Well, everyone, this is it. We've reached the official end of this story. I know I've said this before but let me say once again that it has been an absolute privilege to take part in this story with you all. Your constant support, and even constructive criticism, has helped me improve so much as a writer, I don't think I would have come this far without you all. Thank you all from the absolute bottom of my heart.
But know that while this is the end of the story, I do have a third installment planned (one that will be the last of the Code Prime saga), but it will be a long while before I start writing that as I do have other stories that I want to write, and I need to take a break from Code Prime. As much fun as this series was to write, it's also been one of my most exhausting, so I need to put it away for the time being. But rest assured, I will have the third installment out in due time.
Now then, let us turn the final page.
Epilogue – One Shall Rise
Six months had passed since the Decepticon War had officially come to an end. Six months since Darkmount was destroyed by the Autobot-Black Knight alliance and their allied forces. Six months since Megatron had been killed. With the death of their leader, as well as Shockwave and Soundwave, any sort of organization within the Decepticon faction had fallen apart completely. Several had fled Earth, others had surrendered. With the war now at an end, it was time to begin rebuilding the world that had been torn up by Britannia and the Decepticons for so long.
With the Decepticons no longer a threat, the United Federation of Nations had done what all member nations, including the larger superpowers, had agreed to, and abandoned all military power. Kaguya Sumerargi was elected the official chairwoman to the organization and appeared to be doing a great job despite her age. All countries within the UFN had begun to deconstruct their most advanced weapons and were now establishing talks with one another to speak of trade, economy, and such. The Autobots and Black Knights now acted as the only military power on Earth, but they answered to no single nation and would only act when the majority of the Supreme Council of the UFN voted in favor of such, and right now, their main objective was to help in repairing the damaged nations of the world.
And their first objective was the restoration Japan. Already a democratic government had been established to aid with its economic and cultural restoration, while all the man and bot power would help with the physical restoration of not only buildings but even the natural environment that had been ripped asunder by both Britannian and Decepticon occupation. It would be a long process, but with literally all the support in the world, as well as the advanced Cybertronian science the Autobots had at their disposal, Japan would be rebuilt better than ever.
But today was a day of a special kind of celebration.
Optimus Prime stood on a hilltop at the base of the destroyed Mt. Fuji, overlooking an area by the Kururugui shrine, which had somehow remained intact after all this time. And despite the work that would be done to restore Japan's natural environment, it was decided that Mt. Fuji would remain as is, so they would not only forget what had happened to the country at the hands of its oppressors, but also to act as a symbol of defiance, to show the world that despite the power of an overwhelming enemy, the people of this country could still rise up to defend their freedom… and they won.
But the Prime wasn't looking at the destroyed mountain. Instead, he was looking toward a large valley where a certain event was about to take place. Chairs and tables were set up for the humans, all within a large area for the Cybertronian visitors that would also be attending.
"I still don't quite understand the concept of a wedding." Ratchet commented as he walked towards Optimus. "It's one thing to celebrate something, but a ceremony to announce a 'union' between two individuals?"
"Well, you'd better get used to it." Cera teased as she and Elita had also appeared. "Since you're gonna be stuck here for a while. Unless you'd prefer to remain cooped up in a laboratory like Asplund." She joked.
Ratchet rolled his eyes at her joke while Elita smiled. "I actually like the idea of it. Just… two people coming together and expressing their love. Maybe Cybertron could have had something like that." She said while looking toward Optimus. "But then again, we probably would have gone into political marriages and that would have been a disaster."
Optimus smiled. "Yes, probably. But still… after everything we've all endured; I feel they all deserve this."
"On that old friend, we agree." Ratchet said as they saw all the Autobots and people they had come to know and befriend on this planet beginning to arrive via multiple Groundbridges and were already mingling with one another. "I still can't believe it's all over… everything that's happened… so much has changed and…"
"And we must adapt to that change." Optimus said. "But I believe the changes that are happening now… they're all for the better."
Ohgi was inside his own personal room, straightening out his tuxedo as he looked with a nervous expression in the mirror. "What do you guys think?" He turned around, asking the group that consisted of Lelouch, Suzaku, Tamaki, and Ironhide, the veteran Autobot being outside as he looked into a window, while the three human men were all dressed in suits of their own. "Should I get something else or…?"
"Ohgi, you look fine." Suzaku assured.
"What you wanna wear your BK uniform or something? It's no big deal." Tamaki brushed off.
"I'm getting married. It is a big deal, Tamaki." Ohgi replied irritably.
"Unless you wanna call up Knock Out for some last minute fashioned tips or anything, I'd say you're good." Ironhide commented. "You should at least be glad the two of you made it to this point."
"It's… not just that though." Ohgi said with a sigh. "I'm the new Prime Minister of the USJ…. And… there's obviously going to be a lot of work ahead of us, not just with rebuilding Japan… I… what if something else shows up? I… I don't know if I'm going to have the time to…"
"Ohgi, let me stop you right there." Lelouch held his hand forward as he stepped up. "It's fine to be worried about the future, not knowing what could happen next… but take the advice from someone who's been in that position before: you're thinking too hard." Ohgi looked in surprise as his best man straightened out his tie. "Think about and plan for the immediate future, sure. But, learn to live in the 'now'. Because right here and now, it's about you and her. So enjoy your day."
That seemed to cause the man to relax. "Thanks, Lelouch. And… the rest of you guys." He looked towards the smiling Suzaku, Tamaki, and Ironhide. "Thanks for everything…"
"Anytime, partner." Ironhide assured.
"I wish you nothing but the best." Suzaku smiled.
Tamaki threw an arm around his friend's shoulder. "Speaking of the future, when can I expect to be an uncle?" That caused Ohgi's face to turn red with embarrassment while everyone else shared a laugh.
At the same time, Kallen, Kaguya, and Euphemia were in a separate room as they helped Chigusa with the final adjustments on her wedding gown. While Kaguya wore a white and red kimono, Kallen was dressed in an all red kimono of her own while Euphie was in a pink ankle-long dress.
"You look truly beautiful." Euphie said with a smile.
"Thank you." Chigusa said with an emotional smile as she looked at herself in the mirror. "I still can't believe were here… after everything."
"But we are." Kaguya smiled. "And we all did it together."
"And thanks to that, there's a bright future awaiting us." Euphemia added. "And I just know that yours will be filled with happiness."
"I hope so." Chigusa smiled.
"Hey." Kallen got her attention as she had an emotional look in her eyes as well. "You take good care of him. He's like a brother to me so… if he's not happy… I'm coming for you."
Though she knew that was most likely a joke, Chigusa pulled Kallen into an assuring hug. "I promise. I'll give him nothing but my love and support. And you too, Kallen."
Kallen returned the hug herself. It seemed so long ago that the woman marrying her surrogate brother was once a Pureblood who discriminated against her people, not to mention they've tried to kill each other on the battlefield numerous times, only to be joined together as fellow soldiers against a common enemy, but soon-to-be practically family. And neither would have it any other way.
A knock was heard on the door. "May I come in?"
"Yes, we're all set, Jeremiah." Euphie assured as Jeremiah entered the room, wearing a black tuxedo with an orange tie.
Kallen stifled a laugh as she saw the tie. "Ya know, I almost thought your whole suit would be orange."
"I kinda thought the same thing too." Kaguya agreed.
"Nunnally almost had me, though I suspect it was a gest on her part." Jeremiah replied. "It may be the name of my loyalty, but I'm not that on the nose."
"Keep telling yourself that." Kallen jested.
Jeremiah smirked before looking to his old friend as she seemed like the happiest woman in the world right now. "I'm truly happy for you, Chigusa."
"I know… thank you, Jeremiah." She wiped the happy tears from her eyes.
"Oh wow! You two are so big!" A little girl with brown hair and green eyes looked up excitedly toward Sideswipe and Grindcore, this was one of many interactions taking place outside as the final preparations for the ceremony were finishing up.
"Yeah, pretty cool, huh?" Sideswipe showed off as he took a series of cool poses, which only caused the little girl to laugh and look up with even more excitement.
"Can you pick me up, please?" She asked.
"Sure. Hold on tight, kiddo." Grindcore kneeled down and allowed the little girl to climb into his hand and he gently lifted her into the air. "Not a bad view, huh?"
"Oh wow! I can see everything!"
"Having fun up there?" She glanced down, following the sound of a familiar voice as Claus gave her a playful expression.
"Daddy! You look like an ant from up here!"
"Then why don't you come back down so I can be normal size again, Marie?" Claus played along as Grindcore lowered his hand back down, allowing Marie to leap into her father's arms with a laugh.
Leila, who was currently dressed in a dark blue dress with black linings, looked with a heartfelt smile at the scene as Eliza walked beside her. Everything Claus did was for his daughter, and thanks to the advanced medical technology provided by the Autobots, her cancer was cured, and she was completely healthy. She could tell that Claus was beyond happy and grateful for that, and that almost brought her to tears. Of course, Marie wasn't the only one. Leila happened to look in another direction where she saw Sophie and her husband interact with the Anna, Joe, Chloe, Hilda, and everyone else from the former WZERO unit. Just as Ratchet and the others had hoped, use of the Cortical Psychic Patch could help restore minds if in the event one was placed in a coma or had suffered from any other similar mental trauma. Ever since Takeru had woken up, Sophie had never stopped smiling.
A Groundbridge portal opened up in front of her as Akito, Ayano, Yukiya, and Ryo joined with Leila to see Strongarm emerge from the portal. Akito wore a dark blue tuxedo while Yukiya and Ryo wore a dark red and black one respectively and Ayano had a white dress.
"So did you find them?" Ayano asked.
"I had to actually track them down, but yes." Strongarm confirmed. "Kinda hard to locate a tribe of people that don't know the first thing about technology."
"You make us sound like cavewomen." One of the many elderly women gypsies said as they all exited through the portal, which closed behind them. This was the very same nomadic tribe of gypsies Leila and everyone else stayed with for a time while in the E.U.
"We may prefer a simple life, but we're not savages." Another gypsy commented in a humorous tone.
"Of course, my apologies." Strongarm replied with an amused half-smile of her own.
"You all made it!" Leila greeted as Eliza went over to the pet cat that the gypsies had with them and purred as the two felines greeted one another.
"Nice to see ya, grannies." Yukiya waved as the gypsies were quick to warmly greet the young soldiers.
"We missed you kids so much!" One gypsy said as she and Ayano shared a hug.
"Yeah, missed you too. But try not to cause too much trouble this time. It's a wedding after all." Ayano advised, but she was truly happy to see them all again.
Ryo felt a mixture of joy and disgust as several gypsies began to feel all around his body once more. "Oh, how could we forget such a nice body."
"You've been taking care of yourself, Ryo?"
"I missed those muscles!"
Ryo chuckled. "You can feel as you much as you want, just careful with the suit, okay?"
The eldest of the gypsies felt Akito's face. "Now there's a handsome face I've never forgotten. Maybe you could help this old woman feel young again?"
Akito smiled. "I appreciate that, but I'm afraid I'm taken." He said as he and Leila held hands.
"Oh, my goodness… I'm so happy for you two!" The gypsy said.
"Thank you." Leila said as she and Akito shared smiles.
"So, how soon can we expect children?" The gypsy asked, causing Akito and Leila's faces to both turn red.
At the same time, Ultra Magnus, Jetfire, Windblade, Perceptor, Drift, along with Jetstorm and Safeguard, and even Knock Out, all stood alongside Cornelia, who was in a dark purple dress, standing next to her fiancé Guilford, who was in a dark maroon suit, alongside Marrybell and Oldrin, both in red dresses, though Oldrin's was shorter and up to her knees, though not as long as Sokkia, who may as well be wearing a red mini-skirt. Orpheus was present with Monica, both holding hands as the former wore a simple black suit and the latter whore a light green dress, standing with Tohdoh in a dark Japanese robe as he stood by his own fiancé Chiba in a pink kimono with sakuras on the sleeves and bottom, Ashley in a bright red tuxedo and Jean in a white dress, Xingke in a purple and black Chinese robe, and Zhou in a blue Chinese dress. Lloyd, Cecile, and Rakshata were also among this group, the bespectacled scientist in a brown suit, his assistant in a blue dress, and Rakshata in a green dress of her own.
"Remind me again why I'm here." Knock Out requested. "I'd much rather work with Thundercracker and Steve in that little program you got, having surrendered Vehicons helping to rebuild your cities or whatever."
"And by that, you mean you'd rather just direct them all, because we all know you'd never take part on manual labor of your own free will." Cecile told him.
"The fact you don't want to be here is pretty decent punishment given you have taken up arms against us." Rakshata grinned.
"Is she always like this?" Knock Out asked Lloyd.
"Get used to her, we'll be working together for some time." Lloyd replied.
"Well even if most of the Decepticons did surrender, or just abandoned Earth all together, we still haven't managed to locate either Steeljaw or the Predacon." Ultra Magnus said in a serious tone.
"Steeljaw I can understand." Sokkia granted. "But how can anyone miss a giant metal dragon?"
"Seriously, you'd have to be blind and deaf to miss that thing!" Ashley added.
"What are the chances they've fled Earth too?" Oldrin asked. "We've seen that Cybertronians can go into space with no issue, I don't see the Predacon being any different."
"That is a possibility." Xingke said.
"Even if it fled from Earth, I can't see Steeljaw doing the same." Marrybell said. "Someone as cunning as him… He's no Megatron, but I'd feel a lot safer if I at least knew that he was done."
"And the Predacon no longer has a master to control it." Chiba added. "If that monster is still here and in the wild, what's to stop it from going on a rampage and killing everything in sight?"
"We are." Tohdoh responded firmly.
"If either Steeljaw or the Predacon show their faces again, we'll be waiting." Windblade added.
"Speaking of destruction, I've been thinking about something." Cornelia began. "The damage that the Decepticons and Britannia left in their wake… it will not only take time to repair… we may not have the resources to completely rebuild everything. We can't just fix up our cities from recycled Decepticon technology."
"She's not wrong." Jetfire seemed to be in agreement. "We may not have any more issues regarding power and fuel with Synthetic Energon, but that doesn't provide us with the raw materials we need to rebuild this planet's infrastructure."
"What about the moon?" Guilford asked. "Since we have space travel with the Ark, could use resources from that?"
"Maybe a little, but if we're not careful, we could cause irreparable damage to the moon, and that could have disastrous effects on our planet's eco-systems." Cecile said.
"What about Mars?" Orpheus asked. "Or even the asteroid belt in-between Mars and Jupiter. As far as we can tell, nobody lives there."
"The asteroids might seem promising." Monica followed along. "Maybe we could build a base on Mars where we can process all the minerals and transport them back to Earth."
"Perhaps we could even build a Spacebridge network." Drift put his two thoughts in. "All those resources could help us to establish one and reach out to any more Cybertronian refugees."
"And maybe help establish colonies for them throughout this solar system!" Jetstorm added.
"That we, we are not all confined to this one planet!" Safeguard also put in.
Ultra Magnus smiled. "It seems as though everything is coming together quite nicely."
Lloyd already looked giddy at the thought of it all. "Space travel… Oh my goodness… I just love my life!"
As they continued to talk, Orpheus smiled before looking up towards the remains of Mt. Fuji, where his smile faded. So much seemed to be going through his mind right now. While he was truly glad that the war was indeed over, many were lost in trying to get them to this point, his friends, those he loved, even before the war officially started. Even a man whom he once hated, who had been secretly looking out for him, was now among those resting.
"They'd be happy for us, ya know." He turned around to see his twin sister walking up to him with a smile.
"Could tell what I was thinking?" Orpheus asked.
"We're twins, it's a thing." Oldrin replied.
"No, it's not. That's just a myth." Orpheus joked.
"No seriously, it is." Oldrin joked back, causing the pair to laugh a bit before she spoke. "But really, they would be happy for us. Leonhart, Marika, Tink…"
"Euliya…" Orpheus finished as he remembered the girl he fell in love with but lost just after it seemed like salvation was at hand for them. "I just wish that…"
"That there was a way to let them know that it turned out alright?" Marrybell stepped up to join the twins. "I think they know. Call it a gut feeling, but I think they know." She reached out to grasp her lover's hand before reaching out to grab Orpheus'. He then felt his other hand being gently touched and gazed to his side to see Monica looking at him with a loving smile. "The best way to honor them, is to move forward. Live our lives the fullest. And that's what I intend to do. What about you?"
Orpheus briefly saw the smiling face of Euliya as well as Oiagros and even his mother, Olivia, all three of them smiled and nodded. He then remembered the last words his uncle said to him just before they vanished…
"…All of you… live…"
The young man's eyes watered slightly as he looked towards Monica with an emotional smile of happiness. "I think I'm going to live."
"Sounds like a plan." Monica agreed before kissing him on the cheek.
Meanwhile, as more and more guests arrived, Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Arcee, Smokescreen, Bulkhead, and Warpath were seen hanging out with Shirley, who was in a light green dress Rai, who was dressed in a dark blue blazer as he held Arthur in his arms, Rivalz in a bright blue tuxedo, Milly, in a yellow dress Gino in a light gray tuxedo, Nonette in a long light purple dress, and Nina in a white and red dress.
"So… what exactly is the plan now?" Milly asked.
"What do you mean?" Smokescreen asked in response.
"Well, the war is over and thank god that it is… but, what happens with us now?" Milly began. "I mean, I don't see any of us going back to school after everything we all went through." She gestured to herself and her friends in the former Student Council. "You two are probably going to be Black Knights again." She looked towards Gino and Nonette. "But you guys…?" She looked up to the Autobots. "Is there really a point to the Autobots now that the Cons are done?"
"Oh, I'm sure there'll be plenty of enemies for us to face in the future." Arcee replied. "But I do see your point. We've all been soldiers for so long…" She looked down slightly.
"Like you said, there will still be bad guys out there, so we may still need some soldiers." Nonette replied. "For now though, I'm just enjoying the peace."
"Yeah, think I might kick back and relax a bit myself." Smokescreen added in the same manner. "But if another fight's around the corner, I'll be there."
"I've actually been planning on going back into labor." Bulkhead said. "I mean, I still got the body for it." He lightly banned his hand against his metal frame. "And my experience means I can help with the labor program that Steve cooked up."
"We can help with that too." Wheeljack said, standing with Warpath.
"As in demolitions? Ya know, blowing stuff up?" Gino joked.
"Yeah, but I also know how to build stuff too. I got some talent when it comes to circuitry." Wheeljack replied.
"But yeah, definitely blowing stuff up." Warpath grinned. "Who knew it could actually be good for society."
Most of the group laughed at that before Bumblebee addressed the blonde girl. "You got any plans, Milly? You wouldn't have brought this up if you didn't have something in mind."
"Well… I've been thinking about going into journalism." Milly answered. "Diethard said he'd be looking into taking on an protégé."
"Just be careful you don't end up as fanatic as him." Smokescreen jabbed.
"I'm still going to be working with Ratchet and everyone in the science division." Nina said. "With the war over, our plan is now rebuilding. It'll be a nice change of pace to make things that don't blow up."
"As for me… I got no plans." Rivalz stretched his arms as he fell back on a nearby chair. "After a freaking war… I could use a break. I'll look for something soon, just not right now. Maybe Lelouch could set me up for a job."
"Using one of your friends as a safety net I see." Rai pointed out.
"Hey, the guy's the leader of the Black Knights. He's gotta have connections." Rivalz replied. "What about you, Rai? You still in the BKs?"
"Yep." He confirmed as he set Arthur down. "Like Arcee said, we'll still probably be meeting new enemies in the future, so I'm going to do what I can to make sure the people I love are safe." He looked towards Shirley with a smile right before she kissed him on the cheek.
"And you Shirley? You got plans?" Bulkhead asked.
"Actually… I decided I'm going to be a therapist." Shirley revealed, much to the group's surprise.
"Therapy? What made you decide on that?" Gino asked.
"Well… after seeing just how much people have struggled… not just with this war but everything before it…" Shirley began. "Many people here lost loved ones long before the war even started… like Kallen with her brother or Rai and his family… and people are still struggling even with Megatron being gone, same with Bots. Many of them lost some things they'll never get back. Those kinds of wounds…. They don't heal the same way physical ones do. And… I wanna do what I can to help them get better, and this seems like the best way to do it."
Everyone around her, human and Bot, all looked to her with pride.
"Look at you." Milly said with a warm smile. "What happened to that shy schoolgirl back at Ashford?"
Shirley smiled back. "She's still here. She's just… seen more of the world and wants to help it heal."
"You got the heart for the job." Arcee nodded. "I'm sure you'll do great."
"And whatever happens next, I know we'll do it together." Rai said as they all smiled with one another.
At the same time, in another area, Nunnally, who was in a white and pink dress, just found herself staring off into the mountain ranges and valley that stretched out around them. She truly was happy for Ohgi and Villetta, as well as everyone else who was here to help them celebrate. She was happy the war was finally over and that she and everyone else she loves can live their lives in joy and happiness. And yet, there still seemed to be a strong sense of regret inside her. Something that she had been unable to shake off these past six months.
"Nunnally?"
Turning around, she saw not only Alice and Sayoko in a pink dress and white kimono respectively, but even the other Irregulars consisting of Grimlock, Dalque in dark green dress, Swoop, Sancia in a black dress, Snarl, Lucretia in an aqua blue dress, Sludge, Misty in a grey dress, Slug, and even Anya in a dark auburn colored dress as they approached her. Even Sky-Byte and Tianzi were also there, with the young empress in a bright yellow dress.
"Hi everyone." Nunnally tried to greet with a smile, but neither Alice nor Sayoko were fooled as they both came at her sides.
"You're still thinking about her." Sayoko went to the point, causing Nunnally's smile to vanish.
"She hurt us… Lelouch and I… and so many others. And yet… she gave her life so that not only Lelouch could live… but so we could all be here." Nunnally struggled to get the words out. "The last words I said to her… were that I'll never forgive her… and maybe she did do things that I don't think I can forgive but… I… is it wrong that I regret that? I… I don't know whether I should feel sad or not, or say 'thank you' because she did save our lives! I… I just don't know…!" She put her hands on her face as she cried.
Everyone, even the Dinobots and especially Grimlock, all looked in sympathy as it was easy to understand what the girl was going through.
That's when Sky-Byte stepped forward. "I suppose I can relate to that. We all know what happened with Megatron and what he became. But back on Cybertron, I was constantly discriminated against… I'm a Sharkticon, a creation of the Quintessons, virtually every Cybertronian avoided me like Cybonic Plague. I was stuck in the gutter. But Megatron offered me a chance to get out of that. I thought that the revolution he planned was supposed to bring equality, and I'd be able to finally find a home on Cybertron. I just never thought it would lead to the war and the destruction of it all. I can't forgive Megatron for that, and I never will. But a part of me still feels somewhat grateful in that I was able to find a purpose… and that led to me here… where I see a chance to start over… the chance that your side offered me. I know it's not exactly the same but… maybe you could use this as a chance to start over yourself."
"He's right." Anya stepped up and spoke directly to Nunnally. "Marianne stole my life and my memories from me. That is unforgiveable. But we were still able to work together and make all of this happen, and I'm grateful for that. It's fine if you don't forgive her, or if you want to then do it. But it's still your life and it's your choice."
Nunnally looked to all of them with tears in her eyes as Alice took her both of her hands into her own and looked her in the eye before speaking.
"Nunnally, if it wasn't for you… I'd still be an experiment, just a mindless tool being used by others. But you helped me to see that I was more than that. You showed me the beauty of living, of having other people around me and what it means to form a connection with those people. You helped me when I was lost, and I want to be here for you too."
"We are all here." Even Grimlock stepped forward. "Forgive your mother or don't. It's your choice. But if you think you need to do something to make amends, even though I think you don't have to… then live your life. Live it to the fullest."
As Nunnally saw the smiles of all her friends, she was once again reminded of the life that was hers and the connections, she has formed with it, not just her brother, but all those that were her friends and family. Thinking on that, and Nunnally couldn't help but imagine the image of her smiling mother standing over her and wrapping her arms around her in a loving embrace. She even heard her mother's voice one final time as she said three words to her.
'Live on... Nunnally.'
The tears fell down her eyes as she hugged Alice with all her might, Sayoko, Anya, and the other humans joining as they hugged the girl. Even the Dinobots all smiled.
"Not a bad speech there." Swoop complemented Sky-Byte. "You'll make a great Dinobot."
That caused the Sharkticon to look in surprise. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me." Swoop smirked.
"Me… a Dinobot…?"
"Why not?" Sludge shrugged. "We all stand out too, even among other Cybertronians."
"But… I'm not…" Sky-Byte stuttered.
"Not a dinosaur?" Snarl finished. "Based on this planet's history, they had prehistoric sharks at the time dinosaurs. I think the humans called the Megalodons, so it wouldn't be too out of place."
"And you can hold your own in a fight too, so you're plenty tough enough for the spot." Slug added.
"I… really…? Y-You mean it…?" Sky-Byte couldn't believe it.
"We're all different." Grimlock said. "But we stick together because of that. And we're stronger together. But if you don't want it…"
"No… I… yes! Yes!" Sky-Byte excitedly shook Grimlock's hand. "I'd be honored to join you! You won't regret this! I promise!"
"Welcome to the Dinobots, Sky-Byte." Grimlock greeted with a smile.
Just then, Jazz's Vehicle Mode had arrived before transforming to get all their attention. "Come on, everyone's here. Let's get this party started."
Everyone had gathered together as the ceremony was about to begin. All the gathered Black Knights included Nunnally, Tohdoh, Chiba, Orpheus, Monica, Oldrin, Sokkia, Toto, Marrybell, Gino, Xingke, Zhou, Tianzi, Akito, Leila with Eliza in her lap, Ryo, Ayano, Yukiya, Jean, Ashley, Lloyd, Claus, Marie, Cecile, Rakshata, Shirley with Arthur in her lap, Rai, Rivalz, Milly, Nonette, Cornelia, Guilford, Odysseus, Carnie, Laila, Alice, Anya, Dalque, Sancia, Lucretia, Misty, General Katase, Diethard, Kiriharia, Anna, Sophie, Takeru, Ganabati, Joe, Chloe, Sarah, Olivia, Hilda, Kate, Ferilli, Ichijku, Mutsuki, Ayame, and other guests included Duke Augusta Highland, Andrea Farse, all the nomadic gypsies, and even Akari Kozuki along with Joseph and his wife, Rosa Finette.
The Autobots were all present as well, which included Ironhide, Bulkhead, Ratchet, Wheeljack, Smokescreen, Jazz, Undertone, Warpath, Sideswipe, Grindcore, Strongarm, Jetfire, Windblade, Drift, Safeguard, Jetstorm, Ultra Magnus, Elita-One, Perceptor, a very reluctant Knock Out, Grimlock, Swoop, Snarl, Sludge, Slug, and Sky-Byte. And while Thundercracker and Steve could not be there in person due to overseeing the labor program with captured and surrendered Vehicons, the two former Decepticons appeared via holograms to show their courtesy. Even Omega Supreme had arrived, though he obviously had to maintain a distance due to his enormous size.
And standing at or near the center stage was Ohgi, with his groomsmen that consisted of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Suzaku, and Tamaki, with Lelouch, the best man, standing closest to him. Kaguya was the officiary in the very center with Fixit, the ring bearer, being right next to her as the bridesmaids were on the other side of the stage as they included Arcee, Kallen, Euphemia, Sayoko, and Cera (who wore a black and gold dress).
Everything was ready.
"T-AI, if you would do the honors." Optimus requested.
The holographic form of the artificial intelligence appeared before all of them. "It would be my pleasure." She kicked off the music.
The second it began, Chigusa walked down the aisle between the guests with Jeremiah serving as the escort. Tears were already beginning to shed as she made her way closer towards her soon-to-be husband.
By the time they reached the stage, Jeremiah had parted ways with Chigusa and sat down with the other guests. Chigusa stood across from Ohgi as Kaguya began to speak.
"Friends and family, it has been a long and painful road for all of us. But through the struggles, through the raging fire and clashing metal, through all the strife and anger, all the tears that were shed, all the friends that we made and loss… we have finally reached the end of the tunnel, and the light found at the end couldn't possibly be brighter for these two. Once enemies, now eternal lovers. With that, let us commence with the exchange of vows and rings."
"I have the rings." Fixit rolled up and opened his hands, revealing a ring in each hand. Ohgi took one while Chigusa took the other. As Fixit rolled to the side to join the groomsmen, Lelouch nudged him in the side with a grin, earning a smile from Fixit before they turned their attention to the exchange of vows.
"Chigusa…" Ohgi began. "For a long time, I was stuck in the dark, doing what I felt was right… but I never really saw an end to it. Now, we're here, and I couldn't be happier than to share that with you. I never thought I'd ever fall in love with someone who I didn't think could be capable of change… until I saw it. Seeing what you were capable of, made me think there was indeed hope for this world, and that I had a future in it" He placed the ring he had on her own finger. "With this ring, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you from now till the end of time."
Chigusa smiled lovingly as she spoke. "Kaname… I came to this country with a very… skewed view, to say the least. I had thought I knew how the world operated and what I should do to take my place in it. But I was wrong, and I couldn't be happier to have been wrong. You were the one who showed me the value of life, what it means to truly live and to fight for what you hold dear, that a world could be built without the use of violence and destruction, and I want to be there with you every day as we help rebuild this world." She put the ring she had on his own finger. "With this ring, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you from now till the end of time."
"And now… by the power vested in as the chairwoman of the United Federation of Nations, friend and ally to the Autobots, and dedicated warrior to the cause of peace and freedom… I know pronounce you, man and wife!" Kaguya declared. "You may kiss the bride!"
The minute Ohgi and Chigusa's lips touched, everyone cheered and clapped, truly happy for the newly wedded couple.
Once the ceremony had ended, the reception was well underway as the Autobots and humans all gathered together celebrated and mingled with one another. Jazz already had music playing as various couples danced together including Suzaku and Euphemia, Cornelia and Guilford, Akito and Leila, Rai and Shirley, Oldrin and Monica, Tohdoh and Chiba, Marrybell and Oldrin, even Alice had offered a dance to Nunnally, which she had accepted, and of course, Ohgi and his wife danced as well. Others danced individually or even together as friends and family, with a few Autobots, notably Smokescreen, Sideswipe, even Grindcore danced with the music as everyone else either clapped to the music or just talked and mingled with one another.
Though one seemed to be absent for the time being. Lelouch had walked away from the celebration, turning around to look towards it with a smile before resuming his walk up a certain pathway. Though he would be rejoining it soon, there was something else that he had to do.
Just a short walk away from the reception was the Kururugui Shrine, and right beside it was the Wall of the Fallen, the stone memorial that was once on Horai Island, now relocated to Japan per a joint request from Lelouch and Suzaku. It only seemed fitting that it would be placed here. It was at this shrine, the place where he and Nunnally had been sent to so very long ago as children, where it all began. Where he made his first real connection outside his family with Suzaku, which led to everything else that happened, including his meeting with the Autobots, and that is when everything changed.
Lelouch looked to all the names engraved on the wall, all those that died in battle including Cliffjumper, Dreadwing, Naoto Kozuki, Oiagros Zevon, Naomi Inoue, Yoshitaka Minami, Kento Sugiyama, Toru Yoshida, Oscar Hammel, Prowl, Hot Shot, Shogo Asahina, Kosetsu Urabe, Ryoga Senba, Zi Dien, Silverbolt, Air Raid, Andreas Darlton, Tink Lockhart, Leonhardt Steiner, Marika Soresi, Johann Schwartz, among many others. But there was another name that Lelouch had requested be engraved upon, and despite all she did… she also gave her own life so that he could live and everyone else could be free…
Marianne Vi Britannia
"Thank you…" He said aloud. "All of you… through your sacrifices, we were able to win. We have ended the war that many of you had fought for centuries and liberate the world the rest of you called home. I wish you could all see it. How far we've come… in fact, many of you helped me to set on this path… helped me to see that there was more to the world and more to me… I can't thank you all enough. I hope… wherever you all are now… you can rest in peace."
"Huh, look at you." He turned around to see Kallen approaching him. "Sounding so humble." She stepped by his side to pay her respects at the Wall herself. "I also wish they could see it. Somehow… let them know that it's all over."
"I know." Lelouch said as he linked her hand with his.
"So… what's the plan now?" Kallen asked.
"Aside from helping to rebuild Japan, I really have no idea." Lelouch confessed, surprising Kallen. But she was even more surprised to see that he was smiling.
"Okay… who are you and what have you done with Lelouch?" She questioned.
"I know… it doesn't quite sound like me." He began. "Two years ago, I'd be terrified at the thought of not knowing what the future has in store. Or to be more accurate, not being able to control my future. But now… it just feels… liberating. I have a general idea could come next in our immediate future… but regarding the long term… I don't know… and perhaps… for the first time in my life… I'm glad I don't know. I guess it's because I really don't have to worry as much. The life I'm living now…" He looked towards his beloved Kallen with a loving smile. "It's pretty great. And... I don't think I'll need to put that mask on again."
"No need for Zero, huh?" Kallen guessed.
"Well… at least not until the next genocidal maniac arrives." Lelouch joked, earning a laugh from Kallen. "And yes, that means I do suspect we will have to fight a new enemy in the future."
"Yep, there you are. Hopeful but cautious." Kallen said. "But seriously… I'm happy for you. After everything you've done and been through, you deserve to be free."
"And you're one of the ones that set me free." Lelouch lifted her chin up with his fingers. "Thank you, Kallen Kozuki."
"And thank you for giving me hope." Kallen closed her eyes, as did Lelouch as it looked like they were about to press their lips to another…
That is until a loud alarm broke them apart, and they happened to turn to the source of the alarm, being one Bumblebee with Arcee right next to him as he played the alarm through his radio.
"Up, up, up… don't even think about it!" Bumblebee stated.
"Think about what?! We weren't doing anything!" Kallen exclaimed.
"Really? A boy and a girl all alone together? Nothing's gonna happen there?" Bumblebee questioned rhetorically with a trolling grin.
Kallen's face turned red as she comically glared at the scout, while Lelouch put his hand to his face. "Arcee, will you please kick his ass for me?!"
"Sorry, I'm actually with Bee on this one." Arcee replied before she too grinned. "You're too young to be having kids, Kallen."
The redhead stuttered as she attempted to stomp her way over to the pair of Autobots, only for Lelouch to quickly grab her by the wrist and pull her into a kiss, much to not only her surprise, but also Bee and Arcee's. He pulled away as he looked towards Kallen with a humorous grin.
"If they're gonna insist on watching us, let's at least put on a good show." He said.
Kallen sighed and smiled before she and Lelouch kissed once again.
"Alright, but that's as far as it goes." Bumblebee said, still joking around.
"I better not see any clothes come off." Arcee added to which Kallen responded by giving her and Bee the middle finger, despite still kissing the man she loved.
Meanwhile, standing on a hilltop was Optimus Prime, with Cera standing on his shoulder as they not only observed the scene, but smiled towards one another as they stared out towards the setting sun in the horizon.
"The war is over, and though it came at a heavy cost, fate has yielded its reward… a new world to call home. We live among its people now, helping to improve as they aid us. We have taken pride and solace in the bonds we have forged with those that we can consider our friends and family… I have seen their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. My name is Optimus Prime, and I send this message to all Cybertronians, regardless of their affiliation. The war is over, and I invite you to join us and build a new future together. Though we did not choose to be of Earth, it would seem that we are here to stay. But should you approach this planet with hostile intent, know this… we will defend ourselves. We will defend humanity. We will defend… our home."
Meanwhile, a single air craft flew across the pacific ocean. It was a rather small vehicle, something akin to a helicopter, and only three occupants were inside. There was the pilot, and sitting behind him were two individuals.
One was a teenage boy with pale skin and blonde hair, dressed in a royal black garb and bound to a wheelchair with a visor over his eyes. The other was a young woman with fair skin, long blonde hair and blue eyes, she wore a white and gold royal dress with light blue at the helm, and gold jewelry for a necklace, ear rings and a circlet.
"King Shailo, Lady Shama, we should be at the island in just a few minutes." The pilot reported.
"Thank you." The woman, apparently known as Shama, nodded while her younger brother opened the communications line on a device built into his wheelchair, with the monitor displaying the appearance of a middle-aged man with dark grey hair and a beard and green eyes.
"We are nearing our destination. How is our guest fairing, Bolvona?" Shailo asked.
"He seems to be recovering." The man known as Bolvona replied as he was currently located in an underground laboratory, standing on an overhang and overseeing several scientists making repairs on a certain Decepticon that laid on a large metallic table below him.
Despite Steeljaw remaining calm as Energon tubes were connected to him and undergoing repairs, the look in his remaining yellow optic was one of a silent rage, like a wolf just waiting to pounce.
"He should be back on his feet soon, your majesty." Bolvona reported.
"Good. Keep a very close eye on him." Shailo said before ending the call. "Sister, I've said this before and I'll say it again… I'm not comfortable with this."
"We've discussed this, dear brother." Shamna replied. "The Kingdom of Zilkhstan is indeed mighty, but we're not invincible. We were wise to have our kingdom go into hiding when those infernal Decepticons attempted to take over, but even with that faction now gone… the Autobots and the Black Knights are simply too strong for us. We cannot afford to wage open war… at least not yet. Which is why we need additional power."
The helicopter soon arrived at its destination, the shores of Kamine Island. The airborne vehicle landed on the sandy beach just as the door on the side opened, allowing Shama to step out and her brother to direct his wheelchair, having pressed a few buttons on the right arm of it to activate its hover mode, allowing the wheelchair to hover just a few inches off the ground as he followed his sister.
As the royal siblings stepped onto the sand, they gazed out into the jungle, which seemed quiet for the most part.
That is until multiple birds flew out from the canopy in alarm, with a few smaller animals running out onto the beach in fear. That's when the siblings heard the sounds of stomping, a couple of puddles rippled from the stomps as the source came closer. Several trees in the jungle were falling down right before a pair of glowing yellow eyes were seen in the darkness.
The Predacon emerged from the foliage and approached the two small humans before roaring at them and spreading out its wings in an intimidation tactic. But rather than be intimidated, the royal siblings looked in awe and amazement.
"Magnificent…" Shalio smiled.
The pilot however did not share that sentiment and had the helicopter's guns primed and aimed at the creature.
"Stand down, pilot." Shamna ordered.
"B-But milady…"
"Your weapons will barely even scratch the surface." Shamna told him before observing the Predacon in front of her as it gazed at the two with curiosity. "And besides, I suspect that this mighty beast saw us coming quite a distance away. But rather than shoot us down like a violent predator defending its territory, it chose to let us land. And now it approaches to observe and learn more." She then spoke to the Predacon directly. "There is more to you than meets the eye. You are no mindless beast, but an intelligent creature."
The Predacon gazed them down with a low growl for a moment before it did something truly unexpected…
It transformed.
The mighty metallic dragon had changed its form to that of a towering humanoid clad in spikey, dark brown armor, the most prominent being two long curved spikes on its shoulder. The glowing emblem of the Predacon was now on its chest. It had a pale face and glowing yellow eyes. Though the formation of the horns on its head gave the appearance that he wore something akin to a crown.
Shamna's smile only grew as she saw this. "Truly incredible…!"
"Who are you?" The transformed Predacon questioned. "Why have you violated my refuge?"
"We merely seek an audience, oh mighty Predacon." Shailo began. "Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Shailo, king of Zilkhstan. This is my elder sister, Shamna."
"The world around us is changing, and it is a change that will ultimately doom not only our kingdom, but you as well." Shamna spoke. This had got the Predacon's attention, as per Shamna's intent. "That being said, I believe we have a better chance if we were to stand together. Might I be so humble as to request your name, oh mighty Predacon?" She requested with a humble bow.
He growled slightly before answering. "You may refer to me… as Predaking."
"A fitting name." Shailo complemented. "Now then 'Predaking' shall we talk?"
Meanwhile, within the darkness, the twisted spirit that was known as Beleth fumed with rage as he floated aimlessly in the void.
"So close…! I was so close!" The skull went on. "Neo Ragnarök would have spread my power throughout the universe! Through Megatron, I would have instilled chaos into the hearts and minds of every sentient being! All would burn! And I alone would have reigned supreme!"
"Foolish gnat."
A dark voice echoed through the void, which drew the attention of Beleth, who looked in all directions but was unable to find the source of the voice.
"Who is there? Show yourself!"
"Your power, you say?" The voice continued. "You are merely a progeny, one of the countless parasites that had spawned from my tomb, and only had a glimpse of my power. Just as they have."
Suddenly, a dark purple flame appeared directly in front of Beleth. When the flames vanished, it revealed the floating deceased body of Victor Zi Britannia. His corpse hovering in the void, his eyes opened to reveal nothing but blackness, as if his eyes and soul were completely gone.
Then, a second and much larger dark flame appeared further away from Beleth. This revealed the form of none other than Megatron. But just like with Victor, he was nothing more than a floating corpse, his optics gone and replaced with the blackness of pure nothingness.
"That process that was known as Neo Ragnarök would have been my awakening." The dark voice continued. "As well as the complete destruction of Primus. However, his disciples interfered and halted it. Nevertheless, my Spark has been stirred. As a result, the tides of the universe have shifted. Events have been sent into motion… and it all shall be drawn here… like matter to a void. My awakening may have been delayed, but it is inevitable. And you… shall serve my purpose."
Before Beleth could offer a response, two dark purple eyes appeared high above him as well as the hovering forms of the corpses near him. These enormous eyes shined down onto them like a pair of spotlights, one was focused upon Megatron, and the other on both Victor and Beleth.
The minute that dark light set on him, Beleth felt himself being torn apart. His spiritual skull form had broken down, along with Victor, into a three-dimensional grid-like state. Both his and Victor's bodies appeared to be digitized in some dark manner and merged into one single mass of dark data. And the exact same process happened with Megatron, his body being broken down and reconfigured in the same manner, appearing in a three-dimensional grid before taking a new form of mass. Both masses ascended into the open eyes before they closed, sealing them inside and leaving only the dark presence.
"And so… I shall begin… again."
The End
And thus concludes "Code Prime: R2 – Revolution"
It would seem that our heroes have had a happy ending. They had a wedding with a few more on the way, and plenty of romance is in the air. The war is over, many people have found closure in their personal journeys, but there are still steps to take to repair the world. But it seems like there is a bright future on the horizon.
But there is also darkness after that.
The Kingdom of Zilkhstan has not only provided refuge for Steeljaw but is even offering an alliance with Predaking. That is sure to bring some trouble in the near future.
But even more so…
Unicron is coming. You've all waited and dreaded for this… but the Chaos Bringer comes. Whatever horrors the Autobots and Black Knights have faced in the past is nothing compared to the evil they will face against this force of nature.
With this story coming to a close though, it will be many years before I begin writing the final installment to this saga as there are plenty of other stories that I want to write and I want to take a break from Code Prime, but I promise that when the time comes, I will have the next story up and I will be sure to blow all your minds away!
As I have said before, I can't thank you enough for all the support you have given me. This has been one truly incredible ride and I am truly grateful to have shared it with you all. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Thank you. So much.
I will see you all next time with "Code Prime: R3 – Resurrection"