CHAPTER 4
Fireclaw was not happy. His Sire had left him in a secluded part of the forest, alone, while he went hunting for energon. He was so bored! The local wildlife wasn't even a distraction for him as the minutes turned into hours. The young Predacon ignored his Sire's strict warning to "stay put" and decided to have his own adventure.
He had wandered at least a mile from where Predaking left him and promised himself that he would return to his original spot in just a few minutes. That was when he noticed a chilling change in the forest. The birds stopped chirping. The insects stopped buzzing. It was quiet… too quiet. Fireclaw crouched down on all fours and hissed, baring fangs with plating bristling. There must be a predator nearby! He sniffed the air, but couldn't detect any sign that something was amiss. All he could smell was the sharp scent of pine from the trees, the earthy musk of the forest floor, and the clear scent of a rainstorm approaching.
A twig snapped.
Followed by a grumbled curse and then a sharp "thwipping" sound. Fireclaw snarled in outrage as an energy net fell on him, preventing his escape. His captors soon appeared, downwind of him. Clever.
They were two-walkers like the Decepticons, but brandished a different emblem. His Sire warned him about the devious Autobots and how they were partly responsible for the destruction of their kin months ago! He roared, clawing and biting at the energy net like a feral animal, but to no avail. He was hopelessly trapped…
The Autobots had their weapons trained on him. They looked equally curious as well as awe-struck. Why were they acting like they'd never seen a Predacon before? Why were they staring at him like that? He hissed again, trying to back away from them as they stepped closer, but only managed to entangle his forelimbs.
"So this is a Predacon hatchling…" a tall blue and red mech rumbled as he fiddled with his prosthetic appendage.
The red and white armored mech scanned the predling before addressing the others.
"This Predacon is not a traditional clone like Predaking."
"What do you mean?" the green bulky bot demanded with a frown.
"This Predacon is a hatchling… like a sparkling of our species. While he does have elements suggesting he is a clone, he also has genetic markers that are completely original. The hatchling possesses cloned CNA, but is also a pure-blooded Pred."
"Are you saying that THING is a half-clone?! Is that even possible?"
"No doubt Shockwave was behind this."
"Indeed he was…"
"Starscream!"
"Thank you for apprehending the little beast. I think I can take it from here…" Starscream purred from behind them.
Starscream had about twelve seeker drones with him, encircling the Autobots.
"You used us!" Ratchet snapped angrily.
"You Autobots are SO predictable…" Starscream grinned as his armada leveled their weapons at the 'Bots.
While the two factions argued amongst themselves, Fireclaw began to dig into the soft, mossy earth beneath his now untangled paws. This was his chance to get away while they were distracted! Before long, he was free. He stealthily slunk into the shadows of the forest, internally celebrating his rather clever escape. He wasn't watching where he was going and bumped headlong into another two-walker. He shook his dazed head, optics struggling to adjust. His spark froze, optics widening as blood red optics bored into his soul.
"Ah, there you are, my pet."
Fireclaw shrank away from the intimidating form of Megatron himself. He shivered as red optics raked over every inch of his body, assessing, appraising. He turned tail and fled back the way he had come. He'd rather take his chances with the Autobots than with Megatron. Fireclaw began to shriek in distress, calling for his Sire. At that very moment, a chilling, booming, screeching roar of unbridled fury echoed through the forest sending every 'Bot and 'Con on edge.
Fireclaw continued to run, glancing back only once to see if the silver warlord was chasing him. Thankfully, there was no sign of him.
The mighty sound of boughs high in the trees snapping like toothpicks filled the ensuing silence as every Cybertronian trained their weapons on the sky. A flash of orange light was their only warning as Predaking unleashed fire upon them. Wisely, Predaking remained in beast mode to face his foes. He screeched in rage as hot plasma rounds struck his thick metal hide, most bouncing off harmlessly. It was more of an annoyance than an actual threat. He opened his maw and let loose his inner fire again, catching two seeker drones in the ensuing firestorm. They perished in seconds…
Predaking turned his attention on the Autobots next and unleashed hell upon them, all the while trying to locate his errant child in the chaos. He heard his predling mewling in distress and his sharp optics narrowed angrily at the culprit responsible for his child's angst.
Megatron.
The silver warlord held Fireclaw by the scruff and had his sword against the hatchling's throat in silent warning. The young Predacon wisely held very still in his dire predicament. He turned pleading and apologetic optics on his Sire. Predaking couldn't be that angry with his son. He was just a child and no doubt had grown restless during his extended absence. If anything, the Predacon King blamed himself for Fireclaw's capture.
He transformed into bipedal form and snarled at the Decepticon lord.
"Release the hatchling at once!"
"I don't take orders from a lowly beast! You might do well, however, to heed mine if you want your hatchling in one piece!"
Predaking growled but listened regardless. He hated feeling so powerless…
"The hatchling is coming with me! Should anyone attempt to follow us, I will kill the little one. Mark my words…" Megatron sneered as he made his leave.
Starscream and what remained of his seeker armada took to the skies, leaving Predaking alone with the Autobots. He turned his back on them, preparing to walk away, but stopped dead in his tracks when the Prime spoke.
"We can help you save the hatchling."
He whirled around on them in anger, optics blazing.
"Why do you care?! I didn't see such concern when you were helping Megatron destroy my kind!"
"We regret the role we played in their destruction–" the Prime began before he was rudely interrupted.
"-yet you can't undo what's been done!" Predaking accused with balled fists.
"While that is true, we wish to atone for our mistakes. Let us help you save the little one. No doubt Megatron has ill intentions for the hatchling."
"His name is Fireclaw," Predaking softly rumbled, expression turning to anguished guilt. "He is my responsibility and mine alone."
"We understand."
"Do you? Fireclaw is the first and quite possibly, the last hatchling our race will ever see. He is…precious to me."
"Then let us aid you in getting him back! After which, we can go our separate ways," Ratchet grumpily huffed.
Predaking remained silent for a couple of minutes, weighing the pros and cons of allowing the Autobots to help him. With their technology, he had a better chance of locating the little one far quicker than on his own. He had to be certain, though, that they truly meant his child no harm.
"Promise on Primus's name and by the Matrix that your kind will not betray me and bring destruction upon my son!"
"I promise," the Prime vowed solemnly in front of everyone present.
Predaking slowly nodded.
"Very well. Our search begins now."
-Dream-
"Come to me, son! That's it…" Predaking cooed with his arms outstretched.
Fireclaw was just learning how to walk in bipedal form. Transforming for the first time had been rather tricky. Now he could do it with his eyes closed. Walking was another matter entirely.
"Just a few more steps! Come on!" his mother gestured beside her mate.
The little one wobbled unsteadily on his two legs. Walking upright was far different than walking on all fours. It was almost alien… it felt weird, too. He was determined to make his parents proud and continued his slow trek forward, one uncertain step at a time.
At one point, he lost his balance and fell. He was back on his feet in no time, taking the last two steps and falling forward into the outstretched servos of his parents. They held him close in a group hug and praised his progress. Some hatchlings needed more than one day to master the art of walking on two legs. He did it within the hour.
Years passed…
Fireclaw laughed as his best friend tackled him to the ground in a friendly game of tag. The two young predacons wrestled with each other, rolling around in a tangle of arms and legs before pulling apart with giggles.
"Fireclaw! Time to refuel!"
The two youngsters groaned as their fun was interrupted by the adults.
"I gotta go Icefire. See you tomorrow!"
Just as Fireclaw turned to go inside, the dreamscape changed and he was standing on a cliff alone. Confused, he called out for his mother and father. He was surprised to see a large black and gold Predacon flying towards him. The larger beast transformed into bipedal mode, landing expertly before the young predling. This newcomer radiated power and strength. He carried himself with righteous confidence.
"Who…who are you?" the predling gasped.
Young Fireclaw. I am Onyx Prime.
"Is this a dream?"
In a manner of speaking.
"Why are you here?"
You will soon face grave peril. As my last descendant, Primus has granted me an audience with you, to warn you.
"Warn me about what?"
The Predacon Prime's optics softened as he gazed fondly down at Fireclaw. He knelt down on one knee so that they could be more at eye level. He placed a fatherly hand on the young Predacon's shoulder, his soft smile turning into a frown.
You will be tested like no other. Pass the test, stay pure in spark, and we will meet again. I promise.
Before Fireclaw could ask him another question, he was cruelly ripped away from the dreamworld.
–End Dream–
"Wakey, wakey!" a red Decepticon purred as he kicked the young Predacon in the side to rouse him.
The little predling growled and bared his fangs at the Decepticon medic. His ferocious attitude didn't even faze the vain mech as he finished his report for Lord Megatron.
"He is in perfect health, my liege."
"Excellent, I am on my way…"
Fireclaw was tempted to scratch the mech's flashy paint job, but never got the chance as Lord Megatron entered the medical bay. Once his master entered, the little Predacon remained on edge. The silver warlord had a strange gleam in his optic when he glanced over at him.
"Come, hatchling," he commanded.
Fireclaw grudgingly obeyed and trotted after the intimidating two-walker. They entered Megatron's quarters, a place where Fireclaw was taken to refuel and recharge. Despite his traumatic first meeting with the mech all those months ago, this time he had nothing to fear so long as he obeyed.
There was still a part of the young Predacon that loathed being forced to serve a master he did not want. No matter what he did, Megatron could not seem to drive out his rebellious nature. Firelcaw took the beatings like a grown mech, his inner flame growing fiercer the older and bigger he grew. At some point, they visited Shockwave who did some sort of test on him. His accelerated growth stopped as he was now a young Predacon child. As he curled up in his usual spot on the recharge berth, he was surprised when Megatron did not lie down beside him. Instead, the silver mech grinned, baring fangs.
"I have something special in store for you, little one."
Fireclaw transformed for the first time with anger on his facial plates and growled.
"My name is Fireclaw."
Megatron curled his lip back in a sneer, but otherwise was not surprised that the hatchling transformed.
"Well, Fireclaw…You are going to serve me whether you want to or not. I can give you power beyond reckoning."
"Lies. Blasphemy from the Unmaker!"
Megatron ignored the child and retrieved a glowing purple energon cube.
"When you are ready to refuel, THIS is what you will partake in. Dark energon…the Blood of Unicron."
Fireclaw backed away from the Decepticon leader and shook his helm defiantly.
"No. I will not."
"Yes. You WILL."
"Never!" The predling hissed as he backed away on wobbly legs. His throat was already hoarse from lack of use. His tanks at that moment decided to rumble rebelliously, causing the Decepticon leader to grin widely.
"I'm not giving you a choice! Energon deprivation is a painful experience. You will stay in this room until you've refueled," Megatron chuckled darkly. He left his quarters, locking the door behind him.
Fireclaw wondered if this was the test that Onyx Prime spoke of. Well, he wasn't going to do it willingly! He remained sitting on the berth with legs drawn up to his chest for hours. The aching hunger pangs grew worse the longer he sat there. He was not going to give in so easily!
After what felt like days, the young Predacon could no longer move. He panicked at first when the red warning messages filled his HUD as his body began to shut down into stasis lock. He used his claws to tear apart compartments in Megatron's quarters, uncaring that he was trashing the warlord's room in his search for regular energon. His hopes fell when all he could find was cube upon cube of the dark energon, stashed in various places. His optics dimmed from lack of fuel and the hunger pangs became unbearable. Was he going to die? He shivered, returning to his spot on the berth, glaring defiantly at the Blood of Unicron sitting almost innocently across from him on the floor.
When the door finally opened admitting the tyrant back in, the hatchling felt proud of himself that he had gone this far and resisted temptation. He did not give in! He was a proud warrior for Primus, like his mother before him.
He was not prepared however, for what transpired next.
Megatron ever so gently pried his locked jaws open. He began to panic, willing his body or his limbs to MOVE, but couldn't as Megatron brought the cube of dark energon closer. Before Fireclaw could even hope to protest, the dark liquid was being gently forced and massaged down his throat. He felt a dark power reviving him, it burned…burned through his veins. He whimpered as it permeated the fog within his mind and made his vision twice as sharp, his senses now amplified tenfold. He could smell the noxious liquid–dark energon. He could perceive Megatron's own unique scent–a thick metallic twang and a sickeningly sweet yet poisonous fume. Megatron reeked of dark energon.
Megatron chuckled as Fireclaw's optics burned a dark shade of purple, matching the Decepticon leader's own. Finally strong enough to function properly again, Fireclaw weakly tried to shove Megatron away, but was instantly set upon. Strong servos grabbed his wrists and a pulsing in his spark became almost painful as Megatron's own optics burned purple. A strong presence filled his mind, but it wasn't Onyx Prime.
Now you are MINE, little one. You will always be mine! Mine to control.
"N-no! NO!"
"Yes!" Megatron laughed.
Obey my command.
Fireclaw felt that dark presence overtaking his mind and before he knew what was happening, he lost consciousness…
When the young Predacon awoke, he was standing on the flight deck in beast mode. A sharp, acrid scent filled his olfactory sensors. Beneath his paws ran puddles of spilled energon. Corpses of drones littered the area, all torn asunder by fierce claws and fangs. What…what happened?
His spark began to thrum with fear. Was he responsible for this carnage and death? He couldn't remember anything… that alone sent the young Predacon into a panic. What had he done?! He transformed into bipedal form and turned, purging purple energon on Megatron's pedes. The dark lord wasn't perturbed by the scene in the slightest, the child sobbing in distress as his optical sensors took in the blue energon stained upon his clawed servos. That dark presence returned, squashing down his fear, soothing…calming.
It was okay. He did what his Master ordered of him. Everything was just fine… NO!
How was this okay?! He murdered drones…
They were barely sentient.
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Fireclaw snarled as he whirled around to confront his "master."
Megatron merely grinned, like he'd won a decisive victory.
"As your Master, I believe I give the orders."
"I HATE YOU," Fireclaw hissed with rage.
"Excellent! The dark energon is changing you faster than Shockwave anticipated," Megatron sneered in response.
Fireclaw suddenly felt afraid. The dark energon… it must have corrupted him somehow. Made it possible for Megatron to take complete control over him! Even if Megatron was behind the slaughter, Fireclaw still blamed himself for the massacre.
"P-please… please don't make me do this again."
Megatron appeared to be thinking.
"Refuse to obey my commands in the future and I shall. Only next time, it will be your dear Predaking on the receiving end of your wrath…"
Fireclaw felt numb inside as he finally understood what was happening. He wasn't just in servitude to a cruel master…he was a slave.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Author's Note: Thank you for reading! Please review! :D