Disclaimer: I'm still here, I'm still going strong. I sure as Hell ain't quitting. Hence, here's the next chapter of the story. I'll skip the disclaimer, but keep it to yourself or I'll eat your planet. OM NOM NOM!
Chapter XI
Megatron waited. He waited for this creature, this self proclaimed Chaos Bringer called Unicron to make its move. If whatever action Unicron were to take proved be hostile, then Megatron would attack first. But his energon reserved had dwindled to near zero, so a preemptive attack would be futile. Then something happened. Megatron was suddenly bathed in a green light, and then he felt as if his entire body was being contorted. He wanted to scream; tried to but no sound came. It was a trap all along, he thought. Then as quickly as the searing pain started, it stopped. Megatron felt strangely at peace. He looked at himself and saw that every bit of damage he'd sustained during his fight with Optimus Prime had vanished. So did every other feature.
"As powerful as you once were, Megatron, I will make you more so a thousand fold," Unicron said as Megatron felt a change all around him. "You will not just be remade, you will be reborn."
Whatever fear welled up in Megatron was replaced with a newfound sense of purpose. It was a feeling that one couldn't describe if the right words presented themselves clearly. Megatron could feel, sense every bit of himself becoming stronger. Every portion of his physical form seemed to be shifting, not transforming. Simply shifting, changing. His chassis, once a silvery white, now took on a deep violet color scheme. Not just on the outside but on the inside as well. Megatron felt a sudden overcharge of energon coursing through every vital system, only it seemed darkened. Dark Energon, he'd call it. It was intoxicating. Megatron wanted more. As this was true, his body continued to change. His upper torso became broader. His limbs became rounded, though where his forearm were made the same violet color, his lower legs became silver. Even his fusion cannon, once a massive piece of onyx color coded artillery, took on a rounded shape and a gold color. Finally, Megatron's head and face were reshaped to fit his new form. Gone was the helmet he'd once worn during his younger years, replaced now with a three pronged crown. Soon his face was radically change and it appeared right at that moment that Megatron ceased to exist. He was truly reborn into a new instrument of destruction.
"And now, you are reborn," Unicron said. "Behold Galvatron."
Reborn. Renewed. Recreated. It didn't mattered what anyone would call. It simply felt good. Mega… Galvatron flexed his hands into fists. Such power, he thought. "I think I'm going to like this," he said for the first time, complete with a new, deeper and confident voice. He turned toward the giant entity that had remade him. "I seem to recall you promising me some new warriors, Unicron."
"So I did." Unicron said plainly.
That same green light that once centered the newly created Galvatron was now focused on the wayward husks of the dead Decepticons. Like the former Megatron, their physical forms began changing shape. Thundercracker was the first to experience a rebirth. His physical form became similar to that of Galvatron, with several clear differences. His formerly blue color scheme became gray. The wings that made up the former Seeker's alt form became almost like the wings of a great demon. His face took on a decidedly more twisted, evil look complete with a beard and a single crest adorned the top of his head. Soon after, the new Decepticon came online. After him, Unicron focused his reformatting on the three Insecticons. In rapid succession, they all were given identical forms.
"I give you your tracker, Scourge and his huntsmen the Sweeps." Unicron said.
For the first time, Scourge spoke in a slightly raspy voice. "We will hunt those whom you seek obliterated, Galvatron." he said.
With an evil smirk, Galvatron nodded. "As you should, Scourge."
Skywarp was the next to undergo rebirth. Like the suddenly forgotten Megatron and Thundercracker, Skywarp's overall physical form shifted and changed so as to better suit the future needs of these new Decepticons. Soon Skywarp ceased to be, replacing by a hulking figure. The new Decepticon was much more or less, taller than Galvatron and Scourge and the Sweeps. The new figure took on a purely purple color scheme and new, slightly smaller wings appeared on each shoulder and leg but no less menacing. Speaking of which, the face was reshaped to fit the new body, now as equally frightening as Scourge. More so. Two blade-like, razor sharp wings appeared to finish the image and soon, the second of Galvatron's new troops came into existence.
Cyclonus, you saboteur and your new Second in Command." Unicron explained.
"I live only to serve you, Galvatron," Cyclonus said in a cold and menacing tone. "Name your target and it will fall by my hand."
"I will hold you to that, Cyclonus." Galvatron said.
Only the husk of Ramjet remained. The reformatting came just the same as the last. The black, red and white colors of Ramjet were replaced by an midnight blue and silver scheme. Large wings formed from the back and the limbs became smaller than those of Cyclonus and Scourge. The cone shape that was paramount to Ramjet seemed to melt away into a cascade image and the face took on a more angular image. It was at that point that Galvatron came to realized that his next follower was to be female. Most peculiar indeed, he thought. Then again, the Decepticon ranks had Slipstream. What was one more? Something unexpected but most likely minor happened during the reformatting. For only a nanosecond, the green light seemed to fluctuate. The new Transformer female's body convulsed briefly and then stopped and the green light ceased. The femme bot came online. Unlike the rest the new 'cons, her optics didn't bare the usual red glow but were pure white. Nevertheless, she bore the Decepticon insignia on her chassis.
"And finally, the Valkyrie of your new force: Tempest." Unicron said.
Tempest, as she was now called, looked around in confusion. "Where am I?" she asked.
Then Galvatron approached her and said, "You are… different. But you are a Decepticon nonetheless. Will you serve me?"
Tempest quickly straightened herself and said, "Yes, I will serve you, Galvatron."
Galvatron seemed satisfied and turned the hulking mass of Unicron. "Unicron," he said. "I will find Ultra Magnus and rip him and every other Autobot open until the Matrix has been recovered and brought to you."
"See that you succeed, Galvatron," Unicron said. "I will await your return. Now go and let nothing stand in your way."
Galvatron sneered. There was a part of Megatron still alive within him that loathed having to serve Unicron. But for right now, he'd play along. "We make for Cybertron. Decepticons; transform and rise up."
Simultaneously, the new Decepticons assumed their new alt forms. Scourge assumed the form of a wingless flyer and his Sweeps followed suit. Cyclonus took the alt form of a reverse winged, space worthy fighter jet. Tempest assumed an alt form very similar to Cyclonus, except that the wings not reversed. Galvatron was the last to assume what would be his new alt form of a massive space craft and quickly took the lead. The squadron of new Decepticons raced into the stars toward Cybertron, where Galvatron was intending to settle an old and personal score. After the departure of the squadron, Unicron's green light shined again. Something was forming within the light, taking first substance than shape until a bipedal form came into being. Then it took on a pure black and silver color scheme, along with sharp wings on both sides and a face without a mouth. It soon came online much like Galvatron and his troops had; only its optics were a sickly shade of green.
"You will watch him, my disciple," Unicron said to the new mecha. "Ensure that he succeeds, and then destroy him."
The newcomer bowed his head to the giant form of its creator and said, "As you command, Unicron." And then the newcomer assumed his own alt form and jetted towards Cybertron.
"You go far beyond yourself," Shockwave said to Starscream. "Megatron would melt you down into scrap and feed you to a space slug."
Standing across from Shockwave within the main base of operations of Kaon was Starscream. He was decked in a purple cape and steel plated shoulder attachments. "You've no right to speak to the soon-to-be new leader of the Decepticons in that way, Shockwave. I suggest that you mind you manners."
"Need I remind you that at the outset of this war, Megatron placed me in charge of Cybertron while he was away," Shockwave pointed out. "By rights, it is I who should assume leadership of the Decepticons."
"Need I remind you that I am Second-in-Command of the Decepticons, Science Officer Shockwave," Starscream said point blank. "My rank supersedes yours, end of story. Now if you'll excuse, I don't want to be late for my own coronation."
With that Starscream left, and Shockwave muttered to himself, "Coronation my optic."
The former city square of Kaon was wide open and went in all directions. Along the edges stood an assortment of golden monuments of the long dead members of the Cybertronian High Council. At the center, numerous Decepticons, ranging from the recently returned force from Earth to the one who'd never set foot there, were gathered. They were gathered, forcibly for some by the Constructicons, to watch what most considered to be nothing more than a faux pas of ascension to leadership of Starscream. Slipstream, Blizwing, Barricade and Wreckage were among the more vocal. Soundwave and his Minicons remained silent, save for Rumble and Frenzy. It wasn't going to matter now either way, for Starscream appeared atop a high podium overlooking the square. Astrotrain and Thrust were standing to either side of Starscream as the crowd of 'cons looked on in silent resentment. Starscream smirked at his soon-to-be subordinates as Astrotrain approached. In his hands was a gold studded crown decorated with rubies, possibly stolen from Earth some time ago. Starscream sank a knee and waited for the crowning. Astortrain hesitated.
Starscream sensed the hesitation and leered at the Triple Changer. "I'm waiting." he said.
Oh, how Astrotrain wanted to blast the Seeker's head clean off. But instead he reluctantly crowned Starscream. "All hail Starscream, new leader of the Decepticons." he deadpanned.
Starscream rose and leered at Astrotrain again before sauntering up to the edge of the podium. Outstretching one arm, Starscream addressed the masses. "My fellow Decepticons; I am truly humbled to lead our forces on the new journey that awaits us. I swear to you that…"
Before Starscream could continue, a high pitched whine came from the far north of the square. The next thing the Decepticons knew, a squadron of seven unidentified crafts flew overhead and breakneck speeds. Soundwave was able to get a visual of one of the crafts and he could easily identify the Decepticon insignia upon their hulls. Starscream didn't like having his moment interrupted. He grasp Astrotrain by the throat in anger.
"I didn't order a flyby, Astrotrain." Starscream snarled.
"Don't look at me, Starscream. This coronation was your idea." Astrotrain said.
One of the crafts dipped low, yawed and made a near impossible turn toward the square. Starscream could clearly make out a golden colored barrel at the front of the oncoming ship, but the rest of it was violet with silver portion. Then the craft transformed in midair, assumed proto-form and hit the steel floor running. The rest of the squadron, led by a large reverse winged jet, circled like vultures above the square. The newcomer slowed his running to a sprint and finally to a determined walk. None of the Decepticons attempted to stop the invader. Most sensed something familiar about him. Of the gathered, Slipstream got a reasonably good look at the invader. The invader glared back at her and Slipstream quickly knew who he was. Or who he used to be. Meanwhile, Starscream fumed and stepped down the stairs to confront the intruder.
"Who are you, interloper? How dare you interrupt my royal coronation." Starscream shouted.
"Coronation, Starscream," said the intruder. "Are you serious? So disappointing, to think you'd stoop this low to ensure power."
Something about the intruder struck Starscream; something familiar. "I'll ask you again; who are you?"
The intruder didn't remove his glare from Starscream even as he climbed step by step until they were face to face, a couple steps separating them. "You should've realized by now, Starscream that even in death, there is no command greater than mine."
Starscream's optics pulsated bright red and then the realization struck. "Megatron?"
Then as if on cue, the intruder raised the gold plated barrel on his right arm and aimed directly at Starscream. Starscream could scarcely make out a violet light emanating from inside the barrel. He moved a split second before the barrel fired. The beam missed Starscream entirely but struck the next unlucky victim; Astrotrain. A nanosecond later, Astrotrain was reduced to ashes. Starscream, upon seeing what happened to the Triple Changer, assumed alt form and took off. The intruder assumed alt form also and gave chase. A dog fight ensued between them above Kaon. Starscream used his flight experience, flying in between the various towers of the city/state. The intruder, whom Starscream now believed to be Megatron reborn, matched his aerial maneuvers almost perfectly. But Starscream knew the Cybertron airways inside and out. That would be his advantage. Starscream led his pursuer throughout the airspace. He climbed high into the stratosphere, then dipped low toward planet-side. The intruder matched Starscream move for move. Starscream needed to come up with a new strategy and fast. He transformed mid-flight, turned and fired his Null Ray, catching the intruder on his left wing. The shot left a burn mark but hardly slowed the intruder's pursuit. The intruder returned fire with a pair of ion blasters beneath his wings. Starscream nimbly dodged in between the shot before returning to alt form and jetting away. Down below in the square, the Decepticons watched. The intruder's troops had assumed their respective proto forms and landed among the crowd. Barricade got a glimpse of the tallest one, the one with the extra sharp wings and the stoic expression. It made Barricade nervous and he turned away to Wreckage.
"So Wreckage," said Barricade to Wreckage. "Who you betting on?"
"Who cares as longs Starscream's fragged." Wreckage said.
Barricade shrugged. "Fifteen energon creds against the new guy."
"I'll take that bet." said Slipstream with a smirk.
Starscream continued to weave in between towers and beneath burned out archways. The intruder continued to match him. Was Starscream right? Was this newcomer actually Megatron? None of the other Seekers could match Starscream so perfectly. Megatron was not a Seeker and he, if he really was Megatron, was seemingly outclassing Starscream at every turn. Thinking quickly, Starscream jetted higher and higher until he was out of Cybertron's atmosphere. The intruder gave chase, just as Starscream predicted. Megatron or not, no one could possibly match the Air Commander in a straight dog fight in space. Starscream toned his afterburners down and waited for his pursuer to close in. Then Starscream broke to his left and let the pursuer pass right by him. Now the tables were turned. Starscream was the hunter, and the self styled Ghost of Megatron was the prey. Starscream fired away at the intruder with every weapon in his arsenal. The intruder was pelted with fire and assumed proto form. He aimed and fired his golden cannon, missing Starscream but letting him pass by and swatting at him and then reassuming alt form. Starscream dipped low and returned to the surface, along the way releasing built in counter measures, flairs specifically. The flair detonated just as the intruder closed in. To avoid lasting damage, the intruder barrel rolled downward. The flairs left only minor scorch marks but not nearly enough to slow him. Starscream continued to dip low until he reached lower levels of Kaon, a barren place littered with service ducts and rusted corpses of dead Transformers. This was where maneuverability was greatly reduced, but Starscream had navigated this area many times. His knowledge of the place would further give him an edge. The only other Seeker to have been capable of navigate this area was Skyfire.
"Come on, Megatron!" Starscream cursed as he flew into the nearest duct.
He raced down the tunnel up above a river of corrosive liquid, his afterburners kicking the liquid briefly into the air. Starscream was fast enough to just avoid being burned by the liquid, but was his pursuer? Indeed, the invading robot presumed to be a resurrected Megatron, did followed Starscream into the tunnel. He was moving just as fast as Starscream was through the tunnel. Just like Starscream wanted. He gunned his afterburners to their limit and the fire ignited the liquid, which only he knew was volatile. No one else among the Decepticons, including Megatron, knew this. A wall of fire rose up from the liquid even as the intruder pressed on; and flew right into the wall of fire. Up ahead, Starscream had just reached the end of service duct and ascended back to the surface. He flew high above the square where the rest of the Decepticons looked on, assumed alt form and hovered there. Below, a plume of smoke and fire erupted from the planet's surface. Starscream smirked as he thought that the self styled Ghost of Megatron was pile of ash. His delight turned to terror when the invader emerged, scorched further but still functional. Still functional? Now Starscream was convinced he was dealing with Megatron. He was distracted at that moment, and was unable to avoid an ion blast to his right leg. The Ghost of Megatron assumed proto form, hitting the die cast floor. He looked up and smirked at Starscream. Starscream looked down and was furious. He fired his Null Ray straight down; and missed the mark. The Ghost of Megatron was unimpressed and transformed into a second alt form.
No, Starscream thought incredulously. He's a Triple Changer?
This second alt form was that of a futuristic cannon, gold barrel at the center. The cannon aimed and fire, and caught Starscream dead on. The blast ripped away his left leg and arm and Starscream was soon plummeting fast toward the square. He soon crashed hard as the Ghost of Megatron reassumed proto form. He stalked toward where Starscream landed. Starscream was, to his credit, still functioning, although the fall had down excessive damage to him. Starscream tried to crawl away with his remaining arm, leaving a trail of fluid in his wake. His attacker stalked him, the smirk now gone and replaced with a scowl. Then the Ghost of Megatron stepped in front of the Air Commander and they exchanged glares, optic to optic. At that point, Starscream's brazenness disappeared.
"This coronation of yours was bad comedy, Starscream." the intruder said.
Starscream reached for his foot, grasping it. "Please Megatron. Spare me. I was only acting in the best interests of the Decepticons. Please, I beg of you Megatron."
"My name…" And in one fell swoop, the intruder lifted his foot and swiftly brought down on Starscream's head, crushing it. "…is Galvatron," With that, Galvatron turned to the horde of Decepticons, every one of them in total shock save for Galvatron's own troops. "Now then," Galvatron addressed his followers. "As Starscream has been disposed of, I'll be assuming command of the Decepticons from this point," Galvatron raised his cannon high and pointed at the 'cons. "No objections, I presume."
Author's note: Not to sound biased, but I think this is my favorite chapter so far. Obviously, there quite a few difference between this and the movie.
First is the addition of the female Decepticon Tempest, an original Transformer. There will be to her than meets the eye. Sorry, had to say it. Oh, and that other life form. You're welcome to speculate on his identity.
Secondly is the absence of the warship. I left that out because the new Decepticons were essentially flyers, including Galvatron so there really no need for the warship. Plus it was ugly. Speaking of which, Galvatron is a Triple Changer in this story. He assumes his iconic cannon form, while his space craft form is inspired by the live action film.
Third and most importantly is the lengthy dog fight between Galvatron and Starscream. I did that mainly because I wanted Starscream to put up more of a fight.
Overall, I think this entry came out nicely, but that you're call. Let me know what you think.