Transformers Maximal Revolution

Chapter 9

Destiny, Alicorn

Skydart, Winged Horse

Light Flare, Phoenix

Kitsune, Nine-tailed fox

Swift Claw, Winged cat

Trickster, Coyote/Raven

Chibi, Baku

It was early the next morning that found Optimus walking through the base. He had always been an early riser and took the time to check on the others.

He looked into the Predacons room to find them still in recharge, after everything that had happened yesterday he couldn't blame them.

There hadn't been a lot of room for seven more bots but the Predacons had solved the problem by reverting to beastmode and curling up on the floor together. Skydart, Light Flare and Chibi were on one side of Destiny with Swift Claw, Kitsune and Trickster on the other. The Alicorn had her wings spread over them in a protective embrace.

Optimus moved on letting them recharge, he entered the main hanger and gave a small smile seeing the children laying on the couch in a pose not to different from the Predacons with Jack in the middle who had an arm around Miko and Raf who were on either side of him, all still sleeping deeply.

He wasn't surprised to find Arcee already there, since moving to the base he often found her or Bumblebee or Bulkhead watching over the kids while they slept. Ever since the kids abduction by the Decepticons they had become even more protective, always trying to stay close. Sometimes he even caught Ratchet doing it, though the medic would always deny it.

"Arcee," he greeted with a nod of his helm.

"Optimus," the two-wheeler greeted in return.

"I hope you got some recharge last night."

She shrugged, "After what happened yesterday I couldn't." Optimus nodded in understanding and they stood in silence for a few minutes before Arcee spoke again, "Optimus I still have doubts about the Predacons being here. How can you be sure they'll be safe?"

He was quiet for a moment, "We need to give them a chance. I hope you can trust me on this. Remember they haven't been with the Decepticons like Predaking, right now their young Cybertroians that need help."

"That's 'if' they stay." Ratchet had entered the hanger. "Yesterday they really didn't have much of a choice." Which was true, yesterday they had been hurt, tired and confused.

"What if they don't want to stay?" Arcee asked what they were all thinking.

"As they say on Earth, 'will cross that bridge when we come to it," Optimus answered. Before anyone could ask they heard footsteps approaching and turned as someone entered the hanger. June had returned. "Mrs. Derby," Optimus greeted her.

"Hey June," Arcee said.

Ratchet simply nodded.

"Optimus, Arcee, doctor," June greeted them as she climbed the walkway to the humans area."I hear there's some new arrivals," she said as she checked on the children who continued to sleep.

"News travels fast," Ratchet grumbled.

"I ran into Ultra Magnus before I came in." She went serious, "So. . . what are we dealing with?"

"You remember they survived the explosion as the hidden lab?" Optimus asked, when she nodded he continued, "Were now certain there being hunted by the Decepticons, but Predaking is after them as well. Yesterday he fought them when they didn't except his dominance."

"And Optimus saw fit to bring them here," Ratchet grumbled. When everyone looked at him he continued, "We didn't exactly meet them on good terms."

"The only real fight was between Wheeljack and Kitsune," Arcee pointed out.

"Well. . . Wheeljack is Wheeljack," Ratchet reluctantly agreed.

"They are not our enemy and they don't seem to pose a threat to humanity," Optimus added. "We know the Decepticons are hunting them and we are unsure how another encounter with Predaking will go. They need help and as Prime it is my duty to assist them."

Ratchet still didn't look convinced. "We still don't know their loyalties or what Shockwave did to them, they did come into existence not long ago."

"That is true, and their new to the world," Optimus gazed the direction the Predacons were staying, "And as I said before there's. . . something about them."

"What?" Ratchet gave him a confused look.

"There's something different about them."

"Like how their described in human myths?" Arcee asked.

"Excuse me if I don't out much faith in human mythology," the medic grumbled.

"Behind legends are lessons in truth," June countered in a very firm tone.

Ratchet turned to her surprised, "I meant no offense."

"It's more than that old friend," Optimus got their attention. "The Matrix. . . it seems to approve of them." Both Autobots looked at him questioningly. Optimus placed a servo over his spark chamber where the Matrix rested, "There's more to them and I need to see this through."

"I'm still doubtful," Ratchet said looking away.

"We have to give them a chance, they are young bots after all."

"Not much of an ideal time with the war," Ratchet grumbled.

Optimus gave him a slightly amused smile, "I believe you said the same thing about Bumblebee's own upbringing."

"Don't remind me."

To everyone's surprise June agreed with Optimus, "You'll never know if you don't give them a chance."

Before Ratchet could respond they head someone else approaching, someone bigger. Everyone turned to find Destiny entering the main base still in her beastmode and June gave a soft gasp. Glancing around the Equinoid femme quickly transformed looking embarrassed, "Sorry, I'm. . . use to that form."

"There's nothing to apologize for, I know this is all still new to you," Optimus assured her.

Ratchet glanced at June, "Miss. Darby are you alright?"

June couldn't hide her smile, "For a moment I felt like that little girl again that was always looking for unicorns."

"What is it with young females and one horned equines?" He was further confused when June started laughing.

Optimus motion for Destiny to join them and she looked at June curiously. "This is June Derby, another of our human allies and Jack's mother. June this is Destiny."

"It's nice to meet you," Destiny said.

"Hello," June answered, "I wish we could of met under better circumstances."

"Yeah," Destiny agreed.

A noise drew everyone's attention to the corridor Destiny had entered to find the other Predacons were awake and had come looking for her also still in their Beastmodes, with a grumble Ratchet marched towards them to get them to transform before they destroyed something. The noise also woke the children.

"Mom?" Jack said, "When did you get back?"

"Just now," she answered.

"Sweet!" Miko said jumping up, "You've already meet the new guys."

The other Predacons transformed and Optimus drew their attention to June, "June meet Skydart, Light Flare, Kitsune, Trickster, Swift Claw and Chibi."

"Hello," June said with a wave.

"How many more of them are there?" Skydart suddenly spoke up in a annoyed tone.

Optimus frowned while Destiny narrowed her optics but it was Kitsune who answered. . . by slapping the blue armored mech on the back of the helm earning a startled yelp.

Before he could do anything the other Autobots arrived and Optimus supposed this would be a good time to try and settle everything. "I know yesterday was confusing but now we need to discuss how to precede."

"No kidding," Swift Claw whispered to Trickster, though her tone joking not accusing.

"First I want you to know you're not prisoners. We will not force you to stay, but the Decepticons will not leave you alone. And most of humanity don't know of our existents and for now we need to keep it that way."

"Why?" Destiny asked.

"Most are unaware that life exists among the starts and to reveal that now could start many problems, the truth needs to be handled carefully."

"And the Decepticons follow this rule?" Kitsune spoke up from where she was leaning against a wall arms crossed over her chest.

"For now it's convenient for them," Optimus answered.

While Ultra Magnus listened he was surprised when something suddenly tugged on the hand Ratchet had clobber together, he looked down to find Chibi pulling on one of the fingers. "That's impolite," Magnus said sternly pulling his hand away.

Chibi didn't seem fazed by the tone, "Why's it different?"

"What?"

The mechling pointed at the servo he had been tugging on, "Why's it different?"

Magnus hesitated, "I. . . had an accident."

He was saved from further explanation when Fowler walked in. "Hey Prime I- SWEET LADY LIBERTY! WHO ARE THEY?!" Fowler's cry startled everyone.

"Agent Fowler these are the Predacons, Destiny, Skydart, Light Flare, Kitsune, Swift Claw, Trickster and Chibi. " Optimus noticed when he said 'Predacons' Destiny's optics narrow for a moment.

Before he could think more of it Fowler exclaimed, "What am I suppose to do now?" He gestured at the Autobots, "It's easy for you, you can transform into cars. How am I going to explain a bunch of giant robot fairy tale animals?!"

Wheeljack gave a chuckle, "Maybe we can disguise them as vehicles." Kitsune gave him an annoyed look but he only resounded with a wide grin and a wink that made her roll her optics.

Ignoring Wheeljack Ratchet turned to Fowler, "Were working on it."

"Speaking of which," Kitsune got their attention, "We were wondering why were those. . . Decepticons attacking us?"

Optimus and Destiny shared a look and Prime gave them the same explanation he had given the Alicorn the other day. Some didn't take the news very well.

"They wanted to kill us?!" For a usually quiet bot Light Flare was the loudest in her dismay.

Skydart snorted, "I'm still not convinced."

"Sure because shooting at people is a great way to say hello," Trickster said in a halfhearted joke.

Kitsune growled, "When I see those Decepticons again I'm going to tare-" Destiny placed a hand on her shoulder before the fox femme could finished that sentence.

"Well, now what?" Swift Claw asked.

"You're going to have to make some choices concerning what you do now." Optimus knew there was no way around it, they needed to make a choice and there wasn't much time. The Predacons went quiet and even for all his boasting Skydart went silent. The silence grew tense and Optimus knew he needed to say something, his look turned thoughtfully, "Perhaps a history lesson is in order."

The Predacons were surprised by this but listened as the Autobots started with the beginning; Primus and Unicron, the Thirteen, the rise and fall of the Predacons and further history of Cybertron. Then casts system, the Great War and their time on Earth. The young bots seem to take it in stride and asked questions and the Autobots could always teach more later if the beastformers desired.

But they seemed content. . . and a little overwhelmed by everything they'd been told. "It's a lot to take in," Destiny spoke up.

Optimus nodded, "I know."

"So," Swift Claw also spoke up, "This war. . . it's been going on for awhile?"

"Indeed," Optimus answered.

"And these Decepticons are going to keep coming after us?" Trickster asked.

"That's if any of this is true." Everyone turned to Skydart who looked unfazed, he shrugged, "I mean really, how do we know these Decepticons are really so bad."

"Dude, they tried to destroy our world!" Miko shouted.

"I'm still not convinced," the blue mech continued stubbornly.

"Maybe we shouldn't judge bots we haven't actually meet yet," Light Flare tried in a soothing voice, she seemed like she was trying to support Skydart who was looking a little smug until. . .

"Maybe you didn't have a run-in with them but I did," Kitsune snapped at Skydart and Light Flare. Optimus noted she and Skydart didn't seem to get along as they glared at each other.

"Yeah," Swift Claw gave the Phoenix and Pegasus a hard look, "We did meet them, 'kind of', and they sure as heck weren't friendly."

"Well, maybe," Skydart reluctantly agreed looking at anything but the others. But then he looked at them determined, "But do you really want to stay here with them?"

"HEY!" Smokescreen snapped offended.

Chibi started jumping up and down, "I think-"

He was cut off when Skydart nudged him aside with his ped. "Sorry runt this is a big bot conversation."

The small bot glared at his fellow beastformer but he was ignored as the others continued the conversation, and their voices were rising as the argument got more intense.

"Well do you got a better plan?!" Kitsune's armor was puffing out in aggression.

"We don't need them, that's what I'm saying!" Skydart's voice was rising.

There was a tense silence after that, June suddenly clapped her hands together, "Come on kids, why don't we get out of the base for awhile."

"What!" Miko protested as she was pulled out of the base.

Fowler decided there wasn't much he could do at the moment and went to his office so the Autobots could sort this out.

"No one's forcing you to stay," Ratchet was reaching the end of his limits.

"Yeah," Smokescreen stepped in again, "If you don't want to stay then go."

"Maybe we should see what the others say," Ultra Magnus reminded them.

Things were getting tense again and Destiny knew she needed to do something, she quickly placed herself between the Predacons and Autobots. "Let's- let's stay calm and think this throu-"

Skydart cut her off, "I'm just saying we should leave."

"Do you speak for everyone?" Destiny demanded. The blue mech opened his mouth but then after a moment closed it, he crossed his arms over his chest and huffed stubbornly. The others were starting to look doubtful. Out of the corner of her optic she glanced at Optimus hoping he might intervene but she was surprised by the approving look he gave her. This was something she needed to solve. "I know this is new for all of us but I think it's best to remain for now, especially after what we've learned about the Decepticons and humans."

Skydart was looking frustrated and snapped, "Why should we care-"

Her patience had finally reached an end and Destiny stood to her full high and her wings spread out as she glared as the smaller mech. There wasn't anything threatening in her stance but an air of command that silenced Skydart, he turned to the others but even Light Flare looked away. Seeing no one was agreeing with him he lowered his wings, bowed his helm and backed away.

Destiny took a step back, she looked shaken.

Ratchet made a throat clearing sound, 'something he picked up from the humans', "Well now maybe we can get some work done. We still have Decepticons to deal with."

Optimus who had watched the exchange quietly shook his head, this would take some work, before turning back to Destiny. . . to discover her gone.

"If you're looking for your flying unicorn friend she just left," Fowler said when he noticed the Prime's look. Optimus turned to the entranceway spotting a shape flying away.

Laying on a ledge in beastmode that overlooked a valley Destiny didn't more when she heard the Prime approach her. She expected him to say something but instead he sat beside her and gazed over the valley as well. After several minutes of silence she reverted to her robot mode and spoke, "Have you ever done something you weren't sure was right?"

Without looking at her he gave a small sad smile, "More times then I'll ever know."

"There's. . . just so much going on I don't know what to do."

"The center of the storm is always still, and it's easiest to find a solution from there."

Destiny turned to him, "What does that mean?"

He finally looked at her and she saw the understanding in his optics, "Being a leader is not easy and there will be times when you want to give up. But being a leader is protecting and caring for others, something to never forget. Peaceful times will be few and you'll need to think on your feet, but when you do get those peaceful times use them wisely."

The white armored femme drew her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, "I don't feel much like a leader."

"You look out for the others, you put their needs first."

"But Skydart-"

"Is young and hotheaded and needs direction and responsibilities to hopefully clear his head," Optimus answered in a slightly stern tone.

A small smile tugged at her mouth as Destiny turned back to the valley, "Spoken from experience?"

"Indeed."

They sat in silence for a time before Destiny spoke again, "Why did you help us?"

Optimus didn't turned to her instead looking into the sky, "Because I can never turn away from someone who needs my help."

"Your very kind." He looked at her surprised but she couldn't meet his optics, instead she said, "I just. . . Should I keep the others there?"

"You're not prisoners thought I would suggest it would be easier to stay at base, thought you can come and go if you wish as long as your movements don't alert the Decepticons or put anyone in danger."

She looked at her servos, "I don't know. I'm. . . having doubts." She didn't look at him. The way Skydart had spoken and the others doubts, she wasn't sure what to do.

Optimus gazed at her for a moment before coming to a decision and stood while contacting Ratchet for a GroundBridge, when Destiny turned to him he held a hand to help her up. "Come," he said gently, "There's something I should show you."

"What?"

"Something important you need to see."