Disclaimer: We do not Transformers Prime or its affiliated characters. We do however own our OCs. Blondie-moyashi owns the lovely Skye Shelsher and Dream'sRealm owns Darkstorm, Skybreak, Drift, Shiv, Jolt, Blackout, Air Raid, Caliber, Speedway, and Jetfire.

Theme Song: What Have You Done? by Within Temptation

Predaking watched intently as Megatron and Starscream descended downwards in their flight-based vehicle modes. After some conversation, they then entered a large cave, disappearing from sight. A short while later, Knock Out soon followed, crates filled with a mysterious green liquid with him.

He did not understand why but Predaking felt the urge to follow them, curiosity enveloping his spark. And, so he did. He spread his large wings and flew down towards the entrance of the cave.

He shook the droplets of rain that had gathered on his frame off and went further into the cave, silently marveling at what he saw. Synthetic incubation chambers, each one containing a single developing Predacon.

Remarkable.

His attention was diverted however as Starscream approached him. A low growl immediately made its way into Predaking's throat as the Seeker began to beat him with a metal rod. "Unruly beast! You dare to roam freely without permission?"

Predaking roared angrily, having just about enough. He moved forward menacingly and the Seeker stepped backwards, eventually tripping. He screamed as Predaking grew closer and curled up into the fetal position, shielding himself with his arms and calling out for his master to save him from the beast.

Before Predaking knew what was happening however, he felt his frame rearrange itself until he stood upright. "Strike me again and I will bury that rod in your spark," he snarled before his optics widened subtly.

He spoke… and was able to transform like the others. But… how?

"I-I was not aware the beast was capable of transformation," the Seeker stammered, scooting away from Predaking all the while.

"Nor was I," Megatron remarked, glancing sideways at Shockwave.

"I am no beast!" Predaking hissed before moving towards one of the incubation chambers. He studied it curiously.

"Apologies, but we simply did not possess knowledge that their species was ever capable of such a feat as almost all evidence of their kind was wiped away during the great cataclysm," Shockwave replied, of course taking care not to mention other unsavory facts such as exactly how Predaking came to be one of the last of his kind.

And, since only Shockwave and Megatron himself knew the exact details of their project, Predaking was all but blind to their malicious intentions and deeds.

"So it is true," Predaking mused softly. "I will no longer be alone." He placed a clawed servo gently on the glass.

"And I see you've been keeping secrets," Megatron remarked.

Predaking turned. "It was not my intention to deceive you. I only recently became aware of my abilities. All I can remember of my beginning is darkness… the beat of another's spark… and then change, battle," Predaking snuck a dangerous look at Starscream. "And the wounding of my pride." He inwardly smirked as he saw the Seeker's blatant fear before he returned his gaze to that of Megatron's. "Thus, I began to burn with questions. Who am I? Where did I come from? The warship's databanks produced historical fact but still, I found no knowledge of my own past. And so, I begun to focus my attention on the present and wondered… could I be like the others? And now I know."

"But you are unique," Megatron smirked and began to lie. "A miracle of science, cloned from Shockwave from cyber-nucleic acid, recovered from the fossils of your mighty ancestors."

Predaking's optics filled with shock before he came to gaze at the synthetic incubation chamber once more.

He was so certain… Then again, it would explain Megatron's insistence that Shockwave receive more Predacon fossils.

But… what about these glimpses of memories? What about the mention of him and the red femme? He was so certain that he had a true life before awakening in Shockwave's laboratory.

But… perhaps he was wrong. Perhaps, they were nothing more than his own processor playing games.

But… he was so certain…

Everyone looked up as they heard the familiar approach of their companions. Darkstorm and Bumblebee transformed and smiled, receiving greetings from various members of the team.

"Bee, you're back!" Raf grinned and embraced his guardian's pedde. Bumblebee laughed and gently picked up his charge, returning the embrace as he held him to his chassis.

"I've missed you, buddy! You been taking care of things while I was gone?"

Raf grinned and nodded in response.

Meanwhile, Darkstorm embraced her brother and Dreadwing.

"And are you sure you're alright? Nothing happened?" Skybreak asked his sister.

"Oh, stop your fretting. I was completely fine," Darkstorm smiled. "And, I rather enjoyed myself." She grinned and embraced them once more. "But oh, how I have missed you both!"

"And we you, Dar'sain," Dreadwing smiled softly.

Darkstorm turned and grinned as she saw her charge running towards her.

"Welcome back, Dar'sain!"

Darkstorm activated her holoform before fully embracing her charge. "It certainly is good to be back, Ski'ri," she replied.

Skye laughed. "So how's married life treating you?"

Darkstorm's face faintly turned red. "Very well, actually…"

"That's very good to hear. Otherwise you may have to watch Skybreak around any sharp utensils when in 'Bee's vicinity."

When Skybreak had begun to evilly grin, Darkstorm shot him an irritated look. "Oh, no he won't. I'd be able to feel that pain through the bond, and we can't have that, now can we?"

"Slag… I completely forgot about that," Skybreak grumbled. "Thanks for getting my hopes up, Skye."

The girl laughed. "Dar'sain's the kill-joy, not me."

"Technically, if we are following that logic, then the bond itself would be a 'kill-joy' and that in of itself is not true. And, even if it were not present, I still wouldn't allow my brother to lay a digit on my scout without him paying the consequences," Darkstorm's optics narrowed. "And I am not jesting in the slightest."

"Kill joy," Skybreak remarked, crosses his arms over his chassis.

"Wait, you guys say you have a bond," Miko began with a smirk before grinning. "So when are we gonna get some mini 'Storms and 'Bees already?"

"Miko!" Darkstorm and Bumblebee simultaneously yelled in embarrassment. Skye's hand flew over her mouth as she looked between the couple and Miko wide-eyed, trying to hold back at least some of the laughter.

"T-That's not the type of bond we were discussing!" Darkstorm yelled, optics wide.

"But you had that one too, right?"

Darkstorm buried her facial plating in her servos, wings twitching in embarrassment. "It's like a reoccuring nightmare…" she muttered. She smiled slightly however as Bumblebee sent comfort through the bond. Darkstorm sent her love and thanks in return.

Skye matched Miko's expression. "I don't know, you didn't seem this opposed to the subject a couple months ago."

"I-I am hardly ready to be sparked! We've only been bonded for a week!" Darkstorm said.

"Uhuh," Miko smirked. "That's what they all say."

"I hereby pledge my allegiance to you Megatron… The Autobots will pay for what they did to our home but, I do have one request," Predaking began as he and the warlord walked down a hallway in the Nemesis.

"Go on," Megatron nodded.

"I only ask that I be placed in command of the Predacon army. It is my right to lead others of my kind and, in doing so, lead them towards victory for the Decepticons."

"Your vision… is boundless," Megatron remarked.

After his conversation with Predaking, Megatron called together his commanding officers in order to voice his concerns.

"And so, I have come to this conclusion: Predaking can and will turn against us."

"But, Lord Megatron, what you are suggesting defies all logic. You have hardly any Vehicon soldiers, no miners, and even most of your Insecticons were disposed of during the… outbreak. The Predacons could give us victory over the Autobots," Shockwave reasoned.

"Precisely why we must dispose of them. We have all seen how formidable these beasts can be and if they ever decided to turn against us, we would be utterly finished," Megatron explained. "Especially if 'His Royal Highness' discovers that he has that power in his very servos, seeing as how our ranks are severely depleted."

"So, how are we supposed to get rid of the Predacons without tall, dark, and scaley knowing?" Knock Out asked.

"Simple," Starscream smirked before suggesting, "A simple diversion, my liege. Lead the Autobots to them and let them do our dirty work. And even if they don't… we can still easily frame them for it. It's foolproof."

"... Very well," Megatron conceded. "Starscream, plant as many energon cubes as you can in Shockwave's laboratory and several explosive devices… in case our enemies have second thoughts."

"I shall do so with great fervor, my liege," Starscream smirked and bowed.

"Optimus, we are detecting an exposed energon signal," Ratchet reported to the leader of the Autobots.

"Then I believe this warrants investigation, seeing as how our supplies are dangerously low. Autobots, prepare to roll out," Optimus ordered.

Team Prime said their goodbyes to those who had to stay behind before heading out through the ground bridge. When they arrived, what meager Vehicon force the Decepticons had left were stationed in front of the mine.

Drift looked to Optimus for permission. Optimus nodded and Drift moved forward, holding up his servos in a symbol of peace.

"Deactivate your weapons… We aren't here to harm you," Drift began.

"Like we haven't heard that before!" one of them remarked.

"Autobot supporter!"

"Traitor!"

"You'd side with those barbarians over us?!"

"Look, I know how you feel. I thought the Autobots were evil at first too… but they've only been kind to us," Drift gestured to the other Vehicons and the miners in their company. "To all of us. They've given us names, a home, a family… Come with us and be free. You won't have to serve that tyrant any longer."

A long, tense pause passed between the two groups before it was suddenly broken. "Lies!" one hissed before open firing.

Drift yelled in pain as he was caught in the shoulder. Shiv dove forward, pulling him away from the cannon fire. The Autobots returned weapon fire.

"Moonracer, accompany Elita, Arcee, and Bumblebee into the cave while the guards are otherwise preoccupied," Optimus said.

The team nodded and began to mobilize, sneaking around the force under the others' cover fire. They entered the cavern but were surprised at what they found.

There were energon cubes, yes, but it seemed they had made another discovery. Synthetic incubation chambers housing Megatron's future Predacon army.

"It can't be…" Moonracer whispered.

Shockwave, noticing the Autobots, moved away from the computer console and began to fire at them. Bumblebee's arm was grazed as he led the femmes behind a metal platform.

Darkstorm winced, having felt his pain as her own. Bumblebee could feel her fear for him and tried to reassure her as best he could.

I'm fine, 'Storm. We're just dealing with Shockwave. That's all.

You had better come back to me intact, she replied.

That's a promise, he said before trying to block the bond, not wishing for his sparkmate to feel any more pain.

"Do not allow the Predacons to be harmed," Elita One ordered.

"But, Elita-" Arcee attempted to protest.

"I would not condone the destruction of innocent protoforms, and neither would Optimus," Elita replied seriously. "Moonracer, attempt to secure Shockwave."

As Moonracer readied her weapon, Bumblebee turned to her. "You still the best sharpshooter on Cybertron?"

"In the universe, 'Bee," Moonracer smirked before quickly stepping out from behind their hiding place, expertly hitting both of Shockwave's legs, causing the mech to collapse.

"Lord Megatron," Starscream burst into the bridge of the warship. "The Predacon clones are being taken by the Autobots!"

"Then by all means, go down there and make sure that they are secure-" Megatron began.

"Wait. Allow me to go," Predaking volunteered. "I alone will confront those who would dare harm my brethren."

As Predaking exited through the ground bridge, Megatron smirked.

His plan was working perfectly.

"I am afraid you are too late, Autobots," Shockwave remarked.

"Too late? You're in no place to go anywhere," Arcee said, her cannon aimed at the Decepticon scientist. "I'd say it's mission accomplished."

The Autobots' attentions were diverted however as they heard a distinct beeping noise… one that every war-weary Cybertronian was all too familiar with.

"A bomb! Autobots, roll out," Elita ordered as she transformed. The others didn't need to be told twice.

Just as they reached the edge of the laboratory, the explosive devices detonated. Fire and debris clouded the air and eerily, screams could be heard. The dying screams of the Predacons.

The Autobots, worried for their comrades, stood at the entrance, trying to see them through the smoke. They were eventually spotted.

But, before any reunions could be held, an energon-curdling roar could be heard. Much to everyone's awe, Predaking transformed and looked towards them, optics burning with rage.

"What have you done to my brethren? What have you done?!" he yelled angrily.

"We're…" Elita vented sadly. "We're sorry but… we couldn't save them."

Predaking's facial plating visible crumbled. "No…" He flexed his claws before roaring once more. "No! Autobots, you shall pay for this day! I shall not rest until I see every single on you terminated for what you did to my kind!"

The Autobots fell backwards as Predaking transformed back into his dragon form and blew fire at them. The Autobots tried to fight back but found that they could not stand against him. His rage and might were far too great.

The larger mechs provided cover fire as the others fled with the wounded through the ground bridge.

By the providence of God, none of the Autobots were offlined but many were severely wounded.

The children looked on in concern as each of them stumbled through, battered and worn.

"Bee! Are you alright?" Raf asked, running towards his guardian.

"I'm fine, Raf. Nothing a little recharge can't cure," Bumblebee said though, in reality, he felt anything but.

Skye looked at the group before approaching her guardian, more than just concern written on her face. She was afraid. "Dar'sain? Wh . . . what happened?"

"Megatron… He set some sort of trap. He willingly destroyed the other Predacons that Shockwave had created… The first Predacon we encountered watched the explosion and… immediately laid the blame on us. He reacted… violently," Darkstorm wheezed, supporting herself against a wall.

Skye's hand covered her mouth in shock as her gaze shifted from Darkstorm back to the team, gasping at some of the more severe wounds. "Will everyone be alright?"

"With my and Ratchet's help-" Darkstorm began, attempting to walk over to the makeshift medical bay. She barely made it halfway before she clutched her side painfully. Ratchet supported her before turning to Skye.

"With my help, everyone should be alright, given time."

"But there is something far more worrisome than our own wounds," Elita began. "Megatron destroyed at least a dozen innocent protoforms today without cause. I cannot help but wonder why."

"Well, I say good riddance," Flareup replied coldly. "It'll be less for us to worry about in the future. Those monsters would only cause us more trouble."

Whether due to the pain or a new sense of courage, Moonracer did not know… but she did know that she had just about had enough. "Will you just shut up?" she yelled. "I know what Shockwave did to you. We all do but this time, you've gone too far. Whether you like it or not, those were your sparklings that just got destroyed and if you aren't affected by that, then you're just as cruel and emotionless as Shockwave!"

Everyone turned and watched as the red femme's walls slowly began to crumble. It was then that Moonracer began to regret her words.

"Flare, I-I'm sorry… I…"

A single tear escaped Flareup's optic before she turned her helm away. And, not caring about her wounds, she fled.

After Moonracer had finally been repaired, she went outside to try to look for her friend. She was sitting there just outside Unit E's main building, watching the human soldiers drill.

"Flare?" Moonracer asked softly.

Flareup did not move, her facial plating as still as a statue's. Moonracer vented and moved to turn away, thinking that her friend wished for her to leave, but stopped short as she heard Flareup's now hoarse voice.

"I haven't cried since... Firestar was offlined," she whispered.

"I'm really sorry, Flare. I... don't know what came over me. I didn't mean to reopen old wounds about what happened to you... or your sister."

A bitter smile tugged at Flareup's lip components. "Maybe you were right in saying I was just like him... Like Shockwave. I've been a real jerk to you, haven't I?"

Moonracer was about to open her mouth, about to try to condone her friend's actions and reassure her that she perfectly justified in feeling that way, but she chose not to. This was the time for complete and utter honesty between them... just like how it used to be. "Yeah, I-I guess you have been."

Flareup nodded. A few moments of silence passed between them, before Flareup spoke once more. "Those were my sparklings that were terminated, weren't they? Mine and... his, the other Predacon's."

"Yes, they were," Moonracer replied, sitting next to her friend.

"Funny how he was able to show more emotion than me when, in reality, I was supposed to be the most upset... How in the pits of Kaon did I become such a glitch?"

"The war's changed all of us, but I think you most of all. You've gone through something no femme should ever have to experience. How you still stand here today is evidence of how strong you really are," Moonracer half smiled.

"But strength shouldn't give way to tyranny. I've ruined your life and Elita's with how bitter I've become," Flareup chuckled humorlessly. "Pit, I can't even stand the sight of you talking to a mech all because of how broken I am."

"You certainly never were the same after that one battle. When Firestar refused to go with us because Inferno was still out there, I saw how you got. She chose her sparkmate over you and you were upset. But... you're forgiven," Moonracer shook her helm. "And, I doubt that Dreadwing is even the least bit interested in me anyway. Have you seen how he looks at Darkstorm? He never looks at me that way..."

"A kind, talented femme like you?" Flareup smirked. "He'd have to have a faulty processor to pass up on you."

"Are you just saying that to make me feel better?"

"No, I'm saying that to stop you from moping," Flareup nudged her friend's shoulder plating playfully. "And... because it's the truth."

"Gee, thanks," Moonracer chuckled.

Flareup smiled, an actual genuine smile. "How did I ever take for granted our friendship, Moon?"

"Cause you turned into a jerk, that's why," Moonracer crossed her arms over her chassis and answered half-jokingly.

Flareup laughed, a hearty, warm contagious laughter. Moonracer soon joined in. And, at that moment, Moonracer knew. Her friend had finally returned to her.

"Moon?"

"Yeah, Flare?"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry, for everything. You've been through just as much scrap as me and yet you can sit here, cheerful, as if nothing ever happened... I... I wish I was more like you."

"Well, you want to know my secret then?"

Flareup raised an optic ridge. "What?"

"Forgiveness." Flareup's optics widened subtly, the same pain Moonracer saw before present in them.

A silent question passed between them. How can I forgive them? Flareup silently asked. How?

"The reason I'm able to live the way I do is because I forgave. I forgave my sire for what he did to me and now, I feel... freer. Like what happened can't affect me anymore. And.. I've heard the human Primus wants us to do so, too. And, from what I've heard from Optimus and the others, He seems worth trusting."

Flareup lowered her helm, more tears threatening to leave her optics, but she fought them back. Never again.

"And another step to healing, Flare, is not holding your emotions back. You're only going to make your spark fester further," Moonracer smiled softly. "Go on. No one's watching... Just let go."

And, Flareup did. Before the first tear fell, Moonracer had already wrapped her arms around her friend. "It's alright, Flare. I'm here. I'm here."

I can't take this pain anymore, Flareup thought, screaming to anyone who would listen. I've tried so hard to be strong but now... I feel so weak. Please help me to let go. Please... help me to forgive so I can wake up from recharge without feeling so cold and empty inside. Please.

"And I will. If you place your trust in Me, I shall heal your broken heart," a voice answered her.

W-Who is this?

"I am the one true God, but you may know Me as the human Primus..."

Flareup paused in her weeping, disbelieving. Was she dreaming?

"This is no dream, My daughter," the voice answered warmly. "I am real and I shall help you. When you are weak, I am strong. Place your trust in Me and I shall teach you to forgive... Trust in Me and never feel alone again. And, if you believe, I shall heal you."

I-I... I believe. Just please, help me.

And, as Flareup sat there in her friend's embrace, she couldn't help but feel another presence with them. It was warm and loving and Flareup felt... free. A great blanket of comfort enveloped her spark and her tears began anew.

I trust in you, God. I trust in you... Thank you.

When Flareup's crying had ceased, Moonracer pulled away with a smile. "Feel any better?"

"A lot better... and Moon?" Flareup smiled softly. "The others were right. He is worth trusting... and I for one will fight with His help to not to become like that... ever again."

Flareup stepped into the main room, Moonracer behind her. The rest of the team glanced at her wearily besides Elita, who had several questions written across her facial plating.

"I... I'm sorry, to all of you, for everything that I have done," Flareup said simply but everyone could hear the genuine conviction in her voice.

"You are forgiven, Flareup," Optimus smile gently.

Flareup nodded before hesitantly making her way over towards the med bay. It seemed Darkstorm, once she was repaired, and Ratchet worked through the night to repair their comrades but even then, many more still required their attention.

"You think I can lend a servo?"

"You have medical training?" Ratchet asked.

"Not necessarily but my sister, Firestar, was part of a search and rescue team during the war. She had some knowledge of basic first-aid and I was able to pick up a bit of it."

"We would greatly appreciate it, but first let me see that you are repaired," Darkstorm smiled. "A medic must be properly functioning before they can repair others."

Flareup offered an awkward smile in return.

"And what did you tell her that procured such a change?" Dreadwing asked the young femme as he watched the exchange.

"I simply pointed her in the right direction," Moonracer smiled. "Only the human Primus and forgiveness can help her."

"A lesson which I am continuing to learn, as well," Dreadwing smiled softly.

"I am truly sorry for your loss, Predaking," Megatron said with fake pity. "Rest assured, the Autobots will pay for terminating your brethren. This, you are to be certain of."

"I beg of you, Lord Megatron, allow me to go out and meet them. Allow me to finish what I have started!" Predaking growled. "I shall not rest until they are all terminated in recompense for that slaughter."

"And you will terminate them all, but you must be patient. We have no knowledge of the new location of their base so finding them will be nigh impossible unless they deign to show themselves," Megatron replied. "Kindle your anger just a little while longer and I promise you... revenge shall be yours."

And, despite all thoughts screaming at him to feel otherwise, Predaking's spark began to burn. His mind constantly replied the events of that day.

The explosion.

The dying screams of his brethren echoing through the night.

The feel of energon on his fangs and torn metal on his claws as he fought against the evil that was the Autobots.

He clenched his servos.

Oh, they would fall, every single one of them, and their fall will be great. Predaking would make sure of that.

Megatron's focus shifted away from Predaking, his attention more directed to listening to something rather than watching. "Yes, Shockwave?" He listened for a moment longer. "We will depart immediately." He turned to his communications officer. "Soundwave, I require a bridge to Shockwave's coordinates." The 'Con's visor showed a space bridge portal, indicating he was inputting coordinates, and an instant later a bridge appeared before the warlord.

Megatron and Starscream arrived at the cave and were met with a rather unexpected scene. Twisted, mangled metal completely blocked the cavern but it was unlike just any substance. It was difficult to imagine, let alone explain.

"Shockwave, what are we looking at? And why does it resemble chaos?"

The scientist approached his master, his servo motioning to the mess. "I cannot be certain at this point, but preliminary examination suggests it is cybermatter, the basic element of Cybertronian life."

The Decepticon leader examined the scene, still trying to figure out what exactly this meant. "And how did this cybermatter come to be?"

"The only explanation I can offer at this time is the explosion in proximity to the Predacons . . . and an unexpected variable." Shockwave motioned to an area of the scene covered with a green substance. "Synthetic energon."

"This is a most intriguing discovery, but of what practical use is it?"

"I believe the synthetic energon is unstable, but if we can stabilize it, we may be able to use this basic matter to create anything we desire."

"Or repair anything we desire," Megatron mused. A moment later he smirked. "Shockwave, your new assignment shall be to depict how to control the creation of this cybermatter . . . so we may use it to restore our home."

D/N: Well, there you have it. One of my favorite eps, Evolution, and all the feels that come with it. We do hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as we enjoyed writing it. And may you all have an amazing three day weekend and an awesome Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7

To Savvy Orion: Well, thank you for all the compliments, buddy. We tried to make it as good as we possibly could. As for Elita One, duh! She's one of the best canon femmes in Transformers. She should have totally been in Prime. And I'm sorry lol. I thought you were talking about Skids and Mudflap for some weird reason but pit yeah. :D We'd love Brains and Wheelie too. They're pretty cool. We will try to keep up the good work and thank you so much for another lovely and long review!

We love each and every one of you and may God bless you all!

Until next time, Dream'sRealm

B/N: Eeeeehehehehhhhh feels, don't ya just love them? And all le drama *laaaa* Plus we can't forget teh action- Evolution did, after all, have one of the best fight scenes of the series :3 Next up: Minus One. And even MORE drama! *evil cackle* Ahhh I think we enjoy embracing our dark sides a bit too much, Dream and I. Ooooor maybe just me :'D anywho! Thanks for putting in the time to give feedback-it's always a nice thing to get on and see teh lovely writings of you lovely peoples :3