3; Separating of Paths

By Phoenixfire90, with help from Dark Primus.

Chapter 1, Marching.

(From Phoenixfire's point of view)

Cybertron, location unknown, date; a year before More Than Meets The Eye Part 1.

Iacon, once a safe place for us Autobots, now it's burning.

Megatron drove us out of our once proud city not long after Optimus took Draco and I in.

Now, we march, fighting the Decepticons as we go from city to city, town to town.

Every city we pick up more support for our cause, but every day more civilians, mechs, females, Sparklings, get killed by those dirty cons.

It's hell here, yeah, hell without heat.

But we rescue civilians as well, ones like Hound, Mirage and Bluestreak.

Don't know anything about Hound.

We rescued Mirage from Kalis city, as far as I know he's a turbo-fox hunter, part of the upper-classes.

Though I don't trust him, I can't, but I don't think I'm alone.

Bluestreak, I rescued him from the prison I was in, he's talker, you could just talk to him for hours, I always talked to him when he seemed down and we got along well.

He's told me countless times about his family, his home and I listened without question, I can say I feel sorry for him.

But no matter our pasts, no matter who we are, we brothers (and sisters) in arms now.

But since you last saw me I've changed, I've became the leader of a small Autobot subgroup, The Creed of the Phoenix and the Dragon, the members are, Whitefire, Blackfire, Rakatan, Havana and, of course my brother.

Oh, yes these were the Decepticon rejects, but after I freed them, they joined up with me.

Mum and Dad, nothing's changed.

Bumblebee, well nothing has changed. He's still young, we're still partners and he still rides my back.

But before we had to leave Iacon, he built me boasters for under my wings, along with a saddle and peddles to control the boast.

They worked and I'm using them now.

But my time travelling powers are still not working (no thanks to the Doctor) and Ratchet said they will probably never work again.

"Are you alright?" Bee asked me from my back, I nodded my head as a response.

I looked down to see Optimus... My father and mother together.

They often walked together, hand in hand.

Draco's ahead, seeing if any cons block our path.

He'll come back if there's any.

He's also changed, you wouldn't believe this but he's found love, the lucky girl?

Oh it's Havana, how do I know? Well, he wouldn't tell me, but I saw them kissing each other.

Mother looked up and shouted, "Any Decepticons dear?"

I shook my head.

She looked at Optimus with her friendly optics.

Then, in the distance there was a white line, it got closer and closer.

It was Draco, riding him was Havana, I stopped in midair, when he got closer he stopped too and said. "Decepticons in the old Space Port."

I sounded my war cry and flew ahead along with Draco.

My troops on the ground ran ahead of the others and followed me.

The Autobots transformed and followed, but at a slower rate.

Meanwhile, over at the space port.

(From Megatron's point of view)

Hmmmmmm. This is a nice space port, good for building my new space-ship.

All I need to power it is The Heart of Cybertron, and then I'll find new resources of Energon and then I'LL RULE THE GALAXY!!!!!

And there's nothing the Autofools can do about it.

"So Lord Megatron, what are we going to do with 'marvellous' building?" Starscream asked in his usual voice.

I told him my whole plan, his response was, "That sounds 'brilliant' Lord Megatron."

"Father," I turned around to see Katrina, my dear daughter, "An Autobot air strike has been spotted 2 miles away, heading this way and Phoenixfire is leading it."

Ah, Phoenixfire, now that's one Autobot who just doesn't quit or die, she's been a thorn in my backside for too long now!

"Very good Katrina, tell your brother, Snapdragon to keep an optic on them. If they get within a mile, kill them." I replied.

"Yes my lord." She said.

"Please don't call me that, I'm your father never forget that."

She turned away from me, but turned her head to me, her crimson optics met mine.

"But I am cloned off of Optimus's daughter; doesn't that mean I'm his child?" She asked.

"NO!!! You and Snapdragon have got the DNA of your mother, Slipstream and I. You just look and have the same powers as her."

Just then Slipstream came in.

"Your father's right, but one day your father will kill that Autofool Leader and his children." She said.

"But I WANT TO KILL PHOENIXFIRE AND DRACO, ME, ME, ME!!!!"

"Alright!!! Just shut up and do what you’re told!!" I yelled.

She bowed and started to walk off.

Just then a bang was heard, then I heard my troops shouting, "FIRE!!!! FIRE IN THE EAST WING!! SOMEBODY GET SOME WATER!!!!!"

Then, "FIRE IN WEST WING NOW!!!!!"

Phoenixfire...

"Well, just don't stand there, Thundercracker, you lead a group to put out the fire!!!" I yelled.

"Sir yes sir!!"

"Katrina, get your brother and take that birdie out of the air!"

"Father yes father!!" She yelled.

"Don't call me that when I give you an order!!"

Starscream and I ran outside to see the Autobot army quickly heading towards us.

Back with the Autobots.

(From Phoenixfire's point of view)

I had started the attack with a fire blast.

Optimus gave the order to charge.

Just then I got hit by a second fire blast, it was my arch-emery Katrina.

I've been fighting her for 2,000 years (I know, long time).

Our rivalship is just like our fathers, we hate each other.

Bumblebee shot her in the wing as I landed back on the ground and transformed into phoenix robot mode.

I could see Optimus, Elita and Prowl fighting at the front, while my troops went with the shock trooper tactic.

Bee and I went over to my parents and I said, "Ok, we've got every Decepticon in that old Space port, including the head con himself. I've already smoked them out, sir."

Father turn to Prowl and asked for his advice, his reply was, "Well, if I were you sir, I'd drive them away from the Space port, use the building ourselves."

My mother nodded her head and father gave the order to over-run the place.

I again transformed into phoenix mode, Bee hopped back on my back and I took off.

This battle didn't last long as many of the young Decepticons (and that was quite a lot) that saw me, ran off scared to death, fearing for their lives.

Megatron sounded the retreat, I could see him from up here, the look on his face was anything but happy, he took off along with Starscream, Katrina (waving from side-to-side because off the hole in her left wing) and Snapdragon.

When they were gone, we entered the Space port.

There was a huge dock where a shuttle once stood, all round were bedrooms for travellers, a command room, a medic office and repair wards.

"Perfect..." Optimus muttered.

Chapter 2, Codename: Project Ark

Training room in the old Space port, a few days later.

(From Optimus's point of view)

Finding this place was a stroke of luck.

But you can bet your life that those Decepticons have found another.

Right now that isn't the problem.

Nearly all of our people have fled the planet because there is almost no Energon.

But we chose to stay, Megatron gave me a chance to leave, but we didn't.

That was before Phoenixfire and Draco were... can't say born, created then.

Speaking of which, she's fighting me now.

No, not real bloodshed like that fight years ago* (See 1; Bond That Can Never Be Broken for details).

Just training.

I'm teaching her some of my moves.

I think that in looks, appearance and body build, my children look more like Elita.

But they have my soul, mind and strength, which are good things to have.

Phoenix has just done her infamous high kick, but... "Wait, do that kick again." I asked her and she did.

"No, no, no. You've got it wrong, straighten your leg a bit, put your leg a degree or two down, maximum damage to foe."

She nodded her head and did it again, we were training against drones, and the one she hit exploded.

When it was done I started clapping, she bowed.

Little did I know that Draco was watching nearby, he also clapped, then said, "The Autobots are ready for the meeting now father."

Later on, in the meeting room.

"I think we should strike now and kill those cons!!"

"Are you joking? They'd crush us like an Energon cube!! I think we should ambush them, they'd never see it coming!!"

"I don't think that would work...”

I've never heard so many Autobots shout this loud in one room before.

I looked over to Phoenix (who was right next to me); she was starting to look angry, then...

"WILL EVERYBODY SHUT UP!?!?!" She snapped.

Everybody did, they knew that whatever she said goes.

"Thank you daughter, right. Let’s get down to business. As everybody knows we are running out of Energon to point where we're starving ourselves. We can't go on like this for much longer without becoming ill. So for the last three sleepless nights I've been thinking of a plan, here's the problem.

It may not work, it's too risky and we may not come back alive."

An eerie silence filled the room.

"To cut to the chase, this plan is our last hope. Females and mechs, I give you Project Ark."

With that a small holo-gram appeared above the table.

The holo-gram was of a space-shuttle of some sorts.

Some studied it with curiosity; others were shaking their heads with disappointment.

"My plan is to leave Cybertron to find new Energon sources in other worlds."

Gasps filled the room, this was the unthinkable.

Even Phoenixfire, who is usually behind my plans, was shocked by this one.

This started the shouting again and again she told them to shut up.

I said thanks and continued, "This plan is dangerous so I need to ask for volunteers."

Everybody looked at each other, even I could tell that no-one wanted to do this, I then mentioned, "If any of you want to sign-up meet me at my office, but all Autobots need to help with the construction of the shuttle."

With that the meeting was over, I hope I know what I was doing.

Chapter 3, Codename: Project Nemesis

Meanwhile, at the same time, over at Space port number 2, over a mile away, Megatron's sleeping quarters.

(From Megatron's point of view)

Ok, the Autobots stole the first base, not much of a problem now that I've found another nearby.

A minor setback, but a setback none-the-less.

But if my troops stood their ground this wouldn't be happening.

Though, I give that dammed Phoenixfire credit, she does know how to smoke us out and scares the young ones too.

Katrina's with me right now, I'm fixing her torn wing.

"OW!"

With a thread and a needle, sewing basically.

"I tried father, don't say I didn't. I only got that hole in my wing because of that Bumblebee." She said.

"I know, I know, I understand and I'm not blaming you my dear."

Gently I patched up her wing; I didn't trust the others with her.

Snapdragon got out of the battle with cuts on his arm and leg, but nothing that needed treating.

Now I know many of you think I'm cold-hearted and ruthless.

I'm not, to my troops yes, to my family no.

My daughter is the apple of my optic, she loves me and I love both her and Snapdragon too.

"There, all done." I broke the thread and finished.

She fully showed her wing span, the sewing showed, she smiled and said thanks.

I told her no problem, that's what fathers are for.

Just then Slipstream came in and said, "I see your wing's better Katrina."

She nodded her head and then Stream's attention turned to me, "The Decepticons are ready in the meeting room now."

Later on in the meeting room.

The troops fell silent when Katrina and I stepped into the room.

They knew we were unhappy.

I got to the table, I slammed my fist into the table and yelled, "WHAT IN PRIMUS'S NAME WERE YOU DOING RUNNING FROM THAT BATTLE, ONE MINUTE WE HAD THE UPPER HAND AND THE NEXT YOUR RUNNING AWAY LIKE SPARKLINGS!!!!"

My daughter shook her head, patted my shoulder and said, "Let me take it from here..." She turned back to the army and shouted, "WELL!!!!"

"Mam yes mam!" The whole room said.

"WE WON'T LET PHOENIXFIRE OR OPTIMUS PRIME PUSH US AROUND LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN!!!"

"Mam no mam!"

"ARE YOU WITH US!?!"

"MAM YES MAM!"

I can say one thing; she can whip up morale in the troop.

"Thank you my dear, right, I've got a plan. Optimus will never see it coming. Females and mechs I give you Project Nemesis."

With that a small holo-gram appeared above the table.

The holo-gram was of a massive war-ship.

Some studied it with curiosity, others were nodding there head in agreement.

"My plan is to leave Cybertron to find new Energon sources in other worlds."

Gasps filled the room, this was the unthinkable.

Even Katrina, who is usually behind my plans, was shocked by this one.

This started whispering around the room.

I continued, "This plan is dangerous so I need to ask for volunteers."

Everybody looked at each other, even I could tell that no-one wanted to do this, I then mentioned, "If any of you want to sign-up meet me at my office, but all Decepticons need to help with the construction of the ship."

With that the meeting was over, I hope I know what I was doing.

Chapter 4, Recon Duo.

Next Morning.

(From Optimus's point of view)

I didn't sleep again, I was thinking about that plan I came up with.

I'm starting to doubt myself, but I can't I'm these Autobot's last hope.

*Sigh* I better great some Energon.

On my way there, I saw no one as no one had woke up yet, or so I thought.

When I got to the Energon storage I found two teammates.

Well, you've heard of the saying, 'the early bird catches the worm.’

Well, standing right in front of me was Phoenixfire and Bumblebee speaking in whispers.

(From Bumblebee's point of view)

I was with Phoenix when the commander came in; I was speaking to her quietly before he came in.

"Phoenix, I'm joining Optimus's voyage." I said.

"What!! Then I'm coming with you!" She said.

"You remember what your father said, it's too risky, and I don't want your death on my mind for the rest of my life."

This was when I noticed Optimus, we both said hi and we continued, "Where was I, oh yeah, your father will never let you and you know it."

"I'll just hide in the cargo bay then...” Her answer was.

"And you would to, wouldn't you!"

She nodded her head, I shook mine. I knew it was hopeless trying to talk her out of it, once she had a plan, she'll stick with it...

For a minute we were quiet, then Optimus asked, "Are you two done speaking to each other?"

"Yes we are, is there something on your mind commander sir?" I said.

"Yes there is, I have a bad feeling that the Decepticons were planning something, something BIG." He said.

"Let me guess," Phoenixfire said, "You want us to find the cons and figure out what they're up to and report back to you without injury?"

Optimus and I looked at each other, and then I muttered, "She IS your daughter."

The commander nodded his head; his daughter sighed and said, "When?"

"As soon as you've drunk your Energon." He answered.

She finished drinking her Energon and said, "Oh well, better get my weapons, see you later Bee."

She ran off.

I then walked off.

An hour later.

Phoenixfire had already transformed into her cheetah mode, I was putting the saddle on her, when Elita-1 went past.

She asked what were we doing, I said we were going on a recon mission on Optimus's orders.

When she asked the reason why he'd asked us, I replied that he was worried.

She asked no more and went on her way.

I fastened the belt under Phoenix and climbed on the saddle, I clicked and she started walking then running.

Bear in mind, no one knew where the cons had gone after the battle, so it was just a matter of tracking.

At first it started with sniffing the ground, looking for traces of Decepticon scent.

We must have searched most of the buildings in the area when she suddenly stopped.

I asked her what was wrong, she didn't answer, and she just kept sniffing the ground.

Then she lifted her head and muttered, "Katrina..."

We then started to follow the trail.

Phoenix ran fast, her spotted fur blew in the wind, the swords on her belt rung like soft bells with the movements of the hips and the legs.

The name tag on her neck rung also, like little chimes in the winds; this matched the soft pitter-patter of her paws and claws.

She was perfect in nearly every way.

She maybe a war-machine, a weapon of some sorts, but she doesn't act like it.

In the battle field she's a war-machine, no question.

But in everyday life, when she's not fighting, no trouble what-so-ever. If you don't upset her first.

Though I still want to know about her past, you know before I met her.

I'll tell you why, I live next door to Phoenix, and sometimes, at night, I hear her crying over her nightmares.

Something about her past still bothers her, she hasn't told me. I can just tell, I've known her for that long that I can tell when something's wrong.

We eventually got to another space port; we hid behind a building nearby because she noticed a CCTV camera nearby.

She quickly scanned the area and came up with a map of inside.

She said, "I can see a small opening nearby, we'll dodge the camera. I get the vents, creep around a bit, until we hear or find something."

Good plan I thought, but just before we moved, Soundwave riding Katrina ran past.

Thankfully they never saw us. That was too close for my liking.

Phoenix rolled over to the next building and took her gun out, she shot the camera and not a sound came from the gun.

This gave us the chance to get to the air vents, but we had to be quick.

We ran quickly and quietly over to it and opened it.

From there, we made our way through the system; we both dimmed our optics so the cons couldn't see us.

Then we got to the main command room, we looked through the vents and under us were Megatron and Shockwave talking.

Jackpot, I thought.

We watched while we kept quiet.

"So have we got the tools we need to build this war-ship?" The leader asked.

"Yes Lord Megatron, the Seekers should be back any minute with The Heart of Cybertron soon." Shockwave said.

I looked at Phoenix, her optics were wide in horror, and she knew what The Heart of Cybertron was.

It could power anything, no wonder Optimus was worried.

"The plans?"

"Under lock and key, with guards Lord."

Then her half-smile appeared she had a plan.

We crawled along the vents until we were in the hall next to the room.

Phoenix came out first, I followed as she rolled to the other side and hid.

A guard was heading our way; she did a hand signal telling me to stay put.

The guard stood at the corner next to Phoenix and he was turning towards me.

Just then she did a swift move, grabbed the con and knocked him out, but not killing him.

The other one went the other way and he didn't come back.

We made our move and made a break for the door, and then she produced some keys from her belt-pocket.

"Where did you get that from?" I whispered.

"From that guard I tackled." She whispered back.

She unlocked the door and we went in.

She found the plans on the table, she copied them with a small photocopier and we ran back to the vents.

She made sure it looked like it had never been broke into.

As we went through the air system again we saw Snapdragon and Starscream talking.

"Was Megatron happy about the parts your team got?" Snapdragon asked.

"Is he always Snappy.....? Not even a thanks, I was lucky not to run into an Autofool patrol."

"That's my dad for you, never happy, except when he's with my sister or killing Autobots.... And besides, they don't even know we're here."

Not for long, I thought.

We got out without any cons knowing we were there.

Phoenix then transformed into phoenix mode, I hopped back on and we took off.

On the way back she asked me to print the plans, I did and had a look.

It was BIG, even for Megatron.

Chapter 5, Recon Team

Same time as the last chapter, over in the new Decepticon HQ.

(From Katrina's point of view)

I was on guard duty all night; I don't really sleep these days.

Also with me was Soundwave, a close friend of mine.

We were guarding the parts room, this room was storage for the parts for the new war-ship.

I do want to go with father, but I know he'd say no.

But I wonder who he'll take.

My partner asked me if he should go, I told him that's his decision to make not mine.

He agreed with me.

It must have been early morning when Megatron came past, we said good morning and he said morning back.

I asked how he slept, he answered that he slept fine, but it was clear something was bothering him.

So I asked and his reply was, "I have a bad feeling that Optimus is up to something, he and his army's been too quiet for my liking...”

I understood his concern I had the same feeling.

"What do you want us to do about it Lord Megatron?" Soundwave asked.

"Well, I want you two to spy on them, get to that Space port and don't get spotted." He said.

Fair enough I thought and I walked off to get my weapons.

An Hour and a half later.

Soundwave was strapping the saddle and reins on to me.

Ravage was next to me growling. He’s really close friend of mine; since we were both cats we had a good understanding.

Though he didn't talk... much. I like him; we often both go on patrol together.

When Soundwave was done with my saddle, he called him back into his chest.

Just as we were about to get off, Slipstream went past.

"Hello dear. What are you two doing?" Mother asked.

"Going on a spy mission." I said.

She nodded and walked off.

We started on our way.

We went past two buildings and for a quick second I thought I saw something but I dismissed it.

Then I looked up to look at the stars, then at my partner, then his chest.

Hard to believe it, but besides Ravage, he's got 4 other robots in there: Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw.

They all like him; I'd even go as far to say that they loved him.

He's like a father to them, no I change that, he is a father to them.

He built all of them himself.

And he's also been friends with Megatron since the Glatorian days of Megatronus, yeah long time....

My dad's already told me all his tales of his old days, I loved them.

We got to the new Autobot HQ; no one was guarding the doors, no cameras... E.A.S.Y!

If we don't get caught first.

Now I'd come up with a plan, but my partner was too big for the air vents.

So I planned to use his partners instead, while he kept watch outside.

"Rumble, Frenzy, Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, eject, eject, eject."

The mini-bots transformed out of his chest and circled me; from there I assigned them to different jobs.

Frenzy, Laserbeak and Ravage came with me into the HQ while the others stood guard in different places.

Inside the vents.

We crawled through the vents, slowly but quietly made our way through the system, then...

"*sniff sniff* What is that smell?" I whispered.

"I farted, sorry." Frenzy muttered.

EEEEEWWWWW! I thought.

We then got to a part where we heard voices, then three small lights and holes.

I looked through them to see Optimus and Prowl talking.

"So when is that daughter of yours going to be back, I mean it doesn't take this long to find out what that Megatron is up to?"

What, Phoenix has been to our HQ!?!

Damn it!

"Look, she's the best of the best, she'll turn up." The leader muttered.

"Well, you better hope she hasn't gotten herself captured."

I shook my head and we then moved on.

As we moved onwards we heard other Autobots chatting, then we got to the plan room.

It wasn't guarded which at the time I thought it was odd.

But we needed the keys, so I asked Ravage and Laserbeak to find them and bring it to me.

3 minutes later I heard a ring of mental landing on the floor.

Then they came back.

I grabbed the keys and unlocked the door, there; just sitting on a table was the plans.

I knew I couldn't take them so I photocopied them while the others kept watch.

When the job was done we ran, got back into the vents and made our escape...

Or so we thought.

When we got outside, Soundwave called the mini-bots back got on my back and we ran off.

Half way back, something landed in front of us, we looked up...

It was Phoenixfire and Bumblebee.

Her optics was glowing red in rage, Bee didn't look too happy either.

Then she started fire blasting me, but father told me to avoid combat so we retreated back to the HQ.

Chapter 6, Megatron's Plan

Just outside the Autobot HQ.

(From Phoenixfire's point of view)

"THE NERVE OF THAT BLASTED KATRINA!!" I yelled.

"I know, do you think Optimus knows about that?" Bee asked.

I shook my head and continued my rant, "ONE DAY BEE, I'M GOING TO KILL HER!!!"

He looked up to the stars and said, "I thought you said that you didn't kill females, that you couldn't do it, you wouldn't do it!"

"For Katrina I make the exception..."

He started laughing, we were dreadful together and we could put the Autobot Twins (Sideswipe and Sunstreaker) to shame.

He then radioed the tower to let us in, I landed inside and as he got off I transformed back into phoenix robot mode.

Then we ran to the main command room.

When we arrived, father was waiting for us; in the same room was my mother (Elita-1), Draco, Kup, Ironhide, Prowl and Ratchet.

I walked past Kup first, he had a foul look on his face and he was chewing that horrible cigar.

With him was Ironhide, he taught my dad everything he knows, without him... Dad would still be Orion Pax.

Prowl, he's been friends with Optimus for years.

Then mum and my brother, then dad.

We both bowed and he said, "Rise, what did you find?"

He activated a large table to appear in front of us, I laid the plans on the table to study it myself.

"Firstly you do know Katrina and Soundwave just spied on us?" I asked.

Optimus's optics went wide, and then mumbled something I couldn't quite catch but then I cut to the chase.

But before I did that I looked at the plans, I was shocked.

Then I projected the image of the plans in the air, the whole room filled with gasps.

Words of 'Primus save us' and 'Have mercy on us' also filled the air.

All the stats of the plan displayed as well, Elita, upon seeing the stats grabbed Draco and hugged him close in fear.

Optimus got up and had a closer look, "What is it?"

"Females, Mechs and father, WE give you the Nemesis, the new, better (or worse for us) Decepticon War-Ship."

I was quite close to father and I swear he was sweating a cold sweat...

I even thought I heard Optimus's Spark beating out of his chest in fear.

"We are so dead." Draco said.

"That's Megatron's plan?" Father asked.

I nodded my head.

"Well, any ideas?" He asked all of the robots in the room.

I tapped him on the shoulder and asked if Bee and I could leave, he dismissed us and we left.

Outside the main command room.

We were walking down the hallway pasting quite a few robots on our way.

When we were on our own, I asked, "You were pretty quiet back there Bee."

"Yeah sorry about that, I was thinking about something..." He said.

We were quiet until I asked, "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing..." He looked at me, he knew I wasn't going to take that for an answer, "Alright, alright, I'm just thinking about when your father became commander..."

"Well, tell me then.” I said.

"Alright sit down then," we did and he continued, "well let’s say when I first met him he saved my ass."

I started laughing, he continued, "I used to be a messenger mech years ago and I was the one who told your father that Zeta Prime was dead."

"Zeta Prime? Zeta's my middle-name; didn't he used to be the Leader of the Autobots?"

He nodded and continued, "Well Optimus came up with a plan to fight back. But then we'd found out he wasn't dead, but imprisoned so Optimus’s new plan was to get captured and get in Kaon prison. That almost went wrong, Prime thought that they'd take us to the prisoner cells, they didn't..."

"What happened?"

"Well, they put us against a wall and they were about to shoot us when another Autobot saved us."

"Please continue!" I shouted, excited to hear more.

An hour later.

"So we fought Soundwave and his mini-bots who were guarding the Zeta's prison cell. We worked out that every time we badly injured one of Soundwave's children. He came out of the shield and that's when Optimus beat him up. He retreated and we deactivated the shield...

But this was short-lived, when we got to him he muttered something to Optimus, can't remember what and then he died... Poor guy. When we took his body to the High Council they told Optimus that he was the new leader." Bee finished.

I clapped; my father was more amazing than I ever thought.

Speaking of which, here he comes now.

We both sat up and saluted him.

He smiled and asked what we were doing; Bee told him he was telling me about the old days, his response was, "Oh that plan... Okay I admit that it didn't go according to plan but we did it."

I couldn't help but smile, he's crazy and has got a bit of a death wish, but he's my dad and nothing will ever change that.

Chapter 7, Optimus Prime's Plan

Meanwhile on the Decepticon side...

(From Katrina's point of view)

"That was too close for my liking Soundwave." I said, out of breath.

"No it wasn't, I predicted that we had an 80% chance of escaping." He said in his cold, mech voice.

"What about the other 20%?" I dared ask.

He didn't answer that one.

My thoughts were, burned to death with a flamethrower attack.

My partner radioed the tower nearby to let us in the HQ.

When we got in, Slipstream was waiting for us, she lead us to the main command room where Megatron was in his throne...

In the same room were Shockwave, Starscream, Astrotrain and Snapdragon.

My mother sat on the arm-rest of the throne while my father's cold, penetrating gaze met mine.

I wasn't going to tell him about Phoenixfire and Bumblebee right now, he'd ring my neck up.

We bowed, my father said, "Rise, what have you found?"

He activated a large table; I put the plans on it and studied it.

Pretty basic, nothing impressive, nothing to be worry about.

The Autobots must be on their last legs.

"Mechs, mother and father, I give you Project Ark..."

I projected an image of the space-shuttle with its stats; the leader gave a laugh of pity with one arm on mother.

"Is this the best they can come up with?" He asked.

I nodded, he started laughing, so did Slipstream and Snapdragon.

"Well, it's nothing to worry about... We'll leave them to it, they have it tough enough already." He said to me.

"Well, you do know that they don't have much stuff for building, they could come here and st..." I mentioned.

He put his hand up for silence.

He wasn't listening so I left while Soundwave discussed plans with the leader.

Now don't get me wrong, the Autofools are fighting a losing war, while Cybertron is sleeping, healing. But it is cold, barren and lifeless.

It was something to do with Dark Energon that caused it, the same stuff that power my father's, my brother's and my Spark.

I was born... No created here, in this cold world and I want to go with father, you know, to get away from here, because there's no future for me or any other robot here.

All the normal robots fled years ago, the Autobots made sure of that.

The only ones left are the soldiers and those who chose to stay; even then they're disappearing one-by-one.

My spark and soul belong to the Decepticons, this is my family and I guess Phoenixfire would say the same about her group.

Wait, what is that noise.

I looked behind me to see Snapdragon, my younger brother (but only by a few minutes).

He slowed down and walked beside me, for a while we were quiet, then he said, "Father is confident about this.."

"Over-confident?" I asked.

"What's new..?”

He then looked down at my arm, the arm with my Dragon birthmark; it was burned badly and in pain.

He asked me what had happened.

I answered, "On our way out of the Autobot HQ we ran into Phoenixfire and Bumblebee, they were less than happy, she used flamethrower and viola, the burn..."

He kept quiet as we walked to the medic ward, no one was home.

I sat down on the table while my brother looked at my arm, he then put his hand on it, produced a blue light on his hand and rubbed my arm.

I know what you’re thinking, what in Primus’s name is he doing.

Well unlike Draco, Snapdragon has healing powers but they only work on burns and cuts.

His rose red optics focused on the wound.

Then he swiftly removed his hand and the wound was gone.

I thanked him, got a brush out and brushed my wings, they were a mess after the last battle, I looked at the patch Megatron put on it.

So did my brother, he didn't get treated the same way I did by father.

But instead he was spoiled by mother.

Well, as long as we win, I don't care what will happen...

Chapter 8, A Father's Fear

2 months later, half way through construction.

(From Optimus's point of view)

When shuttle was half completed, more Autobots signed up for the mission.

We had been working around the clock with more than 200 Autobots building, programming, etc.

This included Phoenixfire's group, The Creed Of The Phoenix And The Dragon, who have been helping but not as much as my group.

Today is one of those days; they're gone and not working.

Where are they?

I started looking high and low for them until I got to a sign saying:

Training Room n.2

This had been crossed out and replaced with another sentence underneath saying:

TCotP&tD Dojo/Training area..... KEEP OUT DURING TRAINING TIMES, ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

In Phoenixfire's handwriting, how can I tell, she dots the i with small flames.

I opened the door; it was a small tunnel that sloped down underground.

When the tunnel had finished, I looked around the room.

There was training dummies everywhere, weight lifting machines, targets for cross bow training, even a dojo ring.

Speaking of targets...

I was right next to one, how did I know that, because a speeding arrow scraped my chest paint job and hit the bullseye.

"Sorry!!" Someone shouted and I looked around to see who said that, it was Whitefire one of the Autobot nurses, a Creed medic and expert archer.

In her hands... no claws, in her claws was an old fashioned metal bow, with long arrows.

I removed it from the bullseye and handed it back, then I remembered that White was known for making a cocktail of poisons for her arrows. She dipped them in it and for the Decepticon, as if being shot was bad enough, depending on what poison she used... I don't want to go on.

She knew what I was thinking and she told me she trained with non-poisoned arrows. That was good, I thought to myself.

"Don't say that you weren’t warned, the sign did say, KEEP OUT DURING TRAINING TIMES!" She ended the sentence with a girly, teenager giggle and she fluttered her optics lids at me.

I then asked her where my daughter was.

She turned away from me to a large pillar, she drew the bow and the arrow I handed her, she muttered, "Sorry sir, I haven't seen her."

She fired at the pillar, it ricocheted off it, hit roof and then it landed in the middle of the same bullseye behind us.

Now that was impressive.

She continued, "Try Draco, your son, he's been here with Havana training since early morning, he would have seen her."

I nodded my head, thanked her and left.

I continued my way through the dojo, Blackfire was on a weight lifting machine, and she looked up and eyed me with suspicion but said nothing more.

Rakatan was doing her claws, sharpening them; with a blood thirsty look on her face.

I would have felt frightened if she had red optics, no if they all had red optics.

You see, when they came to the Autobots, Ratchet changed the colour of their Sparks and optic colour to blue.

But sometimes, if you look at their optics at a certain angle, you can see a glint of red flash in their optics.

I stopped to see this, she noticed and flared her teeth, yes teeth at me, and these girls were the only robot mode Transformers to have teeth.

I also heard a low pitch growl; I went on my way before I caused a fight.

But I knew that Rakatan and Blackfire still had the killer instinct in their Sparks while their sisters abandoned it sometime ago.

They were half Autobot, half Decepticon.

Then a flash of white and green lighting went past, then a flamethrower attack.

A tiger jumped on to the Dojo stage and used flamethrower again at the roof.

Something white crashed into the stage, the head and the neck rose up and flared it's large, cream teeth.

It was Draco and Havana training... or really fighting each other.

I put my hand up for peace, they both looked at me with surprise and I then asked, "Where's your sister Draco?"

"In the Peace room, she's locked herself in, but the door isn't ultra-locked if you get my drift.

Once you're in keep quiet until she talks, talking before that and she'll blow a fuse or two, dad... sir."

I thanked him and put my hand down, this was like a ring-bell going off and they started fighting again.

Draco's a good son, not perfect, but he is smart, likes to hang around Autobots like Wheeljack and Perceptor who teach him.

But (luckily) he ain't a stiff.

I got to a large door with an engraving of a phoenix and a dragon, one on each door panel.

Yep, these girls have been busy since we arrived, very busy indeed.

Slowly I opened the door, making sure I didn't make a sound.

As I made my way down the hall, I found my daughter.

She was sitting down with her legs crossed, meditating I think Kup called it once, her optics were closed and humming with fire sticks all around her.

I stood in front of her, no response.

Waved my hand in front of her face, no response.

I poked her in the arm, still no response.

"Hello?" Still nothing.

And I started to walk off.

Can't remember it perfectly, but one minute I was walking, minding my own business. The next I was against a wall, with cuffs on my arms.

Everything was a horrible blur.

I tried to struggle, but it was pointless, whatever was behind me it had a good grip.

It then whispered into my audio receptor, "Didn't my brother warn you not to speak?"

Phoenixfire... I got to admit it she is good, no wonder the Decepticons call her 'The Last Shadow', yeah last shadow you'd ever see.

She had one hand on the cuffs and the other with a sword on my head connector* (*neck).

One wrong move or one wrong word and I could end up beheaded and don't think she wouldn't do it.

"What are you doing here?" She whispered with a poisonous voice.

I told her my reason, which was that a: I wanted to know how she was and b: her team was slacking on the Ark project...

She relaxed and took her sword off of my neck.

"Is that all?" She asked as she undid the cuffs.

I nodded my head.

After she was done, she walked back to where she was sitting and blew out the little flames, then turned back to me and walked with me.

As we walked she asked how the project was going.

I said it was going fine.

Then she asked something which I'm sure she'd ask earlier, "Father, you know how you asked for Autobots to sign up for the mission?" I nodded my head, by now we had stopped, "I want to put my name down for it, along with Draco and my team." She said.

"No...” My answer was.

"What? Why??" She asked.

"Look this is a dangerous mission, I don't want to risk you and your team, besides I'm not even asking your mother to come, it's that dangerous."

"But..." She started to say.

"NO AND THAT'S FINAL YOUNG LADY!!!" I shouted.

I'm a father; I had to put my foot down somewhere along the line.

She went oddly quiet as we walked out of the room.

Chapter 9, Someone To Trust

On the Decepticon side at the same time.

(From Katrina's point of view)

I was fighting my younger brother, Snapdragon.

Yes it was training but I play rough at the best of times.

And yes I drew blood, I always do.

No pain, no gain. That's what my father always says.

Though my brother is weaker than me.

Don't know why though; because we are both have the same DNA and everything.

Fighting him was a waste of my time, 10 minutes of fighting and I floored him with ease.

This was when father came in. He looked amused but not by much.

He beckoned me with his finger and I wondered had he found out about that fight two weeks ago with Starscream.

I followed.

He looked worried about something.

So I took the risk and asked, "Is there something on your mind father."

"I'd like to talk away from Decepticon audio sensors." He said.

He took me into his throne room and he sat down while I stood.

"As you know, I'm going with the crew of the shuttle; but while I'm gone I need someone in charge.

Now I'm going to put Shockwave in charge, but a nagging feeling in my head says he won't keep the Autobots at bay."

"And what does this have to do with me?" I asked.

"Well, I need you to call most of the shots, if that accursed Phoenixfire is staying then there is going to be trouble."

My mind started thinking. He was right, his worry was that since Shockwave messed up stopping the prisoners escaping all those years ago, he might not be able to handle her and she might, just might, over throw my family single handily without any trouble.

But I guess he doesn't want Shockwave to know.

"Yeah, about that..." As I started saying that a frown appear on father’s face, "I was hoping that I could go with you, but if you think I should stay then that's fine. I'll stay... at a price."

My father sighed and muttered, "And the price is?"

"I need a personal army something like my foe's, oh and my own base." I said.

"You do know that those felines were originally Decepticons right? But that doesn't matter right now; whatever you need I'm sure Shockwave will do it for you."

I smiled, my father sometimes spoiled me and he used to say that it made me more evil.

But he told me that I couldn't even tell my younger brother, why, well because he's a bit of a weasel.

And it would be tomorrow morning's news. And we both knew it.

I don't know where he gets it from.

"What about mother?" I asked. Hey, I'm not completely Sparkless you know; I do worry about my own family.

"She'll stay with you and the others just don't let her near the other males." He muttered back.

I spat in hand, held it out and said, "Do we have a deal father?"

He did the same and shook my mine, "You drive a hard bargain Katrina."

His hand was very warm for someone who was so cold.

When he let go, he used his other hand to wave me away and he said, "Dismissed."

I saluted him and left.

Perfect, I'm getting my own army, watch out Phoenix, one day I'll rule Cybertron and there's nothing you can do about it.

Chapter 10, The Friendship Bangle

A week before mission launch.

(From Bumblebee's point of view)

Not long before I have to go. Phoenix came and told me about her staying on Cybertron and how her dad told her too.

I also heard that her team was staying too.

So overall I haven't got much time with her left, I could be gone for maybe 100 years, 200, 500 at the most.

So I better do something.

I've been making this for ages and trust me when I say this; Cybertronian jade is very hard to come by.

So I hope she likes it... It's just a little gift, nothing big.

Now, just to find her. Which is nearly impossible, if you don't know where to look.

I looked high and low for her, but she wasn't in the HQ so I walked outside and listened to the wind.

Why?

Because when Phoenix wasn't in the HQ, she was singing outside on one of the nearby buildings.

There, I can hear the song, the Phoenix's song carried by the wind.

I started following the song, entering and climbing the nearby buildings.

I know what you're thinking; the song could be Katrina's.

Well trust me, the songs are different.

Katrina sounds like cross between a cat getting strangled and a howling Sparkling. Not nice.

Phoenixfire on the other hand, sounds like an angel.

And I'm not the only one who thinks that.

Also there are rumours about her song; they say it can stop a battle, that it makes the Decepticons peaceful. Yeah I know, cool.

I've even heard that it makes Megatron peaceful. Not for long though, but I wish she'd prove it.

As I climbed higher I continued to think, ah another note about the Princess.

When she does land, she lands on the highest peak of the building.

Yes it's a pain, but I have to see her, I overheard Optimus talking to Wheeljack about a mission and I was part of it...

Something about stealing energy rods from the Decepticon Kaon base* (*More than meets the eye, part 1).

Dangerous I know.

Higher and higher, I eventually got to a balcony and looked up and there she was, singing her song like there is no tomorrow.

I risked myself by shouting, "PHOENIXFIRE!!!"

She suddenly stopped singing and looked down to where I was.

With one wing she waved and yelled, "Go up two more floors and I'll meet you there."

She flew off, as she headed to where I was and I heard the beating of her wings.

What did I mean by risking myself?

Well, the Decepticons maybe nearby and let’s just say, I've been to Kaon Prison twice now and I don't want to have a third visit.

Then I found Phoenix inside one of the floors, she had flown in though the balcony.

I scratched her on the neck; she loved it when I did that.

"Hello to you too Bee." She said as I scratched.

When I finished, she transformed and we both sat down.

I hid a small box behind my back.

I then told her about the mission I heard about and she muttered it was crazy.

Then I said, "Phoenixfire, we've known each other for a while now and I may not see you again for a hundred years..." I brought the box around and presented it to her.

She looked shocked then asked, "You're not asking me to marry you, are you?"

"No no no no no, you've got the wrong idea." I opened the box to reveal a green jade friendship bangle, incrusted with gold markings.

Her optics shone brightly when she saw the jade.

"Oh Bumblebee, it's beautiful. Did you make it?"

I nodded my head.

She tried it on her left arm, on the arm that didn't have the birthmark and it fitted.

She knew how rare jade and gold was, so this was a nice present.

Then we both hugged each other, I honestly didn't want to let her go.

 I didn't want to ever let her go.

Her feathers shone in the moonlight and they felt...

I couldn't describe it.

Hugging her felt like you were hugging a hot water bottle, nice and warm.

She was like my spark and soul.

It was a while before she let go and when she did, she headed outside and lied down.

I did the same and we both looked up at the stars.

"You're lucky you're going out there, Bee." She muttered.

"Out there?"

"In space, getting away from this Primus forsaken planet, there's no future for those who stay here and you know it. Just promise me one thing, come back to me," I was about to answer when she continued, "and not in a body bag, alive would be nice." She said.

"Look don't worry. I'll come back, it may take me a hundred years, but I will come home to you.

I promise."

Chapter 11, Last Minute Change of Plan

On the day of the launch, in Phoenix's bedroom.

(From Phoenixfire's point of view)

I haven't got any sleep because I felt sick with worry.

Bumblebee had made promise to me that he'd come back.

He promised...

I got up in the middle of the night and prayed to Primus.

I asked him if he'd make sure that the Ark crew came back safe.

I had cyber-butterflies in my Energon Storage unit as I said the words.

Look don't get me wrong, I want to go with the crew but my dad won't let me.

I didn't care that it was dangerous; I just wanted to be with my Bumbly wumbly.

Yeah, I'm in love!

But I ain't the only one, Whitefire; my medic is in love with Ratchet.

While Rakatan, even though she still has animal/Decepticon instincts is Jazz's girlfriend.

I thought he was crazy at the time when he asked her on a date, but it worked and slowly but surely she will be a proper Autobot like her older sister.

Yeah the girls will miss them; I guess the guys will too.

But none will miss them more than Elita and Chromia.

They'll miss Optimus and Ironhide; they'll miss them a lot.

I fear mother may do something stupid...

Look who is talking, my master plans are just plain crazy but they do work....

Did I get that from mum? Or dad? Maybe even both.

Oh yeah I forgot to mention earlier, for a while we did march from city to city but after a while we found out that we out this Space port was in the city... Iacon.

Yeah, we left there in the first place, we had made a trip around the world and now we're back again.

Oh well, I did miss this place...

Well, no point in losing sleep Bee's going on that mission in the morning with Wheeljack and I've got to say good bye to him.

Yeah no poi... zzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzz

The next morning.

I slept in late again.

I do that if I have a rough night, always have done.

I felt drained, like my energy was gone but nothing an Energon cube can't fix.

I started to walk down the hallway, when I went past Autobots they were all quiet.

As if they knew this whole mission was going to fail, that or they were worried that things would go into chaos after Optimus was gone.

But I think my mum will take-over along with some other Autobot, Ultra I think his first name was, not sure about his last name.

Ratchet said that he's a close friend to my dad,

I started to look for Bumblebee hoping that he hadn't gone on the mission yet.

Then I found the hanger doors open, standing there was Optimus, Wheeljack and........

"BUMBLEBEE!!! I'M SOOOOO GLAD I CAUGHT YOU BEFORE YOU LEFT FOR THE MISSION!!!!" I yelled as I flung myself in his arms.

Optimus and Wheeljack looked at each other in surprise.

Bee hugged me in return.

"Are you worried about me?" He asked.

"Of course I am silly!! Good luck and don't let the cons catch you." I said back.

I let go and he said, "I won't my friend."

We both bowed to each other, they both transformed and left.

I turned to my dad and said, "What was the mission again?"

"Stealing Energon Rods from the Decepticon base in Kaon to power the last part of the Ark, why?"

"Oh nothing...”

An hour or two later in the Kaon Decepticon base.

(From Bumblebee's point of view)

After Wheeljack and I grabbed the rods we ran.

He undid a barred floor panel, took the rods off me and pulled me up while saying, "There's not enough energy in these conductors to last a qurtext."

When I got pulled up I replied back, "At lest we found these Wheeljack."

Yes I was always like this.

"And when these run out?" He asked grimly.

My answer was, "We can't worry about that now. Let’s get back to Iacon"

With that Jack transformed, I put the rods in and muttered, "I bet Optimus will be glad to see us." as I sat down inside him.

Then we were off, travelling down the old roads over the cities.

Then I heard, "We're nearing the bridge to Iacon, one mega-mile to go."

"Home sweet home." I muttered, feeling happy with what we just pulled off, little did I know that feeling was going to change.

"Uh oh, a Decepticon welcoming committee." My friend informed me.

No, just as I thought we were going to get away with it, I could hear the cons shouting as Jack put up his shield.

I could also hear the laser-blasters going off and deafening too.

The Seeker team, a nasty lot.

The boot door opened, I jumped out, took cover and opened fire.

I yelled to my partner in annoyance, "Prime told me there would be days like this."

"And you didn't believe him..." He said in return.

Then there was an explosion behind me, really close to me, "I do now!"

Then Thundercracker sent a flame-thrower that formed a ring around us.

Its missions like this that I wish Phoenixfire would have gone instead of the partner I have now!!

"We got to get these Energon conductors back to Iacon!" Jack shouted.

"I'm right behind you!" I yelled, then I transformed.

Then Jack made a cheesy comment, "Mind if I cut in?" as he retraced two small turbines and blew the flames away.

Then we hit the gas, running over one of the Decepticon guards, the other two transformed and took off after us.

They opened fired on us, each time they narrowly missed us.

We raced though the highways of the city with the jets still on our tails, we tried to shake them but it was no good.

I started to fall behind Jack then...

BANG!!!

One of the jet's shots hit me in the back; I flipped while in my car mode.

Wheeljack noticed this, opened his boot and yelled, "Bumblebee!!! Get in quick!!"

I drove up the ramp and the boot closed, he asked, "Are you alright?"

I felt a lot of pain, they had landed a good shot, "Yeah *groan* I think it's my rear axial."

"Well hang on to your crankshaft, I'm shifting into overdrive!" My partner said.

I could still the gunfire outside and it sounded close.

I knew if I ran into Phoenixfire she would go mad, saying things like, "I should have went!" and, "I would have taught those Seekers a thing or two."

We then headed underground and continued to drive until, "Wheeljack to Iacon, we're coming in!"

Inside Iacon Autobot HQ.

When Jack opened up, I reversed out and transformed, Optimus was waiting.

I only muttered, "Ow....."

My mission partner also transformed.

I asked Prime where was Phoenix, he muttered that she was with her mum.

I joined Optimus and the others on the lift and I got off on the floor below the others.

For a while I was hoping that she was going to turn up but she didn't, nearby I heard Optimus say, "Any luck Jazz?"

After that I heard nothing just distant mumbling.

I knew I was going to leave and I didn't want to go without saying bye.

But if she didn't turn up I couldn't.

An hour later.

(From Phoenixfire's point of view)

I was racing around looking for Bee, while the others looked for their partners.

Just as they were heading for the boarding area we ran into them.

I hugged dad and told them good luck.

They thanked me and wished me, the female Autobots and my team luck.

I was just about to hug and kiss Bee when I heard an explosion close-by.

Then smoke filled the room.

Then a voice said, "You and family aren't getting off this planet alive Phoenixfire, BAH HA HA HA *Cough cough*!!!! Pat my back for me, will you, Lyra?"

Through the smoke came Katrina, followed by Snapdragon, behind them 4 other creatures.

A wolf, a coyote, a turbofox and a spotted hyena.

They were all growling and snarling and all of them looked blood-thirsty.

"Well do you like my personal army, Phoenix? My father and Soundwave made them let me introduce, Lyra the coyote, Booja the turbofox, Nausicaa the wolf and Mint the spotted hyena.

Mint in question started laughing hysterically and said, "Look at those freak shows!"

Then Booja said, "Yeah, us dogs are way better and cooler than you stinkin cats, well except for Katrina and Snapdragon of course."

"SAY THAT TO OUR FACE YOU DOG-FACED FREAKS!" Blackfire said, as she said it she spat.

"Hold on, two cats leading a small group of dogs, isn't that... I don't know, impossible and weird?" I asked.

Katrina started to go red at the face (same colour as her optics) and said, "Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!!! ENOUGH OF THIS CHIT-CHAT!!!!"

"Hold on..." I said as I turned to Optimus, "You've got to go, get on that shuttle and get out of here. Don't worry; we'll keep these rejects busy."

"I'll back you up!" Elita shouted.

"So will I!!" Bee shouted.

"You can't, you've got to go with Optimus!" I said to Bee.

"But..." He started to say.

"No buts, Optimus needs every Autobot he can get his hands on and you said that you wanted to go to the stars, please... Don't miss your one chance."

But he just shook his head and as Optimus started to run to the shuttle, I had to do something.

I had to do the unthinkable.

I transformed and bit Bumblebee in the arm, he howled in pain and backed off, then I sounded my war-cry, this scared him away in the direction of Optimus.

I had to scare him, I had no choice. And yes I feel horrible, I even feel sick at doing it.

But I had to. Little did I know I'd be kicking myself for another 4 million years.

"Creed of the Phoenix and the Dragon... ATTACK, TAKE NO PRISONERS!!!!" I yelled.

But Katrina yelled back, "Creed of the Shadow and the Darkness, CHARGE!!!!! FOR THE GORY OF MEGATRON!!!!"

We ran into each other head-on with Elita's group helping out.

I'm telling you, if you've seen normal big cats or dogs fight then you're pretty close to what was happening right now, only imagine twice as big maybe even three times.

The dogs gave us a good run for our money if we had any.

I transformed back into robot mode and faced Katrina head on, when our swords met she said, "Shame the first ones were so weak, no wonder they joined you, they are the most pathetic, useless, weakest..."

Before she could continue, I released one of my hands off the single sword I was using and pulled off a dirty trick. I punched her in the face, she didn't expect that.

"Hmmmmmm," She muttered, "no wonder my father tried to give you a job, you're sneaky and a dirty fighter. We would have made a good duo." She ran into the shadows while the fight continued.

I backed up, only bumping into my mother's back.

"Phoenix, I'm going with your father. If I don't make it back you're in charge. You just need to distract the dogs so I can make a break for it." She said.

I nodded my head.

She left my side, as I used my swords and moves to distract the cons. Then I heard a bang, I collapsed and blacked-out.

Chapter 12, Aftermath

(From Phoenixfire's point of view)

I couldn't recall what had happened the night before... At least I think it was the night before.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest then... nothing, I blacked out in the middle of the battle.

I'm starting to come out of it now.

I can hear my team-mates talking and, could it be, my mum!

She's still alive!

I can hear one of the females saying, "Is she coming round?"

And Whitefire replied (while shining a touch in my optic), "Yep, she's still with us. Phoenix can you hear us?"

The light started to hurt it, so I jerked up, in the process knocking the touch out of the nurse's hand and I put mine over the hurting optic.

Then I noticed to 3 things, 1: I wasn't in the space-port anymore, I was in Alpha Trion's secret base, 2: I was in a medical bed and 3: there was blood/Energon all over my the hand I was using.

I withdrew my hand from my optic to look at the blood closer... Ok it was mine, it was my blood.

I traced the fingers down to my right breast armour and I looked down to see it was purple, a deep, rich purple, the colour of...

"Transformer blood." I muttered out loud.

"How should I put this," The young nurse said, "while you were protecting your mother, you got shot straight through the breast, another inch and you'd be with Primus right now."

I got lucky! No prizes on guessing who shot me... One girl came to mind... Katrina, I said this to the girls around me.

Blackfire presented me with a gun, no ordinary, an illegal Cybertronian gun, she then said, "Found this on the battlefield no doubt it belonged to the Princess of the Decepticons."

A 9mm gun and a special bullet, if it hit my spark... I don't want to think about it.

Alpha Trion and mother came into vision; my mum had a shocked but happy look on her face.

Was it because I was alive?

"I guess you didn't get on dad's shuttle then." I said.

"No, I didn't even get to say good bye, an explosion made me retreat, that's how I found you and your brother. And don't worry he's fine, he didn't get injured."

That's good I'm glad.

"Elita you didn't tell her about the Con's shuttle," Rakatan said, "Oh, I'll tell her. The Ark started to get chased by the Decepticon's shuttle into deep space, that's good news for us, no more Megatron!"

"Yeah, but bad news for father." I heard Draco say from the computer desk nearby, "And has anyone thought about Katrina..." There was a silence then, "Oh and welcome to the land of moving parts sis, it's good to have you back!"

I smiled at him, then noticed mum had moved her arm around her Energon storage unit area and she had a worried look on her face.

"What's wrong mum?" I asked.

She looked at Alpha then me and said, "I'm pregnant..."

I then blacked-out again but before I totally went I heard, "We only just got her to wake up!!" and "She was out for three days and now look what you've done Elita!!"

My last thought was, 'I'm going to have a brother or a sister, father please come back home soon.'