Notes: This story is written in a really weird point of view. It was written that way so I wouldn't have to pick a specific Maximal. You can insert your favorite Maximal when you read it...Or tell me who you think it might have been :3
"Don't slag Wazpinator!"
It's a typical sight. Waspinator, cowering in a box canyon, scraping and groveling and begging. He's sustained severe damages; in fact, one wing is torn clean off. You're not sure if that's the result of one of your people firing on him, or if he was simply caught in the crossfire. He's scorched in several places -Inferno is always a bit overzealous in battle- armor dented. He already looks like slag.
And it's plain to see…It was a really rough battle.
But you have him now. A smile curls your mouth upwards at the thought.
He's there, trapped. You followed him -orders are orders- and now you've boxed him into a corner. There's no way for him to escape; no way but up, and he can't even go that way, with his missing wing, he's rendered flightless.
Perfect.
You aim your weapon. "Why shouldn't I?" The question is casual; taunting him is fun. You never really understood why the Predacons like to play with their prey - Until now.
He hunches up a little more, arms curling protectively around his head, as if that will keep him safe from your weapon fire. He would try to edge away, but his back is pressed as close to the wall as can be. He glances up at the sky, almost as if he expects help to come from above, then looks back, right at you, unblinking optics fixed on your face.
"I want to live." It's a quiet yet commanding response. You've never seen him so serious before. Never knew he could be so serious; he always seems to be fueled by nothing more than his emotions, driving him to make mistakes.
His tone is enough to stay your hand as you consider his statement.
He sounded…normal.
Moments later, he is fleeing the scene, half limping, half running.
It's not because you're feeling generous. He's done little to earn your generosity. It also isn't because you're in a forgiving mood. He doesn't deserve your forgiveness And it's certainly not because you're a Maximal and protecting life is your prerogative; here on this planet, it's kill or be killed.
No, it's because you have never heard him speak like that, with dignity, in first person. It is startling; unusual. Enough to remind you that he is as mortal as us all and that, someday, no CR tank will be able to put him back together again. He wants to live badly enough to force himself into proper speech…
You let him go because you know just how desperate he is to survive.