buPart 5: The King is Dead/b
blockquoteAny form of real betrayal can be final. Dishonesty can be final. Selling out is final. But you are just talking now. Death is what is really final.
- Islands in the Stream (1970) - Ernest Hemingway/blockquote
The Command Deck was quiet.
Far too quiet.
And that was a blessing for Knock Out.
It had been a few days since he had taken care of Starscream and it really was a pleasant feeling to be able to work without the seeker screeching and whining every few seconds well, alongside that the nigh-omnipresence of Soundwave and Airachnids arrogance were also gone.
At that time, the only sound was the medic looking over the computer screens for any signs of energon, a few Vehicons at different consoles and wandering almost aimlessly and Megatron standing at the helm.
Hmph.
d changed quite a lot over this time.
When Airachnid was offline, the mighty leader barely batted an optic over it and carried on.
However, when Soundwave disappeared, their Lord started to become antsy. Every so often, he would stop and peer over his shoulder, as if he were expecting someone to come along and stab him in the back. Too bad he no longer had a surveillance officer.
And then Starscream disappeared.
s when everything just went downhill; Megatron became more confrontational and would snap at anyone who came too close, like a so-called . Some of the Vehicons even whispered to each other that in the dead of the night, you can hear the warlord muttering quietly. Some even claimed to have heard him his fallen SICs name.
So maybe they were more than just Master and subordinate?
As Knock Out thought of it, Megatron stood from his throne and walked off without a word, his expression cold and distant? My Liege? He asked, putting on his best concerned tone. Is everything okay?
None of your business! The warlord snapped, not even turning to face the medic. Just get back to work, Knock Out!
As soon as he spoke those words, Megatron skulked out of the room, his heavy footsteps resonating through the cold metal. Knock Out smirked when he was sure no one could see him. Everything was turning out perfectly and there was no way he could be stopped now!
Time to prepare the final part
Megatron skulked through the hallways off the Nemesis, avoiding any optic contact with anyone he passed by. It was easy to do that, however, since the Vehicons had long since learnt that approaching the warlord during these sort of moods was the equivalent of holding a malfunctioning blaster to your head among a cluster of scraplets.
The massive mech stomped through the hallways, his pedes on autopilot, not even caring where he was carried off to. He honestly couldnt care about anything by then, he never had, especially after
No, he would not think of that!
Megatron looked up and cursed under his breath when he realised he had gone to the opposite end of the ship. Funny how you end up places yet you never notice But there was something wrong around here, but what was it?
That smell.
Ah, it was clear now.
s olfactory sensors picked up a sour and rotten stench in the air, although it was incredibly faint; being a Gladiator did mean using every possible sense to take advantage of a match and smell was one of the more important ones, behind sight and hearing of course. However, it was what the scent was that threw him off.
Throwing caution to the wind, the warlord moved forward, finding himself inside a maintenance elevator and descending to the ships underbelly
Now just what happened here? Megatron pondered as he wandered through the dusty and rusted hallway. The scent he had detected was now even stronger, the stench curling around him like a hangmans noose.
He paused in front of a room, the scent of sour energon and the blood of a hundred species staining the air choking his olfactory sensors. Hm, it was obvious who had been down here.
Airachnid.
But why?
The warlord continued along his way, another stench curling around him, this time being that of the arena. Yes, that of a heady yet vile value and stained with energon, yet it was strangely far more subdued.
Soundwave.
The large Decepticon growled. What where they doing down here? Had they done something down here before they died? If so, what was it? Could it have all linked to their deaths?
A final, even stronger scent caressed Megatrons senses, this time making him stop in his tracks. It was one that he, admittedly, missed greatly. It was one that always lingered especially with Him. It was that of expensive polishes and the highest quality Vosian flier fuel
Starscream.
Megatron wondered, gritting his denta and clenching his hands into fists in frustration. It was frustrating enough that three of his high officers had disappeared in a space of a few weeks, but that fact that no one could figure out what the frag happened was only making matters worse! What in the Pit happened!?
The silver mech stormed forward, trying to think of an explanation to the whole thing. He had unknowingly walked on autopilot, unconsciously tracking the scent. He glanced up and finally stopped in his tracks, staring at what was before him.
It was a heavy lead door, patches of rust scattered across its surface and an unmistakable chill emanating from it. A keypad was set into the wall next to the door, the lettering on its dulled keys faded and almost illegible. It was obvious that it was an old storage room; sometimes energon would be placed in these rooms and frozen or chilled so that they could be used as solid fuel and lasted longer.
But this sector had been shut down why would this be working?
Megatron started to put in the override code for the door, a light flashing above the keypad with a loud buzz. A click could be heard and he pushed the door open. The Decepticon didnt even flinch as the cold air crashed against his armour and he peered inside to see the contents.
His optics widened.
Four carcasses lay around the room, each desecrated in one way or another and frost starting to build up in their wounds. The warlord stepped inside and looked at the first corpse; a Vehicon. Its fingers were missing and lacerations coated its arms, but what caught the large mechs attention was the gaping hole in its chest, revealing that the spark was missing.
Megatron shook his head, uncaring about the drone. However, the next body made him
pause. The head was missing, but the slender black frame with gold and purple details gave away the deads identity.
So you were taken offline. He said simply, moving on. Even if he could have used her sadism to the Decepticons advantage, she was still a very frustrating femme and he had contemplated getting rid of her.
His vents stalled slightly when the third corpse was examined. Two bleeding stumps protruded from the front of the chassis and a long jagged wound ran across the mechs throat. One look at the slender mechs smooth and mostly neutral face, Megatron stalled as the world seemed to blur.
You too? He questioned. You were always a strong mech, thats why I spared you all those years ago He also noticed that Laserbeak was absent from its usual place; where did that drone go?
However, the last body made the energon in the warlords veins freeze and his spark halt. Fingerless hands resting with palms up, wings missing and wide open mouth. But it was the expression that did it; optics wide open and staring at the ceiling, stuck in a permanent state of terror. Megatron felt a shiver when he peered closer and saw that the tongue was completely gone, a frozen stump in its place
He uttered quietly, kneeling down in front of the Second in Command. He had a sneaking suspicion that something terrible had happened to the seeker and even touched upon the possibility to his death, but he never imagined that it would come to this extent
The warlord knelt down and, with an uncharacteristic gentleness, closed the seekers mouth and shut his optics. He remained still, contemplating just how much more serene the volatile seeker looked than he did at first. It was honestly far more suitable and just seemed right.
A slow clap broke the silence.
Congrats on finding them.
Megatron turned his head, snarling when he saw the scarlet mech standing in the now open doorway. He hissed., his razor-sharp denta glinting in the limited light. It was you all this time
Knock Out smirked. It should have been obvious, my liege. He taunted, cocking a hip. It is quite impressive that you hadnt figured this out for such a long while Could it be that even if with your eloquent speeches and your educated persona, that youre still a fool destined to rot in the Mines?
The silver mech roared, standing to his full height and turning to face the other mech fully. He laughed bitterly. I always knew that you were depraved sadist, Knock Out. Yet you were always talented when it came to surgery thats why I allowed you to join the Decepticons if it werent for me, you would still be rotting away in an asylum!
The medics optics narrowed. Oh? Is that so? He hissed. I could have just as easily gotten out myself you think that you are the only capable of any action! But then again even with your actions you started this war and hurt so many
A consequence of any war, you should know that!
BUT YOU NEVER HAD A THING TO LOSE! Knock Out screamed suddenly , his expression twisted into an ugly animalistic snarl. Unlike me I had everything but it was all eventually torn from me I only have one thing left and youve been hurting him
Even with the vagueness, Megatron caught on quickly. you killed off your superior officers just to keep Breakdown around? Unfortunately, there are several things wrong with that He drawled, unsheathing his sharp blade. And then theres how you will never be able to best me! I could take down a horde of Phase Sixers with my optics shut!
Knock Out laughed, taking out his staff. But you let Sweet Rims Optimus drive over you? He sneered. Face it Youre weak!
The former gladiator charged, roaring as he raised the blade in preparation to decapitate the medic. He snarled as his opponent twisted out of the way, once again going for the others neck. But with every move, Knock Out evaded and blocked with ease.
Megatron was slowly being blinded by anger, that much was obvious. Yet he still had enough of a grasp to keep his focus on the battle. ll tire eventually Knock Out! He declared proudly. You wont be able to keep this up forever!
The red mech didnt respond, finally trying to land a hit with his prod. Megatron smirked and deflected the jabs that came his way. The warlord couldnt help but notice that the medic was slowing down and, as victory seemed more likely, he threw a powerful punch and struck Knock Outs abdomen.
The scarlet mech gasped in pain, only to squawk in pain as he thrown into the far wall. He slumped to the ground and sat next to Starscreams desecrated corpse. Knock Out turned his head to face the dead seeker, annoyance showing in his optics when he saw the others optics and mouth were shut. Are you proud of your handiwork? That you having taken away something valuable to me? Megatron growled, raising his blade once more. Now, he will be given his punishment! Now come! Unicron awaits you in the Pit!
It happened so fast.
The silver gladiator swung his blade down, aiming to cut Knock Outs head in half. However, the medic just barely rolled out of the way and took up his staff again, jabbing the electrified end into Megatrons neck. The silver warlord howled as electricity flooded his senses, pain filling his throat. The staff was pulled away and his optics filled with static, warnings popping on his HUD telling him the damage and self-repair would activate.
He barely noticed Knock Out turning up the voltage on his staff until the end glowed with vivid white light until it was jabbed into his throat again. The pain was absolutely excruciating, forcing Megatrons body to lock up and twitch uncontrollably as his HUD warnings screamed at him. The staff was eventually pulled away again, leaving electricity to crackle through the warlords body.
His systems started to shut down, his limbs the first to go. The last thing Megatron saw before going into stasis was the cold frozen body of his SIC
Interesting.
Knock Out took another sip of energon as he looked over his new victim. It had taken a while, but he thought it best to get rid of the fusion cannon first in case Megatron tried to shoot him; it was unlikely, but the possibility was still there. Then there was the matter of restraining the massive mech especially since he could break free if the bonds were too weak.
NO! Get that away from me! STOP THIS NOW! DONT YOU DAAAAAARRRGGGH-!
Soundwave: Superior Knock Out: Inferior.
s been my greatest honour to serve you, Commander Starscream
Stop it/i
The medic smirked. For this room, he felt that he could at least confess to what he had done Show Megatron just how he achieved killing off that spidery traitor, the creep TIC and his precious whore of a SIC.
Surrounding the berth and Megatron were several monitor screens and each one had three different videos, each screen showing them from different angles. In each video was one of the deceased officers and their with the medic and every time the footage ended, it would only start all over again.
A low groan could be heard and Knock Out put the cube of energon down and approached the now awakening gladiator. this is it, Big M. He teased as he gently pried open the others right optic, smirking as it moved from side to side. You should feel honoured that I saved the best for last But I cant guarantee that your death will be quick or painless
Knock Out Megatron growled, snarling at the red mech as his optics was released. You will pay for this
The medic didnt respond and instead moved out of the way and tilted the berth so that Megatron could see the screens. He smirked darkly as the other mechs expression slowly shifted into shock although it still held that burning anger. Beautiful isnt it? He asked. I have managed to take four disgusting cretins and made them disappear and made them more beautiful in the process.
Ugly, filthy, disgusting creatures The red mech continued, picking up a large syringe used for blood work. A lowly spider a foul wraith and your precious little slut.
Megatron growled at the statement. At least they had their uses.
So back-stabbing, aft-kissing and bending to your will counts?
They had more use than YOU ever would!
Knock Outs optics narrowed at the statement. Without a word, he jabbed the needle into the warlords arm and extracted his energon, the normally blue substance a vile dark purple bordering on black. I can always get a new sample later He murmured as he pulled the syringe away and placed it on the table next to him. But Ill have to get rid of a certain risk.
At that statement, Knock Out shifted his hand into a buzz saw. It whirred loudly to life and was moved to rest against the gladiators right knee. ll make it quick.
Before Megatron could protest, the saw came down and started to cut through the joint. The silver mech grit his denta as the blade cut further down and energon started to form a puddle underneath him. He didnt even flinch when his leg was fully amputated, not even when the mad medic picked up the limb and carelessly tossed it onto another table. The warlord only laughed. Is that the best you can do, doctor? That was a mere pinch!
Knock Out moved carefully around the berth, so that he could stand on Megatrons other side. You know I had the most fun with Commander Starscream. He said, taking out a small remote from his subspace. He pressed a few buttons and the sounds became louder and the videos all changed to show the same footage. I liked listening to him scream and beg even if his voice always made me want to claw out my own audials. He even spoke that wretched little language of his Have you heard it?
Megatron did not answer.
No need to go shy on me! You can trust me with such information.
He looked away.
The medic took the saw up again and started to work on the warlords left knee. Once again, he did not react as the joint was cut through and the energon spilled onto the berth. Knock Out leaned close to Megatron and noticed that his vents were ragged and his hands were clenching into fists. Just admit it. Dont hold back what youre feeling
Real warriors do not cry out when struck, least of all when a narcissist amputates their legs! Megatron finally snapped, glaring at the medic. A lesson you should have learned!
Knock Out laughed only to abruptly bring the saw down onto the gladiators elbow, twisting the blade until it strained. s too fragging bad! He hissed, not even paying attention to the drop of energon that splattered against his cheek. I can still make others scream!
The arm was severed, allowing Knock Out to pick it up and walk back over to the table holding Megatrons leg. He dropped the limb onto the table, which made the items on it rattle in response. How disappointing. I was expecting a much more vigorous struggle on your end The medic sighed. But then again youre losing quite a lot of energon, arent you?
Megatron smirked, but his denta were still clenched tightly. The Dark energon. He finally rasped. Even if you bled me out, I would still live The only difference being I would be an exsanguinated body.
Knock Outs optics widened at that, but he smirked nonetheless. My master plan is uncovered! He laughed, finally rubbing away the energon on his face. I was planning on either killing you or just letting you stew down here in your own mess until you have nothing left in your
A loud snap broke the air and the medic barely had time to register what was happening until Megatrons hand was wrapped tight around his throat, squeezing harshly. The warlord looked absolutely livid yet smug, his smirk mixed with a snarl. He spluttered, clawing weakly at the others hand.
The larger mech roared, somehow having enough strength to toss the medic into the opposite wall. He sat up and glared at the now cowering mech on the floor. Pathetic Knock Out! Absolutely pathetic!
The red mech looked up, his expression and optics full of fear. M-My Liege! He cried out, his voice raising an octave. W-Wait, dont come any closer!
The silver mech laughed, grabbing onto the edge of the berth and pulling himself off of it, landing on the floor with a mighty crash. Megatron lay there on his back, trying to roll over onto his front. He grunted and eventually managed to turn over, growling in pain as his remaining limb which now bore a massive wound from the Fusion Cannons removal flared in agony. I dont think so
Knock Out sprung to his feet, holding out the energon-stained saw defensively. He was trembling uncontrollably, but he just barely noticed that Megatron was shaking as well. He looked at the tattered wound on the larger mechs arm and realised that was the reason why. Now Megatron you will have to stay still Doctors orders!
The gladiator laughed, a quiet click breaking the air. I think not Youll only mutilate me further until I beg for death to come for me He hissed, looking up at the medic. And thats where you will fail. The silver mech pushed himself up further, revealing the violet light spilling from his chest.
s spark.
In the arena if you were defeated, mercy was never an option He growled. You could either be slain or take matters into your own hands
Knock Outs trembling ceased, his expression still showing his horror. He gasped, only for his face to shift into a dark smirk. Oh? Is that so? Then that would make you a coward, wouldnt it? Instead of facing death like you should
But it is better to have died a coward than to die without honour You have already stripped a large amount of it The gladiator growled, pushing himself up so that he could crudely balance on the stump of his left arm. His right hand reached shakily into his chest cavity, grasping the shard of dark energon inside the spark chamber. And I will not allow you to take it all away from me!
Megatron roared in pain, making the medic flinch slightly, transfixed on the beads of energon dripping onto the ground. The gladiator gasped as he pulled his hand out, the now bloodied shard of dark energon clutched tightly in his grasp. Knock Out stared at the shard and then glanced at Megatron, who was now rolled over onto his back again.
The gladiator laughed, the sound choked by energon that dribbled down the sides of his face. I w-win, Knock Out! He rasped. re only setting your self up to fall
The medic watched as Megatron sighed, his whole body falling limp and his optics and spark fading out. He was dead After years and years of war, the mighty Lord Megatron was finally dead
A tiny chuckle left Knock Outs lips.
The chuckling intensified and grew louder, until he was cackling at an ear-splitting volume. He threw his head back. No! I win! He screamed. All of you obstacles are gone! Breakdowns mine! HE ALWAYS WILL BE!
I dont understand!
Knock Out watched sadly as Breakdown paced anxiously up and down the Medbay. The poor blue mech had looked so scared when he came in earlier, looking around frantically as if someone were to burst from the shadows and attack him. What if he was developing his paranoia again!?
First Airachnid disappears. Then Soundwave and Starscream and now, Megatron! The larger mech growled, his denta clenched tight. What are we doing here!? Whoevers responsible could take us both out whenever they damned well please!
Knock Out stood up from his seat and walked up to his partner. Breakdown, please He said quietly, his voice cracking slightly. I wont let anything happen I swear that I will kill anyone who dares lay a finger on you anyone who wants to hurt you
Breakdown tried to smirk, although it was heavily tainted with fear. Nice of you to show some concern for little old me. He said, forcing himself to laugh. But Im supposed to be the one protecting you!
The medic laughed. Maybe it could work both ways? He asked, holding onto the blue mechs arms. I protect you and you protect me?
Breakdown sighed. Good plan, KO. He said, still showing his fear. After all thats what partners do for each other, isnt it?
Of course, Breakdown
bTBC