Hi everyone, welcome back to Code Prime. I'm really glad the last chapter was so well received, I said before that people were going to die as this is a war story… and they may even be characters you might like. (Don't worry, Shirley and Euphemia are still strictly on the no-kill list). Anyway, here we are with Relic number five, and things are going to be quite interesting here as we got yet another original chapter going on. Now, with that being said, let's get started.
Sword of the Past – Shield of the Present
The Australian outback, a large region of the continent that was sparsely populated by any humans… and yet it was arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth probably because of that. No Energon deposits were located here, so the natural setting was all but undisturbed.
That is until a Groundbridge portal opened, allowing the Black Knight-Autobot group known as Gamma Team to enter the desert-mountain region. There were seven units that made up this team, being led by Ultra Magnus with Jazz and Prowl right behind him, alongside four Knightmares; two Custom Vincents piloted by both Cornelia and Chigusa, Guilford's Akatsuki, and the Florence Nero operated by Monica Krushevsky.
The portal closed as all seven stepped out and began to survey the area, with Ultra Magnus already taking out a scanner to locate the relic.
"You know, there may not be a lot here… but this place is kinda beautiful." Monica observed with a slight smile.
"Perhaps, but we must remain focused on the mission." Ultra Magnus said.
"Commander Magnus, do you have any ideas what sort of Relic we'll be retrieving?" Guilford asked.
"Unfortunately, no." Ultra Magnus replied. "Many Decepticon weapons of mass destruction were confiscated during the war and we didn't have time to destroy them all before Iacon was overwhelmed."
"What about one of this Prime Relics, like the Forge?" Chigusa asked.
"That is a possibility as well." Prowl granted. "As the master archivist was one of the original thirteen, it would make sense Relics from his era were stored there."
"However, the coordinates only point to the Relic's location. They do not say anything on what the Relic is." Ultra Magnus said.
"That's not very helpful." Jazz commented.
"Does it matter what it is?" Cornelia asked. "So long as we get to it first."
"I agree with Cornelia." Monica added. "We find the Relic and get back to base, if we're unable to do that, then we must destroy it."
"Well in that case, it does matter what the Relic is." Jazz said. "If it's a bomb, just trying to blow it up could blow a hole in the planet the size of the continent."
"All valid points." Ultra Magnus told the group. "However, we will be unable to pursue either option if we do not locate the Relic first."
"So where is it?" Guilford asked.
"According to the coordinates taken from the Nemesis, our target appears to be located within that canyon range roughly twenty clicks from here." Ultra Magnus replied, looking at his scanner.
Suddenly, multiple Energon blasts rained down toward the group, much to their shock, as they saw several Insecticons flying down from the sky in their Herculean Beetle modes, and they appeared to be led by two more Insecticons, one resembling a dark purple beetle and the other being a bright red firefly as they too opened fire on the group.
As Gamma Team broke apart to avoid getting shot at due to being a bigger target, they attempted to retaliate and open fire. However, they didn't get very far as multiple bursts erupted from the ground around them, almost like a complete circle as several more Insecticons climbed out and emerged from the ground with roars; among them was a giant metallic scorpion that transformed and revealed himself to be Scorponok. All the airborne Insecticons encircled the rest of Gamma Team in the air as the beetle and firefly transformed to reveal themselves as Saberhorn and Glowstrike respectively.
"It's an ambush!" Guilford exclaimed.
"Indeed, it is." Saberhorn grinned. "Not particularly sporting, but I'm not arguing with the results."
"Guess that Schneizel knew what he was talking about, hmm?" Glowstrike commented.
That got Cornelia's attention, her Knightmare's radar picking up another airborne object in the far distance. Upon scanning it and zooming in, she saw that it was the Avalon.
"Schneizel!" Her eyes lit with fury.
The former Britannian prince turned human-Decepticon ambassador sat on the command chair onboard the Avalon as he observed the situation unfold before him.
"It seems the ambush worked as intended." Kanon told Schneizel. "How did you know the enemy would appear here though? They could have used the Groundbridge to teleport straight to the Relic's location."
"I'm certain their commanders would want to keep them at a relatively safe distance with the terrain the Relic is located in proves to be to treacherous. Lelouch has certainly been more cautious ever since his miraculous return." Schneizel explained. "However… upon closer inspection… it would seem Cornelia is among this team. Even if her allegiance has changed, she is still likely to resist. Kanon, please instruct the Insecticons to bring her in alive."
"Alive, sir?" Kanon asked.
"I've already had a chance to speak with Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphemia, all of whom I was rather close with. It's only fair I give Cornelia that chance to as we did have a similar relationship." Schneizel answered.
"Understood." Kanon nodded as he began to deliver the orders to the Insecticons below, while Schneizel continued to observe as he was certain a fight would break out at any second.
"You are surrounded. Though it is highly recommended you surrender, I hope that you do not." Saberhorn said with a grin as he drew his dual fencing blades. "I so long for a challenge."
Jazz grinned back. "Good, cause you're about to get one!" He shot his sonic gun at Saberhorn to blast him into a group of Insecticons. The others followed suit as Ultra Magnus and Prowl opened fire with their Energon blasters while the four Knightmares took to the sky and fired their missiles and other heavy artillery weapons to take down a good portion of the Insecticons. Many of them then took to the skies in pursuit of the Knightmares while the Autobots dealt with the remainder of enemies around them.
Ultra Magnus fired his ion cannons to blast off one Insecticon's head before drawing his Energon hammer to slam it into the side of the second to knock it down, allowing him to crush its head with another hammer strike. However, he was quickly attacked by Scorponok, who lashed out with his claws at the Autobot commander. Fortunately, Magnus blocked the claw-strikes with the staff of his hammer even as the scorpion-like Insecticon pressed against him.
Jazz used his grappler to hook onto the face of one Insecticon and pull himself upward. While airborne, Jazz deployed Undertone who fell and drew his spear to impale into the back of the Insecticon's neck to kill him. Undertone undeployed back onto Jazz just as he unleashed another sonic blast to push back another Insecticon. A third was about to come at him from behind in its beetle-mode, but Prowl suddenly appeared to thrust his knee into its neck area to disorient it before throwing several of his shuriken into its exposed neck to finish it off.
Jazz gave an impressed whistle. "Smooth there, buddy. Where would we be without ya?"
Suddenly, four Insecticons total landed in front of the Autobot pair and gave their titular roars.
"We may find out." Prowl commented before he and his companion engaged the enemy.
While in the air, Cornelia, Guilford, Chigusa, and Monica flew in their respective Knightmares to shoot at any Insecticon that tried to come their way, using whatever gun or slash harken attack to maintain their distance and avoid close quarters combat with the hulking Insecticons.
As Cornelia's Vincent fired its riffle at the wings of one Insecticon to send it falling to the ground, she once again paid a glance towards the Avalon, noting that it wasn't taking part in the battle.
'Always observing but never taking part yourself.' Cornelia thought with disgust. 'How much like our father you are, Schneizel.'
Suddenly, Cornelia's Vincent was rammed from behind by Saberhorn's flying beetle-mode, who drove it toward the ground.
"Cornelia!" Guilford exclaimed as he flew after them.
"Guilford wait…!" Monica was about to provide assistance, but three Insecticons flew out in front of her and opened fire; forcing her to fly upward and avoid the blasts; while at the same time, Chigusa found herself engaged with Glowstrike's firefly alt-mode. Both flew through the sky as they fired their long-ranged weapons at one another.
Cornelia's custom Vincent was knocked to the ground and skidded to a halt as Saberhorn transformed and appeared over her. He glanced behind to see Guilford's Akatsuki flying down toward him as it drew its revolving blade sword and slashed at him, only for Saberhorn to quickly draw one of his own blades to block and parry, swinging forward to push Guilford's unit back. Saberhorn was also quick to draw his other blade and parry the thrust from Cornelia's lance as her Knightmare rushed past him and regrouped with Guilford's.
"Hmm, it seems I am granted a challenge after all." Saberhorn grinned.
"This may be your last, Decepticon." Cornelia glared.
"Ah, that voice… You are Cornelia li Britannia, former princess of the now-fallen Britannia and so-called Goddess of Victory." Saberhorn recognized her. "And I'm assuming the other is a friend, most likely. Perhaps someone of your former guard? If that is true, then perhaps your teamwork shall make this even more exciting. Come and face me! Prove your metal!"
"I'll follow your lead, as always Cornelia." Guilford told her.
"I know…" She smiled slightly, glad he was watching her back before they both moved to engage Saberhorn in bladed combat.
Still airborne, Monica's Florence Nero fired its Hadron Cannons to obliterate two of the Insecticons that charged at her, but a third appeared and came at her faster than she could react, ramming at her with its horn to knock her down toward the ground. That same Insecticon transformed and landed in front of her, raising its fists to crush her. But an Energon hook appeared to ensnare its neck from behind, the one responsible was revealed to be Jazz as he pulled back to get the Insecticon's attention.
"Hey! Anytime you wanna move!" Jazz told Monica.
Quickly using this chance, she drove her Knightmare forward, drawing its MVS claws to impale the Insecticon's chest and destroy it.
"Thanks, Jazz." Monica nodded
"No problemo." Jazz nodded back. "Now let's get back to the fight." They quickly moved in to try and assist Prowl and Ultra Magnus as they continued to struggle against their respective opponents.
Back in the air, Chigusa fired her Vincent's rifle at the flying alt-mode of Glowstrike, but she was too fast to get a solid hit in. She flew straight up and back down to open fire with her own Energon blasts. Though Chigusa tried to move out of the way, her float system was struck, sending her Knightmare plummeting toward the ground. Though she was able to somewhat stabilize herself upon landing, it didn't stop Glowstrike from ramming the Vincent to the ground.
"Ha! Parry!" Saberhorn blocked the sword strike from Guilford's Akatsuki and kicked it back before swerving around to avoid the lance-strike from Cornelia. "Thrust!" He lunged his right blade at Cornelia, who batted it away before getting some distance with a vault from her Slash harkens on the ground, allowing Guilford to come in and engage Saberhorn in close-quarters combat; but he was quick to parry all his strikes. "Parry. Parry. Thrust." However, it would seem Guilford had Saberhorn's complete attention. Even as Cornelia rolled her Vincent forward at high speeds, Guilford didn't move until the last second, flying upward just in time as Cornelia lunged her Vincent's lance at Saberhorn.
However, he was even quicker to limbo under the strike, cross the lance with both his blades and use the Vincent's own momentum to his advantage as he used his own strength to flip the Vincent over himself to knock it to the ground.
"Ha, well played." Saberhorn granted. "Your teamwork is certainly exceptional… but not enough to defeat me. Though I am surprised by the comradery of former Britannians, especially considering the royals always sought to overthrow one another."
"You don't know the first thing about the royal family!" Guilford stated as he went on the attack, but Saberhorn blocked his Knightmare's sword with ease.
"Oh? Schneizel up there has told me quite a bit, actually." Saberhorn replied, getting Cornelia's attention as he kicked Guilford's Akatsuki back. "Though a handful of you may have gotten along, a large majority of the royal family sought the throne for themselves, the late Clovis being among them as he resorted to human experimentation. Assassination was also a common regard among your family's in-fighting; and that's not even taking into account all the nobility that tried to steal from royalty." Cornelia attacked Saberhorn in a rage, thrusting her Knightmare's lance again, but Saberhorn parried and swerved around easily enough. "Though you claim to fight with honor, your Empire has been anything but. Those power only sought more power and would resort to even the most heinous of methods to achieve it."
"You're one to talk!" Cornelia exclaimed. "You Decepticons destroyed your own home planet!"
"True." Saberhorn acknowledged. "But at least we accept and admit it. Wasn't your old empire attempting to do the same thing? Deny it all you want, but Britannia would have ultimately destroyed the Earth the same way we had for Cybertron."
Both Cornelia and Guilford attacked at the same time, thrusting lance and slashing sword, but Saberhorn blocked both blades as he locked against them. "Your actions suggest you are defending your empire… and yet you bare the emblem of its antithesis, do you not?" He flapped his wings and hovered above them slightly before spinning his blades around like a top to push them both back. He then quickly severed the left leg of Cornelia's Vincent and brought it down.
"The Autobots and their Black Knights compatriots claim that freedom is the right of all sentient beings, while the old Britannia believed that freedom was reserved solely for the powerful." Saberhorn continued, even as Cornelia tried to lunge her Vincent's lance forward in defiance, but Saberhorn quickly avoided it before severing the entire arm and did the same for the second. "The two factions couldn't be more opposite. Yet you bare the emblem of one and try to defend the other, despite being enemies." He severed the Vincent's head and kicked the unit to the ground. "If that does not count as hypocrisy, then I do not know what does."
"Cornelia!" Guilford tried to zoom forward and provide assistance, but an Insecticon appeared in front of him and grabbed his Akatsuki before slamming it to the ground. However, Prowl flipped up and over the Insecticon form behind, slashing a shuriken into its eyes to blind it before kicking it down and grabbed Guilford's Akatsuki to pull it out of the way.
Meanwhile, Scorponok continued to press against Ultra Magnus in a contest of strength, his claws against Magnus' hammer. Unfortunately for the Autobot commander, Scorponok had slowly positioned his tail at the right position from his side, before slashing upward to completely break the Energon hammer. He then grabbed Magnus by his shoulders with his pincers and slammed him to the ground.
"To think I'd be the one to put the mighty Ultra Magnus out of his misery." Scorponok sneered as he waved his tail, ready to go in for the kill.
"Sorry to disappoint." Ultra Magnus quickly transformed into his vehicle mode to push Scorponok off. He transformed back and grabbed Scorponok by the tail and spun around before throwing him away.
However, as Ultra Magnus looked around the battlefield, he saw that the rest of Gamma Team wasn't doing so well. Cornelia's Vincent had been cut to pieces, Glowstrike had likewise torn up the Vincent piloted by Chigusa. Prowl and Guilford were cornered by three Insecticons while six more had surrounded Jazz and Monica. Ultra Magnus even saw the Avalon was looming closer, it's weapons were already primed and ready.
It was time to go.
"All units, retreat! Fall back into the canyon for cover!" Ultra Magnus ordered.
"What…!?" Guilford exclaimed. "But Cornelia…!"
"Gilbert, go!" Cornelia ordered him. "You have to leave! We can't win like this!"
"I can't! I…!" He attempted to protest, but Prowl had already picked up his Akatsuki and begun to run away.
"Jazz!" Prowl called for his fellow Autobot as Monica fired the Florence Nero's Hadrons, killing two Insecticons instantly and blasting the side off a third to kill it as well and clear a path for them.
"I'm on it!" Jazz launched his Energon grappler to pull Guilford's Knightmare toward him as he and Prowl transformed into their respective vehicle modes. "Sorry, man." Jazz apologized to Guilford as they drove away.
"No! No! CORNELIA!" Guilford cried out as his Knightmare was literally towed and dragged away, regrouping with Ultra Magnus as he transformed as well, Monica's Knightmare flying with them.
They would quickly make it to the canyons, where it would be difficult for the enemy to follow them. Though the Insecticons were ready to give pursuit…
"No." Scorponok halted them. "Schneizel's orders. Let them go. They'll lead us to the Relic."
"What about this one?" Glowstrike asked as she gestured Chigusa's torn Vincent. "We were ordered to capture Cornelia. Should we terminate the extra?"
"No." Saberhorn shook his head. "Let's take them both, just in case." He grinned down toward the dismembered Vincent piloted by Cornelia, who glared from within her cockpit, even more so as the Avalon's shadow loomed over them. "Your brother has been most anxious to see you again."
The remainder of Gamma Team had managed to find a relatively secure position within a ravine inside the canyon to try and revise their situation. Guilford and Monica had stepped out of their respective Knightmares to assess the damage while Jazz, Undertone, and Prowl kept watch for any sign of enemy activity as Ultra Magnus looked at this scanner to pinpoint the position of the Relic.
"Damage appears to be only minimal." Monica reported. "We can still fight with our Knightmares."
"Doesn't look like the bad guys are following us either." Jazz said.
"Perhaps because they weren't ordered to." Prowl commented. "They could be using us to excavate the Relic for them."
"If Schneizel is involved with this, I'm not surprised. Sounds like a move he'd make." Monica commented, looking away with disdain at the mention of the former prince.
"Hmm, it would indeed appear we are closer to the location of the Relic." Ultra Magnus said, looking at his scanner. "A few clicks further into this ravine should allow us to reach its location."
"What about our own who have been captured?!" Guilford exclaimed. "We've just lost two of our own! We have to devise a plan to rescue them!"
"That may just be what the enemy intends." Ultra Magnus countered. "Our captured allies could simply act as bait, a means to lure us into a situation where they have complete advantage."
"But if we keep going along this path, we'll still just be leading Schnizel and the Insecticons straight to the Relic." Prowl said. "Either way, the enemy has complete control over the situation."
"Damn… gotta give Scneizey-boy up there credit. He'd definitely give Zero a run for his money in the strategy department." Jazz commented.
"So that's it then?" Guilford questioned. "We just give up? Let the enemy take the Relic and our own?!"
"No. We need to devise a counter-strategy of our own." Ultra Magnus commented. "One that will enable us to retrieve the Relic."
"But what about Cornelia?! Or Chigusa?!" Guilford questioned. "We can't just abandon them!"
"Our mission is to secure the Relic, first and foremost." The Autobot Commander insisted. "If we have an opportunity to rescue the prisoners, we'll take it. But it is not our first priority."
"Not our priority?!" Guilford looked in shock.
"What the Commander is trying to say is, that we need a solid plan." Jazz stepped in before tensions could rise any further. "Look Gill, I wanna rescue them as badly as you do. But U.M. is right. We don't know what we're looking for. Worst case scenario, it could be a bomb that can probably blow up the whole planet! We can't let the Cons get something like that!"
"I agree." Monica stepped forward. "I'm sorry Guilford, but depending on what we're looking for, potentially billions of innocent people could be put at risk if the enemy gets it. What do you think Cornelia would do if she was in your position?"
Guilford looked away, seeing the validity of their argument, and he knew exactly what Cornelia would do if their situations were reversed. "She would do her duty."
With the tension appearing to calm down, Ultra Magnus got them back on task. "We need to move. But first, we need to know everything about this Schneizel if we are to plan a proper counterstrategy."
"Schneizel is arguably the greatest strategist of our former empire." Monica began. "But if he has a flaw… I'd probably say it's that he's not a fighter. He always leads from the back; he never directly participates in battle."
"Well, he is also currently within an advanced airship that is likely armed with advanced weaponry." Prowl said. "One that would be difficult to breach."
"We do have two of our own inside that thing, though." Jazz said. "Maybe Cornelia and Chigusa might escape on their own and do some damage on the inside."
"Perhaps, but it is not something we can control from here." Ultra Magnus said. "For now, let us move to retrieve the Relic, and we can hopefully devise a strategy to secure it should the enemy attack again."
Monica and Guilford entered their respective Knightmares once more and proceeded down the ravine with their Autobot allies, Ultra Magnus at the lead. As they went on, Guilford glanced behind in the direction the enemy was, and likely where Cornelia was being held.
'Cornelia… please… Be safe.'
Speaking of Cornelia, she had been taken aboard the Avalon and confined to a cell within the flying vessel. All her weapons were taken from her, including any hidden blades, and she was thoroughly strapped to a chair that was built into the floor. Her hands strapped behind her back while more straps bound her upper body to the chair itself. Her ankles were also strapped together with her legs similarly strapped to the chair. She was even unable to speak as well with a rubber muzzle wrapped over her mouth.
Glancing toward her right, Chigusa was in the exact same state, bound and strapped to the chair. The only thing that separated the pair was a wall of thick bullet-proof plexiglass; the same kind that separated their cells from the rest of the room. The only thing they were capable of doing was sharing eye-contact as it seemed impossible for either of them to escape at the moment.
The door outside the brig slid open to reveal Schneizel with a pair of guards, upon seeing him again, both women glared as hard as they could at him, though he kept his seemingly civil expression.
"Open it up and remove their gags. I wish to speak with my sister." Schneizel ordered.
"Yes, sir." They opened the cell doors and removed the muzzles, but nothing more. Schneizel had brought in a chair that allowed himself to sit on equal level with his sister as the guards left the room.
"It's been a while, Cornelia. I remember the last time we met was…"
"Before you helped Megatron in destroying Pendragon?" Cornelia interrupted out of spite. "Or how you helped in kidnapping and replacing Euphie with a machine to start a massacre!"
"What happened with Euphie and at the Special Zone was not my intent." Schneizel replied. "I was unaware of what Megatron was planning back then. I explained this to Euphie before, along with Nunnally and even Lelouch, I would have thought they told you about that."
"But you knew they would do something, didn't you?" Chigusa spoke up. "And that time you spoke to them? It was during an assault that could have gotten all those civilians we rescued killed!" She exclaimed, referring to the Battle of the Ark.
"Ah, Villetta Nu, correct?" He addressed the other prisoner. "This is the first time we've met. If I recall, you were an esteemed member of the Pureblood faction founded by Jeremiah Gottwald. You were previously under the command of my late brother, Clovis. That is until that whole orange-mess came up and your unit had lost everything, as well as most of its members during Narita, essentially making you and Jeremiah the sole survivors."
"You've done your research, I see." Chigusa narrowed her eyes.
"Though I am left somewhat confused." Schneizel continued. "The Pureblood faction was considered the most patriotic of the Britannian army, particularly in how they feel 'pure Britannians' should have all the power. The Black Knights and the Autobots claim to fight for the freedom of all, so they'd be natural enemies. And yet, you chose to side with them."
"People change, Schneizel." Cornelia told him. "Some for the better, others for the worse."
"And you believe I fall into the later category." Schneizel assumed.
"I trusted you… while most of our siblings fought each other to try and take the throne… you harbored no hostility toward us…" Cornelia looked at him with an expression that mixed anger and grief. "Myself, Euphie, Lelouch, Nunnally, even Marrybell… we all trusted you. And you threw us all aside to gain favor with Megatron!" She yelled.
"I apologize for the grief my actions have caused you, dear sister." Schneizel said, appearing to sound sincere. "But, as you have been with Lelouch and his new friends for some time, you've probably come to see things through their perspective as well. And it is that exact same viewpoint that led to me turning on Britannia."
"Because we would have destroyed the world, right?" Cornelia questioned.
"Exactly." Schneizel confirmed. "Our father was an uncompromising war monger. Any attempts at making peace were met with bloodshed. He showed no remorse with each declaration of war he'd deliver, and many of our siblings were like that was well, Guinevere, even Carnie as young as she was. And you were like that as well, Cornelia. You were a sword meant to strike down all those that defied our father. I recall you yourself leading many massacrers, and they weren't all necessarily enemy soldiers. I'm aware of what you tried to do in Saitima. Though the Autobots and Lelouch were able to evacuate all its civilians, you would have gunned them down without hesitation, wouldn't you? You were incredibly patriotic in Britannia's ways, so much so you whole heartedly disagreed with Euphie's choice in establishing the Special Zone. Because what good is a Goddess of Victory, if there is no more need for war?"
"Are you trying to make me feel guilty?" Cornelia questioned. "Trying to get inside my head and shove all my past sins back in my face? I know what I've done, all of it. I live with it every single day. I've killed people, people weaker than me… I even tried to hurt my brother… but I'm not going to dwell on all of that and drown myself in my guilt and self-pity. I'm going do everything I can to make things right. I am no longer loyal to Britannia… my loyalty is toward the family and siblings that I love, and that no longer includes you."
A look of disappointment fell on Schneizel's face. "I am truly sorry to hear that. I never wanted you to hate me, Cornelia."
"You should have thought of that before you not only sided but remained with Megatron!" Chigusa told him. "I'm sure Euphemia or even Nunnally tried to offer you a choice to join our side, but you turned them down!"
"Initially, yes. But who is to say it should remain that way?"
"What are you talking about?" Chigusa questioned. However, Cornelia was able to figure it out. One look in his eyes told her everything.
"You're not really serving him… are you?" She said with a soft surprise of realization. "You're plotting to overthrow him." Schneizel need only give an ambitious smile to all but confirm it. "What makes you sure he won't see it coming?"
"Because he is too focused on Lelouch and Optimus." Schneizel replied. "Their recent success in bringing the EU, Euro Britannia, and Chinese Federation over to their side has caused Megatron to fixate on them. Their combined military force does indeed outnumber the Decepticons; and if they manage to secure a handful of these Iacon Relics, that'll just have Megatron focus even more on them."
"So, you plan to betray Megatron as well? And what, you become the new Emperor of Earth or something?" Chigusa said spitefully.
"Or something." He replied. "Unlike Megatron or my father, I have no interest in becoming the sole ruler of the planet or the universe. I just want all conflict in this world to end. Megatron has already more than humbled humanity with the complete destruction of Britannia… and Lelouch and Optimus have raised their spirits again and given them hope. Hope for a world where there is no more conflict… and we can make that happen together. I have a plan in place that will guarantee Megatron's destruction. If you were to get me in contact with them, I can share this information with Optimus and Lelouch and we can have the peaceful world that we all so desire. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness for my actions so I won't ask for it, but that doesn't mean we can't set things right together." He smiled toward her. "Cornelia, will you help me? Will you help me in finally bringing peace to Earth?"
She remained silent for a moment before giving her answer.
"I don't believe you."
"Pardon?"
"I said don't believe you." Cornelia told him. "All you've ever done is betray and use us. You betrayed your nation and our father when you sided with Megatron; you betrayed me and our family when you refused to truly help them; and now you're going to betray Megatron himself. What's to say you won't try and betray us all over again? And before you ask what you would gain from that; you'd remove the only ones who are capable of standing against you. You'd even find a way to use them as martyrs to further support your twisted plan. I don't know what kind of world of peace you envision, but it's not the one we're striving for. I won't help you, and whatever it is you are planning… I know for certain that they will stop you. Lelouch, Optimus, they will crush your plot and I will give them everything I have to help them! I may have been a sword of Britannia in the past, but now I am the shield that will protect my siblings from anyone who would harm them! Even you."
Schnizel stood up, a look of disappointment on his face. "Does she speak for you too, Miss Nu?" He asked Chigusa.
"Yes, she does. Oh, and my name is Chigusa. I don't go by Villette Nu anymore."
"I see… very well then." He pressed a button under his collar, signaling the guards to enter the brig again. "Once we retrieve the Relic, you'll taken to New Kaon. I was hoping to avoid that route, but the Decepticons have a way to retrieve knowledge directly from an enemy's mind. It's not exactly something I approve of, but it may be necessary here."
The guards placed the muzzles back over Cornelia and Chigusa's mouths as they lowered the glass door and sealed their cells up.
"I truly wish it wouldn't have to be this way, sister." Schneizel told her as he turned around to leave. "I am sorry, honestly."
'No, you're not.' Cornelia thought to herself as she and Chigusa were once again left alone. Unable to speak once more, they made eye-contact through the glass wall that separated them as they tried to formulate a plan for escape. She may no longer have her weapons, but Cornelia was still far from helpless. Her hands were still bound together, her fingers unrestrained… and that was all that she needed.
The rest of Gamma Team had made it to their intended destination; a seeming dead end in the canyon-area and immediately begun excavating with Monica's Florence Nero digging away at the stone walls with her MVS claws that spun around almost like a drill. Jazz, Undertone, and Prowl continued to survey the area for any sign of the enemy as Ultra Magnus and Guilford's Vincent remained close.
"Keep your eyes peeled. When we see the enemy, follow the plan." Ultra Magnus told the group.
"Understood." Prowl nodded along with Undertone.
"You got it." Jazz smirked.
Guilford briefly deactivated his Knightmare and opened the cockpit as he addressed the Autobot commander. "Commander Magnus, sir? I… wish to apologize for my tone earlier. I respect you as not only the leader of this team, but also the commander of the Elite Guard I am assigned to. It wasn't my place to question you."
Ultra Magnus gave Guilford his attention. "While your tone itself was rather… unprofessional, you're reasoning behind it was sound. You were concerned for your comrades, one of whom you have had a personal history with. You served under Cornelia's unit when you were both in the Britannian army, her personal knight if I recall."
"That is correct." Guilford confirmed. "I'm also the only survivor of the Glaston Knights."
"I'm aware of that as well." Magnus said.
"I swore loyalty to Princess Cornelia…" Guilford continued. "And yes, I am aware now that Britannia is gone, and she has renounced her status as royalty; I have come to terms with all of that and accepted it. But… that does not change the fact that I am still loyal to her… not as a knight to a princess… but as a comrade and friend. I failed once before…"
"You are referring to the battle in the Tokyo Settlement that proceeded the Fall of Britannia." Ultra Magnus said. "I've been told what had happened there and I wouldn't necessarily say it was your failure. Megatron had replaced Euphemia with a drone to initiate a massacre, Cornelia had deduced this and challenged Megatron, leading to her capture. You were deceived into believing the Autobots and Black Knights had taken her captive, which led to you taking your part in that conflict. Those events were outside your control."
"I'm aware of that…" Guilford acknowledged. "Still doesn't change what happened. Ever since, I made a personal vow to myself that I would not let her down again. But now… it seems I already have." He looked down in guilt. "She's been taken by the enemy along with another one of her own, and I couldn't do a damn thing to help her."
Ultra Magnus' normally stoic look softened only slightly. "I am doubtful Schneizel will have either of them executed. Based on what I have heard, he seems the practical type and would see her as well as Chigusa as sources of information, thus he'd see a greater advantage in keeping them alive. Perhaps even as a bargaining chip for Cornelia given how close she is to Zero now. If we have an opportunity to rescue them, I give you my word we will take it. As idealistic as it may be to leave no soldier behind... this is still war; and in war, many things are outside our control, and it requires us to make difficult and even impossible choices."
"Have you ever made a choice like that?" Guilford asked. "One that would… lead to the end of a soldier of yours?"
"I have, many times." Ultra Magnus admitted with reluctance. "As has Optimus. Despite that, I am confident we will see our comrades again; whether we are able to rescue them, or they are able to rescue themselves."
Though he was still greatly concerned for Cornelia as well as Chigusa, this did help Guilford in relieving something of the burden from his shoulders. It felt good to confide in a fellow solider like this, one he knew spoke from experience. Initially, he only as the Autobots as enemies to Cornelia as well as Britannia, though there were instances where he developed a begrudging respect toward them. But now, having fought alongside them, for a cause that was bigger than even his former empire, as well as their acceptance of him and other former Britannians into their ranks with little-to-no animosity, he would confidently call them his brothers and sisters in arms and would follow them into hell if he had to. Britannia was gone and he was no longer a knight of the empire, but a Black Knight and ally to the Autobots, a title he now wore with pride.
"I think I found it!" Monica announced, getting all their attention.
The Florence Nero pulled away as much of the rocks and ground were cleared out, revealing something metallic underneath. Stepping forward, Ultra Magnus reached forward with both hands to pull out the large object.
It was a large semi-triangular shaped shield-like object, one that also bore a shape resembling that of a fighter jet. It's outer lining was a brilliant golden color with a silver lining toward the middle, and a blue crest at the very center of it.
"It appears to be a shield…" Guilford noted.
"Not just any." Ultra Magnus said as he held the shield with one hand. "I recognize it from the Hall of Records, this is the Skyboom Shield."
Jazz and Prowl, even Undertone, looked in shock. "No freaking way! Are you serious?!" Jazz exclaimed.
"I've never imagined I'd see such a Relic up close…" Even Prowl was in awe.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't quite understand." Monica said. "What's so special about this shield?"
"The Skyboom Shield was forged by Solus Prime." Ultra Magnus revealed, causing Guilford and Monica to look in surprise. "Though I have never seen its power in action myself, Alpha Trion told me it has the power to protect even against cataclysmic-level attacks."
"Incredible…" Guilford's eyes wavered. Though one would think it was an exaggeration… but after everything he's seen involving Cybertronian technology, he'd be inclined to believe anything.
"If it's a Relic of the Primes, am I right to assume it can only be wielded by a Prime? Like that Forge?" Monica asked.
"You would assume correctly." Ultra Magnus confirmed. "Which is why it is prudent we return it to base as quickly as possible… after of course, we deal with the enemy."
Unsurprising, Gamma Team gazed up the canyon wall to see Scorponok, Saberhorn, Glowstrike, and six Insecticons looming over them with the Avalon hovering overhead.
"It would seem they were expecting us." Glowstrike commented.
Scorponok scoffed. "It won't change a thing. We'll still crush them and claim our prize!"
"A Relic of the Primes…" Saberhorn grinned. "Lord Megatron will be pleased."
As Gamma Team got ready, Ultra Magnus put the shield away, attaching it to his back as he gazed up directly at the Avalon. "Schneizel, if you can hear me, I must say that I am quite disappointed."
Aboard the Avalon's bridge, Schneizel could indeed hear Ultra Magnus as the central screen zoomed in on the Autobot commander.
"I heard you were quite the strategist, one to rival even our leaders. And yet your plan to allow us to excavate the Relic while you send your forces to take it is rather elementary. Even a first-cycle cadet would come up with a plan like that."
"I believe he is… taunting you, sir." Kanon told Schneizel as he remained sitting in his command chair.
"Or more likely, he is challenging me." Schneizel replied. "While I do not know this Ultra Magnus personally… if he was worthy enough for Optimus to select him as his second-in-command during the War for Cybertron, then he may be a worthy opponent as well. Tell the Insecticons to move in and secure the Relic, we'll see what Commander Magnus' next move is."
"As you wish." Kanon bowed.
Having received their orders from Schneizel, the Insecticons opened fire on Gamma Team, prompting them to run from their spot and back through the ravine they recently traveled through. Once they got to a certain point, where the path diverged into three, Ultra Magnus exchanged nods with Prowl and Jazz as Undertone rode on the latter's shoulder; Guilford and Monica received the signal as well.
The group split up into three. Prowl transformed and moved down the path on the left with the Florence Nero following behind him, while Jazz transformed as Undertone attached to him and drove down the right path with Guilford's Akatsuki rolling alongside him. Ultra Magnus transformed as well and drove down the middle path all alone.
"Split up! Don't let any of them escape!" Scorponok ordered as Saberhorn, Glowstrike, and the six Insecticons all transformed into their respective insect-modes and flew down their separate paths while Scorponok also transformed and quickly dug underground.
Prowl's vehicle mode and the Florence Nero rode quickly through the narrow ravine with Glowstrike and two Insecticons flying above them, trying to shoot at them. However, the narrow ravine also provided efficient cover.
Acting quickly, Monica turned the Florence Nero around and fired its slash harkens to clear away some of the cover just as she fired the Hadron Cannons once again. One Insecticon was completely obliterated, leaving only Glowstrike and the remaining Insecticon.
"Scrap…! We can't get them up here! Cut them off!" Glowstrike ordered.
That one Insecticon quickly flew forward and into the ravine, transforming to land and block Prowl's path as he too transformed to face the Insecticon, the Florence Nero coming back-to-back with him as Glowstrike faced the Knightmare.
"Shall we?" Monica said with anticipation.
"Yes." Prowl confirmed as they engaged the enemy.
Ultra Magnus' vehicle mode also continued along his path as two Insecticons flew down to try and get to him. One happened to fly rather close and into the canyon, just as Magnus had hoped for. He quickly transformed and fired his Ion blaster at its wings, crippling it and causing it to fall toward him. Magnus was quick to pull out the Skyboom Shield and use it as a blunt shield to not only protect himself from the crashing Insecticon but also push it off him and into the wall before fishing off said Insecticon with an Energon blast to its face.
The second Insecticon had transformed and landed in front of Ultra Magnus. It roared at him as it tried to bring its metallic fist down on him, but Magnus quickly used the Skyboom Shield to block the strike while also decking the Insecticon with his own fist and knocking it into the wall before he jammed the narrower end of the Shield into the Insecticon's neck with enough force to completely crush it, killing the Insecticon.
The Autobot Commander herd the sounds of drilling from down under and quickly moved out of the way as Scorponok dug his way out from the ground and transformed to face him.
"You're pretty handy with that thing, are ya?" Scorponok observed.
"I may not be a Prime, but I can still put this to some practical use." Ultra Magnus said as he brandished the Skyboom Shield.
"And I will enjoy prying it from your cold and lifeless shell!" Scorponok stated before going on the attack.
At the same time, Jazz's vehicle mode moved along with Guilford's Akatsuki down their chosen path. Though it was quickly blocked by two Insecticons as they landed in front of the pair. But due to the narrow ravine they were in, both Insecticons were lined in single-file. On the other end, Saberhorn appeared and transformed to face the Knightmare in front of him.
"Can you handle those two?" Guilford asked Jazz, who transformed and deployed Undertone.
"You need to ask?" Jazz grinned, causing Guilford to smirk in response as they faced their respective opponents. "You ready little buddy?"
Undertone nodded in confirmation before he and Jazz engaged the Insecticons, leaving Guilford alone to face Saberhorn.
"You wish to face me one-on-one?" Saberhorn asked Guilford. "Certainly sporting of you, but I recall both you and the former Princess together weren't enough to match me."
"You were right about before." Guilford told him, causing Saberhorn to look in confusion. "I was indeed a loyal soldier of Britannia, and me working alongside the Autobots and Black Knights now does make me seem like a hypocrite. But I've come to terms with all that's happened, including my past sins and failures. It doesn't matter what I was in the past, here now in the present, I am a Black Knight and it is my duty to protect this world, this whole world, form the likes of you!" His Akatsuki drew its sword.
Saberhorn looked rather impressed with that declaration. "Ah, acceptance of one's own past and using it to better your future. Quite honorable." He drew one of his blades and pointed it at the Knightmare. "Forgive me, but I do not believe I got your name before, Black Knight."
"I am Gilbert G. Guilford."
"A pleasure, I am Saberhorn." He drew his second blade. "As a sign of my respect, I shall grant you a fight and death worthy of a fellow warrior! En garde!"
They clashed blades once more.
Back in the Avalon's holding cell, Cornelia had already dislocated her right index and middle fingers, which was enough for her to slip her right hand through the restraints, while also losing it up on her left hand, freeing both. Grunting under her muzzle briefly as she reset her digits, she proceeded to quickly undo her bonds.
The still-bound Chigusa watched as her comrade was able to free herself. Cornelia turned to her with a nod, saying she would be free soon, to which Chigusa nodded in understanding. Cornelia then delivered a fierce kick to the back of the chair she was restrained too, breaking and kicking off the back of it.
As she picked up the broken piece, she saw the guards quickly enter the hold. "Hey!" One aimed its gun at her cell as the other opened the door, but that was a mistake as Cornelia quickly threw the piece of the chair she held at the guard before he could shoot, knocking him down. Before the other could react, Cornelia rushed him to knock his gun out of his hands before punching him down. She quickly grabbed the downed gun and shot to kill both guards.
With that all settled, Cornelia opened Chigusa's adjacent cell and quickly freed her. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Chigusa confirmed, a small grin forming on her face. "You say you're no longer the Goddess of Victory, but you still seem pretty unstoppable to me."
Cornelia gave a humorous smile in response before getting back to the mission at hand as they collected the guards' guns for themselves.
"Even if the Decepticons have upgraded the Avalon, the ship's layout should still be the same. Find one of the engines and disable it, send this piece of scrap metal crashing to the ground." Cornelia instructed.
"What are you going do?" Chigusa asked.
With a serious expression, one even more-so than any she had previous worn in service to Britannia, she gave her answer as she cocked her newly acquired gun.
"I'm going to have a word with my brother."
Prowl may not have much room to work with in the narrow ravine, but neither did the hulking Insecticon in front of him as it frequently bashed its sides and arms against the rocky and uneven walls. This allowed Prowl to move in multiple quick and precise strikes across the Insecticon's body, and it was unable to do anything to counter him. It was even helpless as Prowl slid underneath its body, unable to turn around as the ninja bot pulled out two shurikens for close-range use, which he used to stab into the back of the Insecticon's neck and kill it.
Meanwhile, Monica's Florence Nero lunged its MVS blades at Glowstrike, who was forced on the defensive as she tried to leap backwards.
"Oh no you don't!" Monica fired her Knightmare's slash harkens at the canyon walls on the left side behind Glowstrike, bringing down several rocks to cut off her path and prevent her retreat, allowing the Florence Nero to get in close with its MVS blades, which she tried to shield herself from with her arms, only for them both to be severed before Monica finished her off with a decapitation slice.
Scorponok swung his claws at Ultra Magnus, but the Commander was able to block all the strikes with the Skyboom Shield. Though he was no prime and unable to use the Shield's fullest potential, it still served as an effective literal shield as Scorponok's strikes couldn't so much as scratch it. Ultra Magnus pressed forward, pushing with the Shield to send him back to the walls. Magnus then tried to drive the pointed end of the Shield into him, but Scorponok quickly rolled out of the way just as Shield impacted the wall. Acting quickly, Scorponok thrusted his tail forward, but Magnus was able to catch it with his free hand and pull in Scorponok, allowing him to strike the scorpion-like Insecticon with the blunt end of the shield before declaring a roundhouse kick to knock him further back, skidding across the ground.
Wiping some Energon from his mouth, Scorponok was smart enough to realize he was outmatched and decided to retreat. He transformed into his scorpion alt-mode again and tunneled underground to escape.
Though Ultra Magnus was the clear victor, he was still hoping to capture the enemy. Regardless, the outcome was still satisfactory as he still had the Skyboom Shield in his possession.
Jazz fired multiple concentrated blasts at the two Insecticons that were forced to line up single file while facing him. The repeated blasts forced the first one to back repeatedly into the second, both unable to counter, and were forced to trip up and over each other. While they were down, Undertone quickly moved to draw a spear and drive it in-between the optics of the first.
However, the second Insecticon underneath didn't seem to care all that much about his brethren as he dug his claws into his back and ripped him apart, burrowing through his back before emerging from the torn metallic carcass.
"No honor among bugs, eh?" Jazz cracked as he grappled the Insecticon's face with his Energon hook, pulling him in close to where he delivered a backflip with a kick and knocked him back. Undertone slid underneath the Insecticon and undeployed onto Jazz before the cool Autobot launched his Mini-Con's disk-like alt. mode as a projectile, and even further propelled him with a sonic blast to break through the Insecticon's belly and puncture its spark chamber. Undertone pulled himself out as the dead Insecticon fell back.
"Teamwork makes the dream work, right buddy?" Jazz offered his hand for a high five, which the silent Undertone accepted as he leapt up to slap his metal hand against the larger one of his talkative partner.
Guilford's Akatsuki lunged his sword forward, which Saberhorn blocked by crossing his dual blades, but when he tried to spread his arms out, they ended up impacting the wall, allowing Guilford to get in close as he rolled forward, pushing Saberhorn back while resorting to lunges and thrusts with his own blade. Saberhorn was able to block for the most part, but due to the narrow space of the ravine, he was unable to attack with both his blades at once. This was made evident with one thrust that impaled Saberhorn's right arm, before Guilford slashed straight up to completely sever it.
"One blade against one blade. Very sporting, don't you think?" Guilford commented with a smirk.
"I see…" Saberhorn grunted. "Taking advantage of the narrow environment and limiting my movements, very clever." He readied his only remaining sword, and arm, and took up a similar position and tactic to thrust his blade forward in the same manner Guilford had just done, putting the Black Knight on the defensive. "But something I can still adapt to!"
Being pushed back, Guilford decided it was time to end this dual. He pushed his Knightmare forward, lunging his sword again just as Saberhorn did the same. The tips of both blades met, and the resulting force knocked both blades from their hands. Taking advantage of his opponent's disarmament, Saberhorn lunged his horn downward to slice at the Knightmare. But at the same time, Guilford had also fired his left-mounted Slash Harken. Guilford's Knightmare was cut deep and dangerously close to the cockpit, forcing him to eject though Saberhorn was gouged on his left side by Guilford's attack, forcing him to cover his bleeding wound with his only hand as the ejected cockpit landed.
Guilford pulled himself out to see the heavily injured Insecticon glaring down at him. He also happened to see Jazz standing over his comrade with Undertone by his side, both looking ready to continue the fight.
"I know when I am beaten." Saberhorn relented as he looked directly at Guilford "But for this one-on-one match, your Knightmare is destroyed, and I am too injured to continue. I suppose for this duel, we shall call it a draw. Until next time, Black Knight Gilbert G Guilford." Saberhorn then transformed and weakly flew straight out of the ravine.
"That was a pretty hard-core Con, and you forced him to turn tail. Not bad, man." Jazz complemented his human ally.
"But he also totaled my Knightmare, so he was correct in that it was a draw… at least for the one-on-one match." Guilford said with acceptance.
"Guess we'll just have to settle the score another time. But still, nice job man." Jazz flashed a peace sign, to which Guilford smiled in response. "Now let's go and get your lady."
"That is if she hasn't already escaped on her own, knowing Cornelia." Guilford replied with a chuckle. Though he was still greatly worried for her, his faith in her would remain unshaken. Something inside him told her that she was doing just fine, even without him to watch her back.
"Sir, we just lost Glowstrike's signal!" One of the operators onboard the Avalon reported.
"Out of all our forces down there, only two are still active! And they appear to have retreated!" Another one sounded.
Rather than feel frustrated or angry at the results, Schneizel seemed rather amused, even impressed. "Hmmm, they took advantage of the terrain, separating and isolating our forces. Clever. It seems Commander Magnus is quite the opponent himself."
Suddenly, the entire Avalon shook and appeared to begin descending, something that startled Schneizel somewhat.
"What's happening?!" Kanon questioned.
"One of the engines just went offline!"
Inside the Avalon's engine rooms, which appeared to be ablaze with blue fire, Chigusa had shot out an Energon fuel tank that seemed to flow the fuel directly into the machines hooked up to the Float System outside. It didn't take long for the bullets to pierce through the glass and light up the tank, causing it to explode and destroy more of the room.
Fortunately, Chigusa was at a safe distance and unharmed by the resulting explosion. Though she was shaken slightly by the shockwave and as the Avalon began to fall, it fell at an angle, almost causing her to lose her footing.
Seeing that as her cue to leave, she went back to the door and left the engine room as quickly as possible.
"Energon shortage in our starboard engine!"
"We're losing altitude!"
"The engines are losing power faster than they can be recharged!"
"Do you think it to be Cornelia?" Kanon asked Schneizel.
"No, it most likely Miss Nu. Which means Cornelia is probably…" He was interrupted as the door slid open and Cornelia rushed in with her gun, shooting up the armed guards that flanked Schnizel before aiming at the operators.
"If you don't want to go down with the ship, then leave now!" She ordered.
"Do as she says." Schneizel told the operator.
"But Sir…"
"The ship is lost, and the enemy has secured the Relic. There is no point in fighting any longer." Schneizel assured. "Kanon, please help them to the escape pods."
"Yes, sir." Kanon nodded as he led the operators out of the control room with Cornelia keeping her gun trained on Schneizel.
"Not you." She told him as they were the only two left.
"You actually allowed my crew to leave unharmed." Schneizel told her. "If we were dealing with the you from a year or two ago, you likely would have executed them on the spot. Perhaps you have changed, Cornelia." She narrowed her eyes at him. "But I still see the fire inside you. The ferocity, the desire to achieve victory. So, it would seem the Goddess of Victory hasn't vanished, but as merely been tamed, so-to-speak."
"Is there a point you're trying to make?" Cornelia questioned.
"Not really, just making an observation. But while you may not take this as a complement, I do admire your change, Cornelia." Schneizel told her sincerely. "I truly am glad you stepped out of our father's shadow and have become someone more independent… someone that our dear younger brother and sisters can depend on and care for. I am happy for you, honestly."
Cornelia gave no response, making sure not to take her eyes off him as he slowly walked from his spot near the command chair and coming to a stop in the very center of the bridge.
"So, where does that leave us now?" Schneizel asked. "The Avalon is going down. Do you intend to trap me in here, so the captain goes down with his ship? Or are you just going to execute me right here."
"Neither. I'm taking you prisoner and back to our base." Cornelia answered.
"How can you be certain I'm not being tracked or monitored?" Schneizel asked. "I could lead the Decepticons back to your base."
"Which is why we're regrouping with my team first and they will check you over." Cornelia told him. "Once we're certain you can't be tracked, you will divulge whatever information you have, including your intent to sabotage Megatron."
"By having Lelouch use his Geass on me, correct?" Schneizel asked, causing Cornelia to narrow her eyes even further. "Oh, don't be so surprised. I certainly was when I first heard of this power, as well as how one can become immortal from it, such as our dear uncle."
"Do you intend to become immortal as well?" She questioned.
"Perhaps… though under current circumstances, I am unable to get to either C.C. or V.V. for obvious reasons." Schneizel said. "But don't you worry Cornelia, I am certain we'll see each other again. And please do give my regards to Lelouch."
He let a small button slide from his sleeve and pressed it, causing the floor underneath him to open like a trapdoor before he fell in.
"No!" She tried to shoot at him, but he was already gone, and the trapdoor had already closed. She tried to kick it open and even shoot it open, but it was already welded shut. She happened to glance out the main window as the ground came closer to see a small pod fly out into the distance, no doubt carrying her cowardly brother away from the falling ship. "Schnizel!" She called out in a fury.
"Cornelia, do you read me?!" Chigusa made contact. "All the escape pods have been launched, but there is a safe room we can shelter ourselves in for when the ship crashes!"
'Of course, he would be prepared for even that possible outcome.' Cornelia thought with a scowl before making her way from the bridge. "I'm on my way!"
Schneizel's escape pod had landed rather roughly on the flat ground some distance away from the ravine where the Relic was located. The top of the pod opened, allowing Schneizel to stand as he turned around to see the Avalon come crashing down to the ground. Though the damage was likely minimal, his vessel was now likely going to be seized by the Autobots and Black Knights. But no matter, let them keep the Relic and the Avalon. Let them have this minor victory, it won't change anything.
"Schneizel." He turned to see Kanon and the operators making their way toward him from the other escape pods that landed nearby. "We all made it safely."
"Good, I'm glad to hear it." He smiled as he stepped out of the pod. "It's nice to know something good came from this mission."
Suddenly, Scorponok emerged from the ground behind him just as Saberhorn's insect-mode flew in and they both transformed before them.
"The Autobots and their pets have the Relic." Scorponok reported.
"And given it is a Relic of the Primes… Lord Megatron will not be happy." Saberhorn added.
"I'll assume full responsibility for this failure." Schneizel said. "This was my mission to lead after all."
"Your funeral." Scorponok commented.
The former Britannian prince contacted the home base. "We require a Groundbridge to our current coordinates."
Instantly, a portal opened, allowing the two remaining Decepticons and their human collaborators to enter the vortex. Schneizel was the last to enter, paying one final glance towards the crashed Avalon to see from the distance, the Autobots and Black Knights make their way closer, likely to rescue Cornelia and Chigusa.
Schneizel gave a brief smile in amusement before entering the Groundbridge, which closed shortly after.
Ultra Magnus' vehicle mode, along with that of Jazz and Prowl came to a stop before the downed Avalon with Monica's Florence Nero landing close by, allowing her to deactivate and dismount her Knightmare. Guilford immediately stepped out of Jazz as he transformed, along with Ultra Magnus and Prowl.
Guilford did look incredibly worried, but happened to see two figures walking away from the downed ship and through the smoke, revealing themselves to be Cornelia and Chigusa, both leaning on each other for support. They were somewhat shaken by the crash and minorly injured, but very much alive, much to their relief.
"C-Cornelia…!" Guilford ran up to them at first, but stopped himself and stood straight, trying to act and speak in a professional manner. "I'm glad you're alright. I apologize for allowing you to be captured before, I just…"
He was taken by surprise as Cornelia wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. He had no idea at all how to respond to it.
"It's alright… just don't say anything. I get it." She assured, a relieved smile forming across her face.
Though hesitant at first, Guilford smiled as he embraced her back. While he didn't regret being her knight in the past and serving her the way he did… he didn't mind this sort of relationship he was forming with her either.
Smiles were shared by everyone, even the normally stoic Ultra Magnus gave a small grin and a nod of approval.
"Hey, we didn't forget about you either." Jazz said, leaning to Chigusa's level. "Nice to see you in one piece, Chigusa."
"Thank you." She replied with a joking grin. "Glad to see I'm not chopped liver."
Cornelia broke off her hug from Guilford and addressed the leader of Gamma Team. "Commander Magnus, was the Relic secured?"
"Indeed." Ultra Magnus presented the Skyboom Shield. "This is a Relic of the Primes."
"Seriously?" Cornelia looked surprised at first before appearing to be pleased. "Lelouch will be thrilled about that."
"Listen, while we were being held captive, we learned that Schneizel is planning to betray and usurp Megatron." Chigusa revealed, getting all their attention.
"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me." Monica commented, shaking her head in disappointment.
"Guy's got a backbone of steel, I'll give him that much." Jazz said. "You know how many times Buckethead's been backstabbed, mostly by Starscream, and still came out on top?"
"Yes, even if Schneizel is a strategist on Zero's or even Optimus' level, the likelihood of him actually successfully betraying Megatron is rather low." Prowl added.
"Did he say how he was going to do it?" Monica asked.
"No, just that Megatron was too focused on what we've been doing to see anything else." Cornelia replied.
"I do see where he might think that… but I agree that any attempt at usurping Megatron will most likely end in failure." Ultra Magnus said.
"That still doesn't mean he won't try." Cornelia said. "And knowing my brother, he'll find a way to get all of us and Megatron in one fell swoop."
"So, this is a danger to us as well." Guilford noted.
"We'll inform Optimus and Zero once we return to base." Ultra Magnus said. "We'll also arrange for a team to transport what remains of the Avalon for our use later."
"Add another flying ship to the arsenal." Jazz smiled. "Hell, we might just have our own personal armada after this."
Ultra Magnus then accessed his comns. "This is Gamma Team; we've secured the Relic. Requesting Groundbridge to our current coordinates."
A Groundbridge portal opened as Gamma Team proceeded to return to Horai Island. Among the last to enter was Cornelia, something Guilford noted with concern.
"Cornelia?"
"It's just… I am glad we got the Relic but…" Cornelia couldn't find the right words. "This whole thing with Schneizel… first he lost to Optimus in the Chinese Federation, now this? That's twice in a row, and both were major blows dealt to his side. I might be able to understand the first if Optimus was able to surprise him with Grimlock, something that the Decepticons didn't expect. But here? It just… doesn't quite feel like we truly won this."
"I'm… I'm sorry, I'm not sure I follow." Guilford didn't quite understand.
"I guess what I'm wondering is… did we really win this battle? Or did he just let us win?" Cornelia wondered.
Guilford's eyes widened as he saw where she was going with this. "If that is the case, then maybe Megatron would divert more of his attention toward us and make it easier for him to prepare whatever he's planning. That is a rather unsettling thought."
"Even if Megatron is able to come out on top… we still have no idea what Schneizel is planning." Cornelia said as she looked more than a little nervous. "And I have a sinking feeling… that a lot of people will probably die from it. People… that we care about."
It was rare to see Cornelia nervous like this, and she had every right to be. He knew how cunning Schneizel was, and if his initial betrayal of Britannia said anything, it was that the former prince didn't care for how many people would have to die to get what he wants. It reminded him too much of not only Megatron but the late Emperor.
He quickly but gently reached out to grab Cornelia's hand. "Whatever it is… we'll figure it out. We'll find a way to stop him… because we're not alone."
Upon seeing him smile and hearing his words of encouragement, Cornelia couldn't help but feel a bit relieved. "I know we're not. Let's go."
With that, the two entered the Groundbridge portal, their hands still intertwined with one another.
Done.
That's five Relics down, three to go. This one appears to be a clear victory for the Autobots and Black Knights, having secured a Relic with no casualties, and this one happens to be the Skyboom Shield! Yes, I am aware the Shield doesn't exist in the Aligned Continuity, but since both the Star Saber and Requiem Blaster do exist there, it only would make sense the Shield would appear to. You'll see exactly what the Skyboom Shield can do in the hands of a Prime later on.
On another note, let me clarify that the Requiem Blaster is NOT among the Iacon Relics! I do plan on it making an appearance at a later point in my series, just not here. Those of you who are familiar with the Aligned Novels will have a good idea where that particular weapon is. (If not, then look it up yourself).
The heroes have also managed to bring down the Avalon and are even having their own forces gather the wreckage so they can use its tools and resources to further their own growing arsenal.
However, Cornelia suspects that their victory may not be as earned as they believe it to be. For Schneizel has revealed his intent to betray Megatron, something that was hinted at in a previous chapter with Starscream (the two are working together on this). Truth is, Schneizel allowed them to claim the Relic to not only give the heroes some more motivation to continue fighting, but also to further direct Megatron's attention toward them and supposedly keep his eyes away from Schneizel and Starscream as they plan their move.
You've all been wanting to see Schneizel's own skills as a chess master in action, skills that can rival even Lelouch's, and here it is.
There is one big difference between how Lelouch and Schneizel operate. While Lelouch is capable of making plans ahead, many of his skills as a chess player are directed toward winning the game (or battle in this case) that is right in front of him presently. Schneizel, on the other hand, is a master at playing the long game. He has his end goal already set and is treating each individual battle as simply a movement of a specific piece on his board.
What's next for our heroes? With only three Relics remaining, who will face who to claim what prize or potential weapon of mass destruction? Find out next time on Code Prime!