Here we are at Chapter 91. Just because the volume 9 season is over, doesn't mean this story is over just yet. I do not own RWBY or Transformers. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 91. Enjoy.
Chapter 91: Decepticon Island
At the scrapyard, Clampdown wakes up, only to find a nightmare of autobots standing before him.
"Alright, Clampdown, talk. Tell us everything you know about Decepticon Island," Bumblebee is the first to interrogate him.
"How many decepticons are there? What are their weapons and technology?" Optimus joins in.
"Is Steeljaw among them?" Drift asks.
"I-I-I-I don't know a-a-anything! I-I-I swear!" Clampdown stutters.
Megatron rolls his eyes, "No wonder you lot couldn't get anything out of Soundwave that one time. This is how you interrogate someone... Predaking,"
Predaking growls in annoyance, but activates his semblance and turns into his flame predacon form. The fiery dragon looms over Clampdown, roaring in his face. Clampdown makes some indecisive stuttering until he finally shuts down and passes out.
"Welp, that worked. Just like the last few you interrogated," Russell notes while checking on Clampdown.
Bumblebee sighs, "Scrap. We managed to get some intel thanks to Jaune in regards to the location, but we need to know more before heading in. At this rate, we may have to take a risk and-," he stops when alarms start going off.
Fixit checks his monitor, "I'm picking up an energon signal right outside the front gate,"
"Everyone, move!" Bumblebee says and they all head to the front gate, weapons drawn "Hit it, Denny,"
Denny hits the button to open the gate, but what the group see on the other side is not what they were expecting. Rather than another decepticon, they find a minicon just like Fixit before them.
"Help... please," the minicon begs before collapsing in front of them.
"Another minicon?" Megatron mutters.
…
After helping the minicon, Toolbox, get repaired, they ask him about what led up to him reaching their base.
"Like Fixit, I worked on the Alchemor before it crashed here on Earth," Toolbox explains.
"Okay, but how did you get separated from Fixit's part of the ship? And what of the decepticon prisoners? Are there more there?" Strongarm asks.
"Yes. Many more. Your part of the Alchemor broke off while descending through Earth's atmosphere, while my larger section of the ship crashed in the coast outside Crown city," Toolbox explains.
"Like what I saw when I followed Steeljaw. But, I only saw a small portion of the ship, nor what was inside it. Honestly, I'm surprised no one here on Earth has investigated it," Jaune notes.
"The ship is always cloaked as a means of protection from raiders or from native species on different planets when they need to land and resupply," Toolbox says.
"The humans would've chalked it up to strange weather phenomena when the waves occurred from the crash. They may see it as a meteor crashing down from space," Rachet theorizes.
"That sounds about right. If that's the case, then perhaps a portion of the ship is hidden beneath the water," Blake says.
"Yes. After the crash, the decepticons imprisoned on the ship broke free and enslaved my fellow minicons. They forced us to wear these inhibitor collars so we can't transform or access our weapon," Toolbox explains.
"As slaves," Megatron thinks back on his time as Unicron's slave, clenching his fist.
Yang notices and holds his hand to help him relax.
"Toolbox, who's in charge of the island right now, and what are they planning?" Ruby ask.
"The decepticons who lead the group are Saberhorn, Glowstrike, and Scorponok. They've been sending decepticons to the mainland to gather parts so they can repair the ship, leave Earth, and plunder the galaxy. They've made a lot of progress, and they're almost finished," Toolbox answers.
"Okay, but how'd you know where to find us, little guy?" Yang asks.
"I overheard some of the decepticons talking about autobots on the mainland. With some help from the other minicons, I took a big risk and managed to escape. I've been searching for you guys until I finally did," Toolbox replies.
"We must free the other minicons, and lock those decepticons back into stasis for good," Drift says.
"We already captured Scorponok, so that's one down," Bumblebee says.
"The leadership trio has a new member. He resembles an Earth wolf," Toolbox says.
"Steeljaw. Which means Neo will be there as well," Megatron says.
"At least now we know what we're dealing with. Let's figure out how we're gonna shut this island down. More importantly, if most of the Alchemor is there, it might have some technology that can help you guys get back home," Bumblebee looks to Megatron's group.
…
Meanwhile, Steeljaw has summoned Glowstrike and Saberhorn to a room where the decepticon hunters are stored.
"So, Steeljaw, what is so important that you summoned us here?" Saberhorn asks.
"Now, now, as the humans say... patience is a virtue," Steeljaw hits some buttons and frees the hunters.
"Well done, Steeljaw. You broke the lock. That was most impressive. Now please, the hunters, if you will," Saberhorn holds his hand out.
"Yeah... about that," they hear noise behind them and turn to see three Steeljaw clones standing behind them, with Neo sitting on the shoulder of one of them. "I'm afraid there's been a slight... change in plans," Steeljaw activates one of the hunters.
…
Back at base, Fixit removes the inhibitor collar from Toolbox while the others discuss their next move.
"Okay, we now know what we're up against, but that still leaves one important problem. Even with all of you, and all of us, working together; we don't possess the strength to easily deal with dozens if not hundreds of escaped decepticon prisoners," Megatron says.
"Wait, I believe it's too dangerous to involve humans in this battle, Megatron" Optimus retorts.
Toolbox freezes, "Wait, did he say... Megatron?" Toolbox looks between Fixit and Megatron... and then he passes out.
"I'll... take care of him," Fixit says before tending to his fellow minicon.
"This isn't a request, Optimus. We're not ordinary humans. We've fought in plenty of battles," Megatron says.
"Yeah, we've fought against Grimm that were your size and even bigger and won. Heck, we fought against a giant robot that was bigger than you, and still won," Yang adds.
"Optimus, we appreciate that you're worried about us, but we're huntsmen. We're not going to just sit around when people's lives are at stake. Whether it be our world or someone else's. This is our fight too, and you can't stop us. So, let us help. The more help you have, the better your odds of getting this done," Ruby says.
Optimus remains silent for a moment before answering, "Very well... But, no reckless decisions. I cannot allow you to fall here. Especially when you have your own world you must protect,"
"The fact remains: Megatron's right. We're not enough to take them on all at once," Bumblebee says.
"Then why not call Cybertron for back up?" Sideswipe suggests.
"Because that would take too long for aid to reach us. Time is not on our side right now," Dreadwing shoots the idea down.
"Then we will have to be enough. What can we do to take down all those decepticons?" Rachet asks.
"Even if we do subdue and capture every fugitive, we do not have enough stasis pods to contain them all," Optimus says.
"There has to be some way of keeping them all subdued," Blake says.
"Maybe there is..." Windblade thinks a moment. "We don't have a lot of stasis pods, but we do have a lot of cryo-gas. The canisters we brought back from my supply stash,"
"Cryo-gas. Yes, that could work. The cryo-gas would put them into stasis if dispersed throughout the island. We would require a stasis bomb to do so," Megatron says.
"As much as I hate to admit it, Megatron has a point. We'd just need a container strong enough to hold the compressed gas," Rachet says.
"Then I will assist Rachet and Windblade with the construction of the bomb. Everyone else, form a plan for getting the bomb onto the island and detonating it," Optimus commands.
"That's what I was about to-," Bumblebee says.
"-Toolbox, please brief everyone on the layout and specifics of the island," Optimus interrupts him and then the group scatters.
However, Megatron sees the tension between the Prime and his former scout and takes action.
"Hold it, Prime," Megatron gains his attention. "You and I must speak, alone. Now,"
"It will have to wait, Megatron. There is much to be done," Optimus replies.
Megatron flies up on his jetboard until he's in front of the Prime's face, "That wasn't a request. NOW,"
…
The two leaders find a spot in the scrapyard to speak away from the others.
"Megatron, what is it you wish to speak to me about?" Optimus asks.
Megatron stands on one of the platforms so he's at eye level, "I have been noticing a growing tension between you and your former scout. Specifically, in regards to being the team leader. You realize that something like that may complicate things during the mission, do you not?"
"Bumblebee has led his team well. But, I do not know if he is ready to lead a team this size, especially on such an important mission. And now that I have fully regained my strength..." Optimus says.
"You now believe you should step back into that roll as leader. I know I am not a good example of leadership, Optimus. You know that better than anyone. But, was it not you who gave Bumblebee the mission of protecting Earth? Were you not the one who said that he is ready to lead now?"
"I know of what I spoke to Bumblebee before, Megatron. I do not wish to disrespect my former scout, but there is so much hanging in the balance now. More than ever," Optimus says.
"So, you made him leader, even though you doubt him and think him unfit," Megatron throws a curve ball.
"I never said I doubted him, Megatron," Optimus retorts.
"Then prove it. Look at me; am I the leader of my group? No, I am not. Ruby Rose is. I aid her, and Yang, and the others. I lend my experience and counsel to them. But, it is as you once told me: it is Ruby's destiny to save Remnant. I am there merely to aid her. Just because I may act like a leader at times, doesn't mean I am one. You have countless eons of experience as a leader under your belt. Why not offer that experience to Bumblebee? He doesn't want to disrespect you, but how can he lead if the one person he admires most, the being that made him leader, doubts him so much? You want him to lead, then let him lead," Megatron explains. Optimus hums in deep thought, unsure of how to respond. "Can you do it, Prime? Can you step back from the role you played for so long? You said that every sentient being possesses the capacity for change, old friend. Ask yourself this, are you capable of change as well?" Megatron asks, and then leaves Optimus to his thoughts.
The Prime watches as Megatron returns to Yang and the others as they discuss their plan.
"Optimus," he hears and turns to see Rachet approaching. "I'm sorry for taking up your time, but are you sure about this?"
"About what, old friend?" Optimus asks.
"I didn't want to say anything in front of the others, and there was so much going on, so much information to take in. But, what, in the name of the Allspark, would possess you to ask Megatron to save a planet? After all the destruction he caused? All those lives lost, our home destroyed, him ripping out Bumblebee's voice box while looking him in the eye! I just... I can't understand it, and I have a hard time accepting it,"
"I understand your hesitation, Rachet. The past is important to you, as it is to me. But, look there," Optimus nods to the group.
Rachet looks at Megatron as he stands with the others, and sees Yang reach out to take her hand in his own. The others show similar situations as they discuss the island.
"Even if you cannot trust me in this, or Megatron. Trust the humans. Just like the humans who call Earth home, the humans from Remnant are capable of a great many things. Even turning one's spark that was so cold and empty... into something more. Yang accomplished what I could not. She saved Megatron from himself. The warlord we remember is no more. Thanks to one girl with a fire that can burn through the darkness," Optimus says, while Rachet just stares at them.
…
Back with the group, they continue their talk about their plan for the stasis bomb.
"Could we try and detonate it outside?" Strongarm suggests.
"I don't think that will work. What if it's really windy outside and blows the gas away?" Ruby thinks.
"She's right. We need more control on the gas. Toolbox, are there any ventilation hubs within the ship?" Bumblebee asks.
"Yes, there is sir. Right here," Toolbox brings up a schematic of the ship and shows the hub's location.
"Then that's where we'll detonate the bomb. The gas will spread throughout the ventilation systems, knocking out all the decepticons within," Bumblebee says.
"Then we'll have to go in, set a timer, and the get out before it explodes, with us in it. No doubt, the cryo-gas will be more dangerous to us while we are like this," Dreadwing notes to their more fleshy forms.
"That's the plan," Bumblebee nods.
"You would risk the entire team, including those that must return to Remnant?" Optimus doesn't like the idea.
"We'll all go together to make sure the bomb reaches the hub and is set properly. As for Megatron and his friends..." Bumblebee argues.
"Some of us will aid in the plan with the bomb, but perhaps others should help with rescuing the minicons still imprisoned there," Megatron suggests.
"He's right. If we're helping them, then that's one less thing for you guys to worry about. You'll have enough problems with all those decepticons as it is," Ruby agrees.
"It may be too dangerous for them, or for the team. What if-," Optimus says.
"Then we will deal with the situation as it changes," Bumblebee interrupts him.
The tension between the two of them make the rest of the group uneasy, but Megatron only gets aggravated.
"Listen. Yes, there are risks that we must be aware of, but that's the case with any mission. Prime, how often did you have the humans from before aid you on your missions? They once infiltrated my ship while the rest of you were frozen, with no backup whatsoever until they completed their mission. As for the autobots, have you forgotten the time we plunged directly into Unicron's body to reach his anti-spark? What could be more dangerous than that? Besides, my allies and I have faced giant enemies before and hordes of enemies, and we still prevailed. Now is not the time to be too cautious... Nor is it the time for the two of you to act like inexperienced sparklings," Megatron shoots them both down.
The two leaders stare between him and each other before they walk away in opposite directions.
Ruby sighs, "Okay, but that leaves another problem. How do we sneak so many autobots and humans and Faunus onto the island without alerting the bad guys?"
The group are silent until Windblade smirks, "Who said anything about sneaking? Why not just walk right in through the front door?"
"I think I know where this is going and I like it," Strongarm smiles, and the two clap hands.
"What are they talking about?" Yang asks.
"I think I see where they're going with this. With such a large group as ours, there's little chance of sneaking our way in. But, we don't want to cause a scene before completing the mission. That means we'll just have to knock on the front door. Strongarm, you said Grimlock was originally a prisoner on the Alchemor, correct?" Dreadwing asks.
"Saw through it that quickly, huh," Strongarm smirks as the trio look at Grimlock.
"Huh? Why are you looking at me like that?" Grimlock looks confused.
The gang continue preparations for the mission. While some help load the canisters with the cryo-gas, Dreadwing and the Earth humans with the minicons give Grimlock a little makeover by painting over his autobot emblem with a decepticon's and masking his signal with the same faction. While they do that, Predaking watches the different races working together. Seeing this, and remembering where they are, brings up memories of his fallen predacon brethren.
"Predaking?" he turns to find Blake behind him. "Is everything okay?"
"I am alright, Blake. Just... thinking of the past," Predaking replies.
Blake thinks for a moment before grabbing his arm, "Come on, let's take a walk,"
The pair walk off without the others noticing to find a quiet spot to talk.
"I can tell something's on your mind, Predaking. I've known you long enough to tell," Blake says.
Predaking sighs, "This world is where I took my first steps outside that tank in Shockwave's lab on Cybertron. It was here where I would meet my predacon brothers... and lose them all in an instant. Then I met Skylynx and Darksteel on Cybertron, only to learn that Starscream killed them. I am king of my people, but I failed to save them. Optimus promised that my kind would have a place on Cybertron and be treated as equals. And I know he keeps his word. But, where does that leave me? Could I lead the Faunus here as king? Honestly, I do not know. After everything that's happened since my last battle on Cybertron, becoming a Faunus, meeting you, helping the people of Remnant. My predacons are safe and that is all that matters to me. A part of me wishes to return to Cybertron and rule as their king. But..." he turns to Blake. "That wouldn't be fair to you,"
"Predaking?" Blake is confused.
"I know how much you care for your people, your family, your team. Your world. I do not wish to deprive you of what you cherish. Much like what I went through. So, I have thought about staying on Remnant, after my mission is over. I wish to lead the Faunus into a greater era. I also wish to lead them with your dreams in mind, where your people, OUR people, are truly seen as equals. However..." Predaking takes her hands in his own. "When I do so, I want you there by my side. Not as my friend or comrade... but as my queen,"
His sudden confession freezes Blake in her tracks, and her face turns several shades redder.
"Y-Y-Your queen?!" Blake stutters.
"Yes. I will rule as king, but I want you as my queen, to rule with me. So that we may ensure our people are treated with respect and lead them into an age of prosperity," Predaking remains resolute, which doesn't help the blushing cat Faunus.
"B-but we haven't even dated or gone steady or anything like that! I mean, don't get me wrong; I want to be with you and go on dates with you. Ah! Forget I just said that! No, wait, that's not what I meant!" Blake has a mental overload.
"Are you alright, Blake?" Predaking asks concerned.
Blake steps back and takes a few breaths, "Predaking, you're basically asking me to marry you. That's not something you can just ask on a whim. I've come to admire you. Your strength, your courage. I once said that you are the embodiment of love, and I meant it. Those feelings of love have begun to sprout within me as well. But that is moving things too fast,"
Predaking looks a little disheartened at that, "I see... Apologies, I guess I didn't think this through enough,"
Blake takes hold of his hand, "Predaking, I didn't say no. You keep your word. You may go into a fit of rage, but only because it is out of love for those you care about. You worry about our kind. You want what's best for them. As do I. Predaking, you mean so much to me. I... I love you. I want to be with you... But, let's take this one step at a time, okay?"
"Blake," Predaking holds his hand over hers. "Then... does that mean..."
"I can't say for sure right now, but... later down the road, when we've returned to Remnant and stopped Salem. Ask me again then, okay. Until that time, maybe we should start with a date. Does that sound okay?" Blake asks.
Predaking slowly smiles, "It's definitely okay. But know that I will not give up on this. There is no one else I want as my queen other that you,"
Blake blushes again, "L-L-L-L-Let's focus on dating and other stuff first, okay. Like... holding hands?' she asks more as a question than a statement.
Predaking nods, "As you wish, Blake,"
With that settled, the pair decide to take things slow, more to ease Blake's heart than anything else, as they return to the others hand-in-hand. The rest of the preparations go without any issues and the mission is ready to commence.
…
At the coast, the gang gather around a dock with a large ship next to it.
"You sure this plan will work, Toolbox?" Strongarm asks.
"The Alchemor is out there in the water," Toolbox points ahead of them.
"I don't see anything. This is the place where I saw Steeljaw and his pack, but..." Jaune notes.
"The cloaking tech must've been down at the time," Weiss says.
"Then let's begin," Megatron says.
"Alright, Megatron and the others, hide out under deck. The rest of us will pretend to be unconscious. Remember, keep your eyes closed and stay still until Grimlock does his part," Windblade says.
Toolbox gets the ship started while the autobots lie down and pretend to be asleep. Meanwhile, the others hang below deck.
"You think this will work, Megatron?" Yang asks.
"I hope so, Yang. But, if there's one thing I've learned in all my stellar cycles of battle, it's that not all plans go according to plan," Megatron replies.
Feeling worried, Yang holds her hand with Megatron's. They can only wait... and hope that things will go well. Meanwhile, from a distance, the ghoul of Skyquake watches their ship head out onto the water and narrows their eyes.
And that's the chapter. The gang prepare for the decisive battle to stop the decepticons, and finally have the means to return to Remnant. Meanwhile, Megatron plays mediator between Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, and Predaking and Blake have a little heart-to-heart. But, will the plan really go so well? Until then, please Read and Review.