~15 chapters and 53k words later~
FINALLY! We're here!
Like I said, I had a lot of ideas for this, (some are even taken from my first draft of this story on Word). But we're at this point now.
I'm so excited to finally be writing this, and for you guys to read it :-) Also, for sake of argument, let's say Silver's been at the base for around 6-7 months.
*Warning: Angst ahead*
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world might know peace."
- Jimi Hendrix
Chapter eighteen: If I fall
Eons ago, the war began. Cybertron divided into the peace-keepers and the brainwashed. Cities were destroyed and so were families, mine included. People began to question who the real good guys were and the masses grew more and more restless.
As the former-clerk Optimus Prime and the gladiator Megatron continued to be in constant battle, Cybertron became nothing more than a desolate wasteland. None of us could return home.
Even through all the chaos, war, casualities and personal losses we'd all had to endure, I continued to believe in the Autobot cause. We were the good guys.
Why am I telling you this?
Because on the day Unicron awakened, I should've been at base helping the others prepare for it. But I wasn't.
I was fighting to kill Optimus Prime.
Earlier that day . . .
"We were in the monster truck arena," I began, shuddering from the thought of that Decepticon's servos around me, "He had me trapped. I knew Bulkhead and Miko were in trouble, so...I used the charge against him to get free and help them. I'm sorry."
I finished explaining to Optimus about the Breakdown incident. Telling him was something I'd tried to avoid, but I knew the 'Cons would use it against us one way or the other.
"Did Knock Out see as well?" He asked as we stood in the training room.
I shook my helm, "But Breakdown might've told him."
"I understand," Optimus said, contemplating the situation, "And I cannot be mad at you for saving the lives of a fellow Autobot and one of our human friends."
I exhaled, "Thank you."
"However, I'm afraid that I must ask that you not go on missions for some time," He then stated. Before I could ask why, he interrupted, "From what you've told me, the Decepticons have played a part in your abilities. And you are not the first Enhanced I have encountered."
"Enhanced?" I repeated, "I've heard of them somewhere..."
"Likely. They were a rather...alternative group of individuals. Successful experiments on Autobots, carried out by Decepticons. Some were corrupted through psychic control, others used their newfound abilities to escape. By the end of the war's time on Cybertron, the Enhanced were ordered by Megatron to be either captured or executed. I fear a similar fate should the Decepticons know of your powers."
I looked up at him in concern, "You think they'd brainwash me?"
He shook his helm, "While a lot about the mind remains unknown, I do hold faith in your own psychic-like ability."
Once again, I found myself exhaling in relief, "Thanks, Optimus."
"However, I fear that if Megatron does know of your power, he will stop at nothing to make it his own," He countered, "And capture is a state worse than death."
I stood frozen on the spot.
"Those were two diametrically-opposed statements," I said nervously.
"Just stay away from the battlefield. If the Decepticons may capture you anywhere, it would be during a fight."
--
Raf smiled up at me as he continued to make modifications on the small remote-controlled car. He'd been working on it for an hour now.
"What's this supposed to do again?" I asked suspiciously.
"The longer antenna means I can control it for up to a mile away and the camera helps me see what's going on," He explained, "Useful for stealth missions."
Bee tilted his helm, "When would you need to be on a stealth mission?"
The boy shrugged, "Scaring my brothers while they're streaming gameplay of Fortnite."
Bee and I glanced at each other and simultaneously rolled our optics.
We probably should've been getting ready for the possible danger of the prophecy, but there was only so much we could do. It wasn't like we could prolong a planetary alignment. After hearing that the Earth may be in danger, all I really wanted to do was spend time with Bee.
"Well, I know it's going to be great, Raf," I said, trying to get my mind off of the thought, "You're the smartest kid I know."
He blushed, "Thanks, Silver. I still need to test it from a distance to see if it all works."
"Do you want to head out now and then catch a drive-in movie after?" Bee asked us.
"Sure!" Raf's face suddenly lit up with excitement, "Just let me grab my bag and laptop first."
As Raf ran over to the kids' hangout, Bee scratched his helm awkwardly. Since the Synth-En incident, he'd been acting weird around me but I didn't know why.
I decided to break the silence, "Did I do something?"
He glanced at me in confusion, "What do you mean?"
"C'mon, Bee. You know you've been acting differently lately," I shrugged, "Look, I'm sorry for being angry with you a few days ago."
"It's not about that..." He sighed, "Sil, I've wanted to tell you for a while now, but never found a right time-"
"Right time? What for?"
Both of us looked down to see Rafael standing there with a confused look on his face. I immediately felt myself turn red as I quickly looked to Bee for help. He was just as embarassed. What were we supposed to tell Raf?
The boy tilted his head as he realised, "Wait...are you guys dating?"
"No!" Bee said abruptly.
"We aren't...I mean we wouldn't..." I blushed.
"Yeah, and i-it would just raise questions."
"Questions with no reason because we are not going out."
"Exactly."
Silence loomed for a bit. I waited for Raf to accept the answer and let us move on with the conversation. But turns out, Raf really was the smartest kid I knew.
"You are dating!" He beamed, "Miko was right!"
I looked at Bee and sighed. This was going to be a long drive...
Meanwhile on the Nemesis . . .
"Have you yet located the charge source for the Space Bridge, Soundwave?" Megatron asked his silent comrade.
Soundwave's screen/face flicked on to reveal a picture of the source they were looking for.
"Yes," Megatron confirmed, "But how am I to get my servos on such power?"
The image then shifted to a government base. It would've been heavily fortified, by human standards at least.
Airachnid smirked as she saw the picture, "Oh please. I for one believe that I am best suited for this mission. After all, stealth is valuable in this situation-"
"And yet it only seems to take up more of my time!" Megatron snarled, "Do not think your blunder with the silver femme shall be so easily overlooked, especially because of the new information that has come to light."
The eight-legged 'Con bowed her helm and stepped back, knowing better than to speak up again. As she did so, the Decepticon leader scowled and turned back to Soundwave.
"Send the troops to the facility. I will attend to our pressing matter," He stated.
Megatron turned to leave, brushing past Airachnid as he did so. She glared as he left, but ignored it and faced Knock Out beside her.
"Does the Big M seem to be going a bit...mad to you?" He asked.
She snarled, "A bit."
Meanwhile near Jasper . . .
"So we got together after Airachnid happened," I finished explaining.
We were currently driving through the desert, with me beside Bumblebee in our alt modes. The only way for us to properly communicate was through the com-link.
"We didn't want to tell anyone until we were both comfortable," Bee explained.
Raf nodded, "I get it. Well, mostly. Who else knows?"
"Just us three," I answered, "And I'd rather keep it that way."
"Well," Bumblebee had an edge in his voice, "And Arcee."
I slammed on the brakes and transformed. We were on an empty road, so I didn't have to worry about humans seeing us. Bee slowly turned around and drove back to me. Raf got out and the yellow mech transformed.
"You told her?" I said, ire clear in my voice.
He put his servos up in denial, "No! I swear, I didn't. She figured it out herself."
"And there was no better time to tell me than in front of Raf?"
"Maybe there's a better time to argue than in front of Raf," He nodded to the boy, who looked very uncomfortable in this situation.
"I can't believe this," I sighed in annoyance.
"Um, guys?" Raf began, "Do you see that-?"
"Not now, Raf," He interrupted, causing the kid's expression to fall. Still we continued to argue, "Why are you so determined to hide us anyway? Are you just scared to admit we're together?"
"Of course I'm not scared," I said defensively, "But I told you I didn't want to tell anyone and you should've trusted me."
"For the last time, I didn't tell her! And for the record, she said she was okay with us being together!"
"Guys?" Raf called again a little louder.
I tilted my helm, still angry, "Why would she be okay with it?"
"Because she knows!"
"Knows what?!" I yelled.
"She knows that I love you!"
It's impressive how fast the two of us snapped out of anger-mode. His optics softened as he gazed at mine.
He half-smiled under his mask, "You're optics did that thing again."
I stepped back, realising I'd been building up the charge while we were arguing. But no way would I have used it against them. My optics must've been white again. I glanced away.
"I-I'm sorry," I apologised, but I didn't really know what part I was apologising for.
I felt a gentle servo on my face turn me to meet his own optics once again. It was embarassing to me that I'd let my emotions get so out of hand.
"I love you, Silver Sun."
"GUYS!" Raf's voice suddenly interrupted the moment.
We both glanced down to see him pointing ahead at the sky. Following his direction, I looked to my right to see what it was that had him so worried. I soon got my answer.
A grey Cybertronian jet with purple highlights was barrelling straight towards us. My optics widened. So did Bee's.
"Oh scrap..." We echoed each other.
I stepped protectively in front of Bee, "Drive, Take Raf with you."
"What?" He said in surprise, "No way am I leaving you to face him alone."
"Just take Raf to the nearest exit ramp," I ordered him, "Ratchet can bridge him back to base from there."
"But-"
"Bee, please. Get Raf to safety."
As he was about to protest, the ground shook. Looking back, I saw a familiar figure as he landed a short distance away from us. Bumblebee gave me a helpless expression before transforming. Raf gazed up at me in worry before quickly climbing into Bee's alt mode.
"I'll come back for you," He promised.
I half-smiled, "I know, Bee."
With that, they drove away, leaving me to face the Decepticon leader. I wasn't ready for this. I knew I wasn't. But if I could save my friends, my love, it'd be worth every drop of energon I lost.
I turned to see the familiar grin of Megatron.
"Silver Sun," He grinned wide, "You're looking much better than at our last visit."
"You mean when you shot me," I called loudly enough for him to hear.
"Your scout has abandoned you," He snarled, "What deludes you into believing you can possibly stall me?"
I shrugged, trying to maintain calm, "Hope? Friendship? Something else from My Little Pony?"
He began walking towards me, "You're more powerful than you let on. Such a petite frame holding mountains of energy just waiting to be let out."
"Give me one good reason and they might be," I warned.
"Knock Out was correct in stating your bravery, femme," He smirked, "Though it could also be foolishness. I have no intent to kill you."
I nearly burst out into laughter, "That's the biggest load of scrap I've heard in a while."
"Tell me. What has Optimus Prime told you of the Enhanced?" Megatron asked.
"A bit. Including that you ordered them to be killed or captured."
"Deluded though you may be," He grew closer to me, "The Decepticons didn't create that order against Enhanced. Optimus did."
I stepped back in shock, "Y-You're lying. Why would Optimus do that?"
He shrugged, "Perhaps something to do with his son being killed by one of you in battle."
He's lying, I told myself, He's a Decepticon. Lies are what they do!I balled my servo into a fist ready to release the charge. By now he stood directly in front of me. I reared back my servo to punch. But I didn't. I hesitated. What if he was right? What if this wasn't just another lie?
I lowered my arm, "Optimus had a son?"
Megatron smirked upon realising my guard was down. My white optics enlarged as like lightning his sword pierced my chassis. The pain was surreal. I could barely move. His deep purple optics glared down at me as I felt my consciousness slip.
I felt like such an idiot.
He grabbed my face, forcing me to look up at him. The Decepticon pulled me in closer until he was inches from my audio-receptors.
"Optimus never had a son," He snarled.
"SILVER!"
No.
The only way the situation could've possibly gotten worse. I tried to turn back, but found I was barely able to stand. Megatron retracted his sword and let go of my face. I allowed my knees to give way and collapsed, coughing up energon on the ground.
Megatron walked past me, no doubt towards Bee. I tried to stand but could only turn back as I choked on my own energon. Bumblebee charged for him.
A glowing green light formed to my left. But was it ours or his? I soon got an answer at a long-armed silhouette approached me, silent as ever. I wanted so much to release the energy I had inside of me, but couldn't.
The last thing I heard as Soundwave dragged me throught the portal was a shot, followed by the sound of metal against the ground.
A little while later . . . No one's POV . . .
The Autobots stood strong, holding their position against the Decepticon squadron, each seeker being quickly taken down. As they finished off the last of them, the Autobots glanced up at the sound of a jet approaching. The Decepticon leader landed mere metres away from the group.
He snarled, "Optimus."
"Megatron," The Autobot replied, equal in his severity, "Do you not see the folly in trying to force a prophecy to fruition?"
"Why leave matters to fate if one can forge one's own destiny?" He grinned, "Ah, and speaking of fate..."
Bulkhead, Arcee and Optimus simultaneously turned back to see the black and yellow scout limping towards them. He clung at his side. The servo over his wound was covered in energon and he seemed almost unable to walk.
His face quickly morhped into something of rage as he saw the Decepticon standing there smirking.
"Bumblebee?" Optimus said in worry, "Were you not with Silver Sun and Rafael?"
To the young Autobot, that was the last straw. Using his little remaining strength, he charged at Megatron again. Bulkhead soon stopped him before he could get far.
He growled, "WHERE IS SHE?"
Megatron smiled sadistically, "Far from your reach, scout."
Once again, Bumblebee fought against his comrade's hold. It suddenly dawned on Arcee what he meant. Everything she'd tried to avoid. She turned to the Decepticon in rage.
"You kidnapped my sister!" She yelled.
"I captured an Enhanced," He corrected, then looking at Optimus, "After all, it was you who said that Enhanced were too hostile to roam freely."
Optimus narrowed his optics, "That was long before I realised my mistake."
"Still, Silver Sun found it rather distressing that her beloved leader could do such thing to Autobots who share her traits," Megatron stated, "Imagine her shock when I tell her everything you said about her kind."
"That's it!" Arcee yelled, drawing her arm-blades.
Optimus quickly stepped in and held the blue femme back before she started an unwinnable battle. The shadow of the Decepticon warship towered over them.
"Ratchet, bridge us back now!" The Autobot leader spoke urgently through the com-link.
--
To be Continued . . .
And so it begins.
Just a heads up, I do plan on carrying this on into season 2 of TFP. Like I said, I have a lot of ideas. But still, it's nice when people give suggestions, just because I know they actually care.
It's one in the morning where I am right now and I should've been asleep hours ago, but I knew I had to finish this chapter to kick off the beginning of One Shall Fall before Halloween.
Unrelated, but it was my bday on Saturday (yay...)
Anywho, hope you enjoyed this chapter. And - as always - I'll be back sooner or later with the next chapter!
'Til All Are One,
GreyroseLegacy