Through the Looking Glass
The sounds of war were impossible to ignore. Explosions cracked the air surrounding The Ark, joined by weak screams of dying soldiers. Optimus Prime did his best to remain focused on finding Spike, a task that was not easy by any means. A quick scan of the area informed Prime that Spike was still within the Autobots headquarters. Dodging random laser blasts, the Autobot leader cautiously entered the crashed starship. He held his weapon tight, prepared to handle any enemy forces that may have ventured inside.
The deeper he journeyed inside The Ark, the more he became aware that a battle had taken place recently within their base of operations. Blast marks were detected on the walls and several dents decorated the corridors. Stepping over the fallen bodies of unrecognizable Transformers, Prime found himself outside the primary sickbay sector. Walking in with his guard up, his optics quickly noticed the familiar form of Soundwave. The Decepticon couldn't stand, his optics fading in and out of operation. His body was leaking fluid, with exposed circuitry shooting out sparks and smoke. Prime knelt by Soundwave's side and placed his hand on his shoulder. A few feet away, he saw the deceased body of Chip Chase. Before he had time to fully comprehend what exactly had happened, it became apparent that Spike was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, a feeling of complete loss filled Prime's body. "Spike?" he asked, his tone uneasy, fearing a reply of silence. Was he too late? Had Spike met the same end as Chip?
Soundwave motioned to a nearby cube, just the right size to contain a human being for the purpose of protection. Prime knew, without a word being spoken that Soundwave had taken it upon himself to keep an eye on the humans. His bravery ultimately cost him his life, as seconds after directing Prime's attention towards the cube; Soundwave's optics went dark. When Optimus turned and headed towards where Spike had been placed, he wasn't walking away from a Decepticon. He was walking away from a hero.
Satisfied that the room was secure for the moment, Optimus carefully removed the front wall of the cube. "What was that all about?" Spike growled as he exited the structure. "I'm standing here one minute, and the next thing I know, Soundwave shoved me in this box!" His voice trailed off as he noticed Chip's wheelchair turned over and heavily damaged. Seconds later, he located his friend's body and ran towards it. Kneeling beside him, Spike felt tears begin to stream down his face. He glanced over to his left and saw Soundwave's motionless body. Taking a deep breath, Spike slowly began to comprehend what had happened. "He put me in there..." The words were hard to come by. "To save me?"
Optimus Prime nodded. Whatever invaders had stormed the Ark in an attempt to kill their human friends, had been turned back by the unlikely hand of Soundwave. He felt Spike's pain and confusion, but there was nothing he could do to ease it. He forced himself to focus on the moment at hand. "We don't have much time, Spike. I need you to come with me." He realized that his words could have been considered insensitive. He knew humans benefited from grieving for lost loved ones, a period of time to allow the situation to fully be grasped. But he also knew that there was no more time to be given. "Spike," he calmly said, "Now, before it's too late."
Desperately trying to regain his composure and failing miserably in his attempt, Spike said a silent prayer for Chip Chase. He got to his feet and looked up at the towering Autobot commander. His red and blue frame looked slightly less majestic than before; the shine in his chrome had dulled. As tears continued to flow freely from Spike's tired eyes, he allowed the numbness of loss to overtake him. "What do you need me to do?"
end of chapter 28
A/N: The story comes to an end in the next chapter... I hope to see you there!