe that, Starscream." The giant Decepticon replied.
"Pch, you're too loyal for your own good."
"And you're too deceitful for your own good."
"Why you- "
"Quiet!" Tidal Wave snapped, while holding out his hand. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Starscream asked.
"Listen..." The warship said quietly. The two Decepticons remained motionless, listening intently. Moments passed, and a high pitched cackle was heard.
"What was that?" Starscream asked.
"I don't know, but I think that's what we're looking for. Lets find it!" Tidal Wave exclaimed, while running in the direction the laugh was heard.
"Hey! Wait up!" Starscream called out, while running after Tidal Wave.
The two ran through endless halls for seemingly minutes, and the laughing grew louder, until they came upon two very large twin doors. Before they were even ready to see if they would open, they two doors did so, as if by an invisible force. The two Decepticons cautiously walked into the room, and found a very large room inside. There was a long walkway, an alter, and the rest of the floor was covered by infinite wires and cords.
But standing at the center of the alter was a creature. It had a large cord connecting from its back all the way up to the ceiling, which was covered by darkness. The creature had a silver, snake-like body, with many, small tentacles with claws at the tip of its 'tail'. It had a large, muscular looking torso, with equally imposing arms, with giant razors for fingers, and smaller arms branching off at the forearms. It had two, much smaller arms where its stomach would be, with smaller blades at the ends. It's face was perhaps the only non-silver colored part. It was white, with a skull-like appearance. It had a large, green trim around its head, with black, empty optics. Sharp, orangey teeth covered its mouth, and it seemingly had its head in another set of razor-sharp teeth.
"Welcome, Decepticonsss." It said.
"Huh?... Who are you?" Starscream asked.
The creature looked up to them, and gave a look of what could be a grin.
"I am Alpha-Quintessson."
Author's Note: Well, 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime is down, for the moment holding him down with his foot
20th Anniversary Optimus Prime: muffled curses
Crab: Exactly! Now here are your bloopers!
The scene is where Jetfire bets Rodimus he cant enter the Matrix
Rodimus: And if I succeed, you're the Wheelie-wannabe!
Wheelie: runs in from nowhere Who's the meany, who's the sleaze, you better drop down on your knees! When I'm done, you may think all is well, but I'll bust a cap, and you're all in hell! runs out
Everyone: .....
The scene is where the Autobots are spying on Unicron's Minions, when Tidal Wave and Starscream arrive
Tidal Wave: And I was like 'No. Way.' And he was all 'Yeah dude, totally.' And Christina said 'Oh, T.W, you have GOT to get a new wardrobe, the green and white just isn't doing it.' And I said 'Why not? Its my new style!' And she said 'Just trust me, I'm popular, I know these things.' And then I said-
Starscream: FOR PRIMUS' SAKE!!! WILL YOU SHUT UP?!?!
Crab: groans These guys get it wrong more than right.
The scene is when Alpha-Quintesson is first shown
Starscream and Tidal Wave: walk into Alpha-Quintesson' chamber, only to find it completely empty and white, like in the Matrix
Tidal Wave: Uhh... Hello?
Alpha-Quintesson: drops out of nowhere in a Morpheus suit, complete with sunglasses Greetings, Decepticons. You are here, not because you're free... You're here because you're not free.
Crab: Lord, first you rip off of Morpheus' awesome Matrix suit, then you rip off of Smith's line in Matrix: Reloaded?! And where's the snake-like hiss sound?! CUT!
Bloopers tape cuts off
Woo! And now, I've one more thing to say... Care to join me and a few other authors in a Transformer RPG? So far, its me, Ashana, HotShot94, DMK (trying to, anyways), and Cobalt, but I need just a few more players before it can start. It's located at my site's forums. Which are at http: slash slash forum.fake ki.com Please edit out the spaces, and change 'slash slash' to their symbols, as ff.net doesn't allow off-site links ;;
Anyways, review, and lemme know what ya think!