Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"So where do we start." Jazz asked.
"I'm not sure. I guess we try and found the Autobots before the Decepticons find us." Bumblebee suggested.
"Works for me." Hybrid said before turning to XLR8.
"Scout ahead, would ya. See if you can find anything Cybertronian."
Noticing XLR8s nervousness, Hybrid charmed her gauntlet so it would lead her back to them. Less nervous now XLR8 zipped off and was out of sight in seconds.
"Good to know your magic works here." Ironhide commented as they began to walk in the direction XLR8 went.
"Hang on a second. You just let XLR8 off like that. You're the second in command Hybrid you should have punished her for disobeying orders." Prowl said, not being able to stay quiet any longer.
"You're right, Prowl. I am the second in command. Remember that next time you feel like questioning my decisions." Hybrid snapped. Making Prowl back down.

Another hour later, the team was still looking for any sign of the Autobots.
"What's that." Bumblebee asked, spotting something in the sky. Looking up, Prowl and Ironhide figured out what it was first.
"Seekers. Hybrid hid us." Ironhide said.
Muttering something Hybrid cloaked them, turning invisible as the seekers got closer, when the seekers flew over head the team waited for them to leave, only when the seekers turned around heading for them did they tense up thinking the seekers saw them somehow. As they kept going back the way they came, Hybrid uncloaked them, saying, "We can't stay out in the open like this it's too exposed."
"Agreed, let's look for cover and wait for XLR8."
Following Ironhide, the team found a cave taking cover.

XLR8 finally found where Autobots were or more accurately, where the Autobots base was. Venting in relief, she was about to go and tell the others when she realised she might not remember how to get back here because she found this place by chance. Taking a minute to think she decided to com Hybrid and tell her where she was.
Meanwhile, Jazz was standing watch at the edge of the cave while Hybrid and Bumblebee talked about who should do the talking for them when they found the Autobots.
"I still Prowl should do the talking his the most diplomatic one out of us." Bumblebee said.
"I'm not disagreeing with you, Bee, but as third in command, you should also do some of the talking. I'll be busy watching Autobots and their reaction to us and what we tell them." Hybrid replied.
"That's fair, okay, but Prowl should do most of the talking." Bumblebee said firmly.
"I think so too, unless it's a question better left for you to answer. You'll know when you hear one." Hybrid said.
"Hybrid, you there." Came XLR8's voice over the coms.
"Yeah, I hear you, XLR8. What's up." Hybrid asked.
"I found the Autobots. I just don't know if I could do it again. So I was wondering if you could find me with my gauntlet." XLR8 asked.
"No problem, we will be there shortly. Just seat thigh." Hybrid replied.
"Good news, XLR8 found what we were looking for. Let's roll out." Hybrid said before cringing and getting strange looks.
"Terrific, now I sound like Optimus. Kill me now."
Transforming Hybrid took the lead as Prowl, Bumblebee, Jazz, Hot Rod, and Ironhide followed.

When they were getting close, XLR8 ran up to them, making them stop and transform, wondering what she was doing.
Reaching them XLR8 ducked behind Ironhide, pointing to where she came from.
"That's not good." Bumblebee said, seeing what XLR8 was running from.
In no time at all, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Soundwave, Smokescreen, and Cliffjumper surrounded the group.
(What do we do now, Hybrid?) Prowl asked telepathically.
(Let's just see what they say or do and go from there.) Hybrid replied, linking everyone's mind so they could all hear.
Standing back to back, the bots from the Injustice world waited for the bots of this world to say something, showing no aggression hoping to show they meant no harm.
"Servos up all of you." Sunstreaker ordered.
Rasing their servos slowly as requested, Ironhide nudged XLR8 and Bumblebee into the middle of their circle.
"What do you want, why are you here, who are you." Smokescreen asked.
Seeing her chance, Hybrid spoke for her team this time, (When we get inside Prowl, you and Bee are doing the talking.)
"We mean no harm. We only wish to speak to Optimus and ask for help. About who we are that is hard to explain." Hybrid calmly explained.
"Please, we don't want to start a fight, and we're sorry if we startled you." Jazz added.
Turning to Soundwave saying something Smokescreen turned back to the Injustice bots.
"Follow us, but first give your weapons to the twins as a sign of trust."
(No, no fragging way I'm I giving my weapons to them.)
(I'm with Ironhide. I don't like this.) Hot Rod said.
(Look, we either give them our weapons or we don't get in.) Prowl said, handing his sword to Sideswipe followed by Hybrid, giving her bow and arrows and sickle to Sunstreaker. Growling Ironhide reluctantly handing his weapons over as did Bumblebee and Jazz, followed by XLR8 expect she kept her gauntlet. Hot Rod wasn't going to give in or hand his weapons over, especially since the Sunstreaker and Sideswipe of his world almost killed him.
"Hot Rod, give them your weapons now." Hybrid ordered.
"No." Hot Rod snapped.
"That wasn't a suggestion that was an order."
(I won't let them hurt any of us.) Trusting Hybrid. Hot Rod reluctantly gave his weapons to Hybrid. She handed them to Smokescreen.
"He has trust issues."
"Follow us." Smokescreen said.

Inside the base, the Injustice bots were standing and sitting around the room they were putting in as they were told to wait.
"Now what." Hot Rod asked.
"Now we wait." Prowl replied.
"Now we wait?" What in the Pit, Prowl." Ironhide snared.
"Prowl is the most diplomatic of us, so drop it Ironhide and let him think so he knows what to say when whoever it is were waiting for arrives." Hybrid said, defending Prowl.
"You do know want you're going to say right." Hybrid questioned.
"Kinda."
"Kinda. Prowl, I'm putting you and Bee in charge of talking for us. I was really hoping for more than kinda." Hybrid said with a little bite to her words.
Trust me, it will come to me." Prowl reassured Hybrid, genuinely happy they were somewhat getting along right now.
"It better Prowl because if you fail here where screwed." Ironhide snapped.
Having enough of hearing his mate be verbally attacked, Jazz snapped.
"Did you hear nothing Prowl said, it will come to him."
"And what if he doesn't? What if he fails and Optimus wins and conquers Cybertron." Hot Rod almost shouted.
"That won't happen. I won't let it." Bumblebee said.
"Then you better start to think to this isn't all on Prowl." Jazz also snapped at Bumblebee.
"Oh, don't you dare get angry at my brother he has been through enough, and I'll be damned if I let anyone hurt him in any way again."
Hot Rod said, getting defensive.
"Then lay off Prowl." Jazz countered.
"We will once he proves himself." Ironhide growled.

Meanwhile, in another room, Jazz and Prowl were watching the Injustice bots argue.
"I'm surprised they can even function as a team." Prowl commented.
"At least that version of us has each others backs as well." Jazz replied.
"I think we should go in there Prime and break it up." Jazz said, looking up from the monitor to Optimus and the other bots in the room.
"I agree."

When the door opened, the bots saw Hybrid fling Ironhide, Jazz, and Hot Rod into different chairs just by moving her wrist.
"Enough, if I see one more fight amongst our team while we are here, I promise to put you in stasis lock for the rest of the time." Hybrid said, shutting the three in chairs up.
"Excuse me." Optimus said from behind Hybrid, getting their attention.
Walking around the table to join her teammates they watched as the bots of this world entered the room with some looking familiar like Prowl, Jazz, Ratchet, Soundwave, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, the other five not so much. Expect Hybrid who knew who they were.
"I was told you wanted to speak to me." Optimus said, seating down at the opposite end of the table with some of the other Autobots.
"Yes, we wish to talk to you about helping us with our worlds struggle." Prowl explained.
"Before we ask what we want and you make a decision, we ask you to watch this first, then we'll ask our request." Bumblebee said, sliding the data pad across the table.

As asked, Optimus gathered the Autobots, and they watched the video from when and why the Alliance formed, to the final battle with the council, Optimus killing the council, making those awful laws, the Resistance leaving, the Society, Optimus killing Lugnut along with other things like Sunstreaker and Sideswipe torturing bots in the camp, Optimus fighting Hybrid, Ratchet becoming corrupt because of the sword, Omega Supreme destroying the Nemesis with the Resistance inside, all the deaths of New Order and Resistance members, Hot Rod's near death experience, Blaster's beatens, the massacre, the plauges, Prowl, Jazz, and Ironhide defecting, Bumblebee and Optimus sparklings, Nemesis kidnapping Bumblebee, and what Ratchet tried to do with Nightshade and Ironhide's spark.
Watching the video, all bots had different and mixed reactions like Bumblebee, not believing any Optimus could be as cruel as that, especially his Optimus he did want to know about the sparklings though.
Optimus was stunned himself, watching a version of himself doing what he did was almost sickening, pulling Bumblebee close he needed that comfort Bumblebee gave him.
Ratchet and Ironhide both had similar thoughts, seeing that worlds Ratchet and Ironhide fall apart was horrible just one bad decision after another, it did explain why the black coloured mech which they now know is Ironhide was watching them.
Guardian, however, watched intently feeling bad for the couples of that world especially the Ratchet and Ironhide pair, what really caught his optic was the femme Hybrid how she acted, talked, and fought in some ways it was similar to how he acted and would act in similar situations.
Glad their creations weren't with them. Soundwave and Blaster almost couldn't watch what that Blaster has been through in the camps and didn't want their creations seeing it either.
Prowl more or less studied the video, as did Trap only reacting when that Jazz almost fell to his death before Soundwave caught him.
Jazz, though, was downright feeling awful about all that pain and suffering. Rhapsody was in a similar boat to Bumblebee, not wanting to believe any version of them could do what they were seeing.
Hound and Mirage felt nothing but sympathy towards that Hound and Mirage and anger towards that Ratchet for what he was going to do to that poor defenceless sparkling.
Sideswipe and Sunstreaker couldn't even look at each other, knowing that if they were Cons, they probably would be just like that Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
Other Autobots were drawn to the fact that Megatron was the leader of the apparent good guys. And bots that are Cons in their world are working together with would be Autobots to free Cybertron. One thing that all caught their attention was that the femme know as Hybrid was apparently quite gifted and powerful.

In the other room, Hybrid explained to her team which bot was which considering she was the only one who knew. XLR8 stayed quiet where she was sitting on the floor leaning against Hybrid's leg. The others not so much.
"What you mean that behemoth towering blue, purple, pink and black coloured Predacon is this Ratchet and Ironhide's creation." A shocked Ironhide said.
"Those twins are this world's Jazz and Prowl sparklings. What are their names? Do you know." Prowl asked.
"Yeah, this world's Prowl's thoughts are very loud. Their names are Trapper and Rhapsody." Hybrid answered. Bumblebee was about to ask his question when the door opened and the Autobots came inside.
(Prowl, Ironhide, you two don't open your fragging mouths.)
"You and the Bumblebee of this world are dating." Injustice Bumblebee shouted. Stopping any words about to come out of Optimus's mouth.
"Bee, calm down." Hot Rod said, kneeling down next to his brother.
"No, this isn't fair. Why do they get to have it all." Bumblebee asked, looking at his brother for answers.
"What's your problem if they are dating or not." Standing up straight, Guardian was becoming defensive.
"You saw the video correct, the Optimus and Bumblebee of our world are sparkmates, and it's just difficult for Bumblebee to see those two together." Prowl explained.
*That's his problem, though.* Signed Rhapsody.
(What did she say?) Ironhide asked.
(Not a clue.) Jazz responded.
"I'm sorry we can't understand you. But Hybrid here is telepathic, so if you just think what you say, we'll be able to hear and understand you." Prowl said towards Rhapsody.
Rhapsody didn't say anything this time, choosing to stay quiet.
When no one said anything after that, Optimus spoke up.
"Despite that little detour and tense moment we have agreed to hear you out, first we want to know how we can help." Optimus asked.
"We would request that bots from your world that we don't have in ours to temporarily join us there. That would be Guardian, Rhapsody, and Trapper and another Optimus." Prowl said.

"No, absolutely not. You can't just turn up here asking for my son and daughter to go to another world, especially one like yours." Prowl almost yelled, stepping in front of his kids.
"You joking right, Guardian isn't going anywhere with you over my offlined frame." Ratchet snapped, staring down Prowl.
Bumblebee whirled loudly as well. Translating into "Never going to happen," clearly not liking what the Injustice bots want.

"We understand this is a big ask, so we just ask you to think about it. Is all. We don't expect an answer straight away." Jazz said, stepping in for Bumblebee, who was at the back of the room with his brother.
The whole time Hybrid had been looking at Guardian because there was something about him that was oddly familiar other than the fact that she had seen him before. When Guardian looked at her, their optics met, but neither looked away.
"What are you looking at." Guardian snapped, not liking anyone stare at him.
"That's a great question." Hybrid replied.
"What does that mean." Ironhide asked, getting as defensive of Guardian as Ratchet.
"Why don't you tell me." Hybrid replied.
Unnerved by what Hybrid was saying to Guardian. Ironhide and Ratchet stood up.
"If you have something to say, say it." Ratchet spat.
"I'm just saying there is something familiar about you, Guardian." Hybrid answered.
"Whatever. You do not know anything about me." Growled Guardian.
Deciding to go against her instinct to fight back, Hybrid held her servos up in surrender. Following another long awkward silence. Optimus said.
"It's late. Let's rest for the night and see what tomorrow brings." To avoid anything else from happening.

That night after Prowl was sure Trapper and Rhapsody were in recharge, he made it clear to Jazz that he was against their kids helping them.
"I don't care what they say.
I'm not against helping them in general, just not like this, and they want Optimus and Guardian too. It's too much."
"Handsome, I can't speak for Optimus or Guardian, but you know our daughter as well as me if she wants ro help them or go, you telling her she can't well only encourage her to go just to spite you."
Jazz said calmly, stopping Prowl from pacing by standing up and hugging him, keeping him still.
Venting to calm himself down, Prowl returned the hug.
"I'm just saying Trapper and Rhapsody are our creations. I don't want to see anything bad happen to them."
"I know, but we have to let them make their own decisions sometimes. I'm not too thrilled about it, either.
Why don't we talk to them about and see what they say and go from there." Jazz suggested.
Agreeing with Jazz, both parents went to recharge for the night.

With Guardian, Ratchet, and Ironhide, it wasn't going much better. Their fight was over something else.
"Don't walk away from me, Guardian. How long do you think you and Predaking could keep pretending to stay in the med bay only to sneak into your room late at night." Ratchet said, blocking Guardians' way.
"Carrier, can we not do this now. If you have noticed that femme seems to know something about me and if she does, I'm more concerned about keeping that secret than anything. And so what if me and Predaking stay in my room? Yes, you still don't trust him, but I do, and we care deeply about each other." Guardian replied.
Using his wings to his advantage, Guardian jumped/flew over Ratchet, heading to his room.
Calling out to his son to get him to stop Ratchet was a little hurt he didn't and kept walking.
"Love, leave it he obviously doesn't want to talk, at least to us anyway. Come on." Taking hold of Ratchet's servo Ironhide was surprised Ratchet didn't fight back.
"He should want to. He knows he can come to us with anything. Yes, we probably didn't react the best about Predaking, but I'm trying." Ratchet replied softly.
"That's what this is all about, isn't it? You're not ready to let him go." Ironhide replied equally as soft.
Ratchet's nod before burying his helm into Ironhide's chassis was all the answer he needed.
In Guardian's room, Predaking was waiting for him, walking into the room. Guardian didn't say anything, just walked up to Predaking and hugged him.
"Is everything alright, my Guardian." Predaking asked.
"Can you just hold me." Guardian replied in a timid voice.
"Of course."
With Predaking holding him, Guardian felt safe and cared for, like he could let his guard down, being the one that gets taken care of for once. Not that he didn't like or want to help others, but sometimes he just wants to be the one to be helped occasionally.

The next morning, Hybrid and Jazz were sitting in a booth both miserable from last night.
"So what exactly happened last night to you." Jazz asked.
"Well Hot Rod is a complete and total aft, Bee was in my berth, XLR8 bites, and you and Prowl didn't know if you could stop yourself from interfacing even with me in the room so I ended up recharging in Ironhide's room which didn't come easy let me tell you.
What about you? Why are you miserable." Hybrid asked.
"I'm so sore." Jazz admitted. Which got Hybrid smirking at him. Seeing the smirk, Jazz was quick to explain.
"It's not what you think. Before you knocked on our door and after you left, Prowl had a really restless recharge."
When Ironhide walked by a couple minutes later saying. "I think I pulled something." Causing Jazz to give Hybrid a questioning look.
"It definitely not what you think."
The rest of the morning was going okay with Prowl, Hot Rod, and Bumblebee joining them not long after, until they heard Cliffjumper being mean to XLR8 and blocking her from entering the cafeteria.
Which didn't go down well with the others. Leading to them challenging Cliffjumper to find six other bots and meet them in the rec room in the ring for a seven on seven tag team match. Before long as Cliffjumper was finding teammates, everyone in the base herad about the challenge, heading to the ring to see what the bots from the other world could do.
Getting Smokescreen, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Springer, and Guardian to join him, Cliffjumper went to the last bots room, hoping to convince them.

"Bottom line is if you two decide to help the bots from the other world, me and your carrier are coming with you." Prowl firmly said, ending anything his daughter might have said back.
"Rhap, you always said you what more freedom, but do you really think sire and carrier would let us go to another world without them." Trapper said, speaking for the the first time since their parents sat them down.
Seeing her brothers point, Rhapsody gave in even if she wasn't happy about it.
Cliffjumper knocked on the door shortly after asking Rhapsody if she was willing to join and by the seventh member of their team against the visitors, knowing she needed to let of some steam she agreed.
In the rec room, the Injustice bots were warming up and waiting for their opponents to arrive when Jazz asked Hybrid what she meant when she said XLR8 bites.
"Because Bee was in my berth because of Hot Rod, I had to share with XLR8, and she has nightmares about the camp sometimes and according to her Blaster would just hold her thigh when it happens. The scraplet failed to mention the biting, making me feel sorry for Blaster. And Barricade in the future."
Hybrid said, getting a laugh out of Jazz.

When the other team arrived, almost every Autobot was surrounding the ring wanting to see what the Injustice bots were made of.
Going to their respective corners, the team decided among themselves who was going to start as Blaster got in the ring to act as ref.

Hot Rod and Smokescreen circled each other slowly as soon as Blaster said they could begin. Trying to bluff Smokescreen Hot Rod ran at him, pretending to try and kick his legs out only to make Smokescreen move to the other side of the ring, right into the wrong corner.
The temporary distraction of Smokescreen realising where he was allowed Hot Rod to get him in a side headlock and flip him over so Hot Rod had Smokescreen trapped under his body, Smokescreen mangaed to get back on his peds though, only for Hot Rod to do it again, and once more after Smokescreen managed to stand up for a third time. Changing up his strategy Smokescreen clapped his servos together to take some of the pressure of his neck pushing Hot Rod's helm back allowing him to wrap his legs around Hot Rod's helm but Hot Rod simply moved his body around while his helm was trapped allowing him to flip up break free of the leg lock.
Waiting for Smokescreen to stand Hot Rod delivered a knee strike right to his mid section, moving him back into the corner tagging in Bumblebee who grabbed Smokescreen's arm preforming an arm drag sending Smokescreen into his corner. Not liking how Smokescreen was being handled, Sunstreaker tagged himself in charging out Bumblebee who ducked and ran at the ropes, flinging off them to preform a thesz press but Sunstreaker caught him throwing him away following up with a kick to Bumblebee's face knocking him down. Grabbing Bumblebee around the helm, getting him up, Sunstreaker grabbed one arm, positioning it a specific way before tossing Bumblebee on his back, falling with him to keep Bumblebee's arm trapped in a painful submission hold trying to get Bumblebee to tap out, Bumblebee managed to get back to his peds stepping on Sunstreaker's ped then elbowing him in the face, turning to try and make a tag Sunstreaker grabbed Bumblebee from being and tossed him into his corner tagging in Sideswipe and together they picked Bumblebee up grabbed a leg and arm each lifting him up, bringing him down hard on the ground before picking him again bringing him down on their knees. Going for the pin Blaster only counted two before Bumblebee kicked out. Lifting Bumblebee back up Sideswipe stood him up before kicking his leg out from under him while holding onto the arm Sunstreaker targeted, manipulating Bumblebee's arm, Sideswipe made the mistake of leaning down to taunt Bumblebee who kicked him in the faceplate, as Sideswipe let go Bumblebee rolled away as Sideswipe attempted a elbow drop, Bumblebee tagged Ironhide in who clotheslined Sideswipe when he got back into his peds, lifting Sideswipe up Ironhide scooped slammed him twice before tossing him into a corner and flatting Sideswipe in the corner followed by a canon ball. When Ironhide pulled him out of the corner going for the pin, Sunstreaker broke it up, getting a spear from Hot Rod for his troubles, Hot Rod got a spin buster from Springer, Springer received a step up enziguri from Prowl, Prowl got hit with a super kick by Smokescreen who got his knee clipped by Bumblebee so Cliffjumper hit him with a backstabber and Jazz hit Cliffjumper with a flying kick before Sideswipe threw him out of the ring, in the end Hybrid and XLR8 were left standing for their team while Guardian and Rhapsody were standing for their team. Reaching their corners, Ironhide tagged XLR8 and Sideswipe tagged Rhapsody. Running at Rhapsody XLR8 was taken down by a flying forearm, and as XLR8 was getting up, Rhapsody ducked under her swing, grabbing her by her helm tossing her over her shoulder running to the ropes and pushing off kicking XLR8 in the faceplate, going for the pin XLR8 kicked out just in time. Dragging XLR8 to the corner, Rhapsody positioned XLR8 on the top rope intended to suplex from the top rope, XLR8 counted and slipped down kicking Rhapsody leg out so she was caught in the second ropes, using the bottom rope XLR8 jumped to the second rope before twisting and delivering double knees to Rhapsody as she collapsed XLR8 rolled away as Rhapsody was getting up XLR8 used a simple trick by running up the ropes used both peds to slam Rhapsody into the ground going for the pin afterwards, during the pin attempt when Rhapsody kicked out XLR8 was accidentally knocked to the outside onto the floor and for the next five minutes once Rhapsody got XLR8 back in the ring Rhapsody dominated the match from body slamming XLR8, suplexing her so her legs hit the ropes, delivering a leg drop across her shoulders, grabbing her arms placing her ped on XLR8 neck before lifting her up slightly before slamming her faceplate into the ground.
Shocking everyone on XLR8'S team with how savage Rhapsody was being.
Picking XLR8 up onto her shoulders, Rhapsody planned to end it then and there, but XLR8 counted, turning it into a crucifix bomb, taking a second to get her bearings XLR8 crawled across the ring to tag Jazz in and Rhapsody froze allowing Jazz to preform a tilt a Whirl headsiccors sending Rhapsody of her peds followed up by a knee strike in the corner when Rhapsody was standing again tossing Rhapsody towards the centre of the ring Jazz climbing to the top rope and jumped hitting a frog splash on Rhapsody and if it wasn't for Sideswipe breaking up the pinfall team Injustice would have won.
Getting desperate, Sunstreaker got in the ring to attack Jazz, but Jazz side stepped, and Sunstreaker went through the ropes with Prowl following up with a meteora taken out Sunstreaker temporarily. The distraction paid off, however, as Rhapsody tagged in Cliffjumper. Cliffjumper didn't fair any better as he was dropped kicked right into his corner, so Guardian tagged himself in having enough. Trying his luck, Jazz tried to use a cross body on Guardian it didn't work as Guardian caught him and tossed him aside before picking him up by his neck tossing him across the ring. Going with the momentum, Jazz swung up onto the top rope kicking Guardian in the faceplate when he came at him, which did next to nothing to phase him as he pulled and threw Jazz off the top rope. When Guardian went to chokeslam Jazz, Ironhide got in the ring and kicked Guardian's bad ankle as he dropped Jazz went for a headsiccor and made the tag to Hybrid who got in the ring but didn't attack Guardian cause he was clutching his ankle clearly in pain. Predaking, Ratchet, and Ironhide on the outside of the ring looked concerned and furious, Rhapsody got off the ring apron and went to the side off the ring to ask Guardian if he was okay while Blaster asked if he wanted to continue.
When Guardian got back to his peds and Blaster said it was all good, Hybrid hesitated to do anything, seeing that Guardian swung at her, putting her dodut to the side Hybrid ducked under the swing and kicked Guardian in the leg repeating it every time Guardian tried to hit her. Having enough Guardian waited for Hybrid to make the next move catching her when she cartwheeled using his body as leverage, Guardian slammed her down before delivering a leg drop standing up Guardian picked Hybrid up putting her in a choke hold but she broke free by wrapping her legs around one of Guardian's arms bringing him down to the mat, he rolled through though and got back to his peds with Hybrid still wrapped around his arm but the pressure was off. What Guardian didn't expect was for Hybrid to drop and do the same thing to his good leg while bringing him down to one knee, getting free again Guardian picked her up and with momentum Hybrid wrapped one arm around Guardian's helm and kicked off the top rope turning and planting Guardian face first into the ring mat going for the cover, this time Rhapsody broke the pin attempt by hit Hybrid in the mid section so XLR8 responded by running at Rhapsody sliding past her gradding her leg tripping her and pulling her out of the ring then got on the ring apron and jumped so she was sitting on Rhapsody's shoulders preforming a hurricanerue accidentally sending Rhapsody into her brother and sire taking them down too.
Inside the ring Guardian went for a clothesline but Hybrid ducked so Guardian quickly stopped turned around and connected with Hybrid this time turning her inside out going for the pin Guardian almost had the win but Hybrid kicked out in the last second.
Dragging Hybrid to his corner Guardian tagged Springer who went to the top rope and jumped down on Hybrid who got her knees up just in time and she rolled to her corner tagging Bumblebee who used a running hip attack on Springer who tagged Guardian in just before and then Bumblebee did something that shocked everyone he got behind Guardian and suplexed him telling Blaster to count afterwards but Guardian kicked at.
On the outside of the ring, the other Bumblebee hid behind his mate Optimus in fear with just his helm peeking out. No one would have thought it was possible for Injustice Bumblebee to pick up Guardian, the second strongest Autobot after Predaking. It took a lot out of Bumblebee though, who tagged Hybrid back in as Guardian tagged Sunstreaker in, wanting to end this Hybrid hit Sunstreaker with a blitz of strikes knocking him over before grabbing and positioning Sunstreaker arm for a modified arm bar, locking it in the Injustice bots ran across the ring to prevent anyone from the other team breaking the submission hold, no where near the ropes and no one to help Sunstreaker held out for as long as he could but he couldn't take the pain anymore and tapped out.

Surprisingly, that night, everyone was less tense even though Sunstreaker was sulking. It was funny how a sparing match between the two groups lessened tension.
Guardian and Hybrid were talking after they apologised to each other, and Hybrid explained why she was staring at Guardian, realising they had a lot in common. Guardian invited Hybrid to eat with him and Predaking.
Jazz and Prowl were sitting with the other Jazz and Prowl and Trapper and Rhapsody while Jazz was having a good time Prowl couldn't help but be envoys of this world's Jazz and Prowl for already having kids.
Ironhide, Hot Rod, and Bumblebee were sitting by themselves with Ironhide, putting his focus into make Bumblebee and Hot Rod feel more at ease rather then focus on how this Ironhide and Ratchet had what he probably never will again.
The peaceful atmosphere was broken when Prowl got out of his seat and confronted Hybrid as she walked by the booth he was sitting in.
"You're a big lair, aren't you. No amount of magic could possibly fix what I asked you to fix could it." Prowl snapped at Hybrid.
Knowing what Prowl was talking about and guessing it had something to do with Rhapsody and Trapper. Hybrid smirked at Prowl, "Hey, don't blame me. You're just clearly not getting the job done when it matters, stud."
"If you want to break or end the deal, just say so, but we both know I won't be getting hurt by it." Hybrid said.
Not wanting to continue this conversation in front of Jazz, Prowl looked at Hybrid, "In the hall." Using her magic Prowl and Hybrid disappeared in a cloud of red smoke, getting gasp out of a lot of Autobots who knew of her powers because of the video but it was different seeing it in person.
"If your magic really is working, then why hasn't Jazz gotten sparked yet." Prowl asked in the dark hallway.
"Don't you remember our deal Prowl you have to do everything a say as long as a say, please. And when you walked away after we made the deal, I whispered you couldn't get Jazz sparked please and magic made sure it took." Hybrid explained.
"Why, why would you do this." Prowl asked, shocked at what Hybrid admitted.
"Because while I do want you and Jazz to have sparklings, I want them brought into the world when it suits me. You should never mess with something you don't understand, Prowl." Leaving Prowl in the hallway Hybrid sat beside Guardian, and they were about to talk about the Ironhide and Ratchet of both worlds when Blaster and Soundwave walked over.
Venting in annoyance, Guardian asked what they wanted, yet he already had a hunch.
"Guardian, you know I'm not one to judge or be mean, but if everything Soundwave said is true about Predaking, how can you truly trust he isn't just going to love you and leave you." Blaster asked, concerned for his friend.
"Because he has made it clear he cares about me and is willing to take things at my peace." Guardian said, taking hold of Predaking's servo.
"Until he has enough of waiting and forces himself onto you, taking what he wants breaking you mentally before returning to the Cons to tell them one of the Autobots biggest and skilled fighters is not a problem anymore." Soundwave replied.
"HOW DARE YOU SAY OR THINK THAT I WOULD DO THAT I'D NEVER HURT GUARDIAN LIKE THAT." Predaking yelled, getting everyone's attention.
"Hard to believe, Predaking your never one for being patient and waiting, I'm surprised by you too, Guardian, you're smarter than this." Soundwave said, sounding disappointed in Guardian, which Predaking didn't appreciate.
"If you have a problem with me, I don't care, but don't ever talk to my Guardian like that." Predaking growled walking towards Blaster and Soundwave. Pushing Blaster behind him Soundwave was about to say something, but Ironhide and Ratchet stopped him.
"Soundwave, I honestly don't care if you mean well. Don't try and make my son feel like an idiot for being with Predaking cause I could say the same about Blaster being with you." Ratchet said, fired up.
Taken back by that, Soundwave stayed quiet but stood his ground until Blaster pulled him away, not wanting to face Ironhide and Ratchet's anger.
"You know speaking from experience of being sparkmates with my worlds Predaking I can assure you he would never do anything you didn't want and will also do his best to make you happy and keep you safe." Hybrid said to Guardian in the booth behind Ironhide, Ratchet, and Predaking.
"Another thing we have in common then." Guardian replied a little jealous, Hybrid and her Predaking were already sparkmates.
"Also don't worry about those two cause I have information for them that will distract them, making them leave you alone if they try this again."

Late that night Injustice Bumblebee shot up out of his berth, knowing he forgot something important.
"Where did XLR8 go." He asked himself because no one saw her after the fight.

Chapter Text

What’re you thinking?” Trapper asked his twin. It’s only been a day since the bots from the other universe came to them, asking for help.
Their creators made it clear that if they wanted to help, they would do so as a family. And somehow, that answer all relied on Rhapsody. Trapper sat in their room on his bunk while Rhapsody paced back and forth. Her doorwings twitching and swooping as her side of the bond crackled with toiling thoughts.
[I want to help those other bots but their world… it’s not like ours,] she signed. Trapper stayed silent, letting her continue to ramble with jittery servos.
[Their world – they’re still on Cybertron. A dangerous Cybertron. Why should you help these strangers? What good would it do us?]
“They need our Optimus,” he also supplied.
[And that Hybrid…]
“What about her?”
[There’s just something,] her servos stalled before she shook out her digits. [She’s not telling us everything.]
“Well, it’s not like anyone will just spill their secrets to strangers.”
[If they want help, they should.]
“Rhaps, you’re being ridiculous,” Trapper rolled his optics behind his visor.
His twin let out a loud, harsh beep, scowling at him. He swung his legs to the floor and stood before explaining, “You don’t even Sideswipe things, and we’ve known him our whole lives. If it were us, going to some other world, wouldn’t you want to be heard out?”
She pouted at that, always bested by her brother's logic.
“You know Guaridan and Predaking will probably help because they’ve seem to have formed a bond with Hybrid. And where Guaridna goes, you end up going and then me and so on and so forth.”
[So I should talk to Guardian.]
“I don’t think now is the best time,” Trapper quickly stopped her. It was late at night, after all.

XLR8 had never heard of Earth. It was quite different and beautiful. After the fighting match with everyone, she couldn’t stand to see Sunstreaker and Sideswipe with that one femme. It felt too weird, so she decided to get away for a moment. She didn’t know a moment would turn into a few hours while wandering the forest. The organic foliage was beautiful and so fragile compared to Cryberton’s and she wound up admiring the trees and flowers around.
How XLR8 found herself in a dark, tiny cell she didn’t really recall. Her processor ached, dried Enerogne crusted to the side of her helm, making her a little woozy.
“Scrap, why’d you have to get so distracted, you idiot?” she groaned to herself while sitting up against the furthest wall from the buzzing energy cellbars. She could feel Midnight within her, a reassuring presence, but she really wanted her carrier and her siblings.
Knocking her helm against the wall, tears of frustration burned in XLR8’s optics.
“Stupid,” she hissed at herself again, Midnight bristling at the negative names.

“Alright, how can we get out?” she slowly rose to her peds and peered out at the empty holding cells. Flashing of her time in the camp and the time when Tarn held her captive made her shudder. At least then she knew what she was dealing with. Earth was strange for all it’s beauty and she didn’t know of these Decepticons, someone had called them. But they couldn’t be worse… right?
XLR8 didn’t dare to touch the energy bars but could make out a large door, the entrance probably. On the ceiling, she counted four cameras, each peering into the cells on either side and finally a vent grate.
The door to the holding brig slid open, showing a mech she didn’t recognize. He sort of looked like this world's mirage, though with more grey.
“I’ve not seen you before, and I don’t believe you from this universe,” the strange mech spoke. “So, who are you and those other’s bots that arrived today?”
XLR8 simply frowned, refusing to answer the strange bot, she took a few steps back and put distance between her and him.
“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Vector, sire to Mirage,” he bowed, then straightened himself upright again. He then asked sweetly, “What is your designation?”
He wore no insignia, but this wasn’t the Autobot’s base.
“If you tell me, I can get you out of here.”
“You’d think I’d trust you?”
“It is your only option, dear.”

[Guardian,] Rhapsody waved, signing exaggeratedly to get his attention.
“Rhaps, what’s up?” he asked as she entered the Rec room.
Taking a seat across from him, Rhapsody signed, [You’re going to help the otherworlders, aren’t you?]
His large wings flared out with a slight scowl.
“I was thinking about it. Why?”
[Why do you want to help them?]
“Doesn’t seem fair, does it? We have it easy comparatively,” he shrugged.
[So why should we risk our necks?]
“Why shouldn’t we?”
[You don’t have a reason, do you.]
“Neither do you,” Guardian pointed out, making Rhapsody huff in frustration while he grinned triumphantly.
“Com’on Rhaps, it’s not like you to back down from a fight. What’s got ya all… cautious?”
She took a moment to think about the truth and how best to answer before signing with slow digits, [If we go there… what if we get stuck? Or if something happens to Trap or sire and carrier? We don’t know the enemy there like we do here.]
“Rhaps, we fight every day here for our own survival. The right thing to do is to help them. We may not know the enemy there, but clearly, they need our help before things get worse for them.”

"What do you mean you can't find XLR8 anywhere." Hybrid asked Bumblebee, Hot Rod, and Ironhide in a spare room away from everything else.
"It's exactly how it sounds." Hot Rod replied with a grin before ducking behind Ironhide when Hybrid went for him only to be stopped by Bumblebee grabbing her.
"Easy Hybrid will find her." Bumblebee said, stopping who he considered an older sister from killing his brother.
Letting herself calm down Hybrid willed hereself to relax, "You're right. You three go see if you can find her outside of the base, and I'll stay here and double-check. And I'll get Jazz to join you once I find him." Hybrid said, linking their processes before they spilt up.

"You're seriously considering joining them, aren't you." Prowl asked Optimus as both of them, Jazz, Ironhide, Ratchet, and other officers sat in Optimus's office.
"Yes, I am, but that's not what I called you here to talk about the. What we need to discuss is dealing with the information Jetfire found about Vector supplying the Cons with weapons." Optimus explained.
"Fine, but I still think we should talk about the possibility of not just you but Trapper, Rhapsody, and maybe Guardian joining the other worlds bots." Smokescreen said.
"That's fine with me. Before I make that decision, though, I will need to talk to Bee about it until then focus." Optimus said.
"You're right. Let's recap what we know about Vector right now." Ironhide asked.
"That's his Mirage's sire." Jazz said, trying to lighten the mood by joking, which unfortunately didn't work if the looks he received from most of the others was anything to go by.
Unbeknownst to them, the Prowl from the Injustice world was eavesdropping and herad everything they said coming up with his own plan. To get them to make up their minds faster.

(Anything.) Hybrid asked as she entered the Rec room.
(Nothing yet. Come to think of it, can't you just link with her processor and find her?) Ironhide asked.
(I tried wherever she is she is out of range.) Hybrid replied.
"You want to spar." Turning around to see Soundwave talking to her, Hybrid was about to agree when Prowl walked in wanting to talk to Hybrid.
"Prowl whatever you want to talk about. I have a more serious problem to think of, and sparring always cleans my helm, so go away." Hybrid said, not trying to be mean but not wanting to hear Prowl say anything about what Hybrid told him the other night.
"Hybrid, this is serious. Do want us to fail." Prowl responded.
"Do you want me to get killed because that's what's going to happen if Soundwave, Blaster, or even Sideswipe find out I lost XLR8."
Not paying attention to anyone else, Hybrid and Prowl didn't notice Blaster and Soundwave look over to Sideswipe who was standing with Sunstreaker, Rhapsody, and Guardian then back to Hybrid and Prowl.
"What do you mean? XLR8 is missing. Can't you just use magic to find her." Prowl asked.
"No. I would need something of hers or some of her or her creators energon to do a locater spell." Hybrid answered.
(What about using this world's Blaster, or Sideswipe.)
(Wouldn't work.)
"Okay, what's the plan then to find her."
"Ironhide, Hot Rod, and Bumblebee are out there looking for her." Hybrid replied.
"Wait, her gauntlet isn't it enchanted. You could find her that way." Prowl said.
"Brilliant Prowl, I could kiss you, then I'd have to kill myself. Come on." Hybrid said as her and Prowl ran out of the rec room.

[See their hiding something.] Rhapsody said to Guardian.
"I think they're just trying to find XLR8 and are used to doing this kinda thing. I do want to know what she meant when she said Soundwave, Blaster, and Sideswipe would kill her, though." Guardian replied.
"You and me both." Sideswipe said as Blaster and Soundwave come over to talk to Sideswipe.

After calling everyone back and finding Jazz. Hybrid used the same spell as before on XLR8'S gauntlet, and the team transformed with Hybrid leading the way. Arriving outside some sort of base to big to belong to humans, the team looked over the place, searching for a way in.
"Over there, it's a vent." Bumblebee said, drawing everyone's attention to it.
"Prefect spot. You can get in through there, Bee." Jazz said
"Hold up since when was that the plan to send my baby brother into there. Why can't Hybrid just break in there?" Hot Rod asked.
"Because we don't know where XLR8 is in there, and I could accidentally get her hurt if I'm not careful or going smashing in there. I know you're worried, but Bee is arguably the best scout he can handle this." Hybrid explained.
Turning to Bumblebee, Hot Rod hugged him close, telling him to be careful.
Watching Bumblebee disappearing into the base, the other could only wait for him to get back to them.

"They left the base ten minutes ago, and no one informed us." Prowl stared down Cliffjumper, making him twitch.
"In our defence, you were in a meeting with all the other officers, and this message was for Optimus, not you." Cliffjumper replied, not backing down.
"I don't want to hear your excuses." Prowl barked at Cliffjumper, making him lose his cool and look down, avoiding Prowl's gaze.
"Easy Prowl, it's not a big deal. So what they left the base it's not a big deal." Jazz said, looking sympathetically at Cliffjumper.
"We don't know if we can trust them. What if they are going to the cons and telling them -"
"Telling them what Prowl, do you know how paranoid you sound, they come here looking for our help, I doubt they would or do anything to jeopardise that.
For the record, they went to find XLR8, who went missing their just worried about their friend." Guardian snapped, defending Cliffjumper not liking how Prowl was taking his anger out on him.
To avoid an argument, Optimus stepped in ordering Prowl and Guardian to stand down, which Guardian did after Prowl did, stepping back to stand beside Predaking again.
"If what Guardian says is true, we have no reason to worry. If they are truly just worried about their friend. Did they say she was missing."
"Heavily implied." Blaster corrected.
"Did anyone actually see XLR8 leave the base." Optimus asked, now curious.
When no one answered, he grew concerned for her worried she might be in danger.
"If anyone sees or hears from the other bots, please inform me straight away." Optimus said before seating back down beside Bumblebee to finish refuelling.

"XLR8, you in here." Bumblebee asked as he looked in yet another room trying to find XLR8, closing the door. Seeing the room was empty, Bumblebee turned and just saw another bot walking down the hall, disappearing around the corner.
Following behind Bumblebee kept a close optic on the bot that kinda looked like the Mirage of this world.
Watching him go into what looked like some sort of cell block, Bumblebee decided to listen on the other side of the door instead of entering just increase.
Hearing the mech talking to someone then a yell Bumblebee was about to burst in until he heard the mech come towards the door, moving with the door is it opened Bumblebee slipped past the mech as he closed it muttering to himself about a stubborn little minibot.
Staying hidden Bumblebee waited for the mech to walk off before stepping out of the shadows.
"Bumblebee." XLR8 shouted, happy to see him.
"XLR8, what trouble of you gotten into now." Bumblebee asked, stepping over to XLR8, not caring about the cameras he could see.
"I didn't do anything, I don't even know how I ended here. Just please get me out." XLR8 pleaded.
"I don't see how there is no key or anything, I don't think I can get you out now. But someone else might know I'll be back, I promise." Bumblebee said.
"No, please don't leave me in here. He'll be back, and I just want to go home. I want my carrier." XLR8 said, sounding genuinely scared.
Not wanting to leave XLR8 like this, Bumblebee used the limited magic he got when he got Unicron's power and teleported into the cage by setting his whole body on fire and going up in flames.
Hugging Bumblebee as soon as he was in XLR8 was just happy she had someone with her.
"Hey, it's okay. We will find a way to help you. I promise. No one will hurt you. None of us or Midnight would allow it." Bumblebee said, returning the hug, wishing he could teleport out with XLR8, but he didn't know if the fire would hurt her and he wasn't going to risk it.
"I have to go, but here, take my fear bombs and put them in your gauntlet."
"Wait, it might help you to know that the mech holding me said his name was Vector, the autobots might know him." XLR8 said before Bumblebee left.
Teleporting out of the cell and leaving promising to return Bumblebee ledt. XLR8 just hoped Bee and the others would figure something out soon.
"At least I always have you, Midnight." XLR8 said, feeling Midnight almost purr with delight.

Getting back to the autobot base after hearing everything Bumblebee told them, Hybrid went straight to Guardian to ask him if the name Vector rang any bells.
"Vector, yeah, that's Mirage's sire if I'm not mistaken." Guardian replied, which only severed to confuse Hybrid.
"Why do you ask." Guardian asked.
"Hybrid. I just spoke to Mirage. Apparently, Vector isn't a very nice bot." Jazz said, ran over to Hybrid with Mirage, not fair behind.
"If he has your friend, it can't be good." Mirage said.
"Vector, that's who I heard the I'm assuming officers were talking about." Prowl said, getting the other four to look at him.
"Hold up, I'm confused. Vector has XLR8, but why." Guardian asked.
"Good question and one I plan to ask him." Hybrid replied, teleporting out of the room into Optimus's office, surprising everyone there.
"What are you doing in here." Prowl asked, standing up before Hybrid made him sit back down with magic by simply pointing one of her digits down.
"It seems we have a common enemy, Vector has kidnapped XLR8, and you want to stop him or find out where his hiding and what his up to. Help us free XLR8, and we will lead you right to Vector's doorstep." Hybrid said, leaning over Optimus's desk, looking straight at him.
"You have yourself a deal." Optimus said, offering his servo for Hybrid to shake.

Letting the Injustice bots take charge, Optimus said they could take anyone with them and lead the mission.
Choosing Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Soundwave, Blaster, Guardian, Rhapsody, Trapper, and Mirage. The Injustice bots decided to wait till dark for more cover, which was only two earth hours away.

Meanwhile, Vector saw Bumblebee use his fire magic and was convinced that XLR8 was hiding something and contacted Megatron, telling him has one, possibly two new weapons for him to use against the autobots
"Very intriguing, they would make useful weapons. If what you say about the femme is true. I'll send Shockwave to examine her himself. You might be coming into more power and credits shortly, Vector." Megatron said, ended the transmission.

In the Autobot base, Injustice Bumblebee was practising his fire bending doing it as Hybrid told him through dancing. It also helped clear his mind to get lost in the moves and how the fire moved. Just something about it made Bumblebee really chill.
By the doorway, the other Bumblebee was watching, also memorised by what he was seeing and a little jealous that Injustice Bumblebee had such a unique ability.
"You know you don't have to stand by the doorway it is safe to come in he probably doesn't even know where here." Injustice Ironhide said to Bumblebee, inviting him in.
Finally stopping five minutes later, Bumblebee saw this world's Bumblebee standing beside Ironhide and vented.
"Look, I wanted to apologise for the other day it was just hard to see you with Optimus after that everything that happened with our Optimus, but if you want to ask me something, then go ahead." Bumblebee said, trying to be nice.
Thankfully, though, when Bumblebee had to speak in his clicks and whrils, Injustice Ironhide and Bumblebee could understand him.
"Of course you want to know about the sparklings." Bumblebee replied.
"Sunspot was born almost three years ago and is mostly yellow with some light purple mostly around his horns, though. And Solar Storm looks like a miniature version of our Optimus but their mostly black except on on their legs is dark blue from the ped to their knee joint ending in a flame design, the same for one of their arms ending at their elbow in a flame design to but in flame red along with red and blue streaks across their faceplate that makes it look like their wearing war paint." Bumblebee explained.
After talking for a little bit, Bumblebee warmed up more and more and did feel bad for how he acted when they first met.

Eventually, night fell, and the Injustice team led the other bots to where Vector was hiding with Bumblebee's team in position with Soundwave and Blaster. And Hybrid's team was the backup plan on the off chance things went to hell.
"Hybrid, we could use a little more cover it's very open here." Prowl requested.
"On it." Hybrid replied using her weather powers to create a storm above them, darkening the area, plus covering any noise they might make with the thunder.
"What exactly can't you do." Sunstreaker asked, impressed not that he would admit it.
"Even I don't know the limit of my power but I did kill Unicron and if you don't believe me ask Bumblebe, Scourge, Springer, Predaking, or XLR8 of our world, they all either felt it or experienced something because of it." Hybrid said with her back turned, not seeing the looks on their faceplate or Trapper backing up.

Inside Ironhide and Hot Rod stayed by the exit just in case while Bumblebee led the other four in the team to XLR8's cell. Where Shockwave was already.

"Well, look at that. Vector was right she is special." Shockwave said, looking at Midnight through the bars.
Staying completely still, all Shockwave could really see was Midnight's glowing orange optics and her deranged smile.
"Grad her." Shockwave ordered the two cons with him.
"Over my offlined body." Jazz shouted, bursting into the room followed by Prowl and Soundwave.
Going to the cell, Blaster could see Midnight, but as soon as Midnight saw him, she disappeared, letting XLR8 appear so she could see the bot that looked exactly like her carrier.
When Blaster deactivated the bars, XLR8 hugged him, which confused Blaster, but he just hugged her back.
Taking XLR8 with him Blaster was followed my Shockwave.

Vector was about to leave the base from his office when Bumblebee brought up a fire wall trapping Vector inside it with himself and Mirage.
"Ah son, how nice of you to bring the other bot. Megatron will be pleased." Vector said so causally.
"You're sick, sire. I knew you had done some questionable things before, but this is beyond anything I thought you were capable of." Mirage replied, not looking at his sire, unable to meet his gaze.
"I believe what he meant is your dead." Bumblebee said, letting the fire wall disappear, jumping in the air and kicking towards Vector, sending fire right at him.

"Megatron, do we have anyone else in the area." Shockwave asked as he was sent out of the base by Ironhide protecting Blaster and XLR8.
"Yes their on the way." Megatron replied.
"Hybrid Shockwave is here. We need you." Ironhide said over the com.
"That bastard." Hybrid snapped, getting up heading towards where she could just see Ironhide.
At the same time, the bots fighting in the cell had led to them breaking through one of the walls, so they were outside the base, so Hybrid ordered Sideswipe and Sunstreaker to help them.
During the chaos, Slipstream, Thundercracker, and Starscream landed nearby, ready to help Shockwave. They never got the chance as Guardian used his whole body as a weapon, throwing himself at all three, taking them down.
"I'm going to really enjoy this." Hybrid said to Shockwave before he was hit with a rock straight to his optic, followed by the earth under his peds shifting, making him trip.

Inside Bumblebee and Mirage had unfortunately lost Vector, but Bumblebee did mange to get one or two hits in burning Vector's back and part of his faceplate but mostly the right side of his neck cables.

Running outside, they saw Slipstream slip out from Guardian, who still had the other two trapped.
Slipstream attacked Hot Rod, so Bumblebee went to help his brother as Mirage went to help Jazz, Prowl, and Soundwave fighting Bonecrusher and Astrotrain.

Blaster however stood to the side with XLR8 still hugging him, and Trapper and Rhapsody.

Ordering a retreat Shockwave almost flew off before Hybrid used earth bending to send a wall of sharp jagged rocks at Shockwave ripping his wing.
The fight continued for another twenty minutes roughly as Prowl and Jazz managed to get Bonecrusher to one knee, and Ironhide headbutting Astrotrain, and Sideswipe, and Sunstreaker trying to bring him down the rest of the way. Not easily, though, as he kept fighting them off until Hot Rod got his leg with his sword. Only pissing Astrotrain off more as he almost threw Hot Rod away, but he was expecting it and rolled with it and came charging back at him as Bumblebee body slammed Astrotrain from behind getting him down.

Shockwave was doing his best to avoid Hybrid throwing rocks and sand at him. Trying to get close to her, which in itself was a problem for Shockwave, because she would create a rock wall pillar and disappear behind it before appearing somewhere else.
Guardian was pinnig both Starscream and Thundercracker, keeping them out of the fight, but unfortunately, it took him out of the fight, too.

Slipping free from Prowl and Jazz. Bonecrusher chucked both into Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, turning the fight in favour of the cons. Knowing he had no choice Guardian let go of Starscream and Thundercracker, shouting over to Trapper and Rhapsody to try and hold them off before single handedly kicking Bonecrusher in the mid section before kneeing him in the faceplate grabbing him from behind and sending him into Astrotrain's mid section, drop kicking Astrotrain afterwards taking both of them down giving Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide, Soundwave, and Mirage a chance to catch their breath so to speak, stand between them and the two cons.

Narrowly dodging a rock that was thrown at his faceplate, Shockwave didn't see the sand wave in time, taking him down.

"Stop." Starscream shouted, stopping everyone even Trapper and Rhapsody who had Thundercracker's legs trapped between them.
"Decepticons were done here." Starscream said, taking off
As most autobots looked at Prowl and Jazz, assuming they were the highest ranking officers just like in their world, only to see them and the other Injustice boys looking at Bumblebee and Hybrid.
"Let them go." Hybrid said, walking away from the pile of sand that Shockwave was under somewhere.

Rushing to XLR8, the Injustice bots couldn't be happier, Hybrid just had a werid way of showing it.
"Thank Primus, you're okay. You're not hurt are." Hybrid asked, hugging XLR8.
"I'm fine." XLR8 replied.
"Good.
What were you thinking you could have seriously be hurt."
"I had everything under control." Crossing her arms XLR8 didn’t budge.
"Which part did you have under control the kidnapping or this disappearing."
"Excuse me, shouldn't we leave." Sideswipe asked.
"Shut up." XLR8 said before continuing.
"It's not like I meant to be kidnapped." XLR8 defended hereself. Besides, you go off by yourself."
"Sideswipe's right we should leave." Sunstreaker said.
"Shut up.
That's different." Hybrid replied.
"It always is with you, isn't it."
"Yes, unfortunately, not like I want it to be unless you want to switch places. You and Predaking would make a great couple. You literally would fit in his servo."
"I'm not that small."
"What are you complaining about? I get Barricade, which is a downgrade from Predaking." Hybrid said with a smile, showing she was only joking around and wasn't mad anymore.
"Just next time you feel uncomfortable about something come to one of us even if you don't want to talk just looking for company."
(Or at the very least me. I am your teacher, after all. It's my job to guide and help you.)
Nodding her helm XLR8 subtlety shifted away from Sunstreaker and Sideswipe standing behind her.

That night after much debate and talking about what there next step is now they know Vector is at least working with Megatron, Optimus, Jazz, Prowl, and Rhapsody agreed to help the Injustice bots after witnessing how well they fought and that they willingly helped fight the cons with them.

Trapper and Guardian weren't present because they had already made up their minds.
Instead of going to his room, Guardian went to his creators room, knocking before entering.
"Don't say anything. I just want to say I'm sorry about not telling you about Predaking earlier and that I lied, but I was scared. I have been since you found out about what the other half of me is. And Predaking likes me for me and knows but couldn't care less. I -I don't really know what I'm trying to say, but." Guardian stopped there, not really good with showing his emotions.
Knowing it was difficult for their creation, Ironhide and Ratchet walked over to Guardian and embraced him as best they could until Guardian dropped to his knees so he was kinda level with Ironhide and Ratchet hugging them back.
"We love you pup don't forget that. Yes, it was a shock, but if you're happy, then we are happy for you." Ironhide said.
"His right, and I'm sorry too. I just don't want to see you hurt. It probably doesn't help where as stubborn as each other, though. But we both support you Guardian. Never think we wouldn't help or be there for you. That's what creators are here for." Ratchet said.
Feeling Guardian tightening his hold, Ironhide and Ratchet stood there letting him, happy he finally came to them, knowing he didn't find it easy to open up to bots even them.

In Optimus and Bumblebee's room, Optimus was hugging Bumblebee close with Bumblebee's helm resting on Optimus's chassis.
"I know you said you are okay with me leaving, but if you have any doubt, I won't Bee your my mate in everything, but spark, I want you to be comfortable and happy." Feeling Bumblebee shift, Optimus looked at him before Bumblebee said.
[I trust you more than anyone Optimus. And I know if the roles were reversed, you would support me if I was going to the other universe. See, that's what I'm doing for you, supporting your decision to go and help you, big softy.]
Kissing Bumblebee cause he was being really understandable and adorable right now, Optimus couldn't be more grateful to have him in his life.

The next day Optimus announced that he, Jazz, Prowl, Rhapsody, Trapper, and Guardian would be leaving with the Injustice bots in a couple of hours, after Ultra Magnus and Kup arrive to help the temporary leader of the autobots Ironhide keep things running while he, Jazz, and Prowl were gone.
Knowing he didn't have much time left, Guardian tugged Predaking away to their room to tell him something important. Hoping Hybrid's advice worked.

Double checking the door was locked, not wanting to be interrupted for anything, Guardian grabbed a slightly amused Predaking's servos before slowly walking them backwards so Predaking sat on the berth, and Guardian stood between his legs.
Here it goes. Guardian said to himself.
"My king, before I met you, I honestly believe I was never going to find someone I wanted to be sparkmates with, but you proved that wrong.
And I know many won't approve, but as long as I have you, I have nothing to lose.
When I'm down, I can trust you to help me up, and when I'm hurt, I don't need a medic, just your healing touch.
Will you be my sparkmate." Guardian asked, at one point moving his servos to Predaking's faceplate.
Cupping Guardian's servos moving them, standing up picking Guardian up like he weighted nothing Predaking kissed him as passionately as possible.
"I would love nothing more, my precious guardian.
Laying Guardian down, Predaking planned to make this the most pleasurable experience of his and Guardian's life's wanting both of them to remember it forever.

Meanwhile, Hybrid took the opportunity to teach Mirage how to better his invisibility skills.
While in the con base Shockwave was giving Megatron a very interesting report about a mini bot that could control fire and was apparently much stronger then anyone would think, another minibot with the ability to shift into what looked like demon of some sort, and a femme that could control earth based matter.
"Very intriguing. I wonder where the autobots found these new allies. Perhaps there are others out there somewhere.
Shockwave focus your efforts and find out what you can about my three new weapons."

Once Kup and Ultra Magnus arrived and Predaking was added to the away time refusing to let Guardian go anywhere without him all of sudden.
Prowl opened the ground bridge stepping through with Jazz, Ironhide, and Hot Rod followed by this world's Jazz, Prowl, Rhapsody, and Trapper. Next Bumblebee went through with Optimus as Guardian, Predaking, and Hybrid entered last.

Chapter Text

Three days earlier:
"Are you sure Mirage can be trusted." Scourge asked.
"He has helped feed us or I should say Hybrid information in the past when she had a deal with him and we did rescue his sparkling, him and Hound from the New Order getting them out of danger." Megatron responded.
"Still, it is hard to believe the New Order would go this far." Springer said.
"Well, you better start believing it cause this army is on its way, and we need to prepare." Kup said.
"You're right.
Usually, I would let everyone have a voice in this matter but cause of the situation. My word is law. Skyquake, you and Dreadwing will go out and see if you can find out anything about this army.
Barricade, figure out how many drones we have and start up production again. I believe we will need every bot we can get.
Soundwave, send out a message planet wide asking for help from any bot that could be listening.
Knockout you and Hook make sure you have enough supplies. We will need them after this battle.
Blitzwing and Breakdown start preparing a safe place for the bots under our protection to stay if they don't wish to fight.
And I'll personally train anyone who does wish to fight.
Everyone else focuses on defensive and offensive tactics, running each plan by Kup as he is our new battle master." Megatron said with such a stern voice no one said anything or objected.

Heading out to do as they were ordered, Barricade arrived in the drone factory, counting only eight thousand drones. Immediately flipping the switch, Barricade worked on programming a faster production process, knowing if what Megatron got told by Mirage, the New Order army had hundreds of thousands.
With the program up and running, Barricade did let his mind wander thinking about XLR8, hoping she was okay in the other world and that she hadn't got into trouble.

Skyquake and Dreadwing took off as soon as the meeting ended, wasting no time, using a ground bridge after calculating the most probable path the army would take, Dreadwing and Skyquake appeared not far from it but far enough away not to be noticed by them.
Just seeing the number of creatures that were marching towards the Pits was enough to the twins halt in their path, circling and flying low Dreadwing and Skyquake transformed and dropped onto the hill rise in front but to the left of the army hidden by what was left of a structure of a building in what was once Tarn before it was destroyed in a major conflict back when the Alliance was against the council. Now, all that was left was structures of buildings scattered around, sort of like party finished buildings abandoned before they were complete, the factories that use to be here were absolutely going and buried no trace of them remained Wheeljack, Shockwave, Ironhide, and Lugnut made sure of that.

Making sure the jammer was in place, Soundwave sent out a message to all of Cybertron while making sure the New Order didn't hear it, so they didn't know the Resistance was on to them. It was a urgent request to any bot willing to fight to come to the Pits and fight for the survival of not just the Resistance but Cybertron itself, because if the Resistance fell, Cybertron would be doomed to be ruled by the New Order, meaning bots would have to live in fear and be ruled over by tyrants.

Knockout and Hook who joined the Resistance souly as a medic and nothing else the day before the away team left where busy in the med bay making sure they had everything they needed double checking they had plenty of supplies and tables rearranging them so they had as many as possible in the med bay.
Having nine tables in a row's of three with enough room to move in between them comfortably, Hook was setting supplies in easy to reach places on the counter tops while Knockout checked the storage room, when he felt his sparkling kick.
"Easy Smackdown, everything is under control." Knockout told his sparkling using the nickname he came up for it, rubbing his servo over his stomach.
And even though Knockout was a medic it was still a wonder to him how a sparkling starts of as a small spark next to their carriers until it gets big enough moving down into the stomach, slowly developing its own frame.

Meanwhile, Blitzwing and Breakdown established the safest place for the bots not wanting to fight would be the cells or the original gladiator rooms when the pit masters were in charge before Megatron arrived and lead a riot against them.
"We can seal of the west entrance, leaving the east entrance open which leads into a tunnel that can lead the families and other bots out of the Pits with the sand dunes around here acting as cover." Blitzwing explained to Breakdown as they tied the cell doors to the cell bars, trying to make it look less like a prison.
"That workers, but unless you want to wield or jam the doors which would only hold for so long, how do you propose to seal the door." Breakdown asked as they finished up, heading up the get some berths and an energon dispenser just in case the battle goes for longer than expected.
"With magic, I'm sure Scourge or Springer would know how to do it, and if not, hopefully Hybrid will be back soon, and she could. Even if her real talent lies in conjuration and necromancy." Blitzwing answered.

Meanwhile, Kup was ordering the drones where he wanted them positioned along the wall, placing more in certain areas like the main entrance and on the towers. And Scourge and Springer after getting Kup's promise cast a containment spell so the New Order army would be forced to focus their attack on the front half of the Pits making sure they would be unable to circle the Resistance in. At the same time, Smokescreen was trying to figure out a back up plan just to be on the safe side leading him to one conclusion, running it past Kup who liked the idea and agreed given Smokescreen permission to do as he pleased.

"The army is getting closer, brother. Not to mention it's getting later, too." Skyquake said to his brother.
"You're right. we should get back, but while we have to try and get one or two away from the others tomorrow." Dreadwing replied.

That night at the Resistance, the base was on high alert with two times more drones patrolling the wall and the grounds around of the Pits outside and inside the wall.
Blaster also dragged a half in recharge away from the com room, too.
During the night, though, quite a few message from former Alliance members, camp prisoners, Maximus, and other bots came through responding to the pled for help, saying they were on the way.

The next day after Soundwave successfully crawled out from the dog pile that was Blaster and their sparklings, he made his way to the com room. Seating down, then immediately standing up, Soundwave saw all the replies from bots all over Cybertron. Downloading the request, Soundwave went to what was nicknamed the war room but was just a big conference room where the Resistance held their meetings.
Inside, he found Megatron and Kup going over plans.
"Can we help you, Soundwave?" Megatron asked, looking up, seeing Soundwave.
Handing Megatron the pad Soundwave watched as the serious expression on Megatron's faceplate change to a smile.
"Well, this is good, very good. Looks like there really are more bots willingly to fight for freedom than just us."
Megatron replied.
Reading over Megatron's shoulder, Kup couldn't agree more with what was just said.
"Go and inform Barricade so he can download that file into the drones so they don't shoot out the bots as they arrive." Kup said dismissing Soundwave politely considering Soundwave out ranks Kup even if was prompted to battle master.

During the day, bots turned up at all different times, with the maximals being the first to arrive, namely Airazor, Silverbolt, Deapth Charge, Rhinox, Cheetor, Tigertron, Dinobot, Tigerhawk, Sonar, Armordillo, Polar Claw, and Razorbeast among others like Croc and Nightmare.
Followed closely by Inferno and Hot Shot, who were in hiding together after leaving the Alliance and more bots until they had at least thirty new bots to help fight I'm the up coming battle, but first all of them had to brush up on their fighting skills with Megatron teaching them whatever he thought would be helpful.

Not much more happened in the Pits, then bots occasionally turning up and bots in the Resistance focusing on the key roles they were assigned. Blaster was even helping by making sure everyone was getting enough food, rest, time to relax, and so on with the help of his sparklings, while not over exerting himself.
"Sweetspark, should you really be doing so much walking or moving around while sparked." Soundwave asked, Blaster as Blaster sat on his lap in the com room.
"Please, this is nothing. I remember when I was sparked with Frenzy and Laserbeak, Ravage,and XLR8 were sick I barely got any rest with either Frenzy using my as a punching bag or one of the others crying out to me." Blaster replied, thinking about how adorable and clingy his sparklings get when sick even if his girls wouldn't admit it to begin with, like one time XLR8 got sick and wouldn't admit it until Blaster found her crawling on floor sobbing from the pain the virus was causing her.
"Still, you should take it easy, and you no using your carrier as a punching bag when you're big enough to have a frame." Soundwave said placing his servo over Blaster's and Blaster covered it with his own before looking right into Soundwave's optics.
"I love you so much. Soundwave, it almost physically hurts. You have no idea." Blaster said, suddenly having this overwhelming feeling of love and affection for Soundwave.
"I love you too, Blaster." Soundwave replied.
"No, you don't get it, Soundwave. It doesn't seem to matter how close I am to you or even when we interface. I just can't seem to get enough of you." Blaster explained.
"I might have an idea, Blast the day you left the Alliance, I was spark broken, almost like my spark was ripped out. So I can relate" Soundwave replied pulling Blaster so he was straddling Soundwave and they just held each other as close as possible, with Blaster hiding his faceplate in Soundwave's shoulder hugging him around his shoulders, and Soundwave had his one arm wrapped around Blaster's back and the other near his shoulders with his servo holding the back of his helm.
"Isn't that sweet." Scourge said from the doorway, making Blaster tense up, and Soundwave actually growl at him, witnessing his mate at his most vulnerable and open, which to Soundwave was not acceptable.
"Did you just growl at me? Soundwave, that's bold." Scourge said, taking a step forward.
Gently moving Blaster off him and purposely putting him behind him, Soundwave got up too.
"Yeah, I did. Cause you had no right to see my mate like that, no one besides me and our sparklings should witness that." Soundwave replied with a lot of heat behind his words.
"Do you really think I care. No one tells me what I can and can't do. Besides, are you even sure the sparklings are yours and not Sideswipe's." Smirking Scourge knew that would get a reaction out of Soundwave.
"You're really pushing your luck, Scourge.
Blast mind stepping out of the room, Scourge and I need to talk privately." Soundwave replied.
"No, let him stay. He can tell others what happens when anyone is dumb enough to stand to me." Scourge growled.
Stepping away from Blaster to get the fight that was about to him away from him. Soundwave was ready for whatever Scourge was about to do.
"Sire you down here." All three bots herad Barricade ask in the hallway.
"Another time, perhaps." Leaving with a smile, Scourge went to see what Barricade wanted or needed.

Back inside the room, Soundwave wasn't happy.
"I don't know what has gotten into Scourge, but stay away from him. And XLR8 isn't allowed to date Barricade anymore."
Punching his console Soundwave was livid.
"I agree with you about Scourge, but Barricade is a good kid he wouldn't hurt XLR8."
Blaster could see why Soundwave was upset, but punishing Barricade and XLR8 for Scourge's behaviour wasn't right.
"I agree, but he is still Scourge's son." Soundwave replied. "Blast, I only want to keep you and our kids safe and with Scourge acting the way he is. I just don't want any of you near or around him."
"I understand. You can explain it to XLR8, though, cause I learnt the hard way she hates when bots when they get overprotective and smothering."
Kissing the back of Soundwave's helm. Blaster happily hugged him from behind, trusting Soundwave to support both of them.

In the New Order, Ratchet and Optimus just finished a conversation about how the Resistance seemed hell bent in bringing the so-called old them back. Even though they saw nothing wrong with what they have done or are doing. Though they both couldn't deny they did feel something inside them they hadn't felt in years, which was the little spark of their old selves trying to make its way back to the surface.
"Before Ironhide, Megatron, Hybrid, Wheeljack, Grimlock, and all the other are dead I need to figure out a way to cut my bond with Ironhide so I can't be affected by his death but how."
Thinking Ratchet was positive, he could create something that could do the trick. He never got the chance to even think of an actual design as the magic chose then to appear.
"I'm so glad you asked." Replied the magic.
"There is a certain magical relic powerful enough to cut, change, and alter one's destiny. It's how Scourge and later Springer were able to separate themselves from us and still live. The last time we saw the relic, Fallen had it, find him find your answer."
"No time to waste." Ratchet said to himself, leaving the headquarters for Fallen's house or what was rumoured to be his house before the council locked him away.

Unfortunately, this was all part of Nova Primes plan.
Even though his spirit is the only thing to remain of him in the form of dark magic, he could still experience and witness what the bot wielding his sword does. And he has learnt a great deal, especially from that one Snipe, mainly about the prophecy that was complicated and could be interpreted in many different ways, only thanks to his almost immortality Nove figured it out.
While the prophecy focused mostly on Unicron and the Snipe eventually battling each other with Cybertrons fate on the line, it didn't focus on what would happen if the Snipe had killed Unicron and didn't resurrect him.
See all that darkness that Unicron had had to go somewhere because evil isn't something you can destroy, and it wasn't actually inside Hybrid. Only Unicron's spirit, the darkness she struggled with, was her own that she was born with.
The darkness however was everywhere looking for a way in and naturally it would have gone to Optimus and Ratchet for obvious reasons but because of what the Resistance did by reawakening that small part of their old selves, Nova Prime took advantage manipulating it directing it into Scourge and Springer reawakening the darkness inside them they tried to get rid of. Which is how their names got back on the sword even if Hybrid hadn't even battled Unicron yet. Nova saw the future and saw Hybrid beating Unicron and awakening the bonds. All Nova had to wait for both to first put their names on the sword, then channel the darkness into them.
His end goal is to consume all three, bringing himself back. In other words, rebirthing himself taking Unicron's place.
Little did he know Hybrid was well aware that evil couldn't be destroyed and that something would a rise in place of Unicron, that was why he was in the Underworld so he would became powerful enough to destroy the new evil before Hybrid resurrected him because it would also drain him and it would be thousands of years before Unicron would be strong enough to be a danger to Cybertron or the Snipe line.

Present:
As Jazz, Prowl, Ironhide, Hot Rod, Bumblebee, XLR8, and Hybrid walked through the portal with Optimus, Predaking, Jazz, Prowl, Guardian, Trapper, and Rhapsody from the other world, the members of the Resistance were greeted by the rest of the Resistance.

"Not that it isn't great to see you all as well, but what the frag happened while we were gone." Ironhide asked.
"I could say the same. You were only going to the other world to get Optimus, who are the others." Megatron asked.
"Answer Ironhide, and I'll answer you." Hybrid replied from between her sire and carrier.
"Okay, you and Bee, follow me to the meeting room, and I'll explain." Megatron answered.
"Jazz. Prowl. Keep an optic on our guests until we get back." Bumblebee ordered before following Hybrid and Megatron.
Meanwhile, the fire and smoke bots were more or less in shock about how dark the sky was even though they swear this world's Prowl said it was on the same time as theirs. And that it looked like the Resistance as they call themselves was gearing up for some sort of battle.

[I knew there was something they weren't telling us.] Rhapsody said.
"Oh, come on, didn't you see the look on the bots faceplates that were with us. They had no idea about this." Trapper said after he studied the expressions of Jazz, Ironhide, Bumblebee, and Hybrid when they were talking to the rest of the Resistance
Like Trapper and Prowl. Guardian was also observing how everyone interacted with each other. From this world's Bumblebee getting hugged by Scourge, Hot Rod, Barricade, Knockout, and Breakdown before Blitzwing got his chance, too Soundwave and Blaster fussing over XLR8.
Making a mental note, Guardian had to thank this world's Prowl for explaining and showing all of them who were who and important relationships and friendships before they left.
With Blaster and Soundwave. Blaster had XLR8 in his arms, hugging her.
"I'm so happy you're back, baby. We missed you." Blaster said as Soundwave joined the hug. When he noticed the cut on XLR8'S helm, Soundwave was not happy.
"Sweetspark, who hurt you? Are you okay."
"It's nothing."
"It's not nothing, please tell me." Soundwave said, cupping XLR8'S helm, only for her to grad his servos and squeeze them.
"I'm fine, I promise."
Choosing to drop it for now, Soundwave lead XLR8 and Blaster away back to the com room.

"Please sit." Megatron said once Bumblebee and Hybrid were inside the room.
Bumblebee snatched the closest chair, putting his peds on the table, Hybrid chose to lean against the back of the chair next to Bee as Megatron explained everything.

"Are we just supposed to stand here all day." Predaking grumbled, getting annoyed, feeling like he and the others were on display with the looks this world's bots were giving them.
"Easy, my king. I'm sure it won't be much longer." Guardian replied from where he was resting his helm against Predaking's shoulder.
Rhapsody and Jazz were also more bored than annoyed with Jazz sitting next to his daughter as Prowl and Trapper silently stood nearby.
Optimus, however, was all by himself if you didn't count Injustice Jazz and Prowl standing with him to keep him company.

"Well, that is definitely a lot, isn't it." Bumblebee said.
"Yes, and now that you're back, you two, along with me, will have final say over everything until this crisis passes." Megatron replied, giving Hybrid and Bumblebee power with certain things, making it even between the three of them. After two hours, Hybrid came back to the Fire and Smoke bots, asking them to follow her so she could explain everything to them.

The following week and a half after discovering the Fire and Smoke bots could fight reasonably well but did need to learn how to fight better with weapons if they were going to stand a chance against these creatures who were only a day or two away.
While they have majorly improved mainly Rhapsody, Guardian, Jazz, and Optimus, one of their teammates was still struggling, none other than Trapper.
The Fire and Smoke bots also noticed certain things about how the bots of this world acted around Optimus, gave Guardian weird looks, and how they seemed to live by the code you hesitate you die.

Start Flashback:
"With you two here, it should be easier to lure one or two of those creatures away." Skyquake said to Prowl and Jazz as they set their plan into action.
Fortunately, they did finally get two creatures away from the army because they found at least two of the scouts for the army.
Attacking from behind Jazz and Prowl got the upper hand on their scout easy enough. It was a little more difficult for Dreadwing and Skyquake.
The good thing about these creatures is that they only had spears, swords, and shields to attack or defend with leading Jazz and Prowl to assume they won't be able to defend against blaster fire. To test their theory Jazz and Prowl disarmed the scout but after the got rid of its shield and helmet they saw exactly what this creatures looked like and the best way it could be described is a mutated Cybertronian with fangs instead of dentas, scales instead of plating, and a lust to kill in its optics nothing about these creatures was natural in any sense of the word.
Kicking it off the ledge, they were on Prowl somersaulted after it, took his shot, but it had no effect almost as if the shot rolled of the creature.
"Bad idea." Prowl said to myself before Jazz shot it straight in the helm with his bow and killed it.
"Immune to blasters but not arrows, daggers, or swords interesting." Prowl said, knowing it wasn't immune to the other stuff cause that's how they disarmed it.
Dreadwing and Skyquake also figured it out, cutting the creature down.
End Flashback:

"Jazz. Prowl. I need to tell you and ask you something." Hybrid said as the rest of the bots from their world left.
"Now I intend to offer this choice to all of you while you're here, but I'm offering Trapper it first because he has improved the least, and the army isn't far away.
Would you be okay with me giving Trapper a power like telekinesis to help him." Hybrid asked.
"Can you do that." Prowl asked, intrigued but hiding it behind a stoic front.
"Definitely." Hybrid replied.
"If Trapper is okay with it, then it's okay with me." Jazz answered, having a feeling he could trust Hybrid.
Not moving, Jazz and Prowl realised Hybrid was waiting for his answer.
"Would it be okay if I observed you doing it."
Getting a nod from Hybrid. Prowl felt better about it giving Hybrid permission.

Later that night, Hybrid did it linking her mind with Trapper and telling him to stick close to her during the battle to help him use it to the best of his abilities.
"Rhap and Jazz will probably insist to be with him too." Prowl said as Trapper felt the room.
"That's fine, but what about you." Hybrid questioned.
"I'll stand by my family, no matter what." Prowl replied.

The next day, the Resistance had fifteen thousand drones in position along the wall and behind it armed with bow and arrows and swords. Kup and Ironhide were standing guard ready to alert the Resistance cause the army will appear anytime now.
As for everyone else, they were getting ready.
Soundwave and Blaster discussed it with their daughters that if neither wanted to fight, they didn't have to, but Ravage didn't show fear. XLR8 may have been scared, but she didn't want to feel useless either, so they agreed to fight with the others.
Bumblebee wanted to fight to but Scourge convinced him to seat it out and take care of his sparkling and help Knockout, who was also not fighting.
Fire and Smoke Jazz and Prowl also gave their kids the chance to sit it out, but Rhapsody protested before Jazz calmed her down, saying, "No we're not side lining you. If you want to fight, you can."
That afternoon, everyone willing to fight was on the wall surrounded by drones while the near three hundred bots from all over were standing behind with the rest of the drones expect Megatron, Smokescreen, Optimus, and Guardian who all had their reasons for not being present yet.
[Has anyone seen Guardian.] Rhapsody asked her family not seeing him anywhere.
"No, actually, I haven't." Jazz replied, now also looking around.

Inside the Pits, Megatron was standing in his room, still not believing the war had gotten to this point.
Smokescreen was writing a goodbye message to his baby brother just on the off chance he or Prowl didn't survive, but it wouldn't send unless they died.
Guardian was with Optimus, and Guardian was doing something he had never done before, with Optimus anyway. He was comforting him.
"Look, I know you would probably rather talk to my sire and carrier, but since their not here, I'm stepping in.
I've seen the look you've had since hearing about this army, and don't think for one second that this is somehow your fault. You couldn't have known, and you're not making any of us do anything we don't want to, okay?
Optimus, despite me not really following yours or anyone's orders for that matter, you are a great leader, and I have nothing but respect for you as does everyone else. You are your own worst enemy, truly." Guardian said, trying to put Optimus at ease.
"You know Guaridan, that's the first time you said that to me." Optimus replied, happy that Guaridan secretly respects him.
"Don't get used to it." Guardian replied, smiling.

Suddenly, the alert went off throughout the base, and all four made a beeline to the wall.
Knockout, Bumblebee, and Blaster got everyone who didn't want to fight or were too young into the safe zone.

In the distance every bot on the wall could see touches and vaguely make out the army coming towards them, but no when moved expect XLR8 who was jumping up and down trying to see over the ledge at the front of the wall.
"What's happening? I can't see." XLR8 complained.
Unfortunately for her, she was standing next to Wheeljack, who replied.
"Do you want me to describe it or would like me to find you a create."
"Bite me." XLR8 replied.
That's when Megatron started talking.
"Don't show mercy to these creatures cause they won't show you any. Remember if you die you die fighting, they won't make us go quietly and they will never take Cybertron from us this is our planet and we will defend it till our spark is ripped out but tonight is not that tonight. Tonight is the night we show the New Order that they fragged up when we destroy their army and send it back to them in pieces." Megatron shouted out for everyone to hear. Getting shouts of encouragement back that only grow louder when the creatures started to make a lot of noise to try and intimidate them.
"Hybrid, you hold the right Optimus the left everyone with me we hold the middle." Megatron shouted, giving Optimus and Hybrid control over their sections of the wall.
Archers." All three shouted, making everyone get their bow and arrows ready.
Waiting for the creatures to make the first move, no one shot until Slipstream let an arrow go by mistake. Pissing the creatures of more, and that's when all three commanders shouted fire firing themselves as well.
"Did you hit anything." XLR8 asked Wheeljack.
"What do you think."
Firing as many arrows as they could only slightly slowed down the charging creatures who unfortunately had archers in their ranks and started shooting when they got close. And that's when Optimus noticed the ladders that the creatures were getting ready making him tell his men to draw their swords but Megatron had other ideas and only ordered half his men to draw their sword, Hybrid on the other hand told her men to aim for the creatures at the front of the ladders.
XLR8, who was on Optimus's part of the wall got ready, and even though she was scared, she felt Midnight slightly shift like she was giving XLR8 extra protection and courage and it worked because when the first creature landing on the wall close to XLR8 she ducked and spun her sword into its back before stabbing it through it chest as hard as she could killing it going to fight another one.
Rhapsody and Trapper had drawn their swords too, even though Hybrid didn't say to not that she really cared because her and others had too. And she just stuck her sickle into the top of a creatures helm before punching another in the face as it tried to get on the wall.
Kup and Ironhide were having fun killing any and all creatures that they could, and slowly, the drones backed up and just let Kup and Ironhide deal with the four ladders near them.
Everyone else was either shooting or firing at the creatures and even if the creatures were getting in some of their own kills they were struggling to make an real ground as the Resistance and drones held the wall refusing to let it go without a fight.
With most bots on the wall busy fighting off the creatures, kicking down ladders, and so on almost no one saw the creatures stacking what looked like makeshift explosives at the weakest part of the wall, that Ratchet must of discovered when he was posing as Ironhide.
Guardian noticed, though, as he threw one of the creatures off the wall before decapitating another with his sword. Keeping a close optic on the situation.
As the fighting continued, Springer used his magic to lift up and throw five of the ladders away from the wall giving the Resistance, Drones, and Fire and Smoke bots a chance to kill all the creatures on the wall easier only having to focus in one area while Megatron and Hybrid's parts could mostly return to being archers.

The creatures weren't detoured, though, and that's when Guardian noticed one running towards the explosives, shouting out to Injustice Jazz to get his attention, Jazz saw the creature, taking aim he shoot it twice. It was too late, though, as it jumped at the last second, throwing itself into the explosives, setting them off.
Those standing closes to the explosion where sent flying, killing most on impact from the fall or the explosion itself, as well as the massive flying chunks of the wall, others were knocked down. After the explosion, everything went silent, and neither army moved until the creatures rushed inside the gap big enough to fit four at a time on the inside of the wall were Megatron and Optimus had fallen unconscious. Guardian and Ironhide wasted no time jumping down in front of their leaders to defend them but they were quickly overwhelmed, luckily Strafe, Grimlock, and Sludge were there in their dino forms and charged at the creatures getting them off Guardian and Ironhide.
Coming to Megatron and Optimus ordered the Dinobots to move ordering the drones and other bots to charge at the creatures still pouring through the wall.
One or two drones were impaled on the spears the creatures used in time, trying to counter the advance.
On the wall, which was partly divided in two Hybrid, was the last commander.
But her and the rest of the bots were holding their own until new kinda creatures started appearing on the wall with razor-sharp wing useless for flight but not attack.
The Resistance did counter the new threat easier than expected, but the speed of the creatures was slowing the Resistance offensive down.
Using telekinesis as Hybrid told him mentally Trapper was able to block an income attack using his servo to stop the wing and move it to slice the throat of another creature close by before Blitzwing killed the creature from behind. What Trapper did wasn't lost by Rhapsody, who saw her brother do it and was stunned and curious how her brother all of a sudden had this power.
She didn't ask any questions, though choosing to focus on the battle around them.

Seeing the drones and other bots slowly being overrun behind the wall. Hybrid used earth bending sliding down one of the ten staircases leading to behind the wall building up enough speed smashing into the ground creating a crater slowing the creature down before putting her sickle away choosing to use her bow again and ordered the Dinobots up and over the wall to the far right so they would appear just in front of Scourge and Springer's spell.
Which they did effortlessly cut down and crushing bots until Strafe got shot in one of his wings by a harpoon after he tried to collect creatures in his claws and toss them for the third time, thankfully though he landed on the inside of wall leaving Sludge and Grimlock to fight while Strafe transformed and limped towards the med bay with Wheeljack who had a multiple paper fine cuts all over his body that were stinging like no tomorrow, Windblade that had energon leaking from her helm, Springer, Riptide, Huffer, and Smokescreen who were all thrown off the wall or hit with debris, among other drones and bots.

Meanwhile, Ratchet had finally located Fallen's old house on the outskirts of the less populated city on Cybertron but grew nervous about entering.
Not sure if he would be able to confront Fallen if he was really in there.
But luck was on his side when he used magic to detect any life signatures in the house and found none.
Ransacking the place Ratchet searched everywhere for the relic that could severe his and Ironhide's bond.
"Are you sure Fallen was the last bot to have it." Ratchet asked his magic, but who answered made Ratchet freeze in fear.
"He does have it, but what would a pet like you use them for."
Electrifying his body Ratchet turned towards the doorway the voice came from and saw Nemesis himself.
"How, I, you. The spell."
Was all Ratchet could get out.
"Well, you see, after Fallen unfortunately failed to make you a former version of yourself, he came to me offering me you if I got Galvatron and Swindle put a spell on this house so no magic worked on it. I don't know how he knew you would turn up, but he was confident you would." Nemesis explained.
"His right, but the deal was to share you like we once did." Fallen replied behind Ratchet.
"This isn't really, neither of you are really here." Ratchet said, not wanting to this be real. His fears were confirmed when Nemesis back handed him, asking him if that felt real enough.

Back at the Pits, things were becoming desperate as more and more drones fell to the creatures. Megatron and Optimus called for a retreat, shouting out to Kup, who was still on the wall with others. Understanding the message, Kup got everyone on the wall with him to retreat as Soundwave and Ravage cleared a path for them. So they could get into the Pits itself.
Once inside, Hybrid, Optimus, and Megatron looked around, noticing some bots were clearly missing amongst them where Kup, Skyquake, Injustice Prowl, XLR8, both Jazz's and Croc. The only bots outside were the drones in the towers shooting at any creature they could, being relatively safe because the towers were sheltered, making it hard to hit them.
"Time for plan B. Blitzwing." Megatron signalled Blitzwing to seal of every entrance, leaving the only option the arena to escape to.
Jamming the doors, everyone ran to the arena, taking positions all around.
All but Ironhide, how grabbed Trapper cause he saw something earlier that needed to be stopped, as did Hybrid as she told Guardian, Rhapsody, and Riptide follow her.

Once the creatures managed to break down the door, they had no choice but to follow the path to the arena. Where most of the Resistance was waiting, what they didn't expect was the creatures to slowly make their way out of the main gate moving to the side but still staying far enough away from them. Emerging from the tunnel where five gigantic creatures looking like trolls from Earth myth, luckily, the Resistance still had Predaking, Grimlock, and Sludge to fight them off.

Narrowly avoiding capture. Ratchet ran into the wash room of the house, leaning against the door using his magic to keep it from breaking.
With his spark pounding in his chassis, he couldn't think clearly, wishing he brought Fortress Maximus and Menasor with him now.
"I can't leave without that relic. How am I supposed to get it with them in their."
Trying to calm down so he could think Ratchet knew he would have no choice but to face them, the only problem was he couldn't find the courage.

Meanwhile while Predaking, Grimlock, and Sludge were fighting the trolls. Ironhide led him and Trapper past most of the army to a little area to the far left of the Pits, where a small group of creatures had gathered, placing more explosives on the outside of the wall. The good thing was it was covered by a massive sand dune, so those were the only creatures they would have to fight.
Looking down from the little side ledge, they were on Trapper could see he wouldn't be able to make the jump, so he said something that he never thought he would.
"Toss me."
"What."
"I won't be able to jump and make it without giving up the element of surprise, so toss me." Trapper explained.
Getting a good grip about to throw him, Trapper quickly added, "Don't tell Guardian or Rhaps."
"Not a word." Ironhide replied before tossing Trapper and jumping straight after.

After the trolls fell, it was back on, but Grimlock had to retreat due to injury.
But Hybrid, Rhapsody, Riptide, and Guardian were in place in a sort of crossroads hallway. To act as a means to hopefully slow the creatures down that where already inside the base.
Opening up two of the doors, Hybrid told everyone to take an entrance and get ready. Sending a signal out across the Pits creatures came running from all directions.

Letting the door be smashed down Ratchet let the thick black smoke he created rush into the rest of the house, with the added effect of throwing Fallen and Nemesis out, keeping them out so Ratchet could look for the relic.

Outside the house, Fallen and Nemesis were pacing angry they couldn't get back inside. Whatever the smoke was made of made it impossible. That was only part of it, though the smoke itself felt borderline sinister, which is a result of Ratchet using what humans would refer to as blood magic.
Nemesis and Fallen weren't giving up Howe also knowing Ratchet couldn't stay in there forever.
Agreeing to wait him out, Fallen hoped he could finish Ratchet off once and for all. Nemesis, on the other hand, was looking for someone to punish and take out his sexual frustration on.

The battle in the Pits had been going on for hours, and everyone was growing tired, giving the creatures the upper hand who seemed to have no limit. Before long, the bots in the arena were pushed into the centre, looking around at all the creatures around them, knowing there was no way out.
Hybrid, Riptide, Guardian,and Rhapsody had to retreat back outside, locking themselves in a tower with Hybrid using her magic on Riptide to stop the energon leaking from his chassis. Rhapsody and Guardian just watched feeling useless to help, Guardian was also hiding how much pain he was in after having been stabbed with the blade of a sword going clean through his arm.
Trapper and Ironhide were the only group able to succeed in what they wanted. The combined effort of Trapper using telekinesis which he started to really get the hang of the more he used it and Ironhide's skill with a sword they managed to not only defeat the small group of creatures they were now leaning against the wall getting what rest they could, refusing to go into recharge knowing it would be fatal.

Just as the bots in the arena prepared to meet their fate, a roar from something came from the distance, and the creatures started pouring outside.
"I know that roar."
Looking over the ledge of the tower at the top of the hill in the distance, Hybrid saw that world's Predaking, Darksteel, and Sky Lynx in all their Predacon glory.
After all the creatures had their attention on the Predacons, they took flight, heading straight for the creatures.
That's when something happened that no one from the Injustice expected. Sunlight started to appear for the first time in years, surprising them, but most knew the Pits would be one of the last places on Cybertron where the sun would reach.
It threw the creatures off because they had never seen it before, and the three Predacons flew straight over them, transforming mid-air landing in front of the Pits, telling everyone to stay behind them.
That's when the rumbling in the distance happened, and the ground began to shake before long. The creatures started to panic and run it was too late, though. Insecticons had ambushed them from underground, under the control of Predaking, killing what was left of the army. Ensuring the survival of the Resistance.

As everyone had gathered at the front of the Pits outside the wall, they remained silent at the battle, finally being over and won and enjoying the sun for the first time in years.

With the relic in hand, Ratchet was ready to leave, refusing to face Fallen and Nemesis he teleported out of there with the smoke disappearing as he did.
Fallen and Nemesis were confused.

Back at the base the next night, Ratchet was legitimately shaking, wishing that the one bot that always made him feel safe and relaxed was here. Yet Ratchet knew that Ironhide probably never wanted anything to do with him. That was the real reason he want after the relic in the first place tricking the magic itself making it think Ratchet wanted to severe his connection with Ironhide truly the connection he wanted to severe was between him and the sword because he had grown to fear it.
The intelligence he got from Preceptor had really made him much smarter but not smarter enough, unfortunately. Nova Prime doubted Ratchet from the start and was going to test a theory of his. Taking control of Ratchet via magic and making Ratchet appear as he was before Springer and Ironhide messed with him.
Nova waved the relic in front of the sword, and three lines of different colour appeared as did Scourge and Springer's names.
"Just as I thought.
Time to bring my lost souls home."
Rasing the sword Nova as Ratchet commanded Springer and Scourge to appear before him.

Chapter Text

After what felt like ever, in reality, it was probably an hour. The resistance and their allies turned to Megatron, waiting to tell them their next move was.
"Get any wounded to the med bay and create a list of bot dead and missing.
Hybrid, I want you to repair the wall. Everyone else who isn't helping with the wounded gather the creatures at the front and burn them.
First, find anyone you are worried about. And I pray to Primus yoy find them alive."
Not having to be told twice, everyone heading out to find their mate and / or family members.

"Rhapsody, Trapper." Jazz shouted from near the hole in the wall, looking around for his kids not seeing either of them since they were on the wall together.
"Jazz over here." Prowl replied, standing with Rhapsody, who was also in the company of Guardian, who was looking around for his Predaking.
"Last I saw him, he was in the arena." Jazz told Guardian as he pulled Rhapsody in for a hug.
"Are you okay, baby?" Jazz asked, pulling his daughter slightly away so she could respond. As Prowl watched for their son, hoping he was okay.
[ I'm fine. Truthfully, I was a little scared, but I had Guardian watching my back. ] Rhapsody signed.
"Sire, carrier, Rhapsody." Trapper cried out as he ran to them, leaving Ironhide to help Riptide to the med bay.
[ You’re okay. ] Rhapsody signed in relief. [ Not that I was worried about you. ]
"Whatever you say." Pulling Rhapsody in for a hug after he hugged Jazz and Prowl.
[ Don't think I forgot about you apparently being able to move things with your mind now. We are going to talk about that later.] Rhapsody said to her brother. In a way, their creators didn't see her servos, purposely keeping Trapper's body between them and their creators.

Scourge, Hot Rod, and Barricade headed straight for the med bay to make sure Knockout and Bumblebee were okay.
"Are you sure Bumblebee wouldn't be in the safe zone." Hot Rod asked as they raced to the med bay.
"Positive everyone moved from their to the med bay after the creatures were forced into the arena." Barricade replied.
In the hallway that the med bay was in less injured, where gathered around the entrance, and other more critical ones, Hook and Knockout were helping right now. The med bay itself looked like a war zone, too.
All the bots inside were either moaning in pain or had offlined and placed to the side.
Hot Rod had to step outside because he almost purged because of some of the injured.
The second he did, Knockout told Breakdown to hold down a struggling Maximal because he had to remove his legs that somehow got some sort of toxin into them that would making his body shut down and he had to work fast to stop it from spreading.
"I couldn't take it either."
Looking up from being bent over, Hot Rod saw Bumblebee with Megatron holding Sunspot.
"BEE."
Hot Rod's shout drew the attention of Scourge and Barricade from the med bay, happy to see Bumblebee was completely fine even though he was more worried about them.

Soundwave had arrived earlier at the med bay to find Blaster, Laserbeak,and Frenzy and tell them he couldn't find XLR8 or Ravage. All Soundwave got out was missing, XLR8 and Ravage before Blaster ran straight for the wall desperate to find his daughters.
"XLR8. Baby girl, can you hear me. Please answer." Blaster yelled with fear in his voice, looking for his girls.
"Ravage, where are you." Blaster shouted again, refusing to leave without finding his daughters.
Going to leave through the hole in the wall, movement to his right in one of the cracks caught his attention.
Taking a double look Blaster could just make out someone or something moving, not sure who or what with how far they were in. He was about to call out when orange optics pierced the dark.
"Midnight. Can you come here please."
More shifting happened, making Blaster unsure of what was happening until Midnight, along with Ravage, appeared.
"Babies, are you okay." Blaster asked, pulling his daughters into his arms as soon as he could.
"Ravage saved us, and I saved XLR8." Midnight answered.
"What do you mean?"
"During the battle when the wall was breached, XLR8 was standing close to the blast. If I hadn't shifted completely to save her, she would have died from the fall. She is shaking up but alive. That's not what's wrong."
Midnight explained.
"What is wrong? What happened." Blaster asked, wanting to know what happened to his daughters.
"The fall made me lose control, and XLR8 was left on the ground without anyway to defend herself. Ravage jumped to help her jumping on the creatures back that was closest, but she was accidentally knocked off when Guardian and Ironhide jumped down." Midnight was going to say more until Ravage cut in.
"XLR8 wasn't just scared she was acting on instinct when Midnight was knocked back, killing the creature herself, and something changed in her when she killed it herself." Ravage said.
Understanding that taking a life can change bots, Blaster asked Midnight to let XLR8 out. When she did, XLR8 looked scared but also conflicted.
"I had no choice it would have killed Ravage -"
"No baby, you don't have to explain anything. You didn't do anything no one else wouldn't have done in that situation." Blaster said, still holding his daughters, taking them with him as Soundwave, Laserbeak, and Frenzy found them and joined the hug. Happy Ravage and XLR8 were alive.

"Predaking are you in here." Guardian asked, entering the arena to find Predaking already making his way towards him.
Cupping Guardian's helm Predaking kissed him happy that Guaridan was alive, pulling back Predaking went to say something until his faceplate changed to a frown looking out Guardian's arm.
"What's wrong? Is everything okay, my king."
"You're hurt." Was all Predaking said before Guardian covered his arm with his wing. "It's nothing."
"It's not nothing. You're injured. Come with me."
Not wanting for a response, Predaking wrapped his arm around Guardian's shoulders and led him to the med bay.
"My king, I had worse, honestly. Did I ever tell you about the time Megatron managed to break my left wing in three different places." Guardian asked.
"If you're trying to make me less worried, it's not working." Predaking replied, bringing Guardian closer.
"All I'm saying is if I can survive something as painful as my wing being broken, which is one of the worst pains a flier like us can experience, I can handle a stab wound." Guardian said, stopping pulling Predaking to look at him kissing his check with a smile.
"Were still going to the med bay." Predaking said.

All other bots were busy finding creatures, including Dreadwing, who was worried about his brother but was sure he was fine even if he couldn't feel his bond. Dreadwing pushed it aside for now collecting creatures' bodies.
Dreadwing was wrong though, after cleaning out the area he was, he went to the wall when he saw Skyquake, and he knew instantly he was dead.
Falling to his knees, Dreadwing let out a yell of pain before feelings of grief and sadness washed over him.
"Dreadwing, are you okay." Injustice Jazz asked before he noticed and went to look for Hybrid or Wheeljack, knowing Dreadwing would need a close friend right now.

Hybrid and Predaking were happy about finally being permanently together again. After Predaking explained, he had no desire or plan to return to the Society.
Why would he? He had the Insecticon army under his control and his sparkmate in his arms again.
"I thought I might have lost you when I saw all those creatures surrounding the base." Predaking said, only for Hybrid to hear.
"You'll never lose me, my king, I promise.
Now I need you to put me down so I can fix this wall."
Getting a squeeze on the shoulder by her carrier who wouldn't let her go earlier, Hybrid smiled back wiping some of the dried enerogne from Rockstar's arm as a silent promise to help find her sire as soon as she was done.
"Hybrid, wait." Jazz said, jumping through the crack as Hybrid slammed her ped into the ground, ready to use earth bending.
"Everything okay, Jazz."
"It's Dreadwing he needs you. It's Skyquake, his dead."
"Where is he."
"On the wall."

Turning to Predaking and Rockstar, they told her to go and that Predaking would help Rockstar look for Croc.
Bringing out her wings, Hybrid flew up to the top of the wall, landing close to Dreadwing, seeing Skyquake's colourless frame.
"Dread." Being soft and gentle, Hybrid placed her servo on Dreadwing's shoulder, feeling it slightly moving, letting Hybrid know Dreadwing was silently crying.
"Ow, Dread, I'm so sorry." Hybrid went to move to better comfort Dreadwing, but he quickly moved, wrapping himself around Hybrid.
"Don't leave. You're all I have left." Burying his faceplate against Hybrid's neck, she simply wrapped her arms around, promising not to go anywhere.

"So when the army returns with Blaster his kids and Bee and his kids, we go to the Pits and make sure the Resistance has been all but destroyed." Nightbeat asked to be sure.
"Yes. And even if Bee or Blaster won't be able to see it, it's truly for the best." Bulkhead replied.

Inside the New Order, no one was doing anything important, waiting for Ratchet's army to return.
Sunstreaker and Sideswipe were, as per usual, with Bluestreak and slightly concerned considered with how he was acting. They knew why and didn't blame him. All the same, they kept him away and shielded from almost everyone else. On the safe side, someone mistakes his behaviour as something else.
Jolt, Blurr, Whirl had at some point developed in seeker terms a trine and have been really impressive as an enforcer team lately keeping peace among the population and New Order loyalists.
Starscream had taken more of a authority rule and was drunk with the power it gave him but most bots weren't brave enough to say anything as Starscream has become more and more dangerous as the war drags on.
Optimus, however, was completely conflicted and regretted sending the army after the Resistance wishing he could bring them back, but only Ratchet could do that, yet he had disappeared.
He also wished he tried to make a better deal with Hybrid that night they met up, then again he also wanted her dead more then ever because she was the biggest threat to the New Order and their plans, plans Optimus wasn't sure of anymore but he did believe it was still the best way to bring peace.
Most of all, he just wanted Bumblebee, Sunspot, and Solar Storm in his arms and by his side. The worst part was why he might get his sparklings back he feared he lost Bumblebee forever.
Fortress Maximus was probably the only level-headed mech with authority left cause some bots like Chromia, First Aid, Swerve, and Red Alert are questioning the future of the New Order but not their loyalty.
Others like Roadbuster, Topspin, Hoist, Crosshairs, Cliffjumper, Jolt, Blurr, and others still had a lot of faith in their leaders.
Even if said leaders like Optimus, Ratchet, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, and Starscream arguably the less sane bots in the New Order at times. Unlike other lenders like Chromia, Nightbeat, and Fortress Maximus, who still had a level head.
Brains was a wild card because he was smart and had great ideas, but his sanity seemed to come and go.

That night in the war room Megatron took one look around the room at everyone present and the list not believing how much the Resistance had lost, from allies like some Maximals, Hot Shot, Tanka, Windblade, Pipes, among others on the list of the dead, with Croc, Riptide, Huffer, and even Airazor making up just a small percent of the injured list, the Resistance itself it wasn't much better with Wheeljack and Cyclonus injured and Prowl in a coma after being discovered with the back of his helm missing but alive. Kup and Skyquake, however, weren't luckily and had been killed.
"There's absolutely nothing I can say that would make any of us feel better about what has happened. Except the New Order has gone too far this time and for the last time. If it's an all at war they want, that's what they'll get." Megatron said into the silence of the room.
Before Bumblebee finally broke it.
"You're right. They have gone unchallenged long enough. The last time they were actually challenged was when Hybrid fought Optimus inside the New Order itself."
"Then let's bring the fight to them back as a whole this time." Breakdown responded.
"I agree they may have hurt us, but we are still standing. Let's prove we won't go quietly or down easily. Which we proved to each other last night but not them." Barricade said.
"Then what's the plan." Ironhide asked.
As more and more Resistance members stared talking breaking out of there funk, Jazz and Dreadwing stayed quiet which was understandable and after Ironhide and Hybrid both suggested attacking the New Order on three different fronts to divide their attention, Megatron stopped that conversation before addressing another.
More for Dreadwing and anyone who lost a friend.
"Tonight we should bury our dead before anything else. They deserve to be at peace."
"I agree, and it's time my undead bots were put to rest." Hybrid commented.

As everyone left the room and went to where the bodies of their allies lay, no one said anything.
Hybrid summond her army to her away from the others after she made sure Dreadwing would be okay to bury Skyquake by himself.

"It's time you return to the Allspark. I'm sorry and had to pull you from there in the first place. You didn't deserve that. I have to ask, though, do any of you wish to stay, I wouldn't rob you of making that choice." Hybrid asked.
Ultra Magnus and Sludge raised their servos in response. Telling them to step aside, Hybrid used her magic to drain the energon she took from Knockout out of the bots. A white light appeared around them during it. When the white light disappeared, they collapsed with Cybertron itself opening up to take them back.
"I'll find a way to restore you two. I promise."

During the whole time, the Fire and Smoke bots were discussing what Trapper, Jazz, and Prowl were told when Hybrid gave Trapper telekinesis.
[ I don't like feeling left out of the loop. But if I'm curious about what power we would get. ] Rhapsody said.
"Me either. It's not like we had much time to be told, but we know now." Guardian replied.
"What I want to know is, if we will be forced to take a power." Optimus questioned.
"No, it's by choice and choice alone." Prowl responded immediately.
"Good to now. So will any of you accept." Optimus asked.
[ I might. ] Rhapsody said.
"I will." Jazz replied
"Probably, this world is definitely more dangerous, and any kind of edge we can get, I'm not going to turn down." Guardian replied.
From there, they moved on to how different this world was from theirs.
Silently, Trapper and Rhapsody were glad their creators were here, too, even if Rhapsody would never admit it.

The next morning Knockout called for all the Fire and Smoke bots to come to the med bay so he could give them physicals and create temporary files on them while they were here, while Blitzwing asked Bumblebee to lock their door so they could talk.

"Hummel, I know that you say you love me. But I'm not blind or stupid. You still clearly love Optimus a lot to more than me."
The smile fell from Bumblebee's faceplate hearing that.
"What are you talking about? of course I love you." Bumblebee said firmly.
"Funny, I never said you didn't. Just that you love Optimus more tell me I'm wrong." Crossing his arms, Blitzwing stood at the back of the room away from Bumblebee.
"Blitz, it's not that easy. Optimus is the sire to my sparklings. He will always hold a special place in my spark. But so do you. You broke my seal. You are the first bot that I fell for.
You've always helped me, been there for me, even when I was carrying Optimus's sparklings, you stayed by my side."
Waving his arms around and gesturing as he spoke, Bumblebee didn't understand why Blitzwing was doing this he thought everything was great between them.
"I'll always be there for you, Hummel, I won't be the other mech, though."
"You're not though, yes, we haven't interfaced or anything like that. Because I was waiting and scared. In truth, though, I have never been more scared when I thought you might have died during the battle." Bumblebee confessed.
Blitzwing was stunned by what Bumblebee just revealed. He only wanted Bumblebee to say that he loved as much or more than Optimus. Never did he think he would get a confession like that.
"You truly mean that Hummel, you care that much about me." Blitzwing finally said, taking a couple of steps towards Bumblebee.
"See Blitz, you are my future. I just know it." Bumblebee replied, stepping into Blitzwing's arms.

In the med bay, Knockout had created files for Trapper, Optimus, and Jazz. Now it was Guardian's trun.
Knockout began asking his questions like before. Guardian thought, was a little annoyed that they all apparently had to sit and wait until Knockout had finished with all of them.
"Okay, name. Guardian.
Creators?"
"Ironhide sire, Ratchet carrier."
"Have you ever been diagnosed with Flight sickness or Grounder Illness."
"No."
"Spark failure."
"No."
Fired Processor."
"Getting one."
Guardian's response to that question got him a chuckle from Rhapsody and a stare from Knockout. Knockout just kept going through.
"Are you currently sparked."
"No."
"Are you sure you look a bit puffy.
Glaring at Knockout before showing a sign of anger with his face and his wings ruffled. Guardian let it pass before saying.
"Change Fired Processor to yes.
Shut up, Rhapsody, and you wipe that smug smile off your face." Guardian snapped at Predaking, who looked a little too proud of himself and Rhapsody, who was trying and failing to not laugh.
"When was your last heat or mating cycle."
"Oh, for the love of Primus of next question." Guardian snapped again.
"I'll put in progress." Knockout replied with a smirk.

Outside the base, Fallen had tracked Hybrid down and told her that her plan for him to capture Ratchet failed, and he got away with the relic that can severe any kind of bonds or ties including spark bonds.
"So you not only did Ratchet not break down with that fear gas I injected him with, and now you tell me he has one of the most dangerous weapons in his possession."
Something snapped inside Hybrid hearing that.
"You know Fallen, your usefulness has run its course."
Teleporting inside the base Hybrid found Sludge and gave them Fallen's spark, giving them Fallen's life force restoring them as a full functional online bot and killing Fallen.

Shifting his weight so he didn't crush Bumblebee, Blitzwing couldn't believe after years he was finally going to get to interface with Bumblebee again.
Kissing his way down Bumblebee's neck and over his spark chamber, Blitzwing got between his legs and started opening Bumblebee with his tongue and servos at the same time, making Bumblebee thrust into it arching his back and moaning
"Blitz, right there, don't stop." Bumblebee moaned, pushing Blitzwing's helm down, not that Blitzwing needed the encouragement.
Once Blitzwing thought Bumblebee was warmed up enough, he pulled away, and Bumblebee never got a chance to complain as Blitzwing kissed him, trapping the possible whimper inside, rolling them over during the kiss, Blitzwing placed himself on his back and ground his interface panel against Bumblebee's value, making Bumblebee break the kiss groaning and nuzzling his helm next to Blitzwing's on the berth.
"Stop teasing me, Blitz. It's been too long."
"You're wish is me command."
Retracting his interface panel, Blitzwing lifted Bumblebee's hips as he wrapped his arms around Blitzwing's helm. Being gentle, pushing in Bumblebee bite the side of Blitzwing's neck at the feeling.
Keeping Bumblebee still all Blitzwing did was grind against him drawing moan after moan at of Bumblebee.
Seating with Bumblebee in his lap to get deeper, Blitzwing kept the grinder up, not thrusting, determined to make Bumblebee overload more than once that afternoon.
Bumblebee was actually clawing at Blitzwing's arms taking off paint moaning uncomfortably at this point and before he knew it he overloaded as his value clamped down on Blitzwing's spike and it took some restraint on Blitzwing's part not to follow. After Bumblebee had started to come down from his high Blitzwing started to thrust switching positions again so Bumblebee was underneath him, and to an outside observer it would look like Bumblebee was trying to get away but he really couldn't get enough.
"Please, Blitz, harder." Bumblebee managed to get out between his moans and the soft grunts Blitzwing was letting out was only turning on Bumblebee more than he thought possible and just like that he overloaded again causing Blitzwing to stop temporarily before starting a brutal and fast pace up again near Bumblebee's overloaded and Bumblebee clutched out Blitzwing.
"Blitzwing, please. I can't take it, please." Bumblebee whimpered, but it was clear to Blitzwing he was enjoying what he was doing more than he was asking him to stop and he knew because Blitzwing made him overload again just as his second one was ending. Pulling Bumblebee to seat up Blitzwing, held him as close as possible before overloaded as deep as he could into Bumblebee with one arm around his waist and the other around his back.

That night, after Guardian almost launched Knockout in the air and Bumblebee had to be carried everywhere, getting the side optic from most.
"Well, that explains why I'm taking care of you, and Megatron and Smokescreen have Solar Storm tonight." Hot Rod said to Sunspot, blowing raspberries on his tummy, making him laugh." Unc Roddy, stop." Sunspot said, hitting Hot Rod's helm it didn't stop him, though.
"Now why would I do that." Blowing another raspberries Hot Rod honestly thought there was no better sound than his nephews' laughter.
Everyone else settled in until Scourge and Springer disappeared from their room at the request of Nova.

The presence of a dark magic like the one now controlling Springer and Scourge was enough to jolt Hybrid awake, which woke up Predaking because she was laying on top of him.
"Everything okay, my queen." Predaking asked, stroking her back.
"Yeah, I just felt something that didn't feel right, but it's gone now." Kissing the worried look of Predaking's faceplate Hybrid rested her helm back down listening to the steady beat of Predaking's spark to lure her back into recharge but not before she heard someone say.
"You're in more dangerous than you realise. We need to talk."
As long as Predaking is here, I'm as safe as possible, Hybrid thought to herself, ignoring the magic Snipes' warning for tonight, but would contact them tomorrow.

Nemesis was at a loss for words after he got back from helping Fallen trying to capture Ratchet.
Predaking betrayed him and took the entire Insecticon army with him.
"I told you Predaking couldn't be trusted now look we have nothing." Sentinel ranted to the annoyance of Nemesis. Swiftly grabbing Sentinel's neck and lifting him up, Nemesis squeezed his neck cables tightly.
"If I were you, I would have stayed clear of me because right now I am about ready to kill anyone. Unfortunately for you." Nemesis said eerily calm.
Struggling to get out of Nemesis' hold. Sentinel was beyond panicking, thinking Nemesis was going to kill him.
"My lord, no need to worry. Once we have made contact with our allies, you'll have more soldiers than you will know what to do with shortly." Galvatron said, entering the room, not caring if Sentinel lived or died he just wanted Nemesis to know the latest.
Releasing Sentinel. Nemesis sat back down on his throne a little less pissed off with the news Galvatron gave him.
"Don't disappoint me, Galvatron. I have no use for usually bots."

"Now Springer, Scourge, tell me everything you know about the Resistance."
Nova disguised as Ratchet commanded.

Chapter Text

That night, while everyone slept, Guardian had Hybrid both experienced different things, neither excepted.
In Guardian and Predaking's room, Predaking was wrapped around Guardian, holding him close, spooning him from behind. Guardian held onto the arm draped around his waist using the arm Predaking had under his helm as a pillow. Both sound asleep. That's when it happened.
Suddenly, Guardian was standing in the med bay with Hook doing everything he could to stabilise someone, then it changed to Megatron, Hybrid, and Bumblebee standing in the war room just the three of them talking about sending Trapper, Jazz, and Prowl back to their world.

Waking up, Guardian didn't move almost like he couldn't, having an uneasy feeling wash over him at what he just saw. It wasn't the first time something like this happened, and his dreams came true, but this felt like a warning of something bad about to happen to someone he cares about.

Almost sensing Guardian's distress, Predaking woke up pulling him even closer, leaning over him so his helm was right above Guardian's.
"Are you okay, my guardian? You're shaking." Predaking asked concerned.
Not saying anything, Guardian waited until he calmed down before turning his helm so he could see Predaking before answering.
"I'm fine, just a bad dream is all."
"Are you sure."
Leaning up nuzzling Predaking, almost like his Predacon instincts took over, Guardian stopped when Predaking returned the gesture just as affectionately as he did.
"I'm sure. Sorry for waking you."
"Never apologise for something like this. I'll always be there if you need me." Predaking replied.
"Proof beyond doubt I chose the right sparkmate." Guardian replied, turning his helm so it was facing away from Predaking, tucking it under his.
Being careful, Predaking gently rested his helm on Guardian's before both went back into recharge.

Out in the hall, a bot with a raised servo glowing purple pointed towards Predaking, and Guardian's room lowered it, tilting their helm to the side whispering, "Interesting" Before walking away.

Early Hybrid was visited in her sleep by the Fear and Magic Snipes.
"What are you doing. I heard you and was going to visit you tomorrow. But no, you just had to invade my mind." Hybrid snipped a little annoyed.
"This is serious, Hybrid. You and everyone are in danger. The mystery knight that has been around lately is not to be trusted." The Magic Snipe replied.
"What do you mean." Hybrid asked.
"You know that a Snipe once wielded the sword Ratchet possesses. That was him." Fear Snipe answered.
"You can't be serious.
Wait a minute if he is a Snipe. Why have I never met him before." Hybrid asked, confused.
"Because we trapped him in our realm. And erased him from history. No one but the Snipes that came before him knew of his existence." Magic Snipe answered.
"Then how or why is he out and what makes him so dangerous." Hybrid asked, wanting to know how dangerous this mech really is.
"He is the reason Snipes aren't worshipped or prayed to anymore. His power of reality manipulating was abused, and he scared the entire planet into following his law and rule, only getting worse when he got the sword." Fear Snipe explained.
Letting Hybrid work through what they said, they waited until she nodded her helm for them to continue.
"So we tricked him to visit us and trapped him in a prison we created in our realm. One we thought was strong enough to contain him, but somehow, he got free when you called on us to fight Unicron." Fear Snipe finishing explaining.
"It's my fault this monster is out and free to terrorise Cybertron." Hybrid said quietly, not wanting to believe it.
"No, it's ours for not telling you. But what you need to know is two important things.
One he only has that one power. Two he can and must be killed, and you and every Snipe after you will have that power, so you need to master it, and three you need to defeat Nova Prime, who has returned." Element Snipe said, appearing beside Hybrid.
"I understand. Except I can't defeat Nova Prime alone." Hybrid answered.
"We know you know you had a plan for this kid, and we trust you know what you're doing." Fear Snipe smiled at Hybrid before they disappeared.

Waking up, Hybrid got up to not disturb her Predaking going for a walk, ending up in front of Fire and Smoke Predaking and Guardian's room sensing Guardian's vision before returning to her room.

"Here's the plan Scourge you go after Knockout and Springer can attack Blaster, really hurting the Resistance and keep them busy for the next part of my plan." Nova Prime said, still posing as Ratchet waiting for the right time.

The next morning, Jazz was back in the med bay seating beside Prowl, who may never recover from what Knockout and Hook said due to the extent of his injury.
Everyone else was making their way to the mess hall.
All but Barricade, who wanted to check on his girlfriend XLR8.

Knocking on the door, Barricade was hiding it, but he was concerned for XLR8 and Ravage because neither had been seen since the battle.
Blaster answered the door with a smile.
"I know why you're here she's just in their take your time." Standing on the outside of the door, Blaster knew he would have to keep Soundwave out and away if he returns before Barricade left.
Inside Barricade kneeled beside the berth, gently placing his servo on XLR8'S helm stroking it.
"How you feeling sweetspark." Barricade whispered.
"Cade" was the only response he got from XLR8, still trying to wrap her helm around that she took a life even if it was either that or get killed.
"It's me." Barricade replied, grabbing XLR8'S servo and squeezing it while still stroking her helm.

As Optimus, Guardian, Trapper, Jazz, Prowl, and Rhapsody sat down keeping to themselves, Guardian couldn't help but think about what he saw, unable to shake the feel of dread. He considered asking Hybrid if she could help him in any way. Unaware Hybrid can see into the future.

Morning fuel was going fine. Everything was peaceful before a loud crash made everyone turn towards both Predaking's staring each other down.
What crashed was anyone's guess since there was nothing around them to make that noise.
"So you're my doppelganger. Where have you been hiding, and why didn't you accompany Hybrid to my world." FS Predaking asked.
"I don't hide from anything least of all my dopple.
How dare you. Why my queen and I were separate is none of your business." Injustice Predaking said with authority.
"Besides, she is more than capable of taking care of herself. Can't say the same for your mate." Injustice Predaking growled.
"Say something about my guardian, again, and it will be the last thing you do." FS Predaking said defending Guardian.
"You dare threaten me in my own kingdom." Injustice Predaking said, standing ped to ped with FS Predaking.
Looking over at each other, Guardian and Hybrid knew they should probably step in.
"Okay, that's enough backup," Hybrid said now roughly the same size as Guardian.
Pushing the Predakings apart, Guardian grabbed his mates servo, leading him away as Hybrid said something to her Predaking to get them to stop glaring at the other.

The rest of the morning was tense, so everyone was thankfully when Megatron called a meeting afterwards, giving them an excuse to leave without making it more awkward.
No one noticing Scourge and Springer slipping in like they just woke up.

Soundwave went to check on his daughters before heading to the meeting, confused why Blaster was standing outside their room.
"What's wrong? Blast you okay." Soundwave asked, making Blaster jump, not hearing Soundwave approach.
"Nothing, just thinking about something." Blaster replied while mentally thinking about how he was going to detour Soundwave.
Blaster unfortunately never got the chance as Barricade left their room at that time, and Soundwave saw red.
"What in the pit were you doing in there." Soundwave demanded, raising his voice.
"I was just checking on XLR8, I was concerned about her." Barricade replied, a little shocked by Soundwave behaviour.
Placing his servo on Soundwave's chassis, Blaster told him to calm down. It unfortunately fell on deaf audios.
"Stay away from my daughter. She doesn't need someone like you in her life." Pushing Barricade away Soundwave went to go into his room when Barricade grabbed his arm. Without really thinking, Soundwave turned around and punched Barricade in anger.
"You and your family will stay away from mine, or next time you won't be walking away." Soundwave growled.

Inside the room, all the kids heard the whole thing. When Soundwave and Blaster walked in with Blaster scolding, Soundwave, Laserbeak, Frenzy, and Ravage pretended to not listen.
Walking over to XLR8, who was still recovering mentally, Soundwave tried to ask her how she was feeling, but she didn't respond mad at her sire.

Later in the war room, before Megatron could ask anyone for any ideas to beat the New Order, Hybrid said, "We have bigger problems than the New Order right now. The Snipes came to me last night telling me that Nova Prime the anti everything is close to bring himself back." Hybrid said, going on to explain everything she was told about Nova, Ratchet, and the sword. Leaving out the part about the other Snipe.
"Are you suggesting what I think you are. If so, you must be crazy Ratchet just sent an army to kill us just two days ago." Smokescreen said.
"I'm well aware, my sire was injured in that battle, and one of my best friends lost his brother, and so many bots died, so the Resistance could live.
I can't believe the words are coming out of my mouth either, but rescuing Ratchet is the right thing to do.
It's not something I can do alone, though. I know where I can find the allies. The only problem means I'm going to need to sneak into the Society." Hybrid explained.
"Hybrid, do you think this is really the best course of action." Megatron asked.
"No, Megatron, it's the only course of action. Do you do any of you want a monster like Nova Prime alive and walking around again." Hybrid asked the room.
When no one answered, Hybrid said, "Yeah, that's what I thought. And I'm not asking any of you to help because only other sorcerers can help me this time. That goes for you too, my king. I'm sorry." Hybrid said, looking at Predaking, who could see she really meant it.
"I trust you, my queen, if you say it's for the best and the only path to take, I believe you." Predaking replied, kissing the top of her helm softly.
"What about the New Order? we can't ignore them. We need to end this war quickly before something like that battle happens again." Hot Rod said.
"I agree, and I have a plan. It's to bring the New Order down by targeting their leaders, and if we pick them off enough, Optimus is bound to try and deal with the problem himself." Soundwave said.
"Good strategie but how do we target first." Megatron asked, personally wanting to go after Starscream first.
"My brother." Smokescreen said.
"But he isn't a commander, is he." Grimlock asked, confused.
"No, but from what Mirage said, he is involved with Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, so we get Bluestreak we get them." Smokescreen replied.
Listening to the whole thing from her seat, Rhapsody signed to Trapper, [ I think I'm going to be sick. Just the thought of Sideswipe and Bluestreak together. Yep, definitely going to purge.]
"How would you draw him out." Blitzwing asked.
"Get a message to him about Prowl's injury should do the trick." Smokescreen replied.
"Prefect start of a plan.
We just have to wait for Hybrid to take out our biggest threat before continuing." Megatron said, changing his attitude all of a sudden.
"You have never done anything without reason, and I've never doubted you before, I shouldn't haven't started now." Megatron said to Hybrid.
"All good." Hybrid replied.

Shortly after the meeting was called and Hybrid called out to FS Jazz and Prowl when Guardian called out to her.
"Follow me." Hybrid signed, grabbing Predaking, not wanting either Predakings left alone with each other.

Tracking down Mirage and Hound wasn't difficult for Nova Prime, neither was killing the servent that had magic on Mirage's creators' staff.
Spelling them to rejoin the New Order with Nightshade in tow.
Explaining to Optimus that he could use Hound and Mirage how he wished because they had no choice but to obey.

Nova Prime couldn't care less about the New Order, but if he wanted Optimus to believe he was Ratchet and stay out of his way for his plan to work he needed to do something to occupy him.

Offering FS Jazz power over sight, up to but not limited to, taking bots sight, creating illusions, seeing what wishes to stay hidden/what was once lost, and seeing further then any scope could, and FS Prowl enchanced reflexes, agility, and speed, reaction time, with both accepting Hybrid let them go afterwards so Guardian could ask what he wanted.
"Can you see into the future." Guardian asked.
"Yes why, what happened." Hybrid asked, pretending to be oblivious.
"I think I can. I'm not sure. There are times when I have dreams that come true, not always how I see them, but they still happen.
I had one here last night, but it felt different, more powerful and real than usual." Guardian explained.
"Sounds like you might be a seer, Guardian. However, your world isn't as strong in magic as this one, which can happen. Another world I visited had very primitive magic.
Back to your vision, I can't tell you what it meant, but if you are a seer, I can unlock what is ever blocking you so your dreams become clearer, a word of advice. Don't try and change what you see. Let things happen naturally cause more often than not trying to prevent the future makes it happen." Hybrid explained, giving Guardian the choice.
"Do it." Guardian replied.
Getting of the berth, Hybrid asked Guardian to kneel, placing her servo on his forehead, muttering something Guardian and Predaking couldn't understand. Suddenly, Guardian felt a sudden pain that stopped as suddenly as it appeared.
"All done." Hybrid said.

"Time to sneak into the Society, my king. You ready."
"To help you, my queen, always." Getting up, Predaking kissed Hybrid before they left.

After Prowl and Jazz got their powers, Trapper did something unusual for him and asked his sire to spar with him to sharpen each other's skills.
Standing in the training area, all bots from the fire and smoke universe had gathered around to see what Prowl and Trapper were capable of now.
Truth be told, Rhapsody was a little resentful that everyone in her family had power, but she hadn't been offered yet. She was happy that her brother seemed more confident now, so that was a good thing to her.

Ducking under Prowl's kick, Trapper stopped his next attack by knocking his peds out from under him with a swipe of his servo. Prowl counted by kicking Trapper's peds out with his actual peds.
Both getting up, Trapper prevented Prowl from moving by holding both his servos out in a fist, putting a strain on Trapper still getting used to his powers. Prowl could see it to breaking free when Trapper couldn't hold it any longer. Knocking his son down, who was already dazed, scoring the win.
"Again." Pulling his son to his peds, Trapper nodding.

That night, Nova sent his command, putting Scourge and Springer into a trance with one purpose.
In the med bay, Knockout was doing his nightly rounds checking on all his patients when Scourge came into the med bay.
"Can I help you, Scourge?" Knockout asked, walking over to Scourge, who was standing near Croc.
"Yes. There is something you can help with, Knockout." Scourge replied. Meeting Knockout halfway.
"Well, wha-" Knockout never got to finish as a knife was driven right where his sparkling was. Scourge withdraw the blade before driving it into Knockout twice more before Croc could react, throwing some sort of powder in between Knockout and Scourge, physically separating them.
Getting out of his med cot Croc called for Hook who come running and Knockout's screams and cries woke most of the patients as Croc chased after Scourge.

In the mess hall, Blaster had put distance between himself and Springer with one of the tables. Blaster was scared, though, and Soundwave, unfortunately, was knocked out by Springer earlier.
"Springer, please don't do this. I don't know what I did to you, but I'm sorry, please don't hurt my sparkling." Blaster begged with tears in his optics.
Springer didn't respond, just jumped over the table and grabbed Blaster into his arms so Blaster's back was pressed against his front.
"Relax, Blaster, this will all be over soon, I promise." Springer said almost remorseful, and the way he held Blaster was like he was trying to comfort him.
Rasing the knife, Blaster struggled to get away, but Springer was too strong, bringing the knife down it disappeared, and Blaster was teleported between Predaking and Hybrid, who both looked ready to kill Springer.
Running away, Springer knew he was no match for Hybrid or Predaking.
"Get Blaster and Soundwave to the med bay. I'm going after Springer."

Before during the day, it didn't take much for Predaking to convince Swindle and Galvatron to join Hybrid with the promise of revenge against Ratchet, and a chance at more power, that part was a lie though.
While Hybrid went to the underworld to make sure Unicron was ready.

Back to the present, Croc and Hybrid naturally went after Scourge and Springer together with Galvatron and Swindle, joining the chase outside the base.
Eventually, the chase ended in Tyger Pax when Springer and Scourge met up with Ratchet.
"This ends now, Ratchet." Swindle shouted.
"Yes, it does." Nova replied.
Clashing Scourge took Croc, Swindle took Springer, and Galvatron and Hybrid took Ratchet.

Back at the Pits, it was chaos. Everyone was up because of the commotion. Most bots didn't know what happened. They were just as confused as each other trying to find out.
Hook had closed off the med bay after Predaking came in with Blaster and Soundwave.
"Put them down there and find Breakdown." Hook ordered Predaking who listened because of the situation.
Knockout was unconscious on the exam table, and Hook worked fast, trying to save the sparkling if it could be saved.

Wrapping vines around Scourge's neck, Croc planned to choke him out and might have succeeded too if Swindle hadn't missed with his fire ball as it accidentally made contact with Croc, allowing Scourge to get free trapping Croc in a ice wall before shattering it, and if Croc didn't have magic an attack like that would have killed him.
Hybrid and Galvatron were working surprisingly well together, managing to immobilize Nova in a kind of mental prison, keeping him suspended in the air.
It didn't hold long as dark energy started to surge around Nova, breaking free, he disappeared, calling Scourge and Springer to him. A little way away from Swindle, Galvatron, Hybrid, and Croc.
"Tremble before me as I absorb Springer, Scourge, and Ratchet, and I'm born anew." Nova said, pulling Scourge and Springer to him, almost blinding the other four with intense gold light, shielding their optics, focusing them to look away. After the light disappeared, they looked back, and the real Nova Prime stood in front of them.
"Thanks for all that magic it really helped hasten my return."
"Oh, scrap all, we played right into his servos." Croc said mad at being tricked.
"Doesn't matter. We have to hold him off for as long as possible." Hybrid said.
"We can't stop him. At the very least, all will do is slow him down." Galvatron snapped.
"I know, and that's all we need to do until the bot that can take him arrives. His already on the way." Hybrid replied.
Not sure they could trust Hybrid, but also not wanting Nova Prime to live Swindle and Galvatron stayed to fight, Croc wasn't going anywhere either. He wouldn't abandon his daughter.

Back at the Pits, Megatron had settled everyone down, ordering them back to recharge, and he would investigate what was going on.
Walking up to Predaking how was acting as a guard at the front of the med bay, Megatron asked.
"What is going on."
"Springer attacked Blaster trying to kill him and his sparkling, knocking Soundwave out in the process." Predaking explained.
"Where is Springer." Megatron asked.
"He took off. Hybrid followed him." Predaking replied.
The door opened behind Predaking, and he and Megatron moved to see Hook behind them, looking exhausted.
"What happened, Hook." Megatron asked him, wanting to get the full story.
"Scourge attacked Knockout, stabbing him, trying to kill his sparkling. Croc drove Scourge off and chased after him."
"So both Scourge and Springer attacked Knockout and Blaster. This doesn't make sense." Megatron thought aloud.

Running at Nova, Croc threw black powder in his face making Nova roar in pain knocking Croc down, Galvatron and Swindle hit him from different sides with ice cold water and dark fire creating a steam burning Nova, allowing Hybrid to get her sire away.
Using one servo, Nova stopped Swindle and Galvatron from using magic. Targeting Swindle first Nova tried grabbing him only for Swindle to jump out of the way, turning his attention to Galvatron Nova was able to grab him despite Galvatron trying to shield himself, but Nova broke the shield as if it was nothing.
Turning her plating crystal Hybrid chop blocked Nova, making him buckle and drop Galvatron, allowing Croc to open a portal, and Megalligotar jumped up and out upper cutting Nova before going back into the portal.
That was when Nova had enough. When Swindle threw a fireball at him, he caught it and threw it at Croc, Croc dodged, but as it past him, it exploded, hurting Croc.
Galvatron tried next shooting two icicles at Nova only for him to double their size and redirect them towards Hybrid, who phased and let them pass through her.
Hybrid followed up after poisoning her arrows with fear gas firing four in rapid succession, Nova deflected all of them, one did scratch him just with how he did it, Galvatron tried again only to be trapped in a rock case and thrown were the rehabilitation camp entrance once was.
Breaking Galvatron free, Hybrid bent and compacted the rocks into one ball increasing it's potential damage throwing it at Nova, who kicked it away, as Swindle used an after image trick on Nova Primes eyes confusing him.
"Sire blood magic." Hybrid shouted to Croc who got the message as Hybrid created a statue of Grimlock out of crystal cutting their servos clasping them they let their energon mix together creating a ball of it flinging it at the statue animating it with nothing but their more primal furry.
With Nova distracted Hybrid, Croc, Swindle, and Galvatron used the last trick they could think of. Casting one of the eight seals of magic under them, namely the one there well versed in to amplify their power. All four shot pure magic at Nova. It did send him back but still on his peds.
"How didn't that work." Galvatron gasped.
Nova somehow caught it and threw it back at them, sending them flying landing on their backs, paralyzed.
(That was really stupid.) Hybrid said.

Taking his time, Nova walked over to them. Nova was prepared to kill them. Only to get blind sided by Unicron kicking him straight in the back of the helm, dropping Nova.
"Let's dance ulgy." Unicron taunted.
The fight between Nova and Unicron was more a one-sided assault with Unicron dominating Nova.
First picking him up by his neck then slamming him back down driving the back of Nova's helm and neck into the ground as hard as he could, grabbing him by his ped next lifting him up and over his helm slamming him down again.
"You seriously thought you could take my place, Nova." Unicron said, kicking Nova in the mid section as he tried to get up.
"You are nothing compared to me. A fake god is what you are. Look at me." Unicron said, helping Nova to his knees, kneeing him in the face before hooking his arm and breaking it.

During the fight, the weaker Nova got the less his powers worked, freeing Croc, Swindle, Galvatron, and Hybrid, who backed up away from the fight, agreeing to go their separate ways without a fight. Hybrid did grab Galvatron's arm just before she left with her sire.
"Remember I saved you tonight, Galvatron, don't forget that."
"I don't like being in anyone's debt."
"Then find a way to pay me back fast."
Letting go, Hybrid walked over to her sire, who put his arm around her shoulders as they walked off.

Clutching his broken arm, Nova tried using magic on Unicron to no effect.
Scoffing at the attempt, Unicron stood Nova up, then brought him down with his knee going right into Nova's lower back.
"You think your magic holds any threat to me that's cute." Unicron taunted as Nova was against his knee. Picking him up again Unicron punched him in the faceplate then, shoulder, mid section, neck, followed by a spin kick, then grabbing his broken arm throwing him over his shoulder placing his knee on Nova's face trapping him, before Unicron started manipulating Nova's broken arm making it worse breaking it again in another place.

Croc and Hybrid were making their way back to the Resistance when Hybrid told her sire there was one last thing she had to do.
Trusting his daughter, Croc told her to be safe as Hybrid ran and transformed, heading for the arracde.

Inside the med bay where Knockout was laying unconscious with Breakdown seating beside him trying to be strong, because across from them laid their partly formed offline sparkling under a cloth.

Chapter Text

Standing on top of the arcade roof, Hybrid called out to the bot she never wanted to see again but needed their help.
"I wasn't sure I should answer your call after all you did say next time you saw me you would kill me." The femme said, appearing at the far corner of the arcade roof.
"After what you and your cult did to Hot Rod ending with me and Bee having to save him when we were kids, and you stealing three years of my life, tends to make someone vengeful." Hybrid replied.
Turning to face the femme behind her, Hybrid let at a growl seeing her with her own optics again.
"Careful children, I'm not above taking -"
"SHUT UP, you don't get to talk. You have taken enough from me." Hybrid said, interrupting the Mistress of Flame teleporting right in front of her.
"You own me, and if I were you, I'd give me what I want, or I will kill you. My power has tripled since we last met." Hybrid said, grabbed the Mistress of Flame's throat in a death grip.
"And as much as you command respect. Hate to break it to you it's earned you self righteous bitch." Hybrid finished.
"What do you want." Mistress of Flame mangaed to get out with the servo around her throat and terrified by the look in Hybrid's optics. She could tell she wasn't bluffing and would kill her, and Mistress didn't know if she could overpower Hybrid this time.

Back in Tyger Pax Unicron was following Nova as he tried to crawl away, with a crushed arm, one of his optics missing, plating ripped and torn, part of his plating missing and energon leaking from a massive and nasty gash running from his right shoulder all the way down and across to his left hip.
"I would say this wasn't personally Nova, but why bother trying to lie." Unicron said, resting the sword Nova was trapped in in his shoulder.

Croc made it back to the Resistance before morning, heading straight for the room Rockstar was in crawling in the berth behind him.
"Croc." Rockstar asked groggily.
"It's me, Superhero, go back to sleep." Croc replied, pulling Rockstar close.

Never letting go of Mistress's throat Hybrid forced her to give her back her years she gave up for Hot Rod, turning her back into a fifteen almost sixteen.
And giving her the location of Optimus and Megatron's real sire.
"Thank you. Now leave before I rip your throat out." Hybrid said with her optics turning black as she said it.
Not having to be told twice, Mistress left as soon as Hybrid let her go.

Early the next morning, Megatron woke to a sight that warmed his old spark. Smokescreen was holding onto Solar Storm's servos with their peds on his as he slowly walked around the room, Solar Storm had his helm thrown backwards, smiling at Smokescreen having fun.
"Never knew you were so good with kids." Megatron said, getting up and stretching.
"I'm full of surprises. You should know that by now, Megs." Smokescreen teased as he picked Solar Storm up, resting him on his hip.
"Yes, I am. But I must gather the rest of the Resistance and tell them what happened last night so we can deal and move on. Hopefully, it doesn't slow as down for long, we can't afford it." Megatron said.
Seeing the stress all over Megatron, Smokescreen grabbed his servo with his free one.
"You're doing the best you can. I may not know what happened yet, but I'm always here to help and support you."

With everyone in the war room minus Breakdown and Knockout. Megatron told them all what happened the previous night.
Most didn't know what to think, and everyone spoke over each other voice their opinions or thoughts, Bumblebee, Hot Rod, and Barricade being three of the loudest, but after Soundwave pulled up footage of the attacks, everyone was slient.
"This doesn't make sense. Yes, our sire was a criminal once, but he hasn't done anything like this in years it makes no sense that he just starts up again." Barricade said, usually the calmer and more rational of his brothers thinking with his helm rather than his emotions like his brothers.
"What about Springer he was never cruel like that. His also one of the nicer bots, so it doesn't track." Jazz said.
"They were under Nova Prime's control." Croc said, shocking everyone with that information.
"I knew it sire wasn't in his right state of mind." Bumblebee said.
"Unfortunately, this doesn't change the fact that Scourge and Springer attacked Blaster, Knockout, and Soundwave. Bee." Ironhide replied.
"You're right, Ironhide, but Springer didn't seem like he had a choice, so the same could be said for Scourge, and I'm willing to forgive them." Blaster said, not surprising anyone. Blaster was always kinder than most. He got even kinder after XLR8, Ravage, Laserbeak, Eject, and Frenzy were born.
"Springer could have seriously hurt you and our sparkling Blaster. You can't honestly be okay just like that." Soundwave asked.
"You're right, Wave. I'm not, and I'm not saying it will be easy to be around him for a while, but I can't hold it against him if he was being controlled." Blaster responded.
"Back to the major issue what to do with Springer and Scourge." Jazz said after Soundwave and Blaster stopped having their conversation.
"That's not an issue. We just keep them away from Soundwave, Blaster, and definitely Breakdown and Knockout.
We can't treat them like criminals or turn on them and each other." Croc said, speaking from experience when he was treated like a criminal, and due to his past.
"His right. Breakdown and Knockout might be the biggest problem, but I'm sure you can all agree that Springer and Scourge didn't have a choice and if they are remorseful it will help the healing process no matter how slow it may seem." FS Optimus said.
"Well said, Optimus." Hybrid said, walking into the room with a slight limp.
Getting out of their chairs, Predaking and Rockstar went to check if Hybrid was okay. Rockstar actually managed to push Predaking aside, who reached Hybrid first. Rockstar's carrier instincts were at an all-time high seeing his cub hurt, and every other time, it happened. Nothing has stopped him from getting to Hybrid.
"I trust your side mission was a success, Cub." Croc asked after Rockstar checked but hadn't moved from Hybrid's side.
"Yeah. Why, were on that topic can you all follow me to the cells." Hybrid asked.

In the New Order, Optimus knew something was wrong because the army hadn't returned yet. Needing to know the reason, even if he thought he already knew, he requested Mirage to come to his office.
"Mirage, my friend, I require your unique skill set for a mission." Optimus said as soon as Mirage walked in.
"Of course, anything I can do to help." Mirage replied.
"Go to the Pits and find out why our army hasn't returned yet and take Roadbuster and Topspin with you as protection." Optimus said dismissing Mirage.
Before leaving, Mirage went back to his room, checking on Nightshade and Hound.
"I have to go on a scouting mission. Are you okay with looking after Nightshade for a couple of days." Mirage asks, already knowing the answer."
"Always my love, just be careful last time you went scouting around the Resistance the Predacons caught you." Hound replied.

Everyone had done as Hybrid asked and were now standing outside two cells with Scourge and Springer locked in them.
"I was able to free them from Nova's control, and the cells are just a precision. That's not all, though." Hybrid said, pointing to a cell in the far right of the cell block.
Being closest, Trapper and Ironhide reached the cell first, finding a comatose Ratchet with dull optics and completely devoid of any sign that he was online, but he was.
"That's unfortunately the result of what happens when you have to rip someone away from the sword." Hybrid said, making the sword appear in her servo with no name on it.
"Will, he be okay." Guardian asked, looking sad. Even if it wasn't his carrier, it still hurt to see Ratchet like that.
"I honestly don't know." Hybrid replied.
Before grabbing at her helm, dropping the sword.

"Your sick Hybrid." Dreadwing said.
"I'm broken, Dread." Hybrid replied.
That part of Hybrid's vision was just as confusing as the next two parts.
"Cub, we do love you, but you can't be here right now." Rockstar said, siding with the others over his own daughter
Then it jumped again.
"Hybrid, come home, please. We still care about you and love you." Rockstar begged, who was accompanied by Wheeljack, Dreadwing, Soundwave, and Croc.
"I never loved or cared about any of you." Hybrid replied, leaving with Darksteel, Sky Lynx, and Bumblebee.
That's where the vision stopped, and Hybrid found everyone looking at her.
"What." Hybrid asked with a bit of bite.
"You said you didn't do anything wrong. Saying you did what some else was afraid to do." Predaking replied softly, standing in front of everyone and Hybrid, shielding her from view. Resting her helm against her mates mid section, that was the first time Hybrid spoke while having a vision. It was just as a surprise to her as the Resistance.
"You also dropped this kid." FS Jazz said in the same tone he used when he was being gentle with his kids, holding the sword out to Hybrid.
Taking it Hybrid stayed beside Predaking not ready to move.
"I think the best thing to do now is take things slow. And no one tell, Breakdown of Scourge being here." Megatron said, leaving the cells.

The next day, the air in the Resistance was thick with doubt and hopelessness and the longer it went on the more Hybrid knew the New Order would win because all it would take is one more major hit and the Resistance would be crippled beyond repair.
Jazz barely left the med bay constantly by Prowl's side.
Breakdown had to tell Knockout what happened, and the sound Knockout let out was one of utter sadness, clinging to Breakdown's arm saying through the tears how much he wanted their sparkling back.
Ironhide was even acting werid spending most of the day standing outside Ratchet's cell like he wasn't sure what he felt, and it also hurt Guardian seeing this world's Ratchet and Ironhide interact, making him miss his creators wishing he could talk to them.
Dreadwing was less stoic but more reserved than usually leading him to shutting out anyone, except Hybrid, Wheeljack, and Soundwave.
Blaster was more skittish.
Bumblebee, even though he had Blitzwing, he couldn't help but feel guilty and love Optimus.
Lastly, the Knight was still wondering around the base, but only Hybrid seemed to be able to see him.

Acting fast, Hybrid knew what she needed to do. She went in search of Optimus and offered him his power of battle meditation and asked him to use it now on the Resistance. He did flawlessly because Hybrid added the ability for Optimus to understand his power, using to the best of his abilities like he had it and mastered it years ago.
Immediately everyone felt the effects, Jazz didn't feel so alone anymore, XLR8 was brought out of whatever daze she was in, even Knockout and Breakdown felt slightly better and everyone else felt like there was nothing that could stop them.
Bumblebee was happier.
Dreadwing was acting more like himself.
Everything was starting to get back to norma, a huge weight was lifted of their shoulders
Smokescreen went to Megatron not long after, and the Resistance started their plan to strike back by drawing out Bluestreak.

"I could have used a power like this a few times.
Thank you Hybrid this really is a great honour to be able to help everyone at once." FS Optimus said.
"No need to thank me. The power you get suits who you truly are. My magic just allows me to give to you. What you and your team do with them is all you." Hybrid replied.

That afternoon, when Bluestreak was on guard duty in the gun tower, he received the message from Smokescreen telling him of their oldest brothers injury.
Bluestreak couldn't believe it, Prowl was an experienced fighter and had a couple of years of cyber ninja training, making him hard to land a hit on, unless he was protecting someone, which made him vulnerable.
Regardless, the news took Bluestreak by surprise, and he knew he needed to see Prowl somehow.

After his shift, he walked aimlessly through the New Order headquarters, bumping into Bonecrusher, who pushed him aside aggressively.
"Watch it, you annoying little chatter box."
"I-I am sorry." Bluestreak stuttered.
"Ate you seriously about to cry, you're so slagging weak. I don't see how anyone puts up with you." Bonecrusher said, walking away as Bluestreak pulled himself off the floor.

Inside his, Sunstreaker, and Sideswipe's room, Bluestreak finally had a chance to think. He knew he had to see his brother, but Sideswipe and Sunstreaker weren't going to allow him to go only, and if he turned up with them things could easily turn nasty, Sideswipe would probably try going after Blaster or Soundwave, and Sunstreaker still held a grudge against Hybrid for poisoning him. As for the Resistance, Jazz and Soundwave wouldn't have any problem going Sideswipe, and Hybrid has shown she isn't afraid to use her powers on anyone from the New Order.
Deciding it was best to go alone, Bluestreak messaged his brother back, telling him he'll be there shortly.
Leaving a second message for Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.

Smiling Smokescreen was happy about seeing his brother but also felt slightly bad about what he had planned.
Turning his pad off, he turned and rested his helm on Megatron's chassis.

Coming back from the cells, Guardian felt lost. This worlds Ironhide was down there when he went to check on Ratchet. He showed no emotion, though Guardian knew their relationship was strained he didn't realise how bad until now.
Deciding he needed to ask for advice about how to best handle this situation because it was hitting close to home for him, he went to the room his Prowl, Jazz, Trapper, and Rhapsody were sharing.
It did bring back memories of when he was young and had to be looked after by Jazz and Prowl when Ratchet and Ironhide weren't around which wasn't often, they usually made sure at least one of them was around for Guardian when he was growing up.
Still thinking about made him smirk, also remember when Trapper and Rhapsody were younger, too.

Flashback:
After getting out of the med bay after getting hurt thankfully his carrier wasn't there or at the base currently, Guardian flew out of the there almost flying into Optimus's face, before he tucked his wings and tilted to the side just missing Optimus.
Guardian was going through a stage of his life where he preferred using his wings, and some of the stunts he did almost gave his creators spark attacks and making other bots duck afraid he would pulling the same stunt he did to Jetfire by launching himself into their faceplate taking them down.
Landing in the rec room, Guardian was about to start walking to his room, which was connected to his creators. When he saw Rhapsody looking around, seemingly lost. So Guardian walked over to her.
["You last Rhaps."] Guardian asked even if his sign language wasn't the best. Rhapsody was able to understand what he meant.
[ Yeah, a little.] Rhapsody replied.
[ "Come on, I'll took you back to you room."] Guardian signed.
Smiling at his mistakes, Rhapsody let it go without correcting him because at least Guardian was trying, unlike others.
Wrapping his tail around Rhapsody, Guardian walked her towards her room, why she held the tip of Guardian's tail in her servo.
Knocking on the door, Guardian was met face to face with a worried Jazz until he saw Rhapsody wrapped up in his tail.
"Baby, thank Primus, you're okay. Me and your sire were worried when we couldn't find you." Jazz said, picking up Rhapsody.
"I should probably tell Prowl he can call of the bot hunt.
Thank you, Guardian." Jazz replied.
"Anything for my sister." Guardian responded before flying off.
End Flashback:

Arriving at the door, Guardian knocked, and like in the memory, he was thinking of Jazz answered the door, yet he towered of Jazz now out growing him years ago.
"G, what's up? Come in." Jazz invited Guardian inside.
"I was wondering if it's not too much trouble, could I talk to you and Prowl about something." Guardian asked, looking at Jazz, then Prowl.
"Of course, always happy to help our third kid." Jazz joked.

The next day, things were marginally better so much so XLR8 was flipping through her spell book Hybrid gave her. Laying next to her carrier using his leg as a pillow. Blaster was content to just spend the day with his sparklings as they lay around him. To them, Blaster was the best carrier they could ask for because he was so good at comforting them, helping them relax, and taking care of them. So naturally, they swarmed around him.
Flipping the page XLR8 saw one of the few actual spells in the spell book a pretty powerful one, too.
Getting up XLR8 went to a more private area to recite the spell to see if it worked, not knowing just how powerful this spell was.
After she finished, she pointed to the door, telling it to open, but nothing happened.
"Guess I'm not as powerful as I thought", XLR8 said to herself, grabbing the book and walking out the door upset, not noticing the door had opened.

Later that day, Mirage, Roadbuster, and Topspin made it to the Pits, seeing there was no evidence of there even being a battle fought there.
"That's not possible. The Resistance should be whipped out." Topspin said.
"Stay here. I'll see what's going on." Mirage said, turning invisible to get a closer look.
When Mirage was near the wall looking for a way in, he didn't hear Roadbuster and Topspin being taking captured by Darksteel and Sky Lynx, telling them their king is going to love adding two more wreckers to his collection. Seeing it at the last second, knowing he wasn't a match for two Predacons, Mirage stuck back but jumped into the base just before the entrance was sealed again.

In the war room, Bumblebee, Hybrid, Megatron, FS Optimus, and Prowl were talking when Darksteel and Sky Lynx brought in the wreckers.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here." Megatron said.
"Roadbuster. Topspin, it's so nice for you to drop in like this." Hybrid said.
"Order's my qu- Hybrid." Sky Lynx asked.
"Take them to the cells. And tell Predaking." Hybrid smirked, knowing that Predaking wouldn't do anything to them unless she asked. Didn't mean he couldn't scare the hell out of them in the meantime.

"Do you think they came alone." FS Optimus asked.
"Possible. It doesn't really matter, though.
It's two less New Order members to deal with. Bumblebee said.
"Good point. The more we can take out before our final assault the better." Megatron agreed.
"Speaking off." FS Prowl said, gesturing to the plans spread out on the table.
"Right back to planning."

That night, XLR8 got in an agreement with her Soundwave about preventing her from seeing Barricade. Ending when XLR8 shouted something she didn't mean but was so angry, Midnight got defensive.
"You're not my real sire, Sideswipe is and a better one than you."
It was more Midnight that said it. Never the less, it still hurt Soundwave.

Running off using her super speed, XLR8 found herself in the one place she usually ended up when upset. In the vents.
"I can't believe I said that I wish Soundwave was my sire, not Sideswipe." XLR8 said to herself. What she didn't know was that because of the spell she cast, everything she said becomes true, meaning her sire bond with Sideswipe was severed and transferred to Soundwave, making Soundwave her sire by bond. All three felt it two, but it wasn't painful for Soundwave and XLR8. None of them knew what actually just happened.

As the leaders of the Resistance and FS Optimus and Prowl left the war room at midnight, Bee asked Hybrid if he could ask her something as they walked towards their rooms.
"Sure, what's up, Bee?"
"I know how this might sound, but even though I do love Blitz. I part of me still loves Optimus. Is that stupid or what." Bumblebee asked.
Signing Hybrid knew why Bumblebee felt this way and told him to follow her to her room so she could show him something.

"What am I looking at." Bumblebee asked in disbelief.
"Yours and Optimus energon, Bee. It mixes together creating something that fate decided hundreds of years ago." Hybrid said, grabbing one of her spell books to show Bumblebee what the colour meant.
"SOULMATES, this must be some sort of joke. They aren't really are they." Bumblebee asked Hybrid, hoping it wasn't true.
"It's incredibly rare, and up until I mixed yours and Optimus's energon to see why you kept constantly finding and going back to each other, I didn't think it was real. But that proves me wrong." Hybrid replied.
"So what does is truly mean." Bumblebee asked nervously.
"It means no matter how much you fight it or deny you like each other, one way or another, you will end up together or find each other. I'm sorry, Bee."
"Don't be it’s not your fault. Fate just has a sick sense of humour, apparently, but it makes sense. I don't want to, but I still love Optimus slightly. Is there anything that can be done about it." Bumblebee asked more out of curiosity than wanting to know.
"Bee, bond magic is incredibly complex, and like soulmates, I didn't believe it existed until recently." Hybrid explained.
"I understand that, but if you knew and I wanted to, would you." Bumblebee asked.
"Yes, but we both know you wouldn't be able to go through with it." Hybrid replied. Knowing exactly what Bumblebee was asking.

That night, Mirage had everything he needed and headed back to the New Order.
At the same time, Bluestreak headed for the Pits

Flashback:
After Hybrid got what she wanted from Mistress, she returned to Unicron to find him toying with Nova.
"I think it's time you finish him." Hybrid said, standing beside Unicron.
"You're probably right." Unicron agreed, making Nova kneel before driving the sword down his mouth, impaling him all the way through Afterwards there was the same light as when Nova absorbed Springer, Scourge, and Ratchet once gone all three layed unconscious around Nova's officialy dead lifeless body.
"Now, if you don't mind. Restore me like you promised." Unicron said.
"Of course." Hybrid said, returning Unicron to his body, his true body, the planet that was in deep space far away from Cybertron.
"Still find it funny that Snipes are the only ones that can kill and restore Unicron." Hybrid said to herself.

Chapter Text

That night, after Bee went back to his room and Mirage left, everyone else started settling down for the night.
Trapper and Rhapsody were making their way to their room when they got lost, not because they were actually lost. Trapper wanted to use his telekinesis to see if he could float them there, but they ended up in the arena.
[ Great job, Trap well done.] Rhapsody said sarcastically. As they started trying to find their way.
"I was just practising. And you could have said something my optics were closed." Trapper replied.
Giving her brother a are you fucking serious look before saying.
[ Yeah, cause you totally would have seen me telling you something.]
"You could have got my attention somehow."
[ And risk you dropping me. No thanks.]
"That's your fault then, so be mad at yourself, not me."
[ You’re the geniuses that wanted to test his powers.]
"Jealous much."
[ Of you hardly.]
"You know I could just levitate myself away faster, then you can run. Leaving you to find your own way back."
[ If you do, I'll make you sorry when I find you.]

Trapper and Rhapsody were too busy arguing that they didn't realize Megatron was walking in their direction until his shadow loomed over them.
Both signed thinking it was Guardian or Predaking only for them to freeze when they looked up to see Megatron.
"Are you two lost." Megatron asked, not getting a response from the twins.
Their body language said it all, though. Rhapsody also slightly stood in front of her brother even if she was uncomfortable, too. They knew this Megatron wasn't like theirs and they could be in the same as this one if someone was with them, it was different when it was just the three of them alone.

Taking a step forward, Megatron saw how the twins got even more rigged. Stepping back, Megatron opened his com to the Resistance requesting, the closest Resistance member to help the twins because he could see he was only going to make them more uncomfortable if he tried.
Surprisingly, it was XLR8 that responded to the slient message appearing out of the vent near Megatron's helm. Opening and jumping onto his shoulder and sliding down his arm like a fire pole.
"Thank you, XLR8." Megatron said, turning around.
"Anytime." XLR8 responded before looking to the twins.
"Are you two okay." XLR8 asked, seeing how they looked at Megatron.
Rhapsody signed something to her brother that XLR8 didn't understand until Trapper translated.
"We just have a history with our worlds Megatron, and it was just uncomfortable being alone with this one. Even if we knew it's not ours, it's still confronting." Trapper explained.
"I understand, but you have nothing to worry about with our Megatron he is more like a domestic cyber cat, a big softie, and only vicious to those he doesn't like." XLR8 explained, and her optics briefly changed colour when she described Megatron as a cat.
Choosing not to mention Trapper just told XLR8 they were lost.
Leading them back to the rooms, XLR8 missed what Rhapsody said to Trapper.
[ Isn't she this Sideswipe's daughter.]
"I believe so why." Trapper whispered.
[ It's just strange is all.] Rhapsody explained.

The next morning in the war room, Hybrid, Bumblebee, FS Optimus, and FS Prowl were waiting for Megatron when Smokescreen came into the room telling Bumblebee and Hybrid to follow him.

Stopping outside Megatron and Smokescreen's room, Smokescreen looked at both, saying, "Please don't laugh."
Inside Bumblebee and Hybrid stood staring at Megatron, not sure what to do or say, because out of all the reasons they thought Megatron was running late, him being a cyber cat wasn't one of them.

Meanwhile, Mirage had got back to the New Order and told Optimus what he found out.
Deciding to call a meeting to discuss what to do next, Optimus couldn't help but look around at all the seats that once had Ironhide, Ratchet, Arcee, Elita, Jazz, Prowl, and Ultra Magnus in them. Now, the only original members of the council were Starscream and Optimus. He could almost add the twins. They became council members when the camp was standing.
Now Chromia, Nightbeat, Fortress Maximus, Mirage, and Hound filled those empty seats, but two will always be vacant.
How did he let it get this bad? Was there any turning back now, Optimus was brought out of his thoughts by Fortress Maximus.
"What's the problem Optimus you're message seemed serious." Fortress asked as he entered the room with some of the others.
"The Resistance survived the attack." Optimus replied.
"How is that possible? No one could battle back an army that size." Nightbeat said.
"Somehow, they did, and the question now is what do we do. We have thrown everything we have at the Resistance, and their still standing." Optimus asked.
"What about the creatures." Brains said.
"Only Ratchet can control them, and I have no idea where he is." Optimus replied.
Not sure what to do next. The New Order sat in silence, trying to figure out their next move.

Back with Bumblebee, Hybrid, and Megatron. Smokescreen left earlier to meet up with Bluestreak and start the first step of the Resistances plans. While Hybrid, Bumblebee, and Megatron tried to figure out what happened.
"So you haven't come in contact with anything that could have caused this, like something you didn't recognize." Hybrid asked, trying to eliminate certain things.
"No, nothing like that." Megatron replied, wrapping his grey tail around the rest of his new body as he laid down.
"How is this even possible." Bumblebee asked.
"Well, there are shapeshifting spells and cursed relics that can transform bots, but I doubt anyone..."
"What is it, Hybrid?" Megatron asked, noticing her trailing off clearly thinking of something.
"I think I know who did this. They probably don't even know. Let me talk to them." Hybrid said, going to leave before Megatron stopped her.
"Wait, Hybrid, due to well this," Megatron gestured with his head at himself. "You are in command again until this is undone."
"Understood." Hybrid replied before going to look for XLR8.

As Bluestreak pulled up to where Smokescreen told him to met. Bluestreak causioly transformed out of his alt mode. Not sure he was going to be very welcome amongst the Resistance even if he just wanted to see his brother and would be arriving in peace. Bluestreak stayed put waiting.
A little while later, Bluestreak was growing concerned and nervous, waiting for Smokescreen, who still hadn't turned up. That's when he was taken by surprise.
Strafe had swooped down and picked Bluestreak up before tossing him in the air as Smokescreen opened up a ground bridge in the air and Bluestreak went through, afterwards Soundwave opened another ground bridge on the floor of a cell and Bluestreak shot out before he closed it, trapping Bluestreak.

Hybrid knocked on Blaster and Soundwave's door being greeted by Blaster.
"Hybrid. What's up." Blaster asked.
"I need to talk to XLR8. Is she here."
"Yeah.
Baby girl, Hybrid wants to talk to you." Blaster called out to XLR8.

At the same time Smokescreen and Strafe ground bridged back to the base and Smokescreen went to the cells by passing Springer and Scourge who were as predicted still suffering after effects, and Topspin and Roadbuster who still looked terrified after Predaking's visit.
Arriving at Bluestreak's cell, Smokescreen found his brother lying on his back on the ground.
"Are you okay, Lil Blue." Even though Smokescreen just tricked and probably scared him, he was concerned about his baby brother.
"Smokescreen, what in Pit was that. Why am I here? Is Prowl really hurt." Jumping up, Bluestreak went towards the energy bars placing his servos on two of them.
"I'm sorry, Blue, but we need you to draw Sunstreaker and Sideswipe out. And Prowl really is hurt. We don't know when he'll come out of it." Smokescreen answered.
"I want to see him." Bluestreak demanded.
"Not until you help us." Smokescreen replied.
"I won't help you hurt Sunstreaker and Sideswipe."
"Woah, someone has their hooks in deep, don't they." Dreadwing replied, coming in for his shift in guard duty.
"You don't know what you're talking about. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker love me." Bluestreak replied confidently.
"Delusion as well, I see." Dreadwing said to Smokescreen before taking a seat in front of Ratchet's cell where Ironhide placed a chair his last shift.

"You don't remember doing any magic around Megatron." Hybrid asked just to confirm her theory.
"No, I didn't use any magic near him. It's funny to picture him as a cat, though." XLR8 said, smiling.
"It's not funny." Hybrid replied, trying to suppress her laughter.

In the New Order, the council couldn't come up with anything, so Optimus dismissed them because it was no use having a meeting if they weren't getting anywhere.
Sideswipe saw this as his chance to go to the med bay and get First Aid or Chromia to check his chassis. Since the sudden pain he felt, his chassis felt different, and he wanted to know what was causing it.

"Good news, Sideswipe, nothing is physically wrong with you. In fact medically your completely healthy." First Aid told Sideswipe, showing him the test results.
"Then why does my chassis still hurt." Sideswipe snapped.
"I said you're physically healthy, didn't say anything about your mental state. And I'm not qualified to assess you to try and figure out what's wrong. " First Aid replied.
"Great. Thanks for nothing." Sideswipe muttered on his way out of the med bay.

On his way to his room, he was met halfway by his brother, showing him Bluestreak's personal data pad with his message on it. Telling them both about Prowl and despite everything he had to see him and know if was going to be okay.
Both twins weren't happy with Bluestreak going off by himself like that. They would have preferred to go with him and keep him safe if need be. Then again, Bluestreak was probably right in saying it was probably better off if he went alone, considering Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are public enemy one to the Resistance.
Seating tight wasn't their style, but for Bluestreak, they would do as he asked and wait there for him to return.

That night, XLR8 had made her way to Barricade's room. Intending to spend the night there after Blaster talked Soundwave around or in her carrier's words.
"You're sire, and I sorted it out like mature bots in a room on our own, and after I beat the slag out of him, he agreed to let you stay with Barricade tonight."
XLR8 smiled, thinking about that because she highly doubted her carrier did that, but she knew her carrier could make Soundwave agree to do anything.

Walking past the FS bots, XLR8 stopped to listen to the conversation they were having, not meaning to ease drop, but she heard this world's Dreadwing mentioned and was curious.
"You can't seriously be worried that Jazz has been hanging around this world's Dreadwing." Guardian asked Prowl.
"I'm not worried." Prowl said defensively.
"Tell that your body language and yourself because both say otherwise." Predaking said.
Knowing he had been caught out by both Predaking and Guardian, Prowl almost gave in but held strong in defence of himself.
"I'm not jealous." Prowl replied confidently until a smile broke out on Guardian's faceplate.
"No one said anything about you being jealous." Optimus pointed out.
"I never thought I'd see the day old Prowler would get jealous. This is just too good." Guardian said with a smirk.
"What happened to that nice little Predacon that used to ask me questions about stuff he was interested in because he thought I was one of the smartest bots in the universe." Prowl groaned.
Feeling a let bad now Guardian went on to say, "Prowl, come on, you know, looks don't matter to Jazz."
Hearing that, Prowl glared at Guardian almost silently, asking just what he was impelling. So Guardian quickly added, "Because he only has optics for you."
When Prowl looked away, Guardian moved closer to Predaking, who wrapped his arm around Guardian's shoulders, whispering.
"Nice save."
"Thanks, I was scrambling." Guardian replied, laying his helm on Predaking's shoulder.

Choosing to walk away, then XLR8 let her mind wander and couldn't help but say.
"Curious what would happen if that Prowl was also injured and how his Jazz would react." And just like that, FS Prowl collapsed, completely unconscious.

Three days later, things had gotten out of control with Wheeljack losing his sight, Bumblebee becoming accident prone, Springer becoming a femme, and Rhapsody and Trapper switching bodies.
And it all lend back to XLR8.
So Hybrid went to talk to her and found out what she had done.
"Hybrid, I swear I haven't done anything." XLR8 said as Hybrid sat beside her, and she pointed to the spell she tried.
"XLR8, this is a my will be done spell, almost anything you say will happen. It's dangerous and should only ever be used in desperate situations, like the warning says." Hybrid explained.
"But it didn't work. I'll prove. I am so in love with Tarn and want to be his sparkmate." XLR8 said.
"NO DON'T" Hybrid shouted it was too late though, all of a sudden Tarn was kneeling in front of XLR8 asking her to be his sparkmate, and she jumped into his arms, saying yes.
"What an idiot." Hybrid mumbled before starting to think how the fuck she was going to explain this to Soundwave and Blaster not to mention everyone else.

At least Smokescreen was making more progress in his plan by hesitatingly asking Cyclonus for help if his youngest brother wasn't going to help willingly.
"Just scare him, but not too much, I don't want him terrified. Don't touch him either.
Do what you do best and scare him enough so we can send it to Sunstreaker and Sideswipe and draw them out." Smokescreen said still not sure he really wanted Cyclonus of all bots near his brother, but it was either him or Scourge.
Both can be pretty terrifying and have caused a lot of fear in their pasts. Still it hurt Smokescreen had to do this because Bluestreak refused to just sound and look scared, if he had the Resistance would have sent that to Sunstreaker and Sideswipe but he hadn't so now Smokescreen had to resort to acutely scaring him.

Using metal bending on the door of the room, Tarn was in Hybrid and took XLR8 with her to her creators, refusing to leave them alone or let Tarn walk freely around the Pits.
"Blaster. Soundwave, we need to talk about something serious." Hybrid said, coming into their room without knocking.
Jazz, Dreadwing, and Wheeljack were also present in the room when Hybrid came in with XLR8.
"What's wrong with her." Dreadwing asked, seeing XLR8 stare dreamily towards the door.
"Tarn." Was all Hybrid got out before XLR8 started.
"Is my sparks delight. His so handsome and strong.
Our love is one that is written in the stars and is stronger than time."
"Stop." Hybrid said using magic to knock XLR8 out.
"What the slag is going on." Soundwave said, sounding as angry as he did when Sideswipe almost beat Blaster to death.

"Hello Bluestreak. You probably don't remember me. The last time we met, your sire's energon was staining my servos, and you were crying in your crib for him." Cyclonus said, stopping before continuing.
"Unfortunately for you, I have a score to settle with Sunstreaker and Sideswipe from what they tried to do to me at the camp. Shame your going to pay for their actions, but no one will miss you. Your own brother doesn't even care. Who do you think told me you were here, knowing about my history with your sire and the twins. Almost like he wants you dead." Cyclonus finished deactivating the energy bars that separated him and Bluestreak.
Backing up Bluestreak put whatever distance he could between him and Cyclonus.
"You're lying. Smokescreen would never work with the mech responsible for our sire's death."
"Really, baby Blue, you don't sound so sure. And if you haven't noticed, you have back yourself into a corner."
Only realizing that he had after Cyclonus pointed it out, Bluestreak went to move only for the Cyclonus to box him in with his arms.
"Now let's have some fun." Cyclonus said, giving Bluestreak a flashback to when Starscream tortured him. Flinching, when Cyclonus swiftly raised his servo, he got a laugh out of Cyclonus in response.

"You have to be able to reverse this." Blaster said to Hybrid, almost pleading.
"Not by myself. Let me handle it.
Watch XLR8 as soon as the spell I put on her wears off she will do anything to get back to Tarn." Hybrid warned, leaving the room.

Arriving in the cell block as Cyclonus left with a smile, Hybrid stopped beside opening her mouth, then closing it, continuing to walk.
Bluestreak didn't even notice her walk by, to wrapped up in his own thoughts rocking back and forth in a ball.
Roadbuster and Topspin backed away from the front of their cell, too, when Hybrid pasted them.
Stopping in front of Scourge's cell.
"I need your help, and if you want out of this cell, you better help." Hybrid said.
Coming to the front of the cell, Scourge placed his cell on the bars and rested his helm on one staring down at Hybrid.
"What do you need." Scourge asked.

Unfortunately for Blaster, Soundwave, Jazz, and Dreadwing XLR8 woke up and used Midnight's camouflage ability coupled with her super speed and stuck past them.
Wheeljack herad a whoops sound though. Tapping Dreadwing's shoulder were he's servo rested mostly since being blinded to get Dreadwing's attention.
"Is XLR8 still in the room." Wheeljack asked.
Everyone turned to the berth where XLR8 was only seconds ago.
"Your daughter is a menace." Jazz said to Blaster before they all left looking for XLR8.

Standing outside the room, Tarn was in. XLR8 was about to jump in the vents that led to the room when Barricade tapped her shoulder.
"XLR8, what are you doing." Barricade asked, confused why his girlfriend was standing in the middle of the hall.
"Barricade. I really like you, and I hope you know you mean a lot to me and if things were different."
"Different then what." Barricade asked, completely confused now.
Taking hold of Barricade's servo, XLR8 said.
"I want you to promise me we can always be friends. And I want you to be one of the first to know."
"Know what."
"I'm about to be sparkmates with someone can you believe it."
"Come again."
"I know it's crazy I never really noticed until now, but when you know you know, you know."
"No."
"I hope you like him. Well, no one really likes him."
"Can we start from the beginning XLR8? I'm lost."
"I don't really like him, but I do love him."
"Who."
"What."
"What's his name."
"Who."
"The bot your apparently spark bonding with."
"Don't be mad."
"I'm not mad."
"You are mad Barricade."
"No I am.
I mean.
I really.
I need to go away and just be away." Barricade said both hurt and confused. Going to follow him. XLR8 stopped when Barricade said.
"No. Stay."
Once Barricade was out of sight, XLR8 focus went back to trying to get to Tarn. Running up the wall using super speed getting into the vent.

"I have what you asked for." Cyclonus said, handing Smokescreen his data pad with the video of a traumatised Bluestreak.
"Thank you.
For the record, I get no enjoyment out of this." Smokescreen said but not to Cyclonus, to FS Jazz who used the powers Hybrid gave him to make Bluestreak see everything Cyclonus was saying making the experience worse for him.
"I believe you. Unfortunately, in war, though sometimes you have to do things you never thought you could." FS Jazz replied.

In the New Order during a council meeting, Starscream was the one that brought up that there was devices Ratchet had worked on that would allow anyone wearing the psychic crown would be able control anyone wearing psychic inhibitors.
"Great idea. Who do we target." Mirage asked
"I suggest the new bots and get them to turn on the Resistance." Brains said
"Excellent, now we just need to get these inhibitors on their helms somehow." Sideswipe said.
"Leaving that to me." Optimus said, hoping to offer something to Hybrid that she couldn't resist, and hopefully, she has some of the new bots accompanying her so Optimus could use them to kill Hybrid. If she agrees to the meeting, he was going to plan.

"Tarn, my love." XLR8 said, jumping out of the vent into Tarn's arms.
"You ready to become my sparkmate, sweetspark." Tarn asked, laying down on the berth with XLR8 laying on his chassis.
"More than ready."
Kissing each other hungrily.

Avoiding everyone, especially Breakdown. Hybrid and Scourge burst into the room XLR8, and Tarn was making out with Tarn on top of XLR8.
Acting fast, Scourge and Hybrid locked one servo, each with Scourge, saying the words to the reversal spell, and Hybrid the words to the nullifying spell.
Sending out a magical pulse planet wide undoing everything XLR8 did and getting rid of the spell on her so she could no longer say anything and make it happen.
Poor XLR8 freaked out when the spell hit and saw herself under Tarn.
To Hybrid's surprise, before she could act, Scourge had ripped Tarn off of XLR8 and threw him into the wall, and as Tarn took off, Scourge went after him. As XLR8 wiped at her mouth and spit, saying, "Tarn's lips, lips of Tarn. I fell violated."
Thankfully, Soundwave and Blaster found them and went to XLR8 to see if she was okay, letting Hybrid free to go after Tarn while shouting into her com that Tarn was loss in the base.

Everyone was on high alert hearing that Tarn Cybertrons second only to Scourge worst serial killer was in their base.
"Anyone of optics on Tarn." Megatron asked.
"Found him. His headed towards the med bay." Hot Rod said.
"Let him come here. We'll deal with him." Breakdown replied, referring to him and Jazz.
Running into the med bay, Tarn narrowly missed Breakdown's hammer to the helm. He mangaed to duck Jazz's sound blast at the last second.
"Flexible little freak, isn't he." Breakdown said to Jazz as they tried cornering him.
Choosing to attack fast this time Jazz shot at Tarn forcing him towards Breakdown, allowing Breakdown to upper cut Tarn with his hammer.
Dazzled and confused, Tarn didn't notice his helm was near the med bay office until he touched it with the back of his helm and fell into it, as Breakdown went to crush his helm. Accidentally breaking the door lock, jamming it with Tarn trapped inside.

Turning around as Hybrid, Ravage, Laserbeak, Blitzwing, and Hot Rod entered the med bay. Breakdown pointed to the office. Getting the hint, Hybrid told Ravage and Laserbeak to go through the vent, and she would meet them inside.
"Why' ll I'm in there, get Wheeljack down here to fix the lock. Do not bother Soundwave is needed elsewhere." Hybrid said. Then, phased through the door. Only to see the room empty already, but it was clear Tarn had stolen something, and whatever it was probably wasn't good.
Seeing the grate for the bigger vent on the floor open, Hybrid told Ravage and Laserbeak to follow him, and as she got Bumblebee on the com to warn him, Tarn was most likely headed his way.

Thanking Hybrid for the heads up, Bumblebee told Grimlock, Strafe, and Sludge to go stand guard at the only exit at the only door the bigger vent led to.
Tarn jumped at of the vent at the top of the training area dropping down, freezing seeing the Dinobots at the door and after Laserbeak flew out of the vent with Ravage,Tarn ducked and rolled as Ravage was thrown at his faceplate, only to be met by Bumblebee putting up a wall of fire trapping Tarn between it and the Dinobots.
"Sorry, Tarn, but you are too dangerous to be left alive." Bumblebee said as Grimlock advanced, and Sludge and Strafe stayed by the door.
Just as Tarn was about to come to the realisation that he might be about to die, a portal opened up below him and he fell through, finding himself back in the Society's base thanks to Galvatron who had been tracking Tarn with magic since he disappeared.
"Thanks for assistance." Tarn said, getting up.
"Anytime.
What's in the bag." Galvatron asked.
"A gift for the true rulers of Cybertron." Tarn replied.

The next day, Bumblebee filled in everyone on everything that happened that night because some had questions, like how Tarn got in. Did XLR8 know what she was doing. Why isn't Megatron present.
All of which Bumblebee answered, but he could tell the Resistance was starting to crack again. With one thing after the other, he could see why, but that's why he asked Optimus to use his powers to help everyone feel better.

During the meeting, Hybrid went to see why Megatron didn't come to the meeting, surprised to see he was still a cat.
"This is definitely some powerful magic if Scourge and I combined couldn't undo it." Hybrid commented.
"You worked with Scourge. How did that go. Is he getting better." Megatron asked.
"His darker tendencies seem to be disappearing it probably helps Blitzwing grant his request, putting him and Springer in the same cell." Hybrid explained.
"One thing, after you undid what XLR8 did mostly, what did Scourge do." Megatron asked. Wanting to give Scourge the benefit of the doubt.
"After he lost Tarn, he willingly went back to his cell, actually." Hybrid said before raising her servo out to Megatron and said, "This could work."
Reading the words from the book carefully, Hybrid mangaed to turn Megatron from a cyber cat to a cyber dog.
"Or maybe not."
"Yeah, this is much better." Megatron replied angrily.
"Hey, lose the tone, or you can try and look for the right spell yourself." Hybrid snapped.
"You're right. That was uncalled for. I know you're trying."

Later that day, Optimus did as Bumblebee requested. Optimus's battle meditation did the trick again, and everyone felt rejuvenated and like nothing could stop them. Promoting Dreadwing to go to Soundwave about his kids and talk about their training.

Finding Soundwave in the rec room with Frenzy and Laserbeak while Blaster was with XLR8 and Ravage in what was the battle masters private little garden.
Dreadwing got Soundwave's attention almost immediately.
"You look for serious then lately, Dread you okay." Soundwave asked concerned for one of his three closest friends.
"Yeah, sorry, not my intention to look so serious, but I do wish to talk about a slightly sensitive subject." Dreadwing explained.
"Whatever it is, you can tell me or talk to me about anything." Soundwave replied.
Venting deeply, Dreadwing asked Soundwave how he would feel about keeping his kids with their teachers more.
"In what why." Soundwave asked.
"In the way that Laserbeak shadows Megatron, and Ravage shadows Ironhide, and so on. Basically, learning from their teachers first hand and going with them on missions unless the teacher says otherwise. Which will give you and Blaster more time to focus on the upcoming sparkling and more time alone together if you catch my drift." Dreadwing finished saying with a smirk.
"Didn't know you were that invested in my interface life unless you, Hybrid, and Wheeljack have another bet going on." Soundwave replied playfully.
"Couldn't tell you if we did." Dreadwing said back just as playfully.
"Seriously, though. I'll talk to over with Blaster and see what he thinks, but more experience by learning from you, Megatron, Ironhide, and Hybrid could only help XLR8, Ravage, Laserbeak, and Frenzy." Soundwave said.
"Okay, just let me know." Dreadwing replied. Choosing to stay beside Soundwave and watch as Laserbeak and Frenzy chased after each other.
"You're not going to step in." Dreadwing asked curiously.
"Nope, sometimes siblings need to work things out on their own." Soundwave replied.
Nodding his helm, Dreadwing agreed, remembering all the times him and Skyquake fought.

That night, after Sideswipe and Sunstreaker passed, the sensor placed by Smokescreen. Cyclonus, Blitzwing, Jazz, and SF Prowl sprung their trap.
Blowing up the path the twins were on forcing them to transform out of their alt mode, allowing Blitzwing to freeze Sideswipe and Jazz and FS Prowl took down Sunstreaker using the same strategy Jazz and Prowl used when XLR8 acted as bait to draw Sideswipe out last time.
Bringing them back, they were thrown into the cell furthest from Bluestreak and left there. The Resistance had no interest in intriguing them or questioning them, only thinning out the New Order's numbers.

Soundwave and Blaster agreed to let Dreadwing, Ironhide, Megatron, and Hybrid train their kids more and keep them close, as long as they got their kids at night, which was absolutely fine with them.
Though because of Megatron's temporary condition, the other teachers asked the Resistance and FS bots if anyone would be willing to fill in for now.
Guardian ended up volunteering after no one else did.

The next day the Resistance finalised the plan with Breakdown, Knockout, Soundwave, and Blaster staying behind to run things at the Pits permanently, while three other teams would go out and comeback at different times competing different missions, slowly and surely to weaken and close in around the New Order.
The first team up was Hybrid's with XLR8, Guardian, Laserbeak, FS Jazz, Rhapsody, Trapper, Predaking, and Grimlock. Just before they left, Hybrid finally gave Rhapsody, Guardian, and FS Predaking their powers.

Chapter Text

Seating in the abandoned building, FS Jazz looked around the room that they were using to recharge for the night. He saw Rhapsody and Trapper curled up on either side of Guardian.
XLR8 and Laserbeak were sent back to Blaster and Soundwave for the night as part of some sort of deal Hybrid, Dreadwing, Ironhide, and Megatron had with them.
It was still strange to see how this Blaster and Soundwave acted with their sparklings compared to his world's Soundwave and Blaster, arguably there wasn't much of a difference they both pretty close knit families and both Soundwave's and Blaster's loved their sparklings unconditionally, the only real difference is that this world's Blaster isn't a fighter from what FS Jazz has seen and in this world XLR8 is their oldest child and his world didn't have a XLR8 as far as he was aware.
Grimlock was in his dino form curled up in the next room softly snoring.
And Predaking was asleep originally, Hybrid was with him. She left earlier, though, for something. Currently, however, she was talking to her uncle about something FS Jazz couldn't hear.
Not that it probably mattered or concerned him. To him, family business was just that for family only.

The last thing to go through FS Jazz's processor was that he was thankful Hybrid finally gave Guardian and Rhapsody their powers. Guardian's being earth bending, and Rhapsody's being power absorption the ability to steal or absorb powers of others temporarily there was a catch though, it wouldn't work on bots that didn't have any powers. Also, she had to touch the bot to get their powers.
Silently moving, Jazz took a page out of his kids' book and leant against Guardian, soaking up the heat he left off.
Half asleep, Guardian smiled at seeing Trapper and Jazz on one side of him and Rhapsody on the other.
Carefully, he wrapped his wings around them before going back to sleep himself.

Standing in what would've been a kitchen, Hybrid was finishing her talk with her uncle.
"Are you sure he is." Nightmare asked.
"Positive. I knew it the moment I saw him." Hybrid said.
"Bring him to me when you get the chance then, kid, and I'll show Guardian how to embrace the Undergrounder part of him." Nightmare replied.
"As long as he doesn't end up looking like you." Hybrid said cheekily.
Knowing his niece was joking, Nightmare smiled but kept a neutral voice.
"Very funny kid, I almost forgot to laugh."

Ending the call, Hybrid went back to the others stepping over Guardian's outstretched legs. To get to Predaking, curling up next to him, Hybrid vented in contentment going into recharge.

Underground the Society were becoming restless because Tarn and Galvatron promised success, and they had yet to deliver.
They did have their own little army if you could count five aerial bots an army, it did give the Society the makings of a small army when you combine them with Rattrap's Unicron Frogs is what they were calling them.
"Do you think Nemesis truly trusts Tarn and Galvatron cause I swear their up to something."
Sentinel asked Swindle, Wreak Gar, Wheelie, Thunderhoof, Steeljaw, and Rattrap
"No, he doesn't. It's more an alliance of necessity." Wheelie said.
"Nemesis isn't dumb at the first sign of them betraying us he will kill them himself." Swindle said.
No one else got to comment before Nemesis called all his men to him in what he had created and called his throne room, which was originally part of the surface structure.
"Good now that you're all here. I have an assignment for you, you, you, and the jet twins." Nemesis said, pointing to Sentinel, Wreak Gar, and Swindle.
"Tarn and Galvatron are close to getting us those allies they promised, but it involves the device Ratchet was building to bring humans here." Nemesis explained.
Before letting Galvatron finish.
"We need to repair it and keep it hidden. So we will be heading out tomorrow and why you lot repair it we will work on signalling our allies." Galvatron said.

Not happy about being assigned to grunt work, Sentinel wanted to fight this, but he thought better of it, because his boys will be with him away from Nemesis who has shown he has no problem killing his own men.

Steeljaw, Thunderhoof, and Rattrap shared a look, hoping it was just a coincidence that they had to stay behind. Hoping Nemesis hasn't got something planned for them in particular.

The next morning, Hybrid's team waited for XLR8 and Laserbeak to arrive via ground bridge before Grimlock opened another ground bridge as the team stepped through.
[ Where are we and why are we here? This place looks similar to what the humans call a beach side town on Earth. ] Rhapsody signed.
"Not sure. I'll ask." Jazz told his daughter before getting Hybrid's attention to ask.
"Where here to find a bot that can help influence Optimus to stop this war." Hybrid replied.
"Keep your helms down here, never talk to someone who approaches you from the docks, and stay on your guard, and at in the open as much as possible. This place might look nice, but it's far from it." Hybrid said.
"What do you mean." A confused Guardian asked for him and the other FS bots.
"This place is full of smugglers, pirates, thieves, traffickers. The law doesn't exist in this place never has." Predaking answered.
[ But why, how did it get this way.] Rhapsody asked, wanting to know more now than ever.
Predaking, Grimlock, and Hybrid shared a look before shaking their helms.
"All you need to know is this place developed differently from the rest of Cybertron. End of discussion." Hybrid replied with as much authority as she could without tapping into her Prime mood or Snipe state.
Rhapsody wasn't going to back down until Jazz put his servos over hers.
"Don't push it. Rhaps they clearly don't want to talk about it."

Splitting up into teams Rhapsody and Trapper stuck with their carrier, Guardian went of with Predaking and Laserbeak, Hybrid and XLR8 teamed up with Grimlock even though Hybrid and XLR8 are arguably the most powerful in the whole team safety in numbers and Grimlock's sheer size would detour most from trying anything because the last thing they needed was to start a fight in this place of all places. Rhapsody also couldn't be safer with her carrier and brother.
It was unclear why, but femmes were mostly targeted in this town, and rumour had to if one was taken, they were never seen or heard of again.

Over in Tyger Pax Sentinel, Wreak Gar Swindle, Jetfire, and Jetstorm had arrived and started work on repairing the interstellar ground bridge as Galvatron cloaked/shielded the bridge and ground hooks, so they wouldn't be interpreted.

Back at the most lawless place on Cybertron, no one had spotted the bot Hybrid showed them.
Hybrid half thought Mistress of Flame may have lied to her, and if that was the case, she would pay.

Rhapsody, Trapper, and Jazz had just finished searching around what looked to be a loading and unloading with no luck either. When they went to leave, they were confronted by a group of unpleasant looking bots, easily twelve or more.
"We don't want trouble. We were just leaving." Jazz said ,signalling behind his back, roughly telling Rhapsody to absorb His and her brothers powers so all three could use them if need be.
"I why do you think we want you to leave." One of the traffickers said, holding a relic that can take bots powers away if they weren't born with them.
"Yeah, Lord Optimus will be pleased we captured war criminal Jazz."
[That's not fragging happening.] Rhapsody said.
"What she said." Trapper said, pointing to his sister.
"Enough of this grab them."
Rushing forward, the traffickers coming at them didn't even get close as Trapper and Rhapsody sent them flying backwards.
"Oh, you have powers, do ya. Let's see how you do without them, shall we." The leader said, holding the relic above his helm.
An amber light enveloped Jazz, Trapper, and Rhapsody going towards the relic.
"Now let's try this again. Grab them."

Jazz punched the first bot in the faceplate then kneed him in the mid section tossing him aside, kicking another bot in the faceplate dropping him, ducking when a third bot ran at him, turning the bot around after he missed, Jazz put both his servos behind his neck, dropping to one knee stunning the bot, Jazz then turned so he was facing away from the bot wrapping his arm around their neck and jumped wrapping his peds on the shoulders of the first bot who tried attacking him, twisting to the side Jazz took them both down, before a bot grabbed from behind trapping one of his arms, allowing another bot to kick Jazz right in his mid section twice before moving back so he could kick Jazz in the helm.
Shifting his weight, getting his arm free, Jazz dropped, causing the bit to kick the one previously holding him in the face, seeing him distracted by what he did Jazz got up and drop kicked him into one side of the ally they were stuck in.
Rhapsody duck under the bot taking a swing at her but grabbed his arm he tried to hit her with with one servo and wrapped them other around his neck, then placed the other one there and dropped hurting the bot neck with a move Guardian taught her. When she was getting back up another bot grabbed her in a werid way, which was around her waist and was standing hip to hip with her and in the opposite direction allowing Rhapsody to twist in his grip, grabbing his arm then shifted her weight to one side making the bot flip over her as she landed on her back, sending the bot helm first into the bins near her.
Kicking up running at the bot closest to her, performing a tiltawhirl head scissors, take done.
Trapper let the bot coming out him to build up enough momentum before sidestepping when he got close, lifting him slightly in the air using his momentum against him, before kneeing him in the faceplate as he came down. Using what Guardian showed him and called a pump up knee strike, unlike Guardian's that tend to knock bots out or on their backs, Trapper's merely stunned the bot. Trapper just pushed him down the rest of the way.

Their upper hand didn't last long as they were soon overwhelmed by other bots joining the fight.
Jazz ended up pressed against the wall with his faceplate being pushed aggressively into the wall, Rhapsody was in a similar position, Trapper he had been grabbed. Just as the traffickers thought they won, Hybrid appeared in the entrance to the ally using her sickle as a makeshift cane for some reason.
"What's going on here."
"You y-you're the Snipe." One of the traffickers said in fear, causing half of them to backup, partly due to their friends' reaction and partly because they aren't brave enough to attack the Snipe.
"Oh good, my reputation precedes me. Now, let my friends go before this gets really messy." Hybrid said.
"I don't think so." The leader said rasing he's servo that did make the relic in it but was now in Hybrid's.
"Looking for something."
Handing it to Grimlock. Hybrid pointed to the sky with her sickle, suddenly a storm appeared over them.
"Let me show you true power." Pointing towards the bots that had Trapper, Rhapsody, and Jazz prisoner. Lightning struck every one of them, either knocking them out or killing them, leaving Trapper, Rhapsody, and Jazz unharmed.
"Are you okay." Hybrid asked, going back to hold her sickle normal.
"Yes, thank you. But I think you should know that they said something about your Optimus wanting Jazz." FS Jazz said.
"I'm not surprised. He wants everyone in the Resistance captured or dead." Grimlock replied as Guardian and Predaking ran up to them.
"What happened? we saw the light -" Guardian stopped seeing the bots all over the alleyway smoking ro some degree, "Never mind."

Nodding her helm to the side, Hybrid got Predaking, Grimlock, and XLR8 and Laserbeak to join her to the side.
"I'm getting a real bad feeling that is growing more and more involving our guests over there."
"What do you mean, my queen."
"Something is about to happen, but I don't know what. There is an uneasy feeling in the air." Hybrid replied, sounding concerned.
"It might just be this place. It is eerie here." XLR8 said, trying to help.
"It's more than that XLR8, but I do know what you're saying.
Just keep an optic on them Grim and you to my king and wait at the opposite end of this town near the ocean side docks, and away from these docks." Hybrid said.
Knowing Hybrid knew what she was doing, Predaking titled her helm up and kissed her before leaving with Grimlock and the others away from the space port to the actual beach side part of town, which just happens to be the only way to travel in from outside, unless you have a ground bridge or could teleport. The ships that flew in here to land at the space port are all original from here anyway.
Not like any bot would willingly live in a town where the law doesn't exist.
Seating down on her Hybrid's shoulder, Laserbeak asked what now.
"I saw who we were looking for earlier, so we go talk to him." Hybrid replied, hoping the bot was still near the bar.

Back in the Resistance base in Scourge and Springer's cell, the last of the darkness was leaving them causing them to relieve the most evil thing they have ever done and in Scourge's case it was when he slaughtered that entire family and song while he did it.
Flashback:
"Oh, one by one, they all will tumble down
Drop without a sound, six feet underground
Oh, one by one, they bleed a pretty shade
The red's never the same, pumped through artery or vein
From blade to pills, to rope around the neck
It's a thrill they never will forget
From blade to dirt, it happens so damn quick
And nothing does the trick like murdering for kicks."

"So show me how you bleed
Oh, close your eyes and let me hear you as you breathe
Thе last breath that you have, beforе the final stab
Is knocking at your door
And I want more
Oh, one by one, they all will hear the sound
Of being drowned... while tied up, gagged and bound
Oh, one by one, it hits them in the guts
Another couple slugs, then toss 'em in the rug
A bag, a box or maybe in a cake
It's a choice they never get to make
From bag to dirt, it happens so damn quick
Oh, nothing does the trick like murdering for kicks."

"So show me how you bleed
Oh, close your eyes and let me hear you as you breathe
The last breath that you have, before the final stab
Is knocking at your door with open arms
So show me how you bleeeeeed
Oh, close your eyes and let me hear you as you breathe
The last breath that you have, before the final stab
Is knocking at your door
And I need a little more!"

"Yeah, I need a little more!"

"Oh, let me have one more."

"I gotta have one mooooooore yeah!"
End Flashback:

Scourge could remember that with every sentence, he killed a member of that family until all forty members were dead adults, teenagers, even the kids.
Something he didn't regret at the time, and he still remembered all the scares, cries, and bots begging for mercy.
Closing his optics, Scourge waited for the unpleasant memory to pass. He held Springer closer to his chassis to try and comfort him at the same time as he experienced the same thing.

[Why are we here and not with them.] Rhapsody signed at Predaking.
"Because Hybrid is in command and wants you safe, clearly worried after what happened." Predaking answered sternly, growing tired of Rhapsody constant questions.
[She put us on her team and now sidelines us. I thought you needed our help.]
Having enough Predaking growled at her, making Guardian get in his face and growl back so Grimlock joined in and pushed Guardian back growling too.
"ENOUGH. Fighting each other is not going to help anything." Pushing all four back Trapper, turned back around to watch what caught his optic earlier cause he thought he saw his world's Mirage..

In the bar, Hybrid managed to find the bot they were looking for and explained how she knew who he was to Optimus and Megatron.
"But Scourge said the deal had to remain secret." The bot said in surprise.
"He lied. He was counting on your cowardice at the time to keep you quiet. He didn't tell me someone else did." Hybrid replied.
"Really who."
"Doesn't matter what matters is will you help your son." Hybrid asked.
"Yes, we need to retrieve something first. Don't worry, it's close by."
"Lead the way."

[Trap, what has you so focused. ]Rhapsody asked her brother.
"It feels like we're being watched." Trapper replied, never taking his optics of what he thought he saw even if it has stopped moving for now.
"Trapper baby, if you're not careful, you're going to turn into your sire. All serious all the time." Jazz teased his son. Laughing at what their carrier said, Rhapsody was going to add on but never got the chance as an emp grenade landed close by taking out everyone but Trapper and Predaking who weren't caught in the field it let off.
From the shadows Trapper was watching, Mirage, Menasor, Optimus, and Starscream appeared.
"You know what to do." Optimus said as Starscream moved to put the mind control device on the unconscious bots, stopped briefly by Predaking until Menasor stepped in, taking on Predaking.
Not liking the odds Predaking told Trapper to run and find Hybrid.

Meanwhile, Hybrid, XLR8,and Laserbeak followed Optimus and Megatron's real sire to a Cove of sorts.
"Why are we here because all I see is a place where high grade comes to die." XLR8 remarked, seeing all the empty cubes everywhere.
"In truth, that's what I came here to do after Scourge took my sons." Bending down the sire grabbed something telling Hybrid he had what he needed, not that she doubted him, Hybrid asked to see what she and the Resistance were putting their hopes in. Seeing it was a coin of a long lost magic order but heard stories of what they could do, Hybrid nodded her helm at Megatron and Optimus's true sire. Hybrid told him that when the time was right, she would be back to collect him.

Making their way back to town, Trapper and XLR8 collided with each in Trapper's rush to find them and tell them what was happening.
Rushing of they arrived to find a badly beaten Predaking being helped by Grimlock and Rhapsody, Jazz, and Guardian missing.
"Trapper, Trapper, are you okay." XLR8 asked Trapper as he looked around helplessly.
"Hey, easy. I promise you we will get them back, but I need you to keep a level helm. I know you can, trust me. The New Order are stupid unfortunately, they know that their more valuable alive." Placing her servos on Trapper's shoulders, Hybrid ended up pulling him close, trying to reassure him, while also looking over at her mate.
Predaking got up with Grimlock's help, he was clearly very unstable so Hybrid used her telekinesis to bring Predaking to her, once beside her he knelt down and rested his helm next to her in a rare moment of vulnerability showing just how sore he really is.

Giving Hook a heads up about Predaking. Grimlock grabbed hold of Hybrid as did everyone else as she teleported back to the Pits. It took a lot out of her teleporting a Predacon and Dinobot at the same time.
Once Predaking was in the med bay and XLR8 and Laserbeak were back with their creators, Hybrid knew she had to keep FS Prowl and Predaking from finding out. Trapper already promised not to say anything for now.

After making sure Predaking was going to be okay, Hybrid left the med bay to clear her helm, and that's when it she was ambushed by FS Predaking and Prowl asking her where the others are.
"OKAY, BACK OFF. They are fine they are staying at the outpost we camped out the last two nights.
I'm not getting defensive. You are, just back off and get off my case. What is this anyway, twenty questions. Get out of my way before I do something I'll pretend to be sorry for." Walking past them Hybrid knew she was rumbling but she was a little preoccupied what with, her mate in the med bay, Rhapsody, Guardian, and FS Jazz being taken by the New Order and that knight.
"That fragging knight. He needs to die." Hybrid said to herself.

Waiting to midnight, Hybrid sat in the mess hall with half an energon cube, just thinking when the knight chose to appear and sat right next to her.
"So sis, bad day." He asked.
"You could say that. I have a feeling it's about to get better." Hybrid replied, holding the dagger that still had Bumblebee names on it despite the sword being blank.
"That's goo--
The knight moved just before Hybrid could stab him, trying again Hybrid swung at the Knight, who blocked it with both his arms pushing Hybrid away.
"What the pit. I thought we were friends, I helped you bring those other bots here."
"You're not my friend. You're a monster. One that needs to die."
Running at the knight and baseball sliding past him at the last second Hybrid tried to slice his back but he spun and kicked the servo the dagger was in, Hybrid held on to it though. Using her force field ability, she repelled the Knight away from her. Getting to his peds he ran at her this time and reached for the dagger twisting Hybrid's servo holding it to try and get her to drop it but she spun and was behind the Knight grabbing holding of him trying to use magic to freeze him to death, letting go of Hybrid the Knight went to kick her, only for her to phase and appear in front of him using her fear gas on him but just missed as he ducked at the last second, rolling towards the door.

"You just made a big mistake, Hybrid. Let me show you how a true Snipe uses their abilities." And like any other time, he used his powers Hybrid grabbed her helm as the room shook or what she realized was his reality powers in effect and it lasted longer then usual but it felt different like her life had changed this time around, she wasn't sure how though.
The Knight was gone, though, when everything cleared.

The next morning in the New Order Optimus was visited by the Knight.
"You looking for new recruits cause I'm willing to join and in return I can kill Hybrid for you."
Smiling Optimus, welcomed the Knight into the New Order straight away.

Chapter Text

Groaning Guardian started to come to, slowly seating up, grabbed his helm cause it was slightly ringing as he sat up.
Looking around Guardian noticed three things, one he was clearly a prisoner, two Jazz and Rhapsody were with him which both eased and heightened his concerns, three the energy bars on the cell seem also act as a power dampener because he felt disconnect from the earth for the first time since Hybrid gave him his powers.
Knowing there was almost nothing to do other than wait and see what happened, Guardian gathered both Jazz and Rhapsody into his arms and waited for his captor to make themselves known.

Making sure everyone was with him, Bumblebee opened a ground bridge right in the middle of New Order territory to start causing a headache for the New Order by clearing out their living shields.
Thanks to FS Jazz and Cyclonus working together to scare Bluestreak, they found out more than they bargained for.
They discovered the New Order only has marshal law in place to use the Cybertronians under their protection as living shields to detour the resistance from attacking.
They also discovered the New Order had finished construction of a smaller factory that had been creating sentries for the last almost year, but that was the other teams job to handle that job.
Right now, Bumblebee and his team had work to do to clear out as many bots as possible before the final assault.

At Tyger Pax Sentinel, Wreak Gar, Jetfire, Jetstorm, and Tarn were working on fixing the hooks, so the interstellar ground bridge didn't destabilise when it was operational. Swindle and Galvatron stood guard to make sure no one found them.
"I think we almost have it, brother." Jetfire said as he and Jetstorm worked on the sky hook.
"Almost we just need to ground it with the conductors, and it should be good to go." Jetstorm replied.

With the ground hook, it was taking longer because the conductors had to go below ground for it to work. If they were above ground, they would quite literally fly off as soon as someone attempted to start it.
So, in a hole in the ground, Tarn just finished placing the first conductor with a tunnel open to the hook for the energy to flow through and build safety.
"One done 9 more to go. I wonder what XLR8 is up to this afternoon." Tarn said to myself, climbing out of the hole to start digging the second one with the help of Wreak Gar.

In the Resistance base XLR8, Laserbeak, Trapper, and Grimlock were all acting strange, they believed Hybrid would figure out a way to rescue Guardian, Rhapsody, and FS Jazz, but when was the problem because they had to lie to FS Optimus, Prowl, and Predaking in the meantime and it wasn't easy especially with FS Prowl questioning things already. But if he confronted Hybrid about it, he would find out the hard way why you don't piss of a Snipe.
XLR8 also had other things to worry about, like what she said to Barricade when she cursed herself.
Right now, she was cuddled between her siblings and their creators' content to stay their until morning.

That night in New Order territory, Bumblebee, Barricade, Dreadwing, Sludge, Strafe, Wheeljack, FS Optimus and Predaking had gathered up a reasonably large group of bots, through out the day telling them to met at a community hall to get them to see the truth.

The bots they gathered all stood around the hall quietly talking because they weren't supposed to be out of their homes this hour. Afraid they might get caught before they heard a noise outside, and it was the Dinobots distracting the local military that the New Order paid of. Leading them away from the hall.
"I know you are scared, and I understand why, but we are here to help, I promise." Bumblebee said, getting the bots that gathered to look at him on the stage where he stood with the other members of his team.
"This is also your chance to either raise up yourself or leave in three days' time. Spread the word." Bumblebee said.
The crowd wasn't convinced, though.
"Why should we trust you.", "What makes you think you can keep us safe.", "The New Order claim you're the bad guys. Do you have proof their lying." Bots in the crowd quietly shouted at Bumblebee.
"Yes, we do. Wheeljack if you will." Pointing to the screens above, Bumblebee let the bots watch and see what the New Order really thought of them. Showing the locals, they really were nothing more to the New Order than living shields.
"You ready to listen now." Bumblebee asked, getting nods and yes's from the bots in the hall.
"Good. In two days, there will be a ground bridge open just outside the city near the old church. That is your chance to leave. And we will distract the New Order why you do. But if you choose to stay, please stay in this hall, and the Resistance will make sure to avoid it if the up coming battle reaches here, but we promise to try and avoid this area all together."
"So you all have your houses to return to after we free Cybertron from the crashing rule of the New Order." Dreadwing said purposely riling the locals up, so they are more inclined to leave.

The next day, when Guardian woke up after accidentally falling asleep, he found himself chained to the ground in a large white room.
"HEY WHAT THE FRAG, LET ME OUT OF HERE YOU CARRIER FRAGGERS."
Trying to break free but couldn't, Guardian got worked up more.
"HEY FUCKERS, TO AFARID TO TAKE ME ON IN A FAIR FIGHT YOU HAD TO TIE ME UP.
WHERE'S JAZZ AND RHAPSODY."

In the med bay Rhapsody and Jazz were strapped to table elevated so they were more leaning against them instead of laying on them.
"Well, look who's finally awake. Now the fun begins. Leave us." Starscream ordered First Aid.
"Do you really think I'm afraid of you, hardly." Jazz said, even if he was a little scared because of the situation and that his daughter was possibly in danger.
"You may not be afraid of my but she might be, and the big one might be of Menasor." Starscream replied.
"Nothing phases, Guardian." Jazz replied, not saying anything about Rhapsody in hopes Starscream will ignore her and keep all his attention on him.
"Guardian. Is that his name. Well, he didn't do a good job of guarding you, did he. And with what Menasor wants to do to him, he wouldn't be guarding anyone for a while." Starscream taunted, saying guarding in a mocking way, making it sound like guaridan.
"What in Pit are you on about." Jazz asked. Needing to know what Starscream has planned for Guardian, even if he probably won't like the answer.
"Let's just say Menasor is a big bot that has needs and Guardian is the right size for those needs." Starscream replied.
Knowing exactly what Starscream was impelling, Rhapsody thrashed against her restraints in anger. Unfortunately, she got Starscream's attention before he smiled and leaned next to Jazz.
"Before I forget, we did a test of you three after we drugged you to knock you out, and we found some really interesting things. Like how she is your daughter, and you're pretty much blind without your visor. So out of the goodness of my spark, I'll take this off now cause you probably won't want to see what I'm about to do to your daughter." Starscream said, taking Jazz's visor off.

Acting without really thinking, only wanting to protect his daughter, Jazz used his powers of sight looking towards Starscream, and he felt it instantly, stumbling and falling over.
"What is happening. Why can't I tell the difference between right and left." Starscream screeched, trying to get up, only to fall back down, hitting the top of his helm.
"Someone help me." Starscream shouted.

Back in the Resistance base, Springer and Scourge were free, and the first stop Scourge made was to the med bay to see and apologise to his brother Knockout if he accepted it or not.
"Brother, may we talk." Scourge asked Knockout, who stumbled backwards in fear, unlike other times in his life, Scourge would have loved to see that fear in bots optics, when it came to his baby brother, and sons he would never want them to be afraid of him and feared the day one might, which has finally come.
"Knockout. I would never willingly hurt you, I wasn't myself, I had no free will. I know there is nothing I can say or do that will ever be enough, but I swear I'll do anything in my power to make up for what I did."
"Sc-scourge, you killed my sparkling, the sparkling I was afraid I would never be able to have after what Optimus did, only thanks to Hybrid was it possible. And now..."
"Little brother, please, if I could bring the sparkling back, I would. I just don't think it possible, not even Hybrid or Nova Prime could, and they are arguably two of the most powerful magic wielders in Cybertron history."
"Scourge, I know that. And deep down, I know you would never hurt me, probably prefer ripping out your own spark. It still doesn't change what happened. Eventually, I will get over it. It's just going to take time and space."
Understanding what his brother was saying, even if he didn't actually say it, Scourge turned and left doing what Knockout asked. Hoping that one day Knockout can truly forgive him or he could forgive himself.

"Why am I so disoriented. Why do I have no sense of direction." Starscream asked or more demanded First Aid to tell him.
"Do you mean why you have no sense of direction now or in your life in general." Chromia asked as she came into the med bay, letting First Aid go because she wouldn't put up with Starscream's crap, but First Aid unfortunately had a nasty habit of letting the officers walk all over him.
"That's not funny, Chromia. I can't stand without fall over or walking into stuff." Starscream sneered.
"I wasn't trying to be. I was merely being truthful. And servers you right if you ask me, but whatever happened looks like it's temporary and should wear off in a couple of hours."
Turning away from the scans, Chromia left Starscream all alone in the more private section of the med bay away from Rhapsody and FS Jazz.

Back in the public, things were going better then, except the Resistance members were getting more and more bots willing to leave by tomorrow, and the New Order had absolutely no idea they were there. Except for the Dinobots, but Sludge and Strafe gave them the slip so easily.
It was almost funny for the Resistance.
By that night, they had almost half of the local population ready to leave and a big chunk ready to start an uprising when the Resistance attacked. Claiming it will be harder for the New Order to fight a war on four different fronts. The Resistance didn't even ask for them to do that they weren't going to complain though, any advantage over the New Order they could get they would take.

As the Resistance settled in for the night with Dreadwing and Wheeljack, choosing to stay up and watch the door just in case, like Barricade and FS Optimus did last night.
Bumblebee was feeling a werid tug with his spark like it was trying to reach out to someone, it wasn't Blitzwing since he was asleep next to him it wasn't his sparklings who were safe with Knockout and Breakdown. And that's when Bumblebee remembered what Hybrid told him about him and Optimus.
Bumblebee was just going to try and ignore it, but the tugging sensation got worse almost to the point of hurting him, and he finally gave in.
Getting up, Bumblebee went to a different room so no one would see him teleporting out of there. He pretty had to since he teleports be setting himself on fire kinda, so it would be fairly obvious when he teleports.
And he didn't need anyone asking him where he was going.

Bumblebee wasn't the only one active that night, back at the Pits XLR8 was standing outside Barricade's door with what she thought was the perfect plan to explain why she said what she said when she cursed herself. Because she just can't tell Barricade the truth, it was too embarrassing, like how do you explain to the bot your dating you were crazy enough to actually curse yourself, that was next level stupid if you asked her.
Knocking on Barricade's door, that hitting her leg twice like some sort of nervous tick XLR8 waited for him to answer, until she remembered he was not currently at the base.
"I am so stupid." XLR8 said to herself.
"No, you're not. Don't ever say that again." Someone hissed, making XLR8 spin around to see who said it, but she was alone.
"Hello." XLR8 asked cautiously.
"Yes, hello." The voice replied, making XLR8 jump.
"Midnight." XLR8 asked, not sure.
"Who else." Midnight answered.
"Okay, this is new and kinda creepy. Could you always talk in my helm."
"Nope. It's a recent development."
Staying silent, XLR8 walked back to her families room, but instead of going to the berth her and her siblings had to share, she crawled into her creators berth and tucked herself under Soundwave's arm. Because it was a werid sensation to now be able to talk to Midnight in her helm and just wanted comfort that Blaster and Soundwave always gave, but she didn't want to disturb her carrier as he was sparked and needed all the sleep he could get.
Blaster, who was awake as soon as XLR8 crawled into the berth, like his carrier instincts always made him do so he could be ready to help which ever one of his sparklings who needed him, smiled at the sight and silently said to himself.
"Suck on that Sideswipe."

In the New Order base itself. Menasor finally made an appearance in the room, and Guardian was stuck in.
"Starscream was kidding he did get me a present, a very fraggable present." Menasor said.
Lifting his helm fast Guardian growled at Menasor, "What the fuck did you just say." Guardian choosing to use human swear words like he occasionally did.
"Relax, baby, I'll treat you real nice."
"Call me that again, and when I get out of here, I will kill you myself in the most painful possible." Guardian growled.
"Oh yeah, that's it talk dirty to me." Menasor moaned.
"Get closer then, and I'll whisper sweet nothing's into your audio or bite it of. I haven't made up my mind yet." Guardian replied.
"Now, now. Save that sort of talk until we interface." Menasor said, going to mount Guardian, who swiped him across the faceplate with his tail that wasn't strapped down like the rest of him. Getting Menasor good across his faceplate, leaving behind a nasty cut.
"Don't fucking touch me only my mate gets to touch me like that." Guardian growled. And why he was disgusted with what Menasor said, he was a little scared not wanting anyone but Predaking to do anything like that to him.

Angry at Guardian for hitting him, Menasor kneeled near his helm and held it in an iron grip sort of hurting Guardian.
"Listen here, you little afterburner. I don't care if you have a mate or not, I will take you eventually. Right now, you still have a say with how rough or gentle I will be. Hitting me again, I will leave you a whimpering pathetic mess. Don't fight it, and I'll be as gentle as possible.
I'll let you think it over." Lifting Guardian helm then slamming it into the ground Menasor left, as Guardian's optics flicked briefly before stopping.
"Predaking, where are you? Please find me." Guardian whispered to himself.

Appearing where Bumblebee could sense Optimus, he watched to make sure Optimus was alone before he called out.
Snapping his helm up and to the side, Optimus couldn't believe his Bumblebee was right there calling out to him. Keeping his composer, he slowly walked to Bumblebee and asked.
"If you're here, does that mean Blitzwing left you. Because I promise to be the mech you feel in love with Bee, I will do anything to have you as my mate again."
"Optimus, Blitzwing isn't why I am here. I just had an unbelievable urge to see you again. Can you just hold me nothing more." Bumblebee asked tentatively.
"Of course. Anything for you, little one."
Kneeling down, Optimus embraced Bumblebee like he was the most precious thing in the world, and Bumblebee burrowed his helm in Optimus neck. Stay there until morning light, before Bumblebee teleported away.

Arriving back at the Resistance, Bumblebee, and the others were ready to cause a distracting so the bots who wanted to leave could. They were stopped by a group of bots claiming they would stay behind and start rebelling against the New Order as the others escape as long as the Resistance promised to truly come back and aid them and end the New Order once and for all.
Once, getting the guarantee bots from the area started reeking havoc as Soundwave opened the ground bridge and other bots fled. By the end, just over half the population had escaped, and most were rioting, meaning the New Order would have to deal with that and allow the third team to do what they planned a lot easier.

After Bee's team returned, FS Prowl's team left.
When his sire left, Trapper sighed in relief because his sire almost broke him with all the questions about Guardian, Rhapsody, and their carrier.

Chapter Text

Arriving on the New Order boarders team Prowl could see that the bots that stayed behind have already started causing problems for the New Order. One example would be the obviously fire bombed transport of sentries still on fire not too far away from them.
"This is perfect. With the New Order's focus on the rebels, it will make our job easier." FS Prowl said.
"Sure will. Everyone have the chargers Wheeljack crafted for us." Ironhide asked the group as they all double-checked.
"Good, let's head out then." FS Prowl said, but everyone stopped when Cyclonus asked if Blitzwing was okay.
"Yeah, I'm completely fine. I only ground bridged over to spend the night sleeping next to Hummel once."
"If you're sure.
We all have our places to go. Move out." FS Prowl ordered.
"Who put him in charge again." Croc asked Nightmare as they made their way to their location to set the chargers.
"I believe it was Megatron or Hybrid. And if it was Hybrid, I won't fight it she usually seems to always know what she is doing." Nightmare replied, getting no argument from Croc who, like most, trusted his daughter with his life.

Thankfully for Rhapsody and FS Jazz. Starscream, along with the other officers of the New Order, were busy trying to deal with the up rising that he hadn't tried anything more to them since Jazz messed with his helm. The same can't be said for Guardian.

Trying with all his might Guardian broke the cuffs holding his peds down, using one of his now free legs to knee Menasor in the interface panel before wrapping his tail around Menasor's neck hoping to choke him out or even crush his neck cables. Menasor panicked grabbed hold of part of Guardian's tail that wasn't around his neck, bending it in a crushing grip, that's when something went snap and Guardian let out a howl of pain letting Menasor go in the process.
"You ungrateful piece of scrap. I was trying to be nice, and you tried to kill me.
Well, I broken tail is no more than you deserve. No, wait, you deserve worse."
Tying Guardian's peds back up, but this time with his legs apart, Guardian panicked himself.
"Please don't. Stop, please." Guardian cried in pain and a little fear.
"I don't think so." Menasor grunted before smashing Guardian's helm into the ground twice.
"You like that, you ungrateful slagger. Answer me." Menasor almost roared grabbing Guardian's helm to make him look at him, only then noticing Guardian was knocked out.
"Frag. It won't be any fun with you like this will it. Don't worry though I'll be back when you come too and we can continue our little session. I do prefer berth partners conscious and dented up anyway." Menasor said, leaving the room.

When Guardian blacked out something strange happened, he wasn't sure if it was a memory or a vision or something else entirely, but he saw himself and someone arguing.
"You left me behind." The figure said.
"You were a danger to the crew, but I was always going to come back for you." Guardian replied.
"I guess one of us just lost track of time." The figure said
"We couldn't trust. They wanted me to kill you, but I couldn't bring myself to kill you." Guardian explained.
"You should have. When they found me after you left, I was strangling cyber rats."
"For food or fun." Guardian snipped.
Ending suddenly as Guardian slipped into actually unconsciousness.

In the meeting room after the New Order council finally came to an agreement, it was decided that Starscream would send out Whirl, Blurr, Cliffjumper, and Crosshairs and supervise rhem from the base as they helped to bring an end to the rebels by any means meaning lethal force if necessary.
Immediately after the meeting, Starscream sent them out and went back to the lab where Jazz and Rhapsody were.

That night in the Resistance Hybrid and Soundwave had both been working on a side project this whole time to help Prowl, but they required someone with a strong mental mind to accomplish it. Now they believed had it in Trapper, requesting he meets them in the med bay.
"Let me see if I understand this. You want to project mine, Trapper, and Soundwave's processors into Prowl's processor using those psychic enhancers to bring him out of his stasis lock." Jazz asked Hybrid after she explained why Soundwave called Trapper down.
"Yeah, that about sums it up." Hybrid replied.
"Why all three of us. Isn't that a bit excessive." Trapper questioned. As Trapper, Jazz, and Soundwave laid down on three spare berths as Hybrid attached the devices to their audios.
"Because, Prowl's processor could proceed us as a threat and probably would and try and eject us which could cause our processors to suffer serious damage too, but with Jazz also there, Prowl's processor won't manifest any defences and allow us to bring him back." Soundwave explained to Trapper.
"And why you might be the grounding force allowing us to do this with all three of you. Soundwave will be in there to help control the situation. Why I monitor from this side." Hybrid added, grabbing a pad and sitting down next to Predaking, who had been watching and listening the whole time.
"Well, this hurt." Trapper asked.
"Better then, 60 per cent chance yes." Soundwave answered.
"That's comforting." Jazz said.
"Really. I wouldn't think so." Predaking replied.
"Okay. Do you want me to count down." Hybrid asked, ready to send them into Prowl's processor.
"Will it help." Trapper asked.
"Not at all." Soundwave replied.
"Just do it then." Jazz said to Hybrid as she sent them in.
"Just you and me now, my king." Hybrid said, laying down next to Predaking. Even though Knockout advised them not to share the medical berth. He did drop it after Predaking gave him a deep growl that sounded primal as fuck, one that made Knockout genuinely scared to go near Predaking at all, ever again.
"It appears so, my queen." Predaking replied, holding Hybrid close.

The situation with the rebels was getting worse by the second, even with the involvement of Whirl, Blurr, Cliffjumper, and Crosshairs. It also cratered the perfect cover for the Resistance as the teams continued to set the chargers at key points.
"Frag, the local bots are really giving it to the New Order." Hot Rod said as homemade fire bomb was thrown in the air into something creating a loud bang, followed by sentries saying something and screams and the thumping of bots running.
"Guess they didn't take kind to finding out they were living shields." Cyclonus said as he hacked into the security system of the New Order after he and Hot Rod set their charges at their appointed site.
It was risky for them to be literally just outside the New Order base, but no one was paying much attention to the base as both the rebels and New Order were focusing their efforts on the streets.

Inside the New Order's base the night morning, Starscream had just finished using FS Jazz as a punching bag, leaving Jazz feeling beyond sore. Better him than Guardian or Rhapsody, he thought.
All hope of him being able to put a fake happy facade to trick Starscream and make it seem like what he was doing wasn't getting to him was gone when Starscream said.
"You are tougher than I thought, but watching you get beat must have been so hard for you to watch, isn't that right, little femme."
Rhapsody, his little girl, had to just witness Starscream beat him. Jazz could honestly purge. He believed he was protecting Rhapsody and Guardian from being hurt, but forcing someone to watch as you hurt someone they care about is one of the worst things to experience, the tears in Rhapsody optics were proof of that.
"And now it's your turn to watch." Starscream said, putting Jazz's visor back on him before going towards Rhapsody, whose helm was strapped, probably forcing her to watch everything that Starscream did to Jazz. If that wasn't bad enough, there were hook like things near her optics, so she couldn't close them at any time.
"L-leave her alone." Jazz gasped out, struggling to stay conscious. From the energon lost that was slowly pooling at his peds
"Hhmm. No, I don't think I will." Starscream said.
"Starscream. Optimus and the reality manipulator are on the way and aren't happy you haven't broken them yet, so good luck with that." Mirage said, disappearing just before Optimus and the Knight entered the room. Optimus took one look and asked.
"Where is the big one."
"Yes. Him. I gave him to Menasor."
"Why."
"Because Menasor mentioned he was pent up lately, and I thought what better way to break someon-"
Starscream didn't get to finish his sentence as Optimus had him pinned to the wall by his throat in an instant.
"I'm only going to ask this once, Starscream, and you better answer truthfully. Where is the Predacon.
"Sub level." Starscream whizzed out.
Throwing Starscream to the side, Optimus ran out of the room to the sub level, hoping he wasn't too late to stop Menasor.
It wasn't that he cared how Starscream broke them so they could be manipulated, but Optimus would never condone rape under any circumstances, more so now after what happened to Bumblebee.

"Now we can have that long awaited fun Predacon." Menasor smiled with a sick glee as he let his spike out after getting rid of Guardian's interface panel.
Guardian was completely hepless right now. Having his peds, servos, and tail strapped down and a muzzle wrapped around his mouth. And he had neither felt this powerless or vulnerable. He was scared, begging Menasor not to do this. All Guardian wanted was Predaking or his creators to found him and stop Menasor.
Laying over Guardian. Menasor stroked his helm before kissing just above the muzzle.
"You ready to have your world rocked." Going to actually push in. Menasor was ripped of Guardian at the last possible second by a furious Optimus, who somehow managed to throw him across the room.
"Don't touch him again. Get the frag out of my sight." Optimus said so calmly it was eerie.
Looking down at Guardian. Optimus walked over to him and took the muzzle off, genuinely feeling sorry for him. It didn't stop him from telling Knight to use his reality manipulating powers on them.

By night fall that day, Jazz, Trapper, and Soundwave were still in Prowl's processor.
"What the frag. Jazz, why are your vitals spiking." Hybrid asked, standing up, walking over to Jazz's frame, that had energon coming from his nose ridge. Suddenly, Jazz's vitals went back to normal.
"What did you just witness, Jazzy?" Hybrid asked herself, wiping the energon away.
Walking to Prowl's still frame. Hybrid whispered to him, so Predaking didn't hear if he was awake.
"Listen here, you stubborn aft. I don't know what you're over worked processor is doing right now, but don't fight what is happening. They are trying to help.
And one last thing, please have sparklings when you wake up." And just like that, because Hybrid said please, the previous command was broken, and now Jazz and Prowl could have that family they always wanted.
Hybrid knew she shouldn't have done it in the first place, but she didn't want Jazz to be sparked, then lose Prowl in the battle for the Resistance.

Years ago and up until three years ago Hybrid would constantly get visions of that very battle, and a couple being separated because of it, with the sire dying and carrier having to go on and raise their sparklings without them, shifting from Ironhide and Ratchet, to Soundwave and Blaster, even her and Predaking she saw once, the couple she saw most was Prowl and Jazz. So when Prowl made that deal with her all those years ago, she prevented him from getting Jazz sparked, hoping to stop what she saw.
Hybrid knew better then to miss with bots life's like that, but she didn't want Jazz to have to raise Trapper and Rhapsody all by himself.
Hybrid may have also seen who Prowl and Jazz's sparklings were, way before she even met, saw, or knew of FS World or the Trapper and Rhapsody from there.

In the barracks in Barricade's room, XLR8 explained to Barricade why she said what she said, blaming Midnight.
"You're saying Midnight was actually in control, and she said that to mess with me." Barricade asked to make sure he was understanding.
"Yes, she can shift under my plating and take control occasionally, but I believe she was trying to keep you safe because I was accidentally cursing bots and didn't realize it." XLR8 said, hearing Midnight say.
"Yeah, just blame me. That's what I'm here for your escape goat."
"So there isn't another mech or femme." Barricade asked.
"Primus no. I was surprised you wanted to date me. Where would I meet someone else." XLR8 replied.
"Good because. I don't think I could share you with anyone else, my spark." Barricade said, cupping XLR8'S helm, rubbing one of his digits against XLR8'S cheek with a gentle smile.
"May I kiss you." Barricade asked. Causing XLR8 to blush at how cute Barricade was being. Nodding her helm, XLR8 went to move before Barricade stopped her.
"Allow me." Moving from beside XLR8, Barricade kneeled on the ground in front of XLR8, so they were an even height, leaning in and kissed her.

The next day, at the sentry factory, Ironhide, Ravage, Hot Rod, and FS Prowl were setting their last chargers. When Whirl spotted them and called in Bulkhead and Bonecrusher to deal with them. He would have done it myself if he wasn't busy with the rebels.
"There, I think we are done." Ironhide said.
"Yes, you are done." Bonecrusher said from in front of a ground bridge waiting for Bulkhead.
"Let's do this." Bulkhead said as he stepped through and turned his servo into a wrecking ball.

Ironhide took on Bulkhead, transforming and slamming into him in his alt mode, followed by Ravage jumping up on Ironhide's roof and down onto Bulkhead going for the wrecking ball, biting, clawing, and kicking at where it was attached to the rest of his arm.

Hot Rod and FS Prowl went for a different tactic. Hot Rod acted as a distraction while Prowl came up behind him, aiming for his lower back strut with his blaster to bring him down. It didn't work, though. Bonecrusher had grabbed Hot Rod and threw him into FS Prowl.
"Right this time. I call the shots." Hot Rod said, running at Bonecrusher, sliding between his peds, grabbing one, trying to trip him as he got up. Bonecrusher was too powerful to trip, going to grab Hot Rod again. Hot Rod tucked his legs and fell backwards, slamming his knees right into Bonecrusher's faceplate.

Inside the New Order, unfortunately, because of the psychological damage done to Guardian, physical to Jazz, and emotional to Rhapsody, the Knight broke them easily. Making them think the New Order was the good guy in all this.
Right now, they were standing motionless in Optimus office as he walked around them.
"Perfect, time to lure Hybrid out and kill her once and for all."

Managing to get Ravage of him, Bulkhead threw her away from him. Ironhide caught her and threw her back right at Bulkhead's helm. With Bulkhead's view blocked, Ironhide aimed his cannon at Bulkhead's mid section, on its highest setting, firing, taking Bulkhead of his peds. Ravage jumped off to just before Bulkhead's frame made a sickening sound as it hit the side of the factory.

Bonecrusher was having better luck with FS Prowl before Hot Rod got back in the fight, jumping up on Bonecrusher's shoulders, Hot Rod drove the hilt of his sword into the back of Bonecrusher's helm.
Why staggered from the hit Bonecrusher grabbed Hot Rod, holding him out in front of him choking him. Until FS Prowl threw a shuriken into Bonecrusher's servo, making him let go of Hot Rod, who rolled away from Bonecrusher, grabbing his sword as he did.

Looking around after getting the shuriken out of his servo, Bonecrusher knew he couldn't win this.
Calling for a ground bridge, Bonecrusher ran off, grabbing Bulkhead as he did.

As Hot Rod sheathed his sword, Ironhide powered down his cannon, and Ravage deactivated the light but tough full body armour that Wheeljack created for her. FS Prowl got on the coms asking if the rest of the teams had finished placing their charges. Getting the confirmation they had, FS Prowl ordered them back to where they arrived in the New Order territory.
"Where did you get the shuriken from." Ironhide asked after FS Prowl got of the the com.
"You're Jazz gave them to me, saying they might come in handy. He was right, I don't know where he got them from."
"They belong to our Prowl." Hot Rod answered.

In the med bay, the Resistance Soundwave and Jazz jolted up. Optics wide open. Trapper slowly came to grabbing the railing of the berth to go and get up when Hybrid put her servo gently on his shoulder, pushing him down.
"Easy Trap, you will feel weak for a while. Rest."
Jazz, meanwhile, had made his way over to Prowl, leaning over him with his servo in his. Waiting for something. And slowly, Prowl's optics opened.
"Welcome back, handsome."

As FS Prowl's team joined up, they set of the chargers causing explosions to major areas important to the New Order, weakening them further as the Resistance ground bridged out of there.

Chapter Text

The med bay was full with Jazz and Prowl having their moment with Prowl finally out of the comma, FS Prowl coming in looking for his son, Cyclonus because of an injury and Soundwave and Hybrid because of their little project.
"Okay, if you're not sick or injured, get out of my med bay. This isn't the official go-to social gathering place." Knockout said dramatically.
"You really take drama queen to the next level, don't you, beautiful." Hybrid said on her way out.

Finally, with only Trapper, Prowl, Predaking, and Cyclonus in the med bay, it was easier to move around and feel more comfortable because what no one but Breakdown knew. After what happened with Scourge and the sparkling. The med bay had become Knockout's safe place. The members of the Resistance may have noticed. If they weren't so close to ending this war.

On the streets, things weren't looking good for the New Order. Which shouldn't be a surprise since the New Order at one point had the locals help rebuild the town and buildings after the Wraith incident. Meaning the rebels knew what they were doing. Leading to the remaining members of the New Order Council to make a drastic call to struggle and stay in power.

"Are you sure this is the only choice, Optimus? They are just civilians, after all." Chromia asked.
"Civilians or not, they lost any of our sympathy after they turned on us. After everything we did from them, and kept them safe." Optimus replied.
"Just say the word Optimus. The army of mercenaries will be here in a couple of days." Starscream said.
Looking at the council, it was clear that Nightbeat, Chromia, and Fortress Maximus weren't sure if this really was the best solution. On the other hand, Brains, Mirage, Hound, and Starscream were all for it.
"Do it, Starscream." Optimus replied.
"How did we get here, Optimus." Chromia asked him.
"I don't know. We have thrown everything at the Resistance, but they always fought it of and seemingly came back stronger. Now we have almost nothing left."
"That's not want I meant." Chromia replied before leaving.
What Chromia was referring to was how they ended up in a war that could have been avoided. The battle against the Council was supposed to be the war to end all wars, but here they were. Cybertron itself wasn't really suffering from this war, thankfully. On the flip side, the war was really doing a number on the planets population.

"You ready to kill the Snipe Optimus." The Knight asked, emerging from the shadows of the room with Guardian, Rhapsody, and FS Jazz following his lead standing behind him.
"Yes. Let me just retrieve the relic, and then you can use your connection with her to get her here."

In the Resistance things were going smoothly, everyone was in high spirits, not because of FS Optimus's battle meditation, because they were really sticking it to the New Order slowly crushing them and releasing Cybertron from their iron grip they have had for the last four years.
With them currently winning and still working their plan that all Resistance bots played a role in. They knew the next part of their plan was the most intense as most took the chance to relax why they could or kept busy.

Hybrid, Soundwave, and Wheeljack were in the lab, creating two different weapons Hybrid knew she would need in the upcoming battle.
FS Prowl was watching his son, why he recovered in the med bay. Knowing there was something he wasn't telling him about FS Jazz, Rhapsody, and Guardian.
Bumblebee was spending time with Sunspot and Solar Storm. Feeling like he hadn't really had the chance to lately.
Ironhide he. Will let's just say he was where he usually was, standing in front of Ratchet's cell.

"Why don't you go in there." Jazz asked as he entered the cell block to originally talk to Bluestreak, but he had to know why Ironhide stood there day after day, not making a move to do anything else.
"Because he brought this on himself. Why should I care." Not ever breaking his stare. Ironhide kept looking at Ratchet.
"You clearly care. Otherwise, you wouldn't be down here all the time. He is still your sparkmate."
"Why do you even care, Jazz. What is it to you."
"I want you to be happy. Think about it, Hide this war is coming to an end shortly with how we're going. And we will all have someone, Hybrid and Predaking, me and Prowl, Blaster and Soundwave, Grimlock and his Dinobots, Dreadwing and Wheeljack. And where does that leave you. Because Bee and Hot Rod will have their family with them, and all your other former close friends will be imprisoned for being part of the New Order. Ratchet will be all that you have." Jazz explained, hoping to get Ironhide to see.
"You don't get it, Jazz, it's not that simple."
"Then explain it to me."
"I would want nothing more than to hold Ratchet in my arms again. He was everything to me once. Now, though, after everything. I just don't know if I can forgive him or forget what he did. He changed so much so fast, and I was blind to begin with to notice, and when I finally did, it was too late. My Ratchet was gone, and what was left was someone I didn't recognize." Ironhide vented, in frustration almost.
"Okay. I wouldn't even pretend to know what it's like to be at such odds with a sparkmate, though I did just find out something about Prowl we will need to talk about, but anyway. Maybe the first step is to just be there if not for him to do it for yourself. Hide try and bring back your Ratchet, our Ratchet." Patting Ironhide on the back, Jazz went to Bluestreak's cell.

After Jazz left, telling Bluestreak, Prowl had recovered and wanted to talk to him.
Ironhide opened Ratchet's cell and picked up his servo.
"Don't think this means or changes anything, but if you are in there. Find a way out, and maybe just maybe we could see what happens."

Early the next morning is when Hybrid received the message from the Knight, and she now knew why she couldn't find him. He had joined the New Order.
What he was offering, though, wasn't even a question if she should go. She had to. Leaving a relic like the one he claimed the New Order had, in their hands, was too dangerous.
"Bee, XLR8, meet me in the med bay now." Hybrid said other the coms, grabbing the deceive Soundwave and her made, leaving the other project for now.

Just before entering the med bay herself, Hybrid herad FS Prowl said Trapper talking.
"I know you know where your sister, carrier, and Guardian are. So just tell me." FS Prowl said sternly, wanting to know what Trapper was hiding.
"Sire, like I said, they are at the outpost Hybrid mentioned."
"And what is the name of this outpost."
"I don't know. She didn't say, what if they don't name them like we do or would." Trapper said, starting to break.
"I find that hard to believe. They aren't dumb. Trapper, they seem to know exactly what their doing. Meaning they would be on top of everything. So I ask again the name of the outpost." FS Prowl said like he was interrogating a Decepticon.
Knowing she had to step in before Trapper snapped, Hybrid made herself known. "It's nicknamed Pirate Isle, given its located in one of the more questionable ports."
"And you think - FS Prowl was interrupted, not being able to finish.
"I think your conjunx, daughter, and Guardian are more than capable of taking care of themselves unless you disagree."
"I never said I didn't, but this world is quite different from ours so I don't think it's to much to know the location and well-being of my family, namely the three that aren't present."
"I agree, Prowl, and by the end of the day, you will be able to ask them all about their time at the outpost." Hybrid lied before continuing. "Now please leave, XLR8 and Bee are headed down here for a private matter that requires at least one officer present that isn't part of said matter."
Understanding what Hybrid was saying, FS Prowl left without a word. He wasn't stupid, though, and knew Hybrid was up to something. Truth be told, Hybrid knew Prowl didn't truly believe her, and she knew she had to do something to get him to back off.
"You know my sire doesn't believe you right." Trapper said.
"Yes, I don't need to be psychic to tell that." Hybrid replied before XLR8 and Bee arrived, and Hybrid told them and Trapper what was going on.

"How dumb is Optimus? This presents us with the perfect cover to stage a rescue while you distract him, Hybrid. Oh, no offence, Bee." Midnight said after taking over and laughing at Optimus idea to call out Hybrid to make a deal.
"None taken. It's clearly a trap, though."
"Clearly, that's why I already have a plan that I'll fill you in on the way there. Meet me at the front of the base in five." Hybrid said, teleporting out of the room right in front of FS Prowl. "Primus, forgive me." Gathering fear gas in her mouth, she breathed right into Prowl's faceplate and used her physics ability to amplify the fear factor and forget about her doing it. "Sorry, Prowl, but this is the only way to keep you in the dark and out of the way where it's safer." Catching FS Prowl as he fell, leaning him against the wall, Hybrid met the others at the front, and they drove off.

At the front of the New Order headquarters, Optimus and the Knight were standing waiting for Hybrid when Trapper rolled up playing music from the song, I'm Good, quite loud but turned it down a little so they could hear him.
"Heyyyy, hey their. I'm sorry to interrupt you doing whatever it is you're doing, but I think I took a wrong turn at Texas, and. Could either of you give me directions back to Earth." Trapper said still in his alt mode.
"Who are you." Optimus asked.
Transformering to his root mode, Trapper continued. "You know, I thought I took that tunnel, but my gps is all messed up, up here, and it keeps making me want to make this suicidal left turn."
"Kid, do you not realize how stupid it was to come here alone." The Knight asked.
"You may want to cheek your rear-view." Trapper replied, before Hybrid, Bee, and Midnight slammed into them from behind as the real Trapper snuck into the base to find Guardian, Rhapsody, and FS Jazz, as the fake one that pulled up disappeared into thin air.

"You just gotta love magic, don't ya. See Knight, you're not the only one who can mess with reality." Hybrid smirked.
"You call that cheap magic trick, reality manipulation. I don't think so, let me show you how it's really done."
Snapping his digits, the Knight was hoping to turn Hybrid, Midnight, and Bumblebee into bubbles. Nothing happened, though, so he tried again and nothing.
"Are you having performance difficulties." Bumblebee asked. "Cause it's common for old bots to not be able to perform properly."
"You speaking from experience with Optimus, Bee." Midnight asked, getting a hey from Optimus and a laugh from Bumblebee.
"Wait, I know what the problem is. That new fancy cuf of yours. It's busy countering every reality manipulating gear in your body. Designed by Shockwave, created by Soundwave. So you know who to thank." Hybrid said, holding back the urge to smile.
"That's impossible." Grabbing at the cuf the Knight tried to take it off, he couldn't, even Optimus couldn't when he tried to help.
"Geniuses that cuf isn't going anywhere, Shockwave designed them, so only the bot that put it on can take it off. And that just happens to be me."
Glaring at Hybrid, the Knight had enough. "Guardian, Rhapsody, Jazz, kill them."
Running out of the base, Guardian, Rhapsody, and Jazz went after Bumblebee, Midnight, and Hybrid. Teleporting them out of the way of Guardian's earth bending attack, Hybrid knew what must have happened.
"You bastard. How are you controlling them."
"That's for me to know and you to find out if you can before they kill you."

Getting out of range, Bumblebee, Midnight, and Hybrid came up with a plan as Trapper got on the comms.
"The map XLR8 gave me led me to the prison cells, but they aren't here."
"Don't worry, we found them." Hybrid answered.
"Really, that's great." Trapper replied.
"Not really. They are trying to kill us as we speak." Midnight said.
"Wait, what if we use Trapper to try and reach at least one of them." Bumblebee said, figuring if anyone could get through to them, it would be him.
"Brilliant Bee. Trapper get out here. As for us Midnight, use your camouflage mode and go after Jazz he can't fight what he can't see. Bee, you go after Guardian and use your enhanced everything to bring him down. I'll go after Rhapsody and use my powers to counter her power absorption." Hybrid explained before all three of them ran out from where they were hiding to attack.

Locking his sight on Bumblebee, Jazz was about to project illusions into Bumblebee's mind about Blitzwing, not truly caring about him. Until he was knocked down by something hitting him at full speed so fast it took him off his peds before it started running at superseded around him distracting him before Midnight stopped and jumped on his back taking him down grabbing the back of Jazz's helm in the fall making the impact more painful for him. Immediately speeding off of him, Midnight stood close by to stop any of Jazz's attempts to use his powers of sight and illusion.

Bumblebee didn't really have a chance to come up with a better plan, jumping at Guardian but he forgot to tap into his enhanced strength, resulting in Guardian catching him and tossing him aside like he was nothing. That didn't stop Bumblebee he was right back up, flaming up appearing back in front of Guardian throwing a fireball at his faceplate.
Guardian countered using his tail to bend a chuck of rock and bring it up, blocking the fireball. The brief distracting allowed Bumblebee to follow up, jumping up he tried to dropkick Guardian in the chest remember to use his enhanced powers this time, but because he was only using his legs Guardian grabbed them and slammed Bumblebee into the ground. Picking him up by his throat, Bumblebee set himself on fire only for Guardian to use his wings to fan the fire down, leaving Bumblebee no choice using all his strength Bumblebee broke the grip Guardian had on him and dropped to the ground holding Guardian's servo and flipped Guardian over his shoulder using that servo.

Hybrid shapeshifted into Rhapsody as she got close, meaning she would have her power as well as her own, and she used her force field ability to make Rhapsody fall backwards when she tried running at Hybrid Using Rhapsody's fall to her advantage, Hybrid used earth bending to trap her in rock binds. And went after the Knight.
Hybrid was stopped by Guardian slamming his ped into the ground, making it crack and free Rhapsody before Bumblebee jumped up headbutted Guardian so hard he fell down.
Hearing Rhapsody coming up behind her Hybrid ducked as she went to hit Hybrid, who once again blocked with her arm when Rhapsody tried again.
The one good thing about Rhapsody's power is she has to touch the target to get their powers meaning Hybrid could block and not run the risk of Rhapsody absorbing her powers, even if she had shapeshifted into Rhapsody she wasn't sure it would protect her. She had never fought someone with Rhapsody powers before. Regretting giving them to her now.

Jazz, he figured out it was a speedster attacking him, so he created a mass illusion around him of the ground, cracking and falling apart.
Thanks to Guardian being present, Midnight fell for the trick and ran off, trying to avoid being seriously hurt and to protect XLR8.
While Midnight could see and think at super speed, which is a handy ability, she still tripped and went straight for an open part of the ground, closing her optics. Opening them again when nothing happened, and she realized Jazz had played her. Building up speed, she ran back at Jazz, staying focused on him, ignoring the illusion around her, not wanting to get distracted and let it affect her plan.
Building up more and more speed, Midnight hit Jazz as hard as she could but ended up hit nothing and crashed into Bumblebee and Guardian, taking both down.

Seeing the crash and Starscream running towards them, Hybrid pushed Rhapsody away and used earth bending to seal up the entrance of the New Order's base, trapping them inside.

Turning invisible, Hybrid flew up into the sky and created a storm around the area, sending lightning towards Rhapsody and Jazz not enough to hurt them only to render them harmless. Hybrid, however, sent a massive jolt of lightning at the Knight hitting him right in the chassis, ignoring Optimus, who was standing next to him. Optimus himself looked worried about Bumblebee.
Flying down, Hybrid went to check on Midnight and Bumblebee as Trapper who made out of the base before Hybrid sealed it was checking on Jazz and looked at Hybrid after he made sure he was okay. "What now."
"Take Jazz, Bee, and Midnight. Fix Jazz. I'll lead Guardian, your sister, and the Knight away."
Hearing the plan Midnight and Bumblebee got up and ran at Trapper opening a ground bridge pushing Trapper through as Bumblebee picked up Jazz jumping in and Midnight she kinda fell in.

Flying up again Hybrid herad someone else take flight behind her and looked over her shoulder to see Guardian tailing her. "One is better than nothing." Hybrid said to herself and flew off with Guardian right behind her.

Optimus wasn't happy, yanking the Knight up telling him to grab Rhapsody and follow them which he did.

The next morning Trapper finally brought his carrier back, snapping him out of whatever the Knight did to him and both of them, Bumblebee and XLR8 returned to the base.
Where Bumblebee was told by Cyclonus thanks to him hacking into the New Order's system that the rebels were in trouble because the New Order had hired mercenaries to wipe them out.
"Why are you telling me this? Why not Hybrid."
"Bumblebee, Hybrid isn't here and with Megatron unfit to lead, you're in command of the Resistance now." Cyclonus replied.
Bumblebee’s system couldn't actually process what he was just told about being in charge and Hybrid not returning. It crashed.

Chapter Text

Cyclonus didn't expect Bumblebee to crash. Out of all the ways he saw it going, that definitely wasn't one.
Picking Bumblebee up, he carried him to the med bay where Breakdown was helping Knockout with something. Stopping as soon as they saw Bumblebee and told Cyclonus to lay him down.
"What happened." Knockout questioned as he checked on Bumblebee.
"I believe his processor crashed after I explained he was in charge with both Megatron and Hybrid, unable to lead us currently."
"Why woul-." Knockout was cut off by Predaking.
"What happened to my mate. Where is she."
"I don't know, but from the chatter coming from the New Order, she waslast seen battling Guardian." Cyclonus answered.
"Guardian, he betrayed us. He will burn for this." Predaking said, trying to get up but his legs wouldn't have it, collapsing on the floor.
"We need Darksteel, Sky Lynx, and Grimlock in the med bay to help restrain Predaking." Knockout said through the comms. He wasn't even going to try and help Predaking up without those three choosing to focus on Bumblebee for now.

"Will he be okay." Breakdown asked as Knockout finished checking Bumblebee, as Cyclonus went to find Dreadwing and Soundwave, who are now acting co commands with Bumblebee down. "He will be fine. He just needs a day to sort his thoughts, and he should be okay."
"You called for us." Sky Lynx said as Darksteel and Grimlock walked in.
"Yes, pick Predaking back up and put him back on the berth." Knockout replied with a needle in one of his servos.

It was a bit of a fight to get Predaking back on the berth with him fighting all three of them as much as possible until Grimlock put him in a choke hold, Darksteel held down his right arm, and Sky Lynx held down his left, both put their free servos on his chassis trapping him, allowing Knockout to sedate him. "That should keep him out long enough to hear from Hybrid or for us to locate her. Thanks for the help, boys."
"You really believe Hybrid will be okay, Knockout." Darksteel asked, concerned for her, what with fighting Guardian.
"Have you met Hybrid, Darksteel. She toppled a God. She will be fine."
Afterwards, once Darksteel, Sky Lynx, and Grimlock left, Breakdown turned to Knockout with a sad smile wrapping his arms around him
"The way you comforted Darksteel, you would have and will make a great carrier one day beautiful."
Resting his servos on Breakdown's Knockout stayed slient. Simply letting Breakdown hold him. "And you will make a great sire, handsome." Knockout finally said.
Both were careful when they talked about this stuff, especially with how fresh the wound was.

In the war room, Dreadwing and Soundwave had gathered the other officers minus Predaking, Bumblebee, Megatron, and Knockout to talk about what Cyclonus had discovered.
"Well, the question shouldn't be if we help. It should be how we help." Dreadwing said after Cyclonus played the recording for them. Unfortunately, it fell silent in the room. Soundwave, Dreadwing, Ironhide, Cyclonus,and Grimlock had nothing.
"Should we ask Megatron." Grimlock asked.
"No, we can do this ourselves. We just have to think of a way to stop an army of mercenaries." Cyclonus replied.
"Mercenaries, criminals." Soundwave said to himself like he was thinking something over. Not rushing him, the others stayed quiet. Relaying on one of, if not, the smartest member of the Resistance could figure out a plan with his current train of thought.
"That's it. We hire our own criminals to help and protect the rebels against the mercenaries."
"What do you have in mind, Soundwave." Ironhide asked.
"We hire pirates. Not just any pirates, the ones that call that lawless port home."
"That's crazy they won't help us. They have no honour. Trust me, I speak from experience as a former pirate." Dreadwing said.
"We don't need them to have honour, Dread. All we need is for them to fight against the New Order for us by getting our best negotiator to do it."
"Are you sure you just don't want to get Prowl killed. I wouldn't miss him or mind seeing that myself, honestly. " Cyclonus asked Soundwave.
"I'm so glad you said that Cyclonus guess who gets to go with Prowl to help keep him safe and convince the pirates to help us." Soundwave replied.
"FRAG IT ALL. Fine, I will go with that annoying afterburner. Not promising, he will come back in one piece, though. " Grumbling Cyclonus left the room to find Prowl when Dreadwing shouted out for him to get Scourge to also accompany them.

At the same time, the FS bots were with Jazz asking him all sorts of questions.
"Where is Rhapsody?"
"Where’s my Guardian?"
"What happened to you."
"Are you okay. After what I had to do."
Jazz let them go, letting them ask all the questions they wanted, only focusing on the ones he actually had an answer for. His mind was a little foggy after all. Once everyone was done. Jazz decided to answer the questions in order of who asked them, starting with Prowl.
"Rhapsody is still a prisoner of the Resistance. That Hybrid is working on right now to free." Going on to answer Predaking's question. "Same as Guardian." Next up was the answer to Optimus question. "I only remember being caught by surprise, ambushed then waking up I the med bay of the New Order were they messed with ours helms, turning us against the Resistance." Lastly, Jazz turned to Trapper, who was leaning against starting to feel the effects of being so far away from Rhapsody. "I'm fine, baby. I'm just a little off, mentally. I'm sure it will pass."

In that whole time, after Cyclonus found Prowl, he left the base with him and Scourge to head for that port and figure out how to get the pirates as allies.

Over in the most famous amusement park on Cybertron Hybrid and Guardian were still fighting.
Punching Hybrid in the face Guardian felt good seeing the energon came from her mouth as he did. Backing up Hybrid grabbed at her mouth that was busted open earlier in their fighting. It was only leaking more energon every time Guardian hit her there. Too bad she didn't know about Guardian's history with jaw injuries, leaving it kinda sensitive. She would have targeted it.
For now, she would have to settle for his wings and bad leg that he limps with.

Hybrid wasn't the only one with an obvious injury. Guardian had a crack in his chassis, not big or deep. Still, it was there caused by Hybrid digging her sickle into his plating, slicing it open. Giving her the knowledge that Predacon plating wasn't indescribable, it just took a lot of time and effort to crack it.

Having enough Hybrid shapeshifted into Guardian attacking him with her sickle clashing with the sword they gave him when he arrived. Jumping to side Hybrid went to swing again only for Guardian to almost glide to the side with the use of his wings before going airborne to free fall onto Hybrid who saw Guardian planning to do that with her future ability. Rolling away Hybrid disappeared in a cloud of sand appearing behind Guardian. Thanks to Guardian's great sense of smell, he knew where Hybrid was, blocking her sickle with his sword before using earth bending with his tail almost hitting Hybrid as she ducked and shrink at the same time.
Since Guardian was so big, Hybrid turned back mid-air, allowing Guardian to grab her and throw her across the park into one of the rides.
Sore from the throw Hybrid was starting to get really pissed off, teleporting away from the ride as Guardian came over. She reappeared above Guardian using lighting from her weather ability to electrocute him, Guardian was smart though he was able to focus through the pain and earth bend a kinda shield around him to act as a lighting rode channelling the lighting away from him.
"This is bad. Time for plan B." Taking of flying Hybrid hoped Guardian would follow her, which he did.

Landing in swamp Hybrid ran straight for her sire's pet as Guardian followed not far behind a little close for comfort if you asked Hybrid.
Making a sharp right turn, Hybrid skid and successfully slid puts the waters edge. Guardian wasn't so lucky falling right in the water where Megalligator was waiting. So soon as Guardian fell in, Megalligator was on him latching his jaws around Guardian dragging him under the water. Not wanting to kill Guardian, Hybrid called for Megalligator to return to the surface with Guardian, what she got was Megalligator being thrown out of the water with a very pissed off, hurt, and wet Guardian.
Transformering into his Predacon mode, Guardian went to attack Hybrid. She didn't even flinch as he got close, opening a portal at the last second Guardian went straight through landing in what was best described as another realm with Hybrid following him with her fear form and siren ability in effect as she started to sings using her magic and fear at the same time.

"One, two, three, four, counting every day
You have been stuck in here, I can help you get away?
Five, six, seven, eight, time is just a hoax
In a colored world of characters and family jokes."

"You don’t even know that you're dreaming
Let me tell you what they're scheming
Why, they look like a ghost you have seen before
But you're lucky to have such a gracious host like me
Before you lose yourself in here
But there is nothing to fear
I can get you out of here
There is the exit door."

Hybrid was doing her best with her three powers to bring Guardian back to reality, and bring him out of the mind prison his subconscious was trapped in where he would constantly be reliving a certain memory allowing the rest of his sense of reality to be warped.

"Just your imagination
The exit is your key to escaping
Door after door, you'll find that it's just a hallucination
Try to find a way out
So you're not stuck here day after day
Inside a hallucination
Fake reality
Fake reality."

A, B, C, D, you don't even know your name
Tell me, are you dead, or if I'm just going insane
X, D, D, C, the answer is on the wall
The vowels and the consonants say, "Save yourself."

Getting Guardian to see what he was experiencing in real life and what his subconscious was experiencing was two different things, and only one was real, but it was only a memory. He needed to come back to the present and reality by rejecting. That's what Hybrid was trying to do. It was taxing on her, focusing so much energy into trying to get through to Guardian whose mind was quite strong mentally. But so was Hybrid's.

"You don't even know that you're dreaming
It'll be okay, believe me
You look like you've seen a ghost from your past
You're lucky to have me to help you keep what's left of your sanity
And some might call it tragic
When your memory starts to fade into nothing
It's a good thing, so no, it won't be as tragic
That is an exit door."

"Just your imagination
The exit is your key to escaping
Door after door, you'll find that it's just a hallucination
You must try to find a way out
So you're not stuck here day after day
Inside a hallucination
Fake reality
Fake reality."

That was when Guardian started to become aware that something wasn't right for himself. With him singing the next part.

"Is it an amalgamation of my own fixation?
Door after door, I find that it is just a hallucination
I want to find a way out
But I'm stuck here day after day
Inside this hallucination."

"Just my imagination
The exit is my way out
Door after door, I see it is just a hallucination
Have to find a way out
Don't want to be stuck here day after day
Inside a hallucination
Hallucination
Get me out of here, Hybrid."

As the song ended, Guardian and Hybrid appeared back in the swamp, and Hybrid knew what she had to do to get Guardian back for good, and it had to do with his sparkmate Predaking.
Poor Guardian himself looked so confused, lost, not sure. Walking over to Guardian Hybrid easily placed her servo on Guardian's shoulder as he was kneeling. "Guardian." Hybrid said gently and softly.
"Hybrid." Guardian asked almost like he had lost his way and was responding on instinct, and it tugged at Hybrid's spark.
"Hey, big guy, listen to me okay. I promise I will make you feel better. Everything will be okay."

In the lawless port, Prowl was in the middle of negotiations with the Pirate King, who agreed to hear him out because he was afraid of Cyclonus and Scourge. Anyone with half a processor would be right to have some sort of fear of them unless you actually knew them or just couldn't get scared. That was almost the whole Resistance, including FS Predaking, FS Optimus, and FS Guardian.
"If you want to stop the New Order. You'll have to do it yourself. I see no benefit of helping you, Prowl." The Pirate King said to Prowl's offer. So he decided on a different approach.
"Who do you think the New Order will go after if they beat us. The last free place on Cybertron will be this port, and they will exterminate you to do what it takes to bring peace to Cybertron. If you help the Resistance, we won't forget it and leave you in peace as long as you keep your business confined to here. We don't care what you do." Prowl said.
"That still leaves us the problem of what do we pirates get out of this little agreement."
"We won't order our Insecticon army to leave this place to the ground and kill you all. And take this port and your ships for ourselves." Cyclonus said with malice.
"Cyclonus. I have this.
We will supply you with the weapons that you can keep after the fight." Prowl offered.
Hearing that the King agreed to aid them and rally the pirates right away.

Back in the base, after the meeting, Scourge and Cyclonus both blocked Prowl's path and wouldn't let him pass when he went to tell Soundwave and Dreadwing that the deal was done.
"Are you fragging insane. No way can we leave weapons, Hybrid, Soundwave, Shockwave, and Wheeljack created in the servos of pirates that is
just asking for more problems." Scourge almost yelled.
"Yeah, what the frag were you thinking." Cyclonus asked
"I was thinking of any way to get them to agree to help us. Of course, I wasn't going to just let them keep the weapons. That is something I need to discuss with Soundwave and Wheeljack." Prowl explained.

Exiting the war room. After getting approval from Soundwave and Wheeljack. Prowl went to find the Dinobots to help him with the shipment of weapons to the pirates. When Jazz stopped him in the hallway, asking if he had time to talk. "I will always have time to talk to you, Jazz. Walk with me." Prowl replied, offering his servo that Jazz took.

"You want me to go into my mate's processor and bring him out of a memory he is trapped in. How is that possible?" Predaking asked after Hybrid finally got FS Optimus to send him to her location.
"I don't have time to explain, Predaking do you want Guardian to suffer a mental break." Hybrid asked.
"Of course not -"
"Good. Put this on then, and I will send you in." Handing Predaking a inhibitor Hybrid placed one on Guardian as Predaking put his gathering Guardian in his arms as Hybrid was about to send him in.
"How do I get him out." Predaking quickly asked as Hybrid didn't explain that part.
"You interacting with the real Guardian should do the trick."

Inside Guardian's helm:
As Ironhide was rushed to the med bay after a teenage Guardian lost control during a training session accidentally hurting his sire. He watched ashamed as Ironhide was carried away. Going to follow Guardian's path was blocked by Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
"What is your problem." Sideswipe asked with anger.
"Yeah, Guardian, great job. You really fragged up this time." Sunstreaker added, sounding just as angry
"I didn't mean to hurt my sire. It was an accident. I would never hurt him or my carrier ever." Guardian said with hurt in his voice as his wings sagged.
"You're sire and carrier. That's funny. You're not the kid. You're nothing but a sympathy case. You don't have a sire or carrier they got rid of you the moment you were born." Sunstreaker said.
"Yeah, Ratchet and Ironhide to pity on you and probably regretted. They probably hate that they also can't get rid of you." Sideswipe agreed.
"Why are you saying this. What is your fragging problem, back off spike fraggers. Before I hurt you both on purpose." Guardian snapped, hating what the twins were saying.
"Try us."

That tore it for Guardian. Launching himself out of the twins, their fight was eventually broken up by Optimus and Prowl. With the twins being sent to the med bay after Guardian got the upper hand, even if it was one on two. The twins may have been former gladiators, but Guardian was part Undergrounder and they were known for the unmatched combat skills.
"Guardian, what has gotten into you. This isn't like you." Prowl said in his office as he and even Jazz looked at Guardian in disappointment.
"They started it by insulting me and calling me a nobody basically. All I wanted to do was see my sire but they wouldn't let me." Guardian defended himself, fanning out his wings to appear more intimidating, feeling attacked right now.
"That is no excuse to attack them -"
"I didn't attack them."
"Do not interpret me, Guardian. You know better than to attack teammates. You need to apologize to them, and you will be confined to the base unit further notice. Do I make myself clear." Prowl said firmly and sternly.
"I DIDN'T FRAGGING ATTACK THEM. WHY, WHY IS IT JUST ME GET PUNISHED THEY FUCKING STARTED THIS." Taking a deep in vent Guardian tried to calm down.
"Because according to witnesses in the rec room, you attacked them. Besides, we expect this kind of behaviour from the twins.
Don't ever take that tone with me again, Guardian. I will let it slid -"
"Fuck you Prowl." Guardian muttered under his breath. Causing Prowl to stop, and him and Jazz look at Guardian like he just slapped Prowl across the faceplate. "What did you just say to me, Guardian?"
"I said FUCK YOU AND THEM. I WON'T APOLOGISE BECAUSE I WASN'T IN THE WRONG."
"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT GUARDIAN. YOU ARE OUT OF CONTROL. A NIGHT IN THE CELLS MIGHT HELP YOU THINK STRAIGHT."
"FRAGGING TRY PUTTING ME IN THERE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS." Guardian snapped.

In the end, Guardian was drugged by First Aid and placed in the cells where he curled up on himself. All he wanted was to check on his sire.
How did it get to this point.

Predaking couldn't believe what he was seeing and happening to Guardian being treated like a criminal when all he wanted was to check on Ironhide.
Predaking was pissed.

Feeling like he was unwanted and like he wasn't being listened to and he wouldn't be, Guardian was hurt and being treated like a Con broke him.
Waiting until the shift change, Guardian escaped his cell, leaving the Artemis and Autobots behind.

The next day in the med bay. Ironhide and Ratchet were worried about Guardian. Thinking he felt guilty about hurting Ironhide that he barricaded himself in his room. Wanting to make sure he was okay knowing how he can get when he accidentally hurts someone he cares about, they made their way to his room only to find it empty.
Ironhide's injury wasn't as bad as it looked. And they only cared that their son wasn't punishing himself. Wondering where he was, they asked around.
That's when they found out what happened with Guardian and they both lost it going off at Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, and Prowl showing him proof Guardian wasn't in the wrong and stormed to the calls to release him when they discovered it was empty except for his Autobot symbol he ripped off before he escaped.

After that day, Ratchet became angrier, especially towards the twins and Prowl. And Ironhide always put the twins on the worse shifts when he wasn't with Ratchet comforting him who, like Ironhide, just wanted Guardian back.
Prowl also felt guilty, but every time he tried apologising to Ratchet and Ironhide they wouldn't have it saying they would forgive him when Guardian came back, meaning they might never forgive him or the twins for driving their pup away.

All Predaking wanted to do was find his real Guardian and get him out of here wandering why it was this particular memory he was constantly reliving and stuck in. "Where are you, my love."

Almost three months later, Guardian had joined back up with some bots he once knew when he was younger. Thorn, Switchback, and about four others, there was only two bots Guardian didn't know not that he had much to do with them as he and his friends mostly kept to themselves in their group outside of missions.
They joined together to be independent freedom fighters to stop the rise of the Decepticons.
They had almost no contact with the Autobots until one day they came across Ironhide, Blaster, Cliffjumper, Mirage, and Hound doing something and they froze seeing Guardian again standing with the group of bots that just blew up and Decepticon mine.

"Guardian, is that really you." Blaster asked, happy and shocked to see him again. Ironhide would have said something, but he was in disbelief that he finally found his son again he couldn't wait to bring him home and tell Ratchet. Unfortunately, because of Ironhide remaining silent, Guardian got the wrong message and flew away, missing when Ironhide called out to him.
"Pup, wait, come back." It was too late. Guardian had disappeared along with the other bots. "I'm never going to forgive Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, or Prowl for this.

Not long after the mission to blow up the mine roughly another month it was discovered there was a traitor among the freedom fighters and it was soon discovered to be Thron who still hated Guardian for leaving her behind and sold them out to the Cons that they narrowly mangaed to escape.
It was left up to Guardian to deal with her. So he cuffed her and took her off and away from the ship. He didn't know what he was going to do. The rest of the crew made it clear they wanted him to kill her, but he didn't know if he could. This wasn't some energon thirsty Con this was a friend he had known since he could remember.

After he dealt with her, the freedom fighters disbanded, and most went to join the Autobots, and the others chose to be neutral.
Walking nervously towards the base he once called home, Guardian was immediately let in by Warpath nodding his helm at him as he entered, jerking his helm to the side Guardian followed it and found the twins standing not to far away from him.
"I thought I told you to move you sorry excuses of scrap met- Pup." Ironhide almost gasped. Guardian couldn't meet his optics looking down.
"Hey. What are looking so upset about you have nothing to be sorry for I'm just happy your back home." Ironhide said knowing Guardian well and what he was probably thinking, softly reaching out for his son who remained quite.
"Come on, Ratchet will be just as happy to see you."

Ironhide was right, Ratchet embraced Guardian as soon as he saw him. Pulling away he was about to scold him for leaving. That lecture died on his tongue when he saw Guardian holding back tears. "Guardian what's wrong." Ratchet was concerned now. Did something happen before he arrived. Turning to his mate for answers, Ironhide was just as stumped.
"I'm sorry I left. I-it was just-Prowl and-" Guardian was cut off by Ratchet. "No. None of that was your fault. You hear me. You will always have a home here with us. Guardian, you're our son it doesn't matter your half Predacon half Undergrounder you are ours."
"You know." Guardian asked, shocked.
"Yes, and we couldn't care less." Ironhide said from behind as they both hugged Guardian, and he truly felt like he belonged here with Ratchet and Ironhide.

Nothing good lasts forever. About three weeks later Guardian received a message from the leader of the former freedom fighters about someone picking them of one by one and he was asking him and the other surviving members to join him and figure out what it was.
Guardian already knew who it was.

Sneaking out of the Autobot base was hard considering Ironhide and Ratchet kept constant watch over him, probably afraid he would disappear again.
Leaving them a message on his data pad, he used his wings not to make as little noise as possible, placing the pad beside their berth, telling them he would be back before flying off.

Guardian ended up finding Thorn as he landed at the place the freedom fighters agreed to meet and stopped her from killing the last three bots.
"Why Thorn. You're mad at me. Why kill them and not just try killing me. Afraid you wouldn't be able to.
"Be right back. Remember those words Hazard you said them twice, once when you promised to return when we were kids and then when you knocked me out." Thorn sneered.
"I didn't willingly leave. I was always coming back for you."
"I guess one of us lost track of time."
"They wanted me to kill you, Thorn, but I couldn't despite what you had done."
"You should've when we were kids. I was killing cyber rats."
"For fun or food." Guardian snapped, losing his patience with his so-called friend, just like he had with Grimlock and his stupidity. Thinking about it, he couldn't believe he once had a thing with him or actually interfaced with him. That's a secret he would take to the Allspark with him, mostly because he regretted it.

Taking down Thorn was easy when they others jumped her while Guardian distracted her. They did lose it at Guardian a little until he shut them up by growling, "I never said I killed her. I said I dealt with her. You all just assumed I killed her."

"I barely remember this, I must have blocked this part of my memory out or tried to forget." The real Guardian said behind Predaking.
"My Guardian." Turning around Predaking looked at his mate how didn't look all that good, Predaking didn't care though he was just happy to finally find him.
Reaching out, he gently took Guardian's servos in his, "You ready to leave."
"Yes, please." Guardian replied.

Hybrid watched over them as they came back. Stepping back to give them privacy.
As Guardian and Predaking held on to each other, exchanging sweet words and gestures between them.
As Guardian told Predaking what he remembered and what Menasor almost did, making Predaking possessively growl and hold Guardian tighter promising to kill Menasor.

"Guardian, I don't mean to overstep or hear but as someone who has experienced something similar to what you went through with Menasor. I can promise it will get better. It might not feel like that right now or for a while, but it will." Kneeling Hybrid gently rubbed her servo up and down Guardian's arm before gently squeezing his servo where they both rested holding Predaking's arm as he cradled him.
"How do you get through it." Guardian asked, thinking he already knew the answer. He wanted to know, though.
"Dreadwing, Soundwave, and Wheeljack helped me. The four of us have always been there for each other since our days as gladiators, expect Wheeljack he wasn't a gladiator but a common visitor."

Back at the Resistance base, Jazz told Prowl that he knew the truth behind why he had to obey Hybrid if she said please. And why Jazz was originally upset about Prowl not telling him the truth he was later touched Prowl would swallow his pride and ask for the very magic he hated, for good reason, to heal him and let them have a family, and that that family is on the way.

In the New Order, they received word of the mercenary army that was on it's way expecting the credit it was given by the New Order stealing it from the population of Cybertron. Chromia couldn't stand by Optimus any longer or stay quite about using mercenaries to fight rebels, it was going to far it and would be a waste of life, the rebels would be mercilessly slaughtered.
Making her way to Chromedome's room she sent a message to the Resistance embedded down down and disguised to look like a simple blip in Chromedome's system one he most likely wouldn't even notice, but Soundwave would when it reached him.

Unfortunately for the New Order and Resistance, the Society had finished their current mission and were well on their way to bring, in their opinion, the true rules of Cybertron to Cybertron via the bridge. But with that done with the cloaking spell up, they have turned their attention to the Resistance to make Predaking pay for betraying them.
It actually worked out for Galvatron though he needed to pay his debt to Hybrid for saving his life when they fought Nova Prime. Every attempt to contact her failed, though, severing to only infuriate Galvatron because he would still be in Hybrids' debt if he couldn't reach her before Nemesis ordered an attack.

There was a simple reason he couldn't contact Hybrid she had taken her com offline and blocked her life signature with magic. She didn't want anyone to get hurt as she figured out how to take down the other Snipe and Rhapsody. The other Snipe had that cuff on, though preventing him from using his powers, so all she really needed to do was free Rhapsody and killing Knight should be easy enough she believed.

After helping Guardian up and sending him and his Predaking back to the base, Hybrid used the contacting she had with Knight to draw him and Rhapsody to her as she moved to a different location making them follow her to the one place she would have complete control of the situation. The Underworld she is the queen of that place, after all.
That's how she was able to bring Unicron back she switched places with him and now ruled the Underworld and owned all the bots across the multiverse who were trapped their.

When Guardian arrived, he, with Predaking's help, went straight to his room, not wanting to face anyone and truly missing his creators. Predaking growled at Prowl and Jazz when they did try to stop them pissed at how they treated Guardian in the memory he witnessed.
Getting Guardian comfortable was his top priority anyway, so they needed to move, and the growl did the trick.
In their room Predaking spooned Guardian from behind, wrapping their tails around each other as extra support as Guardian rested and get his helm straight, they had both almost drifted off when Guardian said, "I have almost no memory of that memory. I didn't remember until I was stuck living it again."
Kissing Guardian's cheek plate, Predaking told him not to dwell on it, and if he wanted, they could figure it out together when they got back to their universe.

Chapter Text

"Come on, brother." Hybrid said sarcastically towards the other Snipe as he and Rhapsody got closer to her as she reaches the Snipe shrine, headed for the arch to open the portal to the Underworld with the dagger that has Bumblebee's name on it.
Performing the ritual Hybrid had to wait a little longer before the portal opened.
"Looks like you're out of ideas, sister." The Knight taunted just before the red and black swirling portal opened up behind Hybrid, making the same noise it did when she opened it last time. It was like a mix of both a bot in agony and misery.
"Not quite." Hybrid replied, falling backwards into the portal as it latched onto the other Snipe and Rhapsody, dragging them through too before closing up.

Thanks to the information from Chromia. Soundwave and Prowl were able to direct the pirates to cut off the mercenary army. And just above Uraya, the two armies clashed.
Usually in a battle like this the mercenaries would have the upper hand but the pirates had two things going for them, one they had Resistance weapons in their possession, two Dreadwing himself was leading the attack alongside the Pirate King.

The battle in the sky was insane ships on both sides where taking heavy fire with smaller ships flying in between the bigger ones engaged in dog fights or taking shots at the bigger ships in weak points. Mines, other explosives, and missiles exploding everywhere catching some of the smaller ships down.
The main ship for the mercenaries was at the back of their fleet heavily protected by shields and small looking ships that were actually sentient. That was the pirates main target.
The ground assault wasn't much better, plus they had to avoid the debris from the battle above. Thankfully, the cities buildings offered some protection. It was an energon bath in the city with shots being fired all around, some buildings collapsed or partly due to weapons from the pirates and mercenaries, plus from above.

"We have to get to the main ship and fast." Dreadwing ordered from the Jackhammer were he was gunning down a mercenary gunner ship while being chased by three other mercenary ships, he was expert pilot though and he was a former pirate so he knew what he was doing expertly dodging their shots before slamming on the breaks, so they flew past him now he was chasing them.
"I'm aware, but if you haven't noticed, the bulk of us are pretty occupied right now." The King replied from his flag ship that had just taken a serious hit but was still functional and stable.
"Contact your ground forces and tell them to try and position themselves under it. I have a plan." Dreadwing said into the com before saying to himself, "I hope Soundwave can calculate the right coordinates from back at the base."

What the Resistance or Chromia didn't know for that matter a small group of mercenaries about a hundred or eighty had come from a different direction, entering the Iacon from the south blind siding the rebels who weren't equipped to fight them but weren't going down without a fight, besides they knew that city better then the mercenaries and could use that to their advantage. It did, however, give the New Order members fighting in the streets a break and able to fall back.

Inside the New Order base there was no time to rest because Fortress Maximus unfortunately had figured out the Resistance was gearing up for a finally assault by targeting certain areas and things weakening the New Order and slowly closing in on them.
Sharing this information with the rest of the council.
"That explains everything. They must have been planning this after we ran out of ideas." Starscream said.
"More, we pushed them to this point after we sent Ratchet's army to wipe them out, and they finally snapped." Mirage replied.
"Doesn't matter what the reason we need to get more of an advantage back then just mercenaries because we can't pay them out for however long this might last otherwise we will bankrupt all of Iacon." Chromia pointed out.
"You're right. First things first, we need to try and get a message to our comrades that the Resistance are holding prisoner. And get them to try and riot dividing the Resistance attention." Optimus said.

What he didn't know is that the Resistance attention was seriously divided already, but thanks to FS Optimus's battle meditation that didn't slow them down in the slightest even if Hybrid was dealing with Knight and Rhapsody. Guardian, Predaking, and Jazz were recovering. Knockout refused to leave the med bay. Megatron was a cat, and another problem they were soon to discover involving Bluestreak.

In the actual Pits. Guardian was recovering with his Predaking beside every step of the way being so patient it was sweet. Predaking would do anything for Guardian anyway, especially after having his processor rattled like it was. The first night after, Guardian knew he could relax and felt safe enough in Predaking's arms to finally get some recharge and he dreamt of a much nicer memory then what he was forced to relive for a couple of days after Knight fucked with his helm.

Standing unsure in a supply closest, a ten year old Guardian stood looking at himself in the mirror. He had just changed his paint job for the first time, and now it matched Ironhide and Ratchet's colours. He was just unsure if he should show them or get rid of it because he was worried they would hate it.

He was in their longer than he thought though because suddenly his carries voice came over the audio system sounding worried, asking Guardian wherever he was to just please let them know he was okay. Deciding it was now or never, Guardian exited the supply closest and headed for the med bay where he knew Ironhide and Ratchet were.
"What if he isn't feeling well. We should keep checking." Ratchet said, worried they couldn't find their son.
"You know as well as I that if Guardian doesn't want help or want to be found we won't find him, he is very stubborn and doesn't like asking for help, like someone else I know." Ironhide said with a chuckle.
"Hey, I'm not that stubborn, and you're the one that refuses to ask for help. He gets that from you. Sometimes, I swear he looks up to you too much. It's like he wants to be just like you."
"Hey, he has plenty of your traits honey, besides when he is hurt or sick when he isn't being stubborn, he goes to you."
"Yes, but when he gets scared or has a vision that comes true and is scared because he doesn't understand who does he go to." Ratchet replied.

Just as Ironhide was about to reply, the med bay opened and Ratchet was about to tell whoever it was to go to First Aid, until Guardian walked around from behind Ironhide so they could both see him. "If you don't like it, I can get rid of it. I just like you both and wanted to show it." Guardian said, sounding nervous and looking straight at the bottom of his creators chassis.

Ratchet and Ironhide didn't know what to say. Both were touched by what Guardian looked like and thought it was adorable , not that they would say that to him. They just looked at each other before embracing Guardian, knowing he likes physical affection even if he denied it.
"You don't hate it." Guardian questioned.
"Absolutely not."
"Were honoured."

"You got it wrong. I care for you both the same." Guardian said, hearing the conversation from outside before he entered the med bay. He still couldn't say he loved them, though it was something he struggled with saying and was a lot better at showing how much he loved bots he cared about.

Down in the cells, Bluestreak was curious why his sister hadn't visited him yet or checked on him. Hurt that she apparently completely ignored that he was down here at all. Venting in and out to steal himself, he called out to Prowl, who was on watch and asked. "Where is Hybrid."
"She's busy, Bluestreak. Not that it's any of your concern."
"I just want to talk to her."
"She knows you're here. If she wanted to talk to you, she would come down." Prowl sternly stated, returning to his post.
Now Bluestreak knew Prowl wasn't his brother, but something about the way he spoke felt sort of familiar for some reason.

In the Underworld Hybrid had lured Rhapsody and Knight to the ocean that surrounded the place and stopped.
"What's your bright idea now, Hybrid?"
"Now we fight, and with you unable to use your powers with that cuff to make it even, I won't use my powers on you.
Drawing his sword, Knight ran at Hybrid as she summoned her sickle.
Meeting at the centre of the docks Hybrid went to her knees, sliding under Knight's swing, Hybrid got back up to her knees quickly and spun around to hit Knight's arm that was holding the sword, but he dropped his arm and twisted his sword to hit Hybrid who countered by using her speed to her advantage and block the sword with her gauntlet unfortunately damaging it in the process, after all it was designed for that after all.
Pushing the sword away, Hybrid stepped back to before going to attack once again with Knight again blocking, Hybrid expected that and swang the blades to the side keeping both pinned but also bringing Hybrid and Knight face to face allowing her to headbutt him as he stumbled backwards.

The fight with the pirates and mercenaries was still anyone's game going into another day, and neither side refused to go down.
After hours Dreadwing finally saw his opportunity and tricked the sentient ships to follow him towards the main mercenaries ship shield generator, pulling up at the last second as the ships went into it allowing Dreadwing to land in the hanger, all he had to do was fight his way to the control room.

That day at the Resistance, everything was going fine, apart from Predaking missing Hybrid. He was out of the med bay, though, finally. And Soundwave was keeping things running smoothly. Everything was more or less peaceful with Resistance members, FS bots, and civilians doing whatever as they waited on word from Hybrid to start the final assault.
The peace was broken when one of Soundwave's sensors tripped, and he sent Ravage and Ironhide to check it out.

Standing waiting at the sensor was none other then Nemesis Prime himself and with Hybrid gone and Megatron down, Ironhide and Ravage refused to get closer, before calling the one bot they knew would be eager scarp Nemesis.

No sooner had they sent the message back to the base from their hiding position, a ground bridge opened up behind Nemesis, and Scourge came running out, tackling Nemesis to the ground.
Scourge was going to make Nemesis pay for what he did to his son.

Nemesis wasn't stupid or alone though, and the jet twins went to help him, Ravage and Ironhide stopped them though as Ironhide flung Ravage at them and activated her body armour before using it's electric shock ability bringing the twins down.

That's when the rest of the Society made themselves known coming from all directions, but Soundwave was far from stupid and was as usually one step ahead. Opening ground bridges in front of them before opening a second so they exited running away from the fight before opening another ground bridge and Smokescreen, both Prowl's, Jazz, Hot Rod, and Barricade came through with Sludge and Darksteel on standby.

Using earth bending Hybrid brought up a wall around her and Knight to keep Rhapsody away. It was hard enough to fight another Snipe she didn't want to risk Rhapsody touching her and getting her powers.
Knight knew what Hybrid was doing, so he managed to grab the back of her helm and slam her faceplate into the wall. Starting to climb over it to get to Rhapsody, Knight had his own plan.
Hybrid simply kicked the part of the wall Knight was on. Even if she was a little disoriented, she could still read his processor and wasn't going to allow him to give Rhapsody his powers.

Sliding down before catching himself from Hybrid's kick, Knight dropped and went to hit Hybrid in the spark chamber, but she caught it, "Frag this." Using her magic on the blade making unbearably hot to hold, melting a little off Knight's servo before dropping the sword. Using that as a distraction Hybrid grabbed the back of his helm and jumped up on the wall swing her body around slamming Knight's helm into the ground before flying up and over to try and free Rhapsody from Knight's control.

Both Prowl's ended up taking on the twins with FS Prowl's powers, making it hard to hit him, and Injustice Prowl's cyber ninja training also made it hard. The twins ended up fighting back to back.

Smokescreen had Wreak Gar down temporarily, that was before Ironhide was thrown into him by Nemesis.
Seeing that Ironhide was down, Jazz blasted Nemesis with an ultra sonic soundwave stunning him enough for Barricade to plant one of Dreadwing's bombs on his back setting it off taking Nemesis off his peds into the wall.

Galvatron, despite saving Nemesis earlier from Scourge, couldn't hold his own against Scourge. Scourge's knowledge and skill with magic far surpassed Galvatron's, immobilizing him in time to counter Steeljaw attempting to attack him from behind. Grabbing Steeljaw's servo, Scourge squeezed and twisted until Steeljaw's servo sparked and Scourge crushed it.
Steeljaw's howl of pain caught his mates attention, and Thunderhoof rammed Scourge from behind with his antlers
Grabbing the arm that the servo that Scourge crushed. Thunderhoof looked at the damage done, calling out to Rattrap to fix him.

Meanwhile, Rattrap's Unicron Frogs were giving Ravage more than she could handle, and one had her halfway in its mouth. Suddenly, it dropped to the ground, and she was able to crawl out to see who came to her aid. "Hey, sis." Laserbeak, Frenzy, and XLR8 said.

Mostly, everyone was either fighting or watching the fighting happen on the monitors. No one saw Swindle sneak into the base. He only had one thing on his processor find and kill Predaking.
Walking around for a while without being seen, Swindle finally came across a Predaking, but it was the wrong one, not that Swindle knew that or that there were two. So he was preparing to use his magic on FS Predaking, which was a stupid move for two reasons. One this Predaking's mate was vulnerable, heightening his protective instinct, and two, this Predaking was indestructible. So the dark fire rolled of him, and he used one wing to shield Guardian before kissing his check plate.

Getting up and facing Swindle with a snarl. Swindle did the only thing he could think of and ran. Predaking wasn't far behind.

Not liking what he was seeing, FS Optimus started using battle meditation, focusing on all Resistance members on Cybertron, including Hybrid.

Hybrid can't even talk to Rhapsody ,who was trying to grab her to take or mimic her powers. Hybrid just kept teleporting out of the way or using telekinesis to prevent Rhapsody from making contact.

Unfortunately, Knight had climbed up and over the earth wall, heading for Rhapsody, but Hybrid used magic to paralyzis Rhapsody. Intercepting Knight, tackling him to keep him away from Rhapsody.

Rolling with it, Knight ended up on top of Hybrid, but not for long as Hybrid punched straight across his faceplate. Getting up Hybrid went to kick Knight who blocked it counter by dropping and trying to sweep Hybrid's legs, she knew the move well since she can also do it, jumping over the sweep attempt kicking Knight on the faceplate afterwards.

Picking him up from behind, Hybrid jumped on his back, pulling him backwards with her knees planted in his back, causing his back to go right into her knees as Hybrid fell backwards.

Rolling away from Hybrid, Knight stuck one ped out, tripping Hybrid as she got close and raised his knee with his other leg, hoping Hybrid fell face first into his knee. She ended up grabbing it and rolling through hold his leg close to her in a pain hold forcing Knight to stand with one leg as Hybrid did before she pulled him close trapping his leg between her chassis and his back struck delivering a supplex to Knight.

Over on the main ship, Dreadwing was struggling until suddenly his fighting spirit kicked in again. Pushing forward, he cut and shot down any mercenaries that got between him and their so-called leader. When he got close to the main deck, it had four mercenaries standing guard attacking Dreadwing as he approached.
Throwing his sword he implied one mercenary with it straight through his spark chamber, before hitting the closest one with his gun then shooting him point black in the helm, ducking as one tried grabbing him, kicking that bot away, Dreadwing caught the other mercenaries weapon as he tried hitting Dreadwing, instead Dreadwing used to kill the other mercenary by wrapping his servos around the servos of the mercenary holding the weapon and stabbing the other mercenary as he ran at them. Before moving his servos up to the neck cables of the last mercenary ripping his helm completely off.

Walking into the flight deck after removing his sword from the dead bot. Dreadwing engaged their leader.

When Nemesis saw Swindle ran from the base, he ordered a retreat as it wasn't looking good for them with Wreak Gar leaking energon at an alarm rate from a combined attack from Barricade and Hot Rod. Tarn was fighting a blur of black and slight orange before it launched Tarn away from it, Thunderhoof and Rattrap weren't fighting as they looked after a injured Steeljaw, Galvatron wasn't even there anymore being ran off by Scourge, much like Predaking was running off Swindle.
Sentinel, Jetstorm, and Jetfire were the oy three still standing with Nemesis.

As the Society ran. Barricade, Hot Rod, Ironhide Prowl, and Jazz made sure they kept running by chasing them out of the Resistance territory completely. While Laserbeak, Frenzy, Ravage, and XLR8 stood with Smokescreen and FS Prowl as they watched before going inside with the others as they returned.

"Now we wait for Hybrid's signal for the final attack on the New Order." Soundwave said to Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Predaking.

Monkey flipping Hybrid over him Knight and Hybrid both noticed during their figh they had moved back towards Rhapsody, and she was currently between them with Hybrid's spell wearing of. Both knowing it was almost over Hybrid reached a shaky servo from something Knight did earlier to hear audio pressing down on the com, "Soundwave start the final assault."
"You win this time, Hybrid, but next time -"
"There isn't going to be a next time. I'm ending you once and for all."
"Say hello to your brother for me then."
"Leave Bluestreak out of this."

Then it happened Knight reached for Rhapsody as the spell faded and Hybrid reached for him. All three made contact at the same time with Hybrid's servo going through Knight's chassis, grabbing his spark and her other going for the cuff. Knight reached out, grabbing Rhapsody's servo, letting her absorb his power, and grabbing the arm of the servo Hybrid had wrapped around his spark. Rhapsody reached out for Knight and Hybrid at the same time, knowing what to do if she got the chance. All three pulled away at the same time as Hybrid just managed to slip the cuff onto Rhapsody, preventing her from using the reality manipulating power she just got from Knight.
"What have you done." They both said at the same time, getting to their peds before they hey were born taken down again by Rhapsody.
"This is your fault, and you're going to stall her for as long as you can." Hybrid said to Knight.
"And why would I do that."
"Because I have your spark.
"I order you to fight Rhapsody." Hybrid said before leaving the Underworld.
"You coward Hybrid."

Back at the Pits after Soundwave got the message from Hybrid to start the final assault on the New Order, plus the surprise attack from the Society, not to mention the battle with mercenaries and pirates, Bumblebee realized just how serious this war really is. What with it approaching its final days with the Resistance on the offence holding the upper hand more than they ever had.
So he made the one logical discussion he could. On the off chance something happened to him, Scourge, Blitzwing, Barricade, and Hot Rod. He would want Breakdown and Knockout to raise Sunspot and Solar Storm. All he had to do now was ask.

Entering the med bay, Bumblebee was pleased that no bots were in there for once, Guardian refused to come down here, happy to stay by his Predakings side. Injustice Predaking had been released not long after Hybrid left. Trapper only had to stay the day after rescuing Prowl from his own processor, and everyone from the battle was held. There were still some energon stains on the floor and walls from bots that's were leaking out before Knockout and Hook could save them if they could.

Shaking his helm, Bumblebee crossed the med bay, knocking on his uncle's door, hearing Breakdown say, "Come in."
"Bee, good to see you. Everything okay." Knockout asked his favourite nephew, not that he would ever admit that.
"I'm fine. I'm here about Sunspot and Solar Storm." Bumblebee never got to finish as Knockout jumped up from the berth, "What's wrong, are they okay, where are they."
Chucking at his uncles' reaction, Bumblebee grabbed him before he could rush out the door. "There, fine, sir and Springer are watching them. This question is about another matter."

Knockout went noticeably tense at the mention of Scourge. Seeing it Breakdown wrapped his arm around Knockout, whispering, "Hey beautiful, you're safe here with me in the med bay. No one will hurt you here.
Sunspot and Solar Storm are safe, too, and Bee would never put them in danger, okay. Everything is fine."
Seeing Knockout react like that, Bumblebee wanted to be mad at his dad, but he knew he had no control. It was sad, though. It was going to take a while for their family to recover from what happened.
"Look, KO, I don't mean to upset you. So I will keep this simple. If something were to happen to the rest of our family in the final battle. I would want you and Breakdown to take care of and raise Sunspot and Solar Storm."
Knockout's helm shot up, and Breakdown had a massive grin on his helm from what Bumblebee said.
"Seriously, Bee, you would trust us to raise Sunspot and Solar Storm." Breakdown asked.
"Absolutely. I couldn't think of anyone better."
"Then, of course, we accept." Embracing Bumblebee, Knockout couldn't be happier to be trusted to raise Sunspot and Solar Storm if something happened. He prayed it won't, though, but it is a war after all.

On the other side of the base, Hybrid had appeared, walking towards Ultra Magnus with Knight's spark in servo. Not saying anything, Hybrid put Knight's spark in Ultra Magnus empty spark chamber restoring Ultra Magnus like she did with Fallen's spark and Sludge.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Ultra Magnus. I also have a gift for you." Taking Ultra Magnus servos Hybrid gave the force field ability she got from Unicron to Ultra Magnus, much like she gave the fire bending to Bumblebee.
Winking at Ultra Magnus, Hybrid teleported out of the room Ultra Magnus confined himself to.

In the Underworld, Knight noticing the toll of all the power Rhapsody absorb was starting to effect her, with the occasional purple light covering her from helm to ped almost like it was moving across her. It was also causing her occasional pain. Because the powers come from Snipes it was stronger then others powers because a Snipe was they perfect vessel for Unicron they had dark energon coursing through their frame allowing them to control and have the powers without it hurt or killing them. Rhapsody had nothing like dark energon or was a vessel to protect her. The powers were killing her, and the more she used the faster, they would kill her.
Thankfully, Hybrid put Knight's spark in Ultra Magnus, killing Knight before he got Rhapsody to kill herself.
"Smart move Hybrid. Didn't know you actually had it in you to kill me." Knight said as his colourless frame crushed to the ground.

Arriving back in the Underworld, Hybrid stepped over Knight's frame, ready to help Rhapsody knowing exactly what those powers were doing to her and refused to hand another carrier their offlined sparkling.

Chapter Text

After Soundwave got the go-ahead from Hybrid. He sent Cyclonus, Blitzwing, Nightmare, Scourge, and Grimlock via ground bridge to help the rebels.
They had no clue they were walking into a heavily secured zone. The mercenaries that attacked the rebels had driven them underground for now, making their lives a living hell.

After Hybrid killed Knight, things started shifting and changing all over Cybertron because once he died, the effect of Knight's powers faded away.
Hound and Mirage remembered everything, not believing they were somehow back in the New Order after defecating to save themselves and their sparklings.
Megatron finally changed from a cat, back into his usual frame, relieving Soundwave of command.
The bonds of the FS bots weren't numb anymore, and the backlash was kinda intense. Especially with Guardian and Predaking as while as Prowl, Jazz, and Trapper and not just because they felt what they felt when they were captured, but for Trapper now with Rhapsody being gone so long and Rhapsody's frame decaying.
The only thing that didn't change back was Bluestreak. He was still Hybrid little brother only because a higher power from elsewhere made sure that stayed the same for some reason.

Right now, Hybrid was in the Underworld trying to convince Rhapsody to stop using the powers she was given. Rhapsody wouldn't listen to her, though, and the more she used the power, the worse she looked. Parts of her plating had already lost colour, and some bits had even fallen off. Her frame was also smoking.
"Rhapsody - stop - attacking - you - are - only - killing - yourself." Hybrid said in between teleporting away from Rhapsody's attacks.

Appearing in front of Rhapsody, Hybrid tried talking to her directly, but Rhapsody used magic to shoot a stream of fire at Hybrid, who countered with a volt of electricity. The only problem was that it was a stalemate. There was nothing Hybrid could do like this. So she stopped countering, allowing the fire to hit her, sending backwards further than she expected. Hybrid fell off the edge of the dock almost into the ocean of lost souls, which would have killed her if she didn't grab the edge and miniaturise to prevent her legs from touching the water.

Crawling under the dock as Rhapsody let her guard down Hybrid saw this as her chance smashing through the wood using a war hammer made of ice, Hybrid hit Rhapsody with it so hard stunning and freezing her solid at the same time thanks to magic.
Knowing Rhapsody would break out at any minute Hybrid was prepared, as soon as the ice shattered Hybrid's optics went black, lifting her servo up over her helm and made a motion like she was grabbing something. A giant servo made of magic grabbed Rhapsody by the helm, putting her in a sort of suspended animation lifting her partly of the ground so she was floating.
"Great, now you just hang there while I figure this out." Hybrid thought for a second before saying something to follow that up. "Sorry, bad joke. I couldn't help myself."

Despite Megatron being back in command and the Resistance in good spirits. The same couldn't be said for their allies.
Trapper was rushed to the med bay after screaming before collapsing. Knockout and Hook did what they could for him, but because split sparks worked differently on their world, they were at a loss who to make sure Trapper pulled through. Jazz and Prowl stayed by their son's side not going anywhere, when Predaking and Guardian came into the med bay as well, asking Hook or Knockout to repair Guardian's tail as Guardian rested his helm on Predaking's shoulder still working through why memories he barley remembered were suddenly resurfacing, something he wanted to ask his carrier and sire when they got back to their universe. Until the thought that his carrier had messed with his helm when he was younger crossed his mind.
Guardian hated himself for thinking that, but he couldn't deny that since being here, his thinking had changed like this universes Megatron warned them it could. Like the Resistance thinking changed during this war. So instead, he was going to ask Scourge, Hybrid, or he believes the other magical bots' name was Croc even if Guardian rarely saw him. He needed answers.

In Iacon, before the Resistance first team arrived, the small group of mercenaries that slipped by the pirates clash with the rest of the mercenaries had forced the rebels to retreat.
The rebels they had captured have been locked in makeshift prisons in the mercenary camp that were located close to the New Order headquarters.

With most of the city under mercenary/New Order patrol. It was independent thinking sentries and mercenaries patrolling the streets. All other mercenaries were working on finding the rebel camp and guarding their prisoners.

That's what Scourge, Nightmare, Cyclonus, Blitzwing, and Grimlock walked in on encounter a squad of sentries and mercenaries. Clashing with them instantly. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to be a match for the mercenaries that were unnaturally powerful. Unlike the sentries, they trashed in seconds.
In the end, Blitzwing got away and was rescued by the rebels as they explained what happened, and the others were sent to the New Order headquarters to be brought in front of Optimus.

"The New Order gave the mercenaries and themselves a type of pill that superchargers and boost them." Blitzwing asked, making sure he was understanding clearly.
"Yes. We don't know what it is, but we did manage to get a sample." The rebel leader said handing the pill to Blitzwing who scanned with his pad, planning on sending it to Soundwave to get an analysis and a way to nullify its effects but the message didn't go through.
"What."
"Oh yeah, the mercenaries have set up signal blockers around the city. Nothing other than the New Order can send and receive messages.
Welcome to the hell we have been dealing with." The rebel leader said before continuing, "What took you lot so long we could have used your help earlier."
"It's complicated. Right now, what we need is a way to send a message back to my team and ask for assistance." Blitzwing answered while simultaneously trying to think of a plan.

In the New Order headquarters, no one was brave enough to go near Scourge and Nightmare they were immediately locked up and restrained upon their arrival. Not even Optimus, Menasor, or Astrotrain would go near Nightmare, but Optimus was brave enough to confront Scourge.
As Optimus stood in front of the cell that held Grimlock trapped in his bot mode thanks to a device they found in Ratchet's med bay along with the pills they finally felt like they were starting to make progress again. Optimus also knew what Grimlock meant to the Resistance and what Scourge meant to his Bumblebee. Cyclonus well he was considered one of the most dangerous criminals after Scourge and Tarn, and Nightmare everyone knew of him and what he is capable of, the only reason any of them were caught was because they were caught off guard.

Never the less Optimus knew what four mechs with the reputation they had would mean to the Resistance, and he could trade them for the five prisoners of the New Order the Resistance had.
Unbeknownst to Optimus, when he asked Mirage to watch over them, that would come back to bite him on the ass.

Mirage was awake, back to his old self, and was going to help the Resistance take down the New Order from the inside. Telling the Resistance members what the rebel leader told Blitzwing.
"Oh, so that's how they did it. Interesting there might be a way to counter this. I couldn't do it here, though.
Mirage, can you get a message from me back to the Resistance." Scourge asked.
"Sure, what's the message." Mirage asked.
"Can we trust you, though? What are you doing back here." Cyclonus asked, knowing what happened between Mirage, Hound, and the New Order, thanks to files he had access to.
"He does have a point. If what happened to you happened to me, you wouldn't find dead back here." Scourge commented.
"I wish I had an answer for you as to why I'm back here, but I don't have one. Last I remember was warning Megatron of the incoming army, then fog." Mirage explained.
No bot said anything for a moment, wondering if they could trust Mirage before Cyclonus said something making Mirage once again have to walk over to his cell like he has been doing the whole time since they were all in different cells, "Sounds like you had your processor fragged with. That would explain the fog you mentioned."
"True, but if you're lying about any of this, when I get out of here, I'll show you ways of dying you couldn't even imagine." Scourge said.
Nodding his helm in understanding, Mirage waited for Scourge to give him the message.

Sneaking into Chromedome's communications room, staying invisible Mirage sent an encrypted message to the Resistance in a similar fashion to Chromia. To warn them about the pill.

Exiting the room, Mirage became visible again, missing the bot watching him from around the corner as he walked away causally.
All of Mirages' focus was now on getting Nightshade, Hound, and himself somewhere safe. The safest place he could think of was down in the cell block with the Resistance members. As much as he wanted to leave, he knew he couldn't. He had to see an end to this maddens.

Back at the Pits, Guardian had tracked down Croc to ask him what was happening to him with his Predaking right by his side.
Once Guardian finished telling Croc what was happening, he and Predaking were annoyed that he laughed at them.
Annoyed Predaking growled, "Why are you laughing. Do you enjoy my mate's pain."
"Of course not. It is just amusing to me that Hybrid went through something similar before telling me and Rockstar almost the exact same thing." Croc explained.
"What does it mean, though? Please, I have to know." Guardian asked, really just wanting answers.
"Another meaning for seer is to seek what is hidden or unclear. What's happening is perfectly normal with someone of your powers, Guardian. It just means your powers are growing. The visons are memories you have forgotten or are buried deep down, nothing more, they will fade in a while, and all you will see is the future when you sleep and eventually when you're awake too." Patting Guardian on the arm, Croc couldn't help but compare the relief on Guardian's faceplate to the one Hybrid had when she found that out.

"So no one messed with my helm." Guardian wasn’t doubting Croc he just wanted to make sure.
"No. Not at all."
"Thank you, Croc." Turning to Predaking, Guardian smiled, kissing him. Before saying, "Now you can tone down the over protectiveness you have going on."
"Fine. Don't expect me to not still be normal protective though my Guardian because it will never happen." Predaking replied.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Thankfully, Guardian and Predaking left Croc when Hybrid teleported into the room looking exhausted and not in great condition after dealing with Guardian, Rhapsody, and Knight. She didn't have time to stop or slow down. She wasn't done yet.
"Cub, what happened, here seat." Rushing to his daughters side, Croc tried making Hybrid sit, but she fought out of her sire's grip.
"I can't sire. Time is important right now, and I need your help."
"Of course, Cub, anything I can do, name it."
"Come with me." Hybrid said, holding her servo out to her sire, who knew Hybrid would teleport them as soon as he did. He didn't hesitate, though. His daughter needed his help. Of course, he was going to do what she asked.

Arriving back in the Underworld Croc was shocked how Hybrid could come and go from a place like this at will without the use of a portal. He would ask later, seeing why Hybrid brought him here walking over to Hybrid, who suddenly freed Rhapsody as she dropped, and Hybrid caught her holding her close. That's when Croc finally noticed Rhapsody colourless and messed up frame.
"S-shes dead. I didn't save her in time. Sire, please do something." Hybrid begged, holding back tears. This was just like Eject all over again.
His tribute of colours on Hybrid's chassis were a constant reminder that she couldn't lose anyone else yet she had and if Croc couldn't save Rhapsody she would have to add her colours to one of the scratch mark designs on her. This would act as a reminder that Hybrid failed once again, but she believed she would deserve it.

In the Pits when Rhapsody dead. Trapper's vitals spiked uncontrollably, and his body shook violently that Breakdown had to pin him down as Knockout ordered Prowl, Jazz, and Guardian out. Jamming the door to prevent anyone coming in as Hook and Knockout worked to try and stabilize him again. Nothing they did seemed to work, though, as sedatives, pain relievers, even restraining Trapper, so he didn't hurt himself, didn't stop the shaking.
Knockout and Hook weren't done, yet they were going to keep trying everything until something worked. The only ones that could truly help Trapper right now were Hybrid and Croc.

"Cub, it's not over yet. You rule the Underworld now. Tell me, has her spirit crossed into this realm." Croc asked, figuring out on his own how Hybrid could come and go.
"How did you." Hybrid never got to properly ask as Croc interrupted her, "Not important. Is she here."
Focusing on the graveyard Hybrid couldn't sense any Rhapsody's in the Underworld, "No."
"Good. We can save her, but it will take both our powers to do so."
"Anything sire, just tell me what you need."

"Summon Megalligator here, and we will focus his life energy into her." Croc explained.
"WHAT. I thought Megalligator was like the living dead."
"No, Cub, I thought of a worse fate for him, and now it's time for him to do the only good thing he will ever do in his life. Summon him here, and I'll cast the right symbol and signs around Rhapsody.
This will work." Comforting his daughter Crorc held her close, seeing her uneasy about all this.

Trapper hadn't stopped shaking, but they had died down, but still, it didn't make things better. Prowl and Jazz were demanding answers outside the med bay being kept in the dark about what was going on. Megatron, Bee, Dreadwing, Predaking, and Soundwave weren't in the dark and knew what was going on. Thinking maybe they should send Trapper, Jazz, and Prowl back home and how they should have never dragged them into this mess.
"This has gotten out of hand. We should send them back before things get worse." Bumblebee said, unaware that Rhapsody was dead.
"They won't go anywhere without the femme." Dreadwing replied.
"And the only bot to know the femmes location is Hybrid. Yet Hybrid isn't here, so we can't ask her." Megatron said in frustration.
"We have to do something either way. Their getting ansty, and it wouldn't be long before they do whatever they can to get answers." Soundwave said.
"If you're suggesting that they might go rouge. I doubt it, Hybrid saved Guardian and is working on saving the femme. I can feel it through our bond, could." Predaking replied.
"Could," Dreadwing questioned.
"She is in pain and doesn't want me to feel it as I'm still recovering - " Before Predaking could finish, he was asked to the med bay via com.

After Predaking left, the others kept discussing what should be done.
"What if we send the family back, and ask Guardian, their Predaking, and Optimus to stay." Bumblebee suggested.
"Why not give them all that option. We don't want to insult them or, worse, lose them as an ally." Dreadwing said.
Suddenly, a sound from the console in the middle of the table of the Resistance war room went off, and the message about what was happening came through.
"FRAG. We can't afford to lose time or the upper hand. We need to send in more bots." Megatron said, struggling to stay calm.
"Not bots, Insecticons." Soundwave corrected.
"We need Predaking to give them that command. They won't obey us." Rubbing at his sparkchamber, Bumblebee looked up after saying what he had to before speaking again when he was given strange looks, "What."
"Nothing. Let's talk to Predaking." Soundwave said, leaving the room with Dreadwing. Megatron gently placed his servo on Bumblebee's shoulders and walked with him, occasionally moving his servo in a comforting way along Bumblebee's shoulder.

As soon as Hybrid opened the portal and Megalligator fell through, she stunned him. Laying him down next to Rhapsody, placing a servo on both their helms as Croc started the ritual to transfer Megalligator's life forces into Rhapsody while simultaneously draining Rhapsody of the powers she absorbed.

It was a taxing spell transfer spell always were, especially for Hybrid in this case, as she was acting as the vessel to transfer ones life force to another. The spell couldn't really tell the difference between life forces and was syphoning some of Hybrid's life force into Rhapsody to. Hybrid felt it to, she wasn't stopping. She made it clear she wasn't returning another off-lined sparklings to their creators.

After Predaking was stopped in the hallway to the med bay by the FS bots, instead of fighting them like his instincts told him to he turned around making sure he was out of sight before activating a ground bridge appearing in the med bay that way.
Safe to say outside the med bay FS Optimus, FS Jazz, FS Prowl, FS Predaking, and Guardian were all getting worked up obviously being kept in the dark about what was truly happening.
The Injustice bots weren't doing it on purpose, keeping
them in the dark. That is, they were honestly trying to shield them from the horrors of their world and fix or solve a difficult problem without stressing them out more. But they were going to have to seat them down and explain that sooner rather than later. Right now, they had Trapper and Rhapsody to save.

"Predaking, finally. We were going to ask you something, but we might not have to. It looks like Trapper is stabilizing more and more. His vitals are still weak, though." Knockout said, switching his attention from Predaking to the scanners Trapper was hooked up to.
"My queen, must be with his sister. Doing what she does best." Predaking said more to himself than anyone with a smile forming on his faceplate.

Croc stopped chanting, and the wounds on Rhapsody's body were held, and her colour had returned when. Hybrid passed out, and Rhapsody came to, at the same time. With Rhapsody having no memory of what was happening or how she got here wherever here was, which she tried signing to Croc. Who didn't notice as he was trying to make sure his daughter was okay.

Hybrid came to while Croc was checking on her kinda. She went into a survival state of sort something Snipes could do when their life was in danger. And the power that kept them alive came from Unicron himself, weakening him a little in the process, not that he felt it unless he was close by.
After everything Hybrid had been through in the last week using a lot of power, pushing herself to keep going, then the magic taking some of her life force it was all to much for her body to handle.

Backing up with Rhapsody by his side Croc had never seen his daughter like, those lifeless black optics were unnerving to say the least, they most disturbing thing wasn't that Hybrid stood eerily still, almost looking through Croc and Rhapsody. It was her voice when she spoke. It was the voices of all the Snipes that came before her speaking all at the same time. "Come, we must return to the surface and return Rhapsody to her brother and family."
"Cub, are you okay." Croc asked instead of following Hybrid, keeping Rhapsody behind, which confused her even more as to what was going on. And even if she would deny it, she wished her carrier and sire were here or Guardian or Optimus.

"No and yes. She is in here safe with us but is resting, please we don't have much time." The Snipes said.
Choosing to follow their lead Croc and Rhapsody followed Hybrid's frame and with some sort of power they were back in the Pits with Rhapsody beside her brother Croc with Rockstar and Hybrid collapsing in Predaking's arms still in survival mode even though it heals the Snipes body incredibly fast but Hybrid was still exhausted.

Everyone from the Resistance in the med bay looked at Hybrid as she unconsciously shivered in Predaking's arms, clutching onto him afford he would let go, not that he ever would.
Hybrid finally had a chance to think and stop, and all her thoughts were fighting to take the forefront in her mind.

That's when Optimus contacted Megatron about a prisoner swap.
"What fragging now." Dreadwing asked as he tore his optics away from Hybrid hearing Megatron's pad go off.

Chapter Text

"So Optimus wants to trade, our men for his men. Yeah, no, that is so not happening." Bumblebee said after Megatron gathered the officers or what was left of the officers in the war room as Hybrid and Predaking gathered the FS bots in the room across the hall to finally tell them what's been happening.

"Seriously, Bee, at all of us, I would have thought you would more than willingly to hear Optimus out." Jazz replied.
"Under different circumstances, maybe, but we are close to ending this war we can't afford to let up. Beside my sire made it clear in that other message, he and the others are in the right place to launch an attack from the inside." Bumblebee answered.
"Bee. Is right. Optimus won't kill them knowing that they are his only bargaining chip, and he would gain more out of this than us." Ironhide said as he sat next to Megatron who was out the head of the table with Jazz, Bumblebee, Barricade on one side and Ironhide, Soundwave, and Dreadwing on the other the only three officers missing were Hybrid, Predaking, and Grimlock.

"That still leaves us with what we do to counter that new pill. We don't have a relic or anything that can counter that." Barricade said.
"Actually, we do. The Insecticon army. We just need Predaking to give them the command." Megatron said before continuing, "We do need to come up with a way to enhance ourselves, though."
From there, all bots offered suggestions as a possible counter. They were all shot down by another bot adding their opinion.
Magic was suggested by more than one, but that was also shot down.

"This isn't looking good if we can't figure out a way to enhance ourselves. We might have to accept the prisoner exchange deal." Megatron voiced his concern.
"We can't consider that as an option. That will put us at a disadvantage. We have to New Order on the ropes. We just need that one finally push." Jazz replied.
"Where all audios Jazz. If you have an idea or plan to stall the exchange deal, please share." Ironhide said.
"Bee." Jazz answered.
"Bee." Everyone, including Bumblebee, asked.
"Care to explain, Jazz." Soundwave asked.

Across the hall, Hybrid was leaning against Predaking's shoulder. As he gently touched the slightly burnt plating that Guardian nicked when Hybrid fought him in his Predacon form. "Does it hurt, my queen."
"Not as much as it did, my king." Hybrid replied with her own voice, even though so was still in survival mode. She was able to convince the other Snipes to let her be in a sorta of auto mode. Meaning they repaired and healed her as fast as possible, but she remains in control of her frame and voice. Her eyes were still pitch black, though.

Predaking shifted so his arm was around Hybrid, pulling her closer as the bots from the FS universe came into the room with Guardian staying by Predaking's side, and Trapper and Rhapsody being supported by their creators. Hybrid and Injustice Predaking waited for them to sit before explaining why they were asked here.
FS Prowl beat them to it speaking first. "What is happening? Why did you ask us here."

"You wanted to know the truth, don't you. Now it is your chance to hear it, the whole truth of what happened to Rhapsody, Guardian,and Jazz." Hybrid said, knowing exactly what they went through thanks to Knight and his memories in her helm.
"And to give you a choice after hearing the whole thing." Injustice Predaking added.

It didn't take long for Hybrid to fill in the gaps that were missing like how Jazz, Rhapsody, and Guardian were captured in the first plac, Jazz's torture and Rhapsody forced to watch it, Guardian almost being raped, the reason why the bots that make up the Society were causing the Resistance trouble, and what was happening right now.

FS Prowl went stiff as a board as his processor tried to actually work through that his sparkmate was tortured, and his daughter witnessed it. He actually let out a growl without realizing it, furious at the New Order.
Trapper's processor was spinning, he knew about the capture and was kept more in the loop as he worked with Hybrid, XLR8/Midnight, Bumblebee, Injustice Soundwave, and Injustice Jazz recently, but he couldn't work through the torture part.
For Rhapsody and Jazz, it was like a cloud in their processors were lifted, and they finally remembered what happened, and Jazz felt as if he was going to be sick while Rhapsody was holding back tears.
Predaking possessively growled, picking Guardian up, placing him in his lap, wrapping his wings and arms around Guardian, who already vaguely remembered what happened. Predaking was ready to kill Menasor.
Guardian himself was shaking slightly, remembering how he felt so powerless and weak in that moment and how some bot almost did something to him. He only ever wanted Predaking do to him.
Optimus was feeling like the worst leader in history. He was blind to all of this, and he hated himself, so much so Hybrid could smell it, making her cringe.

Hybrid and Predaking didn't say anything as the bots in front of them slowly started talking, then yelling, both at each other and Predaking and Hybrid, about what they learnt.
"You were tortured, and you didn't tell me." Prowl asked, almost sounding accusing.
"I couldn't remember. Whatever that knight did, it me fogged my processor." Jazz said in a very defensive tone.
"None of this should have happened. I should have been there. You should have told me." FS Prowl said towards Hybrid and Injustice Predaking.
"You should have told me as well. I could have helped free them. Why did you keep us in the dark." FS Optimus asked.
"I would very much like to know as well. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING. My mate was almost violated. How would you feel if that happened to Hybrid." FS Predaking snapped, forgetting what Hybrid said to Guardian in the swamp.
Injustice Predaking shot up and went to attack FS Predaking when Hybrid grew to his size, getting in front of him blocking his path.
"HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MY QUEEN HAS BEEN THROUGH." Predaking roared.
"My king, please, he had no idea what happened all those years ago." Pushing on Predaking's chassis, Hybrid refused to let him past her.
"I don't care. First, he comes to my kingdom and dares tell me what to do, and now he says something that could bring back painful memories. I will show him what real pain feels like."
"My king, please, I shouldn't even be using my powers right now, but I won't let you start a fight." Hybrid said, trying not to back down. She couldn't take it anymore and yelped in pain shrinking back to her normal size leaning against Predaking for support and holding her helm, in more agony then she let on, Predaking felt it through they're bond.
"My queen. I'm so sorry, and hate how much pain you're in -
"I know, just be here with me. That's all I ask, my king."
"Of course. Come seat." Pulling back his seat, Predaking gently sat Hybrid down before taking her old seat sitting beside her, holding her servo.
During that time, the FS bots stopped arguing, just watched on, not sure what was happening.

Guardian was the one to break the silence after the silence with the FS bots watching Hybrid and Injustice Predaking interact.
"Didn't you say something about offering us something once we learned what was being kept from us."
"Yes, we do have something to offer. You deserve an answer to your previous questions, though." Injustice Predaking said calmly, now more calm, wanting nothing more than his sparkmate to be comfortable and heal as fast as possible.

"You want me to reach take Sunspot and Solar Storm with me and reach out to Optimus." Bumblebee asked, wanting to clarify that’s what Soundwave said.
"Yes."
"Oh, okay. In that case. Are you fragging crazy. Why would I do that." Bumblebee asked.
"No way is our baby brother going to that lunatic." Barricade said, getting out of his chair, to stand behind Bumblebee's.
"I don't want to send Bee out there either, but. It could buy us more time if we keep Optimus distracted long enough to come up with a counter to the pill." Soundwave replied.
"I might have the solution. It was staring us in the faceplate the whole time. Magic." Jazz said.
"No. Hybrid is too weak to do something like that." Dreadwing replied after he was told of Hybrid's condition.
"There are two other bots with magic in our ranks." Ironhide said.
"You think we should ask my daughter or Croc to do it." Soundwave asked.
"That's exactly what I'm thinking."
"We still need to find the spell if there is one that would work." Megatron pointed out.
"There's where Hybrid comes into it. She could figure it out why Bee distracts Optimus." Jazz replied.

Barricade tapped Bee on the shoulder, titling his helm to the side. Bumblebee understood, getting up to talk with Barricade away from the others.
"Could you give us a little privacy." Barricade asked Bumblebee when they were away from the others.
Nodded his helm, Bumblebee summoned a ring of fire around them to muffle their voices with the crackling of the fire.
Barricade vented before saying. "I'm not happy about this. However, they do make a good point. We need to distract Optimus to what we're doing. If you're not comfortable, though, we will think of something else."
"Something needs to be done. If I decide to go, I
wouldn't be going alone. It can't be you or Ironhide or anyone who is needed here that should come with me, though. Let me decide if I will go first." Leaning against the wall, Bumblebee tried to decide what he should do.
"Taking all the time you need." Wrapping one arm around his brother's shoulders, Barricade held Bumblebee close to his side.

"The main reason you didn't tell us is because you didn't want to expose our universe." FS Optimus repeated what Hybrid said.
"Yes. Fortunately, our Starscream isn't that bright and didn't realize that your Jazz was kinda of like our Jazz to a extent somewhat, and thought that Guardian and Rhapsody were random civilians we recruited to the course." Hybrid replied.
"So, you didn't tell us because. You were afraid?" FS Prowl asked, trying to put it together himself.
"For your world. I know you deal with what you call Decepticons regularly. Answer me this, though. What is worse, them or what you have experienced since being here." Hybrid questioned, leaning forward and resting her helm in one servo as she watched the FS bots faceplate change to one of understanding. Hybrid then continued.
"We are just lucky. They didn't notice about Jazz being different. Unless the reality manipulator told them. I don't believe he did. Otherwise, we would have more problems."

[Reality manipulator. Is he the one that was controlling us you mentioned?] Rhapsody asked.
And to the FS bots, surprise Hybrid answered, seeming to understand Rhapsody.
"Yes. The ancient knight. He was the one to help me find your world in the first place. Thankfully, he is dead now. Your universe's location is only known by me. Possibly Jazz and Soundwave, but I wouldn't worry about them. Soundwave and Jazz are both loyal to the Resistance.
"Do you mean the other Snipe." Injustice Predaking asked.
"Other Snipe, I thought you said there was only one alive at a time." FS Prowl asked.
"I think we're getting a little off topic. If you stay, I'll explain the whole thing to you." Hybrid replied.
"What do you mean stay." Trapper asked.

"That is the other thing we wanted to talk to you about. Because of recent events, we are offering any of you who wish to go back to your world now. We'll send them back now." Injustice Predaking said to give his queen a break.
"It's by choice and choice alone." Guardian asked as if he was confirming.
Nodding his helm, Injustice Predaking went to say something else when Guardian jumped up of FS Predaking's lap. "I'm staying. I have never run from a fight, and I don't intend to start beside I want payback."
"If my Guardian is staying, so am I." FS Predaking said, standing beside his sparkmate.
"I was going to say take your time to make your decision, but whatever you decide, we must know before the end of the day. That is when the final battle begins." Injustice Predaking said, picking Hybrid up who half protested as they walked out of the room leaving the FS bots in there to talk.

"I'll go call out Optimus. On one condition, Strafe comes with me." Bumblebee said.
"Done. Be safe out there. I don't want my family getting hurt." Megatron said.
"You mean your nephews." Ironhide said.
"No, I mean Bee and my nephews. Optimus might be insane but he did marry Bee before he went insane so Bee is my family as much as Solar Storm and Sunspot."
Leaving it there, the officers left at the same time Predaking and Hybrid left the other room.

"Oh, Hybrid, there is something we need to discuss." Jazz said.
"Of course there is." Hybrid wanted to get whatever it was over and done with. Wanting to be alone with her sparkmate.
"Is there a spell that can make us strong enough to match the New Order and their allies." Megatron explained.
"You mean the pill. No there isn't a spell per say but there is a ritual, that or I could make everyone in the Resistance a Prime, that could potentially kill me though, so we will call that plan B and go with the ritual." Hybrid said calmly, like she didn't just say she could kill herself if her first plan didn't work.
"Hybrid, are you okay." Jazz asked genuinely concerned for Hybrid.
"I'm fine. I need rest. Which works out great because this ritual won't involve me doing much. It will involve you, my king. It's probably best we talk about it privately."
Nodding his helm Predaking pushed past Jazz and Megatron with Hybrid still in his arms.

No one realized how long they had been talking until Bumblebee and Strafe left, and Megatron saw it was night. "We have been planning for hours. Frag." Megatron said to himself, he refused to recharge. Wanting to be awake when Bee returned so he knew he and his nephews were safe.

In the room with the FS bots, Guardian and FS Predaking made their position clear when Prowl tried pulling rank on them. Something Predaking didn't take kindly to, more so after what he witnessed in Guardian's helm.
"You dare try to tell me and my Guardian what we can and can't do. You have no power here or over me." FS Predaking growled.
"I'm still your commanding officer, Predaking." FS Prowl said sternly.
"No, you are not, Optimus is. It doesn't matter either way. This is by choice, Guardian and I are staying." Predaking replied.
"Listen here -
"Prowl stop. Predaking and Guardian are well in their rights to stay. Just like I'm staying." Optimus said, shutting Prowl up.
"Boss man. I don't understand, " Jazz asked, confused.
"As much as I would like to return home to Bumblebee and a world that is easier and clearly safer. I'm not turning away from the Resistance they needed our help to end this war, and its not over yet. I'm staying. Whatever your family decides is up to you." Optimus explained.
"Didn't need to tell me that. We are going back." Prowl replied.
"I'm staying." Trapper said, honestly surprising everyone. If Rhapsody had said that it would have been expected, she had always been more defiant one out of the siblings.
"This isn't a choice, Trapper. I'm your sire and doing what is best to protect you." Prowl used the sternness voice he could, making to clear to Trapper that what he said means nothing.

Trapper would have before backed down. He would have listened to his sire in the past. Since being in the Injustice world, Trapper has become far more confident and fearless.
Pushing his seat back, getting up, Trapper walked over, standing by Guardian, Predaking, and Optimus. "I'm staying."
Jazz got up then, too, joining his son. "As am I."

Down in the cells. No one had been watching the prisoners, allowing them to plan a break out. Successfully deactivating the energy bars somehow allowing them to exit the prison. They didn't get anywhere as the alarm system went off as soon as they stepped outside of the prisoner section after smashing the door panel, prying the door itself open.

"Scrap. Spilt up. Roadbuster. Topspin. Get Ratchet out of here. We will deal with the Resistance." Sunstreaker said. What he didn't see was Bluestreak sneak off, he wanted to talk to his sister, seeing if he was being told the truth that Hybrid didn't care about him, giving up on him, as he was told by both Cyclonus and Prowl.

Hearing the alarm, Megatron ordered Dreadwing, Wheeljack, Hybrid, Sky Lynx, Soundwave, and Barricade to join him in stopping any of the prisoners from escaping the Pits. They couldn’t risk them getting back to the New Order telling them anything they may have overheard.

Groaning Hybrid rolled out of the berth after telling Predaking how he could help and hearing Megatron ask for assistance. Predaking agreed, of course. It would keep him out of the final battle, unfortunately, but it would level the playing the field against the New Order again. Not to mention, no one in the New Order had powers or abilities. The only four that did had either defected to the Resistance, walked away, or died.

Hybrid did stop by where the FS bots were, asking them if they wanted to help. After Hybrid and Predaking promised nor to keep them in the dark anymore.
Predaking, Guardian, Optimus, Trapper, and Jazz all said they would with Rhapsody reluctantly agree, meaning Prowl did to protect his family.
Rhapsodys' reluctance came from her actually dying. Information that what's shared with the FS bots for obvious reasons. It changed Rhapsody, though. She was more careful, less firey, and didn't say much. All of those things were connected to be brought back. Eventually, it would wear off, but right now, she would be uncharacteristically different, something that didn't escape the FS bots notice.

Boxing Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Bluestreak, Roadbuster, and Topspin in, the selected Resistance members, and the FS bots blocked every pathway out of the cells, two to three bots to a corridor.

Sky Lynx, Guardian, and FS Predaking stood in one corridor when Roadbuster rounded the corner with a comatose Ratchet. Even though Guardian knew that wasn't his carrier and sort of knew the history between this world's Ironhide and Ratchet, Guardian still saw red charging at Topspin and Roadbuster who bolted dropping Ratchet who Guardian caught as Sky Lynx and FS Predaking chased after the wreckers.

In the floor below, Wheeljack and Barricade were caught by surprise by the twins. Hearing Dreadwing's roar, Trapper and Rhapsody went running to help.
Bursting into the hall, Trapper wasted no time using telekinesis, picking up Sunstreaker, who was standing over a fallen Wheeljack. Keeping Sunstreaker in the air, Trapper hit his servo holding Sunstreaker with his other sending Sunstreaker flying down the hall, impacting the wall at the end so hard it cracked and Sunstreaker collapsed.

Outraged at what happened to Sunstreaker. Sideswipe went for Trapper when Rhapsody stepped in the way frozen at meeting this world's Sideswipe. A highly dangerous Sideswipe.
[ What happened to you.] Rhapsody asked.
"Who the frag are you." Sideswipe replied.
[ That's not importan, what's important is stopping you from ruining your life even more.]
"If that's sign language, I can't understand I word your saying. Primus, you're a fragging mute, aren't you. Frag, that's funny." Sideswipe laughed right in Rhapsody's faceplate.
Growing anger, Rhapsody launched herself at Sideswipe. In her rage, Sideswipe was able to grab her by the neck cables, slamming her down to the ground and picking up Dreadwing's sword.
"Any last words. Oh wait, that's right." Laughing Sideswipe missed Rhapsody using her power to copy his fighting skills, knocking Sideswipe of balance. Rolling to her side, Rhapsody saw Sideswipe coming at her. Lifting most of her body of the ground so she was doing a handstand, Rhapsody wrapped her peds around Sideswipe's helm, sending him helm first into the wall directly in front of him stunning him.

Getting up to stand next to her brother Rhapsody and Trapper got ready to fight Sideswipe when Sunstreaker regained consciousness, but so had Dreadwing, and he went after leaving Sideswipe, Trapper, and Rhapsody alone.

Trapper was going to use his telekinesis on Sideswipe when Topspin whacked him in the back of the helm after he escaped FS Predaking and Sky Lynx.
Moving to stand in the middle of the hall so she wasn't caged in Rhapsody kept an optic on Topspin and Sideswipe, who looked at each other and charged her. Jumping as high as she could, Rhapsody spilt kicked bot bots away, hitting both in the chassis. Topspin made the mistake of grabbing Rhapsody, who ducked grabbing his arm, absorbing his fighting skill before shifting her weight, and throwing Topspin over her shoulder. Getting up, Sideswipe let Topspin pick him up and threw him towards Rhapsody, who ducked Sideswipe, not seeing Topspin running at her because Sideswipe's body was in the way. Topspin punched Rhapsody right in the faceplate, knocking her down.

Seeing his sister in trouble, Trapper, with one servo, picked up Sideswipe and Topspin, throwing them into the roof before bringing his servo down and slamming it into the ground, making Sideswipe and Topspin slam into the ground too.

Bluestreak came across Hybrid, who was standing with Megatron. Any bot with any basic self-preservation would know it was fatal to attack Hybrid or Megatron doing it when they were with each was just asking to meet the Allspark early. Hybrid and Megatron may not be killers, but they are apex predators of that there was no doubt. Fortunately, for Bluestreak's sake, he was not looking for a fight and just wanted to know if his sister still cared about him.
"I don't want to fight. I just want you to answer something, Hybrid." Bluestreak said, slowly walking towards them.
"What question do you want an answer to, Blue." Hybrid asked.
"Do you still love me or not." Bluestreak couldn't look at his sister in fear she would laugh at him or worse conform his fear.
"Of course I love you Blue your my baby brother, but you are on the wrong side of this war, and that is something I don't love."
Bluestreak's helm shot up, hearing the honesty in Hybrid's voice running at his sister to hug her.
Bluestreak was happy that Hybrid didn't push him away when he reached her. Choosing to willingly go back to the cells.

Above Trapper and Rhapsody had unfortunately been backed up at the end of the corridor both trying to figure a way out because Trapper had used his telekinesis a lot and was now struggling and Sideswipe's and Topspin's fighting abilities had worn of for Rhapsody.
All of a sudden, a shadow appeared behind Sideswipe and Topspin. Causing Rhapsody and Trapper to have grins on their faceplate as Guardian grabbed both Injustice bots and threw them away from the bots who he considers siblings.
"What in the Pit. Whi the frag are you." Topspin asked, getting up.
"Guardian. Pleasure to meet you." Guardian said with an uneasy smile.
"Why are you smiling? Don't you know you fragged up by attacking us." Sideswipe sneered.
"Actually, you fragged up. See you attacked my siblings and now I'm going to end your fucking lives." Guardian hissed.

Sideswipe and Topspin didn't have time to react as Guardian used metal bending slamming his ped down shaking the floor under Sideswipe and Topspin before jumping and spinning at them with his wings tucked out slightly allowing him to stay airborne picking up speed crashing into Sideswipe and Topspin. Landing on the other side of them, Guardian picked them up by their helms, slamming them together, tossing them into opposite sides of the hall.

Sunstreaker chose that moment to pop back around, running at Guardian, slamming into his back that did nothing. Guardian didn't turn around. He wrapped his tail around Sunstreaker's neck cables, crushing them when Sideswipe tried to help his twin but could barely stand without stumbling. Guardian kicked him in the faceplate, putting his ped on his chassis, applying the right pressure to knock him out but not kill him like he was doing with Sunstreaker with his tail.
Guardian did pay attention to his carrier doing medical stuff. It really came in handy when fighting and helping injured comrades.

Topspin was doing better. Getting up while holding his helm, all it took was for Guardian to drop Sunstreaker and lift his ped of Sideswipe, who were both unconscious. Lifting Topspin so his arms were around his middle Guardian squeezed and the sound of metal cracking accompanied by Topspin's screams of pain was enough for Guardian to drop him leaving Topspin to clutch at his sides.

Stepping away from the down mechs, Guardian checked on Trapper and Rhapsody hoisting them up when he could see Rhapsody was still weak, and Trapper had exhausted himself.

Walking past Dreadwing and Wheeljack as they rounded the corner chasing after Sunstreaker.
"You're three prisoners over there." Guardian jerked his helm backwards and kept walking.

By midnight, all prisoners were back in magical sealed cells, and Megatron called everyone to the war room to prepare for the final battle that began now.

Chapter Text

"No more waiting. Bumblebee has gone to meet Optimus and distract him. Now is our time to strike.
Hybrid, did you figure out how to counter the pill." Megatron asked as the Resistance and FS bots stood in the war room.
"Yes. I just need my king's help to create, but it will take him out of the battle."
"Are you okay with this Predaking." Megatron asked.
"Yes. Someone will need to lead the Insecticon army, Predacons, and Dinobots during the battle, though. Let me think, and I'll have the answer once my queen is done."
"Excellent. Now we will attack in three waves. Jazz, Prowl, Rhapsody, Guardian, Trapper, Optimus, Predaking are you staying or leaving." Megatron asked, needed to know, or he'll have to change his plan.
"Yes." All said, and Rhapsody signed. That prison riot reigniting that fire inside of her. Prowl was the only one who didn't. He wasn't leaving his family, though.
"Prowl?"
"This world is more dangerous than any of us first believed, I want nothing more than to return to a world where the danger is more well known and less. I won't leave my family at any cost, though."
"Glad to hear." Megatron said. Happy he'll have Prowl, Jazz, Predaking, Guardian, Rhapsody, and Trapper to help end this war. He had plans for Optimus, though. Ones he didn’t tell anyone, not even Smokescreen, Bumblebee, or Hybrid, knowing at least two of them would try and stop him or talk him out of it.
"Hybrid, link up our processors so you can hear my thoughts why we discuss the plan so you know it as you work on that potion with Predaking." Megatron ordered.
"You got it." Hybrid replied. Using her telepathy to link with Megatron before leaving the room with Predaking.

"How will this work, my queen." Predaking asked as he and Hybrid walked to their room where Hybrid kept all her ingredients, spell books, relics, among other things.
"It's simple. I just need you to give some of your energon to the potions I make. In doing so, it will give the bots who drink it the strength and almost invisibility of a Predacon to them."
"Only you could do something like that, my queen." Predaking said, leaning down to kiss Hybrid.
"It wouldn't be possible without you, my King." Hybrid replied, stretching up the rest of the way, kissing Predaking.

"You want to send in my men without me." FS Optimus asked, curious, slightly concerned.
"We need you to fight Optimus, who won't be there. He is with Bumblebee." Ironhide explained, not sounding happy about what he said.
[ Why is Bumblebee with that Optimus.] Rhapsody signed.
"Translation." Ironhide asked.
"Rhapsody wants to know why your Bee is with your Optimus." Guardian replied.
"His distracting him, so the attack will go easy." Dreadwing explained.
"Now that that's settled. As I was saying, the FS bots will attack with the Insecticons once Predaking decides to give temporary control to. Afterwards we will somehow send a signal to our fellow Resistance members inside the New Order to break free and start fighting the New Order from inside keeping them busy then the rest of us will move in and hopefully keep them trapped inside as, the FS team take care of the mercenaries." Megatron said.
"I can get the signal through on the same frequency. The bot who sent it will mostly be the one to recognize it." Soundwave said.
"You have bots on the inside." FS Predaking asked.
"They were caught." Injustice Prowl answered.
"Speaking of bots on the inside. Blitzwing, our Blitzwing is not with them, probably hiding until we can get there. You should all remember what he looks like, and the Insecticons know our sent, plus they won't attack unless they tell me to. Still keep an optic out for him." Barricade said.
"Well, do." FS Jazz replied.
*I know I way to trap the bots inside the New Order headquarters.* Hybrid said in Megatron's helm, he then repeated for them.
"Don't we need Hybrid to focus on... Never mind." Hot Rod, remembered. Hybrid's job was going to be to focus on Ratchet, but he was already neutralized down in the cells.
"Her plan involves Ultra Magnus, so you will stay behind with her, okay?" Megatron said to Ultra Magnus, who was standing to the side of the room. He was having a little trouble adjusting to being alive again, but he was determined to end this war he already gave his life once for. "I understand." Ultra Magnus nodded.

Strafe landed in the Neutral Territories early that morning. Lowering himself to the ground so Bumblebee could get off his back without waking up Solar Storm or Sunspot, who both fall asleep on the flight there.

Watching Bumblebee pace nervous, Strafe transformed from his dino mode into his bot mode, stepping over to Bumblebee seating down with Bumblebee in his lap taking Sunspot from Bumblebee with his free arm, rubbing comforting patterns on Bumblebee's back. "Say the word, and I'll fly us out of here." Strafe said.
"It's okay, Strafe, just stay close. Optimus would never hurt us, but I'm worried. It's hard to explain."
"No need." Strafe didn't understand, but if his presence was enough to comfort his favourite bot, he wasn't going anywhere.
All Dino bots had favourites among the bots, Grimlock's being Hybrid, Scorn's was Prowl, and Slug's was Wheeljack, Sludge's was at one point Acree but know it was XLR8.

Optimus showed up a little while after, pulling up a respectable distance from them transformering, approaching them slowly with his servos raised. Strafe watched every movement carefully, standing when Optimus was halfway.

Optimus stopped moving in response to Strafe standing. Optimus wasn't sure what was happening because of the early hour there wasn't much light around, but he knew the yellow of Bumblebee anywhere, as he was placed on the ground holding something that Optimus assumed was Sunspot. That alone brought a smile to his faceplate at possibly being able to hold his sparkling again.
Bumblebee closed the gap between them, with Strafe standing only six feet away from them, giving space but not privacy that wasn't part of the deal he made with Bumblebee.

"Hello, little one." Reaching his servo out, Optimus was delighted when he stroked the side of Bumblebee's helm without him pulling back like he would have done months prior.
Smiling at Bumblebee's reaction he glanced down to see what Bumblebee was holding finally able to see now that he was close enough, Optimus could have sworn his energon just turned to ice freezing over his system when he saw a second sparkling in Bumblebee's arms.
Knowing what Optimus could have been thinking based on his reaction, Strafe went to step closer when Bumblebee looked over his shoulder with a reassuring smile before turning back to Optimus. "Meet your daughter Solar Storm."

""She really is mine. Why can't I feel her bond." Optimus asked, still a little stunned.
"Hold her, and you will, I promise." Bumblebee said as Optimus kneeled. Surprising Optimus when Bumblebee stepped into his arms too and tucked himself on one side before telling Optimus to make a cradle with his other arm as he handed him Solar Storm. Just like that, the bond he couldn't feel before came through like a flood gate was just opened.

"There, the potion is ready." Hybrid said, healing Predaking servo where he cut it open, and Hybrid used magic to not just drain some of his energon but life energy itself.
Ignoring the potion for now, Hybrid helped Predaking down onto the berth. "Are you okay, my king."
"I believe so. Tell Megatron." Predaking said half groggy.
"No. You are my first priority." Hybrid said, seating on the little free room of the berth, placing her servo over Predaking's chassis, muttering something in Ancient Cybertron that Predaking didn't understand. He felt lighter and more relaxed, though, knowing Hybrid did something to make him feel as comfortable as possible.
"How did I get such a loving, caring sparkmate." Placing his servo over Hybrid's, Predaking brought to his lips kiss the palm of her servo holding it close.
Hybrid blushed at the action, kissing Predaking on lips. "I ask myself a similar question every day, my king. You are the most protective, devoted, lovely mech anybot could ask for. Not to mention the most handsome mech ever."
"And you're not those things, and you want to talk about attractive. You have never looked more beautiful." Placing his left servo on Hybrid's shoulder pad. Her right servo was beside Predaking's helm as she leant over him.
"Please, I look like a wreck. About half my paint job is missing, and burned shoulder pad, a damaged wing, and I'm littered with scratches."
"You look like a warrior to me, my queen, my warrior queen." Stroking Hybrid's shoulder pad Predaking moved his servo to cup her faceplate. "Come here, my darling."
Letting Predaking pull her down, they kissed once more before resting their forehelms together. They they were interrupted by Megatron coming into the room with Guardian, FS Predaking, Darksteel, Sky Lynx, and Sludge.

"Predaking, Hybrid sorry to interrupt, but I need to know is the potion finished." Not looking at Predaking or Hybrid, Megatron was sorry. Also, he valued his life, and he didn't want to find out if Hybrid and Predaking could kill by a look. They can definitely cause fear and nervousness by a look, Megatron himself had been on the end of death stares from both. He was very sore afterwards, learning his lesson to not test their patience. The time for what they planned was sensitive.
Getting up and pushing Predaking back down, Hybrid pointed to the potion on the bench behind them. "One drop, and that potion will amplify anyone to have the powers of a Predacon for longer than the P-14 pill."
"Well down. Now, have you chosen who will lead the Insecticon army, Predacons, Dinobots, and FS both into the first wave Predaking." Megatron asked, picking up the potion.
"No doubt in my mind the bot for the job is Guardian. I temporarily relinquish control of the Insecticons to you, Guardian."
Guardian was flustered. He was honoured. Predaking gave him control, but he wasn't sure he was the best choice.
Sensing his mates unease, FS Predaking grabbed Guardian's servo. "You'll do great. I'll be right by your side the whole time."

Optimus couldn't be happier sitting with his family right there in his arms all three members. He kept looking over at Strafe, not entirely sure it wasn't Hybrid disguised again like a couple of years ago. If Bumblebee had his side of the bond open to Optimus Bumblebee would have felt it, he didn’t need to, though he could feel how tense Opwas through his frame.
"I promise this isn't a trap. I just wanted you to be able to spend time with your sparklings and prove to the Resistance the old Optimus is returning."
"He is. Bee, I made a vowel to you to be the mech you feel in love with." Optimus said, making optic contact with Bumblebee.
"I know, and because of that, I felt comfortable enough to come here to let you spend time with Sunspot and bond with Solar Storm.
Strafe just flew us here it was fast that way." Bumblebee said, resting his helm on Optimus chassis, feeling slightly guilty for partly lying to Optimus.

Late that morning, the FS bots set out for the New Order territory to start the last battle of this war.
Soundwave sent the message through the same frequency to the bot inside the New Order, feeding them information so they knew what was about to happen and relay it to Scourge, Nightmare, Cyclonus, and Grimlock.

Dragging himself out of the com room, Soundwave found himself outside his families door, knowing Ravage and XLR8 wouldn't be in there gearing up for the second wave their part of. Laserbeak and Frenzy would be the only to possibly in there. Soundwave loved his family, but it was a bit of struggle to fit on the berth some nights when the kids crawled in with them. After having to share a berth with their carrier most of their lives, it was just natural for the kids to sleep easier in the same berth as Blaster. Blaster never complained or turned his kids away, and neither would Soundwave he just wanted to be able to curl up with Blaster without having to move XLR8, Ravage, Laserbeak, and Frenzy.
Like one of many nights, he had to move Laserbeak up near his helm and hug Ravage and XLR8 to his chassis just so he could get more on the berth than off.

Entering the room, Soundwave was pleasantly surprised that Blaster was by himself going through something on a data pad.
"Hey Blast. What are you doing." Soundwave asked, making his way to cuddle up with Blaster.
Blaster switched their positions, so he was resting his back strut against Soundwave's chassis. Instead of curling up to his side. "Just looking at pictures of when the kids were younger."
Soundwave was drawn in, looking at the pad never seeing his kids as sparklings or a little older.
He placed his servo over Blaster's that was flicking from one picture to the other, stopping him on when with XLR8 and Ravage looking exhausted, but Blaster didn’t look happy glaring at his sire.
"What happened here." Soundwave asked with amusement in his voice.

Flashback:
"Baby girls, why are you so tired? You are going to be late for school." Blaster asked his daughters who stayed up all last night with Blaster's sire at an underground fight club watching Blitzwing and Hybrid fight. Near the end of the night trying to recruit members for the Alliance.
"Son, let me take the girls to school. You stay with Laserbeak he is very fussy this morning, and your carrier is off world right now." Blaster's sire said, trying to cover that he kept the girls up after Blaster commented earlier that morning he got in really late last night.
It was working until XLR8 couldn't fight it anymore and fell helm first into the table.
"I knew it. You took them with you last night. Girls get up or we'll be late." Blaster wasn't happy, grabbing his daughter's and dragging them to them out about to transform into his car alto mode that he had to upgrade to so he could get his kids around easier. When Ravage went to go back inside. "Don't you dare. Or I'll put you in the trunk."
"Blaster, come on. So what if there a little late or don't go today. It was important for them to hear what the Alliance had to say. You are still technically a member."
"We also got to see a femme kick a triple chargers aft." XLR8 said, smiling.
"XLR8 go to sleep." Blaster sighed pushing his daughter gently aside so he could talk to his sire, when his carrier pulled up and couldn't help but take a picture at the scene of Ravage and XLR8 actually curling up together in the front yard of their home to sleep while Blaster chews out her husband.
End Flashback:

Inside the New Order headquarters, Mirage got himself and Hound assigned to monitor duty, successfully intercepting the message Soundwave sent, passing it on to the others with a handful of P-14 pills.

On his way back to his post, he was stopped by Chromedome himself and Nightbeat.
"You are a traitor, I didn't want to believe, Nightbeat. Why Mirage." Chromedome asked.
"You're right. I am a traitor. To myself, I trusted in Optimus that what he was doing was for the best, I kept telling myself Optimus knew what he was doing to the point I followed him out of fear, not loyalty. It couldn't be more clear that we have become what we fought to destroy. Not including you Chromedome, you were too scared to join the original fight." Mirage spat.
"I still believe in our course, Mirage. Even if you lost your way." Chromedome replied.
"On the contrary, I found my way. Now, if you'll excuse me-
Chromedome grabbed Mirage as he went to the past. Mirage ducked and turned under the attempt, kicking Chromedome's legs out from under him.
"Don't just stand there, Tailgate. Grab him." Chromedome said to a motionless Nightbeat.
"Can't grab what you can't see." Turning invisible Mirage tripped Nightbeat when he was close enough, waiting until Nightbeat got up on his knees Mirage jumped on his shoulders, spinning to the side driving Nightbeat's helm into the ground.

Chromedome ran towards the only way out of the communication hall that was a dead end. He was almost at the door when Mirage grabbed him from behind, spinning throwing Chromedome back down the hall. Staying invisible, he stood in front of the door. He wasn't going to let either pass him and warn the others.

Landing on the outskirts of Iacon, Rhapsody was starting to feel more like herself after whatever funk she was in, having no memory of dying thankfully others it was have made sense why she felt off. Dying then coming back to life is a very jarring experience, something Ultra Magnus and Sludge could both agree to. There was something about Rhapsody that drew Darksteel and Sky Lynx attention as they waited for FS Prowl and FS Jazz to return from scouting on orders from Guardian who was in charge of their team.
"Does she remind you of the femme Hybrid helped in the Underworld? What was her name." Darksteel asked.
"Lyrica." Sky Lynx huffed.
"That's right. I wonder if they were related. Let's ask." About to get up from where he was crouched, Darksteel didn't get halfway up when Sky Lynx forced him back down.
"I have a better idea. Let's not." Sky Lynx said, keeping his grip on Darksteel.

FS Prowl and FS Jazz returned not too long after telling Guardian about the makeshift camp or area that was fenced of mostly by junk and debris.
"What about the bots? Where are they." Guardian asked.
"Mostly under the settled area away from the fence and out of sight from the mercenaries." Jazz replied.
"That makes our job so much easier. Darksteel, Sky Lynx, time for you two to show us if you're as good as this world's Predaking and Hybrid said you were."
Darksteel and Sky Lynx knew what Guardian was talking about after Predaking and Hybrid both could them a two wrecker army.
Transformering, they flew up high hiding in the clouds as the others got close before they were in position. As soon as Guardian was confident they were ready, he signalled Darksteel and Sky Lynx to start they attack.

Free falling Darksteel and Sky Lynx smashed into the ground, partly destroying the makeshift camp and attacking the mercenary whose shot bounced off their plating.
"Charge. Focus on the mercenaries. Trapper and Rhapsody get the civilians to safely." Guardian shouted.

Inside the Pits, Megatron was standing near the interdimensional machine, trying to set the right frequency to send Optimus back for reasons unknown to anyone but him.
"What are you doing."
Megatron jumped at the voice behind the same voice of his brother, but he knew that it was FS Optimus and that he had just been busted.

Chapter Text

"It's not what it looks like." Megatron said, stepping away from the console.
"It looks like you were trying to send me home." FS Optimus replied.
"Fine, it's exactly how it looks. It was a mistake to bring you and the others here in the first place. We should have never asked you." Megatron replied, turning back to the console.
"You asked, we didn't have to say yes, but we did because for most of us, we wanted to help you before things went from bad to worse." FS Optimus walked over to Megatron, stopping just behind him.
"And look what has happened since you've been here. I'm sending you back no argument."
"Hybrid and Predaking said it was by choice whether we stayed or went back. We all decided to stay. You have no right."
"I HAVE EVERY RIGHT. Hybrid and Predaking aren't the leaders. My word is finally." Megatron snapped, finally turning to face FS Optimus, who was almost the same height as Megatron, making him not much shorter than Injustice Optimus.
"If you really had any power, you would have come to my earth, not Hybrid. The others would look to you, not Hybrid. You would have explained what had happened to my team since being here, not Hybrid.
Besides, you need me to fight your Optimus because Hybrid was going to be busy during the final fight, meaning you aren't strong enough to beat him." FS Optimus knew he was being harass with Megatron, he didn’t care in that moment he was there for a reason and he had yet to accomplish it, he wasn't going anywhere until he had.
"You questioning my leadership."
"I'll have to see you acting as a leader to be able to question your leadership first."
Shoving FS Optimus back Megatron resumed fiddling with the console.

FS Optimus wasn't having it, though. "I said I'm not going anywhere." Grabbing his sword, pulling it out slightly.
Hearing the sounds of a sword being partly drawn got Megatron's attention. "Is this how it's going to be." Megatron asked, not turning around, remaining very still.
"You refuse to listen to reason. Maybe you'll listen to force."
"You think it's wise to challenge me, Optimus." Megatron asked, placing his servo on the handle of his sword.
"I should ask you the same about challenging me."

Over in Iacon in what was a makeshift prison/camp Darksteel and Sky Lynx had destroyed taking down mercenaries that tried to stop them only for them to simply swipe them away with their tails or massive paws, all while covering Rhapsody and Trapper as they got the last of the civilians to safely or so they thought but the mercenaries cut them off with the help of the few sentries that were self aware.
Guardian had planned for this calling in the Insecticons attacking the bulk of the mercenaries allowing Trapper and Rhapsody to get the civilians to safely with the help of the rebels that the Insecticons sniffed out following Blitzwing's scent.

Prowl kept a close optic on his kids as he fought of another mercenary, blocking their attack, pushing the sword away with enough force they stumbled, allowing Prowl to stab them through the back.
Side stepping another mercenary's attempt to cut him down with their sword, ducking under with the grace of a cyber cat, slicing open the mercenary's mid section in the process so fast the mercenary didn't even notice at first. Rolling out of the way of two mercenaries, Prowl stood behind one of them back to back, moving effortlessly with them angering the other mercenary as he couldn't get a chance to hit Prowl without killing his friend. Prowl took care of that by breaking the neck of the one he was hiding behind, taking hold of the others servo when he went to attack appealing pressure to a centre point forcing the mercenary to drop his sword into Prowl's servo killing the mercenary with it, swiftly twirling around with it to cut the neck cables of a mercenary coming up behind him.
Jazz punched a mercenary in the face, wrapping one arm around their helm afterwards trapping their helm punching then repeatedly before stealing the sight of the three that came to help their friend grabbing one of the blind ones Jazz threw them into each other before jumping up in the air grabbing hold of them helm of the last blind one mid jump flipping them over as he went over them slamming them into the ground before causing an illusion on four other mercenaries so they attacked each other before he spun around clashing his sword with that of another mercenary.

By that point in time, Rhapsody and Trapper had joined the fight with Rhapsody using her power to absorb her brother's power, allowing both of them to have telekinesis before fighting alongside the other.
Using their power at the same time, Rhapsody and Trapper puppeted two mercenaries into impaling each other with their swords. Next, Trapper stopped one from bringing his sword down as Rhapsody cut them in half, making the top half of his body stay up as the bottom half dropped before Trapper stopped using his powers.
Making their way to their parents, all four fought back to back, combining their powers together, making them untouchable.

Meanwhile, Guardian and Predaking were laying waste to any mercenary that tried attacking them. Guardian stopped at one point when Predaking picked one up by the faceplate, ripping it off, picking up the lifeless body using it as a weapon against the other mercenary. Kicking one into a wall breaking the wall of the building as it collapsed on the mercenary. Just seeing how dominant and powerful Predaking was being made Guardian go slightly weak in the knee joints before he got his helm back to what was going on knowing now wasn't the time to drool over his sparkmate.
Seeing the distance between them and the New Order headquarters Guardian pressed the attack jumping in the air with his wings aiding him coming down fast smashing into the ground bunching his servos up and throwing them forward creating a tidal wave of earth and metal taking down hundreds of mercenaries trapping some under rubble, killing others instantly, knocking others out. Guardian's earth, metal tidal wave didn't go unnoticed by Predaking, who growled in passion at his sparkmate's impressive feat.
"When this is over, you aren't leaving our berth until you are sparked MY Guardian." Predaking purred with lust into Guardian's audio.
Guardian shuddered at that. Taking hold of Predaking's servo on his hip purring in response to what Predaking said.
"You like that sound of that Guardian or do like being called mine." Stepping right behind Guardian, Predaking pulled him closer, ignoring the mercenary that just tried to stab him as he was indestructible simply whacking them away with his tail. His more primal instincts took over, but thankfully, Guardian stepped away from Predaking.
"My King, we have a battle to focus on."
"Then let's end it together, my Guardian."

Inside the New Order headquarters they saw what was happening sending out Menasor, Bonecrusher, Skullcrusher, and Bulkhead to help fight of the FS bots and try and reach Optimus but their whole communication network was down and the hall to the communication room was jammed courtesy of Mirage slamming Chromedome's helm into the main panel moments before.

Mirage did trap himself in the hallway with Nightbeat and Chromedome. He wasn't exactly alone, though. Hound and his room was in the same hallway and Hound had joined the fight after hiding Nightshade safely in their room as he clotheslined Nightbeat as Chromedome had Mirage against the wall applying pressure to his neck and neck cables with his ped.

When Guardian saw the New Order send in their heavy hitters, he sent the signal to Hybrid, who opened a ground bridge in the port where Megatron and Optimus real sire is, stepping through with Ultra Magnus on top of the New Order headquarters opening a second bridge to where Bumblebee was with Optimus for the sire to go through.
Standing behind Ultra Magnus Hybrid grabbed hold of Ultra Magnus's shouldes, mixing her magic with his shield ability, casting a force field over the entire base to prevent anyone else from leaving.
That was part of the reason Hybrid gave Ultra Magnus the force field ability because she saw herself in her survival mode days before and knew she wouldn't be able to hold the force field long enough but with her giving it to Ultra Magnus using her magic to amplify the ability it put almost no strain on her or him.

Menasor spotted Guardian lumbering over to him. "Ready to pick up where we left off." Menasor taunted, trying to unnerve Guardian, which failed.
"Let's." Guardian said, flying towards Menasor, flying sideways at the last second for Predaking to appear right behind him, pinning Menasor down by his throat.
"Predaking meet Menasor, Menasor met my sparkmate Predaking."
"The Menasor that dared touched you." Predaking growled in rage and possessiveness.
"That's the one." Guardian replied with a grin towards Menasor, knowing what Predaking was going to do to him before Predaking transformed, picking Menasor up, carrying him up into the skies.

But in Iacon in the Pits, Megatron and FS Optimus had been fighting the whole time with Megatron currently in control pressing down on his sword as FS Optimus tried to fight back as Megatron's sword nicked his shoulder taking a bit of paint of as he continued the pressure down on Optimus sword. Optimus was far from out of the fight his battle meditation worked well on big groups and armies it worked even better on just one bot, himself. Finding the strength, Optimus got back to his peds, changing his stance, making it possible to spin the swords to the side, opening Megatron to a kick to his knee joint weakening it.

Shaking it of Megatron was back on the attack in no time, not realizing Optimus had drawn him away from the panel. When Megatron charged at Optimus, he kicked out one of the chairs. Megatron jumped over that with ease, which Optimus counted on. The jump opened Megatron open to attack when he was landing, Optimus used the table in the room as leverage lifting himself up and kicking Megatron in the mid section with both peds bringing Megatron to one knee that Optimus used to hold his sword to Megatron's neck cables, Megatron ducked at the same time Optimus moved so he was behind Megatron kickingat the knee joint again as Megatron buckle. Grabbing Megatron from behind Optimus was about to hit him in the back of the helm with his sword when Megatron rolled, flipping Optimus over him. Megatron and Optimus, however, were back to their peds in seconds despite Megatron favouring his left one.
Bluffing Optimus ran forward, stopping as Megatron jumped away to plan how to attack next, but his knee almost gave again. It finally did when Optimus kicked it dead on forcing the knee joint to straighten against its will.
Stepping on Megatron's sword, Optimus held his by Megatron's helm.
"Have I made my point." Optimus asked.
"You have." Megatron replied, grabbing the servo Optimus offered.
Helping Megatron to the med bay for Hook to do his best patch job on Optimus asked. "You had no idea what you doing at the console did you."
"I was hoping you wouldn't notice that."

In Iacon Guardian had just signalled something to Rhapsody, nodding her helm she throw herself at Guardian who grabbed her by both peds with one servo throwing her towards the closest mech effectively going through him halfway stick out her arms with knife's in either servo as Guardian pulled her out and she cut what was left of the bots middle. His top half fell down, and his legs fell on top of that.
Guardian and Rhapsody weren't done Rhapsody climbed Guardian's back catching a mercenary by the arms holding them out with Rhapsody standing on Guardian's shoulders driving her sword into the top of the mercenary's helm jumping up and over the bot holding onto the hilt of the sword driving it down with her body weight slicing the bot in half top to bottom. As soon as Guardian let go of their arms, the two halves split.
Seeing the gruesome display, Jazz and Prowl began to worry what Guardian was teaching Rhapsody and Trapper.
Never the less they were thining out the mercenaries' ranks, thanks to the potion, making them stronger and more skilled.

Optimus and Bee's meeting was coming to an end with everyone in place, almost so Bee had to leave for FS Optimus to try and talk Optimus into surrendering. Bumblebee knew Optimus wouldn't listen to FS Optimus, though. He wouldn't even stop the war for Bumblebee and their kids. Anything was worth a try, though.
"I have to go back now. I promised Blitzwing I'd be back shortly with Sunspot and Solar Storm." Bumblebee said without thinking. Which was a lie anyway as Blitzwing was in Iacon right now.
Optimus up to this point had been civil and decent that Blitzwing had pretty much stolen Bumblebee from him but the knowledge that Blitzwing was helping Bumblebee raise his kids as he saw it, he couldn't hold his tongue anymore.
"Are you fragging with me right now. Why does Blitzwing get a say in anything to do with our kids."
"Optimus, calm down. Blitzwing is only trying to help me. Like he has been since Sunspot was born." Bumblebee explained.
It definitely didn't have the desired effect, only serving to fuel Optimus rage accidentally squeezing Sunspot, making him squeak and cry.
"OPTIMUS LET HIM GO." Bumblebee shouted at hearing Sunspot in pain. Bumblebee used his god-like strength, taking Sunspot from Optimus, being careful, pushing Optimus away. "What were you thinking? You just hurt your son."
"Bee, I didn't mean it. Please let me hold him and apologize. I would never intentionally hurt him or Solar Storm." Optimus pleaded, trying to stroke Sunspot's check.
"No, stay away. No one, but you have ever hurt Sunspot in his entire life.
All you seem to do is cause your own family pain in the last four and a half years, what happened to you." Bumblebee was pissed off. He wasn't hurting his kids though being as gentle with them as possible.
Optimus didn't know what to say to that, unable to stop Bumblebee from going to Strafe asking to leave.
"NO. I'M DONE LOSING MY FAMILY." Shouting Optimus went to attack Strafe, who was already in pterodactyl form, picking up Bumblebee around his shoulder as he held onto his kids flying off.

"It's over brother you've lost surround." Megatron said, appearing behind Optimus.
"We both now you can't beat me in a fight brother, do your worst." Optimus drew his sword feeling cocky for good reason Megatron has never beaten Optimus.
"I'm not the one you should worry about, he is." Stepping aside FS Optimus made optic contact with Injustice Optimus.

Inside the New Order headquarters Grimlock, Cyclonus, Scourge, and Nightmare could hear the fighting outside the building nit to mention the fight inside not to far away deciding they had enough waiting the broke out joining the battle for Cybertron as the rest of the Resistance appeared inside the shield going through the front doors of the building to free Cybertron or die trying. There was absolutely no turning back now.

Chapter Text

"What is this, brother? Another clone like Nemesis." Injustice Optimus asked Megatron without breaking optic contact with FS Optimus.
"I'm no clone. I'm the you the you should be, used to be." FS Optimus replied.
Optimus was confused now. If the Optimus in front of him wasn't a clone, why would he say what he said? That was before it clicked.
"You're from another universe, aren't you. Shockwave really did it. Now it makes sense that Predacon we captured he came with you, didn't he."
"If you mean Guardian -
"Guardian is his name, is it. Tell me, is he your sparkmate or someone important to you, how is he feeling." Optimus mocked.
"It's none of your concern what he is to me. This is about stopping you before it's too late." FS Optimus replied, ignoring what he said about Guardian or answering his questions. He already knew anyway and felt bad, but Guardian, Rhapsody, or Jazz don't blame him.
"To late. What, too late to bring peace to this planet for my sparkmate Bee and our sparklings."
FS Optimus knew of the Bumblebee here being sparkmated with this Optimus he didn't know they had sparklings together he assumed Sunspot and Solar Storm where Knockout and Breakdown's sparkling since he only saw the sparkling with them but that must be who he is talking about.
"You can't possibly claim what you have done is in the name of peace, no Bumblebee from any universe would want this. No wonder he left you to join the alliance." FS Optimus snapped. Not one to usually lose his temper but what this Optimus has done and claimed who it was for lite a fire inside him.
"They brainwashed him he it's thinking straight." Optimus claimed.

"No Optimus your wrong. They didn't brainwash me. They showed me the truth." Turning around with his back to FS Optimus and Megatron. Optimus looked at Bumblebee standing with Strafe in his bot mode, who had Solar Storm and Sunspot in one arm.
"Litt-
"No, Optimus, you keep messing with our lives wrecking everything and were left behind to pick up the pieces of your mistakes. Some things you break can't be put back together."

"In other words, brother, this ends now." Megatron added, once again getting Optimus attention.
"Over my off lined body." Pulling at his sword, Optimus waited to see how moved first.
"I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that, but I will do what must be down to end your region of terror here and prevent you from spreading to another universe." FS Optimus said, drawing his sword walking towards Optimus.

Outside the New Order headquarters Guardian, Rhapsody, Trapper, Jazz, and Prowl had effectively chased off or laid waste to the mercenary and sentries with Darksteel, Sky Lynx, and Insecticons helping the rebels round up the ones that were left who either surrounded or ran to continue the fight with the loyalis.
Now, all they had to do was take down Bulkhead, Bonecrusher, Skullcrusher, and Menasor, but he was already busy fighting Predaking in the skies above them.

"Jazz, Trapper, you two take Bulkhead. Prowl, Rhapsody on Bonecrusher." Guardian ordered since he was placed in charge. "I'll take Skullcrusher."
"Need help." Blitzwing asked, landing next to Guardian. "We got this covered. You may be needed inside, though."
"Cope, that captain." Random replied, flying off right through the force field that was created to keep bots in, not to keep them out.

Jazz blinded Bulkhead, taking his sight in seconds of making optic contact, allowing Trapper to telekineticly pick Bulkhead up, tossing him as far as he could without straining his processor.

Prowl and Rhapsody used a different tacit to fight Bonecrusher. Rhapsody got behind her sire as they ran out him Prowl grabbing his servo twisting it ducking behind him allowing Rhapsody to use her brother's power to pushing Bonecrusher as far as possible with Prowl who using his advanced reflexes was able to hold on to the arm without getting hurt himself eventually ripping the arm out of place when they came to a crashing halt.

Guardian shoulder barged Skullcrusher using his wings to double the impact, pushing Skullcrusher far enough back. Slamming his ped into the ground, Guardian brought up a huge boulder spin kicking towards Skullcrusher, who foolishly tired catching it, knocking him down, almost crushing himself.

Inside the base the New Order was scrambling to fight off Smokescreen, Prowl, Ironhide, Blitzwing, Nightmare, Cyclonus, Scourge, Croc, Dreadwing, Wheeljack, Soundwave, Ravage, XLR8/Midnight, Hot Rod, Riptide, Barricade.
The rest of the Resistance Knockout, Jazz, Breakdown, Sludge, Blaster, Hook, Rockstar, Laserbeak, Frenzy, and Springer stayed back at the gladiator pits for various reasons. Not that it made much difference as the New Order had lost Ratchet, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Bluestreak, and Optimus to the Resistance planning and scheming.

Whirl engaged Prowl when he found him but Prowl was a ninja before he was an enforcer being more then a match for Whirl not being able to out manoeuvre him but keep up with him striking when Whirl left any openings.

Starscream was trapped in the New Order meeting room with Dreadwing and Blitzwing cornering him. Backing up until his wings hit the wall Starscream really started to panick, firing both his arm missiles at them hope to get them to move what he didn't expect is for Blitzwing to somewhat grab and redirect the missile into the far wall and Dreadwing to tuck and roll putting him beside Starscream who transformed to get away flying over the table thinking he was free until Blitzwing collide with him in his alt mode making both crash down.

Blurr and Crosshairs unfortunately came across Hot Rod and Barricade, and they wanted revenge on those two for hurting Bumblebee. Crosshairs got his gun ready, shooting at Hot Rod, who slid and used one of the Resistance's relics to shield him it was a handheld generator capable of protecting the wielder from even Predacon fire. His sword why ut could deflect blaster fire Crosshairs's gun was capable of raid fire, making it harder to try and deflect all those bolts.
Blurr was going to use his speed to his advantage trying to swipe Barricade's legs out from under him but it was like Barricade saw it coming somehow jumping over it and spinning around almost kicking Blurr in the faceplate.
Blurr didn't know how Barricade did that. There was no way he could move as fast as Blurr. Trying again, Blurr went to punch Barricade, but he once again side step and leant to the side, avoiding his follow-up attack. Blurr was not happy. "How the frag are you doing that." He said in frustration.
"I have something you never will. A mate who cares about me." Barricade replied as XLR8 popped her helm up over one of Barricade's shoulders, smiling at Blurr.
"You. You traitor. How are you allowing Barricade to use your speed." Blurr angrily asked.
"That's for me to know and for you to find out." XLR8 replied, resting her helm on Barricade's shoulder.

With FS Optimus and Optimus, they were equally matched. Neither able to land an attack on the other because FS Optimus was fighting for the Resistance to free Cybertron, and Optimus was fighting with rage but allowing it to follow through him not control him allowing him to use the extra strength it gave him without over swing similar to what he did with Hybrid before she frustrated him to make him lose focus. He leant from his mistakes or so he believed.

Glancing over seeing Bumblebee standing with Megatron as he kneeled down to touch Solar Storm's cheek, Optimus let out a roar of rage, pushing FS Optimus sword away. Swinging again and again with more and more force until FS Optimus dropped his sword from the sheer force of Optimus's swings who was trying to cut down FS Optimus so he could kill Megatron and take Bumblebee and his kids back. All the work Hybrid, Bumblebee, and Megatron did to try and bring the old Optimus back seemed to disappear in that moment.
Optimus was about to kill FS Optimus when he opened a ground bridge with the gauntlet the Resistance supplied his team with when they arrived. The dark saber went through the bridge, sucked out of Optimus servos landing behind a certain bot who picked up on the noise.

Now, without the sword, Optimus had to rely on his normal sword. FS Optimus knew this was the best chance he had to defeat Optimus.
There was one question still nagging in the back of FS Optimus processor. Why did Hybrid ask Megatron to stay here with him and Bumblebee when he would obviously be more help in the battle for the city.

Soundwave finally had found his way to the corridor connected to the control room of the New Order base where his, Dreadwing, and Wheeljack's plan would be put in place if the door wasn't jammed from the inside thanks to Mirage fighting with Chromedome and Hound fighting with Nightbeat.

Unable to override and open the door, Soundwave set one of Wheeljack's chargers fussed with one of Smokescreen's smoke bombs to the door to lessen the explosion and create cover.

As for Smokescreen, he was with Hot Rod fighting Jolt and Red Alert.
The room they were in was filled with smoke, giving Smokescreen plenty of cover as he grabbed Jolt before electrocuted him with enough force to drop a Prime and if it weren't for the potion Smokescreen would have most likely been off lined thankfully he was merely stunned collapsing being saved by Hot Rod by cutting Jolt's servo off stabbing him in the side when he went to electrocute Smokescreen again.

Stumbling back against the closest wall Jolt held his side wincing when he realized that Hot Rod shouldn't have been able to do that unless he had enough force behind his attacks he was able to wound someone as strong as a Prime. It took Jolt a little while to figure out that the Resistance had enhanced themselves somehow.
"Attention all New Order members the Resistance have somehow countered our advantage be cautious and kill with urgency." Slumping smearing energon across the floor, Jolt closed his optics know he didn't have what it took to get back up and keep fighting if the small puddle of energon surrounding him was a sign.

On top of the building, Scourge appeared near Hybrid, teleporting up there to see how she was holding on after hearing the rumour about her being in her survival mode. By that time Hybrid was no longer in her survival mode but Scourge could tell she needed a break also spotting the dark star saber behind reaching out, he placed his servo on Hybrid's shoulder getting her attention. "Hey kid, let me take over." Softly nudging Hybrid away from Ultra Magnus keeping her steady with his servos on her shoulders, Scourge let go when Hybrid nodded her helm as he took her placing using his magic combined with Ultra Magnus shield ability.

Hybrid watched for a second, making sure Scourge had it handled. Turning her attention to the dark star saber, she gripped the hilt vanishing as soon as her whole servo was holding it.

Back with FS Optimus and Injustice Optimus, FS Optimus finally had the upper hand after levelling the playing field.

Catching Optimus sword with his own FS Optimus swing the swords to the side, so both Optimus were almost face to face. Injustice Optimus headbutted FS Optimus in the faceplate releasing their swords that Injustice Optimus was going to use to try and slice open FS Optimus's neck but failed as FS Optimus saw how Injustice Optimus was holding his sword allowing him to slide his sword down his past the handle forcing Injustice Optimus to drop his sword as FS Optimus's sword cut part of that servo open.

FS Optimus followed up by lifting his sword up just missing Optimus battle mask who ducked under grabbing FS Optimus servo that was wrapped around the sword handle, getting behind him grabbing the other end of the sword with his servo that was already slightly cut open. It wasn't the best idea, not that Injustice Optimus cared trying to push the blade towards FS Optimus neck.

FS Optimus was able to overpower Injustice Optimus, flipping him off his back onto his side, hitting the ground. Picking up dirt from the ground, Injustice Optimus threw it into FS Optimus optics, blinding him long enough to grab his sword.

In front of the New Order headquarters Guardian had made Skullcrusher pass out in a choke hold, wrap his right arm under his chin and his left around the top of his helm in a move he created that he liked to call the Predacon Sleeper Hold. Releasing his grip, Guardian watched Skullcrusher collapse using earth bending to tie him down.

Rhapsody, Trapper, Prowl, and Jazz had also taken down Bonecrusher crippling him and knocked out Bulkhead, Guardian used earth bending on them to tie them down when a almost off-lined Menasor fell down beside him with Predaking landing close by transformering out of his beast mode wiping his energon stained servos as he did smiling at Guardian. Who really shouldn't be finding Predaking as attractive as he is with energon splattered over him.
"My king." Stepping up to Predaking kissing his cheek, Guardian pulled away hearing Rhapsody make a gagging sound.
"Like your one to talk. What do you see in Sideswipe again because I can't see the appeal there."
Rhapsody went to sign something, but her sire cut her off. "I'm with Guardian on that one."
Looking at Prowl, Rhapsody couldn't believe it first Guardian now her sire, she signed the only thing she could think of, a human swear word Guardian taught her. [You're a wanker, Guardian]
"I love you to sis."

Inside the base it was the beginning of the end with Soundwave now in the control room injecting his nanites into the system tapping into the right frequency. When the door behind him slammed shut from the figure standing next to the busted panel.

Soundwave wasn't backing down he planned to end this now, and no one was going to stop him.
"Soundwave, I'm not here to stop you. I want to help you, like when I sent that hidden message."
"Don't hide from me. I know who you are. Why would you want to help me."
"I lost my sisters and friends. Why wouldn't I want to end this maddens." Chromia said, finally stepping over to the console that Soundwave had his nanites injected into, going to press the button to activate the pulse that will release them and disable the New Order members.
Soundwave grabbed her wrist just before she did. "You know what this will do to you. It will be painful."
"Nothing. I don't deserve for being stupid." Smiling Chromia hit the button.

Starscream, who was about to kill Blitzwing having a rocket pointed right against his helm, collapsed first, followed by Chromia, Brains, and Tailgate with the others dropping one by one keeping the bots out that had already been knocked out like Blurr after XLR8 told Barricade to run at him as fast as he could with XLR8 enhancing his speed so much he punched Blurr into the wall down the hall, leaving behind his imprint in the wall, dropping like scrap pile when he fell out. First Aid, Whirl, and Hoist all collapsing, too.

Using the coms, Dreadwing and Soundwave checked with the entire Resistance and FS bots to make sure they were okay and that they officially won the war. It was absolutely silence for a good minute before loud cheering could be heard all throughout the building, and in the Pits were the rest of the Resistance and their allies were.
Outside the base, the FS bots were happy they helped free this world cheering, too, but they were ready to go home after their Optimus took down Injustice Optimus, hoping he was okay.
The only two bots that weren't cheering were Ultra Magnus and Scourge. Not sure how they tell the others Hybrid disappeared. Scourge was sure the others wouldn't believe him if it was him telling them after what he did to his own brother even if he was mind controlled. They would believe Ultra Magnus, though. He saw the whole thing. Still, Scourge wasn't moving until Hybrid reappeared, and knew she was okay.

Bumblebee, Strafe, and Megatron all received the message through their data pads, letting them know the Resistance took out the New Order, defeating them finally, and now it was only Optimus left.
"Hey brother, looks like the Resistance has won the war. Just got the message that the New Order is finished." Megatron called out to Optimus.
"Nothing is finished while I'm still online." Injustice Optimus charged at the FS Optimus how stepped to the side then the other when Optimus tried to hit him again before side spinning backwards, blocking with his sword when he landed push Injustice Optimus away who was blindly fighting with rage allowing FS Optimus to remain in control no matter what Optimus tried, only frustrating him more and more.
Bring his sword down for another strike FS Optimus caught it with his sword, adjusting his hold using his sword to disarm Optimus and kick him away.
"Stay down, Optimus. It's over." FS Optimus said, picking up Injustice Optimus's sword where it fell.
"Not until I have brought peace and get my family back."

Hearing those words, a mech no one recognized approached them from the shadows. Standing next to FS Optimus. "Son enough is enough. This is not you. None of this is it's all Alpha Trion he made you what you have become."
Optimus and Megatron stared at the mech, both feeling the contacting with him despite not knowing who he was.
"You know nothing of me or who I am." Optimus replied.
"I do. You and Megatron are my sons, truly.
All of the fear and suffering Alpha Trion put you both through is something I can never take back, I thought you would have a better life when I gave you up. I see now it was the wrong decision.
Optimus let go of your fear and anger towards him, and you will finally be able to see clearly."
"You are our real sire?" Megatron questioned.
"Yes."
"Lair." Injustice Optimus shouted stabbing his sire in rage and that's what Hybrid talked to the sire about who agreed if it would bring the old Optimus back, and it did it was like a blinding endless fog was lifted, his purple optics shuttering going back to blue.

Whatever was keeping Optimus from seeing the truth was gone finally, he saw what he had done, what he became and was disgusted with himself. The fight with FS Optimus helped clear it to all how Hybrid planned, unfortunately it did cost Optimus and Megatron their sire.
"Sire." Holding his sire as he started to lose colour Megatron came to kneel beside them.
"My boys. Remember your brothers not enemies...
This was never the life I wanted for you, I'm sorry." The rest of the colour drained from their sire, truly marking the end of the war.

Rounding up the New Order members loading some into minimum security transports, others into heavy security transports to head to Trypticon Prison. What surprised most was Hound kissing Mirage goodbye stepping into the minimum security transport.
"Why Hound, you helped us stop this war." Hot Rod asked.
"Not to begin with. I'm going to serve mine and Mirage's sentences."
As the doors automatically closed and the transports drove of with Megatron, Ironhide, Soundwave, and Prowl waiting from them at the two locations everyone wondering what to do now.

On top of the New Order building Ultra Magnus waited for Hybrid to reappear. Reappearing out of nowhere, Hybrid smiled at Ultra Magnus, completely healed, and fixed up no sign of ever being in a fight. "What did I miss."
"We won." Ultra Magnus answered.
"Thank frag. Oh, Predaking." Bringing at her wings Hybrid flew off to the Pits, where her mate was almost recovered.
There was something off about Hybrid when she reappeared mainly the fact that the darksaber was nowhere in sight and she looked like she had just been sparked with how she looked something definitely wasn't right. A nagging feeling in the back of Ultra Magnus's processor told him whatever happened was for a reason, but that reason, whether good or bad and what role Hybrid played in it all had to be answered.

By nightfall the entire Resistance, their allies, and FS bots were all in the arena of the Pits paying respect to those who had fell in order to win this this war, hearing all the names like Kup, Windblade, Scron, Scrap, Hot Shot, Lugnut, Skyquake and Shockwave, among many others the FS bots were speechless. Know of all the important parts of this conflict before agreeing to help, never truly grasping the true brutality of what had been happening, it became clear in that moment and were sorry they couldn't have helped sooner.
That was the first part of celebrating the liberation of Cybertronian second was actually get to raise a high grade and celebrate that they now have a free Cybertron to rebuild and protect.
Soundwave, after hearing what Scourge did for Hybrid backed up by Hybrid and Ultra Magnus, allowed Barricade near XLR8 again. He didn’t need to know she was riding Barricade's back the whole final battle.
Bumblebee was content with being with Knockout and Breakdown while Scourge gave Blitzwing the talk, scaring him shitless.
Megatron and Smokescreen were in their own little world.
Jazz kept glancing over at Ironhide by himself worried from his spot beside Mirage and Prowl, because he knew this would happen, he didn’t have anyone to celebrate with or celebrate about until Guardian walked over handing him a drink trying to cheer him up.

Hybrid was seating beside Predaking resting against him before Ironhide come over after Nightmare stole Guardian to talk to him.
Telling Hybrid and Predaking what he had planned they agreed to join him.
"Attention all of ya. Hybrid, Hide, Megs, Bee, and the king of kings Predaking would like to thank the FS bots personally for their help, so please, everyone, turn their attention to the tunnel." Jazz announced.

Curious, everyone turned to see Hybrid standing their by herself before music appeared around the arena, not because of Hybrid's siren ability but Blaster and Soundwave sound system.

"Well, it's been a wild ride
And we've enjoyed every insane minute of it
We don't know what the future holds
But we're grateful for every moment we got to spend with you
And remember, it's not really goodbye
'Cause we'll probably see most of you very soon
Until then."

Hybrid said as the music picked up and she began to sing.

"It's been a blast, been a slice
Been a hell of a ride (whoa-oh, oh-oh-oh)
We've had some laughs, had some fights
Even some of us cried (whoa-oh, oh-oh)
But all good things must come to an end
And I guess this is our time
So, so long, farewell, and we'll see you on the other side."

"But it's not goodbye forever
'Cause we're all here together
And we hope we get to see you when you pass back through one day."

That's when Ironhide, Predaking, Bumblebee, and Megatron came out of the shadows to sing the next part with Hybrid.

"We may be freaks, creeps, and killers
But we'll miss you just the same
And don't be sad, cause we're no longer stuck for eternity
In constant torture, fire, and pain
'Cause there is love, and joy, and laughter
Who cares if it's wrong or right?
We had so much fun, so thank you, and good night."

The next part was sung by Bumblebee.

"What a trip, never had such a natural high, haha."

Followed by Predaking.

"And I'd buy you a drink
But I'm not that kind of a guy, screw off (whoa-oh, oh-oh-oh)

Next Ironhide

"You're the bomb, you're the blow-out, no doubt
The cherry of my eye."

Then Megatron.

"And though you gotta leave
We'll keep it neat and tidy 'til next time (bye-bye)"

All parts were directed towards certain FS bots with reason behind who sang it and why.
The last part was sung by Bumblebee again.

"If anyone out there can hear me
I have one last thing to say
Despite the unideal location
We hope you enjoyed your stay
'Cause there was love, and joy, and laughter
It's not perfect, but we tried."

Before they all sung the last half of the song together.

"We had so much fun, so thank you
We had so much fun, so thank you
We had so much fun, so thank you, and good night."

"We may be monsters, creeps, and killers
But we'll miss you just the same
And don't be sad, we're not stuck forever in eternity
In constant torture, fire, and pain
'Cause there is love, and joy, and laughter
Who cares if it's wrong or right?
We had so much fun, so thank you
We had so much fun, so thank you
We had so much fun, so thank you, and good night
Thank you, and good night."

"Good night, good night
Thank you, and good night
Good night, good night (da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da-da)
'Cause there is love, joy, and laughter
Who cares if it's wrong or right?"

"We had so much fun, so thank you, and good night."

As all five stopped singing, they looked over at the FS bots who weren't sure how to react before Guardian shouted in enjoyment, followed by Optimus clapping and the others joining in.

It was getting early morning when they finally decided to call it and get some recharge except for those who had already fallen asleep, before they sentenced the New Order members properly and sent the FS bots back to their universe.

Watching how current bots went with who interested the FS bots because they finally got to see the more relaxed version instead of the version of the Resistance focused on ending this war.
Breakdown shielding Knockout from most clued the others in they were a couple, making Rhapsody wonder if that was the case in her world.
Smokescreen and Megatron holding servos made everyone do a double take and look at each other like they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Soundwave carrying his daughters and Blaster carrying his sons wasn't unfamiliar sight in their world minus XLR8, of course. Trapper could have sworn he heard someone from that world say XLR8 was Blaster and Sideswipe's daughter, so why was Soundwave treating her like she was his.
Grimlock and the Dinobots calling Hybrid queen wishing her a good night was also confusing. She was Predaking sparkmate, how was she possibly the queen of the Dinobots and Predacons.
And that this Bumblebee was definitely Solar Storm and Sunspot's carrier. Solar Storm was asleep in Bumblebee's arms but Sunspot had disappeared before FS Optimus felt something tap on his ped and there was Sunspot asking to be picked up, confusing the others as they thought Blitzwing was the sire but FS Optimus figured it out. The happy giggle Sunspot let out was something that made Optimus simle. Clearly, he was confused and thought FS Optimus was his sire. Optimus didn't mind. He also touched something as small as Sunspot trusted him. Prying for the day, he would be as trusted by his sparkling that he hoped to have with his Bee.

Later that morning FS Predaking was pretty happy with himself waiting for Guardian after Nightmare asked him to go with him just before they left.
Optimus was standing with Megatron and Smokescreen talking as they waited for Guardian to comeback.
"If you ever need a hand in your world, you know where to find us." Megatron said to Optimus as they clasped each others arm.
"Sure do. Though I hope it doesn't come to that if you know what I mean."
"We do.
Let it be known that if you go fragging crazy, we will send Hybrid to your world to stop you." Smokescreen playfully threatened.
"Trust me, I don't plan on going crazy or wish to fight Hybrid, I value my life." Optimus laughed with Smokescreen and Megatron.

Injustice Prowl and Jazz stood close by waving Smokescreen over as they talked to FS Jazz, Prowl, Rhapsody, and Trapper.
[So what happens now the war is over] Rhapsody signed before Trapper translated.
"First, we deal with the New Order. Then rebuild and repair what this 40-year war destroyed.
"40 years. I thought you had only fought the New Order for shy of 5 years." Prowl asked.
"This war, yes, but it may as well be added to the war we fought against the corrupted council beforehand." Jazz answered.
[Are you sure guys never not at war]
"Rhapsody." Prowl scolded his daughter for that question.
"What did she ask." Injustice Prowl questioned.
"She asked if you ever have peace and no war." FS Jazz replied.
"Yes, during our expansion period, gold era, and high era we had nothing but peace and just before the quintesson conflict there was peace." Prowl answered.
"How do you know all that." Injustice Smokescreen asked.
"It pays being the oldest sibling." Prowl elbowed Smokescreen playfully.

Not much longer afterwards Guardian turned back up with Nightmare after Nightmare took Guardian with him to meet other Undergrounders and show him how they lived which Guardian loved because it gave him a better understanding of his other half and got to witness what it would be like to embrace it a little more. Unlike his world where little is known of Undergrounders.

"Ready to leave, my king." Guardian grabbed hold of Predaking's servo as both turned to Hybrid and Soundwave as they started up the machine.
"Wait what about the gauntlets you gave us to open ground bridges." Reaching down Optimus was about to take his off when Megatron replied. "Keep them, they might come in handy."

"Are you going to tell me what Nightmare showed you." Predaking asked cupping Guardian's mid section, hoping what they did most of last night got Guardian sparked.
"When we are alone, yes." Guardian replied as they stepped through the portal back into their world followed by the others being greeted by their family members and lovers once back.

"Sire, Carrier." Guardian moved first hugging both of them so happy he was back. It was torture seeing Injustice Ironhide and Ratchet being so different.

"Bee." Optimus surprised Bee picking him up holding him close. Listening to the advice Injustice Bumblebee and Megatron gave him about Bee.

"Good to see you are all okay." Smokescreen hugged Jazz and Prowl, then Rhapsody and Trapper followed by Bluestreak.
"Boy, do we have a story to tell you." Jazz replied.
"Yeah, one that ends with me being able to see into the future in my dreams." Guardian said from across from them.
"And I gaining the power of battle meditation." Optimus added.

"Alright, now it's time to sentence those New Order bots and start to rebuild our world." Megatron said, ordering everyone to meet outside Trypticon Prison.

Hybrid grabbed her uncle's servo before he walked away to ask him what she wanted to before but got sidetracked after Guardian, Rhapsody, and Jazz were captured. "Why were you so interested in helping Guardian."
"Because he reminds me of my son I had to give up."
"You had a son, uncle. Since when."
"Since before you were born. I had to give him up, though. One of my biggest regrets.
Part of the reason I started the arcade was he would walk through the door one day but never did."
"I'm sorry." Hybrid replied after listening to what her uncle said.
"You have nothing to be sorry for I was the one to give him up. I may still see him again one day." Nightmare said, wrapping his arm around his nieces shoulders, starting to walk away from the interdimensional groundbridge.
"What was his name." Hybrid asked curious about what kind of a name her uncle would give his kid.
"Hazard."
Hybrid chuckled to herself because only her uncle would give a kid that name.

In Tyger Pax, while the Resistance took down the New Order, the Society had finished repairing the interstellar groundbridge. Sending their message through to who Tran, Galvatron, and the aerialbots believed were the true leaders of Cybertronian. While Nemesis believed he was about to get an army, which was true just not one under his control.