Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers: RiD/Robots In Disguise (Car Robots), Armada (Micron Legends), Energon (Superlink), Cybertron (Galaxy Force), Beast Wars II or Victory. Read & Review, please!
Plot – Everyone at the Autobot base and even Cryotek and Galvatron are left completely flabbergasted by witnessing the shocking rebirth of Starscream. Fearing that he would be removed indefinitely, Rodimus revealed his true intentions to everybody why Starscream is here in Autobot HQ. Magnus refuses to cooperate regarding Starscream's presence, while the Decepticon mercenary tries to become an Autobot by squaring off against Optimus and Rodimus; hopefully reuniting with his old acquaintance. Artemis's body is strangely glowing with Neo-Dark Energon ever since her metamorphosis and before they know it, they head over to the cemetery and possibly revive Kicker's late mother through their combined armor transformations.
Chapter 30: Rebirths and Reunions
Kicker, Magnus, Optimus, Rodimus and the Autobots all couldn't believe their eyes. The Decepticon mercenary known as Starscream has made a very shocking return.
"This is nuts! Why is he here?" Kicker mentioned.
Whereas Magnus, he noticed something very peculiar and different about Starscream.
His appearance has been completely altered back to his previous Armada upgrade form, before Unicron disintegrated him completely and being revived twice with disastrous results.
"Wait a minute. Something's off" told Magnus to Kicker.
"Huh? What do you mean? We don't stand a chance and Misha is still in danger!"
Just then, Starscream spoke to them. "Stay out of this, you two! I'll deal with this! But first...release Alexis now!"
Optimus and all of the Autobots gasped in sheer bewilderment to hear Starscream call out a certain someone. Except for Rodimus.
"What?!" cried Kicker in shock.
"Holy frijoles! He...remembers her name? No freaking way!" says Carlos and was also feeling shocked to see an old friend of Alexis coming back.
"That's Starscream?" asked Koji to Dr. Jones.
"Well, it sure looks like him." He narrowed his eyes. "But, there's something very odd about him and I can't put my finger on it."
"What do you mean?" thought Sally.
As everyone at Autobot HQ watch in total disbelief, back at the Industrial Park, Starscream notified to both Galvatron and Cryotek by releasing Alexis and even Misha from their tight grasps.
"So, you wish to combat us? Very well then." Galvatron motions to Cryotek after he placed Misha down on the ground, while Cryotek does the same to Alexis and is left semi-unconscious after getting pressurized by Cryotek's massive grip.
Misha runs back to Kicker by apologizing. "Kicker! I'm really sorry."
"We can chat later. We've got more important things to worry about."
Cryotek glared. "I thought that you were dead. Explain yourself."
The Decepticon mercenary pressed forward. "Well, I was, twice. But the last time I remember was me battling Wing Saber, Landmine and Mudflap in the fire dimension. In-spite of the numbers advantage, I put up a great fight until I rendered defeat. I wanted them to finish me off, but instead they spared me and the next thing I know, my mind went blank and was placed inside a stasis pod. Then, it hit me. I now remember a female human that I befriended in the past and when I heard her screaming from you, it has finally dawned on me while I no longer pursue any leadership. Therefore, you will pay for what you've done to her!" He fires his proton cannons at the two Decepticon leaders and they were sent back a few feet away from him.
Both Galvatron and Cryotek growled in anger.
Kicker, Misha and even Ultra Magnus became awfully shocked that Starscream not only regained his long lost memories relating to Alexis, but also fighting against the two Decepticon leaders.
"Oh, my god! Did you see that?"
"I saw it but I can't believe it!"
"Maybe, so. But, he can't defend himself against those two. He's going to need more firepower from us and Alexis needs help!"
Optimus stepped in and assist his brother. "We're on it. Rodimus, quickly take Alexis and Misha back to Autobot base! Myself, Magnus, the Autobot Brothers, Team Bullet Train and Kicker will deal with Galvatron and Cryotek from here."
"Confirmed. Rodimus, Transform!" He transforms into his vehicle mode and insists Misha to carry the injured Alexis with him. "Hurry, Misha and bring Alexis on-board!" He then calls the Autobot base. "T-Ai, open the Space Bridge!"
"No problem!" she activates the Space Bridge for Rodimus and appeared right in-front of him.
With a simple nod to him and Kicker, Misha heads over to where Alexis is, carries her in her arms and goes inside Rodimus as they head right into the Space Bridge.
Now that Alexis, Misha and Rodimus have made it back safely, Optimus motions to Magnus. "Let's combine and take them down together, brother!"
Magnus smiled. "It will be my pleasure."
They combine themselves into Omega Prime, while Team Bullet Train performs their Bullet Fusion Mode and became Rail Racer. As for the Autobot Brothers, all three of them supercharged.
Kicker does the same with his armor transformation. "Time to shred some cons! Kicker, Transform!"
As soon as Galvatron and Cryotek recover from their previous assault, they see Omega Prime, Rail Racer, the Autobot Brothers, Kicker and Starscream charging towards them.
"You'll regret your interference with us!"
"For that, we'll pulverize you all!"
Regardless of the numbers gain on the Autobots, both Galvatron and Cryotek refused to back down and kept on battling Omega Prime, Rail Racer, the Autobot Brothers, Kicker and even Starscream. It was sheer intensity as both sides fired missiles and lasers, along with trading punches and kicks from one another.
In the mean time, Rodimus reappeared at Autobot HQ and Misha exited from his vehicle mode as she carries Alexis to the emergency room from the damage she sustained at the hands of Cryotek. Dr. Jones soon follows her while Carlos, Sally, Lori, Bud, Coby, Artemis, Kelly, Bridget and Stella all catch up behind him while Koji, T-Ai and Noriko stayed behind at the Main Monitor System by surveying the battlefield.
Noriko piqued up by asking T-Ai. "So, who is Starscream?"
"He was mostly known as a Decepticon mercenary, when Unicron first arrived and the four Cyber Planet Keys scattered all over Planet Cybertron. He wanted to take over as leader of the Decepticons and even the universe. But somehow, he no longer carries any of it. I wonder, why?"
"Optimus and the Autobots were all shocked as we are, but not Rodimus. He just stood there." Koji whirled around to see the red and yellow flamed Autobot, followed by T-Ai and Noriko.
As Rodimus soon realizes this, he covers his optic sensors. "I knew that it would come to this."
Back on over at the Industrial Park, the ongoing battle between the two Decepticon leaders and the Autobots rages on.
Both Galvatron and Cryotek were already getting pummelled hard by the sheer numbers advantage from the Autobots and as they try to fight back, they were already fuming in anger and disappointment.
"I've just about had it!"
"My thoughts exactly, partner."
That's when Galvatron utilizes his Blinding Ray attack by performing a large shining beam of light on the unsuspecting Autobots and Kicker until Omega Prime quickly notifies them.
"Pull back, everyone! Don't look into the light!"
They were very fortunate enough to shield their optic sensors in order to avoid being blinded. As soon as the light diminished, Omega Prime, the Autobots and Kicker soon discover that Galvatron and Cryotek have departed.
"Slag! They got away!"
"We just had them and they retreated!" complained Sideburn.
"Another time, little brother" told X-Brawn.
"I don't know about you but, we've got some explaining to do about...him." Prowl pointed to Starscream.
The once ambitious Decepticon was now being confronted by Omega Prime and the Autobots regarding his reappearance. What's even more puzzling is that his chest-plate and shoulder blades no longer have the Decepticon insignia.
"Starscream, please come with us, if you have what it takes to defeat them" told Omega Prime to him.
Although uncertain at first, he reluctantly nods his head slightly in agreement.
Immediately at Autobot HQ and inside the emergency room, Alexis is now resting on the stretcher bed after test results revealed that her left leg had been damaged from Cryotek's squeeze grip on her. It was then placed on a cast in order to heal slowly. Whereas Rad, Ga'Mede and the Spy-Changers, they're still recovering from their previous beatdown.
She opened her eyes and saw Misha, Carlos, Sally, Dr. Jones, Lori, Coby, Bud, Stella, Artemis, Bridget and Kelly standing across from her. Not knowing as to why she's here, she became shocked to see that her left leg has been covered in a cast and plopped back down on the pillow in shame. "How did this happen?"
"Cryotek was squeezing you in his grip and that's when you screamed really loud" inquired Dr. Jones to her.
Now she remembers what had transpired between herself, Misha and the two Decepticon leaders at the Industrial Park earlier today. "That's right. I've felt something had cracked and before I knew it, I passed out." She turns to Misha. "I take it that Optimus, Kicker and the Autobots saved me."
"Actually, it wasn't them that saved you" replied Misha.
Alexis was left confused by blinking her eyes. "Huh? What do you mean? Kicker and Magnus were there until help arrived. Isn't that true?"
As everyone are left scratching their heads by not wanting to tell her about an old acquaintance of hers, over at the meeting room, Optimus, Magnus, the Autobot Brothers, Team Bullet Train and even Kicker are inside speaking with Rodimus regarding his role with Starscream.
"Why weren't you surprised of seeing Starscream, Rodimus? Or is there something else that you didn't tell us?" asked Optimus towards the red and yellow flamed Autobot.
Kicker was left flabbergasted about Rodimus' involvement with a Decepticon mercenary.
"Spill it or we'll beat it out of you!" shouted Magnus.
"That's not how we interrogate!" Rail Spike turns to Rodimus. "Honesty, Rodimus. What's your connection with Starscream and..." He turns on the surveillance footage that was recorded from down in the infirmary, where the hidden bunker was. A massive liquid spill was on the floor and numerous holes were made in the ceiling as Team Landfill are currently reconstructing that area. "This?"
Rodimus turned his head away for a brief moment.
"You can't keep this secret for another stellar cycle. Please tell us" informed X-Brawn.
With nowhere left to hide and being cornered by Optimus, Magnus, the Autobot Brothers and Team Bullet Train, he felt his leg being tapped by Kicker from below.
"It's okay, Rodimus. Just let it out and we'll understand your reasons."
After receiving some advice from Kicker, he turns to them and unveiled his intentions relating to Starscream. "Very well, then. This was when Ga'Mede first appeared and attacked both Alexis and Koji by draining their Dark Energon. During her recovery, I scanned her past memories and discovered that she was once friends with the Decepticon mercenary involving the Mini-Cons. Much to my dismay, he was originally destroyed by Unicron's presence and a decade later, he was revived by Alpha Q. This caused numerous results due to the incompletion and having his original spark reconfigured, he was still loyal to the Decepticons. He was then merged with the last remnants of Unicron and Super Energon by Primus until it was unified into a new sun. Another decade after that, the sun had collapsed and it gave him a new ambition by becoming the new leader of the Decepticons and the universe altogether. He was last seen in the fire dimension by Wing Saber, Landmine and a reformed Mudflap. Despite his best efforts, he was ultimately defeated and rather than finishing him for the third time, he was charted off and placed inside the stasis pod that you recently saw. Therefore, due to his ongoing ambitions of leadership and having been revived more than once, I took the liberty of reformatting his spark by replacing his ambitions with his old memories of Alexis and even the Energon Wars with Unicron. That is why he called out her name, while confronting Galvatron and Cryotek."
Once Rodimus had finished explaining his hidden reasons behind Starscream's supposed reformation, Optimus, Kicker and all the Autobots were left completely speechless.
They all couldn't believe that Rodimus not only changed Starscream by restoring his old memories of Alexis, but also reformatted his spark.
As for Magnus, he scowled at his idea for bringing a Decepticon inside Autobot HQ and not telling anyone. He was about to pound the living daylights out of him until his arm being tugged by his brother, Optimus.
"Hold on, brother. I fully understand his motives and because of this, I will accept Starscream into our ranks."
"You can't be serious? He's a Decepticon!"
The Autobot leader countered. "Correction. He doesn't even have an insignia."
Kicker recalled the Deception mercenary's sudden reappearance and also noticed it. "Hey, you're right. I saw it too. When he transformed by confronting those two Decepticons, it also wasn't shown on his shoulder plates either."
"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!" cried X-Brawn.
"Same here. But, can we trust him? I'm really not so sure about this" says a concerned Prowl.
"It's happened before with Magnificus and Ga'Mede, so why not him?" thought Midnight Express.
"If he's worthy enough to join us, he'll have to endure and pass a test against...me" instructed Optimus.
Magnus starts protesting against his brother's idea. "What?! Have you gone a-wall, Optimus? He could very well turn against us, just like what he did from before. I for one don't fully agree with your crazy suggestion!" He crossed his arms and turned away in disgust.
Rodimus narrowed his eyes at Optimus' brother. "He's not the only one that will face Starscream, but so will I."
"What?!" cried everyone in unison.
"Since I was the one that brought him here by reformatting his spark and removing his wild ambitions, I'm also participating with Optimus" he said to them.
"I see. You want to make things right by facing the same Decepticon that you recruited. That's obvious" replied Rapid Run.
Although Team Bullet Train, The Autobot Brothers accept Optimus and Rodimus' idea, Magnus, on the other hand, exited from the meeting room in frustration.
"I don't need to hear anymore of this stupidity."
"Magnus, wait!" called Optimus.
But, Magnus refused to listen and had already left the meeting by heading outside the Autobot base.
"Talk about being arrogant. Let me talk to him" suggested Kicker.
"What for? He only does things his way until Optimus finally convinced him to join us" told Sideburn.
Rodimus motions to Kicker regarding Magnus' harsh exit. "Go on, Kicker. Follow him but whatever you do, don't be so brash. He can also act reckless."
"Seriously? Thanks for the advice." Kicker leaves the meeting room and hoping to track down Optimus' brother.
Now that Kicker and Magnus have left, Optimus concludes his meeting with the Autobots. "Alright, Autobots. This meeting is adjourned. Afterwards, me and Rodimus will head over to the training facility and combat Starscream ourselves."
"Good luck to both of you, cause you're gonna need it" told X-Brawn.
Wedge was then shown on-screen and notifies him about the cleanup. "Optimus, sir. I'm here to report that we've managed to reconstruct the infirmary, back to its original state."
"Nice work, Build Team. Autobots, you're all dismissed."
Back on over at the emergency room, Alexis is currently recovering from her left leg injury. She's now being joined by Koji, T-Ai and Noriko at her side after the others had left.
"We're all glad that you came back here, before it got worse" told Koji to her.
"Thank you. Still, I was told that it might actually heal in time."
T-Ai asked Alexis. "That's really good to hear. But why is it that you joined Kicker and Magnus, while finding Misha?"
"It was Rodimus' idea for me to comfort her and he didn't say why."
"How rather peculiar" says Noriko.
Minutes later, they hear some footsteps coming towards her. As soon as they turned around, there stood Rad and Ga'Mede now fully recovered and already wearing their battle armor outfits.
Both men were already notified about Alexis suffering a major injury from Cryotek earlier today and felt bad.
"Sorry to see you ending up like this, Alexis."
"Cryotek will pay for what he did to you."
She retorted. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Also, send my regards to President Constanza."
Ga'Mede raised his eyebrow. "The President?"
Rad answered. "She's actually the Secretary of State with the U.S. President after the four Cyber Planet Keys were used to seal the black hole, then Colonel Franklin becoming Earth's ambassador to Planet Cybertron and lastly the expansion of the Space Bridge network."
"Oh, my!" gasped Noriko.
"Remarkable!" added T-Ai.
Koji nodded his head in agreement relating to Alexis's role. "Yeah. I had the same reaction too."
"You don't say." Ga'Mede smiled at Rad. "I have to admit that you have one impressive girlfriend."
A hint of pure redness was shown on Rad's cheeks. "H-Hey! D-Don't get the wrong idea!"
Due to Rad's slight embarrassment over his newfound relationship with Alexis, she laughed. "It's okay, Rad. In fact, I'm already grown close to you. Let alone Sally."
He countered. "Well, thanks. To be honest, once this war has been dealt with, I could consider working with you in the same place."
Alexis can feel her heart beat rapidly at every minute about Rad working alongside with her and the U.S. President. Her eyes were glistening upon his consideration. "R-Rad. I-I'll think about it. By the way, have you seen everyone? Where did they all go?"
Just then, they overheard Kicker calling out to Magnus.
"Magnus, wait up!"
"Back off, kid!"
Uncertain as to what led Magnus' outburst, Rad, Ga'Mede, Koji and T-Ai decided to investigate. Noriko insists that she remains with Alexis at her side by keeping her company.
While the four individuals join up with Kicker and try to confront Magnus, over at the training facilities, Optimus and Rodimus prepare themselves against the Decepticon mercenary. From on-top of the stands, there stood Carlos, Sally, Dr. Jones, Misha, Lori, Coby, Bud, Stella, Artemis, Kelly and Bridget to witness Starscream combatting against the two Autobots in order to become an Autobot with flying colours.
"I don't know about you but, I'm still shocked of seeing him back here" said Carlos.
"Rodimus has actually done this before but it was with SnowCat and Demolisher. Remember?" informed Misha to Dr. Jones.
"Come to think of it, I suppose so. But with Optimus in his corner, it won't be an easy challenge."
"If he actually does pass, how will Alexis feel to see him again?" thought Sally.
Stella answered. "That depends. It's up to her."
As Carlos glances at Stella's beautiful face, a small hint of redness was formed on his cheeks. "Sh-She's so pretty!"
"Shouldn't we wait for Koji and the others to see this?" asked Kelly to Bridget.
"I'm afraid we can't and it's about to start."
Once everyone glances down at the training facilities, there stood Optimus and Rodimus on the right side and Starscream on the left.
The Decepticon mercenary glares down at the two Autobots and hoping to either endure by survival or by defeating both of them. He traced back from his previous encounter with the Decepticon leaders after a very familiar scream had awoken him from the stasis pod. He tightened his fists and locks in his fighting stance on them. "I'm ready whenever you two are."
"Then, prepare yourself!"
"Give it all you got!"
As Optimus and Rodimus engage their bout against Starscream, back outside of Autobot HQ, Magnus walks past SnowCat and Demolisher while on guard duty, along with Quickstrike from on-top. The three of them ask him about his sudden departure.
"Hey, where do you think you're going?"
"You can't just leave without telling us why."
"Get back inside, immediately!"
"Oh, yeah? Why don't you all make me?" yelled Magnus towards them.
They were about to exchange blows until Kicker, Rad, Ga'Mede, Koji and T-Ai came running by passing through SnowCat and Demolisher.
Kicker kept panting for air and confront Optimus' brother. "Magnus, running away doesn't solve anything. It will only get worse."
"That's none of your concern, kid! I can't trust that backstabber!"
"Huh? What's he talking about?" Rad asks T-Ai and replies back to him with a shocking answer.
"He's referring to...Starscream."
"Wh-What you did say?" cried Rad. Not only was he deeply shocked, so did Ga'Mede, SnowCat and Demolisher.
Magnus folded his arms and explained to them. "This was all Rodimus' idea to bring him here and become an Autobot. He should've left him back in the fire dimension, where he rightfully belongs. Instead, he stored him inside a stasis pod and even reformatted his spark. I'm out of here." He continues his stroll until Kicker caught up to him and stood in-front.
"That's far as you can go, Magnus!"
"What makes you think that I can listen to a brat like you? Decepticons can never be trusted!"
Kicker countered. "Then, stop being so damn reckless! I used to act like that but not anymore! More importantly, when it comes to defeating the Decepticons by defending Earth, Cybertron or even the whole galaxy, war isn't about being a hero. It's all about completing the mission."
"Say, what?" gasped Magnus. He couldn't believe that both himself and Kicker had the same selfish attitude problem. First was with Misha, then going solo and now it was about Starscream joining with the Autobots. He cracked up a grin. "I almost forgot that we had something in common other than your gal. You're not half-bad for once." He unfolds his arms and heads back inside, while going past SnowCat, Demolisher and Quickstrike on patrol duty.
Ga'Mede commends his efforts. "That was quite bold of you, Kicker. Comparing yourself with him by putting your differences aside."
"It was the only idea that came into my mind and I really was reckless all the time. But that was then and this is now." Kicker finishes his sentence by following Magnus back inside Autobot HQ and so does everybody.
Once they all went back inside, SnowCat and Demolisher began contemplating about reuniting with Starscream.
"Can you believe it? We're actually going to see him again!"
"Yeah. Only, if he still remembers us from way back."
Quickstrike retorted to them. "You idiots. Do you recall, when Rodimus recruited both of you before Primus's sun had collapsed?"
"Y-Yes." SnowCat paused and later, froze. "W-W-Wait a minute! You don't really mean..."
"Of course, I do. He's battling against the same Autobot that you two faced off but with Optimus Prime and in-spite of your connection with him, you two must remain here at your posts" replied Quickstrike.
"Well, that sucks" complained Demolisher to SnowCat.
"No kidding."
Elsewhere at the training facilities deep within the Autobot base, Starscream has been battling both Optimus and Rodimus in order to prove his worth as a new member of the Autobots for the last two hours. Regardless, neither Starscream or the two Autobot leaders refuse to give in. They kept on going until all three of them dropped down to one knee and catching their breaths.
Seconds later, Optimus stood himself up, followed by Rodimus.
"Starscream."
"Y-Yes?" says the Decepticon mercenary.
Rodimus smiled. "Congratulations, you've passed the test."
At that very moment, he gasped and so did everyone from above.
"D-Does this mean..." Unable to finish her sentence, Misha allows Dr. Jones to conclude her sentence.
"No doubt about it. He's with the Autobots."
"Talk about adding a new recruit. I thought that he wouldn't last long" told Kelly to Bridget.
"Well, he certainly has and only one person isn't aware of it."
"She's referring to Alexis, right?" asked Carlos to Stella.
"Of course. In fact, you're quite dashing." She smiled back at him and as a result, his cheeks turned red again.
Starscream responded about succeeding the challenge. "So, since that I've survived this long with you two, it means that I'm a..."
Optimus nodded his head. "That's right, Starscream." He opens up his chest to reveal the Matrix of Leadership and continued on with his speech. "By the power invested in the Matrix, you're now a full-fledged member of the Autobots."
As the Matrix of Leadership shines on Starscream's chest-plate and shoulder blades, it began to form a new insignia until it was finished to show an Autobot symbol.
The former Decepticon mercenary felt very bewildered upon glancing at his new insignia on his chest-plate and shoulder blades, both Optimus and Rodimus give him a passing salute.
Now that he's no longer under the influence as an ambitious Decepticon, Starscream saluted back with his new features. "Thank you, Optimus."
"Don't get too thrilled, Starscream. We could really use the extra artillery and there's a certain someone that we would like you to meet."
"Y-You're talking about..." Before Starscream could blurt out the female's name, Rodimus interjected.
"Not yet! She's still suffering a serious injury from Cryotek. If you could remain here, she will be very ecstatic to you again."
"Understood and thanks you two for giving me another opportunity" he said to them.
While Starscream has managed to complete the challenge, back inside the infirmary, Alexis had a lengthy conversation with Noriko about her memories with Rad, Carlos, the Jones family, the Mini-Cons, her former role as a diplomat during the Energon wars against Unicron, the expansion of the Space Bridge network and becoming Secretary of State after the black hole incident.
Noriko became very amazed of her hardworking career throughout the years. "That's quite astounding, Alexis. I'm very certain that your family are very proud of you."
"Thank you, Noriko. Your son, Koji is very friendly towards me. In-spite of what happened to both of our best friends from way back, he encouraged me to stay firm and move forward. Which reminds me, what's his dream?"
She answered. "My son wants to become just like my late husband, a scientist. He's already earned his degree by graduating from high school and later college until the Decepticons showed up." As she smiled, she pressed forward. "Much like yourself, I'm also proud of Koji. Even though it has been very difficult for him, he's never given up hope and I will always support him."
Alexis felt very moved regarding Koji's path. "My goodness."
Just then, Kicker, Rad, T-Ai, Ga'Mede and Koji came back inside the Autobot base with Ultra Magnus. Once they've reached the training facilities, they were all informed that a former Decepticon mercenary has now become an Autobot and they all became very excited to hear about it.
"He's now an Autobot? That's wonderful!" says Koji.
"Yes but, how can we show Alexis about this?" thought Rad.
Dr. Jones approached him. "It's really simple, Rad." He gives him a small white cloth. "Bring Alexis down here and ask her to put this over her eyes."
"What? Why, me?"
T-Ai responded. "Similar to myself with Koji, you've also developed a special bond with her. Isn't that right, Artemis?" But as she turned around, she notices that Artemis is down on both knees and clutching her chest as her body began to glow with a very familiar colour. "Artemis, what's wrong?"
"M-My body. It's...reacting and...I don't why." While she's being supported by Lori, Coby and Bud, Kicker's hair glowed brightly gold and realizes that something is indeed wrong with her.
"Aw, man! It's the Neo-Dark Energon and yet, she's not going rogue."
"What are you saying, Kicker?" asks Misha.
"I'm not sure."
Believing that her life is in serious jeopardy, Dr. Jones informs the trio. "Lori, Coby, Bud, quickly take Artemis into the infirmary."
The three of them nodded their heads and immediately carry Artemis in their arms out of the training facilities.
"You don't really think that Artemis is about to be brainwashed, is she?" asked Sally to her father.
"When she saved my son and Misha's lives, the collaboration of his blood sample and Neo-Dark Energon caused her to turn into a human. But, what gives?"
"Good question. In the mean time, let's prepare our surprise to Alexis" told Rad as he and everyone else also exited from the training facilities.
Inside the infirmary, both Alexis and Noriko became very shocked to see Artemis feeling very unwell and her body strangely glowing after Coby, Lori and Bud placed her on the bed.
"What's happening to her?"
"I have no idea but, poor girl."
Around the same time, Kicker, Misha, Rad, Ga'Mede, Koji, T-Ai, Carlos, Sally, Stella, Kelly, Bridget and Dr. Jones all came back inside.
"We all know why and it's all because of the Neo-Dark Energon. However, she's not going wild."
"Let's make a thorough scan of her and find out what it is."
Dr. Jones nods his head. "You do that. Rad, Carlos, you go and escort Alexis to the training facilities."
Alexis blinked her eyes in confusion. "Huh? What's this about?"
Rad walked up to her. "I'll explain later. While they're helping out Artemis, please put this over your eyes." He gives her the small white cloth.
"Is this some sort of silly game?" she cried.
"No, it's not, Alexis. If you could put the blindfold on before you walk out with those crutches, you'll see what it is" told Carlos.
With a small sigh, she replied. "Fine." She placed the cloth that covered her eyes, while allowing Noriko to assist her by trying the knot behind her head and giving her the crutches.
Rad, Carlos and even Stella assist her down the walkway, while everyone else placed Artemis on the scanner machine and find out the cause of her body reaction. Several minutes later, they've all managed to reach the training facilities by spotting Optimus and Rodimus near the large corridors.
"Are you all ready?"
"It wasn't easy but he passed the test after facing us."
Although being blindfolded, Alexis piqued up. "Huh? Who are they talking about?"
"You'll see, Alexis." As Rad motions to Optimus and Rodimus, they opened the large corridors to the training facilities and there stood a very familiar transformer that both Rad and Carlos once knew during the Mini-Con events.
Carlos thought to himself about meeting up with Alexis's old friend. "I still can't believe that he's back here and once she sees him as an Autobot, she'll be extremely happy."
"Okay, you two. You know what to do, but carefully" warned Optimus to them.
Rad and Carlos nodded as they bring Alexis over to Starscream. They quietly instruct him to kneel down on one knee and lower his hand next close to them.
"Alexis, move forward and keep your blindfold on."
"And, stop right on its centre."
As soon as she does, Starscream stood up slowly with Alexis on his palm. She isn't fully aware that she's about to be reunited with her old acquaintance, since she's still blindfolded.
That's when she heard Rad called out to her from below.
"Okay, Alexis. You can remove the cloth now."
Alexis heard his calling and untied the knot, while she slowly opened her eyes. It was blurry at first and when she reopens them, she became very stunned to see who it is. Standing right in-front of her and donning in his old Armada upgrade form with a new Autobot insignia is none other than Starscream, smiling back at her.
There was a brief silence between them until Alexis's eyes had glistened and replied back. "S-Starscream? Is that...really you?"
"Yes, it's me and it's so good to see you again...Alexis."
When he uttered her name out, she covers her mouth and a river of tears filled up her green eyes. She began to laugh happily as soft droplets flowed down on her face. "Oh, Starscream! I've missed you so much!"
"So have I. You sure have grown over the years, since the last time I saw you."
Optimus and Rodimus became very satisfied to witness a heartfelt reunion between Alexis and Starscream.
"It's really nice to see them back together again."
"I couldn't agree more."
Suddenly, Ultra Magnus came in running with some startling news.
"I hate to interrupt but, we've got a major situation."
Stella turned to him. "Is it about Artemis?"
"Yeah and it ain't pretty." He turns to the new member of the Autobots, Starscream. "W-Welcome to the crew." He heads back down to the infirmary and join up with the others.
Not knowing of what he meant, Optimus and Rodimus followed Magnus towards the infirmary.
Whereas Starscream, he carefully placed Alexis back down on the ground as Rad and Carlos gives her the crutches. "Hope that you'll make a full recovery."
Alexis glances back at him with a warm smile. "Thanks, Starscream and...welcome back."
Meanwhile, Dr. Jones, Sally, Kicker and Misha all became extremely shocked to discover that the Neo-Dark Energon inside Artemis's body is reacting more and more after they've read the scanner log results.
"I've never seen anything quite like this. Why would the Neo-Dark Energon reject her?" asked Dr. Jones.
"It's not rejecting her. It's almost as if it's wanting to reach out to someone" told Kicker.
"You can tell?" thought Misha.
"Sort of. Let me talk to her." Kicker walked up to Artemis and asked. "Artemis, please tell us why the Neo-Dark Energon is eating you."
During her immense struggle, Artemis spoke. "It's more than that. K-Kicker, remember what happened to your mother?"
"Huh? Why are you bringing that up? M-Ai infected her with Energon Gas a long while back." His eyes flashed, while gasping in shock. "Wait a minute, are you telling us that we should head over to the cemetery and find her gravesite? That's crazy!"
As Artemis's body continues to glow rapidly and clutching her stomach, she strongly advised. "Please, Kicker! I can't hold out much longer!"
With no other option, he informs everyone. "You heard her! I know this will sound ridiculous, but we're going to the cemetery."
"Eh?!" gasped Dr. Jones and so did everyone else in unison.
"Are you nuts? There's no way that we're bringing someone back from the dead! It's unholy!" cried Lori.
"That's what the original Dark Energon intended to be. Except with no emotions and attacking anyone that they witness" says Dr. Jones. "But due to the unusual strain on Artemis's body, it's alternate. Lori, Coby, Bud, the three of you stay here with Noriko, Kelly and Bridget until Rad, Carlos and Stella arrive back with Alexis."
"We're here," informed Rad as he, Carlos and Stella placed Alexis back on the bed and recover from her leg injury. "She's really happy to see him, but what now?"
"Rad, you, Carlos, Koji, Sally, Misha, Ga'Mede and Kicker need to come with me, right away" told Dr. Jones.
Unsure of what it is, he confirms to him. "O-Okay." He nods to Carlos and he nodded back.
"I'm staying here too" said Stella. "Be very careful out there."
As they all nodded in agreement, they head over to the Viewing Monitor System by notifying Optimus, Rodimus, Magnus, Magnificus and Starscream about Artemis's strange condition and the area that she requested.
"This is indeed very peculiar and you're saying that Artemis's body is reacting with Neo-Dark Energon?"
Dr. Jones answered. "That's right. We must head over there and fast!"
"If you say so, doc. Are we allowed?" asked Magnificus to Rodimus.
"Well, once we do, we need to ask permission from the undertaker. T-Ai, open the Space Bridge."
"No problem." T-Ai punches the coordinates of the cemetery and as the Space Bridge was opened, Optimus and his crew go through the portal and reach the cemetery in time before Artemis's condition worsens. She makes a prayer, regarding Artemis. "Primus, please make sure that Artemis survives."
Immediately at the cemetery, everyone reached to Miranda Jones's gravesite. Before long, they asked permission from the undertaker to dig up her coffin and much to their surprise, he reluctantly agreed due to a sudden incident that occurred from way back.
Now that Miranda's casket has risen from six feet below, they all turn to Artemis.
Kicker spoke first. "Are you very positive that your Neo-Dark Energon led us here?"
Artemis nodded and asks for Misha's Sword of Purpose that she brought. "Misha, please lend me your sword."
"S-Sure." As she gives Artemis in her hands, the Sword of Purpose starts glowing and once it does, it begins to extract the Neo-Dark Energon from out of Artemis's body.
"Hey, that's exactly what it did to M-Ai!" bellowed Rad after recalling a familiar scene from the abandon shipyard.
After his explanation, the Sword of Purpose had finished extracting the Neo-Dark Energon and it became a light purple orb. Because of the extraction, Artemis collapsed to the ground and dropped the sword until Misha caught it with her hands.
Carlos and Sally stood next to Artemis by consoling her.
Whereas Dr. Jones, wearing specialized gloves, he held the light purple orb in his hands and motions to Kicker, Rad, Koji and Ga'Mede after glancing at his deceased wife resting in her casket. "Okay. Even though this Neo-Dark Energon is highly unstable, we can purify it with your combined armor transformations. Do it!"
All four men nod their heads together and shouted out their armor transformations.
"Kicker, Transform!"
"Rad, Transform!"
"Koji, Transform!"
"Ga'Mede, Transform!"
Then, as they circle around Miranda's opened casket, Kicker has something to say. "No matter what happens, we'll never give up. Come on."
Afterwards, each of them spread their arms high, closed their eyes, held their hands together, concentrated their armor transformations with their whole bodies glowing in their respective auras and transferring it onto the light purple orb that Dr. Jones is holding. With their unified powers and strong bonds towards their loved ones, the combined armor transformations turned the light purple orb into a bright yellow sphere and as it reacted once, it slowly makes it way into Miranda's body. Then, it shined on everybody and even the entire cemetery.
Several minutes later, it had subsided and as the bright yellow sphere gives new life into Miranda, she gasped and her eyes had awoke. Once that happened, Kicker, Dr. Jones, Sally, Misha, Carlos, Rad and everyone all smiled with greatness to see Miranda fully resurrected as she rose out of her casket and into Dr. Jones' arms as he shed tears of joy.
Miranda finally spoke after supposedly gone from her family and friends. "I feel like I'm myself again." She also cried. "I've missed you, dear."
Within Dr. Jones's tears, he replied. "It's so good to see you too." He once again hugged his beloved wife and so does Kicker, Sally, Misha, Rad and Carlos.
Koji wiped a tear from his brown eyes. "I'm so glad that she's back with them." That's when he saw Artemis still unconscious on the ground. "Oh, we almost forgot about Artemis." He runs over to her side and as soon as he does, he became surprised to see Artemis is still human. "Are you still feeling okay, Artemis?"
She wiped her forehead and replied with a wink of her eye. "Never felt better." She turns to see the Jones family happily reunited with their mother and smiled greatly. "What a lovely scene."
"It sure does" says Koji to her.
Ga'Mede motions to him by fist bumping and as he did with a smile, he turns to Magnificus by giving him the thumbs-up and his partner returns the favour.
Optimus, Rodimus and Starscream share their thoughts to each other.
"Thank the Matrix that she's alive and well."
"And the same goes for you too, Starscream."
"Thanks, Rodimus. I'm truly honoured to work with the Autobots and spend time with Alexis once again."
Both Optimus and Rodimus smiled and as they all glanced back at the Jones family reunited with their revived mother, their bonds have been strengthened and are one step closer to defeating the Decepticons once and for all.
End of Chapter 30