Cybertronians cannot be alone. To be alone is a death sentence. There is a reason they travel in groups, and with the war in its last gasp, their numbers are dangerously low on both sides.
Faced with a fate far worse than mere death, things are tense. Unfortunately, both sides are forced to endure a rude and horrific wakeup call when the first of many falls victim to the process they had all hoped to escape.
āI apologize, Mrs. Darby. I am afraid I cannot abide by your wishes.ā Optimus stood firmly, his expression dark in a way Jack had never seen before. Next to him, Ratchet watched the scene like a hawk, his eyes bright and intense to such a degree that Jack involuntarily felt himself shuddering. The rest of the Autobots also seemed frozen as they observed in quiet grimness that was so unlike them that it was almost frightening.
Something had changed over the last few months. Ever since the Darkmount incident, the team had beenā¦ off. Jack didnāt claim to be any sort of expert, but it didnāt take a degree to see that the bots were more somber. Even Smokescreen, the most excitable of the group, spent more and more of his time pacing. Every single bot was out of sorts, always hanging around the main part of the hangar and never wandering far unless directly ordered by Optimus. Arcee wouldnāt even drive Jack home anymore. Jack, Miko, and Raf were almost always taken home by his Mom or by Fowler.
The worst part, at least in Jackās opinion, was the way the bots always stopped to stare whenever he and his friends left. Whatever they were doing halted immediately and they all paused, watching critically as they left the hangar to get a ride back into Jasper with Fowler more often than not. It was a small detail, but oftentimes they seemed twitchy when it came time for Jack, Miko, and Raf to head to and from school.
They were almost upset by it, if Jack had to guess.
āYou are NOT taking the kids to go talk to Megatron of all people! What the hell is wrong with you?!ā Jack wanted to flinch as his Mom screamed, her face contorted in rage so bright it almost had Jack wishing he could shuffle away. But of course, he knew that wasnāt an option. The situation was tense enough that even Miko was quiet as she held Rafās arm, trying to find some comfort as the scene unfolded.
āYou already keep them here overnight whenever you can! And now you want to bring them out to face the giant metal beacon of DEATH that almost took over the world?!ā His Momās voice echoed in the base, but not a single one of the bots moved. They all stood quietly, stiffly, even as they observed. All that could possibly be picked up from them was the faint sounds of their engines running and the ever-so-slight twitching of their eyes.
The bots had always been clingy. Jack had never been able to figure out why theyād tried to shoo him and his friends away only to then refuse to let them go anywhere when they had a say in things. Looking back, it was like a switch had been flipped. The bots never let him or the others wander far. They were always observed and always requested that they stay at base longer whenever it was feasible. It almost seemed desperate now that Jack thought about it. The way Arcee seemed reluctant to let him go when she drove him home. The look Bulkhead shared with Bumblebee when Miko and Rafael were similarly ordered to be brought back to their families. The strange expression of terror on Smokescreenās face whenever Jack and his friends left for the eveningā¦
Whatever was going on was finally about to reach its peak. Jack could feel it.
āI apologize, Mrs. Darby. We need the children. We cannot allow them to leave unless they are traveling with us.ā Optimusās voice was surprisingly quiet as he finally spoke up. Almost too quiet. A faint rattle in his words left Jack nervous more than anything else. How often had he ever seen Optimus upset? Once maybe? Even then, it was moreso a look of surprise.Ā
āWhat in heavenās name could you possibly need my son and two innocent kids for? Bait?ā His Momās retort was venomous, so much so that Raf stepped close to Jack on instinct. He didnāt think too hard about holding the younger boyās hand and pulling Miko slightly behind him as Optimusās eyes shrank down, the tiny pinpricks of glowing blue becoming smaller than ever before.
āWe need the children. They are of us now. We cannot allow even one of our number to leave our sight, not like this, not right now.ā Optimus twitched violently. His entire body seemed to lurch as he gripped the railing of the platform, putting Jack and the rest on the Primeās level. The metal creaked, groaning under his strength as Optimusās head tilted ever so slowly, his antennae drawn back in an almost aggressive manner.
Jack fought back the urge to run as he watched the rest of the bots crowd around, each of them staring quietly and in obvious agreement with their leaderās words. What was going on?
āOptimus, whatās going on?ā Miko finally spoke up, her voice shaking with a hint of a whine as she looked between the Prime, Jackās Mom, and the rest of the bots. He almost wanted to smack her for speaking up and possibly drawing more attention to them, but he couldnāt find the strength to do anything other than pull Miko closer to himself proactively. Whatever was going on here was beyond them.
āMiko, Jack, Rafaelā¦ I am sorry you were the ones wrapped up into thisā¦ but I will not risk my people dying. I refuse to condemn one of my own to the fate that awaits us if we are left alone.ā Optimus twitched again, this time so violently that a crack echoed in the base. Jack winced but didnāt dare to move as Ratchet pulled Optimus back, his eyes never once leaving Jack and his friends.
āJune, give them to us now. We arenāt asking, this is a demand.ā Jackās heart beat faster in his chest as Ratchet took Optimusās place, holding out a hand and glaring at all of them like theyād personally offended him. Jack paused, too afraid to move, until Rafael tugged on his arm, gesturing toward Ratchetās waiting hand. Miko seemed hesitant, but she was the first to obey and hurry over to the team medic. Jack didnāt have enough courage to tell her not to.
āJack, Miko, Raf, donāt you three dare.ā His Momās eyes were wide and filled with fear. Jack wanted to run, he wanted to scream. But what was he supposed to do? The bots were all so much stronger than them, and from the looks of it, they were willing to do just about anything to get their way.
āMom, calm down. The bots have always brought us back from dangerous situations safely. This is pretty much the same, right?ā Jack tried to soothe his Mom, but he felt a deep dread settle in his stomach as he finally got onto Ratchetās hand, soon sitting with Raf and Miko pressed up against his sides as the tower giant that called himself a medic began to step toward the rest of the bots.Ā
Jack was only given a moment to see his Momās terrified face before Ratchetās fingers curled enough that he couldnāt see. He wasnāt sure he wanted to.
āJack, do you think we are going to be alright? The botsā¦ arenāt going to hurt us, are they?ā Rafael clung to Jackās side like a little kid, which he arguably was. Jack wrapped an arm around him in what he hoped was a comforting manner as he felt Ratchet begin to walk.Ā
āThey havenāt hurt us before. I donāt think they are going to start now. Besides, this whole thing seems off. They seem to just want us around like some sort of good luck charm.ā He attempted to comfort the younger boy, but Raf didnāt seem all that at ease. Jack couldnāt blame him, especially when Miko was sitting quietly for once, her eyes glued on the light of the groundbridge.
āThey will be returned safely once talks with Megatron have concluded.ā Optimus reassured Jackās Mom again, but it did little to ease her. Jack could still hear her crying out as the team stepped through the groundbridge, Ratchet still holding all three of them protectively.
The moment they arrived on the other side, Ratchetās fingers parted just enough that Jack could see through the gaps.
āPrime! Youāve finally arrived.ā Megatron stood on top of the nearest rock formation, a legion of Vehicons all around and on the ground beneath him. Soundwave and Starscream stood at his sides, both watching with grim expressions. What happened to all the vicious eagerness Jack had witnessed time and time again when heād gotten wrapped up in the bots war?
āMegatron, I appreciate your cooperation.ā Optimus stepped forward, speaking for the entire group. Oddly enough, the entire team of Autobots huddled close together, each of them looking a second away from surging into action or having a panic attack. Smokescreen and Bumblebee seemed especially stressed, both hovering near one of the bigger bots for support. Ultra Magnus became a bit of a beacon as Optimus left the group. Arcee, Bulkhead, Bee, Smokescreen, and even Wheeljack all crowded around the Commander.
Ratchet remained about a foot or two away from the Autobot huddle pile, for which Jack was grateful since it gave him a good view of whatever was going on.
āDoc, whatās happening?ā Miko called up to Ratchet, looking far more terrified than Jack had ever seen her. Miko was always one for battle and excitement, but the strange, unsettling aura of trepidation was evidently getting to her. Rafael wasnāt much better as he clung to Jackās side, not even adjusting his glasses as they slipped down his nose.
Ratchet did not see fit to answer Mikoās question.
āHave you come to surrender at last?ā Megatron cackled, his evil grin on full display. Jack personally wanted to cringe at the sheer ego expressed in Warlordās tone, but he was more worried about how the bots were reacting. There was no anger, not even a hint of combat readiness. They justā¦ huddled.
āNo. But I come to bargain for peace.ā Optimus raised his hands, not in surrender, but something moreā¦ friendly? Jack didnāt really have another way to describe it as the Prime kept his back to the team, watching Megatron like a hawk.
āThere is no bargaining to be done here, Prime. I will accept nothing less than complete and total surrender.ā Megatron raised his blaster, his grin unwavering. Again, Jack wanted to cringe or scowl, maybe both. But looking at Starscream and Soundwave had him even more concerned. They seemed nervous, and looking at the Vehicons, they also huddled together in a very similar fashion to the team.
This was wrong. Something about all of this was wrong.Ā
āMegatronus, enough. You and I both know that we are out of time. There are too few of us left. We cannot continue as we are. Sooner or later, one of us will succumb.ā Succumb? Jack felt a hint of fear begin to seep into his body as he looked up at Ratchet, then at his friends, and then back to Optimus. All of them were afraid, at least to his eyes. Ratchetās expression was sharp, his eyes wide and glowing in a way heād never seen before. Optimus was unnaturally twitchy, scratching at his armor periodically as he spoke. Rafael and Miko were unusually silent, seemingly copying the team as they huddled against Jackās side.
He didnāt stop them, instead holding them close as things continued to play out.
āYou underestimate the fortitude of the Decepticons. We do not need your Autobots to ensure our survival.ā Megatron hissed, anger blazing in his eyes. Those around him flinched, even Soundwave. Survival. This was about survival. That meant that something serious was on the line that Jack did not yet know about.
Why would the Autobots want to ally with the Decepticons for the sake of survival? Theyād only ever done that when Unicron woke up. And even then, that was just Megatron, not the entire faction.
āYou lost most of your Vehicons to the virus that plagued your ship, and many more fell during the battle at Darkmount. You know as well as I do that your numbers are dangerously low.ā Optimusās voice continued to rattle, his fingers digging into his shoulders as he clawed at his armor. The team made worried noises, but they didnāt dare move. Ratchetās eyes widened even further as Jack momentarily looked up at him.
Numbers. Was this about the survival of the species? Last time heād checked, Optimus had said Cybertronians were on the verge of extinction. But again, why ally with the Decepticons? Had Optimus finally cracked? But if that was the case, why did the Decepticons, minus Megatron, look so eager to accept the offer. The Vehicons kept edging closer, their weapons lowered as they fidgeted in fear.
āTheyāre scared. The bots and the cons are scared of something.ā Rafaelās voice was barely above a whisper, disbelief in his tone. He hugged Jackās arm tighter, prompting Miko to do the same. They were way out of their territory here.
āNot low enough to bring us to our knees. We will never bow before a Prime.ā Megtronās retort came spitefully. His words turned into a strange mess of sounds Jack couldnāt pick out as he ranted for a while longer. Jack assumed he must have been talking in Cybertronian, but it certainly still seemed to make Optimus more and more agitated.
āYou are a fool! We are out of time, Megatronus! None of us are safe! Not you, not me, and not any of those under our command!ā Something seemed to snap in Optimus as he threw his arms up, gesturing to everyone and everything with such energy that Jack had to blink a few times to see if he was seeing things right. Miko and Rafael physically recoiled as they watched Optimus start to claw at his armor again, creating deep indents as he grunted, bordering on a growl.
āWould you like to see Soundwave succumb? Do you really want to potentially lose your last loyal ally? What about the rest of your troops? Do you want to watch them suffer as base coding takes over?ā Again, Optimus spoke, his voice shaking in a way that was previously unimaginable. His movements were almost desperate as he continued tugging on and scratching his plating, almost like he had an insatiable itch. Jack couldnāt see much from where he was, but Optimus turned ever so slightly, letting him get a glimpse of the wild and crazed look in his eyes before he refocused.
The bots shifted all around him, huddling even closer and even going so far as to hold onto one another. Even Ratchet shuffled closer to the team, cradling Jack and his friends but not once tearing his gaze away from the scene.
āYour ridiculous chattering aggravates me. I need none of your Autobots to keep my troops secure. But you need us.ā Megatron's tone was mocking, almost like heād won some great battle. Optimus responded in short order, even more frantic than the first time, but in a quieter way.
āWe need each other. This war has gone on too long, and if it continues as it has, we are going to fall.ā Jack found himself more and more afraid just listening to the sheer amount of defeat in the Primeās tone. He lookedā¦ scared. Well and truly scared as he started to hunch over a bit.Ā
āThen so be it! I will never succumb! I am Megatron of Kaon!ā The leader of the Decepticons cackled, likely preparing to go on into another rant. But he was cut off by a choked sound from Optimus, one that left Jack fighting back the urge to close his eyes.
āYou cannot-ā Optimus lurched, his limbs twitching erratically as he continued to make an unsettling gagging sound. His antennae moved in unsteady motions, his armor rattled, and his fans blew open as he clutched his abdomen.
āPrime? Are you alright?ā Bulkhead hesitantly called out, prompting Optimus to turn around for a brief moment. Miko looked like she wanted to say something, but she shut up the moment the Prime faced them. His optics were wider than wheels, and his jaw hung open in what looked to be a silent, horrifying realization.Ā
āSir, step back. A retreat may be in order-ā Ultra Magnus also tried to offer a comment, but Optimus just twitched again, his erratic movements turning into fullbody shaking as his voice became pure static for a long agonizing moment. He clawed at his arms, tearing off pieces of armor in terrified, desperate motions, almost like he was too hot.
āN-noā¦. Thisā¦ this cannot be my end.ā Optimusās words were choppy and frantic, so much so that Megatronās smile was wiped from his face. Jack felt his own expression fall as he pulled Miko and Rafael back, his hand coming to rest on their heads as he felt the instinctual need to prepare to cover their eyes.
This was bad. This was very, very bad.
āEveryone! Get back!ā Ratchet all but shoved Jack and his friends into Arceeās waiting hands. They all yelped, clutching Arceeās fingers as Ratchet stood in front of the team, urging them back. Between the gaps in Arceeās fingers, Jack saw a sight that would horrify him until the end of his days.
Optimus was still standing, but he was contorted in such a way that Jack wanted to feel sick. He was bent over, almost like he was trying to perform a gymnastics maneuver only to be stuck halfway. Metal-looking structures jutted out of his spine, possibly his version of ribs. They shone with a sticky substance that hung in strands, still connecting them to the Primeās body. His expression was pulled taut in what Jack could only assume was pain as Megatron all but screeched for his soldiers to step back.
āGet away from him!ā The Vehicons didnāt need to be told twice before booking it back to Megatronās side. Jack took the chance to cover Rafael and Mikoās eyes as Optimus, usually so composed, fell to crying out in agony.
āH-Help me! I-it hurts-!ā Optimus clawed at his armor, wailing as he grasped his head, pulling on his antennae and scratching at his face and neck like it would help him escape whatever was happening. He looked almost feverish as his armor flared and his fans roared.
āM-my spark! Hurts-!ā Optimusās words faded into a scream as he frantically tore off his own armor in a spray of energon. Anywhere he could reach, he dug his fingers under plating and ripped them off. It looked agonizing, almost like he was skinning himself to try and release some deep pain Jack couldnāt even comprehend. Wires were exposed, bright and scarred gray skin like surfaces bleeding as the Prime continued to tear at himself. Miko and Rafael shook against his sides, reminding Jack to keep his hands over their eyes even as he watched on, unable to look away.
āWhatās happening!?ā Miko whimpered into Jackās shirt, but he didnāt answer her. Instead, he held her tighter, fighting back the urge building in his gut to vomit.
āPRIMUS HAVE MERCY! MERCY UPON ME!ā Optimus screamed like a dying man, twisting like he didnāt know where he was. He flailed before falling to his knees, energon leaking from his mouth, his audials, his eyes, and his vents. He choked and gagged, trying to scream as his spine tore itself out of him, extending and spreading as small rib-like protrusions rose like wings, making room for strange bulbous masses to form all over Optimusās back.
All over his body, the things Jack assumed were bones ripped themselves out of Optimusās body in jagged, terrifying snaps. Any remaining armor started to melt, especially around his arms and legs, as more masses developed there. The masses were gray but had a strange hue-shifting look to them that made them glimmer like the worldās most messed-up rainbow, all accompanied by the agonized wail of the ever-stoic leader of the Autobots.
The whole scene looked like it crawled straight from hell, especially as gray looking sludge started to form around him as his armor continued to melt right off and pieces of what looked to be his version of skin began to warp.
āI knew one of us was going to bud!ā Smokescream shrieked, covering his face with a sob as he stepped back, only stopped by Arcee who barked at him loud enough for Jack to wince as her voice rang in his ears.
āShut up!ā Jack only tore his eyes away from Optimusās torture long enough to watch the team start to panic. Wheeljack and Bulkhead clung to each other like the Rapture was on the horizon. Bumblebee had fallen to the ground, watching in shocked horror as Optimus continued to wail. Smokescreen was only held up by Ratchet, who clutched his arm so tightly there had to be dents.
Only Ultra Magnus remained firm, but even that looked like a fragile faƧade.
āThereās nothing we can do now. Remain clear of the containment area.ā Magnus stood firmly, placing a hand over his chest in what looked to be a salute of sorts as the horrific scene continued to unfold.Ā
Megatron and his Decepticons just watched. They didnāt even try to fire as they watched Optimus cry out in agony, the masses all over him growing like tumors combined with the worldās worst allergic reaction. His face split like dried and cracked earth, letting energon pour from the wounds. The same happened all over his frame, internals falling onto the floor as his very body melted from the inside out. The grows just kept getting bigger, cracking and shattering whatever remained of Optimusās skeleton.Ā
Jack had to swallow the bile building in his throat as Optimusās limbs snapped, bending backwards and at odd angles the shouldnāt have been possible. His jetpack had long since been torn to shreds, clinging to the mass on his back like some sort of thorn. The Prime had another growth on his chest that left him breathing frantically as he choked on what Jack could only assume were his own fluids. Two more hung off his arms, each creeping along him like mold. Two others infested his legs, popping off Optimusās tires and consuming whatever mass was there.
He never stopped screaming.
āBy the Unmakerā¦ā Megatronās curse was just loud enough to hear over the cacophony of sobs mixed with howls of torment coming from the Prime. Jack hardly registered his friends shaking against him, crying softly as they listened. He was glad they couldnāt see. Good lord, he was so glad.
Optimus desperately tried to move with his shattered body, the Matrix shining through a gap in his chest where the growth had not yet infested. The thing shocked him relentlessly as he pulled himself along, trying to get to help. His eyes exploded like light bulbs, leaving him blind and in even more agony as his very jaw began to melt right off, unhinging as if someone had knocked the screws holding it in place clean off. His fingers swelled like grotesque sausages, the armor on them distending until they snapped and the fingers turned into nothing more than good and bits of wire.
The Prime kept crying, trying to reach but ultimately being forced onto his stomach as he weakly pleaded for aid.
āHelpā¦ meā¦ pleaseā¦ brotherā¦ā Optimus lifted an arm, one almost entirely overtaken by the growth. He reached in Megatronās direction, but the warlord merely shook his head in horror and disbelief. Not a soul moved, and even Smokescreenās sobs when quiet as Optimus whimpered one final time before his throat caved in.
Jack wasnāt sure if he was dead or not, but he certainly hoped so, if only for Optimusās sake, as his body continued to twist and be devoured by whatever was on him. The growths consumed almost everything, bulking and breaking off of Optimusās mutilated husk once theyād eaten almost all of him. Jack couldnāt bear to look at the corpse as the growths started to squirm, warping and changing.
Forming limbs.
āIsā¦ is Optimus dead?ā Rafās voice was soft, almost a sniffle. Jack didnāt dare move his hands away from his friendās eyes, decidedly not acknowledging the way his hands shook or how sick he felt.
āI donāt know Raf.ā Jackās words were surprisingly calm, but he chalked that up to shock as each of the masses continued to shift and change, forming into... their own entities. One by one they came online, their eyes lighting up a brilliant blue as they stood on unsteady legs. There were six, five of which appeared to be of similar design. Only the largest stood out, its armor sharp and its body built with a degree of elegance in mind.
All six of the new entities assessed themselves, looking over their bodies. The five smaller entities all had wings, but more startlingly, they all had Optimusās eyes, albeit with slightly different takes on the design. It was almost like they were related somehow.
Jack wasnāt given time to think much about it as the biggest of the six quietly moved to Optimusās body, or at least what remained of it. The five followed, the whole group staring at the Primeās body for a long moment before the biggest reached down, and pulled out the Matrix. The relic was covered in energon, and yet it still somehow looked innocent as the largest one held the relic up, presenting it to Autobot and Decepticon alike.
āHot Rod of Optimus Prime.ā The biggest one, Hot Rod, announced themselves with a stoic expression that rivaled the fallen Prime. The rest of the five soon joined in the chorus.
āSilverbolt.ā One of the five presented themselves with a proud salute, their frame blocky and obviously still developing.
āAir Raid.ā Another followed in their lead, copying the first.
āFireflight.ā Again, another of the five spoke out, and each voice that rang out seemed to make the bots and cons shrink in on themselves.
āSkydive.āĀ
āSlingshot.ā
The last two exclaimed their names with both glee and a degree of solemn understanding. Jack finally released his hands from where theyād covered Miko and Rafās faces, letting them see these new bots. They gasped, and Miko began to cry the moment she saw Optimusās corpse. Jack didnāt try to comfort her. It was useless.
The six stood there, as if waiting for orders. They were without color, and their armor was still shifting like goo. However, they all looked up to Megatron; their actions synchronized as they spoke in unison, leaving Jackās skin crawling.
āWe are of Optimus Prime, and we desire peace.ā They all spoke, but Megatron wasnāt having any of it. He shook his head, terror etched onto his features as he threw himself into the sky.
āDecepticons! Retreat to the Nemesis!ā Without hesitation, all the Decepticons flew back toward the warship looming overhead, not even trying to take advantage of the situation.
The six, for their part, turned to stare at the team, Jack and his friends included. He could feel their eyes raking over him, assessing him like he was some interesting subject in a lab. He hated it. He wanted to be sick, to sob, and then to never emerge from his room again.
āWe will continue our originatorās work in his stead. We will not allow his death to be in vain.ā Silverbolt, or at least the one Jack assumed was Silverbolt, collected the battered remains of Optimusās corpse. The broken thing was little more than a few pieces of melted metal smelted together into an unflattering slab. The only reason it could even be tied to Optimus at all was because of the cracked remnants of a face that stuck to it.
Jack wasnāt sure he would be able to hold back the bile any longer as the six all smiled, the biggest one who still held the Matrix, stepping forward like they were always part of the team.
I have so many fucking ideas bro. But if I start another AU Iāll end up abandoning it like I did with the MATT(well- I say abandoned, tho I think about it constantly).
Earthspark sort of sucks as a show- but I enjoy the concept. Got me a Wavewave kid as the āOCā. So much written in that goddamn notes appā¦ā¦..
2087
dededos
annaxmalina
baratheonpilled
turnnoffyourmind
ellievsbear
