Gee, will those two ever see each other again? Maybe never! Hahahaha! Well, here's a chapter to cheer you guys up. After last chapter's fiasco, let's see how will the Cons handle their leader.

Chapter 11: No Rest For The Wicked

It has been a month since Megatron left the North to continue his duty as the leader of the Decepticons. In fact, he was grouchier than ever. He snaps at minor problems or does not concern himself with the majors. He usually finds the Eradicons for a good beating because something was bothering him like a parasite. A parasite that doesn't go away. Most of the time, Starscream is always the victim.

" Can't you believe it!" he exclaimed while his wounds were being examined. " He doubled my patrol duties! Do you know how these wings will crack under those pressures?!" The medic ignored the SIC's rant as he patched up the wounds. In fact, he's seen more wounds and injured coming to his den everyday. It was stressful, for him since he can't go out for a flight. When was the last time he preened himself?

" At least you had it easy," Knockout grumbled. He was starting to become like the Autobot's grumpy medic. " You fly a lot more than now. All I've been is in this den without a moment to rest. Just look at my claws! They just need a good scratch."

" All because of that femme!" the SIC seethed. " She made Megatron weak! His brains mush and more importantly, he keeps clawing me at every opportunity! Can't you patch up any faster?!"

Knockout took a deep breath. He mustered up all his will power not to gouge the SIC's eyes or tear off his wings. He had bigger things to worry about. Like when to get his scales done. After carefully patching up his last wounds, Knockout dismissed the SIC so that he could tend his other patients waiting in line. He wished he could get a spa or at least have Breakdown groom him. All these injured faces are giving him wrinkles.

While tending an Eradicon who got smacked in the face by a porcupine, he wondered about his leader and the thief from the North. The night he tended her while she was unconscious, he studied her features. He could tell that she's a beauty which made him think that any male would want her. But he had heard of her and Megatron's encounters all because of that special weapon of his liege. Could he be— Of course he is! Why do you think he went all the way to the other side by himself!

He decided to confide these conclusions to Breakdown. Ooh, this is too juicy~

" Um…Knockout?" an Eradicon snapped him out of his thoughts. He glared at the minor. He was trying to put all the pieces together and he HAD to interrupt. " What?" he asked irritably. The patient only gestured his quilled face. He continued his task, but slowly this time for him to process his 'case'. Just then, Breakdown entered his den, shouldering his way passed the patients to meet up with him.

" Thought you need help," he offered by squeezing aloe vera extract onto an Eradicon who suffered a mild burn." The medic rolled his eyes, gesturing him to continue. Inside, he appreciated the bulky drake's assistance. He didn't want to express it, fearing others would see this as a sign of weakness. Decepticons never show weaknesses.

…

Meanwhile, Megatron was in his own den. He has finally had his Dark Star Saber back in his possession. He recalled his battle with Optimus Prime with it. But it also made him remember the first time it was stolen. He didn't know it was possible until he met his thief. His time with the North gave him an insight about the people and her personally.

He can't remember the last time he had a good sleep. Patrols were doubled, battles ooze from every corner and his clan was becoming weaker. He wanted to get rid of the pain in his stomach and heart. It felt like something was playing with his intestines while something was kicking his heart. His medic advised him to rest and take a flight but he refused. Eradicons enter his den to bring him his meal or be used as a stress reliever for the warlord. His TIC will sometimes enter to report news from the outside world. He and Laserbeak were sent outside to survey the borders beyond their territory.

Then, a black crow perched on one of his weapons. The slender communications officer enter without a sound. " You have news I believe?" he inquired. Soundwave nodded. He turned his head to his crow. Laserbeak cawed loudly, indicating a device strapped to his back for his master to remove it. As he did so, Soundwave pressed a button which a voice was heard. It sounded like a speech but it was followed by an echoed group. Almost like it was a cult meeting.

" This day," the voice announced. " We will bring justice to what the North has done to us. We've learnt their sinful culture and devil practices to use them as our advantage. So what are we going to do?"

" Burn them at stake!" one of them suggested.

" Rape them like the demons they are!" another one cried out. The shouts of agreement became louder. Megatron wanted to smash the device but restrained himself, wanting to hear more as info. Then, insults blared out of the device, obviously towards a captured Northern prisoner. Names like thief, demon, whore, et cetera were given.

Soundwave noticed his leader's anger, pointing a delicate claw digit to the exit. If his master were to stand there with his body twitching like a paralysed badger, he'd better give him something to do before he'll go on rampage. What struck a nerve to the warlord was a voice who spat:

" You may rape me or carve out names on me, but you will not destroy me. The North remembers."

With that, the leader of the Decepticons roared viciously before storming out of the clan, leaving the SIC bewildered by the sudden outburst.

" What's going on?!" he demanded. Soundwave's answer was giving Starscream a smack at the back of his head with one of his feelers.

Oh snap! Who was that voice and why it triggered the Decepticon leader. Knockout, sassy as usual. We'll see if things are heating up in the next chapter.

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