Disclaimer: We do not own Transformers Prime or its canon charas. We do however own our OCs. Dream'sRealm owns Darkstorm, Skybreak, Drift, Shiv, Jolt, Blackout, Air Raid, Caliber, Speedway, and Jetfire. Blondie-moyashi owns Skye Shelsher.
Theme song: "The Hero in Your Heart" by Thomas Bergersen (feat. Merethe Soltvedt)
"We cannot thank you enough for your help, Blackout," Elita One smiled softly. The Vehicons and miners had arrived at the Harbinger as soon as Darkstorm was able to discretely transmit their new location via the ship's communication systems.
"Anything to stop the war," he shrugged nonchalantly, though a smile tugged at his lips.
"Just tell us what we need to do, ma'am," Air Raid smiled widely but flinched once he saw Flareup out of the corner of his optic.
When the fiery femme had seen the Vehicons and miners approaching, she assumed that it was an attack and was the first to fire at the group. Darkstorm had tried to explain to her that they were no longer affiliated with the Decepticons but it was like she could not hear. . . . Luckily, no one had been seriously injured but it had taken Ultra Magnus and Bulkhead to hold her down before she came to her senses enough to know that they posed no threat. It was frightening, to say the least. Darkstorm, being a medic, of course had seen her fair share of war-traumatized mechs and femmes. . . but it was frightening, none the less.
"Please, call me Elita," she replied warmly to the Vehicon.
"The United States military are more than willing to help, too. But due to the fact that Darkmount's fusion cannons are pointed at our cities. . ." Agent Fowler started.
"Then we shall have to deactivate them once we storm the citadel," Ultra Magnus stated.
"But how will we get there?" Arcee asked. "From what. . ." Arcee paused, trying to remember the Vehicon's name. "Blackout has told us so far, the Decepticon citadel has groundbridge jamming capabilities. And they'd see us coming klicks away."
"But the Harbinger does have a ground bridge. . ." Elita mused. "And since the Decepticons are most likely tracking communication channels for any sign of us. . . I believe I have an idea as to how we can even the odds."
"I . . . I can't do this." Smokescreen paced in front of Optimus. "I mean sure, who wouldn't want to be a Prime?" He knelt next to his leader. "But I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of responsibility."
Optimus looked at the rookie. "Smokescreen, the choice is neither yours nor mine to make." His breath was weak, and only getting weaker the longer they were hiding in the cave. "When it is time, the Matrix of Leadership will present itself only to one whose spark is worthy."
Smokescreen wasn't reassured by Optimus' notion that he was ready to be a Prime, not in the slightest. Sure, all this time he'd fought to be seen as more than just the rookie, and wanted nothing more than to impress Optimus. But . . . a Prime?
As a Prime, he would be the leader. Leaders had to be impartial, and yet Smokescreen knew he couldn't be. Even then, he knew very well he lacked the wisdom Optimus displayed. He just . . . he couldn't do it.
Smokescreen bowed his helm. He couldn't even help the one mech they all needed to survive. He didn't even know where his team was. Some great warrior, huh?
Meanwhile, Optimus continued to shakily breathe, his vision going in and out of focus. Oh, he wished he had more time. . . He had failed them. He had failed them all. . .
At least, I can see you again, my dear Ariel, he thought as his optics flickered out and he slowly began to lose consciousness.
"Optimus, no!" Smokescreen yelled, shaking his leader. "Please, you have to wake up!"
God, help them all, Optimus thought before he heard a voice. Even though there was no present in the cave with them, both Smokescreen and Optimus could hear it clearly.
"It is not yet your time, My son. . . Smokescreen, do you have faith? Do you have faith that I can heal him?"
"W-Who are you?" he asked, his optics wide.
"I am the one true God, the Father and Creator of all things."
The one Skye was talking about. . . Smokescreen thought in shock.
"Now, do you have faith that I can heal him?"
". . . Y-Yes, yes. Just please, help him!" Smokescreen begged.
"Then behold My wonders. . ."
Smokescreen stumbled back and placed a servo over his optics as a near blinding light enveloped them. Slowly, a warmth spread across Optimus' frame and the pain that had previously plagued him subsided. The scarred and damaged battle armor was soon restored to its former glory and all of his wounds disappeared.
"W-Why? Why me?" Optimus whispered to the light.
"You are not yet finished here, Optimus. . . I still have great plans for you. Trust in Me as the days go by and I shall guide you in the way you should go. Trust in Me and I shall fulfill beyond what you can ever hope or dream. . . for you are My child and I love you."
The light soon ebbed from the cave as Smokescreen gazed at his leader in awe. He was completely healed. . .
"D-Did we just-?"
Optimus smiled softly and nodded. He shakily stood to his peddes before grasping the Forge. "Now, I believe we have other matters to deal with, Smokescreen. . . We must find the others."
Everything was finally ready. The human children were bridged to different locations in order to trigger the Decepticons' alarms but then quickly bridged back to the base. Then, the miners activated a distress signal inside the mine so that reinforcements could arrive. It was all working so perfectly. The Decepticons were spread thin. It would make the attack on Darkmount so much easier.
"Elita, you're a genius!" Moonracer grinned.
"My father was the military strategist, not me. . . But thank you," Elita chuckled as she chose a rifle from the Harbinger's vault, having no integrated weapon systems of her own.
Darkstorm watched as the others chose their weapons and chatted amongst themselves before turning to her charge. She frowned as she saw her melancholy state. She had been this way ever since Smokescreen left. . . and rarely did she emerge from her gloom.
"Well, I suppose it is almost time for us to depart," Darkstorm vented before whispering.
Skye walked up to the Seeker, her posture mirroring her emotional state. She seemed to have to steel herself against what emotions were raging. "Stay safe, Dar'sain." She looked up at Darkstorm's eyes, and she could see it. The heavy breathing, the eyes that tried to look stoic but were in reality a thin barrier barely holding back the emotions, the closed posture. Skye was terrified of something happening. Of being alone again.
It took all of Darkstorm's strength not to burst into tears at seeing her charge in so much pain. "I shall," she stated before pausing. It took several moments before she gathered the courage to say, "I will return to you. . . as will Smokescreen."
Skye crossed her right arm over her body, rubbing her left arm as goosebumps rose. "Yeah." The word was barely able to escape her throat, emotion choking it off.
Bumblebee placed a servo on Darkstorm's shoulder plating. "Storm, it's time to go."
Darkstorm stared into her scout's optics before turning back to her charge. She gently embraced her with a servo. "Have faith, mo mear Ski'ri." She then walked towards the ground bridge along with the others.
"She'll be fine, 'Storm," Bumblebee comforted, as if sensing her distress.
"That is what I am fighting to believe, my beloved scout," she vented. She took one last look at her charge before entering the ground bridge after the others.
The Vehicons and miners, having gotten there before them, were heavy in battle with the workers too stubborn or too frightened to abandon Megatron. The citadel's fusion cannons were also activated, mowing down line after line of them. It was truly a terrible sight and one Darkstorm prayed she would not surely see again.
While the grounders ran forward to aide them, Darkstorm and the other Seekers took the skies and made for the tower of the citadel. They had to fly in complex maneuvers in order to avoid the fusion cannons but for the most part, they were unscathed.
"Air Raid, Jetfire, follow Skybreak and the others," Dreadwing ordered. "Darkstorm and I shall move to deactivate the cannons."
"You take care of her for me, Dreads," Skybreak said.
"I wouldn't dream of doing anything else, Skri'brak," Dreadwing internally smiled before zooming forward, Darkstorm following close behind.
Predaking looked up as the black and purple being known as Shockwave beckoned him to follow. "Come. Lord Megatron wishes for us to take care of the Autobot pests."
Predaking followed, sheer curiosity and the thrill of battle urging for him. Shockwave led him through the citadel until he came to an open area where he was free to spread his wings. Only then was he able to see the battle taking place below him.
He roared before taking to the skies, shooting fire at the fliers that dared to attack him. Still, before he could finish them all off, a familiar scent caught his attention.
The one from before. . .
Predaking's optics narrowed and he swooped downward, searching the battlefield. He landed and surveyed the area. Several black beings were fighting with others. . . the Autobots, Predaking assumed. But one Autobot in particular caught his optic. The source of the scent.
She was red with golden faceplates and blue optics and she had a strong bearing. But what surprised Predaking the most was her ferocity in battle. No matter the odds, she continued to charge forward with tenacity unrivaled by her companions.
Predaking moved closer, continuing to observe the femme. Why did she seem so familiar? She was not of his kind. . . so then. . . how did he know her?
Noticing the movement, the femme turned around and glared at him. Predaking stumbled back slightly once he saw the look of pure hatred written across her features. She snarled and turned her weapons towards him.
Predaking roared in outrage as ion cannon blasts hit his armor. How dare she!
Running forward, he pounced and threw the femme down with a claw. He held her down and roared once more. This insolent femme dared to attempt to injure him? Predaking?!
No fear entered the femme's optics like he was so accustomed to. Only more hatred. "Go ahead and kill me," she spat. "You'd be doing me a favor!"
Predaking fought to understand her words. It was true that he was learning more of this strange tongue every day but he still felt helpless in communication. He could barely make out that she was taunting him, asking him to kill her. Predaking's mandibled jaw flexed as he tried to communicate back but found that he could not. He growled in frustration when he found that he could not.
However, speaking to the femme would have to wait. "Leave her alone!" a feminine voice cried as more cannon blasts ravaged his armor.
He roared angrily and turned to face the other femme before a searing pain could be felt in the claw that held the other. She was attacking him again. Predaking in sheer rage threw her and the other femme aside before taking to the skies again. He would deal with her later. For now, he needed to be in the midst of the real battle.
He was about to reach the others fliers before, much to his amazement, a green-blue vortex enveloped him. When he reached the other side, he found a frozen wasteland.
No! He roared at the sky.
Darkstorm fought to deactivate the fusion cannons as Dreadwing stood guard. "I think I almost have it, Dre'wan. . . All I need is. . ." she muttered as her fingers danced across the keyboard. Several glyphs appeared on the screen as Darkstorm continued to work before the screen cleared, one single glyph revealing her success. "There we are. The fusion cannons are successfully deactivated."
"Good. Now we must return to the others-"
"Oh? Leaving so soon?" a dark voice interrupted. Dreadwing and Darkstorm both stared at the intruder in surprise and horror. It was Megatron. He drew his sword and grinned sadistically. "You would miss all the fun."
Dreadwing drew his weapon. "Whatever quarrel you have with us is between you and me alone, Megatron. Leave Darkstorm be."
"As always the chivalrous mech, Dreadwing," Megatron smirked. "Go on then. Defend her. If you even prove yourself to me, I will make sure that you are online long enough to see her terminated."
Dreadwing's grip tightened on his sword. "For my brother!" he snarled before charging forward.
Their swords locked and each of them pulled back, only for them to clash again. They violently parried back and forth until at last, Megatron gained the upper hand. He slashed at Dreadwing's chassis and the Seeker stumbled backwards, energon leaking from the wound.
"Dre'wan, no!" Darkstorm ran towards her friend but was stopped when Megatron grabbed her throat tubing. She choked and clawed at the tyrant's servo but to no avail. His grip was too strong. Her spark hammered. Was this to be her end?
"Any last words, Darkstorm?" Megatron grinned.
"Put her down, Megatron!" Megatron's optics widened at the voice as did Darkstorm's.
Could it be-?
Megatron released the femme and she fell to the floor, gasping. His gaze met that of the Prime's and he smirked. "Ah, Optimus. . . So good to see that you have-" Megatron was cut off as Prime charged forward, his fist meeting the warlord's jaw.
Optimus' battle mask activated and he drew his cannons, firing at Megatron. "Darkstorm, take Dreadwing to safety!"
Darkstorm shakily nodded, inwardly thanking God that he was alright. And if he was alright. . . then perhaps, Smokescreen was as well.
She aided Dreadwing in rising to his peddes before they made their slow descent to the ground level. Luckily, no soldiers remained in the citadel as they were occupied in the fighting just outside. And even then, the Autobots seemed to be winning. That much Darkstorm could see as they reached the ground. More Vehicons seemed to join with them than against them and the remaining enemy Vehicons, Shockwave, Starscream, and Knock Out were fighting a losing battle.
This belief was only reinforced when Darkstorm spied Agent Fowler's military force descend upon the area, firing missiles at the area. The metal building slowly filled with smoke as the barrage of missiles damaged its structure.
"No, Optimus," Darkstorm whispered as she watched the destruction.
"The boss bot'll be jus' fine," Shiv said as he helped Darkstorm support the wounded Seeker. "Now come on. We're all gonna die if we stay."
Darkstorm looked helplessly back at the fortress before venting and nodding. They slowly made their way back to the others as the enemy forces retreated.
Once they reached the others, Elita One ran to them. "Where is he? I heard that Optimus went up to the tower. Is he behind you?"
"We. . . do not know," Dreadwing rasped.
A ground bridge opened as the others ran through to avoid getting caught up in the explosion. All of them filed through except for Elita. She refused to budge from her stance a few feet away, optics searching the smoke covered citadel.
Please, Orion. Please. . . do not leave me again, she silently begged.
Time passed on slowly even though in all actuality a few minutes had passed. Still, she searched for him.
"Elita, you must retreat to the base," Ratchet commed her.
"Please, just keep it open a little bit longer. . . I must wait for him. . ." Elita replied desperately. Ratchet did not have the spark to refuse her.
A few more minutes passed and still, she waited. Her spark began to fall just as she heard a familiar engine.
"Orion?" she whispered.
She grinned wildly when she saw that it was indeed him. The red and blue semi-truck sped towards the ground bridge but faltered once it spied the femme.
"Ariel?" Optimus choked, half disbelieving what he saw.
He transformed a few feet in front of her and Elita immediately ran towards him, tears of joy streaming down her facial plating. She wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, as if holding for dear life, and kissed him. Optimus gladly returned the embrace, tears marring his own facial plating as he thanked God.
He had feared her dead and yet here she was, alive. This truly was a cycle filled with miracles!
"Orion, promise me that you will never leave me again," she whispered tearfully as Optimus cradled her to his chassis.
"I promise, Ariel. . . Leaving you behind was the biggest mistake I have ever made. . . and one I do intend to make again."
Skye was outside at the same spot as last night. It was far enough from the temporary hideout within the Harbinger that she could force herself to forget the stress of the mission. She understood the importance of it, but she hated that the team finally got back together just to go charging out to battle again. Most families just had a rambunctious reunion.
She heard heavy footsteps approaching, but didn't turn to face whoever was approaching. Either Ratchet came to check on her-which wasn't as likely as one of the kids doing so-or the others made it back from Jasper and Darkstorm was coming.
"Is there room for two?"
Her eyes widened at the voice. Was it really . . . ? She turned her head towards it and couldn't believe what her eyes were telling her.
Smokescreen was standing just yards away from her, one servo on the boulder like he'd just walked around it. He was filthy and his armor was scratched, but it was really him.
He activated his holoform in front of her, offering her a hand. She stared at it for several seconds before lightly taking it, terrified the illusion would disappear. Once their hands actually met and her fears were dashed away she held on harder, allowing it to help her stand.
She faced him, unsure of how to react. She just stared into his eyes for what felt like forever before gently touching his face, again seeking reassurance that he was really here. She gasped for air and felt the overwhelming joy choke off her breath as her fingers could not only feel him, but one of his own hands came up to cover her own. He was here. He was really here!
Skye threw herself against him, wrapping him in the tightest hug she could muster. She didn't even bother trying to hold back the emotions anymore as her shoulders shook violently. She wasn't just crying but sobbing, and didn't care who saw or heard it.
She felt his head lean against hers. "I missed you too." There was a slight smile in his voice, but it was thick with emotion as well. "I. . ." he vented. "I'm so sorry for being away for so long. . . I wanted to come back but with Optimus injured. . ."
Skye took a deep breath. Injured . . . so he was okay? "How bad was it?"
Smokescreen grimaced at the memory. "He almost offlined if it weren't for. . . this voice. . . and this blinding light. He healed Optimus."
"It seems He still has big plans for all of us." She sniffed. "I'm just glad to have you back."
"I'm glad to have you back, too," he smiled before venting once more. "I'm just sorry I keep on making you worry like this."
"I think I can forgive you. In a year . . . or three. Now." She reluctantly pulled back but grabbed the front of his collar rather than step back. "I promised you something before we evacuated the base."
He looked at her with confused eyes before she smiled mischieviously and used her grip on his shirt to pull his head down to her height, closing her eyes as she did so. She felt the slight tension as their lips met as he clearly had no idea what to do next. Truth be told, she didn't either. But after a couple seconds they both relaxed and seemed to just melt into each other's arms.
Eventually they pulled away for a breath, Skye leaning her forehead against Smokescreen's.
He sighed happily. "Wow, you really missed me, huh?"
Skye's face felt on fire as she smiled. "Just be glad the Seekers aren't-"
Skye's eyes shot open as she heard giggling behind them. She spun around and froze as she saw that they had an audience. A rather significant audience at that. Nearly all the Autobots, including their newest recruits, were huddled around the doorway.
She instinctively released what grip remained on Smokescreen's shirt and hid partially behind him, clinging to his arm with one of her own while covering her even more red nose and face with the other hand.
The flash of a camera could be heard as Miko took a picture of the couple with her cell phone. "Aw! You two are so cute!" she grinned.
"Wait. . . who is that?" Moonracer asked Flareup sideways, being unfamiliar with the concept of holoforms.
"Smokescreen," she crossed her arms over her chassis, eyeing the situation with disguised distaste.
The young femme gasped before squealing. "You two are sparkmates?!"
Meanwhile, Darkstorm was holding her brother back. "Brother, remember what we talked about?" he muttered.
"Did he just-?! Oh, pit no!"
Bulkhead watched the developing argument between them before chuckling and turning to Skye. "Sorry for the audience, but when Miko told us to come out, we couldn't resist."
She rested her head against the back of Smokescreen's shoulder. "Can we just go hide in a hole somewhere?"
Smokescreen's face too was a deep red. "That's sounding like a good option right now."
"Oh, this is so going in the album!" Miko grinned a tad bit evilly. "I knew it. I just knew you two were together."
"Wh-what album?!" Skye's voice squeaked and her eyes went wide.
"Oh! Oh!" Moonracer grinned and waved her servo excitedly. "Can I get a copy?"
"Come now, Moonracer and Miko," Elita One chuckled. "I believe they are embarrassed enough."
"I concur," Darkstorm giggled. "Now, come now, you two. The real celebration is inside. . ." She smirked. "Unless you wish to stay outside and continue what you were doing."
Skye looked somewhat shocked at her guardian. "Et tu, Dar'sain?!"
"Mais oui," Darkstorm laughed. "But you know it is all in good fun."
"Yeah yeah." She stepped partially out from behind Smokescreen. "Let's just get inside."
"And try not to sneak out tonight," Miko smirked and added as she walked into the interior of the ship. "Me and 'Storm'll be watching."
Skye bowed her head, hiding it behind Smokescreen's shoulder again as they made their way towards the Harbinger as well. "I will get you for this, Miko."
D/N: And… the reunions are complete xD We hope you enjoyed them. The team is back together and more drama is sure to ensue! And Elita got her sparkmate back :3 Truly an awesome chappie, if I do say so myself.
Anywho, we hope you enjoyed this chapter and a big thank you out there to all our supporters! We love you and we look forward to seeing you all for the Christmas chappie. And… since it's Christmas, I hope we will get a ton of reviews! xD Share the love, people! Share the love.
To Keira N: Please call me Megan :3 And we are truly honored that you love our work so much! Thank you. As for Seeker Cant, it is a mix between imaginary words, Irish Gaelic, Swahili, and Afrikaans. We will try not to disappoint you and update as soon as we can.
To Savvy Orion: Just a warning, Flareup did always have a temper in the canon but I tweaked her past and everything quite a bit. And finally, another person who gets it! :D And don't worry. There will be plenty more romance to come. A Merry Christmas to you as well!
To Guest: I am glad you liked Elita. As for Smokescreen... well, you'll see. :3
And seriously, it doesn't matter if you have an account or not, we love hearing from you guys! Please review to tell us how we're doing.
"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men" Psalm 107: 19-21
Until next time, Dream'sRealm
B/N: Hope you guys enjoy this chap as much as we enjoyed writing et. I mean, we love every one we write, but there's just something special about one's first kiss scene. And the theme for this one is one of my favorite songs so that probably helps x3 and the time of year, plus the fact I'm spending it with a new babeh (have you ever seen a 5 month old chihuahua play with a 6 week old pug? Not a cuter thing exists, I tell ya!)
Merry Christmas, awesome peoples