The arena is filled to the brim with spectators.
The purge is the event everyone has looked forward to for months.
For Skywarp, it is his worst nightmare, and this time it is even worse.
Tic meets his optics from the other side of the arena, the yellow optics hard and devoid of any feelings. Their friendship is over. Destroyed by the desperate urge to live.
Before his optics, the beast-former fades away as the cloaking device activates. He takes to the air, knowing that Tic's skill as a ninja is unrivaled.
Cheers from the spectators urge him on, but he tries to ignore them as he scans the ground for any sign of his opponent.
Kill or be killed.
He can't even give his friend the win and enter the final match unharmed. It would give him the best chances for the both of them to live. But if he cheats, both their lives are forfeit.
There is a ripple in the air, and he is surprised to see Tic use the pillars holding the roof of the arena to vault himself into the air and towards him, lethal daggers in both his hands.
He utters a curse as he tries to evade the incoming attack but suffers a deep slice to his left wing, and energon begins to drip in a steady stream onto the ground far below him. Tic is gone in a blur, and he looks frantically around, realizing that he needs to fight back if he is going to survive.
"I managed to avoid his next attacks, and when he aimed for my back, I allowed him. His dagger sank into my plating, barely missing my spark chamber, and I cut my thrusters. Using my wings, I ensured that he would take the brunt of the impact. It didn't kill him but crippled him enough for me to win," Skywarp says, looking down at his hands in sadness.
"I killed my only friend by winning the right to live," He adds brokenly a few seconds later, tears dripping to the floor.
"And floating in the flight simulator caused a flashback?" Echo asks softly.
"Yes," Skywarp answers with a sob. "I was so happy, so eager to get the chance to fly, but then I was suddenly back in the arena..."
Echo studies Skywarp closely, evaluating her options. It is a case of survivor's guilt, and it increases the risk of suicidal behavior. The psychiatric team who assessed Skywarp after his rescue had not mentioned any of this in their report, and it raises his risk assessment.
::Megatron, I need you to change Skywarp's risk assessment to a possible level 4.:: She notifies the director of the rehabilitation facility. It means that they will monitor Skywarp more closely until they are sure that he doesn't pose a danger to himself.
::On what basis?:: Megatron asks, the frown clear in his voice.
::He has a survivor's guilt reaction.::
::I'll assign Sonar to him then. He responded well to him.:: Megatron adds before the connection cuts.
"Thank you for telling me this, Skywarp. I know it mustn't have been easy." Echo tells Skywarp. "What you are experiencing is a case of survivor's guilt, and it is common among gladiatorial slaves. You are not alone, and it is important that you open up about your experiences so that we can help you."
"It also means that we will have to take a bit more care of you. Suicidal thoughts aren't uncommon, and until we are sure that you won't hurt yourself, you will get a guard assigned that will stay with you," She explains, looking at Skywarp and his lowered wings with sympathy. "Sonar will be moving into your main room, or if you want it, he can recharge on a spare-berth in your berth room."
Skywarp just nods in acceptance, never lifting his head.
"I want you to fill out some forms until our next session, which I will schedule for tomorrow," She adds and rises to find a copy of each form to give him. "The first form will uncover whether you suffer from a depression, while the second one is a general list of questions that might uncover additional psychiatric issues we need to address. Sonar can help you fill them out."
There is a knock on the door and Sonar enters when Echo opens it.
"I understand that I am needed." The helo-former says softly, and Echo answers with a little nod before she gestures to Skywarp, who still hasn't moved. "He has an appointment early tomorrow afternoon. Take good care of him."
"I will," Sonar promises and walks over to crouch down in front of Skywarp. "Hey there. I understand that you are having a rough time. Do you want me to help you back to your room, or are you able to walk on your own?"
At first there is no reaction, but then Skywarp lifts his head and meets Sonar's gaze. There is so much pain displayed in the seeker's optics, and Sonar reaches out with a hand to clean away a running tear.
"It's going to be okay. You are safe here," The helo-former soothes and slowly rises. He reaches his hands out to the seeker, and Skywarp takes them hesitantly. Gently pulled to his feet, Skywarp stumbles a bit and leans into Sonar for support as he is lead out of Echo's office.
"Early tomorrow afternoon," The psychologist reminds them before the door is closed.
A possible PTSD diagnosis will lengthen Skywarp's stay at the rehabilitation facility and change his treatment plan. It also means that Thundercracker might be the wrong mentor for the black and purple seeker when the time comes for that.