Hola People! Sorry I've been gone so long.
Once again, thank-ty thank you's goes to; xVentressx, Bee4ever, saiyan blue angel, A-Mais-Pura-Preguica-do-mundo, jogss, Lunarburst23, CastieLunaWinchester, SapphireSpark, Fandom Jumping Expert, 99luftballonsx.o.x, wolfimus prime, Xarine, and Agent-Cheesecake!
Chapter Twenty-One: Holding on to Heaven
I stared at him with wide eyes, I could feel my heart in my throat, as if it was trying to crawl up my throat to escape the sudden horror that swirled inside me. Sideswipe gave me another empathetic look before turning to Lennox and Epps and informing them on the news.
I just stood there, as troops began leaving the cafeteria, when the emergency was broadcasted over the intercom system. Sideswipe was saying something to me, but I couldn't hear it, I couldn't hear anything but the last five words replying over and over in my head like a broken record.
Cons are attacking in Washington.
My family…
"Charlie!"
I was suddenly snapped out of the daze and stared directly into the worried blue eyes. He was shaking my shoulders, and my head bobbed back and forth lazily, before I shook my head, trying to clear the haziness.
"Charlie! Hello? Are you okay? You like you're about to pass out…" He trailed off when I groaned softly.
"My family…" I whispered.
"It's okay, it's going to be okay, I promise. Here, you got to come with Jenna, you'll-"
"No!" I yelled, wrenching out of his grasp, "My family!"
He sighed, "Charlie, I know, I get it. But you need to calm down."
"They're in trouble! This is all my fault!" I yelled, tears already blurring the edges of my vision, as I pushed past him to follow the older soldiers who were heading down the halls towards the weapon room, some were already loading up on Jeeps with guns the size of my body.
Someone grabbed me by the arm and yanked me back, and I turned to glare harshly up at the person. It was Jenna.
"Let me go!" I growled, struggling to get free of her death grip.
She shook her head, under the calmness I could see worry and panic in her eyes, "You got to calm down. Hey, let's go to the Rec Room."
Before I could open my mouth to respond, Jenna was already weaving her way through the crowd of frenzied soldiers, pulling me along with her. She finally slowed down once we were in the civilian hallways, and loosened her grip enough that I could wrench my hand out of.
"What the hell, Jenna?!" I yelled, the emotions surging inside me. I was so angry that I didn't know what to do with myself, other than scream at Jenna.
She sighed, "C'mon Charlie, can't you just stop being stubborn?"
My mouth dropped, and the blood under my skin was boiling. "Stubborn?! My family is there, where the Cons are, and I know from personal experience just how cruel and evil they are! They're going to kill and destroy and not even care! I came to this damn base to protect them, and now it's useless! I need to go with them Jenna, I need to protect them!"
"Protect them? How?! You can't take them on, you're only going to get yourself killed!" Jenna snapped, running her fingers through her hair in frustration.
I felt the tears run down my cheeks as my heart lurched in my chest, "It doesn't matter! They are my family!"
"You're right, the Cons will kill and destroy, and what happens if they kill you, huh? Then what? Be smart Charlie, you have zero to no training, you wouldn't survive. You need to calm down, N.E.S.T knows what they're doing!" Jenna argued, her chest heaved up and down, "Don't be stupid trying to be a hero and kill yourself!"
I felt like crying, and screaming, and punching something all at once. I gave her the most iciest glare I could ever give anyone, and spat out in a bitter tone, "I hate you."
Jenna looked taken aback, her green eyes wide and her mouth slightly hung open. Immediately, her face soften as she shook her head, "Charlie, you know I didn't mean-"
"Don't ever talk to me again." I snapped, cutting her off, and fleeing the room as quickly as I could.
"Charlie! Stop!"
I pushed myself to run even farther, turning sharply around corners. I ran until my lungs felt like they were on fire, and I nearly tripped over myself, gasping for breath. My heart was pounding in my ears, and nausea had my head spinning slightly. Footsteps and the sounds of urgent commands startled me, before a group of soldiers raced by, and eagerly, I followed.
Everyone was rushing, yelling out quick commands as the emergency kept broadcasting itself throughout the intercom system. They finally raced into the weaponry room, loading themselves with guns and strapping on bulletproof armor underneath their uniforms. I easily blended into the slight chaotic organization of the soldiers filling inside.
I pulled on the bulletproof armor, watching the guy in front of me as he clasped it all on, before the camouflage helmet. A black assault rifle was shoved into my hands, and I fumbled to keep it from dropping to the ground in the frenzy of shouting and the cocking of guns. Somehow, I managed to snap on my helmet and followed the armored soldiers down the hall and through a large opened door where large Jeeps and military vehicles rumbled loudly.
They began breaking off into different section, filing inside the cars, and I had to sprint over to the nearest military Jeep. It was difficult, trying to hop up on to the ledge while moving the rifle, and when I felt myself about to fall backwards, a hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. It was the guy I ran into earlier today in the hallway, and he stared at me with wide eyes for a couple of seconds, before the engine came to life. I gave him a pleading look, praying that it would be convincing, and he stared at me for what seemed like forever before finally snapping out of whatever stupor her was in and helped pulling me inside the Jeep. Just in time, as the car began to roll out of the base.
I sat in silence, staring ahead and clutching the rifle close to my chest. The Jeep kept going over large bumps in the ground, so much that my butt was lifted a few centimeters off the seat and I nearly fell out of the vehicle, since there wasn't doors. My hands were shaking, and my heart pounded madly inside my chest as horrifying scenes raced through my mind. The last thing I wanted to do was see a Decepticon, especially after Bird-Con, which I still had nightmares about. But I'd do anything to keep them safe.
Finally the Jeep pulled up to an area with incredibly large planes, and my chest surged with anxiety when I noticed some of the Autobots were driving on to the planes. Would they notice me? I doubted they would, but it kept me cautious and I adjusted the helmet a little more, tucking strands of my hair inside of it and trying to look more like a male. It helped that I was, sadly, kind of flat chested.
My stomach churned uneasily as the Jeep came to a stop, of course pulling up to the plane right next to where the Autobots were loading up. Carefully hopping out of the Jeep, I jogged up the hatch with the other soldiers, noticing the familiar engine of the silver Corvette. I couldn't help but glance, and he was there, followed by his shiny yellow twin, both engines purring deeply as they drove up the hatch, headlights flashing brightly. Swallowing nervously, I ducked my head a little, praying that I wouldn't be noticed.
I didn't even have time to be relieved when I finally made it inside, because Lennox was on this plane, shouting at orders as soldiers began to take their seats along the sides, clasping themselves to the seat belts. Holding in a breath as I passed by him, I sat as far away from him as possible, before leaning my rifle to the side so I could put on my seatbelt. Lennox was still shouting out orders, and the hatch was closing as a couple of more soldiers swarm in, taking their seats.
Well...I made it.
Letting out a sigh of relief, I leaned back against the seat, the plane engine rumbling to life as Lennox finally sat down. My sweaty hands clasped my rifle again, and I stared at the words "N.E.S.T" painted on the opposite side of where I was sitting.
"You're either really brave, or really stupid." A voice startled me, and I flinched before my eyes snapped to the person.
It was the same boy from the Jeep. My stomach churned uneasily again. I was sure he wouldn't do anything about it because he let me on, was he going to rat me out now?
"W-What?" I stuttered quietly.
He shook his head, "This isn't like training, this is real. This mission is dangerous, I shouldn't have let you on."
My eyes narrowed, "Look who's talking. You were in the same training class as me, what makes you think I can't handle myself?"
He cocked his head to the side as he shot me an incredulous look, "Didn't you tell me this morning you were just recovering from an injury?"
He had a point, but I just rolled my eyes and continued to stare ahead, "I've had contacts with the Cons before. I know what to expect."
"Still, you're not ready to fight them. Do you even know how to use that?" He asked, pointing at my rifle.
I glowered, but didn't turn to face him, "Can you please shut up?"
He sighed, muttering something under his breath before finally turning away. I could already feel the plane moving, it was even more rough than the Jeep ride, and nausea swirled inside my head again as we began ascending into the air. I gripped the weapon in my hand a little tighter, squeezing my eyes tight and bit my lip hard.
I hated heights.
(Sideswipe's POV)
I was worried about Charlie. Her family meant everything to her, and I wasn't sure if Jenna would be able to handle her until I could get back. Primus, I hope she didn't do anything reckless. She always does dumb slag when she's like that. But still, I was worried.
::I hope you knew I apologized.::
I was snapped out of my thoughts, the comm from our twin bond startling me. I was mildly surprised that Sunny was speaking to me this early, especially since he hasn't even looked at me since the fight. I sighed, as the memories came rushing back, and my spark sank a little deeper in my chassis.
::Look Sunny, I want to apologize. I know you didn't hurt Charlie, and I was being a major afthole...no worse, words can't describe how bad I feel for treating you like that. I was...I was angry, so angry that someone would hurt her like that, and because you're so cruel to her all the time, I just...I assumed it was you. I'm sorry, I really am.::
Minutes had gone by without a reply, and I was beginning to worry that he was still mad, which he was understandable. He had the reason to be pissed as hell, but then the first comm he sent finally registered in my processors, and I froze.
::Wait...you apologized?::
::As much as I don't like it, you're my brother and if that puny little carbon-based life form makes you happy, then I won't interfere with your friendship with her. I promise.::
Once again, I was shocked. ::Really?! You'll actually give Charlie a chance?::
::I never said I was befriending her.:: He said sharply.
A little of the happiness deflated, ::Oh.::
::I just don't want to fight with you anymore, I'm tired of it.::
I sighed. ::So am I.::
::So there. That's the compromise, understand?::
::Wait! Is she allowed to come to our room?:: I asked quickly.
::Frag no!:: He snapped, followed by his tire hitting me.
::Hey!::
::The squishy is not allowed in our room. EVER:: Sunstreaker said coldly.
::Grump-aft.:: I grumbled over the bond.
::I'm serious, Sideswipe.:: Sunstreaker warned.
::Yeah, yeah. I get it.:: I muttered, as the plane began to ascend. The unmistakable sounds of shooting, screams, and destruction all around.
"Autobots. Prepare for landing." Optimus' baritoned voice rumbled over the comm link.
::You ready to kick some Con's aft, Sunny?:: I taunted.
::Stop calling me that.:: Was the only reply, but I knew that meant yes.
The hatch began to descend, and Optimus rolled out first, followed by the rat of us. I transformed in the air, giving loud whoops as I soared down to the city below. Pain raced across my helm as Sunstreaker smacked me, and I glared at him before kicking him.
Once we hit ground, I unsheathed my twin blades, glancing over at Sunstreaker who did the same thing. We nodded slightly at each other, and in that moment, I knew that I was truly forgiven.
(Charlie's POV)
The plane landed, and I unclasped my seatbelt as Lennox was already up, shouting at people as they exited the hatch.
It was unlike anything I'd ever seen in the movies. My heart dropped to my stomach as the city I once known was nearly demolished; smoking buildings coated in orange flames, wreckage lining the roads and people screaming as giant robots above continued to blast the city to smithereens. The Autobots were already there, fighting back against the Decepticons.
One of the Autobots, the small silver one named Jazz, had just sliced the head right off of a Decepticon, and I couldn't help the grim satisfaction I had gotten out of that. These robots were the evil ones. They deserved to die as painfully as possible.
I let out a shriek as a car flew over my head, before crashing into the building behind me, setting it up in flames. A large, bulky grey robot with eyes that were a deep purple came around the corner, hissing with sharp teeth as it's hand transformed into a gun and fired. I began to run, but couldn't quite get out of the way in time, as the heat of the explosion burned my skin and sent my airborne.
I landed ten feet from where I was originally standing, and my head pulsed with a throbbing headache. Other than a few scratches on my face, I wasn't greatly injured, but I had to quickly scramble up to my feet as the giant robot swung out with long sharp claws. Gunshots filled the air as soldiers nearby began firing uselessly, and I screamed as another explosion rocked the ground violently.
During the first explosion, I was separated from my rifle, and now I was unarmed. I had to get to my family, that was important. Luckily, I knew the way to my house from here. Running as fast as I could, I ran through and alley, coming to another street when a large robot fell to the ground, thick blue liquid seeping out and spraying everywhere as it neck was brutally sliced open.
Screaming, I took shelter under an upside-down car, as the robot with long blue and red legs sliced into another one with a thick sword. I quickly recognized him as Optimus Prime, and once the legs were no longer in my line of sight, I made a run for it across the street, avoiding the piles of blue liquid. My breaths became heavy, and I was panting like an old dog. I couldn't really walk straight because of all the explosions trembling the earth.
I stopped again, leaning on the side wall of a vacated building. It was a small private school, I remembered coming here when I was seven. The windows were smashed, half of the roof was missing, and whatever was left of the roof was currently on fire. I nearly purged as the scent of so much blood suddenly swept into my nose. Dead bodies were laying there, all different shapes and sizes; women, men and children.
Tears blurred my vision as I noticed a body of a small little boy. He was slumped over the window with pale blue eyes wide open, staring up at the sky. His mouth was open too, and blood that was once leaking from it was now dried to his throat and all on his school uniform. Another roll of nausea came, and my lips quivered as I stared at him. He was so young, it wasn't his time. This wasn't any of their times, they all didn't deserve to die.
My shaky legs weakened to the point that I collapsed on my knees, my head racing as more horrific scenes flashed through my head. I cried for this boy in the window, and I cried for everybody else inside. The agony twists in my chest, and I let out a coarse cough because I'd been crying so hard. Blinking through the tears, I slowly reached out with a trembling hand, and closed the little boy's eyes. His skin was so cold, and I briefly wondered how long he'd been dead. I stroked his hair softly, praying that this boy made it to heaven.
It was the only thing I could hold onto now.
Distant gunshots went off again, and I was snapped out of staring at the boy, to get to my feet. Screams of anguish filled their air, along with deep snarls that I knew instantly were not human.
Footsteps shook the ground, and before I knew it, I was swept off the ground and in a clawed grip. I screamed, trying to wriggle myself out of the Decepticon's hand, but his death grip on me only tightened to the point that it was making my lungs burn with agony. Not this damn thing again!
The Decepticon's wrist flicked, and suddenly I was upside down, only hanging from one leg, "Let me go!"
Panic and nausea swirled inside my head, and I thought frantically for a way to escape. His claws were piercing through my skin, and drawing blood. The smell of my own blood sickened me even more, and I was instantly reminded of those dead people in the school building. My heart lurched painfully in my chest as I cried out for help. His hand transformed into a gun, and aimed it me with the insides swirled a bright orange.
I couldn't die.
I needed to live, I needed to see them again.
My heart pounded in my ears, as the grip became even tighter on my leg.
All the memories, all the pain, all the blood that was shed. It came back to me, hurtling at full force and hit me like a blow to the face. It was never really the Autobots who brought my life to the way it is now; it was them. These evil creatures were what kept me up at night, checking every dark corners frantically. I've had a lot of fears, but suddenly they mean nothing compared to the fear I had of these tyrannical, atrocious monsters.
"Let me go! Let me go, please!" I cried out.
It was like the world was set in slow motion. The strange purple, piercing eyes that were glaring at me was no more as a giant sword split the head apart. Sparks snapped, and that same blue liquid gushed out. I let out another agonized cry as the liquid touched my skin. It felt like I was being lit on fire. The pain became unbearable, as I fell from the loose grip of the dead Decepticon, and just when I thought I was about to become a Charlie-sized splat on the ground, a hand caught me.
My skin was still burning, and I began to see large black splotches in my vision. I turned my head weakly, to look up at the owner of the hands, to see a golden yellow face with narrowed blue eyes staring back at me.
And then the world slipped into darkness.
