Chapter 19: One stop left
It was strange, knowing that the next bus stop would be the last you'd take in this world. It was strange merely to consider such a thought. Perceptor sat contemplating the strange thoughts that overtook him. They sat in the back of the bus. Percy sat in the middle with Bumblebee and Carly to his left and Prowl and Freddie to his right. Sam and Ironhide argued in the seats in front of them but no one tried to stop them.
"Everything alright Perceptor?" Prowl asked, nudging Perceptor lightly.
"Overwhelming thoughts," he answered. "What if I miss calculated? What is this ends badly for us all?"
"We trust you," assured Prowl.
"I don't trust me," murmured Perceptor, slumping over.
"Why not?" Prowl hummed, patting the back of the slumped over scientist.
"There are so many ways this could fail!" wailed Perceptor.
"But think of all the ways this could work," sighed Prowl.
"We trust you," nodded Bumblebee.
"Yea," smiled Carly.
Perceptor looked over all of them careful. Each held a smile and trust toward him. Why didn't he trust himself? Perceptor sighed, nodding. The bus hit a bump, slamming on the brakes. Sam cursed out the sudden stop with Ironhide, both jumping to their feet to inspect. No one else was on the bus, beside the driver who stared out the windshield with great interest. There was a sharp click, and the windshield shattered. The driver fell from his seat. Prowl jumped from his seat, pushing Freddie back down. Bumblebee held onto Carly who turned away quickly before seeing the red fall from the driver's body. Perceptor slowly stood as Prowl reached the front of the bus.
Another sharp click and Prowl was on the ground before the second round could get him. The ceiling took a pounding as the assailant continued to fire even though Prowl was crawling to the back of the bus. He stood once her got there, turning back to the front. He was panting hard, nearly out of breath. He motioned Ironhide to draw his weapon. The old warrior did so, pushing Sam back into her seat, much to her dismay.
"What we got?" Ironhide hummed.
"Every last Con in this world no doubt," snarled Prowl, slipping his gun out. "They've blocked our exit."
"Not the back," Freddie motioned, pressing the back windshield open.
"Think we can make it?" Bumblebee asked.
"Only chance," nodded Prowl. "Go!"
Perceptor slipped out first, followed by Freddie. They helped Carly down. Sam leapt down with no assistance. Bumblebee fell down last. They looked up, awaiting Prowl and Ironhide. Gun blasts sounded, several close and far. Perceptor felt a ringing in his ear, almost like a voice calling him. He turned his head, looking back toward the field they'd stopped by. He could hear the voice calling him so clearly. In a trance, Perceptor followed it, walking into the field.
"Percy!" gasped Carly, racing after.
"Where do they think they're going?" gaped Bumblebee, chasing after with Freddie and Sam on his heels.
Perceptor found a clearing quickly. The ringing in his ears was strong but not painful. He felt it all around, the energy of the vortex. One misstep could lead into a massive surge. He heard the others behind him quietly. They didn't say a word to him as they looked around the clearing. Perceptor felt off though, without Prowl and Ironhide among the group. It felt wrong to be this close to the end.
"Is this it?" Carly whispered. "Is this the last time we'll see you guys?"
"Possibly," nodded Bumblebee.
"We can't leave without Prowl and Ironhide," snarled Perceptor.
"Looking for these idiots?"
The group looked over at the Decepticons who held their guns tight, Prowl and Ironhide being held up by their collars. Though originally seeming like a normal hostage situation, Perceptor's eyes fell up Prowl side. It leaked a shimmering red liquid, seeping through Prowl's fingers as he held his side. Prowl groaned, turning away from Perceptor's watchful eye. Starscream offered a cunning smile, shoving Prowl onto the ground. The Autobot couldn't push himself up from the fall.
"Prowl!" gasped Freddie, stepping forward. Bumblebee pulled him back behind him.
"What do you want?" snapped Perceptor.
"We want to find Megatron," Starscream insisted.
"We want to leave!" shouted Thundercracker.
"We want out of this rotten world," scoffed Skywarp.
"All of these desires involve the exit portal," grumbled Starscream, "which means we need you, Autobot scientist."
"Like he'd help you!" cursed Sam.
"If we want Prowl to live, then yes," Perceptor sighed. "We have to choice."
"Don't do it!" coughed Prowl. "They'll strand us…"
"Which is correct," smirked Starscream, stepping forward. "You get us to the next world, and you are coming with us."
"Suppose I don't have a choice," Perceptor sighed.
"Nope."
Perceptor looked back at the humans who stood behind Bumblebee. They shook their heads. Sam whispered no. Perceptor looked over to Ironhide. He bared his teeth in a snarl, shaking his head as a sign of disapproval. Then finally, he turned to Prowl. The Autobot barely looked at the scientist. The ground was starting to grow red from the blood. He didn't suggest yes or no to him. Perceptor sighed.
"Let's see how this works out then," he smirked, stepping backward lightly.
He felt his heart skip a beat and begin to race. His eyes turned a brighter blue and the world faded into a familiar vision. He couldn't help but smile as the Decepticons began to back up. Prowl remained on the ground while Ironhide raced to his side. Everything seemed perfect but, Perceptor thought bitterly, something horrible seemed just around the corner.