Author's Note: Hahaha so I managed to get this up before yet another year had passed. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter and thank you for not losing hope! I know I'm not the best updater. (sigh)

Here's a link to Skywarp's dancing music: http:/ www. youtube .com/watch?v=h_I4T5ngH9Q (just remove the spaces, of course)

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers.

Chapter 19: Descendant pt. 3

"Slaggit, Prime, what are we going to do?"

Megatron's question was only responded by the burning air around them, the Autobot leader holding the tiny form of Skywarp gently in his enormous, comforting arms. Around them, things had drizzled down from the chaos that had previously been around them, as though that single attack had not only charcoaled their planet, but drained the very life from the survivors. After seeing the sheer power of one blaze from Unicron, Optimus had a hard time believing that there was anything left to do. With a single beam, their planet had nearly been salvaged in half. With a single beam, all hopes of winning this war had been destroyed.

"Optimus…" Skywarp whispered, glancing up at the Commander with his large, sky-blue optics.

Prime glanced down at the little one, smiling slightly at the sight of innocence still being able to thrive somewhere in this desolate universe. The youngling's expression remained fresh with determination, unhindered by the blow the planet had received. Such strength in such a tiny being…

"Tah show mus go on," he said simply, sitting up in the older's arms. "Starscweam."

Scowling, the Autobot's spark dropped in its very casing. Starscream. He'd failed him. He told the sparkling he'd protect him, and he'd failed miserably. Now, he would forever be used by Unicron as his force of destruction. To mock the very face of existence by using a child of innocence to destroy everything.

Next to him, the Commander noticed Bonecrusher unsteadily walk up to the two leaders, before he glanced at uneasily Skywarp. "Eh…I, uh, know that I'm not as shiny as a mirror…but you can use my body to deflect those crazy beams if ye need be."

Megatron blinked in surprise, saying, "You will surely die."

The Decepticon huffed as he glanced at his leader, unsure how to respond, then again at the sparkling before allowing for it to fall to the ground. "Yeah, well, it's better than having to live a place where everything I've known is destroyed."

"But…" Megatron began, crimson optics wide with wonder. No Decepticon had ever sacrificed themselves as such—perhaps for their leader, himself, but to think that someone such as he would even think to offer themselves, let alone actually go through with it. The mere thought was astounding.

"Me too!"

The voice, which had originated behind them, belonged to Jazz, whose arm had been completely torn from its socket. Optimus gasped as he aided the smaller in standing next to them, but the other pushed away. Offering his Commander a very determined look, he said, "What's worth living if there's nothing good to live for? I'd rather die knowing I tried to protect what I love most than to live in a universe where there's nothing to love at all! Prime, you gotta understand!"

"Yeah, like he said!" Ironhide supplied as he came up from behind the smaller mech, offering him support.

"This one agrees," muttered Blackout from Megatron's right side. "Besides, we Decepticons never go down without a fight."

Ratchet stood by the Commander, his ancient mind filled with wisdom and one that the other had always trusted. "Perhaps that's what the meaning of life is."

Swallowing, the Prime felt shaken by the words. The fact that a race that had been so divided so many millions of years finally had a one goal, something to join them together in a hope that, even though it was extremely unlikely, would keep them alive and protect what they cared for most.

Maybe, if we can destroy Unicron…after everything is done, there will be no more war. Maybe at last we can all enjoy the fruit of our efforts in the presence of peace.

Turning, Optimus glanced at his younger brother asking, "Well, what do you say? Ready to go up against something we're doubtfully going to survive?"

Megatron offered a smirk in response, adding, "It's nothing new, brother."

"Allright, then. We need all the metal we can gather! Skywarp is going to use such to block the oncoming attacks!" Optimus cried, his brother offering support by giving order in a thundering, booming voice. The Commander's spark squeezed at the thought of his younger sibling calling him brother without the taste of sarcasm or disdain. Like the days of old.

Suddenly, Optimus gasped as he felt something slam into his spark casing, grasping the metal on the outside of his chassis. Images and words filled his mind like water, overflowing with information as Prime felt his offspring—Bumblebee—connect with him. He saw things in a place he'd never been, the image of Starscream in the hands of some stranger mech, saw Barricade with shining golden optics, brighter than any star, saw as the pair ran towards a never-ending chasm of tunnels.

We're going to the core in hopes we can destroy Unicron from the inside. We have lost track of Starscream. Primus is guiding us. Find Starscream, Optimus! Keep our planet safe!

"Prime!" Megatron snarled, grasping his elder brother's shoulders and shaking him slightly.

The Autobot blinked once as he returned from his stupor, his breathing labored as he realized the scene he'd just witnessed. "Megatron! Bumblebee just contacted me!"

Perking up, the other released him as he asked, "From within Unicron?"

"Yes!" exclaimed the Commander.

Before being able to proceed, Unicron lit up the night sky once more, the glowing white energy making the mech fear for a moment that all hope was lost. The planet would not be able to survive a second wave of such colossal energy—certainly not any of them. In reaction, hundreds of Transformers went to work on gathering the necessary materials for Skywarp to deflect the attack.

However, even the Commander feared for the sparkling. What if he didn't survive? What with protecting the planet, he sacrificed himself?

"No worays!" returned the youngling as though reading his mind. "Cypertron knows."

"What do you mean Cybertron 'knows'?" questioned Megatron, tossing a sheet of metal to Blackout.

"It's alive," responded Skywarp with a smirk that Optimus hadn't seen since he was a Decepticon.

"'Alive'…?" whispered the Commander. Glancing towards what was left of the mirrors, he asked, "Can you talk to Cybertron, Skywarp?"

The youngling giggled. "Nope! Only Starscweam!"

Prime sighed.

"But…" he continued, "I can wake her up."

Suddenly, the youngling pounced from Optimus' grasp, making the Commander gasp with surprise as the tiny jet lifted himself into the air. Arms up, optics closed, he simply held himself in midair for a moment before he silently began to move. Despite the restrictions as a mechanical being, Skywarp seemed like the very flow of water as he began to dance, fluid and graceful, and for a moment, everyone seemed to be caught up in the startling display of beauty before the sparkling himself began to glow.

Energy cannot be destroyed, merely changed.

Light poured out from every inch of him, as though his spark had become empowered by his dance and was now at its brightest. Beneath the mechs' feet, light began to shine through the crevices, metal bending at its own will, even as the surprised Transformers attempted to make sense of it all. Prime was entranced at Skywarp, watching as he felt a sudden sense a déjà vu, like he'd watched the very same dance when he himself was merely a sparkling.

Then, he understood.

Around Skywarp, light began to bend, revealing a form, to everyone's revelation, was that of…a Prime.

"Impossible…" whispered Megatron, feeling as though his spark sunk in his reserves.

"He's a Prime descendant," Optimus filled in, slowly walking up to the marvelous demonstration. "From one of the original Thirteen."

Skywarp danced in unison with the image of the Prime, moving as though he was the ancient himself. The projection of the frame from the Prime was enormous, even compared to Optimus, a form of pure power and leadership. The blue form released a sudden thunderclap, metal frames, glass and mirrors lifting into the air in unison as they all shifted in direction with Skywarp's hand. The lights that had appeared from the planet itself grew brighter in reaction as the Transformers gasped from their broken attention and watched the ground underneath them split apart.

Metal collapsed, redesigned, shifted and put themselves together, the entire planet seeming to burst into life. It was creating its defense against Unicron, protecting its offspring, healing itself from the great onslaught it'd received before. Optimus could feel it as though it were alive—it sealed his wounds, made him feel stronger, connected to him on such a level he couldn't describe. Brightening, his spark seemed to awaken at the sight of this display, growing with strength as its golden color gleaming through the crevices. It was as though his very spark reacted with the planet's own, a mother that had awakened to guard her children.

I come back to you. I would give everything for you.

"Megatron!" Optimus exclaimed as he grabbed his younger brother from falling into a splitting trench.

"What's going on?" growled the Decepticon as they attempted to move to steady ground. Even his own spark had responded and was glowing a brilliant shade of ruby, so bright that his entire frame glimmered a beautiful red.

Pausing briefly, Prime murmured in return, "I think…the planet is awakening."

Perhaps the meaning of life is the fact of life itself. To thrive, to become something greater than before, to take something that wasn't there and to be able to create.

The Decepticon leader glanced back at the Autobot, his optics wide. Optimus watched Skywarp, marveled the by the intensity of his dance, humbled by the fact that something so small had something so great within him. Perhaps that was what Primus was trying to convey all this time.

Up in the stars above, the light force from Unicron's onslaught came down, preparing for another blow of destruction. Screams and chaos echoed throughout the environment, mechs fearing for their lives, when the newly structured barrier splayed the energy apart. It shimmered and was absorbed into the planet, the surface glowing a healthy blue hue as a result from the consumed power. The attempted attack had failed horribly—and for the first time in a long time, Optimus felt for certain this war could be won.

The things we cannot touch are what of the greatest importance.

Your time has come, Optimus Prime.

"Megatron," the Commander murmured, glancing at his younger brother, "I need your help."

"What?" questioned the other, baffled by the request. "What do you mean?"

"I received a message from Bumblebee, and he and Barricade went to Unicron's core. However, this leaves Starscream with anyone to save him. I need your flying power," asked the elder desperately, placing a hand on the other's shoulder. "I can't do this by myself. Help me rescue Starscream, Megatron."

The Silver one stared in shock at his brother, mind racing to figure out a decision. None of this was meant to happen—especially not to the Decepticon race. However, if a nutcase like Bonecrusher would be willing to give his life in such a manner, then perhaps…besides, even after this had all blown over, nothing would change. The deep hatred would still remain like it always did. But, for now, it seemed as though such emotions could be put aside until all this nonsense finished.

"Allright, you slagger, let's go," growled the silver one, snatching the smaller one before blasting off into the hectic night sky.

"Heavenly Primus, please don't me die!"

"Oh, shut up!"

"Ow!"

Bumblebee groaned, bewildered from the fall they had recently endured. Slowly, he managed to peel himself off from the slimy floor, when Barricade grabbed his arm and easily brought his feet. Although his optics retained their brilliant gold color, the Decepticon's attitude remained intact and without hindrance. Since falling into the catacombs, they'd been chased, attacked, closed in and pretty harshly beaten, all which Bumblebee had to defend the precious cargo.

Finally, they'd reached a point where a brief respite was in order, however, Barricade would have none of it.

"You're not the one who has a cannon and a Gatling gun and that's it!" complained the golden one, crossing his arms in effect.

The Decepticon looked back at him, and with a haughty smirk replied, "Well, it's telling us we're going the right way. Besides, won't you be pleased when we return to Cybertron heroes and you can tell about how you covered my ass while I destroyed Unicron? Albeit, pathetically."

Bumblebee simply offered a scowl in response, jutting out his jaw to show his annoyance. Nonetheless, he marched after Barricade as they moved forward again, before Bumblebee noticed that the tunnel they had now entered in was far different than the others. This one started to shed its sloppy innards and now took on a far more metallic look—the walls began to square out, the shine of silver replaced the red and pink of flesh from before. After a few moments, they were in a completely mechanical setting, lighting on the walls guiding them closer to the center.

"We're close. Bumblebee, this is where you come in," stated the creator, which the Autobot gave his full attention as they connected gazes, "Unicron takes on a mobile form that you will have to fight. Barricade will have to be the one to get to the very core to destroy it. After that, the entire form of Unicron will collapse. You will need to remain alive through all this. Give Barricade enough time and the mobile form will be shattered as well—because, after the core is destroyed, Barricade will be extremely weak and you will need to carry him out. I will give you the wings you need to do this. Are you ready?"

Swallowing hard, the Autobot thought for a moment as he gazed at his friend, his face mimicking what Bumblebee might see as Primus. Knowledgeable. Reliable. Powerful.

"Yes," murmured the young one as he walked in front of his creator, cannon at the ready position. "Whatever it takes."

The pair burst into an all-out sprint, eating up the distance between themselves and the final room. Light blossomed from the end of the tunnel, which in a different circumstance would be a sign of hope, was now one of dread. Bumblebee was going to be in the fight of his life, and would survive for the sake of Primus. For the sake of Barricade and everyone else.

"Hey," the Decepticon suddenly murmured as he ran besides his companion, "I think I owe you an apology."

"An apology?" repeated the other, optic ridges flying upwards in surprise.

"Yeah, from way back when," muttered the other as he attempted to swallow the pride in his throat that had settled there for millions of years. "You know what I'm talking about."

Bumblebee stared at him for a moment, before their attention was placed elsewhere when the room finally opened up to them. The golden one's spark squeezed so hard in its casing he thought he'd have an attack, but he realized it was the same feeling he had when he first plunged into battle as a young warrior—the idea that he wouldn't make it. But he would have to. He didn't allow himself the choice.

As light revealed the center of the enormous spark casing, Bumblebee immediately noticed the mobile projection Primus had spoken of, which obviously was waiting for them as they entered. The Autobot didn't offer a single word or thought before he dove straight for the enemy, firing his cannon several times. The other easily dodged it, using a fist to retaliate as he sent the smaller mech flying across the room. Bumblebee snarled, jumping to his feet before once more attacking the form of Unicron.

"Primus' life forms never did make any sense," muttered the Planet-Eater as he received another punch from the offending Autobot. "Protecting someone who betrayed you so deeply. Became your enemy. Destroyed your friends and your home."

"Shut up!" cried the other, before he was thrown off, once again across the room. Snapping out the Gatling gun, he fired rapidly and smoke plumed from the target.

Unicron suddenly burst out, catching the smaller as he threw him against the wall, then taking his arm and twisting it to break the wires and skeleton beneath. Bumblebee released an agonizing cry, tears blossoming at the corner of his optics before he bit his lip, attempting to disconnect from the pain. The death dealer lifted his mouth next to the golden one's audio receptor, murmuring softly, "After all, was it not Barricade who killed your best friend while in ranks? You were merely in training and he committed murder in pure brutality. I don't think I've ever seen an Autobot quite so enraged before. It must've been so bitter…your morals restrict you of achieving revenge, but what would your friend think of you if she knew that you were helping the very mech that brought her death? Quite the irony if you ask me."

Unicron's head suddenly slammed against the wall from behind Bumblebee, causing the mech the stumble back. Barricade swung his fist back, gaining power, before he threw it forward, knocking the other clear across the room. The Chaos Bringer released a surprised grunt before Barricade was upon him, grinding him to the floor with flails. Metal shredded beneath his might, kicking up as it sprayed across his body. Almost on cue, Bumblebee appeared and once more released a rapid fire right on Unicron's face.

"I've got it! Get to the spark!" cried the Autobot, shooting a motion towards the center. Barricade glanced once at the crumpled arm the other now had to endure, but proceeded nonetheless. Bumblebee was strong—much stronger than the other gave himself credit for. He would be okay for now.

With a Decepticon-like growl, Bumblebee landed blow after blow to Unicron's face and chassis, giving his all to stop the monster. To the scout's horrified shock, the mech suddenly stood and threw the Autobot off his torn and bruised frame, this time heading straight for the Decepticon.

Meanwhile, Barricade raced to destroy the spark, using his sharp claws to cut the thin glass that formed as a last line of defense. Then, he punched it, easily destroying the layer before revealing what was inside. Behind him, there was a sharp growl and before Barricade could even turn, Bumblebee tackled Unicron as he attempted to halt the dark one's efforts.

"Keep going!" cried the Autobot, only fueling Barricade's resolve.

What do I do now?

The center core is what gives Unicron life. Destroy it.

Peering inside the hole, Barricade saw the very center—the spark, a pitch black sphere with tiny tendrils of glowing green trailing off of it. Putting his arm through the hole, which was barely large enough to fit his head and a single limb, the Decepticon released as many missiles as he was able. Suddenly, he was snapped out from his position, slamming hard into the unforgiving floor. Large crimson optics glanced up at the perpetrator and was shocked when Unicron fell upon him, taking a single hand to his throat to begin choking him.

"It's going to take a lot more than that to destroy me!" cried the Planet-Eater, crushing the smaller mech's neck. "You foolish little insects think you can destroy a god like me? How dare you insult me so!" With that statement, he took one of Barricade's arms and tore it from its very socket, the Decepticon screeching in unprecedented pain. Shrapnel and wiring, tubes and plastic splayed across where the limb barely held on before being totally separated. A heady rush of adrenaline crept up on Barricade as he gasped in pain, his body demanding he fall into recharge. "I'll destroy you both along with your ridiculous planet!"

Bumblebee.

Two hands grappled the back of Unicron's being, tearing him away from the Decepticon before the golden one lifted him into the air, using every ounce of his strength to toss the mech into his own spark. Standing protectively over his counterpart, the Autobot released a very mechanical shriek before he pounced on the Planet-Eater. Holding him down, the Autobot took a leg and, severing it from his body, used it as a slugger to beat the evil god until those piercing green orbs had grown dim.

Barricade gasped in pain as red warnings flashed before his optics, the Decepticon clenching his jaw as he grunted and turned himself back over. Shaking, he unsteadily rose to his feet as Bumblebee continued to hammer the living hell out of the form of Unicron. It was no mistake the police cruiser had seen the Autobot's optics turn gold before tossing the Chaos Bringer like a rag doll; now all that's left to do was destroy the spark.

Coughing, Barricade slowly made his way over to Unicron's spark, the hole he'd made earlier now enlarged by Bumblebee's clever move. The Decepticon could feel his own spark throb and beat stronger than he'd ever felt before, noticing its golden light reflect off his meal frame. Suddenly, Bumblebee was there again, offering him aid to reach the core. As crazy as the Autobot had went, he was now very gentle with his friend, easing him into the globe of the spark and keeping him steady.

"That went well…" muttered the dark one, leaning heavily into the other. "I need a vacation after this one."

"I'll second that," Bumblebee laughed softly, offering a smile. "We'll be able to after this. Everyone will be too tired after this crap to do any more fighting for awhile."

Barricade paused a moment, thoughtful, before asking, "You think so?"

"Oh yeah. Megatron might, but we still have a planet to rebuild, so he'll be occupied for awhile," responded the other as they took a gander at the core. "Sheesh, you'd think that he'd have better protective measures for an evil god."

"I wouldn't call him slacking on the tentacles, bats and that smaller projection of him," murmured the Decepticon before releasing himself from Bumblebee's hold.

"So what should we do?" questioned the Autobot as he poked at the center.

Barricade stared at his counterpart for a moment, wondering how to approach the subject. He figured that Bumblebee should know by now—but perhaps he'd retained that foolish Autobot moral of always trying to bring his cohorts out of impossible situations. How could he possibly tell his friend that…

"Bumblebee…" Barricade began, gathering the golden's attention, before he continued: "I…um…I don't know how to say this, but…"

But he couldn't finish.

A piercing sword split through the Decepticon's chest and his very spark as the remnant of Unicron's smaller form stabbed him. "I'M NOT DONE YET!"

"Barricade!"

See what happens when we trust others?

Starscream couldn't feel his body anymore.

We get slagged in the end.

He couldn't even think.

Perhaps a coward I may be, but it's the coward who survives.

Tears rolled down the sparkling's tiny face as he continued to scream at the top of his capacity, electricity crackling around him as the room shook violently. Energy filled the air like water, thick and rolling as it chaotically attempted to find a place of release. It streamed out the amplifier by the klik, flowing through and shifting into a destructive force to destroy everything the youngling had known. It was destroying him inside…the dark presence of his other self pillowed around him in a trembling force the sparkling had a hard time believing was himself.

Why?

What do you mean, "Why"?

Why…can't there be happiness?

Happiness is a fairy tale. It's just a matter of being able to minimize your suffering to get through each day.

But I've been shown each day is a gift. Each moment to hold and to cherish.

Hah! If each day is a gift, my address must be wrong.

Strange, because…Optimus says it's what we make of it…

An Autobot would say such a thing.

Then why is it so bad? Can't you feel it? That feeling of home?

Silence returned, Starscream felt his spark pang in realization. Through the agony, he managed to form words into his screaming torture, attempting to sing and change the tune of the energy. Light and electricity bent from the transition, although still retained the taste of disdain from Starscream's pain.

Why would you fight for something that might not even be real?

Why would you fight for something that gives you nothing but pain?

The spirit of Starscream's older self seemed to scowl, hovering over him, a presence of shadows and savage brutality, but also of a great sadness. Countless times of being betrayed, to be offered something good before it was snatched away from his very hands. That's why he became a soldier of destruction and no longer was a scientist…what was the purpose of discovering life and its mysteries when all it did was cause wars and death?

The youngling reached out, using every bit of his light to chase away the blackness that rested in his own spark, to offer a new future. His innocence poured into the ancient core of who he once was, his tiny spark racing with a heavy dose of mixed emotions, searching for some sort of solid ground. His only hope for Optimus to come and save him kept the tiny sparkling from delving into madness; something that someone so young should never encounter.

We're not alone anymore. We don't have to act this way.

But what if…he doesn't come…?

Starscream closed his optics, unable to gather the energy in order to reach out to the brilliant burning presence of Optimus.

Then I can be sure that he still lives!

Collecting all of his self control, the sparkling forced his screams to become words, at least enough to form a different type of energy. He would use all of his strength if he had to—anything so that his opi could survive.

I never had anyone to live for.

You do now. So please help me. This place will be nothing without opi.

The two generations stared at each other, Starscream's shining red orbs gazing into the tiny baby blue optics of the younger. Tightening his scowl, the elder slowly shut his optics before he offered his conclusion, gathering a sigh before releasing.

A life with a guardian…someone to finally offer me leadership and love…what will I become then…? Especially with that of the Autobot Commander?

I can be better than before. I can look for things to help other mechs, just like opi has helped me.

Starscream opened his optics once more, staring into the light of the child he once was. Never would he'd have dreamed to see such a thing—to find a path to where his future was not drowned in chaos and suffering. With Optimus, there would always be acceptance and cherishment. The Autobot would raise the jet with morals, structure and truth. Did his old self fear such a future? Perhaps. But it wasn't his choice anymore. The youngling in him sought what Optimus offered…and he would retaliate.

I guess you don't need "me" anymore.

I won't ever forget.

Just remember to keep moving forward.

The spirit form of the ancient Starscream congregated around his younger self, using what little power he had to break away the hold Unicron had on him. Tentacles split apart and released the smaller, though he remained in midair as his voice released a powerful note, breaking apart the minute room that encase him. The pair would sing together as one, as a strong, single life, but by the day's end, what little left of the older self would be dismantled by the younger.

But this time we will become great.

With a deep sigh, the first Starscream opened his mouth,

Kneel...
In silence...
Alone...
My spirit bares me...
Pray...
For guidance...
Towards home...

The younger followed through, his spark throbbing in its casing as the tears of pain dried on his face.

Kneel... (dream within dream we travel)
In silence... (empires of faith unravel)
Alone... (sealed with our virtues' treasures)
Kingdoms falling...
Down... (who's hand commands this thunder)
In silence... (cry as we're torn asunder)
Alone... (unto what gods do I call?)
Protect us in our...

Fall...
Away...
My soul wandered... born by grace...
I flew on high...
Sheltered...
From this thunder...
Calling heaven…

Don't stop singing…

A/N: I hope this made it up in some way! I've been keeping this story for so long, it'll be nice to finally finish it. I hope to do this before summer's end. Anyways, I hope you guys like this epic ending! Two more chapters will remain and hopefully will be up to your expectations. This is the way I've always wanted it to end.

By the way, I updated the rating because of the way Bumblebee behaves in this chapter. I think you understand. Ehehe…yeah…

Here's a link to the song at the end, so you guys read it along with the music (it sounds cooler that way): http:/ www. youtube .com/watch?v=Z6KilO_AiZU

Read and review, please!